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WBA #6 super bantamweight Shabaz Masoud and Jose Sanmartin faced off at the final press conference for their clash at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, England this Saturday. Masoud will be defending his WBA Intercontinental belt live worldwide on DAZN.

Shabaz Masoud: Honestly I think he’s a good fighter, I feel like he’s a level above the fighters I’ve fought before but I think I can do a job on him…I just feel like I’m levels above. I’m just going to show everyone – especially Sanmartin. I feel like I’m better than him in every aspect.”

Jose Sanmartin: “All of the pressure will be on him on Saturday. I’m completely ready to take this victory…if the win can be via knockout then even better. We’re ready to give everything, we’re ready to get the decision if needs be and we’re going to win on Saturday, that’s the plan and I’m taking that title home. I’m sorry Masoud, you’re going to be losing on Saturday.”

Callum Walsh 154 vs. Ismael Villarreal 153.4
(WBC silver super welterweight title)

Cain Sandoval 140 vs. Wesley Ferrer 138.8
Umar Dzambekov 175.8 vs. Frederic Julan 175.8
Gor Yeritsyan 146.8 vs. Luis Alberto Veron 145.4
Brian Ceballo 154 vs. Kenneth McNeil 151
Omar Cande Trinidad 126.6 vs. Andrew Bentley 127.6
Feargal McCrory 132 vs. Nikolai Buzolin 132.4

Venue: Madison Square Garden Theater, NYC
Promoter: 360 Promotions
TV: UFC Fightpass

Callum Walsh: “Every fight is getting bigger and bigger. I’m knocking people out and the opponents haven’t been giving me tough fights. So, the fights have to be bigger and better. This is going to be another test to see how good I am.”

Ismael Villarreal: “I’m clearly the underdog in the minds of many, but I’m here to showcase my skills and be victorious tomorrow night.”

Cruiserweight Jake Paul (7-1, 4 KOs) will be facing a pro boxer on DAZN December 15. It was announced today that “The Problem Child” will meet 35-year-old Andre August (10-1-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

The Showtime PPV Countdown show is set for Saturday, November 25 leading up to the David Benavidez vs. Demetrius Andrade PPV from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

The action is topped by former world champion Sergey Lipinets (17-2-1, 13 KOs) taking on Michel (La Zarza Ali) Rivera (24-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight fight. Also Vito Mielnicki Jr. (15-1, 10 KOs) faces Alexis Salazar (25-5, 10 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight attraction. The live stream will begin will be available on the Showtime Sports YouTube channel and Showtime Boxing Facebook page. Continue reading “Benavidez-Andrade Lead-in Fights”

For Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição, he hopes the third time will be the charm. Conceição will have his third world title opportunity when he takes on WBO junior lightweight world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete on Thursday, Nov. 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Navarrete-Conceição will serve as the co-feature to the vacant WBC lightweight title clash between pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson and Dominican slugger Edwin De Los Santos.

Conceição (17-2, 8 KOs) made history as Brazil’s first Olympic boxing gold medalist, turning pro under the Top Rank banner less than three months after the 2016 Rio Games. Continue reading “Conceição: I’m Coming for Navarrete’s Title”

Retired heavyweights Donovan “Razor” Ruddock, 59, and James “Lights Out” Toney, 55, are scheduled to meet in the ring this weekend in an exhibition match that is billed to be a “competitive fight.” The action takes place inside Kingston, Jamaica’s National Indoor Sports Centre and can be seen via a $29.99 PPV on Fite.tv. In addition to undercard bouts, the price of admission includes a live performance by Grammy award-winning “King of the Dancehall” Beenie Man and a special appearance by commentator Amir Tyson, son of “Iron Mike” Tyson.

By Joe Koizumi

Kameda Promotions has abruptly announced that its event featuring a well-publicized encounter of WBC#5 130-pounder and WBO AP champ Masanori Rikiishi (14-1, 9 KOs) and Carlos Flores Villa (23-1, 13 KOs) in Nagoya on this coming Saturday was cancelled since the Mexican’s passport was found stolen just before his departure from Mexico City. The semi-windup OPBF 115-pound title bout between KJ Cataraja and Jayr Raquinel was also cancelled. The whole show will be moved to February according to the promoter and ex-champ Koki Kameda.

Former WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring (24-4, 12 KOs) quickly annihilated previously undefeated Nicholas Molina (13-1, 5 KOs) on Tuesday night at the Edison Ballroom in Times Square, New York City. 38-year-old Herring, returning from an 18 month retirement, was classes above Molina. He dropped Molina twice in round one and the bout was stopped. Time was 2:49.

Female bantamweight Shurretta Metcalf (13-4-1, 2 KOs) won a ten round unanimous decision over Miyo Yoshida (16-4, 0 KOs). Scores were 98-92, 96-94, 99-91.

Unbeaten 6’6 heavyweight Roney Hines (13-0-1, 8 KOs) defeated Jonathan Gruber (5-2, 2 KOs) by workmanlike six round unanimous decision. Scores were 59-55, 60-54, 60-54.

Unbeaten junior featherweight Mikiah Kreps (7-0, 3 KOs) outpointed Isis Vargas Perez (9-6, 3 KOs) over eight rounds.

Unbeaten light heavyweight Maidel Sando (13-0, 8 KOs) defeated journeyman Cleotis Pendarvis (22-19-2, 9 KOs) over six rounds on Tuesday night at the Texas Troubadour Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee. Pendarvis was credited with a knockdown in round three, but overall judges scored it for Sando 58-55 3x.

Unbeaten heavyweight Erick Arellano (9-0, 6 KOs) destroyed Ritchie Cherry (3-12, 1 KO) in the first round. Arellano dropped Cherry three times to end it.

Lightweight Julio Gomez (5-2-2, 5 KOs) stopped Dreon Meriweather (2-2-1, 2 KOs) in round five. The bout was stopped after Gomez scored a knockdown.

Cruiserweight Kevin Torian (3-1, 2 KOs) stopped Elijah Lynah (2-3, 2 KOs) in round two.

Undefeated WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo and Jose Benavidez Jr. went back and forth during a heated virtual press conference Tuesday ahead of their 10-round non-title WBC special event that serves as the Showtime PPV co-main event on November 25 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Jermall Charlo: “He’s gonna see what it’s about when he’s in there. He can keep running his mouth, because he’s gonna find out.”

Jose Benavidez Jr: “It’s gonna be funny when I whoop you. I always keep this same energy.”

More Quotes

360 Promotions hosted the final New York City Press Conference at Legends NYC for Thursday’s Hollywood Fight Nights event in The Theater at Madison Square Garden featuring ‘King’ Callum Walsh (8-0, 7 KOs) against Ismael ‘The Beast’ Villarreal (13-1, 9 KOs) in the ten-round main event on UFC Fightpass.

Tom Loeffler, President of 360 Promotions, stated “This is 10 years to the week from when ‘GGG’ headlined The Theater at Madison Square Garden against Curtis Stevens which was a huge launching pad and it really feels like we’re using the same steps with Callum. With the marketability and the charisma that Callum has it feels like we’re recreating the situation with GGG where he was able to successfully fight on both coasts, here in New York City and Los Angeles.

“Callum is 8-0 with seven knockouts, he’s 22 years old and he’s got a great future in front of him. He’s trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach…I think that Callum has all the makings of a global superstar.”

By Mauricio Sulaimán
President of the WBC – Son of José Sulaimán

This past November 1st we celebrated, in New York City , the centennial anniversary of the Jack Dempsey vs. Luis Ángel Firpo which took place at the famous Polo Grounds, a stadium where the Yankees won 15 World Series, the Giants three American football championships, and more than 50 hall of fame boxers fought and had a nights of glory.

I had the great honor of meeting and spending time with Joseph Halperin, who is the grandson of one of the most important promoters in the history of our sport: Tex Rickard.

Rickard promoted all the big fights in the United States in the first quarter of the 1900’s often building stadiums just for the fight, such as Jack Johnson vs. Jeffries, or with Jack Dempsey in many occasions and many more until his untimely death, at age 56. He was the one who paved the way for subsequent generations of promoters to this day. Continue reading “Great closing of the year for boxing”

By Bob Ryder

Promoter Vick Green continues to provide the Toledo fight fans with entertaining cards featuring the best in local talent and this Saturday he presents WBO number one super featherweight contender Albert Bell in the 10 round main event. Bell (24-0, 7 KOs) will clash with former world title challenger Jayson Velez (30-11-1, 21 KOs).

Velez has been in there with fighters such as Ryan Garcia and Oscar Valdez in addition to his split draw IBF world title match vs Evgeny Gradovich back in 2014. Puerto Rican Velez has slipped some the last couple of years having lost 6 of his last 7 bouts but should provide a good match for Bell as a lot is at stake for both main event participants. Huge props go to Bell for risking his #1 ranking as most boxers today in his position would be content to sit and wait for a mandated title fight. Conversely, Velez could reinvigorate his career with an upset win and move himself back into contention for bigger fights. Continue reading “Bell risks WBO #1 ranking in Toledo Saturday”

In their last scheduled fight of 2023, Golden Boy will close out the year at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on December 14 with unbeaten super bantamweight Jose “Tito” Sanchez (11-0, 7 KOs) against Walter Santibañes (12-2, 2 KOs) in a ten-rounder to be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

Trained by world renowned Joel Diaz in Indio, Sanchez was last seen in Puerto Rico securing a WBC regional belt via third round technical knockout against Carlos Caraballo this past July 12. “Honestly, it’s been a very long time since I’ve actually fought in my hometown, but I am thrilled,” said Sanchez.

Santibañes was last seen inside the ring in June, where he defeated the hometown fighter Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores. He will now be looking to defeat another hometown favorite. “The last time I was in the B-corner as the main event, I walked out of the ring with an upset victory,” said Santibañes. “I plan to do it again.”

WBO #1 ranked cruiserweight contender Richard Riakporhe (16-0, 12 KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday, November 18th as he looks to maintain his unbeaten record and remain on course for a world title challenge. Riakporhe will face former French national cruiserweight champion and two-time EBU European challenger Dylan Bregeon (13-4-1, 3 KOs) at The Halls in Wolverhampton and airing live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

The show is headlined by a European title double-header as super lightweight Adam Azim challenges EBU champion Franck Petitjean and middleweight Tyler Denny challenges EBU champion Matteo Signani.

“A lot has happened since I’ve been away but on November 18th I am back and reminding everyone why I am the number one contender in this division.” said Riakporhe. Continue reading “WBO #1 Riakporhe returns Nov 18”

Jamel Herring 131.8 vs. Nicholas Molina 131.2
Miyo Yoshida 117.8 vs. Shurretta Metcalf 117.8
Roney Hines 245 vs. Jonathan Gruber 220.8
Mikiah Kreps 123 vs. Isis Vargas Perez 121.6

Venue: Edison Ballroom, in Times Square, New York City
Promoter: DiBella Entertainment
TV: DAZN

Maidel Sando 174.2 vs. Cleotis Pendarvis 175.2
Julio Gomez 134.4 vs. Dreon Merriweather 134.8
Erick Arellano 228.2 vs. Ritchie Cherry 230.6
Elijah Lynah 199.2 vs. Kevin Torian 198.8

Venue: Troubadour Nashville
Promoter: Jimmy Adams Promotions
TV: Fite.tv (Marc Abrams and Albert Haynesworth on the call)
1st Bell 7PM CT (8 PM ET)

Heavyweight contender Jared “Real Big Baby” Anderson was reportedly arrested in Oregon, Ohio, and charged with driving under the influence and improper handling of a firearm. He was pulled over at about 1AM after police clocked him driving 55 mph in a 40 mph zone. Police say Anderson was impaired and admitted to smoking marijuana and consuming alcoholic beverages earlier in the evening. Officers searched the vehicle and found a pistol in the glove box. Anderson was booked and later released on bond. He has a court date on Tuesday.

This past Saturday, CBN Promotions held its second “New Blood” card at the at Infinite Reality Studios in Long Beach, CA. In the 8-round welterweight main event, Louie Lopez (14-2-2, 4 KOs) of Corona, CA, and Salvador Briceño (17-7, 11 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico, fought to a draw. Lopez had his moments in the early rounds while Briceño had his in the middle rounds. The action was going back and forth as both fighters were going for it. Heading into the final rounds it was anyone’s fight. The last round was razor close and at the end the bout ended in a draw. Scorecards read 76-76 across the board.

In the scheduled 8-round super bantamweight co-main event, Eros Correa (14-1, 9 KOs) of San Jose, CA, defeated Robin Ellis (6-1, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV, by way of second round knockout. In round two, Correa landed an overhand right to the head of Ellis, sending him to the floor. Ellis couldn’t recover and the bout was stopped at the 1:05 mark of round two.

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

His wife Manami, formerly an amateur boxer serving as a corner woman as well as a hand-wrapper in this fight, helped Japan’s flyweight champ Jukiya Iimura (5-1, 1 KO), 111.25, defeat Katsuya Murakami (14-3-1, 3 KOs), 111,75, by a nearly shutout decision (all 99-91) to retain his national belt on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. Moving to-and-fro all the way, Iimura frustrated the 5’8” taller challenger and steadily piled up points with his more accurate combos. Faster and ring crafty, Iimura, formerly a university boxer, displayed hit-and-run tactics to confuse the methodical and predictable challenger with ease.

Boxing history recalls Mrs. Jimmy Wilde having served as a sparring partner, corner lady and trainer for British pride The Mighty Atom (137-4-1, 98 KOs) in 1920’s. Will Mrs. Iimura follow the footstep of Mrs. Wilde? Continue reading “Wife helps Iimura keep Japan’s 112lb belt”

By Joe Koizumi
Photos: Naoki Fukuda

Ex-OPBF and WBO AP welter champ Ryota Toyoshima (18-3-1, 11 KOs), 146.5, acquired the right to have a mandatory shot at the national belt against Shoki Sakai as he scored a majority decision (77-75, 78-74, 76-76) over game warrior Aso Ishiwaki (12-7-1, 8 KOs), 146.25, in an eight-round eliminator on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan. Toyoshima had forfeited his WBO AP 147-pound belt to up-and-coming Jin Sasaki via first round stoppage loss last January, and scored a couple of comebacking victories since. Toyoshima’s accuracy and aggressiveness paid off to pave his way to win back the national belt.

Also, in another JBC eliminator formerly world rated Hironori Mishiro (14-1-1, 4 KOs),134.25, pounded out a unanimous decision (78-74 twice, 79-73) over Hiromasa Urakawa (9-2, 6 KOs), 134.5, over eight. Ex-OPBF 130-pound champ Mishiro, a stylish jabber, tasted his first setback to Min-Ho Jung in Korea this April, having dropped out of the world ratings. Mishiro utilized his vaunted jab and controlled the processing, accelerating his attack down the stretch. His mandatory target will be national 135-pound champ Shuma Nakazato (13-2-3, 8 KOs), the son of formerly three-time world challenger Shigeru Nakazato. Mishiro may have a jabber’s chance. Continue reading “Toyoshima, Mishiro victorious in JBC eliminators”

Lightweight Adam “Bluenose” Lopez (17-5, 6 KOs) scored a one-sided eight round unanimous decision over Giovannie Gonzalez (18-6-2, 13 KOs) on Saturday night at the famed Cow Palace in Daly City, California. Scores were 80-72 3x.

In the co-feature, unbeaten super featherweight Malikai “Machine Gun” Johnson (12-0-1, 8 KOs) stopped Eugene Lagos (16-7-3, 11 KOs) in round three with a body shot.

Unified IBF/WBO female minimumweight champion Yokasta “Yoka” Valle (30-2, 9 KOs) successfully defended her world titles against former two-time world champion Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (33-6, 4 KOs) in a 10-round match that went the distance in front of more than five-thousand fans at the Polideportivo de Cartago in Costa Rica. Valle used her superior skillset to offset the aggressive Ortiz, the judges scoring in favor of Valle with scores of 100-90, 99-92 and 99-91.

In the co-main event, Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (26-0, 19 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact against Kelvinyer Salazar (19-3-1, 12 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight that only made it to the second round. Dominguez used a solid uppercut to end the fight at 0:44 in the second round.

WBC #7, IBF #13 heavyweight Efe Ajagba (19-1, 14 KOs) scored a fourth round TKO over Joe Goodall (10-2-1, 9 KOs) on Saturday night at the Tahoe Blue Event Center in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Ajagba rocked Goodall in round three and went right after him in round four prompting a stoppage by referee Tony Weeks. Time was :50.

“I was out of boxing for a long time,” said Ajagba. “When I came back with Stephen Shaw (in January 2023), my confidence was not there. I had just come back from surgery, and I had to get back into shape. But right now, I came back with full confidence. That’s why I took him out. My team pushed me in training camp. They made me work extremely hard in this camp to make sure I win the fight. I sparred a lot of different guys to make me stay strong.

“Whoever they offer me to fight, I’m ready to go. I will go back with my team to talk about that.”

WBC #9, WBO #9, IBF #11 lightweight Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (19-0, 16 KOs) dominated and stopped previously unbeaten Diego Torres (18-1, 17 KOs). Muratalla dropped Torres in round eight and the bout was stopped. Time was 1:45.

In a clash between undefeated junior lightweight contenders, WBO #8, IBF #10 Henry Lebron (19-0, 10 KOs) scored a ten round majority decision over WBA #12 William Foster III (16-1, 10 KOs). Good fight with Lebron closing strong. Scores were 95-95, 96-94, 99-91.

Unbeaten heavyweight Brandon Moore (13-0, 8 KOs) won a shutout decision against Robert Simms (12-4-1, 3 KOs). Moore dropped Simms in round four en route to a 80-71 3x victory. Continue reading “Ajagba stops Goodall in four”

Photos by David Martin Warr

In a clash for the vacant WBC cruiserweight title, #1 rated Noel Mikaelian (27-2, 12 KOs) stopped former champion Ilunga Junior Makabu (29-4, 25 KOs) in round three on Saturday night at Casino Miami Jai Alai in Miami Florida. Mikaelian dropped Makabu in round two with a right hand. Mikaelian tried to finish Makabu but Makabu weathered the storm. In round three, Mikaelian floored Makabu again. Makabu beat the count but the referee waved it off. Time was 1:00.

“I didn’t expect the knockout so early, but I knew my hand would be raised (in victory) at the end of the night,” said Mikaelian. “I’m so happy. I waited two years. I was so close to winning that belt and this time I didn’t want to leave any doubts.

“I had a great camp…I’m the first German to win a world championship on American soil in 90 years, since Max Schmelling.”