Cordina edges Vazquez to Retain 130 lb. Title

Joe Cordina won a razor-thin majority decision over Edward Vazquez to retain the IBF Junior Lightweight title at Casino De Monaco in Monte Carlo.

It was a close fight with Vazquez pushing the fight on the inside. Cordina was able to land some good combinations in the nip-and-tuck battle.

Cordina, 129.9 lbs of Cardiff, WAL won by scores of 116-112 twice and 114-114 and is now 17-9. Vazquez, 128.8 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is 15-2.

Adrian Curiel shocked Sivenathi Nontshinga with a stunning second round stoppage to win the IBF Light Flyweight title.

Curiel landed a booming overhand right that sent Nontshinga down and out at 1:09.

Curiel, 107.9 lbs of Mexico City is 24-4-1 with five knockouts. Nontshinga, 107.7 lbs of Reeston, SA is 12-1.

Soueymane Cissokho won a 12-round unanimous decision over Isaias Lucero in a welterweight bout.

In round 11, Lucero was cut around his right eye.

Cissokho, 146.5 lbs of Paris won by scores of 118-109 twice and 117-110 and is 17-0. Lucero, 147 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 16-2.

In round two, Cissokho dropped Lucero with a right Hamd.

Ramla Ali avenged her only professional defeat by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Julissa Alejandra Guzman in a super bantamweight bout.

Ali, who was stopped by Guzman in February, won by scores of 96-94 on all cards and is now 9-1. Guzman, 121.5 lbs of Ciudad, MEX is 13-3-2.




Prograis Decisions Zorrilla To Retain Super-Lightweight Title

Regis Prograis defended the WBC Super Lightweight title with a 12-round split-decision over Danielito Zorrilla at the Smoothie King Center in New Orlenas.

In round one, it looked like Zorrilla scored a knockdown when he landed a left hand that sent Prograis to the canvas, but was ruled a slip. That was the difference in the fight as in round three, Prograis landed a quick left that put Zorrilla down.

Prograis, 139 lbs of New Orleans won by scores of 118-109 and 117-110, while Zorrilla took a 114-113 card.

Prograis is 29-1. Zorrilla, 139 lbs of Toa Boja, PR is 17-2.

Shakhram Giyasov remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Harold Calderon in a welterweight bout.

In round 10, Calderon was cut over his right eye.

Giyasov, 146.1 lbs of Bukhara, KAZ won by scores of 120-108, 118-110 and 116-112 and is now 14-0. Calderon, 146.2 lbs of Miami, FL is 27-1.

Julissa Guzman knocked out previously undefeated Ramla Ali in round eight of their 10-round super bantamweight fight.

In round five, Guzman dropped Ali with a perfect overhand right on the jaw. In round eight, Guzman landed a perfect left hook to the chin that put Ali flat on her back for the 10-count at 42 seconds.

Guzman, 121.1 lbs of Sonora, MEX is 13-2-2 with seven knockouts. Ali, 122 lbs of London, ENG is 7-1.

Jeremy Hill stopped Mark Davis in round four of their eight-round lightweight bout.

In round four, Hill landed a perfect right to the chin that hurt Davis. Hill followed up with three hard shots that blasted Davis into the ropes and down to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:29.

Hill, 135.6 lbs of New Orleans is 19-3 with 12 knockouts. Davis, 135.6 lbs of Baton Rouge, LA is 19-2.

Ginny Fuchs remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Indeya Rodriguez in a super flyweight fight.

Fuchs, 113.4 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 3-0. Rodriguez, 113.2 lbs of New Orleans is 6-8-2.

In round three, Fuchs was cut over her left eye from an accidental headbutt.

Xavier Madrid upset previously undefeated Aaron Aponte by winning an eight-round split decision in a super-lightweight fight.

Madrid, 138.5 lbs of Albuquerque, NM won two cards by 76-75 scores. Aponte took a card 78-73.

Madrid is now 5-2. APonte, 140 lbs of Hialeah, FL is 7-1-1.

Criztec Bazaidula won a four-round unanimous decision over Elroy Fruto in a lightweight bout.

Bazaidula, 136.4 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Fruto, 135.6 lbs of British Columbia, Canada is 1-2.




RAMLA ALI NAMED TO TIME’S 2023 WOMEN OF THE YEAR LIST RECOGNIZING EXTRAORDINARY LEADERS FIGHTING FOR A MORE EQUAL WORLD

TIME named Ramla Ali to the 2023 TIME Women of the Year list, recognizing 12 extraordinary leaders fighting for a more equal world. The full list and related tributes appear in the March 13 / March 20 issue of TIME, available on newsstands on Friday, March 10, and now at time.com/women-of-the-year

Ali, a UNICEF ambassador, began the Sisters Club in 2018 a nonprofit that offers boxing lessons to women who don’t usually enjoy access to the sport: those from ethnic or religious minority backgrounds, as well as survivors of domestic abuse. There are four locations in London, and having opened in Los Angeles, Ali will add a second American location in Fort Worth, Texas soon.

Ali is flying inside the ring too, with TIME interviewing the Somali Olympian in the build-up to her last action where Ali comfortably outpointed Avril Mathie to land her first pro title, the IBF Inter-Continental Super-Bantamweight strap.

READ MORE AT TIME.COM ON RAMLA ALI HERE




Serrano Decisions Cruz to Become Undisputed Featherweight champion; Katie Taylor Rematch on May 20th

NEW YORK–In a war, Amanda Serrano became the undisputed featherweight champion with a 10-round unanimous decision in front of a capacity crowd at The Hulu Theater inside Madison Square Garden

The two fighters stood toe to toe with Cruz having early success as she dug her feet in and came forward throwing and landing punches in bunches from all angles. That seemed to befuddle Serrano, who was getting hit cleanly by oncoming shots from Cruz. In round three, Cruz was cut on her forehead from an accidental headbutt. That coincided with Serrano’s foray back inro the fight as she seemed to have a better grasp on how to handle the unorthodox style of Cruz.

In round six, Serrano her Cruz badly with an left and right hook on the inside. There were instances that looked like Cruz was done, but she kept coming forward throwing punches in bunches. Serrano was able to stem the tide and fough through a cut around her right eye in a furious 10th and final round.

The two fighters threw a staggering amount of punches for the 20 minute war as Serrano was 257 of 949. Cruz 202 of 968.

Serrano, 125.4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and is now 44-2-1. Cruz, 125.4 lbs of Mexico City fought valiantly in defeat and is now 15-2.

With the win, it paves the way for a much anticipated rematch between Serrano and Katie Taylor that was announced for May 20th.

Amanda Serrano

  • I’m just so emotional underneath. I finally did it for my island. 
  • She’s a Mexican champion and we knew that from the start. I knew it was going to be a bout and this what what I’ve trained for. We didn’t expect anything less than that. 
  • I’m glad it went past the fourth!
  • Jordan kept screaming 1-2-1-2’s from the corner – go back to the basics. My left hand was catching her pretty clear with the jabs. So I just listen to my corner. 
  • I have successfully completed all of my dreams, becoming the undisputed champion. So now I am one of THE undisputed champions but I am still the ONLY 7 weigh class world champions in the world. 
  • It’s going to be a bigger and better fight over there (Ireland)

Katie Taylor

  • I was cheering her on. I wanted this fight. Undisputed vs. undisputed champion. The last fight was an epic fight and I think the next one is going to be exactly the same. 
  • It’s going to be great in Ireland fighting the real deal, Amanda Serrano. This is incredible and the last fight was epic so I expect nothing less from the next one. 
  • This is the biggest fight in women’s boxing and I only want to do the biggest fights. This is exactly what I want.

Baumgardner Decisions Mekhaled to Win Undisputed Junior Lightweight Champion

Alycia Baumgardner became to Undisputed Junior Lightweight champion with an emphatic 10-round unanimous decision over Elhem Mekhaled.

In round three, Baumgardner landed a big chopping right that put Mekhaled on the canvas. With Mekhaled hurt, Baumgardner jumped on Mekhaled and sent her to the canvas for a second time in the round from a huge flurry of punches.

Mekhaled was hurt several times down the stretch, but she showed tremendous resolve as she was able to land some flush punches. In the 10th round, both boxers had moments and also there were several furious exchanges.

Baumgardner landed 141 of 542 punches; Mekhaled was 96 of 404.

Baumgardner, 129 lbs of Detroit won by scores of 99-89 twice and 98-90 and is now 14-1. Mekhaled, 129 lbs of Paris, FRA is 15-2.

Hitchins Decisions Bauza

Richardson Hitchins settled his grudge with John Bauza y winning a lopsided 10-round unanimous decision on their junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Hitchins landed a inside left that had Bauza hit the canvas, which was ruled a knockdown. In round four, Hitchins landed a hard straight right that put Bauza down for a clean knockdown. In round five, the right eye of Bauza began to swell up.

With his face a mess and getting beat up, Bauza landed a hard left that briefly stopped Hitchins in his tracks, but Hitchins rebounded to landed three flush shots to face of Bauza.

Hitchins, 139.6 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 100-88 on all cards and is now 16-0. Bauza, 139 lbs of North Bergen, NJ is 17-1.

Yankiel Rivera Decisions Fernando Diaz

Yankiel Rivera remained undefeated by pounding out an eight-round unanimous decision over Fernando Diaz in a flyweight fight.

Rivera, 112.4 lbs of Bayamon, PR won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 3-0. Diaz, 111.8 lbs of Riverside, CA is 11-3-1.

Skye Nicolson remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Tania Alvarez in a featherweight fight.

Nicolson, 126.6 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 6-0. Alvarez, 124.8 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is 7-1.

In a battle of previously undefeated super bantamweights, Ramla Ali took a 10-round unanimous decision from Avril Mathie.

Ali, 121.4 lbs of London won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 8-0. Mathie, 121.4 lbs of Sydney, AUS is 8-1-1.

Shadasia Green was impressive in stopping former world champion Elin Cederroos in round six of their scheduled 10[round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Green dropped Cederroos with a perfect overhand right to the jaw.

In round six, Green landed three more booming right hands to the head that had Cederroos wobbling across the ring. Green landed three more flush shots in the corner and the bout was stopped at 1:08.

Green, 167.2 lbs of Paterson, NJ is now 12-0 with 11 knockoouts. Cederroos,167.4 lbs of Sweden is 8-2.

In a bloody battle, Harley Maderos stopped Julio Madera in the sixth and final round of their lightweight bout.

Maderos battered Madera until his face got more swollen with each round. Maderos showed a bloody mouth in round five. In round six, Maderos landed a hard combination that forced referee Eric Dali to the contest at 25 seconds.

Maderos, 134.2 lbs of Brooklyn is now 5-0 with four knockouts. Madera,133.5 lbs of Mexico City is 4-3.

Aaron Aponte remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Joshua David Rivera in a junior welterweight clash.

Aponte, 136.8 lbs of Hialeah Gardens, FL won by scores on all cards and is now 7-0-1. Rivera, 138.8 lbs of La Mesa, CA is 8-2.




LIVE FIGHTS: Before The Bell: Serrano vs Cruz Live Undercard (Nicolson, Ali & More)




AUDIO: Undefeated Avril Mathie chimes in on Battle with Ramla Ali






VIDEO: Undefeated Avril Mathie chimes in on Battle with Ramla Ali




FOLLOW USYK – JOSHUA 2 LIVE!!

Follow all the action as Oleksandr Usyk defends the IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight titles against two-time champion Anthony Joshua in a rematch.  The card kicks off at 1 PM ET / 8 PM in Saudi Arabia with bouts involving Ramla Ali Plus two elimination bouts with Callum Smith vs Mathieu Bauderlique and Filip Hrgovic and Zhilei Zhang

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED.  THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

12 ROUNDS–IBF/WBA/WBO HEAVYWEIGHT TITLES–OLEKSANDR USYK (19-0, 13 KOS) VS ANTHONY JOSHUA (24-2, 22 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
USYK 10 9 10 10 10 9 10 9 9 10 10 9 115
JOSHUA 9 10 9 9 9 10 9 10 10 9 9 10 113

ROUND 1: Right to body from Joshua…Left from Usyk..Jab..Jab..Left

ROUND 2: Joshua jabs to the body..Left to body..Straight right..Jab from Usyk..Jab from Joshua..Good right down the middle…right to the body

ROUND 3 Joshua lands a good right..Usyk lands a left..another left…Left

ROUND 4  Left From Usyk

ROUND 5 Low Blow landed by Joshua…Counter jab from Usyk

Round 6 Right to body from Joshua

RouND 7 Counter left from Usyk..

Round 8 Good body shot from Joshua…Left hook to the body..3 Punch combination to the body…Combination Usyk…Slapping right from Joshua..Uppercut from Usyk..Bidy shot from Joahua

ROUND 9 Right from Joshua..Huge flurry from Joshua backing Usyk up…Good left hook…Good body shot

Round 10 Big left from Usyk…Body shot…Right from Joshua rocks Usyk..Uppercut and right from Usyk..Uppercut…Body shot

Round 11 Good body shot from Joshua..Left from Usyk…Jab

ROUND 12 Hard body shot from Joshua..Right..3 punch combination from Usyk…Big left hook and a right from Joshua…

115-113 Joshua….115-113 Usyk…116-112 Usyk

12 Rounds–Heavyweights–Filip Hrgovic (14-0, 12 KOs) vs Zhilei Zhang (24-0-1, 19 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Hrgovic 8 10 9 9 10 9 10 10 9 10 10 10 114
Zhang 10 9 10 10 9 10 9 9 10 9 9 9 113

Round 1  Right Hook and dOWN GOES Hrgovic
Round 2 Straight from Hrgovic
Round 3 Straight left from Zhang..Good body shot
Round 4 2 Lefts from Zhang and 2 rights to the body..Hard right from Hrgovic..Left from Zhang..Zhang cut on his forehead
Round 5 Good body work from Hrgovic…Good right..Good counter from Zhang
Round 6 Big combination from Zhang..Hrgovic look hurt..Bosy shot from Hrgovic
Round 7 Right from Hrgovic..Counter from Zhang..Sweeping left from Hrgovic..3 punch combination
Round 8 Big left from Zhang..Hard right from Hrgovic..Counter right..Lett hook..Right..Over hand right snaps Zhang’s head back
Round 9 Good right hook from Zhang,,Hard combination..Hard lefts…Big left
Round 10 Check left hook from Zhang..Left from Hrgovic…Right…Body shots…Quick combination..ANother combination
Round 11 Combination to body from Hrgovic..Good right from Zhang…Hard right..Combination from Hrgovic…
Round 12 Straight right from Hrgovic…

115-112 twice…114-113 for HRGOVIC

12 Rounds–Light Heavyweights–Callum Smith (28-1, 20 KOs) vs Mathieu Bauderlique (21-1, 12 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Smith 10 10 10 30
Bauderlique 10 9 9 28

Round 1: Right from Smith..Left from Bauderlique
Round 2 Right from Smith..Trading hooks…Left from Bauderlique..Right from Smith..Left on inside..Right to body..Uppercut..
Round 3 Right from Smith..Left hook to the body and 2 more..Bauderlique lands a right hook to the body..Right to body from Smith…Short left hook…hard left hook
Round 4 Good body shot from Smith,…HARD LEFT AND DOWN GOES BAUDERLIQUE…Right wobbles Bauderlique…HUGE LEFT HOOK DNA DOWN GOES BAUDERLIQUE AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

10 Rounds–Cruiserweights–Badou Jack (26-3-3, 16 KOs) vs Richard Rivera (21-0, 16 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Jack  9 10 10 9 10 9 10 10 10 10 97
Rivera 10 9 9 10 9 10 9 9 9 9 93

Round 1 Rivera lands a 2 rights..Left hook from Jack and a right to the body..Good right from Rivera
Round 2 Big right from Jack..Body shots…Good left hook..Big right…Good uppercut from Rivera…Good right..Leaping shots from Rivera…
Round 3 Jab from Jack..Right to body..2 Uppercuts from Rivera…Jab from Jack..Right and good left hook
Round 4  Uppercut from Rivera…Body shot from Jack…Flurry from Rivera..Left..Right…Left hook from Jack…
Round 5 Right to body from Jack..Hard right
Round 6 Big Right from Jack…Hard left hook to the body..Good uppercut from Rivera…Left..Flurry that ends with a hard right to the body…
Round 7 Good overhand right from Jack… Good uppercut on inside from Rivera…Left hook to body from Jack…Good right to the body
Round 8 Flurry from Rivera…hard right from Jack. Swelling around the right eye of Jack…Right over the top from Jack..Good left hook..Another big left hook…Right over the top..Big body shot…
Round 9 Good 1-2 from Jack..Good uppercut from Rivera
Round 10 Big right from Jack

96-94 Rivera, 96-94 Jack, 96-94 Jack

4 Rounds–Super Lightweights–Zyad Almaayouf (PD) vs Jose Alatorre (PD)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Almaayouf* KO
Alatorre

Round 1: Alatorre lands a left and right hand.  Left hook…Hard RIGHT AND DOWN GOES ALATORRE…Right Rocks Alatorre…COMBINATION AND DOWN GOES ALATORRE AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

8 Rounds–Super Bantamweights–Ramla Ali (6-0, 1 KO) vs Crystal Garcia Nova (10-2, 10 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Ali* KO
Nova

Round 1 HARD RIGHT AND DOWN GOES NOVA…SHE DOES NOT GET UP…FIGHT OVER




Usyk Decisions Joshua Again; Retains Heavyweight Titles

Oleksandr Usyk remained the IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight champion as he won a 12-round split decision over former champion Anthony Joshua in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

It was much like the first fight where, Usyk was swiftly boxing with some solid jabs and left hands. What was different from the first fight, Joshua was more aggressive and landed some hard body shots. Joshua seemed to hurt Usyk a couple times, but every Usyk had an answer for all of Joshua’s offense.

Usyk landed 170 of 712 punches; Joshua was 124 of 492.

Usyk, 221.6 lbs of Ukraine won by scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while Joshua took a card 115-113 and is now 20-0. Joshua, 244.5 lbs of Warford, ENG is 24-3.

Hrgovic Gets Off Deck; Beats Zhang By Decision in Heavyweight Eliminator

Filip Hrgovic survived an early knockdown and a few tense moments to gut out a 12-round unanimous decision over Zhilei Zhang in a IBF Heavyweight elimination bout.

In round one, Zhang landed a cuffing right around the head that put Hrgovic down.  In round four, Zhang was cut on his forehead.  Hrgovic was rocked several times with right hooks, but was able to eek out rounds down the stretch with combination punching.

Hrgovic landed 208 of 705 punches; Zhang was 154 of 395.

Hrgovic, 242.9 lbs of Zagrab, CRO won by scores of 115-112 and 114-113.

“That was for my father who passed away a few months ago. He was a special man. Yes (he has been on my mind), but my beautiful wife, Marinela, was with me in my training camp in Houston and was able to give me energy.”

“Yes, it was a very close fight, I was losing the fight, but in the later rounds I pushed myself and gave everything. I landed some huge shots, and the last six rounds he was just standing there. The knockdown, I wasn’t hurt at all, I slipped on his feet and lost my balance.

“He surprised me, he’s better than I had thought he was.”

Callum Smith Destroys Bauderlique in 4

Former super middleweight champion Callum Smith took out Mathieu Bauderlique in round four of their 12-round light heavyweight bout.

In round four, Smith dropped Baudelique with a hard left hook. It was another vicious left hook that dropped Bauderlique on to the bottom rope and the fight was stopped ‘at

Smith, 174.7 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 29-1 with 21 knockouts. Bauderlique, 174.4 lbs of France is 21-1

Jack Decisions Rivera

Former world champion Badou Jack won a 10-round split decision over previously undefeated Richard Rivera in a cruiserweight fight.

Jack landed 101 of 299 punches; Rivera was 85 of 411.

Jack, 199 lbs of Las Vegas, NV won by scores of 96-94 twice and 96-94 for Rivera and is now 27-3-2. Rivera, 194.9 lbs of Hartford, CT is 21-1.

Almaayouf Stops Alatorre in 1

Saudi-bred Ziyad Almaayouf stopped Jose Alatorre in round one of a four-round super lightweight bout featuring debutants.

In round one, Almaayou dropped Alatorre with a short right hand. Almaayouf ended things with Almaayouf sent Alatorre down with a flurry of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:55.

Almaayouf, 139.3 lbs of Los Angeles, CA via Saudi Arabia is 1-0 with one knockout. Alatorre, 136.9 lbs of La Paz, MEX is 0-1.

Ali Stops Nova in 1st

In the first female bout in Saudi Arabian history, Ramla Ali stopped Crystal Garcia Nova in the opening round of their eight round super bantamweight bout.

Ali landed a hard right hand that put Nova down and she did not get up before the 10-count at 1:05.

Ali, 122.7 lbs of Mogadishu, SOM is 7-0 with two knockouts. Nova, 122.9 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 10-3.

Andrew Tabiti stopped previously undefeated James Wilson after round five of their eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round five, Tabiti beat down Wilson and dropped him in the corner with a right uppercut. After the round, Wilson’s corner pulled the plug on the fight.

Tabiti, 216.7 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 20-1 with 16 knockouts. Wilson, 238.5 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is 7-1-1.

2021 UK Olympian Ben Whittaker remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Petar Nosic in a light heavyweight fight.

Whittaker, 173.7 lbs of West Bromwich, ENG won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 2-0. Nosic, 175.3 lbs of Vrgorac, CRO is 6-1.

Tall light heavyweight and Usyk stablemate, Daniel Lapin remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Josef Jurko in a light heavyweight bout.

Lapin, 173 lbs of Kiev, UKR won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 6-0. Jurko, 176.1 lbs Kosice, SLO is 9-7-1.

Traycho Georgiev took a four-round split decision over debuting Rasheed Belhasa in a super welterweight bout.

Georgiev, 146.6 lbs of Sofia, BUL is 1-3. Belhasa, 148.5 lbs of Dubai, UAE is 0-1.

Bader Al Samreen stopped Faud Tarverdi in the fourth and final round of their super lightweight contest.

In round four Al Samreen dropped Traverdi. A follow up flurry forced a referee stoppage at 1:16.

Al Samreen




RAMLA ALI PUTS ON BOXING CLINIC WITH SAUDI GIRLS AHEAD OF HISTORY-MAKING FIGHT

Ramla Ali put on a boxing session with young girls in Saudi Arabia on Thursday ahead of her history-making bout against Crystal Nova Garcia at the Rage on the Red Sea this Saturday.

Ali is used to making history having become England’s first Muslim fighter to claim an amateur title in the country and she will etch her name into the record books alongside her opponent as they become the first females to fight professionally in Saudi Arabia.

The country is harnessing sport as a tool for transformation and, since Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. headlined the Clash of the Dunes in 2019, the Kingdom there has been a 150 percent uptake in female sports participation.

Boxing as a whole has seen a 300 percent jump in Saudis take up the sport and the Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation is aiming to get 500,000 people inspired by boxing over the next four years.

The increased interest in the sport and matching ambition of the governing body was evidenced at Jeddah’s Waad Academy, where Ali conducted a 45-minute training session with local coaches and 35 Saudi girls and women between 15 to 30-years-old who represent governmental and private clubs across the country.

“The organisers inviting myself to compete and allowing this fight to go ahead really shows you the cultural shift in the landscape that is happening in the region,” said Ali. “I hope myself and my opponent, as well as the full card, competing in Saudi Arabia inspires future generations. It’s been wonderful to spend time with this group of girls today and I hope they truly believe their ambition is limitless.”

Alongside Ali was Rasha Al Khamis, the country’s first certified female boxer and boxing coach, as well as a part-time footballer, Guinness World Record-holder and she currently serves as vice-president of the Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation.

Al Khamis herself has inspired women from all over the country and is hoping that Ali’s presence both at Waad Academy and at the Rage on the Red Sea will lead to even more of her countrywomen to give boxing a go – or any other sport for that matter.

“Training programmes are very important, not only for the athletes but to develop coaches and referees, the more we have the more competitions can be organised, which helps to identify promising talent,” Rasha said. “We are constantly in the process of providing more training and increasing the number of competitions nationally and regionally, as well as looking into more programs that pave the way for future athletes. It’s so exciting to see the growing interest in the sport, especially following some of the incredible boxing spectacles we have like this weeks Rage on the Red Sea.”

The Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation’s president, Abdullah Al Harbi, and CEO, Amr Abdel Binhassan, also oversaw the clinic, alongside Matchroom Sport Chairman, Eddie Hearn.

Rage on the Red Sea takes place at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah on Saturday, with Joshua’s bid to recapture his Heavyweight world titles from Oleksandr Usyk at the top of the billing.

As well as Ali versus Nova Garcia delivering a first for boxing in Saudi Arabia, local boxer, Ziyad Almaayouf, will become the first professional fighter from his country to feature on a major international card.

About Skill Challenge Entertainment
SCEE is The Kingdom’s first fully integrated sports and entertainment agency focussed on combat sports and boxing. We remain dedicated to providing marketing, events and media services to associated brands across the nation in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. For more information or press enquiries, please email Ravi Samani on Press@SkillChallengeEnt.com

About Matchroom Boxing
Matchroom Boxing is the world’s leading boxing promotional outfit putting on major stadium and arena shows across the globe. Headed up by boxing supremo Eddie Hearn, Matchroom has been among the world leaders in major boxing promotion and production for over a quarter of a century since its launch in 1987. With an unrivalled stable of world-class fighters, Matchroom’s unique expertise in promotion, staging and television productions cements its position as the No.1 promoter in the sport.




VIDEO: Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua 2 Undercard Press Conference (Smith/Hrgovic/Zhang/Ali & More)




‘RAGE ON THE RED SEA’ USYK VS. JOSHUA 2 UNDERCARD CONFIRMED

Details of the supporting cast to the colossal Unified Heavyweight World Title rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua have now been confirmed. The rivals will lock horns again at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in the coastal city of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday August 20.
 
Avoided Croatian Heavyweight star Filip Hrgovic (14-0, 12 KOs) meets China’s undefeated Zhilei Zhang (24-0-1, 19 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Heavyweight World Title. The rivals were originally set to clash on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol in May but will now do battle on the Red Sea.
 
Hrgovic sits at No.3 in the IBF rankings and the big-hitting giant has been hunting a dance partner for a showdown to name the mandatory challenger for the title held by Ukraine’s Usyk. The 30-year-old Olympic bronze medallist has cut a lethal swathe through the pro ranks to sit in a prime position for a deserved shot at the big prize, ending all but two of his fights inside the distance, and not going past the fifth round in his last seven outings.
 
A host of Heavyweights were offered the clash with ‘El Animal’, but not until it came to No.15 ranked Zhang was a dance partner found, with the lofty Chinese star accepting the challenge. The 39-year-old has been circling for a major showdown, and ‘Big Bang’ gets his wish against Hrgovic with the two KO artist promising to leave it all in the ring with the stakes so high.
 
I respect a fighter like Zhilei Zhang, especially as there were plenty of others who could have fought me and didn’t,” said Hrgovic. “The respect stays outside the ring, and it’ll be business as usual for me when I step in there and look to do what I do best; put people away.
 
“There’s a huge amount at stake in this fight. I’m a fighter who belongs at the top of this division, and there’ll be no doubt about this when Zhang is dealt with and I go on to beat whoever it is out of Usyk or Joshua. I’m entering my prime, and now is the perfect time to be putting myself up against the top fighters in this division. I will become the heavyweight champion of the world.”

 “I’m looking forward to August 20,” said Zhang. “My team and I have been grinding every hour of every day for this fight. Hrgovic is going to be the toughest opponent in my professional career. A victory will secure me the IBF mandatory challenger position, which is why this fight is so important to me. I will be in the best shape I’ve ever been in.”
 
Liverpool’s Callum Smith (28-1, 20 KOs) returns to the scene of his finest moment where he stopped British rival George Groves in seven rounds at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in September 2018 to be crowned the WBA Super-Middleweight World Champion and the winner of the World Boxing Super Series Muhammad Ali Trophy.
 
Now campaigning at Light-Heavyweight where he is ranked as the No.1 contender with the WBC, ‘Mundo’ will face France’s reigning European Champion and No.2 ranked WBC 175lbs contender Mathieu Bauderlique (21-1, 12 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the World Title currently held by Artur Beterbiev.
 
Smith was last in action on the undercard of the first meeting between Usyk and Joshua at the home of Tottenham Hotspur in September, destroying Lenin Castillo with a brutal second round KO to return to winning ways after his points loss to Mexican superstar Canelo. Bauderlique last stepped through the ropes in September when he retired Igor Mikhalkin in seven rounds to land the vacant EBU crown.
 
“The last time I was in Jeddah I was crowned the best Super-Middleweight in the world, so I have fond memories of the place,” said Smith. “The whole experience was great, and the fans really got behind me, so I’m really looking forward to returning next month. I won’t come away this time as a World Champion, but this is a tough fight on a great card and one which should set up a challenge at the number 1 in the Light-Heavyweight division.”
 
In a huge moment for women’s boxing, Somali-British prospect Ramla Ali (6-0, 1 KO) becomes the first female boxer to feature in an official international event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, clashing with Crystal Garcia Nova (10-2, 10 KOs) in an eight-round Super-Bantamweight contest. Former two-weight World Champion Badou Jack (26-3-3) fights Richard Rivera (21-0, 16 KOs) in a ten round Cruiserweight contest. Andrew Tabiti (19-1, 15 KOs) and Tyrone Spong (14-0, 13 KOs) collide in an eight round Heavyweight contestThere’s also action for Ukrainian Light-Heavyweight Daniel Lapin (5-0) as he continues his education in the paid code against Slovakia’s Jozef Jurko (9-6-1, 6 KOs) and Super-Lightweight prospect Ziyad Almaayouf facesMexico’s Jose Alatorre (0-1).

Tickets for Usyk vs. Joshua 2 are available from SAR375 and fight fans can get their tickets via Hala Yalla(www.halayalla.com/sa-en/tickets/rage-on-the-red-sea). For VISA entry information, fans should go to Visit Saudi (www.visa.visitsaudi.com)information on how to apply. 

The ‘Rage on the Red Sea’ is the latest international sports event to take place in Saudi Arabia, which has recently emerged as one of the fastest transforming countries in world sport. Since the ‘Clash on the Dunes’ between Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, there has been a nearly 300% surge in male and female boxers in the Kingdom, with the number of boxing gyms growing from just seven to 59.  As part of the country’s aims to get its people engaged and participating in sport, the Saudi Boxing Federation is aiming to inspire 500,000 in the next four years.




Chisora Gets Even With Pulev; Wins Split Decision

Derek Chisora evened up his series with Kubrat Pulev by winning a split decision in a 12-round heavyweight bout at The O2 Arena in London.

In round five, Pulev was cut on his left eyelid. It was a sloppy yet entertaining affair that saw each guy land some big shots throughout the contest.

Chisora landed 171 of 526 punches; Pulev was 200 of 796.

Each fighter won a scorecard by a 116-112 tally. A third card was 116-114 for Chisora.

Madrimov and Soro Fight to a Technical Draw

Israil Madrimov and Michel Soro fought to a technical draw when Soro suffered a bad cut in the third round of their 12-round junior middleweight rematch.

At the start of round three, The two clashed heads, and Soro began to bleed badly over his left eye. The fight was the sequel to a December rematch that saw Madrimov score a ninth round stoppage, but the stoppage may have come after the ninth round bell had sounded.

Ali Decisions Rojas

Ramla Ali remained undefeated with an eight-round decision over Agustina Rojas in a super bantamweight fight.

Ali, 122.14 kbs of Greewich, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 6-0. Rojas, 122.3 lbs of Villeurbanne, ARG is 6-2.

Agyarko Decisions Maciej

Caoimhin Agyarko won a 10-round unanimous decision over Lukasz Maciej in a super middleweight bout.

Agyarko, 153.12 lbs of Belfast, NI won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-93 and is now 12-0. Maciej, 154 lbs of Lublin. POL is 28-5-1.

Wardley Stops Healey in 2

Fabio Wardley remained undefeated by stopping Chris Healey in round two of their eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Wardley opened up with a hard combination that put Healey down to the canvas. It was the same thing in round two as Warley landed a hard combination that punctuated by a right hand that put Healey down and the towel was thrown in at 40 seconds.

Wardley, 238 lbs of Ipswich, ENG is now 14-0 with 13 knockouts. Healey, 275 lbs of Stickport, ENG is 9-10.

Solomon Dacres won an eight-round decision over Kevin Nicolas Espindola in a heavyweight bout.

Dacres, 230.1 lbs of Birmingham, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 4-0. Espindola, 257 lbs of San Pedro, ARG is 7-5.

Yousuf Ibrahim won a decision over Francisco Rodriguez in a super bantamweight bout.

Ibrahim, 120.1 lbs of Northhampton, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Rodriguez, 121.1 lbs of Alfacar, SPA is 1-7.




Rocha stops Cobbs in 9

Alexis Rocha stopped Blair Cobbs in a welterweight battle at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.

In round eight, Rocha dropped Cobbs with a hard right to the bottom the chin. In round nine, Rocha had Cobbs in trouble with body shots and then he landed some chopping lefts. A big uppercut drove Cobbs to the ropes. Rocha was relentless until the bout was stopped at 44 seconds.

Rocha – Cobbs was bumped up to the main event after Vergil Ortiz fell ill for his bout with Michael McKinson.

Rocha, 146.8 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 19-1 with 13 knockouts. Cobbs, 145.6 lbs of Hollywood, CA is 15-1-1.

McKinson Decisions Martin

Michael McKinson won a 10-round unanimous decision over late-replacement Alex Martin in a welterweight fight.

McKinson, 146 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 22-0. Martin, 147 lbs ofChicago, IL is 17-4.

Bektemir Melikuziev stopped David Zegarra in round two of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Melikuziev landed a perfect left to the body that sent Zegarra in pain to a knee and he did not beat the 10-count at 30 seconds.

Melikuziev, 171.6 lbs of Uzbekistan is now 9-1 with seven knockouts. Zegarra, 172 lbs of Lima, PER is 34-8.

Sanchez Decisions Munera

Evan Sanchez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Alejandro Munera in a middleweight fight.

In round four, Sanchez dropped Munera with a right hook.

Sanchez, 149.8 lbs of Parlier, CA won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 11-0. Munera, 147.6 lbs of Munera, COL is 6-5-4.

Alex Rincon stopped Luis Sanchez in round two of a scheduled eight-round middleweight bout.

In round two, Rincon dropped Sanchez with a right. Sanchez wobbled to his feet, but was able to continue…for a few seconds, as Rincon landed another big right that sent Sanchez down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:44

Rincon, 154.6 lbs of Dallas, TX is 10-0 with seven knockouts. Sanchez, 155 lbs of San Juan, PR is 9-3.

John Ramirez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Roberto Pucheta in a bantamweight fight.

In round two, Pucheta had to bleed from the nose.

Ramirez, 117.2 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of and is now 9-0. Pucheta, 117 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 10-21-3.

Alejandro Reyes won a six-round unanimous decision over Daniel Evangelista Jr. in a junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Evangelista was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. In round three, Reyes dropped Evangelista with two right hands to the head.

Reyes, 139.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX won by scores of 60-51 on all cards and is now 7-0. Evangelista, 139.6 lbs of Mexico City is 20-13-2.

Miguel Gaona made extremely quick work over Gilberto Aguilar in a rematch in a scheduled four-roun junior welterweight clash.

Gaona dropped Aguilar with a body shot in the opening seconds, and Aguilar did not get up and the fight was over at 30 seconds.

Gaona, 139.6 lbs of El Sereno, CA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Aguilar, 140 lbs of Mexico City is 0-5.

Dalis Kaleiopu stopped Manuel Lara in the fourth and final round of their lightweight bout.

In round one, Kaleiopu dropped Lara with a right to the head. Later in the round, Lara went down from a body shot.

In round four, it was a three-punch combination to the head that dropped Lara to his knees and the bout was stopped at 2:15.

Kaleiopu, 132.4 lbs of Waianae, HA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Lara, 134.2 lbs of Celaya, MEX is 2-8.

Ramla Ali remained undefeated with 2nd round stoppage over Shelly Barnett in a scheduled eight-round super bantamweight fight.

In round one, Ali landed a hard right to the face that sent Barnett to the canvas. A moment later, another right put Barnett down again. In round two, Ali landed a big combination that forced a referee stoppage at 1:23.

Ali, 122.8 lbs of London, ENG is 5-0 with one knockout. Barnett, 122.8 lbs of Toronto, CAN is 5-7-2.




LIVE FIGHTS: Before The Bell: Lopez vs Kambosos Jr Undercard (Ft Ali-Herrera-Cruz)




Kambosos Shocks Lopez; Wins Undisputed Lightweight Title

George Kambosos Jr. won the Undisputed Lightweight Title with a 12-round split decision over Teofimo Lopez at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

Lopez came out extremally fast as he tried to stay true to his word and knock Kambosos out in the opening round. Late in the round, it was Kambosos who landed a huge right hand to the chin that sent Lopez to the deck. In round four, there was a cut over the left eye of Kambosos.

In round 10, Lopez sent Kambosos down with a hard combination. In round 11, Lopez was cut badly over the left eye.

Kambosos, 134.4 lbs of Sydney AUS won by scores of 115-111, 115-113 and Lopez won a card 114-113. Kambosos is now 20-0. Lopez, 135 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 16-1.

Ogawa Decisions Fuzile; Wins IBF 130 lb. Title

Kenichi Ogawa won the vacant IBF Junior Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision beatdown over Azinga Fuzile

In round five, Ogawa landed a huge right that dropped Fuzile to a knee.

In round nine, Fuzile started to bleed from his nose and was cut over the right eye. In round 12, Ogawa landed a hard right hand that sent Fuzile down again. Just before the fight ended, Ogawa put a capper on the fight by florring Fuzile again.

Ogawa, 129.4 lbs of Tokyo, JAP won by scores of 115-110 twice and 114-111, and is now 26-1-1-1. Fuzile, 129.6 lbs of East London, SA is 15-2.

Ford Stops Caraballo in 8

Raymond Ford remained undefeated with an 8th round stoppage over Felix Caraballo in a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

In round, eight, Ford landed a vicious eight-punch combination that forced a referee stoppage at 2:10.

Ford, 126 lbs of Camden, NJ is now 10-0-1 with six knockouts. Caraballo, 125.4 lbs of Mayaguez, PR is 13-4-2.

Zhang Stops Lewis in 2

Zheilei Zhang remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Craig Lewis in a heavyweight bout.

In round two, Zhang landed a big left that sent Lewis down. Seconds later, it was another straight left thatput Lewis down for a 2nd time, and the fight was stopped after the corner threw in the towel at 2:!0.

Zhang, 274 lbs of Zhoukou, CHN is 23-0-1 with 18 knockouts. Lewis, 273.4 lbs of Detroit is 14-5-1-1.

Ramla Ali remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Isela Vera in a super bantamweight fight.

Ali, 122 lbs of London, ENG, won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 4-0. Vera, 121 lbs of Long Beach, CA is 1-1.

Christina Cruz remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Maryguenn Vellinga in a flyweight bout.

Cruz, 111.6 lbs of New York won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 to raise her mark to 2-0. Velinga, 110.8 lbs of Park City, UT is 3-2-2.

In a battle of pro debuting bantamweights, Anthony Herrera stopped Jonathan Herrera in round two of a scheduled four-round bout.

The fight was stopped after a barrage of punches, and the fight was stopped at 2:32.

Anthony, 118 lbs of Los Angeles is 1-0 with one knockout. Jonathan, 115.4 lbs of Mexico City is 0-1.




Haney Decisions Linares; Retains WBC Lightweight title

Devin Haney retained the WBC Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over former three-division champion Jorge Linares at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Haney dominated the action as he mixed up his punches as he started featuring the his jab. That punch set up good rights and uppercuts that built him a good lead as the headed to the last part of the fight.

In round 10, Linares landed a hard right at the bell that rocked Haney and buckled his legs, Haney survived a few anxious moments but literally held on for the victory by scores of 116-112 twice and 115-113.

Haney landed 215 of 675 punches; Linares was 116 of 620.

Haney, 135 lbs of Las Vegas is now 26-0. Linares, 135 lbs of Barinas, VEN is 47-6.

“The fans want to see that,” said Haney. “They want to see if I can go in there and walk my opponent down. Hit him with big shots. I showed I can do it all, I can box, I can bang, I can take a shot and face adversity and get the job done.
 
“It was a good shot, but I wasn’t hurt, sometimes when you get hit by a good shot, you have to be smart, continue the game plan, and I did that and got the win.
 
“I knew he was going to come here and give it everything, it was a huge opportunity for him, he would be willing to get knocked out to go for the win, take my biggest shots to get this title.
 
“I just kept smart, used the jabs, feinted and landed shots in the 12th round. You are going to get hit with big shots in boxing. I didn’t get dropped; I didn’t get hurt. You see fighters get dropped and get up from big shots and people praise them, I didn’t get dropped, I stayed on my feet, kept throwing shots and closed it out.
 
“I want to fight the best, I stayed focused on Jorge this week, I knew he was a tough competitor, and I got the job done with the game plan. If Teofimo Lopez wants to do it next, let’s do it for all the belts, the real undisputed.”

Cameron stops Hernandez in 5; Defends Super Lightweight Title

Chantelle Cameron defended the WBC Super Bantamweight world title with a fifth round stoppage over former world champion Melissa Hernandez.

Cameron dropped Hernandez with a right hand in round four. Cameron dominated the fight, but for some reason the fight was stopped during a lull in the action.

Cameron, 139,2 lbs of Northampton, UK is now 14-0 with eight knockouts. Hernandez, 136.2 lbs of Miami, Lbs is 23-8-3.

Quigley wins Majority Decision over Mosley Jr.

Jason Quigley won a 10-round majority decision over Shane Mosley Jr, in a middleweight bout.

Quigley landed 159 of 496 punches; Mosley was 144 of 572.

Quigley, 159.4 lbs of Bellybofey, IRE won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95 and is now 19-1. Mosley, 160 lbs of Pomona, CA is 17-4.

Fuzile stops Ward in 7

Azinga Fuzile stopped Marti J Ward in round seven of their scheduled 12-round super featherweight bout.

In round four, Fuzile dropped Ward with a right hook to the side for the head.

In round seven, It was another right hook the sent Ward down again. The two banged legs, and Ward was the worse off of that exchange. Ward got to his feet with his face all bloody and the fight was stopped at 1:10.

Fuzile, 129,2 lbs of East London, SA is 15-2 with nine knockouts. Ward, 129.6 lbs of Brentwood, UK is 24-2-2.

Coe Stops Tadd in 2

Khalil Coe made a successful pro debut with a 2nd round stoppage over Nathaniel Tadd in a light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Coe dropped Tadd twice. First he hurt Tadd with a body shot. Coe followed up with a flurry of body shots that sent Tadd down to the canvas. Coe went right back to that body, and landed a big uppercut and down went Tadd for a second time. In round two, It was another left to the body that sent Tadd down for a third time, and the fight was stopped at 1:10.

Coe, 176.2 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 1-0 with one knockout. Tadd, 179 lbs of Houston is 2-5.

Reshat Mati remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Ryan Pino in a welterweight bout.

Mati, 145.8 lbs of Staten Island, NY won by scores of 60-54 and 58-56 twice and is now 10-0. Pino 146.8 lbs of San Juan, PR is 8-7-2.

Ramla Ali remained undefeated by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Mikayala Nebel in a featherweight contest.

Ali, 124 lbs of London, UK won by scores of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 3-0. Nebel, 124.6 lbs of Las Vegas is 4-9.

Amari Jones stopped Jonathan Burrs in the first round of their four-round super welterweight bout.

Jones landed a hard left that dropped Burrs and when Burrs got to his feet, the fight was stopped at 2:56.

Jones, 153.6 lbs of Las Vegas is 2-0 with two knockouts. Burrs, 153 lbs of Frederick, MD is 3-4.




Okolie Stops Glowacki in 6 to win WBO Cruiserweight Title

Lawrence Okolie scored a 6th round stoppage over former world champion Krzystof Glowacki to win the WBO World Cruiserweight championship at the SSE Arena in London, England.

In round five, Glowacki started to bleed over his right eye. In round six, Okolie landed a stabbing right to the body that sent Glowacki on his back. He got up but the fight was stopped.

Okolie, 199.6 lbs of Hackney, England is now 16-0 with 13 knockouts. Glowacki, 195 lbs of Walcz, POL is 31-3.

“I don’t think it has sunk in yet,” said Okolie. “It’s nice hearing you say it. I’m happy. For me, it’s more of a relief. The potential has been there for over a year. I’m happy to get the victory. Now and forever, I’ll be a World Champion.

“I was just really focused on putting on a good performance. I’m physically very strong and punch hard. I’m very fit, so I can win on just those attributes at a certain level. I really focused on not rushing any shots because he’s very dangerous with counter shots and he’s very heavy-handed. His jabs were very solid, so I had to be very meticulous in keeping the distance. It was a good clean performance.

“All of the British former World Champions wishing me good fortune really touched me – shout out to them. From every run that I ever did, losing all of that weight, deciding to take a risk, having my parents support me financially when I couldn’t afford to get the bus down to the gym for training. To see it all pay off with a World Title is a dream come true – never give up. We can just go on from here. I need to keep pushing myself to prove myself as the best.”

Cordina Decisions Kourbanov

Joe Cordina remained undefeated by winning a 10-round majority decision over Faroukh Kourbanov in a junior lightweight bout.

Cordina, 132,4 lbs of Cardiff, Wales won by scores of 98-93, 96-95 and 96-96 and he is now 12-0. Kaourbanov, 130.5 lbs of Liege, BEL is 17-3.

“I didn’t think it was close at all,” said Cordina. “I think he nicked one or two rounds, maybe three. I was comfortable and I didn’t really get out of second gear. I let him work a couple of times throughout the rounds, maybe I shouldn’t have. I got a good valuable ten rounds out of that and it’s something to build on. I’ll put on a better performance in my next fight.

“It wasn’t about just going out there and trying to blow him out of there. We knew he was tough, that’s why we chose him. Both of his losses before me were to European Champions. He’s gone the distance a lot of times, we knew he was durable. We got the rounds under our belt and I felt I hurt him a couple of times. He was cute at times.

“I had 16 months out of the ring. He came to win and that’s what I wanted. The hand felt fine, I let it go a few times. I didn’t want to overdo it. Tony told me to let the shots flow so that’s what I did. I shouldn’t have any problems with my hand now. It’s time to build on that. If I want to be a World Champion, I have to get past people like Kourbanov. I didn’t really get out of second gear.”

Fowler Takes out Fortea in 3

Anthony Fowler stopped Jorge Fortea at in round three of a scheduled 10-round super welterweight fight.

At the end of round three, Fowler landed a booming right hand that sent Fortea to the canvas. With Fortea hurt, Fowler was able to land a hard combination that crashed Fortea down againm and the fight was stopped at 3:08.

Fowler, 153.8 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 14-1 with 11 knockouts. Fortea, 152.9 lbs of Sueca, SPA is 21-3-1.

“I surprised myself, I’m not going to lie,” said Fowler. “I thought it was going to go to points. I half play myself down. He just went 12 rounds with a Russian 18-0 killer, IBF No.1. I’m boxing at a much lower level. I’m the first one to admit that.

“I get a few trolls sometimes telling me that I’m boxing at English Title level and they’re right, it’s not my fault. I’m asking for these big fights. I haven’t been getting them. I’ve said to Eddie, ‘throw me in mate, let’s see what I’m made of’. Try and get me smashed and let’s see how I get on.

“He went down from a stiff jab which I was surprised about. I heard Shane say, ‘don’t rush it’, but I knew there was ten seconds left so I thought ‘f*ck it’. I had to throw one bomb at least, luckily enough it landed. He was actually better than I thought he was going to be.

“The first round was even and in the second round he caught me with a good shot. The jab was landing but he was quite tricky. I started throwing to his body to slow him down. The finish was nice, it was a nice straight hand. I was glad he stayed down; it could have been a long night that.

“I could have cried in that ring; it means that much to me. My coach genuinely believes in me more than me. I’ve got the power in both hands and I’ve got the ability. Me and Metcalf is an unbelievable fight. I know he wants it; I’ve heard him talking about it. The whole city would be buzzing. Put me in with Garcia and I’ll beat him too.”

Scotney Decisions Gangloff

Ellie Scotney won a six-round unanimous decision Mailys Gangloff in a featherweight bout.

Scotney, 123 lbs of Catford, ENG won by a 59-55 score and is 2-0. Gangloff, 119 lbs of France is now 4-2.

“It was definitely a learning fight for me for sure,” said Scotney. “Normally in your second fight you’re going to box someone that’s not coming to win. She wasn’t an idiot; she’d had five fights. I learnt a lot from that and there’s a lot to build on. I’m thankful for that.

“She was very angry wasn’t she. She’s as tough as they come, and I think I’m going to benefit a lot from it. It’ll give me a kick up the backside. I’ve got a lot more work to put in, which I love doing. I’ve got a long way to go.

“It was my birthday this week, I’ve just turned 23, I want to push on and I know I’ve got it in me. Now it’s time to start delivering. Women’s boxing is going from strength to strength. Hopefully I can get on the undercard of one of the big ones in May.”

Billam-Smith Decisions Ducar

Chris Billam-Smith won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vasil Ducar in a cruiserweight bout.

In round two, Billam-Smith started bleeding from the mouth. In round four, Billam-Smith hurt Ducar with a counter right and then jumped on him with solid punches for a knockdown.

In round six, Billam-Smith dropped Ducar with a body shot.

Billam-Smith, 199 lbs of Bournemouth, ENG won by sores of 99-90 twice and 97-92 and is now 12-1. Ducar, 198.8 lbs of Brno, Czech Republic is 9-4-1.

“I felt comfortable in there at all times, even when he had his little spurts,” said Smith. “It was really good for me. I thought I was going to become the first man to stop him. I had him down a couple of times, but he was a tough tough man. If I was going to rate it out of ten, I’d probably give myself a 6.5 or 7 out of ten.

“I’ve got plenty to work on in the gym and I can improve a lot. The main thing was getting the win. I got that and I’m happy. I hit him with a great body shot, I felt it really sink in, and then I dropped him to the head as well. He was dipping and I was trying to hit him just over the top of his gloves. Those Czechs are tough and all respect to him.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get the stoppage, but the main important thing was the win. I switched off a couple of times during the fight because I felt very comfortable. I let my hands get leaky probably two or three times during the fight and he clipped me, but I wasn’t buzzed or hurt at all. I saw everything coming so you can always take something out of the shots.

“I’ve definitely got improvements to make. That was my 13th fight and I’m always about improving every day in the ring. I’m very grateful to have such great stablemates and such a great coach. I’d love to get the Tommy McCarthy fight as soon as possible.”

Ali Decisions Connolly

Ramla Ali remained undefeated with a decision over Bec Connolly in a sex-round featherweight bout.

In round five, Ali was cut around her left eye from an elbow.

Ali, 126.6 lbs of Bethenal Green, ENG won by a 60-55 score and is now 2-0. Connolly, 126.5 lbs of Swindon, ENG is 3-9.

“Apart from the shiner on my face I’m very satisfied,” Ali told Matchroom. “Regardless of what the scales said, I gave away about half a stone. I weighed-in in like two pairs of jogging bottoms just so I could match the weight. I felt the weight difference for sure, but I tried to not let her use her weight advantage against me.

“I tried to maintain the centre of the ring as much as possible, which I did. I’m really satisfied with how I performed. She’s tough but I got it done. Jobi always says you can’t beat the feet – and he’s right! I was always moving off from the double jab. We work a lot on footwork, and I feel like I did really well with my footwork.

“She was the one calling me out saying that she wanted to fight me. Don’t then turn around and complain that you’ve had short notice. You’re a professional, if I was calling someone out, I’d be ready any time. She said she had a couple of days’ notice. I don’t know what to say about that really.

“Everyone is nervous before getting in the ring because it means so much to you. You want to prove yourself and you want to show all of your friends and family that are watching at home that you’re worthy of watching. You want to put on a good performance and have a good fight. The moment that bell went all of the nerves went and I was razor focused on getting the job done. The Olympic dream is still alive and I’m still hopeful to go, and hopeful to compete. I’m still hoping to progress in my professional career.”




TRAILBLAZING FEMALE BOXER RAMLA ALI JOINS EVERLAST

London, UK – 17 December 2020 – Everlast Worldwide, the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment, today announced that it has signed the inspirational female boxer Ramla Ali who is changing the perception of women’s boxing.

Ali has signed an exclusive fight sports equipment agreement with Everlast and will compete and train in the iconic boxing gloves, while using Everlast’s specialist training equipment.

Everlast’s rich heritage is build on the core values of strength, dedication, individuality and authenticity, which have made Ali a natural fit with the historic brand.

The most decorated female Muslim boxer in history, Ali has overcome incredible obstacles in life to achieve her dream of becoming a professional boxer and to serve as an inspirational figure to a generation of young girls around the world.

Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, during the Civil War in the early 1990s, the family fled to Kenya as refugees by boat in a traumatic nine-day journey after Ali’s 12-year-old brother was killed by a grenade landing while playing in the back garden. Her mother worked hard in Kenya for a year to save up enough money to bring the family to Britain as war refugees, settling in social housing in Bethnal Green, East London.

Teased for being overweight at school, her mother encouraged Ali to exercise at a leisure centre to get fit where she quickly took to Boxercise and discovered a talent and passion for amateur boxing which led to her competing. Later in her studies she gained a first-class law degree from SOAS University of London and worked in the city for a renowned law firm, but boxing was always her primary goal.

Incredibly, she kept her boxing a secret from her parents due to the fear of it bringing shame on the family. She was spotted boxing live on TV by a brother and her mother banned her from participating in the sport any further. However, an uncle recognised the sporting benefits of what she had achieved and spoke to her mother as did Ali’s now husband and trainer, Richard Moore, and Ali was allowed to pursue the sport again – with her proud mother now her biggest supporter.

As an amateur boxer, Ali had an incredible 2016 where she won the Elite National Championships, the English Title Series, the Great British Elite Championships and three major amateur tournaments. Ali was also the first boxer to represent Somalia at a major event in the 2018 World Championships and won the African Zone Featherweight Championship in 2019.

Ali, 31, is trained by husband Richard and Jobi Clayton at the BoxClever Gym; promoted by Matchroom Boxing and managed by Unified World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua’s 258 Management, who also represent #TeamEverlast athletes Joshua Buatsi and Souleymane Cissokho.

Competing in the super-bantamweight division, Ali made a successful start to her professional career in October with a commanding points victory over six rounds against German Eva Hubmayer. She fights this Saturday on the undercard of Joshua’s world title defence against Kubrat Pulev at the SEE Wembley Arena.

Due to her experiences as a refugee, Ali is a big supporter of the humanitarian work underaken by NGOs (Non Governmental Organisations) and UNICEF who she credits to being where she is today and is working hard to change the perception of refugees.

She is signed to the IMG modelling agency and featured on the front cover of the September 2019 issue of British Vogue, which was guest-edited by the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, who selected Ali as one of her “Forces For Change” alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, activist Greta Thunberg and actress and LGBTQ advocate Laverne Cox.

Ali is delighted to join the other great athletes in the #TeamEverlast rooster of talent. She said, “I’ve been boxing for many years now and know the gloves I wear are hugely important. I have to feel my hands are protected and that the gloves are keeping me free of injury, balanced and comfortable and give me that security when making contact. They also need to have the ability to sustain a lot of volume due to my training load. I’m delighted to partner with Everlast on a long term basis who ensure all these things in their gloves and have a long history at the top of the sport with some of its biggest names. I’m so happy to have them on the team!”

Chris Zoller, Everlast’s Chief Marketing Officer, is thrilled to welcome Ali to #TeamEverlast. He said, “Ramla is an inspirational athlete with an incredible story. She has strength, courage and skill in abundance and we couldn’t be happier to be teaming up.”

About Everlast Worldwide Inc.

The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910, Everlast is the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment. From legendary champions Jack Dempsey and Sugar Ray Robinson to current superstars Dustin Poirier and Deontay Wilder, Everlast is the brand of choice for generations of world champion professional athletes. Built on a brand heritage of strength, dedication, individuality and authenticity, Everlast is a necessary part of the lives of countless champions. Based in Manhattan, Everlast’s products are sold across more than 75 countries and 6 continents. For more information, visit www.everlast.com.




Usyk Decisions Chisora

Oleksandr Usyk won a tough and hard fought 12-round unanimous decision over Derek Chisora in a heavyweught at the SSE Arena in London

After a fast start by Chiora where he threw a lot of punches over the first half of the fight, Usyk started to find his mark, especially in round seven, where he landed combinations that started to make Chisora go back. The two waged a tough battle down the stretch, but it was Usyk who was able to settle the pace down and pick away at a tiring Chisora and come home with the 117-111, 115-113, 115-113 victory.

Usuk, 217.4 lbs of Ukraine is 18-0. Chisora, 255.8 lbs is 32-10.

“I was very happy to be back in the ring,” Usyk told Matchroom afterwards. “I haven’t fought for more than a year. It was a huge pleasure for me. You saw my smile when I went into the ring. I really want to thank god for this victory. Derek has big power, he has strong punches but I was prepared for it.

“I didn’t think about his boxing IQ. All I was thinking about was the boxing and what I wanted to do. I am very thankful for Derek giving me this opportunity. I am very thankful to this family and his team. I am happy. He is a good man. Anthony (Joshua), how are you? I am coming for you.”

Usyk told Sky Sports: “Chisora a big guy, a hard guy. I was expecting a fight like that, I was expecting a tougher fight. My plan is to go to my home, maximum time with my family. Training and improving myself. Not just World Champion, the Undisputed World Champion [is my aim].”

A disappointed Chisora reacted to defeat: “I feel great. I was pushing the pace. I’m just disappointed with the result, gutted. To everybody who can’t make it [to the fight], I’m gutted for everybody. In the Heavyweight game, you have to fight not box. I gave a couple of rounds away.”

Kambosos Jr. Decisions Selby in Title Eliminator

George Kambosos Jr. won a 12-round split decision over former featherweight champion Lee Selby in an IBF Lightweight Title Elimination bout.

Kambosos, 134.9 lbs of Australia won by scores of 118-110 and 116-112, while Selby won a card 115-114.

Kambosos is now 19-0. Selby, 134.9 lbs of Wales is 28-3.

“I can’t get this smile off my face,” said Kambosos Jr. “It hasn’t sunk in yet. I dug deep and I won a lot of them rounds. The big shots landed and I thought he was hurt a few times. That’s a former World Champion. The guy is still a very respected fighter. It was a great win. That’s two former World Champions in their backyards. I’m a road warrior. I’m a proud Aussie. I knew I won the fight. The whole time people thought I was being arrogant. I was never arrogant to him. It’s just confidence and self belief. I’m a young hungry lion. I was never arrogant to him. I respect him. 

“I knew the job I would do. I’m a confident fighter and I back my ability. I thought I hurt him a few times and I thought he nearly went. He’s an experienced guy and he beat Ricky Burns in his last fight. I’m the young hungry guy coming up. That was a great win. That’s another twelve rounds in my bank. The body shots busted him up. The right hand to the body, the stiff jab to the body. I was very composed. I feel like I’m in my prime. There’s so much more work to do. I’m coming for the Unified Lightweight World Title against Teofimo Lopez. Two young hungry fighters!”

Marshall Stops Rankin in 7 To win Middleweight Title

Savannah Marshall won the WBO Middleweight title with a 7th round stoppage over Hannah Rankin

In round seven, Rankin took a knee after being battered around the whole ring, and the bout was stopped at 1:59.

Marshall, 159.4 lbs of Hardspool, UK is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Rankin, 158 .4 of Glasgow, SCO is 9-5.

“I’m absolutely over the moon,” Marshall told Matchroom. “Fair play to Hannah. She’s an amazing fighter with big heart and I’ve got loads of respect for her. I’m just thrilled to bits. I knew I was good enough. I’ve always known I was good enough. The chances have just never been there for me. Thank god it came tonight. Me and Hannah sold that fight, we really sold that fight. I don’t know what it was like for her but there was no real bad blood there for me. 

“With Peter testing positive two weeks ago, I thought that was just typical me! I just had to ride the wave. I think England has got the best female professional boxers. COVID was a blessing because it’s brought them all out. I’m the first female boxer to be an amateur World Champion and a professional World Champion. I beat the men. I beat the men to it. It’s just a dream. 

“The pool isn’t that big at the higher weights. I’d like to go up to Super-Middleweight. I’m not really interested in Super-Welter. I think my power stays at Middle. I’ve just battered Claressa Shields’ mate. I’ve just battered her best mate. I’m sure she said Hannah was going to stop me. So what does that say about her boxing IQ. She couldn’t get Rankin out of there. Hannah is a brave fighter. Claressa couldn’t do that. Me against Shields is the biggest fight in women’s boxing. Let’s get it on. I want a piece of it.”

McCarthy Decisions Laggoune to Win European Cruiserweight Title

Tommy McCarthy won the European Cruiserweight Title with a 12-round majority decision over Bilal Laggoune.

McCarthy, 199.8 lbs of Belfast, NI won by scores of 116-112, 116-113 and 114-114 to raise his mark to 17-2. Laggoune, 199.8 lbs of Belgium is 25-2-2.

“I’m over the moon,” McCarthy told Matchroom. “It’s taken a lifetime of work to get to this point. This is just the beginning for me. I want bigger and better things. I’m so happy and proud of myself. I’m proud of my team. I can’t even remember what the scores were to be honest, but as long as they had me winning, that’s all that matters. It’s surreal. I thought I was going to start balling my eyes out. I couldn’t go back home and have everyone slagging me for being a cry baby! I held it together and I’m still holding it together! I’m emotional because this has been a long time coming. 

“I’ve been knocking on the door for a long time. Now it’s all starting to come into play. I’d like to shout out my team; Mark Dunlop, Pete Taylor and everyone else for making this possible. Next year I would love to fight Mairis Briedis. He’s the number one Cruiserweight in the world, and I want to be number one.He is the guy I want, but I’d take any one of them to be honest. Anyone who has a belt, big Mac is onto you! I know my family are proud. I’m looking forward to getting home to them in the morning. Hopefully they will spoil me, I don’t want to do any housework for the next two weeks!

“I should probably thank Richard Riakporhe for giving me the kick up the ass that I needed. It’s never happening again (losing). I’m here now. I’m the champion of Europe. The world is my oyster. Peter has moulded me into the boxer that I knew I always could be. This is the one thing that I know I can do very well. I wasn’t going to let anyone stop me doing it. Shout out to everybody in West Belfast and shout out to everyone in Greater Belfast.”

Ramla Ali won her pro debut with a six-round decision over Eva Hubmeyer in a super bantamweight fight.

Ali, 124.9 lbs of Bethnel Green won by a 60-54 score and is 1-0. Hubmeyer, 128.8 lbs of Germany is 1-1.

“I’m not going to say I was crap, but I was a bit disappointed with how I performed tonight,” Ali told Matchroom afterwards. “I allowed her, being a shorter opponent, to get into range way too much. I think it was just the nerves kicking in with it being my professional debut. I think I let all of that get to me and I allowed her to get into range. I should have kept her long. I think that’s what I’m most disappointed with. 

“When you come from the amateurs and you go into international competitions, you don’t get a say in who you’re going to compete with. You could have someone that is rushing at you like a bulldog and you just have to keep them away as much as possible. I feel like my years in the amateurs prepared me for that. The majority of the time I knew how to keep her away. My experience came into play there for sure. 

“It felt amazing when I connected with her face with the smaller gloves. When it lands on your face it isn’t nice! You have to take some to give some. The majority of the time you don’t really feel it because of all of the adrenaline that is rushing through you. It’s a huge difference to the amateurs but I’m learning to appreciate it.

“I think I’ve been promised an opportunity on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev unless things chance, so I’m really hoping to have another fight this year. The last fight I had was in February. It has been a long time out. They always say you get quite rusty when you come back in. I’m hoping to improve on tonight’s performance in December for sure. I hope I was entertaining. I hope people enjoyed watching me tonight.”

Amy Timlin and Carky Skelly battled to a 10-round draw in a super bantamweight contest.

Timlin won a scorecard 96-95; Skelly 97-96 and 95-95.

Timlin, 120.8 lbs of Southam is 4-0-1. Skelly, 119.8 lbs of Liverpool is 3-0-1.

“It was heartbreaking because I’ve trained so hard for it,” Timlin told Sky Sports afterwards. “You can’t really fault the result because it was a close fight, and I thought I won some rounds and she won some rounds. I think it was a fair decision. I would love to do that fight again. I think styles make fights. That was a really good fight and I’d love to do the rematch. It could have gone either way.”

“It’s frustrating,” Skelly told Sky Sports afterwards. “It was quite close early on but I thought I came on stronger at the end. It’s hard to say. I’ll have to watch it back and see what I think. I thought I done enough. Just being here tonight was a boss opportunity for the both of us. Hopefully we get to do it again and we’ll get it decided in the next one. 100% I’d do it again.”