Teofimo Lopez made the second defense of the WBO/Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over game challenger Steve Claggett at the James L. Knight Center in Miami.

In round 11, Claggett began to bleed from his nose.

Lopez landed 315 of 946 punches. Claggett was 140 of 820.

Lopez, 139.4 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 120-108 twice and 119-109 and is now 21-1. Claggett, 139,5 lbs of Calgary, CAN is 36-8-2.

Lopez said, “I knew exactly what kind of fighter he was. I knew he would come forward and test my conditioning. And that’s what we had. We went twelve rounds.”

“The will has to be stronger than the skill. And that’s what we showed tonight. If I was tired, I know he was more tired because I worked very hard for this. We knew we had to break him down. The body shots were hurting him.”

“I’m very grateful. He’s a tough fighter. I don’t think anyone should overlook him. I knew that coming into this.”

Robeisy Ramirez Scores Spectacular 7th Round KO over Brandon Leon Benitez

Former world featherweight champion Robeisy Ramirez scored a highlight-reel seventh round stoppage over Brandon Leon Benitez in a scheduled 10-round bout.

In round five, Benitez began to bleed from the nose.

In round seven, Ramirez started bleeding from the mouth. Later in the round, Ramirez uncorked a devastating right uppercut to the bottom of the chin plummeted Benitez to the canvas and he could not beat the count at 2:46.

Ramirez, 124.8 lbs of Cienfuego, CUB is now 14-2 with nine knockouts. Benitez, 127.1 lbs of Quereitaro, MEX is 21-3.

Ramirez will look to hopefully rematch Rafael Espinoza in his next bout.

Ramirez said, “It’s no secret that Ismael Salas is one of the best strategists in the world. And so the plan was to wear him down little by little. Then, after the last round, he tells me not to look for power shots but to move a bit and to return to my {amateur} roots. That’s what I did. I touched and touched, and I found the shot.”
 
“It’s not my first time landing a shot like that. It feels good to land a punch like that because it demonstrates that we worked hard in camp.”
 
“I want my title back. I want the rematch against Rafael Espinoza. If it’s not with him, then I can fight against any of the other champions.”

ADD IT TO THE HIGHLIGHT REEL ? pic.twitter.com/UNcL8U0Vri

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 30, 2024

Nico Ali Walsh Gets Even and Decisions Sona Akale

Nico Ali Walsh got even with Sona Akale but scoring a knockdown and fighting through a shoulder injury to win a six-round unanimous decision in a middleweight fight.

At the end of round three, Ali Walsh landed a left to the side of the head that put Akale on the canvas.

In round four, Ali Walsh was bruised under his right eye. In round five, Akale was cut over his right eye. In round six, Ali Walsh dislocated his left shoulder but was able to finish the fight.

Ali Walsh landed 91 of 340 punches. Akale was 118 of 325.

Ali Walsh, 156.9 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 58-55 twice and 57-56 and is now 11-1. Akale, 156.3 lbs of Saint Paul, MN is now 9-2.

The win for Ali Walsh was a rematch of a bout that Akale won on August 26, 2023

Emiliano Fernando Vargas remained undefeated with a first round stoppage over Jose Zaragoza in a junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Vargas dropped Zaragoza with a perfect counter right. Vargas was all over Zaragoza and landed a big uppercut that rocked Zaragoza and the fight was stopped at 1:32.

Vargas, 139.8 lbs of Las Vegas is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Zaragoza, 139.1 lbs of Sedalia, MEX is 9-9-2.

Elvis Rodriguez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jino Rodrigo in an action and knockdown filled junior welterweight bout.

It was a wild opening frame as Rodrigo struck first by shockingly dropping Rodriguez with an overhand right to the head. Rodriguez was hurt badly and with Rodrigo landing hard shots on the ropes, Rodriguez turned the tables by landing a short right hook that put Rodriguez on the canvas. At the end of round three, Rodriguez scored a knockdown when he landed another quick right hook.

Rodriguez, 141.6 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 98-91 twice and 97-92 and is now 16-1-1. Rodrigo, 141.2 lbs of Angomo, PHL is 12-4-2.

Lorenzo Medina remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Detrailious Webster in a heavyweight bout.

Medina, 235.6 lbs of Miami won by scores of 60-54, 60-53 and 59-55 and is now 11-0. Webster, 247.7 lbs Courtland, MS is now 7-4.

Rohan Polanco stopped Luis Hernandez in round two of their of their eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Polanco dominated the fight and landed a hard combination that punctuated by a perfect left uppercut that forced a toppage at 2:28.

Polanco, 142.4 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is now 13-0 with eight knockouts. Hernandez, 143 lbs of Chihuahua, MEX is 23-5.

Yan Santana went the distance for the first time, but he remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Brandon Valdes in a featherweight bout.

In round one, Santana dropped Valdes with a left hook to the chin.

Santana, 127 lbs of La Romana, DR won by scores of 98-91 twice and 96-93 and now 12-0. Valdes, 127 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 15-5

Euri Cedeno made short work of Dormedes Potes by scoring an opening minute knockout in an eight-roundmiddleweight bout.

Cedenro landed a left and right to the body that put Potes down for the count at 58 seconds.

Cendeno, 161.4 lbs of La Romana, DR is now 9-0-1 with eight knockouts. Potes, 161.7 lbs of Braanquilla, COL is 14-7-1.

SEE YA.

Euri Cedeno had somewhere to be ? pic.twitter.com/sVG4BaCBcO

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 29, 2024

MIAMI, Fla. (June 26, 2024) — Teofimo Lopez, Robeisy Ramirez, and Nico Ali Walsh hosted a public workout today ahead of their respective showdowns this Saturday, June 29, at James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida.

Lopez(20-1, 13 KOs) will defend his WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight world titles against Canadian contender Steve Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs) in the main event.

Former world champion Ramirez (13-2, 8 KOs), who lost his belt in a Fight of the Year Epic to Rafael Espinoza last December, is in line for another shot at the featherweight crown if he can defeat Mexico’s Brandon Leon Benitez (21-2, 9 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.

The six-round televised opener will see middleweight prospect Ali Walsh  (10-1, 5 KOs) attempt to avenge his only pro defeat in a rematch against Sona Akale (9-1, 4 KOs).
 
Teofimo-Claggett, Ramirez-Benitez, and Ali Walsh-Akale II will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK and Ireland.

Vargas (10-8, KOs), the son of Fernando Vargas, will step up against Jose Zaragoza (9-8-2, 3 KOs) in an eight-rounder on the ESPN+-streamed undercard (5:45 p.m. ET/2:45 p.m. PT).
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of The Tiger, remaining tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.
 
This is what Lopez had to say at Wednesday’s media workout.

Teofimo Lopez

“I’m grateful for all of this. It’s great to be back to where I started in boxing. This is it right here. This was supposed to happen in 2021. It’s happening now for a good reason.”

“This is a homecoming for me. And this is what we needed to do. We needed to go back to my roots. We fought nine times at Madison Square Garden, and now we’re here. The feeling has been fun. The energy has been great. And we’re focused.” 

“I look forward to making a statement. I have everything that is needed to win as a true champion. It doesn’t matter who they put in front of me. We’re always going to get the job done. However, we needed a good dance partner, and on Saturday night, we’re going to have a tough, rugged fighter in Steve Claggett. This is a guy who has been a professional for many years and who knows how to slow the pace of his opponents and make them fight his style. I look forward to a great competitive fight.”
 

Saturday, June 29

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett, 12 Rounds, Lopez’s WBO and Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Titles 

Robeisy Ramirez vs. Brandon Leon Benitez, 10 rounds, Benitez’s NABO Featherweight Title

Nico Ali Walsh vs. Sona Akale II, 6 rounds, middleweights

ESPN+ (5:45 p.m. ET/2:45 p.m. PT)

Emiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Jose Zaragoza, 8 rounds, junior welterweights

Elvis Rodriguez vs. Jino Rodrigo, 10 rounds, junior welterweights

Lorenzo Medina vs. Detrailous Webster, 6 rounds, heavyweights

Rohan Polanco vs. Luis Hernandez , 8 rounds, junior welterweights

Yan Santana vs. Brandon Valdes, 10 rounds, featherweights

Euri Cedeño vs. Dormedes Potes, 8 rounds, middleweights
 

LAS VEGAS (June 19, 2024) – Former world champion Robeisy Ramirez (13-2, 8 KOs) wants another shot at the title before the end of the year, but first, he’ll have to get past one of the featherweight division’s most battle-tested contenders.

Ramirez, a Cuban two-time Olympic gold medalist, will return against Mexico’s Brandon Leon Benitez (21-2, 9 KOs) in a 10-round battle on Saturday, June 29, at James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. Ramirez, the former WBO featherweight king, lost his belt last December via majority decision defeat to Rafael Espinoza.

Ramirez-Benitez will serve as the co-feature to the junior welterweight world title showdown between WBO and Ring Magazine champion Teofimo Lopez (20-1, 13 KOs) and Canadian contender Steve Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs).

The six-round televised opener will see middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh  (10-1, 5 KOs) attempt to avenge his only pro defeat in a rematch against Sona Akale (9-1, 4 KOs).

Teofimo-Claggett, Ramirez-Benitez, and Ali Walsh-Akale II will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK and Ireland.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of The Tiger, remaining tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.

Following a recent training session in Las Vegas, this is what Ramirez had to say:

Robeisy Ramirez

“Getting my world title back is my mission right now. Throughout my life and boxing career, I have always used setbacks as motivation. This time is no different.”

“I have approached this training camp with a renewed sense of responsibility, seriousness, and great mental focus. I’ve incorporated a wide range of agility, speed, and strength training routines that have challenged me more than ever before.”

“I just want my loyal fans to know that this journey is far from over. I will be world champion before the end of the year, and this comeback will be legendary. So, get your tickets now and see you on June 29. ‘El Tren’ is back!”

MIAMI, Fla. (May 20, 2024) – The Takeover is returning to his South Florida roots.

Teofimo Lopez will defend his WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight world titles against Canadian contender Steve Claggett on Saturday, June 29, at James L. Knight Center in Downtown Miami, Florida.

In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, Cuban former WBO world champion Robeisy Ramirez returns against Mexico’s Brandon Leon Benitez. 

The six-round televised opener sees middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh attempt to avenge his only pro defeat in a rematch against Sona Akale.

Teofimo-Claggett, Ramirez-Benitez & Ali Walsh-Akale II will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK & Ireland.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of The Tiger, tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 22 at 2 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.

“Teofimo Lopez is among the most electrifying fighters in the sport, and I know he’s motivated to put on a show against a very tough challenger in Steve Claggett,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Robeisy Ramirez wants to become a two-time world champion, and the road back starts in his adopted hometown. Nico Ali Walsh has been asking for the Akale rematch from the moment the judges’ decision came back after their first fight, and he now has a chance for revenge.”

Lopez (20-1, 13 KOs), a two-weight lineal champion who grew up in South Florida, captured the IBF lightweight world title with a second-round knockout against Richard Commey in December 2019. The following year, he triumphed over pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko to claim the WBA, WBO, and WBC Franchise titles. He lost the belts in a shocking upset to George Kambosos Jr. in November 2021. The 26-year-old made his junior welterweight debut in August 2022, registering a seventh-round TKO versus Pedro Campa before tallying a points verdict over Spanish southpaw Sandor Martin that December. In June 2023, Lopez painted a fistic masterpiece when he upset former undisputed champion Josh Taylor to capture the WBO and Ring Magazine titles. He defended his crown with a unanimous decision over former amateur rival Jamaine Ortiz in February. 

Lopez said, “I have always wanted to fight in South Florida, where I grew up and developed as a fighter. I never thought it would happen, but now, on June 29, I get the opportunity to do so not just as a world champion but as the lineal world champion of my division. This has been one of my goals since turning pro, and I’m motivated to showcase my talent there in front of my Honduran fans and the entire Latino community. This is like a Rocky Balboa story for Steve Claggett. I’m very much looking forward to what kind of style I’m going to see. There were no other fighters who were interested in fighting me, and I felt like he would give not just me, but the fans as well, a great fight to watch.”

Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs), a native of Calgary, Canada, is a 15-year veteran who hasn’t lost a fight since 2021. The 34-year-old went 4-0 with two knockouts in 2023. In March, he stopped Rafael Guzman Lugo in seven to capture the vacant NABF junior welterweight strap. He defended it with a third-round TKO against former world champion Alberto Machado in June before decisioning Carlos Sanchez in September and Miguel Madueño in November. He kicked off his 2024 in January by dispatching Marcos Gonzalez Barrera in two. 

Claggett said, “I have worked my entire life for this opportunity, and I intend to make the most of it. I am more motivated than ever before, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.”

Ramirez (13-2, 8 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist, won the WBO featherweight world title by defeating Isaac Dogboe in April 2023. The 30-year-old traveled to Japan for his first defense, battering hometown hero Satoshi Shimizu en route to a fifth-round TKO in the July 2023 co-feature to the Naoya Inoue-Stephen Fulton main event. Ramirez lost the title via majority decision against Rafael Espinoza, dropping the Mexican in the fifth before himself visiting the canvas in the 12^th round of a Fight of the Year contender. Benitez (21-2, 9 KOs) looks to capitalize on a seven-fight win streak. His last defeat was against Saul Sanchez in May 2019. His wins since then include a split decision upset over former world champion Xu Can in October 2022 and a body shot knockout over Rigoberto Hermosillo in December.

Ramirez said, “Last December, we put on an action-packed battle, a worthy ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate. While the result was unexpected, we also proved to the boxing world just how amazing a Miami crowd can be. On June 29, I will begin my quest to recapture my world title and return to the top, where I know I belong. It’s Cuba vs. Mexico again, and I’m excited to have the loyal support of the Cuban community of Miami.”

Benitez said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to show that I belong among the best of the division. But I want Robeisy Ramirez to know that this is nothing new to me. I know what it’s like to go on enemy turf against a tough former world champion. Like I did with Can, I’m going to make it a tough night for Ramirez. I respect him as a fighter, but as soon as I get in the ring, I’m not going to stop throwing punches until my hand is raised.”

Ali Walsh (10-1, 5 KOs) went 8-0 before suffering his first pro defeat against Akale last August in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The grandson of “The Greatest” bounced back with a points triumph over Noel Lafargue last December in Conakry, Guinea, and made his 2024 debut with a six-round unanimous decision win against Charles Stanford in March. Ali Walsh thrived in the lone rematch on his dossier. In August 2022, he knocked out Reyes Sanchez in two rounds after edging him by majority decision the previous December. Akale (9-1, 4 KOs) heads into the rematch after decisioning Tray Martin across six last December.

“I’ve had a rematch before. I know how to right my wrongs,” Ali Walsh said. “I appreciate Akale for not running from the rematch, but on June 29, I’ll leave no doubt.”

Akale said, “I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity to fight again for Top Rank on ESPN. I’m going to prove my first win over Nico was no fluke. After this fight, everyone will know I’m the real deal.”

In scheduled undercard action, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+:

· Junior welterweight Rohan Polanco (12-0, 7 KOs), who represented the Dominican Republic at the Tokyo Olympics, returns in an eight-rounder against Mexican veteran Luis Hernandez (23-4, 20 KOs). Polanco thrilled the South Florida fans last December with a sixth-round TKO over Keith Hunter in Pembroke Pines.

· Middleweight puncher Euri Cedeño (8-0-1, 7 KOs), an Olympic teammate of Polanco’s, looks to increase his winning streak to three in an eight-rounder against Colombian southpaw Dormedes Potes (14-6-1, 10 KOs). 

· Rising Dominican prospect Yan Santana (11-0, 11 KOs) seeks his 12^th straight knockout in a 10-rounder against the tough-as-nails Brandon Valdes (15-4, 7 KOs), who is coming off a decision loss to Ruben Villa last September.

· South Florida-born heavyweight fan favorite Lorenzo Medina (10-0, 9 KOs) fights Baltimore native Colby Madison (11-7-2, 7 KOs) in a six-rounder. The 19-year-old Medina has won three straight bouts by knockout, including December’s sixth-round stoppage over Joshua Temple.

· Puerto Rican middleweight prospect Bryan Polaco (6-0, 4 KOs) faces fellow unbeaten Richard Acevedo (6-0-1, 5 KOs) in a six-rounder.