WBC #5 Yap tops Nakajima, keeps OPBF 118lb belt

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Japan-based Filipino, WBC#5/IBF#8 Mark John Yap (29-11, 14 KOs), 117.75, kept his regional belt as he applied his trademark hit-and-run tactics and earned a unanimous nod (116-112 twice and 117-111) over game but gory Japanese challenger Takafumi Nakajima (29-10-1, 13 KOs), 118, over twelve hard-fought rounds on Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan.

It’s a closer affair than the official tallies indicated since Yap, leading on points on open scoring system, had to ride a fast bicycle to avert Nakajima’s desperate retaliation. Yap, faster and more accurate in earlier rounds, piled up points, leading on points—78-74 twice and 79-73 after the eighth. Nakajima sustained a bad laceration over the left optic in the tenth and withstood bleeding therefrom to show his last surge. Yap was cleverer in mixing it up by demonstrating his precision in catching the onrushing target. The ref was Kazutoshi Yoshida.

Photos

By Joe Koizumi Photos by Naoki Fukuda Japan-based Filipino, WBC#5/IBF#8 Mark John Yap (29-11, 14 KOs), 117.75, kept his regional belt as he applied his trademark hit-and-run tactics and earned…
Read More »

WBA/IBF 108lb champ Taguchi to face Budler

By Joe Koizumi

WBA/IBF unified 108-pound champ Ryoichi Taguchi (27-2-2, 12 KOs), a Japanese speedster, will face Hekkie Budler (31-3, 10 KOs), South Africa, with both belts on the line in Tokyo, Japan, on May 20.

Photo: Boxing Beat

It was publicly announced by Watanabe Promotions on Wednesday. Having unified the IBF belt along with the WBA strap by defeating Milan Melindo on New Year’s Eve of the previous year, Taguchi will engage in his eighth WBA defense and initial IBF defense as well. Budler, fromer WBA 105-pound ruler, had lost a split duke to Milan Melindo to fail to win the IBF junior fly belt in Cebu, Philippines last September.

Also, in the semi-windup, IBF 105-pound champ Hiroto Kyoguchi (9-0, 7 KOs), Taguchi’s stablemate, will also appear to defend his belt on the same show at the Ota-city General Gymnasium. His challenger will be announced soon by Watanabe Promotions.

By Joe Koizumi WBA/IBF unified 108-pound champ Ryoichi Taguchi (27-2-2, 12 KOs), a Japanese speedster, will face Hekkie Budler (31-3, 10 KOs), South Africa, with both belts on the line…
Read More »

WBC 112lb champ Higa in public workout

By Joe Koizumi
Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Japanese knockout artist, WBC flyweight champ Daigo Higa (15-0, 15 KOs) showed a customary public workout on Tuesday prior to his third defense against Nicaraguan Cristofer Rosales beneath WBA 160-pound ruler Ryota Murata’s first defense in Yokohama on April 15.

His manager and former WBA 108-pound boss Yoko Gushiken, 62, expressed his strong wish that Higa, 22, would renew the current Japanese record of the most consecutive knockouts to make it sixteen therein. Higa, a dynamic hard-puncher, is scheduled to be awarded Okinawa Prefectural Prize two days after his forthcoming title defense. Continue reading “WBC 112lb champ Higa in public workout”

By Joe Koizumi Photos by Naoki Fukuda Japanese knockout artist, WBC flyweight champ Daigo Higa (15-0, 15 KOs) showed a customary public workout on Tuesday prior to his third defense…
Read More »

JBC rejects Pongsaklek’s rematch with Kameda

By Joe Koizumi

The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) decided on Wednesday that it wouldn’t approve former WBC flyweight champion Pongsaklek Wongjongkam of Thailand of participating in a grudge fight with Koki Kameda here in Tokyo, Japan, on May 5. The JBC rules that it should license only those who fight within three years after their last fight. The 40-year-old Thailander fought his last on August 30, 2013—some four years seven months ago—by winning a six-round decision over Indonesian Falazona Fidal in his native Thailand. Kameda will have to look for a substitute for Pongsaklek, or only engage in an exhibition game.

By Joe Koizumi The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) decided on Wednesday that it wouldn’t approve former WBC flyweight champion Pongsaklek Wongjongkam of Thailand of participating in a grudge fight with…
Read More »

Lara a slight favorite, DeGale a 5:1 pick

WBA super welterweight champion Erislandy Lara is a slight -125 favorite over IBF champion Jarrett Hurd +100 for their 154-pound world title unification this Saturday on SHOWTIME from Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

In the co-feature, former IBF super middleweight champion James DeGale is a big -500 pick to avenge his loss to current champ Caleb Truax +333.

WBA super welterweight champion Erislandy Lara is a slight -125 favorite over IBF champion Jarrett Hurd +100 for their 154-pound world title unification this Saturday on SHOWTIME from Hard Rock…
Read More »

Plenty of action in April for SA fans

By Ron Jackson

There will be plenty of action for South African fight fans during the month of April with a number of tournaments in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. There are two tournaments on Friday 6 April, with one in East London and the other in Pretoria.

On Friday, at the Orient Theatre in East London, the veteran 37-year-old Simphiwe Vetyeka (29-4; 17), a former South African bantamweight, IBO bantamweight, and featherweight, WBC International-junior-featherweight, WBA featherweight, and WBA International featherweight champion, returns to action when he meets 33-year-old South African lightweight champion Thompson Mokwana (23-11-2; 12) for the vacant WBO All Africa lightweight title.

Also on Friday, in Menlyn, Pretoria, at the Time Square, Xolisani Ndongeni (23-0; 12) from the Eastern Cape faces Namibian Abraham Ndaendopa (16-5; 5) in a clash for the vacant WBF lightweight belt. Continue reading “Plenty of action in April for SA fans”

By Ron Jackson There will be plenty of action for South African fight fans during the month of April with a number of tournaments in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng.…
Read More »

Pangaman passes at 70

By Ron Jackson

Norman “Pangaman” Sekgapane who was a brilliant fighter, a potential world champion, passed away on Wednesday at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa, after a long illness. He was 70. Although he was based in Mahikeng, he spent months in and out of hospital in Johannesburg.

He was known as Pangaman; a panga being a large knife used to cut sugarcane and other plants. It was also a feared weapon. Sekgapane used his fists to do a similar king of job.

He was a professional from 1970 to 1980, a time when several SA boxers had colorful, imaginative nicknames. And there is no doubt that he was one of the best lightweights and junior-welterweights South Africa ever produced. Continue reading “Pangaman passes at 70”

By Ron Jackson Norman “Pangaman” Sekgapane who was a brilliant fighter, a potential world champion, passed away on Wednesday at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa, after…
Read More »

LA Fight Club Weights

Marlen Esparza vs. Laetizia Campana
Hector Tanajara Jr. vs. Hector Ambriz
Pablo Rubio Jr. vs. TBA
Jose Vargas vs. Jorge Careaga

Venue: Belasco Theater, Los Angeles
Promoter: Golden Boy
TV: Estrella TV

Marlen Esparza vs. Laetizia Campana Hector Tanajara Jr. vs. Hector Ambriz Pablo Rubio Jr. vs. TBA Jose Vargas vs. Jorge Careaga Venue: Belasco Theater, Los Angeles Promoter: Golden Boy TV:…
Read More »

Weights from Philadelphia

Brandon Robinson 167.3 vs. Oscar Riojas 168.8
Marcus Bates 122.9 vs. Raeese Aleem 121.9
Colby Madison 247.9 vs. Guillermo Del Rio 198.8
Poindexter Knight 149.3 vs. Vincent Floyd 148.3
Joshafat Ortiz 131.5 vs. Evgueny Metchenov 130.7
Rasheed Johnson 147.3 vs. Denis Okoth 143.9
Kendall Cannida 178.1 vs. Carlos Villenueva 173.2

Venue: 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
Promoter: King’s Promotions
1st Bell: 7:00 PM ET
TV: Eleven Sports (Delay)

Brandon Robinson 167.3 vs. Oscar Riojas 168.8 Marcus Bates 122.9 vs. Raeese Aleem 121.9 Colby Madison 247.9 vs. Guillermo Del Rio 198.8 Poindexter Knight 149.3 vs. Vincent Floyd 148.3 Joshafat…
Read More »

Lara-Hurd/Truax-DeGale Final Press Conference

World champions Erislandy Lara and Jarrett Hurd went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference for their 154-pound world title unification this Saturday, April 7 live on SHOWTIME from Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. WBA Champion Lara and IBF Champion Hurd will meet for just the sixth unification bout in division history in a fight that will help define the future of the 154-pound class. The winner of Lara-Hurd will join Hall of Famers Terry Norris, Felix Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya and Winky Wright, as well as Canelo Alvarez, as the only fighters to unify 154-pound titles.

Photo: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

Erislandy Lara: “Everyone knows I love to fight his style. I’ve fought better and taller fighters than him and you’ve seen me dominate them. It’s going to be nothing different on Saturday night. I want him to come forward. That’s what I’m prepared for. I’m going to give him a lesson.”

Jarrett Hurd: “With my power and skill set, I can stop any fighter in the division. That definitely includes Erislandy Lara…Lara is a guy who can’t take pressure fighters well. I have some of the best pressure in the game. I’m younger, stronger, taller and longer. He’s not going to be able to run for 12 rounds.”

Also, IBF super middleweight world champion Caleb Truax and former champion James DeGale, meet in an immediate rematch of what was the near-universal upset of the year in 2017.

Caleb Truax: “I just want to go out there and silence people who said it was a fluke the first time I won. I want to prove that I belong at the top of the division. I’m going to put on a good show for the fans and retain my title.”

James DeGale: “My last performance was horrendous. It was shocking and embarrassing. I’m not going to make excuses about my shoulder and what went wrong. On Saturday night, I will be a two-time world champion. I promise you that.”

World champions Erislandy Lara and Jarrett Hurd went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference for their 154-pound world title unification this Saturday, April 7 live on SHOWTIME from Hard…
Read More »

LaRon Mitchell returns April 14 in Salinas

Unbeaten heavyweight LaRon Mitchell (16-0, 14 KOs) faces a stern test when he defends his Junior NABF title against once-beaten Eugene Hill (34-1, 22 KOs) on April 14 in an eight rounder at the Salinas Storm House in Salinas, Calif. Mitchell, 37, is a full-time physical education teacher, who began his career with thirteen straight knockout wins. Hill, 40, hasn’t lost since 2009 and has won eighteen straight heading into this fight against Mitchell.

In the headliner, Salinas native Ruben Villa (10-0, 4 KOs) headlines his first event when he battles Marlon Olea (13-2, 12 KOs) in an eight-rounder for the vacant WBO Youth featherweight title.

Unbeaten heavyweight LaRon Mitchell (16-0, 14 KOs) faces a stern test when he defends his Junior NABF title against once-beaten Eugene Hill (34-1, 22 KOs) on April 14 in an…
Read More »

Vargas-Hovnannisyan clash for WBC title on May 12

By Gabriel F. Cordero

WBC super bantamweight champion Rey Vargas (31-0, 22 KOs) will defend his title against challenger Azat Hovnannisyan (14-2, 11 KOs) on May 12 at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY, on the same event as the WBO super welterweight world title HBO clash between Sadam Ali and former champ Liam Smith.

According to Promociones del Pueblo President Osvaldo Küchle, “Vargas has everything to be taken into consideration as a Mexican boxing star and is ready for the big boxing nights of May and September.”

By Gabriel F. Cordero WBC super bantamweight champion Rey Vargas (31-0, 22 KOs) will defend his title against challenger Azat Hovnannisyan (14-2, 11 KOs) on May 12 at the Turning…
Read More »

Andrade still chasing Golovkin fight

Two-time undefeated world champion Demetrius Andrade is still trying to convince middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin to choose him as an opponent on May 5th at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “Like I said last week, I am in the gym, and if Gennady does the right thing and choose the best available fighter, and that is me, he and his team should know that I am ready to fight him for his middleweight titles on May 5th. I have been working extra hard in the gym to prepare myself for May 5th. Last week your promoter texted my promoter asking if I was in the gym, well the pictures are the proof that I have been. I think Gennady knows that I am the best option right now. Based on all the comments about all of the names out there, this is the fight that the fans prefer. Gennady and his team have always talked about fighting the best, well it is time he stays true to his word and let’s fight on May 5th,” said Andrade.

Two-time undefeated world champion Demetrius Andrade is still trying to convince middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin to choose him as an opponent on May 5th at The MGM Grand in Las…
Read More »

Haney-Menard clash May on ShoBox

Highly regarded undefeated lightweight Devin Haney will face the toughest test of his career in veteran Mason Menard in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, May 11 live on SHOWTIME from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The 19-year-old Haney, who was a seven-time national junior amateur champion, has been considered a blue-chip prospect since turning professional at the age of 16 in Mexico. Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) will face by far the toughest opponent of his career in his ShoBox debut against Menard (33-2, 24 KOs), a two-time ShoBox veteran whose only loss in nearly a decade came to current WBO Lightweight Champion Ray Beltran. Menard is now based in Los Angeles with trainers John Pullman and Buddy McGirt.

Highly regarded undefeated lightweight Devin Haney will face the toughest test of his career in veteran Mason Menard in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, May…
Read More »

Former featherweight contender Tomas Villa passes

By David Finger

Fightnews is sad to report that former featherweight contender Tomas Villa of Midland, Texas died this Tuesday (April 3, 2018). Villa was reportedly involved in a car accident two miles south of Midland. According to the police report A Dodge Durango driven by Villa hit a Kenworth truck tractor on Highway 349 at 5:44 PM. Villa, who according to the police report was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Continue reading “Former featherweight contender Tomas Villa passes”

By David Finger Fightnews is sad to report that former featherweight contender Tomas Villa of Midland, Texas died this Tuesday (April 3, 2018). Villa was reportedly involved in a car…
Read More »

Gold medalist Yoka in action Saturday

Olympic heavyweight Gold Medalist Tony Yoka enters his second year as a professional boxer and will make his next appearance on Saturday, April 7th at Palais des Sports de Paris, France.

In his first 10-round fight, Yoka will face French fighter Cyril “Aldo” Leonet (13-9-3, 4 KOs). Leonet won the IBF Mediterranean title and was crowned 5-time champion of France. Leonet was French Heavyweight Champion in 2015 and 2017. He won the IBF Mediterranean Champion Belt in 2015 by beating Romanian, Lucian Bot. Tony and Leonet know each other well since he was Tony’s sparring partner last year. Continue reading “Gold medalist Yoka in action Saturday”

Olympic heavyweight Gold Medalist Tony Yoka enters his second year as a professional boxer and will make his next appearance on Saturday, April 7th at Palais des Sports de Paris,…
Read More »

GGG vs. unknown jr. middleweight on PPV?!

According to ESPN, the likely opponent for WBC/WBA/IBF middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin is little known WBO #6, WBC #8 junior middleweight Jaime Munguia on Cinco de Mayo at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The telecast will apparently remain on HBO Pay-Per-View. The 21-year-old Munguia has a record of 28-0, 24 KOs, but so far has never fought outside Mexico, nor fought any recognizable names.

An official announcement is expected soon. GGG has to find a new dance partner for the PPV telecast on short notice after Canelo Alvarez due to a banned substance found in his system. No undercard bouts have been announced as of yet.

According to ESPN, the likely opponent for WBC/WBA/IBF middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin is little known WBO #6, WBC #8 junior middleweight Jaime Munguia on Cinco de Mayo at the MGM…
Read More »

WBO Convention moved to Managua, Nicaragua

By David Finger

The WBO recently announced that the upcoming 31st annual boxing convention will take place at the Barcelo Hotel in Nicaragua from October 29-November 2. Originally the 2018 convention was slated to take place in Costa Rica but Nicaragua reportedly pulled out the red carpet in an attempt to convince the WBO to host their convention in Managua. Participants can register for the upcoming convention at www.wboboxing.com.

By David Finger The WBO recently announced that the upcoming 31st annual boxing convention will take place at the Barcelo Hotel in Nicaragua from October 29-November 2. Originally the 2018…
Read More »

Update: No GGG, Saunders facing Martin Murray

Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that talks are in progress for WBO Middleweight World Champion Billy Joe Saunders to face WBA, WBC and IBF Champion Gennady Golovkin in the autumn, should Saunders come through his fight with Martin Murray at London’s 02 Arena on June 23rd.

Golovkin was due to fight Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez on May 5th in Las Vegas, but the Mexican withdrew from the rematch on Tuesday, causing widespread rumors that Saunders would step in as a late replacement. However, Saunders’ promoter has confirmed that Saunders will make the fourth defense of his world title against domestic rival Murray on June 23rd as originally planned.

“I’ve spoken with Golovkin’s promoter Tom Loeffler and Golovkin vs. Saunders is in play for this Autumn,” said Warren. “May 5th was never going to happen because of Bill’s hand injury and Golovkin’s team are going ahead with a fight on that date so couldn’t make a fight in June. Continue reading “Update: No GGG, Saunders facing Martin Murray”

Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that talks are in progress for WBO Middleweight World Champion Billy Joe Saunders to face WBA, WBC and IBF Champion Gennady Golovkin in the autumn,…
Read More »

Golovkin-Saunders talks in progress

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren says WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders is game to fight WBA/WBC/IBF/ middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin if GGG can wait a month. Warren confirmed to the BBC that “We have had conversations and will speak later today and see where it goes. Provided Golovkin would be willing to fight in June, Bill would be available. I understand they are looking at 5 May in Vegas, but I am not sure if they will find an opponent or sell a show out in such a short space of time. I am hoping they will take the fight, then we can do it here or go to the States, but that will be their call. We need to know soon and not let it drag on. There is a short window to do it and we need to get a decision.”

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren says WBO middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders is game to fight WBA/WBC/IBF/ middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin if GGG can wait a month. Warren confirmed…
Read More »

Cletus Seldin recovering from surgery

After three fights in as many months and becoming only the third fighter to ever appear on HBO in consecutive months, Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin (21-1 17 KOs) now finds himself in a battle of a different kind. Seldin was diagnosed with a UCL tear and elected to have an alternative to the common “Tommy John” surgery (in which a healthy tendon extracted from an arm or leg to replace a torn ligament) on February 8 at Stony Brook Hospital on Long Island. This surgery conducted by Dr. James Paci, placed an internal brace, ulnar nerve transposition and olecranon osteophyte excision in Seldin’s left arm. By electing to go this route, Seldin has the potential to cut rehabilitation time in half. Continue reading “Cletus Seldin recovering from surgery”

After three fights in as many months and becoming only the third fighter to ever appear on HBO in consecutive months, Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin (21-1 17 KOs) now…
Read More »

Lara-Hurd unification heating up

World champions Erislandy Lara and Jarrett Hurd began fight week with a media workout in Las Vegas Wednesday before their 154-pound world title unification that headlines action this Saturday on SHOWTIME from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Erislandy Lara: “All of my opponents are taller than me. His size means nothing to me. I have the experience and I’m the best boxer in the division. He’s never seen anything like me. He has to beat me to get the top spot in this division. I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Photo: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

Jarrett Hurd: “No matter what kind of fight he brings; I’m going to stick to my game plan. He has to fight at my pace. No matter what he comes with, I’m going to be in charge in the ring…at the end of the day, you don’t have to worry about Lara running away, because I’m going to be in his face for 12 rounds.”
Photo: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

World champions Erislandy Lara and Jarrett Hurd began fight week with a media workout in Las Vegas Wednesday before their 154-pound world title unification that headlines action this Saturday on…
Read More »

Truax: I’m ready to silence critics AND DeGale

IBF super middleweight world champion Caleb Truax spoke Wednesday about his rematch with former champion James DeGale this Saturday on SHOWTIME from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Photo: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

“I think DeGale has been making excuses,” said Truax “He couldn’t stop talking about how great his shoulder felt heading into our first fight. Then right after the fight he said he felt fine. Now I guess he came back too early. He was in a tough fight not too long ago, so we’ll see how he is on Saturday night…as far as I know, I’m still an underdog for this fight. A lot of people think I was a fluke the first time around, so it’s up to me to prove them wrong. I’m ready to silence the critics and silence DeGale.”

IBF super middleweight world champion Caleb Truax spoke Wednesday about his rematch with former champion James DeGale this Saturday on SHOWTIME from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las…
Read More »

Goodmans to be inducted into NYSBHOF

Boxing lifers Bob Goodman and his father, the late Murray Goodman, are among 23 members of the Class of 2018 being inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) on April 29.

A legendary boxing publicist, Murray Goodman (Bronx) brought his son into the sweet science when Bob was only eight years old. The rest was historic for the Goodmans, who are both inductees in several Halls of Fame, including the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

“This is a great honor for me and my father,” Bob said. “I wish he were alive today to be there. I’m a boxing lifer. Continue reading “Goodmans to be inducted into NYSBHOF”

Boxing lifers Bob Goodman and his father, the late Murray Goodman, are among 23 members of the Class of 2018 being inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of…
Read More »

Karim Mayfield ready for return

San Francisco welterweight Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield will return to action this Saturday at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, CA against Gaku Takahashi, a game and durable southpaw who trains at the prestigious Wild Card Boxing Gym in Hollywood, CA.

Mayfield is not just headlining the bout, but also promoting it as well as his Hard Hitta Promotions is working in association with Humboldt Boxing and Roy Englebrecht. For Mayfield, a veteran of the sport who saw most of his prime of career being avoided by top fighters is now looking to change that as he is able to dictate terms on the business side of things. Continue reading “Karim Mayfield ready for return”

San Francisco welterweight Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield will return to action this Saturday at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, CA against Gaku Takahashi, a game and durable southpaw who…
Read More »

>