“Linares injured his right hand in the sixth round of the ferocious battle versus Anthony Crolla, and after analyzing the situation and confirming with Dr. Jedediah Jones, it has been concluded that Linares will not be able to fight for some time,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said on Thursday. “The WBC is hereby confirming that Dejan Zlaticanin is free to make a voluntary title defense of his WBC lightweight title.”

“It’s still swollen, but thankfully there is no break,” Diaz said. Linares’ injury is in a different spot on his right hand than the previous one that led to the 11-month layoff, said Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker Robert Diaz.

“Right after the fight Eddie and Crolla were saying they want the rematch next but a couple of weeks have passed, and sometimes things change,” Diaz said. “So next week I’ll send Eddie an email and see what they want to do and get it in writing. The most important thing is to see when Linares’ hand is ready to go. If Eddie and Crolla want the rematch, Jorge will be available for it.”

Unified Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury failed a 2nd cocaine test, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.
VADA president Dr. Margaret Goodman sent Fury and others associated with the rematch a letter confirming the test results, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN.com.

“This letter is to advise you that the ‘A’ sample urine specimen number 4006217 collected from Tyson Fury on September 21, 2016, through his participation in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) program has been analyzed for anabolic agents, diuretics, beta-2 agonists, stimulants and drugs of abuse,” the letter said. “The results of the analyses are as follows: Adverse. Urine specimen contains benzoylecgonine.

“Please also note that — due to varying shipping times — laboratory results for earlier specimen collections may not be available until after the results of subsequent collections in some instances,” the letter said. “Mr. Fury has the right to promptly request analysis of the ‘B’ sample at his expense. Please be aware that VADA does not adjudicate results nor determine whether sanctions are appropriate. As with all results, adverse findings are reported to the relevant commission(s) who may make such determinations. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions regarding this matter.”

Former world title challenger George Groves will take on Eduard Gutknecht on November 18th in London, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I’m extremely happy to announce this fight and am excited to be headlining on Channel 5,” Groves said. “I have been fortunate in my boxing career so far to experience almost everything the sport has to offer but to be fighting live on terrestrial TV is something that has always been very high up on my bucket list.

“It goes without saying that I am now determined to challenge again, and this time succeed, in becoming a world champion. I feel that working alongside Cyclone Promotions for this fight, as well as with my promoters Team Sauerland, with the opportunity to be back headlining in front of a home crowd close to West London, is the perfect move for me — especially with the chance to showcase myself to a larger audience.”

Said Shane McGuigan, Groves’ trainer: “This is a must-win fight for George. We’ve worked extremely hard this year, and Nov. 18 is a chance for George to make another important step towards becoming a world champion. Eduard Gutknecht is a proven operator who we cannot afford to take lightly. Eddy has a high-punch output and is extremely durable, so we are preparing for 12 hard rounds.”

Gutknecht (30-4-1, 13 KOs), a 34-year-old Kazakhstan native living in Germany, lost a decision to Robert Stieglitz in a 2010 world title bout and another decision to Juergen Braehmer in a world title fight in March. He bounced back from that loss with a third-round knockout win against Artem Redko on June 18.

He said he will be fighting Groves in his hometown.

“I will come to London on Nov. 18 full of energy and conquer,” he said. “I only want to fight winners and make them lose. George Groves is a winner and a world-class fighter, but so am I. The fans in London are in for a hell of a fight.”

Evander Holyfield, Marco Antonio Barrera and Johnny Tapi lead this year’s 1st year-names on the Hall of Fame Ballot, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“I’m honored,” Holyfield said after being informed Tuesday night by ESPN.com that he was on the ballot. “What can you say when you’ve done what I’ve done? It do speak for itself. I had a good amateur career, became the first undisputed cruiserweight champ of the world and then undisputed heavyweight champ. I fought them all. I fought everyone who was the best at my time of boxing and did real well. If you’re the best, you’re going to be in the Hall of Fame.

“I fought everybody. I didn’t make up excuses on why I shouldn’t fight this guy or that guy. I fought everyone I was supposed to. I’m glad I played by the rules and became the champ. I fought and did my very best.”

“I became four-time heavyweight champ of the world,” said Holyfield, who was 18-9-2 with 10 knockouts against titleholders and Hall of Famers. “Would have been five if they gave me the decision I deserved against the Russian guy.”

The holdovers on the 30-man modern ballot are Yuri Arbachakov, Ayala, Nigel Benn, Sot Chitalada, Donald Curry, Chris Eubank, Leo Gamez, Genaro Hernandez, Julian Jackson, Santos Laciar, Rocky Lockridge, Miguel “Happy” Lora, James “Buddy” McGirt, Henry Maske, Darius Michalczewski, Sung-Kil Moon, Moorer, Orzubek “Gussie” Nazarov, Sven Ottke, Vinny Pazienza, Gilberto Roman, Gianfranco Rosi, Samuel Serrano, Meldrick Taylor, Fernando Vargas, Wilfredo Vazquez Sr. and Ratanapol Sor Vorapin.

Unified Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has admitted cocaine use, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Listen, I’ve done a lot of things in my life. I’ve done lots of cocaine. Lots of it,” Fury said in the interview. “Why shouldn’t I take cocaine? It’s my life, isn’t it? I can do what I want. Yeah, I have done cocaine. Plenty of people have done cocaine as well. What the f— has that got to do with anything?

“That ain’t a performance-enhancing drug. Am I not allowed to have a life now as well? Do they want to take my personal life off me, too? I’ve not been in a gym for months. I’ve not been training. I’ve been going through depression. I just don’t want to live anymore, if you know what I’m saying. I’ve had total enough of it. They’ve forced me to the breaking edge. Never mind cocaine. I just didn’t care. I don’t want to live anymore. So cocaine is a little minor thing compared to not wanting to live anymore.”

Asked whether he scrapped the July date because of his problems, as opposed to an ankle injury, Fury said he had.

“To be honest, yes,” he said. “I’ve not been in the gym for months. I’ve been AWOL. I’ve been out drinking, anything to get me mind off what’s been going on to me.”

“I’m going through a lot of personal demons, trying to shake them off,” Fury told Rolling Stone. “This has got nothing to do with my fighting. What I’m going through right now is my personal life. … They say I’ve got a version of bipolar. I’m a manic depressive. I just hope someone kills me before I kill myself.”

Fury said he was training in Holland this past May but was overwhelmed by depression and stopped.

“From that day forward, I’ve never done any training,” Fury said. “I’ve been out drinking, Monday to Friday to Sunday, and taking cocaine. I can’t deal with it, and the only thing that helps me is when I get drunk out of me mind.”

When Fury attended the Deontay Wilder-Artur Szpilka heavyweight title bout in January at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, he was seen by many, including media members, at an after party in the arena. Fury was drinking heavily.

“I’m in a very bad place at the moment,” Fury said. “I don’t know whether I’m coming or going. I don’t know what’s going to happen to me. I don’t know if I’m going to see the year out to be honest. I am seeing help, but they can’t do nothing for me. What I’ve got is incurable. I don’t want to live. All the money in the world, fame and glory, means nothing if you’re not happy. And I ain’t happy. I’m very far from it.”

“Because of my background, because of who I am and what I do — there’s hatred for Travelers and gypsies around the world,” said Fury, an Irish Traveler, which is a group of about 40,000 nomadic, religious people who live throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom and fight among themselves for sport. They have been persecuted for centuries.
“They’ve tried to get me chucked out of boxing because they cannot tame me, they cannot hire me, I’m not for sale, no one can turn a key in my back, no one can do nothing to stop me,” Fury said. “So now they’re saying I took some cocaine and whatever. Listen, if I had some smack, I’d take it. If I had heroin, I’d take that, never mind cocaine, for what they’ve done to me. It’s a travesty what they’ve done.

“I want to expose them for what they are. The British Boxing Board of Controls is in on it too. They’re all in it together. The drug-testing companies are in on it as well.”

Representatives of former heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin and Bermane Stiverne will have a purse bid this Friday for a proposed WBC Interim title fight, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I would like to thank Don King and the honorable Mauricio Sulaiman of the WBC for giving me this opportunity to fight for the heavyweight title once again,” Stiverne said. “For the betterment of boxing in general, and the heavyweight division in particular, I plan to knock Povetkin out and bring this title to America. Then I will get my revenge against Wilder, when he is ready.”

“I have been taking calls, for weeks, from interested parties, and we will consider all options,” said King, who will control where the fight will take place if he wins the purse bid.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBA Super Featherweight champion Jason Sosa will take on Stephen Smith on November 12th in Monte Carlo.

“We are fighting Stephen Smith Nov. 12 in Monte Carlo. Davis or his team priced themselves out,” said Sosa co-promoter Russell Peltz.

“I’m delighted to have this fight, really grateful for the opportunity as I believe it’s a fight I will win,” Smith told ESPN.com on Saturday. “The fact that I got the chance so soon after Pedraza was even better. I was happy to fight again straight after that fight (against Brizuela), and it has proved beneficial now with this opportunity coming about.

“I think Sosa is a good, solid fighter without being spectacular in any area in particular. He has had a couple of decent results lately — drawing with Walters, then beating Fortuna — although, like many, I thought Walters won. [Sosa’s] confidence should be high, and I should be facing him at his best, which I’m relishing.”

John Lineker won a 5-round split decision in a bantamweight bout in Portland, Oregon.

Lineker, 136.5 lbs (1.5 over the contracted weight) won two cards at 48-47 while Dodson took a card 48-47.

Lineker is now 29-7. Dodson, 135 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 19-8.

Alex Oliveira stopped Will Brooks in the 3rd round of their lightweight bout.

Brooks fought with a hurt rib for much of the bout and was on the defensive until he was down and took punches from Oliverira and the bout was stopped at 3:30.

Oliveira, 161.5 lbs (5.5 pounds over the contracted weight) of Tres Rio, BRA is 15-3-1-1. Brooks, 156 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 18-2.

Zak Ottow won a split decision over Joshua Burkman in a welterweight bout.

Ottow, 171 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won two cards by 29-28 scores while Burkman took a card 29-28.

Ottow is now 14-3. Burkman, 171 lbs of Draper, UT is 29-14-1.

Brandon Moreno choked out Louis Smolka in the 1st round of their flyweight bout.

Moreno got Smolka in a guillotine until Smolka slumped and tapped out at 2:23.

Moreno, 126 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 12-3. Smolka, 126 lbs of Kapolei, HI is 11-2.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Roman Gonzalez will drop his flyweight titles and remain at super flyweight after capturing the WBC super flyweight title against Carlos Cuadras on September 10th.

“He treasures this (flyweight) title very much, but is excited another boxer with his same dream will have a chance to become a WBC world champion and that feeling overwhelms him,” Carlos Blandon, Gonzalez’s manager, told ESPN.com.

To fill the flyweight vacancy, the WBC has ordered its two top-rated contenders to meet: Nawaphon Sor Rungvisai (36-0, 28 KOs), 25, of Thailand, and Juan “Churritos” Hernandez Navarrete (33-2, 24 KOs), 29, of Mexico. If their camps do not make a deal for the fight, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced that a purse bid would be scheduled to take place Oct. 21 at the offices of the sanctioning organization in Mexico City.

Emmanuel Dominguez stopped Alejandro Hernandez in round four of their scheduled 10 round super bantamweight bout at Auditorio Blackberry in Mexico City.

Dominguez dropped Hernandez with a vicious left to the body and he was down for the count at 1:20.

Dominguez, 121 lbs of Mexico is 19-5-2 with 14 knockouts. Hernandez, 122 lbs of Ciudad, MX is 31-12-2.

Hugo Guarneros stopped Zacarias Medina in round seven of their scheduled 8-round Flyweight bout.

The time of of the stoppage was 2:43 for Guarneros, 112 lbs is now 10-1-1. Medina, 116 lbs is 2-3.

Uriel Lopez won a 6-round unanimous decision over Jorge Adame in a super bantamweight bout.

Scores were 58-56 twice and 58-55 for Lopes, 121 3/4 lbs and is now 10-5-1. Adame, 123 lbs is 4-4-1.

John Vera stopped Milorad Zizic in round two of their scheduled eight-round super welterweight bout.

In round two, Vera dropped Zizic with a right hand. Vera ended thing with a left hook that dropped Zizic and the bout was stopped at 2:15.

Vera, 154 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Zizic, 153 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas is 12-2.

Petr Petrov earned a mandatory world title shot at the WBA Lightweight title with a stoppage after six rounds over Michael Perez in a scheduled twelve round bout at the Fantasy Springs Casino Resort in Indio, California.

In round two, Perez was bloodied over his right eye and Petrov was cut on his forehead. Later in the round, Petriv dropped Perez with a hard right to the head. Petrov continued the assault and continued to batter and hurt Perez as he evenly dispersed his punches to the head and body. As the blood continued over Perez’right eye, Petrov never let up.

Finally, trainer Robert Garcia decided his fighter had enough and stopped the fight after the sixth round.

Genaro Gamez stopped Vernin Alston in the first round of a scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

Gamez dropped Alson with a hard right hand. He finished things with a huge left hook that sent Alston through the ropes and on his rear end on the apron and the fight was stopped at 1:30.

Gamez, 134.4 lbs of San Diego is 3-0 with three knockouts. Alston, 131.2 lbs of Durham, NC is 9-7-1.

Alexis Rocha remained undefeated with a 1st round stoppage over Colbert Lozoya in a scheduled four round welterweight bout.

Rocha sent Lozoya to the canvas in the first round with a hard three punch combination. The fight was stopped at 1:40.

Rocha, 147.8 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 5-0 with four knockouts. Lozoya, 147.6 lbs of El Paso, TX is 7-14.

Mike Lee won a ten-round unanimous decision over Chris Traietti in a light heavyweight bout at the UIC Forum in Chicago, Illinois.

Lee sent Traietti to the canvas in round two with a right to the head.

Lee, 173 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 99-90 twice and 98-91 and is now 18-0. Traietti, 174 lbs of Quincy, MA is now 21-4.

In round six, Traietti nose started to bleed.

Alantez Fox stopped Ronald Montes in round two of their scheduled eight round middleweight bout.

Fox dropped Montes with a left body shot and he could not beat the count at 2:59.

Fox, 163.5 lbs of Forestville, MD is 21-0-1 with 10 knockouts. Montes, 162 lbs of Barranquilla, COL 17-4.

Ed Brown remained undefeated by stopping Roberto Acevedo in a scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

The time was 1:43 of for Brown, 144 lbs of Chicago, IL is 19-0 with 16 knockouts. Acevedo, 140.5 lbs of Union City, NJ is 13-17-3.

John Lineker 136.5 – John Dodson 135
Will Brooks 156 – Alex Oliverira 161.5
Joshua Burkman 171 – Zak Ottow 171
Luis Smolka 126 – Brandon Moreno 126
Henrique de Silva 206 – Joachim Christensen 205
Hacran Dias 148.5 – Andre Fili 146
Shamil Abdurakhimov 256 – Walt Harris 254
Keita Nakamura`170.5 – Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos 17
Nate Marquardt 186 – Tamdan McCrory 185
Jonathan Wilson 205 – Ion Cutelaba 206
Cody East 264.5 – Curtis Blaydes 265.5
Kelly Faszholz 134.5 – Ketlen Vierira 136

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, The October 8th battle between Juan Manuel Lopez and Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. had been delayed three weeks due to a recent power outage in Puerto Rico.

The fight, originally stated for October 8th will now take place on October 29th.

Denis Lebedev will defend his cruiserweight title on December 3rd against Murat Gassiev, according to Dan Rafael.

“I wish for my opponent to have a good training camp. I will see you in the ring,” said Lebedev (29-2, 22 KOs), a southpaw who has made six title defenses.

Said Vadim Kornilov, Lebedev’s manager: “This is a very tough opponent and we are taking extra steps in camp to make sure Denis is prepared better than ever.”

Gassiev is trained by Abel Sanchez, the 2015 Boxing Writers Association Trainer of the Year, and trains alongside good friend and unified middleweight titleholder Gennady Golovkin.

“I think we have the skills and the power,” Sanchez said. “This young man has everything that is needed to become champion. The only issue in my mind, and I have said this to him, is the situation. He has never been in a big fight like this, and Lebedev has been in big fights. I think Gassiev will be able to handle the situation. I think it’s time for a new champion. This kid is the next Golovkin out of my gym.”

“I have a hard time getting Gassiev sparring because he’s so good,” Sanchez said. “He has a long way to go skill-wise, but he is very good and will be a lot better in the future. Lebedev is older and has had a lot of difficult fights. Gassiev has to take it to him. He has done really well since he’s been with me. Hopefully that will continue with this fight.

“We’re looking forward to it. It’s a difficult fight for both guys. It’s an older guy with a lot of wars but a lot of experience against a young up-and-coming guy looking to make a name for himself.”

“It’s signed, sealed and delivered,” said Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “It’s not complicated matchmaking, but it goes to show you that we at Golden Boy want to make the best fights. We want to go out with a bang to close the year. We’re hopefully going to do a tripleheader on HBO. We’re talking to [HBO Sports executive vice president] Peter Nelson about it, because we want to give the fans a special treat for the holidays.”

“All I can say is that boxing fans and subscribers to HBO are the absolute winners here,” said Sean Gibbons, Salido’s manager. “Orlando Salido has already delivered one fight of the year candidate this year, and he is looking to close the year by delivering another one. We want to thank Peter Nelson for seeing and understanding this is a fight the fans want. It’s a win-win for boxing and HBO.”

De La Hoya has special memories of The Forum because it is where he turned pro on Nov. 23, 1992, almost 24 years to the day when Salido-Miura will take place.

“I had my professional debut there, and I haven’t been there since [for boxing],” De La Hoya said. “It will be a special treat for me to promote a fight of this caliber in the arena where I initiated my professional career. To go back 24 years later is really exciting, especially when you have a fight like this.

“Their styles are made to create World War III. This is a can’t-miss fight. The fans are in for a special treat. I can’t wait.”

Gibbons said Salido also loves that the fight will take place at The Forum, site of many famous fights before it closed to the sport for more than a decade before reopening in 2014.

“A lot of his idols fought there,” Gibbons said. “There is so much beautiful history in that building, so for Salido to fight there, it will raise the level of his game.”

“I think Miura is the bigger guy and maybe the bigger puncher,” De La Hoya said. “So I guess he’s the slight favorite, but Salido looked sensational against Vargas, strong and durable.”

“Whatever we do we want to make sure we give the fans a great show to end the year with,” he said.

Unified Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury tested positive for Cocaine, which puts his titles in doubt, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

In a letter from VADA president Dr. Margaret Goodman sent to representatives for Fury, Klitschko, the British Boxing Board of Control and the United States’ Association of Boxing Commissions on Thursday night, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN.com, she wrote, “This letter is to advise you that the ‘A’ sample urine specimen number 4006253 collected from Tyson Fury on September 22, 2016 in Lancaster, England through his participation in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) program has been analyzed for anabolic agents, diuretics, beta-2 agonists, stimulants and drugs of abuse. The results of the analysis are as follows: Adverse. Urine specimen contains benzoylecgonine.

“Mr. Fury has the right to promptly request analysis of the ‘B’ sample at his expense.”

“Tyson will now immediately undergo the treatment he needs to make a full recovery,” Hennessy said. “We and Tyson wish to express our sincerest apologies to all those concerned with the event and all the boxing fans who had been looking forward to the rematch. Tyson is understandably devastated by the development.”

“Hopefully, the organizations will move quickly because Wladimir wants to fight for a title before the end of the year,” Bernd Boente, Klitschko’s manager, told ESPN.com. “He has already been in the longest layoff of his career because of Fury, and he is keen on fighting again for a title by the end of the year.”

“If this is true about his positive drug test, it’s too bad we did not do VADA testing before the first fight,” Boente said. “We are not surprised because this is how Fury acted the whole time and now we probably have another indication why he didn’t show up at the press conference in London, where he claimed a car problem. It also shows the ongoing situation with (the United Kingdom Anti-Doping Association) situation under a different light.”

“I feel very sorry that UKADA never was open about that situation with us because then we would have insisted on VADA testing before the first fight,” Boente said. “I think Fury is probably the most unworthy heavyweight champion in history, not only because of this situation but because of the whole package of his sexist comments, his anti-Semitic comments and his homophobic comments that have been [well documented].”

Jr. Flyweight world champion Ganigan Lopez was forced to withdraw from his October 15 title defense with Pedro Guevara due to a leg injury, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Instead of the title fight in the main event, Guevara will take on replacement opponent Jerry Tomogdan (21-7-3, 9 KOs), a 22-year-old southpaw from the Philippines.

Welterweight titlist Kell Brook had successful orbital bone surgery following is stoppage defeated to middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“All went well and he’s resting up,” Anthony Leaver, spokesman for Brook promoter Matchroom Boxing, told ESPN.com on Wednesday.

“He looked worse after the fight than he did after the operation,” trainer Dominc Ingle told the Sheffield Star. “The surgeon, who was called Mohammed Ali, believe it or not, went up through his gums, his front teeth, moved an eye to one side and then sorted out the fracture. Kell is good, though, and doesn’t want any delays before his next fight. He wants to be out again early in the new year, rather than later.”

Super Featherweight titlist Vasyl Loamachenko will take on Nicholas Walters on November 26th at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas and on HBO, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Much thanks and appreciation must be given to HBO management for stepping up and getting this done,” said Top Rank’s Carl Moretti said of the network, which has had budget issues all year. “We’re talking Lomachenko, who is the best boxer, bar none, from 126 to 135 pounds, against Nicholas, who is a vicious puncher at any weight. Walters is as tough as they come and is so motivated for this fight. Walters has a Ph.D. in boxing — poor, hungry and determined.”

“We tried before to make this fight but we didn’t have enough funds to do the fight based on what Nicholas was asking for, and now we’ve increased what we originally offered and we can do the fight,” Top Rank chairman Bob Arum told ESPN.com, adding that Walters would earn more than the $550,000 he turned down last time but that Lomachenko is not offering him a win bonus. “For me it’s the best fight we could put on at this point with Lomachenko. He is in my mind the best fighter in the world. I enjoy watching him so much. I get such a kick out of him and all the things he can do in that ring. He’s the best in the world, so the challenge is to get him the biggest possible test in every fight because that then corroborates my view of him.

“Unlike some fighters, who like to go easy once in a while, we look to get him the toughest possible guy out there to fight him because that is what he wants — the toughest, most dangerous guys. In this case, it’s Walters.”

“He wants the best challengers and for him the titles mean everything,” Arum said. “So if he goes up to lightweight, I’d have to match him with a champion. But right now we’re at the point where he has a top challenger in Walters.

“Last time we tried to make the fight it didn’t work out and maybe it wound up working out for the better because Lomachenko got the opportunity to fight for a world title against Martinez. Now Walters will make more money than we could offer him before because HBO is willing to pay more now.”

Yordenis Ugas gained his 2nd straight win over a previously undefeated opponent as he stopped Bryant Perrella in the fourth round of their scheduled ten round welterweight bout at the Buffalo Thunder Casino in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Ugas dropped Perrella in the first round with a hard right to the side of the head. Ugas continued to pepper Perrella with counter right hands until he landed another booming shot that put Perrella down again in the fourth. Ugas jumped on Perrella and was relentless until the bout was stopped at 2:20 of round four.

Ryan Karl remained undefeated with a stoppage after four-rounds over Jose Felix Quezada in a battle of undefeated super lightweights.

Karl dropped Quezada in the first with a right hand. At the end of rond four, Karl landed a hard right that was followed by a vicious combination that sent Quezada down at the bell. After the round it was deemed that Quezada could not continue.

Karl. 141 lbs of Milano, TX is 13-0 with nine knockouts. Quezada, 141 lbs of Chicago is 11-1.

Cesar Alan Valenzuela won a eight-round split decision over Dennis Galarza in a super featherweight bout.

Valenzuela won two cards by 77-75 tallies while Galarza took a card 77-75-

Valenzuela, 103 1/2 lbs of Mexico is 13-4-1. Galarza, 130 lbs Orlando is 13-2.

Emanuel Medina scored a 2nd round stoppage over Francisco Medal in a scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

Medina of Los Angeles is 11-0 with eight knockouts. Medal of Mexico is 9-5. The time of the stoppage was 1:24.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, unified heavyweight titlist Tyson Fury could be stripped of his title after several cancellations of his rematch with former champion Wladimir Klitschko.

Fury will have to uodate the WBO of his health stauts.

Mick Hennessy, Fury’s promoter, did not specify a reason for Fury’s withdrawal other than to say he had been “declared medically unfit to fight. Medical specialists have advised that the condition is too severe to allow him to participate in the rematch and that he will require treatment before going back into the ring. Tyson will now immediately undergo the treatment he needs to make a full recovery.”

“We are very sorry to hear the reports that you have allegedly pulled out of the October 29th bout due to a serious depression you are being treated for,” the WBO wrote to Fury on Monday. “Please know that all at the WBO are concerned for you and wish you the best for a full and complete recovery.

“As you know, since the date your title was won on November 28, 2015, you have not defended your title and you have been inactive. On June 24, 2016, an ankle injury forced you to withdraw from your heavyweight rematch against Wladimir Klitschko scheduled for July 9th in Manchester,” the WBO wrote.

“The committee may condition its approval of a disability extension upon the champion providing interim medical certifications that he is reasonably expected to recover within the term of the disability extension.”

Peter Fury, Tyson’s uncle and trainer, does not believe his nephew should be stripped of his belts.

“With Tyson’s condition, he cannot be held culpable,” he said, adding that a detailed statement on his health would be released soon. “He will not and should not be stripped of belts.”

“We would appreciate that the physician specifically clarifies the nature and extent of your condition and your prognosis for return to training and your return to competition,” the letter said.

If the WBO does not receive the information it asked for, it said it “will proceed with the necessary appropriate action without the benefit of an appeal. The WBO wishes you the best good fortune on a prompt and speedy recovery. We looked forward to your prompt response to assist (the) committee in reaching the fairest decision for you, the top contenders in the heavyweight division, and your future return to complete your world championship career.”

108 pound world champion Ganigan Lopez will defend his crown against Pedro Guevara on October 15th, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

When I was offered the fight with Guevara I, of course, accepted without hesitation,” Lopez said. “I do not mind coming to Guevara’s home to defend my championship because I’m at my best. I really hope to fight the best Pedro Guevara. The fans deserve a great fight. I am confident this will also be a big fight between two brave Mexican warriors …”

Mark Magsayo remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over Ramiro Robles in a featherweight bout.

Magsayo dropped Robles in round two with a right hand.

In round seven, Magsayo put Robles down with a body combination.

Magsayo, 125 1/2 lbs of the Philippines won by scores of 120-106, 119-107 and 118-108 and is now 15-0. Robles, 123 1/2 lbs of Mexico falls to 13-6-1.

Cris Cybirg took out Lina Lansberg in round two of their featherweight bout in Brasilia, Brazil.

In round two, Lansberg began to bleed from her nose. Cyborg had Lansberg on the ground and landed hammer fists until the bout was stopped at 2:29.

Cyborg, 141 lbs of Huntington Beach, CA is 17-1. Lansberg, 140 lbs of Malmo, SWE is 6-2.

Renan Borao won a unanimous decision over Phillipe Nover in a featherweight bout.

Borao, 146 lbs of Rio de Janieiro, BRA won by scores of 30-27 and 29-28 twice and is now 36-4-1. Nover, 146 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 12-7-1.

Roy Nelson stopped Antonio Silva in the 2nd round of their heavyweight bout.

Nelson got Silva on the ground with a perfect right and pounded the former title challenger with 4 crushing punches before the bout was stopped at 4:10.

Nelson, 248 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 23-13. Silva, 265 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 19-10-1.

Francisco Trinaldo stopped Paul Felder in the 3rd round of their lightweight bout due to cuts.

In round two, Felder began to bleed over his right eye. In round three, The cut worsened and the bout was stopped by the referee at 2:25.

Trinaldo, 155 lbs of Brasilia, BRA is 21-4. Felder, 155 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is 12-3.

Eric Spicely scored a big upset when he made Thiago Santos tap out in the 1st round of their middleweight bout.

Spicely got Santos on the ground, got him on his back and locked in a choke that made Santos Tap at 2:58.

Spicely, 185 lbs of Olneyville, RI is 9-2. Santos, 186 lbs of Rio de Jenario, BRA is 13-5.

Godofredo Pepe choked out Mike De La Torre in the 1st round of their featherweight bout.

Pepe had De La Torre’s back and got a rear choke that force De La Torre to tap at 3:03.

Pepe, 146 lbs of Fortaleza, BRA is 14-4. De La Torre, 146 lbs of Glendale, AZ is 14-6-1

It was a tough grueling fight that saw Linares ump out to an early lead on the strength of his quick combinations and handspeed.

In round five, Linares was cut over his left eye. In round six, Crolla was starting to take charge of the bout with his work to the body and uppercuts inside, until Linares hurt Crolla badly with a right hand that wobbled the Manchester native on the ropes.

Both guys had their moments down the stretch as Linares, at times seemed like he was losing his stamina, only to come back with hard combinations and he was able to eek out rounds.

Linares of Venezuela won by scores of 117-111, 115-114 and 115-113 and is now 41-3. Crolla is now 31-5-3.

Jack Arnfield won a twelve round unanimous decision over John Ryder in a middleweight bout.

Arnfield won by scores of 117-114, 118-110 and 115-114 and is now 21-2. Ryder is 23-3.

Callum Johnson scored a 9th round stoppage over Wilbeforce Shihepo in a scheduled twelve round light heavyweight bout.

In round five, Shihepo was docked a point for holding. Shihepo kept holding and was deducted another point in round seven. Later in the round, Johnson dropped Shihepo with a body shot. Johnson finihed things with a huge right that dropped Shiphepo in the 9th round. Shihepo could not beat the count at 2:07.

Johnson is now 16-0 with 11 knockouts. Shiphepo of Namibia is 23-9.

Conor Benn remained undefeated by scoring a 6-round decision over Ross Jameson.

The score was 60-55 for Benn, who is now 5-0. Jameson is 1-2.

Hosea Burton scored two knockdowns in the 3rd round and stopped Fernando castaneda in the same round of their scheduled ten round light heavyweight bout.

The stoppage came at 2:18 of round three, for Burton, who is now 18-0 with nine knockouts. Casteneda is 24-11.

Light heavyweight Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic regained his winning ways by registering a fifth-round knockout over previously unbeaten Travis Peterkin at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma.

Making his ShoBox debut and first start since suffering his lone defeat on a disputed decision to Marcus Browne, a motivated Kalajdzic (22-1, 15 KOs) of St. Petersburg, Fla., dropped Peterkin (16-1-1, 7 KOs), of the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, N.Y., two times in the fifth before the fight was stopped at 1:32.

Kalajdzic overwhelmed Peterkin with consistent aggression, superior fighting spirit and better power. He landed 45 percent of his power shots, including 60 percent in the final round. Plus, he led 37-7 in body connects.

“The one-dimensional nature of Travis Peterkin cost him big time because he had no answer for Hot Rod’s right hand, and when he threw his own power shots they were ineffective,’’ ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood said afterward. “He was exposed tonight, and Kalajdzic rejuvenated his career after the loss with Marcus Browne.”

A 6-foot-2 native of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kalajdzic dropped Peterkin the first time with a right-left combination and finished him with a right-left-right combination. Peterkin fell heavily in a neutral corner, prompting the referee to stop it.

“He was a little bit awkward so it took me a little bit to find my range but once I did and I got into a rhythm, I knew he wasn’t going to last,’’ Kalajdzic said. “We have been working on staying patient and finding that range and it showed tonight.

“I wanted to make a statement in this fight and I did. I want the biggest names in the light heavyweight division, but before that I want Marcus Browne again. That is unfinished business for me. If he really thinks he won the fight then let’s do it again. We could fight next week. I’m ready.’’

Ivan Baranchyk won a 10-round unanimous decision over Wang Zhiman in a battle of undefeated junior welterweights.

Baranchyk, despite getting cut for the first time in his career (over his left eye in the fifth), won by the scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91. There were no knockdowns.

The rounds, particularly in the fight’s second half, were competitive. Both fighters landed a high percentage of power shots, 44 percent for Baranchyk, 41 percent for Zhimin, but the difference was that Baranchyk was busier, crisper and physically stronger.

Going more than four rounds for the first time, he answered questions about his late-round stamina and feels he is now ready to step up again.

“The 140-pound division is loaded with talent,’’ Baranchyk said. “There are tons of fighters I would love to fight, but there are two guys in particular I’d like to fight next: Maurice Hooker and Abel Ramos. Hooker is with Roc Nation and is above me in the ratings. He’s undefeated and this would be a great fight to prove I’m one of the best up-and-coming guys in this division. I’d love Ramos to fight Ramos too. We are both promoted by DBE and I have heard he called me out. He’s a come forward guy and those are the type of fights I like and that make for great TV.

“I love the fans here in Miami and I love fighting on ShoBox. This was my first time going 10 rounds and I feel great. Of course I would have liked to get the knockout because I always want to put on a spectacular show, but this was a great learning experience for me. He was an extremely tough opponent and I was surprised he was able to take so many big shots. We have been working on being patient and boxing and I was able to show that tonight.’’

Wang, who gave his best and never allowed Baranchyk to relax, said, “I felt a little tight and I couldn’t get my punches off like I wanted to. He was a little too big for me.’’

Trey Lippe Morrison stopped Ed Latimore in the first round of a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout featuring undefeated fighters.

In round one, Morrison landed a little left hook inside that put Latimore on the canvas. Morrison then landed two rights that was followed by another left hook that put Latimore down again. Latimore finished Latimore off with a hard right hand that buckled Latimore and referee Gary Ritter stopped the bout at 2:19.

Morrison, 221 1/2 lbs of Oklahoma is now 12-0 with 12 knockouts. Latimore, 219 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA is now 13-1.

“You know I have to watch the fight, but I think I did alright,’’ said Morrison after what was supposed to be the most dangerous assignment of his career. “I know I have to be patient and work behind my jab and just take the opening that I see – patiently. Being patient is something I’ve really been working on. I really felt my patience this time.

“I didn’t expect it to end this quick. I knew it might, but I didn’t plan on it. It felt good to drop a guy with my left hand. I never had the accuracy or quickness with the left that I do know. I now feel that I am equally adept with both hands. My left is like my right.

“To win a fight like this is definitely a relief. I was nervous about the fight, but not about fighting on TV. This was supposed to be my toughest fight on paper and I think I did well.

“I feel I may have opened some eyes, but that’s in large part to Freddie Roach. I feel I’m improving thanks to Freddie. I’m throwing quicker, snappier punches and the coordination between my footwork with my hands is way better. All that is because of Freddie.

“I wasn’t going for the KO but I’m glad it happened. I could not have done it without Freddie, that’s for sure. I’ll be going back to California in a week and then right to the gym.”

The knockout was Lippe Morrison’s ninth in the first round. He also has two second-round knockouts and one fourth-round KO in a career that began in February 2014.

Ivan Golub remained undefeated by stopping James Stevenson in round three of their scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

In round three, Golub landed a perfect right counter hat sent Stevenson to the jaw. Golub continued to land flurries of punches and the bout was stopped at 2:51.

Golub, 146 1/2 lbs of Ukraine is 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Stevenson, 146 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 23-3.

“To me the guy that stole the show was Golub,” said Farhood. “We keep thinking of him as a boxer but he showed tremendous power tonight. He knocked out a very sturdy opponent in Stevenson and Baranchyk will benefit tremendously by going 10 rounds. He showed a lot by throwing as many punches as he did late in the fight against an opponent who simply wouldn’t be hurt.’’

“I could see from the first round that he was leaving himself wide open when he was coming in,’’ said Golub after his second ShoBox start. “I knew it was only a matter of time until I caught him with something really big and I would get him out of there. I’m happy with the performance but know I still have a lot to improve on. Our game plan was to be patient and box and let him come to us. I’m looking forward to getting back in there soon and continuing to climb the ranks of the welterweight division.’’

Goodofredo Pepe – Mike De La Torre 146
Gilbert Burns 156 – Muchel Prazeres 158
Rani Yahya 126 – Michinoti Tanaka 125
Jussier Formiga 126 – Dustin Ortiz 124
Luan Chargas 171 – Erick Silva 171
Alan Patrick 156 – Stevie Ray 156
Vicente Luque 171 – Hector Urbina 170
Glaico Franca 156 – Gregor Gillespie 156

The November 5th Manny Pacquiao – Jessie Vargas card will feature a total of 4 world title bouts, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We were bound and determined to make this the best overall boxing card of the year, and four world title fights on it with fighters from all over the word does just that,” promoter Bob Arum told ESPN.com. “We think boxing is a great sport and it has global ramifications, and we will have fighters from the United States, from Mexico, from China, the Philippines and Japan. I love that. It’s like I’m promoting fights in the United Nations.”

In the co-feature, junior featherweight titlist Nonito Donaire (37-3, 24 KOs), 33, the most famous active Filipino fighter other than Pacquiao, will make his second defense when he takes on mandatory challenger Jessie Magdaleno (23-0, 17 KOs).

“Jessie is a great challenger, a mandatory defense and I know he’s hungry because he has been calling me out on social media,” said Donaire, the 2012 fighter of the year who has won world titles in four weight classes (five if interim titles are included) from flyweight to featherweight.

“I am working great with my new trainer, Ismael Salas. We are learning about each other and he’s instructing me about a more precise, compact way of fighting, but still [how to] be very explosive as everyone is going to see on Nov. 5,” Donaire said.

Said manager Cameron Dunkin: “[Donaire has] fought the best and beat the best. He’s faced many tough challenges. This is a very tough challenge, but this is what Nonito does.”

“As a kid, I’ve dreamt of this moment, and the time is finally here,” said Magdaleno, younger brother of former lightweight world title challenger Diego Magdaleno. “Nov. 5, I will be victorious with my hands up high.”

Frank Espinoza, Magdaleno’s manager, has watched Donaire for years and respects him but believes his fighter is ready to knock off the veteran.

“Jessie Magdaleno is very, very motivated for his fight against Nonito Donaire,” Espinoza said. “Nonito has been a great champion and has fought in many big fights for a long time. But this is Jessie’s time. He has worked hard, and he has what it takes to win and become a world champion.”

Said Arum: “I think it’s a terrific fight. The managers are really confident, Cameron and Frank. Magdaleno, when he lets his hands go, is terrific, and I love Donaire as a fighter. This is going to be a good one.”

Featherweight titlist Oscar Valdez (20-0, 18 KOs), a 25-year-old, two-time Olympian from Mexico, knocked out Matias Adrian Rueda in the second round on July 23 to win a vacant belt and will make his first defense against mandatory challenger Hiroshige Osawa (30-3-4, 19 KOs), 31, of Japan. Hiroshige will be facing the first notable opponent of his 12-year career.

“As a world champion, you have to face tough challenges, and my first defense will be against a tough challenger, but I am ready to face him,” Valdez said. “I worked hard to get my belt, and I intend to keep it for a long time.”

“Oscar Valdez won his world championship with a spectacular performance in July, and on Nov. 5, I am sure he will give us another great fight and he will get the win to retain his belt.”

The opening bout of the pay-per-view will pit two-time Chinese Olympic gold medalist and three-time world amateur champion Zou Shiming (8-1, 2 KOs) against Thailand’s Kwanpichit Onesongchaigym (39-1-2, 24 KOs) for one of the flyweight world titles vacated earlier this month by Juan Francisco Estrada, who is moving up in weight.

“And I know (casino magnate) Steve Wynn is delighted he is on the card because there will be many high-rollers from China coming in for the fight and staying at (host casino) The Wynn because Zou is fighting for a world title. And if he wins, it means huge fights in 2017 in China and Macau.”