Matt Conway Battles James Bernadin for the WBA Regional Lightweight Title on Friday, September 20th at The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – August 19, 2024 — Championship boxing will come to the Wind Creek Event Center on Friday night, September 20th as veterans Matt Conway and James Bernadin duel in an eight-round bout for the WBA Regional Lightweight title.

That bout will top a card promoted by King’s Promotions.

Conway, 29 of Pittsburgh has a record of 22-4 with nine knockouts. The nine-year vet has defeated Zach Kuhn (9-2-1), Victor Abreu (9-2) and Adriano Porfirio Ramirez (10-1). Conway is looking to get back in the win column after losing a decision to Hendri Cedeno on May 31st in Orlando, Florida.

Bernadin of Lancaster, PA is 12-2-1 with six knockouts. The 31-year-old Bernadin is a six-year professional who has garnered wins over Osvaldo Morales (4-0), Edgar Torres (8-2-1), Kenny Robles (9-1) and his most recent outing when he took a split decision over Johnny Spell (8-1) on April 5th at The Wind Creek Event Center.

In an eight-round co-feature, undefeated middleweight Euri Cedeno (9-0-1, 8 KOs) of Reading, PA takes on Aro Schwartz (23-8-1, 15 KOs) of Karlsruhe, Denmark.

Also in eight-round bouts, Julian Gonzalez (14-0-1, 11 KOs) of Reading, PA battles Oscar Barajas (7-9-1,2 KOs) of Toms River, NJ in a super featherweight bout..

Joseph Adorno (19-4-2, 16 KOs) of Allentown, PA fights Luis May (22-18-1) of Cancun, Mexico in a junior welterweight bout.

Brittany Sims (6-3, 3 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA will take on Nancy Franco (19-20-2, 5 KOs) of Jalisco, Mexico in a bantamweight bout.

In Six-round bouts:

Francis Oran (5-1, 2 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA fights Ali Ellis (5-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a cruiserweight fight.

Khainell Wheeler (7-5, 6 KOs) of Allentown, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a super middleweight contest.

In four-round bouts, Devon Young (4-0, 3 KOs) of Atlanta squares off with Joseph Bonos (0-6) of Orlando in a heavyweight bout.

In a battle of the “Bethlehem Heavyweight Championship”, Adam Atiyeh (1-0) takes on Mike Liberto

Tickets are now on sale for $150, $100, $75 and $50 at the following link:

https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/020060FDD99A8D2F?brand=wcec




Homecoming of The Grandy Twins

Philadelphia (August 20, 2024)–A massive night of boxing comes to the Met Philadelphia on Saturday night, August 24 RDR Promotions rising star Isaiah Johnson (9-0, 7 KOs) of Sicklerville, NJ takes on the always-tough Andrew Rodgers (9-12-3, 3 KOs) of Elkhart, Indiana in a super lightweight bout.

The card is promoted by DRCO and RDR Promotions.

A huge undercard has been assembled that will feature many of the top prosects in the area.

Former world heavyweight title challenger Bryant Jennings (24-4, 14 KOs) of Philadelphia returns to the ring after a five-year hiatus as he takes on Joel Caudle (9-8-2, 6 KOs) of North Carolina in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.

Also in eight-round bouts,. Avious Griffin 14-0, 13 KOs) of Chattanooga, Tennessee takes on William Jackson (13-4-2, 5 KO) of Cincinnati in a welterweight bout.

In a six-round fight, Erron Peterson (6-0-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia, PA battles Ashton Sykes 6-7, 2 KOs) of Columbia, Maryland in a middleweight fight.

In Four-round Bouts:

RDR Fighter Rashan Adams (7-1, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia fights debuting Harold McQueen of Lake Worth, Florida in a super featherweight bout.

RDR Fighter Nimal Farmer (5-0, 4 KOs) of Lindenwold, NJ takes on Maurice Clemons (3-6, 1 KO) in a welterweight bout.

Super featherweight Jabril Noble (5-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Nasir Mickens (2-4, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a rematch.

Nasheed H. Smith (3-0, 2 KOs) of Washington, DC battles Christopher Brooker (16-14, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia in a light heavyweight fight.

Lemar Smith (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Christopher Ortiz (0-0-1) of Las Piedras, Puerto Rico in a super lightweight bout.

Steven Grandy (1-0, 1 KO) of Houston takes on an opponent to be named in a super featherweight bout. Grandy’s twin brother Daniel Grandy (1-0, 1 KO) of Houston takes on Jak Johnson (1-4) of Newcastle, England in a super featherweight bout. The Grandy twins are 17 years-old and turned pro at 16.

Quincy Williams (2-0, 2 KOs) of Washington, DC takes on pro debuting Muzamir Semuddu. Semudddu was a Bronze Medal winner in the All-African Games representing his home country of Uganda.

Welterweight Tyreem Haywood (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Deo Kizito (3-6, 2 KOs) of Baltimore

Pro debuting super bantamweight Samaj Justice of Philadelphia will take on Joseph K Adorno Del Valle (0-1-1) of Vega Alta, Puerto Rico.

Tickets are now on sale beginning at $40.

https://concerts.livenation.com/event/020060CEBAC75225

The fight card will be streamed live on TrillerTV and BXNGTV.com.




Star Boxing Presents: Rockin’ Fights 48 Saturday, September 14th, 2024  The Paramount Theater, Huntington, LI

 Huntington, New York (August 14, 2024) Star Boxing’s undefeated prodigy

Junior ‘The Young God’ Younan will defend his Super Middleweight title, when he squares off with undefeated Luzlim Bajrami, in a 10-round title bout at

Rockin’ Fights 48 at The Paramount in Huntington, New York.

The card is the latest in the highly acclaimed series promoted by

Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Younan, 28 of Brooklyn is 20-0-1 with 12 knockouts. Younan made his Star Boxing debut on May 11th and captured the WBA Continental American Gold Super Middleweight crown, with a first-round stoppage of Ricardo Luna at The Paramount Theater.

Bajrami, 26 a tough Macedonian now living in Hamburg, Germany is 9-0 with four knockouts. Bajrami, who has a win over previously undefeated Janne Rantanen, will be making his United States debut and is coming off a win over 74 fight veteran Milos Janjanin on June 1st in Germany.

Thrilling Undercard:

The undercard will also have a host of enticing matchups.

In yet another fight between undefeated prospects Mexican sensation Erick Perez takes on Bronxite Joseph Elzey in Battle of undefeated Super Bantamweights.

A fan favorite from New Jersey, Perez is thrilled to represent his heritage on Mexican Independence weekend. With his trademark “El Canete” headband, the undefeated Perez (2-0, 1 KO) resembles a miniature Canelo and rocked the Paramount in his last two appearances there with his Mexican fighting style.

Elzey, who has an identical record of 2-0 with one knockout, will be looking to continue to momentum after defeating previously undefeated Miguel Roman (4-0) on June 15th in Atlantic City. The Perez-Elzey fight figures to be a thriller.

In a six-round super middleweight bout, fan favorite, FDNY Firefighter, Louis Maietta (4-4-2, 1 KO) of Bronx, New York takes on Jeremiah Truhlar (1-4-2) of Temple, Texas, who is a US Army flamethrower.

In highly anticipated 6 round bout, Star Boxing’s Ronny Reyes (4-1, 1 KO) of New York City takes on undefeated Yan Carlos Perez (2-0, 2 KOs) of the Dominican Republic in a featherweight bout.

Undefeated Rodrigo Marte (3-0, 2 KOs) of the Dominican Republic takes on Italy’s Yacouba Said (3-1) in a featherweight bout.

David Malul of Queens, New York will make his pro debut against Lucien Hannah

(0-1) of Kingston, New York in a four-round junior middleweight bout.

Tickets for this action-packed night of boxing range from $50 to $200 and can be purchased at:

Rockin’ Fights 48 Tickets

ABOUT ROCKIN’ FIGHTS

Created in 2011, the “Rockin’ Fights” series has developed elite boxing talent and has produced former WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion, the “Common Man”, JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. (Mastic, Long Island 28-5 22KO’s) and former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion, CHRIS ALGIERI (Huntington, NY 25-4 9KO’S), two of only four Long Island World Champions EVER.

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 48 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

For more information visit us at www.StarBoxing.com. For 30 years of action packed fights, subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE. Follow along on social media for fight announcements and updates @StarBoxing, and join the conversation using #RockinFights

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 48 TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

FIGHT NIGHT: SATURDAY, SEPT 14, 2024

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

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With the critically acclaimed Rockin’ Fights Paramount Series, and Slugfest at the Sun events, Star Boxing continues to develop world rated contenders and red-hot prospects into future world champions. Fighters such as Chris Algieri, Joe Smith Jr., and Demetrius Andrade have come through the Star Boxing system. Founded by Joe DeGuardia, a former Golden Glove Champion, boxer and New York State and Connecticut Hall of Famer inductee, DeGuardia is identified as one of the most sought out promoters to help nurture and groom fighters into future world champions.

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WORLD CHAMPION FUNDORA SIBLINGS TO ATTEND ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME 2024 INDUCTION WEEKEND

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (August 14, 2024) — History making siblings, Unified WBC and WBO Super Welterweight Champion Sebastian Fundora and his sister, IBF Flyweight World Champion Gabriela Fundora, will be in attendance at the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame’s 8th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend to be held at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on September 27th – September 29th.

The hard-punching duo will attend the “Opening Bell VIP Cocktail Reception” at The Balcony inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, to meet-and-greet with fans in attendance and participate in the weekend festivities during the yearly celebration of Atlantic City’s rich boxing history.

The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2024 inductees include: James “Buster” Douglas, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, Paul Williams, Gerry Cooney, Mark Breland, Sharmba Mitchell, Tyrone Mitchell Frazier, Mario Maldonado and Eva Jones-Young in the fighter category, James “Buddy” McGirt, Bruce Blair, the Fundoras’ promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, Eric Bottjer, Randy Gordon, Guy Gargan in the Contributor category with posthumous awards presented to Howard Davis Jr., Jay Larkin, and Eddie Cotton.

Eric Seelig, George Godfrey and Joey Giardello will also be honored as pioneers of the sport.

For more information, please visit acbhof.com

Tickets can be purchased for Awards & Induction Ceremony by visiting: Ticketmaster | ticket prices are: $125.00 & $60.00 please visit our website for all event tickets, room reservations and full event schedule and itinerary at: www.acbhof.com  

A special thanks to our sponsors and supporters: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Boardwalk Resorts – Flagship Hotel, Mayor Marty Small Sr., City of Atlantic City, Bare Knuckle Fighting Champions, Hard Hitting Promotions, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, The Irish Pub-Atlantic City, D’Arcy Johnson Day-Lawyers, O.C.E.A.N Inc; Community Action Partnership & Atlantic City PAL, Sampson Boxing, Quail Hill Realty-Smithville, Holman Wealth Management, Tennessee Ave Tobacco Company, Sparbar LTD, Patrick Killian Arts, SiSi Hollywood, Guzman Gloves, Adams Boxing, WBC, IBF, Icons of Boxing Memorabilia and Fight Night Apparel

For more information, visit the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame’s website at: www.acbhof.com




WORLD’S GREATEST PROMOTER DON KING PROMISES AN EXTRAVAGANZA WITH RETURN OF WBC WORLD CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION NOEL “THE DARK HORSE” MIKAELIAN SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 AT CASINO MIAMI JAI ALAI

MIAMI, FL (August 9, 2024) — The World’s Greatest Promoter, Don King, has announced the return to the ring of WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Noel “The Dark Horse” Mikaelian (27-2, 12 KOs) as he faces Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1, 19 KOs) in an explosive night of fights set for Saturday, Sept. 28 at Casino Miami Jai Alai.

Mikaelian from Yerevan, Armenia, fighting out of Miami, was originally scheduled to defend his world title Rozicki from Ontario, Canada, on June 7 but the fight was postponed due to a cut Mikaelian suffered in training near his eye.

“It was disappointing that I wasn’t able to face ‘The Bruiser’ in June, but my injury has healed to perfection and I’m ready to go,” Mikaelian said. “I can’t wait for September 28th and to defend my world title during this massive Don King event.”

King said there is no debate that the matchup is between the world’s top cruiserweights fighting at the 200-pound limit. “Even minus the Mikaelian-Rozicki matchup we had a near-sellout crowd at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood in June headlined by Biair “The Flair” Cobbs and Adrien “The Problem” Broner,” King said. “The word is out that we are still producing the best fights in all of boxing and fights that the world wants to see and that boxing fans are clamoring for!”

King added the September fight date was previously discussed to take place September 14th, but moved off that date because of the busy combat sports calendar with Mexican superstate Canelo Alvarez fighting, as well as the first UFC fight at the Sphere in Las Vegas. 

Added Rozicki, the WBC’s No. 1 contender and ranked No. 8 by the WBA. “I’m glad we were able to reschedule this fight, and now I will finally get what is rightfully mine. Mikaelian can’t delay my date with destiny any longer and I will put that world title belt around my waist come September 28th.”

The Don King Productions fight card will be broadcast on Pay Per View via Triller TV, DonKing.com and Itube247.com.

Tickets, priced starting from $25, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.playcasinomiami.com. Floor seats are $150, ringside seats are $750, and next level tables $2,500. 




WEIGHTS FROM NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

August 6, 2024) –Weights for Tuesday Night’s (TONIGHT) Country Box 19 show at The Troubadour Nashville.

Ermes Orta 144.2 – Ryan Venable 142

Fernando Cuza 232.8 – Robinson Perez 243.6

DeSean Dixon 145.4 – Keith Foreman 147.2

Peter Latorre 146 – Dustin Garrett 148

Margaret Whitmore 129.4 – Shaniqua Frazier 129

Promoter: Jimmy Adams Promotions

Venue: Troubadour Nashville

1st Bell 7PM CT (8 PM ET)

TV: USA Today Network, and USA Today Sports Network; Trillerr.TV (Marc Abrams and Albert Haynesworth on the Call)

Photos By Janet Wohler / Jimmy Adams Promotions

Jimmy Adams Promotions & Country Box “Where Music Meets Boxing” is proud to announce that we have now signed a deal with USA Today. USA Today Network can be seen there on any of their viewers, please click the link https://www.gannett.com/channels/ and find the right fit for you to view Country Box March 5 at the Troubadour. Get your tickets at countrybox247.com

Plus Countrybox247.com. ITUBE247.com and Triller.TV




ALL 2024 CLASS OF INDUCTEES CONFIRMED ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME 8TH ANNUAL AWARDS & INDUCTION WEEKEND

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (July 19, 2024) — Tickets are on sale for the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) 8th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend to be held Friday September 27th, Saturday September 28th, and Sunday September 29th, 2024 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and Boardwalk Resorts – Flagship Hotel. 

The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) Weekend commences at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on Friday September 27th with all 2024 Living Inductees CONFIRMED to attend this year’s festivities.

2024 INDUCTION CLASS:

FIGHTERS: James Buster Douglas, Sergio Martinez, Paul Williams, Gerry Cooney, Mark Breland, Sharmba Mitchell, Tyrone Mitchell Frazier, Mario Maldonado and Eva Jones-Young CONTRIBUTORS: James “Buddy” Mcgirt, Bruce Blair, Sampson Lewkowicz, Eric Bottjer, Randy Gordon, Guy Gargan POSTHUMOUSLY: Howard Davis Jr., Jay Larkin, Eddie Cotton PIONEERS: Eric Seelig, George Godfrey, Joey Giardello

“Thank you esteemed colleagues for selecting me for a prestigious position such as an inductee in the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame! This is a great honor and I salute you all. Moreover, Atlantic City has been great to me throughout my career and I have fond memories of the many fights fought there while pursuing my Championship journey. I look forward to seeing you all in September 2024.” – James Buster Douglas

“Atlantic City holds many great memories from my boxing career, where I experienced triumph and defeat. The iconic Boardwalk Hall marked the start of my recognition on the world boxing stage, establishing me as one of the best globally. I’m humbled and forever grateful for being inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame with a rich boxing history. Thank you for this extraordinary recognition.” – Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez

“I cherish the memories from my time in Atlantic City, where numerous significant moments unfolded in my life. I’m so proud to be honored by A. C. Boxing Hall of Fame, particularly at this juncture in my life when it might seem that the efforts I invested to achieve championship status are overlooked by many. I’m humbled by this recognition” – Paul Williams 

Weekend at a Glance:

 Friday September 27th, 2024 Live Broadcast of SiriusXM Radio Show “At the Fights” hosted by: Gerry Cooney and Randy Gordon Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm in Lobby of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City 

 Friday September 27th, 2024 The Opening Bell VIP Cocktail Reception Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm, $60.00 entry fee online and/or at the door, join us inside The Balcony – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City 

Friday September 27th, 2024 Hard Hitting Promotions presents: Live Championship Boxing at: Resorts Hotel & Casino Atlantic City – Legendary Superstar Theater Time: 7:00pm – 12am

 Saturday September 28th, 2024 Fight Fan Experience in Sound Waves Lobby Area – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Time:10:00am – 2:00pm,

The Highlight of the weekend is Saturday, evening September 28th, red-carpet formal Awards & Induction Ceremony which takes place in an award show atmosphere. Join us as we honor all who helped make Atlantic City a worldwide boxing Mecca. Attendees will also enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle in our Pre & Post VIP Cocktail Receptions with boxing royalty and special guests.  

Sunday, September 29th Brunch & Comedy Show at: Back Stage Café – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm 

Sunday, September 29th Cigars, Sip & Mingle with Legends at Tennessee Ave Tobacco Company Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm 

Tickets can be purchased by visiting: Ticketmaster | ticket prices for Awards & Induction Ceremony are: $125.00 & $60.00 please visit our website for all event tickets, room reservations and full event schedule and itinerary by visiting us at: www.acbhof.com  

A special thanks to our sponsors and supporters: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Boardwalk Resorts – Flagship Hotel, Mayor Marty Small Sr., City of Atlantic City, Bare Knuckle Fighting Champions, Hard Hitting Promotions, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, The Irish Pub-Atlantic City, D’Arcy Johnson Day-Lawyers, O.C.E.A.N Inc; Community Action Partnership & Atlantic City PAL, Sampson Boxing, Quail Hill Realty-Smithville, Holman Wealth Management, Tennessee Ave Tobacco Company, Sparbar LTD, Patrick Killian Arts, Guzman Gloves, Adams Boxing, WBC, IBF, Icons of Boxing Memorabilia and Fight Night Apparel

For more information, visit the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame’s website at: www.acbhof.com




Tickets on Sale for Boxing Insider at Tropicana Atlantic City on Friday, July 26th

ATLANTIC CITY (July 16, 2024)–On Friday night, July 26th, boxing returns to Tropicana Atlantic City as Boxing Insider returns for another exciting night of action.

Tickets are now on sale for $63, $103, $203 and $303 and can be purchased at the following link:

https://www.ticketmaster.com/boxinginsider-live-professional-boxing-atlantic-city-new-jersey-07-26-2024/event/020060CD00CE6AFA

The main event will feature former lineal world heavyweight title challenger Otto Wallin (26-2, 15 KOs) of New York via Sweden take on Onoriode Ehwarieme (20-4, 19 KOs) of Miami in a eight-round battle of big punching heavyweights.

The undercard will be filled with local and undefeated fighters.

In a six-round bout, undefeated Atlantic City native, Justin Figueroa (9-0, 7 KOs) fights Victor Mendoza Arreola (4-1, 2 KO) of Colorado Springs, Colorado in a junior middleweight bout.

In four-round bouts, Atlantic City native Bruce Seldon Jr, (1-0, 1 KO) takes on Isaiah Margheim (1-3) of Sandusky, Ohio in a heavyweight clash.

Jason Castanon (1-0, 1 KO) of New York battles Arvontae Dukes (2-0) of Bronx, NY in a battle of undefeated junior welterweights.

Jacob Solis (4-0, 4 KOs) of New York puts his perfect mark on the line against James Abraham (2-1-1, 2 KOs) in an inter-borough battle of middleweights.

19-time National Amateur champion Marco Romero (1-0, 1 KO) of Kansas City fights Victor Pradis (2-0) of Covington, Louisiana in a scrap of undefeated super middleweights.

Stacia Suttles of the Bronx will make her pro debut against Kalindria Faria (1-1) of Sao Paulo, Brazil in a four-round lightweight bout.

“Irish” Micky Ward will be in attendance to meet and greet fans and sign autographs.




Undefeated Middleweight Dayan Depestre Signs with Trifon Petrov

Miami, Florida – Trifon Petrov has signed the undefeated Cuban prospect, Dayan Depestre to a multi-year managerial deal. 

Dayan Depestre was born in Cuba, but now resides in Miami. The undefeated Middleweight was Cuban National Amateur Champion before moving to the United States and turning professional. 

Depestre currently has a record of 3-0 (3KOs) as a professional boxer. His only blemish was a split decision draw against fellow undefeated Euri Cedeño. Depestre took the Cedeño fight on a very short notice because of the opportunity to fight on DAZN. 

“The Cedeño fight was a blessing in disguise. I took the fight on a one week notice and we fought to a draw, but it allowed me to showcase my skills in front of somebody like Trifon Petrov,” said Depestre. 

Trifon Petrov who also manages Euri Cedeño took notice of Dayan Depestre during that fight. 

“I was ringside, and it was a phenomenal fight to watch between two of the best young fighters in the weight class. Cedeño, who’s fighting under the Top Rank and ESPN banner now, has been on a tear before and after the Depestre fight. Dayan was the only fighter who gave Euri any problems,” said Trifon Petrov. 

Depestre trains under Rodolfo Campo at the Alpha Pro Center in Miami. 

“I met with Rodolfo and Dayan in Miami a couple of weeks ago, and we had a great conversation that led me to signing Dayan. I am excited to add another top Middleweight to my team,” added Petrov. 

Dayan Depestre is scheduled to return to the ring on September 6th in Houston on a televised show by DAZN and promoted by Red Owl Boxing. In the main event on that card, we will see another fighter managed by Trifon Petrov in the undefeated Welterweight Thanjhae Teasley.




Trifon Petrov announces the signing of the undefeated Super-Featherweight prospect Wayne Lawrence

Toledo, Ohio – Trifon Petrov has signed the undefeated Toledo native, Wayne Lawrence to a multi-year managerial deal. 

Lawrence started boxing at an early age of 3 and quickly became a child boxing sensation. Wayne, who’s better known as “Pretty Boy Bam Bam”, was a guest on t Ellen DeGeneres when he was 7 years old. He also appeared on ESPN First Take, and on Dr. Oz, as well as co-starring alongside Floyd Mayweather in the video of the song “Undisputed” by Ludacris. 

Boxing is a family affair for the Lawrence’s family. Pretty Boy Bam Bam has been trained by his father, Wayne Lawrence Sr. his whole life. 

Wayne Lawrence turned professional in 2021 and has a record of 7-0 (4KOs). 

“We’ve struggled getting fights,” Lawrence said. “People kept turning us down. Nobody really wants to fight me, so my career has been stagnant. I am ready to get national exposure and showcase my talent on TV. Trifon Petrov is one of the best in the game right now. His fighters consistently fight on tv, they fight for titles and stay active. I am excited to work with him and allow him to guide my career moving forward.”

The 22-year-old last fought in April on a local show in Cleveland. Wayne Lawrence stopped journeyman Ira Terry in the second round of their contest. 

“Wayne is extremely marketable and talented fighter. I’ve been following his career for some time now, and I’m happy that we are finally able to work together. We have some exciting things in the works for him. I am expecting him to make his television debut later this year,” said Petrov. 




Jesse Rodriguez: Putting the Bam into the pound-for-pound debate

By Norm Frauenheim –

Jesse Rodriguez, whose simple nickname is synonymous with his power in the ring, is putting some of that Bam into the pound-for-pound debate.

His thorough seventh-round stoppage of accomplished Juan Francisco Estrada last Saturday is prompting a shuffle in some ratings, yet not all.

From this corner, Rodriguez’ comprehensive performance – he scored two knockdowns and got up from one – puts him in the top five.

On this list, Rodriguez is No. 4, behind Terence Crawford at No.1, Naoya Inoue at No. 2 Oleksandr Usyk at No. 3 and one spot ahead of Tank Davis at No. 5. Shuffle them anyway you like. After all, it’s only an argument.

That said, the 24-year-old Rodriguez delivered an argument hard to ignore. Some of the prominent ratings weren’t convinced. They kept him in the second five, behind Canelo Alvarez, Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, Tank and – in some cases – Shakur Stevenson.

The pound-for-pound debate is political, meaning that evidence gets ignored and opinions are rooted in stubborn ego. Conclusion: They’ll never change.

Still, it’s hard to understand how any fair-minded rating can keep Rodriguez out of the first five. To do so is a little bit like scorecards turned in by judges Javier Camacho and Robert Tapper. Through the sixth round, Camacho had Estrada winning, 57-56. On Tapper’s card, it was even, 56-56.

What were they watching?

Not what a roaring crowd of 10,000 at Phoenix’s Footprint saw. Not what I saw either. I was there.

I suspect the controversial cards wouldn’t have mattered had the fight gone the distance. Rodriguez’ dominance was evident in the opening rounds with agile footwork that seemed to confuse Estrada.

His dominance was more evident throughout the next four-plus rounds with knockdowns in the fourth and the finishing blow – a paralyzing body shot — in the seventh.

It also was evident in the unshakeable poise he showed in getting up from a knockdown – the first in his career — in the sixth.

Over the final rounds of the fight, he would have convinced Tapper and Camacho that their rounds were just wrong. Guess here: He would have won a one-sided decision.

But he wound doing a lot more than just that: In a further expression of his nickname, he proved he had the power to take it out of the judges’ hands. Bam, he scored an astonishing knockout of a fighter who had never been stopped. That’s what pound-for-pound contenders do.

In part, I suspect some of the pound-for-pound ratings didn’t jump him into the first five because of traditional bias against the little guys. The flyweight categories – 108 to 115 pounds – have always been ignored.

But there have been exceptions. Bam is just the latest and perhaps the biggest. What’s intriguing is the terrific way in which Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has moved him up a scale from anonymity to prominence.

Hearn has done it at the right time and mostly in the right place. Phoenix has been the launching pad for the San Antonio fighter’s ascendant career.

Phoenix is an emerging boxing market, yet with one aspect missing in many cities. It grew up with a fundamental appreciation of the lightest weight classes. A personal story: I spent much of my newspaper career covering Hall-of-Fame junior-flyweight Michael Carbajal for The Arizona Republic.

About three decades later, I meet fans in their 30s and 40s. They tell me that their dad used to read my stories about Carbajal in The Republic. They say they’re fans today because their dads were.

I think of them when I hear Hearn say that Phoenix fans “are very educated.’’ They are, especially about the flyweights. Today’s growing generation of Phoenix fans learned about the little guys from their dads.

Move the clock forward to today, to Bam.

It’s no coincidence that he won his first title at Footprint, a downtown Phoenix arena that Carbajal helped open in 1992 with a junior-flyweight title defense. Thirty years later, Bam won his first major title there, the then vacant World Boxing Council’s 115-pound belt, with a unanimous decision on Feb. 5, 2022.

He defended it a couple of times, relinquished it and then won a vacant 112-pound title against Christian Gonzalez at home in San Antonio in April 2023.

Then, it was back to Phoenix at Desert Diamond Arena in suburban Glendale where he retained the 112-pound title by punishing the entertaining Sunny Edwards, forcing the UK fighter into a ninth-round surrender in front of a lively crowd of about 5,000. That performance put Rodriguez into pound-for-pound ratings – at ninth or 10th — for the first time.

Next stop: A return to Phoenix, this time back to Footprint against the 37-year-old Estrada, one of the best little guys in his flyweight generation. This time, the crowd doubled, jamming the lower bowl for a chance to see a pound-for-pound star’s coming-out party.

After the concussive conclusion, Hearn stood in the ring and thanked the crowd.

“Thank you, Phoenix,’’ he said.

Hearn also said that Phoenix and Japan share a rare appreciation for the smaller weight classes. It’s a reason, in part, that some Phoenix fans will pay attention to Kazuto Ioka’s fight against Argentine Fernando Martinez bout for two 115-pound belts Saturday in Japan.

After taking the WBC title from Estrada, Rodriguez said he wanted the winner in a bout that might represent another step up in the pound-for-pound debate and toward a showdown that has already entered the public imagination:

Bam-versus-Inoue.

“Right now, it’s a fantasy fight,’’ Bam said with wisdom not often heard from somebody still in his early 20s.

It is fantasy. Inoue, a former junior-flyweight and super-fly champion, is fighting at junior featherweight.

“I got to work my way up,’’ Rodriguez said.

He does.

But his victory over Estrada is a further testament to the Bam who gets up, works his way up, on many scales, including one that turns fantasy into reality.




WEIGHTS FROM NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

July 1, 2024) –Weights for Tuesday Night’s Country Box 18 show at The Troubadour Nashville.

Michael Seals 181.8 – Robert Burwell 184.2

Elijah Williams 143.8 – Wesley Rivers 143.2

Tobias Green 137 – Andrew Rogers 135.8

Tayvian Alpough 111.2 – Kenneth Krimmell (Will weigh in Tomorrow)

William 169.2 – Cleotis Pendarvis 175.2

Joshua Moreno 126.6 – Shane Bridges 128

Promoter: Jimmy Adams Promotions

Venue: Troubadour Nashville

1st Bell 7PM CT (8 PM ET)

TV: USA Today Network, and USA Today Sports Network; Trillerr.TV (Marc Abrams and Albert Haynesworth on the Call)

Photos By Janet Wohler / Jimmy Adams Promotions

Jimmy Adams Promotions & Country Box “Where Music Meets Boxing” is proud to announce that we have now signed a deal with USA Today. USA Today Network can be seen there on any of their viewers, please click the link https://www.gannett.com/channels/ and find the right fit for you to view Country Box March 5 at the Troubadour. Get your tickets at countrybox247.com

Plus Countrybox247.com. ITUBE247.com and Triller.TV




Teofimo Lopez Defends WBO Junior Welterweight Title TOMORROW in Miami (Sat. ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+ at 10 PM ET

NEW YORK (June 281, 2024)–Split-T Management’s WBO Junior Welterweight world champion Teofimo Lopez defends his title against Steve Claggett on Saturday night at The James L. Knight Center in Miami.

Lopez of Brooklyn is a five-time, two-division and former undisputed lightweight world champion, will look to make his second defense of his 140-lb. crown.

Lopez, who now resides in Las Vegas via Brooklyn, is managed by Split-T Management, and has a record of 20-1 with 13 knockouts. The former undisputed lightweight champion is a five-time world champion as he won the IBF Lightweight title with an explosive second-round stoppage of Richard Commey on December 14, 2019 at Madison Square Garden. Lopez picked up three more belts when he won a unanimous decision over Vasiliy Lomanchenko on October 17, 2020.

The 26 year-old Lopez became a two-division world champion with a master class performance when he won a unanimous decision over WBO Junior Welterweight title over Josh Taylor on June 10th at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. In his last bout, Lopez made the initial defense of his title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Jamaine Ortiz on February 8th in Las Vegas.

Claggett of Calgary, Alberta, Canada will be making his first attempt at a world title.

The 35 year-old has been a professional for 16 years. Claggett earned the opportunity on the strength of a current nine-fight winning streak that has consisted of wins over Sebastian Aguirre (18-3), Tony Luis (29-5), Rafael Guzman Lugo (26-2-2), former world champion Alberto Machado (23-3), Carlos Sanchez (24-1), Miguel Madueno (30-1) and his last out when he blasted out Marcos Gonzalez Baraza (23-3) in two rounds on January 25th in Montreal.

Claggett also has wins over Harrison McBain (2-0-1), Abdou Sow (3-0), Ryan Wagner (4-1), Ricky Duenas (12-1), Stuart McLellan (12-1-3), Emanuel Robles (15-0-1), Yves Ulysse Jr, (14-0), Petros Ananyan (13-0-2) and David Theroux (16-3).

Lopez is promoted by Top Rank, weighed 139.4 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in. Claggett was 139.5

The Lopez – Claggett bout will be on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 10 PM ET.

Photo by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

In a preliminary bout, undefeated featherweight, Yan Santana will make his United States debut when he takes on Brandon Valdes in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

Santana of La Romana, Dominican Republic is 11-0 with all wins coming via stoppage. The 24 year-old Santana of La Romana, Republic has stopped three undefeated opponents and is coming off a fourth round stoppage over Rodolfo Hernandez Montoya on April 6th in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

Valdes of Rosemead, California is 15-4 with seven knockouts. The 25 year-old Valdes is coming off a loss to former world title challenger Ruben Villa on September 15, 2023 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Santana weighed 127 lbs. Valdes was also 127 lbs.

The bout will be streamed on ESPN+ at 5:45 PM ET.

Friday night in Atlanta, two more members of the Split-T Management team will be in action.

Photo By OTX Boxing

Friday in Atlanta, two members of the Split-T Management team will be in action as Tiara Brown will take on former world champion Gabriela Bouvier in a 10-round featherweight bout.

Brown of Lehigh Acres, Florida is managed by Brian Cohen and carries an impressive mark of 16-0 with 11 knockouts.

Brown, 36, has wins over Vanessa Bradford (5-1-2), Jennifer Martinez (2-0), and is coming off a first round stoppage over Angi Romero on February 17th in Colombia.

Bouvier of Uruguay is 19-12-1 with four knockouts. The 32 year-old Bouvier won the IBF Flyweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Florencio Roxana Centeros. She made one defense of the crown. Bouvier had three more world title opportunities. Bouvier has won four in a row with the latest being a 10-round unanimous decision over Augustina Marisa Delen Rojas on December 9, 2023 in Uruguay.

Brown weighed in at 126 lbs. Bouvier was 125.8.

Photo By OTX Boxing

Also in Atlanta, undefeated super middleweight Donte Layne takes on Montrel James in a four-round bout.

Layne, 21 years-old of Elmont, Long Island. New York is 2-0 with two knockouts. Both of Layne’s wins have been first round stoppages with the most recent being over DeShuan Mitchell (2-0) on March 29.

James of Saint Louis is a 12 fight veteran who is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Raymond Harrison (5-1-1) on August 11, 2023 in Saint Louis.

Layne was 167.2 lbs. James was 167.4 lbs.

The Brown and Layne fights are Live on DAZN at 8 PM ET




Darius Fulghum Decisions Vaughn Alexander

Darius Fulghum remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Vaughn Alexander in a super middleweight bout that headlined at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Fulghum landed 168 of 511 punches. Alexander was 78 of 244.

Fulghum, 167.8 lbs of Houston won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 12-0. Alexander, 171.8 lbs of St. Louis is now 18-12-1.

Tristan Kalkreuth won a 10-round unanimous decision over Anthony Holloway in a cruiserweight bout.

Kalkreuth landed 114 of 334 punches. Holloway was 61 of 238.

Kalkreuthm 199.8 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 14-1. Holloway, 190.9 lbs of Duluth, MN is now 7-6-3.

Grant Flores stopped Josias Gonzalez in round three of their six-round super welterweight bout.

In round three, Flores landed a hard right that was followed up by a left to the body that put Gonzalez on the canvas, and the bout was stopped at 2:34 after the ten count.

Flores, 153.8 lbs of Coachella, CA is 5-0 with four knockouts. Gonzalez, 150.4 lbs of Whittier, CA is 2-3-1.

Leonardo Sanchez stopped Jenel Lausa in round four of their six-round lightweight bout.

In round three, Sanchez scored a knockdown from a combination. With just under a minute to go in the round, Sanchez scored another knockdown, this time with a left to the body.

In round four, it was a left hand that put Lausa down again and the fight was stopped at 1:08.

Sanchez, 131.4 lbs of Cathedral City, CA is 7-0 with six knockouts. Lausa, 135 lbs of Manila, PHL is 11-4-1.

Cayden Griffiths made a successful pro debut with a second-round stoppage over Juan Romero in a four-round super lightweight bout.

in round one, Griffiths dropped Romero with a left to the body. In round two, it was another left to the body that put Romero down on his knees and he was counted out at 43 seconds.

Griffiths, 140 lbs of Coachella, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Romero, 139.4 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 0-2.




ABASS BARAOU TO DEFEND EUROPEAN TITLE AGAINST MACAULAY MCGOWAN ON JUNE 14, LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 5

Abass Baraou returns to the ring to defend his EBU European Super Welterweight Title against Macaulay McGowan at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on June 14, live on Channel 5, two months on from defeating Sam Eggington in Telford. 

Baraou is looking to continue his pursuit of global success as fans are set for a thrilling night of action, live and free on Channel 5.

Wasserman Boxing, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum head to Manchester for Extra Time, a night of championship boxing that fans won’t want to miss.

UNDERCARD

  • Ryan Kelly and Gerome Warburton face off for the vacant Commonwealth Silver Middleweight Title.
  • One of British boxing’s finest prospects Dan Toward, looks to continue his unbeaten start to his professional career.
  • The exciting Ben Marksby is back for his first fight of 2024.



FIGHTER OF THE YEAR NAOYA INOUE TO ATTEND 99TH BOXING WRITER ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA AWARDS DINNER ON JUNE 6TH IN NEW YORK

Naoya Inoue, universally recognized as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, has confirmed that he will be attending the 99th Boxing Writers Association of America awards dinner at the 583 Park Avenue venue, at 583 Park Ave, in Manhattan, New York, on Thursday, June 6th, beginning at 6 p.m.

Inoue will receive the prestigious Sugar Ray Robinson Award as the 2023 BWAA Fighter of the Year, making history as the first Japanese fighter to win one of boxing’s most prized historic honors, which dates back to Jack Dempsey in 1938. Amanda Serrano is the 2023 Female Fighter of the Year, earning that award for the second time in three years. Fights of the Year, Manager, Trainer, Broadcaster, Journalism, and Courage awards will also be presented.

The glittering evening in a landmark venue on Park Avenue will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, open bar, dinner, silent auction and a gift bag for every attendee. A very limited number of VIP tickets are available with premium seating and additional special gift.

Tables are quickly filling up and the BWAA awards dinner journal deadline is approaching. Attached are a seat reservation form, journal reservation form, a list of all honorees and a general information page.

Please go to the website at bwaa.org for further information. Feel free to contact Gina Andriolo directly with any questions.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, June 6th!




Niyomtrong-Dusmatov purse bid scheduled for May 27th

The fight for the World Boxing Association (WBA) minimum world super championship between champion Thamannon Niyomtrong and mandatory challenger Hasanboy Dusmatov has been called for auction by the Championships Committee of the organization for  Monday, May 27. 

The pioneer body sent the official communication to both teams, who are already aware of the bidding and all the related details through a press release. 

The bidding will be conducted by the committee’s director, Carlos Chavez, and will take place via zoom at 11:00 a.m. Houston local time. As is customary in this type of fights, the split will be 75% for the champion and 25% for the challenger, while the minimum amount to keep the rights to the fight will be US $ 80,000.00. 

The winner of the bidding and all the details of the process will be published through the official channels of the WBA once the auction is completed.




Mexican Boxing Legends Rally Behind Emanuel Navarrete’s Historic Bid to Become a Four-Division World Champion 

SAN DIEGO (May 14, 2024) — As Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs) prepares to make history, he’s received overwhelming support from some of Mexico’s most revered boxing legends.

Canelo Alvarez, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Erik “El Terrible” Morales, Leo Santa Cruz, and Jorge “El Travieso” Arce have all extended their support to the 29-year-old fighting pride of San Juan Zitlaltepec, who will attempt to join this elite group of Mexican boxers who have captured world titles in four different weight divisions.

To watch the video featuring the Mexican legends, click HERE.

Navarrete will fight Ukrainian Olympian Denys Berinchyk (18-0, 9 KOs) for the vacant WBO lightweight world title this Saturday at Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

“It is an honor to have the backing of such esteemed champions who have inspired me to chase greatness,” said Navarrete. “Their words have motivated me to push harder and leave everything in the ring to achieve this milestone for my country and my fans.”

The support from these legends highlights the unity and camaraderie within the Mexican boxing community.




Mexican Boxing Legends Rally Behind Emanuel Navarrete’s Historic Bid to Become a Four-Division World Champion 

SAN DIEGO (May 14, 2024) — As Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs) prepares to make history, he’s received overwhelming support from some of Mexico’s most revered boxing legends.

Canelo Alvarez, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Erik “El Terrible” Morales, Leo Santa Cruz, and Jorge “El Travieso” Arce have all extended their support to the 29-year-old fighting pride of San Juan Zitlaltepec, who will attempt to join this elite group of Mexican boxers who have captured world titles in four different weight divisions.

To watch the video featuring the Mexican legends, click HERE.

Navarrete will fight Ukrainian Olympian Denys Berinchyk (18-0, 9 KOs) for the vacant WBO lightweight world title this Saturday at Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

“It is an honor to have the backing of such esteemed champions who have inspired me to chase greatness,” said Navarrete. “Their words have motivated me to push harder and leave everything in the ring to achieve this milestone for my country and my fans.”

The support from these legends highlights the unity and camaraderie within the Mexican boxing community.




Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk Make Grand Arrivals ahead of Saturday’s UNDISPUTED SHOWDOWN

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (May 14, 2024) — Heavyweight history will be made soon in The Kingdom.

WBC/Lineal champion Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) and WBO/IBF/WBA ruler Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) will battle for the undisputed heavyweight crown this Saturday at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The winner becomes the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis accomplished that feat in 1999.

On Tuesday at Boulevard Riyadh City, the main event combatants and undercard fighters made their grand arrivals. The pageantry was befitting one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights in modern memory, a long-simmering rivalry that will play out in four days.

Fury has been the lineal champion for nearly nine years and is coming off last October’s decision over Francis Ngannou in Riyadh. Usyk survived a tough challenge before knocking out Daniel Dubois in the ninth round last August in Poland. After a Fury cut suffered in sparring scuttled their original Feb. 17 fight date, the world’s top heavyweights are finally in the same location.

The Fury-Usyk card is available on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV in the United States beginning at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT. 

The pay-per-view undercard features a pair of world title fights. In the co-feature, cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) puts his Ring Magazine belt on the line against Mairis Breidis (28-2, 20 KOs), the man he dethroned for the IBF world title in July 2022. The vacant IBF world title will also be at stake in this highly anticipated rematch. 

The fighting pride of Wales, IBF junior lightweight world champion Joe Cordina (17-0, 9 KOs), defends his strap against Belfast native Anthony Cacace (21-1, 7 KOs).

At Tuesday’s grand arrivals, this is what Fury, Usyk, and Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum had to say. 

Tyson Fury

“It feels absolutely fantastic to be in the great Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I’m feeling fantastic. I can’t wait to put a good show on. There’s so many people coming. It’s such an event. All the big stars are here. It’s going to be epic. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”

“If I was fighting an old dosser on Saturday night who had five fights and lost them all, it would be very important to me. Every fight I’ve ever had is important to me. Every little fight along the way was important to me. I believe that every left and right turn I’ve ever taken in my life, every time I’ve fallen over, and every time I’ve climbed up was all leading to this moment. It’s destiny.”

“I predict that somebody’s ‘0’ has got to go. And it’s going to be that team over there, unfortunately for them. Oleksandr Usyk is a great fighter. Olympic gold medalist, cruiserweight world champion, heavyweight world champion. But, unfortunately for him, he has to come against the great Tyson Fury in the era of me. I’m really looking forward to Saturday night.”

“Even if he had 20 million people screaming his name, they cannot fight for him on the night. And when there’s two men in there on the night, it’s going to be very daunting when he has the undertaker in the ring with him.”

Oleksandr Usyk

“I feel good. I’m very happy to be here. Saturday is a special day because I will have the opportunity to become undisputed for a second time. It’s great. It’s very good for me. It’s very important for my country. I like that.”

“I have a plan. It’s a better plan. And it’s a great plan.”

“I really appreciate the support from my fans and Ukrainian soldiers. I love my fans.”

Bob Arum

“Unfortunately, we don’t see enough of these events in boxing. The undisputed heavyweight championship of the world occurs so infrequently that it’s almost like a blue moon coming. And now, on Saturday night, we will have the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world here in Riyadh. And that means that after this fight, there is one ‘Baddest Man on the Planet,’ the undisputed heavyweight champion. That means everything in the sport of boxing. That means everything for fans who love boxing.”

Saturday, May 18

Top Rank on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View (12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT)
 

Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, 12 rounds, Undisputed Heavyweight World Title
 
Jai Opetaia vs. Mairis Briedis 2, 12 rounds, Vacant IBF and Opetaia’s Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles

Joe Cordina vs. Anthony Cacace, 12 rounds, Cordina’s IBF Junior Lightweight World Title

Frank Sanchez vs. Agit Kabayel, 12 rounds, WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator

Moses Itauma vs. Ilja Mezencev, 10 rounds, Vacant WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title

Mark Chamberlain vs. Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab, 12 rounds, Vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Title

Sergey Kovalev vs. Robin Sirwan Safar, 10 rounds, Cruiserweight

Daniel Lapin vs. Octavio Pudivtr, 10 rounds, Vacant WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Title 




PIÑEIRO AND ORTIZ PEN CO-PROMOTIONAL DEALS WITH MATCHROOM

Stephanie Piñeiro and William Ortiz have both signed co-promotional deals with Matchroom and Universal Promotions.

Piñeiro (6-0 2 KOs) in undefeated in the paid ranks and closing in on her first title action. ‘The Medicine’ still harbors ambitions of competing in the 2024 Olympics in Paris this summer, echoing back to her amateur success where she won Central American gold in 2023 and bronze in 2018. The 33 year old also plays professional basketball in Puerto Rico, and has represented the Morovis Mountaineers in the BSNF league since 2009.

Ortiz (5-0 4 KOs) is one of the hottest young stars in Puerto Rico, and the 20 year old has banked four wins inside the distance from his five victories to date since turning pro in October 2022. “Willito” joined the paid ranks as a four-time Puerto Rican national champion and 2021 Pan Am games bronze medalist.

“As a woman in boxing, this is a great opportunity and I’m very excited about it. This catapults my professional career”, said Piñeiro. “From the first day, I signed with Universal Promotions, they promised me that many doors would open and with this, great opportunities would come.

“Now I am not only with the best promoter in Puerto Rico, Javier Bustillo, but I also going to work with the best promoter in the world. We are going to show the world that women’s boxing in Puerto Rico is a serious sports matter”.

“I am thankful and motivated for this opportunity to sign with the biggest promoter in the world!” said Ortiz. “This has always been one of my goals, to be able to showcase my level of talent locally and worldwide. I would also like to thank my family and my team for supporting and believing in me.”

“It’s an honor to fulfill this alliance with our friends at Matchroom Boxing,” said Javier Bustillo, President of Universal Promotions. “Stephanie Piñeiro and William Ortiz are an important part of an elite group of prospects who will go out and conquer not only the world but the world of boxing. This alliance with Matchroom Boxing is only the beginning of great things to come for the boxing sport in Puerto Rico.”




Devon Young Has Record Setting Night in Team Combat League with Two Stoppages in the same evening

NEW YORK (May 14, 2024)-Split-T Management undefeated heavyweight Devon Young ventured into the Team Combat League (TCL) and registered two stoppage victories in the same night.

Young of Aiken, South Carolina and fighting for the Atlanta Attack took out Demek Edmonds and Fardi Pashazade of the Boston Butchers this past Saturday in Kissimmee, Florida.

Young, who is promoted by King’s Promotions, has an undefeated professional boxing record 4-0 with three knockouts.

Saturday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Split-T Management undefeated junior lightweight Javier Zamarron won a six-round unanimous decision over Donnie Reeves.

Zamarron of Sheboygam, Wisconsin won by scores of 60-51 and 59-53 on two scorecards to raise his mark to 8-0.

Reeves of Hannibal, Missouri is 9-9.




Devon Young Has Record Setting Night in Team Combat League with Two Stoppages in the same evening

NEW YORK (May 14, 2024)-Split-T Management undefeated heavyweight Devon Young ventured into the Team Combat League (TCL) and registered two stoppage victories in the same night.

Young of Aiken, South Carolina and fighting for the Atlanta Attack took out Demek Edmonds and Fardi Pashazade of the Boston Butchers this past Saturday in Kissimmee, Florida.

Young, who is promoted by King’s Promotions, has an undefeated professional boxing record 4-0 with three knockouts.

Saturday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Split-T Management undefeated junior lightweight Javier Zamarron won a six-round unanimous decision over Donnie Reeves.

Zamarron of Sheboygam, Wisconsin won by scores of 60-51 and 59-53 on two scorecards to raise his mark to 8-0.

Reeves of Hannibal, Missouri is 9-9.




FIGHTER OF THE YEAR NAOYA INOUE TO ATTEND 99TH BOXING WRITER ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA AWARDS DINNER ON JUNE 6TH IN NEW YORK

Naoya Inoue, universally recognized as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, has confirmed that he will be attending the 99th Boxing Writers Association of America awards dinner at the 583 Park Avenue venue, at 583 Park Ave, in Manhattan, New York, on Thursday, June 6th, beginning at 6 p.m.

Inoue will receive the prestigious Sugar Ray Robinson Award as the 2023 BWAA Fighter of the Year, making history as the first Japanese fighter to win one of boxing’s most prized historic honors, which dates back to Jack Dempsey in 1938. Amanda Serrano is the 2023 Female Fighter of the Year, earning that award for the second time in three years. Fights of the Year, Manager, Trainer, Broadcaster, Journalism, and Courage awards will also be presented.

The glittering evening in a landmark venue on Park Avenue will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, open bar, dinner, silent auction and a gift bag for every attendee. A very limited number of VIP tickets are available with premium seating and additional special gift.

Tables are quickly filling up and the BWAA awards dinner journal deadline is approaching. Attached are a seat reservation form, journal reservation form, a list of all honorees and a general information page.

Please go to the website at bwaa.org for further information. Feel free to contact Gina Andriolo directly with any questions.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, June 6th!




FANMIO ANNOUNCES FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND BLOCKBUSTER AS THEY PRESENT NATE DIAZ VS. JORGE MASVIDAL BOXING SHOWDOWN ON NEW DATE OF SATURDAY, JULY 6 FROM HONDA CENTER IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA

ANAHEIM, CA – May 13, 2024 – Fanmio announces today that they will present a July Fourth Weekend blockbuster and give fans a crown jewel event on the holiday’s combat sports calendar by delivering the pro boxing showdown between Nate Diaz and Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal on a new date of Saturday, July 6 live from Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

“LAST MAN STANDING: DIAZ VS. MASVIDAL” is set to provide July Fourth Weekend fireworks marking the first time two UFC superstars will go toe-to-toe in a pro boxing ring. Diaz vs. Masvidal will be the highlight of the July Fourth Weekend combat sports schedule and be supported by an exciting week of pre-fight events for fans and media alike.

“He won the first fight, but I’m back for more. So that’s what’s popping,” said Diaz. “This is a new fight and I’m here to win. That’s what it’s all about. I’ll fight anyone in any combat sport. We got a fight and we have to figure this all out on July 6.”

“Our new date July 6 gives me more time to train and do what I was going to do before, beat Nate’s ass,” said Masvidal. “Fighting on July Fourth Weekend is great for the fans. Lots of fireworks in and out of the ring. My shots will be just like them, blasting off in Nate’s face. I am going to destroy him that night, just you wait and see.”

“The new Saturday, July 6 date puts the event on a historical and patriotic weekend at Honda Center in Anaheim, California for all fight fans to enjoy during this great holiday,” said Fanmio CEO Solomon Engel. “Nate Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal 2 will be a very competitive and exciting sequel as both fighters are training hard in their camps to write a definitive next chapter in their rivalry. Fight fans will not be disappointed.”

Coming on the heels of July 4, and showcasing two great American fighters in Diaz and Masvidal, “LAST MAN STANDING: DIAZ VS. MASVIDAL” promises to continue delivering the fireworks with a patriotic evening of boxing on July 6. 

Pre-sale tickets for the live event starting at only $55 (plus applicable fees and taxes) will be available TOMORROW, Tuesday, May 14 from 10:00 a.m. PT until 10:00 p.m. PT. Sign up for the pre-sale at Fanmio.com/Fight.

A limited number of VIP packages will also be available starting at $1,750. Packages, which include the best ringside seats, all-inclusive hospitality in the Honda Center’s exclusive Impact Club, the opportunity to step into the ring after the fight, VIP access to the weigh-in and more.

Public on-sale will begin Wednesday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. PT with tickets available through Ticketmaster.

Fanmio will present the event in association with Diaz’s Real Fight Inc. and Masvidal’s Gamebred Boxing Promotions.

The 10-round 175-pound light heavyweight fight headlines a pay-per-view available now for pre-order at FANMIO.com/ppv and FANMIO.com/DiazVsMasvidal for $79.99. Fans can also purchase through the Fanmio App, which is available globally via smart televisions and mobile devices via Apple iOS and tvOS devices, Android Mobile, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, Vizio Smart TV, Google TV and Chromecast.

Throughout their storied careers, Diaz and Masvidal have accounted for three of the top 10 highest-selling pay-per-view events in UFC history, with over 10 million pay-per-view buys combined over their careers.

Their first meeting saw Masvidal take home the inaugural UFC BMF title belt, a Diaz inspired belt based on his constant assertion that the style he and Masvidal bring forward made them the “baddest” in the game. The bout ended prematurely in the eyes of many, as a cut over Diaz’s eyebrow resulted in a TKO for Masvidal. With the cut leading to an unsatisfying ending, July 6 marks an opportunity for these two warriors to finally battle it out to the finish.

**Fans who purchased tickets for the originally scheduled fight date will be issued a refund from their original point of purchase.

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ABOUT “LAST MAN STANDING: DIAZ VS. MASVIDAL”

Follow the conversation leading up to this unique boxing duel on all social media platforms with the hashtag #DiazMasvidal and through @Fanmio, @NateDiaz209 and @GamebredFighter on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to stay tuned for more exciting announcements leading up to July 6. 




Undefeated Austin Brooks to defend his WBA Continental USA Featherweight title vs.   2016 Armenian Olympian Aran Avagyan

LOS ANGELES (May 13, 2024) – Toro Promotions, Inc., in association with Whitfield Haydon Boxing, returns June 15th to the famed Emerald Queen Casino (EQC) in Tacoma, Washington, to showcase its powerful stable of professional boxers on the “EQC Fight Night” card.

Undefeated Austin Brooks (12-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of La Mesa (CA), defends his World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental super featherweight title for the first time, versus 2015 Armenian Olympian Aram “Warrior” Avagyan (11-1-2, 5 KOs) in an All-Toro 10-round main event.

Brooks, 28, captured his WBA Continental USA belt in his last fight, when he knocked out previously unbeaten (7-0) Jose Manuel Izaguirre in the seventh round this past February 10th in Long Beach, California. Brooks, a southpaw, has fought only once at EQC, which ended in a six-round technical knockout of Anthony Chavez (11-3-1) on August 26, 2023.

Avagyan, now living in Burbank (CA), was a two-time bronze medalist in the European Championships as an amateur, in addition to representing his country at the 2016 Olympics. His most recent fight, after nearly three years of inactivity, was on April 12th in Colorado, in which his opponent, Juan Santiago, was unable to continue after three rounds. 

Red-hot, power broker and 2020 Ukraine Olympian, Tsotne Rogava (7-0, 7 KOs), continues his accelerated march to a world heavyweight rating, when the 6’ 5”, 270-pounder takes on battle-tested Jon Bolden (10-13-1, 7 KOs), of Seattle, in the eight-round co-featured event. 

A champion kickboxer who has successfully transitioned to boxing, the Georgia-native and Ukraine-raised Rogava has won his last four fights via first-round stoppages, and he’s only fought a grand total of nine rounds in seven pro bouts to date. Rogava now resides in Marina del Rey (CA), and he is trained by Hall of Famer Joe Goossen.

Toro Promotions has an imposing group of gifted and large heavyweight, including Rogava, Dante Stone (16-1, 11 KOs), Alexander “The Great” Flores (19-4-1, 17 KOs) and another rising prospect, Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (12-1, 10 KOs), who will also be in action on the June 15th show.

Ibeh, who is a native of Nigeria who now resides in Phoenix, is a cousin of the retired, infamous heavyweight boxer Ike Ibeabuchi. The 6’ 4”, 300-pound Ibeh played football in college (Washburn U.) as well as professionally in the Canadian Football League.

Veteran mixed-martial-arts fighter Juan Torres (11-6-1, 4 KOs), the former Texas and ABF USA heavyweight champion, will challenge Ibeh in the eight-round Special Heavyweight Attraction.  

Undefeated Nicaraguan super featherweight prospect Nilo Guerrero (8-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Nicaragua Youth National Champion who lives in Coachella (CA), faces 60-fight veteran Diuhi “Elegante” Olguin in a six-round match. Guerrero, 23, skillfully uses his abnormal 6’ 1” height (and length) to a tremendous advantage thus far in the super featherweight division.  

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-rounders is Hoquiam (WA) super welterweight Nathan “Superman” Stolen (1-0, 1 KO), another MMA fighter who has fought in the highly respected Bellator, vs. Julio Munoz, Jr. (0-0-1), of Tucson, and Auburn (WA) lightweight Agustin Tovar (1-0) vs. Robert Jimenez (0-2), of Nampa, Idaho.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are on sale now for $70.00 and $45.00 and may be purchased online at https://emeraldqueen.com/boxing/ or by calling (253) 594-7777.  Tickets purchased at the Emerald Queen Shop are eligible for up to a 20-discount, plus no taxes or processing fees. Must be 21 years of age to attend. 

Doors open at 6 p.m. PT, first bout at 7 p.m. PT.




JUNIOR YOUNAN THRILLS STAR BOXING FULL CARD RESULTS PARAMOUNT NY

.Huntington, New York (May 12, 2024)—Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing Rockin’ Fights 47 delivered an exciting night of boxing at the Paramount in Huntington, Long Island.

Undefeated Junior Younan (20-0-1 12 KO’s) was very impressive in scoring a sensational, highlight reel knockout over veteran Ricardo Adrian Luna to capture the vacant WBA CONTINENTAL AMERICA GOLD CHAMPIONSHIP. Younan’s had the type of performance that is sure to put the Brooklyn NY prospect on the world map as he seeks to fight the top names in boxing after recently becoming a part of Joe DeGuardia‘s Star Boxing stable. The knockout came at 2:53 in the first round

Undefeated Ryan O’Rourke (11-0 3 KO’s) returned to the ring after an injury filled layoff and had to work very hard to take the unanimous decision against determined Polish Welterweight Michal Bulik. Scores were 59-55, 59-56 and 58-56.

Ronny Reyes and Yeuri Andujar engaged in an exciting 6 round battle in the Jr Lightweight division. The fighters went toe to toe for the entire 6 rounds, each taking a turn having his way. In the end, Andujar scored the upset majority decision over the previously undefeated Reyes by scores of 57-57, 58-56, and a seemingly outrageous score of 60-54 by judge John Basile, for Andujar.

The opening fight of the night was a thrillingly engaging and entertaining war between pro debuting John McDonagh and Tevin Terrance. The fight was sensational and worthy of a ‘club show 4 round fight of the year’ award. It is an example of the fights that have made Star Boxing’s Rockin’ Fights series one of the longest running and most successful shows in boxing. The fight was an all-out slugfest. The fittingly appropriate end result was a split draw, 39-37 for each fighter and 38-38 on the final scorecard in their Super Middleweight bout. Both were winners

Star Boxing once again delivered an electrifying evening that featured competitive bouts and thrilling outcomes!




PPV.COM’s Chris Algieri’s Fury vs Usyk Preview Analysis

Former WBO junior welterweight world champion Chris Algieri will be co-hosting the popular and exclusive live viewer chat, with award-winning combat sports journalist Kevin Iole and popular podcaster Dan Canobbio,  in real time, during PPV.COM‘s live stream of this Saturday’s, May 18 (2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT) World Heavyweight Championship boxing event headlined by the long-awaited showdown between undefeated world champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.  This will be the first time, since the Mike Tyson – Michael Spinks rumble in 1988, that undefeated heavyweight champions have battled for all the belts.  The victor will become the division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis 24 years ago.  The crystal-clear HD live stream, emanating from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be available to viewers in the U.S. and Canada.  Priced at $69.99, it can be ordered by clicking here: PPV.COM: Fury vs. Usyk.  Below, is Chris’ analysis of Fury vs. Usyk.  PPV.COM does not require a subscription.

CHRIS ALGIERI’S FURY vs. USYK PREVIEW ANALYSIS

“This is a tremendous fight with incredible historical significance.  There hasn’t been an undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield in 2000.  Boxing’s World Heavyweight Champion has always and will always be recognized as the baddest man on the planet.

“That being said.  A win for Fury solidifies him as one of the greatest heavyweights of the modern era.  Potentially being the guy that no one in history could ever beat.  He is the biggest, most athletic heavyweight in history of the sport, 6’9 280 lbs, with athletic head movement, the heart of a lion, and competitive spirit unmatched to date is a recipe for an all time great. 

“A win by Usyk locks him in as the best cruiserweight of all time as well as one of the best heavyweights of current times.  It would be hard to argue, based on his accomplishments, to see it any other way — Olympic gold medalist, unified cruiserweight world champion, unified heavyweight world champion, undefeated.  What else is there to be done at that point?

“As different as these two men are from their appearance, to their styles, to the way they operate in every aspect of their lives, we have two men who share a commonality.  They are undefeated and here to make history!” 

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KEVIN IOLE

Kevin is a recipient of the Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism, the Boxing Writers Association of America’s highest honor.  He brings over 40 years of experience covering the sweet science for Yahoo! Sports and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.  He now runs the hugely popular combat sports website KevinIole.com

DAN CANOBBIO AND CHRIS ALGIERI

Dan and Chris have moved their popular Inside Boxing Livepodcast to PPV.COM, where they produce two fresh episodes weekly, provide onsite coverage during major pay-per-view fight weeks, host their own weekly live chat every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, and join fight night live viewer chats.  For the latest episodes of Inside Boxing Live presented by PPV.COM, click here Inside Boxing Live – YouTube. 

About iNDEMAND and PPV.COM

iNDEMAND is an innovative partnership among three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.– Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDEMAND is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDEMAND delivers great content to more than 60 million cable homes and has distribution deals with more than 90 companies.  In December 2021, iNDEMAND launched PPV.COM, an innovative streaming PPV service and the first of its kind to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports.  With the addition of PPV.COM, which does not require a subscription, to its existing cable PPV infrastructure, iNDEMAND has consolidated all forms of PPV distribution under one roof, making the company the only provider of turnkey PPV solutions for both industry partners and consumers.  For more information, go to indemand.com.




Mexican Warriors Collide: Rafael Espinoza-Sergio Chirino Featherweight World Title Battle Set for June 21 at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on ESPN+

LAS VEGAS (May 10, 2024) — Another chapter in Mexico’s historic saga of intra-national showdowns is set to unfold.
 
Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza will make the first defense of his WBO featherweight world title against Sergio Chirino on Friday, June 21, inside BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Espinoza-Chirino will mark the 161st all-Mexican world title fight and the 20th at featherweight. 

The 10-round junior lightweight co-feature will see Andres “Savage” Cortes and Abraham “El Super” Nova collide in a high-stakes battle presented in association with Murphys Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotion. 
 
In a 10-round special attraction, unbeaten middleweights Troy Isley and Javier Martinez will reignite a fierce amateur rivalry.

Espinoza-Chirino, Cortes-Nova and Isley-Martinez headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ and Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 14, at 12 p.m. PT via Ticketmaster.com.
 
“From top to bottom, this is a truly great card that promises action, and we’re thrilled to be doing our first show at the beautiful Fontainebleau Las Vegas,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Espinoza can be Mexico’s next great champion, but he has a tough assignment in Chirino. Andres Cortes and Abraham Nova is a great grudge match, and the winner will be in great position to challenge for a world title.”
 
“Espinoza-Chirino is one of this year’s most anticipated fights, and we could not be prouder to host it at BleauLive Theater, a sports fan’s paradise where you will feel the intensity of every punch no matter where you’re seated,” says Fontainebleau Las Vegas Senior Vice President of Entertainment, Fedor Banuchi. “Espinoza-Chirino title bout underscores Fontainebleau’s 70-year legacy of delivering premier entertainment to our guests and solidifies our status as a top-tier destination for live events.”
 
Espinoza (24-0, 20 KOs) devoted over a decade to his pro career before capturing the WBO featherweight world title in a Fight of the Year contender against Robeisy Ramirez last December. Despite being knocked down in the fifth after taking an early lead, Espinoza rallied late and dropped Ramirez in the twelfth, nearly stopping him before the final bell. Espinoza earned a majority decision in a stunning upset. Standing at 6’1,” he is the tallest world champion in featherweight history, a division that has included Mexican greats such as Ruben Olivares, Salvador Sanchez, Erik Morales, and Marco Antonio Barrera.
 
Espinoza said, “I’m excited to return to the ring. I’m training very hard like always. I know that I’ll be facing a Mexican compatriot who is coming to win. I will be ready to defend my title with a lot of grit and heart. And that’s what I’ll do in the ring, fight with a lot of heart and win my first title defense.” 

Chirino (22-1, 13 KOs) went 9-0 before an early loss to eventual world titleholder Mauricio Lara in August 2018. Since then, he has remained unbeaten, tallying wins in different parts of Mexico. Last year, he decisioned Ally Mwerangi and Sebastian Tinoco Chavez before making his 2024 debut in February by stopping Dennis Contreras with a body shot in the third round. The 29-year-old hopes to make history by becoming the first world champion to come from the Mexican state of Oaxaca.  
 
Chirino said, “We Mexicans are known for having a lot of heart. And whenever there are two of us in the ring, it’s a battle. I’m happy for the opportunity, but at the same time, I know I’ve earned it. I’m coming for that belt. I have a lot of experience. There will be a problem in the ring, and that problem is Espinoza. But I will solve that problem and take home the victory.”
 
Nova (23-2, 16 KOs) had an impressive amateur career spanning almost 200 fights, with notable wins against Frank Martin, Richardson Hitchins, and Nahir Albright. As a pro, he went 17-0 before entering a co-promotional agreement with Top Rank in early 2020. He suffered his first professional setback in June 2022 via a one-punch knockout against Ramirez at featherweight. Following the loss, Nova moved back to junior lightweight, notching victories over Adam Lopez and former world champion Jonathan Romero before a split decision loss in his first world title shot against O’Shaquie Foster in February.
 
Nova said, “We’ve been on a collision course for a long time. It was eventually going to happen. Andres has been nipping at my heels for a while, calling me out and running his mouth at press conferences. Well, on June 21 in Las Vegas, he’s going to get a taste of what he’s been craving. Be careful what you wish for. No Fear! No Doubt!”
 
Cortes (21-0, 12 KOs), a Las Vegas native, made his mark in July 2020 by overcoming a visit to the canvas to secure a decision victory against Alejandro Salinas at the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. In 2021, he maintained his momentum by outpointing Eduardo Garza in May, knocking out former world title challenger Genesis Servania in the first round in August and vanquishing Mark Bernaldez in three rounds in November. The 26-year-old inked a deal with Top Rank the following March and has since gone 5-0 with three knockouts, including last July’s seventh-round stoppage win over Xavier Martinez and February’s fourth-round TKO against Bryan Chevalier.

“This is going to be a painful night for Abraham Nova. He thinks I’m his ticket to another title shot, but I am going to plant him on the canvas,” Cortes said. “I’m ready for a title shot, and nobody, especially not Nova, will stop me from achieving my dream.”
 
Isley (12-0, 5 KOs) kicked off his pro career in February 2021 and notched his first 10 wins before joining forces with 2023 Trainer of the Year Brian “BoMac” McIntyre. Since then, the Olympian has excelled, registering a dominant points verdict over Mexican veteran Vladimir Hernandez last November on the Shakur Stevenson-Edwin De Los Santos bill before knocking out Marcos Hernandez in round seven in March. Martinez (10-0-1, 3 KOs), a five-time national champion, started his professional journey in July 2020. He only has one blemish, a split draw against Joeshon James. The Milwaukee native is coming off his most significant victory, an eight-round decision over Raul Salomon in February.

Isley and Martinez are familiar foes, having fought four times as amateurs. Isley bested Martinez in the finals of the 2016 and 2017 U.S. National Championships. Martinez responded with victories at the 2018 U.S. National Championships and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

“This isn’t the amateurs anymore,” Isley said. “Javier is going to see the difference in skill when we fight on June 21 in Las Vegas. He’s a tough fighter with a lot of heart, but that won’t be enough for him to win the fight.”
 
“This is the end of the rivalry. We fought some great battles as amateurs, and this one is the tiebreaker,” Martinez said.  “I’ve wanted this fight ever since I turned pro, and on June 21, I will show Troy that our last two amateur fights were not a fluke. I was the better fighter then, and I am the better fighter now.”
 
The undercard includes a pair of Las Vegas natives and the Top Rank debut of a fast-rising prodigy:
 
·      Bantamweight prospect Floyd Diaz (11-0, 3 KOs) makes his second 2024 appearance in an eight-round tilt versus Francisco Pedroza (18-11-2, 10 KOs). The Las Vegas native shined with an eight-round decision over Puerto Rican vet Edwin Rodriguez in March. Pedroza, after giving stiff tests to Gary Antonio Russell and Jason Moloney, bested three-time Olympian Rau’shee Warren over six rounds in August 2022.
 
·      Junior lightweight southpaw DJ Zamora (12-0, 9 KOs), also a native of Las Vegas, will face Jose Antonio Meza (9-9, 2 KOs) in an eight-round contest. The 21-year-old earned two victories in 2023, dispatching Jesus Abel Ibarra in three rounds in March and decisioning Nikolai Buzolin across eight in July.
 
·      Junior bantamweight phenom Steven Navarro (1-0, 1 KO) will make his Top Rank debut in a six-rounder against Juan Pablo Meza (7-3, 2 KOs). The 13-time U.S. national amateur champion entered the professional ranks by stopping Jose Lopez in six in April.
 
·      Albert Gonzalez (8-0, 4 KOs), a featherweight standout trained by Robert Garcia, takes on Conrado Martinez (9-1) in a six-rounder. Gonzalez returns after blasting out Joel Alberto Mora last month.
  

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About BleauLive Theater
BleauLive Theater is the entertainment hub of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a 90,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, customizable theater capable of hosting up to 3,800 guests. More information about Fontainebleau Las Vegas dining, events, entertainment, rooms and suites can be found at fontainebleaulasvegas.com.
 
About Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a 67-story, vertically integrated luxury resort. Rooted in the 70-year history of the iconic Fontainebleau brand, Fontainebleau Las Vegas brings a legacy of timeless elegance and unparalleled service to the Strip. Certified by the Green Building Initiative with three Green Globes, the resort’s thoughtful design allows guests to move effortlessly among 3,644 luxury hotel rooms and suites, 550,000 square feet of customizable meeting and convention space, 150,000 square feet of gaming space, a collection of world-class restaurants and shops, exquisite pools, vibrant nightlife, and vitality-enhancing spa and wellness offerings. Located at 2777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., adjacent to the acclaimed Las Vegas Convention Center expansion, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is created by Fontainebleau Development in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments.




The Brawl at Bally’s Weigh-in Results

LINCOLN, RI – CES Boxing returns to Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino tomorrow night for “The Brawl at Bally’s,” a scintillating 7-bout card featuring 2 championship fights.  

The action begins at 7pm EST and will also be streamed on Swerve Combat TV.  There is still time to purchase tickets at CESFights.com for what is sure to be an electrifying night of championship boxing.

In the main event, New Bedford, MA’s Wilson “ill Will” Mascarenhas (10-1, 4 KOs) clashes with Accra, Ghana’s Patrick “The Mallet” Okine (21-6-2, 18 KOs) for the WBC US Silver Super Lightweight title.  The co-main event features a battle of undefeated prospects as Gary “Batman” Balletto III (4-0, 2 KOs) collides with Laurent Humes (10-0, 10 KOs) for the NABF Jr. Light Heavyweight Championship.  Plus, “King” Kevin Walsh (12-0, 5 KOs) fights for the 3rd time this year and top prospect Iman Lee (9-0, 6 KOs) makes his CES Boxing debut.

Weights from Lincoln, Rhode Island:

  • Wilson Mascarenhas 139 vs. Patrick Okine 140; for the WBC US Silver Super Lightweight Championship
  • Gary Balletto III 175 vs. Laurent Humes 173; for the NABF Jr. Light Heavyweight Championship
  • Kevin Walsh 143 vs. Tackie Annan 143; welterweights
  • Iman Lee 130 vs. Luis Porozo 128; super featherweights
  • James Maner 164 vs. Chaklit Ali-Redwood 163; super middleweights
  • Robert Degaetano 151 vs. Abdalla Nagy 154; junior middleweights
  • Raheem Davis 145 vs. Jaequez Jones 145; welterweights

For more information about CES and its events, follow CES Boxing on FacebookInstagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.