Johann Duhaupas stopped previously undefeated and highly touted Robert Helenius in round six of their scheduled 12-round Heavyweight bout at the Hartwell Arena in Helsinki, Finland.

In round four, Duhaupas landed a right to the side of the head that buckled and then dropped Helenius. In round six, Helenius was bleeding from his nose. Later in the round, Duhaupas landed a perfect right that dropped Helenius again. Helenius barely beat the count, but stumbled across the ring into the ropes and the fight was stopped at 3:08.

Duhaupas of France is 34-3 with 21 knockouts. Helenius of Finland is 22-1.

Adrien Broner stopped Ashely Theophane in round nine of their scheduled 12-round Super Lightweight bout at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.

Broner was in control of the bout as he landed some hard shots and had Theophane in trouble several times. Each time Theophane was able to dodge serious damage until round nine, Broner landed a body shot (replays showed the punch was low) that sent Theophane across the ring. Brone stalked and landed two more power punches and then referee stopped the bout at 1:10 of round two.

Broner, 140.4 lbs of Cincinnati, OH lost his title on the scales at Thursday’s weigh in. Broner was wanted on charges back home in Cincinnati for an alleged assault that took place in January. Broner is now 32-2 with 24 knockouts. Theophane, 140 lbs of London, England is now 39-7-1.

After the bout, Broner called out Floyd Mayweather for a potential fight.

“When people fight me, they come with their ‘A’ game, and he came with his ‘A’ game. But even his ‘A’ game wasn’t enough tonight.

“As you know, I’ve been going through a lot and for me to come in here and bottle everything up and do what I did, I want to give myself a pat on the back.”

Theophane was disappointed and didn’t agree with the stoppage.

“I thought the stoppage was premature because I thought I was in the fight. Me and Broner were going at it. It looked like he was starting to get tired because he started to move around and wasn’t able to stay there with me as much.

“I thought the fight was back and forth and I think the next four rounds would have been the same. No way should the fight have gotten stopped. It’s a shame the referee did that. I was telling the referee, ‘I’m okay, I’m okay.’ Then he waived it off. I don’t know what he was thinking.”

Broner and Mayweather, who promotes Theophane, have been engaged in a war of words throughout the promotion. Broner challenged the 11-time world champion immediately following his victory.

“I’m a man, but at the end of the day, somebody that I look up to, someone that I admire took the chance to do an interview and talk bad about me. I’m a man – Floyd has got to see me.

“I come from nothing. I’m talking about water and Cornflakes. And I would never let a man disrespect me like that. So you gotta see me. I don’t care if we’re sparring or if we’re fighting, let’s get it on.

Mayweather did not address the comments.

Robert Easter remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over former world champion Algenis Mendez in a scheduled 10-round Lightweight fight.

In round five, Easter landed a booming right that sent Mendez to the canvas. Mendez got up but was wobbling and his eyes were glazed and the bout was stopped at 2:43.

Easter, 133 lbs of Toledo, OH is 17-0 with 14 knockouts. Mendez, 134.2 lbs of San Juan, DR is 23-4-1.

“My performance was okay. I could have done better, but I’m happy. I got touched more than I expected. Once I settled down, I knew I was going to catch him. I had to stay patient.

“Two boxers makes for a boring fight. I wanted to go in there and brawl, but be smart. I knew when I stepped on the gas I would put him to bed and that’s what I did. He was definitely the toughest opponent I have faced in a shorter fight. He is a former champ and he came in ready.

“This was a huge opportunity for me and I’m just happy I got the knockout. For what it’s worth, I feel good…at least physically I do. I’m pretty disappointed because of the way things turned out, but boxing is a difficult sport.

“I don’t have any excuses. I’m glad that I feel fine physically, that’s the most important thing right now. Robert Easter is a good fighter, he did really well and I wish him the best in his career.”

Gervonta Davis remained perfect by stopping Guillermo Avila in round six of their scheduled of their ten round Super Featherweight bout.

In round three, Davis landed a blistering right hook that opened up a big cut under the left eye of Avila. At the end of round five, Davis dropped Avila with a right hook.

In round six, Davis opened up with heavy power shots that were highlighted by flush uppercuts that rocked Avila to the ropes and referee Michelle Myers stopped the bout at 29 seconds.

Davis, 131.2 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 15-0 with 14 knockouts. Avila, 130.6 lbs of Jamay, MEX is 15-6.

“I knew he was a strong opponent. He kept bouncing back and I actually thought he was going to get up at the end too. He is very experienced and I thank him for taking the fight. He brought out the best in me.

“There is always room to get better and better, but this is another step toward my dream. I’m happy with my performance and it is even more special to have done it where I made my pro debut, so close to home.

“I’m happy I could get this victory for my team, Floyd Mayweather and everyone that supports me.”

“We prepared really well and think we did well,” said Avila “The cut came from a head-butt which complicated the situation for me as it didn’t let me see properly from that point forward. But it is what it is -he won. He’s good, and he hits hard.

“I appreciate everyone who was supporting me and my team. This is not the end of my career. I’m young and this is the type of sport where you just have to bounce back. We’re going to move on with our head up. There’s no other choice.”

Lee Haskins will defend the IBF Bantamweight title against Ivan Morales on May 14th in Cardiff, wales, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Lee Haskins versus Ivan Morales is going to be an all-action contest,” said Cyclone Promotions’ Barry McGuigan, the Hall of Fame former featherweight champion. “Both of these guys can really fight.

“Ivan Morales is from Mexican boxing royalty and Lee cannot afford to take this fight lightly. Morales is a proud Mexican boxer who will be heading to Cardiff intent on ripping that belt from Lee Haskins on May 14. We are all very confident that Lee has the skills required to shine on this big occasion live on Channel 5. It’s all set to be a tremendous contest.”

“I’m delighted to be defending my world title in front of my fans,” Haskins said. “To be defending my belt at home, in the U.K., live on Channel 5, is absolutely brilliant. I can’t wait for May 14. My opponent Ivan Morales is a young and hungry challenger who comes from a family of champions, so I know I will have to be at my best. It’s going to be a cracking fight.”

“I feel grateful to my team and Golden Boy Promotions for the opportunity to fight for the IBF bantamweight world championship,” Morales said. “Fighting for a world title has been my dream and now I am going to show the world who Ivan Morales is as a fighter. I feel very prepared for this opportunity. It is something I have been working for my whole career.

“The fans can expect a great night of boxing from two fighters who will give it their all in the ring. I will give 110 percent of myself, apply the pressure on fight night to earn another world title for my family.”

Oscar De La Hoya, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, said, “Ivan is young but hard working and experienced, already having fought 30 professional fights. Ivan is thirsty for another world title so Lee Haskins should be ready for a war in the ring.”

Asked for his thoughts on Ivan Morales, Haskins said, “I might ask for a photo with Erik Morales before the fight, before I beat his brother.”

DeVaun Lee won a 10-round split decision over previously undefeated Chris Galeano to win the New York State Middleweight title

Galeano boxed well and took most of the early rounds, but Lee came back and landed the hard shots in the later rounds.

Originally the bout was ruled a draw, but when the scores were retabulated the read 97-93 and 96-94 for Lee and 96-94 for Galeano.

Lee, 157.8 lbs of Queens, NY is now 7-2. Galeano, 159 lbs of New York is 10-1.

Rising Super Featherweight Tevin Farmer won his 14th straight bout by winning a a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Gamaliel Diaz and picking up the NABF title in the process.

In round one, Farmer dumped Diaz with a hard left hand.

Farmer, 130 lbs of Philadelphia won by tallies of 97-90 twice and 95-92. and is now 21-4-1. Diaz, 129.6 lbs is now 29-14-3

Farmer dropped Diaz from a lead left at the end of round six. Farmer registered a third knockdown in round ten from a lead left. Diaz was cut over the right eye from the accumulation of blows

Cindy Serrano pounded out a 6-round unanimous decision over Renata Domsodi in a Lightweight bout.

Serrano dominated the action with effective agggression In round two, Domsodi was cut around her left eye from an accidental headbutt. In round six, she was bleeding from the nose.

Serrano, 131 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 24-5-3. Domsodi, 128.8 lbs of Budapest, HUN is 13-9.

Shemuel Pagan had to get off the floor but he came back to win a 6-round unanimous decision over Ryan Picou in a Jr. Welterweight bout

In round three, Picou dropped Pagan with a left hook. Pagan was more active and consistant throughout.

Pagan, 137 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 58-55 & 57-56 twice to keep his resume perfect at 8-0. Picou, 136.2 lbs of Las Vegas, NV falls to 2-8-1.

Artur Akavov scored a 6th round stoppage over Todd Manuel in a scheduled 8-round Middleweight bout.

In round five, Akavov dropped Manuel with a straight left. Seconds later a body shot deposited Manuel on the canvas. In round six, Akavov landed more punches and Manuel bent over which led to referee Harvey Dock stopping the bout at 37 seconds.

Akavov, 160 lbs of Pskvov, Russia is 16-1 with 7 knockouts. Manuel, 158.6 lbs of Rayne, LA is 11-11-1.

Travis Peterkin won an 8-round unanimous decision over Larry Pryor in a Cruiserweight bout.

Peterkin, 180.8 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 16-0-1. Pryor, 180.4 lbs of Fredrick, MD is now 9-13.

WBA Heavyweight champion Lucas Browne expects his B-Sample drug test to come back positive following his March 5 title winning effort over Ruslan Chagaev, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I wish to make it clear that I have at this stage no reason to take issue with the VADA testing of me in and around this fight,” Browne said in a statement. “Given the result of the A sample, I have to believe that the B sample will (not) provide any different results.”

“I was subjected to a randomly timed drug test by VADA. This was a test of blood and urine,” Browne said. “The post-fight test was a urine-only test. I would like to again stress it was myself and my team who requested the bout be subject to VADA testing. I now hold clear and unequivocal evidence that this test was a negative test and shows clearly that I arrived in Chechnya a clean athlete.

“Following that clean test I ate only at the hotel in which we were hosted (and) at the meal following the boxers’ media weigh-in. The water I drank on the night of the fight was sealed bottled water. My team’s investigation will now concentrate on the period of time between the clean test on Feb. 29 and the fight itself on March 5. I maintain that I did not knowingly consume any banned substance, including the Clenbuterol found in my system in that time.

“My team have worked tirelessly in support of me, and I thank them for this and their unwavering faith in me. I thank the public for their understanding and support of the situation I find myself in. I will continue to do all that I can to clear my name.”

“We support Lucas Browne entirely when he states that he did not knowingly place anything within his body containing any banned substance in the period between Feb. 29 and the fight,” Hatton Promotions said in a statement. “We are concentrating our further investigations on this period. Hatton Promotions have been through a great deal with Lucas Browne. Together we overcame many hurdles to get his chance to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world within just four years.

“Lucas himself overcame significant hurdles on the night itself to become victorious. We would remind everyone that the sixth round, Lucas’ most difficult of the fight having been on the floor, was extended by some 36 seconds by the timekeeper in Chechnya to give their champion extra time to try to end the fight. Clearly that was intentional and Lucas overcame it. We will do all that we can to overcome this newest hurdle to ensure justice prevails and Lucas has our complete support in this regard.”

Joseph Parker will meet Carlos Takam in an IBF Heavyweight elimination bout on May 21st in New Zealand, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Parker versus Takam on May 21 will be undoubtedly the most significant boxing event ever staged in New Zealand,” Duco Events promoter Dean Lonergan said. “Over the last seven years, we have staged a number of big boxing events both here and overseas so we have no doubt we can deliver a world-class event, with the eyes of the world watching.”

“To have the fight in South Auckland is very exciting for me,” Parker, who is training in Las Vegas, told ESPN.com. “I’ve grown up there my whole life and it’s a great opportunity for me to showcase my growing skills in front of my supporters, who have been there from the start. I wouldn’t want to have this fight anywhere else. It’s given me the extra motivation to train harder.”

“This is a massive achievement by our promotions team, Duco Events, to secure the IBF world title eliminator for New Zealand,” Kevin Barry, Parker’s trainer said. “We have developed excellent systems that have proved to be successful for Joe over the last three years. It’s great we can keep this winning formula in place for the biggest fight of Joseph Parker’s career.”

Said Christian Cherchi, Takam’s promoter: “It will be the biggest challenge for Parker because he hasn’t fought someone like Takam. I think Carlos Takam can knock Joseph Parker out. We tried to have this fight in Paris, so having this fight in New Zealand is an advantage for Parker. It is a winnable but tough fight.”

Stricken junior middleweight Prichard Colon had another surgery last week in lieu of his catastrophic injury suffered on October 18, when he suffered a brain injury in a fight and has remained in a coma ever since, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“In the middle of [last] week, Pri underwent surgery,” the family said. “[He will] go back to surgery next week. We ask that you take one minute to ask the creator for the health of our champion. Let us continue to pray to God for a miracle.”

“Our hearts go out to Prichard Colon and his family, friends, and fans,” the DPOR said in a statement. “All of us at DPOR, along with the boxing community, continue to hold out hope for his recovery. We fully appreciate that no report can ever truly make sense of the tragedy that occurred in Fairfax, Virginia, on Oct. 17, 2015.”

The DPOR report said, in part, “no regulatory violations appear to warrant disciplinary action against any Virginia licensees, including Williams. Cooper, the contract referee, generally maintained control of the contest — despite noted disagreement over some foul calls and consistency of point deductions — consulted with the ringside physician; and complied with regulatory requirements to attend to Colon’s health. … No one action (or failure to act) can be identified that is so apparent or egregious to justify holding accountable any one person.”

The report concluded, “Although there is no evidence of foreseeable wrongdoing on the part of any particular individual, looking back at the ‘what ifs’ is indeed heartbreaking. DPOR remains committed to fighter safety, doing what we can to protect fighters despite the inherent risks of combative sports like boxing, and praying for Prichard Colon.”

Andre Ward won a 12-round unanimous decision over Sullivan Barrera in a Light Heavyweight bout that featured undefeated fighters at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.

In round three, Ward dropped Barrera with a quick left hook to the head.

Ward was deducted a point in round eight for low blows. Ward was cut over the left eye in round ten from an accidental headbutt.

Ward used his superior handspeed and technical ability to do as he pleased and won by scores of 117-109, 119-109 and 117-108.

Ward of Oakland, CA is 29-0. Barrera of Cuba is 17-1.

Ward landed 166-463 punches. Barrera was 111-722.

2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph Diaz remained undefeatedheadbutt. by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Jayson Velez in a Featherweight fight.

In round one, Velez cut Diaz with a solid `1-2 combination. In round two, Diaz landed some hard straight lefts that rocked Velez several times.

In round eight, Diaz was cut over the corner of his right eye, but he landed the harder punches throughout that featured more straight lefts and rights to the body.

Diaz of Almonte, CA won by scores of 100-91, 99-91 and 98-92 and is now 20-0. Velez of Puerto Rico is 23-2-1.

Diaz outlanded Velez 220-155.

Regis Prograis scored a first round stoppage over Aaron Herrera in a scheduled 10-round Super Lightweight bout at the Buffalo Run in Miami, Oklahoma.

Prograis landed a perfect straight left to the body that backed up Herrera and eventually took a knee for the ten cound at 2:17.

Prograis, 141 lbs of Houston, TX is now 17-0 with 14 knockouts. Herrera, 142 lbs of Meridia, MX is 21-5-1.

“I was prepared to go 10 full rounds, the last thing I was expecting was a first-round knockout,’’ said Prograis, who was making his 2016 debut. “I’m making hard fights look easy but they’re really not. It’s all the daily work in the gym all day every day that is paying off for me. Tonight was fun. I’m very satisfied.

“I want all the fighters in my division to know one thing: I’m coming after all of you.’’

“He just got me with a great shot, it was simple as that,’’ said Herrera, who making his second start in the United States. “There’s really not that much that I can say.’’

In what was a fight between previously undefeated Super Lightweights, Ivan Baranchyk scored a 21 second knockout over Nick Givhan in a scheduled 10-round bout.

Baranchyk landed a big left hook that sent Givhan to the canvas. Givhan hugged onto the bottom rope until referee Gary Ritter counted 10.

Baranchyk, 139 1/2 lbs of Minsk, BEL is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Givhan, 140 lbs of Kalamazoo, MI is 16-1-1.

“I’m very happy,’’ Baranchyk said. “I was expecting a much longer fight. I was focused on a full fight. But knockouts are good. I know fans like knockouts.

“I’ll take a week off and then go back to the drawing board. I’m looking ahead to fighting again soon and on ShoBox again.’’

Givhan was shocked with the result.

“I’m good but I am very, very disappointed,” Givhan said. “This is the lowlight of my life. For me to get knocked out by someone I know I can beat is just the worst feeling. And there’s nothing worse than for it to happen on national television.

“No one expects 20-second fights. I just got caught, that’s all.”

In a battle of undefeated Welterweights, Ivan Golub stopped Marlon Aguas after the sixth round of a scheduled eight round bout.

In round two they traded knockdowns. First Golub landed a right to the body that sent Aguas down. Just seconds later, it was a perfect right from Aguas that dropped Golub.

Golub, 146 1/2 lbs of Orlovksa, UKR is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Aguas, 148 lbs of Quito, ECU is 9-1.

In round six, Golub starting wearing Aguas down and dropped him from an accumulation of blows. After the round, Aguas corner stopped the fight.

Golub, a former standout amateur from Ukraine, had to rally from the first knockdown of his career. “This was a little tougher than I expected,’’ he said. “But it’s all about learning. I had to go through some adversity to win. You don’t know adversity until it hits you in the face.”
Golub was the more active fighter against the awkward Aguas, who was at his best when matters turned ugly. In a bizarre second round, southpaw Golub scored a questionable knockdown as Aguas hit the canvas while clinching and off-balance. Aguas bounced back seconds later to knock down Golub with a short right, sending the Ukrainian to the canvas for the first time in his career.
“I was surprised that I got knocked down, but he caught me off-balance,’’ Golub said. “Overall, I am very happy with my performance.”

Aguas said an injury, not fatigue, was the reason his corner stopped the fight at the end of the sixth. “I hurt my right bicep in the fifth round,’’ he said. “That’s the reason we stopped it. I wasn’t that tired.”

Justin DeLoach scored a devastating fourth round stoppage over previously undefeated Dillon Cook in a scheduled eight round junior middleweight bout.

Cook landed a perfect right that slumped Cook to the canvas and he did not beat referee Gerald Ritter’s count at 2:47 of round four.

DeLoach, 153 1/4 lbs of Augusta, GA is now 14-1 with eight knockouts. Cook, 154 lbs of Joplin, MO is 16-1.

“I’m happy with my performance,’’ said DeLoach, who was the more active fighter, throwing nearly 100 more punches over the four rounds. “This was a great experience fighting a guy like this in his backyard. I enjoyed the crowd and their enthusiasm. It motivated me. I got a little lazy in parts of the second and third rounds, but I listened to my corner and picked it up on offense and got my punch count up and going again.

“Dillon was a good fighter who moved a lot. I know I have to do better cutting off the ring. He landed with a left a second before I landed that big right. This was a great win for all of us. I’m ready to do this again.’’

“Look at me, look at my shirt. It feels like I was sweating worse than when I fought,’’ said Williams, who’s pro career came to a sudden and tragic end when he was paralyzed from the waist down after a motorcycle accident in May 2012. “I am very relieved to get this one out of the way. I’m very happy for Justin and Mr. Pete (Paul’s longtime manager and trainer and DeLoach’s assistant trainer, George Williams)

“I’m OK, all things considered,’’ said Cook. “He was a tough guy. I’ve never been knocked out before so I don’t exactly know how to act. I felt I was in the fight until I was caught. It’s disappointing, but this was a great learning experience for me. It can only help me in the long run.’’

Guido Pitto won a 10-round unanimous decision over Dario Pucheta in a junior middleweight bout at Club Belgrano in Buenos Aries, Argentina.

Pitto, 152 1/4 lbs won by scores of 98.5-94.5, 98.5-06.5 and 98-94 to raise his record to 21-3-1. Pucheta, 153 lbs is 20-4.

Juan Velasco won a 9-round unanimous decision over Guillermo de Jesus Paz in a super welterweight bout.

Both guys hit the canvas, Paz in the 4th, Velasco in the 8th.

Velasco, 147 1/4 lbs won by scors of 87-82, 88-81 and 88-82 and is now 11-0. Paz, 149 1/4 lbs is 25-28-4.

WBA Super Lightweight champion Adrien Broner is facing serious felony charges stemming from a late night brawl in his hometown of Cincinnati, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

NBC News, citing police, reported Thursday that there are two active warrants for Broner’s arrest related to the same incident.

TMZ Sports reported details of an incident in which Broner, 26, allegedly assaulted and robbed a man using a gun outside a Cincinnati bowling alley in the early-morning hours of Jan. 21 following high-stakes betting on bowling games.

Citing court documents, TMZ Sports reported that Broner knocked the man unconscious and took money from his pocket before leaving the scene.

Asked about the alleged incident, Broner told ESPN.com “I’m good,” but declined to elaborate.

A PBC spokesman said: “It’s a legal situation that Broner is going to have to work out with his attorney.”

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the suit filed in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court says Broner and the alleged victim, Christopher Carson, had been wagering as much as $6,000 per bowling match.

Carson had won $8,000 from Broner before the fighter ran out of cash, the lawsuit states, according to the Enquirer report. Broner then wagered another $6,000 on credit, the lawsuit alleges.

Broner “became upset and left the bowling alley” when, after Carson had won a total of $14,000 and Broner sought a $6,000 bet for a final game, Carson declined.

The lawsuit states that Broner was waiting outside the bowling alley with a group of eight men when Carson left at about 3 a.m.

Carson was punched twice by Broner, who had a gun in hand, the suit says. The punches split his chin open and knocked him out. While Carson was unconscious, $12,000 in cash was taken from him, the suit says.

“Adrien seems to have a penchant for walking around town and slugging people,” said Carson’s attorney, Chris Finney, according to the Enquirer. “We want it to stop.”

Broner is slated to defend his title next Friday night against Ashley Theophane.

WBA Heavyweight champion Lucas Browne has denied taking any banned substance following his March 5 title win over Ruslan Chagaev in Russia, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I would like to assure all my fans, the whole of the boxing world and all of Australia that I am not a drug user or a drug cheat,” Browne said in a statement. “The news of this positive test has shocked and devastated me, and I will be fighting for as long as it takes to clear my name.”

“Prior to (Tuesday) I had not heard of the drug Clenbuterol and had no idea what it was used for,” Browne said. “I am now aware that it is essentially a weight-stripping drug, and as a heavyweight boxer the idea of me using it is utterly ridiculous. I am a staunch long-time opponent of any drug use, performance-enhancing or otherwise.”

“My team and I were well aware of the many risks involved in going to a place like Chechnya to fight a reigning champion, and believed we had taken sufficient precautions,” Browne said. “In addition, it was at our insistence that VADA testing was implemented for the fight. I will be in a position to release more details and make further comment in coming days. Thank you.”

“Ricky Hatton and Hatton Promotions Ltd. were made aware late (Monday) night that Lucas Browne delivered a positive A sample drug test following his world title win over Ruslan Chagaev,” Hatton Promotions said. “We believe strongly that boxing should be free from performance-enhancing drugs. However, we believe Lucas Browne to be a clean athlete who arrived in Chechnya a clean athlete. We are therefore conducting our own further investigations and cannot comment further at this time.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, new WBA Heavyweight champion, Lucas Browne failed a post fight drug test following his winning effort over Ruslan Chagaev on March 5 in Russia.

Browne, whose status as the first Australian heavyweight to win a world title is in jeopardy, tested positive for the banned substance Clenbuterol in a urine test conducted by the Las Vegas-based Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, which conducted the testing for the fight.

ESPN.com obtained a copy of the letter in which VADA president Dr. Margaret Goodman wrote, “This letter is to advise you that the ‘A’ sample urine specimen number 2998060 collected from Lucas Browne … has been analyzed for anabolic agents, diuretics, beta-2 agonists and stimulants. The results of the analysis are as follows: Adverse. Urine specimen contains Clenbuterol.”

Goodman went on to write, “Mr. Browne has the right to promptly request analysis of the ‘B’ sample at his expense.”

“I am not a drug user or a drug cheat,” Browne said in a statement released through his promoters. “I will be fighting for as long as it takes to clear my name.”

Said his promoter, Ricky Hatton: “We believe Lucas Browne to be a clean athlete who arrived in Chechnya a clean athlete. We are therefore conducting our own further investigations and cannot comment further at this time.”

“`My team and I were well aware of the many risks involved in going to a place like Chechnya to fight a reigning champion and believed we had taken sufficient precautions,” he said. “In addition it was at our insistence that VADA testing was implemented for the fight.”

By Norm Frauenheim-

PHOENIX – About his status as an all-time great, there are no doubts. About his future, there are plenty.

Roy Jones Jr., the world’s best fighter for about a decade, did the expected Sunday in a pay-per-view on line event that had to leave its audience wondering why-oh-why it spent $11.99 for a look at the future Hall of Famer.

He beat somebody named Vyron Phillips, making the mixed-martial arts pro look like the random fan that the Arizona State Boxing and MMA Commission said Jones’ foe could not be.

Jones stopped Phillips with a sweeping right hand, one of the few punches he threw at 2:30 of the second round.

In the aftermath of the predictable finish to a URShow.tv production, Jones said thanks to Phillips, who would have collected $100,000 bonus if he had beaten the legend in a bout scheduled for six rounds. He thanked a sparse crowd at Celebrity Theater. He said a lot. But he didn’t say goodbye.

“I haven’t got anything planned,’’ Jones said before the URShow.tv card, which included wrestling, MMA, and rap, all in an elevated ring surrounded by three ropes instead of the usual four.

Nothing, Jones said, is planned, including retirement, despite fans and media calling for him to quit since he suffered a brutal knockout on Dec. 12 in Russia.

Even Phillips would be happy to see him retire.

“I’d like to see him go away from this,’’ said the 33-year-old Phillips, who idolized Jones when he was a kid. “Maybe, coach. I don’t want to see him get hurt.’’

But Jones, 47, wasn’t ready to announce his retirement Sunday.

“We’ll see what happens,’’ said Jones, who appeared to carry Phillips through most of the first until he rocked the former amateur boxer with combination in the round’s closing.

Jones weighed 201.7 pounds and Phillips was at 194.6 for the event with specifics such as glove size still uncertain a couple of hours before opening bell.

Jones told the Arizona commission that he wanted to use 14-ounce gloves, according to Matthew Valenzuela, executive director of the state’s regulatory agency.

However, Phillips balked, saying he wanted to fight with 10-ounce gloves, the version used by boxing pros in heavier weight classes. The 14-ounce pair primarily a training glove. As a 185-pound MMA fighter, Phillips wears a four-ounce pair.

“Just give me a chance to show what I can really do,’’ Phillips said after Saturday’s weigh-in. “That’s all I’m asking.’’

When told that Phillips wanted the smaller gloves, Jones said okay, according to Valenzuela.

“Roy said that’s what he’s been wearing all along as a professional,’’ Valenzuela said. “He said if he wants the 10-ounce, that’s fine.’’

Valenzuela said he and Jones wanted to use the bigger gloves to ensure safety. As it turned out, Phillips might have regretted the smaller gloves. But though he never had an ounce of a chance anyway.

In marketing the event, the Canadian-based URShow.tv advertised that Jones would fight a fan, often described as “random” in subsequent headlines. Phillips was selected to fight Jones about 12 days ago by a vote on Facebook. Arizona licensed him Friday. He’s not exactly a random fan. But he wasn’t a seasoned pro either. From The Ring to MMA, you won’t find his name in any top 10.

Phillips, a former basketball player at Algoma University in Canadian Ontario, was 6-1 as an amateur boxer with his last fight in 2014. He said power was his strength, both in MMA and as a boxer.

“I train with my hands,’’ said Phillips, who thought smaller gloves would augment his power. “Striking is my best weapon.’’

The power, Phillips said, would surprise Jones.

On a night with no surprises, it didn’t.

Former Lightweight champion Juan Diaz stopped Fernando Garcia in round nine of their scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout at the Arena Theater in Houston, Texas.

Diaz, 136 1/2 lbs of Houston, Texas stopped Garcia at 2:24 of round nine to raise his mark to 41-4 with 20 knockouts. Garcia, 136 1/2 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 30-8-2.

Former world champion, Mike Alvarado scored a 3rd round stoppage over Saul Corral in a scheduled 8-round welterweight bout.

Alvarado landed a big right hand in round three that set off a big barrage in the corner. One more big right hand sent Corral down and the fight was stopped at 1:25

Alvarado, 147 1/4 lbs of Denver, CO is now 35-4 with 24 knockouts. Corral, 146 1/4 lbs of Monterrey, MX is 19-7.

Arturo Marquez made a successful pro debut with a 2nd round stoppage over Justin Henderson in a scheduled 4-round battle of Houston based welterweights.

Marquez dominated the fight and dropped Henderson in the 2nd round. Marquez continued to pour on the pressure until referee Laurence Cole stopped the bout at 2:50.

Marquez, 146 1/2 lbs is the son of former junior middleweight world champion Raul Marquez. Henderson, 146 1/4 lbs is 0-2.

Mark Hunt scored a 1-punch, 1st round knockout over former Heavyweight champion Frank Mir in Brisbane, Australia.

Hunt landed a perfect right hand that crumpled Mir to the canvas and Hunt just walked away from a prone Mir and the fight was stopped at 3:01.

Hunt, 264 lbs id 12-10-1. Mir, 264 lbs from Las Vegas, NV is 18-11-1.

Neil Magny scored a 3rd round stoppage over Hector Lombard in a lightweight bout.

After a rough start, where he was almost knocked out in the first minute, Magny came back in round two to deliver some vicious ground and pound in round two. In round three, Magny landed an elbow that got Lombard to the ground and a few shots later the fight was stopped at 46 seconds.

Magny, 170 lbs of Denver, CO is 18-5. Lombard, 170 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 34-5-1-2.

Jake Matthews scored a 3rd round chokeout over Johnny Case in a Lightweight bout.

Matthews worked the body with kicks and punches and in round three made Case tap with a rear naked choke at 4:45.

Matthews, 155 lbs of Epping, AUS is 11-1. Case, 155 lbs of Jefferson, IA is 22-5.

In round two, Case began to bleed on the outside of his left eye.

Daniel Kelly scored a come from behind 3rd round stoppage over Antonio Castro Junior in a middleweight bout.

Kelly began to belled from the bridge of his nose in round two. In round three, Kelly was all over Junior and pounded him on the ground viciously until Junior’s nose bled and the fight was stopped at 1:36.

Kelly, 186 lbs of Melbourne, AUS is 11-1. Junior, 186 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 6-2-1.

Steve Bosse scored a devastating 1-punch knockout over James Te Huna in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Bosse landed a crushing short right to the jaw that dropped Te Huna cold and the fight was stopped at 52 seconds of round one.

Bosse, 204 lbs of St. Jean, QUE, CAN is 11-2. Te Huna, 205 lbs of Penrith, AUS is 18-9.

Bec Rawlings won a unanimous decision over Sohee Han in a flyweight bout.

Rawlings, 116 lbs of Brisbane, AUS won by scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28 and is now 7-4. Han, 115 lbs of Buson, South Korea is 16-7.

Alan Jouban stopped Brandon O’Riley in the 1st round of their Welterweight bout.

Jouban dropped O’Riley with a double elbow and followed up with a flurry of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:15.

Jouban, 171 lbs of Los Angeles is now 13-4. O’Riley, 168 lbs of Brisbane, AUS is 6-2.

Dan Hooker scored a 1st round Guillotine choke over Mark Eddiva in a featherweight bout.

The end came at 1:24 for Hooker, 146 lbs of Auckland, NZ and is now 14-6. Eddiva, 145 lbs of Baguio City, PHL is now 6-3.

Leslie Smith won a 3-round unanimous decision over Rin Nakai in a bantamweight bout.

Scores were 30-27 and 29-28 twice for Smith, 134 lbs of Pleasant Hill, CA and is now 8-6-1. Nakai, 135 lbs of Japan is 16-2-1.

Viscadu Andrade won a 3-round unanimous decision over Rich Walsh in a welterweight bout.

Andrade, 170 lbs of Sydney, AUS won by scores of 29-28 on all cards and is now 10-4. Walsh, 171 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 18-8.

Alejandro Hernandez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Isao Carranza in a Super Bantamweight bout in Mexico City, Mexico.

Hernandez, 121 lbs won by scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93 and is now 31-11-2. Carranza, 121 lbs is 15-7-1.

Salvador Juarez won a 8-round split decision over Emmanuel Rodriguez in a bantamweight bout.

Juarez, 119 lbs won by scores of 78-75 and 78-74 while Rodriguez, 119 lbs took a card 78-74.

Juarez is 6-3-2. Rodriguez is 16-5-2.

In a battle of former world title challengers, Kubrat Pulev will meet Dereck Chisora in a Heavyweight title elimination bout in Hamburg, Germany on May 7th, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We’re delighted to deliver fans this mouthwatering contest between two of the biggest names in the heavyweight division,” promoter Kalle Sauerland said. “Not only is the prestigious European belt on the line, but also a chance to challenge for the IBF world title. It’s all or nothing. Winner takes it all. This is a fight that guarantees excitement.”

“This is a very important fight for me,” Pulev said. “I learned a lot from the Klitschko fight, but now I’m back and stronger than ever. Dereck is a good boxer, but I’m better, and I know I can beat him. I’m looking forward to the challenge and the chance to win back the European title. I’m sure the arena in Hamburg will be full of Bulgarians cheering me to victory.

“I know I have what it takes to be world champion, and next time I will be successful. But for now, all my focus is on May 7 and Chisora. This is a fight I can’t afford to lose.”

“Pulev has been on my radar for a while now,” Chisora said. “He’s a great athlete and he has my respect, but come fight night, I’m not messing around. I’m coming to mess this guy up. I’m going to outwork him and out-strength him. I’ll be all over him from the first bell.

“I’m excited for the opportunity. This is a chance for me to prove myself against one of the top fighters in the division and get back into a position to challenge for the world title. I’m in great shape. I’m training harder than ever and I’m ready to go. This is going to be one my best fights ever.”

Sergei Lipinets scored a 5th round stoppage over Levan Ghvamichava in a scheduled 10-round Jr. Welterweight bout in Nice, California.

In round five, Lipinets landed a body shot and a right hand that dropped Ghvamichava for the 10-count at 1:40

Lipinets, 141 lbs of Moscow, RUS is 9-0 with 7 knockouts. Ghvamichava, 140 lbs is 16-2-1.

Sergey Deryvanchenko got a last round stoppage over Mike Guy in a the eighth round of their super middleweight bout.

In round eight, Deryvanchenko landed a hard right that sent Guy to the canvas. Seconds later, a body shot drove Guy to the corner and Deryvanchenko landed a combination that sent Guy to the floor for a second time, and the fight was stopped after that at 2:24.

Deryvanchenko, 167 lbs of Fedrosa, UKR is now 8-0 with six knockouts. Guy, 166 lbs of Inglewood, CA is 8-2-1.

Kevin Watts remained undefeated by scoring a 5th round stoppage over Michal Chudecki in a scheduled 8-round Jr. Welterweight bout.

In round five, Watts landed a big left and Chudecki was floored. Watts jumped on Chudecki and landed several flush shots and the bout was stopped at 2:01 of round five.

Watts, 139 3/4 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is 11-0 with 4 knockouts. Chudecki, 140 lbs of Poland is 11-2-1.

Former cruiserweight titlist, Ola Afolabi has announced his retirement, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Around 16 years ago, I was hungry and partially homeless when I stumbled into a boxing gym in Hollywood, out of all places,” Afolabi wrote. “With no prior training or experience in boxing, I decided to give it a go. At the ancient age of 20, I worked hard every day. I would deejay in a shady club on some days, and on other days, I’d work as an overnight receptionist at a student hostel in exchange for a bunk bed in a shared room of six foreign students.

“I would then hit the gym with barely enough sleep to spar with world champions like James Tony, Francois Botha, Julio Gonzales and other experienced up and comers. I did this for two years before getting discovered in 2002 by my managers, Victor Martinez and Pedro Rosado. These two amazing men fed me and housed me, and for that, I will be forever thankful. R.I.P. to Pedro who recently passed away. I wish he was still around so we could all sit down at dinner and reminisce, and laugh about my career.”

“This means I missed my prime as a boxer,” Afolabi wrote of the layoff. “The years I was supposed to do my best work and feel my strongest were lost.”

“About a week before the fight, I was having my last sparring session with a little-known heavyweight at that time named Tyson Fury. During that last session, I suffered a detached retina in my left eye,” Afolabi wrote. “Two days before the biggest fight of my career, I was in an emergency room having surgery on my eye. The surgery was successful but I wasn’t to have physical contact for at least two weeks.

“Two days after the surgery, I was fighting a guy (Maccarinelli) with a 29-1 record with 23 coming by way of KO. I knocked him out in the ninth round and became the interim world champion.”

“For the first time and almost at the end of my prime, I’d have someone looking out for me, and I’ll be fighting more often,” Afolabi wrote. “The fights didn’t get easier or harder but they kept me active.”

“When you get old, the first things you lose are timing and reflexes. Although I tried my very best and worked really hard, I lost the fight,” he wrote, referring to his fourth meeting with Huck.

“This is why I have to wrap it up. I have always been a realist,” he wrote. “Boxing has been painful, but it has also brought me so many positives that outweigh the negatives. I see my idols like James Toney and Roy Jones with damages like slurred speech and balance problems still fighting in their 40’s for $100,000 or less. These are guys with talents and status I could only dream of. If it can happen to them it will definitely happen to me. I will not let it happen to me.”

“I accomplished more with no experience, help or protection than most fighters with all the advantages in the world did,” he wrote. “So after two retina surgeries, double vision and a bad shoulder, I must say goodbye to boxing. I have enough money to live on, so I’ll get out while I can and still live a healthy life and be smart with money. Thank you so much to everyone that helped and supported me on this long hard road.

“Life gave me lemons and I turned them into a f—— chocolate milkshake!”

Miguel Berchelt won the WBO Interim Jr. Lightweight title with a 6th round stoppage over George Jupp in Merida, Mexico.

Berchelt dropped Jupp in round four with a three-punch combination to the head. In round five, it was an uppercut on the ropes. Berchelt finished off Jupp with a double left that put the Englishman down for a third and final time at 1:56.

Berchelt, 129 lbs of Merida, MX is now 29-1 with 26 knockouts. Jupp, 130 lbs of Greenwich, UK is 13-3.

Junior Granados won a 10-round split decision over Aston Palicte in a Super Flyweight bout.

Granados, 116 lbs of Merida, MX won by scores of 97-93 & 97-94 while Palicte took a card 97-94.

Granados is 15-4-1. Palicte, 116 lbs of Cebu, PHL is 20-2.

Casey Ramos won an technical unanimous decision after 8-rounds of their 10-round Jr. Lightweight bout at The Mariott Convention Center in Burbank, California.

Ramos was cut over the right eye from an accidental headbutt.

Ramos, 132 1/4 lbs of Austin, TX won by scores of 80-71 on all cards and is now 22-0. Perez, 132 1/4 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 35-14.

Arnold Barboza won a 6-round unanimous decision over Maximilliano Becerra in a Junior Welterweight bout.

Scores were 60-54 twice and 59-55 for Barboza, 142 1/2 lbs of South El Monte, CA and is now 11-0. Becerra, 141 1/2 lbs of Vacaville, CA is 8-2-2.

In a battle of undefeated Super Welterweights, Steven Butler stopped Saldjan Janjanian in round three.

In round two, Butler scored a knockdown with a right to the head of Janjanin. Later in the round, Butler scored a second knockdown with right hand. In round three, Butler continued to pound away at Janjanin and the fight was stopped at 2:13.

Butler, 153.6 lbs is now 15-0-1 with 12 knockouts. Janjanian, 152.4 lbs of Bosnia is now 13-1.

Schiller Hyppolite won a 10-round unanimous decision over veteran Darnell Boone in a Super Middleweight bout.

In round five, each guy landed a hard shot and both Boone & Hyppolite went down simultaneously but Hyppolite was hurt more and was ruled a knockdown in Boone’s favor. In the very next round, Boone scored a knockdown with he landed a left that drove Hyppolite across the ring and into the ropes.

Hyppolite, 169.8 lbs of Montreal won by scores of 96-93 twice and 95-93 and is now 20-1. Boone, 170.2 lbs of Youngstown, OH is 23-23-4.

Mian Hussein won a 6-round unanimous decision over Tobia Giussepe Loriga.

Scores were 60-52, 60-51 and 60-50 for Hussein who is now 15-0. Loriga is now 28-7-2.

Carlos Diaz won a 10-round unanimous decision over Joel Montes De Oca in a Jr. Lightweight bout in Mexico City.

Diaz registered a knockdown in round six and won by scores of 100-89 twice and 99-90.

Diaz, 130 lbs is 15-2. De Oca, 129 lbs is 18-6.

Hugo Guanaros won a 8-round majority decision over Juan Hernandez in a Flyweight bout.

Scores were 77-76, 76-75 and 76-76 for Guanaros, 111 lbs and is now 9-1-1. Hernandez, 114 lbs is 1-1.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former Jr. Welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse is still feeling the effects of his fight with Viktor Postal and will not be able to participate in a proposed bout with Mauricio Herrera on May 7.

He was training and getting ready for the fight, but he felt some discomfort in his eye and he wants more rest,” Said Golden Boy Promotions Vice President Eric Gomez said of the longtime junior welterweight contender and one of the best pure punchers in boxing.

“He’s not going to fight on May 7. He is going to rest more but he is not retiring,” Gomez said. “Mario talked to him about it. What Lucas is going to do is rest, take some more time for his eye to heal and see how it is. In a few months we’ll see how he’s doing and go from there.”

In his first fight in four-plus year, former world champion Antonio Margarito had to squeak by with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jorge Paez Jr in Mexico City

In round six, a tired Margarito was sent to the canvas by a hard flurry of punches by Paez Jr.

Margarito, 154 lbs of Tijuana, MX won by scores of 97-93, 96-93 and 95-94 and is now 39-8. Paez Jr., 154 lbs of Mexicali, MX is now 39-8-2.

Giovanni Delgado won a 10-round split decision over former world title challenger Cesar Jaurez in a Featherweight bout.

Delgado, 125 lbs of Mexico City won cards by 96-95 and 95-93 tallies while Juarez, 125 lbs of Mexico City took a card via 95-94.

Delgado is now 16-4. Juarez is 17-5.

Nate Diaz choked out Conor McGregor in round two in the headlining bout of UFC 197 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

McGregor came out in round one by peppering Diaz’ face in round one and Diaz became a bloody face. McGregor continued it round two until he got rocked hard with several punches. Sensing he was running out of gas, McGregor tried to shoot in for a takedown and that was his undoing as Diaz pounced on McGregeor and landed several ground shots and then gained the Irishman’s back and locked in the rear-naked choke and McGregor quickly tapped.

Diaz, 169 lbs of Stockton, CA is 20-10. McGregor, 168 lbs of Dublin, IRE is 19-3.

Meisha Tate won the UFC women’s Bantamweight title with a stunning 5th round chokeout of previously undefeated champion Holly Holm.

In round one, Tate started to have swelling on the left side of her face.

Tate was seemingly behind in the final round and got Holm to be choked out at 3:30 of round five.

Tate, 135 lbs of Las Vegas is now 18-5. Holm, 134.5 lbs is 10-1.

Ilir Latifi won a unanimous decision over Gian Vollante in a light heavyweight bout.

Latifi, 205 lbs of Sweden won by scores of 30-27 on all cards and is now 13-4-1. Villante. 205 lbs of Bellmore, NY is 14-7.

Corey Anderson won a three round unanimous decision over Tom Lawlor in a welterweight bout.

Anderson won by scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28

Luis Ortiz scored a 6th round stoppage over former two-time Heavyweight title challenger Tony Thompson at the DC Armory in Washington, DC.

In round one, Ortiz decked Thompson with a hard straight left. Thompson was dropped again at the end of round three from a left. Ortiz ended the fight with another left that sent Thompson down an the fight was stopped at 2:29 of round six.

Ortiz, 242 1/2 lbs of Miami is now 25-0-2 with 22 knockouts. Thompson, 263 1/4 lbs of Washington, DC is now 40-7.

Jessie Vargas won the WBO Welterweight title with a ninth round stoppage over previously undefeated former U.S. Olympian Sadam Ali.

In round three, Ali developed swelling over his left eye.

In round eight, Vargas landed a huge right that sent Ali to the canvas. In round nine, Vargas landed a perfect right that sent Ali to the canvas for a second time. Vargas landed a hard right in the corner and referee enny Chevalier stopped the bout at 2:09 of round nine.

Vargas, 146 1/4 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 27-1 with 10 knockouts. Ali, 147 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 22-1.

Siyar Bahadurzaya made Brandon Thatch tap out in the 3rd round of their bout.

Bahadurzaya is now 21-7-1.

Nordin Taleb stopped Erick Silva in the second round of their Welterweight bout.

Taleb landed a hard perfect right to the face that dropped Silva. One ground punch later, the fight was stopped at 1:54.

Taleb, 170 lbs of Montreal, CAN is 12-3. Silva, 170 lbs of Huntington Beach, CA is 18-7-1.

Vitor Miranda stopped Marcelo Guimares in round two of their Middleweight bout.

Guimares tried to take Miranda down only to absorb elbows. Miranda landed a booming head kick that was followed by three vicious punches and the fight was stopped at 1:09 of round two.

Miranda, 185.5 lbs of Brazil is 10-1. Guimares, 185.5 lbs of Rio de jenairo is 12-5.

Darren Elkins won a unanimous decision over Chas Skelley in a Featherweight bout.

Elkins, 145.5 lbs of Portage, IN won by scores of 30-26, 30-27 and 29-27 and is now 21-5. Skelley, 145.5 lbs of Arlington, TX is 15-2.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBO Jr. Lightweight champion Roman Martinez hurt his hand and as to postpone his March 12 title defend with Miguel Berchelt.

“Definitely Rocky will not fight on March 12,” PR Best Boxing vice president Peter Rivera said. “Rocky had a pain in the hand, and we went last week to see Dr. Santiago Figueroa, who specializes in hand injuries and is one of the best in Puerto Rico, and he prescribed some medication to Rocky. But the pain continued, and we went to see him again [Thursday]. After the evaluation, Dr. Santiago Figueroa gave him the diagnosis and advised him not to punch with that hand and rest for four weeks.

“As soon as the doctor notified us [Thursday], we talked with the people from Zanfer Promotions [Berchelt’s promoter] to let them know of the situation and to work the possibility of a new date for the fight.”

“I feel bad for all Puerto Rican fans, including some people who already had tickets to go to Mexico with us, but I had to be 100 percent and I could not disappoint my country fighting there injured,” Martinez said. “Now I have to follow the instructions of the doctor and wait patiently until they give me the green light to train at a high level again. Everyone knows I’ll be ready to return to the ring and defend my title when I recover.”

Said Rivera: “Unexpected things happen, and fights fall through. It’s better this way for Rocky, rest the hand and not punch. Let us hope that he does not have to undergo surgery. Rocky is a warrior. He wanted to go ahead with the fight but recognizes that for the sake of his career it’s better to follow the doctor’s recommendation. Everyone knows that Rocky does not shy away from opponents, so when it recovers, he will be ready for anyone.”

Zanfer Promotions head Fernando Beltran said he hopes to find a substitute opponent for Berchelt (28-1, 25 KOs), 24, to fight March 12.

“It’s a very unfortunate situation,” Beltran said. “We, as winner of the auction, had fulfilled all that there was for us to do and had everything ready. Berchelt had an exceptional training camp for two months, and it will not be in vain.”