Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud, Chairman of the GSA:

“I want to start with welcoming everyone to Saudi Arabia, especially to Diriyah. I Would like to welcome the fighters here and I wish them luck. Firstly, boxing is one of our growing sports in the Kingdom, we have had events in the past and international events which started with Formula E, WWE, the Italian Super-Cup final and other events in the Kingdom. They all fall under the 2030 vision guided by the custodian of the two holy mosques, his majesty King Salman and the Crown Prince Hamed Salman. The direction of Saudi Arabia is to enhance sport because sport is good for everyone. We are not just focusing on one sport we are focusing on many sports and maybe that Is reflected on the number of events that we have hosted.

“We are very lucky that we have managed to host this fight in Saudi and in Diriyah, which is a very special place for all of us. We also want to reflect to the world what Saudi Arabia is and hopefully everyone can come and enjoy this fight in one of our special places in the Kingdom. I think everyone is already excited outside and inside the Kingdom. We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone, anyone who wants to come to Saudi and watch this fight is more than welcome to come. Sports reaches everyone, and I think it is fundamental in the ‘2030 Vision’ and one of the key visions in the 2030 vision is to promote and grow sports within the Kingdom. We are not just hosting fights, we are increasing the interest in the Kingdom. We have seen the interest in sports have grown drastically in the last few years and we want to give this opportunity to Saudi citizens who can come and watch this fight.

“This is the start of something exciting and everybody has been excited in the Kingdom since this fight was first announced. Everybody is looking forward to getting tickets and I think it will boost the interest in boxing in general. Lots of gyms and venues are opening up. Boxing is an old sport but is relatively new for Saudi Arabia. That is something that we would like to enhance from these events, to open up the interest in boxing in the Kingdom but also to have a long lasting plan to really encourage the youth in getting into boxing.

“I think that everyone who is coming to watch this fight is going to experience something that they haven’t experienced anywhere else in the world, that is our aim. In October we will announce all the details and how people can purchase tickets. We will have an easy system that anyone can apply to and anyone can apply for a VISA and come to Saudi and watch this fight. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone.”

Eddie Hearn, Managing Director, Matchroom Boxing:

“Thanks Ravi and thank you to the whole panel and of course everybody who made this event possible. The GSA, Prince Abdulaziz thank you, Skills Challenge Entertainment, Omar and the team and an huge thank you to Prince Khalid who plagued me and didn’t let this go to bring this fight here, we were so close and looking at almost a dozen other venues that were knocking at our door for this World Heavyweight Championship, the biggest fight in boxing today. Prince Khalid saw the vision, the love and passion for the sport and would not stop calling me. He would not stop trying to bring this event to Saudi Arabia. 

“I have to tell you, sitting here now and having just watched that incredible show and having been a fight fan for 30 years, I felt a bit emotional. This is such a monumental occasion for our sport which is sometimes very narrow minded – there’s Las Vegas, there’s New York, there’s London – no. There is a whole world out there and now there is Saudi Arabia for boxing. This is such a monumental opportunity for our sport and you’re not just bringing a fight to the Kingdom, you are bringing the biggest fight in world boxing, the biggest prize in boxing – the World Heavyweight Championship. 

“This is not a one off fight, this is a rematch for one of the fights of the year. Back on June 1 at the sold out Madison Square Garden we witnessed one of the greatest Heavyweight upsets of all time. Andy Ruiz may not feel it was an upset but it did go down in history that way, it was an incredible fight with both men on the canvas as Andy Ruiz beat Anthony Joshua to become the Unified World Heavyweight Champion.

“On December 7 in Diriyah we do it all again, for your entertainment in a purpose built, open air arena with 16,000 people. We love what you are doing here for sport and we love Formula E, we love the European Tour and I think that WWE is great, but there is nothing like the sport of boxing. You will witness an event that will go down in history – some people will be looking from the outside in and say this is a strange destination but they also said that with ‘The Rumble in The Jungle’ and ‘The Thriller in Manilla’, and this as an event will go down in history just like those iconic moments in our sport.

“I want to thank everybody for bringing this fight here and I want to thank the fighters – for those who know or those who are new to the sport of boxing know that these guys who are the gladiators. They are the guys who get in the ring and fight for these belts, for their legacy and for your entertainment. These are the guys that deserve so much respect. This is not just about bringing a major fight to Saudi Arabia, this is about the potential to grow the sport of boxing here. One of the reasons that we’re even here is because of Prince Khalid’s vision to grow the sport here. We’re already in the talks about academy’s and about grass-roots boxing, this is how you grow the sport of boxing. Trust me, the people of Saudi Arabia once they see this event and touch and taste the sport of boxing, they will be addicted. This will be a monumental occasion for this sport. The world will stand still to witness history in Saudi Arabia. Ticket details will be released in due course.”

Andy Ruiz Sr:

“First of all I want to thank all the people from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I felt so proud of my son when he won the fight – it was a dream that we had when he was six years old. I believe that dreams come true, I have been working for this and thinking who was going to be champion of the world. I had a dream I was going to have my Mexican Rocky and then it came true so I feel so happy and thankful to Eddie Hearn for this opportunity.”

Robert McCracken MBE, trainer of Anthony Joshua:

“This is Heavyweight boxing, we’ve seen it time and time again. Andy is a very good fighter and is the World Heavyweight Champion and Anthony is now challenging – it’s turned completely on its head. AJ is driven and determined to get those titles back so it’s going to be exciting and interesting to see. It is going to be challenging for both fighters but I think it will be a challenge they will look forward to, certainly Anthony is looking forward to it, he’s excited already. It’s December so it will be a little bit cooler which should suit both fighters and it will certainly suit Anthony and he will be prepared. He will be in tip-top shape and he knows that Ruiz is a tremendous champion, but he is a tremendous challenger and he’s aiming to win those belts back on December 7.”

Manny Robles, trainer of Andy Ruiz Jr:

“First of all thank you to everyone, the media and the country of Saudi Arabia for having us here in the city of Diriyah. This is an incredible country with very nice people and thank you for the warm welcome. It’s time to turn the page, dreams do come true but now it is a reality and it’s time to go to work. I can promise everybody and the fans here and across the world that Andy will be ready – he will be ready for the challenge. We respect Anthony Joshua and his team, he is a great fighter and we know that he is going to bring it, so that is the reason why we need to be at our best come December 7. It’s part two, it’s a continuation of part one. Both fighters know each other and know what to expect from one another so there will be changes. We will have more time to prepare this time around and we have begun our preparation – there will be some changes and you can expect a better, faster, leaner and stronger Andy Ruiz than we saw the first time around.”

Anthony Joshua OBE:

“Thank you all for your hospitality, to the people and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I never thought that I would be fighting outside of London or America so it is a blessing and I am humbled to be here. With the fight, I feel that I was up against a good challenger at the time and I was only champion until June 1, as Andy is champion now, that will last until December 7 when he has to put his titles in the air and two warriors will go to war and the best man will walk out victorious. I am really looking forward to the challenge and I am glad the people here are supporting boxing. Some may support me, others may support Andy, but at the end of the day we are going to have a really good night of boxing and that is what we are all here for.

“My parents and their heritage is from Nigeria and I was born in England. I started boxing when I moved to London and my cousin was training. I was only doing it as a mindset thing. I needed to change my mindset when I was younger, I was getting in some sorts of trouble and I wasn’t really focused on my education as such. Being around the older generation and the wise generation they gave me advice and a lot of game that I could use on my day to day life and I started thinking as an individual. In three years from being a novice in the gym I was competing at the Olympics and by that point I had been to so many countries around the world representing Great Britain.

“I turned professional and based myself in England where I won the gold medal and I have been competing out of Great Britain ever since until I went to America when I lost my titles. I should say ‘the’ titles because I believe that being a champion is more than just having belts which I have always said, being a champion has responsibilities and it’s about having a championship mindset. The belts will go in the air and we will fight for them again and this time around it’s not London, it’s not America, it is Saudi Arabia.”

Andy Ruiz Jr:

“I’m really happy to be here and I thank everybody. On June 1 I made my dreams come true with a lot of sacrifice, blood and tears. I just believed in myself and I think I am here for a purpose and I just want to tell everybody that if they have a dream they’ve got to follow through with it and everything is possible.

On December 7 I know that Anthony Joshua is going to come hard, he’s going to come strong and will be preparing really well but so am I. I’m really hungery, a lot of people have been saying that I’m not training or taking it seriously but come on I have all these belts and there is responsibilities to this. I am going to try my best and I’m going to keep these belts and take them back to Mexico. On December 7 I am going to make history again and win here in the same fashion and the same way that I won on June 1 and I am going to prove everybody wrong.

“The hunger still remains, I don’t want 15 minutes of fame I want this to last for a generation. I want to be a champion for many years and I have a good fighter next to me who is going to try and take these belts but god is with me and we’re going to be training really hard for December 7. 

“I expect a tougher test this time round, he is more hungry and wants his belts back but that is what is motivating me and making me more hungry. I want to train harder because I know he is, I only had a month, month and a half, to train for the first fight but this time we have a whole camp so it benefits me. It is going to be an exciting fight, a hell of a fight – two big Heavyweights punching each other in the face – tune in December 7, it’s going to be a hell of a fight.”

Washington, D.C.(Sept. 4, 2019) — On Saturday, Sept. 14, Sam “The Vanilla Gorilla” Crossed (8-0, 5KOs) will return to the ring for the first time this year in a six-round bout when he takes on 33-fight veteran Edgar Perez.  The match will take place at the Dulles Sportsplex on Sterling, Va., just outside the Nation’s Capital.  the card, titled “Countdown to the Commonwealth”, is promoted by Cory Sanders of CyNation Sports in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.

“Perez has been in there with a lot of good guys and always comes to fight,” Crossed said.  “If I can get him out early, that would be great, but if I get some rounds in, that wouldn’t be bad either.”

Perez has faced top-notch competition throughout his career.  Perez will be the 15th undefeated fighter the Puerto Rican warhorse has faced in the squared circle, seven of whom he took the distance including a win over former light heavyweight prospect Lavarn Harvel, who was 13-0, 7KOs, when Perez handed him his first defeat, putting him on the canvas twice in rounds one and three.

Crossed was scheduled to face cruiserweight gatekeeper Larry Pryor on May 19, but due to circumstances beyond his control, the bout was scrapped just before the card was set to begin in Washington, D.C.  Although he was devastated that he was unable to ply his trade, Crossed said he didn’t let it slow him down.

“I felt terrible for my fans when my fight was canceled at the last minute.  I felt like I let everyone down,” Crossed said.  “I have stayed in the gym just waiting for an opportunity to get back in the ring, and I want to make it up to everyone with a great performance.

“I am working with Billy Robin, and I feel the best I have in my career.”

The D.C. area fan favorite will be fighting at a catchweight of 185 pounds for this bout as he moves down to the light heavyweight division.  This will be the lowest contracted weight at which the power punching Greenbelt, Md., native has ever competed.

“I have been fighting at my walk around weight my entire career,” Cross said.  “My next fight I plan to come in around 180 and then keep working my way down to 175 pounds.”

The promotional free agent, Crossed, has stated that would like to fight at least twice more before the years end.

“I want to thank Cory Sanders and CyNation Sports for giving me the opportunity to fight on this card,” Crossed said.  “This is my first time fighting in Virginia and on the CyNation card, hopefully we can keep this going.”

“I want to be as active as possible, I haven’t fought since December and I am dying to get back in there.”

Tickets tickets priced at $55 and $75 can be purchased at www.SamCrossed301.complus any applicable fees. 

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Follow Sam Crossed on Twitter at @SamCrossed301 on Instagram at @VanillaGorilla301 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VanillaGorilla301

For interview requests please email vanillagorilla301@gmail.com 

Baton Rouge — September 4, 2019 — A long-time member of the World Fighting Championships family lost his life over Labor Day weekend. Justin Thomas, who fought 16 of his 21 fights at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino with WFC, was shot leaving a bar in his hometown.

The youngest of five children, Thomas graduated from Glen Oaks High, where he played basketball, and went on to attend Southern University.

Thomas began boxing in 2004, but was in and out of trouble, and unfocused at the beginning of his career. In 2009, when he was 26 years old, he met Floyd Mayweather, Jr., who inspired him to take his dream of winning a world title seriously.

In 2010, he relocated to Houston to perfect his craft. There he amassed 55 fights, and competed in the Houston Golden Gloves.

In February 2011, Thomas’ mom was in an accident, and he returned to Baton Rouge to care for her. She had rods and screws in her leg, and the recovery process took years. During that time, Thomas continued boxing, while working at a local plant.

He was proud of having turned things around during those years. “I use the stuff that used to get me trouble to better myself,” said Thomas in 2015. “I work with troubled kids. I try to be a good influence on people. Just because you start off on the wrong foot doesn’t mean you can’t turn things around. You’re never too old to go for your dreams.”

“He was a sweet guy,” WFC founder and promoter Matt McGovern said of Thomas. “He was always welcoming, and had a big following because he was so able to connect with people.

“He really wanted to be a world champion. He worked hard, and wanted to get somewhere in the boxing business.”

At 35, Thomas was an active boxer until his death. He last fought in Elkins, West Virginia in June. Never one to turn down a tough bout, he faced Georgia prospect Eric Moon, taking him the distance before losing a decision.

“All of us at WFC will miss Justin, and our thoughts and hearts are with his family, his coaches, and his teammates,” said McGovern. “There are a lot of people in Baton Rouge, Houston and throughout the fight game that will be missing him.”

TIJUANA, MEXICO (Sept. 4, 2019): Jaime Munguia (33-0, 26 KOs) hosted a media workout yesterday in his hometown of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico ahead of defending his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title in a 12-round bout against African warrior Patrick Allotey (40-3, 30 KOs). The young star was joined by his trainer Erik Morales, along with Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy, and Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Below is what yesterday’s participants had to say at the media workout:

Jaime Munguia, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:
“For this camp, we’ve been working on keeping my hands up, moving my waist and using lateral movement. That’s what we have been practicing every day with my new trainer Erik Morales. Erik and I had known each other from before, but I never thought that I’d be training with him. Things happen for a reason, and I think it’s for the best.”

“Erik and I have a good relationship, and we get along well. We’re happy when we’re working with each other as I have been with my father and other trainers as well. Erik brings a lot of intelligence to camp. He knows what to do in the ring. He knows how to work on defense, and he gives me a lot of advice regarding what to do in a fight. It comes with his experience, and of course I execute what he says when I am in the ring. It has been really good.”

Erik Morales, Hall of Famer and Trainer to Jaime Munguia
“In Jaime Munguia’s last fight, he was criticized a lot. He showed vulnerabilities in his defense. However, he has a lot of potential. He’s young, strong and can hit very hard. We haven’t changed much. Rather, we’ve strengthened his combinations and focused on his offense. We’ve made some minor changes in his defense, but it will nevertheless make the a difference.”

“We weren’t friends before working together, but we thought well of each other. When we’d see each other, we would greet each other happily. Now that we are together, we have a very cordial relationship. When you bring a new voice into a corner, it can be tough at first. But when you find a way to listen and you see that things are going your way, it can be a calming experience. If there’s any advice that I’d give to Jaime, it’s to listen to his corner, pay attention and let us help him.”

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy:
“I like what I see in Jaime Munguia now that he has the legendary Erik Morales in his corner. He’s having him sit down more on his punches. Before, he was on his toes too much. Now he has him sitting on his punches and throwing combinations. At the same time, he is moving his head and being smart, so I like what I see.”

“I’m expecting Jaime to box a little bit, but I also expect him to be more aggressive and throw combinations. Fighters today don’t throw as many combinations. They want to knock people out with one punch. But it’s not the first punch that knocks you out-it’s the third or fourth punch. I like Jaime is being more aggressive and throwing more combinations. We’ll see what happens on Sept. 14.”

Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions:
“Jaime Munguia is improving a lot with Erik Morales. There are a lot of similarities between them. Both guys came from Tijuana and were undefeated when they became world champions at only 21 years of age. They both started with their fathers as well. This team will do a lot in boxing. I see Jaime Munguia is improving his defense and on not throwing punches for the sake of throwing them. He’s thinking more in there. He’s improving a lot.”

“Erik Morales has a lot to prove as a trainer. As a former fighter, he has a lot of knowledge, which he can now pass down to other fighters who are coming up. They get along very well. We are very happy to have put them together and that they are getting along so well. We’re also happy with Jaime’s improvement. We just saw him moving his head in sparring and throwing a lot of punches. He’s not jumping as much. I really like it.”

Munguia vs. Allotey is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and Orange Crush. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Allotey are on sale and are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, https://www.axs.com/, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at Dignity Health Sports Park Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaAllotey

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/MunguiaAllotey into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

The newest Samoan powerhouse on the heavyweight boxing scene, cement-fisted 6’ 5” slugger Patrick “The Magic Show” Mailata, will make his American fighting debut in just his second professional fight, this Thursday, September 5, 2019.

Mailata (1-0, 1 KO) will face Mexico’s Daniel Franco (2-1, 2 KOs) as part of the Final Fight Championship 40: Egli vs. Lemminger mixed combat-sport event being held at the Fight Dome located inside of Rio Las Vegas.

From a boxing family, Mailata was born in Apia, Samoa, but moved to New Zealand as a youngster. The 24-year-old turned to boxing in 2010 after an injury prematurely ended a promising rugby career.

After just two years of amateur boxing, Mailata lost a close decision to former WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker in the New Zealand National Olympic Trials. Among many other distinctions, he went on to become a three-time New Zealand national elite champion from 2012 to 2014 and a Commonwealth Games bronze medalist.

Mailata signed a promotional agreement with Vegas-based Epic Sports and Entertainment in June 2019 and has been training there for the last three months.

“Where I come from, this is the heart of boxing,” said Mailata of his American debut. “Everyone around the world wants to make it here in Vegas. For me to be fighting here in my second fight is an amazing feeling. I look forward to having bigger and bigger fights here in Vegas.”

In many ways, Mailata is not your typical heavyweight. In addition to his powerful punches, Mailata can also move with surprising agility.

“My team and I are working on harnessing my skills here in Vegas. I’m very entertaining in the ring and I can do things that seem impossible for someone my size. That’s why they call me ‘Magic Show.’”

“We’re excited to have signed Patrick Mailata to our Epic stable,” said Ivaylo Gotzev of Epic Sports and Entertainment. “He’s the one to watch of the new crop of heavyweight prospects. He’s a combination of Samoan strength and power with unbelievable natural athletic ability. He possesses the special talent that will take him to the top.”

ORANGE, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2019) – Unified world champion Danny Roman will have to wait a little longer to defend his WBA title.

Roman, who also holds the IBF crown, was forced to pull out of his upcoming fight with mandatory contender Murodjon Akhmadaliev on September 13 due to a left shoulder injury.

Examinations by two Los Angeles-based shoulder specialists revealed tendinitis in Roman’s left shoulder. The primary doctor who evaluated Roman ordered him to suspend all boxing activity for a period of four to six weeks.

“My plan is to rest and take it easy,” said Roman, who would have made the fifth defense of his WBA title that he won in knockout fashion two years ago over Shun Kubo. “I want to fight Akhmadaliev before the year is over. We’ll have a better idea for a date as soon as I get medical clearance to resume training.”

“It’s unfortunate that some people are saying that he’s using the injury as an excuse to not fight,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager at Thompson Boxing. “He’s not running away from any challenge. That’s not who he is. For the other side to suggest anything otherwise is very immature and unprofessional.”

Thompson Boxing and co-promoter Matchroom Boxing are in the early stages of figuring out a new date for the championship fight.

The fight was scheduled for the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden in New York.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

(Sept. 4, 2019) —European heavyweight kingpin Agit Kabayel is coming to America.

Kabayel (19-0, 13 KOs) has signed a promotional contract with Top Rank, which will co-promote his bouts with SES Boxing. He is ranked No. 4 by the IBF and No. 9 by both the WBO and WBC.

Kabayel made three defenses of the European heavyweight title before vacating the crown to pursue opportunities stateside. He will make his Top Rank debut on an ESPN platform in either late 2019 or early 2020.

“My American Dream has come true,” Kabayel said. “I can’t wait to showcase my skills in the U.S. and on ESPN. As the European champion, the time is now to go all in and achieve my lifetime goal of becoming the first German world heavyweight champion since the great Max Schmeling.”

“We are delighted to join forces with Bob Arum and Top Rank to present Agit Kabayel on ESPN, the biggest sports platform in the world,” said SES Boxing President Benedikt Poelchau. 

“Agit is ready for the world’s best heavyweights, and at only 26 years of age, the best is yet to come. Like all great fighters, Agit wants to make his mark in America,” said Ulf Steinforth, founder of SES Boxing. 

Kabayel, who was born in Germany to Kurdish parents, has fought 14 of his 19 pro bouts in his home country. An eight-year pro, Kabayel won the vacant European crown in February 2017 with a 12-round unanimous decision over Herve Hubeaux. Nine months later, he scored his most high-profile victory, a majority decision over perennial contender Derek Chisora. A seasoned veteran who has sparred lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former unified champion Anthony Joshua, Kabayel opened his 2019 campaign March 2 with an impressive unanimous decision over Andriy Rudenko in Magdeburg, Germany. 

New York, September 3, 2019–Star Boxing’s newest star, heavyweight world title challenger, CARLOS TAKAM (36-5-1, 28 KO) has been added to the September 14 “Catskills Clash II” at Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, New York. Takam will headline an already fantastic card, with featured bouts by New England’s top undefeated prospects, “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (E. Hartford, CT 11-0 4KO’s) and light heavyweight, RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (Hartford, CT 12-0 10KO’s).

Takam’s global fan base last saw the strong heavyweight in December of 2018, when he defeated respected German prospect, SENAD GASHI (then 17-1 17KO’s) at the 02 Arena in the UK. Takam was scheduled to fight undisputed cruiserweight champion, OLEKSANDR USYK (16-0 12KO’s) this past May but Usyk pulled out of that fight with an injury. The Usyk fight was not rescheduled so Takam will forge his own path back to heavyweight supremacy, starting at Resorts World Catskills on September 14.

Now under a new trainer, DWIGHT YARDE, and promoter, JOE DEGUARDIA, Takam is poised to make a run at a heavyweight world title. With a team by his side that is dedicated to giving him the right opportunities to be successful, the Cameroon born, French citizen has his sights set on being a fully prepared and dangerous version of himself, that the world has yet to see fully.

In the “Catskills Clash II” main event, Carlos Takam will take on, 6’5″ Detroit native, CRAIG LEWIS (14-3-1 8KO’s). A sparring partner of WBC Heavyweight World champion, DEONTAY WILDER, Lewis is no stranger to working with the elite of the heavyweight division. Lewis is highly regarded veteran coming off a majority decision and close fights with two top prospects with combined record of 37-0 with 23 KO’s. Lewis has never been stopped in his career.

Takam had this to say about the opportunity to fight in the United States for the first time, “For my return on September 14 at Resorts World Catskills, … I’m really excited. USA is new for me. I have to create my fan base there. Only good job and humility can do this. And I can tell you, I’m ready to satisfy USA boxing fans as I did in Africa, in Europe and elsewhere before. No doubt, I am ready to do the Job.”

Trainer, DWIGHT YARDE, had this to say about the next step in Carlos’ career, “The fans can expect a new and rejuvenated Carlos Takam, in the best shape of his life and more determined and focused on his boxing. With regards to coming to America, this will enable Carlos to fight on an even playing field on his quest to become a heavyweight champion, while showcasing his skills to the American audience.”

Star Boxing Promoter, JOE DEGUARDIA, said this about Carlos’ return on September 14, “Carlos is ready to fight, anywhere, anytime. With the team we have assembled around him, and the opportunity to bring him to the United States for the first time, I know the American fans will be thrilled to see elite level heavyweight action at Resorts World Catskills.” DeGuardia continued, “we are excited and plan on bringing Carlos the biggest and best opportunities on the path to a world heavyweight championship opportunity.”

The last show at Resorts World Catskills was a resounding success that had all fans and experts alike raving about the quality of the fights. The Catskills which has had a storied boxing history hosting everyone from Rocky Marciano to Mike Tyson welcomes its second boxing show back after a long hiatus at the beautiful and majestic Resorts World Catskills, a full casino with live table gaming and full sports book only 90 minutes from NYC.

Bethlehem, PA (September 3, 2019)–World-Ranked junior welterweight Mykal Fox will look to continue his winning ways when he takes on hard-punching Eudy Bernardo in the 10-round main event on Saturday September 14th at The Wind Creek Event Center (Formerly Sands Bethlehem Event Center).

The nine-bout card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Fox of Upper Marlboro, Maryland has a record of 20-1 with five knockouts.

The 23 year-old Fox, who is currently ranked number-15 by the WBA, won his first 19 bouts which were highlighted by wins over Ricardo Garcia (14-1), former world champion DeMarcus Corley and Gonzalo Dallera (5-0), before suffering his only blemish which was a narrow decision to undefeated Shohjahon Ergashev on ShoBox: The New Generation.

Fox rebounded in a big way, as in his last outing, he was impressive in winning a unanimous decision over 2016 Olympic Gold Medal winner Fazliddin Gaibnazarov on May 11th in Tucson, Arizona.

Bernardo of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic has a record of 24-4 with 18 knockouts.

Like Fox, The 32 year-old Bernardo won his first 19 bouts.

In just his 4th bout, he won the Dominican Republic Lightweight Title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Jose Antonio Rodriguez Silvencia (3-0). Bernardo continued his winning ways with victories over Tomas Mendez (8-0), Darnell Jiles Jr. (8-1-1) and Mendez again (20-5).

Bernardo has been featured several times on national television, and is coming off a 10-round decision defeat to undefeated Kendo Castaneda (15-0) on March 28th in San Antonio, Texas.

In the eight-round co-feature, Erik Spring of Reading, PA battles Courtney Pennington in a junior middleweight fight.

Spring has a record of 13-2-2 with one knockout.

The five year-professional has won three straight fights, and has victories over two undefeated foes in Simon Henriksson (4-0) and David Wilson (5-0-1). In Spring’s last outing, He won a eight-round unanimous decision over Nicholas Hernandez at The sands Bethlehem Event Center.

Pennington of Brooklyn, New York has a record of 12-4-3 with five knockouts,

The 32 year-old is a seven year pro, and he has an impressive resume with wins over Rich Neves (9-2-2), Boyd Melson (15-1-1), Khiary Gray (14-1-1), former world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez and Steven Martinez (18-3).

In Pennington’s last outing, he dropped a 10-round decision to 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell on June 8th at Madison Square Garden.

In eight-round bouts:

Nicolas Hernandez (9-4-1, 2 KOs) of Lebanon, PA takes on Terrance Williams (5-3-1, 1 KO) of Harrisburg, PA in a junior middleweight fight.

In six-round bouts:

Martino Jules (6-0) of Allentown, PA fights Michael Stoute (3-1) of Long Island, New York in a featherweight contest.

Jonathan Torres (5-0, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA takes on Kaylin Waites (1-3) of Dallas, TX in a bantamweight fight.

Rasheed Johnson (6-2, 2 KOs) of Willow Grove, PA mixes it up with Kashon Hutchinson (5-5 1 KO) of Reading PA in a welterweight fight.

In four-round bouts:

Khainell Wheeler of Bethlehem (2-0, 2 KOs) fights Juan Zapata (6-15-2, 4 KOs) of Bronx, NY in a super middleweight tussle.

Brandon Mullins (5-0, 2 KOs) of Newark, DE fights Brent Oren (1-1) of Harrisburg, PA in a middleweight fight.

Jose Lopez (0-1-1) of New York takes on Jerrod Miner (1-6-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a bantamweight contest

THERE WILL BE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH IN THE BUCKS ROOM AT THE WIND CREEK BETHLEHEM BEGINNING AT 4 PM

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $35,$50, $70 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

KSI and Logan Paul will clash in a rematch at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Saturday November 9, live on DAZN in a fight presented by Eddie Hearn for Matchroom Boxing USA in association with OP Talent. 

The YouTube rivals clashed in August 2018 at the sold-out Manchester Arena in Manchester, England and was watched by over 1 million live pay-per-view buyers on YouTube, with the fight ending in a majority draw with KSI edging the battle on one card with two judges unable to split them.

Now the pair meet once again to settle the score in the ring with Paul welcoming his rival to his LA backyard, and this time they do so as professional fighters having passed their relevant medicals last week, and they will come face-to-face for the first time since their fight at a launch press conference in Los Angeles on Saturday September 14 with a UK press conference to follow.

Tickets will go on general sale on the day of the press conference with a pre-sale commencing on Tuesday September 10.

The larger-than-life internet stars with over 40 million YouTube subscribers between them have been itching to get their hands on each other once again, as have their loyal armies of fans, and now the countdown begins to their second night in the boxing spotlight.

“Finally, after over a year since our rematch, I get to enter the ring once again to fight Logan Paul,” said KSI. “If I’m being honest, I didn’t fight well at all in the first fight, and even then, I still managed to draw against him.

“This time I won’t make it so close, especially now that it’s a pro fight, no head guards and 10oz gloves hahahaha, the time to end him is nearing. I can’t wait to see the memes of him slumped on the ground after I’ve repeatedly beaten the life out of him. He’s facing a different animal this time. He will soon realize.

“Big shoutout to DAZN and Matchroom Boxing USA for hosting a monumental fight that will be in the record books whether people like it or not. November 9 is the day ‘The Nightmare’ becomes his reality.”

“I’m excited to ruin JJs face and I want to thank DAZN for giving me the platform to do so,” said Paul. “Last fight, KSI couldn’t beat me with only three months of training under my belt. For the past year, while JJ has been wasting his time trying to become a rapper, I’ve been training every single day. I’m finally getting what I wanted from the beginning – no headgear, 10oz gloves, and the opportunity to dismantle JJ’s repugnant face in Los Angeles, my home city.

“After November 9, the embarrassment of losing will eat away at KSI’s ego for the next decade; he will be afraid to show face in America. This time, I won’t leave it up to the judges. 

“I’ve been a DAZN fan for a very long time, so it’s an honor to partner with DAZN and Matchroom Boxing USA for what will become the biggest combat sporting event of the year.”

“It’s an incredible and groundbreaking deal for the fighters and also DAZN,” said Liam Chivers, Managing Director & Founder of OP Talent and manager of KSI. “The deal will cover global rights, distribution, promotion and appearance commitments for the fight”.

Chivers explains “A no risk, high budget, secure platform deal had to be achieved. I wasn’t going to risk broadcast on an unstable or unsupportive platform and have cost and piracy risk put on KSI. So, spending ten months working to get the broadcaster and rights terms in place first was essential. DAZN of course also brings a top-class live sporting event production to subscribers of their service, which is part and parcel of the deal.  In addition, having the support of the world’s leading boxing promoters in Matchroom Boxing, this is a major step up and mainstream cross over. A significant deal on many levels.

“I spoke to the world’s leading platforms and top sporting broadcasters regarding the fight and what deals were possible. But after many meetings and discussions, the DAZN subscription model was clearly the best option of all and the one I therefore pursued the hardest. Subscribers to DAZN not only get this fight brought to them but an array of other great sporting events and pro fights in the same month for no additional fee. The value to fans isn’t matched anywhere else”.

“The first fight was the largest live PPV sports event in the history of the internet,” said Jeff Levin and Paolo Moreno, managers of Logan Paul. “We are excited to be partnering with the best brands in combat sports in Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN for the rematch. STAPLES Center will be rocking on November 9.”  

“13 months ago when the first fight took place I smirked and pondered how embarrassing it would be to stage this event in a 20,000 seater arena,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “What I saw was a phenomenon; a sold out arena, over one million PPV buys but more importantly an energy of a new audience to the sport of boxing.

“When I was asked to be involved in the rematch it got me excited but I had some requests to help integrate the two audiences. I requested that both fighters turn professional and undergo the same medicals that any other fighter would. I asked that the fighters lose the headguards and use 10oz gloves, if we are going to do this then let’s do it properly.

“Both men obliged and now they prepare for war on November 9 – this event will be huge, a World championship card beneath an event that will create a hype for boxing not seen in the US for a long time. STAPLES Center will be sold out and a new audience will join our great sport and tune in live on DAZN.”

“We look forward to hosting this historic night of boxing here in Los Angeles at STAPLES Center,” Lee Zeidman, President, STAPLES Center, Microsoft Theater and L.A. LIVE. “KSI vs. Logan Paul II will be incredible night of boxing and we are excited to work with Matchroom Boxing USA for the first time as we begin our 20^th Anniversary year long celebration this fall.”

“DAZN is excited to team up with KSI, Logan Paul and Matchroom Boxing on such a unique event,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America. “Both men have enormous fan bases and we look forward to bringing best-in-class production and programming to this new group of potential DAZN subscribers around the world.”

DAZN is the largest global sports streaming platform in the world. KSI vs. Logan Paul II will streamed live on DAZN across the world, across four continents with the service available in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan, and Brazil.

Mikael Lawal (12-0, 7 KOs) has been shortlisted for the Boxing Writers’ Club Young Boxer of the Year award following a stellar 2019 that has seen him crowned winner of the cruiserweight edition of the Ultimate Boxxer tournament.

Having dropped both Antony Woolery and David Jamieson in points victories on route to the Ultimate Boxxer final, Lawal, who is promoted by Team Sauerland and trains out of Stonebridge Boxing Club, produced a spectacular knockout performance against Damian Chambers to take home the prize money.

“Winning Ultimate Boxxer was great,” said Lawal. “I’d visualised winning it, I dreamed about winning it, but the reality was even better than I imagined.”

The 24-year-old has been nominated for the prestigious award alongside top UK prospects Conor Benn, Ted Cheeseman, Keiron Conway, Daniel Dubois, Sunny Edwards, Kash Farooq, Brad Foster, Terri Harper and Archie Sharp.

Previous winners of the Boxing Writers’ Club Young Boxer Of The Year include Billy Joe Saunders, Naseem Hamed, Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe. The trophy will be presented at the club’s 68th annual dinner at The Savoy next month.

“I was pleasantly surprised when I heard from my manager that I had been nominated,” he said. “It’s funny because only a few years ago I was at the Boxing Writers’ Awards dinner as a guest of my promoter and I remember thinking, wouldn’t it be amazing to be nominated at this awards ceremony and be mentioned with who they consider to be the top tier fighters of the last year.

“To me, I’ve won already. You have to remember I only had seven amateur fights and all just in one year. All of the previous winners had great amateur experience, so just being mentioned in the same category as them makes me a winner.”

“It’s great that Mikael is receiving this recognition and its testament to the work him and the team at Stonebridge Boxing Club have been doing,” said Lawal’s promoter Nisse Sauerland. “He is already making waves in the cruiserweight division and we will be targeting a big fight for him before the end of the year.”

JOE JOYCE has sensationally called out heavyweight rivals Alexander Povetkin, Carlos Takam and Jarrell Miller after a European Title fight with Agit Kabayel fell through.

Germany’s Kabayel withdrew from today’s scheduled purse bid for a championship defence and therefore vacated his EBU European Heavyweight Championship.

“I’m very disappointed, as I would have liked to challenge Kabayel for the European title. He obviously never wanted to fight me in the first place,” said the 10-0 Olympic Silver Medallist before turning his attention to alternative opponents.

Former world heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin (35-2) and France’s Carlos Takam (36-5-1) are high on ‘The Juggernaut’s’ wishlist.

“Hopefully I can fight Povetkin or maybe Carlos Takam for the vacant title!”

Joyce currently holds the WBA ‘Gold’ Heavyweight championship and is also open to defending his title in his next fight against outspoken American Jarrell Miller (23-0-1).

“If Jarrell Miller is flushed out, I will fight him next no problem for my WBA Gold belt!”.

Hall of Fame boxing promoter Frank Warren added: “We’re disappointed that Agit Kabayel has decided to vacate his title rather than fighting Joe Joyce.

“I think it’s clear he wants no part of the Juggernaut and is trying to hold onto this unbeaten record of his – a record he knows he would lose if he took on our man.

“We’ll sit down with Joe and the team and look at who’s next and who wants to step up!”

WBC Jr. Lightweight champion Miguel Berchelt will defend his title against former belt holder Jason Sosa on November 2nd, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The bout will take place at the Dignity Health Sports Pavilion in Carson, California and will be televised on ESPN.

“We are finishing things up,” said Top Rank VP Carl Moretti said. “The fight is agreed to. It’s just a matter of getting the paperwork done at this point.”

“Stylistically, I think it’s a can’t-miss fight,” Moretti said. “Jason looked really good in his last fight in Philadelphia, and Berchelt always looks good. Combined that with the fight being at Dignity Health Sports Park, which has a great tradition of hosting great fights, and I think you have the making of a fight-of-the-year candidate.”

“I think it leads to a bigger fight in the first quarter of 2020 for the winner,” he said. “Either a unification fight or possibly a fight against Oscar Valdez.”

Team Sauerland’s German contender and WBC International super welterweight champion Abass Baraou (6-0, 3 KOs) will fight on the international stage for the first time professionally at the ‘Rotunda Rumble’ in Caesars Palace Dubai on September 13. 

The action packed evening, promoted by Ahmad A. Seddiqi’s Round 10 Boxing in association with MTK Global, takes place in The Rotunda at Caesars Palace, a stunning 500-seater venue that is an internationally renowned entertainment destination. 

Following an esteemed amateur career that saw Abass win a bronze medal in the world amateur championships and gold at the European’s, he has moved quickly in the paid ranks. Since turning professional in April 2018, Baraou has won his six professional fights including victories over former World Champions Carlos Molina and Ali Funeka.

“I am really looking forward to my fight in Dubai and I would like to thank my promoter Team Sauerland for this opportunity,” said Baraou. “It will be my first international fight, which will help me to grow as a boxer and gain more experience.

“On top of everything, ‘Caesars Palace’ is a well known brand in boxing and the location in Dubai is top notch. I have been in Dubai quite often for vacation and I am really happy to fight there as well.”

“Abass has made a name for himself in Germany during his first year as a professional boxer,” said Baraou’s promoter Nisse Sauerland. “He has fought six outstanding fights, winning two titles already and has showcased his skills to the world of boxing.

“Without doubt he is one of the greatest talents out there. He will gain a lot of experience during his first fight away from his home country and I am sure he will leave a mark on the international stage!”

Ahmed A. Seddiqi of Round 10 Boxing added: “We’re delighted to have Abass Baraou added to our huge Rotunda Rumble event. He’s regarded as one of the best rising stars in boxing and we can’t wait to have him display his skills in Dubai.”

In the opposite corner will be Egypt’s unbeaten power puncher Abdelghani Saber (8-0-1, 8 KOs). Also on the card is a clash between Neslan Machado (16-0, 8 KOs) and Alexander Mejia (13-1, 6 KOs) for the WBA International super-bantamweight title, world-ranked Muhammad Waseem, highly-rated star Andrew Selby and many more local and international names.

The fight will be broadcast live on Youtube on IFL TV and tickets are available here: http://po.st/CaesarsDubaiBoxing

MAIDSTONE LIGHTWEIGHT SAM Noakes is to turn professional under the promotional banner of Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions and will make his debut at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday September 27.
 
The charismatic Noakes had 53 fights in the amateur code of the sport, winning 47 with 26 of the victories coming via stoppage. During this period Noakes won the Senior ABAs, Tri-Nations gold, two NABC title and gold in the Haringey Box Cup.
 
Now trained by Alan Smith at the iBox Gym in Bromley, Noakes insists he will look to maintain his reputation from the amateurs of rarely taking a backward step.
 
“I go flat out and it’s got to be done,” he explained. “I move a little and there is a bit of skill there, I suppose. It isn’t just head down and fluking wins. It works for me,” added the 22-year-old who will now launch his paid career under a Hall of Fame promoter at London’s premier boxing venue.
 
“I got the offer from Big Frank, took it up, and here I am!
 
“When I spoke with Francis (manager, Warren) he said he wanted Al Smith to train me and when we met we got on really well and haven’t looked back since. The connection with Francis came about when he contacted my amateur trainer and invited me to the Stevenage show before I went to the office to sign up.”
 
Promoter Frank Warren added on his new recruit: “Sam is going to be an exciting addition to the professional scene and I am sure boxing fans will enjoy seeing his career progress because there won’t be a dull moment when he is in the ring.
 
“He is in one the best places possible to learn his trade with Alan and I am looking forward to getting him started on our tremendous show at the Royal Albert Hall headlined by Daniel Dubois fighting for the Commonwealth title and Nicola Adams defending her world title.”

Daniel Dubois headlines the bill when he meets Ghana’s Ebenezer Tetteh for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight crown and there will be a world title clash involving WBO flyweight champion Nicola Adams, live on BT Sport.

The card will also feature WBO European super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp who makes his second title defence against Dublin’s Declan Geraghty.

Middleweight banger Denzel Bentley, heavyweight Jonathan Palata, lightweight Mohammad Bilal Ali and precocious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann are also in action.

Exciting prospects Lewis Edmondson, Eithan James and Sam Noakes all make their professional debuts.

Tickets for the September 27 bill at the Royal Albert Hall are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.royalalberthall.com. Prices £40, £50, £75, £100, £150 Ringside

ENZEL BENTLEY has called for a domestic showdown against middleweight rival Mark Heffron.

The Battersea banger is impressing with each fight and steps up in class at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday September 27 when he meets Midlander Kelcie Ball (10-1, 2KOs).

Bentley (10-0, 8KOs) is happy to be pushed towards Heffron even though his rival has had 24 fights, with the only setback coming against Liam Williams in a British title challenge.

Bentley, 24, said: “I would love the Heffron fight. As long as the promoters are happy let’s make it.

“It will be a great fight. We’d put on something great for the fans and it would test us both.

“Whoever comes out on top moves forward and the loser takes a step back and rebuilds. He is perhaps a level above but if the call came I would take it right now.

“There is no reason why it couldn’t happen. We’re both with Frank Warren and that is a fight I look forward to happening. My team wouldn’t say, ‘no’.

“Apart from Liam Williams the domestic division is wide open. I don’t even think Liam is a middleweight unless that is where he’s staying.

“If he goes back down to super-welterweight it’s wide open. I look at the list every day and I believe I can beat them all.”

But Bentley isn’t overlooking his next opponent Ball, who on paper will be his toughest test since turning professional in October 2017.

Bentley added: “It’s a step up and he has a good record. Physically I’m in shape, but mentally I know I’m fighting a tougher opponent.

“I will show that these guys with good records go the same way as everybody else. I don’t think he is a bad fighter, but nothing special.

“I want to work through the best in Britain,  but you can’t force people to fight. There is no reward for these guys because I’m just coming up.

“They are not avoiding me, just not considering me. When I do get my hands on a title a lot more will be calling my name.”

Daniel Dubois headlines the bill when he meets Ghana’s Ebenezer Tetteh for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight crown and there will be a world title clash involving WBO flyweight champion Nicola Adams, live on BT Sport.

The card will also feature WBO European super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp who makes his second title defence against Dublin’s Declan Geraghty.

Middleweight banger Denzel Bentley, heavyweight Jonathan Palata, lightweight Mohammad Bilal Ali and precocious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann are also in action.

Exciting prospects Lewis Edmondson, Eithan James and Sam Noakes all make their professional debuts.

Tickets for the September 27 bill at the Royal Albert Hall are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.royalalberthall.com. Prices £40, £50, £75, £100, £150 Ringside.

London, England (September 2, 2019) Following his dominant 12-round decision this past Saturday over heavyweight contender Hughie Fury, Alexander Povetkin has set his sights on another family member,

Lineal Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury.

“I’m very happy with my performance, we worked very hard in training camp and I was able to control the fight with my aggression,” said Povetkin who improved to 35-2, 24 KOs with the victory and earned the vacant WBA International Heavyweight Title. Scores were 117-111 on all three judges’ scorecards.  

The fight took place at the sold-out 02 Arena in London and served as the chief support to the Lightweight World Championship between Vasiliy Lomachenko and Luke Campbell and was telecast on ESPN+ in the United States and Sky Sports Box Office in England.

Following the victory, Povetkin quickly turned his attention to future bouts including a clash with Hughie’s cousin Tyson Fury. “He’s talked a great deal about me turning down offers to fight him this year which were never sent. He speaks of wanting to fight in England before the end of the year, this is a perfect plan for me. I’d be happy to return to fight in front of these great boxing fans and prove to them and the rest of the world that I can beat Tyson Fury.”

The victory for Povetkin on Saturday marked his return to the ring almost a year after his challenge to then Unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua on September 22, 2018 which also took place in London, England.

Stated Andrei Ryabinskiy of World of Boxing Promotions, “Alexander still has the will and desire to fight and we want to give him another opportunity to fight one of the top fighters in the division.”

Said Vadim Kornilov, “Activity and staying busy is a key for Alexander. We were very impressed with the way he fought against Hughie Fury and would love to fight Tyson Fury in England later this year. Tyson does a lot of talking and has mentioned Alexander numerous times, let’s see if he’s serious.”

By Bart Barry-

Saturday a Thames riverboat ride east of London, one
of the world’s five best prizefighters, Ukrainian lightweight Vasiliy
Lomachenko, outfought Yorkshire’s Luke Campbell to collect Lomachenko’s third
of four sanctioning-body titles and defend his (much more meaningful) Ring
championship by unanimous decision.  It
was another test passed by Lomachenko, another test administered by a proctor
much stricter than those subs who passed him so flatteringly at the lower
grades.

The inverse logic of things being what it is an
exodus from the Lomachenko bandwagon is probably underway just when the bandstand
ought be overflowing.  As Lomachenko does
things that fulfill what hyperbole greeted his debut six years back, the
hyperbolists, many now out of business with HBO’s welldeserved demise, turn
their miniscule attention spans to new kids who turn sensational feats against
hopeless opposition.

With each Lomachenko title acquisition the
hyperbolists see more wear, less sublimity, more exposure.  These lads yearn for some highlight-ready
stuff like GGG duly delivers whenever matched at middleweight with welters.  Lomachenko tried that route for a spell – the
Rigondeaux debacle – then took the very next offramp.  If the hyperbolists forget it, the historians
shan’t. 

Rather than stay at his natural weight, blast
journeyman for easy money while occasionally preying on a brandname from a
couple divisions below, Lomachenko went above his proper weight and began to
unify titles by beating men who acquired those titles someway or another.

Luke Campbell is by no means boxing’s most-feared
man but he sure as hell wasn’t a cherrypick either.

While the hyperbolists hop off the Loma bandwagon,
I find myself gradually lumbering on.  I
verily enjoyed watching Lomachenko make battle with a man who did not fear him
or have reason to, a man against whom even the most balletic footwork wouldn’t
forego Saturday’s attrition requirement. 
Just as happened in his other three lightweight matches Lomachenko had
to strike Campbell multiples harder to get any English out of him.  Campbell fighting at home before some of our
beloved sport’s best (if often delusional) fans, too, added another inch and
five or so pounds to the Brit’s dossier.

In the midrounds Campbell did something dastardly
stupid if daring: Throw a halfnaked backhand uppercut whilst moving
forward.  That’s not Boxing-101 verboten,
because you don’t get to learn how to throw uppercuts till Boxing 102.  But no sooner do they put you on the gym’s
uppercut sack than they tell you never to throw the punch moving forward.

History has its share of cautionary clips to
explain why, but let Buster Douglas’ halfnaked backhand uppercut lead against
Evander Holyfield suffice.  Campbell’s
wasn’t telegraphed as Douglas’, no, and for that reason Lomachenko’s counter
left didn’t get leveraged fully as Holyfield’s rightcross in 1990, but it was telegraphed
enough, and Lomachenko looked almost euphoric at Campbell’s plunging forward.

Lomachenko’s counter left chastened Campbell and
then Lomachenko’s professionalism nearly ended Campbell’s night.  Knowing his opponent was gone wobblewoozy
Lomachenko went HAM to Campbell’s body and delivered the Brit to his corner
scrunchfaced wincing.  Had the exchange
happened at even super featherweight Campbell’d’ve seen naught of the
championship rounds.

And we’d be hearing Lomachenko is a force of
nature never before seen with gloved fists. 
But because Lomachenko wants posterity to regard him differently from
his generational peers the exchange happened 10 pounds above Lomachenko’s debut
weight, and Campbell, a significantly larger man, had himself another half
fight to strike and be struck by the smaller champion.

This is why we ask fighters who are not
heavyweights to rise through weightclasses and why even history’s best
heavyweights are underrepresented on all-time lists.  The more the consequences of a Lomachenko misstep
grow and the consequences of a Lomachenko punch diminish the less any of us
cares to hear a 15th recital on Lomachenko’s time in the ballroom.

Lomachenko needs all his wiles, these days, to jab
a fellow lightweight in the first four minutes they share, much less mesmerize
Max and Jim.  And since his opponents are
no longer imperiled by his mere reputation, Lomachenko now finds himself
subjected to what elbows and shoulders lighter men hadn’t the wherewithal to
throw.  Campbell spent a fair fraction of
his Saturday night reminding Lomachenko how many questionable acts might be fit
in the foggy chaos of a championship prizefight, borrowing occasionally from
Siri Salido’s forgotten blueprint.

What Lomachenko did Saturday brought no one to
mind so much as Manny Pacquiao.  He’s the
last man we saw climb weightclasses and so dominate their titlists, even if
there was an occasional cherrypick thrown in. 
Pacquiao is also instructive for this reason: What Pacquiao did and
found himself forced to do against other great prizefighters are why Pacquiao
is thrice the legend for all but the last second of what he did in the sixth
round of his fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez than he’d be for icing David
Diaz a dozen times.

Lomachenko is not Pacquiao and won’t be – fortune hasn’t
given him the era for it – but he is now admirably earning the premature
plaudits bestowed on him some years back, even if he’s having to do so in
challengers’ arenas on a mobile app.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Erislandy Lara won the WBA Junior Middleweight title with a two round destruction over an overweight Ramon Alvarez at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In round two, Lara landed a hard left that knocked Alvarez through the ropes, which was scored a knockdown. Moments later, Lara landed two crushing lefts that hurt Alvarez bad, and the fight was stopped by referee Mark Nelson at 2:03.

Lara, 153 3/4 lbs of Houston is 26-3-3 with 15 knockouts. Alvarez, 158 1/2 lbs of Guadalajara, Mexico was 4 1/2 lbs over at Friday’s weigh in, falls to 28-8-3.

Jamontay Clark and Sebastian Fundora battled to a 10-round draw in a junior middleweight bout.

Clark won a card 96-94; Fundora took a card 98-92. One card read even at 95-95.

Fundora, 153 1/2 lbs of Cochella, CA is 13-0-1. Clark, 154 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 16-1-1.

Clark outlanded Fundora 168-130.

Frank Sanchez remained undefeated with a stoppage over Victor Bisbal after round four of their scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

Sanchez, 220 lbs of Miami is now 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Bisbal, 275 lbs of Salinas, PR is 21-4.

Vasyl Lomachenko scored a 12-round unanimous decision over Luke Campbell to retain the WBA and WBO and capture the WBC Lightweights at a sold out 02 Arena in London.

Lomachenko hurt Campbell at the enc of round five when he landed a hard left to head that was followed by a perfect left to the body.

In round 11, Lomachenko landed a flurry of punches that was punctuated by a jab that sent Campbell the canvas. Lomachenko sealed the fight when he hurt Campbell in the final round with his patented quick shots that forced Campbell to hold on and eventually throw Lomachenko to be able to survive the round.

Lomachenko of Ukraine won by scores 119-108 twice and 118-109 and is now 14-1. Campbell is 20-3.

Lomachenko outlanded Campbell 207-131.

After a hard-fought battle, this is what Lomachenko, Campbell and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum had to say.

Lomachenko

“Of course I’m happy. I want to say thank you to {everyone} who came to support us. I want to thank everyone who organized this fight. And, of course, I’m happy. Next… {I want to fight for the} IBF {title}. That is my title.”

“In the UK, the fans are the best fans in the world. Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“Of course, I want to fight {for the IBF title}, but it depends on Bob Arum.”

Arum

“Obviously, we’re looking to win the fourth belt to unify the title. But Loma and {manager} Egis {Klimas} have told me they can’t wait to come back to the UK to fight here again.The English fight fans are the best fans in the world.”

“Luke Campbell didn’t disgrace himself. He fought a hell of a fight. He’s a hell of a fighter. Big, big heart, and Luke will be back.”

“Loma is up there with Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao. He belongs with those fighters.”

“Listen, it doesn’t matter. He will fight anyone at featherweight, super featherweight or lightweight. Only the best. He’s a special, special fighter.”

Luke Campbell

“He just beat me, so he’s very good. He’s a special fighter and we all knew he was a special fighter. This is boxing and we train to win. Obviously, I’m disappointed in myself for not getting the victory.

Former world champion Alexander Povetkin won a 12-round unanimous decision over Hughie Fury in a heavyweight bout.

Povetkin was able to turn up a very dull fight in the 2nd half of the contest.

In round nine, Fury began to bleed from the left eye.

Povetkin of Russia won by scores of 117-111 on all cards and is now 35-2. Fury of Manchester, Eng is 23-3.

Julio Cesar Martinez seemingly won the WBC lyweight title with a shocking 3rd round stoppage over reigning champion Charlie Edwards, but after several minutes the bout was overturned after Martinez landed a late-punch

Martinez landed about 10 unanswered blows that sent Edwards to the canvas. Martinez got in one more hard body shot while Edwards was on the canvas, but the referee ruled a knockdown and the bout was stopped at 1:43.

The bout was ruled a no-contest with an immediate rematch

Martinez of Mexico is 14-1.. Edwards is 15-1.

2016 Olympic Bronze Medal winner, Joshua Buatsi stopped Ryan Ford in round seven of a scheduled 10-round light heavyeight bout.

Buatsi hurt Ford in round seven with a clipping left hook. He followed that up with a flurry that was culminated by a body punch that sent Ford down for the count at 1:07.

Buatsi is now 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Ford of Edmonton, CAN is 16-5.

2016 Olympian Joe Cordina won a 12-round unanimous decision over Gavin Gwynne in a British Lightweight Title bout featuring undefeated fighters.

Cordina of Cardiff, Wales won by scores of 116-110 twice and 116-111 and is now 10-0. Gwynne is 11-1.

In a battle of undefeated super middleweights, Savannah Marshall stopped Daniele Bastieri in round five of their scheduled eight-round bout.

Marshall dominated, and in round five she landed a big right hand that dropped Bastieri at the end of the round five. Bastieri, bloodied, got to her feet the bout was stopped at 2:00.

Marshall is now 7-0 with five knockouts. Bastieri of Brazil is 2-1.

Team Garcia’s Founder and Multi-Division Pound per Pound Champion
Mikey Garcia brings another Promotion of star-studded Top Prospects and
Entertainment to San Bernardino California.

On the Boxing Line Up features top prospects like; Lightweight Ruben Rodriguez,
Super welterweight Leo Ruiz, Super lightweight Alfredo Escarcega, Welterweight
Austin Gudino the Charismatic Breenan “BFLY” Macias and local Ivan Garcia.
Performing will be; “Rocky” Padilla; Fidel “Rocky” Padilla was born in
Montebello, California, in 1967 to Daniel & Olga Padilla, former Garfield High
School sweethearts from East L.A., and into a musical family that spans 3
generations. Rocky looks to perform your favorites./ Also performing her favorites
is Latino Female star Janet Uribe …

Come enjoy food & drink along with a great night of Boxing and music
performances by ROCKY PADILLA and JANET URIBE also appearing, Mikey
Garcia and Robert Garcia and Angel Baby will be on hand for photo
opportunities and autographs.

EVENT DETAILS: Friday September 6, 2019 Doors Open at 6pm
WHERE: 217 Club Center Dr. San Bernardino CA 92408
Tickets Available At: https://www.teamgarciapromotions.com

ROSEMONT, ILLINOIS — August 30, 2019 — Bobby Hitz returns to where it all began for Hitz Boxing when the promotion presents the Rosemont Rumble at the Dome on September 21.  The main event features Chicago’s Tommy Hughes and Mike Gavronski, who is originally from Washington but now resides in Illinois. The WBC Continental Americas Super Middlweight Championship title is on the line in the 10-round bout. 

Tommy Hughes (9-1, 4KO) has become a staple on the Hitz boxing shows, bringing out fans from all over the Chicago area, who are enamored by his grit, tenacity and most importantly, his willingness to face tough competition.  In a day and age when boxers and their teams cherry pick opponents, and try to keep their ‘O,’ Hughes has never turned down a bout for being too difficult. He has, however, turned down opponents he and his team deemed not challenging enough. 

After his first loss last summer, via a cut at the hands of a very tough Demar Singleton (10-2-1, 6KO), Hughes jumped right back into the fire, facing fellow Chicago fighter Chris Chatman.  Winning a close majority decision didn’t deter Hughes from accepting a rematch with Chatman, which he also won by majority decision.  

Gavronski (25-3-1, 15KO) will be Hughes’ toughest opponent to date. He’s faced high level competition in Jesse Hart, Dashon Johnson, and Brian Vera, and is eager to make his name in his new home of Chicago.  

“I’m really excited about this show,” said Bobby Hitz, founder and promoter of Hitz Boxing. ”This is what local boxing is.  This show epitomizes what local boxing is all about – if I wasn’t promoting this show I’d  buy a ticket for it.”

The undercard will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Tickets for the Rosemont Rumble start at $50, and can be purchased at hitzboxing.com.  Doors to the Dome, located at 27 Jennie Finch Way, open at 7:00. First bell is at 7:30.

NEW YORK (August 30, 2019)–Over the the last six-days, five highly-regarded fighters under the Split-T Management banner registered victories to remain undefeated.

Thursday night at The Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut, heavyweight Stephen Shaw scored three knockdowns en-route to a fourth round stoppage over Willie Jake Jr.

Shaw dropped Jake in each of the first three frames, and the fight was waved off at 56 seconds into the fourth round.

With the win, Shaw raises his perfect mark to 12-0 with nine knockouts.

On the same card, Hurshidbek Normatov made it nine in a row as he won a eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Walter Wright in a junior middleweight contest.

With the win, Normatov won the WBA NABA US Super Welterweight title. Normatov, who was a European Amateur Champion boxed very well as he worked behind a jab that he followed nicely with straight shots that landed throughout the contest.

Normatov of Uzbekistan, who now calls Brooklyn home won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73.

Shaw and Normatov are promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Last Friday night in Boston, at the Encore Boston Harbor, super featherweight, Abraham Nova stopped Luis Castillo in the opening frame to retain his NABA Title.

Nova of Albany, New York landed a perfect combination that dropped Castillo down for the ten count.

With the win, Nova, who is ranked number-six by the WBA raised his mark to 16-0 with 12 knockouts.

Nova is promoted by Murphy’s Boxing.

On the same bill, welterweight Brian Ceballo kept his winning ways by stopping veteran Luis Eduardo Flores in round four of a scheduled eight-round bout.

Ceballo landed a thudding body shot that put Flores (24-15) down in a heap of trouble, and the bout was halted.

Ceballo of New York, has kept an active schedule, as he won his 4th bout of 2019 and is now 10-0 with five knockouts.

Ceballo is promoted by 360 Promotions.

Saturday night in Hermosillo, Mexico, prized middleweight prospect, Diego Pacheco stopped previously undefeated Jose Alonso Esparza inside of one round to raise his perfect mark to 5-0 with four knockouts.

The Los Angeles native has been impressive as this was the 3rd undefeated foe that Pacheco has defeated, and the 5th win in an eight-month span.

Pacheco, 18 years-old will be right back in action on September 14th in Carson, California.

Pacheco is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.