By David Galaviz

Glendale, AZ…… Emiliano Vargas step back in to the desert diamond arena where is now becoming his home away from home. Come Friday night it will be his forth time fighting in the arena, each time he gave the fans what they came to see. When asked back in February of 2023 how many times he would like to fight in that year he stated 4/5 times and he kept that promise.

El General faces off against Irishmen Larry Fryers13-6-1 (5kos) who he described like fighting a Mexican fighter with that come forward fighting style, during Wednesdays press conference. Fryers has been one of the most out spoken opponents Emiliano has faced, Larry went on record saying he is going to knock him out in 5 rounds. However Vargas responded by saying its easy saying those prediction, in the ring it another thing and plans to show him that he has been waking up early, running the miles, learning in the gym. When asked by reporters what keeps his fire burning; his father, “my father keeps me humble”. Just like his father (Fernando Vargas) Emiliano looks to become a multiple world champion. Vargas has what it takes to be a great fighter the skill, dedication, and the fans who all love him. Be sure to catch his fight on ESPN+ or live in person at Desert Diamond Arena Friday

By David Galaviz –

Phoenix, AZ –

Checo Checo is what you will hear in any arena Sergio “Checo” Rodriguez of Hermosillo, Mexico is fighting. Sergio 10-0-1 (8Kos) is now fighting out of Phoenix, AZ like many who dare to take up boxing it was the trying to be like your big brother. Checo at the age of 8 years old started following his brothers to the local gym down the street from his house in the rough barrio in central Phoenix. Since that day over 20 years ago he has been training and fighting in some form. Drawing inspiration from his favorite fighter Hall of Famer and 9x world champion Juan manual Marquez. 

Checo made his professional debut in the summer of 2021, it just so happened that another future world champion out of phoenix was on the card Elijah Garcia 16-0 (13Kos) who is fighting this Saturday vs Kyrone Davis on the the first PBC Amazon telecast. Receiving a draw for his first fight, but has been as hot as the phoenix heat in the summer knocking his opponents out in 8 of the following 10 fights. Even sending 2 to the hospital one with a broken foot and the other with a severe concussion. 

This Friday he has another huge opportunity to show case his talent on another top rank card as he did in august of last year when he stopped his opponent in the 2^nd round. Catching the eyes of national boxing fans it was a no brainer to have him on another Top Rank card in Arizona, perhaps on many other cards in the future if he can take care of business fight night. This fight has the writings of being the one that breaks Sergio into a top prospect and upcoming star on the Top Rank roster.

Checo is now at the point in his career where he wants to fight as much as he can but would rather face tougher opposition even if that means not stepping in the ring as often. As he stated “I want to challenge myself and be a world champion Ill be able to take care of my family, myself and live a better life”. He is ready to give the fans a show no matter where or who is in front of him. 

You can catch Sergios fight as he takes on Sanny Dubersonne 12-6-2 (9Kos) on the Oscar Valdez Liam Wilson card tomorrow on ESPN plus starting at 3pm at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ. Get there early as you don’t want to miss this fight. 

By David Galaviz –

PHOENIX —Gabriella “Sweet Poison” Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs), of Coachella CA, will make her first defense of the IBF flyweight belt Saturday night at Footprint Center, the home of the Phoenix Suns. 

Fundora will take on challenger Cristina Cruz (6-0), of New York. When asked by reporters how does she build off her huge 2023 year into 2024, she said she wants to defend her title as many times as possible with the goal of becoming undisputed.

 When asked about the Current WBC, Ring, WBA, and WBO Flyweight champion Marlen Esparza (14-1 1KO), she stated:

“Let’s Go.”

She’s not overlooking her opponent on Saturday’s DAZN-streamed card featuring Jaime Munguia-John Ryder. That would be dangerous mistake. Cruz is an undefeated fighter coming off of a unanimous decision in October. Cruz is looking to shock the boxing world like Fundora did in her last fight with a fifth-round KO to obtain the IBF title.

Do not let that big smile fool you.  She calls herself “Sweet Poison” for a reason. When entering the ring, the smile is gone. She turned on the poison, the power in her nickname.  

The Fundora name is well-known. The family has a long line of boxers, starting with their father.  He then passed it down to his son Sebastian Fundora and Gabriella. They look to be the game’s next top family. Both kids have held multiple world titles in their respective weight divisions. 

Sebastian is coming off a devastating loss to Brian Mendoza, which he lost his junior-middle title. Looking to rebound, Sebastian is going to be on the undercard of the Timothy Tszyu-Keith Thurman card March 30th in Las Vegas where he will take on Serhii Bohachuck for the WBC Super Welterweight title.

By: David Galaviz

Glendale, AZ —Locally-known fighters, both from Phoenix, have been on a collision course. The build up has been heating up over time. On Saturday night on the the Navarrete-Valdez card at Desert Diamond Arena, they both have the chance to steal the show. In the second bout of the night Eduardo “Chi Chi” Ayala 9-3-1(3KOs) takes on Sergio “Checo” Rodriguez 7-0-1 (6KOs). At Thursday’s press conference both stated that they are excited for this opportunity and look to prove they’re next name fighter to represent Phoenix in the world of boxing. With both of fighters coming up with Iron Boy Promotions, it was destined for them to face off in the ring and what better opportunity than on a Mexican-headlined card, which some say could be the Fight of the Year. At the press conference, Ayala and Rodriguez both stated how this was a great opportunity and the chance to settle a rivalry. With having many friends in common, it will be a challenge to see these warriors go at it. For many in the stand — especially Phoenix boxing fans, this is the local headline attraction. 

Ayala stated that “this is a fight to help him propel his career and land a promotional deal with Top Rank. With his experience fighting on a bigger stage plays to his advantage” Ayala is coming off a close fight with Nico Ali Walsh on the Navarrete-Liam Wilson card back in February. Ayala won over the crowd that night as they chanted “Chi Chi Chi” through out the fight. 

Rodriguez when asked how is he feeling, “he says he is ready and is excited and performing at a arena is not a distraction”

At the weigh-ins on Friday afternoon at Marriott Resort at The Buttes, both fighters came in at the contract weight of 161LBs. Ayala at 160lbs and Rodriguez at 161LBs, Originally he came in at 161.3, than jumped back on the scale minus his boxers and made the official weight. 

This is a fight with explosive potential. It’s the second fight on the card Desert Diamond Arena Doors open at 4:45pm and the first bout will start at 5pm, Stay tuned to 15rounds.com for more information.

San Antonio, TX—Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield, 134.5 14-0 (11KOs) of Austin, Tx fought Haskell Rhodes 134.5 Lbs 28-4-1 (13KOs) fighting out of Las Vegas, NV. The pressure of headlining a major card did not have a negative effect on the young prospect he even braced it during the match. As this was a last minute change due to Vergil Ortiz having to withdraw by fainting Thursday. While it was not what the fights wanted when booking their trip, he gave the fans a show that almost forget it was a Vergil fight card. Dealing with the affect of homelessness one can say it helped him take on big adversities head on with out hesitation and welcome any new challenges. 

In what looked to be a quick fight as Schofield was out classing rhodes in the first 2 rounds snapping his head back with powerful jabs, and being poised not leaving himself open for a counter punch. Then the fight evened out as Rhodes started to garner some energy taking Schofields shots and giving him some as well. That all changed once the 7th round came as Floyd at the half way point of the round floored Rhodes with a short left hook to the face beating the 10 count Rhodes got up and regrouped but it short lived as he was knocked down again by a barrage of punches with 56 second left in the round. Looking to close out the schofield was in fifth gear in the 8th attacking and getting the 3rd knock down of the fight. With a uppercut to the body that had a delay getting Rhodes to the mat, similar to a liver shot would take. Dangerously having the count reach 8 almost 9 this time, none the less Rhodes did get up and continue to make it out of the round. In the 9th round schofield was cut under his left eye but not from a punch rather a brutal headbutt opening a huge gash.

Before the start of the last round(10th) the referee took Schofield to see the ring side doctor in which he said the fight can continue, Floyd used the crowds energy to electrify his performance to closed out the night. With all 3 Judges and everyone in the AT&T Center seeing it 100-87 unanimous decision in favor of “Kid Austin”. When asked about the headbutt he stated “its boxing you have to face adversity” and then called out 2020 silver medalist Keyshawn Davis 8-0 (6KOs) “send the contract and stop playing”. In the post fight conference Schofield again followed up calling out Davis, how ever his co-promoter Bernard Hopkins had another idea by putting it out there that he should Jojo Diaz next.

 Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. 141.5 Lbs 32-4-1 (32KOs) the pride South El Monte CA faced Jerry Perez 138Lbs 14-2-1 (11KOs) Harbor City, CA

JOJO looked re focused as he stated in the weigh ins. Even though Jojo he missed weight From the first round he was sharp and used his ring experience to his advantage. Staying to get what he needed then backing out not letting Jerry the chance to offer what he had. Perez did not back down as JoJo was giving him some hard shots. As the fight continued Perez gained some traction and he and JoJo went back and forth giving the fans a performance to talk about. In the 5th round Diaz look to have stunned Perez with a left hook to the side of the head. Followed by a combination to the head of Perez in which he took the hits well. The fights entirety was a fight that fans can enjoy with both fighters going at it and not backing down. JoJo came out the winner and rightfully so, earning a unanimous decision judges Alvarez and Robles scoring it 97-93 and Ciaz having it 98-92. In post fight conference Diaz stated that he felt Great physically and mentally, wants to be a good role model for the younger generation. JoJo did look refocused in the ring tonight as he utilized his experience and boxing skills and called out the names of William Zepeda 28-0 24KOs in which he lost by unanimous decision, Shakur Stevenson, and another revenge match with Mercito Gesta 34-3-3 17KOs who he lost by Majority Decision in March of this year.

Marlén Esparza 111.5 13-1 (1KO) Houston, TX vs Gabriela Alaniz 14-0 (6KOs) fighting out of Buenos Aries, ARG in this Fly weight fight for the unified title from the first bell rang both fighters came out swinging and had the interest of the crowd. ‘La Chucky’ landed a few more and cause Esparza to bleed from her left eye. In what could be the flight of the night  it was all action with Gabriela’s relentless straight forward attack and Marlens counter punches. As the fight went on each fighter proved they were ready give it their all and leave it in the ring. In the weigh in Marlén stated that “La Chucky is just a name of a doll and is not scared” which she proved standing and exchanging blows. Gabriela stated that she is “excited and wants to win”. Both  of these women are giving the fans what they were selling. In a phone booth type fight it went the distance with Espraza edging Alaniz by Majority Decison 95-95, 99-91, 97-93 on the 3 judges score cards. With the disapproval from the crowd who thought “La Chucky” Alaniz won the fight getting boos from her home state fans. 

Eric Tudor 155.5 8-0 (6KOs) of Fort Lauderdale FL took on Reggie Harris Jr 162.5 7-3 (3KOs)  what a way to start the broadcast with a quick knock down as Tudor sends Harris jr to the mat with a monstrous right hook to the head. The action continued to the  3^rd with both fighters exchanging punch leading up to Harris losing his mouth guard. 

Harris had the better forth by stunning Tudor and sending him to the ropes, trying to capitalize on it, Harris rush but was met with better defense. Not landing any clear shots Tudor recovered and even starting to tease Harris by patting his head, before again knocking his mouth guard out.           

Harris took advantage of how low tudors kept his left hand through out the fight especially in the 7^th round. However Eric seemed to still be in control stunning Reggie with a left and rights to the head but what did most damage was a left to his ear is what made Harris wobble. Tudor closed out the bout earning a hard fought win by Unanimous decision 77-74 on one of the judges and with the other two scoring the bout 78-73. In the post fight conference Tudor told reporters that the weight advantage played a role and he made the mistake of making the fight harder than it should have been. He looks to continue to develop through the remaining of the year and wants to keep active.

Tristan “Sweet T” Kalkreuth 10-1 7(KOs) Duncanville, TX took on “Mighty” Joe Jones 13-8 (10KOs) of Jersey City, NJ 2^nd fight on the Schofield VS Rhodes undercard. Sweet T made his 12^th pro fight look too sweet. Utilizing his right hand to dominate the fight knocking down Jones 2 times in the 2^nd round almost not making the count each time, taking full advantage of the 8 count. The 3^rd and final knock down was was enough for Sweet T to end the fight. The official time was 2:12 of the 2^nd by Knock out.

In a Dynamite opening attraction, Darius Fulghum 176.5LBS 5-0 (5Kos) of Houston TX lived up to his nickname “TNT” taking out Jeremiah Curtright 178.5LBS 2-1 (2Kos) of ST. Charles MO by TKO. The referee stopped the bout in the 3^rd at the 2:17 mark. Since the 1^st round Darius used his boxing skills to penetrate Jeremiah Curtrights High and tight defense. Knocking Jeremiah mouth piece twice before the round ended. In the 2^nd it was more of the same Darius was getting through the guard using upper cuts, TNT took a clean right but it did not faze him. Curtright was worn out by the end of the round stopping and taking some deep breathes and then leaning on the ropes before sitting. Knowing his opponent was tired Fulghum took advantage and came out to end the fight Knocking down Jeremiah twice with right hooks to the head. Using a combination of body shots and uppercuts the referee came in to stop the bout earning him his 6^th victory and with 6 Kos. 

Phoenix, Ariz……Making a quick return back to the ring after a long layoff. Trevor McCumby (26-0 20KOs) of Glendale Az is facing Rodolfo Martinez (44-10-3) of Buenos Aries, Argentina for the WBC USNBC Super Middleweight (168lbs) tittle. McCumbys last fought on the Ironboy 65 card this past May, Winning by TKO in the 5th round.

Trevor is back headlining the bill, During the weigh-ins it was found out that McCumbys original opponent backed out due to apparent broken nose. None the less Trevor Stated “He feels good and ready, different opponent, same plan…win”.

Just as quick as his follow up fight, he made fast work, of Martinez. With a KO to the body, in the first round at the 2:57 mark. Improving to 27-0 with 21 KOs. Before the stoppage McCumby looked to have shaken off the ring rust as he appeared comfortable to be in the ring.

 In his post-fight interview McCumby thanked God and called out the names of Edgar Berlanga and Caleb Plant. The future is looking bright make sure to be on the lookout, the once highly touted prospect is looking to regain that position.

By David Galaviz –

PHOENIX, AZ — Trevor McCumby is coming back the way he left.

Unbeaten

McCumby, a former heavyweight prospect, announced he will resume his career during an Iron Boy card at Celebrity Theater Saturday night.

McCumby, who made the surprising announcement from the center of the ring, said he plans to fight for the first time in more than four years on April 29, also at Celebrity, on an Iron Boy card expected to include Carlos Castro.

The 30-year-old McCumby, who lives in Glendale AZ, last fought in November 2018, pushing his record to 25-0 (19 KOs) with a unanimous decision over Felipe Romero.

“A spectacular night and performance,’’ McCumby said of what he expects in his return.

At the time of his announcement, it wasn’t known who he’ll fight. 

Castro (27-2, 12 KOs), a junior-featherweight from Phoenix, is coming off successive losses. He was stopped by Brandon Figueroa in July and lost a split decision to Luis Nery 14 months ago.   

Saturday night’s main-event results:

The main event showcased one of Iron Boy’s up- and-coming prospects. Phoenix welterweight Alexis Ortega (5-1, 4 KOs) scored a second-round stoppage of from Deonte Smith (0-2) of Jacksonville FL.

In the co-main, unbeaten Elias Terraza (6-0, 4 KOs), of Phoenix, AZ faced Giovanny Meza, of Mexico, in a 143-pound bout. Terraza looked poised, utilizing his left jab. But it was his right hook that ended the night for Meza at 1:34 of the second round.

GLENDALE, ARIZ.– Going to the fight with a short notice replacement southpaw Francisco Duque. Emiliano Vargas came into the fight with a record 2-0 2KOs looking to pick up from his last fight, Vargas came out of the opening round with a left that connected, then proceeded to work the body.

Round two was much of the same of the same. Duque came with some fire, proving he is not a stepping stone. Exchanging body shots, Vargas’s ring and body work earned him the round. He went into third round for the first time in pro career. 

inexperience wasn’t evident. He stayed calm, stuck to the plan of going to the body and setting up the left hook. Round four was back and forth with both fighters pleasing the crowds demands of putting on a show. By going the distance Emiliano “El General” Vargas earned his first decision win in the pros with a unanimous decision 40-36. Even though he didn’t score a knockout, he gained much more in the ring.

By David Galaviz-

GLENDALE, Ariz. — He has some of his father’s confidence. Some of his looks, too. It’s combo inherited from a famous dad, Fernando Vargas.

Like father, like son?

The story has begun to unfold with Emiliano Vargas, who calls himself “El General.” His father called himself “El Feroz.” Put the two together — a General’s leadership and his father’s — and it’s an ambitious beginning and perhaps an extension of the Vargas legacy.

Emiliano has already set the bar high. He’s bold about what he hopes to accomplish in this new year.

“I want to the Prospect of the Year in 2023,’’ he said.

The mission begins Friday against Francisco Duque on a ESPN card featuring Emanuel Navarrete against Liam Wilson at Desert Diamond Arena. His father will be there in his corner, a dad remembered for some of the most notable fights in the early 2000s.

The youngest of the Vargas brothers Emiliano “El General” Vargas following in his fathers footsteps, stepping in the ring. Often times children of pro athletes have unnecessary pressure to perform at the level or greater than their parents, in this case this young man dad happens to be.

Under the guidance of his father, two-time world light middleweight Emiliano became an eight-time amateur national champion.

He was busy as an amateur. and plans to stay busy as a pro

“I hope to fight five times this year” said Emiliano (2-0 2KOs), a lightweight who weighed in Thursday at 133.4 pounds. Duque (1-1), of Baytown Texas, weighed in at 136.5 pounds

Emiliano has been sparing with the likes of Jorge Linares and Shakur Stevenson. It’s an experience that can only put emiliano in a good position to accomplish one of the initial goals in a promising career. He had an exceptional amateur record, at astonishing 110 wins and only 10 loses. That record is a early sign of a young fighter who figures to be in the hunt to be the Prospect of the Year.

 Last May, he finished his opponent with a first round KO. Following his debut, “El General” picked up where he left off, scoring a second round knockout. He threw a left hook, for a sensational stoppage of Julio Cesar Martinez. It was a stunner. And more. It drew consideration for KO of the year 2022, a pretty good beginning on his goal for 2023.