Fightnews.com

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Formerly world rated flyweight JBC#2 Ryota Yamauchi (11-3, 10 KOs), 112, impressively scored a one-punch knockout of Filipino Arnold Garde (12-15-5, 6 KOs), 111.25, at 1:16 of the second round in a scheduled eight on Friday in Tokyo, Japan. Having failed to win the WBO 112-pound belt via eighth-round stoppage by unbeaten champ Junto Nakatani two years ago, Ryota mixed it up with the free-swinging Filipino banger, and his single short uppercut had him on the deck to have him unable to beat the count. Continue reading “Ex-world challenger Yamauchi finishes Garde”

WBO #12 world ranked Tobias ´Pitbul’ Reyes (14-0-1, 13) of Argentina stopped Eduardo Ajito (13-2, 7 KOs) of Peru Saturday night at the Club Deportivo Jorge Newbery, in Galvez, Santa Fe, Argentina. Reyes applied a very controlled offensive attack from the opening bell, mixing both head and body shots on the game Ajito. It was a steady breakdown of Ajito as each round passed. Ajito did not answer the bell for round six. Reyes retained his WBO Latino flyweight title.

WBO #14 super welterweight Chordale “The Gift” Booker (22-1, 10 KOs) outpointed former world title challenger Greg “The Villain” Vendetti (23-6-1, 12 KOs) over ten rounds on Saturday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Vendetta pressed the action while Booker used stick and move tactics. Booker closed strong to win 98-92, 99-91, 99-91. Booker lost his WBC US super welterweight title on the scale Friday.

Featherweight Ricky de los Santos (12-1, 3 KOs) outscored Nathan Martinez (8-3, 2 KOs) over eight rounds to claim the vacant WBC USA Silver 126lb belt. Scores were 79-73, 78-74, 78-74.

Unbeaten middleweight Francis “Frank the Tank” Hogan (16-0, 14 KOs) scored an eight round unanimous decision over Dormedes Potes (14-5-1, 10 KOs) to claim the vacant WBC USA Silver 160lb belt. Hogan dropped Potes in rounds three and seven en route to a 80 3x win. Continue reading “Booker beats Vendetti”

In a clash of unbeaten heavyweights, WBO #6, WBA #11, IBF #12, WBC #15 rated Fabio Wardley (17-0, 16 KOs) and 2020 Olympic bronze medalist Frazer Clarke (8-0, 6 KOs) will collide on Easter Sunday, March 31, at the O2 Arena in London. Wardley will be defending his British and Commonwealth titles. Sky Sports will televise in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Fabio Wardley: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be headlining what will be a massive show at the iconic O2 Arena, I’ve fought there a lot before so it’s like a home away from home for me. As a seasoned former Olympian, Frazer Clarke is definitely the most well-schooled boxer I’ll have ever faced, but there’s some lessons you can’t learn in school… And I’ve got more than enough firepower in my arsenal to lay him flat on his back, just like all my other opponents.”

Frazer Clarke: “Finally, the fight that I wanted and the fight that the British public wanted. The talking is over, it’s here. Headlining the O2 Arena for the British and Commonwealth Titles is something I’ve dreamed of. I’m ready to take out Fabio Wardley and bring the titles back to Burton upon Trent. There’s been a lot of back and forth but now we can settle it like men.”

Unbeaten welterweight Conor “The Destroyer” Benn (23-0, 14 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Peter Dobson (16-1, 9 KOs) on Saturday at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Benn simply teed off for the first few rounds. Dobson woke up midway and got into the fight. Benn remained the sharper puncher and pulled away to a 119-109, 118-110, 118-110 verdict.

In a clash between unbeaten middleweights, Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (16-0, 11 KOs) broke down and stopped late sub Armel Mbumba-Yassa (10-1, 7 KOs) in the seventh round of a bout for the WBA International title. Williams dropped Mbumba-Yassa in round six and laid him out with a crushing left to end it. Time was 2:52.

Unbeaten Heavyweight Johnny “The Romford Bull” Fisher (11-0, 10 KOs) stopped Dmytro Bezus (10-2 5 KOs) in the first round. A barrage of punches prompted a referee’s stoppage at 2:51. Continue reading “Benn defeats Dobson, Ammo gets KO”

In a WBA light heavyweight final eliminator, #1 Joshua Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over #2 Dan Azeez (20-1, 13 KOs) on Saturday night at London’s OVO Arena. Buatsi built a lead in a slow-paced tactical fight. Buatsi was credited with two knockdowns in round eleven, assisted by Azeez having difficulty with a slippery ring. Buatsi punished a desperate Azeez in the final stanza to win 116-110, 117-109, 117-109.

Unbeaten European super lightweight champion Adam Azim (11-0, 8 KOs) was victorious when Enock Poulsen (14-1, 5 KOs) couldn’t continue after sustaining a shoulder injury in round five. Time was 2:39.

Olympian light heavyweight Ben Whittaker (6-0, 5 KOs) outclassed Khalid Graidia (10-14-5, 2 KOs) for four rounds, then opened up and got the stoppage at 1:57 of round five. The usual showboating by Whittaker against a limited opponent. Graidia down in round two and five. Continue reading “Buatsi earns WBA title shot”

The undisputed heavyweight championship clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has been rescheduled for May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout was pushed back from February 17 after Fury suffered a cut in sparring.

Former WBA super welterweight champion champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout defeated Luis “Baboon” Palomino via unanimous decision to claim the vacant BKFC welterweight world title on Friday night at the sold-out Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida. Judges scored it 49-45 across the board in favor of Trout, who dropped Palomino in the fourth round. Before running into Trout, Palomino was considered by many to be the pound-for-pound best among bare-knuckle fighters.

“This wouldn’t feel as good if it wasn’t against a prime champion like ‘Baboon.’” Trout said afterward. “I don’t think any win would be worthy of how I’m feeling now if it wasn’t against the king of BKFC … I’m going to be here for a long time, so get tired of me – I’m not going anywhere.”

Chordale Booker 155 vs. Greg Vendetti 154
(WBC USA super welterweight title)
Note: Booker was one pound over the weight limit. The title has been vacated and can only be won by Vendetti.

Ricky de los Santos 125.5 vs. Nathan Martinez 125.5
Francis Hogan 160 vs. Dormedes Potes 160
Alejandro Paulino 129.25 vs. D’Angelo Keyes 129
Christian Robles 111.5 vs. Angel Gonzales 111
Kevin Walsh 134.75 vs. Darrell Rivera 135.5
Carlos Vanegas Nunes 125.25 vs. Jaden Webb 125.25
Slawomir Bohdziewicz 197 vs. Bruno Saraiva 188.25
Chad Leoncello 219 vs. Harold Roy 248
James Maner 164 vs. Miguel Torres 164

Date: February 3
Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut
Promoter: CES Boxing
TV: Swerve Combat

Welterweight “Super Bad” Vlad Panin (18-1, 10 KOs) outworked Quashawn Toler (17-2, 12 KOs) over ten rounds on Friday night at the Red Owl Boxing Arena in Houston, Texas. Panin was simply busier and largely neutralized Toler. Scores were 97-93, 96-94, 98-92 as Panin claimed the WBA Continental USA belt.

Unbeaten super featherweight Neri Ariel Cruz Romero (17-0, 9 KOs) of Argentina decisioned veteran Miguel Arevalo Mejia (21-4-1, 7 KOs) of Mexico Friday night at the Club Unión Eléctrica, in Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina. Romero had not fought in nearly a year and half but showed no signs of ring rust. He completely dominated the game Arevalo with a variety of punches and a controlled aggressive offense. A clash of heads in round six resulted in Romero being cut over his left eyebrow. The referee immediately deducted a point from Arevalo. The official scorecards were 100-89, 99-90, and 97-92 all in favor to Romero for the unanimous decisión win. Romero won the vacant WBO Latino title.

In a spectacular upset, super lightweight Julian “Quiet Storm” Smith (8-2, 5 KOs) halted previously unbeaten WBA #10 rated Orestes “Tsunami” Velazquez (8-1, 7 KOs) after nine rounds on Friday night at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Smith dropped Velazquez in round one, then staggered Velazquez in round two and rocked him again in round three. Velazquez started to hold excessively in round four and the ref let him get away with it for the next few rounds. In round eight, Velazquez was cut during a clinch, then deducted a point for holding, then was knocked down. Smith dropped Velazquez twice in round nine and the bout was stopped after the round. Very inspirational performance by Smith, who is legally deaf. He wins the WBA International title.

* * *

Unbeaten super lightweight Ashton “H20” Sylve (11-0, 9 KOs) scored a one-sided ten round unanimous decision over Estivan Falcao (13-3, 7 KOs). Sylve dropped Falcao in round ten to punctuate a 99-90, 99-90, 100-89 win. Sylve wins the WBC Youth title.

By Joe Koizumi
Photo: Naoki Fukuda

Pitifully Japanese boxer Kazuki Anaguchi (6-1, 2 KOs), 23, passed away yesterday (Friday) evening in Tokyo, Japan. Anaguchi, an unbeaten southpaw boxer-puncher, demonstrated a gallant performance in the semi-final to support the undisputed super bantam title bout of Naoya “The Monster” Inoue and Marlon Tapales, but failed to win the national bantamweight belt from also unbeaten WBA#3 Seiya Tsutsumi on December 26. Continue reading “Japanese title challenger Anaguchi passes”

Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) will defend his WBO junior welterweight world title against Jamaine Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KOs) on Thursday, February 8 on ESPN from the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Following a recent training session at the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas, Lopez said he’s been training for six months. “I’ve gotten faster. I’ve gotten much stronger. My I.Q. is much sharper. And it’s because I haven’t stopped training since August of last year. And I’m not going to stop. After I beat Jamaine Ortiz, then I will keep staying in the gym.”

“The end result is that ‘The Showman’ is returning. There will definitely be a knockout. It’s not going the distance. I’m not going to leave it in the judges’ hands at all. So, everyone tune in, and get your popcorn ready.”

Conor Benn 150.6 vs. Peter Dobson 150.6
Austin Williams 159.8 vs. Armel Mbumba-Yassa 159.8
Johnny Fisher 242.8 vs. Dmytro Bezus 270
Khalil Coe 175.8 vs. Gerardo Osuna 175.2
George Liddard 162.4 vs. Andrew Buchanan 164.4
Jimmy Sains 165.4 vs. Alejandro Avalos 161.6

Venue: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Promoter: Matchroom
TV: DAZN

• Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is still preparing to fight on February 17. Promoters are hoping to find a suitable opponent. IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic has been mentioned as a possibility.
• Fury’s cut happened in the same area around the right eye where he had previously suffered a bad cut against Otto Wallin some years back.
• The boxer who cut Tyson Fury in sparring is reportedly heavyweight Agron Smakici (20-2, 18 KOs).
• Tyson Fury posted on Instagram: “Can’t help getting injured in sparring but what I can say [is] Usyk was in trouble. I am in fantastic shape. I will reschedule soon as I can. 2024 a massive year for team GK.
• Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk responded, “Wish you soonest recovery. God sent you a sign. Think of retirement, brother.”

All Star Boxing President Felix “Tuto” Zabala Jr announced Friday morning a one-year two-fight partnership with Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls, NY. The plan is to continue with the popular series “Seneca Fight Night” which was last promoted by Zabala in October 2022 and live on ESPN Knockout.

“We are delighted to be back in Seneca Niagara Falls, a region with rich boxing history” notes Zabala Jr “We will continue to build momentum off previous events and feature the best fighters from Western New York. The feedback has been phenomenal, fans are eager for another great night of boxing.” Continue reading “Boxing returns to Niagara Falls May 10th”

Queensberry Promotions Statement: WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury has been forced to postpone his fight with unified Champion Oleksandr Usyk after sustaining a freak cut during a sparring session in Riyadh.

The cut, which opened above Fury’s right eye, required urgent medical attention and significant stitching, and will obviously require a period of recovery, scuppering any possibility of the fight with Usyk taking place on 17th February in Saudi Arabia.

A spokesperson said: “Whilst this is still breaking news it is clearly a massive disappointment, after the work that has been done by so many people to finally deliver this historic event to the world. Once the Doctors have appraised Tyson’s eye, we will have a better idea of the period of recovery needed. Once known we will work diligently with all the stakeholders and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reschedule this fight as soon as possible and will of course keep everyone updated with developments.” Continue reading “Fury injured, Usyk fight postponed”

By TMZ.com

Carl Weathers — famous from a number of movies, but most prominently as Sylvester Stallone’s early nemesis in the ‘Rocky’ movies — has sadly died … TMZ has confirmed.

The beloved actor passed away peacefully Thursday while surrounded by loved ones — this according to a statement from his family. They say, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers.”

They add, “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.” Continue reading “Carl Weathers, Apollo Creed actor, passes at 76”

Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez both made weight today ahead of Saturday’s hugely anticipated showdown between the unbeaten world ranked #1 and #2 light heavyweights at London’s OVO Arena.

Joshua Buatsi 174 vs. Dan Azeez 172.5
(WBA light heavyweight eliminator)

Adam Azim 140 vs. Enock Poulsen 139.5
(European super lightweight title)

Ben Whittaker 175.5 vs. Khalid Graidia 176
Caroline Dubois 134.5 vs. Miranda Reyes 134
Jeamie TKV 263 vs. Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko 255
Francesca Hennessy 125.5 vs. Lauren Valdebenito 125

Venue: OVO Arena, London
Promoter: Boxxer
TV: Peacock (US), SkySports (UK)

Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions has announced the addition of numerous New York City fan favorites to the St. Patrick’s Day Weekend card on March 15 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden and broadcast live globally on UFC Fightpass. The event is headlined by undefeated super welterweight ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (9-0, 7 KOs) against Dauren Yeleussinov, (11-3-1, 10 KOs).

“When we announced Callum’s return to the Mecca of Boxing I received a wealth of phone calls from many promoters, managers and fighters who wanted to be part of this event,” said Loeffler. “We’re excited to add many of the most popular and talented New York City-based fighters for what will be an outstanding night of entertainment on March 15.”

The lineup includes:

• Irish light heavyweight Joe Ward, (10-1, 6 KOs)
• Irish super featherweight Feargal McCrory (15-0, 7 KOs)
• Super lightweight Reshat ‘The Albanian Bear’ Mati, (14-0, 8 KOs)
• Super lightweight Cletus ‘The Hebrew Hammer Seldin, (27-1, 23 KOs)
• Super welterweight Brian Ceballo, (16-1, 8 KOs)
• New York City Police Officer Nisa Rodriguez making her pro debut

Opponents are all TBAs.

Welterweights Conor Benn and Peter Dobson faced off at the final press conference for their clash on Saturday AFTERNOON at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The fight will air live worldwide on DAZN – with the action beginning at 11am PT and the main event between Benn and Dobson set to step through the ropes at approximately 2.30pm PT. The early start is to accommodate Benn’s UK fight fans.

Conor Benn: “He fights because he has no choice, I fight because I love to fight, that’s the difference. If he was in my shoes, he wouldn’t be a fighter. I choose to do this; I live and breathe this. So, keep that energy, he’s been trolling for months, keep shaking. You will find out what green is on Saturday. I promise you…I’m coming out there and I’m going to come straight to him. Meet him in the middle. We’ll have a shoot-out, no problem, the more I talk the more he shakes. I’m coming for the knockout. This luxury kid that lives a privileged life, I’m coming out there to wipe you out, I swear on my life. I’m going in to take your head off your shoulders. He’s mad delusional, I like his confidence, the loudest one if the weakest one in the room…I’ve proven everything I’ve ever said. I’m going in there to absolutely destroy him, period.”

Peter Dobson: “He’s so green, he thinks he’s going to take me out in the first round, that’s dumb. That’s what green fighters do. No-one he’s fought is better than me. They’re more known than me, but they’re not better than me. I’ve been overlooked my whole career, why do you think the last two Matchroom guys didn’t want to fight me? Because they did their homework. These guys obviously didn’t do their homework and he’s going to see. You will see why I can’t get fights, why promoters constantly tell me ‘This guy doesn’t want to fight you’. Do your homework. It’s been a long time coming, I’m an old land mine that’s been waiting to blow up for a long damn time…if he comes out hard in the first round, he’s going to get knocked out in the first round.”

Ashton Sylve 140 vs. Estivan Falcao 134.8
(WBC Youth super lightweight title)

Orestes Velazquez 139.6 vs. Julian Smith 139.2
(WBA International super lightweight title)

Dainier Pero 234.6 vs. Joe Jones 216
Maricela Cornejo 146.8 vs. Kandi Wyatt 146.4
Cory Marksman 135 vs. Benigno Aguilar 136
Jorge Carlos 139.6 vs. Quinterius Chappell 138.2
Luis Lebron vs. Giovanni Gutierrez
Jasmine Artiga 115.2 vs. Nancy Franco 115.2
Alexander Gueche 115.8 vs. Osmar Rodriguez 114.2

Venue: Caribe Royal in Orlando, Florida
Promoter: MVP Promotions/BoxLab Promotions
TV: DAZN

The undisputed world heavyweight championship PPV headlined by WBC champion Tyson Fury against unified WBA/IBF/WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk will feature two further world championship fights at the Kingdom Arena, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In a rematch of former IBF cruiserweight champions, Jai Opetaia (24-0, 19 KOs) meets Mairis Briedis (28-2, 20 KOs) for the vacant IBF belt.

Undefeated IBF super featherweight champion Joe Cordina (17-0, 9 KOs) will make a second defense of his title against Anthony Cacace (21-1, 7 KOs).

Former light heavyweight king Sergey Kovalev (35-4-1, 29 KOs) will continue his run at cruiserweight by taking on the unbeaten Robin Sirwan Safar (16-0, 12 KOs).

Heavyweight Moses Itauma (7-0, 5 KOs) and 2021 Olympian cruiserweight David Nyika (8-0, 7 KOs) will face opponents to be named.

The PPV price in the USA is $69.99.

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (9-0, 6 KOs) is eager for a world title opportunity, but first he’ll need to get past two-division world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (29-5-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight battle on Thursday, February 8 at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Davis-Pedraza will serve as the co-feature to the junior welterweight showdown between WBO champion Teofimo Lopez and Jamaine Ortiz, live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+.

“I’m dialed in and focused,” said Keyshawn. “I’m pushing every day, training two or three times each day. Running, sparring, strength and conditioning. The work I’m putting in is starting to show. I’m not counting down the days until the fight, I’m making these days count. This fight is only the beginning of how far I can go in my career.” Continue reading “Keyshawn Davis ready to step up”