Johnny Tapia is dead

The Albuquerque Police has told KOB-TV in Albuquerque, N.M. that boxing legend Johnny Tapia, 45, was found dead inside his Albuquerque home earlier today. Sources close to the Tapia family have confirmed.

The five-time world champion, known for his battles with cross-town rival Danny Romero, Paulie Ayala, Marco Antonio Barrera and a host of other great champions, was New Mexico’s greatest champion – and longest-running fighter in state history. Stay tuned for more info. - Chris Cozzone

Strange Incident: Referee DQs Alvarez

By Gabriel F. Cordero

42-year-old former WBA two-division world champion Rosendo Alvarez (37-4-2, 24 KOs) was disqualified in the fifth round of his comeback fight against 22-year-old late sub Jean Sampson (12-1, 7 KOs) on Saturday night at the Polideportivo Managua in Managua, Nicaragua. Referee Onofre Ramirez DQ’d Alvarez after the two traded some harsh words. Alvarez insisted that disqualification was the result of longstanding personal differences between him and Ramirez and not anything that happened in the fight. Ramirez stated Alvarez was DQ’d because of disrespect. Officially the judges had Alvarez ahead 40-37, 39-37 and 39-38. It had been six years since Alvarez’ last fight in April 2006 against Jorge “Travieso” Arce.

Aguiniga still undefeated

Story and photo by Francisco Salazar at ringside

Former world title contender Jose Aguiniga remained unbeaten with a seventh round stoppage victory over Eduardo Arcos at the Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme, CA. Aguiniga looked much sharper and trimmed down compared to his February 25th victory over Juan Ruiz. Aguiniga threw and landed at will against Arcos, finishing each combination with a left hook to the body or overhand right hand to the head. The only blemish on Aguiniga was a cut from an accidental headbutt in the third round that bled profusely from above his hairline. From that point on, Aguiniga pressed the action more, stunning a game Arcos in the sixth round with an overhand right hand to the head. A left-right combination by Aguiniga to the head sent Arcos backwards against the ropes, prompting referee Wayne Hedgpeth to step in and stop the bout at 1:45. Aguiniga, from nearby Oxnard, improves to 33-0, 15 KOs. Arcos, from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, falls to 18-7-1, 15 KOs. (more…)

Salser makes it two in a row against Armenta

Unbeaten super lightweight Mark Salser (14-0, 9 KOs) defeated Rodolfo “Bam Bam” Armenta (11-7-1, 9 KOs) via ten round unanimous decision on Saturday night at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Scores were 99-91, 99-91, 98-92 as Salser picked up the vacant IBA I/C belt. Salser also beat Armenta in his previous fight last July.

Unbeaten jr welter Jonathan Garcia (7-0, 5 KOs) took a one-sided six round unanimous decision over local favorite Leo Martinez (15-16-1, 7 KOs). Martinez was down sevel times. Scores were 59-52, 59-52, 59-53.

Maderna defeats Acosta again

Photos: Ramón Cairo

WBO #10 ranked Ezequiel “El Olímpico” Maderna (17-0, 12 KOs) of Argentina again unanimously decisioned countryman Rubén “Siru” Acosta (24-7-5, 8 KOs). The bout was a rematch of their first fight over a year ago where Maderna unanimously decisioned Acosta. Maderna won this time even wider on the scorecards. After 12 completed rounds the official judges scores read 120-104 and 119-105 twice. Acosta was deducted points for hitting Maderna behind the head in rounds two and five. In round seven Maderna scored a knockdown when a shot to the liver area of Acosta had him holding on and eventually going down but he beat the count. The bout was marred by a lot of holding on the inside, but Maderna clearly landed the cleaner punches by far. The bout took placeat el Club Atlético Platense de La Plata La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Argentina Boxing Promotions, headed by Mario Margossian promoted the event.

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“The Destroyer” beats “Baby Face”

In a crossroads fight, former jr middleweight world title challenger David “The Destroyer” Lopez (41-13, 23 KOs) took a ten round unanimous decision over former hot prospect Julio Cesar “Baby Face” Garcia (45-6, 38 KOs) on Saturday night at the Gimnasio Auditorio Jorge Campos in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Lopez, returning from his loss to world champion Austin Trout 11 months ago, was busier and more accurate. No scores were announced.

Thompson, Cano, Wilder win in Cancun

Photo: Rene Pérez

WBC #1 Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson (23-2, 21 KOs) scored a fifth round TKO over Juan Ramon Solis (17-6, 6 KOs) to claim the vacant WBC silver international title. After, Thompson dropped dropped Solis in rounds one and four, Solis’ corner threw in the towel in round five. Time was 2:34. Another good win for Thompson, who TKO’d former two-division champ Jorge Linares two months ago in a WBC eliminator.

WBC #6 super lightweight Pablo Cesar Cano (24-1-1, 19 KOs) scored a hard fought ninth round KO over Fidel Monterrosa (29-6, 23 KOs). Monterrosa stayed down for the full ten after Cano doubled him over with a body shot them floored him with a shot to the head. It was Cano’s second win since stepping in on short notice to face the legendary Erik Morales for the WBC super lightweight world title in September 2011.

2008 United States Olympic super heavyweight bronze medalist Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (22-0, 22 KOs) scored a first round KO over Jess Oltmanns (10-3, 7 KOs). The bout was waved off very quickly after Oltmanns was dropped. Time was :26. Oltmanns complained about the stoppage.

Soto Karass, Benavidez triumph

Photos: German Villasenor / Top Rank

Welterweight warrior Jesus Soto Karass (25-7-3, 16 KOs) scored a ten round split decision over Sid El-Harrack (10-2-1, 4 KO’s) on Saturday night at Casino del Sol in Tucson, Arizona. Soto Karass seemingly did enough for a workmanlike win, but one judge had El-Harrack ahead 97-93. The other two judges had it 97-93, 96-94 for Soto Karass.

Undefeated welterweight prospect Jose Benavidez (15-0, 12 KOs) pounded out a six round unanimous decision over Josh Sosa (10-3, 5 KOs). Scores were 60-54, 60-54, 59-55. Good performance for Benavidez, who was returning to the ring after a six month layoff due to a hand injury that needed surgery. (more…)

Christensen back with a win

By Alex Hermann

Former WBA/WBC female bantamweight champion Anita Christensen was Saturday back in the ring, when she headlined a show in her hometown of Randers, Denmark. Christensen has been out of the ring since 2010, where she drew with Kaliesha West, and tonight she outpointed Isabelle Leonardi over six. The reigning French champion was the aggressive fighter, and she landed several good bombs on Christensen, who on the other side was a better fighter. Christensen was faster, and when Leonardi missed, she landed a number of good jabs. The fight seemed to be close, but the judges gave it to Anita Christensen (25-1-1, 8 KO). The scores were 58-56 twice and 59-56. (more…)

Tukes tops Ahtong

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing
Photos: Werner Kalin

American welterweight Fred Tukes (11-1-1, 6 KOs) edged Alex Ahtong (8-15-3, 5 KOs) over eight rounds at the Knox Netball Stadium in Ferntree Gully, Victoria, Australia on Saturday. The 39-year-old Tukes was dropped in round two and referee Wayne Ashdown applied the eight count. However, the Georgia-born southpaw came back to be awarded the decision by scores of 76-75, 78-73, 76-75. This was Tukes’ second fight in Australia. He is trained by Murray Thomson. (more…)

Froch TKOs Bute in five

Photos: Herby Whyne

Former WBC champion Carl Froch (29-2, 21 KOs) dethroned previously unbeaten IBF super middleweight Lucian Bute (30-1, 24 KOs) with a brutal fifth round TKO on Saturday night at the Capital FM Arena in Nottingham, England. Spirited rounds one and two with both boxers landing big shots. Froch staggered Bute in round three and had the champion desperately holding on. Froch had Bute reeling again at the end of round four. “The Cobra” finished the job in the fifth when he battered Bute on the ropes and the bout was waved off. Time was 1:05.

There is a rematch clause for a return bout in Montreal. Froch is now a three-time world champion. Froch’s promoter Eddie Hearn ran into the ring as referee Earl Brown’s count was being administered. Will the Bute camp protest?

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Harrison stops Adams in four

Heavyweight Audley Harrison (28-5, 21 KOs) scored a forth round TKO Over Ali Adams (13-4-1, 5 KOs) on Saturday night at the Brentwood Centre in Brentwood, England. After a sluggish start, the 2000 Olympic gold medalist knocked down Adams in round four, then launched a brutal assault that prompted a referee’s stoppage.

I'm back... Poetic justice to end it four after he said i would be on the floor. No hard feelings though and i wish him all the best ..

about 23 hours ago via TweetCaster for AndroidReplyRetweetFavorite

@audley_Harrison

Audley Harrison MBE

Thangthong remembered

By Damrong Simakajornboon
Videos: Komthai

This was a tragedy of Thailand’s boxing when we lost a superior fighter. IBF#3 superbantam Thangthong Kiettaweesuk, who just defeated IBF#4 Macbute Sinyabi in the IBF title eliminator bout on May 18, passed away today at 11:30 AM (GMT+7) of May 26 from a car accident. The local news reported that Thangthong lost his car’s control during a heavy rain when he was driving to his hometown in the Trad Province. His car clashed with a big wayside tree, instantly killing him, his wife and also his 2 nephews. In addition, two of Thangthong’s daughters got a severe wound and they were immediately brought to provincial Hospital of Chantaburi. We all need to pray for Thangthong’s children to have a safe and timely recovery.

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Bute-Froch undercard results

In a clash of unbeaten super bantamweights, Carl Frampton (14-0, 9 KOs) scored a one-sided twelve round unanimous decision over Raul Hirales (16-1-1, 8 KOs) to claim the vacant IBF Inter-Continental belt. Scores were 120-108, 119-109, 119-109.

Unbeaten jr welterweight Pier Olivier Cote (19-0, 13 KOs) scored a fifth round TKO over Mark Lloyd (15-6, 3 KOs). Cote dropped Lloyd twice in round five and the referee waved it off as Cote continued to batter Lloyd. Time was 2:45.

Jr middleweight Erick Ochieng (10-1, 3 KOs) outpointed A.A. Lowe (10-7-1, 2 KOs) by scores of 100-90, 99-91, 98-92 to retain the English “11 stone” belt.

Kiattaweesuk Killed In Car Accident

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing
Photo: Johnny Chaichotchuang

IBF #1 122 pounder Thantong Kiattaweesuk was tragically killed Saturday in a car accident in Bangkok, Thailand. Thantong’s wife and twin nephews were also killed in the car accident. were also killed. Kiattaweesuk stopped South African Macbute Sinyabi in ten rounds of an IBF elimination bout on May 18 in Thailand. He was scheduled to meet the winner of the Nonito Donaire vs. Jeffery Mathebula WBO/IBF world title bout. Jimmy Chaichotchuang who was Thantong’s manager and promoter said, “it is tragic news that Thantong has passed away in a car accident with his wife and nephews. He had achieved so much in boxing as amateur and professional also was a national Muay Thai champion. He was a hero of boxing fans and a role model in Thailand.”

Allakhverdiev-Holt June 20 in Russia

An agreement has been made for former world champion Kendall Holt (28-5, 16 KOs) and world ranked junior welterweight Khabib Allakhverdiev (16-0, 7 KOs) of Russia to meet June 20th in Moscow, Russia in a 12 round main event. Negotiations had been going on between the teams of both fighters for the last few days. Holt recently pulled of his scheduled ESPN2 main event againt Josesito Lopez that was scheduled for June 23rd in California when the bout was switched to an outdoor open venue. He will now travel to Moscow, Russia to face the highly touted Allakhverdiev who already has one former world champion under his belt in Nate Campbell whom he defeated last year in Russia and he’ll now look to add Holt to his resume as well.

Maderna-Acosta II weigh-in

The weigh-in for Saturday´s rematch between WBO #10 ranked Ezequiel “El Olímpico” Maderna (16-0, 12 KOs) of Argentina and countryman Rubén “Siru” Acosta (24-6-5, 8 KOs) took place Friday in Argentina. Each fighter comfortably made the 168 pound max weight limit allowed for their 12 round main event. The two met over a year ago at the same location where Maderna stepped up in class and clearly beat Acosta in a good action fight. The bout will take place once again at el Club Atlético Platense de La Plata La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Argentina Boxing Promotions, headed by Mario Margossian will promote the event

Cotto,Lennon Jr receive awards in Cancun

By Gabriel F. Cordero
Photos: Alma Montiel

On Friday, the local Government of Cancun, Quintana Roo in Mexico paid tribute to legendary ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. and Puerto Rican three-time world champion Miguel Cotto as a token of appreciation for their contributions to the world of boxing. Click for photos…

Oquendo stops Abell in ninth

By Bill Hillman at ringside
Photo: Jaime Ramirez

Chicago-based heavyweight veteran Fast Fres Oquendo (34-7, 22 KOs) scored a ninth round TKO over southpaw Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell (28-6, 27 KOs) on Friday night at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana. Abell got off to a good start, but Oquendo drive him into the ropes in round three and was credited with a knockdown. Fres was in command after that, finally getting the stoppage at 1:53 of the ninth round.

Earler, heavyweight Elijah McCall, son of former heavyweight champion Oliver McCall, scored a clean sixth round KO over Stan Allen. Time was 2:26.

Pendarvis defeats Frankel

By Francisco Salazar at ringside
Photos: Big Joe Miranda

Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis won a hard-fought 12 round unanimous decision over tough Robert Frankel at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills, CA. The southpaw Pendarvis was the quicker of the two fighters, utilizing his speed to land right-left combinations to the head. Not to be outdone, Frankel found some success by countering with right hands and landing punches when he had Pendarvis against the ropes. Although Frankel pressed forward, he was not as active as he should have been, allowing Pendarvis to dictate the pace and fighting from a distance. All three judges scored the bout in favor of Pendarvis, 117-111, 118-110, and 119-109. Fightnews.com scored the bout 116-112 in favor of Pendarvis, who resides in South Central Los Angeles, CA and improves to 15-3-2, 5 KOs. Frankel, from Denver, CO, falls to 30-12-1, 6 KOs. The bout headlined a six-bout “War at Woodland Hills 8″ card, presented by Art of Boxing Promotions, Bash Boxing, and Ural Boxing Promotions. (more…)

Weights from Columbus, Ohio

Mark Salser 139.5 vs. Rodolfo Armenta 139
Leo Martinez 139.5 vs. Jonathan Garcia 140
Brian Holstein 188 vs. Tyler Perrault 193.5
Augustin Cicero 145.5 vs. Afrim Memo 146
Donald Anderson 172 vs. Mike Beesley 178.5
Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
Promoter: Golden Boy
TV: Telefutura

Weights from Cancun

Photos: Rene Perez

Pablo Cesar Cano 138.4 vs. Fidel Monterrosa 137.6
Sergio Thompson 129.8 vs. Juan Ramon Solis 128.4
Wilbert Uicab 112.6 vs. Herald Molina 111.4
Deontay Wilder 218.8 vs. Jesse Oltmanns 217.6

Venue: Grand Oasis Cancun, Cancun, Mexico
Promoter: Golden Boy/Pepe Gomez
TV: Televisa/Fox Deportes
More weights and photos…

Weights from Tucson

Photos: German Villasenor/Top Rank

Jose Benavidez 144 vs. Josh Sosa 142.8
Jesus Soto Karass 152 vs. Sid El-Harrak 150
Hanzel Martinez 118 vs. German Cruz 116.2
Erik Flores 136.4 vs. Rodolfo Gamez 135
Javier Garcia 133.8 vs. Juan Jaramillo 131.6
Andrew Hernandez 168.8 vs. Katrell Straus 167.8
Abel Ramos 142.2 vs. Cassius Clay 141.2
Andrey Klimov 134.6 vs. Alejandro Rodriguez 133.8

Benavidez returns Saturday

Top undefeated prospect Jose Benavidez will return to the ring this Saturday in Tucson, Arizona in a new “Top Rank Live” boxing show that will take place at Casino del Sol and will be telecast in the United States on Azteca America Nework. An injury to his right hand has kept Benavidez (14-0, 12 KOs) the young prospect from Phoeniz, Arizona away from the ring, but now that he’s healthy and after a good camp in Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California, he’s ready to go. Benavides will take on Josh Sosa (10-2, 5 KOs) of Kansas Sity in an eight round welterweight bout. (more…)

Kim hands Rahimov first loss

By Brian Grammer and Clint Rosser at ringside
Photos: Bob Barton

Ji-Hoon “Volcano” Kim ran his record to 24-7, 18 KOs, with a convincing 10 round unanimous decision victory over a very tough Alisher “Ali” Rahimov (23-1, 12 KOs). This was an all-action affair that had both fighters letting their hands go at every opportunity. There were only a few times when either fighter was in trouble, most notably Rahimov in the 10 when Kim landed a very solid left to the Uzbekian’s temple. Official scores were 96-94, 98-92 and 97-93. Fightnews scored the contest 97-93.

Heavyweight “Vicious” Vince Thompson (11-0, 2 KOs) won an uneventful eight round unanimous decision over Joell “Joe Slick” Godfrey (14-7-1, 6 KOs). Scores were 80-72, 80-72, 78-74.

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Weights from Port Hueneme

By Francisco Salazar

Jose Aguiniga 136 vs Eduardo Arcos 135
Irvin Garcia 138 vs Alejandro Artiaga 138
Roger Romo 168 vs Lawrence Letuli 166
Abraham Lopez 147 vs Eduardo Hernandez 146
John Hernandez 191 vs Seth Keeling 190
Indian Banuelos 118 vs Brice Yenicki 119
Crystal Morales 134 vs Yolanda Ezell 133
Abraham Morales 129 vs Francisco Solis 131
Venue: Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme, CA
Promoter: El Dorado Entertainment
(more…)