PHOENIX, Ariz. – BJ Flores moves up the scale, from cruiserweight to heavyweight, in a fight to re-ignite his career Saturday night at Celebrity Theatre.

Flores, who is known for his insightful commentary as a boxing analyst for NBC, lost a third-round TKO in a bid for the WBC’s cruiserweight title to Tony Bellew in the UK on Oct. 15.

At 38, the former cruiserweight contender steps into the heavyweight ranks on the same day that WBC champion Deontay Wilder tries to regain momentum in his career against Gerald Washington in Birmingham, Ala.

Flores (32-3-1, 20 KOs), who lives in Chandler, Ariz., is scheduled to face Jeremy Bates (26-18-1, 22 KOs), a heavyweight from Charleston, W.V, who is coming off a loss to Oscar Rivas last June in Montreal.

Flores-Rivas is the main event on an Iron Boy Promotions card. Seven bouts are scheduled. First bell is scheduled for 7 p.m. (MST).

According to Dan Rafae of espn.com, WBO Welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao has turned his attention towards a fight with Amir Khan in the United Arab Emirates , thus leaving previously mentioned potential opponent Jeff Horn at the alter.

“My team and I are in negotiations with Amir Khan for our next fight. Further announcement coming soon,” Pacquiao wrote on social media.

n fact, Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world titleholder who outpointed Jessie Vargas to reclaim a welterweight world title in a dominant performance on Nov. 5 in Las Vegas, had previously said he had never heard of Horn (16-0-1, 11 KOs), a 2012 Australian Olympian. On Wednesday night, Bob Arum told ESPN that the deal in Australia had fallen apart because of Pacquiao’s desire to chase the money in the UAE.

“The Australian deal is not going to happen now, because Manny is trying to get a fight done in the United Arab Emirates and the people there favor him fighting Amir Khan,” Arum said.

“Whether it will happen or not, I just don’t know, because they have to come up with a large amount of money,” Arum said. “Manny seems to believe they will come up with the money. I have some reservations whether it will happen or not. If the money comes up, I will aid and abet the fight happening. But right now, I’m holding my powder. I don’t really know.”

May 20 has been the rumored date for a possible Pacquiao-Khan fight, but Arum said even if the bout happens, it won’t be then.

“May 20 is a non-starter. The senate in the Philippines [in which Pacquiao serves] is in session then,” Arum said. “Maybe in April or maybe June, but not May.”

“The Australian deal was a lot of money, but it paled in comparison to the … money they’re supposedly offering — $38 million,” Arum said derisively of the deal Pacquiao is pursuing. “I’m a practical man. The money in Australia wasn’t anywhere near $38 million. What do I know? We live in an alternative reality world. I don’t know what the story is. If the $38 million is real, it trumps the Australia deal. If it’s real, we will assist putting on the event, but I am not holding my breath and I’m not making plane reservations.

“We’ll see what we see. If the $38 million comes up, the fight will take place and we’ll all be happy. And if it doesn’t, there will be one guy who won’t be surprised.”

Two-division champion Donnie Nietes will take on Komgrich Nantapech for a Flyweight title on April 29th in Cebu, Philippines, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I’m just very happy and excited. I’m very happy with the chance of winning a third title at another division. It is finally within my grasp,” Nietes said. “I’ve seen a lot throughout my career to prove that this isn’t something every fighter gets a shot at. I’m very thankful to my manager and promoter for making this possible, for helping me achieve my dreams. Even before my first test in the flyweight division, I was ready. I’ve long been ready. I’ve just been waiting for the opportunity to prove there’s more we Filipino fighters can still achieve.

“Scoring my first win over someone [Sosa] who has had his fair share of flyweight dominance was something that helped me realize I made the right decision and that this was the perfect time for me to step up.”

“I think he’s someone I should look out for,” Nietes said. “I’m new in the division he’s long been in. Thailanders are also tough boxers, so I’ll make sure I’ll give my best come April 29.

Highly regarded amateur standout Christian Montano has signed with manager Cameron Dunkin, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“He has very, very fast hands and hits extremely hard,” Dunkin said. “He won the nationals in his 11th [amateur] fight. He beat guys with over 100 fights when he had like five or six fights. It’s pretty amazing. He went to the junior world championships. I expect big things from him. A lot of people were after him, so I am very happy to sign him.”
“He loves boxing and he said he knows he could play football, but he wanted to box,” Dunkin said. “I was with him and his parents over the weekend, and I think they wanted him to go to school and play football, but he wanted to box. He’s very, very talented and he looks like he could really be something. He could stick around and be a huge amateur but he said, ‘I just want to go pro and get it started. I want to fight real fights.'”

Dunkin said he does not plan to sign Montano with a promoter, at least not yet, and said he will turn him pro on March 18 on a card in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

“If all goes well he’ll fight again on March 31 in Philadelphia and then in mid-April on another show in Philly,” Dunkin said. “I’ll keep him busy. He’ll fight about once a month. I’ll let him hone his craft and learn. He doesn’t have a ton of amateur experience. He was like 41-3 as an amateur.”

Adrien Broner took a 10-round split decision from Adrian Granados in an entertaining welterweight bout in Cincinnati.

It was a tough with Broner and Granados trading shots.  Both guys were cut in the fight.  The contest was close as they went down the stretch.  Both guys took cards at 97-93, while Broner took a deciding card at 96-94.

Broner, 146.5 lbs of Cincinnati is 33-2.  Granados, 146.5 lbs of Chicago is 18-5-2.

“I knew that Adrian Granados was going to come tough,” Broner said. “At the end of the day, I was beating him up. This was an easy one for me. I feel good.

“Adrian Granados is a world class fighter, a lot of guys duck him but I wanted to fight him because that’s what I’m about. Inside this ring it’s business. Granados is a great friend of mine. It’s nothing personal.

“I’m taking my career more seriously and being more positive. I want to apologize to everyone who looks up to me and has seen the foolish things I’ve done. I’m ready to be a better role model, a better father figure and a better star for everyone. ”

“I knew it wasn’t a pretty fight but I’m thankful to my team,” Granados said. “You already know, there were all types of games that they played with me. We had to change the weights. We had to change the scale. They are just playing all kind of games. I just want to be treated fairly.

“I understand, I don’t have a perfect record, but I can beat any of these guys. You have seen the scorecards. Split decision. Come on. Give me another one. Let’s do it again. I can’t wait to watch this fight, because I know I won.

“Come to my house. He fought smart and did his thing. If he thinks he did it this time, let’s do it again. Let’s do it in my house. Come to Chicago

Lamont Peterson wrestled a version of the WBA Welterweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over David Avanesyan.

Avanesyan was cut over the right eye in round three.  It was a grueling inside battle with a lot of hard body work, and Peterson got the nod 116-112 twice and 115-113 twice.

Peterson, 146.5 lbs of Washington, DC is 35-3-1.  Avanesyan, 147 lbs of Pyatigorsk, RUS is 22-2-1.

“I was expecting to pick up where I left off,” Peterson said of his 16-month layoff. “That may seem like a long time, but if you’re in the gym it’s not a long time. I took some steps forward tonight. We’re looking to get back in camp and keep moving.

“I expected to put pressure on him the way he did. I didn’t think he would fight back as hard as he did. He showed he’s a champion and shows he’s at this level. I want to fight anyone in the welterweight division now.”

“I thought that I was landing my punches more cleanly while his punches were being blocked,” Avanesyan said. “Lamont is very good but I thought the judges were impressed with his movement, but I had the power.”

Marcus Browne remained undefeated with a 6th round stoppage over Thomas Williams in a scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Browne landed a straight left to the head that sent Williams to knee.  Unfortunately for Browne, he walked in and drilled Williams with a left to the back of the head while Williams was on the canvas. For that, Browne was deducted a point.  In round four, it was another straight left that sent Williams to the deck for the 2nd time in the fight.  In round six, Browne drilled Williams with a left hand that sent him to the canvas and Williams could not beat the 10-count at 42 seconds.

Browne, 174.5 lbs of Staten Island, NY is now 19-0 with knockouts.  Williams, 174.5 lbs of Baltimore is 20-3.

“He didn’t’ look like he went down, so I made sure he went down,” Browne said of the incident in the second round. “He was trying to stand up in the squat position so I pushed him down a bit more. He was in a squat – I didn’t see his gloves. I’m sorry. I wasn’t being dirty.”

Bobby Gunn 197.4 lbs (21-6-1) vs Roy Jones, Jr. 199.0 lbs. (64-9)

It was a packed house at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware tonight when fans came out to see living legend Roy Jones, Jr. take on the Bareknuckle Champion Bobby Gunn in a bout for the WBF Cruiserweight World Championship. The fight was being billed as Skill vs. Will, representing Jones & Gunn, respectively. It was a pro-Jones crowd who stayed on their feet until the opening bell.

Round 1 was a feel out round with both fighters content to keep their distance. Jones landed more jabs and dictated the pace of the first round. 10-9 Jones.

Round 2 was another tentative round. Jones landed the two biggest punches of the round, a good left hook dig to the body and a vintage leaping left hook that Gunn took well. Gunn seems hesitant to engage and is content to let Jones pot shot him. 20-18 Jones.

Roy seemed to have fun in round 3, throwing a leaping left hook and catching Gunn with a big right hand towards the end of the round. Roy smiled throughout the round and jawed with ringside fans during the round. Gunn is hesitant to engage. 30-27 Jones.

Roy landed at will in round 4 with big shots to both the head and body. While taunting Gunn with a hip shake late in the round, Gunn returned the taunt and imitated Roy. 40-36 Jones.

Round 5 was all Jones, landing huge right hands and straight 1-2 combinations whenever he chose to do so. Roy appeared to be having a lot of fun and showed extremely fast hand speed. 50-45 Jones.

Round 6 was more of the same. Gunn did get in some shots in the corner and on the ropes, but nothing that seemed to affect Roy. Roy landed the bigger punches and is clearly the faster of the two fighters. 60-54 Jones.

Jones staggered Gunn with a quick combo to the head towards the end of the round. Jones stood in front of Gunn and jawed as if to say, “I could end it now, but no, you’re not ready.” Round 7 was an easy one for Jones. 70-63, Jones.

Bobby Gunn’s corner had seen enough and Gunn failed to answer the bell for round 8 in a fight that he was never in. If this was the end of the road for Superman, the Delaware fans were treated to one last night of brilliance. Bobby Gunn was game, but overmatched by one of the best to ever do it. The always classy Bobby Gunn said “Roy, you’re so good that I actually enjoyed you beating me up.” During Roy’s post-fight interview in the ring, Roy said, “my name is Roy, Damned Jones Junior!” I guess he said that just in case y’all musta forgot.

Kanat Islam 154.2 lbs. vs. Robson Assis 154.6 lbs. Jr. Middleweight 10 rounds
After an accidental head-butt that opened up a nasty gash in a bad spot over Islam’s right eye, Islam showed a sense of urgency and landed a series of huge right hands. A straight right hand put Assis on the mat. Assis could not beat the count and stayed down for a period of time after he was counted out to recover. The official time was 2:12 of the 1st round. Kanat improved to 23-0. During his post-fight interview in the ring, Kanat called out both Cotto and Canelo and said he wants a big fight. He then told the world, “I am coming.” After his explosive performance tonight, the world may be listening.

Round 1 saw minimal action with De Alba dictating the pace. 10-9 De Alba after 1.

Round 2 saw neither fighter landing anything substantial in a round that could have gone either way. De Alba may have done enough body work to steal the round. 20-18 De Alba after two rounds.

Round 3 was more of the same, with neither fighter landing anything substantial. I gave the round to Emeraz for decent body work in the red corner. 29-28 De Alba after 3 forgettable rounds.

De Alba was noticeably busier in round 4 and took the fight to Emeraz while alternating between southpaw and orthodox stances. De Alba landed a huge left hand that snapped Emaraz’s head back and was the biggest punch of the fight up to this point. De Alba seemed to take ownership of the fight. 39-37 De Alba after 4 rounds.

Round 5 featured Emeraz being more aggressive on the inside and he seemed to get to De Alba more often to the body. 48-47 De Alba after 5.

The 6th and final round was the busiest round with both fighters landing, but De Alba had a nice counter left hook near the end of the round and did enough to win the round. 15 rounds.com scores it 58-56 in a close fight.
Judges’ scorecards were 60-54 all in favor of Frank De Alba as he picked up a unanimous decision.

Local native Joey Tiberi, Jr. got the PPV portion of the night started by bringing the crowd to their feet in his bout against Bryan Timmons in a scheduled 4 rounder in the Lightweight Division. Round 1 showed minimal action, some big swings, but nobody landing anything too substantial. Tiberi did land one combo which was enough to win the round.

The second round was busier for both fighters with Tiberi landing the biggest blows, including a huge left hook. Tiberi 20-18 after 2 rounds.

The 3rd round showed better movement from Tiberi and his hands were much busier in round 3 and he landed bigger shots at will. Tiberi 30-27 after 3 rounds.

The 4th and final round started with Tiberi landing a few big hooks to the head. Late in the round, Tiberi attacked with multiple flurry attacks and landed a huge over-the-top right hand. Timmons was rocked and Tiberi pressed the action. Referee Vic de Wysocki wisely stopped the fight at 2:04 to prevent any further damage to Timmons.

Olimjon Nazarov 119.4 lbs vs Dagoberto Aguero 118.6 lbs Super Bantamweight 6 rounds

Dagoberto won via Majority Decision, judge’s scores were 57-57, 58-46, 59-55. 15rounds.com scorecard had it 57-57 with Nazarov landing the more effective power shots during the fight.

Dagoberto fought the fight mostly with his hands at his side and clowned about the ring, but Nazarov got his attention often with left hook shots to the body.

PHOENIX, Ariz. –Michael Carbajal has always been known best for what he did in Nevada. It’s where he staked his first claim on real fame. It’s fitting that he’ll be remembered there too when he is inducted to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.

“It’s an honor, a real honor, to be voted into a Hall alongside the great, great fighters who fought in boxing’s mecca,’’ said Carbajal, who will be inducted to the Nevada Hall in a class that includes Thomas Hearns, Salvador Sanchez, Erik Morales, Michael Spinks, Leon Spinks, Ken Norton, Lucia Rijker and Richie Sandoval.

Sandoval, a former bantamweight champ, talked Top Rank’s Bob Arum into signing Carbajal, a junior-flyweight. It was the first time Arum had ever promoted a fighter in one of boxing lightest divisions.

Carbajal’s most memorable moment came on March 13, 1993 at the old Las Vegas Hilton. That’s when he got up from two knockdowns, one in the second round and again in the fifth, to score a dramatic seventh-round KO of rival Humberto Gonzalez.

The victory earned him a rematch and $1-million paycheck, the first ever for s junior-flyweight. Gonzalez beat Carbajal in controversial decisions in subsequent rematches, the first in Los Angeles and the second in Mexico City. But the only one anybody remembers is that first one in Vegas on a memorable Nevada night.

Carbajal, now 49, had 53 pro bouts, winning 49 and losing four. He scored 33 knockouts, including a stoppage of Jorge Arce in his last bout in 1999. He is remembered as one of history’s greatest little guys, alongside Gonzalez and Ricardo Lopez. He was inducted to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, N.Y., in 2006.

He won an Olympic silver medal for the United Staes at the 1988 Seoul Games. He continues to live in the downtown Phoenix home where he grew up. He works with kids at his Ninth Street Gym.

Carbajal and his fellow inductees will be honored at a dinner on Aug 12 at Vegas’ Caesars Palace.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com. IBF Welterweight champion Kell Brook will defend his title against hot American contender Errol Spence Jr. on May 20th in Sheffield, England.

“I know I have a mandatory with Errol Spence. He’s a very talented fighter but not really heard of in the U.K. or even America, but we all know he can fight,” Brook told ESPN last month in New York. “It’s hard to get up for guys like this because he doesn’t have the name yet. I want the big-money fights if I’m going to make 147 pounds. … I’m in a situation where I still might have to defend against Spence because I don’t want to lose my title without losing it in the ring.”

A new York jury ruled that ormer heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin took a banned substance before his world title fight with WBC champion Deontay Wilder last year, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The jury took just 32 minutes to reach a verdict finding that Povetkin used the performance-enhancing drug during the leadup to what was supposed to be a mandatory fight against heavyweight world titleholder Deontay Wilder last May 21 in Moscow.

The fight was canceled nine days before the fight when a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association-conducted test found that Povetkin had meldonium in his system.

After the fight was canceled, Wilder and promoter Lou DiBella sued Povetkin and Russian promoter Andrey Ryabinsky of World of Boxing in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York for breach of contract and at least $5 million in damages.

Ten days later, Ryabinsky countersued them in the same court for breach of contract and defamation, claiming they unilaterally canceled the fight before the WBC, whose belt Wilder holds, decided what to do.

“We won the case, and this is an important precedent in cases of this nature when a fight is canceled for PED use,” DiBella told ESPN. “The other participant in the fight has gone through all the work. Deontay was ready to fight, and this got canceled right before the fight. This ruling is a further disincentive for any fighter to attempt to get an unfair advantage. Our attorneys, Judd Burstein and Peter Schalk, did a tremendous job because this is somewhat complicated and scientific.

“Basically, it’s a great thing about our justice system that where the facts are on your side and you’re telling the truth, you win.”

DiBella said he was confident the defamation case would soon be dropped.

“I also think it’s a good bet that I don’t have much to worry about with their defamation claim, which was based on my saying Povetkin is a cheater,” DiBella said. “The jury said he is a cheater. I think it’s very telling that the jury only deliberated for slightly longer than 30 minutes.”

Ryabinsky could not be reached for comment but did write on social media, “Jurors in the trial were against us.”

“I’m in shock that they wasted the court’s time and their money fighting over something that was as plain as day,” Burstein told ESPN. “I don’t know if they were arrogant or just stupid, but whatever happened was inexplicable to me that they went forward with this case when the evidence was so overwhelming. [Povetkin] tried to argue this was the residual effects of taking meldonium in August and September of 2015. But it was a laughable defense.”

“Once that’s done, I will make a motion for summary judgment to get the money and seek other damages,” Burstein said. “I will also serve a motion seeking sanctions unless they drop the defamation case.”

Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs), 31, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was due to earn approximately $4.5 million to fight Povetkin. That money remains in an escrow account from before the fight, as does an additional $715,000 from Ryabinsky’s winning purse bid that is with the WBC and was meant as a bonus for the winner of the fight.

“They could have settled this case and kept some of the money and done enough clean testing that Deontay would have fought him, but they were so arrogant and they wouldn’t do it,” Burstein said.

Antonio DeMarco won a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Solis in a welterweight bout.

DeNarco won by scores of 98-89 on all cards and is now 32-6-1. Solis is now 20-8-4.

Belal Muhammad won a unanimous decision over Randy Brown in a welterweight bout.

Muhammad, 170 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28 and is now 11-2. Brown, 170.5 lbs of Queens, NY is 9-2.

Wilson Reis won a unanimous decision over Ulka Sasaki in a flyweight bout.

Reis, 125 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA won all cards 29-28 and is now 22-6. Sasaki, 125.5 lbs of Japan is 19-4-2.

Islam Makhachev won a unanimous decision over Nik Lentz in a lightweight bout.

Makhachev, 155 lbs of Russia won by scores of 30-25 twice and 30-27 and is now 14-1. Lentz, 156 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 27-8-2-1.

Rick Glenn won a split decision over Phillipe Nover in a featherweight bout

Nover was cut on his right eyelid in the 1st round from a left of Glenn.

Glenn, 146 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won two cards by 29-28 tallies. Nover won a card 30-27.

Glenn is 19-4-1. Nover, 145.5 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 11-8-1.

Robert Easter Jr. defended his IBF Lightweight title with a lopsided 12 round unanimous decision over Luis Cruz in Toledo, Ohio.

Easter was dominant and never in harms way as he boxed and used combination to slowly wear down the challenger, who was making his first attempt at a world title. The offense started to get to Cruz as a right hand sent him down in round 10. In round 11, it was an even bigger right that sent him down towards the close of the stanza. In the final round, Easter looked to close the show in style as a it was the right hand again that dropped Cruz. Cruz was fortunate to make it to the final bell as Easter landed a heavy barrage of punches over the last minute of the fight.

Easter of Toledo won by scores of 119-106, 118-107 and 117-108 to remain unblemished at 19-0. Cruz, 134.5 lbs of Las Piedras, PR is 22-5.

Robert Easter Jr:
“It was very important for me to remain focused tonight but also have fun. My people came out in full force so I wanted to give them a show, a night to remember. I feel like I did that, even though I wish I could’ve given them the knockout.

“I admit, I was very surprised that Luis Cruz could take my punches like that and finish the fight. When I had him down and hurt (in round 10), I thought he was done. I give him credit. He came a long way and showed a lot of heart.

“I said before the fight and I’m going to keep saying it – I’m here to collect all them belts. I’m not gonna pretend to be that guy who doesn’t call out other fights. I’m calling out Mikey Garcia, Jorge Linares and Terry Flanagan. I want them to see what we were able to do here tonight, the crowd I pulled in. I’m a superstar on the rise and now it’s time for me to collect my prizes and bring these fights and all of the belts home to Toledo.

“Even in seeing my brother (Rau’Shee Warren) lose a fight we all thought he won, I couldn’t let that distract what I had to do in the ring. I hated that Rau’Shee had to go through that again – losing in the Olympics three times, not getting his win in the first fight with Juan Carlos Payano, then not getting his belt for months after winning it, and now losing it like that. He’s had it rough, but we’re a team and we have to pick each other up. That became my mission to rise for the sake of the team.

“Realistically I’d like to come back maybe May or June. It’s always hard work but I’m not cut or marked up. I want to stay active and get all the champions and best challengers out there. TBT – The Bunny Team is getting ready to take over.”

Luis Cruz:
“He’s a very strong fighter. I wanted to do more but he took away my energy late in the fight. The first knockdown took a lot of out me. I felt dizzy but it was important for me to finish the fight on my feet. I never stopped trying to win, but he a great champion and the best I’ve ever faced.

“I’m going to return home (in Puerto Rico) and enjoy time with my family. I need to rest and relax. After that, I’ll think about what’s next for my career.”

Zhamat Zhakiyanov won the WBA Bantamweight title with a 12-round split decision over Rau’she Warren.

In round one, it didin’t look good for the visitor as Warren dropped Zhakiyanov twice.  First with a hard combination and then it was hard right hook that sent Zhakiyanov down again.  In round three, Zhakiyanov turned the fight around as his relentless pressure hurt Warren, drawing blood from his nose he began to inch himself back into the fight.  The fight was neck and neck as they headed down the stretch, but two judges favored the come-forward style as he took two cards by 116-110 and 115-111 scores.   Warren took a card 115-111.

Zhakiyanov, 116.5 lbs of Petropavi, KAZ is 27-1.  Warren, 116 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 14-2.

Zhanat Zhakiyanov:
“I knew at the end of the fight that I deserved to win, but because of where we were, we weren’t sure if the judges would give it to us. So that surprised us, but not that I won the fight. I was hurt early, but I outworked him in almost every round after that and was the stronger fighter in the end.

“The knockdowns shocked me, but (trainer and promoter, former two-division world champion) Ricky Hatton kept me level-headed, telling me the adjustments I had to make. Once I was able to get inside and force the action, I saw (Warren’s) energy level drop.

“We are grateful that he gave us the opportunity to fight for the world title. It’s an amazing feeling to win that belt. He feels like he won the fight and wants the rematch. We can definitely talk about doing that. I’ve fought everywhere in the world and don’t back down from any challenge.”

Ricky Hatton:
“We were surprised when Zhanat went down like that in the beginning of the fight. I just wanted to remind him what he does better and what Rau’Shee is good at. He is never going to outbox him; he had to get in his chest, he had to mug him and make it a brawl. Zhanat did that very well and that’s how he won the fight.

“If we lost the fight, we would have been upset, but we’d know it wouldn’t have been a bad decision. I know that Warren is gutted, he feels like he won the fight and let’s be honest – it was the type of fight where no matter who won, the loser would have felt like he deserved to have his hand raised.

“Their styles make for a great fight. Why not do it again? Not just because it was close but because it was such a great action fight and it always will be.”

Rau’Shee Warren:
“Man, I won that fight. I knocked him down, I was landing the cleaner punches and making him miss. What it is, the judges are favoring aggressive fighters, even when they ain’t even landing.

“I went through the same thing with (Juan Carlos) Payano, losing the first fight that I should’ve won and then getting the decision in the rematch. So now I have to prove to these judges the second time what I should’ve got tonight. Of course I want that rematch. I want it next, I want my world titles back.

“Obviously you can always do more. We’re gonna go back, look at what we could’ve done differently and make sure the judges don’t take it from me no more.”

Terrell Gausha survived a brief scare, but easily defeated Luis Hernandez via 10-round unanimous decision in a middleweight bout.

In round three, Hernandez stunned the crowd by landing a big overhand right that sent Gausha to the canvas.  Hernandez was deducted a point in round seven for consecutive low blows.  The balance of the fight was dominated by Gausha’s superior output and accuracy, and he won by scores of 98-90 twice and 97-91.

Gausha, 156 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 20-0.  Hernandez, 154.5 lbs of Rio Piedras, PR is 15-4.

Terrell Gausha:
“The knockdown was legitimate, but that was (Hernandez’) only good moment in the fight. He caught me clean, but it happened to me before (versus William Waters earlier in his career). Just like I did back then, I immediately adjusted and controlled the rest of the fight.

“It felt good to get so much from the fans in Toledo and all my fans that came from Cleveland (Gausha’s hometown). It was a great night out here and I’d love to do it again whenever they’re ready to bring us back here or even in my hometown.

“I’m ready to return whenever my team says the next opportunity is there for me. Hopefully it’s as soon as possible. This is going to be a big year for me.”

Luis Hernandez:
“I had him hurt but I didn’t finish him. I didn’t throw enough punches to slow him down after I knocked him down. He deserved to win; I could have done better and will do better in the future. I hope PBC brings me back soon as I want to show I belong with the best.”

Joseph Mack Williams, Jr. won an eight-round majority decision over previously undefeated Lenin Castillo.

Williams, 178.5 lbs of Far Rockaway, NY won by scores of 78-74, 77-75 and 76-76 and is now 11-0. Casyillo, 177 1/4 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is now 15-1-1.

Jon Fernandez stopped Ernesto Garza III in round three of their scheduled eight round super featherweight bout.

In round one, Fernandez dropped Garza with a hard combination that was set up by body punches, and was followed by three blistering shots to the head. In round three, Fernandez hurt Garza with a flurry of punches. Garza did well to stay on his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:39.

Fernandez, 129 1/2 lbs of Spain is now 11-0 with nine knockouts. Garza, 126 1/4 lbs of Saginaw, MI is 7-2.

By Norm Frauenheim-
Abel Ramos is back on ShoBox Friday night on a card in Miami, Okla., for another chance at a minor belt he hopes will serve as a springboard into the mix for a world title.

This time ,it’s for a USBA junior-lightweight title against prospect Ivan Baranchyk (13-0, 10 KOs), a Russian living in Brooklyn.

“He likes to fight moving forward,’’ said Ramos, of Casa Grande, Ariz., south of Phoenix. “So do I.’’

In Ramos’ only defeat, the aggressive 130-pounder lost a ninth-round TKO to Regis Prograis, who won the NABF’s version of the belt and has since won two more bouts to remain unbeaten at 18-0, including 15 knockouts.

Ramos, who has won three straight since the loss, promises a violent collision. Baranchyk, nicknamed The Beast, promises something more.

“I will enjoy knocking him out,’’ he said.

Showtime’s ShoBox card is scheduled to begin at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT. Three fights are scheduled. A heavyweight bout featuring Lippe Morrison, the son of late heavyweight champ Tommy Morrison, was canceled. The unbeaten Morrison, who was scheduled for an eight-rounder against Daniel Martz, suffered a cut above his left eye in training.

Top Rank announced they have signed Olympic Silver Medal winner to a promotional deal.

“I love the kid. The kid is a delight to be with,” Top Rank chairman Bob Arum told ESPN shortly after Stevenson signed his contract at the company’s Las Vegas offices. “He’s charming, he’s got charisma, he’s intelligent. And we know he’s talented. He’s the whole package, and he’s extraordinarily mature for a 19-year-old kid. My matchmakers say he’s a major, major boxing talent, and I feel I can judge whether he has charisma and marketability and I believe he does.

“I think this kid can be the next American superstar. He’s still learning and he’s still growing, but he’s got everything. His power will develop. He’s already very fast. This kid has the ability to be like another Sugar Ray Leonard.”

“I just wanted to work with some of the best in business and I know Top Rank creates superstars, from Oscar to Floyd to Cotto. They’ve created a bunch of superstars,” Stevenson told ESPN. “I wanted the route where I am made into a superstar and take over the sport of boxing. I signed with Top Rank because of what they’ve done in the business. They have a proven track record.

“I am super excited and can’t wait to get a date for my debut and get moving. I’m ready to take over the world.”

“He’s a nice, polite kid and we’re going to market him the way he is — as a good kid, the way Sugar Ray Leonard was marketed,” said Arum, who will co-promote Stevenson with the low-profile Antonio Leonard. “James is a smart person and they realized nobody could develop this kid into a superstar like we can.”

Arum said Stevenson’s professional debut will take place in April.

“It’s so obvious,” Arum said. “It would make terrific programming. If HBO is interested, they can ask us.”

“I could get in the ring tomorrow. I feel ready to go tomorrow if I have to,” he said. “I want the fans to enjoy my style. I got a style where I box smart, I can punch, I got real good defense. I just want them to be excited when I get in the ring. I want to be the Michael Jackson of boxing. I want to sell out arenas.”

“I’m only 19. I don’t turn 20 until June 28 and I’m still growing, so I can probably get up to 140 or 147 pounds eventually,” Stevenson said. “First, I’m taking over 126 and then I’ll move up from there. But I’m not in a rush to be in a world title fight in my second or third fight like Lomachenko. I don’t want to move too slow but not too fast, but I’m ready for anything they come up with. They tell me they want me to fight 12 rounds in my pro debut, I’m with it. I am in good hands.”

op Rank president Todd duBoef said that with the signing of Stevenson, the company inked all three of its top targets from Rio.

“I rely on my matchmakers’ eyes for ability, and Stevenson was at the tippy, tippy top of their list,” he said. “He was the special fighter. Ability-wise he was in a class almost of his own. A brilliant fighter. I can go back to my emails to my matchmakers (Bruce Trampler and Brad ‘Abdul’ Goodman) during the Olympics. There were three guys — Shakur, Conlan and Conceicao — we wanted the most. These were the big targets on our list and we’re very happy we were able to secure all of them.”

Arum envisions an eventual showdown between Stevenson and Conlan, who turns pro on March 17, as a huge fight in a few years.

“My goal five years from now is to have this era’s Sugar Ray Leonard-Thomas Hearns fight when Stevenson fights Conlan,” Arum said. “Conlan got robbed in the Olympics and didn’t fight Stevenson. Now they’ll fight as pros and make real money. I love thinking about fights like that. Here I am at 85, I’m an old fart. But I sign these young kids and they’ll keep me ticking for a long time. I’m not going to die until I develop these kids.”

Former world champion Lucas Matthyse will be back on May 6th on the Canelo Alvarez – Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. PPV undercard, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Matthysse is definitely going to be on the undercard. He’s making his comeback. He’s had his break,” Eric Gomez of Golden Boy Promotions, said.

“His eye needed to get better. He had the fracture, but he’s been cleared,” Gomez said. “He’s looking good, he’s feeling good and he’s been training. He’s anxious to fight again.”

“We’re looking at opponents for Matthysse now,” Gomez said. “He’s had the break he needed and now he’s excited to come back. He wants to go after a world title at welterweight and fight some of the big names. It’s a strong division. He wants to win a world title and this is the start.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Top Rank has signed Puerto Rican Olympian Jeyvier Cintron.

“I’m super excited to enter professional boxing and now even more that I will be doing it alongside Top Rank,” Cintron said. “Everyone knows that Top Rank has worked on the career of the biggest stars in boxing; and although I had some other offers, we decided to go with Top Rank, because I know they will guide me through this new process. I’m going to work hard in the gym to keep putting the name of Puerto Rico as high as possible, like I have always done.”

“Top Rank remains committed to finding and developing the best talent on the island,” Top Rank president Todd duBoef said. “We feel that Cintron will represent the Puerto Rican flag proudly, both in and out of the ring.”

“I feel proud of Jeyvier, because he has achieved what a lot of boxers want, and that’s to be with a great company like Top Rank,” Javier Cintron said. “I was a boxer and I can talk about the importance of having a good company that helps to develop the career of athletes, and Jeyvier is now with Top Rank, and we are thankful for that.”

After a 4-year layoff, “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung knocked out number-9 rated Dennis Bermudez in the 1st round of their featherweight bout at The Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

Jung landed a perfect uppercut on Bermudez’s chin who then folden to the ground and the bout was stopped at 2:49.

Jung, 145.5 lbs of Seoul, South Korea is now 15-4. Bermudez, 145 lbs of Lindenhurst, NY is 16-6.

Felice Herrig scored a mild upset as she won a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Alexa Grasso in a strawweight bout.

Herrig, 115.5 lbs of Crystal Lake, IL won by scores of 30-27 and 29-28 twice and is now 12-6. Grasso, 116 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is 9-1.

James Vick submitted Abel Trujillo in the 3rd round of their lightweight bout.

Vick made Trujillo tap with a front choke at 49 seconds of round three.

Vick, 155.5 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is 10-1. Trujillo, 156 lbs of Boca Raton, FL is 15-7-1.

Volkan Oezdemir won a split decision over 6-ranked and former world title challenger Ovince Saint Preux in a light heavyweight bout.

Oezdemir, 206 lbs of Fridbourg, SWI took two cards by 29-28 tallies. Sain Preux took a card 29-28.

Oezdemir is now 13-1. Sain Preux, 205 lbs is 19-10.

Despite being cut badly over his right eye, Marcel Fortuna scored a stunning 1st round knockout over Anthony Hamilton in a heavyweight bout.

Fortuna was cut by an accidental headbutt. Later in the round, he landed a hard overhand right that knocked out Hamilton at 3:10.

Fortuna, 210.5 lbs of Brazil is 9-1. Hamilton, 258.5 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 15-7.

Number-5 contender Jessica Andrade battered a game Angela Hill, and gained a unanimous decision in a strawweight fight.

Andrade was cut under her right eye in the 2nd round, while Hill had swelling under her left eye in the 3rd.

Andrade, 115.5 lbs of Brazil won by scores of 30-27 on all cards and is now 16-5. Hill, 116 lbs of San Diego, CA is 6-3.

Curtis Blaydes stopped Adam Milstead in the 2nd round of their heavyweight bout.

Blaydes dominated the fight by taking down Milstead at least seven times. Finally, in round two, Blaydes took out Milstead’s leg, and his knee gave way, and the fight was stopped at 59 seconds.

Blaydes, 264.5 lbs of Chicago, IL is 7-1. Milstead, 233.5 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA is 8-2.

Chas Skelly choked out Chris Gruetzmacher in the 2nd round of their featherweight bout.

Skelly made Gruetzmacher tap from a rear-naked choke at 2:01 of round two.

Skelly, 146 lbs of Arlington, TX is 17-2. Gruetzmacher, 145 lbs of Surprise, AZ is 13-2.

Ricardo Ramos won a unanimous decision over Michinori Tanaka in a bantamweight bout.

Ramos, 135 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA won by scores of 30-27 and 29-28 twice and is now 10-1. Tanaka, 135 lbs of Kanagawa, JAP is 11-3.

Tecia Torres won a unanimous decision over Bec Rawlings in a strawweight bout.

Torres, 115.5 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL won on all cards via 30-27 scores and is now 8-1.

Khalil Rountree knocked out Doug Jolly in the 1st round of their light heavyweight bout.

Rountree landed a hard knee to the head and a 2nd knee followed up and knocked out Jolly at 52 seconds.

Rountree is 5-2. Jolly is also now 5-2.

Felix Verdejo remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Oliver Flores in a lightweight bout.

Verdejo, 135 lbs of San Juan, PR won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 96-94, and is now 23-0.  Flores, 134 lbs of Managua, NIC is 27-3-2.

Christopher Diaz remained undefeated by stopping Efrain Esquivias in round seven of their scheduled eight round super featherweight bout.

In round three, Diaz dropped Esquvias with a left hook.  In round four, it was a right hand that sent Esquivias on his back.

Diaz finished off Esquivias in round seven, when he pummeled him all over the ring and the bout was stopped at 2:18.

Diaz, 127 lbs of Barranquitas, PR is 20-0 with 12 knockouts.  Esquivias, 130 lbs of Carson, CA is 17-6-1.

PHILADELPHIA–Ray Robinson stopped Edwin Palcio in the 2nd round of their scheduled 8-round welterweight bout at the SugarHouse Casino.

Robibson dropped Palcio at the end of round one and finished him off with by dropping him for a 2nd time in round two.

Robinson is 22-2 with 11 knockouts. Palcio of Leon. Nicaragua is 12-5-1.

Christian Carto (7-0, 7 KO’s) stopped Sergio Najera (12-29-2) in round three of their bantamweight bout.

Brandon Pizarro (3-0, 2 KO’s) stopped Abdiel Padilla (1-1) at 2:42 of round of their lightweight bout.

Hairon Socarras (15-0-2) won a 6-round unanimous decision over German Meraz (55-41-1) in a super featherweight bout. Scores were 60-53 on all cards.

Joseph Adorno (2-0, 2 KO’s) stopped Jonathan Hernandez (0-4) in the 1st round of their super featherweight bout.

Victor Padilla (2-0, 2 KO’s) needed 30 seconds to take out Tony Wilson (0-2) of Virginia in a lightweight bout.

Harold Lopez made a successful pro debut as he took out fellow debuter Argenis Armando in 57 seconds of their super flyweight fight.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, lightweight’s Ryan Martin and Bryant Cruz will be the opening bout of the March 18th Gennady Golovkin – Daniel Jacobs PPV card at Madison Square Garden.

“Fighting at the Garden is a huge opportunity for my team and me, especially being on the undercard of the biggest fight of the year,” said the 23-year-old Martin, who was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and fights out of Cleveland. “On March 18 fans in attendance and viewers from around the globe will see why I’m among boxing’s best prospects.”

“I am hungry and excited to get back in the ring, especially on such a big card,” Cruz said. “Fighting an undefeated prospect shows that I’m willing to face anyone to get to the top and will take any opportunity that comes my way. I am bringing my A-game on March 18 and will get the win.”

“We’re thrilled to add this compelling fourth fight to the outstanding March 18 event,” Golovkin promoter Tom Loeffler said. “Ryan Martin and Bryant Cruz are two exciting, young lightweights and it’s the perfect action-packed fight to kick off the telecast and the main card at the Mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden.”

Yvon Michel won a purse bid to stage on IBF Light Heavyweight title elimination bout between Artur Beterbiv and Sullivan Barrera, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We have 15 days to decide the exact date and place,” Michel said. “We have to see where that will fit best, and we also need the time to properly advertise it because this match has all the ingredients for a great fight. Our wish is to bring that fight to the USA to enhance Artur Beterbiev’s exposure.”

“Barrera will no doubt be the strongest opponent of Beterbiev’s pro career so far,” Michel said. “The Cuban has an excellent amateur background, is always well conditioned, has a good sense of distance in the ring and a very dangerous right hand.

“Nobody so far has been strong enough to keep up with Beterbiev’s power but he has much more that that. He has great boxing IQ; he is very crafty; and Barrera’s opposition will give Artur the opportunity to show the world his real nature.”

“I think we have a good idea of what Sullivan can do in this fight. I feel very confident,” Main Events promoter Kathy Duva said. “The thing about Sullivan is his career is on an upswing. He has fought much tougher opposition that Beterbiev has. Styles make fights and I think he has the style to beat him. I know he’ll have the game plan to do it. He’s on a high now coming off a big win. When he heard about this fight he was like, ‘I’m doing it.’ We had other possibilities and talking to HBO but he said, ‘No, this fight is what I want. I want to get the shot at becoming the mandatory again.’ You have to love him. He’s a real fighter.”

Vasyl Lomanchenko will defend his 130 pound world title against beltholder Jason Sosa on April 8 at the new MGM Casino outside of Baltimore, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I don’t think anybody beats Lomachenko, but Sosa has a puncher’s chance,” Top Rank’s promoter Bob Arum said. “He’s certainly a respectable opponent.”

“Sosa beat two good fighters in Fortuna and Smith, and he wants to find out how good he is,” said Russell Peltz, who co-promotes Sosa with Top Rank. “He wants to test himself against the best and Lomachenko is one of the best. If there were more fighters with Sosa’s attitude, boxing would be in better shape.”

“Sosa wants the fight and his trainer [Raul ‘Chino’ Rivas] likes the fight,” Peltz said. “I don’t think Jason will get discouraged if he falls behind early. He didn’t lose focus in China against Fortuna, and he came from behind and won the fight. I think he’ll keep trying for every minute of every round against Lomachenko.

“I know Lomachenko was this great amateur with [close to] 400 fights, but that takes a toll on your body. There’s a point where it adds up and it takes its toll on the body. I’ve seen Lomachenko fight, and everybody is beatable. I saw Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston. On April 8, we are going to have the best chance of everybody to beat Lomachenko because we’re gonna be the one in the ring with him. Sosa is a world-class puncher and still learning to fight. He only had three amateur fights, but he’ll give it everything he has like he always does.”

Arum initially tried to make a unification fight for Lomachenko (7-1, 5 KOs) against Panama’s Jezreel Corrales (21-1, 8 KOs) but said the Corrales camp ultimately rejected the fight.

“He didn’t want the fight,” Arum said. “That’s one of the problems with Lomachenko — nobody’s got the balls to fight him except Sosa.”

Arum also said he attempted to make a rematch between Lomachenko, 28, and former titlist Orlando Salido (43-13-4, 30 KOs), who won a close decision over Lomachenko in 2014 in Lomachenko’s second professional fight. Lomachenko was attempting to win a vacant featherweight title — which had been stripped from Salido the previous day for failing to make weight — and thus set the record for winning a world title in the fewest bouts.

“With Salido, we were up to a crazy number,” Arum said. “He still wouldn’t take the fight and he has nothing going now. He won’t fight Lomachenko again.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, unified 140-lb champion Terence Crawford will be back in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska on May 20th, possibly against Felix Diaz.

“I want to do the fight with Felix Diaz. That’s the best fight for us to make,” said Crawford promoter Bob Arum, who added that some of his closest advisers in the company are against it. “Lou DiBella (Diaz’s promoter) calls me every day about it. That’s the fight I want to make.”

“I’m about to call him again today,” DiBella told ESPN. “My guy is ready, willing and able to go May 20 and Omaha would be fine with us. I know there are people within Top Rank that like the fight very much and also I know there are people within Top Rank that don’t. That’s the way it usually is with a really good, competitive fight. I’ve been in this business a long time and I gave Bob a number that’s fair and he didn’t balk. I’m going to continue calling him every day until we hopefully close the deal.”

“I know how good Terence Crawford is and I don’t think for a second he is scared of anybody,” DiBella said. “But that being said, given his recent fight the fans want him to be challenged and there’s no question Felix Diaz brings a challenge. There are guys out there screaming for a fight with Manny Pacquiao or to get Floyd Mayweather out of retirement, but there aren’t guys screaming they want to fight Terence Crawford. But Felix Diaz wants Terence Crawford. He believes Crawford is his measuring stick to see how good he is. He thinks, ‘You’re good, the public thinks you’re good, so I want to fight you.'”

Miguel Berchelt won the WBC Super Featherweight title with an 11th round stoppage over previously undefeated Francisco Vargas at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Vargas was bleeding over his left eye beginning in the fourth round. The blood worsened over the course of the fight, and he was a bloody mess until the bout was stopped at 1:43 of round 11.

Berchelt, 129 3/4 lbs of Juarez, MX is now 31-1 with 28 knockouts. Vargas, 129 1/2 lbs of Mexico City is 23-1-2.

Takashi Miura stopped Miguel Roman in the 12th and final round of their junior lightweight bout.

In round five, Miura’s right eye began to swell.

In round ten, Miura dropped Toman with a left to the body. In round eleve, it was a combination to the head that sent Roman down. Miura ended the fight in the final round when another left deposited Roman on the ground for referee Thomas Taylor’s ten count at 53 seconds.

Miura, 129 3/4 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is 31-3-2 with 24 knockouts. Roman, 129 1.2 lbs of Juarez, MEX is 56-12.

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna looked sharp as he pitched a shutout, and won a 8-round unanimous decision over Eduardo Flores in front of a capacity crowd at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The fight was the 6th consecutive sellout crowd at the venue under the Rising Promotions banner.

LaManna used his length and was effective with his jab as he set up solid body work with both hands and came upstairs to befuddle the 53 fight veteran.

LaManna settled into a groove in the middle rounds and showed confidence in his punches. LaManna did a nice job mixing up his boxing and his willingness to trade on the inside, for which he got the better of the action on both accounts.

LaManna of Millville, New Jersey won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 22-2. Flores of Quito, Ecuador falls to 25-25-3.

Michael Mitchell scored an upset by outhustling Chuck Mussachio over 6-rounds of their light heavyweight bout and gaining a majority decision victory.

Mitchell buckled and wobbled Mussachio, who was on the defensive throughout the contest. Mussachio was able to land an occasional jab and uppercut, but Mitchell swarmed the popular “Professor” as he was relentless in smothering and battering Mussachio against the ropes.

Mitchell of Paterson, New Jersey won by scores of 60-53, 58-56 and one card read even at 57-57.

Mitchell is 4-7-2. Mussachio of Wildwood, NJ is 19-4-2.

Gabriel Pham scored a sensational 2nd round stoppage over Jose Valderrama in a scheduled 6-round super middleweight bout.

Pham landed a perfect left that sent Valdrrama thudding to the canvas. Valderrama got up but the bout was waved off a 2:50.

Pham of Pleasnatville, NJ is 7-1 with 3 knockouts. Valderrama of Manati, PR is 5-18.

Yurik Mamedov remained perfect by stopping pro debuting Jose Jimenez in round two of their scheduled 4-round welterweight bout.

Mamedov scored 2 knockdowns in round two and the bout was stopped upon the 2nd knockdown at 2:59 of round two.

Mamedov of Brooklyn, NY is 4-0 with 2 knockouts.

Nahir Albright won a 4-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Dan Murray in a junior welterweight bout.

Albright of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 1-1. Murray of Lanoka, Harbor, NJ is 1-1.

Weusi Johnson won a 4-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Dallas Holden in a bantamweight bout.

Johnson of Wilmington, DE won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 and is now 2-2. Holden of Atlantic City is 1-1.

Tomas Romain won a 4-round unanimous decision over Jamil Simmons in a lightweight bout.

Romani of Brooklyn won by scores of 39-37 on all cards and is now 1-1. Simmons of Pleasntville, NJ was making his pro debut.

LAS VEGAS –Anybody for a trilogy?

It appears inevitable, a third step in a match of styles, personality and culture between two likeable featherweights who are even after two fights. It was hard to pick the winner in either.

But on the scorecards, Leo Santa Cruz has won one and Carl Frampton has won one. Each by majority decision.

Santa Cruz returned the favor Saturday night at the MGM Grand, winning 115-113 on two scorecards in a rematch of his narrow loss to Frampton last summer in Brooklyn for the WBA’s 126-pound title.

There was plenty of debate about the cards at ringside and in the ring in the bout’s immediate aftermath. There were questions about judge Burt Clements’ 114-114 score. There were arguments that the two-point margin on cards kept by Dave Moretti and Glenn Feldman should have been bigger.

There was consensus only in the middle of the ring. After the scores were announced, Santa Cruz (33-1-1, 18 KOs) and Frampton (23-1, 14 KOs) embraced.

“They told each other: ‘Let’s do it again,’ ‘’ promoter Richard Schaefer said after a PBC bout televised by Showtime.

Will a third fight settle anything? Maybe. Maybe, not. Santa Cruz and Frampton always figure to be in fight too close to call. In the second bout, Santa Cruz looked more comfortable, perhaps because his father and trainer, Jose, was back and healthy after a bout with cancer that kept him out his son’s corner last summer.

“Before the fight I said I wanted revenge and I wanted to work hard,’’ Santa Cruz said. “I went to the gym and I worked hard and I did what I had to do.

“Carl Frampton is a good fighter. Let’s make it a third fight.’’

Frampton didn’t argue. Not about Saturday’s result or the call for a second rematch.

“I really think Leo deserved it,’’ Frampton said
“He told me what he was going to do. The brawler was out-boxing the boxer. My fault. I’m sorry. We will have to do it again. We have to do it again.

“He was very clever and he used his reach. I think he deserved it. I’m being honest. I think he deserved it. But it was a very good fight. I think I can perform slightly better. No excuses.

“Let’s do it again.

Santa Cruz was more effective with his punches. His timing looked a little sharper and his defense was as good as perhaps as good as ever. Still, Frampton was always there, changing up on his tactics from round to round, minute to minute.

There were no knockdowns, although Frampton slipped in the fourth. There wasn’t even a moment when either fighter appeared to be in real trouble. Instead, it was tactical, a chess match at almost every turn.

A crowd 10,085, including Floyd Mayweather Jr., loved it. The house sounded as if it was split, 50-50. There were the Irish fans who traveled from Belfast with song, beers and cheers for Frampton. On the other, there were the Mexican and Mexican-Americans who chanted “Leo, Leo.’’

They’ll be back for another go-round. It’s time to order up a trilogy.

Mikey Garcia has always been known for tactical brilliance, versatility and smarts. There’s something else now, too. He’s scary.

The fear factor in Garcia (36-0, 30 KOs) struck suddenly and lingered long with a knockout of Dejan Zlaticanin in the third round of a WBC lightweight title fights before the Carl Frampton-Leo Santa Cruz rematch on Showtime Saturday night at the MGM Grand.

Zlaticanin (18-1, 11 KOs) came into the bout with a reputation for dangerous power. He was supposed to be the feared fighter. Turns out, he never had a chance.

After two-plus rounds of controlling pace and distance with a precise jab, Garcia turned him sideways with an uppercut, then stepped around and dropped him with a right that might be remembered 11 months from now as the biggest punch in 2017

Zlaticanin went down, under the bottom ropes, flat on his back and as motionless as a board for several long, scary moments. The ringside physician scrambled to revive him with oxygen through a plastic mask. For Garcia, jubilation at a big victory was suddenly supplanted by concern. He was worried and you could see it in his face.

Finally, Zlaticanin got to his feet and walked out the ring. The crowd was relieved and Garcia said it best with is first post-fight word.

“Thank God, he’s okay,’’ said Garcia, who has more than just ring smarts.

There was patience early and power in the end.

That proved to be the perfect combo for Ukrainian lightweight Ivan Redkach (20-2-1, 16 KOs), who controlled tempo for seven-plus rounds and finished Demond Brock with a lightning bolt of a counter left hand late in the eighth in the final fight on the Showtime Extreme part of the Santa Cruz-Frampton card Saturday night at the MGM Grand.

The left and a subsequent follow-up dropped Brock, who somehow managed to get up. But it was only a matter of time. Make that seconds. Redkach quickly attacked, forcing referee Jay Nady to end at 2:30 of the eighth.

David Benavidez took another step from prospect to contender.

A big one.

Benavidez, the younger brother of former junior-welterweight champion Jose Benavidez Jr., scored a powerful stoppage of Sherali Mamadjanov of Uzbekistan on the Showtime Extreme part of the Frampton-Santa Cruz card Saturday night at the MGM Grand.

Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs), a super-middleweight from Phoenix, scored a first-round knockdown and then finished Mamadjanov (14-2, 7 KOs) with successive left hands at 1:04 of the second.

Scottish junior-welterweight Josh Taylor stayed unbeaten, yet not perfect.

Taylor, whose reputation for power preceded him, improved to 8-0, yet he had to settle for his first victory without a KO in a unanimous decision over Mexican Alfonso Olvera (8-2-1, 3 KOs), who withstood everything the Scotsman threw at him in the first televised bout on the Showtime Extreme part of the Frampton-Santa Cruz card Saturday at the MGM Grand.

Taylor’s feared left rocked Olvera in the fourth. The Mexican stumbled, but would not fall then or at any other time during the next four rounds.

Ledaun Barthelemy, a Mayweather Promotions prospect from Cuba and the brother of former lightweight champion Rances, continued to show promise, adding another victory to his unbeaten record (12-0, 6 KOs) with a unanimous decision over unknown Jesus Aguinaga (5-5-1) in a six-round featherweight bout.

Jose Santa Cruz was 2-0 Saturday before his son Leo even arrived at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the main event against Carl Frampton.

Jerry Perez, a Jose Santa Cruz-trained featherweight from Harbor City, Calif., needed only 54 seconds to win his pro debut, a three-knocodwon wipeout of overmatched and overwhelmed Javier Cepeda (0-5) of Roswell, New Mexico.

Echoes, empty seats, Herbert Acevedo and Chris Singleton opened the show.

Four hours before the start of a Showtime telecast featuring a Carl Frampton-Leo Santa Cruz rematch at the MGM Grand Saturday, Acevedo, a Los Angeles welterweight, prevailed, winning a six-round unanimous decision over Singleton of Baton Rouge, La.

Acevedo (13-2, 6 KOs) threw a short body shot, flooring Singleton (17-4-2, 8 KOs) in the second round. Singleton got up up and fought through the remaining four-plus rounds, yet could never overcome the early knockdown. The card’s opening bout might have been a good sign for Santa Cruz, whose father and trainer, Jose, was in the corner for Acevedo.

Erick De Leon stopped Jose Salinas in round four of their scheduled 8 round junior lightweight bout.

De Leon knocked out Salinas with a crunching left to the body and Salinas could not beat the 10 count at 2:47 of round 4.

De Leon, 129 3/4 lbs of Detroit, MI is 15-0 with 9 knockouts. Salinas, 129 3/4 lbs of Las Cruces, NM is 10-3-1.

Arnold Barboza Jr. won a 8 r-round unanimous decision over Johnny Rodriguez in a welterweight bout.

Barboza, Jr. 142 1/2 lbs of South El Monte, CA won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 15-0. Rodriguez, 142 1/2 lbs of Denver, CO is 8-2-1.

Evan Torres won a 6-round split decision over previously undefeated Bryan Flores in a middleweight bout.

Torres won two cards by 59-55 and 58-56 tallies, while Flores took a card 59-55.

Torres, 158 lbs of El Paso, TX is 6-2. Flores, 157 1/4 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 5-1.

Francisco Vargas 129.6 – Miguel Berchelt 129.8
(WBC Super Featherweight Title)
Takashi Miura 129.8 – Miguel Roman 129.2

Arnold Barboza, Jr. won a 8-round unanimous decision over Johnny Rodriguez in a welterweight bout.

Barboza, 142 1/2 lbs of South El Monte, CA won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74, ans is now 15-0. Rodriguez, 142 1/4 lbs of Denver, CO is 8-2-1.