Kingsley Ibeh wins 10th straight, Austin Brooks defends WBA title
TACOMA, Wash. (January 11, 2025) – Underrated heavyweight Kingsley “The Black Lion” Kingsley (15-2-1, 13 KOs) win his 10th fight in a row in last night’s latest installment of “EQC Fight Night,” presented by Toro Promotions, Inc. and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, in the EQC Event Center at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.
Ibeh, 31, hasn’t lost since 2021. The former Canadian pro football player used his 70-pound advantage over Scott Alexander (17-7-2, 9 KOs) in the main event, trapping his opponent on the ropes, causing a pair of knockdowns. The latter closed the show at 2:36 of the first round for his second straight opening-round stoppage, both at Emerald Queen. Ibeh, who is a native of Nigeria who lives in Phoenix, entered the ring as the WBC Latino Silver Heavyweight Champion and left with the vacant WBC Latino title.
WBA Continental Super Featherweight Champion Austin Brooks (13-0-1, 6 KOs) successfully defended his title with an eighth-round stoppage of Rosalindo Morales (10-2, 2 KOs) in the co-featured event. The WBA No. 15 rated Brooks, fighting out of San Diego, controlled the pace from the opening bell and he hurt Morales with a vicious left hook to the body. Morales took a knee and beat the referee’s count, until another body shot ended the fight at 1:04 of round eight.
Team Brooks celebrates his title-defending knockout victory
(photo by Clifton Harrington)
Celebrated amateur Dedrick Crocklem (1-0, 1 KO) turned in an auspicious pro debut in front of his hometown fans in Tacoma, knocking out Nesly Trezile (1-2, 0 KOs) at the 52-seconds mark of the second round. Super lightweight Crocklem, who recently signed a promotional contract with Top Rank, blasted Trezile through the ropes in the first round and he closed the show in the second with a flurry of effective punches that left Trezile unable to continue fighting. Among his amateur accomplishments, Crocklem was the 2022 USA Nationals champion, in addition to his 2020 and 2021 USA Youth Nationals gold medal performances.
New Mexico welterweight Rolyn Nez (5-0, 3 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact with a four-round unanimous decision (39-37 X 3) over Cruz Becerro Monteon (1-1, 1 KO) in an exciting, competitive match.
Also fighting on the undercard was Washington (Federal Way) super featherweight Alexis De La Cerda (5-0, 3 KOs), who also kept his pro record unbeaten with a dominant four-round decision over his Nicaraguan foe, Nelson Guerrero (2-1-1, 2 KOs).
In the evening’s opening bout, Renton (WA) featherweight Joel Hernandez (1-0) was impressive in his pro debut, pitching a complete “shutout” (40-36 X 3) for a four-round unanimous decision over Julio Lanzas Carollo (0-1).
Official results below:
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC LATINO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kingsley Ibeh (15-2-1, 12 KOs), Phoenix, AZ by way Nigeria
WKO1 (2:36)
Scott Alexander (17-9-2, 9 KOs), Los Angeles, CA
(Ibeh won WBC Latino title)
CO-FEATURE – WBA CONTINENTAL SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS
Austin Brooks (13-0-1, 6 KOs), San Diego, CA
WKO8 (1:04)
Rosalindo Morales (10-2, 2 KOs), Ellwood City, PA
(Brooks retained the WBA Continental title)
WELTERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Rolyn Nez (5-0, 3 KOs), Bloomfield, NM
WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 39-37)
Cruz Becerro Monteon (1-1, 1 KO), Madera, CA
SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS
Derick Crocklem (1-0, 1 KO), Tacoma, WA
WKO2 (0:52)
Nesley Trezile (1-2, 0 KOs), Inglewood, CA by way of Haiti
SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS
Alexis De La Cerda (5-0, 3 KOs), Federal Way, WA
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-26, 40-36)
Nelson Guerrero (2-1-1, 2 KOs), Coachella, CA by way of Nicaragua
successfully defended his World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental USA super featherweight title last night, albeit by way of a unpopular 10-round split draw with dangerous Aram “Warrior” Avagyan (11-1-3, 5 KOs), in the main event on the entertaining “EQC Fight Night” card, presented by Toro Promotions, Inc., in association with Whitfield Haydon Boxing, at the famed Emerald Queen Casino (EQC) in Tacoma, Washington.
Fighting out of San Diego, the 28-year-old Brooks needed a strong rally in the final two rounds of a thrilling throw-back fight against Avagyan, the 2016 Armenian Olympian, to retain his WBA Continental USA crown in front of a standing only crowd.
Aram relentlessly pressured Brooks from the start and it appeared the fight was getting away from the defending champion. Both fighters had their moments through the first action-packed eight rounds, but Aram’s exceptionally high work rate appeared to have him on his way to victory. Brooks, though, to his credit picked his spots and took the last two critical rounds for the hard-earned draw.
Toro Promotions’ growing stable of large, talented heavyweights, including Dante Stone (16-1, 11 KOs) and Alexander “The Great” Flores (19-4-1, 17 KOs), was on display last night as Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh and Tsotne Rogava (9-0, 7 KOs) were both in action.
Ibeh(13-2-1, 10 KOs), who is a native of Nigeria now living in Phoenix, is a cousin of the retired, infamous heavyweight boxer Ike Ibeabuchi. Ibeh, who played college football at Washburn University, as well as professionally in the Canadian Football League, completely dominated former Texas champion Juan Torres (11-7-1. 4 KOs).
The 6’ 4”, 300-pound Ibeh was simply too big and strong for Torres, who was floored four times enroute to a second-round knockout for Ibeh.
Tsotne, a fast riser with tremendous upside, showed that he’s a good boxer in addition to having lethal power, going the complete distance for the scone time in a row. The 2020 Ukraine Olympian used his 6’ 5”, 270-pounder frame and deceptive quickness to dominate battle-tested Jon Bolden (10-14-1, 7 KOs) in the eight-round Special Heavyweight Attraction.
The Georgia-born Rogava, who now resides in Marina del Rey (CA), and is trained by Hall of Famer Joe Goossen, dropped Bolden in the second and fifth rounds in a near shutout decision, winning all eight rounds on two of the judges’ scorecards, seven on the other, in a match somewhat marred by Bolden’s constant clinching in a survival mode.
Undefeated Nicaraguan super featherweight prospect Nilo Guerrero (9-0, 7 KO), a 2016 Nicaragua Youth National Champion who lives in Coachella (CA), extended his impressive win streak to nine, taking a dominate six-round unanimous decision against veteran Diuhi “Elegante” Olguin (16-38-7, 10 KOs). The 23-year-old Guerrero, 23, once again skillfully used his abnormal 6’ 1” height and length for a super featherweight to his advantage.
Also fighting on the undercard in four-rounders were Hoquiam (WA) super welterweight Nathan “Superman” Stolen (2-0, 1 KO), who won a four-round split decision over Julio Munoz, Jr. (0-1-1), in an all-out slugfest in which the two fighters fought like Rockem Sockem robots, while Auburn (WA) lightweight Agustin Tovar (1-0) defeated pro debuting Miquel Gonzales (0-1) in a spirited encounter that featured a high volume of punches with Tovar clearly landing the crisper shots.
LOS ANGELES (May 30, 2024) – Toro Promotions, Inc. has signed undefeated Austin Brooks (12-0, 5 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental USA Super Featherweight Champion, to an exclusive promotional contract.
Brooks, 28, has traveled on a particularly rough journey through the years, overcoming many obstacles, including homelessness, to become a legitimate boxing prospect.
“I felt that Toro treated me the best and showed me the most respect of any promoter,” Brooks explained why he signed with Toro. “I needed to sign with a promoter to get my career going. It’s tough being a free agent. Toro believes in me like I do, others didn’t. Signing with Toro is a good choice for me.”
“Both Toro Promotions and Sheer Sports management see Austin Brooks as the embodiment of the American Dream,” Toro Promotions president Azat Torosyan commented. “We are in agreement that he has been overlooked and is capable of accomplishing tremendous things in the sport and we will stop at nothing to help him in his quest.”
Born in Idaho, Brooks lived in multiple cities in five different states, but now he’s happy to be settled down living in San Diego.
“I was raised by a single parent, and she did her best, but we had a lot of ups and downs,” Brooks explained. “It made me tougher; moving from school to school, I had my fair share of fights. I lived out of my car and in foster homes, but I wouldn’t change anything. Looking back, it made me who I am. and the love of this sport pulled me through because I felt it could help me be somebody. I’ve had a lot of good experiences and met a lot of good people.”
Brooks watches a lot of fights, particularly old-school classics, and the first boxer that he picked things up from was Roy Jones, Jr., along with James Toney and Pernell Whitaker. His goals include positioning himself for a world title shot in late 2025, early 2026.
Trained by Basheer Abdullah, Brooks is managed by Sheer Sports, a highly respected management group specializing in boxing.
Brooks, 28, defends his super featherweight title on June 15, headlining “EQC Fight Night,” presented by Toro Promotions, Inc. in association with Whitfield Boxing, at the famed Emerald Queen Casino (EQC) in Tacoma, Washington.
Brooks captured his World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental USA belt in his last fight when he knocked out previously unbeaten Cuban boxer Jose Manuel Izaguirre (7-0. 3 KOs) in the seventh round this past February 10th in Long Beach, California. Brooks, a southpaw, has fought only once at EQC, which ended in a six-round technical knockout of Anthony Chavez (11-3-1) on August 26, 2023.
In his Toro debut on June 15th, Brooks will make his first title defense against 2015 Armenian Olympian Aram “Warrior” Avagyan (11-1-2, 5 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
“He (Avagyan) will be my best opponent so far,” Brooks noted. “He’s tough and experienced. I treat every fight as just my next fight and treat all my opponents the same. Right now, I’m focused 100-percent on doing what I should to be great.”
EQC FIGHT NIGHT LINEUP
MAIN EVENT – WBA CONTINENTAL USA SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10)
Austin Brooks (12-0, 5 KOs), Champion, San Diego, CA
vs.
Aram “Warrior” Avagyan (11-1-2, 5 KOs), Challenger, Burbank, CA by way of Armenia
CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS (8)
Tsotne Rogava (8-0, 7 KOs), Marina del Rey, CA by way of Ukraine & Georgia
vs.
Jon Bolden (10-13-1, 7 KOs), Seattle, WA
SPECIAL HEAVYWEIGHT ATTRACTION (8)
Kinsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (12-2-1, 10 KOs), Phoenix, AZ by way of Nigeria
vs.
Juan Torres (11-6-1, 4 KOs), Cypress, TX
SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS (6)
Nilo Guerrero (8-0, 7 KOs), Coachella, CA by way of Nicaragua
vs.
Diuhi “Elegante” Olguin (16-37-7, 10 KOs)
SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Nathan “Superman” Stolen (1-0, 1 KO), Hoquiam, WA
vs.
Julio Munoz, Jr. (0-0-1), Tucson, AZ
LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)
Agustin Tovar (1-0, 0 KOs)
vs.
TBA
(Card subject to change)
Tickets are on sale now for $70.00 and $45.00 and may be purchased online at https://emeraldqueen.com/boxing/ or by calling (253) 594-7777. Tickets purchased at the Emerald Queen Shop are eligible for up to a 20-discount, plus no taxes or processing fees. Must be 21 years of age to attend.
Doors open at 6 p.m. PT, first bout at 7 p.m. PT.
Undefeated Austin Brooks to defend his WBA Continental USA Featherweight title vs. 2016 Armenian Olympian Aran Avagyan
LOS ANGELES (May 13, 2024) – Toro Promotions, Inc., in association with Whitfield Haydon Boxing, returns June 15th to the famed Emerald Queen Casino (EQC) in Tacoma, Washington, to showcase its powerful stable of professional boxers on the “EQC Fight Night” card.
Undefeated Austin Brooks (12-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of La Mesa (CA), defends his World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental super featherweight title for the first time, versus 2015 Armenian Olympian Aram “Warrior” Avagyan (11-1-2, 5 KOs) in an All-Toro 10-round main event.
Brooks, 28, captured his WBA Continental USA belt in his last fight, when he knocked out previously unbeaten (7-0) Jose Manuel Izaguirre in the seventh round this past February 10th in Long Beach, California. Brooks, a southpaw, has fought only once at EQC, which ended in a six-round technical knockout of Anthony Chavez (11-3-1) on August 26, 2023.
Avagyan, now living in Burbank (CA), was a two-time bronze medalist in the European Championships as an amateur, in addition to representing his country at the 2016 Olympics. His most recent fight, after nearly three years of inactivity, was on April 12th in Colorado, in which his opponent, Juan Santiago, was unable to continue after three rounds.
Red-hot, power broker and 2020 Ukraine Olympian, Tsotne Rogava (7-0, 7 KOs), continues his accelerated march to a world heavyweight rating, when the 6’ 5”, 270-pounder takes on battle-tested Jon Bolden (10-13-1, 7 KOs), of Seattle, in the eight-round co-featured event.
A champion kickboxer who has successfully transitioned to boxing, the Georgia-native and Ukraine-raised Rogava has won his last four fights via first-round stoppages, and he’s only fought a grand total of nine rounds in seven pro bouts to date. Rogava now resides in Marina del Rey (CA), and he is trained by Hall of Famer Joe Goossen.
Toro Promotions has an imposing group of gifted and large heavyweight, including Rogava, Dante Stone (16-1, 11 KOs), Alexander “The Great” Flores (19-4-1, 17 KOs) and another rising prospect, Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (12-1, 10 KOs), who will also be in action on the June 15th show.
Ibeh, who is a native of Nigeria who now resides in Phoenix, is a cousin of the retired, infamous heavyweight boxer Ike Ibeabuchi. The 6’ 4”, 300-pound Ibeh played football in college (Washburn U.) as well as professionally in the Canadian Football League.
Veteran mixed-martial-arts fighter Juan Torres (11-6-1, 4 KOs), the former Texas and ABF USA heavyweight champion, will challenge Ibeh in the eight-round Special Heavyweight Attraction.
Undefeated Nicaraguan super featherweight prospect Nilo Guerrero (8-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Nicaragua Youth National Champion who lives in Coachella (CA), faces 60-fight veteran Diuhi “Elegante” Olguin in a six-round match. Guerrero, 23, skillfully uses his abnormal 6’ 1” height (and length) to a tremendous advantage thus far in the super featherweight division.
Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-rounders is Hoquiam (WA) super welterweight Nathan “Superman” Stolen (1-0, 1 KO), another MMA fighter who has fought in the highly respected Bellator, vs. Julio Munoz, Jr. (0-0-1), of Tucson, and Auburn (WA) lightweight Agustin Tovar (1-0) vs. Robert Jimenez (0-2), of Nampa, Idaho.
Card subject to change.
Tickets are on sale now for $70.00 and $45.00 and may be purchased online at https://emeraldqueen.com/boxing/ or by calling (253) 594-7777. Tickets purchased at the Emerald Queen Shop are eligible for up to a 20-discount, plus no taxes or processing fees. Must be 21 years of age to attend.
Doors open at 6 p.m. PT, first bout at 7 p.m. PT.
Austin Brooks Captures WBA Continental Title on CBN Promotions’ “Super Brawl Saturday” Card
LONG BEACH, CA (February 12, 2024) – This past Saturday on CBN Promotions’“Super Brawl Saturday” card, undefeated super featherweight prospect, Austin Brooks (12-0, 5 KOs), captured the WBA Continental title with a dramatic 7th round knockout over Jose Manuel Izaguirre (7-1, 3 KOs). In the 8-round co-main event, lightweight Tayden Beltran (8-0-1, 4 KOs), remained undefeated as he was victorious against Willmark Canonico (12-4-2, 10 KOs).
Watch the replay of CBN Promotions’“Super Brawl Saturday” card tonight at 6:00 pm PT on FOX Deportes and later in the week on Estrella TV. The entire event aired live on Fubo Sports.
In the 8-round super featherweight main event, Austin Brooks had to make an adjustment to come out victorious against Jose Manuel Izaguirre. In the early rounds, Izaguirre landed his overhand right to the head of Brooks and took an early lead in the fight as both fighters were fighting out of the southpaw stance. In the fourth round, Brooks started to throw his right hook,
overhand left combo, and that adjustment changed the flow of the fight. In round seven, Brooks started to attack the body and broke down Izaguirre, stopping him at the :56 mark of the round.
“I wanted to come out and show everyone that I’m the real deal.” said Brooks. “I had to dig deep, and I give a lot of credit to my corner for giving me the right advice as I need to make an adjustment. Once I started landing my right hook, his hands came up and I started to crush his body. I’m grateful and I’m happy to be crowned the new WBA Contenential champion.”
Lightweight, Tayden Beltran won a hard-fought unanimous decision against Willmark Canonico. The fight was entertaining as both fighters were engaged throughout the entire fight. Both fighters were deducted a point for throwing punches after the bell. Beltran proved to be the stronger fighter and wore down Canoncio till the final bell. Scorecards read 76-74 twice and 77-73.
“I showed I was in great shape in this fight and proved to myself that I can bang out a win if need be.” said Beltran. “I’m looking forward to my next fight and I’m ready to face any of the top prospects in the division.”
Super lightweight Leonardo Rubalcava (5-0, 2 KOs KOs)defeated Lyle McFarlane (2-4, 1 KO) by knockout in the first round of a scheduled 6-round bout.
Super Bantamweight Adrian Alvarado (9-2-1, 4 KOs)defeated Brayan Ramos (5-5-1, 1 KO) by unanimous decision in a scheduled 6-round bout. Scorecards read 58-56, 59-58, 59-55.
Super Bantamweight Hector Lopez (4-0, 3 KOs) defeated Rod Sarguilla (2-5-1, 1 KO) by second round knockout in scheduled 4-round bout.
Super bantamweight Jose Bravo (3-0, 3 KOs) defeated Rico Tartt (0-2) by knockout in the first round of a scheduled 4-round bout.
This event is sponsored by Bud Light, HUSTLER Casino – LA’s only luxury Casino. Tequila Mandala – 100% Agave Azul, and Shoe Palace,Community comes first.
WEIGHTS FROM LONG BEACH
Austin Brooks 129 vs Jose Manuel Izaguirre 129
Tayden Beltran 140.4 vs Willmark Canonico 143.8
Leonardo Rubalcava 141.1 vs Lyle McFarlane 141
Andrian Alvarado 120 vs Brayan Ramos Armenta 120
Hector Lopez 119.6 vs Rod Sarguilla 119
Jose Bravo 121.6 vs Rico Tartt 123.5
“Super Brawl Saturday” takes place at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, on Saturday, February 10, 2024. The venue is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810, easily accessible from the 405, the 710 and 91 freeways, just a few miles from the Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly know as the StubHub Center.
The entire event will be broadcast live on Fubo Sports. In addition, the fights will also air tape delayed on Fox Deportes and Estrella TV.
Doors open and the first bell for “Super Brawl Saturday” at 5:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, $150 (Plus applicable fees), are available for purchase now by calling 800-283-8699, by text at 702-591-1638, or online at www.cbnpromotions.com. Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810
This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino – LA’s only luxury Casino. Tequila Mandala – 100% Agave Azul, and Shoe Palace, Community comes first.
Jose Manuel Izaguirre Training Camp Notes
LONG BEACH, CA (February 8, 2024) – Undefeated super featherweight prospect, Jose Manuel Izaguirre (7-0, 3 KOs), from Pinar del Rio, Cuba, is set to square off against Austin Brooks (11-0, 4 KOs) in the main event of CBN Promotions’“Super Brawl Saturday” card. On the line will be the WBA Continental Title. The 8-round bout is scheduled for this Saturday, February 10th, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California.
The entire event will be broadcast live on Fubo Sports. In addition, the fights will also air tape delayed on Fox Deportes and Estrella TV.
Here is what Izaguirre had to say about his recent training camp, his matchup with Brooks, fighting in the main event on national television, and more.
On his recent training camp:
“Training camp has been grueling, but it’s all been worth it. I’ve put in the work, pushed myself to the limit, and I’m ready to showcase my skills in the ring. Nothing has been left to chance. I’m in the best shape of my entire career.”
On his matchup with Brooks:
“Facing Brooks is a challenge I welcome with open arms. He’s a talented fighter, no doubt, but I’ve trained very smart for this matchup. Come fight night, I’ll be leaving everything in the ring, determined to come out on top. Brooks made a mistake taking this fight, and I’m going to crush his dreams.”
On fighting on a national stage:
“Stepping onto the national stage is what I envisoned ever since I started boxing. Representing my countrymen of Cuba, my team here in the States, and all those who have supported me is a tremendous honor. I’ll be giving my all to make this fight one to remember, and everyone will remember my name.”
On fighting for WBA Continental Title:
“Fighting for the WBA Continental title is just the beginning of my journey. It’s a step towards my ultimate goal of claiming a world title. I carry the pride of my country with me, knowing that I have the support of my people back home. I aim to make a lasting impact, to inspire and uplift those watching, as I fight with all my heart and soul to win this title.”
Doors open and the first bell for “Super Brawl Saturday” at 5:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, $150 (Plus applicable fees), are available for purchase now by calling 800-283-8699, by text at 702-591-1638, or online at www.cbnpromotions.com. Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810
This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino – LA’s only luxury Casino. Tequila Mandala – 100% Agave Azul, and Shoe Palace, Community comes first.
AUSTIN BROOKS Training Camp Notes
LONG BEACH, CA (February 7, 2024) – Scheduled to make his televised debut, undefeated super featherweight Austin Brooks (11-0, 4 KOs) is gearing up for this fight with Jose Manuel Izaguirre (7-0, 3 KOs). Brooks vs. Izaguirre, a 8-round bout, will serve as the main event for CBN Promotions’“Super Brawl Saturday”
card this Saturday, February 10th, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California.
The entire event will be broadcast live on Fubo Sports. In addition, the fights will also air tape delayed on Fox Deportes and Estrella TV.
Here is what Brooks had to say about his recent training camp, his matchup with Izaguirre, fighting in the main event on national television, and more.
On his recent training camp:
“Training camp has been intense, but that’s how we like it. Every day in the gym, we’re pushing ourselves to the limit, leaving no stone unturned. We’re ready for whatever comes our way.”
On his matchup with Izaguirre:
“Izaguirre is an impressive opponent, and I have the utmost respect for his skills. But make no mistake, I’m stepping into that ring fully prepared. It’s going to be a battle, and I’ll be giving it my all.”
On fighting on national television:
“To fight on a national stage is a dream come true. Representing my country and my team on a national audience is an honor, and I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity. Get ready for an unforgettable performance.”
Doors open and the first bell for “Super Brawl Saturday” at 5:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, $150 (Plus applicable fees), are available for purchase now by calling 800-283-8699, by text at 702-591-1638, or online at www.cbnpromotions.com. Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810
This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino – LA’s only luxury Casino. Tequila Mandala – 100% Agave Azul, and Shoe Palace, Community comes first.
CBN Promotions and Fubo Forge Streaming Agreement, Bringing Premium Boxing Action to Fans in North America
LONG BEACH, CA (February 5, 2024) – CBN Promotions is set to elevate the combat sports viewing experience as it enters into a streaming agreement with FuboTV Inc. (d/b/a Fubo) (NYSE: FUBO), the leading sports-first live TV streaming platform. This partnership will deliver monthly live premium boxing content to Fubo Sports, Fubo’s FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) network, and in Spanish on Fubo Latino.
CBN Promotions, a recognized name in the world of boxing, is thrilled to join forces with Fubo Sports to showcase its events on a nationwide stage. The partnership will see Fubo Sports streaming CBN Promotions’ events in their entirety, covering all the matches on each card.
“This partnership with Fubo Sports marks an exciting chapter for CBN Promotions. Fubo Sports’ extensive reach and commitment to delivering top-notch sports content align perfectly with our vision,” stated Alex Camponovo, President of CBN Promotions, as he expressed his excitement about the collaboration. “Together, we will bring the thrill of boxing to an even larger audience, and we can’t wait for fans to experience the action.”
“Thunder Studios is proud to be associated with CBN Promotions and Fubo Sports in this streaming agreement,” Rolando Nichols, President of Thunder Studios, the production powerhouse behind CBN Promotions, said. “We believe that the captivating ring action from our events will find a perfect home on Fubo Sports, and we look forward to showcasing the best of boxing on a broader level.”
In addition to streaming CBN Promotions’ live events, Fubo Sports will also showcase past events, allowing fans to relive the unforgettable moments that unfolded at Thunder Studios in 2023. Stream Fubo Sports for free on Amazon Freevee, LG Channels, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio WatchFree+, Tubi, Plex and Tablo TV with even more fresh content across Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube. Fubo Sports is also available as part of Fubo’s subscription packages that aggregate more than 300 live sports, news and entertainment networks.
CBN Promotions’ boxing series will kick off 2024 with “Super Brawl Saturday”
Feb, 10th, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. Austin Brooks (11-0, 4 KOs), from La Mesa, CA, vs. Jose Manuel Izaguirre (7-0, 3 KOs), from Pinar del Rio, Cuba, for the WBA Continental title, will serve as the 10-round main event. The entire event will be broadcast live on ESPN Knockout and Fubo Sports. For those that will miss the live action, CBN’s first event of the year will also air tape delayed on Fox Deportes and Estrella TV.
Doors open and the first bell for “Super Brawl Saturday” at 5:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, $150 (Plus applicable fees), are available for purchase now by calling 800-283-8699, by text at 702-591-1638, or online at
?www.cbnpromotions.com. Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810.
This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino – LA’s only luxury Casino. Tequila Mandala – 100% Agave Azul, and Shoe Palace, Community comes first.
CBN Promotions Expands Television Reach with ESPN Knockout Collaboration
LONG BEACH, CA (January 31, 2024) – CBN Promotions proudly announces its collaboration with “ESPN Knockout” for their highly anticipated 8-show boxing series scheduled for 2024. This strategic partnership signifies a monumental step forward in delivering top-notch boxing content to fans across Latin America.
On February 10th, CBN Promotions’ boxing series will kick off 2024 with “Super Brawl Saturday” at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. In the 10-round super featherweight main event, Austin Brooks (11-0, 4 KOs), from La Mesa, CA, will square off against Julio Carrera (17-0-1, 13 KOs), from Sonora, MX, for the WBA Continental title.
Launched in 1989, ESPN’s pan-regional Latin America network has been a powerhouse in sports broadcasting, transmitting in Spanish, Portuguese, and English to 42 countries and territories. The network is currently available in over 20 million homes in the region. ESPN Knockout, a dynamic platform dedicated to the world of combat sports, will play a pivotal role in bringing the excitement of CBN Promotions’ boxing series to a vast and diverse audience.
“Partnering with ESPN Knockout is a significant breakthrough for CBN Promotions,” said Alex Camponovo, President of CBN Promotions. “It aligns perfectly with our vision of bringing high-quality boxing entertainment to a global audience. ESPN’s extensive reach and reputation make them the ideal platform to showcase our events.”
In addition to its main channel, ESPN Latin America operates several regional networks, including ESPN 2 (Mexico and the northern cone), ESPN+ (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay), ESPN+ Andina, and ESPN2 Caribbean, which serves English-speaking fans in the Caribbean. The network has continuously evolved, introducing ESPN HD in Brazil in April 2009, marking a milestone as the company’s first high-definition channel in the region.
“We look forward to showcasing the excitement and skill of these events on ESPN Knockout,” stated Rolando Nichols, President of Thunder Studios. “This partnership strengthens our commitment to delivering top-tier boxing content to our distinct audience in Latin America.”
The 8-round co-main event will showcase Tayden Beltran (7-0-1, 4 KOs), from Huntington Beach, CA, vs. Lyle McFarlane (2-3, 1 KO), in a lightweight bout.
“Super Brawl Saturday” will broadcast live on ESPN Knockout, FuboTV, and FightStars Network. For those that will miss the live action, CBN’s first event of the year will also air tape delayed on Fox Deportes and Estrella TV.
Doors open and the first bell for “Super Brawl Saturday” at 5:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, $150 (Plus applicable fees), are available for purchase now by calling 800-283-8699, by text at 702-591-1638, or online at www.cbnpromotions.com. Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810.
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Austin Brooks vs. Jose Luis Rodriguez Headlines CBN Promotions on February 10 now Live on FuboTV!
LONG BEACH, CA (January 16, 2024) – CBN Promotions’ boxing series will kick off 2024 with “Super Brawl Saturday” this February 10th at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. In the 10-round super featherweight main event, Austin Brooks (11-0, 4 KOs), from La Mesa, CA, will square off against Jose Luis Rodriguez (25-15-1, 13 KOs), from Monterey, MX. The 8-round co-main event will showcase Tayden Beltran (7-0-1, 4 KOs), from Huntington Beach, CA, vs. an opponent to be announced, in a lightweight bout.
Doors open and the first bell for “Super Brawl Saturday” at 5:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, $150 (Plus applicable fees), are available for purchase now by calling 800-283-8699, by text at 702-591-1638, or online at www.cbnpromotions.com. Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810
“We want to start the year with a bang!” said Alex Camponovo, President of CBN Promotions. “2024 should be a great year for us and the boxers featured on our show, we will expand our brand to give fans the best and most entertaining matches out there. For that reason, we are excited to announce that our events will also air live on FuboTV as we continue to reach more people in the U.S. and internationally.”
“Super Brawl Saturday” will mark the beginning of an exclusive television deal between CBN Sports and Entertainment and FuboTV, which will air all of CBN’s events live, in addition to their event’s library. “We are proud that FuboTV is now part of our television distribution plan that includes Fox Deportes, Estrella TV and FightStars Network, and we will not stop there. Our boxers and fans will benefit with the tremendous outreach and television platforms we are creating,” concluded Camponovo.
“Brace yourselves for an incredible journey as we elevate our boxing series production and reach larger audiences,” stated Rolando Nichols, President of Thunder Studios. “Our aim is to extend an invitation to the Long Beach community and neighboring cities for all our shows. This is a family-friendly atmosphere where everyone can enjoy an exceptional evening filled with thrilling boxing matches.”
UNDERCARD BOUTS:
Super lightweight Leonardo Rubalcava (4-0, 1 KO) from Jurupa Valley, CA, will face an opponent TBA. (6-rounds).
Super flyweight Stephanie Chavez (3-0) from Orange, CA, will battle Hailey Pasion (2-4) of Waipahu, HI. (6-rounds).
Super bantamweight Hector Lopez (3-0, 2 KOs) of Compton, CA, will face Rod Sarguilla (2-4), from Midsayap, Philippines. (6-rounds).
Opening up the show will be Jose Bravo (2-0, 2 KOs), from Los Angeles, CA, vs. an opponent TBA. (4-rounds).
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Austin Brooks improves to 11-0 with KO of Anthony Chavez in round six at sold-out Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma
TACOMA, Wash. (August 27, 2023) – A sold-out crowd of nearly 2,000 fans enjoyed a memorable night of boxing last night, presented by Toro Promotions, Inc. and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.
“I will remember this show for a long, long time,” co-promoter Whit Haydon said. “It was a special night that I will have a hard time forgetting and that same sentiment was imparted to me as well by many others in the building”
Boxing spotlight back to the Great Northwest and rising super featherweight prospect Austin Brooks (11-0, 4 KOs), making his debut as a headliner in his first scheduled 10-round fight versus dangerous Anthony Chavez (11-4-1, 3 KOs) in the main event.
The 27-year-old Brooks, fighting out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, stepped up in class against Chavez, a 2015 USA National Championships bronze medalist as an amateur.
Brooks, who has already fought several times on the ESPN platform, cemented his reputation as a rising star with an electric knockout of Chavez in the sixth round, culminating an epic evening of boxing at Emerald Queen.
Brooks vs. Chavez was a strategic battle that abruptly ended in the sixth round, when Brooks connected trapped Chavez Chavez in a corner with his hands down. Brooks, a southpaw, cracked Chavez with a powerful left that sent Chavez to the canvas. He was able to beat the count, however, Brooks attacked his dazed opponent, unloading a barrage of unanswered punches until referee Joel Scobee waved off the fight.
The co-featured event couldn’t have been more evenly matched as Seattle featherweight Gregory Cruz (5-2-1, 3 KOs) and Roberto Negrete (4-2-1, 2 KOs) fought to a six-round split-draw. Cruz and Negrete traded blows from start to finish, throwing more than 1500 combined punches, according to a ringside statistician, in an immensely entertaining confrontation.
Undefeated Portland super lightweight prospect Lorenza Caldera (7-0, 4 KOs) responded in a positive manner in the stiffest test of his young pro career, stopping Filipino veteran boxer Jake “D’ Twins” Bornea (14-5-1, 7 KOs), the former WBO Asia Pacific Youth Flyweight Champion, in the second round.
Fan favorite Joshua Cadena (2-0, 1 KO), a lightweight fighting out of nearby Auburn (WA), much to the delight of his many supporters on hand, took an impressive four-round unanimous decision from a gritty Dan Hernandez (2-3, 1 KO) in a war of attrition that was like an old fashioned “barn-burner.” The back-and-forth, action-packed fight was compelling for the pumped-up fans who were on their collective feet throughout the entire four rounds, in which Cadena showcased his tremendous skills, energetic style, and promising potential.
Undefeated Puerto Rican welterweight prospect Axl Melendez Salgado (7-0, 4 KOs) kept his unblemished pro record intact, although highly questionable work by referee Louis Jackvony tarnished the outcome versus Tulsa welterweight Lyle McFarlane (2-2, 1 KO).
The competitive match-up was marred by the referee’s overshadowing of the two boxers, ruling three dubious – at best – deductions against McFarlane. Salgado was leading fairly comfortably when Jackvony waved off the fight in the fourth round, unfairly declaring a win for Salgado by disqualification, resulting in a chorus of boos from fans.
Detroit super lightweight Wesley Rivers (1-3) pulled off a mild upset, winning three of four rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards for a four-round unanimous decision victory over Richard Ray Howell (4-3-2, 2 KOs), of San Antonio (TX). The evenly matched fight was clearly headed to being a draw when Rivers registered a late knockdown for the win.
Compton (CA) super lightweight Angel Rebollar (7-3, 3 KOs) and super lightweight Esteban Munoz (7-4, 4 KOs) set the pace and tone for the evening in the opening bout. Rebollar, who was a 2019 USA Western Regional Junior Open Champion as an amateur, and Chavez stood toe-to-toe, pounding each other from the opening bell to the end of this rare five-round match, which ended in a split decision for Rebollar.
Anthony Chavez (11-4-1, 3 KOs), San Bernardino, CA
CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS
Gregory Cruz (5-2-1, 3 KOs), Seattle, WA
SD6 (58-56, 57-57, 56-58)
Roberto Negrete (4-1-2, 2 KOs), West Liberty, IA
WELTERWEIGHTS
Axl Melendez Salgado (7-0, 4 KOs), Ceiba, Puerto Rico
WDQ4 (1:46)
Ean Hernandez (2-3, 1 KO), Riverside, CA
SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS
Lorenzo Caldera (7-0, 3 KOs), Portland, OR
WTKO2 (1:19)
Jake Bornea (14-6-1, 7 KOs), General Santos City, Cotabato del Sur, Philippines
Wesley Rivers (2-3, 0 KOs), Detroit, MI
WUDEC4 (39-36, 39-36, 39-36)
Richard Ray Howell (4-4-2, 2 KOs), San Antonio, TX
Angel Rebollar (7-3, 3 KOs), Compton, CA
WSDEC5 (49-46, 49-46, 47-48)
Esteban Munoz (7-4, 4 KOs), San Bernardino, CA
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Josue Cadena (1-0, 1 KO), Auburn, WA
WUDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-36)
Dan Hernandez (2-2, 1 KO), Riverside, CA
Austin Brooks vs. Anthony Chavez Headlines Toro Promotions card this Saturday at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma
LOS ANGELES (August 22, 2023) – The boxing spotlight shifts back to the Great Northwest this Saturday night as rising super featherweight star Austin Brooks (10-0, 3 KOs) takes on dangerous Anthony Chavez (11-3-1, 3 KOs) in the 10-round main event on a highly competitive pro card, presented by Toro Promotions, Inc. and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.
“This card sticks with our theme of compelling regional fights along with club wars,” Haydon said. “More than a couple guys have a chance to get a verdict from the great jury that is the northwest boxing fan and see if they can create a fan base for themselves going forward.”
Brooks, 27, is stepping up in class against Chavez, a 2015 USA National Championships bronze medalist as an amateur, has yet to fight more than six rounds to date. Fighting out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Brooks, who has already fought several times on the ESPN platform, is coming off a six-round decision over veteran Diuhl Olguin this past March in San Diego.
Chavez, an old-fashioned fighter out of San Bernardino, California, is trained by well-known Southern Californian Henry Ramirez, who guided Chris Arreola and Josesito Lopez, among the more notables. Two fights ago, Chavez won a six-round majority decision over Olguin.
The six-round, co-featured event pits Seattle featherweight Gregory Cruz (5-2, 3 KOs) against Roberto Negrete (4-1-1, 2 KOs), of West Liberty, Iowa. Cruz is bouncing back from a six-round majority loss to Luis Gallegos (4-0) last April, while Negrete fought to a six-round split draw in his most recent action this past June.
Chief undercard support will be provided by undefeated Portland super lightweight prospect Lorenza Caldera (6-0, 3 KOs) and Filipino veteran boxer Jake “D’ Twins” Bornea (14-5-1, 7 KOs), the former WBO Asia Pacific Youth Flyweight titleholder.
Angel Rebollar (6-3, 3 KOs) is coming straight out of Compton (CA) to face San Bernardino (CA) super lightweight Esteban Munoz (7-3, 4 KOs) in a rare five-round bout. Rebollar was a 2019 USA Western Regional Junior Open Champion as an amateur.
Also fighting on the undercard, each in four-round matches, is Auburn, Washington lightweight Joshua Cadena (1-0, 1 KO), vs. Dan Hernandez (2-2, 1 KO), of Riverside, California; undefeated Puerto Rican welterweight prospect Axl Melendez Salgado (6-0, 4 KOs) vs. Tulsa’s Lyle McFarlane (2-1 1 KO), and San Antonio (TX) super lightweight Richard Ray Howell (4-3-2, 2 KOs) vs. Detroit’s Wesley Rivers (1-3).
Card subject to change.
Reasonably priced at $100.00, $60.00, and $40.00, tickets may be purchased by calling (253) 594-7777 or at www.Emeraldqueen.com.
Undefeated super featherweight prospect Austin Brooks to headline August 26 event at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma
LOS ANGELES (August 9, 2023) – An exciting regional battle pitting undefeated super featherweight prospect Austin Brooks (10-0, 3 KOs) versus Anthony Chavez (11-3-1, 3 KOs), in the 10-round main event on a solid top-to-bottom card, presented by Toro Promotions, Inc. and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, on Saturday night, August 26, at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.
Austin Brooks
The 27-year-old Brooks, fighting out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is a rising star in the 130-pound weight class, who has fought a few times on the ESPN platform. He has yet to fight more than six rounds in any of his pro fights to date.
“I feel blessed for the opportunity to be fighting in the main event,” Brooks remarked. “To get my first 10-round fight against a quality opponent and in the main event is something I’ve been working towards. I will capitalize on this moment.”
The more experienced Chavez, representing Redlands, California, was a bronze medalist at the 2015 USA National Championships. He is a throwback fighter who is trained by the highly respected Henry Ramirez.
A rare match-up featuring two undefeated prospects, Jon Bryant (8-0, 2 KOs) and Axl Melendez Salgado (6-0, 4 KOs), will square off in the six-round, co-featured event. Fighting out of Bremerton (WA), Bryant is coming off an impressive six-round decision win over veteran DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (52-35-1, 28 KOs), the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Light Welterweight World Champion.
“We are very excited to be back at the Emerald Queen Casino,” promoter Azat Torosyan (Toro Promotions) said. “Tacoma, we are crafting another unforgettable show filled with intense action.”
On the undercard in six-round matches, Seattle featherweight Gregory Cruz (5-2, 3 KOs) faces Roberto Negrete (4-1-1, 2 KOs), undefeated Portland super lightweight will take on Filipino Jake “D’ Twins” Bornea (14-5-1, 7 KOs), the former WBO Asia Pacific Youth Flyweight titleholder, and Fife (WA) super middleweight Cameron “The Puerto Rican Bakugo” Seville Rivera meets tough, upset-minded Antonio “Ton The Beast” Hernandez (7-16-2, 4 KOs). The opening bout of the evening will showcase lightweight hopeful Josue Cadena in a good test against California club fighter Dan Hernandez (2-2, 1 KO).
Card subject to change.
Tickets for the event are priced at $100.00, $60.00, and $40.00, and may be purchased by calling (253) 594-7777 or at www.Emeraldqueen.com.
Prograis Stops Zepeda in 11 to Win WBC Super Lightweight Title
CARSON, CALIFORNIA– In an impressive performance, Regis Prograis claimed the vacant WBC light welterweight title with an eleventh-round knockout of longtime contender Jose Zepeda at the Dignity Sports Health Park.
Prograis (28-1, 24 KOs) of New Orleans, Louisiana proved to have too many dimensions for Zepeda (35-3, 27 KOs) of La Puente, California. When the flow of the bout called for him to box, Prograis boxed. When Zepeda drew him into an inside action fight, Prograis more than handled himself.
Zepeda, 139.4, caught Prograis, 139, leaning to the left for the shot that got a rise out of the crowd in the first. Prograis landed well with his jab early in the second, but Zepeda came back late in the round.
After boxing well at distance for much of the third, Prograis, who entered as the WBC #2 ranked contender, nearly came out of his shoes as he fired off a clean left late in the round. When Prograis went for another sweeping left, Zepeda, the WBC #1 ranked contender, threw his own in concert as the two landed simultaneous hard shots to close out the third.
After getting beaten to the jab, Zepeda drew Prograis into a firefight to close out the fourth, much to the delight of the crowd. The back-and-forth action resumed in the fifth, as neither fighter would let a clean blow go unanswered.
Prograis controlled much of sixth, turning the fight into a boxing match with his pinpoint jab and movement. Prograis’ feints and ring generalship troubled Zepeda again for much of the seventh. Before the close of the round, an accidental clash of heads drew blood from the nose of Prograis.
Prograis continued to outbox Zepeda through rounds eight and nine before Zepeda got him to stand-and-trade heading into the tenth.
The tenth would feature thrilling two-way action throughout, briefly breathing new life into Zepeda’s standing in the bout as Prograis abandoned his jab first style.
The momentum shift would be brief as Prograis rocked and dropped Zepeda along the ropes early in the eleventh. Referee Ray Corona waved off the contest at 59 seconds of round eleven.
After the bout, Prograis refused to call out any of the other names at 140-pounds, considering he is now a champion that should be called out by them.
For Zepeda, the third time did not end up being the charm as all three of his professional defeats have come in world title attempts.
Valle Decisions Bermudez to Win Light Flyweight Titles
In the co-main event, IBF/WBO 105-pound champion Yokasta Valle (27-2, 9 KOs) of San Jose, San Jose, Costa Rica moved up in weight to claim the light flyweight version of the same two titles from previously undefeated champion Evelyn Bermudez (17-1-1, 6 KOs) of Santa de la Vera Cruz, Santa Fe, Argentina via ten-round majority decision.
Valle, 107.4, was active and determined, but the naturally larger Argentine stood up well to the punches throughout the fight. After getting outworked at times early, Bermudez, 106, timed her right hand well in round four and caught the busier Valle clean.
Valle kept a busy pace for all ten rounds, but it appeared Bermudez had the power edge and may have taken rounds with a well-placed right hand or two.
In the end, two judges gave Bermudez very little credit, handing in scores of 99-91 and 97-93 for Valle. The third card was even, 95-95.
After the win, Valle expressed her desire to meet fellow champion Seniesa Estrada at whatever weight class the fight can be made.
2016 and 2020 Uzbekistani Olympian Bakhodir Jalolov (12-0, 12 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York by way of Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan kept his knockout streak alive with a fourth-round stoppage of journeyman Curtis Harper (14-9, 9 KOs) of Jacksonville, Florida.
Jalolov, 247.6, controlled the bout from the early stages, keeping Harper, 260, on the end of his long punches from the southpaw stance.
Harper grew frustrated to the point of intentionally headbutting and hitting on the break during the second round, which earned him a warning from the referee.
In the third, a straight left from Jalolov dropped Harper hard, who got up seconds before the bell and the round would close just before they could touch again.
Jalolov ended the fight, dropping Harper with a combination near the blue corner in the fourth. Harper rose before the count of ten, but referee Thomas Taylor opted the call the one-sided bout. Official time of the stoppage was 1:53 of the fourth.
IBF #4/WBC #5/WBO #8/WBA #12 ranked light middleweight Charles Conwell (18-0, 13 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio took a hard-fought ten-round majority decision over veteran gatekeeper Juan Carlos Abreu (25-7-1, 23 KOs) of La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic.
Conwell, 153.8, found himself bleeding from his left eye early in the second after some inside fighting. Despite being bothered by the blood, Conwell pressed the action in the third, briefly stopping Abreu, 154, in his tracks with a clean combination upstairs.
Conwell continued to force himself in rounds four and five, but some well-placed shots by Abreu worsened the 2016 U.S. Olympian’s cut, creating some drama as the fight moved to the middle rounds.
Abreu, who entered as the WBC #15 ranked 154-pound contender, had one of his better rounds in round seven as he backed up Conwell with consistent combinations. However, Conwell would land the most telling blow late in the round, as a body shot forced Abreu to wince and drop his hands near the bell.
As the fight wore on both fighters had their moments as they kept a busy junior middleweight pace in a bout that the three ringside judges would have a wide range of views. In the end, Conwell improved his ranking in what was billed as a WBC semi-final eliminator. One judge had it even, 95-95, while the other two scored it for Conwell, 98-92 and 96-94.
The son of the beloved former champion of the same name, Fernando Vargas Jr. (7-0, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada hammered overnmatched local Alejandro Martinez (3-3-1, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles, California en route to a second-round stoppage to open the pay-per-view telecast.
Vargas, 150, utilized his natural size advantage to control the first round before opening up offensively to start the second. Martinez, 151.2, was outgunned and hit the canvas after a combination early in the round. Referee Ray Corona took a good look at Martinez, but allowed the bout to continue before another two-punch combination forced Martinez to slide to the canvas and forced the stoppage at 2:40 of round two.
Super bantamweight prospect Nathan Rodriguez (10-0, 7 KOs) of Pico Rivera, California turned back a game Jerson Ortiz (17-6, 8 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua to score a wide eight-round unanimous decision in a bout tougher than the scores would lead you to believe.
Rodriguez, 123.4, scored a knockdown during an exchange early in the third. Ortiz, 123.8, opted for the offense is the best defense approach and was downed again midway through the round.
Through three rounds a distance result looked unlikely, but Ortiz landed some windmill shots to some effect in the fourth before Rodriguez turned back the tide late in the round. The two would engage in two-way exchanges down the stretch of the fight, as Ortiz made a fight out of it after the bleak beginning. The judges could not be swayed to credit Ortiz much for his effort, as Rodriguez took the bout and the minor WBC FECARBOX title by scores of 80-70 and 79-71 twice.
In an upset, Eduardo Estela (14-1, 9 KOs) of Montevideo, Uruguay spoiled the previously unblemished record Ruben Torres (19-1, 16 KOs) of Santa Monica, California via a hard-fought eight-round split decision.
Estela, 136, staggered Torres, 136.2, against the ropes midway through the first, scoring a knockdown and prompting a count from referee Thomas Taylor. Estela pressed for the remainder of the round, but Torres managed to regain his footing.
Torres fared much better in rounds two and three before Estela closed out the fourth strong, knocking the Californian off balance late in the round. Estela continued as the aggressor through the late rounds, forcing the crowd favorite Torres to fight on the move or with his back to the ropes much of the time. Torres stood his ground and fought at a beneficial distance in the eighth to close out the bout, but in the end it was not enough to leave Carson with his unbeaten record intact. Two judges scored in favor of Estela, 78-73 and 76-75. Torres took the dissenting card 76-75.
One of two sons of Fernando Vargas on the card, Amado Vargas (5-0, 2 KOs) of Las Vegas passed a tougher-than-expected test in the form of Osmar Olmos Hernandez (1-2) of Santa Clarita, California.
Vargas, 125.8, opened the four-round bout at a frantic pace, eventually downing Olmos Hernandez, 124.4, with an overhand right early in the first round. Two follow-up lefts would cost the young Vargas a point as referee Jerry Cantu ruled they had come after the knockdown was scored.
Olmos Hernandez finished the first with renewed vigor and carried that energy into the second frame. The stanza would feature back-and-forth action as both Vargas and Olmos Hernandez swung for the fences with little regard for defense.
As the fight wound down, Vargas settled into more of a boxer’s posture which enabled the offspring “El Feroz” to cruise to a unanimous decision by scores of 39-35 and 38-36 twice.
Slick southpaw Austin Brooks (9-0, 3 KOs) of La Mesa, California pounded away at sturdy Jesus Roman (8-6, 3 KOs) of Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico en route to a third-round stoppage.
Brooks,129, opted to fight at close range despite his size advantage and was just too quick and strong for the game Roman, 129.6. The Mexican native fought hard throughout but ultimately wilted to the mat after a barrage in third. Referee Jerry Cantu waved off the contest at 2:03 of the round.
Local middleweight prospect Eric Priest (9-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles barely broke a sweat before scoring a three-knockdown KO of Luis Alberto Vera (11-22-2, 1 KO) of Buenos Aires.
Priest, 160, flurried Vera, 159.8, to the mat for two quick knockdowns in the opening round. Vera had no answer for anything Priest had to offer and was put down a third time by a stinging body shot moments later. Referee Thomas Taylor stopped the bout immediately after Vera took to a knee for the third knockdown.
Jacob Macalolooy (4-0, 3 KOs) of Union City, California remained unbeaten with a second-round stoppage of Terrance Jarmon (3-2, 1 KO) of Toledo, Ohio to open tonight’s card.
Macalolooy, 146.8, dropped Jarmon, 144, late in the first with an overhand left. The southpaw Jarmon fought in survival mode for the remainder of the first and survived to the bell. However it was just a matter of time before Macalolooy ended the bout, dropping Jarmon early in the second, prompting a stoppage from refereeJerry Cantu at the 1:02 mark of round two.
Navarrete Stops Baez in 6; Retains WBO Featherweight Title
Emanuel Navarrete retained the WBO Featherweight Title with a sixth round stoppage over Eduardo Baez at The Pechanga Sports Arena in San Diego.
In round six, Navarrete landed a perfect left hook to the side that sent Baez down on delayed reaction and the fight was over at 1:05.
Navarrete, 125.8 lbs of Mexico is 36-1 with 30 knockouts. Baez, 125.8 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 21-3-2.
“I expected a fight like this. I never underestimated Eduardo Baez. I knew that he was an excellent fighter and the fact that he hit pretty hard. It was a lot more complicated than I anticipated. But then came that shot, and I was able to finish him,” Navarrete said. “That’s a very Mexican punch. It comes with my blood. And you can see, I don’t throw a perfect left hook like you’re used to seeing. But this one came out perfect for me. And you saw the result because not many guys can take that shot.”
Santillan Decisions Luna
Giovani Santillan remained undefeated won a 10-round unanimous decision over Julio Luna in a welterweight contest.
In round two, Santillan was cut along the right side of his forehead. Santillan fought through a cut over his right eye. It was a tough fight throughout that saw Santillan push the action.
Santillan landed 188 of 554 punches; Luna was 210 of 679.
Santillan, 147.4 lbs of San Diego, CA won by scores of 100-90 twice and 96-94 and is now 30-0. Luna, 147.4 of Gomez Palcios, MEX is 19-1-2.
“It was a lot tougher than I expected. Luna gave me a great fight, and I am just thankful for the opportunity to fight once again in my hometown,” Santillan said.
Nico Ali Walsh Stops Sanchez in 2 Rounds of Rematch
Nico Ali Walsh remained undefeated by stopping Reyes Sanchez in the second round of their four-round middleweight rematch.
In round two, Ali Walsh landed a hard left hook to the body that put Sanchez down for the 10-count at 2:45.
Ali Walsh, 157.8 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 6-0 with five knockouts. Sanchez, 157.3 lbs of Topeka, KS is 7-3.
The fight was a rematch of a bout that saw Ali Walsh win a majority decision on December 11, 2021.
“I feel amazing. This was a special win because it was a rematch. It’s everything I’ve been working towards. My hard work is now showing in the ring. I want everyone to see that it’s a new me,” Ali Walsh said. “It was so gratifying. Timothy Bradley called it in the fighter meetings yesterday. It was a beautiful shot. It was the shot I was looking for. It was the shot I was dreaming about, and it happened because I worked so hard for it.”
In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, Lindolfo Delgado won an eight-round unanimous decision over Omar Aguilar.
In round one, Aguilar began to bleed from his nose.
Delgado, 142 lbs of Linares, MEX won by scores of 79-73 twice and 77-75 and is now 16-0. Aguilar, 142 lbs of Ensanada, MEX is 24-1.
Austin Brooks remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Oliver Gallcia in a junior lightweight bout.
In round one, Brooks dropped Galicia with a left.
Brooks, 129.4 lbs of San Diego, CA won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 8-0. Gallcia, 128.6 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is now 5-1-1.
Xavier Martinez stopped gritty Alejandro Guerrero in round five of a scheduled eight-round junior lightweight bout.
Martinez landed a lot of power shots through four-plus rounds, and in round five, Martinez landed several flush blows which included some booming right hands that forced a referee stoppage at 2:57.
Martinez, 131.6 lbs of Sacramento, CA is now 18-1 with 12 knockouts. Guerrero, 131.8 lbs of Houston, TX is 12-3.
Miguel Contreras won a eight-round unanimous decision over Josec Ruiz in a lightweight contest.
Contreras, 135.4 lbs of Bakersfield, CA won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 12-1-1. Ruiz, 135.4 lbs of Honduras is 21-7-3.
Luis Alberto Lopez stopped Yeison Vargas in round two of a scheduled eight-round featherweight bout.
In round two, Lopez Lopez dropped Vargas with a left hook to the body for the 10-count at 1:24
Antonio Mireles shook off a first round knockdown to come back and stop Kaleel Carter in round two of their four-round heavyweight bout.
In round Charles dropped Mireles with a hard combination. In round two, Mireles landed a vicious combination that spun Carter around and the bout was stopped at 1:52.
Mireles, 266 lbs of Des Moines, IA is now 5-0 with five knockouts. Carter, 237 lbs of Bellflower, CA is 2-2.
