IBF JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR

Resurging Puerto Rican knockout specialist?Subriel?Matías?(21-2, 21 KOs) will face Mexico’s hard-hitting?Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela?(30-3, 17 KOs) in an IBF Junior Welterweight World Title Eliminator on Saturday, March 1, live on?DAZN. The winner of the bout, featuring the IBF’s two top ranked 140-pound contenders, will be the mandatory challenger to reigning IBF Champ,?Richardson Hitchins. The 32-year-old former IBF Junior Welterweight titleholder Matías has amassed 21 victories, all coming by way of finish. Boasting an impressive highlight reel career, Matías is widely regarded as one of the most prolific finishers in boxing.

Facing Matías will be a skilled, confident 30-year-old Gollaz Valenzuela. On the strength of five straight victories, Valenzuela boasts 17 knockouts in 30 wins and should make an electrifying match opposite Matías. Originally scheduled to face each other in November 2024, Valenzuela will compete for the first time in Matías’ home country of Puerto Rico. Currently ranked No. 4 in the IBF Junior Welterweight division (Matias is No. 3) with the top two spots vacant, Valenzuela is confident that he can win on foreign soil and earn his first world title shot against Hitchins.

Returning to Puerto Rico for the second time in five months, Salita Promotions has continued to showcase the rich boxing talent that resides on the island, much like it has done the past two years in the state of Michigan. With a proven track record of discovering talent throughout the greater Detroit and Flint, Mich., region, Salita Promotions President Dmitriy Salita continues to give up-and-coming talent a global platform to perform. 

140-POUND DIVISION ON DISPLAY

The co-main event will see the WBO NABO Super Lightweight Title on the line as Dominican Republic’s Alfredo Santiago (16-2, 7 KOs) meets fellow countryman Javier Fortuna (39-5, 28 KOs). Santiago, 30, returns to the ring on the heels of a statement first-round TKO victory over Mexico’s Pedro Campa in November 2024. Currently on the strength of three straight victories, Santiago captured the WBO NABO Junior Super Lightweight Title last June when he defeated Angel Fierro via unanimous decision, and this Saturday night, Santiago will attempt to defend his title for the third time. Starting his impressive career off with an undefeated record of 12-0, Santiago earned a shot against former Undisputed Lightweight World Champion Devin Haney for the WBC Lightweight World Championship in November 2019. While coming up short, Santiago has proven that he belongs in the upper echelon of the Super Lightweight Division. 

Entering his second bout in just over two months, the 35-year-old Fortuna will compete in Puerto Rico for the first time. Like his opponent, Fortuna is coming off an impressive TKO victory defeating Jonatan Mariano in December 2024. Boasting a staggering 28 knockouts to his name, Fortuna made his professional debut in 2009 against Ricardo Johnson. Fortuna held the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Title in 2019 and challenged former IBF Super Featherweight World Champion Joseph Diaz in 2021 for the WBC Interim Lightweight World Title.  

In addition, undefeated Nestor Bravo (23-0, 16 KOs) and South Africa’s Xolisani Ndongeni (32-6, 19 KOs) will collide for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Jr. Welterweight Title. Hailing from Arecibo, P.R., Bravo will return to action after nearly a year away from the ring. Previously holding the WBC Latino Lightweight Title and the WBO NABO Super Lightweight Title, Bravo pursues another belt when he faces his toughest test to date in Ndongeni. 

Recently challenging for the vacant WBO Latino Lightweight Title, Ndongeni looks to insert himself back into the win column against Bravo. A tenured competitor, Ndongeni has held the WBF International Featherweight Title, IBO International Lightweight Title, and WBF Lightweight Title. With ample experience against undefeated prospects, Ndongeni aims to give the rising Bravo his first defeat.

HEAVYWEIGHT STANDOUT RETURNS TO THE RING

Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Pryce Taylor (6-0, 4 KOs) returns to action against Arizona’s Trevor Kotara (4-3-1, 1 KO) following his second-round knockout victory over Jerell Nettles on February 2. A promising heavyweight prospect, Taylor signed with Salita Promotions in November 2024, and has since gone 2-0 under the banner, both victories coming by way of knockout. Standing at 6-foot-4, Taylor is a former collegiate basketball player and has won two New York Golden Gloves title. 

CATCH ALL THE ACTION ON DAZN

The night of fights will air live globally on DAZN at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Corey Erdman will handle the blow-by-blow call, with International Boxing Hall of Famer announcer Al Bernstein joined by former IBF Junior Middleweight world champion Raul Marquez?handling the commentary. Veteran sports reporter Claudia Trejos joins the team as the ringside reporter.

SALITA PROMOTIONS’ ALI IZMAILOV SET FOR HOMECOMING BOUTLight heavyweight prospect and Salita Promotions’ rising star Ali Izmailov (12-0, 8 KOs) will fight in his homeland of Russia for the first time as a professional this Thursday night when he faces veteran Habib Ahmed (30-2-1, 21 KOs) of Ghana in the main event in Moscow. 

Izmailov is trained in Detroit by noted trainer John David Jackson. “I’ve had an incredible training camp and can’t wait for February 27th,” Izmailov said. “The light heavyweight division is on fire right now, and I’m ready to make my mark. My goal is to become a world champion, and this is the year I make that dream a reality!”

It’s been a little more than a year since Izmailov last stepped into the ring as he stopped Britton Norwood by fourth-round TKO at Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit last February.

“The light heavyweight division is all about the best fighting the best, as we saw in the incredible Beterbiev vs. Bivol showdown just last weekend,” said Dmitriy Salita. “Ali Izmailov is a true blue-chip contender – he’s proven he can compete at the highest level and has what it takes to be the best. It’s only a matter of time before he gets his shot at the world championship.”

A classic boxing rivalry will shape the undercard on June 15 with three Mexico vs. Puerto Rico title fights as Angel Fierro faces Alfredo Santiago for the WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight title and Yankiel Rivera meets Victor Sandoval for the WBC and WBA Continental Americas and WBO Intercontinental Flyweight titles – and new Puerto Rico signings Stephanie Piñeiro and William Ortiz continue their pro journeys at Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico live worldwide on DAZN – a night topped by the homecoming World title defense of IBF World Jr Welterweight king Subriel Matias taking on Liam Paro.

Fierro (22-1-2 17 KOs) tests the waters up at 140lbs and looks to land a belt in his first fight at the weight. The 25 year old has good memories of fighting in Puerto Rico, where he won his first title with an incredible turnaround KO win over former World champion Alberto Machado – climbing off canvas in the first and second rounds to detonate a left hand in the sixth to win the WBO NABO 135lb belt in a fight he took at late notice. ‘Tashiro’ successfully defended that title four times, most recently in Tijuana in September with a split decision win over Brayan Zamarripa, but now looks to make an impression at 140lbs and aims to do so in impressive fashion.

“I feel very excited to return to the ring and even more so in Puerto Rico, where three years ago I was crowned WBO NABO champion, and what better way than to return against a great rival in Alfredo for another title at 140lbs,” said Fierro. “It will be a great fight, Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, where I come to repeat the same story from three years ago but this time much better.”

Santiago (14-2 6 KOs) fights at 140lbs for the second time and returns to action for the first time since landing a first round TKO win over Karl Dargan in Minneapolis in June 2022. The Dominican born, Puerto Rican based 29 year old previously challenged Devin Haney for the WBC World Lightweight title, and that’s the level he wants to reach at 140lbs, starting with a big fight with Fierro on June 15.

“Angel is an excellent Mexican opponent,” said Santiago. “I was born in Moca, a small town in the Dominican Republic, but I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for many years. I have made all my professional boxing career here in Puerto Rico. I am not letting Mr. Fierro come to my second home and beat me. That simply will not happen. Not in front of my people. I see you all on June 15. We are so ready!!”

Rivera (5-0 2 KOs) landed his first titles in his last outing, dominating Andy Dominguez in Orlando to pick up the WBA and WBC Continental Americas Flyweight titles, and on June 15, the Puerto Rican Olympian can add another belt with the WBO Intercontinental also on the line.

“Every time two fighters from Mexico and Puerto Rico step into the ring, great things happen,” said Rivera. “Mexico and Puerto Rico have a long-standing boxing rivalry that has acquired legendary status over the years. I am proud to say that I already belong to that tradition. On June 15, I will have the opportunity to continue to contribute to the Mexico v. Puerto Rico rivalry.

“I face a tough and complicated opponent in Victor Sandoval, who has all my respect and for who I am training accordingly. Most of all, I will have the opportunity to face this great challenge in front of my people. I already can feel the energy that’s going to fill that sold out arena. It will be a true honor to represent Puerto Rico in a fight against a Mexican warrior in front of my people. I feel truly blessed for this opportunity. I would like to thank Matchroom, Mr. Eddie Hearn, DAZN and my manager Mr. Peter Kahn for making this fight possible and for bringing this stellar boxing card to Puerto Rico. We are a country of Boxing. We are going to show it come June 15. Vamos Arriba, Boricua!”

Sandoval (37-4 23 KOs) is entering his 42nd fight just shy of his 27th birthday, and the Mexican fights in his third title fight having previously won the WBC Youth Silver Bantamweight and the WBC International Super-Flyweight titles.

“I would like to thank Matchroom and my team for this great opportunity,” said Sandoval. “Mexico Vs Puerto Rico have always produced great fights and this one is not going to be an exception. Camp for this fight is going great, on June 15, there will be only one winner and that winner will be me. Viva Mexico!”

Unbeaten Puerto Ricans Piñeiro (6-0 2 KOs) and Ortiz (5-0 4 KOs) announced co-promotional deals with Matchroom yesterday, and today they are confirmed for the June 15 card. Piñeiro fights for her first pro titles on the night, taking on Mexico’s Diana Tapia (7-1 2 KOs) for the WBA Continental Americas and WBO International Welterweight titles. Ortiz fights for the sixth time in the paid ranks, and does so over six rounds at Super-Lightweight against fellow Puerto Rican Luis Gonzalez (5-2 4 KOs)

“I feel honored to be part of such an important match on June 15 in Manati,” said Piñeiro. “Tapia is a great fighter, and we are training hard to face the best version of her. We’re going to put on a great show. It will be a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico battle. One step closer to a World championship match”.

“I am so thankful to my promoter Daniel Otter and the team at Three Lions Promotions and everyone at Matchroom for giving me this title shot,” said Tapia. “I have trained very hard to get where I am and come June 15, I will be taking the belts back home to Mexico with me.”

“We would like to thank Eddie Hearn and everyone at Matchroom for this opportunity, along with the WBA and WBO,” said Tapia’s promoter, Daniel Otter of Three Lions Promotions. “Diana looks amazing in training, and we are confident she will make short work of Stephanie and become the new WBA Continental Americas and WBO International champion.”

“I am very happy to be fighting in front of my people of Puerto Rico once again, especially this time since I’m fighting on a world stage level event!” said Ortiz.

“June 15 in Puerto Rico promises to be a brilliant night of boxing,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The main event is going to be a war, and with three Puerto Rico vs. Mexico title battles added to the card, this is going to be non-stop action from first bell to last.”

MINNEAPOLIS – June 1, 2022 – Unbeaten super lightweight Karl Dargan will face Alfred Santiago in a 10-round showdown, while exciting super welterweight prospect Travon Marshall duels Marcus Washington in a six-round attraction highlighting non-televised undercard action this Saturday, June 4 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The card is topped by a much-anticipated showdown between unified WBC and WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and former unified champion Danny Roman headlining live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. In the co-main event, WBA Super Middleweight Champion and Minneapolis fan-favorite David Morrell Jr. steps in to defend his title against Kalvin Henderson.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster. The Fulton vs. Roman fight is promoted in association with Thompson Boxing.

The jam-packed non-televised lineup will also feature California featherweight prospect José Sánchez (8-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round fight against fellow unbeaten Ariel De La Torre (8-0, 6 KOs) and Las Vegas’ Demler Zamora (8-0, 7 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight affair taking on Miami’s Raúl Chirino (19-14, 12 KOs).

Plus, Mayweather Promotions prospect and Baltimore-native Malik Warren (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Puerto Rico’s Pedro Hernández (7-11-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight duel.

Rounding out the card are four Kazakh fighters looking to remain unbeaten. Middleweight Abilkhan Amankul makes his pro debut in a four-round fight against Washington’s Devontae McDonald (1-0, 1 KO), super welterweight Ablaikhan Zhussupov (1-0) faces Mexico’s Edgar Ramírez (18-20-1, 14 KOs) in a four-round attraction, super bantamweight Yevgeniy Pavlov (6-0, 4 KOs) challenges Mexico’s Alexis Salido (2-2, 1 KO) in a six-round showdown and super middleweight Bek Nurmaganbet (6-0, 4 KOs) battles Pennsylvania’s Khainell Wheeler (7-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round duel.

A Philadelphia-native, Dargan (20-1, 10 KOs) returned to the ring for the first time since November 2018 last July, stopping Ivan Delgado in three rounds. Dargan has fought professionally since 2007, turning pro after a sensational amateur career that included two U.S. Amateur Championships and a Pan American Games gold medal. He will be opposed by the Dominican Republic’s Santiago (13-2, 5 KOs) who challenged Devin Haney for the lightweight title in 2019, losing a 12-round decision. As he heads into his second fight stateside as a pro, Santiago most recently dropped a May 2021 contest to contender Ricardo Nunez.

At just 21-years-old, Marshall (5-0, 4 KOs) has quickly shown the skill, power and poise to become a highly-regarded prospect in just five fights. Born in Landover, Maryland and now fighting out of Capitol Heights, Marshall will enter the ring at The Armory for the fourth time, having most recently knocked out the previously unbeaten Timothy Parks at the venue in March. He takes on the Toledo, Ohio native Washington (5-3, 2 KOs), who’s last contest saw him drop a decision to unbeaten Reggie Harris Jr. in October 2021.

#

ABOUT FULTON VS. ROMAN
Fulton vs. Roman will see unified WBC and WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion Stephen Fulton Jr. battle former unified champion Danny Roman in a matchup between two of the sport’s most consistently crowd-pleasing fighters headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 4 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature WBA Super Middleweight Champion and Minneapolis fan-favorite David Morrell Jr. taking on Kalvin Henderson in the co-main event.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FultonRoman, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 12, 2020) – This past Tuesday, WBC Lightweight Champion, Devin “The Dream” Haney (24-0, 15 KOs), was awarded “Fighter of the Year” by the Nevada Boxing Hall-of-Fame in Las Vegas, Nevada. The young boxer with ties to both Oakland, California and Las Vegas, Nevada, had a dominant 2019, defeating Xolisani Ndongeni, Antonio Moran, Zaur Abdullaev and Alfredo Santiago, becoming the youngest WBC lightweight world champion in the last 23 years.

“It is an honor to be given such an award,” said 21-year-old Devin Haney. “I work hard, and I have the right team around me. My goal is to be mentioned with the greats of this sport. Awards are special but more importantly I want the big fights. I know I have an extremely high boxing IQ and skill set that makes fighters avoid me but I’m ready for anybody in the world. This award for me is motivation and I’m very thankful to the Nevada Boxing Hall-of-Fame for declaring me fighter of the year 2019.”

Haney is not the only Oakland California representative to be honored. Oakland’s own 2004 gold medal Olympian and undefeated two-division world champion Andre Ward, is being inducted into the hall-of-fame on the same day. Both Ward and Haney who were born in San Francisco and raised in Oakland, represent the Bay Area.

KSI defeated Logan Paul via split decision in front of a raucous crowd at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The two did not show much technique but they fought hard.

In round four, Paul landed a huge uppercut that sent KSI to the canvas. Referee Jack Reiss ruled that Paul held KSI’s head down and deducted two points from Paul.

That was the difference because KSI won by scores of 57-54 and 56-54. Paul won a card 56-56.

Devin Haney retained the WBC Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Alfredo Santiago.

In round five, Haney landed a hard right that was followed by a left that put Santiago on the canvas.

In round 11, Santiago was cut over his left eye.

Haney, 135 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 120-107 on all cards and is now 24-0. Santiago, 135 lbs of Fajardo, PR is 12-1.

Billy Joe Saunders retained the WBO Super Middleweight title with an 11th round stoppage over Marcelo Coceres.

For most of the 1st 10 round Saunders was largely unimpressive. He kept Coceres in the fight as the challenger started to come on in the middle rounds.

In round 11, Saunders floored Coceres with a right hook that was followed by a left. Moments later, Saunders dropped Coceres hard with an uppercut. With Coceres hurt, Saunders finished off his opponent with a five punch flurry that sent Coceres down for a 3rd and final time, and the bout was stopped at 1:59.

Saunders, 167.4 lbs of Hatfield, UK is 29-0 with 14 knockouts Coceres, 168 lbs of San Jorge, ARG is 28-1-1.

Josh Brueckner won a four-round unanimous decision over Tyler Smith in a battle of pro debuting cruiserweights.

Brueckner, 199.2 lbs of Clinton, MI won on all cards 40-36.

Brueckner proposed to his girlfriend in the ring. She said YESS!!

Good looking 18 year-old prospect Diego Pacheco stopped Aaron Casper in round four of a scheduled six-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Pacheco dropped Casper with two hard rights to the head.

In round four, it was a right hand that was followed by a left hook that sent Casper down for a 2nd time. Pacheco then landed a barrage of punches that was finished up by a hard left and right that sent Casper down again, and the bout was stopped at 2:49.

Pacheco, 167.2 lbs of Los Angeles is 7-0 with six knockouts. Casper, 166.6 lbs of Augusta, GA is 5-4.

Ronny Rios stopped Hugo Berrio in round four of their scheduled 12-round super bantamweight bout.

Rios dominated the action until he landed a perfect short right that sent Berrio down on the ropes, and the bout was stopped at 2:56.

Rios, 120.6 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 32-3 with 16 knockouts. Berrio, 121.6 lbs of Santa Marta, COL is 28-8-1.

Nakita Ababiy remained undefeated by defeating Jonathan Batista via disqualification after round one of their four-round middleweight bout.

Ababiy dropped Batista in the 1st round with a left hook. Later in the round, Ababiy was docked a point for hitting behind the head. Batista hit Ababiy after the bell and he was disqualified after the round.

Ababiy of New York is 8-0. Batista of Dominican Republic is 19-16.

Devin Haney will face Alfredo Santiago in the first defense of his WBC World Lightweight title at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Saturday November 9, live on DAZN in the US, Sky Sports in the UK and distributed globally on FITE.
TICKETS FOR KSI-LOGAN PAUL II FEATURING HANEY-SANTIAGO ARE ON SALE NOW – CLICK HERE
Haney (23-0 15 KOs) was elevated to full champion at the recent WBC Convention in Cancun, Mexico, following his dominant performance against Zaur Abdullaev in New York in September where he overpowered the unbeaten Russian over four blistering rounds to force Abdullaev to retire, and land ‘The Dream’ the interim belt at 135lbs.

Now Haney makes the short trip from his Las Vegas home to Los Angeles where he faces Santiago (12-0 4 KOs) in his maiden defence. The unbeaten Dominican talent, who turns 25 the day after the fight, will be on looking to derail Haney’s reign as champion at the first hurdle.

“I’m happy we got this deal done,” said Haney. “I’m not just a WBC World Champion that’s holding somebody else’s belt. I’m the sole champion, and I will defend the Lightweight World title on November 9. I’ve been working hard and I’m extremely focused.  This will be the perfect gift to myself for my 21st birthday.

“All the fans at STAPLES Center and the millions watching on DAZN, are going to witness another dominant performance. I’m going to continue to show the world that I’m the best in my division.

“Alfredo Santiago is my next opponent; he’s undefeated, he’s hungry, and he’s coming to win. I take every fight very serious and this fight is no different. Tune in next Saturday and you’ll see that the hype is real.”

“First and foremost, I would like to thank Matchroom Boxing and Fresh Productions for this opportunity,” said Santiago. “This is the moment that I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid, and the one I’ve been waiting for since I became a boxer. I am physically and mentally ready, and I am going to show who the best 135lber in the world is.

“Mr. Haney is a formidable fighter who chose the wrong opponent. He cannot beat me. I belong to ‘The Terror Squadron’, the best boxing team in the world. This is my time.”

“I am delighted to see Devin defend his World title on November 9,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We’re going to have a huge crowd of new fight fans at the arena and tuning in all around the world to watch KSI and Logan Paul, and Devin is the perfect fighter to showcase what boxing is all about to a potential crop of new fight fans – he’s young, exciting, confident and relatable – the perfect mix.

“Alfredo Santiago is a hungry young fighter himself and this is a golden opportunity for him to halt Devin’s charge to superstardom – but I believe that ‘The Dream’ will shine and begin his reign as World champion in style.”

Haney’s clash with Santiago is part of a huge night of action in Los Angeles as YouTube sensations KSI and Logan Paul clash in a rematch of their controversial draw – this time as professional fighters.

Billy Joe Saunders (28-0 13 KOs) makes his American debut and defends his WBO World Super-Middleweight title against unbeaten Argentine Marcelo Coceres (28-0-1 15 KOs), and he is joined on the card by a quartet of Eddie Hearn’s talented rising US stars in Nikita Ababiy (7-0 6 KOs), Diego Pacheco (6-0 5 KOs), Reshat Mati (4-0 2 KOs) and Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs).

Tickets are on sale NOW from AXS.com