NEWARK, NJ–In the main event of a PBC on FOX card from the Prudential Center, South Carolina’s Jonathan Rice (14-6-1, 10KO) scored an upset fifth round stoppage over previously unbeaten ex-Marine Michael Coffie (12-1, 9KO).  

Rice, a late replacement for Gerald Washington who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week, set the tone early in round one, consistently finding a home for his right hand.

Uncomfortable with how the first three minutes played out, the orthodox Coffie switched to southpaw in the second and experienced brief success before the momentum pendulum swung back in the 34 year-old Rice’s favor who kept the right hands coming behind an active jab. 

Coffie, a 35 year-old former US Marine, was unable to make the necessary adjustments to stymie Rice’s offense, and eventually, midway through round five, the dam broke.  Right hands from Rice sent an exhausted and energy-zapped Coffie lazily retreating toward a neutral corner.  An ensuing brief barrage of uncontested blows by Rice was enough for referee Eric Dali to step in and save Coffie from further punishment at the 2:19 mark.

Vito Mielnicki Scores TKO2 Over Noah Kidd

In the contest in which most fans in attendance came to witness, Jersey boy Vito Mielnicki Jr. (9-1, 6KO) powered his way to a TKO2 over late replacement Noah Kidd (6-4-2, 5KO).  

Up until yesterday afternoon Mielnicki had his sights set on extracting revenge against James Martin, who eked out a majority decision over him in April.  However, when Martin came in 4.5 pounds overweight the 147 welterweight limit on Friday, the Martin rematch was called off and in stepped Kidd.  

And any frustration Mielnicki harbored toward Martin missing weight, he took out on Kidd.  The 19 year-old put his power on display, landing a perfectly leveraged counter left hook that simultaneously dropped Kidd his ass while bringing hundreds of Mielnicki supporters roaring to their feet. 

In the second, another Mielnicki left caused a wounded Kidd’s hands to drop as he slowly retreated.  Smelling blood in the water Mielnicki turned up the heat, bullying Kidd to the ringpost where he unloaded a barrage of body shots.  Moments later, after clipping Kidd once more with a left on the chin, referee Eric Dali stepped in to halt the action at the 2:32 mark of round two.  

“There were no issues with the change of opponent,” Mielnicki said post-fight.  “I trained for a more technical fighter. Kidd was more awkward than Martin. We got the job done in front of my hometown fans, so I’m happy.  

On the hundreds of fans who flocked to downtown Newark to show support, Mielnicki said, “This is my home and these are my people. Whenever we fight in Jersey this is where we’re doing it. I’m looking forward to many more fights here.”

Spencer Cruises To Wide Decision Over Martin

In the first of three contests to be aired nationally on FOX, Joey Spencer (13-0, 9KO) battled his way to a unanimous decision victory over Philadelphia’s James Martin (7-3).  At the end of eight rounds, judges cards read 79-73×2 and 80-72 all for Michigan’s Spencer.  

There wasn’t much in this 24 minute “middleweight” affair…little risks (especially from Spencer) and fewer rewards.  Martin, who has yet to score a win via KO in his ten fight career tried to walk down the bigger and stronger Spencer, who was more than happy to invite Martin in and pepper him with jabs and left hooks en route to his wide decision victory. 

Up until about 1pm Eastern yesterday, both fighters were slated to face different opponents.  Martin was penciled in to rematch Vito Mielnicki Jr., who he bested by majority decision in April, while Spencer was scheduled to square off against Pennsylvania’s Dan Karpency.  However, both Martin and Spencer missed weight Friday afternoon — Martin quite egregiously, coming in 4.5 pounds over his 147 pound target, and Spencer at 156.5, 2.5 pounds over his contractually agreed to weight.  

“There were one or two rounds where he was throwing and he had a lot of activity, but I was blocking,” Spencer said afterward.  “I only took one or two shots and to be honest I would have thought it would be a shutout.”

Andre Dirrell Makes It 2-For-2 At Light Heavyweight; Stops Brooker In Three 

Former Olympic bronze medalist and interim IBF super middleweight champion Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell (28-3, 18KO) continued his comeback at light heavyweight, scoring an impressive third round TKO over Philadelphia’s Christopher Brooker (16-8, 6KO).  

It was all Dirrell from the opening bell, as the southpaw controlled the fight with his jab, rarely letting his left hand fly.  Midway through the second round though, Dirrell started to use that jab to set up his left, which almost exclusively was fired at Brooker’s body.  Then in the third Dirrell put all his punches together, and dropped Brooker with a body shot to the liver.  Brooker beat Ricky Gonzalez’s ten-count but was dropped to a knee moments later following a barrage of punches from Dirrell.  After getting back to his feet one final time, the 37 year-old Dirrell greeted Brooker with more fists of fury until Gonzalez stepped in and stopped the bout at the 2:58 mark.  

Tonight marked the first time Dirrell has fought since November 2019.  

Paterson’s Norman Neely Stays Perfect, Earns UD Over Juan Torres 

Paterson New Jersey’s Norman Neely (9-0, KO) rewarded his patiently waiting fans and remained undefeated by earning a wide six round unanimous decision (60-52, 60-54×2) over fellow heavyweight Juan Torres (6-4-1, 3KO). 

In the early rounds, the Texan Torres tried to employ a bull-rush strategy, where he continually charged Neely with the intention of making it an ugly, scrappy affair.  But as the rounds wore on, the soft and doughy Torres began to tire, which allowed for Neely to better manage the distance.  

In the fourth, fighting at his desired range, the 31 year-old Neely began to pick apart Torres and as the round drew to a close, viciously battered Torres who was mercifully saved by the bell.

Neely did his best to dispose of the hard-nosed Torres, but there would be no knockdowns, no Great Falls.  Torres joins only Nicoy Clarke as fighters who have managed to go the distance with Silk City’s Neely.

Dargan Detonates Two Rights; Scores TKO2 Over Delgado

In the first match of the FS1 portion of tonight’s card, Philadelphia’s Karl “Dynamite” Dargan (20-1, 10KO) sent Los Angeles’s Ivan Delgado (13-4-2, 6KO) crashing to the canvas twice en route to an emphatic second round TKO victory. 

Though it was Dargan’s first fight in almost three years, there was no ring rust evident.  After a competitive first two rounds, Dargan uncorked a vicious counter right uppercut that nearly ripped Delgado’s head off his neck and sent him to the mat.  Too brave for his own good, Delgado beat referee Harvey Dock’s ten count, but was only destined to survive another :30 seconds or so.  The end came when the 36 year-old Dargan landed a right cross to the chin that collapsed Delgado to his knees.  And while Delgado again made it quickly to his feet, referee Dock correctly halted the fight at the 1:09 mark.

In addition to tonight being Dargan’s first fight since November 2018, it was also his first fight without his uncle, the late Naazim Richardson in his corner.  

 Anderson Scores TKO When Rogers Doesn’t Answer Bell For Rd2

Newark-born Michael Anderson (21-3-1, 15KO) scored a TKO1 over Tennessee’s Demarcus Rogers (14-4-1, 5KO) when Rogers was unable to answer the bell for the second round.  After a fairly competitive first three minutes, with the 40 year-old Anderson getting the better of the action, Rogers was unable to answer the bell for the second round.   Acting on the advice of the ringside physician (perhaps due to a hand or shoulder injury), referee Harvey Dock stopped the contest, resulting in a TKO win for the veteran Anderson. 

Jordan Rosario Ekes Out SD Over Fellow Jerseyan Nicky Vitone

In the second fight of the evening Jersey City’s Jordan Rosario (4-10) bested Pine Brook’s Nicky “The Bull” Vitone (5-1-1, 4KO) via split decision in a four round all New Jersey welterweight affair.  The younger, more aggressive Vitone brought the pressure, but the 30 year-old vet Rosario dug in, slipped punches, and fired back enough scoring shots to earn the judges approval.  Scores were 39-37×2 for Rosario, and 39-37 for Vitone.  The decision marks the first win for Rosario, who trains out of the Ironbound Boxing Gym in Newark’s East Ward, since February 2019.

Jersey Debutant Malik Nelson Scores Fourth Rd Stoppage Over Alejandro Ramirez

In the opening contest of a ten bout PBC fight card from the Prudential Center, New Jersey’s Malik Nelson (1-0, 1KO) earned a fourth round TKO  over Colorado’s Alejandro Ramirez (0-2) in his pro debut.  Nelson scored two knockdowns in the first, and kept the heat on until earning the stoppage in the fourth and final round.  A boxer since age five, Nelson racked up seven amateur national championships before stepping away from the sport in 2018 to pursue a college degree.  Now 21 years old, Nelson can call himself a rising junior business administration student at Monmouth University, as well as an undefeated professional prizefighter.

Quadir Albright Stops Jared Tallent In Two

Philadelphia’s Quadir Albright improved to 2-0, 2KO with a second TKO over debutant Jared Tallent.  Albright dropped Tallent in the second, who beat the referee’s count only to take a few more shots before Ricky Gonzalez called off the fight for good at the 1:14 mark.

By Kyle Kinder-

Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez was just eight years old when he started boxing competitively.  As an amateur he racked up a laundry list of honors, including a 2013 National Golden Gloves Title.  As a professional, he has compiled a perfect record to date; 21-0, 14 kayos.  His 18-plus year journey between the ropes now leads him to Las Vegas on June 12 where he’ll face the toughest challenge of his career against former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza (28-3, 13KO).

“This is a big stepping stone for me,” Rodgriguez, a New Jersey-native, acknowledged.  “If I get through Pedraza…I’ll be at the top of 140, and that’s what we’re aiming for.”

While Scotland’s Josh Taylor just claimed King of the Junior Welterweight Castle with his convincing victory over Jose Ramirez, a win against Pedraza would put Rodriguez right in the mix in a deep 140 pound division.

Perhaps adding a bit of pressure on Rodriguez for his next bout is the fact his contract with Top Rank expires in July.  With that in the back of his mind, he knows the Pedraza fight is an opportunity for him to gain leverage for upcoming contract negotiations, whether those be with Top Rank or another promotional outfit.

To date, Rodriguez, a New Jersey native, has fought his entire pro career under the Top Rank banner.  After turning pro in 2013, he overpowered early opposition, mowing down eight of his first nine rivals.  But in 2015 he started to experience shoulder pain, something he initially thought was normal boxing wear and tear.  It was a tolerable soreness, but he eventually found out the source of his pain was abnormal, and there were actual tears.  For over a year, Rodriguez opted to fight through his injuries, but in 2017 he underwent surgery to repair the torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Ever the optimist, Rodriguez thinks the times he fought with his shoulder injury actually helped mature him into a more well-rounded boxer.

“Once I had the injury I didn’t know for a long time, I just felt like my arm was injured and I just had to change my style up,” Rodriguez said.  “So I was actually fighting with tears in my shoulder which caused me to change my style up and box more and use more of my footwork and utilize different tools in my arsenal.  In a way, I always look at the positive in everything so I took the time to focus on other things, sharpening my other tools.”

The shoulder surgery and subsequent rehab ultimately kept Rodriguez out of the ring for 22 months.  Since returning to the ring in July 2019, Rodriguez has stopped four of his five opponents before the final bell. 

“Once I was all healed up I felt like my footwork was better, my jab was better, and of course my power came back,” said Rodriguez.

Now, just weeks away from squaring off against Pedraza, Rodriguez is confident all the sacrifices made in the name of boxing since he was an eight year old kid have prepared him to pass his most difficult test with flying colors.  While conscious that Pedraza poses a grave threat to his career progression, Rodriguez can’t find anything about his opponent’s skillset that concerns him.

“I have respect for the fact that he’s been world champion and that he has experience, but I feel like everything that he has, I do it better,” Rodriguez said.  “In terms of hand speed, in terms of power, in terms of foot-movement, head-movement, I don’t think in terms of skill that he surpasses me in anything.”

He added, “We see a lot of holes [in Pedraza’s game].  It’s pretty much whatever fight we want to fight, I think we’ll be good.”

As fighters often do, Rodriguez has played out his upcoming fight in his head multiple times.  He says he has visualized various scenarios and is prepared to adapt with the ebb and flow of the fight to achieve victory.  Deep down however, Rodriguez thinks he becomes just the second boxer to stop Pedraza inside the distance. 

“Based on how this camp is going, I don’t see how this guy is going to pass 6 rounds, I don’t,” Rodriguez said.  “The pressure, the output volume of punches, the bodywork, I feel like I’m the naturally bigger guy too.  I just don’t feel like he’s going to be able to take these punches for that long…We’re right where we want to be.  We’ve had great sparring, and this guy’s going to go through hell on the 12th.”

By Kyle Kinder-

Jesse Hart isn’t the only Top Rank fighter angling for a showdown against Brooklyn-born KO-artist Edgar Berlanga (17-0, 16KO).  Unbeaten Tennessean Tyler Howard (19-0, 11KO) is hoping he’ll be the next boxer with a chance to stamp the first “L” on Berlanga’s record. 

Earlier in the year Howard thought he might get a crack at the Puerto Rican wrecking ball, but the stars never aligned.

“To be totally honest this was brought to my attention in January,” the 27 year-old Howard recalled.  “They [Howard’s management team] called me…and said that it was a possibility for me to fight him on the card that just passed in Kissimmee on April 24th.  I tested positive for COVID at that time, and then for whatever reason the fight didn’t develop and Demond Nicholson ended up taking the fight.”

Against Nicholson, Berlanga was made to fight beyond the opening round for the first time in his career.  Not only that, despite sending Nicholson to the mat four times, Berlanga was stretched all eight rounds, where he picked up his first win via decision.

“If that fight had been a nine round fight, Demond Nicholson wouldn’t have made it because Edgar cracked him at the end of the eighth round and hurt him very bad,” Howard said.  “So that was extremely impressive.”

While Howard was complementary of Berlanga’s ability to retain punching power over a twenty-four minute window, he wasn’t impressed by his stamina.

“Edgar performed very well, but he did get tired in the later rounds and I feel like that’s something we can capitalize on,” said Howard.  “And Edgar has been knocked down in the past, he got knocked down in the amateurs and that hasn’t been long ago.  If you got a weak chin, you got a weak chin, and that’s just the way it is.  And I don’t think he fights very well on his back foot.  Whenever Nicholson was planting his feet and trying to walk through him and putting his punches together, he had some success.”

Although Howard’s last three contests have been fought at middleweight, his most impressive win arguably came at super middleweight against once-beaten Isaiah Seldon in 2018.  In that bout, Howard sent Seldon crashing to the mat twice and ended the fight in just :90 seconds. 

Even still, with Berlanga fighting at super middleweight, Howard prefers any potential match be fought at a catchweight.  But he’s realistic about who holds the cards.

“Obviously I’d want to make some kind of catchweight,” said Howard.  “If you look in the past he’s weighed 162, 164.  Recently he’s been making 168.  At the end of the day, he would be the A-side in this, he’s the one that carries the star-power, he’s the one that’s been dominating, he’s earned everything that he’s got.  So if I had to go up to 168 to fight him, I’d go up and do it.”

And while a possible bang up with Berlanga is an idea that has Howard fired up, he doesn’t view his fistic future as Berlanga-or-bust.

“One thing I want to make clear is that I’m not going to put my career on halt for Edgar Berlanga,” Howard said.  “If that fight isn’t there, it’s not there.  The middleweight division is loaded with big fights to be made, they’re everywhere.  I’m definitely not banking my career on a fight with Edgar Berlanga, but if they call me and the money and timing’s right then yeah, I’m down to bump with him.”

If they did mix it up, that fight would likely take place in late July or early August, as Berlanga is expected to become a father early next month.  But if their paths do cross inside the ropes, Howard fancies his chances. 

“I definitely think I can beat him,” Howard said. “If I didn’t think I could beat him, I wouldn’t take the fight.  But the most important thing is you have to figure out a way to neutralize his power because it doesn’t matter who you are if Edgar Berlanga catches you clean, he’s going to shut your ass down…that’s just the fact of the matter.”

To help prepare for his next fight, whether it be against Berlanga or not, Howard plans to head down to Houston, TX to work with Bobby Benton, who he thinks will help him get the most out of his power.  

“One thing he [Berlanga] will realize real fucking fast is that I can punch too,” Howard said.  “My knockout ratio doesn’t reflect how hard I punch…and my hands are a lot faster than his.  If I can get him on the inside trading with me, I’m going to win those exchanges.”

According to Howard, a potential Berlanga clash “is all about risk versus reward.” 

The risk is obvious, and Howard wants to take it.

The reward? To become a Van Helsing of sorts…to become the man that stops the Monster.

By Kyle Kinder-

Just after midnight on January 13, 2020, in the center of the boxing ring inside the Hard Rock’s Etess Arena in Atlantic City, Jesse Hart (26-3, 21KO) stood shoulder to shoulder with referee Harvey Dock, awaiting the verdict of his ten round light heavyweight clash against Joe Smith Jr.  Moments later, dinging from the ringside bell echoed through the arena and public address announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. read the judge’s scorecards: 97-92 Smith, 95-94 Hart, 98-91 Smith. 

The split-decision loss capped what had been a frustrating night for Hart, who was hoping to build momentum after scoring a unanimous decision over Sullivan Barrera in his prior outing.  But any immediate feelings of disappointment quickly gave way to concern. 

In the leadup to the Smith match, during training camp, Hart injured his right hand.  He thought he’d be able to fight through the pain, but in round two, after landing a short, awkwardly placed punch, Hart’s injury went from tolerable to severe.  Reluctant and unable to let his right hand go for the final seven-plus rounds, Hart tried to rely on his legs to evade the bigger, plodding Smith.  But it was to no avail.  A post-fight medical evaluation revealed damaged ligaments and a torn tendon, injuries that Hart was told were potentially “career ending.”

“I had one hand, I had to use my legs, I had to use my other attributes and my athleticism came into play,” Hart said about the Smith fight.  “When I have one hand, how am I going to stand in there and trade with a big puncher like Joe Smith, who is a bigger man than me?…People always say don’t make excuses, but that’s just the truth.”  He added, “With one hand, he was just too strong and I couldn’t hold him off with one hand.”

Eager to put the Smith fight in his rearview and fix his right hand, Hart braced for a major operation that would put him out of commission for a few months.  However, due to COVID-19, he wasn’t able to schedule his operation, which fell into the category of “elective surgery”, until June 5th, almost five months after his fight with Smith. 

During various post-surgery doctor visits, Hart sought clearance to resume training, but was continually rebuffed.  So for the last eight-plus months, heeding the advice of his doctors, Hart took it easy. 

“I’ve been really trying to let my hand heal, spending time with my family, my son and my daughter, and just trying to regain focus,” said Hart.  “It took major surgery and a long healing process, being patient, not wanting to punch….but I’m back to 100%, I feel a lot better.” 

Once Hart was finally greenlit to lace up his gloves again, he decided it best to part ways with head trainer Fred Jenkins.  Hart now hones his craft in North Philadelphia’s Philly 1 on 1 Boxing Gym, where he linked up with Boze Ennis, father of unbeaten welterweight phenom, Jaron “Boots” Ennis.  

“I recently made that switch and I’m starting to get comfortable with Boze and we’re starting to work real good,” Hart said.  He went on to state that while things didn’t necessarily get stale with Jenkins, Boze is “fresher.” 

With a healed right hand and new trainer at the helm, Hart now has his sights set on a potential June 12 matchup in Las Vegas against ultra-hyped super middleweight KO artist, Edgar Berlanga (17-0, 16KO).

“I think he’s a good puncher and over time he’ll develop, but I don’t think much of him,” Hart said of Berlanga. “I don’t think he’s ready for a guy of my caliber.  When Bob [Arum] said he wanted to do that, I literally jumped at that chance.  This is definitely a big fight for me, I won’t lie.  It’s definitely a big risk taking fight for me….I’m taking a gamble, but I know this kid can’t beat me and he won’t beat me in June.”

Hart’s only two losses at super middleweight have come in the form of razor-thin defeats in world title bouts against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.  Dropping back down to super middleweight from light heavyweight is a welcome change for Hart, who feels he does his best work at 168.

“I’m naturally a super middleweight….I talked to my mother and my mother said she thought I was too big.  She was saying, ‘You’re light Jesse, why are you fighting these big guys?’  She wasn’t always involved in my career, but she was saying the guys at 175 were too big, and my dad was saying that too…but now that I’m back here I feel comfortable.”

As of a week ago, Hart and Berlanga now have a common opponent on their resume in Demond Nicholson.  Nicholson was stopped by Hart in the seventh round of their 2018 contest, but went the distance in an eight round contest against Berlanga, becoming the only Berlanga opponent to make it out of round one in the process.

With regards to the Berlanga-Nicholson fight, Hart said, “Styles make fights.  He didn’t stop Demond Nicholson, but he did knock him down (four times).  I think Berlanga showed he had power, but I don’t think he showed smarts, I don’t think he showed skills, and I don’t think he showed athleticism.  He was getting hit a lot.”

Ever the boxing historian, Hart thinks a potential Berlanga fight would play out like another Philadelphia vs. Puerto Rico battle: Bernard Hopkins v Felix Trinidad.

“You saw what happened with Bernard Hopkins and Tito Trinidad,” the presumed underdog Hart, said. “He didn’t care that the whole Garden was against him.  He went in there and did his job and got Tito out of there.  It’s going to play out like that.  If this fight gets made, it will be a hell of a fight, but I got me stopping him in eight rounds.  I got both of my hands, I’m living right, I’m healthy, there’s no way this thing goes eight rounds June 12.”

By Kyle Kinder-

In late spring 2013, having spent his last eight months training with the Danish military, Landry Kore was mentally preparing for deployment to Afghanistan.  Then he answered a life-altering phone call.

The voice at the other end of the line was a familiar one; that of former Danish Olympic boxer and Kore’s old amateur coach, Brian Lentz.  Lentz told Kore about a tryout in Copenhagen being staged by European boxing promotional giants, brothers Kalle and Nisse Sauerland.  The Sauerland’s were scouring Denmark seeking to bolster their roster of talent, which at the time included the country’s top ranked prizefighter, Patrick Nielsen.  

Kore, a former Danish Amateur National Champion, was hesitant.  He was a soldier now.  

He told Lentz, “Listen, I haven’t done any boxing training in eight months.”

But his ex-coach insisted.  “He told me, just come and put your name out there,” Kore recalled. “He convinced me to take a leave for the weekend and go to the audition.”

When Kore arrived at the gym, he quickly grasped the magnitude of the opportunity at hand.

“There were television cameras and newspapers.  Patrick Nielsen was there and [former world super middleweight champion] Mikkel Kessler…there were over 100 people there,” Kore said.   

The fighters, a mix of amateurs and professionals, were asked to workout at various stations.  They performed cardio exercises, smacked speed bags, and pounded heavy bags.  Once boxers completed the circuit of drills they were divided into groups by weight and made to spar in a mini tournament.  Those who impressed during their sparring sessions advanced to the next round, while those who underwhelmed were free to head home. Despite not gloving up for over half a year, Kore, along with three others, progressed to the final round.

Knowing this round-robin style of sparring matches were his last opportunity to impress Team Sauerland, Kore dug deep.  A mix of skilled boxing, ring IQ, and military-induced stamina resulted in Kore dominating all three of his opponents.  Within weeks he was presented with his first professional boxing contract.

But as eager as he was to put pen to paper, Kore first needed to be relieved of his military obligations.

“In Denmark you don’t just go into the Army,” Kore explained.  “I had to go through a selection of 400 people, and I think they accepted around 40.  So they invested in me for eight months.”

He continued, “I had to speak with my captain and say look this is what’s going on right now.  I told him I dreamed about being a professional boxer, but I also somehow got away from that dream, but this opportunity just came to me.”

Kore was prepared for rejection, ready to swallow the bitterest of pills.  Fortunately, he would never have to. 

“You know what, don’t worry about it, I’ll figure something and you can leave,” Kore remembers his captain telling him.  “Today I’m even still friends with him on LinkedIn, he’s been supporting [my career].”

As unconventional a path to professional boxing as Kore’s was, his journey to the sport itself was just as unlikely.

Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast in 1989, Kore spent his first decade of life surrounded by family and friends, living a normal Ivorian childhood.  When he turned 11 he left for Denmark to reunite with his father, who was living in Copenhagen.  

Shortly after, Kore’s life took a cruel and tragic turn.  About six months after leaving the Ivory Coast, Kore’s mother passed away.  Less than a year later, his father kicked him out of the house.  

“I ended up in a foster home,” Kore recalled.  “It was quite stressful, leaving Africa and all my family, coming to Europe, expecting to live with my father and he put me on the street.”

In foster care, Kore became close with a 16 year-old boy, three years older than him at the time.

“Living with him, he became my brother, even though he was a different skin color than me,” Kore said.  “And one day he came home and said he had an issue with some guy from school.” 

They knew their new rival was a boxer, so naturally Kore and his foster brother headed to the local boxing gym, figuring they’d be able get their licks in a responsible manner, without fear of repercussions.

“I had no idea what boxing was at that point,” Kore admitted.  “We got to the gym and we kept asking to spar.  The coach was like, ‘No, you cannot spar with this guy, but you can get some of the younger fighters who are the same age as you.’ I thought, man they can’t do anything to me, but I actually got my ass kicked.”

Kore continued, “After we went to the gym again, eventually we even forgot the beef we had [with their rival].  But I really fell in love with the sport.  At that time, with all the things happening in my life, coming up to Denmark with my father, and the only person there that I know throwing me out on the street…I felt like boxing was a place where I can find refuge.”

Oh, and the head boxing trainer at the gym Kore happened to stumble into?  None other than former world super feather champion Jimmy Bredahl.  

“He became something of a father figure for me,” Kore said of Bredahl.  

Kore fell in love with boxing at a vulnerable time in his life and the love was mutual.  But like all relationships, Kore and boxing have had their ups and downs.

Months after inking his deal with Sauerland, Kore turned professional in April 2014, earning a four-round unanimous decision victory 28 fight veteran Nikola Matic.  He scored his first knockout five months later against the Czech Republic’s Michal Vosyka.

Four fights and four wins later, Kore and Sauerland parted ways in late 2015.  The following year saw Kore, fighting at middleweight, decisioned veteran Andreas Reimer before brawling with Poland’s Bartolomiej Grafka in a fight that resulted in a no contest.

Without the backing of a well-oiled promotional machine, Kore traveled across the Atlantic for the first time in his career in 2017 and fought his eighth professional bout on a Christy Martin promoted card in Charlotte, North Carolina where he scored an easy KO1 over Richmond’s Travis Davidson.  In his next bout, Kore knocked out Armenian Armen Ypremyan to claim the IBO Mediterranean Middleweight Title for his first taste of alphabet hardware.  

Promoter-less, Kore signed with a German management team in 2018 and began splitting time between Copenhagen and Karlsruhe, Germany.  It’s at the Mach1 Gym in Karlsruhe where Kore practices his craft under the tutelage of top-rated German trainer Dominik Junge.  

After going 1-0-1 in 2019, Kore hoped 2020 would be the year he’d create big waves in the middleweight waters, with a personal goal of cracking the top ten of an alphabet ranking. 

After penning a new contract with an upstart Danish promotional company, Kore’s 2020 began with a bang when he KO’d Frenchman Idaas Redjdal in late February.  Then the COVID-19 pandemic thrust the world into disarray.  Uncertainty ruled the day and Kore and his new team had little control over when his next contest would be.

“They said March, then in May, June, July,” Kore said.  “During all this time at some point, my body said you need to relax.  I was training too much, overtraining.  I was training for a fight and then about a week or two before a fight the Danish government said no events….so I had to stop training.”

Kore eventually eased off the gas and split with his Danish promoters.  In March 2021 Kore made a curious, but calculated career move for someone with only one fight in America and inked a deal with California-based promoter Shane Shapiro and his promotional company, No Limit Mindset. 

Junge and Shapiro had a prior relationship, and Kore was impressed with the way the young promoter had managed the career of Turkish-German super middleweight Cem Kilic.  A few phone calls later, Kore was convinced that signing with No Limit Mindset was the right decision for his career.

“When I spoke with Shane, the whole vibe, the energy, it was completely different,” Kore said glowingly.  

With his promotional situation straightened out, Kore, who hasn’t fought in 14 months, has his sights set on returning to the ring as soon as possible.

“Shane is planning something for the end of May or June,” Kore said.  “He really wants me to get in the ring, but there have been so many things in Germany, the restrictions and lockdowns, not even allowing professional athletes to train.” 

The 31 year-old Kore continued, “It doesn’t really matter where the fight is, I just want to have progression in my career.  The goal is to climb the rankings and get into the top ten.  This is what I want, this is what I dream of, this is what I’m willing to do everything for.  If the fights are in the US, then let’s go.” 

Currently, Boxrec.com rates Kore, whose record stands at 11-0-1 with 6 kayos, as Denmark’s top-ranked male boxer.  He admits that at present, though, the state of the country’s female fight game is a bit healthier than the men’s.

“Right now the female fighters are doing pretty good, but the males…the young guys are still prospects,” Kore said.  “The promoters just need to keep these young guys busy.  It looks like maybe one or two more years before it looks like anything.”

While a younger generation of Danish fighters may be a few years away from earning legitimate contender status, Kore knows he’s knocking on that door.  

He anticipates he’ll return to the ring with a “comeback fight” against a modest level of competition.  After that, he believes just one or two wins against “next-level” competition will catapult him into a top ten ranking and position him for a crack at a world title.  That’s the roadmap to glory that Kore has laid out in his mind.  With Shapiro and Junge in his corner, Kore believes he now has the right team around him to help him fulfill his dreams. 

Time and again, whether in life or in the ring, Kore has shown an extraordinary ability to overcome adversity.  He may get knocked down, but you can’t count him out.  Only a fool would doubt him.

By Kyle Kinder-

When Brownsville and boxing are mentioned in the same sentence, the name Mike Tyson usually emerges from someone’s mouth.  And if it doesn’t, there’s a good chance the name of another Brownsville champion does; perhaps Riddick Bowe or Shannon Briggs, maybe Zab Judah or Daniel Jacobs.

There’s another Brownsville though, some 2,000 miles from the boxing-rich Brooklyn streets of Tyson’s youth.  Just across the border from Matamores, Mexico, this Brownsville has yet to produce a world champion.  At 8-0 with 5KO’s, junior welterweight Omar “El Relampago” Juarez is on a mission to change that.

With a population north of 182,000 people, Brownsville claims the southernmost point on mainland USA and is the most populous municipality comprising Texas’ Rio Grande Valley.  And while boxing’s roots run deep in Brownsville, it wasn’t until recently that the city and surrounding region have begun to produce world-class fighters. 

In the Rio Grande Valley, like the rest of Texas, football is king.  Most boys grow up playing youth football with the dream of one day achieving glory under Texas’ famed Friday Night Lights.  So perhaps it was a bit of a divergence then, that at 8 years old, Omar Juarez stuffed his fists into padded gloves and committed himself to boxing.  

“My father was a huge fan of boxing,” Juarez, now 21, said.  “It all started with me just wanting to make my parents proud.”

Just a year later Juarez began boxing competitively…if you can call it that.  He got walloped in his first ten amateur bouts, losing them all. 

“I got knocked down twice in my first fight,” he recalled.  “I would lose left and right..and of course I was knocked down left and right…but I just stuck to it.  It was a very bumpy road, but I stuck to it.” 

Juarez’s persistence, combined with a steady diet of hard-work and discipline eventually paid off.  After a cruel introduction to the world of amatuer boxing, Juarez started to win…and win often.  He went on to claim victory in 90 of his final 110 amateur contests before turning pro in September 2018 under Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) promotional banner. 

In his first six fights, which spanned September 2018 to November 2019, Juarez faced opponents with a combined record of 11-21-5, stopping three of them inside the distance.  

But in 2020, PBC matchmakers upped Juarez’s opposition level, pitting the Mexican-American against four boxers whose combined record read 59-34-3.

In February Juarez squared off against his toughest foe yet,  Mexico’s Martin Angel Martinez; a gritty veteran who had shared the ring with former world champions Lucas Matthysse and Marcos Maidana.  After eight hardfought rounds, all three judges awarded Juarez a wide decision. 

“I learned a lot in that experience especially from a fighter that had over 40 fights and fought a lot of good fighters,” said Juarez. “Originally, we thought we were going to fight someone else, but I told myself whoever it is, it doesn’t matter.  I trained hard, I put in all the hard work in camp.  It turned out to be one of my hardest fights, but I definitely learned a lot.”  

Riding high after the biggest win of his career, Juarez hoped to get back in the ring in early spring.  In a perfect world, he wanted to fight five more times in 2020.  

But less than a month later, COVID-19 thrust the majority of the country into lockdown.  Although his plans for the year were altered, Juarez knew boxing would likely resume in the summer.  He made certain that when it did, he’d be ready to fight.

“We actually quarantined here for about two to three months,” Juarez said.  “During the quarantine I was getting up every day, there was nothing open, I was here in my backyard, in my garage…using the resources we had to stay in shape to be ready.

“Something told me this was not going to last,” he continued.  “Eventually it will go back to normal and they were going to call me and ask if I’m ready and that’s exactly what happened.  About four weeks before my August fight, which was the first fight after the pandemic….I said I’m ready.”

In that August fight, Juarez, who is trained by his father Rudy, earned a wide six round unanimous decision against once-defeated Willie Shaw.  He picked up another convincing eight round decision in a slugfest against West Virginia’s Dakota Linger the following month.  And on December 26, Juarez closed out 2020 with a bang, dropping veteran Raul Chirinos four times in the opening round en route to a first round TKO. 

As his national profile grows with each win, the Brownsville-born fighter remains grounded, vowing to be a force for good in his south Texas community.  

Roughly three years ago, Juarez decided to delve into the world of motivational speaking.  As a boxer who dropped his first ten amateur contests, yet persisted to become a top junior welterweight prospect in the pro ranks, Juarez felt his story could inspire others.  He wanted to let kids in the Valley know that with hard work, dedication, and persistence, they could do the same. 

“I was fresh out of high school…I wanted to start motivating students,” said Juarez.  “What motivated me a lot was listening to motivational speeches by famous athletes and motivational speakers…specifically Eric Thomas and David Goggins.  I said to myself, you know, if these guys can help me fight adversity in life, I’m more than sure that I can help somebody else.

“So we started with elementary schools at first to see how it went,” he continued.  “And from there, just with word of mouth, it blew up by itself.  And from there we had gigs left and right speaking at middle schools, high schools, pep rallies.  We were sometimes doing three schools per day.  Every single time we have an event I have to speak at, I’m always getting up with a smile on my face ready to speak from my heart and that’s why I like it.”

It’s unsurprising that Juarez’s motivational speaking events combined with his in-ring success, have coincided in a boxing boom of sorts in the Valley.  

Juarez is humble enough to not claim any credit himself, but acknowledges the Valley’s interest in boxing is peaking.  

“The sport is growing a lot here in the Rio Grande Valley,” Juarez said.  “We have champions and I feel like we have a lot of talent coming up with the amateur fighters that are training currently and fighting all over the place.”

Although already in the throes of amateur boxing as a young teen, Juarez himself was inspired by a fellow Valley boxer, former WBC World Lightweight Champion Omar Figuroa, who hails from nearby Weslaco.

“I remember growing up when Omar was getting pretty big…watching him did motivate me,” Juarez said.  “I remember going to I think it was in Corpus [Christi] to watch him….and seeing all the lights, all the action, it was everything I ever dreamt of.

“I was still an amateur and just watching would bring a spark inside of me,” he went on.  “I’d come back from a fight and go want to workout….it would pump me up.”

Though Omar Figueroa is now inactive, his younger brother Brandon picked up the mantle, and as the current WBA Regular Super Bantamweight world titlist, is the Valley’s lone world champion.

And while Juarez and the Figueroa brothers represent the present and future of boxing in the Valley, there have been recent efforts to celebrate the region’s fighting past.  In Fall 2018 the RGV Boxing Hall of Fame was founded and five local boxers and physicians were inducted in the first inaugural class:  Dr. Benjamin Salinas, Alfredo “Chicken” Gomez, Herberto “Beto” Carr, Tomas Barrientes, and Andrew Maynard.  Juarez’s younger brother Sebastian took home the first annual RGV Amateur of the Year award.

There is little doubt that Juarez will one day himself be inducted into the RGV Hall of Fame, but not anytime soon.  Juarez has his immediate sights set on competing in lengthier fights this calendar year against increasingly tougher opposition.

“A perfect 2021 would be four to five fights,” Juarez said. “I don’t doubt I’ll get four, hopefully we squeak in five.  I want to become a world champion as soon as possible.”

He continued, “This year I’m looking to get into ten or hopefully twelve rounders and start making some noise. But I know that I’m not ready, I’m only a prospect, but I believe in two or three years, it’s [becoming a world champion] going to happen.  I just have to continue to be consistent, stay patient, and continue to work hard.”

If Juarez’s dream ever becomes reality, he’ll join a long, illustrious list of world champions from Brownsville. 

But he’ll be the first and only one from Brownsville, Texas. 

By Kyle Kinder-

Over the last decade-plus, Hawaii has quietly emerged as a breeding ground for world class fighters.  Amongst them include an elite few who have fought their way to stardom, headlining Pay-Per-Views and capturing world titles in the process.

Of course, those fighters compete inside a caged octagon, not a boxing ring.

Save for Brian Viloria, the state’s lone male boxing champion this century; Hawaii hasn’t produced many buzz-worthy pugilists of late.

Enter Waianae’s Asa “Ace” Stevens. 

A former 2019 National Golden Gloves Champion and 2018 World Youth Boxing Champion, Stevens shed his amateur status in November 2019, but has yet to make his pro debut. He’ll finally get his chance Saturday January 2 on DAZN.  

“I’m super excited…my first pro fight on a big stage, fighting on the undercard of Ryan Garcia.  I’m excited and anxious for a fight already to get it going,” Stevens said.

In February, Stevens, who is managed by Split-T Management under the guidance of Tim VanNewhouse, inked a promotional deal with Golden Boy Promotions.  He thought he would turn pro the following month.

“We were going to fight in March and then the whole COVID thing came.  Then we were told we were going to fight in July and then July came and COVID was just getting worse,” Stevens recalled.  “Then we thought maybe we’ll get a fight in October and then on December 5 we were supposed to fight, but the main event…Luke [Campbell] got COVID, so they pushed it back another month.  It’s kind of frustrating, but we’ve been working hard this whole time.”

Though disappointing, the constant postponements never derailed Stevens’ determination.  Day after day, the 20 year-old southpaw headed to the Nito Boxing Academy in Waianae — a less glamorous part of O’ahu on the island’s western shore  —  where he and trainer Carlos “Nito” Tangaro worked to sharpen his skills and stay in fighting shape.  

“I’m more of a counter-puncher, a boxer,” Stevens said about his style.  “I like to figure out what my opponent is doing, I like to use the jab a lot, I’m very defensive, but I can work on the inside if I want and throw hard shots…and work on different angles.” 

As an amateur, Stevens racked up gold medals and tournament trophies at various weights 125lbs and below.  On Saturday, he’ll debut at 118lbs (bantamweight), what he calls “a comfortable” weight.

And while carrying 118lbs within his 5’5” frame may feel comfortable — fair or unfair — he’s also aware he carries the hopes of Waianae on his shoulders.  After winning Gold at the 2018 World Youth Boxing Championships in Budapest, the young Hawaiian was catapulted to local celebrity status.  Upon his return to US soil from Hungary, Waianae gave him a hero’s welcome, complete with a victory parade.  Since then, Hawaiian cable news channels and other media outlets have kept tabs on Stevens’ every move — covering his 2019 National Golden Gloves title, his shocking withdrawal from the US Olympic trials, as well as his signing with Golden Boy and all updates about his ever-elusive pro debut.

“It’s kind of motivating knowing that there’s a lot of support and a lot of people out there looking at me,” Stevens said of his community.  “But it’s kind of like a little pressure because there’s a lot of high expectations out of me,” he admitted.  

Being asked to operate under the brightest of lights is nothing new for Stevens, however. 

“You can say I thrive under pressure situations,” he remarked.  “I’ve had to travel all throughout the country, I’ve had to go into uncomfortable situations, and I’ve always come out on top.”

And winning is something that just might be in his blood.  Stevens’ cousin is Max Holloway, the MMA superstar and former UFC Featherweight Champion.  

“I admire his hard work, the work he puts in the gym, the way he cuts off distractions,” Stevens said of his cousin.  “He’s always in shape. I can learn a lot from him and his hard work and consistency.”

There was a brief moment when Stevens considered following in his cousin’s footsteps, opting for the MMA route like many other young fighters from the Aloha State.  “I actually had a couple kickboxing fights when I was 13 or 14 years old,” recalled Stevens.  

But it was in the summer of 2015 that boxing officially hooked Stevens.  “There’s not too many boxing tournaments around here, so we had to travel all over…to Kansas City…to Las Vegas,” he said.  “And it was in 2015 when I really got attached to boxing because I traveled all over.  We went to three tournaments and I won all three.  So I was like damn…this is for me.”

With such a storied amateur career in his rearview, it’s safe to conclude that Stevens has the potential to reach any goal he sets his sights on as a pro.  “I want to become a world champion in multiple different weight classes,” declared Stevens.  “And I want to financially help my family and take care of the people around me.”

As a means to reaching his goals, he’ll look to punish those placed before him, starting with Mexican Francisco Bonilla (6-8-3, 3KO) on January 2.

“You should expect a great performance by me, a great show,” Stevens said.

In all, more than thirteen months will have passed from the time Stevens announced he was turning pro to the time he’ll hear the opening bell on Saturday in Dallas.  He’s had more than enough time to prepare for his first test as a professional boxer.  It’s up to him to Ace it.

BROOKLYN, NY — In a crowd-silencing upset, heavyweight stalwart Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius (30-3, 19KO) stopped previously unbeaten fan favorite Adam “Babyface” Kownacki (21-15KO) in the main event of a PBC on FOX card from the Barclays Center.  

In the opening round, the fight looked like it would be a classic Kownacki display, as the Polish-born Brooklynite immediately greeted Finland’s Helenius with fists of fury from the opening bell.  

But in the second, Helenius fought fire with fire and stood toe-to-toe with Kownacki, trading wild blows.  Kownacki bested Helenius in their exchanges, but proved vulnerable to Helenius’s right hand.

Everything changed midway through the fourth when Kownacki, who had banked all three rounds to that point, exchanged right hands with Helenius.  The 30 year-old Kownacki landed a heavy right cross at the same time the 36 year-old Helenius clipped him with a right hook on the chin, which sent him dazed and to the mat.  Referee David Fields incorrectly ruled a slip, but Kownacki was all out of sorts when the fight resumed. Hazy-eyed and woozy, Kownacki struggled to steady his 265.2lb frame. Helenius continued to batter Kownacki, who displayed zero survival skills, and scored a knockdown with a straight left.  The barrage of punches continued to rein on Kownacki until Fields stepped in to stop the contest at the 1:07 mark of the fourth round, silencing the 8,811 fans in attendance, most of whom were decked out in Polish red and white.

It was as great a night as it could have been for Helenius, who was knocked out cold by Gerald Washington in his only other fight on US soil.  The Finland-native, who holds wins over former world champions Sam Peter and Lamon Brewster, has now won two in a row since the Washington bout.  

Tonight marked Kownacki’s first defeat and tenth fight at the Barclays Center.  It was also the first time he was back in the ring since his historic twelve round brawl against former world title challenger Chris Arreola, a bout that set the CompuBox record for most punches thrown (2,172) and landed (667) in a heavyweight contest.  

“Kownack is a tough fighter,” Helenius said.  “I worked hard in training camp and it paid off.

“I knew that I hit him hard and I knew I just had to continue. I knew he was still hurt after that punch. 

Kownacki also spoke after the fight, stating, “”It wasn’t my night. It’s boxing. It’s a tough sport and things just didn’t go my way tonight. It was a learning experience and I’m going to go back to the drawing board and get back to work.

“He hit me with a good shot. I knew what was going on, but I’m just upset with myself. It is what it is.”

Ajagba Batters Cojanu En Route To 9th Round TKO

Heavyweight prospect Efe Ajagba (13-0, 11KO) battered and broke down Romania’s Razvan Cojanu (17-7, 9KO) en route to a ninth round TKO victory.  

Ajagba, 25, started slow, perhaps a bit gun-shy as this was his first time back in the ring since his fight against Iago Kiladze — a fight in which both men traded early knockdowns before Ajagba landed a fight-ending right in the fifth.  Tonight, the former Nigerian Olympian, needed a few rounds to find a rhythm, and while he slowly eased his way into the contest, his Romanian counterpart was letting his hands fly.  

After enduring a rocky start, one in which Ajagba would likely admit he was on the receiving end of too many clean shots, the Nigerian started to ramp things up in the late-middle rounds.  

By the seventh round, Ajagba was beginning to wear down Cojanu, and every backwards step Cojanu took, Ajagba matched with a step forward.  Roughly two minutes into the eight round Ajagba landed an explosive right cross that halted Cojanu in his tracks. Ajagba, who trains out of Houston, TX with Ronnie Shields, quickly followed up with a flurry of punches that sent the Romanian to the mat.  The Romanian barely beat referee Ron Lipton’s 10-count and convinced him he was fit to continue. 

In the next round, Ajagba would finish off Cojanu for good, punishing him for the majority of the round until the Romanian willingly took a knee near Ajabga’s blue corner.  Lipton stepped in to wave off the bout at the 2:46 mark of round nine.  

“Cojanu has a lot of experience,” Ajagba said post-fight. “When I threw my jab, he used his right hand to block my vision, so I couldn’t throw as many combinations as I wanted. It was a good challenge. 

“Ronnie told me to attack the body behind the jab. It was very effective and it started to slow him down. When he got close to me, I knew to throw more and punish him. 

Frank Sanchez Easily Outpoints Joey Dawejko In Ten Round Clash

In the opening bout of the televised portion of the PBC on FOX card, 27 year-old Cuban heavyweight Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez (15-0, 11KO) turned back the always-game Joey “Tank” Dawejko (20-8-4, 11KO) to earn a ten round unanimous decision (100-90×2, 98-92).

It was a relatively clean performance from the 6’4” 222lbs Sanchez, who didn’t allow for the shorter, stockier Dawejko (5’10”, 247lbs) to get into an offensive rhythm.  The rising heavyweight prospect did well in the early onset to keep Dawejko out of range, employing a weighted mixture of jabs and defensive footwork to muffle any Dawejko offense.  

By the early-middle rounds, Sanchez was scoring regularly with jabs, and more devastatingly with straight rights that were landing without resistance.  By the time the fifth round came to a close, Dawejko was sporting a nasty cut over his left eye.  

After being dominated the previous round, the stout Polish-American dug deep in the sixth though and had his best round of the fight, landing two beautiful lefts – one upstairs, one downstairs – during the frame.  Any minor success was short-lived, however, as the Cuban came back with two big rights to bookend a clear-cut Sanchez seventh round. 

Credit is deserved for the game Philadelphian though, who never stopped trying to close the distance between him and Sanchez.  Dawejko various ways to jumpstart his offense — at times lunging into range while throwing looping left hooks and windmilling rights.  Other times, the 29 year-old Polish-American shuffled into range behind a double jab. Unfortunately, when Dawejko did close the gap, Sanchez punished him for it.  

At the end of ten, all three judges scored the contest wide for Sanchez, 100-90, twice and 98-94.  

“I was well prepared and I thought I fought very well tonight,” Sanchez said afterward. “I dominated the fight. I showed good footwork and movement and did exactly what we worked on.

“I didn’t want to fight Dawejko’s fight, and he realized that and it frustrated him. He might have thought he’s faced guys like me, but there’s no other heavyweight like me.”

Dawejko shared his thoughts post-fight, too, saying, “I knew he was going to fight on the outside and he stayed on the outside. Not much to say, he just did what he had to do. 

“He was scared that’s why he was running around. He kept jumping back and staying away, so I guess he made it easy on the judges.”

Carlos Negron Takes Robert Alfonso’s “O”, Stops Him In One

Puerto Rican heavyweight Carlos Negron (21-3, 16KO) dropped previously unbeaten Cuban Robert Alfonso (19-1-1, 9KO) twice in the first round to score a TKO victory in a contest initially slated for eight rounds.  

Negron, 33, caught Alfonso early with a left hook that the former 2008 Cuban Olympian never recovered from.  The 6’6” Puerto Rican kept the pressure on and battered Alfonso around the ring until Alfonso collapsed to the mat where referee Mark Ortega immediately stopped the contest at the 2:03 mark of the first round.  

The win stops a two-fight skid for Negron, who had been KO’d in both.  

For the 33 year-old Alfonso, tonight marks his first pro defeat.

Steven Torres Knocks Out Ajabor In 2

Heavyweight prospect Steven Torres (3-0, KO) kept his win and KO percentage perfect, stopping previously unbeaten Alex Ajabor (2-1, KO) in the second of a scheduled four round contest. 

Midway through the round’s opening frame, Ajabor landed a clean shot on Torres and got overly excited.  The 34 year-old Ajabor carelessly flung punches at Torres, who countered with a clipping right that dropped Ajabor hard to the mat.  

In the next round, Reading, PA’s Torres emphatically ended the fight with a straight right that landed on the button and turned off Ajabor’s lights.  The referee immediately waved off the fight at the 2:32 mark of the second round.  

The 6’7” Torres, who is trained by Anibal Adorno (father of Top Rank prospects Joseph and Jeremy), has fought all of his pro contests at the Barclays Center.  

Zachary Ochoa Earns Hard-Fought UD Over Angel Sarinana

In his Barclays Center debut, Brooklyn native Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (21-1, 7KO) scored a hard-earned unanimous decision (77-73×2, 76-74) over fellow junior welterweight Angel “Pescado” Sarinana (10-10-3, 4KO) in a eight round affair. 

It was a back and forth affair that initially saw Ochoa wanting to box on the outside, sticking and moving.  But the Mexican in Sarinana wanted action, and insisted on bringing the fight to Ochoa, constantly walking himself into range where the two were more than happy to eat a shot to a land a few of their own.  

In the seventh round, referee Mike Ortega deducted a point from 27 year-old Sarinana for headbutting.  Early in the following round Ortega evened the score, deducting a point from Ochoa for holding.  

It was only once the fight resumed after the holding deduction did Sarinina throw all caution to the wind, bull-rushing his way towards Ochoa throwing fists from all angles, scoring most notably with left hooks.  Ochoa dealt with Sarinana’s explosive aggression well enough to pepper in his own hooks and crosses that made for electrifying exchanges as the fight came to a close.  

But in the end, it was the 27 year-old Ochoa, who got the nod from all three judges.  The win runs his unbeaten streak to five — all via decision. He was retired by Yves Ulysses, Jr. in 2017, which remains the lone blemish on his record.  

Conversely, the loss drops Sarinana’s record on US soil to 1-6.  His only win in the US came against previously unbeaten Kazakh, Dimash Niyazov at the Barclays Center in 2018.   

Gonzalez Notches First Stoppage Win Over Labby 

In a welterweight contest initially slated for six rounds, New York City’s Arnold Gonzalez (4-0, 1KO) scored a third round TKO over Illinois’ Traye Labby (4-5-4, 3KO). 

It was undoubtedly the most impressive the 25 year-old Gonzalez has looked in his young career.  The Ecuadorean-American found a home for his right hand early and often and strategically applied pressure that Labby struggled to deal with.  Early in the third round, Gonzalez walked a wounded Labby into a neutral corner and unloaded a barrage of shots that whipped a defenseless Labby’s head in every direction until the referee stepped in to stop the contest at the :53 second mark.  

It was the first loss in eight fights for the 24 year-old Labby, who last tasted defeat in April 2017.  

For Gonzalez, who trains with Julian Chua out of the famed Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles, tonight marked the third consecutive fight at the Barclays Center.  

Boston’s Hogan Scores Impressive KO Win In Debut

In his pro debut, Boston’s Francis “The Tank” Hogan (1-0, 1KO) scored a fourth round KO over fellow middleweight southpaw Brent Oren (2-4) to kick off an eight bout fight card from the Barclays Center. 

Hogan, 19, fought a calculated and at times reserved fight, but displayed bursts of offense that left Lynchburg, VA’s Oren with no answers.  

Roughly two-thirds into the fourth round, Hogan planted a meaty left hook to the liver that immediately shut down Oren’s system, leaving him crumpled in a ball near the red corner where he was counted out.  The end officially came at the 2:11 mark of round 4.    

Hogan, who racked up various amateur titles over the last few years, made the decision to turn pro after dropping two close contests at the US Olympic qualifying tournament in December.  He’ll look to go 2-for-2 as a pro on April 9 when he makes his hometown debut in Boston. 

By Kyle Kinder–

Violence and boxing are inseparable.  For some fighters, the violence boxing demands is omnipresent.  It already exists inside their being when they enter the ropes and remains with them when they exit the ring.  It’s an unshakable part of their existence, and left unchecked, can land themselves or others in early graves.

In Slaughter in the Streets: When Boston Became Boxing’s Murder Capital, the third offering of Hamilcar Publication’s true-crime Hamilcar Noir series, author Don Stradley unearths an astonishingly long list of 20th century Boston boxers who failed to escape the city’s long shadow of violence, each ultimately dying unnatural, gruesome deaths. 

Written in sixteen brief, fast-paced chapters, Stradley highlights the tragic ends of different ex-Boston fighters in each, though murder is hardly reserved for the chapter’s main subjects. Readers begin in Prohibition-era Boston where a former South Boston flyweight-turned mob boss winds up face down in a pool of his own blood in an attorney’s office two days before Christmas, 1931.  Stradley chronologically bookends his work in the final chapter where he details the 1999 killing of a former amateur standout; an unlucky recipient of a round bullets pumped into his body in broad daylight.  

In between the Prohibition-era slayings and the murder near the close of the millennium, Stradley writes about the final moments of former fighters of all fistic skill levels — from regional titlists to career journeymen to amateurs.  And though these Massachusetts

men willingly partook in sanctioned violence, it was their shared fate, brought on by unsanctioned, criminal violence that binds their stories together in the pages Slaughter in the Streets.

For a few fighters, their deaths were simply a matter of wrong place, wrong time.  But most of

Stradley’s subjects were men who sought out a violent lifestyle, drawn to the bright lights and false promises of Boston’s underworld, but rarely ever amounted to anything more than wannabe gangsters — bodyguards, henchmen, and low-level criminals.

While there is no shortage of literature on boxing’s ties to organized crime, most stories focus on the Northeast’s other two big cities:  New York and Philadelphia. In Slaughter in the Streets, Stradley uses the murders of ex-pugilists to delve into Boston’s underbelly.  Readers first journey back to 1920’s Boston where they’re introduced to Southie’s ruthless “Gustin Gang” and their Italian rivals.  Eventually, they wind up in Whitey Bulger’s realm and learn of connections between the sweet science and his infamous Winter Hill Gang.

The brutal stories brought forth by Stradley in Slaughter In The Streets will appeal to a broad audience, including history buffs and New Englanders.  But if nowhere else, this book belongs in the hands of every boxing fan and true crime aficionado, for it’s sure to quench the primitive thirst for blood shared by both.

Slaughter in the Streets: When Boston Became Boxing’s Murder Capital

By Don Stradley

144 pages. Hamilcar Publications. $10.99.

Publication Date: February 25, 2020

BROOKLYN– Former two division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (36-2, 21KO) cruised past fellow welterweight Ivan “The Killer Redkach (23-5-1, 18KO), earning a twelve round unanimous decision (118-110, 117-111×2) in the main event of a PBC-Showtime card from the Barclays Center. 

Philadelphia’s Garcia, who was fighting for the first time since April 2019, started slow, opting to fight a reserved and calculated fight.  But by the fourth, Garcia completed his data download and began pressuring the southpaw Redkach, letting his hands go.

Garcia, 31, continued to walk down the Redkach in the fifth and buzzed him with a huge right cross — the best punch of the fight up to that point — just as the round drew to a close.  

By the time the sixth rolled around, Redkach, whose power didn’t phase Garcia, was out of answers.  So Garcia carried on, peppering Redkach with sizzling right crosses and left hooks that came from all angles.  

As the bell signaled to start round eight, Garcia, smelling blood in the water walked across the ring to meet Redkach near Redkach’s corner, from which he barely moved after getting off his stool.  Garcia continued to best Redkach when the Ukranian decided to sink his teeth into Garcia’s shoulder during a clinch. This went unnoticed by referee Benjy Esteves, but Garcia knew it, and relayed the message.  

By the end of the same round, Redkach returned to his corner with dark red blood trickling down his bright red face to go along with his bright yellow and green hair.

Redkach deserves credit, though, for never giving up throughout the fight.  Even when it was clear to those on the other side of the ropes that all hope was lost, Redkach never stopped believing in himself.  Of course, Garcia made him pay for that belief, but it guided Redkach to the final bell.  

Tonight marked the eight time Garcia has fought at the Barclays Center, the Philadelphian’s home away from home.  Garcia’s second fight with Hall of Famer Erik Morales headlined the Barclays Center’s inaugural boxing event in 2014. 

Redkach is now 0-2 at the Barclays Center.  He was outpointed by current IBF Super Featherweight champion Tevin Farmer in 2016.  

A few months ago, it looked as if Garcia was in line for a big fight and hefty paycheck as he was slated to face unified welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. in 2020.  However, after Spence was injured in a single car crash, those tentative plans fell through and Garcia was forced to elsewhere. Now, with the win against Redkach, Garcia is again hoping to land a big fight and bigger payday, either against a healthy Spence or future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao.

After the fight, Garcia spoke about what could be next for him, “Either or (Spence or Pacquiao) either of those fights I would like to have. My style looks great with both fighters.”

When rating his performance tonight, the Philadelphia-native said, “I’m not gonna lie, I felt good, but I didn’t feel my best. I did lose a lot of weight for this fight, so maybe that played a factor. From a long layoff, and just losing so much weight. I lost about 25 pounds in eight weeks.”

And on the eight round shoulder bite, Garcia told Showtime’s Jim Gray, “He bit me. He said ‘Mike Tyson’ when he bit me. I said ‘Ref, he bit me.’ I thought I needed stitches or something. That’s my first time ever getting bit in a fight. Things happen though. I’ve been in a street fight before, so I did it all.”

Redkach also spoke afterwards, stating, “This was a very good experience for me. He never had me hurt and I was able to learn a lot. I’m thankful to be in this position that my team put me in and I’m going to keep growing from here.

“I’m going to get back in the gym and get stronger and better. I’m thankful for the experience against Danny Garcia. I’m going to be back and be much better.”

Hurd Drops Santana Late En Route To Wide UD 

In his first fight since losing his junior middleweight titles to Julian Williams last May, “Swift” Jarrett Hurd (24-1, 16KO) got back into the win column, sending veteran Francisco “Chia” Santana (25-8-1, 12KO) to the canvas once en route to a ten round unanimous decision (99-90×2, 97-92).  

Tonight marked Hurd’s first fight with head trainer Kay Koroma. Hurd, 29, parted ways with longtime trainer Ernesto Rodgriguez shortly after his loss to Williams.  Coming into the Santana fight Hurd promised viewers they would see a more defensive-minded fighter, and mentioned he wouldn’t mind winning wide on the scorecards once, as opposed to seemingly always finding himself in back-and-forth, “Fight of the Year” type slugfests.   

True to his word, through the first four rounds, the Maryland native Hurd wasn’t willing to engage in a firefight with California’s Santana, who dutifully marched forward trying to get inside Hurd’s reach to get off his punches.  Rather, Hurd was content with snapping jabs Santana’s direction, while also peppering in some straight rights and uppercuts to keep Santana guessing. 

But in the fifth, Hurd reverted back to old form, stood his ground, and challenged the 33 year-old Santana.  Having already tasted Chia’s power, a visibly bigger Hurd willingly exchanged with the much smaller Santana, landing flush straight rights, before unleashing two jaw-shattering right uppercuts.  

In the sixth Hurd began by continuing to dig in and exchange with Santana, but immediately went back to fighting the “defensive” style he spoke about pre-fight, inviting a chorus of boos from the Brooklyn crowd.  

Perhaps feeling a need to redeem himself, Hurd switched it up once more in the tenth and final round and fought that classic “Hurd”-style, leaning and imposing his bigger frame on Santana, while firing off sneaky uppercuts and huge hooks.  And sure enough, just as the clapper sounded to signal ten seconds remaining in the fight, Hurd connected with a vicious right uppercut that dropped Santana to his knees. The hard-nosed veteran, who has only been stopped once in his 34 fight career, beat referee Arthur Mercante Jr.’s ten count just as the final bell chimed.  

After his loss to Williams in May, Hurd declined to exercise his immediate rematch clause, thus pursuing a different avenue to get back to the top of the junior middleweight division.  Williams went on to lose the titles he won from Hurd to Jeison Rosario in Atlantic City earlier this month.   

Santana has now lost four of his last five contests.  

On his defensive style, Hurd said afterward, “We came out here and did what we wanted to do. The crowd didn’t love it, but you gotta understand, I got the unanimous decision and I did what I wanted to do.”

He continued, “There was definitely no frustration. We didn’t want to go toe to toe and we didn’t want to make this a risky fight. 

“We want the belts. We want the best. I’m not exactly sure what’s going to be the next move, but we want the belts.”

On the late knockdown, Santana said, “In the last round I wanted to come forward and close it hard, but I got a little bit careless for a second. In boxing you have to stay focused for every second of every round. He caught me with a good shot. 

“I just wanted to keep coming forward and give it my all. I know I was frustrating him at times, but it was a tall task and I don’t make any excuses.”

Fulton Works His Way Past Khegai, Scores UD 

In a battle between two previously unbeaten junior featherweights, highly touted Philadelphia prospect Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton (18-0, 8KO) scored a twelve round unanimous decision (117-111×2, 116-112) over Ukraine’s Arnold “Arni” Khegai (16-1-1, 10KO), resulting in Khegai’s first pro loss.  

In the early goings, the 25 year-old Fulton kept his jab in Khegai’s face, keeping the smaller fighter at a safe distance.  When Khegai was able to work his way past Fulton’s jab, the Philly native showed little desire to trade with the Ukranian and happily clinched time and again.  

But the pressure kept coming from the Los Angeles transplant, Khegai, who methodically marched forward in round three as he did the previous two rounds.  Except in this round, the 27 year-old began to close the gap a bit easier, scoring with hooks to Fulton’s body, while also finding a home for his right hand.   

As the third round wound to a close, Fulton again initiated a clinch.  But instead of obliging, a fed up Khegai body slammed Fulton to the canvas, earning a stern warning from referee Steve Willis.  

In the fourth, Khegai kept the heat on and towards the end of the round, Fulton made a mistake that might have tilted a close round Khegai’s way.  As the bell neared, with his back against a neutral corner, Fulton invited Khegai to fire away. Khegai did just that, and landed three big rights before Fulton’s failed attempt at spinning out of the corner with hopes to pin and punish Khegai.

Fulton halted Khegai’s momentum with a solid fifth round and started off the sixth by working diligently to Khegai’s body.  But the Ukranian just kept coming and eventually backed Fulton into a corner where he unloaded chopping rights that proved to be the round’s memorable blows.  

Fulton rallied with a big seventh that saw him hold his ground and become more aggressive.  The Philly fighter ceased retreating, and instead, dug in and let his hands fly, forcing Khegai to retreat for the first time in the contest.  Fulton kept his foot on the gas in the eighth, and continued to come forward and land on a tiring Khegai.  

By the tenth, it looked like Fulton had completely flipped the script, as the Philly fighter was now the one walking Khegai into a corner before unloading.

But the stubborn Ukranian wouldn’t go quietly, and in the eleventh, Khegai dug deep and once again pressed the action, bullying Fulton into a corner before landing big rights.  

At the end of twelve, all three judges scored the contest in favor of Fulton:  117-111×2, 116-112. 15Rounds.com scored the bout 116-112, Fulton.  

Keeshawn Williams Outslugs Gaku Takahashi En Route To UD 

In an eight round all-action welterweight affair, Keeshawn “The Next Big Thing” Williams (7-0-1, 2KO) bested Gaku Takahashi (16-11-1, 8KO), defeating him via unanimous decision (80-72, 79-73, 78-74).  

The fight certainly didn’t lack offense, as both fighters traded and landed their fare share of leather round after round.  However, it became clear early on that the 22 year-old Williams punches were heavier and thrown more precisely than Takashi’s, whose fists flew wide and were delivered with less pop.  

As the fight bore on, Williams punches took their toll on the 32 year-old Takashi, whose face brightened, while a cut opened over his left eye. 

But Takashi never stopped engaging, never backed up, and survived the full eight rounds.  

When the final bell sounded, though, Takahashi stood dazed and winded.  He was cognizant enough to exchange a slap of the gloves with Williams, but was too foggy to know which corner to return to.  Fortunately, Takahashi cleared a brief medical assessment administered by NYSAC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nitin Sethi, and was able to gather his bearings.

It was the third fight at the Barclays Center for the District Heights, MD product, Williams.  He previously TKO’d Mario Navarro last August and drew with Dennis Okoth in 2018.  

Takahashi, who fought just once in 2019, has now dropped four straight and hasn’t won since scoring a KO in Mexico in 2017. 

Lorenzo Simpson UDs Antonio Louis Hernandez 

In the first of three fights to be streamed on Showtime’s Youtube page, 19 year-old Lorenzo “Truck” Simpson (7-0, 4KO) grinded out and earned a six round unanimous decision (59-55×3) over fellow middleweight Antonio Louis Hernandez (2-11-1).  

It wasn’t as easy a night at the office for Simpson as the wide scorecards might suggest, but the Baltimore-born southpaw continually did enough round after round to edge his counterpart.  

Credit Hernandez, who’s more skilled than his record suggests, for not allowing Simpson to fight the fight he wanted to, making it more difficult than anticipated.

XXL Torres Lands Big, Scores KO2 Over Witkopf

In the first of seven fights from the Barclays Center, heavyweight prospect Steven “XXL” Torres (2-0, 2KO) brought the thunder, scoring a second round one-punch KO over Dakota Witkopf (1-2, 1KO).  

Less than halfway through the round two, a visibly winded Witkopf walked into a perfectly thrown Torres straight right that collapsed him to the mat where doctors soon crowded his sprawled body.  Upon hitting the canvas the referee waved off the contest, officially halting it at the 1:28 mark of round two.  

Prior to the knockout, Witkopf, who has a Mixed Martial Arts background, held his own and may have won the first round.  The 24 year-old Williamsville, NY native peppered Torres early in the fight left hands that landed without obstruction. 

Tonight was the second time the 6’7” Torres fought at the Barclays Center and his second early KO in as many as pro bouts.  The 21 year-old from Reading, PA scored a first round stoppage in his debut last month.  

NEW YORK CITY — In the main event of a Top Rank on ESPN card from Madison Square Garden, pound-for-pound great Terence “Bud” Crawford (36-0, 27KO) retained his WBO World Welterweight Title, sending Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas (21-1-1, 18KO) to the canvas three times en route to a 9th round TKO victory.  

True to form, the 32 year old Nebraskan Crawford started slow and conceded early rounds and momentum to Kavaliauskas.  In the third round, Kavaliauskas landed a huge right hand that momentarily buckled Crawford. The Lithuanian quickly followed up with a flurry of shots that ultimately collapsed Crawford to the mat, but referee Ricky Gonzalez nullified the knockdown and ruled Crawford was pushed.  

After four see-sawing rounds that witnessed both fighters give and take their fair share of punishment, Crawford began to take control in the fifth.  “Bud” found success by fighting a more defensive fight and staying out of range of Kavaliauskas’s right eye. 

But in the seventh, the switch-hitting Crawford upped the ante and turned up the heat. Time and again Crawford came forward with a high guard and closed the gap between he and Kavaliauskas before letting his hands go.  

Towards the end of the round, Crawford caught Kavaliauskas with a buzzing right hook that offset the Lithuanian’s equilibrium and sent him to the mat.  Kavaliauskas beat Gonzalez’s ten count and was able to ride out the ensuing storm to make it out of the round.  

Just two rounds later, Crawford dropped Kavaliauskas with a vicious uppercut.  Just a few moments later, with Kavaliauskas standing on shaky legs, Crawford missiled a left cross to the ear that dropped Kavaliauskas for the third and final time.  Gonzalez stepped in immediately to wave off the contest at the :44 mark of the ninth round.  

It was the seventh stoppage win in a row for Crawford and tenth in his last eleven contests.

For Kavaliauskas, tonight’s result makes it two straight fights that the tough Lithuanian has exited the ring winless.  He previously fought to a disappointing draw against “The New” Ray Robinson in March.

“I thought I had to entertain ya’ll for a little bit,” Crawford said afterward. “He’s a strong fighter, durable, and I thought I’d give the crowd something to cheer for.”

Referring to the second round knockdown-ruled-push, “Bud” said, “I wasn’t hurt at all. I got up and went straight to him. I wasn’t hurt by no means, I walked through everything he threw all night.”

With regards to what’s next for the WBO champ, Crawford said, “I’ll fight anybody. I’ve been saying that for I don’t know how long…I’m not ducking anyone on the PBC side or Top Rank platform…I want to fight all the top guys.”

Unfortunately for Crawford, he remains somewhat stranded on a welterweight island as much of the division’s top talent are under promotional contracts with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).

Take Over Continues: Lopez Blasts Out Commey In 2 To Capture First World Title

In the night’s most anticipated contest, 22 year-old phenom Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12KO) scored an emphatic second round stoppage over Richard Commey (29-3, 26KO), to capture the IBF World Lightweight Title. 

After a close first round that saw little separation between fighters, a straight right by Lopez early in the second caught Commey square on the chin and collapsed the Ghanaian to the canvas.  Commey, 32, tried to get up right away, but stumbled forward to the ground before finally making it to his feet before referee David Field reaches the count of ten.  

Knowing Commey was standing on unsteady legs, Lopez went all-in, backing Commey against the ropes before unleashing a brutal onslaught of punches that had Commey’s head snapping around with each punch, forcing Fields to mercifully jump between fighters to call a halt to the contest at the 1:13 mark of round two. 

It was as impressive and dominating a performance as one could have hoped for Lopez, who now turns his attention to landing a unification bout with lightweight king, Vasiliy Lomachenko.

The emphatic win also quiets Lopez’s detractors, many of whom have suggested that family drama would negatively impact his in-ring performance.  

Partially to get away from the noise, Team Lopez held training camp for this fight in Ringoes, NJ, about 60 miles of west of Brooklyn, where Lopez was born and again resides.  While Lopez is still trained by his father, also Teofimo, Team Lopez brought in former two-weight champion Joey Gamache into his New Jersey camp to work with Lopez. 

Prior to tonight, Commey’s only other losses both came in 2016 when he found himself on the losing end of two close split decisions to Robert Easter, Jr. and Denis Shafikov.  

“I’m at a loss for words right now,” Lopez said post-fight.  “This a dream come true.”

He continued, “{Commey} is a bad man. His shot could’ve done the same to me if he hit me with that shot…You all know who I want to fight next. 2020 is going to be a big year. ‘The Takeover’ has arrived, and you haven’t seen anything yet.”

Lomachenko, who holds three of the four lightweight titles and was seated ringside tonight, also spoke after the fight, saying, “We want to ‘unificate’ all four titles.  Now he’s a world champion and now he’s in position to fight me.”

Sweet Revenge: Conlan Bests Nikitin Via UD 

In the opening bout of the ESPN-televised portion of the card, Irish featherweight Mick Conlan (13-0, 7KO) avenged his controversial 2016 Olympic defeat against Russian Vladimir Nikitin (3-1), defeating him by unanimous decision (100-90, 99-91, 98-92). 

The switch-hitting 28 year-old Belfast native, Conlan, fought entirely out of the southpaw stance in the opening round working well behind a stiff right jab to control the distance and pace of the fight.  

In the second, Conlan fought briefly in the orthodox stance before permanently returning to southpaw.  

After an offensively mute first round for Nikitin, the 29 year-old Russian began to come to life in the second, rushing inside Conlan’s reach and wildly letting his hands fly.  Nikitin did his best work in the early goings when he was able to pin Conlan against the ropes and fire away. 

In the early middle rounds, Conlan — who they’re quick to point out represents all of Ireland — continued to keep Nikitin at arm’s length by continually popping jabs Nikitin’s way.  But the crafty Russian kept finding ways to close the gap and force Conlan to engage.

As the fight bore on, the distance naturally closed, and willing exchanges became the norm.  

In the eight, both fighters dug in, stood their ground, threw caution to the wind, and fired shots from all angles.  Though Conlan bested Nikitin during their exchanges, the Irishman returned to his corner with a gash over his right eye — a cut that continued to leak blood for the remainder of the fight. 

It was the sixth time that the Adam Booth-trained Conlan has fought at inside the walls of Madison Square Garden, which has become a home away from home for the Irishman.  

The two were initially slated to face each other in early August, but an injury to Nikitin’s bicep forced the fight to be postponed.  

Josue Vargas Scores UD Over Noel Murphy 

Twenty-one year old Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (16-1, 9KO) continued his ascent through the junior welterweight ranks, scoring a ten round unanimous decision (98-92×3) over Irishman Noel Murphy (14-2-1, 2KO). 

It was a slow-to-start southpaw v southpaw affair that eventually lulled into a hypnotic rhythm that time and again saw Vargas walk down a retreating Murphy before the two exchanged fire.  

Neither fighter was particularly hard to hit and by the early middle middle rounds, Vargas sported an ever-growing mouse under his right eye, while a steady of stream of blood trickled from Murphy’s nose.

And though the 25 year-old Murphy was marking up Vargas’s face, it was the Bronx-born Puerto Rican, Vargas, who continually got the better of Murphy during their exchanges.  

Tonight was just the second career loss for the durable Murphy, who lives and fights out of Woodhaven, NY by way of Cork, Ireland.  His only other career loss came against former world title challenger Mikkel Lespierre in February 2018. 

Vargas now has gone the distance three of his last four fights.  His lone blemish remains a 2016 DQ against Samuel Santa.  

Berlanga Continues First Round KO Streak, Stops Nunez In One

Undefeated Brooklyn super middleweight Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga (13-0, 13KO) continued to steamroll his opposition, scoring his thirteenth straight first round knockout, this time against the normally durable Spaniard Cesar “Bam Bam” Nunez (16-2-1, 8KO).

As per usual, it was bombs away from the opening bell for the Puerto Rican-blooded Berlanga.  

Roughly fifteen seconds into the fight, Berlanga landed a clipping left hook that sent Nunez to the canvas. The 22 year-old Berlanga kept the pressure on and continued to unload on the staggering Nunez and ultimately sent him to the mat again with a chopping right, but referee Mike Ortega waved it off, ruling Berlanga hit Nunez behind the head.  

Although a foul, the shot had lingering effects, and a foggy Nunez was floored for the third and final time shortly after courtesy of another left hook shortly succeed.  Ortega stopped the contest at the 2:45 mark of the first round.

Tonight marks the second consecutive time Nunez has been stopped inside the distance.  He was TKO’d by Germany’s Vincent Feigenbutz in August. 

Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez Nails Mendez Over Ten, Scores Wide UD

Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez improved to 19-0, 12KO earning a wide eight-round unanimous decision (80-71×2, 79-72) over fellow junior welterweight Manuel “La Tormenta” Mendez (16-7-3, 11KO).   

Rodriguez, 25, wasted no time taking it to California’s Mendez, flooring him with a right cross-left hook combo midway through the first round.  Mendez would recover from that shot, but only to go on to take nine more rounds of punishment courtesy of Rodriguez.  

Rodriguez, a former amateur standout who amassed a record of 221-9 before turning pro, has had a snake-bitten, injury-riddled career thus far.  In addition to battling various hand injuries, tonight marked just the third time back between the ropes for the Hasbrouck Heights, NJ-native since undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum.

Kambosos Kicks Off Night With MD Over Bey 

Undefeated Australian George “Ferocious” Kambosos, Jr. (18-0, ) passed his toughest test yet, scoring a split decision victory (97-92, 96-93, 94-95) over former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey (23-3-1, 11KO) in a ten round lightweight contest to kick off a seven-fight card from Madison Square Garden.  

It was a bit rocky early on for the Aussie, as the veteran Bey landed a few attention-grabbing left hooks.  But Kambosos, 26, remained composed and patient, took few risks and waited for tiny openings in Bey’s defense before letting his hands go. 

In the final round round, Kambosos finally found that opening and fired off a sneaky right uppercut that caught a leaning-in Bey on the chin, sending him to the mat.  

It was Kambosos’ fourth fight in the US and first at Madison Square Garden.  

For Bey, tonight was only his second fight in the last 42 months and just the third defeat of his career.  His other defeats came against John Molina, Jr. in 2013 and Cuban Rances Barthelemy in 2016.

The main portion of tonight’s Top Rank on ESPN card is set to go live at 9pm when “Irish” Mick Conlan (14-0, 7KO) seeks to avenge his controversial 2016 Olympic defeat against Russian Vladimir Nikitin (3-0).  That fight is set to be followed by the most anticipated contest of the evening, as one of boxing’s hottest prospects, Teofimo Lopez (14-0, 11KO) looks to capture his first world title against IBF World Lightweight Champion, Richard Commey.  Finally, the night will commence when undefeated pound-for-pound great Terence Crawford (35-0, 26KO) defends his WBO World Welterweight title against hard-nosed Lithuanian Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas (21-0-1, 18KO).  

BROOKLYN, NY–Jermall “Hit Man” Charlo (30-0, 22KO) recorded a seventh round stoppage over Dennis “Hurricane” Hogan (28-3-1, 7KO) to retain his WBC World Middleweight Title in a Showtime main event from the Barclays Center.  

It was a one sided affair that saw the bigger Charlo have his way with the smaller-framed Hogan, who moved up a weight class to take this fight.  

Houston’s Charlo, 29,  asserted himself early, spraying jabs and letting his right hand fly so Hogan could taste his power.  Ultimately, though, it would be the left hook that proved to be the punch that the Irish-born Aussie, Hogan, should have feared most.  

Hogan’s best punch came early in the third with a big right that momentarily halted Charlo’s forward momentum.  But the bigger man quickly re-assumed his position as the bigger fighter and continued to stalk his smaller foe.  

In the fourth, Charlo upped the tempo, taking the fight to the 34 year-old Hogan.  During an exchange early in the round, Charlo unleashed a left hook/uppercut that generated from his hip that caught Hogan flush on the chin that sent the challenger tumbling to the mat where he performed a backwards somersault before coming to a stop on his gloved hands and knees.  A buzzed Hogan w beat referee Charlie Fitch’s ensuing ten-count, and with a mix of grit and skill, was able to navigate his way through the remainder of the round.

Less than three rounds later, Charlo, who is trained by Ronnie Shields, again landed a huge left hook that sent Hogan crashing back to the ropes and ultimately, canvas.  A woozy Hogan again beat Fitch’s ten count, but was clearly dazed, prompting Fitch to stop the contest at the :28 second mark of round seven.  

It was the first time in his career that the Glen Rushton-trained Hogan was stopped inside the distance and the first win via stoppage for Charlo since he stopping Hugo Centeno Jr. at the Barclays Center in April 2018. 

Unfortunately for Hogan, tonight marks the third time Hogan unsuccessfully challenged for a world title.  Most recently, he found himself on the wrong end of a controversial majority decision against WBO World Junior Middleweight champion Jamie Mungia in Mexico in April, and he also dropped a 2015 unanimous decision to German Jack Culcay in a bout for an interim WBA World Junior Middleweight title.  

“I made it through 2019 and we’re going to 2020 with 20/20 vision,” said Charlo.  “Shout out to Dennis Hogan for giving me real competition and for coming up to fight me.”

He added, “The middleweight division is wide open.  I’m the WBC Champion. I’m going to enjoy this and spend time with my team.  I’m here to fight whoever. You have to make the right decisions and do it at the right time.  That’s what it’s all about.”

A disappointed Hogan also spoke post-fight, saying, “”I didn’t see the punch coming on the second knockdown. I was trying to keep boxing him but then all of a sudden I was on the ground and the fight was over.”  He continued, “I wanted to keep going but the decision was fair enough by the referee.”

Eubank Awarded WBA Interim Middleweight Title After Korobov Shoulder Injury

In his highly anticipated US debut, the United Kingdom’s Chris Eubank, Jr. (29-2, 22KO) was awarded the WBA World Interim Middleweight Title when Matvey Korobov (28-3-1, 14KO) was unable to continue fighting after suffering a left shoulder injury early in the second round. 

Korobov, 36, dominated the first round as he continually landed straight lefts that were sent as return-fire each time Eubank Jr. flailed a half-committed jab his way.  

In the opening moments of the second, the southpaw Korobov picked up where he left off and again scored with straight lefts.  But it all came to a sudden halt just :34 seconds into the round when the Russian-born Florida fighter grimaced in pain, grabbed his left shoulder and asked referee Steve Willis to pause the contest.  Willis walked Korobov back to his corner where a timeout was issued and New York State Athletic Commission doctors tended to Korobov. After about a minute or so of inspection, NYSAC Chief Medical Officer Nitin Sethi informed Willis that Korobov could no longer continue.  On paper, the result adds another TKO win to Eubank, Jr.’s record and a loss to Korobov’s.  

It’s the third straight win for the 30 year-old Eubank, Jr., who moved down a weight class and was fighting at middleweight for the first time in roughly three years.  

“I felt like I was about to get my swagger on,” Eubank, Jr. said.  “He just turned around and stopped I was going to go jump on him. I guess something happened with his shoulder.”

Eubank Jr., who trains under the tutelage of Nate Vasquez at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas, added, “I’m the winner, I’m going to move forward and challenge for these belts.  This wasn’t my dream. My dream was to come here to America and make a statement.” 

Iwasa Wins WBA Featherweight Title, Stops Tapales In 11

Japan’s Ryosuke Iwasa (27-3, 17KO) is a world champion once again as scored an impressive eleventh round TKO over Filipino Marlon “Maranding Nightmare” Tapales (33-3, 16KO) to claim the vacant WBA interim featherweight title.  

The end came definitively and seemingly out of nowhere roughly a third of the way through the eleventh when Iwasa fired a straight left over a lazy Tapales jab that sent Tapales back to the mat.  He was on his feet before referee Shada Murdaugh reached ten, but failed to follow his commands, forcing Murdaugh to wave the bout off at the 1:09 mark of round eleven.  

In the third round, with action in full swing, both southpaws simultaneously stepped forward to throw lefts, and while both landed, a clash of heads briefly dropped the former world bantamweight champion Tapales to a knee.  Murdaugh missed the headbutt and incorrectly scored a knockdown for Iwasa.

Throughout the contest, the lengthier Iwasa did well to pepper Tapales from the outside and land big when the Filipino rushed inside, often attempting to land looping overhand lefts or sweeping body shots. 

By the seventh round, Tapales’ face began to tell the tale of the fight as it began to assume a reddish hue, while a mouse formed under his right eye.  

The 27 year-old Filipino mounted a final surge early in the eighth, as he rocked Iwasa with a huge right hand.  By the time the round commenced, however, Iwasa was back in the driver’s seat.  

It was the second time in Tapales’ career he was stopped inside the distance.  The other time came a decade ago — in 2009 — when he was stopped by fellow Filipino Brix Ray.  

For the 29 year-old Iwasa, tonight marked his second career fight in the US and second win inside the distance.  He retired Cesar Juarez in Los Angeles in February.  

Ronald Ellis Earns Hard Fought MD Over Immanuel Aleem 

Ronald Ellis (17-1-2, 11KO) rebounded from his lone career defeat, scoring a ten round majority decision (95-95, 98-92, 97-93) over fellow super middleweight Immanuwel “The Chosen One” Aleem (18-2-2, 11KO).

It was a back and forth affair in which both fighters were willing to eat a shot to land one of their own.  Aleem, 26, tried to bring the fight to Ellis, but Ellis popped a sharp jab all fight long that helped keep his smaller opponent at safe distance.  When Aleem did make his way inside Ellis’ reach, the Massachusetts native made sure to make Aleem pay.  

While most rounds were close and competitive, Ellis continually landed the cleaner, crisper, more effective shots.

It was a nice bounce back fight for Ellis, who dropped a close split decision loss to DeAndre Ware in February.  

Prior to tonight, Aleem’s last fight was a draw against Matvey Korobov in May.  His only other loss came via KO courtesy of Hugo Centeno Jr.  

Hawton Overcomes Knockdown To UD Villalobos, Win WBC Atomweight Title

In an all action affair, Australia’s Louisa “Bang Bang Lulu” Hawton (10-2, 5KO) overcame a sixth round knockdown to win the vacant WBC interim World Female Atomweight Title, scoring a ten round unanimous decision (95-94×3) over familiar foe Lorraine Villalobos (4-3, 2KO).  The two previously met last December when Hawton retired Villalobos in five.  

The matchup presented stylistic contrasts, as the 34 year-old Hawton is a pedal-to-the-metal – let your hands fly type of a fighter, while Villalobos is comfortable fighting off her back look, constantly looking to time Hawton and use her aggression against her.

In the early rounds, Hawton’s pressure style seemed to give Villalobos some problems.  Although both fighters had their share of offensive success, it seemed Hawton’s relentlessness was wearing on Villalobos.  

After nonstop back-and-forth action, the 23 year-old Villalobos broke through late in the sixth she uncorked a wicked left hook that landed square on Hawton’s chin, sending her to the canvas.  A foggy Hawton was able to beat referee Sparkle Lee’s ten count just as the round came to an end.  

Undeterred, Hawton returned to her high-octane offense the following round, but was peppered with more and more Villalobos shots.

Save for the sixth, all rounds were competitive and close and the judges scorecards reflect that, as all three shaded it to Hawton six rounds to four.  

Heavyweight Steven Torres Dominates Daniel Felix Franco In Pro Debut  

In his pro debut, heavyweight Steven Torres (1-0, 1KO) scored a first round stoppage, as he battered Mexico’s Daniel Felix Franco (2-3, 2KO) into submission. 

Torres, a 6’7” Puerto Rico fighting out of Reading, PA, dropped Franco early with a short left that clipped the chin of Franco and planted him on the canvas.  Moments later, Torres, who is trained by Anibal Adorno – father of prospects Joseph & Jeremy — continued to rain down punches on Franco until the big Mexican took a seat on the ropes, prompting the referee to jump in and stop the contest at the 2:09 mark of the first round.  

Duke Micah Earns Eight Round UD Over Janiel Rivera

Undefeated Ghanaian Duke Micah (24-0, 20 KO) sent fellow bantamweight Janiel “Pototo” Rivera (18-6-3, 11KO) to the mat twice, en route to a wide eight round unanimous decision (79-72, 78-73, 77-74). 

Micah started quick and before the first round commenced, had already sent his Puerto Rican counterpart to the mat courtesy of a straight right. The 28 year-old “Baby Faced Terminator”, continued to control the contest until midway through the third round when a Rivera right planted Micah on his backside.  Just seconds later though, during an exchange of wild punches, Micah returned the favor, landing another straight right that exploded on Sanchez’s chin, sending him the Puerto Rican crashing to the canvas. 

The two continued to exchange throughout the remainder of the contest, with Micah continually getting the better of Rivera.  Credit, the 28 year-old “Pototo” — who has only been stopped once in his career — for taking everything Micah threw at him, remaining undeterred until the final bell.  

In the second contest from New York, welterweights Amon Rashidi (7-1-1, 5KO) and Antonio Sanchez (6-8-3, 3KO) fought to a six round split draw.  Judges scorecards read 59-55 for each fighter, along with a 57-57 card.  

Rashidi, 27, was hoping to get back into the win column after suffering his first career defeat in September, but met a stubborn Sanchez who fought fire with fire.  

For the 33 year-old Puerto Rican, Sanchez, tonight’s result snaps a three-fight losing streak.  However, he remains winless on US soil (seven fights).  

Arnold Gonzalez Easily Outpoints Gregory Young, Jr. In 4 Round Welterweight Scrap 

New York City’s Arnold Gonzalez improved to 3-0, earning a four round unanimous decision (40-36×3) against fellow welterweight Gregory Young, Jr. (4-3, 1KO).  Gonzalez, who is trained by the Wild Card Boxing Club’s Julian Chua, did well to consistently work past Young Jr.’s jab to land his punches.  

Burley Brooks Decisions Nathan Sharp To Open BK Fight Card

In the opening fight of the evening from the Barclays Center, Texas super middleweight Burley Brooks upped his perfect record to 5-0, 4KO, scoring a six round unanimous decision (58-56×3) over Nathan Davis Sharp (4-2, 4KO).  It was the first time that the 23 year-old Brooks, who is trained by Derrick James, has gone the distance.

NEW YORK CITY — In the main event from Madison Square Garden, Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin (40-1-1, 35KO) scored a unanimous decision (114-113, 115-112×2), edging past Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10KO) to recapture the IBF middleweight title he once owned in an all action Fight of the Year candidate streamed live on DAZN.  

It was a bombs-away affair from the get-go and similar to Dervenyanchenko’s title fight against Daniel Jacobs, the Ukranian came out of cold and was caught and dropped by a Golovkin right on the top of the head midway through the first round. GGG carried his momentum into the second round and landed a vicious lead left hook that opened a nasty gash over Derevyanchenko’s right eye that immediately sent blood running down the 33 year-old’s face.  

Perhaps spurred on by a sense of urgency brought on by the cut, Derevyanchenko stepped up pressure in the third round and started taking the fight to Golovkin, committing heavy shots to the 37 year-old’s body which immediately started to pay dividends.

Credit Derevyanchenko’s cutman, Mike Bazzel, who worked on the gruesome cut round after round, and did a good enough job to satisfy the ringside physicians who continually inspected the Ukranians eye throughout the fight.  

Derevyanchenko noticeably hurt Golovkin for the first time in the fight late into the fifth with a left hook to the liver that produced a wince from GGG and sent him backpedaling in retreat.  The following round witnessed Golovkin sucking wind, breathing deeply through his mouth, while the bloody Derevyanchenko applied more pressure.  

After dropping the early-middle rounds, Golovkin dug in in the seventh and rallied, landing huge left hooks that targeted the worsening cut over Derevyanchenko’s eye.  

The eight and ninth played host to wild exchanges where both fighters were willing to take punches to land their own shots. 

But in the tenth, a surefire Round of the Year candidate, Derevyanchenko came out of his corner guns-a-blazin’ and wailed away on GGG, who found himself in a world of hurt.  But the Kazakh once again found something within himself, withstood Derevyanchenko’s onslaught, and scored with his own huge shots as the round progressed. 

The championship rounds witnessed back and forth action with GGG besting Derevyanchenko during the most meaningful exchanges.  

At the end of twelve, judge Kevin Morgan scored the bout 114-113 and both Eric Marlinski and Frank Lombardi had it 115-112, all for Golovkin.  15Rounds.com also scored it 115-112.

Golovkin now reclaims ownership to the IBF world title he once held and the one that rival Saul “Canelo” Alvarez was stripped of earlier this year after Alvarez and Golden Boy Promotions failed to make a fight with Dereveyanchenko, the IBF mandatory challenger, by a set deadline.  

Tonight marked the second fight GGG worked with trainer Jonathan Banks in his corner.  Banks entered the picture after Golovkin and longtime trainer Abel Sanchez went through an ugly public divorce earlier this year.

For Derevyanchenko, tonight marked the second straight fight he had his longtime trainer, Andre Rozier operating as his corner’s chief second.  Derevyanchenko, who is co-trained by Rozier and Gary Stark, was forced to split from Rozier and work solely with Stark for his title clash with Daniel Jacobs, who is also trained by Rozier.  It was the second time the Ukranian came up short in a title bout, the other being to Jacobs earlier this year.  

It was Golovkin’s second consecutive fight and fifth overall inside the main room at the “World’s Most Famous Arena”, where he’s amassed a record of (4-0, 3KO).  He last fought at the Garden in June when he knocked out Steve Forbes in 4 rounds.   

Golovkin’s lone defeat remains his controversial MD defeat to Canelo Alvarez in 2018.  The two rivals also fought to a draw in 2017 in a fight that many believe Golovkin deserved to win. 

Madrimov Batters Barrera En Route To 5th Round TKO

In the co-feature from Madison Square Garden, unbeaten Uzbeki junior middleweight Israil “The Dream” Madrimov (4-0, 4KO) destroyed Mexican veteran Alejandro Barrera (29-6, 18KO), scoring a fifth round TKO in a contest initially slated for ten rounds.  

Madrimov, 24, set the tone early when he landed a leaping left hook that floored Barrera early in the first.  Instead of headhunting the foggy Barrera, Madrimov make a conscious effort to batter Barrera’s body for the remainder of the opening round.  

Madrimov, who is one of a seemingly endless number of Uzbeki fighters training out of Joel Diaz’s gym in Indio, CA, fought a level above Barrera, who did his best to slip and counter the forward-pressing Madrimov.  Madrimov kept coming though, altering from orthodox to southpaw, pouring in jabs to the body and head, and consistently working his way inside to unload.  

By the fifth round, Madrimov’s body shots began to take their toll on the 33 year-old Barrera, whose movement and reflexes significantly slowed.  It then became open season for the Matchroom Boxing prospect, who potshotted Barrera with head-snapping blows until referee Benjy Esteves stepped in to stop the punishment at the 2:36 mark of the fifth round.  

Madrimov now joins Errol Spence Jr. as the only other fighter to have stopped Barrera inside the distance.  

Baranchyk Blasts Bracero, Scores TKO3

Former IBF junior welterweight champion Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (20-1, 13KO) bounced back from his World Boxing Super Series semi final defeat to Josh Taylor, scoring a fourth round TKO against veteran Gabriel Bracero (25-4-1, 6KO) in a contest originally scheduled for ten rounds.

It was bombs away for Baranchyk in the opening round, as the 26 year-old threw haymaker after haymaker, hoping to land a fight-ending blow early.  Credit the crafty Brooklynite, Bracero, who was able to remain composed during Baranchyk’s early bursts, and pepper in counter shots that would momentarily halt the Beast’s momentum.  

In the second, Baranchyk began connecting with his power shots.  Using his jab only to set up hooks and crosses, Baranchyk landed a huge left hook early in the round and briefly staggered Bracero.  The two engaged in numerous exchanges throughout the remainder of the round, and at times Bracero would land clean, but his punches did little to deter the forward momentum of Baranchyk who would open a cut over Bracero’s right eye before round’s end.  

In the fourth round, Baranchyk planted a heavy left hook to Bracero’s liver that forced him against the ropes.  Baranchyk immediately followed the body shot with a clean jab and a huge right cross that sent Bracero stumbling forward to the mat.  A dazed Bracero beat referee Arthur Mercante Jr.’s ten count but his corner stepped in to stop the contest before action resumed. The official time of the stoppage came at the 1:30 mark of the fourth round.  

Akhmadev Walks Through Hernandez, Stops Him In One

Khazak-born super middleweight Ali Akhmadev (16-0, 12KO) needed just :44 seconds of a scheduled ten rounds to land a fight-ending right cross to Andrew Hernandez’s (20-8-2, 9KO) temple.  

The GGG stable-mate, who is also trained by Jonathan Banks, set the right hand up nicely by throwing it behind a stiff jab. 

It was Akhmadev’s second straight win inside the distance, and just the fourth time Hernandez has been stopped in his thirty fight career.  

Ceballo Disposes Of Amanov In 3

In a battle of unbeatens, former five-time New York Golden Gloves Champion Brian Ceballo (11-0,6KO) scored a third round TKO over fellow welterweight Ramal Amanov (16-1, 5KO), handing the Azerbaijan native his first pro defeat.  

The 25 year-old Ceballo dominated from the onset, proving to be too quick and too slick for the 35 year-old Amanov.

Early on, a Ceballo left opened a bothersome cut over Amanov’s right eye.  In the third round, Ceballo, who was fighting for the fifth time in 2019, landed another left that knocked Amanov off-balance.  The Fort Greene Brooklyn native Ceballo followed up the left with a flurry of shots that prompted referee Arthur Mercante, Jr. to step in and stop the contest at the 1:20 mark of the third round.  

Szeremeta Shines In US Debut, Scores TKO2 Over Cortes

In his US debut, unbeaten Polish middleweight Kamil Szeremeta (21-0, 5KO) scored a second round TKO over Mexican veteran Oscar Cortes (27-5,14KO).  

The 29 year-old Szeremeta asserted himself early, dropping Corets with a beautifully thrown left hook to the chin in the opening round.  The tattooed Pole kept the heat on in the second, hurting Cortes with an overhand right, before finishing him off with a final left-right combo.  With doctors clamoring on the apron, referee Benjy Esteves Jr. called a halt to the bout at the :45 second mark of round two.  

It was the fourth time in Cortes’ career that he’s been stopped inside the distance and just Szeremeta’s win via stoppage in his last nine contests.  

Injury Spoils Irishman Joe Ward’s Pro Debut, Suffers TKO Loss 

Former 2016 Irish Olympian Joseph Ward (0-1) had his pro debut spoiled when he suffered a gruesome knee injury midway through the second round of a scheduled six round light heavyweight clash that resulted in his opponent, Marco Delgado (6-2, 4KO), being awarded a TKO victory.

The end came suddenly in the second when a Delgado feint drew a reaction from Ward, whose knee twisted awkwardly and immediately gave out, leaving Ward reeling in pain on the mat.  Referee Eddie Claudio ruled the injury “self-imposed”, and therefore Delgado received a win by TKO. The time of the stoppage came at the 1:00 mark of round 2. After doctors tended to Ward’s knee, the gritty Irishman — who is trained by Buddy McGirt — walked out of the ring under his power.  

Ababiy Kicks Off MSG Card In Style; Stops Seldon In One

Twenty year-old Matchroom Boxing super middleweight prospect Nikita “White Chocolate” Ababiy needed less than one of a scheduled six rounds to up his already perfect record to 7-0, 6KO, earning a first round TKO against 31 year-old veteran Isiah Seldon (13-3-1, 4KO).  

Ababiy, who trains under Aureliano Sosa and fights out of Brooklyn, NY, was relentless, battering Seldon’s body, before coming upstairs to deliver a definitive blow that left Seldon unable to continue as the bout was waved off at the 1:45 mark of the opening round.

It was the fifth stoppage in six career wins for the Keith Connolly managed fighter.  

On the flip side, tonight’s TKO marked just the second time in seventeen pro bouts that Seldon had been stopped inside the distance. 

The Ababiy stoppage kicked off a night of fights from Madison Square Garden that will culminate when former middleweight king Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin and Sergiy Derevyanchenko clash for the vacant IBF middleweight title in a bout that will be streamed live on DAZN. 

NEW YORK CITY — Twenty year old lightweight phenom Devin “The Dream” Haney moved to 23-0, 15KO, retiring previously unbeaten Russian Zaur Abdullaev (11-1, 7KO) in four rounds to capture the WBC Interim LIghtweight Title in the main event of a Matchroom Boxing USA fight card from Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater, streamed live on DAZN.  

The Las Vegas-native Haney wasted no time forcing the action and came off his stool, firing sharp, crisp punches that seemed to make Abdullaev uncomfortable.  Overwhelmed by Haney’s speed, Abdullaev hardly threw punches the first two rounds, and Haney banked them easily. 

In the third, the 25 year-old Russian began to open up a bit, but at a price.  Each time Abdullaev tried to launch an offensive attack, Haney made sure to return fire. 

Haney continued to control every second of the contest and towards the end of fourth, Haney began to land explosive rights at will.  One of those rights may have fractured Abdullaev’s cheekbone, and because of that, his corner threw in the towel between the fourth and fifth round. 

It was the second straight win inside the distance for Haney, who is trained by his father, Bill.  In Haney’s previous fight he scored a spectacular KO of the Year candidate with his one-punch 7th round knockout of veteran Antonio Moran.   

As the WBC interim title holder, Haney is now next in line to face WBC champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, although because of boxing politics, that’s not likely to happen anytime soon.

Amanda Serrano UDs Heather Hardy, Re-Captures WBO Featherweight Title 

Seven weight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (37-1-1, 27KO) recaptured the WBO featherweight title she once held and won the Battle of Brooklyn, earning a hard-fought ten round unanimous decision against fellow Brooklynite Heather “The Heat” Hardy (22-1-1, 4KO).  Judges cards read 98-91×2 and 98-92 for Serrano.

The fight was almost over before it began, as the 30 year-old southpaw Serrano blitzed Hardy early, catching her clean with a left midway through the first round that buzzed the champ.  The ensuing :60 seconds were almost difficult to watch, as Serrano mercilessly let her fists fly, marking up and drawing blood from the defenseless Hardy’s face in the process. Credit the 37 year-old Hardy for hunkering down and grinding it out until the ding of the bell. 

In the second and third, Hardy fared better, but Serrano, the more athletic and naturally gifted of the two continued to dominate and have it all her way.  

Refusing to relinquish her title without a fight, the resilient Hardy mounted a comeback in the middle and late rounds, as she finally was able to settle in and mount some offense of her own. 

But Hardy wasn’t able to sustain any offense for prolonged periods of time, and Serrano’s engine never slowed down.  

For Serrano, the win now sets her up for a mega fight against unifight lightweight champion, Katie Taylor. 

The result marks Hardy’s first defeat inside the squared circle.  Notably, she has ventured out into the world of MMA where she amassed a 2-2 record in four career fights.  

Hunter Hands Kuzmin First Loss In Heavyweight Clash

Matchroom Boxing heavyweight Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (18-1, 12KO) scored a fifth round knockdown en route to a wide unanimous decision against Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11KO) to capture Kuzmin’s WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight Title in a twelve round affair.  All three judges agreed on a 117-110 card for Hunter. 

Hunter, 31, came out for the first round with high-energy and established a pace that he couldn’t maintain.  Kuzmin, 32, patient throughout the first — too patient to win the round — began to assert himself in the second round, methodically working his way within range before firing off a few shots and tying up.  

The third was fought on even terms up until the closing seconds when Hunter, who is trained by former world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, landed a huge overhand right that stopped Kuzmin in his tracks. 

Hunter committed to attack Kuzmin’s body in the fourth and early in the fifth, during an exchange, caught Kuzmin with a crisp left hook that sent the big Russian crashing to the canvas.  Kuzmin beat Ricky Gonzalez’s ten count and navigated his way through the remainder of the round.  

Hunter remained in control of the contest through the sixth, seventh, and much of the eight rounds until Kuzmin stunned Hunter with a combination as the eight round drew to a close. 

Kuzmin was never fully able to capitalize on the little momentum he was able to generate and going forward, Hunter had no trouble putting out any fires when the flames arose.  

The win extends Hunter’s win streak to six.  His only loss remains his unanimous decision defeat against reigning Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Fighter of the Year, Oleksandr Usyk in April 2017, when both fighters were cruiserweights. 

After the bout, Hunter called out former WBA world heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin.  

Kuzmin’s most notable wins remain his retiring of British veteran David Price and his majority decision victory over Philadelphia little big man Joey Dawejko. 

Ford Stays Perfect, Outpoints Castillo 

2018 National Golden Gloves Champion Raymond “Savage” Ford pushed his record to 4-0, 1KO, earning a shutout decision (40-36×3) over the Bronx’s Rafael Castillo (1-4) in a four round junior featherweight bout. 

The Camden, NJ-native Ford, showcased the skillset that earned him his Golden Gloves title, thoroughly outclassing Castillo over the duration of their twelve minute scrap.  At times the southpaw Ford, a Matchroom Boxing prospect, landed shots worthy of knockdowns, but Castillo — who has never been stopped — remained upright from bell to bell.   

Bermudez Shines In Debut, Scores KO2 Over Conde 

Lightweight Christian “Kike” Bermudez (1-0, 1KO) brought his hometown crowd to their feet in the second of a scheduled four round bout, scoring a one-punch KO of Jonathan Conde (1-3, 1KO).  

Bermudez, 23, wasted no time letting his hands fly, twice stunning Conde in the first round. The end came suddenly two-thirds through the second when Bermudez uncorked a jab-straight right-left hook combo that exploded on Conde’s chin and crumpled him to the canvas.  The contest was immediately waved off at the 1:56 mark of the round two.  

Yeleussinov Blasts Out Hicks Inside One

2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Daniyar “Kazakh Thunder” Yeleussinov (8-0, 4KO) displayed a lethal combination of speed and power to score a first round KO over previously unbeaten Texan Reshard Hicks (12-1-1, 6KO) in a welterweight bout initially slated for ten rounds.

Yeleussinov, a southpaw, stunned Hicks early with a left hand and then immediately blitzed him with a flurry of shots that sent Hicks to the mat.  Hicks beat referee Ron Lipton’s ten count, but never fully recovered. Yeleussinov, 28, patiently waited for another opening, and exploded another booming left that stunned Hicks, leaving him defenseless for the definitive blow — another left cross — that sent Hicks to the canvas for good.  Referee Ron Lipton called off the contest at the 2:38 mark of the opening round.  

Akhmadaliev Stays Perfect, TKOs Soto In 4

Featherweight Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev (7-0, 6KO) needed less than five of a scheduled eight rounds to improve upon his already perfect record, scoring a TKO4 against hard-nosed Colombian Wilner Soto (22-7, 2KO).  

Akhmadaliev, a native of Uzbekistan who fights out of Joel Diaz’s gym in Indio, CA, took the fight to his Colombian counterpart, who to his credit, dug in and tried to throw blow for blow with the crafty, hard-hitting southpaw.  

Despite a valiant effort from Soto, the 24 year-old Akhmadaliev battered him around the ring, and scored continuously with power punches to the head until referee Eric Dali stepped in to stop the bout at the 1:56 mark of the 4th round. 

Ferrer Scores Wide UD Over Fryers 

Brooklynite Wesley Ferrer (14-1-1, KO), a Dominican-native, won the battle of junior welterweight New York transplants, outpointing Yonkers’ Larry Fryers (11-2, 4KO), an Irish-native, in an eight round contest.  Judges scorecards read 80-72 and 79-72×2. 

It was the southpaw Ferrer’s left hand that was the difference maker in the bout.  He fed Fryers a steady diet of lefts and the Irishman had no answer for it. When Fryers went on the offensive, Ferrer countered him with a left.  When Fryers took a breather, Ferrer peppered him with a left from distance.

It was an impressive performance from “El Bongocera”, who dominated from bell to bell, and  has now won two straight since suffering his only defeat to Steven Ortiz last September. 

The result marks Fryer’s second career loss.  His other defeat came via TKO against Nikolai Buzolin in April of last year.  

Maijdov Stops Fountain In 4 In Pro Debut

In his professional debut, former 3x World Amateur Champion and 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Magomedrasul Majidov (1-0, 1KO) rose up off the mat and scored a TKO4 over veteran Ed “Tex Trismigistis” Fountain (12-7, 5KO) .

The first round went according to plan for Majidov  as the big man from Azerbaijan cautiously navigated his first three minutes as a paid prizefighter.

The script got flipped early in the second, however, as Fountain caught Majidov with a short, crisp, left hook that dropped the Azerbaijani.

Majidov, who’s trained by John David Jackson, was able to dust himself off and rally the very next round, opening up a nasty cut under Fountain’s right eye.  Majidov increased pressure and pace and Fountain faded fast.  

Majidov, who recently signed a promotional contract with Matchroom Boxing, continued to batter the tiring and increasingly defenseless Fountain, and at the 2:41 mark of round 4, referee Ron Lipton called a halt to the contest, acting on advice from ringside physician Dr. Nitin Sethi who had climbed up on the ring apron.  

Darren “DC3” Cunningham UDs Jonathon Ramos To Open Night 

Twenty-two year old super bantamweight prospect Darren “DC3” Cunningham upped his perfect record to 10-0, 5KO, outpointing Mexican journeyman Jonathan “Zurdo” Ramos (18-25-5, 6KO) in a six round affair that kicked off a ten bout card from Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater, the latter portion set to stream live on DAZN.  Judges cards read 60-54×2 and 59-55 for Cunningham, a St. Louis native, now living and fighting out of Las Vegas, NV where he trains alongside tonight’s headliner, Devin Haney. 

The night of fights will commence with a triple-header beginning live at 9pm ET, anchored by a 12 round contest between 20 year-old phenom Haney (22-0, 14KO) and undefeated Russian Zaur Abdullaev (11-0, 7KO) for the WBC interim lightweight title. 

BROOKLYN, NY — Polish-born Brooklyn heavyweight Adam “Babyface” Kownacki upped his perfect record to 20-0, 15KO, earning a hard-fought twelve round unanimous decision against former three-time world title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (38-6-1, 33KO) in the main event of a FOX broadcast from the Barclays Center.  Judges scores were 118-110 and 117-111 for Kownacki.  

 

The fight was fought at a frantic pace for two big men who tipped the scales at a combined 510¼ pounds (Kownacki, 266¼ & Arreola 244).  Combined, the two sluggers threw 2,172 punches, landing 667 of them, both CompuBox records for the heavyweight division.   

 

Kownacki, 30, wasted no time forcing the action, as he came off his stool firing in the bout’s opening round firing loaded shots that immediately had Arreola retreating. The 6’3” Pole continued to stalk Arreola, who tried to jab his way out of harm’s way.  Once that task proved too difficult, Arreola made adjustments, and in the ensuing rounds the 38 year-old Californian began to smother Kownacki, continuously leaning on him and forcing the fight in-close. 

 

From round two through twelve, the fight would be fought in-tight, which certainly wore on each fighter as they seemingly gassed midway through each round.

 

Kownacki seemingly landed at will and was more creative with his punches than Arreola, who possibly broke his right hand in the third round.  The Pole, who is trained by Keith Trimble, varied his offense, threw uppercuts, short left hooks, and right crosses around Arreola’s guard.

 

Arreola’s successes came courtesy of his straight right, which he consistently landed, but perhaps without his usual power.    

 

Credit Arreola, who after fading in the late-middle rounds, dug deep and fought well in the championship rounds, winning both of them on judge Lou Moret’s scorecard, as well as 15Rounds.com’s.  15Rounds scored the fight 115-113, Kownacki.  

 

Tonight marked the seventh time in Kownacki’s last eight fights that he’s fought in front his red and white clad supporters (8,790 of them tonight) at the Barclays Center, which routinely turns into “Little Warsaw” on fight nights. 

 

Kownacki now adds Arreola’s name to a list along with Artur Szpilka and Gerald Washington as former title challengers he holds wins over.  Kownacki’s resume also sports a win over former IBF World Champion Charles Martin.

 

Arreola, in preparation for his fight versus Kownacki, parted ways with longtime trainer Henry Ramirez and linked up with legendary offense-first trainer Joe Goossen.  Ramirez, who still maintains a close relationship with Arreola, was still present in Arreola’s corner tonight.  

With the win, Kownacki takes another step forward in his quest to become the first Polish born heavyweight champion and positions him nicely to get a crack at WBC World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder.  

 

“I thought it was a good close fight but I knew I pulled it out. I landed a lot of shots and that was enough to win,” Kownacki said afterward. 

 

“I tried to follow up when I had him hurt but I was throwing two punches instead of three or four,” he added.  “I just have to keep training hard, getting better and sharpening my skills. We’ll see what the future holds. Hopefully next year I’ll get the title shot.”

 

Post-fight, Arreola credited Kownacki’s ever-charging approach. 

 

“”Adam is relentless. He just keeps coming. I know I got him with some good punches and he got me with some good ones. I was more than ready to go all 12, but Adam came in and won the fight.”

 

On whether or not tonight was the last time we’ll see Arreola in the ring, he said, “Retirement is something I need to talk to my family and team about. I gave it my all this fight. I let it all hang out.”

 

In another stunning upset from the Barclays Center, Jean Pascal (37-6-1, 20KO) turned back the clock and sent “Sir” Marcus Browne (23-1, 16KO) to the canvas three times en route to an eight round technical decision victory (75-74×3) to capture Browne’s interim WBA World LIghtweight title. 

 

Things started according to plan for the former 2012 Olympian Browne, who in the early goings used his height and reach advantage to keep the bull-rushing Pascal at bay.  The first two rounds saw the Staten Island southpaw constantly popped his jab and punished the shorter Pascal each time the Quebecer leapt forward to land a charging blow.  

 

In the third Browne became more assertive and started to open up.  Midway through the round, a Browne left seemed to momentarily stun Pascal, who had his back against the ropes.  Browne then uncorked two violent right hooks, to the head and body that former champ somehow absorbed.

 

The momentum and complexion of the fight changed suddenly the following round, however, when both fighters landed simultaneous right hands,  Browne – a right hook, Pascall – a right cross. It was the former champion Pascal’s cross, though, that exploded upon impact and sent the previously-unbeaten Browne thudding to the mat.  Foggy and dazed, Browne beat referee Gary Rosato’s ten count, but then had to figure out how to survive the remaining 1:40 seconds of the round. He did so by clinching at every opportunity until he heard the ding of the bell. 

 

Between rounds four and five, Browne cleared the cobwebs and came out of his corner on steady legs, making a continuous and conscious effort to score to his 36 year-old counterpart’s body.  

 

Similar to the fifth, the sixth likely belonged to Browne, who again kept digging shots to Pascal’s body.  

 

The Canadian roared back in the seventh, though, landing another explosive right cross that sent Browne violently to the mat for the second time.  A wobbly Browne beat Rosato’s ensuing ten count, but was sent back to the canvas shortly after when Pascal clipped him with a short right as the round neared end.

 

Midway through an eighth round that was all-Pascal, the two clashed heads that resulted in a nasty gash over Browne’s left eye.  Rosato called a stop to the action and called for ringside physician Dr. Nitin Sethi to exam the cut. Upon doing so, he advised Rosato to halt the contest, which he did at the 1:49 mark of the round.  

 

At the end of seven-plus, all three judges scored the fight 75-74 for Pascal.  Browne won all rounds where he remained on his feet.  

“Boxing is boxing,” Pascal said afterward.  “We clashed heads, but at the end of the day, I was winning the round. I dropped him three times. It was a close fight, but I believe I was winning.

 

It was a retro performance from Pascal, who many believed his best days were in the rearview.  Late last year Pascal came up short against current WBA World Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol.

 

Tonight was the first title defense for Browne since winning his title in January when he outpointed a a crimson-faced Badou Jack.  

Omotoso Stops Stevens Inside 3 In Jr. Middleweight Firefight

 In the first of three fights broadcast live on FOX, Nigerian junior middleweight Wale “Lucky Boy” Omotoso (28-4, 22KO) scored three knockdowns en route to a third round TKO against former world title challenger Curtis “Cerebral Assassin” Stevens (30-7, 22KO) in a contest originally slated for ten.  

 

It was a brief, albeit exciting firefight between the two 34 year-old sluggers, with both fighters willing to eat a shot to land one.  But it was Omotoso’s punch resistance — or better yet, Stevens’ lack thereof — that made the difference in the ring.  

 

Omotoso scored his first knockdown — of the flash variety — midway through the first round courtesy of a right hand that landed behind Stevens’ left ear.  

 

The following round, Omotoso again sent Stevens to the canvas, courtesy of a stiff jab that came at the end of an exchange. 

 

In the third round, Stevens tried to turn the tide and came off his stool and charged toward Omotoso, letting his hands fly.  The Brooklyn-native backed Omotoso into a neutral corner and started peppering him short hooks and crosses. Omotoso responded quickly though, firing off his own hooks and crosses thwart Stevens’ offensive surge.  

 

As the two circled the ring and neared the opposite neutral corner, Omotoso uncorked a textbook one-two that caught Stevens on the chin, sending him back to the mat.  A blurry-eyed Stevens beat referee Johnny Callas’ ten count, but failed to convince him he was able to continue.

 

The result marked the fourth time Stevens has been stopped inside the distance.  Perhaps most memorable was his vicious KO loss against David Lemeiux in 2017.  

 

“I was just letting my hands go. On the second knockdown my confidence grew,” Omotoso said. “I was glad to get the victory by knockout.

 

“I didn’t expect it to go exactly like that. I was just listening to my coach,” he continued.  “The second knockdown was actually with my jab. 

 

Stevens also spoke after the fight.  “He hit me with an overhand right in the first round that knocked my equilibrium,” he said. “But that didn’t really affect me too much. I wasn’t stepping enough into my punches, i was reaching. I got caught when I was reaching.” 

Brian Howard Viciously KOs Carlos Negron In One 

Atlanta heavyweight Brian Howard (15-3, 12KO) needed just 66 seconds to bulldoze past 6’6” Puerto Rican Carlos Negron (20-3, 16KO) and score the biggest win of his career.  

A Howard right hurt Negron about thirty seconds into the bout, and from that moment on, it was bombs away for the 39 year-old veteran.  Howard was relentless, offering Negron no relief, forcing him into perpetual retreat.  

After a few more Howard punches landed through Negron’s shoddy guard, referee Shada Murdaugh took a close look, seemingly ready to stop the fight.  The very next Howard right took that decision out of Murdaugh’s hands, however, as it landed flush on the side of Negron’s head, sending the big Puerto Rican crashing hard to the mat and almost out of the ring.  The fight was immediately waved off at the 1:06 mark of the first round. 

It was the second straight fight Negron was KO’d.  He suffered the same fight in December courtesy of two-time world title challenger Dominic Brazeale in this same arena in December.  

Jones TKOs Sosa, Hands Him First Taste of Defeat 

In a shocking upset, welterweight Brian “Sweet” Jones (15-10, 9KO) scored a seventh round TKO over previously unbeaten Julian Sosa (13-1-1, 5KO).  

 

Sosa looked to be in control through the first three-plus rounds of the fight, but a Jones three-punch combo midway through the fourth flipped the script.  The aforementioned combo sent Sosa crashing to the mat, dazed and confused. The 23 year-old Brooklynite beat referee Earl Brown’s ten count and was able to hang on to see the next round.  

 

In the fifth, Jones stepped on the gas and immediately walked a still-fuzzy Sosa into a neutral counter where he began to let his hands go.  Sosa bent forward and put a glove to the mat to catch his balance, resulting in a second knockdown. 

 

The fight ended shortly thereafter, at the 2:28 mark of the 5th, when Brown jumped between fighters to stop any more of Jones’ unobstructed punches from reaching Sosa’s head.  

It should be noted that Sosa’s trainer and father Aureliano Sosa was not present in his son’s corner tonight.  Over the past few years, Aureliano Sosa has amassed a skilled stable of blue-chip New York prospects including Richardson Hitchins and Chris Colbert.  For tonight’s fight, however, with the elder Sosa absent, it was the undefeated 22 year-old lightweight, Colbert, operating as the corner’s chief second.

The result marked the first time the 32 year-old Jones has won at the Barclays Center in three tries.  

 

Marsellus Wilder Redeems Himself In Brooklyn, UDs Nicoy Clarke

Cruiserweight Marsellus Wilder (5-1, 2KO), the younger brother of WBC World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder, slugged his way past Jamaican Nicoy Clarke (2-4) en route to a four round unanimous decision victory (40-36×2, 39-37).

Various times throughout the fight, the 30 year-old Wilder had Clarke in trouble, but was never able to close the show.  The hard-nosed Clarke weathered all storms and had brief moments of success, but not enough to rack up rounds.

Tonight marked the first time Wilder fought at the Barclays Center since being KO’d by journeyman William Deets late in the fourth round of a four round fight he was comfortably winning.  That KO remains his only loss.

Helen Joseph Cruises To 6-Round Shutout Over Edina Kiss

Connecticut’s Helen “Iron Lady” Joseph upped her record to 16-3-2, 10KO, earning a six round unanimous decision (60-53×3) against Hungary’s Edina “DNA” Kiss (15-11, 9KO) in a super bantamweight affair.

It was all Joseph from bell to bell.  The 30 year-old Nigerian forced the action, pressed forward, and had Kiss uncomfortably fighting off her back foot round after round.

Joseph scored a knockdown in the second courtesy of a looping right that forced Kiss down to a knee.

The 29 year-old Kiss’ remains winless on American soil, having now dropped all eight of her US contests.

Unbeaten Kestna Davis Scores 4-Round UD Over Winless Jaime Meza 

New Jersey’s Kestna “Hardball” Davis (4-0) dusted off two years of ring rust to score a four round unanimous decision (40-36×3) over fellow junior middleweight Jaime Meza (0-3).

The 24 year-old Jamaican-born southpaw, Davis, used his height and reach advantage to score the more impactful punches during their twelve minute affair.

Davis’ three prior pro fights all came in 2017.

Cobia Breedy Remains Unbeaten, Scores 10-Round UD Over Ryan Lee Allen 

In the night’s second contest, Maryland featherweight Cobia “Soldier” Breedy (14-0, 4KO) out-landed Michigan’s Ryan Lee Allen (9-4-1, 4KO) en route to a ten round unanimous decision (99-91×2, 97-93).

It wasn’t a buttoned-up performance by Breedy, as the wide scorecards might suggest. Allen was able to touch Breedy all fight, but was unable to land anything of significance.

Make no mistake though, it was Breedy who was better on the night. The 27 year-old Barbados-born boxer kept punches coming round after round and continually bested his counterpart.

Arnold Gonzalez Opens Night With 4 Round UD Over De Los Santos

In his hometown debut, welterweight Arnold Gonzalez ran his record to a perfect 2-0, decisioning Texan Jeremiah De Los Santos (0-4) in a four round contest that opened an eleven bout card from the Barclays Center. Scores were 40-36 across the board.

Although born and bred in NYC, the former Manny Pacquiao sparring partner, Gonzalez, hones his craft on the west coast, fighting under the watchful eye of the Wild Card Boxing Club’s Julian Chua.

The marathon fight night concludes with a FOX triple header beginning at 8EST, anchored by a battle of big men when heavyweight contenders Adam Kownacki and Chris Arreola meet in a contest that’s scheduled for — but probably won’t go — twelve rounds.

NEWARK, NJ –In his first fight as a headliner, Newark’s “Fearless” Shakur Stevenson (12-0, 7KO) brought his hometown fans to their feet, scoring a round 3rd round KO against former two-time world title challenger Alberto Guevara (27-5, 12KO) in front of 5,150 fans at the Prudential Center in the main event of a Top Rank fight card broadcast on ESPN+ and ESPN.

It was evident from the early goings that Stevenson’s size and power would overwhelm the smaller Guevara, who’s best days were fought at bantamweight. Because of this, Guevara was reluctant to let his fists fly, knowing that any Stevenson countershot could end his night.

After a relatively quiet first round, the southpaw Stevenson upped the tempo in the second, cracking and landing with both hands. About midway through the round, Stevenson scored a somewhat strange knockdown when Guevara lost his balance and bent forward to try and clinch Stevenson. In a bit of an “ole”/matador maneuver, Stevenson avoided the clinch and planted a left to the body, allowing Guevara’s forward momentum to carry him forward to the canvas. Referee David Fields ruled a knockdown and Guevara beat the count.

As the second round drew to a close, Stevenson again dropped Guevara — this time with authority — courtesy of a straight left that landed flush on the right side of Guevara’s face, dropping him to his knees. Guevara again beat Field’s ten count just as the bell sounded to end the round.

In the third, Stevenson, who is trained by his grandfather Wali Moses, thought he scored another knockdown after a landing a body shot, followed by a left to the head, but Fields correctly ruled that the body shot was low and allotted Guevara time to recover.

The end came shortly after though, as Stevenson unleashed a vicious flurry of pinballing headshots that sent an unsteady Guevara to the mat for the third and final time where he was counted out by Fields at the 2:37 mark of round 3.

It was an impressive win for the former 2016 Beijing Olympic Medalist, who was escorted to the ring by WBO World Welterweight Champion Terence Crawford (35-0, 26KO).

Initially, Stevenson, who retained his NABO Featherweight Title tonight, was slated to face Hairon Socarras (22-0-3, 13KO), who pulled out about a month before the fight. In stepped Venezeulan Franklin Manzanilla (18-5, 17KO) who accepted the challenge, only to also pull out earlier this month. Credit Guevara, Stevenson’s third scheduled opponent for taking the fight on short notice and seeing it through.

To date, Guevara has only lost to top-notch competition, including Stevenson. In his most recent fight before tonight, Guevara dropped a unanimous decision to former WBO/WBA World Bantamweight Champion Hugo Ruiz (39-5, 33KO) in January. His resume also sports losses in two world title fights, to Leo Santa Cruz (36-1-1, 19KO) in 2012 and Shinsuke Yamanake in 2013. His other loss came courtesy of Emmanuel Rodriguez (19-1, 12KO), who then went on to capture world bantamweight titles of his own.

What’s next for Stevenson?

We know he wants to move quickly. Much against the wishes of Top Rank brass, Stevenson and his camp pushed for and secured a fight against former title challenger Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz (24-2, 16KO) in April. Stevenson shined in that fight, outclassing his veteran counterpart en route to a wide unanimous decision victory.

He reiterated his desire to get bigger fights after tonight’s match, asking his promotor to find him bigger fights. “Top Rank, you all have to give me better competition I want the IBF and WBO {titles},” he said. “I would love to go to England to fight Josh Warrington.”

On his performance tonight, Stevenson said, “That was a great performance I put on for the city of Newark…I surprised myself today. I was going to the body a lot. I saw him at the weigh-in. He didn’t look like he was in shape.”

More than anything, tonight’s fight served as a showcase fight for Stevenson. It granted the kid from Newark, who for a time lived on Ali Boulevard, an opportunity to put on a show in his home city in front of family and friends. For Top Rank, it also tested Stevenson’s drawing power as a headliner in a Newark market that Main Events and Tomasz Adamek once thrived in.

If it was up to Stevenson, Newark’s boxing fans will get an opportunity to see him in-person a lot more over the next few years.

“I see me bringing big fights to Newark I see me bringing boxing back to Newark. Brick City, I appreciate you all. Without you, I wouldn’t be who I am.”

Joshua Greer Edges Majority Decision Over Nikolai Potapov

In the night’s co-feature, broadcast live on ESPN, Chicago bantamweight Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer, Jr. (21-1-1, 12KO) earned a twelve round majority decision over Brooklyn-based Russian Nikolai Potapov (20-2-1, 11KO) in an IBF title eliminator.  

Official scorecards read 115-113 and 116-112, Greer, and 114-114.  

It was a technical fight, fought in the pocket and within each fighter’s firing range.  It was never a reckless affair, however, and it wasn’t going to be, no matter how many boos the blood-thirsty Jersey crowd rained down. 

Both fighters had moments where their punches landed and where they avoided return fire.  Quite simply, Greer had a few more of them, and was able to eke out a narrow decision.  

The decision victory stretched Greer’s win streak to seventeen in a row, but snapped a seven fight stoppage streak, a run that started almost two years ago to the day, when he retired Leroy Davila (5-2, 3KO).  

Greer’s only career defeat remains a 2015 majority decision a loss to Stephon Fulton (16-0, 7KO) in his fifth pro fight. 

For the 28 year-old Potapov, tonight marks his first defeat on US soil in four fights.  He’d previously compiled a record of 2-0-1. His only other defeat came in 2017 when he was retired  by former Argentine world champion Omar Andres Narvaez (49-3-2, 23KO) in Buenos Aires.  

He’s very awkward with the Russian style,” Greer said post-fight. “But at the end of the day, this is the pros…I pulled it out.”

“The booing didn’t bother me. I know I won the fight,” he added. “Every time I hit him to the body, I hurt him. I didn’t get the knockout, but I got the win.”

Josue Vargas Stops Manny Lopez In 7 

In the final fight streamed on ESPN+, Bronx-based Puerto Rican Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (14-1, 9KO) scored a 7th round TKO against fellow welterweight Manuel “Manny Lo” Lopez (14-4-1, 7KO) in a bout originally slated for eight.  

The 20 year-old southpaw, Vargas, controlled the action and dictated the pace of the fight from the opening bell.  Vargas invited Lopez’s pressure and peppered him each and every time he got into range.  

Not for lack of trying, but the 28 year-old Coloradan, Lopez, was unable to get any offense going.  He consistently found himself on the receiving end of Vargas jabs and straight lefts.  

In the seventh round, smelling blood in the water, Vargas turned up the heat and let his hands fly.  Hurt and winded, Lopez retreated, but was unable to shake Vargas, who kept the fists coming.  

Eventually, Vargas pinned Lopez against the ropes and began unloading, at one point landing three consecutive head snapping right uppercuts.  Referee Sparkle Lee jumped in to stop the contest at the 2:50 mark of the 7th round. 

It was Vargas’ second fight under the Top Rank promotional banner and fifth consecutive win via stoppage. Vargas previously fought under contract with Mayweather Promotions.  

For Lopez, tonight marked his first fight east of the Mississippi and the first time in his career he was stopped inside the distance.  

17 Year-Old Vito Mielnicki Jr. Rocks “The Rock”, Scores Emphatic KO1 In Debut

In his professional debut, 17 year-old New Jersey native Vito “White Magic” Mielnicki, Jr. (1-0, 1KO) blew the lid off the Prudential Center, scoring a murderous first round KO against Mississippi’s Tamarcus Smith (2-3, 2KO) in front of hundreds of frenzied hometown fans.  

The end came emphatically and without notice when Mielnicki caught a retreating Smith with a left hook to the chin-straight right combo that turned out Smith’s lights, collapsing him face down on the mat where referee Shada Murdaugh stopped the bout immediately at the 1:16 mark of the first round.  

Mielnicki, a rising senior at nearby West Essex High School, needed a special exemption from the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board allowing him to make his debut tonight, ten months before his 18th birthday.  

During his amateur career, Mielnicki, who is the son of GH3 CEO, promoter Vito Mielnicki, amassed an impressive record of 147-22.  He decided to forego his amateur status and his dreams of becoming an Olympian, however, when it became clear that age restrictions would prevent him from participating in an Olympics before 2024.

Julian Rodriguez Hammers Herrera, Scores KO1

In his first bout in twenty-two months, welterweight Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (17-0, 11KO) returned to action and scored a statement-making first round KO against veteran Colombian slugger Hevinson Herrera (24-18-1, 17KO) in a bout originally slated for six rounds. 

If you blinked you might have missed it as Rodriguez landed a left hook-straight right combo that collapsed Herrera to the mat where he was counted out by referee Sparkle Lee at the :59 mark of the first round.  

Prior to tonight, Rodriguez last fought in September 2017 when he outpointed Dario Ferman (17-6, 14KO) in Philadelphia.  Following that contest, the 24-year old Rodriguez was sidelined by injury, and required surgery to repair a torn labrum.  

He looked no worse for the wear tonight though and came out firing, overwhelming his 34 year-old counterpart and ending it early.  

For Rodriguez, tonight marked his first win inside the distance since June 2016.  

It was the second straight stoppage loss and third overall for Herrera, who was retired by former two-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (35-6-1, 20KO) in his last fight in March.  He remains winless outside of his native Colombia, 0-14. 

“I was very confident in my preparation, so I felt like I had to go in there and do what I had to do,” Rodriguez said.

Speaking about his early KO, he added, “That’s what {the fans} like about me. When they come here, they see a show.”

John Bauza Remains Unbeaten, Scores UD Over Ramirez

In an eight round super lightweight match, North Bergen, New Jersey’s John “El Terrible” Bauza (13-0, 5KO) scored a unanimous decision against Mexico’s Angel Sarinana (10-9-2, 4KO) to remain unbeaten.

All three judges scored the contest a shutout 80-72 for Bauza. 

It was bell to bell action, as both fighters willingly engaged round after round trying to impose their will on the other.  But it was the 20 year-old southpaw Bauza who consistently besited his 26 year-old counterpart, landing the more impactful punches while eluding most of Sarinana’s power shots. 

The result marks the fifth straight unanimous decision win for the Robert Garcia-trained Bauza.  

Vijender Singh Scores Stoppage Win In US Debut

In his American debut, two-time Indian Olympian Vijender Singh (11-0, 8KO) scored a 4th round TKO over West Virginia’s Mike Snider (13-6-3, 8KO) in super middleweight contest originally slated for eight.

It was Singh’s first fight since December 2017, and ring rust was evident, as he didn’t look as sharp as one would expect from a boxer with his pedigree.  But make no mistake, the 33 year-old Indian controlled the fight from the opening bell, and showcased his power late in the second round when he rocked Snider with a straight right that sent him flailing backwards until his back hit the ropes.  

The former Beijing Olympic Bronze Medalist upped the offense in the fourth, throwing a higher volume of punches, ultimately backing his 38 year-old counterpart into the red corner, battering him until referee Shada Murdaugh jumped between fighters at the 1:23 mark to stop the contest.  

It was the fourth time in Snider’s career that he’s been stopped before the final bell.  He was stopped in his previous outing against Tommy Hughes (9-1, 4KO) in February. He was also stopped by current WBC World Light Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk (17-0, 14KO) in 2016.  

“It was excellent getting back in the ring after a long time off,” Singh said after the fight.  “It’s great to be here in the USA and to get the win. It was really exciting.”

“It took me about four rounds to get back in the swing of things,” he added.  “I expected it to take two or three rounds, but it took me four. I felt good.”

John Bauza Decisions Angel Sarinana To Remain Unbeaten

In an eight round super lightweight match, North Bergen, New Jersey’s John “El Terrible” Bauza (13-0, 5KO) scored a unanimous decision against Mexico’s Angel Sarinana (10-9-2, 4KO) to remain unbeaten.

All three judges scored the contest a shutout 80-72 for Bauza. 

It was bell to bell action, as both fighters willingly engaged round after round trying to impose their will on the other.  But it was the 20 year-old southpaw Bauza who consistently besited his 26 year-old counterpart, landing the more impactful punches while eluding most of Sarinana’s power shots. 

The result marks the fifth straight unanimous decision win for the Robert Garcia-trained Bauza.  

Vijender Singh Scores Stoppage Win In US Debut

In his American debut, two-time Indian Olympian Vijender Singh (11-0, 8KO) scored a 4th round TKO over West Virginia’s Mike Snider (13-6-3, 8KO) in super middleweight contest originally slated for eight.

It was Singh’s first fight since December 2017, and ring rust was evident, as he didn’t look as sharp as one would expect from a boxer with his pedigree.  But make no mistake, the 33 year-old Indian controlled the fight from the opening bell, and showcased his power late in the second round when he rocked Snider with a straight right that sent him flailing backwards until his back hit the ropes.  

The former Beijing Olympic Bronze Medalist upped the offense in the fourth, throwing a higher volume of punches, ultimately backing his 38 year-old counterpart into the red corner, battering him until referee Shada Murdaugh jumped between fighters at the 1:23 mark to stop the contest.  

It was the fourth time in Snider’s career that he’s been stopped before the final bell.  He was stopped in his previous outing against Tommy Hughes (9-1, 4KO) in February. He was also stopped by current WBC World Light Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk (17-0, 14KO) in 2016.  

“It was excellent getting back in the ring after a long time off,” Singh said after the fight.  “It’s great to be here in the USA and to get the win. It was really exciting.”

“It took me about four rounds to get back in the swing of things,” he added.  “I expected it to take two or three rounds, but it took me four. I felt good.”

Joseph Adorno Blasts Out Adriano Ramirez Inside 2

Highly touted lightweight prospect Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (13-0, 11 KO) scored an emphatic second round stoppage over the Dominican Republic’s Adriano Ramirez (10-4, 6KO) to kick the first of six fights from the Prudential Center to be streamed live on ESPN+.   

The Allentown, PA native, who was born just a few miles from Newark in Union City, NJ, was patient and plodding in the first round, waiting for openings to let his hands fly.

Early in the second, Adorno found his opening and fired a crisp left hook that landed flush on the side of Ramirez’s head and floored him.  Referee Sparkle Lee offered a generous and elongated ten count, which Ramirez beat, but the fight didn’t last much longer. Adorno battered Ramirez to the ropes, and when the Dominican looked to be on his way to the mat again, Adorno made sure of it, unleashing two right crosses to finish the fight.  Lee stopped the contest at the 1:12 mark of round 2.    

It was the second fight and second win of 2019 for the Robert Garcia-trained Adorno.  He fought six times in 2018.  

For Ramirez, the result cements a three-fight losing streak.  He last dropped a unanimous decision to Josue Vargas (13-1, 8KO) in March at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater and before that was stopped by Pittsburgh’s Matt Conway (17-0, 7KO) in August 2018. 

The Adorno win kicks off an eight fight card that will commence with a two fight showcase on ESPN at 10:30pm ET when Joshua Greer Jr. (20-1-1-, 12KO) takes on fellow bantamweight Nikolai Potapov (20-1-1, 11KO) in a twelve round contest and Newark’s hometown hero Shakur Stevenson (11-0, 6KO) does battle with fellow featherweight Alberto Guevara (27-4, 12KO) in a ten round fight.

By Kyle Kinder-

On Saturday night at the Armory in Minneapolis, Bryant “Goodfella” Perrella (16-2, 13KO) looks to inch closer to a title shot when he squares off against Domonique Dolton (22-2-1, 13KO) in a ten round clash between two welterweight contenders.

Perrella, a 30 year-old southpaw from Fort Myers, FL, last fought in February when he scored a lopsided unanimous decision over veteran Colombian slugger Breidis Prescott (31-17, 22KO).   But what may have looked to spectators like an easy night’s work for Perrella, was in reality, anything but. “I actually hurt my left hand in the second round so I had to take some steam off the left and use it kind of more as a popping shot, more of a scoring blow,” said the 6’1” Perrella.  “Basically I just stuck to my right hand, moved to my right laterally, and kept using my jab to dominate.”

The Prescott bout came six months after Perrella dropped a majority decision to former WBA World Welterweight title holder Luis Collazo (39-7, 20KO) on Collazo’s home turf in New York.  It was the second career defeat for Perrella, the other coming via stoppage two years prior against former welterweight title challenger Yordenis Ugas (23-4, 11KO). While losses are never part of any fighter’s script, Perrella was intent on extracting the positives from those experiences. 

“You know, that’s kind of how it goes,” he said.  “When you’re striving for something you’re going to have setbacks…or I just call them learning lessons.  It’s brought me to a whole other level as a fighter and a person…it’s made me a tougher individual and better in all aspects.”

Perrella bounced back from both defeats with impressive victories.  

And in a year when boxers with blemished records have snatched titles from previously unbeaten fighters (Tony Harrison, Andrew Cancio, Julian Williams, Andy Ruiz), fighters like Perrella have taken notice.  “It’s motivating to see other guys doing it [fighters with losses capturing titles],” Perrella said. “It gives me more belief in myself that I can do it and will do it as well. You know, that’s what boxing’s all about…it’s a lot more than just the “O”.”

With regards to Saturday’s contest against Detroit’s Dolton, which will be broadcast on FS1 prior to the night’s main event which will feature welterweights Jamal James (25-1, 12KO) and Antonio “Tony” DeMarco (33-7-1, 24KO), Perrella is well aware that his career trajectory will be greatly influenced by the outcome of this fight. He also knows he’s facing a fighter who needs a win as much as he does. 

“Dolton’s been around the block, he’s a known name,” said Perrella.  “I’ve watched some film on him, but not too much. I’m not trying to get caught up in what he may try to do.  I’m just going to go in and do my own thing. But I’ve got a good general idea of the way he fights and the way he’s going to try and go about things.”  

With the stakes as high as ever, Perrella and head trainer Michael Nowling have been working non-stop at Fort Myers’ Syndicate Boxing Club.  

“Camp has been amazing, I feel great,” Perrella said.  “I’ve been working like an animal, so I’m ready to go…I’m just training around the clock like a well oiled machine and I’m ready to go put this car on the raceway.” 

With a cautious eye on the future, he added, “Obviously, after this fight, and I can’t look past Domonique Dolton in any way, but I can see myself being in contention at the very least, if not fighting for a title fight by the end of next year.” 

And with the PBC flush with welterweight titleists under their promotional banner, that’s certainly a possibility.  

BROOKLYN, NY — With one hammer of a right hand, Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (41-0-1, 39KO) successfully defended his WBC heavyweight title for the ninth time, scoring a dramatic first round knockout over rival Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (20-2, 18KO) in the main event of a SHOWTIME Championship Boxing broadcast in front of 13,181 paid fans at the Barclays Center.

It took the Alabama-native Wilder just 2:17 to explode his missile of a right hand on Breazeale’s chin, who immediately crumbled to the mat where he was counted out by referee Harvey Dock despite trying to get back on his feet.

Wilder, 33, never gave Breazeale a chance to get into the fight, as he caught “Trouble” midway through the first with an equilibrium shot that momentarily wobbled the challenger. Cautious not to get caught with another counter right, the 33 year-old Breazeale was reluctant to let his right hand go. Instead, the former US Olympian opted to throw pawing jabs, trying to create openings that would never appear.

The end came suddenly and conclusively when, after a separation by Dock, the 6’7” Wilder uncorked a right from hell that provided a definitive and conclusive ending to a multi-year feud.

It was a particularly contentious lead-up to the fight, as both fighter’s displayed genuine animosity toward each other. On Tuesday Wilder, who is co-trained by Jay Deas and former Olympic Gold Medalist and welterweight world champion Mark Breland, made headlines by suggesting he wouldn’t lose any sleep if he killed Breazeale in the ring. Their dislike stems from a 2017 altercation in an Alabama hotel lobby in which Breazeale claims he was attacked by Wilder and his brother, Marsellus. Breazeale and his then-coach Manny Robles sued Wilder, but had their lawsuit dismissed by a judge a few months later.

Prior to tonight, Wilder’s last fight was in December when he battled lineal heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury (27-0-1, 19KO), to a dramatic draw in a Fight of the Year candidate that saw Wilder send Fury to the mat twice, including once in the final round. Many thought Wilder, who weighed in at 223.¼ lbs for tonight’s fight — 11.¼ more than the Fury fight, would immediately run it back against the big Englishman, but after Fury surprised the boxing world by signing a promotional contract with Top Rank (ESPN+), boxing politics interfered and Wilder moved forward with a fight against his mandatory challenger, Breazeale.

Coming into the contest, the 6’7” Breazeale was riding a three fight TKO win streak since his suffering his only other career defeat, a 2016 loss in London’s O2 Arena to unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (22-0, 21KO).

“Everything just came out of me tonight. I know it’s been a big build up,” Wilder said afterward. “There’s been a lot of animosity and a lot of words that were said and it just came out of me tonight. That’s what makes boxing so great.”

In reference to his pre-fight words, “I just told Breazeale I love him and of course I want to see him go home to his family. I know we say some things, but when you can fight a man and then you can hug him and kiss him, I wish the world was like that. We shake hands and we live to see another day and that’s what it’s all about.”

Breazeale also spoke after the fight, questioning the stoppage. “I think the ref stopped it a little early because I could hear him saying seven and eight, but that’s boxing,” he said. “He did his job and kept us safe for our next fight,” he then conceded.

“This was a situation where he landed the big right hand before I did,” he added. “I thought I was going to come on in the later rounds. I’ll be back and go for the heavyweight title again.”

Russell Stops Martinez In 5 To Retain Featherweight Title

In the co-main event, “Mr.” Gary Russell, Jr. (30-1, 18KO) successfully defended his WBC world featherweight title, scoring a 5th round TKO against former three-time world challenger Kiko Martinez (39-9-2, 28KO).

For a fighter who only fights once per year, Gary Russell Jr. surely doesn’t show any ring rust. The southpaw practitioner dissected the 33 year-old Martinez tonight from the opening bell, scoring at will while hardly tasting any leather himself.

It was clear from the early goings that Russell’s speed was going to be too much for Martinez to handle. Russell, 30, time and again got off first when he wanted to, and countered when he felt like.

In the third round Russell, who fights out of the Russell family-owned Enigma Boxing Gym in Capitol Heights, MD, landed a right that opened a cut of the Spaniard Martinez’s left eye that only worsen over the next round and a half. As the fourth round drew to a close, the gash split wider and blood began to stream down Martinez’s face, prompting referee Ricky Gonzalez to call time to have the ringside physician examine Martinez. After inspecting the cut, the doctor advised Gonzalez to stop the contest, at the 2:52 mark of round 5.

Tonight marked the fourth successful title defense for Russell since winning the belt against Jhonny Gonzalez (66-11, 54KO) in 2015. Russell is often criticized for the long layoffs he takes between fights. He’s defended his title once per year since 2015, but has stated his intention to fight more frequently. Russell’s lone career blemish remains majority decision against current WBA/WBO lightweight champion, Vasiliy Lomachenko (13-1, 10KO) in 2016.

Two of Russell’s younger brothers, Gary Antuanne (9-0, 9KO) and Gary Antonio (14-0, 12KO) also picked up wins on tonight’s undercard.

For Martinez, tonight marked the fourth time in his career that he was stopped inside the distance. His most impressive win remains his 2014 stoppage of former Japanese world champion, Hozumi Hasegawa (36-5, 16KO).

“I did pretty well. We stayed behind the jab and he couldn’t get past it,” Russell said. “We knew that intellect over athleticism would get it done.”

“We want (WBA Featherweight Champion) Leo Santa Cruz,” he added. “We want to make this fight happen.”

Juan Heraldez Argenis Mendez Fight To Draw

Mayweather Promotions prospect Juan Heraldez (16-0-1, 10KO) battled to a ten round majority draw against fellow super lightweight and former IBF world featherweight champion, Argenis Mendez (25-5-3, 12KO) to open the televised portion of the SHOWTIME broadcast.

The fight was slow to take form, but after four rounds of relative inaction, the pace picked up in the fifth when both fights started to let their hands go. Heraldez, a Las Vegas-native found success with combinations and landed a partially blocked right that grabbed the 32 year-old Mendez’s attention. Towards the end of the action-packed fifth and exchange between the fighter’s drew blood from Heraldez’s mouth.

In the seventh, a perfectly timed counter right over a Mendez jab halted the Dominicans momentum. And in the ensuing round, a check left hook from Mendez landed squarely on the chin of Heraldez. Later in the round, though, Heraldez stormed back, knocking Mendez off balance with a strong jab that followed a straight right hand.

For most of the fight Heraldez, who fights out of the Mayweather Boxing Gym under the tutelage of Otis Pimpleton, tried to employ slick defense and counter and pop-shot his way past Mendez. But his best work came when he was the aggressor, popping jabs to set up right hands. Similarly, Mendez’s most successful work came via old fashioned one-twos, which when thrown, did so with conviction.

At the end of ten, judge Julie Lederman turned a scorecard of 97-93 for Mendez, but was overruled by judges John Basile and Kevin Morgan who saw it even, 95-95. 15rounds.com also scored the fight a even.

The result makes it back to back draws for Mendez, who drew against Anthony Peterson (37-1-1, 24KO) in March.

Heavyweights Alfonso and Kiladze Fight To An 8 Round Draw

In tonight’s lesser anticipated battle between two big men, Cuban-born Robert Alfonso (18-0-1, 8KO) battled to an eight round draw against Sachkere, Georgia’s Iago Kiladze (26-4-1, 18KO).

It was a decent bounceback performance from the 33 year-old Kiladze who was coming off three consecutive losses inside the distance to contenders Adam Kownacki (19-0, 15KO), Michael Hunter (16-1, 11KO) and Joe Joyce (8-0, 8KO). Kiladze’s best work came in the fight’s early goings, has he was able to successfully counter Alfonso.

As the fight wore on, however, the larger Alfonso (250lb.) began to impose himself on Kiladze (219lb.) and in the seventh round began to batter his counterpart.

At the end of eight, however, judges scored it 77-75 both ways and 76-76 resulting in a draw. A just result.

Gary Antuanne Russell Stops Marcos Mojica In 4
In tonight’s lesser anticipated battle between two big men, Cuban-born Robert Alfonso (18-0-1, 8KO) battled to an eight round draw against Sachkere, Georgia’s Iago Kiladze (26-4-1, 18KO).

It was a decent bounceback performance from the 33 year-old Kiladze who was coming off three consecutive losses inside the distance to contenders Adam Kownacki (19-0, 15KO), Michael Hunter (16-1, 11KO) and Joe Joyce (8-0, 8KO). Kiladze’s best work came in the fight’s early goings, has he was able to successfully counter Alfonso.

As the fight wore on, however, the larger Alfonso (250lb.) began to impose himself on Kiladze (219lb.) and in the seventh round began to batter his counterpart.

At the end of eight, however, judges scored it 77-75 both ways and 76-76 resulting in a draw. A just result.

Gary Antuanne Russell Stops Marcos Mojica In 4

The second of three Gary Russell’s to step through the PBC-marked ropes tonight, Gary Antuanne Russell (9-0, 9KO), made easy work of fellow lightweight Marcos “Bombardero” Mojica (16-4-2, 12KO), knocking him out in the 4th of their scheduled 8 round clash.

The former 2016 US Olympian, Russell, had his way with from the onset, showcasing a level of power and hand-speed that Mojica couldn’t deal with. Russell, a southpaw, connected at will throughout, but started landing potential fight-ending shots in the latter stages of the third. In the fourth, Russell, who fights out of the Russell family-owned Enigma Boxing Gym in Capitol Heights, MD, sent Mojica crashing hard to the mat courtesy if a vicious right hook. That was the beginning of the end, as the 22 year-old Russell kept the pressure on and ultimately delivered a definitive left hook to the ribs that sent Mojica back to the mat where he was counted out by referee Raul Caiz. The official stoppage came at the 2:13 mark of round 4.

All of Russell’s 9 professional wins have come before the final bell.

For Mojica, the result spoils his US debut. He had only fought outside of Nicaragua on one other occasion, suffering a TKO loss to Daniyar Yeleussinov (6-0, 3KO) in Monaco.

Richardson Hitchins Batters Alejandro Munera En Route To TKO4

Brooklyn’s own Richardson Hitchins (9-0, 5KO) made it three for three on the night for Mayweather Promotions prospects, as he put a beatdown on fellow super lightweight Alejandro Munera (4-2-3, 4KO) scoring a TKO4 in a contest initially scheduled for 8.

Hitchins, a former 2016 Haitian Olympian, dominated from the opening bell, landing at will against his wild-swinging Colombian counterpart. Hitchins, 21, almost ended the fight in the first when he landed a slick left uppercut that clearly hurt the 29 year-old Munera. The fight would last just two more rounds anyway, as Hitchins continued to batter Munera, who was fighting outside of Colombia for the first time, eventually dropping him with a left to the liver toward the end of the third. Before the bell sounded to signal round four, the ringside physician advised the referee to stop the contest to prevent further punishment.

Mayweather Promotions bantamweight prospect Dylan “The Real Dyl” Price (8-0, 6KO) slugged his way to a 5th round TKO against Manuel Salvador Monzo (4-7-2, 2KO) in a bout originally slated for six.

Manzo, 29, took an all or nothing approach from the opening bell, as the Mexican came out of his corner wailing away at a somewhat unsuspecting Price. Price didn’t get rattled or allow himself to be overwhelmed, however. Rather, the patient and calculating 20 year-old, fought fire with fire, trading blows in the early goings, but was conscious to not waste his punches, always throwing with purpose. Conversely, Manzo threw too often, too wide, and too recklessly and by the fourth round was out of gas.

As Manzo tired, his punches lost steam, and his defense opened up. The southpaw Price took full advantage and began to dominate the fight with combination punching, landing at will toward the end the fourth.

In the fifth, a right uppercut wobbled Manzo, and the ensuing punches that landed were enough to prompt the ringside physician to signal to referee Raul Caiz to stop the contest at the 1:34 mark.

The fight snaps a 5-fight unbeaten streak for Manzo who started his career 0-6-1 and hadn’t lost since October 2017.

It was Price’s fifth fight at the Barclays Center and first win inside the distance since January 2018.

Antonio Russell Earns Technical Decision Over Saul Eduardo Hernandez

In the first of three fights to feature a Gary Russell, 26 year-old bantamweight Gary Antonio Russell (14-0, 12KO) earned a six round technical decision (60-54×2, 59-55) in a bout originally scheduled for eight against rugged Mexican Saul Eduardo Hernandez (13-13-1, 8KO). A clash of heads late in 6th sent Hernandez sprawling to the mat in pain, where he remained until the ringside physician examined him and advised the referee to stop the contest.

It was a match fought mostly at close range and saw both boxers willing to eat a punch to land one of their own. Save for two memorable Hernandez rights, however, Russell eluded most of his counterparts’ offense. Russell, who fights out of his family’s Enigma Boxing Gym in Capitol Heights, MD scored with blitzing combinations that eventually wore Hernandez down. If it wasn’t for three initial rounds of headhunting, Russell likely could have put an end to the contest earlier if he’d invested in the body opening rounds

It was Russell’s second consecutive fight at the Barclays Center. He last fought here in March on the undercard of Brian Castano and Erislandy Lara’s junior middleweight title fight.

Kenny Robles Overwhelms Roy McGill, Stops Him In 5

In a contest slated for six, Staten Island’s Kenny Robles upped his record to 6-1, 3KO, scoring 5th round stoppage over fellow super lightweight Roy McGill (6-3, 3KO) to kick off a nine fight card from the Barclays Center which will culminate when Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (40-0-1, 39) makes his tenth defense of his WBC world heavyweight title against mandatory challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (20-1, 18KO) live on SHOWTIME.

Robles, 28, consistently got off first and took the fight to his 30 year-old counterpart. McGill, a Harrisburg, PA native had no answers for Robles’ volume punching and pressure. After Robles, a former New York Golden Gloves Champion, fired off a lengthy unobstructed combination, referee Shada Murdaugh stepped in to stop the punishment at the 1:43 mark of the fifth round.

NEW YORK CITY — WBO world welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (35-0, 26KO) retained his title, scoring a strange and somewhat controversial 6th round TKO over former junior welterweight champ Amir Khan (33-5, 20KO) in the main of an ESPN PPV card in front of 14,091 paid fans at Madison Square Garden.

The switch-hitting Crawford, 31, who is notorious for his slow starts, switched the script tonight and almost ended the fight in the first.  In the final minute of the opening round, Omaha’s favorite son connected with a counter right over an extended Khan jab, then followed it with a left for good measure, sending Khan crumbling to the mat.  The Brit was able to beat referee David Fields ten-count, but was quickly met with fury from Crawford. When the bell rang to end round one, Khan was so confused that he assumed a fighting posture for a few extra seconds.

Khan did enough to get by in rounds two and three, and in the fourth saw minor success when engaging in exchanges with Crawford.  Make no mistake though, time and again it was Crawford who landed the more significant blows.

The end came suddenly and controversially in the sixth when Crawford dug a meaty left below the belt that immediately had Khan doubled over in pain.  After taking about two of his allotted five minutes to recover, Khan informed his trainer, Virgil Hunter, that he was unable to continue and the ringside physician stepped up to stop the contest.  Fields ruled the punch an “accidental low blow” and the official result was read, to a chorus of boos, as a TKO for Crawford with an official stoppage of :47 in the fifth round.

Crawford has now stopped his last six opponents inside the distance.  The last time he went to the scorecards was in July 2016 against Viktor Postol.  The win also furthers Crawford case to surmount WBA/WBO world lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (13-1, 10KO) atop boxing’s pound-for-pound list.  The win also furthers Crawford case for pound fWBA/WBO world lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (13-1, 10KO) atop boxing’s pound-for-pound list.

Tonight marked Khan’s first fight back with Hunter after working with Joe Goossen for his last two contests, both of which were victories against lesser competition.  The result tonight also marks Khan’s fourth stoppage loss in five career defeats. Khan’s other professional defeats have come courtesy of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (51-1-2, 35KO), Danny Garcia (34-2, 20KO), Lamont Peterson (35-5-1, 17KO), and Breidis Prescott (31-16, 22KO).

“I could tell I was breaking him down, it was just a matter of time,” Crawford said post-fight.  “I just took my time. I was disappointed the corner stopped the fight in that manner, but Virgil is a great coach, and he was looking out for his fighter. I know he didn’t want to go out like that.”

Crawford also dismissed the notion that Khan had fast hands.  “Benavidez and Gamboa were 10 times faster than him,” he said bluntly.

“The fight I want next is Errol Spence,” he continued. “Whenever he is ready, he can come and get it.”

Top Rank chair Bob Arum echoed Crawford, “We want to fight Errol Spence,” he said. “Everyone wants the fight. There is one guy stopping it, and that is Al Haymon.”

Due to the boxing political divide, a more likely Crawford opponent could be longtime Khan rival Kell Brook (38-2, 26KO) who was in attendance to “scout” Crawford.

ALL ABOARD! Teofimo Lopez KOs Edis Tatli In 5

The 2018 consensus Prospect of the Year, Teofimo Lopez (13-0, 11KO) kept the Teofimo Express rolling, KOing Finnish veteran Edis Tatli (31-3, 10KO) with a body shot in the fifth round of their scheduled twelve round lightweight contest.

The always-flashy Brooklyn-born Lopez, started slower than usual, taking time in the early goings to set traps he could utilize later in the bout.

It wasn’t until the fourth round that Lopez, a former 2016 Honduran Olympian, began to impose his will on his 31 year-old counterpart.  Midway through the fourth, Lopez caught Tatli, who was fighting in the US for the first time, with a short right hand that sent him off-balance.  The 21 year-old kept the heat on, following up with a flurry of shots that culminated with Lopez landing a behind the back punch that earned him a warning from the referee.

In the ensuing round, Lopez was intent on closing the show, and did so with a straight right to the Tatli’s right hip area that dropped him to a knee where he was counted out by the referee.  The end of the fight came at the 1:32 mark of round 5, and a Lopez celebratory backflip shortly followed.

Lopez has now stopped his last five opponents inside the distance, a streak that dates back to last May.

With regards to the future, Lopez and his trainer/father, Teofimo Lopez Jr., have repeatedly called for a fight with WBO world lightweight champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (13-1, 10KO).  Lomachenko, however, has made it clear he has little interest in a Lopez clash unless he’s bringing hardware to the table. That perhaps clears the way for Lopez to take on IBF world lightweight champion Richard Commey (28-2, 25KO).  Commey was previously penciled in to face Lomachenko in a unification clash, but had to pull out due to a right hand injury.

The result marked the first time in his 35-fight career that Tatli suffered defeat before the final bell.  His other two losses came via the cards by way of split and majority decisions.

“I knew I was going to get him with a body shot,” Lopez said.  “I softened him up and finished him…I want a world title shot next…We promised to take over the show, and once again, I took it over.”

“I’m ready for Richard Commey or the WBC title. As long as it’s for a title, I am ready to go. No one can take my power.”

Speed Kills: Shakur Stevenson UDs Christopher Diaz

Undefeated lightweight prospect Shakur Stevenson (11-0, 7KO) aced his toughest test yet, scoring a ten round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz (24-2, 16KO).

After a brief feeling out period, the southpaw Stevenson began landing impactful shots in round two, using pawing jabs to set up straight left hands.

In the third, Stevenson’s hand speed was on full display, as he peppered Diaz, 24, with combinations to head and body, darting in and out without being hit with any return fire.

In round five, arguably Diaz’s best, the Puerto Rican started to muddy the waters, bringing the fight in-close, forcing the twenty-one year old Stevenson to fight in tight.

The next round, however, Stevenson popped more jabs, reset the distance, and again found his mark with combinations.

Stevenson, a former 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist, didn’t relent down the stretch, as he continued to mark up Diaz, using superior footwork and hand-speed to hit and not get hit.

At the end of ten, all three judges scored it for Stevenson: 100-90, 99-91, and 99-92.

In the lead up to tonight’s contest, Top Rank chair Bob Arum told various media outlets that his team, specifically matchmakers Brad Goodman and Bruce Trampler, repeatedly tried to talk the Stevenson camp out of taking a fight the Freddie Roach-trained Diaz.  They insisted that they could produce a worthy challenger that posed less risk to their rising star. But the Stevenson camp remained stubborn, convinced the crafty southpaw could handle Diaz and take a giant leap towards earning a title shot, and they were right.  Stevenson handled Diaz with ease. In fact, there was no moment during the thirty minute contest that Stevenson was ever in danger.

Diaz’s only other defeat came in his lone title fight when he dropped a decision to Japan’s Masayuki Ito (25-1-1, 13KO) last June.

“Listen, I want all the champions at 126 pounds,” Stevenson said afterward.  “Josh Warrington is someone I want to fight. I am ready.”

He continued, “I take nothing away from Christopher Diaz. He’s a great fighter, but I came in there to outbox him, and that’s exactly what I did.”

Felix Verdejo Scores Wide UD Over Bryan Vasquez

Felix “El Diamante” Verdejo (25-1, 16KO) scored a wide unanimous decision over two-time world title challenger Bryan “El Tiquito” Vasquez (37-4-0, 20KO) in a ten round lightweight contest that opened the PPV portion of tonight’s card at Madison Square Garden.

In the early goings, Verdejo, 25, worked exclusively behind his jab, constantly snapping left hands in his Costa Rican counterpart’s direction.  In the third, a Vasquez right opened a cut under Verdejo’s increasingly-puffy right eye that started streaming blood.

Perhaps prompted by the cut, Verdejo turned up the aggression in the fourth and began to take full control of the fight.  The one-time highly-touted Puerto Rican prospect started unleashing his right hand, finding success throwing one-twos and right crosses.

Credit Vasquez though, who never once turned back.  The 31 year-old was undeterred by Verdejo’s shots, and kept coming forward, trying desperately to land something of significance.

That punch would never come, and in the end all three judges scored it widely for Verdejo: 97-93×2 and 98-92 for Verdejo.

The result makes it two consecutive wins for Verdejo since suffering a shocking TKO10 stoppage against Ines Antonio Lozada Torres (40-2-1, 24KO) at the Theater at Madison Square Garden last March.  Verdejo KO’d Yardley Armenta Cruz (25-13, 15KO) last November.

Prior to tonight, Vasquez had won two in a row since finding himself on the losing end of a MD against former WBO world lightweight champion Rey Beltran (36-8-1, 22KO).  Vasquez’s only other career defeats came in featherweight world title challenges, against Takashi Utiyama (2012) and Javier Fortuna (2015).

“It was an honor for me to get a big victory in front of my fans at Madison Square Garden,” Verdejo said afterward.  “I defeated a great fighter in Vasquez…I am looking for a world title opportunity soon.”

Felix Verdejo Scores Wide UD Over Bryan Vasquez

Felix “El Diamante” Verdejo (25-1, 16KO) scored a wide unanimous decision over two-time world title challenger Bryan “El Tiquito” Vasquez (37-4-0, 20KO) in a ten round lightweight contest that opened the PPV portion of tonight’s card at Madison Square Garden.

In the early goings, Verdejo, 25, worked exclusively behind his jab, constantly snapping left hands in his Costa Rican counterpart’s direction.  In the third, a Vasquez right opened a cut under Verdejo’s increasingly-puffy right eye that started streaming blood.

Perhaps prompted by the cut, Verdejo turned up the aggression in the fourth and began to take full control of the fight.  The one-time highly-touted Puerto Rican prospect started unleashing his right hand, finding success throwing one-twos and right crosses.

Credit Vasquez though, who never once turned back.  The 31 year-old was undeterred by Verdejo’s shots, and kept coming forward, trying desperately to land something of significance.

That punch would never come, and in the end all three judges scored it widely for Verdejo: 97-93×2 and 98-92 for Verdejo.

The result makes it two consecutive wins for Verdejo since suffering a shocking TKO10 stoppage against Ines Antonio Lozada Torres (40-2-1, 24KO) at the Theater at Madison Square Garden last March.  Verdejo KO’d Yardley Armenta Cruz (25-13, 15KO) last November.

Prior to tonight, Vasquez had won two in a row since finding himself on the losing end of a MD against former WBO world lightweight champion Rey Beltran (36-8-1, 22KO).  Vasquez’s only other career defeats came in featherweight world title challenges, against Takashi Utiyama (2012) and Javier Fortuna (2015).

“It was an honor for me to get a big victory in front of my fans at Madison Square Garden,” Verdejo said afterward.  “I defeated a great fighter in Vasquez…I am looking for a world title opportunity soon.”

Carlos Adames TKOs Frank Galarza In 4

In a crossroads clash originally slated for ten rounds, undefeated Dominican junior middleweight prospect Carlos Adames (17-0, 14KO) remained perfect, stopping Frank Galarza (20-3-2, 12KO) inside four, claiming the NABO junior middleweight title in the process.

Adames, a 24 year-old southpaw trained by Robert Garcia, outclassed his veteran foe from the opening bell, snapping jabs to set up left crosses, for which Galarza had no answer.  Midway through the opening round, Adames connected with a left that opened a cut on the corner of Galarza’s right eye.

Adames continued to dominate the action in rounds two and three and in the fourth finally broke through, sending Galarza to the mat courtesy of a beautifully thrown left cross that exploded on Galarza’s chin.  Galarza beat referee Benjy Esteves’ ten-count, but the Dominican kept his foot on the gas and after showering Galarza with unobstructed punches, Esteves stepped in to stop the contest at the 1:17 mark of round four.

Prior to tonight’s contest, Galarza had strung together a three-fight win streak since dropping two in a row to current IBF/WBA middleweight champion Jarrett Hurd (November 2015) and former IBF world middleweight champion Ishe Smith (September 2016).

Tonight marked Adames’ second appearance in the big room at MSG.  He outpointed veteran Mexican veteran Alejandro Barrera (19-5, 18KO) here in May 2018.

“This was a message to all of the 154-pounders. I want to face all the best,” Adames said post-fight.

“I believe Robert Garcia will get the most out of me. I felt great with him. He told me I was winning the fight, and he told me to pressure him because he was ready to go.”

Edgar Berlanga Destroys Samir Barbosa Inside One

In his Top Rank debut, Brooklyn-born middleweight prospect Edgar “Pachanga” Berlanga (10-0, 10KO) battered and blasted out Brazilian veteran Samir Barbosa (37-16-3, 26KO), disposing  him in just :46 seconds.

It all happened quickly, starting when 21 year-old Berlanga, who previously fought under Evander Holyfield’s “Real Deal” promotional banner, landed a short chopping right that stunned Barbosa.  Berlanga quickly followed up with a hard jab and two more rights, forcing the ref to step in and stop the contest.

While he didn’t get the result he was hoping for, tonight’s fight represented a milestone for the 38 year-old dos Santos Barbosa, who has now fought professionally in ten countries.

For the Puerto Rican-blooded Berlanga, tonight marked his fifth fight within New York City’s five boroughs, but first in Manhattan and first at the Garden.  Berlanga’s next fight is already slated for May 25 when he’ll take on Hungary’s Gyorgy Varju (7-4, 4KO) in Kissimmee, FL.

“I know this will open up a lot of opportunities for me,” Berlanga said afterward.  “I want to make my people from Brooklyn and Puerto Rico proud.”

Ireland’s Fryers Improves To 10-1 With UD Over Noah Kidd

In the third consecutive fight to go the distance, Irish junior welterweight Larry Fryers (10-1, 3KO) shutout Missouri’s Dakota Polley (5-3, 2KO) in a six round contest.  All judges cards read 60-53×3.

It wasn’t as easy a night as the scorecards suggest for the 28 year-old Irishman as he time and again had to eat punches to land his own.

Polley, who was KO’d by Luis Feliciano (10-6, 6KO) his last time between the ropes, showed a decent account of himself tonight.  The 20 year old southpaw went toe-to-toe with Fryer, but consistently got bested when the two exchanged.

In the fifth round, a Fryer lunging left, in which he led with his head, resulted in a clash that produced a deep cut over Polley’s right eye.  In the ensuing round, Polley was deducted a point by the referee for holding.

Ex-Indian Olympian Vikas Krishan UDs Noah Kidd

Former two-time Indian Olympian Vikas “The Indian Tank” Krishan (2-0, 1KO) easily oupointed Missouri’s Noah Kidd (3-2-1, 2KO) in a six round junior middleweight scrap.  All judges scored widely for the 27-year old Indian, 60-54×2 and 59-55. Krishan, a southpaw, controlled the contest bell to bell, but lacked killer instinct, allowing Kidd to linger.  No matter, though. At this point in his career, banking rounds without headgear probably isn’t a bad thing for Krishan.

Lawrence Newton UDs Jonathan Garza To Kick Off MSG Card

Twenty-two year-old Florida native Lawrence Newton ran his record to 12-0, 7KO scoring a wide unanimous decision over Texan Jonathan Garza (7-3, 2KO) in a six round bantamweight contest.  Official scores read 60-54×2 and 59-55, Newton. The fight was the first of nine from Madison Square Garden, culminating when undefeated WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford (34-0, 25KO) defends his title against former junior welterweight champion Amir Khan (33-4, 20KO) live on ESPN PPV ($69.99HD/$59.99SD).  All undercard fights from the World’s Most Famous Arena are currently airing on ESPN2 up until the PPV portion of the card, which will be begin at 9pm ET.

15rounds.com was able to catch up with a few boxing notables at Madison Square Garden at the weigh-in for the Terence Crawford (34-0, 25KO) v. Amir Khan (33-4, 20KO) ESPN PPV card.

–Undefeated Top Rank prospect Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (16-0, 10KO) says he’s finally feels 100% after undergoing left shoulder surgery. Rodriguez hasn’t fought since decisioning Dario Ferman (17-6, 14KO) in September 2017. Rodriguez and his team are eyeing a June fight date and hope to compete three times in 2019.

–Former IBF world welterweight titleist Kell Brook (38-2, 26KO) was at MSG, but had little interest in Amir Khan. “He [Khan] doesn’t want none of it,” Brook told 15rounds. Brook’s big bold prediction? His beloved Sheffield United secure promotion to the Premier League. They currently sit tied with Leeds United on points, but occupy second place due to having a better goal differential.

–When asked who he likes to win in tomorrow’s main event, former two-division world champion Zab Judah (44-9-2, 30KO) said, “The winner. They’re [Crawford and Khan] both already legends.” When pressed to choose the victor, Judah reiterated, “I’m going with the winner.”

–Look to 15rounds.com tomorrow for rapid ringside recaps of all fights from Madison Square Garden. Undercards begin at 6pm Eastern and will be shown on ESPN2. The PPV portion of the card will begin at 9pm Eastern.

NEW YORK CITY — Ivan “The Volk” Golub retained his WBC USNBC Welterweight Title, scoring a wide ten round unanimous decision against Manuel Alejandro Reyes (11-5-1, 5KO) in the main event of a DiBella Entertainment Broadway Boxing card from midtown Manhattan’s SONY Hall.

It wasn’t necessarily easy work for the southpaw Golub, but the Ukrainian controlled the action from bell to bell. Golub, who now lives and fights out of Brooklyn, got off to a quick start, immediately banging away at Reyes’ body. Reyes’ gained a bit of momentum the ensuing round when a short right opened up a cut over Golub’s right eye — a cut that would produce blood until the final bell.

In the third, however, the 30 year old Ukranian turned the tide for good, gaining confidence after landing a crisp one-two that stunted Reyes’ ever-forward momentum. In the fourth Golub landed a huge straight left that was set up by a pawing jab. By the time the fifth round rolled around, Golub found a rhythm, timing the southpaw Reyes as he made his way in, peppering him with punches before the California-native could fire off shots of his own.

Golub, who was fighting for the fifth time in Manhattan, continued to control the fight in the mid-to-late rounds, as well, as Reyes was unable to solve his Ukrainian counterpart.

At the end of ten, all three judges scored the contest for Golub, 99-91 and 100-90×2.

The result makes it three wins in a row for Golub since suffering his only career defeat at the hands of Jamontay Clark in 2017.

For Reyes, the result makes it two losses in a row. Prior to tonight, he suffered a UD loss against Mykal Fox in 2017.

Bakhodir Jalolov Blasts Out Brendan Barrett In One

Former 2016 Uzbekistani Olympian Bakhodir Jalolov (6-0, 6KO) destroyed fellow heavyweight Brendan Barrett (7-3-2, 5KO), stopping him in the first of a scheduled six rounds, winning the NABF Junior Heavyweight Championship in the process. From the opening bell, the 6’7” southpaw Jalolov had his way with 5’10” Barrett, who took the fight on short notice. About midway through the opening round, the 24 year-old Jalolov landed a crisp jab that immediately drew blood from Barrett’s nose and sent him retreating to a neutral corner where he took a knee. The 37 year-old Barrett managed to get back to his feet, but probably wished he’d been counted out. Smelling blood in the water, Jalolov, who now lives and fights out of Brooklyn, NY, connected with a missile of a straight left that exploded on Barrett’s chin and collapsed him to the canvas, this time for good. Referee Earl Brown reached a count of three before waving off the contest at the 2:45 mark of the first round.

Alicia Napoleon Pleases Hometown Crowd With TKO2 Over Eva Bajic

Lindenhurst, NY native Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon (11-1, 6KO) delighted the hometown crowd and dismantled fellow super welterweight Hungary’s Eva Bajic (14-17, 9KO), dropping her twice en route to a TKO2 victory. Napoleon, 33, simply outclassed Bajic. Working behind a sharp jab, Napoleon landed at will and in the opening moments of the second round landed a left-right combination that sent Bajic to the mat. The 34 year-old Hungarian, who has now lost six fights in a row and eight of her last nine, beat the ensuing count, but didn’t last much longer. Napoleon followed up and landed an overhand right that returned Bajic to the mat, prompting the ringside physician to step on the ring apron and advise the referee to stop the contest. The official time of the stoppage came at the 1:04 mark of the second round. Napoleon has now won four in a row since suffering his lone career defeat against Tori Nelson in 2015.

Hurshidbek Normatov Shuts Out Calvin Metcalf In 6 Round Bout

Uzbekistan’s Hurshidbek Normatov (8-0, 3KO) shutout (60-53×3) fellow middleweight Calvin Metcalf (9-2-1, 2KO) in a six round contest. Normatov, a 26 year-old southpaw who fights and trains out of Brooklyn, NY, used his jab to keep Metcalf at distance. Once the jab was established, Normatov began to pepper in short right hooks, connecting and dropping Metcalf with a perfectly thrown one in round 3. To his credit, the stubborn 24-year old Metcalf hung tough and refused to let Normatov earn a win by stoppage. At the end of six, all three judges scored it 60-53 for the Uzbekistani.

Brian Ceballo Makes Easy Work Of Ricardo Garcia, Stops Him In 2

Former five-time New York Golden Gloves Champion Brian Ceballo (8-0, 4KO) had an easy night at the office, dominating and stopping fellow welterweight Ricardo Garcia (14-6-1, 9KO) inside two of a scheduled six rounds. Midway through the second Ceballo, who lives and fights out of the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn, connected with a straight right that landed on Garcia’s chin and collapsed him to the mat. The Dominican-born Reading, PA transplant, Garcia, beat referee Earl Brown’s ten count, but never fully recovered. Ceballo, 25, immediately followed up and sealed the deal with a huge left hook that backed Garcia to the ropes, prompting Brown to jump in and call a halt to the bout at the 2:33 mark of the third round.

Khalid Twaiti Stays Perfect With TKO3 Over Jeno Tonte

Super bantamweight Khalid Twaiti (5-0, 3KO) needed less than three of a scheduled four rounds to up his perfect record and record a TKO win against Hungary’s Jeno Tonte (9-7, 8KO). Twaiti, a 23 year-old Yemeni-American from Brooklyn, forced the action and overwhelmed Tonte, who had no answer for Twaiti’s volume or power. After a flurry of punches that landed without obstruction, the referee in charge stopped the contest at the 1:13 mark of the third round.

Joseph Williams Returns From Two-Year Layoff, UDs Jose Mario Flores

Far Rockaway, Queen’s Joseph “Mack” Williams (13-0, 8KO) outslugged and shutout (60-54×3) fellow cruiserweight Jose Mario Flores (8-2-2, 4KO) in a six round contest, kicking off a seven-fight Broadway Boxing card from midtown Manhattan’s SONY Hall, presented by DiBella Entertainment. The night will culminate when once-beaten Ivan Golub (15-1, 12KO) squares off against California-native Manuel Alejandro Reyes (11-4-1, 5KO) in a ten round welterweight scrap.

NEW YORK CITY — For the third straight year, Michael “Mick” Conlan (11-0, 6KO) claimed victory on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, scoring a unanimous ten round decision over Mexican Ruben Garcia Hernandez (24-4-2, 10KO), whipping the Irish faithful on-hand into a frenzy at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater and retaining his WBO Intercontinental Title in the process.

It was an electric entrance for Conlan, who walked through the crowd to the ring, complete with bagpipes and alcohol-fueled Irish singalogs.

But where Conlan’s entrance was on point, his performance was a bit lacking.

The 27 year old former Irish Olympian started slow, content to gain information in the early goings while switching stances from southpaw to orthodox to keep Hernandez off-balance.

Although Conlan varied his looks, he lacked creativity, and relied on potshots to slowly pick apart the lesser-skilled Hernandez. Conlan, who is trained by Adam Booth, operated at his best when he threw combinations, which unfortunately came few and far between. When Conlan did throw punches in bunches, in rounds eight and ten for example, he inflicted damage and had Hernandez on the defensive.

Hernandez’s best work came in the fifth, when he had Conlan playing a little defense, wailing away at the Irishman while his back was against the ropes.

In fairness to Conlan, he didn’t have to be something he is not tonight. Ultimately, it was an easy night’s work for Conlan and the scorecards proved that.

At the end of ten, all three judges scored it a shutout for Conlan, 100-90.

Luis Collazo Grinds Out SD Over Samuel Vargas

In what Top Rank billed as the main event of the evening, 37 year old former world welterweight champion Luis Collazo (39-7, 20KO) turned back the clock and turned in a workmanlike performance, grinding out a ten round split decision against Samuel Vargas (30-5-2, 14KO). Don Trella scored the bout 96-94 for Vargas, while Glenn Feldman and Frank Lombardi had it 96-94 and 98-92 for Collazo, respectively.

After a brief feeling out period, in which Collazo, who was fighting at Madison Square Garden for the fourth time in his career, bested Vargas, the two began to get intimate in the third. Vargas willingly closed the distance, but got a bit more than he bargained for, as Collazo time and again scored with left hands.

Undeterred, Vargas came back round after round, continually shortening the distance in order to fight chest to chest with Collazo, who was more than happy to fight in tight.

From the third round on, each round played out in similar fashion, with the Colombian-Canadian Vargas and Collazo fighting an inside fight, but with Collazo besting his foe.

Towards the end of the fight, a cut over Collazo’s right eye that was initially caused by a headbutt in round two started to give the New Yorker a few issues. But the 282 round veteran battled through and earned the judge’s decision. 15rounds.com scored the contest 97-93 for Collazo.

The result marks Vargas’ fifth career defeat. Other fighter’s to have had their fist raised against Vargas include Errol Spence, Jr., Amir Khan, and Danny Garcia.

Mojica Upsets Barnes Via Split Decision

Dallas bantamweight Oscar Mojica (12-5-1, 1KO) scored the biggest win of his career, spoiling some of the St. Patrick’s Day fun at Madison Square Garden in the process, defeating two time Irish Olympic Bronze Medalist Paddy “The Leprechaun” Barnes (5-2, 1KO) via six round split decision.

Things went wrong for Barnes, 31, from the get-go, as the first Mojica jab landed produced an ever-flowing stream of blood from the Irishman’s nose. Mojica, 26, sensing Barnes could feel his power, applied pressure for the remainder of the first, forcing Barnes to fight off his back foot.

In the second the Texan dug a beautiful left to Barnes’ liver that forced the Irishman to his knees. The referee inexplicably and wrongly ruled it a slip. Credit Barnes who, once back to his feet, starting taking the fight to Mojica.

Barnes landed his best punch of the fight — a right cross — midway through the sixth that seemed to grab Mujica’s attention and stall his offense. Barnes, who was fighting in the US for the first time, kept his foot on the gas for the remainder of the round, but it wasn’t enough to get the nod.

Judge James Pierce scored it 58-56 for Barnes, while John McKaie and Kevin Morgan saw it 58-56 for Mojica.

The result marks the second straight loss for Barnes. He last lost in August when he KO’d via body shot by Cristofer Rosales in a WBC world featherweight title fight.

It was an easy night at the office the Bronx’s Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (13-1, 8KO) as he easily outpointed Adrian Ramirez (10-3, 6KO) of the Dominican Republic. Official scores read 80-72×3.

Vargas was patient and prodding throughout, at times almost too calculating. It seemed if he just let his hands go the fight would have ended inside the distance. Nonetheless, the 20 year old Puerto Rican southpaw fought the fight on his terms, at his pace, and cruised to the win.

Vargas’ only blemish remains a DQ loss against Samuel Santana 2016.

Bauza Cruises Past Maldonado To Stay Perfect

Newly signed Top Rank prospect John Bauza (12-0, 5KO) cruised to an easy unanimous decision against Mexican-American Ricardo Maldonado (8-9-1, 1KO). Bauza, a Puerto Rican native who lives in North Bergen, NJ, quickly imposed his will on his 30 year old opponent. The 20 year old southpaw, who is trained by Robert Garcia, came off his stool firing from the onset, sitting down on almost all his punches, firing them off with purpose.

Less than two rounds into the contest, a Bauza right hook opened a small cut above Maldonado’s right eye and less than a round later, Bauza was scoring at will with his straight left, at one point shooting three straight down Main Street without obstruction. Bauza continued to dissect and bloody Maldonado the rest of the way, possibly even breaking the stubborn Mexican’s nose.

At the end of six, all judges agreed on a 60-54 scorecard for Bauza.

Nikitin Moves To 3-0 With MD Over Tapia

Russian featherweight Vladimir Nikitin improved to 3-0 earning a hardfought majority decision against tough Texan Juan Tapia (8-3, 3KO). Nikitin, who is perhaps best known to date for his controversial win against Michael Conlan at the 2016 Rio Olympics en route to a bronze medal, struggled with the non-stop pressure from Tapia. The two were constantly exchanging, but the 28 year old Russian consistently bested his 26 year old counterpart.

At the end of six, the judges scorecards read 57-57 and 59-55×2 for Nikitin.

Joseph Adorno Battles His Way Past Victor Rosas

Nineteen year old Top Rank lightweight prospect, Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (12-0, 10KO), battled his way to a six round unanimous decision against Mexican southpaw Victor Rosas (10-9, 4KO). It took Adorno a few rounds the to figure out his 31 year old counterpart, but by the time the fourth round came around, Adorno was having it his way. The orthodox-stanced teen, who is co-trained by his father Anibal and Robert Garcia, scored a knockdown in the fifth courtesy of a counter left hook. Credit Rosas, however, who battled back in the sixth and had his best round of the fight, backing up Adorno.

At the end of the bout, all three judges agreed on a 58-55 scorecard in favor of Adorno.

Ireland’s Reeves Kicks Off St. Paddy’s Day Card With Win

In a four round junior welterweight contest, Ireland’s Lee Reeves (3-0) shutout (40-36×3) Texas-native Eduardo Torres (1-2) to kick off an evening of boxing from the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The card is anchored by a ten round welterweight scrap between former junior welterweight champion Luis Collazo (38-7, 20KO) and Samuel Vargas (30-4-2, 14KO) and concludes with a special attraction St. Patrick’s Day attraction, seeing former Irish Olympian Michael Conlan (10-0, 6KO) take on fellow featherweight Ruben Garcia Hernandez (24-3-2, 10KO) in a ten round bout of their own.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Tevin Farmer (29-4-1, 6KO) scored a wide unanimous decision and retained his IBF world super featherweight title against Jono “King Kong” Carroll (16-1-1, 3KO) at Temple University’s Liacouras Center, broadcast live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK. Official scorecards read 117-110 and 117-111×2 for Farmer.

It was the 26 year old southpaw challenger, Carroll, however, who got off to the quick start, making a concerted effort to bang Farmer to the body.

But after a brief two round “feeling out” period, the southpaw champion settled in and began countering Carroll to head and body, throwing counter uppercuts from in-close and ripping loaded counter lefts to the body. A clash of heads also caused a nasty cut over Carroll’s right eye, a cut that only worsened as the fight progressed.

In the middle rounds, Farmer, 29, began taking over as Carroll’s offense began to slow and his punches began to hold less steam. There was a lot of in-fighting in the middle rounds, welcomed by the “American Idol”, Farmer, who was content to let Carroll throw a few before firing back the more significant shots.

Although struggling to gain ground through most of the mid-to-late rounds, Carroll did rally in the eighth, scoring mostly with body blows.

As the tenth wound to a close, Farmer hurt Carroll with a short right, sending the bearded Irishman in full retreat. Farmer kept his foot on the gas, connecting with more shots, but Carroll was able to ride out the storm until the end of the round.

The championship rounds went to Farmer, as well, securing the victory and his title.

It was the third successful title defense, and first in Philadelphia, for Farmer, who won his belt against Australian Billy Dib last August.

Farmer, who early in his career, without proper promotional guidance found himself prematurely pitted against tough opponents. After just twelve pro fights, Farmer’s record already sported four losses and one draw. Seven-plus years later, those numbers remain unchanged.

Farmer’s last loss came via stoppage against Jose Pedraza in 2012.

For his part, Carroll gave a good account for himself in his first world title challenge and first fight on American soil.

The Dublin native is now winless in his last two contests, having fought to a draw against Frenchman Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1, 12KO) in December.

Katie Taylor Wins Another Title, Stops Rose Volante

In a world female lightweight unifier between two previously unbeaten champions, Ireland’s Katie Taylor (13-0, 6KO) added the WBO title to her collection (IBF, WBA), stopping Brazil’s Rose Volante (14-1, 8KO) in the ninth of a scheduled ten round contest.

Taylor, a former 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, started quickly, dropping Volante early in the opening round with a left hook.

Credit Volante, who not only survived the remainder of the first, but then dug in and stood toe-to-toe with Taylor for the duration of the contest. And although she battled and traded with Taylor, Volante was being battered round after round.

In the eighth round Taylor, 32, Taylor shot up off her stool and looked determine to end it, letting her fists fly. But Volante, who was making her third title defense, showed the heart of a true champion and refused to fold.

It wasn’t until the 1:40 mark of the ninth round that referee Benjy Esteves stepped in to stop the punishment and call a halt to the contest.

Taylor remains on track to land a megafight later in this year, either against 7-division champion and current WBO female super flyweight titleist Amanda Serrano or undefeated unified world female welterweight champion Cecelia Braekhus.

Maciej Sulecki Survives Gabe Rosado Surge In North Philly Brawl

In a classic Philly brawl that saw both fighters hit the mat twice, Polish middleweight Maciej Sulecki (28-1, 11KO) outlasted a late surge by veteran fan favorite “King” Gabriel Rosado en route to a ten round unanimous decision victory.

It took less than ninety seconds for action to heat up and big punches to land, as Sulecki, 29, found immediate success with his right hand, firing a right behind Rosado’s left ear that dropped him to the mat. Rosado, 33, was shaken, but not hurt, and was able to navigate his way through the rest of the first.

In the third round, Rosado, who was fighting in his hometown for the first time in seven years, started to gain a bit of momentum. Much like Sulecki, he started also finding a home for his own right hand, landing two nose-crunching rights in the third.

The middle rounds weren’t dominated by either fighter, but it was Sulecki and his rights that were getting the better of Rosado.

Things looked like they might come to an end in the eight when Sulecki landed a left hook-right hand combo that rocked Rosado and sent him to the canvas for the second time in the fight. A woozy Rosado was able to ride out the remainder of the round, much of which was spent with his back against the ropes in a neutral corner, dipping, diving, and dodging Sulecki punches.

Then in the ninth, in classic Philly fashion, Rosado battled back and worked the crowd into a frenzy. The former world title challenger landed a perfectly thrown counter right that exploded on Sulecki’s head, sending the Pole crashing to the mat. Sulecki beat the ensuing ten count, but was quickly met again by another Rosado right, this a looping overhand right, that crumpled Sulecki to the canvas yet again. Credit Sulecki who again beat the referee’s ten count before the bell signaling the end of the ninth round chimed.

In the tenth round, Rosado kept his foot on the gas, trying to end the fight with a single right hand. But Sulecki was able to weather the storm and survive.

In the end, all three judges scored the contest for Sulecki (95-91×2, 95-93).

Sulecki’s only professional loss remains a UD to former world middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in April 2018.

For Rosado, who was coming off a draw against Luis “Cuba” Arias in November, the result makes it only one win in his last five contests.

Sulecki is now positioned to face off against WBO middleweight titleist Demetrius Andrade.

Luke Campbell TKOs Adrian Yung In 5

Former world lightweight title challenger “Cool Hand” Luke Campbell (20-2, 16KO) made it three wins in a row since his 2017 defeat to Jorge Linares, stopping Adrian “Chinito” Yung (26-6-2, 20KO) in the fifth round of a scheduled ten rounds.

Campbell, a 2012 Olympic Gold medalist, had it his way from the opening bell, controlling the fight from the onset. The British southpaw eventually broke through in the fourth round after a right hand forced Yung, who took the fight on short notice, to a knee.

In the sixth, the 31 year old British southpaw, Campbell, upped the pressure. After landing an unobstructed flurry of shots, referee Eric Dali jumped in to stop the contest at the 1:37 mark of round five.

Campbell remains the mandatory challenger for Mikey Garcia’s 135lb. WBC title. Garcia, of course, squares off against undefeated welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. tomorrow night on FOX PPV in Texas.

Raymond Ford Cruises To UD In Pro Debut

In his professional debut, nineteen year-old Matchroom Boxing featherweight prospect Raymond Ford (1-0) earned a four round unanimous decision against Weusi Johnson (3-11).

The former 2018 123-pound National Golden Gloves champion scored a knockdown midway through the first courtesy of a huge left cross, but was unable to stop Delaware’s Johnson before the end the round. No matter to Ford, though, as the Camden, NJ southpaw faced little resistance the rest of the way and cruised to a shutout victory. Scores were 40-35×3.

Yeleussinov Earns Wide UD Against Ortiz

2016 Olympic Gold medalist Daniyar “Kazakh Thunder” Yeleussinov (6-0, 3KO) remained undefeated, scoring a wide eight round unanimous decision against fellow welterweight Silverio Ortiz (37-14, 18KO).

Yeleussinov, a 28 year-old southpaw, started quickly, picking and landing his shots, while using fantastic footwork to keep the 439 round veteran, Ortiz, out of range.

From the third round on, the fight didn’t come as easy for the Matchroom Boxing prospect, as the distance began to close and exchanges increased. There was never a point where the Kazakh wasn’t in control, however, but Ortiz did score with loaded rights, albeit infrequently.

In the seventh, Yeleussinov scored a knockdown that culminated with a punch landing behind Ortiz’s head while he was already on the mat. Referee Benjy Esteves instructed the judges to score the knockdown, but also took a point away from Yeleussinov.

At the end of eight, official scorecards read 79-70 and 79-71×2 for Yeleussinov.

Sparrow Hammers Lundy, Scores MD Win

In a highly anticipated entertaining all-Philadelphia slugfest, Avery Sparrow (10-1, 3KO) scored a ten round majority decision over former world title challenger Hank Lundy (29-8-14KO).

It didn’t take long for the two rivals to start exchanging some serious leather, and toward the end of the first round, the 35 year-old southpaw Lundy scored with a short left, followed by a straight right that seemed to grab Sparrow’s attention.

No long lasting impact, however, as the spry 25 year-old, Sparrow, flipped the script in the following round, scoring two knockdowns courtesy of right hands. The first came seemingly out of nowhere, when Sparrow launched an overhand right that caught Lundy flush on the left side of the head, sending him off balance, forcing his glove to touch the canvas. The ensuing knockdown came less than a minute later, as Sparrow countered a wild-swinging Lundy, shooting a straight right down Broad Street, sending Lundy crashing to the mat.

The resilient 241-round veteran Lundy dug deep, though, and came back the very next round and stood toe-to-toe with Sparrow, perhaps even nicking the round.

From the third on it was a seesaw affair, with both fighters willing to eat a few punches to land a few of their own.

Wild exchanges were commonplace almost every time an ensuing round neared end.

When it was all said and done, the three judges turned in cards of 94-94, and 95-93 and 96-92 for Sparrow.

The win is arguably the biggest of Sparrow’s young career, who’s other win of note came against Jose Lopez in 2017.

The result marks the second loss in a row for “Hammerin’” Hank and is his third in his last six contests.

Ballard Stops Fonseca For Second Time In Career

Undefeated super middleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (20-0, 13KO) scored a fifth round stoppage over hardnosed Mexican Victor Fonseca (17-20-1, 14KO) to kick off a night of fights from Temple University’s Liacouras Center. It was the second time the 25 year-old Ballard and Fonseca squared off and the second time Ballard closed the show inside the scheduled distance. In 2015, the Golden Boy Promotions signee stopped Fonseca inside three rounds, and tonight he needed just two more, battering Fonseca around the ring until referee Eric Dali stopped the fight in the fifth of a scheduled ten.

Tonight’s card, presented by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, will culminate when hometown champion Tevin Farmer (28-4-1, 6KO) defends his IBF World Super Featherweight title live on DAZN (US) and Sky Sports (UK) against unbeaten Irishman Jono Carroll (16-0-1, 3KO).

BROOKLYN, NY — In the main event of a Showtime Championship Boxing card in front of 7,329 paid fans at the Barclays Center, WBA world junior middleweight champion Brian “El Boxi” Castaño (15-0-1, 11KO) fought former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (25-3-3, 14KO) to a twelve round split draw and retained his title in the process.

It was an impressive American debut for the undefeated 29 year-old Argentine, who brought the pressure to his Lara all night long. Early on, it was Lara’s fight though, as the slick Cuban southpaw peppered in his shots with effectiveness, and moved well laterally, avoiding many of his counterpart’s punches. As the fight progressed, however, especially during the middle rounds, Castaño’s never ending pressure began to overwhelm and smother Lara, who would shell up for ten to fifteen seconds at a time without returned any fire.

Both fighter’s dug in down the stretch, with Castaño still drudging forward, while Lara still found success pot-shotting with that coiled left hand.

At the end of twelve, judge John McKaie scored it 115-113 Lara, Kevin Morgan 115-113 Castaño, and Julie Lederman 114-114, even.

The fight marked Lara’s first bout since his dramatic 2018 Fight of the Year split decision loss to Jarrett Hurd, a fight in which Hurd dropped Lara in the 12th to tip the scorecards in his favor.

For Castaño, who amassed an impressive 181-10 amateur record which included a 2011 win over current welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr., tonight marked his first defense of his WBA title since winning it via TKO against veteran French fighter Cedric Vitu (47-3, 19KO) in March 2018.

“It was a great fight, but I saw myself winning eight rounds tonight. My punches were much more effective,” Lara said. “He did have pressure but I was dominating the pressure. I was definitely expecting that pressure because he waited a long time for this fight.”

He added, “If we have to fight him again I’ll fight him. Hurd or Castano. Anybody, I’ll have the rematch with both.”

Castaño addressed the media afterwards, as well, saying, “It was a good fight. A clash of styles. I know I won the fight. I feel I was robbed. If he wants the rematch, I’ll give him the rematch.”

Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Decisions Christian Hammer

Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (31-1, 26KO) easily outpointed durable veteran Christian Hammer (24-6, 14KO) in a ten round heavyweight bout, making it three wins in a row for the Cuban southpaw since suffering his lone career defeat — a TKO loss to WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in March 2018.

It was a relatively easy night at the office for Ortiz, who at 238¾ lbs was fighting at his lightest weight since 2015. Ortiz used his jab early to to control the range, peppering in that thundering left hand to keep Hammer honest. Hammer, who was making his US debut, was willing to shell up and let Ortiz fire a few shots before trying to come back and connect with a game changing right.

Early in the second round, it looked like Hammer might have hurt Ortiz, as the big Cuban lost his balance, and dipped low, his glove possibly grazing the canvas. Referee Shada Murdough didn’t rule a knockdown, however, and Ortiz quickly regained composure.

In the fourth round an Ortiz left drew blood from the 31 year-old Hammer’s nose, which seemed to bother him for the remainder of the round as he continually wiped the blood away with the back of his glove. The very next round, Hammer returned the favor, and sent a straight right to the face of Ortiz which immediately produced blood from “King Kong’s” nose.

From the fifth till the final bell, the debatable 39 year-old Ortiz put it in cruise control, banging away at Hammer, who has also come up short against notables Tyson Fury and Alexander Povetkin, without any repercussions.

At the end of the contest, judges Waleska Roldan and John Basile scored it 99-91 and Joseph Pasquale 100-90 all for Ortiz.

“The fight wasn’t what I was expecting. It was a hard fight and my corner really had to work with me,” Ortiz said. “It was a hard fight. After I got the rhythm, I heated up a little bit.”

“I fought a fight that I hadn’t for years, which is box and work,” he continued. “So I’m not disappointed I didn’t knock him out. I showed some of my boxing skills tonight.”

Hammer also spoke after the fight. “Ortiz is a very good and experienced fighter. He’s technical and smart but he’s not as intimidating as people say he is,” he said. “I respect Ortiz but I don’t think he’s the best fighter I’ve ever faced.”

Hammer also chalked up his defeat as a moral victory, adding, “I’m very confident going forward. I know that I can go the distance with anyone and I’m willing to fight anyone. People thought I’d get knocked out but I proved them wrong.”

Ramirez Stops De Gracia In Dramatic Fashion

With one perfectly thrown right uppercut, Mexican featherweight Eduardo Ramirez (22-1-3, 9KO) offset Bryan De Gracia’s (24-2-1, 20KO) equilibrium, zapped his legs of their strength, and moments later, ended their fight in dramatic fashion en route to a TKO9 victory, claiming the WBA’s “Gold” featherweight world title in the process.

It was a back and forth affair, a clash of styles, with the Panamanian assuming the role of aggressor, while Ramirez content to olé his foe and slip in counters. The fight began to heat up as it bore on, with exchanges occurring with more frequency. Toward the end of the fifth, the two let their hands fly with fury, both eating and landing leather. It was De Gracia, however, getting the better of his opponent that round, and capped that exchange with a huge right that landed flush just seconds before the bell.

The seesaw contest continued until the 9th when seemingly out of nowhere, Ramirez landed a fantastically timed right uppercut, thrown under De Gracia’s outstretched jab, that exploded on the Panamanian’s chin and sent him into disarray. Clearly hurt, De Gracia stumbled around the ring trying to regain his balance, but was unable to do so. Ramirez stayed right with De Gracia, unloading the tank, and finally, after one more big right hand that sent De Gracia stumbling back toward the ropes, referee Benjy Esteves stopped the contest at the 2:10 mark of round 9.

Two judges had De Gracia up 77-75 at the stoppage, while the third had it a draw, 76-76. 15rounds.com had Ramirez up 77-75 at the time of the stoppage.

Tonight marked the first time De Gracia fought outside his native Panama. Conversely, for Ramirez, this was the second time he fought on American soil. The Mexican drew with undefeated Cuban southpaw, Leduan Barthelemy in September 2017.

Ramirez’s only career defeat remains his decision loss to Welshman Lee Selby in their 2017 world title fight.

“I‘d like to dedicate this fight to my deceased grandfather,” Ramirez said afterward. “This win is in memory of him.”

He continued, “I definitely knew it was close but my corner kept telling me to keep going and going, and that’s when I caught him.

Edwin Rodriguez Grinds Out UD Over Mitch Williams

Former super middleweight title challenger turned borderline heavyweight, Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (31-2, 20KO) outslugged fellow cruiserweight Mitch “King Kamm” Williams (16-7-3,11KO) en route to a ten round unanimous decision.

The Dominican-American Rodriguez, who tipped the scales just shy of the cruiserweight limit at 198.2 lbs., looked less than impressive, but showed a ton of heart as he stood toe-to-toe, exchanging blow-for-blow with his 36 year-old counterpart. Rodriguez, who now fights out of Stafford, TX, hurt Michigan’s Williams with body shots a few times during the contest, but was unable to deliver definitive blows and stop the rugged southpaw — something a better conditioned Rodriguez may have very well been able to do.

“La Bomba” has now won three in a row since being viciously KO’d by Thomas Williams Jr. in late 2016. His only other professional came courtesy of Andre Ward in their 2013 title fight.

Antonio Russell Brutalizes Cardenas, Stops Him In 6

In the second of three fights broadcast on the Showtime Sports YouTube channel, undefeated bantamweight Antonio Russell (13-0, 11KO) punished seventeen-fight Mexican veteran, Jose Maria Cardenas (16-4, 13KO) en route to a TKO6.

It was a rough and tumble affair, originally slated for 8, that was particularly brutal at times. Towards the end of the first round, Russell uncorked a barrage of hammering rights to the side of Cardenas’ head that eventually crumbled Cardenas to the canvas.

In the ensuing rounds, the Washington DC native, Russell, continued to have his way with the too-tough-for-his-own-good Mexican, who time and again found himself with his back against the ropes, eating Russell punches while attempting to clinch.

Eventually, at the :22 mark of the 6th round, after being tagged with another flurry of Russell blows, the ringside physician jumped onto the ring apron and advised the referee to stop the contest.

Russell, who fights out of the Russell family-owned Enigma Boxing Gym in Capitol heights, MD, had his older brother, WBC world featherweight champion, Gary Russell, Jr. operating as his chief second during the match.

In the second of three fights broadcast on the Showtime Sports YouTube channel, undefeated bantamweight Antonio Russell (13-0, 11KO) punished seventeen-fight Mexican veteran, Jose Maria Cardenas (16-4, 13KO) en route to a TKO6.

It was a rough and tumble affair, originally slated for 8, that was particularly brutal at times. Towards the end of the first round, Russell uncorked a barrage of hammering rights to the side of Cardenas’ head that eventually crumbled Cardenas to the canvas.

In the ensuing rounds, the Washington DC native, Russell, continued to have his way with the too-tough-for-his-own-good Mexican, who time and again found himself with his back against the ropes, eating Russell punches while attempting to clinch.

Eventually, at the :22 mark of the 6th round, after being tagged with another flurry of Russell blows, the ringside physician jumped onto the ring apron and advised the referee to stop the contest.

Russell, who fights out of the Russell family-owned Enigma Boxing Gym in Capitol heights, MD, had his older brother, WBC world featherweight champion, Gary Russell, Jr. operating as his chief second during the match.

Barthelemy Cruises To UD In First Fight Since 2017

Undefeated Cuban super featherweight Leduan Barthelemy (14-0-1, 7KO) returned to the ring for the first time since drawing against Eduardo Ramirez in 2017 and waltzed to a wide 8 round unanimous decision against Mexico’s Miguel Angel Aispuro (11-7-2, 7KO). The southpaw Barthelemy, who is the younger brother of former two-division world champion, Rances Barthelemy, had everything working well tonight. He was patient and precise, scoring with jabs, straight lefts, and counter rights. He mostly forewent any combination punching, however, and because of that was unable to stop Aispuro inside the distance. Nonetheless, Barthelemy notched another “W”, earning scores of 80-72×2 and 79-73 from the judges.

Hitchins Makes Easy Work of Game Morales

Undefeated Mayweather Promotions prospect and Brooklyn native, Richardson Hitchins ran his record up to a perfect 8-0, 4KO with a 4th round TKO stoppage against hard-nosed veteran David Morales (13-10, 13KO). The former 2016 Haitian Olympian wasted no time introducing himself to his Nicaraguan counterpart, immediately going on the offensive, unloading from the opening bell, forcing Morales to fight going backward. After two-plus rounds of battering Morales from post to post and rope to rope, Hitchins finally finished off his foe with a flurry of punches that brought Morales to a knee. Although he beat the ensuing ten count, he was unable to answer the bell for round 4.

Undefeated Mayweather Promotions prospect and Brooklyn native, Richardson Hitchins ran his record up to a perfect 8-0, 4KO with a 4th round TKO stoppage against hard-nosed veteran David Morales (13-10, 13KO). The former 2016 Haitian Olympian wasted no time introducing himself to his Nicaraguan counterpart, immediately going on the offensive, unloading from the opening bell, forcing Morales to fight going backward. After two-plus rounds of battering Morales from post to post and rope to rope, Hitchins finally finished off his foe with a flurry of punches that brought Morales to a knee. Although he beat the ensuing ten count, he was unable to answer the bell for round 4.

Maryland’s Irby Stays Unbeaten, Scores UD Over Okoth

Landover, Maryland’s Tyrek Irby (7-0, KO) made it two-for-two for “Free State” southpaws, grinding out a six round unanimous decision over fellow welterweight Dennis Okoth (2-2-1, 1KO) of Kenya. After scoring a knockdown early in the first, Irby then went on the defensive, counterpunching his way past the aggressive Kenyan. It wasn’t easy or pretty — especially after a clash of heads in round 6 opened a nasty gash above Irby’s right eye — but Irby was able to navigate his way to the win. Ring announcer Miguel Flores failed to announce the actual judge’s scores, but no reason to doubt the decision.

Baltimore’s Anderson Opens Card With Easy Win

In the first of nine fights slated from the Barclays Center, undefeated Maryland southpaw Aaron Anderson (4-0, 3KO) shutout (40-36×3) fellow middleweight Chukka Willis (4-10, 2KO) in a four rounder. The night’s boxing will commence with a Showtime Championship Boxing tripleheader (9pm ET), anchored by undefeated WBA junior middleweight champion Brian Castaño (15-0, 11KO) against former Cuban titleist, Erislandy Lara (25-3-2, 14KO). The broadcast will also feature a ten round heavyweight scrap between former heavyweight title challengers Luis Ortiz (30-1, 26KO) and Christian Hammer (24-5, 14KO) and a twelve round featherweight fight featuring Panama’s Bryan De Gracia (24-1-1, 20KO) and Mexico’s Eduardo Ramirez (21-1-3, 8KO).

BROOKLYN, NY –Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-0, 22KO) returned to the ring from a 22-month hiatus and retained his WBA World Welterweight title, defeating Josesito Lopez (36-8, 19KO) by majority decision in the main event of a PBC on FOX card in front of 9,623 fans at the Barclays Center.

The fight was anything but a breeze for the 30 year-old champion, who for the first time in his career found himself in serious danger of being stopped midway through the contest.

But in the early goings, Thurman looked sharp — his movement on point, his punches accurate.  As the second round drew to a close, both fighter’s threw simultaneous left hooks. Thurman’s shorter and crisper hook, however, was the only one that reached the intended target and exploded on Lopez’s chin, sending him to the mat.

In the 4th round, the 34 year-old Lopez began finding his target a bit more, but was seemingly two Thurman punches in exchange for landing one of his own.

In the 7th, Lopez finally caught Thurman with a left hand that wobbled the champ.  For the next minute-plus, Lopez cranked up the heat. The fighter they call “Riverside Rocky” stalked a wounded Thurman and time and again snapped his head back with punches thrown from all angles.  Thurman was somehow able to weather the storm, however, and by the end of the round was landing return fire on Lopez.

Thurman regained his composure and control in the 8th, snuffing out any momentum Lopez hoped to build upon from the previous round.

Credit California’s Lopez, who round after round was willing to take some of Thurman’s best shots in order to try to land a big punch of his own.  And make no mistake, the punches Thurman were landing would have dropped and stopped the vast majority of opponents.

At the end of the championship rounds, Jimmy Lennon, Jr. read scores of 113-113 (Don Ackerman), 115-112 (Steve Weisfeld), and 117-111 (Tom Schreck), for Thurman.  The 113-113 Ackerman was controversially close. 15rounds.com scored the contest 117-110 for Thurman.

It was Thurman’s first time back between the ropes since winning the WBC middleweight title via split decision against Danny Garcia in March 2017.  Since then the 30 year-old Floridian has had his right elbow surgically repaired and also suffered a left hand injury that required months to heal. Due to inactivity, Thurman was forced to vacate his WBC strap in April 2018.

Thurman has stated that he’d like two tune-up type bouts before he rumbles with the other A-side talent in the stacked welterweight division.  Of course, the PBC also has champions Errol Spence, Jr. (IBF), Shawn Porter (WBC), and Manny Pacquiao (WBA interim and Thurman mandatory) under promotional contract.  A less realistic future opponent for Thurman is Terence Crawford (WBO), who is under contract with Top Rank.

The veteran Lopez is now 0-3 in world title fights, having come up short against Canelo Alvarez (2012) and Andre Berto (2015).  His signature win remains his against former world champion Victor Ortiz, who he retired after 9 rounds.

“He had me buzzed and shaken up in the seventh round, but I tried to stay on the outside away,” Thurman said afterward.  “I was a little off in my prediction of how long his arms were. He lunged in and was really willing to commit to the knockout.”

With regards to facing his WBA mandatory challenger, Thurman said, “I would most likely definitely take the Manny Pacquiao fight this year. I feel good. That was a beautiful fight. I’m ready to fight wherever Pacquiao wants it.”

Polish Puncher Kownacki Stops Washington In 2

Polish-born Brooklyn-based heavyweight Adam Kownacki continues to thrust himself into the mix in the heavyweight division.  Tonight, it took the 258.5 lb. man they call “Babyface” less than a round and a half to blast out former title challenger, Gerald Washington (19-3-1, 12KO).

The 29 year-old Kownacki came out firing from the opening bell willingly exchanging with his 6’6” counterpart.  About midway through the opening round, Kownacki hurt Washington with a right for the first time. He continued his onslaught, firing away for the rest of the round, but Washington managed to survive.

In the second, Washington came out recharged, and the big Californian quickly unloaded on Kownacki, who was sporting a cut over his left eye.  Once his offensive attack wish finished, however, it was Kownacki’s turn. The 6’3” Pole threw a hammer of a right hand that wobbled Washington, and he followed it up with a flurry that resulted in Washington hitting the mat hard.  Washington just barely beat referee Harvey Dock’s ten count and was able to continue, only to be met just seconds later by more Kownacki fists, prompting Dock to step in and stop the fight at the 1:09 mark of round 2.

Kownacki has now fought 6 of his last 7 fights at the Barclays Center, which has become his second home.  And as per usual, he again enjoyed enjoyed hometown support as hundreds of his Polish fans decked out in their country’s red and white, filled the arena.

“It’s amazing to have this support from the Polish fans,” Kownacki said post-fight.  “It definitely gives me extra energy.”

Further, in his last five fights, the father-to-be has defeated opponents whose combined records tally 109-6-2.  The win streak now includes victories against former title challengers Washington and Artur Szpilka, as well as former IBF Heavyweight Champion, Charles Martin, who Kownacki outpointed in September.

Washington’s only other career defeats also came via stoppage, first against WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder and later against undefeated contender Jerrell “Big Baby” Miller.

“I trained hard for this fight. I prepared for 10 hard rounds, but I’m glad I got it done and ended it as fast as I did,” Kownacki said.

He continued, “We stuck with the game plan. I’m a pressure fighter. I worked on sitting down on my punches and I proved that I have great power when I do that.”

“King Tug” One Step Closer To Title, Decisions Marrero

In just his eleventh professional fight, Tugstsgot “King Tug” Nyambayar (11-0, 9KO) inched one step closer to a championship belt, defeating veteran Dominican southpaw Claudio Marrero (23-3, 17KO) via unanimous decision in a 12-round WBC featherweight title eliminator that kicked off the nationally televised FOX portion of the card.  Scores were 114-113, 115-112, and 116-11, all for the Mongolian, Nyambayar.

It wasn’t easy and it certainly wasn’t pretty, but Nyambayar, a former 2012 Olympic silver medalist grinded and countered his way past the crafty 29 year-old Dominican, Marrero.

Nyambayar, 26, had his first major success in the third round when he hurt and momentarily wobbled the former title challenger, Marrero, with a right hand.  He followed this up with a brief flurry, but ultimately called off the attack when Marrero quickly regained composure.

As the fight progressed, there were times when Nyambayar was patient, but calculating.  Other times, especially in the middle rounds, he was passive — too passive, letting rounds slip away.

Marrero took advantage of “King Tug’s” passiveness, especially in round 5 and 9, when he aggressively came off his stool, firing away on his almost-unsuspecting opponent.

About a minute into the tenth round, referee Benjy Esteves docked Marrero a point for landing a half-hearted right hand during a break.  Shortly after, Nyambar landed a low-blow that doubled Marrero over in pain. The fight was stopped to allow Marrero time to recover and no point was deducted from Nyambayar.

Nyambayar is now in place as the mandatory challenger for Gary Russell, Jr.’s WBC Featherweight title.

“We had a really good camp so this is just me putting the pressure and pace that we worked on in camp and using it in the ring,” Nyambayar said.  “This sets me up for big fights. Whatever big fights are presented to us, we’ll take it.”

Colbert Earns Hard Fought UD Against Hernandez

Brooklyn’s Chris “Lil’ BHopp” Colbert turned away his stiffest competition to date, earning an 8 round unanimous decision against Chicago’s Josh Hernandez (8-2, 7KO) in a super featherweight contest.

Considering Hernandez’s resume, 7KOs in 8 wins, Colbert fought a smart fight early on, allowing Hernandez to be the aggressor, luring him in close, and skillfully countering.  Colbert was by no means reluctant to exchange with his 23 year-old counterpart, but he had no reason to do so.

But as the the rounds bore on, the 22 year-old Colbert began to tire, and his lateral movement slowed.  Hernandez kept the heat on and seemingly backed Colbert against the ropes or into a corner for long stretches in each of the last 4 rounds.  Hernandez would unload and Colbert would absorb. And then Colbert, who trains out of Atlas Cops & Kids in Flatbush, Brooklyn, would unload and Hernandez would absorb.  But these weren’t 50/50 exchanges and Colbert consistently bested Hernandez when the two traded blows.

In the end, all three judges scored the contest widely for Colbert, 79-73.

The result marks the second career loss for Chicago’s Hernandez, who was fighting outside of Illinois for the first time in his career.  His only other defeat came via stoppage against Gavino Gauman in April 2017, a loss he avenged just three months later.

“He put up a great fight,” Colbert said, giving Hernandez well-deserved credit.  “Today I decided not to give the crowd a boxing lesson, I decided I wanted to show them that I can stand and fight with anybody if I choose to.”

He went on, “I have very high-quality fight and I’m getting better and better as we go. I’m looking forward to getting more opportunities.”

Russell Scores TKO2 Over Almazan

2016 US Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell (8-0, 8KO) easily disposed of Mexican-American Roberto Almazan (7-9, 2KO), scoring 3 knockdowns inside 2 rounds to earn a TKO victory.

Russell, the 22 year-old younger brother of WBC World Featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr., threw fists fast and furious from the opening bell, smothering his 20 year-old counterpart, preventing him from mounting any counter attack.

About a minute into the bout, after a brief exchange near the blue corner, Almazon took a knee. He claimed he was pushed down, but referee Shada Murdaugh disagreed and administered a ten count.

Maryland’s Russell knocked down Almazon down twice more in the 2nd, once courtesy of left-right combo, and the second via a flurry of punches that culminated with one final right that forced Almazon to a knee for the last time. Murdaugh stopped the fight at the :59 second mark of round 2.

“I listened to my corner’s directions and they told me that the hook was going to be there when he shot his left hand,” Russell said afterward. I went to my hook position and I was ready to catch and fire.”

“This is nothing new to me” he continued. “I just try to execute what I’m told and sharpen my craft. We’re going back to the drawing board and we’ll be patient.”

Booker Gifts De Angel 10th Career Defeat via UD

In the first fight of the FS1-televised portion of the card, undefeated southpaw Chordale “The Gift” Booker (14-0, 7KO) worked hard to earn a wide 8 round unanimous decision against Colombian slugger Juan De Angel (21-10-1, 18KO) in a middleweight contest.

Booker set the range early and controlled most of the action with his jab, peppering in straight lefts with precision.  As the punches added up, De Angel slowed down. Eventually in the 7th round, a Booker left uppercut dropped De Angel down to a knee.  The Colombian beat the ensuing ten count and powered through the rest of the 7th and 8th rounds to hear the final bell.

In the end, all judges scored the bout widely for the 27 year-old Stamford, CT fighter: 80-71 and 79-72.

Booker now joins the likes of Austin Trout and Caleb Plant, who’ve also secured wins against De Angel.  The result makes it 9 losses in 9 fights in America for the Colombian.

“I’m about to make a list of fighters that I want to face to propel me to the next level,” Booker said post-fight. “ I’m going to keep climbing and fighting better opponents. I thought I had a good performance today, but not great. I feel like I showed that I have a lot I can do in this sport.

Fulton Drops Olea Twice En Route To TKO5

Philadelphia’s Stephen Fulton (15-0, 7KO) improved his already perfect record, recording a 5th round TKO stoppage against Colombian Marlon Olea (14-4,12KO) in a featherweight bout slated for 8.

Fulton battered Olea from the onset and eventually broke through late in the 4th round when he dropped Olea to a knee courtesy of a beautifully thrown left hook.  The 24 year-old Fulton picked up where he left off in the 5th and again landed a crisp left on the button that brought Olea to a knee. Referee Shada Murdaugh decided that was enough punishment and called a stop the fight at the 1:39 mark of round 5.

Olea’s winless streak on US soil continues, as he drops to 0-4.  All his wins have come in his native Colombia.

Duncan TKOs Garcia-Flores In 3

Undefeated middleweight Mark Duncan (3-0, 3KO) returned to the Barclays Center for the second time in 34 days and scored a TKO3 against Daniel Garcia-Flores (0-3) in a bout scheduled for 4.

The Maryland-native Duncan, who last fought at the Barclays Center in December on the Charlo brother’s undercard, battered Garcia-Flores early and often.  Punches and damage quickly accumulated and midway through the 3rd round, the ringside physician jumped up on the apron and signaled to the referee to stop the contest.  The official time of the stoppage comes at the 1:15 mark of round 3.

Irby Counters His Way Past Figueroa

Maryland’s Tyrek Irby (6-0, 2KO) remained perfect, earning a 4 round unanimous decision over Jonathan Figueroa (2-2, 1KO) in a welterweight scrap.

It was a contrast of styles as the 27 year-old Connecticut fighter, Figueroa, charged for all twelve minutes, while the 25 year-old Maryland man, Irby, slickly countered his way to an easy decision.  Scores read 39-37×2 and 40-36 for Irby.

Deets Stuns Wilder, KOs Him In 4th

In a shocking upset, 33 year-old veteran William Deets (7-12, 3KO) came from behind to KO Marsellos Wilder (3-1, 2KO) with just :25 seconds remaining in their 4 round cruiserweight contest.

Wilder, the 29 year-old younger brother of WBC Heavyweight Champion, Deontay Wilder, was easily outpointing his rugged counterpart, having won each of the first 3 rounds. The Alabama-native Wilder first hurt Deets with a huge left near the end of the first that put Deet’s on unsteady legs, sending him stumbling back to his corner after the bell.  At various times during the next two-plus rounds it looked like Wilder could stop Deets but he never sealed the deal.

Then late in the fourth, Deets flipped the script.  The Nebraskan connected with a huge left hook — a punch he’d attempted and misfired with at least ten times during the bout — and flattened Wilder.  Wilder initially got to his feet during the referee’s ten count, but stumbled to the ropes where his legs failed to keep him steady. The official time of the KO came at the 2:35 mark of round 4.  The result marks the first professional defeat for Wilder, whose brother was on hand to witness to bout.

Time will tell if anything changes, but as of now, Wilder’s next contest is slated to take place next month in the UK on the undercard of Chris Eubanks, Jr. v. James DeGale.

Cruz Stops Florez In 2

In the second of the non-televised swing bouts, Puerto Rican welterweight Miguel Cruz (18-1, 12KO) made quick work of his Colombian counterpart, Luis E. Florez (24-12, 20KO) blitzing him out of the ring inside 2.  The official stoppage came at at the 2:21 mark of round 2. Cruz bounced back nicely from suffering his lone career defeat courtesy of Josesito Lopez last April.

Glanton Stays Perfect, TKOs Fenderson In 2

In the first of two non-televised swing bouts, Atlanta’s Brandon Glanton (8-0, 7KO) battered fellow light heavyweight Jerhed Fenderson (4-9, 2KO) en route to a second round TKO in a contest slated for 4.  The official time of the stoppage came at the 2:49 mark of round 2

Teal Opens Card With A Bang

In the first of thirteen fights from the Barclays Center, Florida super middleweight Mycheal Teal (2-0, 2KO) needed :30 seconds to dispose of winless Jacob Landin (0-3) of Texas.

NEW YORK CITY, NY — In the main event of a night of boxing broadcast on DAZN from Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater, Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade took his scalpel and chiseled away at Artur “Wolverine” Akavov for eleven-plus rounds en route to a 12th round TKO victory, retaining his WBO world middleweight title in the process.

It was Andrade’s first defense of his WBO strap since winning it convincingly against Walter Kautondokwa in October. That contest was originally supposed to pit Andrade against Billy Joe Saunders, who was replaced by Kautondokwa after failing a drug test.

It wasn’t a particularly hard night at the office for the 30 year-old Rhode Island native. Andrade set the distance early, kept his fellow southpaw opponent at bay, all the while methodically peppering in shots clean shots round after round.

The former ‘08 US Olympian, Andrade, shifted into cruise control in the early goings and never changed gears. Akavov had no answer as to how to get inside Andrade’s reach or mount any significant offensive attack.

Eventually, Andrade broke through in the 9th round when a left hand opened a nasty cut over Akavov’s right eye that would trouble him for the remainder of the fight.

After sustaining continuous damage in the ensuing rounds, referee Arthur Mercante, Jr. decided enough was enough and stopped the contest at the 2:36 mark of round 12. Although bloody and beaten, the stoppage seemed unnecessary as only :24 seconds remained and Akavov was not in any clear danger.

The result snapped a three fight win streak for the Russian, Akavov, and also marked the second time the 33 year-old has come up short in a world title fight. He also dropped a unanimous decision to Billy Joe Saunders for the very same WBO title in 2016. His only other professional defeat also came via the cards against Oleg Lissev in 2012.

Andrade remains well positioned to score a bigger fight for a bigger payday later in 2019. Fellow middleweight title holders and DAZN fighters, Canelo Alvarez (WBC) and Daniel Jacobs (IBF), will meet in a monster unification clash set for May 4 in Las Vegas.

Cano Stuns Linares, Stops Him In 1!

Veteran Mexican fighter Pablo Cesar Cano (32-7-1, 22KO) scored the biggest win of his career and shocked the boxing world in the process, flooring former three-division world champion Jorge Linares (45-5, 28KO) three times in the opening round of a scheduled twelve en route to a first round TKO victory.

About :30 seconds into the contest, the 29 year-old Cano landed an overhand right that exploded above Linares’ left ear and sent the flashy Venezuelan thudding to the mat. Cano kept the heat on, and didn’t allow Linares to ever fully recover. Another Cano right sent Linares to the canvas again, and shortly after, Cano connected with a left hook that dropped his 33 year-old counterpart for the final time. Linares beat that ensuing ten count, but a one last Cano flurry put Linares on unsteady legs, and referee Ricky Gonzalez stepped between the two fighters to stop the contest at the 2:48 mark of round one.

The result now becomes the signature win that has seemingly eluded Cano for his entire career. Prior to tonight, each time Cano has stepped up in competition, he has come up short. Fighters who have had their hands raised against Cano include former world champions Paulie Malignaggi, Shane Mosley, and Erik Morales.

This was the second fight back for Linares since losing via stoppage to Visiliy Lomachenko in the very same venue last may. Linares bounced back from that loss with a KO win over Abner Cotto in September.

Each of Linares’ five career losses have come via stoppage.

With the knockout, Cano retained his WBC International Silver Super Lightweight Title, a belt he won against the previously unbeaten Ruslan Madiev in September.

This fight was only Linares’ second fight at 140 lbs., and first against a true junior welterweight. The classy vet, who debuted professionally in 2002, now needs to consider how to move forward and give thought as to which division suits him best.

He’s Got The Power: TJ Doherty Retains Title, Stops Takahashi in 11

TJ “The Power” Doheny (21-0, 15KO) made his first successful defense of his IBF world super bantamweight belt, stopping Japan’s Ryohei Takahashi (16-4-1, 6KO) in the 11th round.

The Irish-born Australian champion set the tone early, finding his target with crisp jabs and pistoning lefts from his southpaw stance.

About a minute into the second round, the two combatants clashed heads which produced almost identical cuts over the bridge of their noses, between the eyes.

The 32 year-old champion turned up the heat in the third and administered three lefts in rapid succession that sent an already off-balance Takahashi to the mat.

Doheny, who claimed his strap by decisioning then-champion Ryosuka Iwasa in Tokyo in August, seemed to get off first in every exchange and never let Takahashi get comfortable. Eventually, punches began to accumulate and take their toll on the challenger.

As the rounds progress, Takahashi’s offensive bursts proved less and less effective, while Doheny’s shots were still finding their home.

After landing a clean combination in the 11th round, referee Michael Ortega stepped in at the 2:18 mark and called a halt to the contest.

Doheny’s win sets up a potential bantamweight unification clash between Doheny and fellow Matchroom Sports client and WBA champion, Danny Roman (26-2-1, 10KO), who joined Doheny in the ring after the bout.

Chris Algieri Edges Daniel Gonzalez in Ten Round Clash

Chris Algieri (23-3, 8KO) scored a controversially wide unanimous decision victory against fellow New Yorker, Daniel “El Gallo” Gonzalez (17-2-1, 7KO) in a closely contested ten round junior welterweight contest.

The 34 year-old Algieri got out to a fast start, making a conscious commitment to hammer away at Gonzalez’s body. Theoretically, that should have paid dividends as the fight bore on, however, Gonzalez seemed seemed to gain momentum round after round.

By the middle rounds, it seemed that the Woodhaven, Queens native, Gonzalez, was fighting the fight he mapped out in camp. He was applying pressure, forcing Algieri to constantly be on the move, and landing shots in the process. To his credit, Huntington’s Algieri, countered slickly, and for the most part avoided eating any big blows. In the seventh round a clash of heads late produced a nasty welt and cut under Algieri’s left eye.

At the end of ten the judges scorecards of 98-92, 97-93, and 96-94 for Algieri were met with boos upon reading.

Tonight marked Algieri’s second fight back in the ring since taking time off after getting TKO’d by Errol Spence, Jr. in 2016. The former Manny Pacquiao foe decisioned Angel Hernandez in November.

Gonzalez only other career defeat came via TKO courtesy of Danny O’Connor in 2017.

Put Her In The Books! Serrano Captures Title In 7th Weight Division

Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (36-1-1, 27KO) once again made history, needing just :35 seconds to defeat Eva Voraberger (24-6, 11KO) to capture the WBO world female super flyweight championship in her record breaking seventh weight division.

Serrano was simply in another league, throwing punches fast and furious from the onset, overwhelming Voraberger. Serrano landed a beautiful combination that culminated with a vicious left that landed right under Voraberger’s rib cage, forcing her down to a knee where she was counted out by referee Sparkle Lee.

Serrano last fought in September when she won the WBO world female super lightweight title against Yamila Esther Reynosa in Brooklyn. That fight took place at 140 lbs. In an unprecedented move, Serrano cut 25 lbs. and dropped six weight divisions for tonight’s fight where she went on to earn her seventh weight world title, this time in the 115 lb. division.

Serrano’s lone blemish remains a 2012 unanimous decision loss against Frida Walberg in 2012 in Sweden.

Tonight’s win makes it 21 straight for Serrano. The fight also marks the first of a three-fight deal for Serrano with DAZN, which, if all goes according to plan, will culminate with a female super-fight pitting her against the WBO female lightweight champion and former Irish gold medal Olympian, Katie Taylor.

Reshat “The Albanian Bear” Roars Past Borteye

Reshat “The Albanian Bear” Mati (3-0, 2KO) manhandled Benjamin Borteye (4-4 4KO), knocking him down and finishing him off in the first of their scheduled 4 round welterweight scrap. The 20 year-old Albanian-American, Mati, overwhelmed his gun-shy and awkward counterpart from the bell. Mati, who like Sosa, also trains at Atlas Cops & Kids, dropped Borteye midway through the round with a huge right hand, and kept his foot on the gas, landing one final blow that knocked Borteye off balance and back into the ropes, which held him upright. The referee stopped the contest then and there, resulting in the first round TKO for Mati.

Julian Sosa Runs Record to 13-0-1, Stops Nzau in 4

Welterweight Julian Sosa (13-0-1, 5KO) made it two for two for Brooklyn boxers on the night by TKO’ing Congo’s Dieumerci Nzau (11-7, 8KO) in a contest originally slated for 6 rounds. Sosa, who fights out of Atlas Cops & Kids and is trained by Aureliano Sosa, used nifty footwork to create angles to cleanly land on Nzau. Lead lefts hooks were arguably Sosa’s best punches, but it was a right hand that dropped his 30 year-old counterpart in the third round. Nzau never answered the bell for round 4 and the contest was halted. The official time of the stoppage was 2:59 of round 4.

Solomon Bounces Back, Notches First Career Win

Brooklyn heavyweight Nkosi Solomon (1-1) rebounded nicely from suffering a shocking defeat in his pro debut by earning a unanimous decision victory against former two-time Georgia Golden Gloves champion, Rodriguez Cade (2-4, 2KO). The 24 year-old Solomon, who was once the #1 ranked US amateur in the super-heavyweight division, won definitively, but not pretty. Cade’s game plan was pretty simple — try to land a big shot and knock Solomon out. Not the worst idea considering Solomon was put down twice in his pro debut back in October. Tonight, however, Solmon’s defense was a bit more buttoned up and he was able to avoid his 29 year-old counterpart’s biggest punches.

Solomon’s best round was undoubtedly the third, in which he floord Cade with a huge overhand right. At the end of four, all judges scored it a shutout for Solomon, 40-35.

Golden Boy Prospect Hines Stays Perfect

Golden Boy Promotions welterweight prospect, Cornell Hines (4-0, 2KO) shook off some ring rust and survived a tough challenge from Farhad Fatulla (1-3) en route to a four round majority decision victory. The 25 year-old DC native, Hines, who fought only once last year struggled to get into any sort of offensive rhythm, but did enough to eke out a win on the judges’ cards. Scores were 38-38, and 39-37 twice for Hines. The match kicked off a night of fights broadcast live on DAZN from the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City that will culminate with Demetrius Andrade defending his WBO middleweight title against Artur Akavov.

NEW YORK CITY — Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (35-2, 29KO) earned a twelve-round split decision victory over Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (12-1, 10KO) to capture the vacant IBF Middleweight Championship, capping a night a boxing in front of 4,691 paying fans at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater.  At the end of the contest, judge Julie Lederman (114-113) scored the fight for the Ukrainian, Derevyanchenko, while Tom Schreck (115-112) and Steve Weisfeld (115-112) both had it for the Brooklyn native, Jacobs.

It was a thirty-six minute violent chess match between two familiar adversaries who have sparred an estimated 300-plus rounds together.

Before the fight, both fighters shared trainers, Andre Rozier.  Rozier and Gary Stark, Sr. co-trained Derevyanchenko, while Rozier served as Jacob’s sole trainer.

When the opportunity arose for the two stablemates to square off for the vacant IBF Middleweight Title, decisions had to be made, and Derevyanchenko’s co-training duo would fracture.  Stark, Sr. took over as the lone trainer for Derevyanchenko, who now lives in Brooklyn, while Rozier stuck with Jacobs, who he has been training since he was 14.

Each fighter left their Brooklyn homes and flew out west for training camp.  Jacobs in San Carlos, CA and Derevyanchenko, in Colorado Springs, CO.

When the bell sounded tonight, under the bright lights of Broadway, both fighters knew they had a huge opportunity in front of them, and both fought like they had nothing to lose.

It didn’t take long for fireworks to explode, as late in the first round Jacobs, 31, dropped Derevyanchenko, 32, with a looping right hand that found a home behind the Ukrainian’s left ear.

The smaller Derevyanchenko, who as an amateur compiled a record of 320-90, continually worked his way inside Jacobs reach and fired off loaded shots that, at times, tested Jacob’s twin.  In an effort to keep Derevyanchenko at bay and off balance, Jacobs continually switched from orthodox to southpaw, but the machine-like former 2008 Olympian continually pressed forward, not content to be kept on the outside.

In the sixth round, Jacobs delivered a huge right uppercut as the Ukrainian fighter tried to march his way to the inside.  Although thrown with every ounce of body weight behind it, Derevyanchenko ate it well, stopping only momentarily before continuing forward, hunting for action.

“The Technician” operated in machine-like fashion, forward, forward, forward.  But when the two fighters engaged, Jacobs seemingly bested Derevyanchenko during most of their exchanges.  If he didn’t land the most punches, he landed the cleaner, more powerful ones.

The result marks the third straight victory via the scorecards for Jacobs, a osteosarcoma survivor.  During that stretch, Jacobs’ other wins have come against Luis Arias and Maciej Sulecki.

For Jacobs, this was also the first fight back inside the walls of Madison Square Garden since losing a closely contested decision to Gennady Golovkin in March 2017.  Jacobs’ only other professional defeat came via one punch KO in the fifth round of a bout with Dmitry Pirog in 2010.

This was the first fight at the Garden, first attempt at a world title, and first taste of defeat for Derevyanchenko.

After the fight, Jacobs called out fellow middleweight title holder, Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34KO).  Alvarez is fresh off signing a record $365 million 5-year, 11-fight deal with DAZN, which also has a deal with Matchroom Boxing, the promoter of Jacobs.

Explosive! Machado Blasts Evans Wins Inside 1

It took only 2:25 for Puerto Rico’s Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (21-0, 17KO) to drop Yuandale “Money Shot” Evans (20-2, 14KO) three times and retain his WBA super featherweight title.  The fight was almost over as soon as it began, as the southpaw Machado, 28, caught and dropped Evans, 29, for the first time with a crisp left cross. Cleveland’s Evans never fully recovered, and Machado, smelling blood in the water, quickly met Evans with a flurry of punches.  The Freddie Roach trained Machado then threw a left cross that opened up Evan’s guard, and then shot a nose-crushing right straight down Broadway that rocked Evans and sent him to the mat for the second time. Referee Ricky Gonzalez was generous with his ten count, trying to buy Evans all the time he could.  But the few extra seconds Evans was gifted made no difference, as Machado once again fired off vicious shots on an already groggy Evans, and then ended the fight in explosive fashion, rocketing one more right straight through Evans’ shotty guard, sending him violently to the mat for the third and final time.

It was the second fight at Madison Square Garden for Machado, and his second successful title defense.  Machado won his belt with an 8th round KO of Jezreel Corrales in October 2017.

Evans’ only other loss also came via first round stoppage in 2012 courtesy of Javier Fortuna.

Hardy Defeats Vincent Again, Claims WBO World Female Featherweight Title

In a rematch of their hotly contested 2016 bout, Heather “The Heat” Hardy (22-0, 4 KO) once again outpointed Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (23-2, 1KO) to win the vacant WBO World Female Featherweight Title.

Fists came fast and furious throughout all ten rounds as both fighters immediately met in the center of the ring in the opening round and let their hands fly. For the most part, it was a jabless affair; a fight full of power punches thrown at a furious pace. And from the start, neither fighter was able to impose their will on the other. The longer, leaner Hardy, 37, tried her best to throw her shots from a distance, but Vincent, 39, revenge on her mind, continually bull-rushed past Hardy’s defense and landed clean blows of her own.

By the early-middle rounds, both fighter’s faces began to show evidence of being tagged repeatedly. Vincent’s face was beginning to match the color of her mostly-red trunks, while Brooklyn’s Hardy’s face began to puff and swell, and turn light pink.

The action failed to cease as the two fighter’s continued to go toe-to-toe round after round. It wasn’t until the late-middle rounds that Hardy finally gained some separation and clearly won rounds. At the end of ten, judges Glenn Feldman and Kevin Morgan scored it 97-93, while Alan Rubenstein saw it 99-91, all in favor for the new champion, Hardy.

In their previous bout, a 2016 contest in Coney Island, NY, Hardy, a former Former WBC super bantamweight and featherweight champion, eked out a majority decision, as judges turned in cards of 95-95, and 99-91 and 97-93, for “The Heat.”

It was the first fight at Madison Square Garden for Hardy, and her second fight back inside the squared circle since stepping into the octagon for a three-fight stretch from June 2017 to February 2018, amassing a 2-1 record fighting in Bellator.

For Vincent, the loss is the second of her career, both coming courtesy of Hardy.

Mati Outpoints Freeman For Second Career Win

Reshat “The Albanian Bear” Mati (2-0, 1KO) easily outpointed fellow welterweight Keasen Freeman (4-5, 2KO) to earn a unanimous decision victory.  This was the first win via the scorecards for Mati, who made his professional debut earlier this month, stopping Adan Ahumada inside 3. Mati scored a knockdown via a beautifully thrown right uppercut in round 3.  At the end of the bout, all three judges agreed on a score of 40-35 for Mati. The loss marks the fifth straight defeat for Freeman, who has also been defeated by notable names, Tyrone James and Gary Antoine Russell.

Butaev Demolishes Cosio, Jr., Retires Him In 3

Russian-born Brooklyn-transplant, Radzhab “Python” Butaev (10-8, KO) made quick work Panama’s Azael Cosio, Jr. (21-8-2, 18KO), retiring him after three rounds of their welterweight contest, originally slated to go ten.  Butaev, 24, who turned pro in 2016 after compiling an amateur record of 453-9, used his superior skill set and power to blast through Cosio’s guard and brutally batter his 37 year-old counterpart to the body and head. After the third round commenced, Cosio, Jr.’s corner decided it wasn’t their night asked referee Gary Rosato to call a halt to the contest.

The result marked the seventh time out ten career fights for the Joel Diaz-trained Butaev that ended before the fourth round.

Day Wins Hard-Earned Decision Over Veteran Ayala

Patrick Day (16-2-1, 6KO) scored a gutsy ten round unanimous decision victory, claiming the WBC Continental Americas Super-Welterweight Championship over 37 year-old former world title challenger Elvin Ayala (29-12-1, 13KO).  Early on in the bought, Ayala, a veteran with 260 professional rounds in his rear view, was able to go blow for blow with Day, occasionally catching his 26 year-old counterpart with clean punches. It didn’t take long for that to change, however, and by the third round, the younger and physically bigger Day, began began to impose his will on the aging veteran.

Round after round, Day was able to walk down Ayala and unload shots, while barely having to deflect any return fire.  In the seventh, Ayala mounted a bit of a rally, letting his hands fly more freely. The New Haven, CT native began walking forward and meeting Day halfway, gaining back some of the real estate he was willing to concede during the middle rounds.  Eventually, though, Day regained control of the contest and continued to best his foe until the final bell. When the ten rounds concluded, all judges scored the contest in favor of Day, 100-90, twice, and 99-91.

The two blemishes on Day’s record both came in 2015.  The first loss, a shocking one, came courtesy of Carlos Garcia Hernandez who stopped Day inside one.  The other loss, a UD, was to the long and lanky Alantez Fox later that year.

For Ayala, tonight’s result makes it four straight losses and six in his last seven contests.  In fairness to the tough veteran, he continually shares the ring with top-level opposition. Some fighters who have defeated Ayala during the course of his fifteen year career include Vaughn Alexander, Alantez Fox, Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Curtis Stevens, David Lemieux, and Arthur Abraham.  Perhaps Ayala’s biggest professional accomplishment remains his 2007 draw with former world champion Sergio Mora.

Joyce Earns Decision In Lightweight Slugfest

In his US debut, Irish native David Oliver Joyce (9-0, 7KO) earned a hardfought unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Jorge Rojas Zacazontetl (4-5-1, 2KO) in a six round scrap.  The two lightweights traded knockdowns early courtesy of left hooks, with Joyce dropping Zacazontetl in the first and Zacazontetl returning the favor the following round. Both fighters were willing to forego defense in favor of landing their own shots, left hooks in particular, but as the bought went on it was Joyce who continually got the better of Zacazontetl.  Toward the end of the fifth, the 30 year-old Irishman began to punish Zacazontetl, landing at will and snapping his counterpart’s head in all directions. Zacazontetl was able to survive the onslaught, the round, and the fight, but ultimately lost the decision. Judges Larry Hazzard Jr. and Kevin Morgan scored it 58-53, while Alan Rubenstein scored it 58-54, all for Joyce.

Heavyweight Prospect Jalolov Batters Wright, Retires Him In 4

DiBella Entertainment heavyweight prospect, Bakhodir Jalolov (3-0, 3KO), delivered a thorough beating to Tyrell Wright (9-3-2, 6KO), retiring him after the fourth of a scheduled six rounds.  The 6’6” southpaw used his height and reach advantage to keep Jersey City’s Wright out of range, all the while delivering violent one-two’s round after round. Jalolov, who is trained by Joel Diaz and who represented Uzbekistan at the 2016 Rio Olympics, dropped Wright midway through the fourth with a straight left hand.  Wright was able to beat referee Harvey Dock’s count, but seconds later, Jalolov opened up a huge gash over the right eye of Wright courtesy of another left. That would be the final punch of significance, as Wright’s corner informed Dock that they are stopping at the fight at the end of the fourth.

Donnelly Easily Outpoints Cervera In US Debut

Former 2016 Irish Olympian Steve Donnelly (4-0, 1KO) cruised to an easy decision against fellow super welterweight Ray Cervera (0-3) to kick off a night of fights live from the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.  The 30 year-old Northern Irishman, who sported USA-themed trunks, dropped his 27 year-old counterpart three times en route to a 40-33 win on all three official scorecards.

BROOKLYN, NY — “Showtime” Shawn Porter earned a hardfought 12 round unanimous decision over Danny “Swift” Garcia to capture the vacant WBC Welterweight World Title in front of 13,058 paid fans at the Barclay’s Center. It was a war of attrition between the two 30 year-old former champions, but it was ultimately Porter’s bulldog style in the ring that proved to be too much for Garcia to handle. At the end of the championship rounds, the judges scorecards read 116-112 and 115-113, twice, in favor of Porter.

In the early goings, Philadelphia’s Garcia, who is trained by his father Angel, continuously popped Porter with solitary shots, keeping the normally over-aggressive Porter at bay. There were certain times over the course of the first 9 minutes of action that it looked as if it were Porter’s strategy to not to rush Garcia, and instead, sit back and force the counter-puncher to come to him. However, as that plan — if it even was his plan — was clearly not working, Porter reverted back to his old aggressive style and began to march forward and take the fight to his counterpart.

From the fourth round on, it became the fight that Porter wanted. Time and time again, each round played out in a similar fashion, with Porter, who is trained by his father Kenny, charging forward, and Garcia doing his best to pepper in counters to fend off the Ohio-native. However, more often than not, Porter landed shots on his way in, and then once inside, attacked the body.

It was workrate, and effective aggression that ultimately carried the day for the new champion, Porter.

Judge Don Ackerman scored the contest 116-112, while judges Julie Lederman and Eric Marlinski had it 115-113, all for Porter. 15rounds.com scored the contest 115-113, Garcia.

The defeat marks the second loss for Garcia, who lost his WBC title to Keith Thurman in March of last year.

This was the third straight win for Porter, all coming at the Barclay’s Center, since also losing to Thurman in 2016. Porter’s only other blemish on his record is a majority decision loss to Kell Brook in 2014.

“I tell people all the time I don’t make predictions. I made a prediction and a hard one to live up to,” Porter said after the contest. “I said I wasn’t leaving New York without this belt and I’m not leaving New York without this belt.

“I knew he was going to be accurate. The game plan for me was to be accurate from the outside and show we could beat him without roughing him up on the ropes.

“He tried to outhustle me, mostly at the end of the rounds. He did a tremendous job.”

Garcia, who also spoke afterward, thought he he deserved the nod. “I thought I did enough to win,” he said. “It was close fight. The judges didn’t give it to me.

“He was throwing a lot. I had my defense tight so it wasn’t effective. I thought I landed the clearer shots. I thought I won this fight.”

During the post-fight Showtime interviews, IBF World Welterweight Champion, Errol Spence, Jr. hopped in the ring and had a few words of his own to say to Porter.

“The same way that you called Danny out, I’m going to call you out,” Spence said.

“I think I’m the best welterweight in the division. I’m the truth and I guarantee you I come home as unified champion. I definitely want that fight against Porter.”

Ugas Has Easy Night Against Barrionuevo

Yordenis Ugas (23-3, 11KO) outclassed Cesar Barrionuevo (34-4-2, 24KO) en route to an easy 12 round unanimous decision victory in a WBC welterweight title eliminator.

In fairness, having to follow the action-packed Kownacki-Martin brawl wouldn’t be easy for any pair of prize fighters, but this particular contest and stylistic matchup made for minimal excitement.

Over the course of twelve rounds, the 32 year-old Cuban was the slicker fighter, keeping his Argentinian counterpart on the outside, seemingly popping and landing shots at will, while also countering nicely with lefts to the body.

The southpaw, Barrionuevo, who was fighting for the first time on US soil, couldn’t seem to solve Ugas and failed to land anything of significance over the course of twelve rounds.

In the end, all three judges scored the contest for the Cuban, with Kevin Morgan and John McKai agreeing on a shutout 120-108, and Tom Schreck seeing it 119-109.

The result hands Barrionuevo his 4th career defeat, all of which have come via the judges’ scorecards.

The win extends Ugas’ win streak to 8, an undefeated run that dates back to 2014, and will slot him in to be the mandatory challenger to face the night’s main event winner, Danny Garcia or Shawn Porter.

“I want the winner of Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter,” Ugas said afterward. “I’m here to compete with the top level guys in the sport.

“I have had some difficulties in my life. I’m back and I’m moving forward. I’m ready for whoever comes my way. I’m ready for a title.“

Bombs Away, Kownacki Outslugs Martin, Earns UD

In front of hundreds of his rowdy Polish fans decked out in red and white, Polish-born Brooklyn heavyweight Adam Kownacki (18-0, 14KO) scored the biggest win of his career, earning a narrow unanimous decision over former IBF World Champion “Prince” Charles Martin (25-2-1, 23 KO) in a ruthless ten round slugfest. All three judges scored the fight 96-94 for the 29 year-old Kownacki.

Early on, Kownacki brought nothing but pressure and straight rights, and Martin had no answer for it. The 32 year-old former titlist was unable to slow down the 263-pound freight train that is Kownacki. When Kownacki was in tight, the more chiseled 246-pound southpaw Martin began finding a home for his left hand, throwing them time and again to Kownacki’s soft, exposed midsection. It was a punch that would eventually pay off and show its impact a few rounds later.

In the fourth round, Kownacki turned up the heat, and unleashed a series of rights and lefts that found their unopposed target. Upon receiving the blows, Martin’s head whipped straight back, and left, and right, but he was ultimately able to outlast Kownacki’s barrage, tie up, and reset.

In the fifth, Martin seemed to gain some momentum, and started to land his left with more regularity, both to the head and body.

In the sixth, though, Kownacki came right back, unleashing his missile-like stiff jabs and straight rights from the sound of the bell. Midway through the sixth, the fight witnessed the best exchange of the contest to date when Kownacki landed a monster right hand, that Martin somehow ate, and then moments later, the former champ uncorked what might have been his best left of the night, that Kownacki somehow ate.

As the fight progressed into the late rounds, the better conditioned Martin began to impose himself on Kownacki, who was noticeably tiring. As round 8 drew to a close, Martin landed a monster left to Kownacki’s body, followed by an unobstructed left to the head that left Kownacki dazed. If it wasn’t for the ensuing bell, Kownacki would have been in a ton of trouble.

In the 9th, perhaps feeding off the hometown crowd’s energy, Kownacki again came of his stool firing. Midway through the round, however, he began to tire, and once again Martin was able to do good work, getting the better of the round’s remaining exchanges.

In the 10th and final round, operating on what had to be pure crowd-fueled adrenaline, Kownacki came off his stool and looked he like he did in round 3, rushing forward to meet Martin and unleash those heavy gloved fists. As had become pattern the few previous rounds, Kownacki tired considerably and was hurt badly by a Martin left to the body. The left stopped Kownacki in his tracks and Martin began to tee off. What followed that left to the body was :15 seconds of target practice as Kownacki was unable to defend himself or elude any blows. But seemingly out of nowhere, about :30 seconds after absorbing the best Martin had to offer, Kownacki caught Martin with a straight right that started his own flurry of unblocked blows that had Martin reeling until he was able to clinch and regroup.

The battle continued on to the final bell and in the end all three judges, Carlos Ortiz, John Stewart, and Joseph Pasquale scored it the same, 96-94 for Kownacki.

For Kownacki, who also has a TKO4 over former world title challenger Artur Szpilka on his resume, the win against Martin tonight is undoubtedly his biggest achievement.

Martin, who won the IBF World Championship in 2016 in a bout against Vyacheslav Glazkov who tore his knee in the 3rd round, will wake up tomorrow with regret, but no shame. The Missouri native waited just a round or two too late to get going and fought too many of the early rounds strictly on the defensive.

Martin’s only other defeat came via KO2 at the O2 Arena in England against Anthony Joshua in a heavyweight unifier.

“The Polish fans were awesome tonight,” Kownacki said afterward. “It definitely gave me a boost. It’s a blessing, they’re the best in the world.

“Charles Martin gave it all in the ring tonight. He put up a good fight….I thought I won the decision a little wider than the cards, but Charles came to fight all night. He was in shape and coming forward and I had to dig deep”

Martin also spoke after the bout. “I believed I got the win,” he said. “I did work on the inside and no one saw that. I did really good work on the inside.

“I will get back in the gym. I’ll keep on going. Looks are very deceiving. I put up a hell of a fight and I came up just short.”

Serrano Makes History, Becomes First Female Six Division Champ

Brooklyn’s Amanda Serrano (35-1-1, 26KO) again made history at the Barclay’s Center, becoming the first female fighter to win titles in six divisions, capturing the WBO Junior Welterweight Championship when she scored a controversially wide ten round unanimous decision against Yamila Esther Reynoso (11-5-3, 8KO).

In the first round, it looked like Serrano would outclass her Argentinian counterpart. But after a rough first two minutes in which she tasted some of the best shots Serrano had to offer, Reynoso calmed down and settled in. The tough 22-year old started to fight coming forward, willingly exchanging with her 29 year-old Puerto Rican-born southpaw counterpart. By the third round, the momentum had completely swung in the favor of Reynoso, who ever more confidently was willing to eat one of Serrano’s punches to land one of her own.

But like a veteran former titleist should, Serrano adapted to the punches and the pressure. By the middle rounds, Serrano began timing her opponent and successfully started to slip and counter Reynoso’s offerings. Midway through the contest, both fighter’s faces began to swell, and blood eventually began to trickle from Reynoso’s nostrils.

Serrano continued to be on the receiving end of some of Reynoso’s best shots, but she always able to land her own leather whenever they exchanged.

At the end of ten hard-fought championship rounds, all three judges, Larry Hazard, Joseph Pasquale, and Waleska Roldan scored the contest 99-91 for Serrano. 15rounds.com also scored the contest for Serrano, but had it much closer, 96-94.

The win makes it 21 in a row for Serrano, who was fighting for the first time since stopping Marilyn Hernandez inside 1 round last November.

Serrano’s lone defeat remains a 2012 unanimous decision loss against Frida Walberg in 2012 in Sweden.

The result makes it four losses in her last seven bouts for Reynoso, who was fighting outside Argentina for the just the second time, and making her US debut.

“This means everything to me,” Serrano said after the contest. “I work so hard and I hope this fight shows the fans that girls can fight and we can give it our all just like the men do. We deserve to have this platform and we deserve to be shown.

“She was tough and she came to win. I give her a lot of credit for pushing forward and engaging. I’m hoping to be on SHOWTIME next time. I’m a six-division world champion and I’m ready for anything next.”

Colbert Remains Perfect, Scores Wide UD Over Fassinou

Another Brooklyn-native and Atlas Cops & Kids fighter, Chris “The Golden Child/Lil B-Hopp” Colbert (9-0, 4KO) remained perfect in front of his hometown crowd, scoring a unanimous shutout decision against Maryland’s Fatiou Fassinou (28-11-3, 15KO) in an 8 round featherweight contest. All three judges turned in scores of 80-72. Colbert applied pressure throughout the scrap, forcing Fassinou onto his back foot, making him throw punches going backward. It was effective, and when Colbert, who came to the ring sporting a sombrero and to the tune of the Mexican national anthem, let his hands fly, he did so will ill intent. The 21-year old shined in spurts, but didn’t seem find the final gear to finish of his hard-nosed Ghanaian counterpart. The result makes it 4 straight losses for Fassinou and 7 in his last 8 bouts.

Hitchins Knocks Down Valenzuela En Route To UD Win

In his sixth professional fight, all of which have been fought at the Barclay’s Center, former Haitian Olympian and Brooklyn-native, Richardson Hitchins (6-0, 3KO) cruised to a six round unanimous decision against Mexico’s Cesar Valenzuela (7-3, 2KO). The judges cards at the end of the super lightweight bout read 60-53×2 and 60-52, all for the 20 year-old Mayweather Promotions prospect. Hitchins, who fights out of Atlas Cops & Kids Boxing Gym in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, scored a first round knockdown, which set the tone early in the fight. In the third round, Hitchins continued to batter Valenzuela, who was able to weather the storm and live to see out the remainder of the contest. This is the second straight loss to a blue chip prospect for the 32 year-old Valenzuela. His last defeat came courtesy of TKO via the fists of Golden Boy Promotions prospect, Vergil Ortiz, Jr., on the undercard of Gennady Golovkin-Canelo Alvarez last September.

Price Cruises To UD Win Vs. Enjani

Super flyweight Dylan “The Real Deal” Price (7-0, 5KO) made it 2-for-2 for Philadelphia fighters on the night, earning a wide unanimous decision against Rwandan Mulapi “The African Mexican” Enjani (3-6-2, 1KO). Two judges scored the six round contest a shutout for Price, 60-54, while the third had it 59-55. The fight marked Price’s fourth straight at the Barclay’s Center, where he seems to have found a second home, enjoying vocal support from the early arriving crowd. Coming into the bought, Enjani was looking to build on back to back victories, albeit against foes with combined records of 0-7-1. Price had other plans, adn easily outpointed his counterpart. To his credit, Enjani has still yet to be stopped in any of his defeats.

Wilder Unloads On Williams, Stops Him Inside One

Cruiserweight Marsellos Wilder (2-0, 2KO), the 29 year-old younger brother of WBC World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder, needed just 2:12 of a scheduled 4 round bout to blast out his opponent, Ryan Williams (0-2), earning his second straight stoppage victory to start his career. Wilder overwhelmed his foe, constantly applying pressure and backing Williams. Eventually, the 6’3” Wilder backed Williams into the red corner, where he unleashed a left to the body, followed by a right that wrapped around the ear. That final combination was enough for referee Michael Griffin to jump between fighters and call a halt to the contest at the 2:34 mark of the first round.

Quarles Earns Hard-Earned SD Over Willis

In an 8 round middleweight scrap, Brandon Quarles (20-4-1, 10KO) earned his 20th professional victory via split decision over fellow veteran Marcus Willis (18-6-2, 5KO). Judges scores read 78-74 for Willis, and 77-75 and 78-74 for the Virginia-native, Quarles. The win makes it two wins in two tries in 2018 for Quarles, while Willis loses for the second time in the calendar year, and for the second time in the last three fights.

Lopez Wins Tough UD Vs. Luna

Colorado featherweight Ricky Lopez improved his record to 20-4, 6KO, earning a hard-fought unanimous decision win over Texas-native Ramsey Luna (14-6, 6KO). Scores for Lopez were 77-75 and 78-74, twice. The result makes it seven wins in a row for the 31 year-old Lopez, while also marking Luna’s fourth defeat in his last seven bouts.

Torres Kicks Off Night With Early TKO Over Valadez

In the opening contest from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, 21 year-old Philadelphian Jeffrey Torres (5-0, 3KO) kept his record spotless and scored a first round stoppage against fellow super lightweight Emmanuel Valadez (5-6, 4KO). The bout, which was scheduled for 4 rounds, marked the first time Torres’ stepped inside the ropes since last September when he stopped Latorie Woodberry. For the 30 year-old Mexican, Valadez, the bout resulted in his sixth professional defeat, all of which have come inside the distance.

BROOKLYN, NY – Errol Spence Jr. (23-0, 20 KO) successfully made the first defense of his IBF welterweight title by battering former two-division world champion Lamont Peterson (35-4-1, 17 KO) en route to a seventh-round stoppage victory in front of 12,107 fight fans at the Barclay’s Center.

It was as impressive of a title defense one could expect from the Desoto, TX native, who, except for a brief stretch in the third round, controlled the fight from the opening bell to it’s commencement.

In the early rounds, the 28-year old Spence was both patient and aggressive.  The former US Olympian used his jab to head and body establish distance between he and his counterpart.  Spence, a former 2012 US Olympian, would wait for a small opening, and then explode into Peterson before quickly retreating out of range.

In the third round, the 33 year-old Peterson began to engage more and midway through the frame landed a straight right the face of Spence, sandwiched between two thumping left hooks that landed behind the champion’s right ear.  Although Peterson showed signs of life, the round ultimately still belonged to Spence, who regained control and landed his shots before quickly retreating out of range.

In the fifth, Spence’s punches began to regularly penetrate Peterson’s guard.  After landing a sharp right hook, Spence unleashed a vicious left hook around Peterson’s defense that landed flush on Peterson’s temple, sending him crashing back to the mat.  Peterson beat referee Harvey Dock’s ten count, but was clearly still dazed.  Smelling blood in the water, the Derrick James-trained Spence stepped on the gas and continued to batter Peterson around the ring until the bell mercifully sounded.

In the sixth, “The Truth” picked up right where he left off in the fifth and immediately unloaded on Peterson, delivering a calculated and thorough beat-down for the round’s duration.

After the seventh round, a round that very much mirrored the two before, referee Harvey Dock, acting on advice from Barry Hunter and Peterson’s corner, called a halt to the contest.

It was Spence’s tenth straight win inside the distance and his first time in the ring since capturing his title via stoppage against Kell Brook last May.

The loss marked only the second time in Peterson’s career he was stopped.  The other TKO loss came courtesy of Lucas Matthysse in 2013.

Spence spoke after the fight, saying, “My coach came with a great game plan and I just followed through with it.  Keep my range, keep my composure.”

He continued, “I didn’t know I would dominate like that. I expected to get the knockout, but this was a great performance. We were facing a great fighter like Lamont Peterson and we did well in there.”

As for what’s next for Spence, the champion made his intentions clear.  “I want Keith Thurman. He has two of the belts and we both have big names. It’s an easy fight to make and I want it.”

Peterson also spoke afterward regarding his corners decision to stop the fight, stating, ““I always respect Barry’s decision. If he asks me to fight a million people, I will. If he asks me to stop. I will stop. I will never question his decision. I know he has my best interests at heart.”

Hunter echoed that sentiment, saying, ““It was really hard [to stop the fight], but if you know Lamont, you know he was not going to give up. So I had to stop it. At the end of the day this is my son right here. And there’s nothing more valuable than he’s well-being. If it comes to him or winning, I pick him. I care about him.”

As for Peterson’s next step, the 33-year old DC native, with over 280 professional bouts under his belt, admitted that retirement might be something for him to consider in the coming weeks.

Easter Scores Controversial Split Decision Win Over Fortuna

 

IBF lightweight champion Robert Easter Jr. (21-0, 14 KO) earned a controversial split decision victory over crafty veteran southpaw, Javier Fortuna (33-2-1, 23 KO), in a twelve round bout that saw both fighters have their fair share of success.

Originally, the contest was slated to be for Easter’s IBF lightweight title, but Fortuna tipped the scales at 136.4 lbs. at Friday’s weigh-in — a pound and a half over the lightweight maximum – and was ruled ineligible to challenge for the belt.

Easter, who had a 5-inch height and 7.5-inch reach advantage, failed to box on the outside.  Rather, the Ohio native willingly walked forward to engage the much smaller Fortuna.  This played into Fortuna hands, who knew his best chance at landing anything significant would likely come via counterpunch.  If he were to score with any big left hands, he would need the 26-year old Easter to be a willing participant, and forego his reach advantage and engage.

And engage Easter did.  Time and time again, the 26-year old champion came forward and exchanged with his Dominican foe, willing to eat a left hand in order to deliver his own punches.

The 28-year old Fortuna had his best success in round seven as it drew to a close.  With his back against the ropes, uncorked a left cross that buzzed Easter and sent him in retreat.  The southpaw quickly followed up and landed another clean left before the bell sounded to end the round.

Easter did his best work when the fight was fought in the center of the ring, which wasn’t often.  Once he followed Fortuna to the ropes and the proximity between fighters got closer, both fighters had their share of success.  But when Easter could sneak shots in in the center of the ring, he scored.

At the end of twelve, judge John McKaie scored the contest 114-113, Fortuna.  Glenn Feldman and Kevin Morgan saw it the other way, scoring the bout 14-113 and 115-112 for Easter.

In the second round, Fortuna was deducted a point in the second round by referee Ricky Gonzalez after he repeatedly rabbit punched Easter behind the head.

For Easter, although he picked up the win, it was the second straight contest where he failed to impress and his second straight controversial decision.  In June 2017, Easter scored a unanimous decision over Denis Shafikov in a fight that many believed Shafikov to have won.

With the split decision ruling, the Sampson Lewkowicz-managed Fortuna suffered his second career loss.  The other came via eleventh-round TKO against Jason Sosa.

“It was a tough fight, he’s a former world champion for a reason,” Easter said afterward. “We made it tough trying to counter punch. He wasn’t throwing much and it made it difficult for me to chase this guy around.”

He continued, “I couldn’t get the knockout but we got the win and that’s all that matter. I knew he was going to run once he felt my power. He just wanted to grab and hold the whole fight.

Fortuna also spoke after the fight, saying, “The public knows what happened here. They booed because they know that I won this fight.

“If he’s a man let’s fight again at 135-pounds. I will definitely make the weight. I didn’t give myself enough time to train.”

Browne Blasts Ntetu, Destroys Him In One

Light heavyweight Marcus Browne (21-5, 16 KO) is beginning to make a habit of winning via early knockout.  Fresh off his two-round demolition of Seanie Monaghan last April, Browne picked up where he left off and destroyed Francy Ntetu (17-2, 4 KO) in just 2:15.

Midway through the first of a scheduled ten rounds, the ex-US Olympian Browne landed a clean one-two, right-hook, straight-left combo, that collapsed the 35 year-old Ntetu’s legs and sent him face forward to the padded mat.  Knowing he had wounded prey in front of him, Browne was relentless for the remainder of the fight.  The former 3-time New York Golden Gloves champion unleashed hell on Ntetu, who was unable to survive his southpaw counterpart’s onslaught.  After 27 year-old Browne put together one final string of unopposed punches, referee Arthur Mercante Jr. jumped between the two boxers to stop the bout at the 2:15 mark of the first round.

The fight marked the Quebec-native Ntetu’s second career loss, the other coming courtesy of unbeaten lightweight champion David Benavidez in 2016.

“I did not expect him to be that explosive,” Ntetu said. “He got me with his right hook and a straight left.

He continued, giving credit to his opponent.  “[Browne] is very explosive, congrats to him. He’s explosive, he’s fast, he’s smart.”

Browne also spoke after the match.  “We worked for this win. He walked into a sure shot and I made him pay,” he said afterward.  “The overhand left caught him and that was the beginning of the end for him. I knew he was hurt.”

As for what’s next for Browne?  “I need a world title shot. I’m ready to take on any of the champions. I don’t have any preferences.”

Blood, Guts, and Thunder:  Kownacki Stops Kiladze Inside 6

In an all-action slugfest that brought the Barclay’s Center crowd to their feet round after round, Polish-born Brooklyn heavyweight, Adam “Baby Face” Kownacki (17-0, 14 KO) sent Iago Kiladze (26-2, 18 KO) to the mat twice en route to a sixth round TKO win.

It was bombs away from the opening bell, which saw Kownacki charge forward and bullrush his fellow Brooklyn transplant.  The two fighters engaged immediately and seemingly didn’t stop until the final blow landed.

After weathering the initial Kownacki offensive, Kiladze was able to mount his own offense and opened a cut over Kownacki’s left eye midway through the first that immediately drew blood.

The second and third rounds played out much like the opening frame, with Kownacki letting his shots fly, and the Georgian-born Kiladze standing his ground, picking spots to fire back with his own fully-loaded punches.

But as the fight progressed, it was the 28 year-old heavyweight they call “Baby Face” who started getting the better of his opponent.  Perhaps sparked by adrenaline born from having hundreds of enthusiastic Polish fans chanting his name, or by the fact doctors were closely monitoring the state of his increasingly swelling eye, Kownacki fought each round with a sense of urgency — with a burning need to close the show in style.

In the fourth round, a straight right connected and put Kildaze on the mat.  Two rounds later, after raining down a barrage of heavy-handed shots, Kownacki unloaded a straight right that sent a dazed Kildaze stumbling backwards and to the canvas for the second and final time.  Although he beat referee Shada Murdaugh’s ten count, Murdaugh deemed that Kildaze was in no state to continue and called a stop to the fight at the 2:08 mark of the round 6.

Tonight’s fight was the first time Kownacki was back in action since scoring the biggest win of his career, a fourth round TKO of fellow Pole and former heavyweight title challenger, Artur Szpilka.

“I think I made the fight a lot harder than I should have,” Kownacki said after the fight.  “It’s another learning experience and I got the win. That’s all that matters.”

In his post-fight remarks, Kownacki also acknowledged his Polish supporters, stating, “I’m so thankful to all my Polish fans who come out and give me that extra support. I’m going to keep fighting for the fans and give everyone a great show.”

One Round Beatdown:  Price Destroys Ramos, Stays Unbeaten

Mayweather Promotions bantamweight prospect Dylan Price (5-0, 5 KO) displayed a full arsenal of weapons during his one round beatdown of Nestor Ramos (7-8-3, 3 KO).  Price, a Slickerville, NJ native showcased lightning-quick hand speed, launching fists at his Mexican counterpart from all kinds of crazy angles, smothering Ramos with gloved fists for what seemed like the entirety of the first round.  As it turned out, that would be the fight’s only round, as referee Shada Murdaugh, acting on advice from Ramos’ corner, stopped the contest between rounds.

The win makes it 5 stoppage wins in 5 fights for “The Real Dyl”, who is trained by his father, Dave Price.  The loss makes it six in a row for Ramos, who hasn’t earned a win since October 2014.

Anthony Peterson Cruises To Ten Round UD Victory

In just his second fight in the last twenty-seven months, Anthony Peterson (38-1, 24 KO) earned a ten round unanimous decision victory over fellow veteran junior welterweight, Luis Eduardo Florez (23-9, 19 KO).

Peterson, the younger brother of the night’s co-headliner, Lamont Peterson, was the non-stop aggressor, pressing the action all fight, walking forward, letting his hands fly, and battering his Colombian counterpart in the process.  To his credit, the hard-nosed Florez hung in to the best of his ability, and at times was able to sneak in clean counterpunches that momentarily halted Peterson’s momentum.  Florez’s small victories were few and far between, however, and the fight belonged to Peterson, who easily won every round.

After ten, all three judges cards scored a shutout for the DC native Peterson, 100-89 and 100-90, twice.

Peterson’s lone blemish remains a disqualification loss to Brandon Rios in 2010.

Golub Bounces Back From Defeat, Stops Munoz In 3

Ivan Golub (13-1, 12 KO) bounced back from his sole defeat last June and scored a third round TKO win over veteran Fidel Monterrosa Munoz (38-15-1, 30 KO) in a welterweight contest slated for 8.  After a second round that saw Golub on the mat, albeit never hurt, the Ukranian-born Brooklyn transplant came roaring back to put Munoz on the canvas twice in the same round.  In the third round, Munoz found himself on the mat four more times, only twice officially, and never from punches of serious consequence.  The Colombian was fighting on unsteady legs, and was unable to stand toe-to-toe with the eager southpaw.  After Munoz dropped to his knees his fourth time on the ground in a matter of minutes, referee Ricky Gonzalez stopped the contest midway through the round.

Gonzalez Makes Easy Work Of Serna

Ridgewood, NY native Matthew Gonzalez (3-0, 2 KO) bruised and battered fellow middleweight Alexander Serna (1-2, 1 KO) en route to a four round unanimous decision victory.  Gonzalez looked sharp and used his superior skill-set to have his way with Serna over the course of their twelve minute scrap.  In the end, all judges scored the obvious 40-36 shutout in favor of Gonzalez.

Williams and Okoth Fight To Draw

Welterweights Keyshawn Williams (1-0-1, 1 KO) and Denis Okoth (1-0-1, 1 KO) battled to a four round split draw in the first fight of a nine bout card from the Barclay’s Center that will commence when undefeated IBF welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. defends his title against rugged veteran, Lamont Peterson.

After four hard fought rounds, Judge Larry Hazzard Jr. scored the night’s opening contest 39-37 for the 24 year old Kenyan, Okoth. Robin Taylor saw it the other way, 39-37 for the 20 year old DC native, Williams.  Carlos Ortiz Jr. cemented the split draw result by scoring the bout even, 38-38, a score 15rounds.com agreed with.

NEW YORK CITY –Sergey Kovalev (31-2-1, 27 KO) returned to pre-Andre Ward fight form and captured the WBO world light heavyweight title, blasting through Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (19-2, 16 KO), sending him to the canvas three times inside two rounds en route to a TKO victory.

After a brief “feeling-out” period, where Kovalev was momentarily backed up by a Shabranskyy jab, the 34 year-old Russian marched forward, uncorking massive right hands that seemingly landed at will.  It was midway through the first when a “Krusher” right landed flush on the side of Shabranskyy’s head and sent him down to the mat for the first time.

Upon beating the count, Kovalev greeted his 30 year-old Ukrainian counterpart with more haymakers and eventually connected with an even bigger right that collapsed Shabranskyy to the mat again.  The “Lionheart” beat referee Harvey Dock’s ten count and was able to survive the round.

In the second round, Kovalev picked up right where he left off, fighting as ruthless and relentless as ever, plodding forward and unloading vicious bombs that continually connected with an alarming success rate.

 A left-right-left combo midway through the second sent Shabranskyy down for the third time.  Again, Shabranskyy beat the ten-count, but this time he stood on extremely unsteady legs.  Kovalev continued to wail on an absent Shabranskyy until referee Harvey Dock stepped between the two combatants and called a half to the bout at the 2:36 mark of round two.

It was Kovalev’s first performance since dropping two straight fights to Andre Ward, both controversial in their own right.  In their first meeting, Ward scored a split decision victory, despite hitting the canvas in the second round.  In their rematch, referee Tony Weeks controversially waved off the match in the eighth round after a series of borderline low-blow body shots hurt the 34 year-old Russian and left him defenseless.

 Tonight also marked Kovalev’s first fight working with head trainer, Abror Tursunpulatov.  Previously, Kovalev had been working with John David Jackson.  Rumors of a fractured relationship between Kovalev and Jackson began to swirl between the first and second Ward fights, and in October, the inevitable parting of ways become official when Kovalev formally announced Tursunpulatov as his new coach.

 Prior to tonight’s devastating loss, Shabranskyy was having himself a solid 2017, scoring back to back stoppage wins over Larry Pryor and Todd Unthank May, respectively.  Those wins were enough to land him his first title shot tonight against Kovalev.

 Shabranskyy’s only other loss came courtesy of Sullivan Barrera in December 2016.

 Barrera, who scored a unanimous decision victory earlier in the night against Dominican, Felix Valera, is certainly a candidate to fight for Kovalev’s title in the near future.

 “It’s my goal to be the best in the division,” Kovalev said afterward.  “Here tonight was great boxing for me and I love boxing and I want to make great fights.

Bombs Away — Barrera Scores UD Win Over Valera

Sullivan Barrera (21-1, 14 KO) out-slugged and earned a ten round unanimous decision victory over Felix Valera (15-2, 13 KO) in a light heavyweight contest marred by low-blows.

 There were fireworks from the opening bell and midway through the bout’s first round, the free swinging Dominican, Valera, caught his Cuban counterpart with a monster left hook that sent Barrera down the canvas.  The 35 year-old Barrera was able to shake the knockdown and score one of his own later in the round right as the bell sounded, when a glancing Barrera shot sent an off-balance Valera to the mat.

 The first of four point deductions administered by referee Mike Ortega, Jr. for low blows came in the second round when Valera nailed Barrera below the waistline for the second time.  Valera would also be deducted a point in the sixth and eighth rounds.  Barrera was deducted a point for low blows in the ninth.

 It was a bombs away type affair, with both fighters swinging wildly at times, knowing that they possessed the power to end the fight with one punch.  But time and time again, however, it was Barrera who landed the more meaningful, significant shots.

In an attempt to rattle Barrera flamboyant Valera tried anything he could to disrupt the always-composed Cuban.  The 29 year-old Dominican flailed his arms wildly, stuck his tongue out at Barrera, and even jumped up and down — all to no avail.

 At the end of ten, all judges scored the bout widely for Barrera.  Don Ackerman had it 98-88, Tom Schreck 97-89, and Glenn Feldman 97-90.

 It was another solid win for Barrera, whose only defeat came at the hands of Andre Ward in March 2016.  Barrera last fought in July against Joe Smith, Jr., where much like tonight, he rose off the canvas to score a unanimous decision victory.

 For the durable Valera, it was his second professional defeat, the other coming courtesy of undefeated superstar, Dmitry Bivol.

Gamboa Earns Controversial Decision Over Sosa

Yuriorkis Gamboa (28-2, 17 KO) scored a controversial ten round majority decision victory against Jason Sosa (20-3-4, 15 KO) in what many viewed as a make or break fight for the former three-division world champion.

It was clear early on that the 35 year-old former Olympic Gold Medalist’s gameplan was to stick-and-move, get-in and get-out.  Conversely, Sosa’s plan was to plod forward, apply as much pressure as he could, while landing the bigger, more significant power punches.

After a first round where both fighters staked their flag, Sosa unloaded a looping right that caught Gamboa on the button as the second round drew to a close.  Any Sosa attempt to throw follow up shots were quickly squandered by the dinging of the bell.

Gamboa got right back to work in the middle rounds, however, staying true to his stick-and-move gameplan, landing a few shots, then slipping most of Sosa’s return-fire.

Sosa began to swing the momentum back his way in the sixth, and in the seventh, a Sosa left hook clipped an off-balance Gamboa whose gloved fist made contact with the canvas.  Referee Ron Lipton immediately ruled a knockdown.

The final three rounds saw good action, with Sosa coming forward, and Gamboa trying to hit and move.

In the tenth round, referee Ron Lipton controversially deducted a point from Gamboa for holding.

At the conclusion of ten, judge Robin Taylor scored the contest even, 94-94.  She was overruled by judges John McKaie and Don Trella, who scored the bout 95-93 and 96-92, respectively.  15rounds.com scored the fight 95-94 for Gamboa.

Sosa was initially slated to face Robinson Castellanos (24-13, 14 KO), who scored an upset TKO win against Gamboa in May.  However, an injury earlier this month forced the Mexican to withdraw, and Gamboa was called in as a late replacement.

The win makes it two straight for “El Ciclon” since suffering that shocking defeat to Castellanos.

For Sosa, the tough-luck loss his is second in a row, the other coming back in April courtesy of Vasily Lomachenko.

 “It was a good fight.  I didn’t have enough time to train.  I only had three weeks.  I didn’t have time to get ready.  I needed 2 or 3 more weeks to lose the weight correctly,” Gamboa said afterward.

 He continued, “Of course the decision was good.  I think won every round.  Except for the knockdown and the point deduction.”

 Sosa also spoke afterward, saying, “I was a fun fight.  I took some breaks but I thought I did enough to win. I know I did enough to win the fight.”

Murtazaliev Destroys Galvan In 5, Wins IBA Super Welterweight Title

Bakhram Murtazaliev (11-0, 9 KO) methodically broke down Carlos Galvan (16-6-1, 15 KO) before closing the show in spectacular fashion in the fifth round of a super welterweight contest slated for ten.

 The heavy-handed Russian, who operates under the tutelage of Sergey Kovalev’s new trainer, Abror Tursunpulatov, stalked his Colombian counterpart round after round.  Like waves on a shore, Murtazaliev kept coming forward, forcing Galvan to fight going backwards, something he was clearly uncomfortable doing.

 After four rounds of systematically crushing Galvan’s will, the 24 year-old Russian broke through in the fifth, sending Galvan to the mat with a vicious one-two.  About a minute later, Murtazaliev finished off his wounded foe with a thundering left hook to the liver that put Galvan on the mat for good.  Referee Ricky Gonzalez opted not to administer a ten-count and instead, called a stop to the contest at the 1:31 mark of round five.

It was the fourth stoppage defeat in six overall losses for Galvan.  It was also his fourth time fighting in the United States, and his fourth loss.

Galarza Grabs UD Win In Return To Ring

 Brooklyn’s Frank Galarza (18-2-2, 11 KO) returned to the ring after a fourteen month layoff and scored a unanimous decision win over Chicago’s Jamie Herrera (15-5-1, 8 KO) in an eight round super welterweight contest.

 The victory was hard-earned and well-deserved for Galarza, who had dropped his previous two contests — a TKO loss to Jarrett Hurd and a majority decision loss to veteran Ishe Smith, a fight that saw Galarza hit the canvas in the second round.

 It was a gutsy affair between two veteran prizefighters who each were coming off lengthy layoffs.  For Galarza, who in July inked a new promotional deal with Main Events, the fight marked just his second fight in the last twenty-four months, and the first since September 2016.  For the Mexican-American Herrera, it was just his first fight since November 2016, when he suffered UD loss to Taras Shelestyuk.

The fight was a back and forth contest, with a predictable, but entertaining ebb and flow.  Round after round, both fighters willingly engaged, eating a few shots before landing their own.  But while both fighters enjoyed success over the duration of the contest, it was the 33 year-old Galarza who punches landed cleaner and with more frequency.

In the fifth round, a Galarza right hand opened up a cut over his 28 year-old counterparts left eye.  In the seventh, a booming right to the body by Galarza hurt Herrera, hunching him forward where he was met with a flurry of Galarza lefts and rights until Herrera was able to weather the storm.

The Chicagoan’s high-pressure style was both a blessing and a curse for him in that it seemed to slowly wear down Galarza, but also left him vulnerable to Galarza stick-and-move pot-shots as he tried to work his way inside his reach.  
At the end of eight rounds, all three judges scored the contest for Galarza.  Robin Taylor scored it a shutout 80-72, while referees John McKaie and Allen Nace saw it 78-74 and 79-73, respectively.

 “I feel good after a 14 month layoff, shaking off some ring rust. I’m so grateful for Main Events to put me on their card,” Galarza remarked afterward.

He continued, “Hopefully I’ll be back in the Garden soon. It felt great, it was where I belong. It felt right. Not many places you can call home, but this is one for me.”

 Galarza also acknowledged his legion of fans in the crowd tonight.  “I’m grateful for my supporters, for people who waited it out for me,” he said.  “As a Brooklyn native, a person from New York who’s been around, they support me and that’s the best thing.”

Nursultanov Stays Perfect, Hands Moon First Loss Inside Two

 In a battle that pitted two undefeated middleweights against one another, Kazakhstan’s Meiirim Nursultanov (5-0, 4 KO) made quick work of Marietta, Georgia’s Eric Moon (7-1, 6 KO), stopping him inside two rounds.

 It was all Nursultanov from start to finish, as he pressured and battered Moon from the opening bell.  Midway through the second, Nursultanov pinned Moon against the ropes and wailed away, mixing shots to the body and head.  At the 1:54 mark of the second round, referee Ricky Gonzalez decided Moon had eaten too many uncontested shots and called a halt to the contest.

 The win makes it four kayos in five professional fights for the Egis Klimas managed, Main Events promoted, Nursultanov.

Thunder In His Hands, LeShawn Rodriguez Stops Duarte In 3

 In a middleweight contest slated for six, former New York Golden Gloves Champion and 2016 US Olympic alternate “Lightning” LeShawn Rodriguez (8-0, 7 KO) powered his way past Sao Paolo’s Brazil’s Alex Duarte (13-3-1, 10 KO) en route to a third round KO victory.

It was an impressive display of patience, prowess, and power from the 24 year-old New York native, who balanced his attack, working to both the head and body of his 37 year-old counterpart.

Midway through the second, Rodriguez ripped a left to the body that put Duarte on his knees.  The Brazilian beat Steve Smoger’s ten count and was able to survive the round.

In the third however, a Rodriguez left-right combo to the body and head, sent Duarte to the canvas for good, where he was unable to beat Smogers count.  The official time of stoppage was the 1:48 mark of round three.

It was Duarte’s third loss of his career, all of which have come via stoppage.

“It feels good always to win, but to win by knockout is better, sensational, spectacular,” Rodriguez said afterward.  “I felt at home. A lot of people came out to see me. This is the first time I’ve fought in New York since I turned pro.”

Gogokhia Stays Perfect, Decisions Abreau

 Enriko Gogokhia remained perfect (7-0, 3 KO) with a unanimous decision win over Jose Antonio Abreau (13-3, 8 KO) in a six round welterweight contest.

Action picked up toward the end of the second round when the southpaw, Gogokhia, floored his Dominican counterpart.  The 29 year-old Abrea beat the ten count and was immediately met with a barrage of punches as the round drew to a close.

In the next few rounds, the Egis Klimas managed Gogokhia, pressed his foot on the gas and forced the action, continually getting the better of the boxer’s exchanges.

In the end, all three judges scored it widely for the 26 year-old Georgian native, Gogokhia.  Scores were 60-53 and 59-54, twice.  The judges’ decision resulted in Abreau’s third career loss, all of which have been on US soil.

 “It was a good fight, good opponent with a good record,” Gogokhia said afterward.  “It was harder because the opponent was ready and he also wanted to win. I was just getting started by the last round. Still, a victory is a victory.”

Villareal Kicks Off Pro Campaign With Win

The undercard of Sergey Kovalev vs. Vyacheslav Shabranskyy kicked off with the successful debut of former two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Ismael Villareal (1-0).  The former amatuer standout scored a unimous decision victory over Race Sawyer (0-5) in a four round super welterweight contest.

Villareal, who fights out of John’s Gym in the Bronx is trained by his father, former welterweight Otilio Villareal, who over his 32 bout pro career, shared the ring with the likes of Zab Judah, Kermit Cintron, and Hector Camacho.

Villareal controlled the contest bell to bell, bruising and battering Utah’s Sawyer with head snapping blows.  The 21 year old Bronx debutant would have benefitted by putting in more work to his foe’s body, but that was not on the agenda tonight.

All in all, Villareal won’t have too much to complain about tonight.  The Ecuadorian-American pitched a shutout on all three judges scorecards. Don Trella had it 40-35, and John McKaie and Robin Taylor scored it 40-36.

 After the contest, Villareal did speak about having some debut butterflies.

 “It totally felt different than the amateurs,” he said. “There were so many more people looking at me. I was trying to look good, I was focused on the knockout because it was my very first professional fight.

“I learned I have to work harder and be careful not to get hit.”

UNIONDALE, NY — Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (33-2, 29KO) earned a unanimous decision victory over Luis Arias (18-1, 9KO) in a twelve round middleweight contest at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The bout headlined the first ever fight card promoted on US soil by Britain’s lead promoter, Eddie Hearn, and his company’s newly created American branch, Matchroom Boxing USA. The fight also marked the first of a three fight HBO deal that Matchroom and Jacobs signed earlier this year.

The Brooklyn-born Jacobs started fast, landing a big right hand behind Arias’ head that buzzed his 27 year old counterpart. Jacobs followed up quickly, perhaps envisioning a Peter Quillin repeat, and quickly bombarded “Cuba” with lefts and rights. Jacobs was unable to replicate his first round magic, however, and Arias survive the barrage.

The 30 year old Jacobs controlled to early-middle rounds, out-boxing Arias, dishing out the more punishing blows, while slipping most of Arias’ return-fire. Jacobs kept his Milwaukee-born foe under pressure for most of the contest, forcing him to fight off his back foot, having to slip punches before he could throw any of his own.

The middle rounds saw quality boxing, with Jacobs consistently besting Arias, who is trained by John David Jackson, during their exchanges. But even when Arias had success, like he did in the sixth when he landed a nice clean one-two, Jacobs responded with his own combinations, and closed the round with a hellacious flurry that may have stolen the round on some judge’s cards.

In the tenth, a Jacobs left hand hurt Arias, who absorbed a few more blows before initiating a clinch. The 30 year old Jacobs continued to press the action for the rest of the tenth and for the two subsequent rounds, seemingly making a conscious effort to try and stop Arias. In the eleventh, a Jacobs punch knocked Arias off-balance to the point where his glove scraped the mat and a knockdown was scored. A stoppage, however, wasn’t meant to be, and the durable Arias fought till the final bell.

All three judges scored the contest in favor of Jacobs. Judge Julie Lederman scored it a shutout, 120-107, Steve Weisfeld had it 119-108, and Larry Hazzard, Jr., 118-109.

The victory marked another chapter written in the Danny Jacobs storybook. From his 2010 defeat via 5th round KO at the hands of Dmitry Pirog, to his battle with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, “The Miracle Man” has risen off the mat in both life and the ring. With two more dates guaranteed on HBO, Jacobs is now in position to take on some of the middleweight power players. Dates with David Lemieux, Canelo Alvarez, and GGG are all reasonable possibilities in 2018.

Huge Win For “Big Baby” — Miller Stops Wach In 8

In a battle of heavyweight contenders, Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (20-0-1, 17KO) wore down former world title challenger Mariusz Wach (33-3, 17KO), en route to a ninth round TKO victory. It was an impressive effort from the 6’4” Miller, who cut sixteen pounds off his previous fight weight, slimming down to a trim 283lbs.

Throughout the fight, the ex-kickboxer-turned-boxer Miller pressed forward, repeatedly forcing his 6’7” counterpart to choose between expending energy fending him off or finding himself on the receiving end of “Big Baby” barrages. By the third round, the constant pressure was beginning to get to the Polish native, Wach, who was visibly tiring and breathing through his mouth.

Sometime during the early rounds, perhaps during the fifth round, Wach seemingly suffered a left hand injury. He complained of pain to his corner and had a brief conversation with the ringside physician before continuing on.

In the seventh, Miller began to hurt Wach, reigning down a flurry of punches which forced Wach to retreat, while Miller pursued. The giant Pole was able to weather the seventh round storm and live to see another round.

But he wouldn’t live to make it out of the eight. About a minute into the round, the ringside physician stepped up onto the apron and advised referee David Fields to call a stop to the bout, which he did at the 1:02 mark of round eight.

The fight marked only the second time in Wach’s thirty-six fight career he was stopped. The other time coming courtesy of Alexander Povetkin.

Seldin Hammers Ortiz, Stops Him In Three

Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin (21-0, 17KO) dazzled in his HBO debut, bloodying and battering Roberto Ortiz (35-2-2, 26KO) over the course of two-plus rounds. The 31 year old Seldin delivered loaded right after loaded right to his Mexican counterpart, who twice hit the mat in the bout’s opening round. Seldin, who riled up his hometown crowd early by entering the ring to Hulk Hogan’s theme song and sporting an American flag bandana, continued to throw fully-cocked rights in the second round and opened a nasty gash over Ortiz’s left eye that immediately started streaming blood. The veteran Mexican had no answer for the Seldon right hand, and continued to eat shots to the left side of the face. Eventually, after an accidental clash, referee Shada Murdaugh called timeout so a ringside physician could inspect Ortiz’s cut. The doctor ultimately advised Murdaugh to call a halt to the contest. The official time of the stoppage was 2:43 of the third round.

For Seldin, this marked only the sixth time he has fought outside of Huntington, NY’s Paramount Theater in his twenty-one fight career. For Ortiz, this was just his second fight on US soil, and his second loss. His other loss came at the hands of Lucas Matthysse in 2014.

Benn Destroys Sanudo In US Debut

Britain’s Conor “The Destroyer” Benn (10-0, 8KO) made quite the introduction to US boxing fans, scoring a vicious second round KO over Mexican Brandon Sanudo (7-7, 4 KO), in a welterweight contest originally slated for six. Benn, the son of former two-division world champion, Nigel Benn, became the first of Matchroom Sport’s British boxers to fight on a Matchroom Sport promotional card on American soil. Benn controlled the fight’s first round, operating in a composed manner, working well behind his jab. In the second, the 21 year old Brit picked up his offense, and moved forward with fury. With Sanudo backing up toward the ropes, Benn landed a thudding left to the liver that dropped Sanudo to all fours. With referee Tony Chiarantano administering a ten count over him, Sanudo spit out his mouthpiece, grimaced, and remained on all fours until the contest was waved off. The official time of the knockout came at the 1-minute mark of round two.

Hernandez Wins Hard Fought Decision Over Dezurn

Jesse Angel Hernandez (10-1, 7KO) handed Glenn Dezurn (9-1-1, 6 KO) his first career loss when he scored a unanimous decision victory in an eight round bantamweight contest. Hernandez used his height and reach advantage to keep the smaller Dezurn at bay, punishing him each time he tried to get inside his reach. Despite his physical disadvantage, Dezurn, a 30 year old Baltimore native, turned in a spirited effort against Hernandez, who was a clear step up in competition for Dezurn. For the Texas southpaw, Hernandez, 2017 continues to be a career-defining year, having seen him hand his previous two opponents their first career losses. In August, Hernandez stopped the formerly unbeaten Vladimir Tikhonov. Tonight, judges scorecards of 79-73, 78-74, and 77-75 for Hernandez resulted in Dezurn tasting defeat for the first time, and Hernandez cementing his contender status.

Rainone and Sosa Battle To Draw

Long Island native Tommy “Razor” Rainone and Dominican-born New Jerseyan George Sosa (16-10, 15KO) battled their way to a majority draw in a six round welterweight contest. It was a hard-fought, gutsy affair, that mostly saw Sosa the aggressor and the southpaw, Rainone, fighting off his back foot. At times, both boxers landed clean shots, though the 37-year old Rainone’s effective punches were fewer and farther between than those of his counterpart. At the end of six, there was little doubt Rainone’s face was worse for the wear, courtesy of Sosa’s two gloved fists. At the end of six, the judges were split, however. Tony Paolillo’s 59-55 scorecard for Sosa was overruled by John McKaie and Jim Pierce’s scores of a 57-57 draw. 15rounds.com scored the bout 59-55 for Sosa.

The draw was the first of Sosa’s career and adds more character to an already interesting record. Each of Sosa’s fifteen victories have come via stoppage and taken place in the Dominican Republic. On US soil, however, he hasn’t had much luck, winning only one time in ten attempts. The fight was a milestone for Rainone, as well. The “Razor” crossed over the 200 round mark in his career and now has 202 professional rounds under his belt.

Best Bet — Lucky Stays Unbeaten

Long Island native Tyrone James (6-0, 3KO) improved on his perfect record with a six round unanimous decision victory over “The Hudson Valley Kid”, Daniel Sostre (13-15-1, 5 KO). It was all James from opening to closing bell, as the hometown hero parlayed a minor height and reach advantage with superior athletic ability to dominate the contest for three minutes per round, for six rounds. Midway through the third James dropped his 33 year old counterpart courtesy of a right hand. Sostre, who has now lost 12 of his last 14 contests, was able to get off the mat and battle on till the final bell. In the end, all three judges scored widely for James, 60-53.

Lightning Strikes — Niyazov Stops Mauras In Five

Kazakh-born Staten Islander, Dimash “Lightning” Niyazov (13-0-3, 6 KO), disposed of hard-nosed Massachusetts native, Agustine Mauras (6-4-3, 3 KO), inside five rounds in a junior welterweight contest slated for six. The historic bout kicked-off the first US fight card promoted by Britain’s lead boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn, and his company’s new American branch, Matchroom Boxing USA. Niyazov dominated the first four rounds of the scrap, before cranking up the heat in the fifth, dropping Mauras with two right hands before landing a clean left on the button, prompting referee Tony Chiarantano to stop the action at the 2:55 mark of the fifth round.

NEWARK, NJ – IBF cruiserweight champion Murat “Iron” Gassiev (25-0, 18 KO) defeated longtime division Iron Man, Krzysztof “Diablo” Wlodarczyk (53-4-1, 37 KO), to retain his title and advance to the World Boxing Super Series semifinal. The definitive punch came early in the third round courtesy of a meaty Gassiev left hook to Wlodarczyk’s liver. The punch immediately shut down the former titlist’s system, forcing him at first to a knee, before his body collapsed face down on the canvas. The 36-year old Wlodarczyk failed to referee Earl Brown’s ten count, and the contest was halted at the 1:57 mark of round 3. It is only the second time in Wlodarczyk’s career he was stopped, the other coming in 2003 vs. Pavel Melkomyan.

At times, the Abel Sanchez trained Gassiev looked like a spitting image of his stablemate, Gennady Golovkin. Over the course of three rounds the 24-year old Gassiev methodically cut off the ring, wasting no movement, and landing the most effective punches. Gassiev forced Wlodarczyk to fight going backwards, and in doing so, never put himself in an unfavorable position.

Midway through the third round with Gassiev coming forward and Wlodarczyk backing up toward the ropes, Gassiev unloaded two lefts to the body. The first landed straight to the sternum. It was followed quickly by a show stopping left-hook to Wlodarczyk’s liver that ended the fight.

“He threw a short uppercut and then a left hand that Wlodarczyk turned right into and it hit him flush. It’s something we work on a lot,” Sanchez said after the fight. “I know that when Gassiev lands a punch correctly, the opponent isn’t getting up.

It was a raucous environment inside Newark’s Prudential Center where a split crowd made up of Polish Wlodarczyk fans and Russian Gassiev supporters cheered on their fighter. Many of the Gassiev supporters wove Ossetian flags, which is the region of Russia where Gassiev hails from.

Gassiev will now go on to face will go on to face undefeated Cuban knockout artist, Yunier Dorticos, in the World Boxing Super Series semifinals. The winner of that contest will take on the winner of Oleksander Usyk vs. Mairis Briedis in the tournament finals in May 2018.

“I had a great opponent tonight,” Gassiev said afterward. “I prepared myself for a tough fight but it is boxing and anything can happen…We do a lot of work in the gym and I just listened to my coach round after round and he told me what I needed to do. That’s all I needed.”

A visibly disappointed Wlodarczyk also spoke afterward. “We worked hard to try to avoid this kind of shot but unfortunately he got a really hard shot through and hurt me,” the veteran fighter said.

He continued, “We knew how good he was and we prepared hard for it. I wanted to use the jab as much as possible. My strength is the second part of the fight and we were hoping to bring him to the later part of the fight and take advantage.”

Gassiev’s semifinal opponent, Yunier Dorticos also spoke after the bout.

“I really wanted Gassiev to win, because he’s going to taste the power of a real man against me. His opponent tonight was past his time, I’m ready to show him what a champion looks like and give him a challenge he’s never faced before.”

“I want to take his belt. I want to get in the ring and destroy Gassiev.”

Taking the high road, Gassiev said, “Dorticos is a very good fighter with great experience. He’s undefeated and I can’t wait to give all the boxing fans the gift of a great fight against Dorticos.”

Mateusz Masternak vs. Stivens Bujaj – 10 rounds, cruiserweight

The night’s cruiserweight co-feature witnessed Poland’s Mateusz Masternak (40-4, 25 KO) steamroll past New York’s Stivens Bujaj (16-2-1, 11 KO) en route to a late round stoppage victory. It was domination from the start by the tough Pole, who fought each minute of each round on his terms. Masternak fought patiently and with purpose, fighting at a comfortable distance, and landing cleanly and effectively round after round. Bujaj never seemed to get comfortable and failed to mount any significant offense in any round. In the seventh, with Bujaj fatiguing quickly, Masternak blasted a perfect one-two that crumbled Bujaj to the mat. The Albanian-born New York transplant barely beat referee Shada Murdaugh’s ten-count and, standing on wobbly legs, hung on to survive the round. In between rounds, however, after examining the state of Bujaj, the ringside physician advised Murdaugh to stop the contest.

The fight marked Masternak’s second victory at the Prudential Center, the previous victory coming back in 2009 on the undercard of Tomasz Adamek vs. Bobby Gunn.

“I got stronger as the fight went on,” Masternak said. “I was ready to go hard rounds and use my attack to overwhelm him. Once I started using combinations I was very effective in hurting him. That made the difference for me.

“I stayed focused and kept my right hand ready to deliver damage. I’m ready to fight with anyone they put in front of me. I’m always ready in the gym and I can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

A dejected Bujaj also spoke after the fight. “I’m disappointed in myself,” he said. “I know I could have fought better than that and performed better. I just didn’t feel like myself tonight.”

Maciej Sulecki vs. Jack Culcay – 10 rounds, super welterweight

In a back and forth WBC super welterweight eliminator, Poland’s Maciej Sulecki (26-0, 10 KO) stayed undefeated, earning a unanimous decision victory against Germany’s “Golden” Jack Culcay (22-3, 11 KO). Throughout the bout, the Polish-born Sulecki tried to use his height and reach advantage to his benefit, snapping jabs at his counterpart in an attempt to keep him at bay. Early on, however, it was quite clear that the smaller Culcay would not be easily tamed. When Culcay punched, he punched with purpose. His punches were thrown with ferocity, with more steam. They also came from more angles. Culcay looped lefts around Sulecki’s gloves early, and over the duration of the contest, threw numerous windmilling rights, that would surely end the fight if he connected cleanly.

It was a classic seesawing contest that saw momentum swings inside each round. As the fight progressed, it became more entertaining, with Cuclay initiating, but not always getting the better of, the exchanges.

At the open of the seventh round, Culcay raced off his stool and immediately bombarded an unsuspecting Sulecki with lefts and rights. The Ecuadorean-born German threw wildly, and continually tried to land his homerun punch, the looping overhand right. About 30 seconds into his onslaught, “Golden Jack” cleanly connected with a right that momentarily wobbled Sulecki. The hard-nosed Pole hung on to survive the onslaught and dish out some punishment of his own before the round commenced.

In the ninth, Culcay again buckled Sulecki a bit and backed him into the ropes. But this minor victory would be short-lived and the hard-nosed Pole came right back with a right hand of his own that landed behind Culcay’s ear and briefly wobbled him.

The ebb and flow continued into the tenth and final round, when with time ticking down, Culcay landed a monstrous right stunned Sulecki. The German immediately followed up with more ill intended punches until the final bell sounded.

In the end, however, all three judges scored the contest in favor of the unbeaten Pole.

Lindsey Paige saw the fight 98-92, Paul Wallace, 97-93, & James Kinney, 96-94. 15rounds.com scored the contest 95-95.

“It was a close fight. Hard to tell but I felt like I was winning,” Culcay said after the fight. “It was very close but I really thought I was winning.

He continued, “I felt like I was strong. I thought that I hurt him. But this is boxing. I would love a rematch, but either way I will be back even stronger.”

Sulecki credited his counterpart afterward. “It was a very tough fight and I had to be at my best,” Sulecki said. “I didn’t think he’d be quite as tough, but I wanted to fight him and I got him.

He added, “I prepared for about four or five weeks for this opponent. The seventh round was the toughest round for me. I got hit with a couple big shots, but I wanted a war. I was never going to let down.”

Money Powell IV vs. Brandon Adams – 6 rounds, super welterweight

In an entertaining 6 round super welterweight scrap, Money Powell IV (5-0, 2 KO) scored a unanimous decision victory over Brandon Adams (4-5-1, 2 KO). From the get-go, both fighters came off their stools firing at will and during an early exchange, the southpaw, Adams, connected with a looping left that caught Powell off-guard, sending him to the canvas. Powell easily beat the ensuing ten-count and enjoyed his own share of success in the bout’s opening round. The following rounds saw the two prizefighters continuing to engage, willing to eat a few punches to land some of their own, with Powell tending to get the better of Adams. In the fourth, the 19-year old Powell threw a straight right that exploded on Adams’ chin, wobbling and spinning him around all at once. Powell turned up the heat on his legless foe, applied more pressure to the body, and continued to connect with purposeful head shots. Adams was able to weather the storm, however, and escape the round on two feet. Powell continued to get the better of Adams in the fight’s final rounds and at the end of the contest, all three judges scored the bout for Powell. Debra Barnes saw it 59-55, Lawrence Layton 59-56, and Robin Taylor 58-55.

Efe Ajagba vs. Luke Lyons – 6 rounds, heavyweights

Former Nigerian Olympian, Efe Ajagba (2-0, 2 KO) made quick work of formerly undefeated Luke Lyons (5-1, 2 KO), dropping him twice in the opening round of their heavyweight bout en route to a TKO victory. The 6’3” Ajagbe, who is now based in Houston and trained by Ronnie Shields, dominated Lyons from the opening ding until the 2:19 mark of round one, when referee Harvey Dock called a halt the contest. Initially, it was a sledgehammer of a left-hook that Ajagbe dug to Lyons’ liver that forced him to a knee for the first time. Less than a minute later, Ajagbe finished off his Kentucky-born counterpart with a left-hook to the body, straight-right to the head combo that brought Lyons to a knee for the second time. Although he beat Dock’s ten-count, the referee deemed Lyon’s was in no condition to continue and stopped the contest.

Skender Halili vs. Samuel Amoako – 6 rounds, super welterweight

Skender Halili (15-2, 13 KO) easily outpointed Samuel Amoako (19-16, 16 KO) in a six round super welterweight contest, kicking off a night of fights that will culminate when IBF cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev squares off against former two-time cruiserweight titlist, Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, in a World Boxing Super Series quarterfinal. It was a nice bounceback performance for Halii, who suffered a setback in Mexico his last time in the ring, when he was outpointed by relative novice, Adrian Haro Campos. The Kosovo-born Bronx resident, Halili, was back on his game tonight, however, working well behind his jab, using it to control range and the ring. At the conclusion of six, judges Debra Barnes, Lawrence Layton, and Robin Taylor all had it a shutout for Halili, 60-54.

BROOKLYN, NY — In the highly anticipated main event witnessed live by 12,084 fans at the Barclay’s Center, Mikey Garcia (37-0, 30KO) had no issues dealing with Adrien “The Problem” Broner (33-3, 24KO).  Apart from a first round that Broner may have won on jabs alone, it was the Oxnard, CA native, Garcia, who dictated and controlled the fight for the majority of the twelve round super lightweight bout.

Early and often the 29 year old former three-division world champion, Garcia, walked down Broner, waited until him to retreat into a defensive shell, then unleashed thumping body shots and straight rights that occasionally broke through Broner’s high-guard.  It was a scene that would play out time and time again over the course of the contest.

The Cincinnati native, Broner, who was previously unbeaten at 140lbs., found success in the fourth, snapping crisp jabs that would momentarily disrupt Garcia’s rhythm.  But like waves lapping on a shoreline, Garcia kept plodding forward, patiently waiting for openings in Broner’s guard before unloading.

Likely sensing he was behind on the scorecards, Broner began to show urgency in the ninth round.  The former four division world champ began became more aggressive, willing to meet Garcia, a super lightweight debutant, in the middle of the ring, and exchange blows with his Mexican-American counterpart.  Toward the end of the ninth, Broner hammered Garcia’s body before coming back upstairs shortly after, connecting with a clean left hook just as the round came to a close.

Again in the tenth Broner found success with the left, landing another clean uncontested hook to Garcia’s jaw that stopped the former three division champion in his tracks.  Garcia took the shot well, and Broner was unable to capitalize on any openings.

After stringing together two straight effective rounds, any momentum that Broner might have been building was quickly squashed by Garcia in the championship rounds.  The always-composed Garcia continued to walk down Broner, working behind his jab, and getting the better of the exchanges with Broner.

At the end of twelve, it went to the scorecards.  Judge Eric Marlinski scored it 117-111 and judges Don Ackerman and Steve Weisfeld saw it 116-112, all in favor for the still undefeated Garcia.

15rounds.com scored the bout 117-112, Garcia, with the first round being scored 10-10.

“This is definitely one of my best performances ever. I think I controlled the fight in the early rounds and I kept the activity up. [Broner] is a great fighter who has great skills,” Garcia said post-fight.  “I was the superior fighter tonight.

He continued, “We trained for 10 weeks, we had a great training camp and great sparring. We knew it was going to be a tough fight so we had to be in great shape.”

As to what weight class he’ll fight in in the future, Garcia said, “Maybe I’ll go down to 135, stay at 140 or go up to 147.”

Broner also spoke after the fight, congratulating Garcia on his win before talking about his previous career accomplishments.

“At the end of the day I’m still a four-time world champion at four different weight classes and I’ll still be in the history books.”

Charlo Blasts Past Heiland In Middleweight Debut

In his first fight at middleweight Jermall Charlo (26-0, 20KO) walked through Argentine southpaw Jorge Sebastian Heiland (29-5-2, 16KO) en route to a fourth round stoppage.  From the onset, Heiland’s legs looked stiff, his movements were jagged and robotic; and as a result, his punches lacked conviction.  It would later be revealed that Heiland was suffering from a left knee injury.  The veteran southpaw attempted to enter the ring with a taped left knee, but the brace was removed by the New York State Athletic Commission.

Charlo, fresh off a monumental 2016 where he outpointed Austin Trout and KO’d Julian Williams, started composed, feeling out his awkward opponent.  In the second, the Texan turned up the heat and caught Heiland with a short right that exploded on his chin and collapsed him to the canvas.  Heiland, whose signature win came in 2014 against Matthew Macklin, survived the round, but his inability to plant his left leg worried ringside physicians enough to examine his knee between rounds.

Once cleared, the gutsy Heiland continued on, but it was only to absorb punishment from the explosive Charlo.  In the fourth, after connecting with a flurry of punches, Charlo finished the debilitated Heiland off with a crisp left hook that sent the Argentine to the mat.  After initially beating referee Benjy Esteves’ 10 count, Heiland stumbled backwards and was help upright by the ropes.  Esteves stepped in at that moment and immediately stopped the contest at the 2:13 mark of round four.

“My coach told me to stay behind my job like I did; continue to work and it’s going to come,” Charlo said afterward.

“I’m ready, bring on the biggest names at 160… I’m the real Tommy Hearns… I feel like it’s my turn and I’m going to go get it,” he continued.

A disappointed Heiland also spoke afterward and addressed his injury.  “I turned my left knee in the first round, but I did not want to give up. I tried to give it my all, but it was not my night. I had bad luck but I am going to work harder than ever to get back and get another opportunity to achieve my dream and win a world title.”

It’s Miller Time; Big Baby Blasts Washington

Jarrell Miller (19-0-1, 17 KOs) remained undefeated by stopping former world title challenger Gerald Washington (18-2-1) after round seven of their scheduled ten round heavyweight clash

Miller came stalking and landing hard shots that had Washington on the defensive from the get-go.  In round four, Miller opened up and landed several bombs that drew “Ooohs and Ahhs from the crowd.  In round six, Washington mounted a furious rally where handed ten flush shots to the head and ample body of Miller.  Miller was able to gain his 2nd wind, as at the end of the round he landed some head snapping punches in the corner.

Miller continued to beat down Washington until the bout was stopped in the corner after round seven.