According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, last weekend’s Canelo Alvarex – Amir Khan fight drew a reported 600,000 Pay Per View Buys.

“It looks like it will be around 600,000 buys,” said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “We’re extremely happy about it. If you think about it, Canelo has had the top two pay-per-views of the last four [major] pay-per-views.”

“It’s the changing of the guard,” De La Hoya said about Alvarez, the 25-year-old Mexican star many view as the face of boxing in the post Mayweather/Pacquiao era.

“The fight did way more than that,” he said. “We know that for a fact. The numbers are still coming in, and it could be over or a little under, but it will be around 600,000.”

“The future is that the sky’s the limit for Canelo,” De La Hoya said. “He is on his way to breaking Floyd’s pay-per-view records. We are extremely proud of the work we have done at Golden Boy Promotions, but when you have a special product like Canelo, the sky is the limit. And Amir did his part. A lot of people were saying it wouldn’t be a good fight, but Amir and Canelo both came to fight, both gave everything they had, and it was a good, exciting fight, and people got their money’s worth.”

“Like I promised at the [post-fight] press conference, I called Loeffler on Sunday, and we’re going to continue talks,” De La Hoya said. “We will continue our conversations and see what we come up with. But Canelo will fight in September. We just opened up the conversations. Loffler respects the fact that Canelo just got home to Guadalajara and will take a few days off. But I know we’re under the gun with the WBC situation.”

But will the fight happen?

“Canelo wants to break records,” De La Hoya said. “He wants to be a legend. He wants to take risks. He wants to dare to be great.”

According to Dan Rafael, longtime middleweight contender, Matthew Macklin announced his retirement.

“Last month, at the O2 Arena in London, around the halfway point in my fight with Brian Rose, I knew it was time to retire,” Macklin said. “My face was marking up; I was getting frustrated at not being able to land my shots, and I knew that physically, after a long career, my body was telling me that enough was enough.

“I also knew that I didn’t want to go out like that, so with the help of my brother Seamus I decided to end my career on my terms and pulled the win out of the bag in the last few rounds. Deep down, I came to the realization on the night that it was probably going to be my last fight. I turn 34 (on Saturday) and, after much reflection, I have decided that following 24 years in the sport, over 80 amateur fights and 41 professional fights, it is time to hang up my gloves.”

“Fifteen years is a long time in professional boxing, and for me, it has been a real roller-coaster journey,” Macklin said. “I’ve had a great career but I know that now is the right time to bow out. I’m not the fighter I once was. Father Time catches up with us all eventually. I never wanted to do things the easy way or to be a big fish in a small pond. I wanted to know how good I was and test myself against the very best the sport had to offer, and I can proudly say I did that.

“I fought Sturm, Sergio Martinez and the best of them all, Gennady Golovkin. Most importantly, I fought them all in their primes. While I’m very grateful that boxing gave me such wonderful moments, it’s a sport that demands a lot of sacrifice. You miss out on a lot of things, so I’m excited to move on to the next phase of my life now. I’m happy with how I finished the Rose fight and conducted myself throughout my career.

“I’m proud of what I achieved, from winning national titles and a senior ABA title as an 18-year-old in the amateurs to winning Irish and British titles and becoming a two-time European champion as a professional. Sadly, I never managed to get my hands on that elusive world title but I should have done that night in Cologne (Germany) in 2011. I believe I was very unlucky to be on the wrong side of a bad decision to Felix Sturm.”

“There have be so many great nights, but I think the Sturm fight in 2011 — leaving aside the judges’ decision — was probably the best,” he said. “I had announced myself on the world scene in a great fight against one of the longest-serving world champions in the sport, and although we didn’t get the decision, we celebrated anyway because we knew who won the fight, and so did they.

“Another highlight has to be fighting future Hall of Famer, and then one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Sergio Martinez at the famous Madison Square Garden in 2012. The fact that it was St. Patrick’s Day made it all the more special, and I must admit to smiling hugely when I saw the HBO billboard in Times Square.”

“Finally, I want to thank all the fans that watched me and supported me throughout the years, many of them traveling far and wide to do so,” he said. “Without you, there would have been no journey. Thank you.”

Recently disposed WBO Super Middleweight champion, Arthur Abraham will be back in the ring on July 16 in Germany.

“I’m not ready to say goodbye to the sport I love so much,” Abraham (44-5, 29 KOs), 36, of Germany, said. “‘The fight with Ramirez did not go as planned, but I promise this will not happen again. I will show that I can do better and that I can become world champion again. That is my greatest wish.”

“I was not happy with Arthur’s performance against Ramirez, but I have decided to give the boy another chance,” Wegner said. “He did not do enough in Las Vegas to retain his title and call himself a champion. Now he must work harder and show that this was just a blip in his character.”

“Arthur has overcome many obstacles in his career — fighting through a broken jaw to defend his middleweight title against Edison Miranda (in 2006) and suffering defeat in the Super Six on his way to becoming a two-weight world champion.

“He has come back from defeat before, and we’re sure he can do it again. It’s now about his legacy and how he wants to be remembered as a boxer. He must show that the fire still burns and that he’s willing to put in the work to become world champion again.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBA Super Middleweight champion Giovanni De Carolis will defend his title against Tyron Zeuge on July 16 in Berlin, Germany.

“Tyron Zeuge is leading the way for a new generation of world-class German boxers, and by beating De Carolis, he can take his place among the best in the world,” promoter Kalle Sauerland said.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” Zeuge said. “Whether I’m ready for it, other people will have to judge. But one thing is for certain: On July 16 I will give everything to fulfill my dream of becoming world champion.”

A deal has been reached for a WBA Interim Heavyweight title bout between champion Luis Ortiz and Alexander Ustinov according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We have a deal in place with Frank Warren,” said Golden Boy Promotions vice-president Eric Gomez, referring to Ustinov’s promoter. “We have an agreement in principle, but nothing is signed. We are going to contract this week, and we will notify the WBA that we have a deal.”

“So we kept negotiating with Frank Warren, and we were able to come to an agreement,” Gomez said. “The fight will be on HBO, and we’re looking at August or September.”

“King Kong is ready, willing and able to fight anybody. He will fight anyone,” Gomez said. “We are looking forward to getting this fight with Ustinov on.”

LAS VEGAS – Canelo Alvarez had none of the speed. None of the footwork. But he had one punch. It was enough and now he has it all.

Canelo’s power was summed up Saturday night in one mighty strike that sent Amir Khan bouncing off the canvas like a flat board off a concrete floor midway through a bout that re-asserted the Mexican’s ability to dictate what’s next. Who’s next.

As a statement, it was as definitive as it was dramatic. It showed just how quickly Canelo (47-1-1, 33 KOs) can turn things, everything and anything, in his favor. For weeks, there was a debate about a 155-pound catch weight for a bout that was his first defense of the WBC’s 160-pound title.

Five pounds here, five pounds there. The power is heavy on any scale. It landed, lightning bolt-like, just when it looked as if a major upset was brewing. Khan’s hand speed and agile feet were giving Canelo fits throughout the first five rounds. In the second round, a knot appeared on Canelo’s right cheek bone. But it was there long enough to become a critical target for Khan’s long and accurate jab.

“I was getting in the ring with a big guy,’’ said Khan, who was taken to a nearby emergency room for observation after the bout. “Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the end.’’

In one momentary lapse, Khan (31-4, 19 KOs) ducked and Canelo threw a right hand counter that landed like a bomb on a chin that has long been a target. At 2:37 of the sixth round, it was over in knockout in an HBO pay-per-view bout, the first at the new T-Mobile Arena.

The crowd went wild. For a few scary moments, Khan never heard the roar. He was out. The back of his head had bounced off the canvas at least once. A crowd of Nevada officials and corner men surrounded him like paramedics. They waved a white towel in what looked to be desperate attempt at getting him to regain consciousness. It looked like an accident scene.

All the while, Canelo paraded from one side of the ring to the other, celebrating his victory. He waved at Gennady Golovkin, who was in a ringside seat.

“i invited him into the ring,’’ Canelo said. “Like we say in Mexico: ‘We don’t f— around.’

“I don’t fear anyone. We don’t come to play in this sport. I fear no one in this sport.’’

When asked if he would fight GGG this year in a title defense mandated by the WBC, Canelo said he was ready.

“Right now,’’ he said. “Right now, I’ll put on the gloves.’’

That didn’t happen, of course. And there’s still doubt about whether it will happen later this year. Canelo has all the leverage, which means he could continue to demand a 155-pound catch-weight, even at the risk of having the WBC title stripped from his thick waist.

“Gennady, Gennady where are you?’’ Canelo promoter Oscar De La Hoya said from the ring after the bout. “We want to talk to you, talk to and your representatives tomorrow.’’

According to the WBC, Canelo has 15 days to negotiate a deal with GGG.

“I am old school,’’ Golovkin said before opening bell. “Middleweight is 160. I respect the sport of boxing.”

But Canelo holds the upper hand at the negotiating table, especially if the pay-per-view audience is anywhere near the one million mark.

For now, all of boxing’s respect and its perks are on Canelo’s side of the table. That’s power, too.
Attachments area

David Lemieux says it’s a beginning.

Frankie Gomez finally passed a test that will allow him to graduate from prospect to contender.

Curtis Stevens changed his nickname.

Diego De La Hoya has more than a legend’s last name. He has some speed and sting in his hands too.

Jason Quigley waved an Irish flag. Danced to Irish music.

Rashidi Ellis walked out of T-Mobile Arena the way he walked in.

It was a double debut.

Anthony Crolla scored a stunning 7th round stoppage over Ismael Barroso to retain his WBA Lightweight title at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

The bout headlined a seven bout telecast on AWE.

Barroso raced out and set a fast pace over the first four rounds.  Crolla was biding his time landing some good shots on the the middle of the ring and he started to take over on a fading Barroso towards the end of round five.  In round six, Crolla began to hurt Barroso and the Venezuelan challenger started to break down and seemed spent as he walked to his corner.  Crolla jumped on Barroso and landed a tremendous flurry of punches that put Barroso on the canvas for the ten count.

It was the second straight stunning knockout for Crolla on AWE–A Wealth of Entertainment as he won his title with a knockout over Darleys Perez in November.

Crolla is now 31-4-3 with 13 knockouts.  Barroso is 19-1-2.

“What a day for boxing on AWE.  Once again, AWE had a stellar show that was headlined by a great knockout by Anthony Crolla.  We continue to put on exciting world title bouts and we should have some announcements about more great boxing action the coming months,” said AWE President, Charles Herring.

In the televised co-feature from Hamburg, Germany, Kubrat Pulev won the European Heavyweight title and an IBF Elimination Heavyweight bout by winning a 12-round split decision over Dereck Chisora.

Pulev controlled the action with quick combinations and Chisora was never able to get in a groove to land any hard power shots.

Pulev won by scores of 118-110  and 116-112.  Somehow a judge saw the fight for Chisora by 115-113.

Pulev is 23-1.  Chisora is 25-6.

Shayne Singleton stopped Anwil Anwar in round eight of their ten round welterweight contest.

Singleton looked like he was going to make it a quick and easy night as he dropped Anwar in round one from a left hook.  Anwar was able to steady himself and have success over the next handful of rounds by getting in some good right hands.  With the fight being on an even level, Singleton landed a big left that sent Anwar down in round eight.  Anwar was clearly hurt, and Singleton jumped all over him and the fight was quickly stopped at 1:37 of round right.

Singleton is now 23-1 with eight knockouts.  Anwar is 22-6.

Martin Murray tuned up for a June 25 showdown with George Groves by stopping an overmatched Cedric Spera in a scheduled 8-round Super Middleweight bout.

Murray dropped Spera with a left to the body in round two and finished him off with hard right that sent Spera down and out at 1:47 of round two.

Murray is now 33-3-1 with 16 knockouts.  Spera is 12-5.

Marcus Morrison scored a 2nd round stoppage over Jefferson De Souza in a scheduled 10-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Morrison dropped De Souza with a left hook in round one and the bout was stopped in the 2nd.

Morrison is now 11-0.  De Souza is now 16-2-2.

Hosea Burton scored a 4th round stoppage over Michal Ludwiczak in a scheduled 6-round light heavyweight bout.

Burton dropped Ludwiczak with a left hook in round three.  Burton scored another knockdown from a left hook in round four and the fight was stopped shortly after at 2:58.

Burton is now 16-0.  Ludwiczak is 13-4.

Tommy Coyle (22-3) won a decision over Reynaldo Mora (7-13-1) in a super lightweight bout via referee score of 59-55.

Philadelphia, PA (May 6, 2016)–Kermit Cintron pounded out a 6-round unanimous decision over Eduardo Flores in a junior middleweight bout.

Cintron was systematic with his punches and worked well to the body and head. Flores was a game opponent who tried and got in a few decent shots of his own.

In the end, Cintron a former world champion making his first start in 27-months, fought well and got some needed rounds in and won all cards by 60-54 scores.

Cintron of Reading, PA is now 36-5-2. Flores is 23-21-3.

Naim Nelson won a 6-round unanimous decision over Carlos Velasquez in a junior welterweight bout.

Nelson of Philadelphia won all cards 60-54 and is now 13-1, 1 NC. Velasquez of Managua, Nicaragua is 24-24-2.

Scott Kelleher thrilled the crowd with a three-round beatdown of Terrell James in a scheduled four round junior welterweight bout.

Kelleher landed hard power shots over the first two rounds as he dived up his punches between the body and head. Kelleher landed some vicious body shots in round three and assaulted James with a hard flurry in the corner until referee Blair Talmidge stopped the bout at 2:23 of round three.

Kelleher of Philadelphia is 5-0 with three knockouts. James of Philadelphia is 1-4-1.

Erik Spring won a 6-round split decision over Justin Johnson in a junior middleweight bout.

Spring controlled the bout, yet somehow Johnson took a card 59-55. That was overruled by 60-54 and 59-55 scores in favor of Spring.

Spring of Reading, PA. is now 7-1. Johnson of Pittsburgh is 6-12-4.

Aaron Brooks made a successful pro debut with a 4-round unanimous decision over Ryan Bivins in a battle of Philadelphia based super middleweights.

In round three, Brooks landed a couple of right hands that hurt Bivins and his glove ultimately touched the canvas for a knockdown. In the fourth round, another right hand hurt Bivins and he went down on a slow reaction.

Brooks won by scores of 40-34 twice and 39-36. Bivins falls to 0-2-1.

Thomas Velasquez scored a thudding second round stoppage over Grashino Yancy in a scheduled four round junior lightweight bout.

Velasquez landed a perfect left hook to the head that sent Yancy down in the corner. he could not beat referee Shawn Clark’s count at 1:39 of round two.

Velasquez, 131.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 5-0 with four knockouts. Yancy, 131.2 lbs of Staten Island, NY is 1-1

Tyrone Crawley Jr. pounded out a 4-round unanimous decision over Korey Sloane in a lightweight bout.

Crawley of Philadelphia won by 40-36 tallies on all cards and is now 5-0. Sloane of Philadelphia is 2-9-2.

Emmanuel Folly scored a stoppage after round one of his scheduled 4-round featherweight bout with Bryan Perez.

Perez injured his hand and the bout was stopped in the corner.

Folly of Philadelphia is 7-0 with five knockouts. Perez of Carolina, PR is 2-4-1.

Amir Shabazz won a 4-round unanimous decision over Tahlik Taylor in a Lightweight bout.

Shabazz scored a knockdown in round one from a right hand.

Shabazz, 174.4 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 39-36 on all cards and is now 4-0. Taylor, 174.9 lbs of Freeport, NY is now 1-4.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the July 23 HBO PPV fight between WBO 140 lb champion and WBC titleholder Viktor Postol is now set for Las Vegas.

“It’s a very good matchup, the best you can make in the junior welterweight division,” Top Rank CEO Bob Arum told ESPN.com. “What it really is is a fight for supremacy in the division. I’m very pleased with it, and I think it will be a very competitive fight.”

“This is a great opportunity to show the world I’m the best champion at 140 pounds,” Crawford said.

Cameron Dunkin, Crawford’s co-manager, said he was pleased to get Crawford such a meaningful fight.

“This is a great fight, and Terence will prove he’s not only the best 140-pound fighter in the world but that he is pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world,” he said.

Said Brian McIntyre, Crawford’s trainer and co-manager: “We are going to show the world how basic Postol really is and that he got very lucky against (Lucas) Matthysse.”

“I have asked for this fight for some time,” Postol said. “I am very confident, and this will be a great fight for me. I want to thank my promoters, Elite Boxing and Top Rank, for making this fight a reality for the fans.”

Vadim Kornilov, Postol’s manager, said he believes the fight is about as even a matchup as one could ask for.

“This fight is pay-per-view view material because no one knows what to expect,” Kornilov said. “Both guys are 28-0. Either one of these guys can win and go on to become the next star in the division. It’s the type of fight fans don’t get to see often these days.”

In one undercard bout, newly minted WBO Super Middleweight champion, Gilberto Ramirez will take on Dominick Britsch.

Badou Jack retained the WBC Super Middleweight title via a dubious 12-round majority draw with former IBF champion Lucian Bute

Bute was cut around the right eye in round three from an elbow.  It seemed like Jack controlled the first ten rounds with superior boxing ability and worked the body.  Bute worked hard but he didn’t seem to make the imprint that Jack was making.  It looked like Jack was get to the finish with a comfortable decision but two judges saw it differently as they saw it 114-114.  Jack deservedly won a card 117-111.

Jack, 167.4 lbs of Stickholm, SWE is now 20-1-2.  Bute, 167 lbs of Laval, CAN is 32-3-1.

“Let’s unify the decision and see who the best is,” DeGale said to Jack in a post-fight interview moderated by SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray.

“I’m ready in September, ready in August,” responded Jack.” “I’m ready whenever. Let’s do it where it makes the most sense financially.”

“Bullshit, but is what it is. Ask Bute as well, he knows what time it is,” said Jack, who landed nearly 100 more punches than Bute, including 61 percent of his power punches, and 40 percent total of his total shots. “His punches weren’t hurting me. I feel I won the fight. Maybe I lost the last round. He’s a great guy and a great champion, but I know I won the fight.

“It’s not Bute’s fault, it’s the judges. People saw I won the fight.”

“It was a close fight,” said Bute, who connected at just a 21 percent rate with his total punches. “Believe me, it was very close fight. My last fight with DeGale was very close, tonight was a very close fight. I showed everyone I’m still at the top.”

James DeGale retained the IBF Super Middleweight championship with a 12-round unanimous decision over Rogelio Medina.

DeGale won on skills as he landed a the sharper punches but Medina pressed the action and stayed in the chest of DeGale.  DeGale fought well as he showcased some nice upper cuts as Medina worked the body effectively.

DeGale, 167.6 lbs of Harlesdon, UK won by scores of 117-111 twice and 115-113.  Medina, 167.8 lbs of Hermosillo, MX is 36-7.

“The boxing skills are too good,” DeGale said. “If I’m being honest, he’s a very strong fighter, but skills pay the bills. I watched this guy years ago and he didn’t have the engine like that. He’s gotten better and stronger in the last year and a half.

“I’m a bit disappointed – I should be taking out people like Porky Medina, no disrespect to him.

“I’m always learning in the gym. My inside work, my defense, my concentration. I’m going to go back to the gym, I’m going to work and I’ll be ready in September.

“I want Badou Jack. I want a fresh name on my record.”

“The boxing skills are too good,” DeGale said. “If I’m being honest, he’s a very strong fighter, but skills pay the bills. I watched this guy years ago and he didn’t have the engine like that. He’s gotten better and stronger in the last year and a half.

“I’m a bit disappointed – I should be taking out people like Porky Medina, no disrespect to him.

“I’m always learning in the gym. My inside work, my defense, my concentration. I’m going to go back to the gym, I’m going to work and I’ll be ready in September.

“I want Badou Jack. I want a fresh name on my record.”

Anabel Ortiz made the seventh defense of the WBA Minimumweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Katia Gutierrez at the Interview with San Fernando Gymnasium in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico.

Ortiz won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 20-3. Gutierrez is now 19-7.

Pedro Campa stopped former world champion Jose Alfaro when Alfaro stayed on his stool and took a count as the fifth round started.

Campa, 140 lbs is now 21-0 with 17 knockouts. Alfaro, 140 lbs is now 28-10-1.

Andre Berto avenged his first professional loss as he stopped Victor Ortiz in round four of their scheduled 12-round Welterweight bout.

In round one, a clash of heads caused a cut on the hairline of Ortiz,  In  round two, Ortiz dropped Berto with a straight left.  In round four, Berto dropped Ortiz with a straight right hand.  Ortiz was in trouble and took punishment on the ropes and a hard uppercut put Ortiz on the canvas for a second time.  Ortiz was if he wanted to continue by referee Jack Reiss but Ortiz didn’t answer and the fight was stopped at 1:14 of round 4

Berto of Winter Haven, CA is 31-4 with 24 knockouts.  Ortiz of Ventura, CA is 31-6-2.

Thomas Williams Jr. scored the biggest win of his career when he scored a stunning 2nd round stoppage over Edwin Rodriguez in a scheduled 10-round Light Heavyweight bout.

It was a firefight from the word go, as both guys landed huge bombs that had each other rocked and hurt on several occasions.  Just before the end of the 2nd frame, Williams nailed Rodriguez with a booming right hook that sent Rodriguez to the canvas.  Rodriguez got to his feet, but was wobbly and referee Wayne Hedgepeth stopped the bout at 2:59 of round two.

Williams, 177 lbs of Laurel, MD is now 20-1 with 14 knockouts.  Rodriguez, 177 lbs of Worcester, MA is 28-2.

Jorge Lara took out former world champion Fernando Montiel by registering 4 knockdowns in a just over a minute of their Featherweight bout.

Lara dropped Montiel seconds in with a right hook.  Montiel was wobbly when he got up and was dropped two more times with right hooks.  He was allowed to continue after the third knockdown only to be leveled with anrother rght hook and he went down face first and the fight was stopped at 1:37.

Lara, 124 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is now 28-0-2 with 20 knockouts.  Montiel, 126 lbs lbs of Los Mochis, MX has seen better days and his record now stands at 54-6-2.

Good looking Super Middleweight prospect David Benavidez stopped Phil Jackson in round two of their scheduled eight round bout.

Benavidez systematically beat down Jackson over the first round and a half until he landed a uppercut and shot to the body that softened Jackson up for a follow up left hook that sent Jackson down face first and the fight was stopped at 2:07.

Benavidez of Phoenix, AZ is now 14-0 with 13 knockouts.  Benson is now 16-3.

Gerald Washington remained undefeated by scoring a 8-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Eddie Chambers.

Washington of Los Angeles won by scores of 8-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 17-0-1.  Chambers of Philadelphia is 44-3.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (April 30, 2016) – Olympic Bronze Medalist Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) defeated Australia’s Blake Caparello (22-2-1, 6 KOs) by unanimous decision (98-91 X 3) in a 10-round super middleweight attraction in the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike main event from the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

In a bout that started off with a lot of back and forth action, Caparello struck first with a left in the second round that sent Dirrell to the canvas.

“The knockdown I got in the second round felt good,” said Caparello. “I knew I had him hurt, but I wasn’t able to capitalize on it.”

Caparello again got Dirrell against the ropes and seemingly into a bit of trouble with a similar left in round three, but eventually Dirrell settled in and managed to gain control of the fight.

Dirrell said, “My focus, determination and my drive got me the win tonight. I know I’ve got more work to do, but I never stopped grinding in there tonight.”

Caparello continued to go to work and battle, but it was clear who the ring general was from the close of the third round and until the final bell rang.

Dirrell exclaimed, “I wanted to send the boxing world and this whole division a message. I’m coming for anyone with a belt. I’ll take on anyone who’s a champion. I know I’ll be a world champion. I have to be a champion. I don’t slow down for anyone. I’m going to keep pushing to get where I’m going.”

On his struggles in the later rounds, Caparello said, “I continued to look for the same left hand all night, it just didn’t come again. Andre has a lot of tricks, he is both good and fast. I am not happy with my performance.”

Dirrell concluded, “Tonight my brother and I were both able to display our talents in front of a national audience on Spike. Anthony is strong as an ox and got the win quickly tonight. I got the win on determination and heart. I had to use my toughness in this fight, and I pushed myself as hard as I could to get the win.”

In the second televised bout of the evening, former world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (29-1-1, 23 KOs) met former world title challenger Caleb “Golden” Truax (26-3-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight affair.

The former 168-pound titleholder Dirrell got off to a quick start, scoring two knockdowns in the first round, causing referee Harvey Dock to stop the fight at just 1:49 into the first round.

Dirrell said of the dominating performance, “What helped me tonight was landing my shots early. I was right on top of him with combinations and controlling my jab and that set the tone. I showed tonight that I work hard in the gym, and it paid off. If I work like I did this time leading up to the fight, then I know nobody can beat me.”

A stunned Truax said, “Everything was great leading up to the fight. I don’t know what happened tonight. He just caught me early. I think it was an overhand right.”

Reflecting on what the victory means for his struggling hometown, Dirrell said, “My work tonight inside the ring made a big statement for what my brother and I are doing outside of the ring. A lot of people were watching tonight, and now they know a little bit more about what’s going on with the Flint Water Crisis back home.”

The opening televised bout featured undefeated knockout artist Jonathan Guzman (21-0, 21 KOs) continuing his hot streak in a 12-round super bantamweight title eliminator against Mexico’s Daniel Rosas (20-3, 12 KOs).

Guzman, an unbeaten fighter out of the Dominican Republic and now training in Massachusetts, stabilized early and easily controlled the action in the second half of the fight.

Guzman said, “I used a lot of concentration early and let him make errors so I could see what he was planning to do. Once I saw the mistakes he was making I let my hands go.”

Rosas was stunned in the third round, but Guzman was unable to close on a wobbled Rosas. In the fifth round, Guzman landed a left that knocked Rosas back and followed it with another, dropping Rosas just before the bell.

“I wanted to let him throw some punches early. It helped me gain confidence and learn his tendencies,” said Guzman. “I saw him dropping that right hand, and I knew it would open up the opportunity for me to land my left.”

Rounds six and seven saw Rosas take a pummeling, but miraculously stay on his feet. At the end of the eighth frame, Guzman dropped Rosas for a second time, and again Rosas was saved by the bell.

However, referee Benjy Esteves had seen enough and stopped the fight following the close of round eight.

When asked about the stoppage, Rosas said, “The Ref stopped the fight. I thought the fight should have continued, but he decided to stop it.” Rosas continued, “(Guzman) knocked me down, but I kept on fighting. I was never hurt. Guzman is a strong fighter, but I felt I could have continued and come back in the rest of the rounds.”

Eddie Ramirez scored a 2nd round stoppage over Osumanu Akaba in a scheduled 8-round Super Lightweight bout.

Ramirez, 139.8 lbs of Aurora, IL is now 13-0 with 9 knockouts. Akaba, 143.2 lbs of Prichard, AL is 32-10-1.

Anthony Young won a six-round unanimous decision over Juan Rodriguez in a Welterweight bout.

In round two, Young landed a flush left that sent Rodriguez to the canvas.

Chris Thomas scored a first round stoppage over Jessie Singletary in a scheduled four-round Middleweight bout.

Thomas dumped Singletary with a jumping right had that supplanted him on the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:26.

Thomas, 165.6 lbs of Atlantic City, NJ is 2-0 with 1 knockout. Singletary, 163.8 lbs of Washington, DC is 0-2.

Abraham Nova made a successful pro debut by stopping Weusi Johnson in the first round of their Super Lightweight bout.

At the end of round one, Nova landed a vicious right that sent Johnson to the canvas. Johnson got to his feet but referee David Fields stopped the bout at 2:56.

Nova, 131.6 lbs of Baintree, MA is now 1-0 with one knockout. Johnson, 128.4 lbs is 1-1.

Luther Smith remained perfect by winning a 4-round split decision over Solomon Maye in a Heavyweight bout.

Smith, 211 lbs of Washingtin, DC won by scores of 39-37 for Maye, 39-37 for Smith and 40-36 for Smith and is now 5-0. Maye, 224.2 lbs of New Haven, CT is now 1-6-1.

Chordale Booker remained undefeated by scoring a 2nd round knockdown over Tolutomi Agunbiade in a scheduled 4-round Super Welterweight bout.

In round one, Booker dropped Agunbiade with a straight left. In round two, Booker dropped Agunbiade with a body and referee Earl Brown reached the cunt of ten at 1:41 of round two.

Booker, 152.6 lbs of Brooklyn is 2-0 with two knockouts. Agunbiade, 153.2 lbs of Wichita Falls, TX is 3-7.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the WBC won’t sanction any fights in Ontario, Canada, citing safety issues.

The WBC said it has tried to communicate with the Ontario Athletic Commission but has had little luck in persuading it to follow the norms of boxing, which call for weigh-ins to take place the day before fights rather than the morning of fights.

“The WBC considers the Ontario Athletic Commission’s boxing regulations to be dangerous for the participants,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said. “Accordingly, the WBC has pleaded with the OAC to comply with the established world safety standards applicable to professional boxing.

“The OAC conducts its official weigh-in ceremony the very day of the fight. There is ample medical evidence that the OAC’s weigh-in practice is dangerous and can be detrimental to the health and safety of the fighters. Ontario also limits the amount and length of material that can be used to wrap the hands of the boxers. Again, that practice goes against the widely accepted standards around the world.”

“He is bedridden at St. Michaels Hospital ?in Toronto,” Sulaiman said.

Sulaiman said there were “several irregularities” related to the bout, including that Herrera was allowed to travel from Mexico to Toronto “without the required permit from the competent Mexican authorities.”

“While Mr. Herrera fights as a cruiserweight, the OAC licensed him to fight in the lower light heavyweight division,” he said. “Therefore, he was forced to lose a substantial amount of weight the day of the fight. At this point, it is uncertain whether the event’s promoter had medical insurance. That is one of several facts that are being investigated.”

Gennady Golovkin retained his IBF/WBA/WBC Interim Middleweight titles with an emphatic 2nd round blowout over Dominic Wade at the Forum in Inglewood, California

Golovkin dropped wade with a right to the top of the head.  The knockdown came at the end of the round.  In round two, it was inevitable as Golovkin drilled Wade with a couple of left’s followed by a right and Wade went to the canvas for a 2nd time.  Seconds later Golovkin ended Wade’s night when he landed a big right to the jaw and Wade crumpled to the canvas.  He could not and would not beat referee Jack Reiss’ count at 2:37 of round two.

Golovkin, 159 lbs of Karaganda, KZ made his 17th defense and registered his 22nd straight knockout.  He is now 35-0 with knockouts.  Wade, 159.6 lbs Largo, MD is 18-1.

Roman Gonzalez retained the WBC Flyweight title with a comfortable unanimous decision over McWilliams Arroyo.

Arroyo started off being competitive, but Gonzalez picked up the pace as early as round two and dived up hit shots to the head and body.  Arroyo was game but he was no match for the constant pressure of the undefeated champion.

Gonzalez, 111.4 lbs of Minagua, NIC won by scores of 120-108 and 119-109  and is 45-0.  Arroyo, 111.6 lbs of Fajardo, PR is now 16-3.

Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing presented the 23rd installment of the popular “Rockin Fights” series before another sellout crowd this past Saturday at The Paramount in Huntington, NY.

The main event saw Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith (21-1 17KO Mastic, NY) continue his rampage through the Light Heavyweight division, scoring a 2nd round TKO over the very game Fabiano Pena (16-5-1 12KO Los Angeles, CA) in a scheduled 10 round contest. Smith came out with a purpose at the opening bell stalking Pena behind a hard left jab. Pena did his best to try and fend him off but Smith’s relentless pressure continually backed Pena into the ropes allowing Smith to score with hard combinations. The 2nd round saw Smith land hard lefts and rights to the head and body of Pena. Pena tried answering back with wild overhand punches but Smith remained composed and his defense was tight. The non-stop action continued and near the end of the round, Smith caught Pena flush on the chin with a tremendous left hook which rocked him. Smith seized the opportunity and unleashed a barrage of 20 some odd punches on his opponent forcing referee Eddie Claudio to step in and stop the fight at 2:25 of round 2. Smith has now reeled off 15 straight wins with 10 of them by way of knockout.

Promoter Joe DeGuardia had this to say about Smith’s performance “Joe Smith looked sensational tonight against a very game, experienced opponent. I think Joe is ready to take on virtually anyone in the Light Heavyweight division and I have full confidence in Joe being in a huge Light Heavyweight fight in the very near future”.

When Joe isn’t knocking out opponents in the ring he knocks out concrete as a member of Local 66 Laborers Union.

The chief support of the card saw the “Battle for Backyard Bragging Rights” and the vacant NY State Jr. Welterweight title was up for grabs as Hicksville’s Anthony Karperis (12-2 4KO) defeated Huntington’s Alan Gotay (8-3 4KO) over 10 fast paced rounds. Each fighter brought a large contingent of fans, who were very vocal throughout this action packed contest. Karperis was the sharper of the two fighters as he boxed and effectively countered the ever charging Gotay. There were many exciting exchanges between the two local fighters but in the end Karperis came away with a decision, winning by scores of 98-92 on two cards and 100-90 on the third.

Daniel Gonzalez stopped Carlos Aguilera in round five of their scheduled 8-round Jr. Welterweight bout.

The bout was stopped at 3:00 of round five due to a cut for Gonzalez, 139.6 lbs of Woodhaven, NY is now 11-0-1 with 5 knockouts.  Aguilera, 140 lbs of Minagua, NIC is 8-16.

Patrick Day won a 6-round unanimous decision over Courtney Pennington in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Day, 154.2 lbs of Freeport, NY won by scores of 59-55 twice and 58-56 and is now 12-2-1.  Pennington, 154.2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 8-3-1.

Michael Stoute won a 4-round majority decision over Jonel Lorenzo in a Super Bantamweight bout.

Stoute, 121.8 lbs of Coram, NY won by scores of 39-37 twice and 38-38 and is now 2-0.  Lorenzo, 122 lbs of Newark, NJ was making his pro debut.

Sergio Pettis won a unanimous decision over Chris Kelades in a Flyweight bout.

Pettis, 126 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 30-27 on all cards and is now 14-2.  Kelades, 126 lbs of Cole Harbour, CAN is 9-3.

Danny Roberts won a three round unanimous decision over Dominique Steele in a Welterweight bout.

Roberts won by scores of 29-28 on all cards and is now 13-1.  Steele, 171 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 14-7.

Former Strawweight world champion Carla Esparza won a unanimous decision over Juliana Lima.

Scores were 30-27 on all cards for Esparza, 116 lbs of Irvine, CA and she is now 11-3.  Lima, 115 lbs of Brazil is 8-3.

James Vick remained perfect by winning a unanimous decision over Glaico Franca in a Lightweight bout.

Scores were 30-27 and 29-28 twice for Vick, 155 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is 9-0.  Franca, 156 lbs of Brazil is 13-4.

Walt Harris scored an explosive 1st round stoppage over Cody East in a Heavyweight bout.

Both guys landed hard shots until Harris landed a big left that sent East to the canvas.  Harris landed several flush blows and the fight was almost stopped several times until two more hard shots landed on the face of East and the fight was stopped at 4:35.

Harris, 255 1/2 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 8-4.  East 245 1/2 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 12-2.

Marcos Rogerio De Lima made Clint Hester tap in the first round of their Light Heavyweight bout.

De Lima landed hard shots before getting Hester in an arm triangle and he tapped at 4:35 of round one.

De Lima, 205 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 14-3-1.  Hester, 205 lbs of Atlanta, GA is 11-6.

Kevin Lee won a unanimous decision over Efarin Escudero in a Lightweight fight.

Lee, 156 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 29-28 on all cards and is now 12-2.  Escudero, 155.5 lbs of Tempe, AZ is 24-11.

Nonito Donaire made the first defense of the WBO Jr. Featherweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over Zsolt Bedak in Cebu City, Philippines.

In round two, Donaire landed a hard left hook that sent Bedak to the canvas.  Bedak had a bloody nose when later in the round he took another left to the top of the head and he was sent to the canvas for a second time.  In round three, Donaire landed a little right hand that was ruled a knockdown by referee Russell Mora.  Upon getting to his feet, Mora deemed Bedak unable to continue and the fight was stopped at 2:44 of round three.

Donaire is now 37-3 with 24 knockouts.  Bedak of Hungry is now 25-2.

Paul Fleming shook off a first minute knockdown to comeback and win a 10-round unanimous decision over Miguel Angel Gonzalez in a Super Featherweight bout.

Gonzalez landed the first punch of the fight to the top of Fleming’s head that sent the Australian to the canvas.  Fleming came back to box his way and take most of the remaining rounds and won by scores of 97-92 twice and 96-93.

Fleming of Sydney, Australia is now 22-0.  Gonzalez of Guadalajara, MX is 22-8-1.

Mark Magsayo remained undefeated by stopping former world title challenger Chris Avalos in round six of their scheduled 12-round Featherweight bout.

In round two, Magsayo rocked Avalos several times from right hands.  In round three, Avalos was able to gather himself and land a big left hook to the head that sent Magsayo to the canvas.  In round five, Magsayo rocked Avalos again with a left hand that had the American wobbling all over the ring.  In round six, Magsayo came out looking for the stoppage and he got it by landing two hard left hooks that hurt Avalos and Avalos  corner threw in the towel at 1:55 of round six.

Magsayo is now 14-0 with 11 knockouts.  Avalos is now 26-5.

Jon Jones 205 – Ovince Saint Preaux 205
(UFC Interim Light Heavyweight Title
Demetrious Johnson 125 – Henry Cejudo 125
(UFC FLYWEIGHT TITLE)
Anthony Pettis 156 – Edson Barboza 155
Robert Whittaker 185.5 – Rafael Natal 186
Yair Rodriguez 145.5 – Andre Fili 146
Sergio Pettis 126 – Chris Kelades 126
Danny Roberts 170.5 – Dominique Steele 171
Carla Esparza 116 – Juliana Lima 115
Glaico Franco 156 – James Vick 155
Walt Harris 255.5 – Cody East 245.5
Marcos Rogerio de Lima 205 – Clint Hester 205
Efrain Escudero 155.5 – Kevin Lee 156

WBO Jr. Welterweight champion, Terence Crawford has signed on to fight Viktor Postol in a unification bout on July 23, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Crawford had signed, and everything is virtually resolved with Postol,” Arum said. “There are a couple of little issues we have to iron out, but the big stuff is done. The money is done.

“The reason these little issues are not resolved yet is because [manager] Vadim [Kornilov] has to get our take on things and then go back to Elite Promotions and get their take,” Arum said, referring to Postol’s Ukrainian co-promoter. “It takes some times. There’s a language barrier. But it’s nothing of any serious consequence. All the major terms have been agreed to.”

“I told them they can go to the Nevada commission and ask for two neutral judges, but we can’t tell the commission who to appoint,” Arum said. “They’ll understand that. It will get worked out. We want fair judging.”

A former lightweight champion and the 2014 fighter of the year, Crawford (28-0, 20 KOs), 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, will be making his third 140-pound title defense. Postol (28-0, 12 KOs), 32, of Ukraine, will be making the first defense of the world title belt he won in upset fashion by knocking out Lucas Matthysse in the 10th round on Oct. 3 in Carson, California. Cameron Dunkin, Crawford’s co-manager, confirmed to ESPN.com that Crawford signed the contract.

“He signed, and it’s a terrific fight,” Dunkin said. “I’m glad he is fighting. Postol is the toughest guy out there in the division, and not only do you get Postol, but you also have to go up against his trainer, Freddie Roach, one of the best in the business. But I believe in my guy. I believe he’s the best fighter in the world right now, and we win this fight and move on to bigger and better things.”

“We expect a few thousand people to make the trip from Omaha to Las Vegas for the fight,” Arum said.

Kenny Bayless has been appointed to referee the May 7th bout between Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Appointed to serve as judges on the fight were Adalaide Byrd and Glenn Trowbridge, both from Las Vegas, and Connecticut’s Glenn Feldman, all of whom have extensive world title experience.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the April 9 bout between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley generated between 400,000 and 500,000 Pay Per View buys.

“It will be somewhere between those numbers, 400,000 and 500,000. It’s all being added up, but it will be closer to 400,000 than 500,000. Terrible,” said Top Rank’s Bob Arum.

Yes, it loses money,” Arum said. “It was not one of our big successes. It happens. We’re big boys. Do I feel good about it? No.”

“Certainly the pushback from Manny’s gay remarks killed us,” Arum said. “It hurt us a lot. But I think it was also less a reaction to the match than a reaction to the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight. It was a reaction like Mayweather got. Mayweather also got punished [by consumers].”

Bryant Cruz won an 8-round unanimous decision over Moises Delgadillo in a Lightweight bout at the Hilton Westchester in Rye Brook, New York.

In round two, Cruz landed a perfect right that made Delgadillo’s glove hit the canvas for a knockdown.

Cruz, 132.8 lbs of Port Chester, NY won by scores of 80-71, 79-72 and 77-75 to raise his mark to 17-1. Delgadillo, 132.4 lbs of Jalisco, MX is 17-15-2.

Noel Murphy remained undefeated by winning a 6-round unanimous decision over Ariel Vasquez in a Welterweight bout.

In round five, Murphy dropped Vasquez with a straight left.

Murphy, 144.8 lbs of Woodlawn, NY won by scores of 60-52 on all cards and is now 6-0. Vasquez, 145 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 11-13-2.

Cruiserweight Stivens Bujaj remained undefeated by stopping Harvey Jolly in round three of their scheduled six round bout.

In round two, Bujaj landed a nice combination in the corner that dropped Jolly to a knee. In round three, Bujaj landed a hard right hand that sent Jolly down for a second time. Halfway through the round, Bujaj landed a perfect uppercut that sent Jolly down again and the fight was over at 1:51.

Bujaj, 193.6 lbs of New York is now 15-0-1 with 10 knockouts. Jolly, 197.8 lbs of Nashville, TN is 15-24-1.

Billel Dob won a 8-round majority decision over Jose Salinas in a Lightweight bout.

Dib, 132.6 lbs of Sydney, Australia won by scores of 79-73, 77-75 and 76-76 and is now 19-1. Salinas, 132 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 9-2-1.

Wesley Ferrer scored a second round stoppage over Luis Alberto Pelayo in a scheduled six-round Jr. Welterweight bout.

In round one, Pelayo was cut over the left eye from an accidental headbutt. In round two, Ferrer dropped Pelayo with a left hook. Ferrer landed nine more punches and referee Johnny Callus stopped the bout.

Ferrer, 137.6 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 11-0 with six knockouts. Pelayo, 137.6 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is now 12-7-1.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, an IBF elimination bout between undefeated’s Errol Spence and Konstantin Ponomarev will be ordered for the mandatory shot against champion Kell Brook.

First, however, the camps — promoter Tom Brown on behalf of Spence and Top Rank’s Carl Moretti on behalf of Ponomarev — have to negotiate a deal. If they don’t make one, the IBF will order a purse bid.

“We were notified about the eliminator and we let Ponomarev’s management know about it,” Moretti told ESPN.com. “We are interested in the fight, so let’s see where it goes. We’ll explore it for sure and while Spence is a great prospect, we feel confident that Konstantin would do very well against him.”

Luis Cruz and Ivan Redkach battled to a 10-round split decision in a Lightweight bout at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

In round two, Cruz landed a nice one-two that sent Redkach to the canvas.

In round eight, Redkach started to bleed under the right eye. Just seconds later, Redkach landed a booming left that sent Cruz to the canvas. Redkach scored another knockdown in round nine, when he landed a right hook to the top of the head. Crus boxed well throughout but the second knockdown could have been disputed as replays showed it was more of a cuffing shot behind the head.

The disputed knockdown cost Cruz as the each guy won a card 94-93 while a third card read 94-94.

Redkach, 135.2 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is now 19-1-1. Cruz, 134.9 lbs is 22-4-1.

In a Middleweight slug-fest, Immanuel Aleem remained undefeated by pounding a 8-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Cepeda

In round two, Aleem landed a short left hook that opened up a cut over the right eye of Cepeda. Cepeda showed tremendous heart by absorbing an astonishing amount of flush shots (272-107 punch stat advantage for Aleem). Cepeda hung tough and landed some solid punches of his own, but it was not enough as Aleem won by scores of 79-73 on all cards.

Aleem, 158.9 lbs of Richmond, VA is 16-0. Cepeda, 160.4 lbs of New York, NY is 17-2.

In a battle of undefeated Middleweights, Junior Castillo won an 8-round unanimous decision over Kyrone Davis

In round four, Castillo landed a hard left that sent Davis to the canvas. Both guys landed heavy shots with Castillo landing the more effective blows.

Castillo, 157.8 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 78-73, 77-74 and 76-75 and is now 10-0. Davis, 158.2 lbs of Wilmington, DE is 10-1.

Former Middleweight & Super Middleweight world champion, Felix Sturm has tested positive for a banned substance following his title winning fight with Fedor Chudinov on February 20th, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I’ve been tested hundreds of times in my career and always the results were negative,” said Sturm, who has been tested as a professional as well during an amateur career that culminated with an appearance in the 2000 Olympics. “The fact that after two months such news comes and the [Germany boxing commission] wasn’t informed — how can this be? I will bring in the lawyers and open the ‘B’ sample.”

“At first I was shocked,” Sturm told the German news agency SID. “This is all very strange. I was tested hundreds of times tested in my career, with both blood and urine samples. There has never been anything and I have an absolutely clear conscience. I did not work 26 years for this. I always like to fight in the ring like a lion.”

WBA president Gilberto Mendoza told ESPN.com that the status of Sturm’s world title will remain unchanged until such time that the ‘B’ sample test comes back positive.

“[Sturm] will exercise his right to open the ‘B’ sample,” Mendoza said. “I will let every boxer and his team make their defense cases. However, reviewing the past cases all boxers who tested positive have being stripped.”

Former world junior welterweight champion Mike Alvarado will take on Josh Torres on June 25 in Dallas, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Henry Delgado, Alvarado’s manager and co-trainer, told ESPN.com on Monday that Alvarado has been clean and sober for a little over a year, and “he’s doing everything right. This is the first time he’s really training seriously since the [Mauricio] Herrera fight. That’s why I’m looking forward to see this Mike fight again.”

“Mike finally has his life together, and he’s taking care of business. He recently got married, and he’s doing great,” Delgado said. “He won a world title in spite of everything he was doing. Imagine Mike clean and focused 100 percent? Now he beats me to the gym, and I have to tell him to slow down and take it easy sometimes so he doesn’t kill himself in the gym.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, undefeated Featherweights Julian Ramirez and Abraham Lopez will be the televised co-feature to the much anticipated showdown between WBC Super Featherweight champion Francisco Vargas’defense against Orlando Salido at StubHub Center in Carson, California and on HBO.

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya told ESPN.com on Monday that the rumored fight has been finalized.

“These are two of our young, undefeated kids and they fight in the same weight class as two of our other prospects in the same weight class,” De La Hoya said, referring to his nephew, Diego De La Hoya, and 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph Diaz. “So, eventually, the winner will be facing off with one of those fighters. At some point we want to match them all up.”

“It’s an action fight,” De La Hoya said. “Both guys don’t how to take a step backwards. Both guys have good punching power. Both guys throw a lot of punches, so it should call for an exciting fight. Neither of these guys hesitated when we said we wanted to make this fight. We strongly feel with developing these kids in L.A., there’s a like a turf war going on. They want to prove they are the best in Los Angeles in that weight class and they will have the chance.”

WBA Heavyweight champion Lucas Browne says he passed a polygraph test that should help prove that he knowingly did no take any banned substances for his fight with Ruslan Chagaev on March 5th, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“I am pleased that the polygraph test confirmed that I am telling the truth,” Browne said. “The result is not a surprise to me as I have always said I am a clean athlete. I know I arrived in Grozny a clean athlete and I know I did nothing wrong when I was there.

“It should never be forgotten that I requested the VADA testing for the fight. Whilst the result is not a surprise to me, I consider this test another step towards proving my innocence. I remain grateful for the ongoing support of the public, my manager and my promoter. Together we are fighting this injustice.”

“I have been saying since it happened I am 100 percent behind Lucas,” Hatton said. “The whole thing just doesn’t stack up. The results of the lie detector test don’t surprise me at all. Lucas knows he didn’t do it, I know he didn’t do it and now we have a test conducted by experts that confirms he is telling the truth.

“We will keep going and do all that we can do to prove his innocence. Matters are in the hands of the lawyers and the WBA.”

Chris Van Heerden won a 10-round majority decision over Steve Claggett in a Welterweight bout at the Downtown Las Vegas Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It appeared that Claggett may have got the better of the action but Van Heerden got the nod by tallies of 97-93 twice and 95-95.

Van Heerden of South Africa is now 24-2-1. Claggett of Calgary, CAN is 23-4-1.

Neeco Macias remained undefeated by scoring a 8-round unanimous decision over Limberth Ponce in a Super Welterweight bout.

Macias won by scores of 79-73 on all cards and is now 12-0. Ponce is 10-3.

Welterweight Malik Hawkins stopped Errol Sidney Jr. in the final scheduled round.

Hawkins landed a right to the body that sent Sidney to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:02.

Hawkins of Baltimore is 7-0 with six knockouts. Sidney of New Orleans, LA 6-2-2.