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On Tuesday at Boulevard Riyadh City, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) and WBO/IBF/WBA ruler Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) made their grand arrivals. Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) and Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) will battle for the undisputed heavyweight crown this Saturday at Kingdom Arena. The winner becomes the division’s first undisputed champion in the four belt era.

Tyson Fury: “I predict that somebody’s ‘0’ has got to go. And it’s going to be that team over there, unfortunately for them. Oleksandr Usyk is a great fighter. Olympic gold medalist, cruiserweight world champion, heavyweight world champion. But, unfortunately for him, he has to come against the great Tyson Fury in the era of me. I’m really looking forward to Saturday night….even if he had 20 million people screaming his name, they cannot fight for him on the night. And when there’s two men in there on the night, it’s going to be very daunting when he has the undertaker in the ring with him.”

Oleksandr Usyk: “I feel good. I’m very happy to be here. Saturday is a special day because I will have the opportunity to become undisputed for a second time. It’s great. It’s very good for me. It’s very important for my country. I like that…I have a plan. It’s a better plan. And it’s a great plan.”

Former four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner’s status was in doubt, but it looks like he will show up to face once-beaten welterweight Blair “The Flair” Cobbs face-to-face in a preview of their special WBC People’s Championship matchup that will be part of six title fights in a press conference this Thursday. The two will be joined by WBC cruiserweight champion Noel “The Dark Horse” Mikaelian (27-2, 12 KOs) of Miami and #1 challenger in Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1, 19 KOs) from Ontario, Canada, promoting a night of fights entitled “Fists of Fury” promoted by Don King Productions.

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

By the time this column is published, I will be on my way to the biggest fight in the heavyweight division this century.

Tyson Fury, world champion of our WBC, will face the Ukrainian, Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the other three recognized belts in boxing. These types of fights are called undisputed, that is, for the undisputed title, which refers to the fact that there is no other person who is called world champion of that division.

The undisputed champion is actually somewhat unusual. Decades ago, this phenomenon occurred when the WBC and WBA champions faced each other. Then came the IBF, and finally, the WBO. So, to make history and to be considered undisputed you must possess all four belts.

It is even more difficult to remain as undisputed champion, due to the regulations, which are different within the four organizations, which lead any of them to order their own mandatory fight. Continue reading “The Unified Champions”

By Boxing Bob Newman

The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) has announced its 16-member class of 2024. The 12th Annual NYSBHOF induction dinner will be Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), September 15, 2024, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

Tickets are priced at $175 per person and includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET, as well as a 7-course dinner (prime rib, fish, or poultry) and open bar throughout the event. Tickets are available to purchase by contacting NYSBHOF president Jack Hirsch at (516) 790-7592 or [email protected]. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $500 to $110. Continue reading “NYS Boxing Hall of Fame Announces Inductions”

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury versus WBA/IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has turned into a pick’em fight in their undisputed heavyweight title showdown this Saturday on PPV from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The “Gypsy King” and Usyk are both currently -110. Fury opened as a -135 favorite.

In another big fight on Saturday, three-division champion Emanuel Navarrete is a 6:1 favorite to defeat Denis Berinchyk to claim the vacant WBO lightweight title on ESPN from the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

Teams of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, and WBA/IBF/WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk ran into each other in their Riyadh hotel and things quickly escalated. Both groups began chanting the name of their fighter, then Tyson Fury’s father, John Fury, headbutted Stanislav Stepchuk, a member of Team Uysk. Security separated the groups. After the incident, John Fury emerged with blood streaming down his face from a cut on the forehead. He later apologized.

Reigning Massachusetts 168lb champion Bernard Joseph (8-1-1, 5 KOs) added another title belt to his growing collection, capturing last Saturday night’s inaugural “Granite Chin Box Off” super middleweight tournament, which headlined the “Rumble at the Rink” pro boxing event, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), in front of a packed Quincy Youth Arena in Quincy, Massachusetts.

The “Granite Chin Box Off” tournament was created by GSP president Chris Traietti, featuring four fighters in a pair of three-round semifinal matches, with the winners squaring off in the five-round main event. Continue reading “Joseph wins super middle tourney”

Undefeated super middleweight Junior Younan (20-0-1, 12 KOs) scored a highlight reel first round knockout over Ricardo Adrian Luna (26-12-2, 17 KOs) to capture the vacant WBA Continental America Gold title on Saturday night at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York. The knockout came at 2:53 in the first round as Younan won his Star Boxing debut.

Photos: Sumio Yamada

Check out this GIANT Lomachenko-Kambosos photo gallery for some incredible shots + the scorecard + action from the Guevara-Moloney and Johnson-Hughes fights.

Photos

Former WBA heavyweight champion Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne has announced his retirement from professional boxing. Browne suffered a defeat to Hemi Ahio on the undercard of the Lomachenko v Kambosos card, leaving his final record at 31-6 with 27 KOs.

“I am incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished in the ring, and I am deeply thankful to all the fans who have supported me along the way,” said Browne. “I hope you were entertained, win lose or draw. It’s been an incredible journey and I’m excited to embark on the next chapter of my life with my family and continue to contribute to the sport through my gym.” Continue reading “Lucas Browne retires”

Former three-weight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (18-3, 13 KOs) scored an eleventh round knockout against former unified champion George Kambosos Jr. (21-3, 10 KOs) to claim the vacant IBF lightweight title on Sunday morning at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia. The skillful Loma befuddled Kambosos with his movement and progressively broke him down. Loma dropped Kambosos twice in round eleven to end it. Time was 2:49.

In a clash between former world champions, Pedro Guevara (42-4-1, 22 KOs) scored a twelve round split decision over Andrew Moloney (26-4, 16 KOs) to claim the vacant WBC interim super flyweight title. Guevara outworked Moloney to win 115-113, 115-113 on two cards. Moloney won 116-113 on the third card. After the fight, an angry Moloney announced his retirement.

Former world champion Cherneka Johnson (16-2, 6 KOs) dethroned previously unbeaten WBA female bantamweight champion Nina Hughes (6-1, 2 KOs) by ten round majority decision. Hughes was originally declared the winner by ring announcer Lieutenant Dan Hennessy, however the score was announced again moments later with Johnson winning. Scores were 95-95, 96-94, 98-92.

Other Results:
Hemi Ahio TKO1 Lucas Browne (heavyweight)
Joseph Goodall TKO10 Faiga Opelu (heavyweight)
Imam Khataev KO6 Ricards Bolotniks (light heavyweight)

All-action WBC #3 super featherweight Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez (35-2, 32 KOs) scored a seventh round TKO over rugged Daniel Lugo (27-3-1, 18 KOs) on Saturday night at the Palenque de la Feria in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Lugo hurt Hernandez in round three, but Rocky woke up after that, pressing the action and beating up Lugo the rest of the way. The referee finally waved it off at 2:17 of round seven. Hernandez was a round away from winning the WBC title last October against O’Shaquie Foster before being stopped in the final round.

WBA female super bantamweight champion Erika Cruz (17-2-1, 3 KOs) and unbeaten mandatory challenger Nazarena Romero (13-0-2, 7 KOs) battled to a ten round draw. Scores were 97-93 Romero, 97-93 Cruz, 95-95. Cruz retains the title.

2020 Olympic gold medalist Lauren Price (7-0, 1 KO) dethroned former undisputed female welterweight champion Jessica “CASkilla” McCaskill (12-4-1, 5 KOs) to claim the WBA title by eight round techical decision on Saturday night at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff, Wales. McCaskill tried to make it a brawl, but Price was always a step ahead. The bout was sent to the judges at the start of round nine due to swelling caused by a cut over McCaskill’s left eye. Scores were 90-82 3x.

Heavyweight Hughie Fury (28-3, 16 KOs), cousin of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, scored a second round TKO over Patrick Korte (Patrick Korte (21-4-1, 18 KOs). A barrage of punched prompted a referee’s stoppage at 2:06.

Other Results:
Rhys Edwards W10 Thomas Patrick Ward (featherweight)
Mark Jeffers TKO5 Darren Johnstone* (super middleweight)

Unbeaten 6’7 heavyweight Mourad Aliev (11-0, 8 KOs) had no problems with Dilan Prasovic (17-4, 14 KOs) on Saturday night at Motorworld in Cologne, Germany. Aliev dropped Prosovic in round two and twice in round three to end it. Time was 2:43. Aliev retained his WBC silver international silver title.

Unbeaten heavyweight Jose Larduet (13-0, 11 KOs) scored a fourth round KO against Luis Jose Marin Garcia (15-6, 10 KOs). Larduet needs to step up the competition.

WBC #15 super middleweight Serhat Guler (6-0, 5 KOs) knocked out Carlos Galvan (20-13-2, 19 KOs) with a body shot in round three.

Unbeaten super middleweight Leon Bauer (21-0-1, 11 KOs) outpointed Dominik Ameri (22-24, 9 KOs) over eight rounds. No scores announced.

By Mark Vaz

One of boxing’s true nice guys, Art Jimmerson, 60, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday in Los Angeles. On his way to work at the UFC gym where he was employed as a trainer, he passed out in his car at a stop sign, and never regained consciousness, succumbing to what was likely an aneurism or heart attack. Continue reading “Art Jimmerson passes”

Report/Photos: Damon Gonzalez

Undefeated welterweight Arnold Gonzalez (15-0, 6 KO’s) from New York, NY. became the WBA Fedecentro champion after defeating Esneiker “La Maravilla” Correa (15-5-1, 13 KO’s) from Los Teques, Venezuela, on Friday night at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, Niagara Falls, New York. For the most part, the fighters remained in the center of the ring trading big shots till Correa gassed out in round five and told referee Charlie Fitch he couldn’t continue.

Female super bantamweight Mikiah Kreps (8-0, 3 KO’s) from Niagara Falls, NY. Took a hard fought eight round unanimous decision over Melissa Oddessa Parker (6-3, 2 KO’s) from Brooklyn, NY. Judges official scores were 78-74, 77-75, 79-73.

Super Bantamweight Alexander Castellano (10-1-2, 2 KO’s) from Tonawanda, NY, executed well in his six round unanimous decision victory over a very tough Miguel Carrizo (3-3-2, 2 KO’s) from Buenos Aries, Argentina. Judges official scores 59-55, 58-56, 59-55. Continue reading “Arnold Gonzalez wins WBA Fedecentro belt”

Photos: Sumio Yamada

Vasyl Lomachenko 135 vs. George Kambosos 134.25
(IBF lightweight title)

Andrew Moloney 114.5 vs. Pedro Guevara 115
(WBC interim super flyweight)

Nina Hughes 117.5 vs. Cherneka Johnson 116.75
(WBA female bantamweight title)

Lucas Browne 272.1 vs. Hemi Ahio 238.6
Joseph Goodall 240.8 vs. Faiga Opelu 232.6
Imam Khataev 177.2 vs. Ricards Bolotniks 177

Venue: RAC Arena, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Promoter: DiBella Entertainment
TV: ESPN

Photos

Junior Yunan 167.2 vs. Ricardo Adrian Luna 168
(WBA Continental USA gold title)

Ryan O’Rourke 146.4 vs. Michal Bulik 146
Ronny Reyes 130.6 vs. Yeuri Andujar 131.4
John McDonagh 166.2 vs. Tevin Terrance 168.6

Venue: The Paramount, Huntington, NY
Promoter: Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
TV: STARBOXING.TV

Rocky Hernandez 129.9 vs. Daniel Lugo 129.5
(WBC super featherweight eliminator)

Erika Cruz 121.1 vs. Nazarena Romero 121.5
(WBA female super bantamweight title)

Randy Leon 140.3 vs. Misael Cabrera 139.8
Criztec Bazaldua 136.5 vs. Luis Fernando Ruiz 134.4
Leonardo Rubalcava 138.3 vs. Roberto Nevarez 139.4

Venue: Palenque de la Feria, Aguascalientes, Mexico
Promoter: Matchroom
TV: DAZN

The main event features the winners from “Granite Chin Box Off” Semifinals #1 and #2.

Thomas “The Kid” O’Toole 173 vs. Russell Kimber 172
Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste 159 vs. Ricky Ford 156
Kevin “Big Gulp” Nagle 277 vs. Santander Silgado 230

“Granite Chin Box Off” Super Middleweight Tournament Semifinals
Semifinal #1
Tony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi 168 vs. Ryan Clark 166
Semifinals #2
James “Pitbull” Perkins 167 vs. Bernard Joseph 168

“Iron” Greg Bono 159 vs. Tymar Miles 158
Jonathan de Pina 144 vs. Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey 146
Joe Bush 148 vs. Tracey Coppedge 146
Thomas Blumenfeld 143 vs. Igor Santos 142

Venue: Quincy Youth Arena in Quincy, Massachusetts
Promoter: Granite Chin
TV: Bxngtv.com

By Boxing Bob Newman

Due to inclement weather and flash flood warnings in San Juan this past Tuesday night, former two-time WBA Jr. Lightweight champion Samuel Serrano was unable to attend the Meet the Champs cocktail event. Disappointed but undeterred, this writer made arrangements through some of his local Boricua connections and the champ and his wife Marta were able to come to the host hotel Marriott today. The IBF convention was officially over and the board of directors was in a private meeting as is customary at the end of every convention.

However, this writer thought it would be rude to have the champ all to himself so we politely interrupted the meeting, much to the pleasure of President Daryl Peoples and the remaining board members, who all agreed unanimously to take a break and greet a champ and pose for photos. Serrano hugged and shook hands with everyone, then displayed some of his trademark “El Torbellino” (Whirlwind) speed by throwing a furious flurry of punches, to the joy of everyone on hand! A new, “Where Are They Now” interview will be forthcoming!

IBF welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis defends his crown against unbeaten mandatory challenger Cody Crowley July 13 clash at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, live worldwide on DAZN. Ennis and Crowley came face-to-face for the first time at a launch press conference Friday in Philadelphia – where Ennis fights at home for the first time since November 2018.

Cody Crowley: “Listen, this is a real-life Rocky Story. I’ve had my whole, entire life taken from me. I’m ready to die on July 13. He has a man in front of him who is ready to die. I’m serious…the last time I was going for the IBF, I was going against the #1 contender, and I went from #6 after I beat him to #14. So that tells you none of this s*** is real and it’s all f****** illusions. I don’t care about this IBF title. I don’t need the title. And I don’t need any of your guys’ acceptance. I’m whole in myself and I’m happy. I’m just proud of myself to be here. All the s*** that I’ve been through, I pulled on and I kept going.”

Jaron Ennis: “My main focus right now is Cody Crowley. My eyes are on him. After this? Definitely undisputed, for sure. I want to go and collect all the rest of the belts, then go up to 154 and do the same thing there…by the time I fight on July 13, it’s going to be a year. Everybody’s missed me. I’m the best. I’m the best at this game, I’m the most exciting in this game and the fans love to see knockouts, so of course they’re going to come out to see me. For sure. They’re going to come and see me put on a show, beat him up, beat him down, then get the knockout…I want to thank Cody for coming out to fight. I appreciate that. But I’m sorry it had to be you.”

Report/Photo: Boxing Bob Newman

It was a small but hearty throng that managed to attend the closing meeting of the 39th annual IBF convention this morning at 9:30 a.m. The size was not surprising given the hard night of partying at the annual awards banquet last night. President Daryl Peoples thanked Jeanette Salazar and her hard-working behind the scenes staff, to the board of directors to the convention goers themselves for a successful gathering this year. It was announced that next year’s 40th convention will return to the birthplace of the IBF in Atlantic City. While nothing is signed yet, it looks like Caesars will be the host hotel and the dates will be pushed back to the traditional Memorial Day week. Thank you, IBF, President Peoples and the staff for another successful convention. See you all next year on the boardwalk!

After a nearly four-year layoff, former cruiserweight champion Marco Huck (42-5-1, 28 KOs) will return to the ring in a heavyweight bout on June 29 at the Estrel Hotel in Germany. The 39-year-old “Käpt’n” Huck will face 6’6 Evgenios Lazaridis (19-5, 13 KOs).

“I am highly motivated to finally get back into the ring and give the fans a great boxing match!,” said Huck. “I want to go back to the top against the best boxers. I want to win the world title and bring it back to Germany.”