Nothing has ever come easy for super middleweight Contender Darius Fulghum

LOS ANGELES (October 5, 2026) – World-rated super middleweight Darius “DFG” Fulghum (15-1-1, 13 KOs) has never cruised smoothly on his obstacle-laden journey in boxing. Nothing has come easy for the personable Texan, but that could change on November 14 when he takes on undefeated Diego Pacheco (26-0, 19 KOs).

Fulghum, rated No. 6 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), continues on his mission to fight for a world title.  An impressive victory over the WBA No. 7-rated Pacheco in a match up that is like a title eliminator without the mandatory guarantee, to be shown live on DAZN, TNT and truTV from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Pacheco will defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) International and World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver super middleweight titles in “The Fight” card’s 10-round main event.

“Life is about the need to overcome adversity and it can also be a beautiful story,” Fulghum spoke about his arduous and often unfair journey. No great stories are without trials and tribulations to overcome. When I decided to box when I was 18, I said I’d never give up and made that commitment to myself. Nothing’s been easy during my journey and it’s crazy how it has been.

“I lined up the 2020 Olympics and school (Prairie View A&M University) and overcame that. I was seeded 8th in the Olympic (heavyweight) Olympic Trials to make the Olympic Team, but then Covid hit.”

Believe it or not, Fulghum lacked confidence and was insecure growing up. He was not good at sports, but he was an intelligent kid in high school. But then he found boxing.

“I’m okay now,” Darius said. “I’m humble but believe in myself because of boxing. I did play team sports, but it lacked accountability. Boxing is you by yourself. I love that accountability aspect; if I won it’s me and when I lost it’s all on me. That taught me how to be a leader. I trust and believe in myself and always work hard.”

Because of Covid, the 2020 Olympics were pushed back. Fulghum had graduated from Prairie View with a degree in nursing and he decided to turn pro rather than wait for up-in-the-air Olympics. Unfortunately, the promotional company had him on the shelf most of the time before it went out of business.

“There was uncertainty,” Fulghum admitted about his new promoter. “I wasn’t fighting or making money while a lot of my friends from nursing school were killing it. I stayed focused and double downed, sparring top fighters in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. My first camp was with (Golden Boy and 3 PM stablemate) Zurdo Ramirez and that’s how I met (his manager) David Suh and got with 3 PM (Suh’s managerial company, 3 Point Management). I got good work, experience and kept busy.”

Adversity struck again, however, when Fulghum suffered his first loss in the pro ranks on May 30, 2025, by way of a tough 12-round loss to Bektemir Melikuziev (15-1), followed 5 months later with a 10-round draw with David Stevens (15-2).

Fulghum responded by switching his training camps from his hometown of Houston to Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood in California. His head trainer, Darnell Pierce, remains in that position but Julian Chua, one of the fastest rising trainers in the industry, is helping to fine-tune Fulghum. The first result was impressive as Darius stopped Cuban fighter Yoanki Urrutia in the 3rd round of their fight this past May.

“Los Angeles is great,” he offered, “the weather, atmosphere and to be surrounded by people who push and motivate me.”

Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer who was ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, but as a professional he’s fought strictly as a super middleweight. He was the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament Champion, and he also won the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

“This fight (vs. Pacheco) will make my story that much sweeter,” Fulghum concluded. “It’s also motivational because I’m going to prove that little, insecure kid made the right decision.”

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former WBA & WBO Cruiserweight and WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (48-2, 30 KOs), WBA No. 1-rated world super flyweight title contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez (17-1, 9 KOs), former WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (21-3, 17 KOs), former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion, Canadian Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (13-1, 7 KOs), Armenian featherweight Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (23-6, 17 KOs), and German junior welterweight Simon “Saucy” Vollmer (7-0, 3 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Facebook:      #3pointmanagement #JulianChua #BrickhouseBoxingClub

Instagram:      @DariusFulghum X: @DariusFulghum @JChua10          

LinkedIn:        @DariusFulghum @3pointmgmt @Julian_Chua @BrickhouseBoxingClub




PACHECO AND FULGHUM CLASH IN CARSON ON NOV 14, LIVE ON TNT AND DAZN

Diego Pacheco and Darius Fulghum will clash in a crucial Super-Middleweight showdown on Saturday November 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, the latest headline bout of TNT Sports and DAZN’s “The Fight,” the new monthly live boxing series, and will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN and worldwide on DAZN.
**TICKETS GO ON PRE SALE at 10AM PT ON OCTOBER 5 AND ON GENERAL SALE AT 10AM PT ON OCT 6 AT AXS.COM AND EVENTS365.COM**
Pacheco (26-0 19 KOs) returns to the vaunted War Grounds venue for the second time this year, after stopping Immanuwel Aleem in the 11th round of their clash in June to retain the WBO International and WBC Silver titles he defends against Fulghum. That win, his second at Dignity Health following another TKO victory over Maciej Sulecki in August 2024, was his first under new trainer Buddy McGirt, and cemented the South Central LA man’s status at 168lbs, where he’s ranked #2 with the WBO, #3 with the WBC and #6 with the WBA.

“I’m excited to be fighting in Los Angeles again,” said Pacheco. “I just fought here in July and came away with a knockout win. Every time I’ve fought in Los Angeles, I’ve knocked out my opponent, so I’m looking forward to continuing that streak and putting on another great performance for my hometown fans.

“Darius Fulghum is a talented and hungry fighter, and I respect what he brings to the ring. I know he sees this as his opportunity, but I see it as another step toward becoming a world champion. I’m preparing for the best version of him, and on fight night, I’m going to remind everyone why I’m one of the top fighters in the division.

“Fighting on TNT and DAZN is a big opportunity for me to introduce myself to a wider audience. I’ve worked my entire life for moments like this, and I’m ready to show everyone watching that I belong among the best fighters in the world.”

Fulghum (15-1-1 13 KOs) has his eyes on Pacheco’s rankings and belts, and the Houstonian steps into the biggest fight of his career to date with the same World title aspirations as his 25-year-old opponent. ‘DFG’ landed the 15th win of his career in May with a third-round stoppage victory over Yoanki Urrutia in San Jose, and the WBO #5 is certain victory on November 14 leads to the ultimate goal.

“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to face Pacheco,” said Fulghum. “The winner of this fight puts us at the door of a world title opportunity. Something we both have been dreaming of. The stakes are high and November 14, I’m leaving no doubt. I’m putting everything on the line and the fans will see the best version of DFG.

“There is no better opportunity to showcase myself than in his backyard of Los Angeles and live on TNT and DAZN. I’m bringing the DFG army with me and we’re going to show out for this one. The stage is set for me to emerge as a future World champion.”

“This is a great fight and a very important one for Diego, Darius and the 168lb division,” said Eddie Hearn. “Diego is gelling well with Buddy and will show more from his bag on November 14 – but Darius is a dangerous and hungry man who has the same ambition as Diego, to become World champion in 2027. It’s another great fight made between Matchroom and Golden Boy, and we are excited to bring it to the War Grounds and to TNT and DAZN, it’s going to be an electric night.”

“Darius Fulghum has a tremendous opportunity ahead of him and is knocking on the door of a World title shot,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya. “These are the kinds of fights that boxing needs, potential World title contenders willing to take risks and promoters like Golden Boy and Matchroom who aren’t afraid to match their fighters tough.”

Announcements on the undercard will be made in due course.




World title contender Darius Fulghum Targets Diego Pacheco and other top Super Middleweights

LOS ANGELES (August 6, 2026) – Houston-based, world-rated super middleweight Darius “DFG” Fulghum (15-1-1, 13 KOs) is targeting undefeated Diego Pacheco (26-0, 13 KOs) among others to position himself as a legitimate world title challenger for reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) World Super Middleweight Champion Jaime Munguia (46-2, 35 KOs).

For his last fight this past May 22nd, the 29-year-old Fulghum shifted training camp from Houston to the state-of-the-art Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood, California, for multiple issues that needed attention after his previous two disappointing performances (0-1-1).

In addition to getting elite sparring, Fulghum worked with one of boxing’s leading young trainers, Julian Chua, who also trains 2-division world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (and WBA No. 1 ranked super flyweight John “Scrappy” Ramirez, as well as unbeaten prospect Eric Priest (16-0-1, 8 KOs).

Fulghum’s longtime coach, Darnell Pierce, remains in Darius’ corner as head trainer and he worked many of Fulghum’s training sessions at Brickhouse. The results were so positive that the WBA No. 5-rated Fulghum is training again at Brickhouse Boxing Club in advance of his next fight. Fulghum stopped Cuban Yoanki Urrutia (17-2, 7 KOs) in the third round.

“My focus was the most important thing that I improved,” Fulghum explained. “Brickhouse put me in an environment where every day I’m surrounded by people who force me to level up. Physically I’ve always had the tools. The difference now is I’m mentally locked in, and that’s what people are going to see from here on out.”

Pacheco’s last fight was on July 18 in Carson, California, in which he knocked out Immanuwel Aleem (22-4-3, 14 KOs) in round eleven. Pacheco is ranked in all 4 major sanctioning bodies – WBO #3, WBC #4, WBA #6 and IBF #13 – as well as No. 6 by Ring Magazine.

“I have a lot of respect for Diego,” Fulghum said. “I was offered that fight but they decided to go with Aleem as their opponent instead. I was disappointed that I didn’t get that fight, because I believe I would’ve exposed a lot of things. Again, I think he is a talented fighter, but I know what I’ve done, and I don’t think he’s ever been in the ring with anybody like me. He’s fought a lot of good guys, but none with my style. If we fight, people are going to see the difference. This will be an entertaining fight with lots of action and my hometown of Houston will show up and show out for this one.

“Diego has a good jab and he’s well rounded. But his team has matched him smartly because most of the guys he’s fought play right into his strengths. I’m not one of those guys. I’d like to fight Diego next. It would be a great fight and position me for a world title shot. There are other ‘name’ super middleweights like (WBA No. 1) Bek (Bektemir Melikuziev) but he may be fighting Munguia next. I’d fight (WBA No. 3, Jose Armando) Resendiz and (WBA No. 4, Jermall) Charlo. ‘DFG’ is ready for the test!”

Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer who was ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, but as a professional he’s fought strictly as a super middleweight. He was the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament Champion, and he also won the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. He earned a nursing degree from Prairie View A & M University during COVID-19.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers former including WBA & WBO Cruiserweight and WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (48-248-2, 30 KOs), WBA No. 1-rated world super flyweight title contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez (17-1, 9 KOs), former WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (21-3, 17 KOs), former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion, Canadian Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (13-1, 7 KOs), Armenian featherweight Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (23-6, 17 KOs), and German junior welterweight Simon “Saucy” Vollmer (7-0, 3 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Facebook: #3pointmanagement #JulianChua #BrickhouseBoxingClub

Instagram: @DariusFulghum X: @DariusFulghum @JChua10

LinkedIn: @DariusFulghum @3pointmgmt @Julian_Chua @BrickhouseBoxingClub




World-class stablemates John ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez & Darius ‘DFG’ Fulghum fighting on same card Friday night in San Jose

LOS ANGELES (May 18, 2026) –- World-class stablemates, super flyweight John “Scrappy” Ramirez (16-1, 9 KOs), rated No. 1 in the world by the World Boxing Association (WBA), and WBA No. 5-rated super middleweight Darius “DFG” Fulghum (14-1-1, 12 KOs) will fight on the same card for only the second time this Friday in a pair of 10-round bouts in San Jose, California.

Ramirez and Fulghum are both represented by 3 Point Management (3 PM) and promoted by Golden Boy Promotions. They will be in action Friday night on a Golden Boy event that will be streamed live from SAP Center in San Jose.

Also, world rated at No. 6 and No. 12, respectively, by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO), Ramirez is a native of Los Angeles who had been patiently waiting for unified (WBA, WBC, WBO and Ring Magazine) World Super Flyweight Champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) to decide, as recently reported, that he’s moving up to the bantamweight division, opening up the super flyweight weight class.

Ramirez takes on Van “The Trigger” Tran (19-2, 11 KOs), who will be making his USA debut. The Vietnamese boxer has been the International Boxing Association (IBA) and WBO Global Bantamweight Champion.

“I’ve been trusting in the process so long that I’m not trying to make a statement, I know what I do,” Ramirez remarked. “I’m an exciting fighter and I’m going to just go for the win.

“When the fights were announced, I told Darius I was so grateful that he’s on the card, because we were getting ready together to fight, and that gives me an extra push. I don’t feel alone and it’s more enjoyable training together. There’ more to it. Only a few in the gym compete like me and Darius. We work hard and there’s no giving up when it gets tough. He’s the only one who keeps up with me and we compete with each other. He’s going where I’m going, we are experiencing the same things and are going through the same process. We share the ring together and have the same goal (world champion). Same situations on this journey.”

TRAINING HARD: (L-R) – Scrappy, Bruce Carrington and Darius Fulghum

Disappointed with his last 2 fight performances – draw and loss – Houston-based Fulghum trained for his upcoming fight at Brickhouse Boxing Club, where LA-native “Scrappy” is based, in North Hollywood, California.

Fulghum takes on Miami-based Yoanki “Diamante” Urrutia (172, 7 KOs), who is a product of the famed Cuban amateur boxing system. In his last amateur fight in 2019, Urrutia lost a decision to Younli Hernandez, who as a pro today is rated the No. 1 middleweight in the world by the WBA, as well as No. 2 by Ring Magazine and the WBC, and WBO No.3 .

“I plan to dominate the action on May 22nd and put myself right back in the mis with the top guys at 168,” Fulghum said. “I’m happy to be fighting on the same card with my brother, ‘Scrappy’. His energy adds together with mine and makes fight week fun and exciting because we aren’t alone. We are on this journey together to become world champions.”

This will be only the second time Ramirez and Fulghum have fought on the same card: April 20, 2025, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. “Scrappy” suffered the lone loss of his pro career to David Jimenez by way of a 12-round unanimous decision in their WBA Super Flyweight Interim title match; Fulghum stopped Cristian Olivas in the fourth round.

3 PM promises to be a force this Friday night in San Jose!

INFORMATION:

Website: www.3pointmanagement.com

Facebook: #JohnRamirez #JulianChua #BrickhouseBoxingClub #JulianChua #BrockhouseBoxing Club #DariusFulghum

Instagram: @Scrappyboxing @3pointmanagement @BrickhouseBoxingClub @Julian_Chua @DariusFukghum

X: @Scrappyboxin @JChua10 @BrickhouseBoxing Club @DariusFulghum




Darius Fulghum shifts training from Home in Houston to Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (April 23, 2026) – Houston-based super middleweight Darius “DFG” Fulgham (14-1-1, 12 KOs) has shifted his training site to Brickhouse Boxing Club for multiple changes that needed attention after his last two disappointing performances.

The state-of-the-art Brickhouse Boxing Club is located in North Hollywood, where Fulghum has joined 3 Point Management (3 PM) and Golden Boy Promotions stablemates – unified world cruiserweight world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs) and WBA No. 1rated super flyweight John “Scrappy” Ramirez (16-1, 9 KOs) – training there for most of this year.

In addition to getting elite sparring, Fulghum has been working with one of boxing’s leading young trainers, Juian Chua, who trains “Zurdo” and “Scrappy,” as well as middleweight prospect Eric Priest (16-0-1, 8 KOs). Fulghum’s longtime coach, Darnell Person, is still in Darius’ corner and he has been at many of Fulghum’s training sessions at Brickhouse.

“We’ve been making a lot of changes,” WBA No. 5-rated Fulghum explained, “to try and get back to the fundamentals. I’ve been at Brickhouse for most of this year and there is a lot of great talent here like ‘Zurdo.’ It’s been great to be in a different environment, which has put me back in a great mindset. I’m improving my craft and when I get back in the ring everyone will see the new, improved version. I’m working on facets of my game that I strayed from to become more of a well-rounded fighter.”

In his last fight this past November, Fulghum fought David Stevens (15-2) to a 10-round majority draw, one fight after Darius suffered his lone loss as a professional to Bektemir Melikuziev (15-1) nearly one year ago by way of a 12-round unanimous decision.

Fulghum also acknowledged that his super middleweight division is wide open with Terence Crawford’s retirement and the imposing Texan believes he needs to get into the contemporary title hunt with the likes of legendary Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs), reigning IBF world champion Osleys Iglesias (15-0, 14 KOs), WBC world champion Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 KOs), WBC Interim Champion Lester Martinez (20-0-1, 16 KOs), Diego Pacheco (25-0, 18 KOs), WBA world champion Jose Armando Resendiz (16-2 (11 KOs), former IBF world champion Caleb Plant (23-3, 14 KOs), and scheduled (May 23rd) WBO world title challenger Hamzah Sheeraz (22-0-1, 18 KOs).

“This is a pivotal time,” Fulghum said. “Let’s see what happens next. I need to come back with a dominating performance in my next fight (tentatively slated for May 22nd) and wipe away the memories of my last two fights. I’ll be back to show everybody that I’m really that guy!”

Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer who was ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, but as a professional he’s fought strictly as a super middleweight. He was the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament Champion, and he also won the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. He earned a nursing degree from Prairie View A & M University during COVID-19.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers including WBA & WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs), WBA No. 1-rated world super flyweight title contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez (14-1, 9 KOs), former WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (21-3, 17 KOs), former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion, Canadian Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (13-1, 7 KOs), Armenian featherweight Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (23-6, 17 KOs), and German junior welterweight Simon “Saucy” Vollmer (7-0, 3 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Facebook: #3pointmanagement #JulianChua #BrickhouseBoxingClub

Instagram: @DariusFulghum

X: @DariusFulghum @JChua10

LinkedIn: @DariusFulghum @3pointmgmt @Julian_Chua @BrickhouseBoxing




Vergil Ortiz Jr. Stops Lubin in 2; Boots Next?

Vergil Ortiz Jr. took out Erickson Lubin in round two of a 12-round WBC Interim Super Welterweight bout at Dickie Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

After a feeling-out first round, Ortiz pinned Lubin on the ropes and landed six short shots which was highlighted by a right around the gloves to the head and a left hook to the jaw that completely froze Lubin on the ropes and the fight was stopped before Lubin could get seriously hurt at 1:30.

Ortiz, 153.8 lbs of Grand Prairie, TX is 24-0 with 22 knockouts. Lubin, 154 lbs of Kissimmee, FL is 27-3,

After the fight, Ortiz and Jaron “Boots” Ennis confronted each other and stared down which will hopefully set up a huge fight between the two that will take place in the first quarter of 2026.

“There wasn’t much to evaluate — I just capitalized on his mistakes. I took as much information as I could and used it. The adjustments I made in the second round were to just be cautious. I’m patient,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr.

“I feel people think I’m just a come-forward fighter. Yeah, I’m a come-forward fighter — I love the fight. That’s why I’m in boxing. But you have to be smart too, and I can be smart when I want. I kind of felt I would dominate Lubin, but I just had to believe in myself, and that’s what I did. There were so many people saying I was going to get gassed or that he was going to knock me out. Look, he’s a great fighter, but there are levels to this.”

“This win motivated me a lot. We’re ready for the best — we’re going to fight the best. Boots, come over here!”

Fulghum and Stevens Fight to Draw

Darius Fulghum and David Stevens fought to a 10-round majority draw in a super middleweight bout.

Scores were 96-94 for Fulghum and 95-95 twice.

Fulghum landed 99 of 359 punches. Stevens was 97 of 414.

Fulghum, 167.8 lbs of Houston is 14-1-1. Stevens, 168 lbs of Reading, PA is 15-2-1.

Safar Decisions Miller

In a battle of undefeated cruiserweight, Robin Safar won a 10-round unanimous decision over Derrick Miller Jr.

At the very end of round two, Safar tried to headbutt Miller and he was deducted a point.

Safar, 199.8 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 99-90 twice and 98-81 and is now 19-0. Miller, 197.6 lbs of Monroe, MI is 18-1

Eric Priest and Esneiker Correa battled to a eight-round draw in a middleweight bout.

Priest won a card 79-73; Correa took a card 77-75 and a third card was even at 76-76.

Priest, 160.2 lbs of Los Angeles is 16-0-1. Correa, 159.6 lbs of Miami us 16-6-3.

Javier Meza won a six-round unanimous decision over Joshua Briones in a welterweight bout.

Meza, 142 lbs of Amarillo, TX won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice and is now 5-0. Briones, 141.2 lbs of El Paso, TX is 3-5-1.

Sam Castellanos stopped Ricardo Elizalde in round two of their four-round super welterweight clash.

Castellanos scored a knockdown in round two and the bout was stopped at 1:55 when the corner of Elialde stopped the bout,

Castellanos, 152,2 lbs of Gilroy, CA is 4-0 with tree knockouts, Elizalde, 153 lbs of Tulsa, OK is 0-2.




Texas super middleweight Darius Fulghum Preparing to get back in the title hunt

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 21, 2025) – Coming off his only loss as a professional, highly-regarded Houston-based super middleweight Darius “DFG” Fulgham (14-1, 12 KOs) is preparing to get back into title hunt with a world-class performance on November 8 versus “Dynamite” David Stevens (15-2, 10 KOs).

Fulghum vs. Stevens is on a card presented by Darius’ promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, and headlined by a World Boxing Council (WBC) Interim World Super Welterweight title fight between defending champion Virgil Ortiz, Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs) and challenger Erickson Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs).

All the action will be streamed live on DAZN from Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

Last May in Las Vegas, Fulghum lost a razor-thin 12-round decision (114-112 X 3) to Uzbekistan fighter Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (16-1, 10 KOs). The World Boxing Association (WBA) No. 6 rated Fulghum, physically speaking, hasn’t done anything different during training camp than he has for his past fights. There is, however, a noticeable change head-wise.

“I needed to change my mental approach,” the 29-year-old Fulghum explained. “Coming off a loss, I really want to make a splash. I feel like I’m still at the top of the division and this fight is a great opportunity to showcase my skills. This is another day! I want to put on a great performance to be in contention for one of those four belts. I’m not far away – one or two more fights – but it all depends on how I perform. (Terence) Crawford has those four belts. Will he stay in this weight class? Should he retire Crawford is 38)? Will the division be opened up? I want to put myself in position. My time will be perfect for a world title fight.

“In my last fight, skill-wise, I am superior to Bek; I thought I won the fight. I didn’t and it happened (first loss). I think experience was a factor. My ego got the best of me. I never liked bullies, and I made it my mission to not get bullied. I wouldn’t take a step backwards, but I should have boxed right from the start. It’s all part of learning lessons. It’s not the end of the world, part of my story. It is what it is! I would like to think that we’ll (Bek) meet again, but for a world title. Things will work out. That fight is in the past, and I will grow and keep learning. What I appreciate the most about boxing is that a lot of people make excuses and point fingers at others, but that doesn’t work in boxing.”

Fulghum is sure to have a lot of support in attendance because Fort Worth is a 4-hour drive from Houston, only 2 ½ from his El Paso birthplace.

Fulghum is more than familiar with his opponent, Stevens, the 25-year-old from Reading, Pennsylvania, who lost a 12-round split decision to Melikuziev last November.  Stevens’ most notable wins have been over 13-0 Petr Khamukov (DEC10), 26-6-1 Marco Antonio Periban (DEC8) and 14-0 Sean Hemphill (TKO1).  

“I know a lot about David Stevens,” Fulghum said. “He trains here (Houston), and we’ve sparred. I’ve seen him around for a long time. He is unique to himself; unlike anybody I’ve fought. This is a dangerous fight. He’s going to bring his stuff; I need to set the tone from the start.”

Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer who was ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, but as a professional he’s fought strictly as a super middleweight. He was the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament Champion, and he also won the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. He earned a nursing degree from Prairie View A & M University during COVID-19.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers including WBA & WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (48-1, 30 KOs), WBA No. 1-rated world super flyweight title contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez (14-1, 9 KOs), former world heavyweight champion/WBC No. 3 & WBO No. 4-rated Oleksandr “Nails” Gvozdyk (21-2, 17 KOs), former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs) and German junior welterweight Simon “Saucy” Vollmer (7-0, 3 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Instagram/X//LinkedIn: @DariusFulghum




DARE TO ENTER: ORTIZ VS. LUBIN DELIVERS A TEXAS HOLD ’EM SHOWDOWN ON THE DAZN UNDERCARD

FORT WORTH, Texas (Sept. 19, 2025) — A Texas Hold ’Em Showdown has been scheduled for the Ortiz vs. Lubin undercard on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth and live worldwide on DAZN. The 12-round world championship main event, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with ProBox, features undefeated knockout artist and WBC interim super welterweight world champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs), of Grand Prairie, Texas, facing fearless top contender Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs), of Orlando, Florida. The DAZN broadcast is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. CT.

The newly announced undercard is sure to deliver an electric night of action that will keep fans on their feet. Ranked No. 1 by the WBA, No. 3 by the IBF and No. 6 by The Ring, Austin’s Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs) will return to the ring after a jaw-dropping knockout of Tevin Farmer in June, in a fight that lasted less than two minutes. He will face another Olympian and former world champion, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (34-8-1, 15 KOs), of El Monte, California, in a 10-round lightweight co-main event. Diaz Jr. was last seen in a fight-of-the-year candidate against Regis Prograis on the Duarte vs. Sims Jr. undercard in August.

“I want to thank Golden Boy, Davies Entertainment and DAZN for the opportunity to come back on a card in my home state,” said Floyd Schofield Jr. “This fight with JoJo Diaz has been brewing for many years, and I’m excited to get into the ring and repeat what I did when I faced Tevin Farmer. I am ready, and I am putting in the work to show the world that I am ready to be world champion.”

“Every challenge is an opportunity, and stepping into the ring against Kid Austin is no different,” said Joseph Diaz. “I’m thankful to God for allowing me to do what I love. I’m ready to leave it all in the ring and showcase the hard work I’ve put in. Texas, get ready for a fight that electrifies!”

“Golden Boy has mastered the art of building fight cards that keep fans on their feet from the opening bell to the final round,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “This will be an all-out Texas showdown featuring some of the sport’s top fighters, highlighted by the return of Floyd Schofield as he takes on a tremendous challenge against former world champion and veteran JoJo Diaz.”

Also on the televised undercard, Houston’s Darius “DFG” Fulghum (14-1, 12 KOs) and Reading, Pennsylvania’s David “Dynamite” Stevens (15-2, 10 KOs) will square off in a 10-round super middleweight fight. Fulghum was last seen in a tight, back-and-forth battle with Bektemir Melikuziev that did not go his way; Stevens defeated the tough Petr Khamukov in June via unanimous decision. Opening the DAZN broadcast, Olympian and blue-chip prospect Joshua “Rocket” Edwards (4-0, 4 KOs) will face Zeno Vooris (5-1, 5 KOs), of Las Vegas, in a six-round heavyweight contest.

Tickets for Ortiz vs. Lubin are priced at $150, $100, $75, and $25, excluding applicable service charges. A limited number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available, which include exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoy.com.

Media can apply for credentials at https://www.goldenboy.com/press-credentials/.

More information on the undercard will be announced in the coming weeks.

The undefeated Floyd Schofield is quickly making a name for himself in the boxing world. He announced his arrival in the professional world in October 2020 with a first-round knockout over Richard Esquibel. Since then, he’s been stacking up impressive wins and showing strong performances round after round. In November 2024, Schofield secured a unanimous decision victory over Rene Giron as the main event at The Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, further solidifying his status as one of boxing’s top young talents. Despite hitting the canvas in the 11th round, Schofield adjusted quickly and fought back to claim the unanimous decision.

Most recently, Schofield faced the biggest test of his career – and passed with flying colors. Kicking off the Jake Paul vs. Julio César Chávez Jr. PPV event at the Honda Center, he delivered an electrifying performance, stopping Tevin Farmer in the opening round. It was an annihilation in Anaheim. Despite the doubters, Schofield stayed grounded, using the skepticism as fuel to prove he’s the real deal. This dominant win marks a pivotal moment in his career, as he sets his sights on a world title and a place among the lightweight division’s elite. Beyond the ring, Schofield’s story is equally inspiring. He and his father once faced homelessness, living in a shelter for months early in his life. That experience fuels his passion for community work and giving back. More than just a fighter, Schofield is a role model with heart. With fierce determination, “Kid Austin” is ready to prove he belongs at the top of the lightweight division — both inside and behind the ropes.

Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr., a 2012 U.S. Olympian and former IBF super featherweight champion, is a fearless fighter known for his pressure and action-packed style. He captured the IBF title in January 2020 with a disciplined win over Tevin Farmer and has consistently gone toe-to-toe with some of boxing’s biggest names. Most recently, Diaz faced former WBC world champion Regis Prograis in a co-main event in Chicago, going 12 thrilling rounds before falling via unanimous decision, a testament to his experience and resilience in the ring.

A native of El Monte, CA, Diaz began boxing at age 10 under the guidance of his father, quickly showing the talent and work ethic that would carry him through an accomplished amateur career. He amassed over 100 wins, captured two national championships, and earned a berth on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, where he defeated Ukrainian Pavlo Ishchenko before narrowly losing to Cuban world champion Lazaro Alvarez. His Olympic experience set the stage for a smooth transition to the professional ranks, where he quickly established himself as a rising star. With a combination of skill, heart and hunger, JoJo Diaz continues to pursue greatness in the sport of boxing. Known for his exciting fighting style, he remains determined to reclaim championship glory and prove that his journey in the sport is far from finished.

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Ortiz Jr vs. Lubin is a 12-round fight for the WBC Interim Super Welterweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight will take place on Saturday, November 8 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN. Schofield vs. Diaz Jr. is a 10-round fight for the WBA Continental Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy in co-promotion with Davies Entertainment.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #OrtizLubin




Melikuziev Decisions Fulghum in Thriller

Bektemir Melikuziev needed a 12th round knockdown to squeak out a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Darius Fulghum in a super middleweight elimination bout at The Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas.

In round two, Melikuziev began to bleed from his nose.

In round seven, Melikuziev was docked a point for holding. In round eight, Melikuziev’s left eye started to swell. Melikuziev rocked and hurt Fulghum several times in te later rounds. In round 10, Mellikuziev landed thudding body shots. Fulghum made a rally that was highlighted by a big straight right hand in round 11. In round 12, Melikuziev landed a body that was followed by a left hand that put Fulghum on the canvas.

The punch stat numbers showed how close the fight was as Fulghum landed 170 of 442 punches. Melikuziev was 169of 407.

That two point 12th round proved to be the difference as Melikuziev,166.8 lbs of Shoimbek, UZB won by scores of 114-112 on all cards and is now 16-1. Fulghum, 167.8 lbs of Houston is 14-1.

“We faced a lot of adversity during this camp, so this victory means a lot more—especially with my baby on the way,” said Melikuziev. “I want to thank Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya, and the Diaz Training Camp for the incredible support. I will face anyone and everyone. I’m not scared to face the likes of Caleb Plant or any of the top guys at super middleweight.

Eric Priest won a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Arias in a middleweight fight.

In round two, Arias was deducted a point for hitting on the break.

Priest landed 184 of 471 punches. Arias was 133 of 494.

Priest, 159.8 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 99-90 twice and 96-93 and is now 16-0. Arias, 159.6 lbs of Milwaukee is 22-5-1.

Joshua Edwards stopped Alexander Rhodes in the opening round of their six-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Edwards hurt Rhodes with two blistering right hands. Edwards followed that up with a flurry of rights that sent Rhodes down and the fight was stopped at 2:08.

Edwards, 222.4 lbs of Houston is 2-0 with two knockouts. Rhodes, 275.8 lbs of W.Columbia, SC is 2-2.

Federico Pacheco Jr. won a six-round unanimous decision over Calvin Barnett in a heavyweight bout

In round four, Barnett was deducted a point for holding.

Pacheco, 259.4 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 58-55 on all cards and is now 7-0. Barnett, 270.4 lbs of Tulsa, OK is 5-3.

Cayden Griffiths scored a one-punch knockout of Edgar Gutierrez in round four of their six-round super welterweight bout.

In round four,, Griffiths connected with a torking left hook to the chin that sent Gutierrez on the deck. Gutierrez got to his knee but did not want to beat the 10-count at 1:15.

Griffiths, 149 lbs of Indio, CA is now 5-0 with five knockouts. Gutierrez, 146.6 lbs of Yuma, AZ is 3-3.




Super middleweight division to open up, Darius Fulghum plans to make his move

LOS ANGELES (May 28, 2025) – So much is on the line Friday night when undefeated Darius “DFG” Fulgham (14-0, 12 KOs) takes on Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (15-1, 10 KOs) in what amounts to a World Boxing Association (WBA) super middleweight world title eliminator at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

“There is going to be separation in the super middleweight division,” Fulghum explained. “(WBA Interim Champion Caleb) Plant fights the day after my fight in Las Vegas, but ‘Canelo’ (Alvarez) holds all the cards.”

The key question, however, is how long Alvarez will maintain complete control of the division?

Undisputed Super Middleweight World Champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (69-22, 39 KOs) rules the 168-pound division and the 34-year-old, who has been a professional boxer since 2005, now only fights twice a year to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (May) and Mexican Independence Day (September) weekends. Boxing’s ultimate rainmaker reportedly signed a four-fight agreement with Riyadh Season, which kicked off May 4 with a dominant 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated William Scull (23-1, 9 KOs). Canelo has a mega-fight set versus another future Hall of Famer, Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), on September 12 in Las Vegas. If “Canelo” completes his Riyadh Season deal, the Mexican will only be left with two more required fights in 2025.

Even if he doesn’t retire after the Crawford fight, “Canelo” will still have four mandatory defenses to make or be stripped of his titles. The winner of Fulghum vs. Melikuziev will position himself as a leading WBA world contender, if not its mandatory challenger.

The only super middleweights rated higher by the WBA than No. 3 Melikuziev and No. 4 Fulghum are Plant (23-2, 14 KOs), No. 1 Christian Mbilli (27-0, 23 KOs), and No. 2 Lester Martinez (19-0, 18 KOs), of Guatemala.

Plant is fighting WBA No. 15 Jose Armando Resendiz (15-2, 11 KOs) the day after Melikuziev vs. Fulghum, also in Las Vegas, on the same card as former world champion Jermall Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) vs. Thomas LaManna (39-5-1, 18 KOs). Plant vs. Charlo, assuming both are victorious, are rumored to be on a collision course for their next fights.

Mbilli, a French Olympian living in Canada, will be dropped from his No. 1 WBA ranking when he faces World Boxing Council (WBA) Interim Super Middleweight Champion Maciej Sulecki (33-3, 13 KOs) on June 27th, in their title fight for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight Championship in Quebec City.

“This eliminator sets-up everything for me and I’m all business,” Fulghum said. “I won’t make it anything more than it is because each fight I’ve had was extra important; I wouldn’t be here if I had lost any of my fights. There’s no added pressure because this is an eliminator and there will be a lot more to come after this Friday night.”

The 28-year-old Fulghum, fighting out of Houston, has his fight against Melikuziev, the 2016 Olympic silver medalist from Uzbekistan, in its proper perspective.

“This eliminator sets-up everything for me and I’m all business,” Fulghum said. “But I won’t make it anything more than it is because each fight I’ve had were extra important; I wouldn’t be here if I had lost any of my fights. There’s no added pressure because this is an eliminator because there will be a lot more to come after this Friday night.”

Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer who was ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, but as a professional he’s fought strictly as a super middleweight. He was the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament Champion, and he also won the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Somehow, he accomplished this while he was earning a nursing degree from Prairie View A & M University during COVID-19.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers including WBA & WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs), WBO No. 1/WBA No. 2-rated world super flyweight title challenger John “Scrappy” Ramirez (14-1, 9 KOs), former world heavyweight champion/WBC No. 4-rated Oleksandr “Nails” Gvozdyk (21-2, 17 KOs), former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs) and German junior welterweight Simon “Saucy” Vollmer (6-0, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Instagram/X//LinkedIn: @DariusFulghum




Fulghum vs. Melikuziev: High-Stakes WBA Eliminator Set for Las Vegas

This Friday night, the spotlight will shine on the super middleweight division as rising contenders Darius Fulghum and Bektemir Melikuziev square off in a pivotal WBA eliminator at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas — a bout loaded with implications for the championship picture.

Fulghum (14-0, 12 KOs), the undefeated American, has been making waves with his aggressive style and heavy hands, stopping three of his last five opponents inside the distance. “My mindset going into this fight is to leave an undeniable mark on the super middleweight division,” Fulghum stated, signaling his intent to break into the sport’s elite.

Standing in his path is Uzbekistan’s Bektemir “Bek the Bully” Melikuziev (15-1, 10 KOs), a sharp, explosive technician who’s proven he can handle a variety of styles. “My goal hasn’t changed — I want the world title, and this fight gets me one step closer to it,” Melikuziev declared.

With a shot at championship gold hanging in the balance, fans can expect a clash of styles: Fulghum’s power and pressure versus Melikuziev’s precision and ring IQ.

It’s the kind of matchup that defines careers — and only one man will emerge with his title dreams intact.




BEKTEMIR “BEK” MELIKUZIEV AND THE UNDEFEATED DARIUS FULGHUM TO FIGHT IN WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ELIMINATOR AS GOLDEN BOY FIGHT NIGHT ON DAZN MAIN EVENT

LAS VEGAS (April 29, 2025) – Fireworks are guaranteed when super middleweight powerhouses Bektemir “Bek” Melikuziev (15-1, 10 KOs) of Shoimbek, Uzbekistan, and the undefeated Darius “DFG” Fulghum (14-0, 12 KOs) collide in a high-stakes 12-round WBA Super Middleweight Title Eliminator. The explosive showdown will headline a special edition of Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN, live from The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on Friday, May 30. Fans around the globe can catch the event exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Fulghum vs Melekuziev go on sale today, and are priced at $150, $100, $50 and $30 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Suite Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or GoldenBoy.com.

“I’m happy to be back, in a meaningful fight,” said Bek Melikuziev. “My goal remains the same – the world championship belt and this fight is for the right to challenge the champion, and that’s what I’ve been waiting for.”

“My mentality for this fight is to make a statement that makes me an undeniable force in the super middleweight division,” said Darius Fulghum. “I’m extremely thankful to Golden Boy and the WBA for this opportunity. This is an opportunity that I don’t take for granted. I’m checking all boxes so on May 30th the fans will see the best version of DFG.”

“Golden Boy isn’t afraid to match its top contenders in high-stakes fights, and this WBA Eliminator between Melikuziev and Fulghum is no exception,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya. “I expect both fighters to come in focused and aggressive—because the reward is clear: a shot at a highly coveted world title.”

In the co-main event, undefeated hot prospect Eric Priest (15-0, 8 KOs) will participate in a 10-round middleweight event against a soon to be announced opponent. Priest was last seen headlining against tough competitor Tyler Howard and securing a solid unanimous decision victory to claim the WBA Continental North America Super Middleweight title.

Also featured on the Golden Boy Fight Night card, 2024 Olympian of Houston, Texas, Joshua “Good” Edwards (1-0, 1 KO) will make a quick return to the ring in a six-round fight after a masterful heavyweight professional debut on April 19. Also on the card, undefeated prospect Federico Pacheco Jr. (8-0, 6 KOs) will participate in a six-round fight against Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Calvin Barnett (5-2, 2 KOs). Opening the DAZN card, Indio’s Cayden Griffiths (4-0, 4 KOs) will be looking to continue his knockout streak in a six-round welterweight fight. 

More details on the undercard will be announced in the coming weeks.

Media interested in applying for a credential can apply by visiting https://www.goldenboy.com/press-credentials/. Media credential applications are due by EOD, May 27.

Bektemir Melikuziev is a body puncher with a decorated amateur career that saw him win a silver medal at the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championship and then to earn a silver medal in the middleweight division at the 2016 Summer Olympics, proving his high-level experience as an amateur boxer. The Uzbekistani amateur standout made his professional debut on June 13, 2019, where he knocked out Argentinian veteran Martin Fidel Rios during the first round at the Avalon in Hollywood, California as part of a Golden Boy card. Most recently, Melikuziev secured a split decision victory over the hard-hitting David Stevens as the co-main event under Floyd Schofield vs. Rene Giron at The Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas in November 2024. With his impressive background, Melikuziev plans to make a quick rise up the super middleweight rankings.

Darius Fulghum is an undefeated super middleweight from Houston, TX, boasting a perfect record of 14-0, 12 KO’s. A decorated amateur, he was ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight and captured the 2018 National Golden Gloves title while also making a strong showing at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Despite fighting as a pro at super middleweight, his amateur achievements have laid a solid foundation for his professional success. Outside of boxing, Fulghum is a licensed nurse in Texas, holding a degree from Prairie View A&M University. He trains under the guidance of renowned coach Julian Chua at Brickhouse Boxing Club in Los Angeles, where he works alongside world-class fighters like Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, John “Scrappy” Ramirez, and Eric Priest. ‘DFG’ impressed as the co-main event on the Duarte vs. Madueño card on Feb. 15, 2025, finishing with a fourth-round knockout, and keeping his undefeated streak alive as he rises through the ranks.

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Melikuziev. vs. Fulghum is a 12-round WBA Super Middleweight Eliminator fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight will take place on November 2 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #SchofieldGiron

About AEG Presents

Combining the power of the live event with a focus on true artist development, AEG Presents is a world leader in the music and entertainment industries. Operating across five continents, the company has an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Its tentpole festivals and multi-day music events — which include the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside British Summer Time at Hyde Park, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, Rock En Seine, and All Points East — continue to set the bar for the live music experience. AEG Presents promotes global tours for artists such as Justin Bieber, Blackpink, Kenny Chesney, Celine Dion, Elton John, Karol G, Paul McCartney, Katy Perry, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Tyler, The Creator, in addition to — through its network of clubs, theatres, arenas, stadiums and renowned partner brands such as The Bowery Presents, Concerts West, Frontier Touring, Goldenvoice, Marshall Arts, Messina Touring Group, PromoWest Productions, and Zero Mile Presents — creating and developing an unmatched infrastructure for artist development and audience reach. More information can be found at www.aegpresents.com.

About The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Exclusively booked and managed by AEG Presents, The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a premier live entertainment venue featuring the most highly-regarded talents in music and comedy. Formerly The Joint, the venue has hosted some of the top names in entertainment across countless genres since its inception, including iconic acts such as Paul McCartney, Bert Kreischer, Blink-182, Drake, Guns N’ Roses, Imagine Dragons, Journey, Karol G, Kenny Chesney, The Killers, Machine Gun Kelly, Nine Inch Nails, Prince, Rex Orange County, Santana, The 1975, and countless others.

The Theater provides an immersive setting for guests to experience both legendary and groundbreaking artists on a variety of levels, from intimate performances with 1,800 guests to large-scale, full-capacity experiences with 4,600 guests. Setting the bar for the most luxurious in-venue concert experience, The Theater offers exclusive VIP offerings, including luxury private suites tended by dedicated VIP hosts, top-shelf spirits, a private expedited entry, in-venue merchandise delivery, custom swag, VIP social lounges, and more, guaranteed to give guests an unparalleled live entertainment and VIP experience at every touchpoint. To learn more about the venue’s VIP service or to book, please email TheTheaterVIP@aegpresents.com. For tickets or more information on The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, visit virginhotelslv.com/venue/the-theater.




Undefeated super middleweight contender Darius “DFG” Fulghum has proven that he belongs among the world’s top contenders

LOS ANGELES (April 23, 2025) – Undefeated super middleweight Darius “DFG” Fulgham (14-0, 12 KOs) recently proved, once again, that he belongs among the world’s top contenders in his weight class.

Ranked No. 4 in the world by the World Boxing Association (WBA), Houston-based Fulghum made the second defense of his World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Super Middleweight title on February 14th, annihilating Detroit veteran Winfred “Hotboy” Harris, Jr. (22-3-2, 10 KOs) by turning in a completely dominant performance enroute to a fourth-round stoppage.

Fulghum vs. Harris, Jr. was the 10-round, co-featured event on a Golden Boy Promotions card, headlined by Oscar Duarte vs. Miguel Madueno, that was streamed on DAZN live from Honda Center. 

Harris, Jr., who has only been stopped once in his previous 26 pro fights, faced an opponent in Fulghum who pressed him from the opening bell, dropping him in the second, after which Harris, Jr. went into survival mode, holding and clinching in the fourth round until referee Jerry Cantu mercifully waved off the fight.

Fulghum, 28, understands and appreciates the developmental process in boxing. Despite his one-sided beatdown of Harris, Jr., Fulghum wasn’t totally satisfied with his performance.

“I think my performance was good for the fans,” Fulghum explained, “but I still have a lot to learn and by my standards, mentally, I needed to show more. I needed to show him he didn’t belong in the same ring as me, but I kept loading up instead of putting my punches together. Not going for the knockout was the biggest lesson I learned.

“I know I belong with the best at 168; there’s nobody I can’t beat. I’m getting more experienced for when my time comes. I try not to think about it and trust my team (promoter Golden Boy and manager 3 PM), so I’m taking it one fight at a time. There are a lot of great fighters in this division.”

Realizing the entire super middleweight division will be wide open when Canelo Alverez retires, Fulghum broke down the leading WBA super middleweights:

WBA Super Champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs), Mexico

“Canelo has been in this game for two decades. He is a great fighter who has earned his position. A great counter puncher with a high boxing IQ, great defense, and solid jab. Good boxers with great movement can give him some trouble. I hope Canelo is still in this division when I’m in position to fight him.”

WBA Interim Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (23-2, 14 KOs), USA

“I like him a lot. He’s a great fighter and I like how he keeps coming forward. He has a high boxing IQ and he may be the toughest fighter in the division.”

No. 1 rated Christian “Solide” Mbilli (28-0, 23 KOs), 2016 French Olympian, Cameroon

“I want to fight him. He had a lot of hype coming up and is an exciting fighter. He has a high-pressure style, but he’s limited. He’s a good boxer but his jab isn’t great and opponents who catch-and-shoot can give him trouble.”

No. 2 rated Lester Martinez (19-0, 16 KOs), Guatemala

“I haven’t seen much of him. I do know he has had a few fights fall out.”

No. 3 rated Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (15-1, 10 KOs), 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist, Uzbekistan

“A tough guy with a lot of experience. He always brings it and has good foot movement. But he lacks a solid jab and swings his punches wide. It would be easy to make this fight because he’s promoted by Golden Boy like I am.”

No. 5 Edgar “The Chosen One” Belanga (22-1, 17 KOs), USA

“He’s a hyped fighter and I’m not fond of the way he carries himself. He lost (to ‘Canelo’) and then went on a world tour. Who does that? And he called out (heavyweight) Anthony Joshua after he was knocked out. He is the guy I want to fight the most if I could fight anybody in our division. He’s always looking for a knockout and he’s not that solid a boxer.”

Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer who was ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, but as a professional he’s fought strictly as a super middleweight. He captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, both of these major amateur accomplishments achieved while he was earning a nursing degree from Prairie View A & M University.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers including WBA & WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs), WBO No. 1/WBA No. 2-rated world super flyweight title challenger John “Scrappy” Ramirez (14-1, 9 KOs), former world heavyweight champion/WBC No. 4-rated Oleksandr “Nails” Gvozdyk (21-2, 17 KOs), former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs) and German junior welterweight Simon “Saucy” Vollmer (6-0, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Instagram/X//Linkedin: @DariusFulghum




Duarte Stops Madueno in 7

Oscar Duarte stopped Miguel Madueno in round seven of their 10-round junior welterweight bout at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

In round four, Madueno was cut on his nose from a headbutt. In round five, Madueno was cut over his left eye from a punch.

In round seven, Duarte landed a hard right hand that pushed a hurt Madueno to the ropes. Duarte followed with a vicious flurry of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 2:09

Duarte, 140 lbs of Parral, MEX us 29-2-1 with 23 knockouts. Madueno, 140 lbs of Sinaloa, MEX is 31-4.

Darius Fulghum remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Winfred Harris Jr. in a 10-roundsuper middleweight fight.

In round two, Fulghum landed a blistering barrage of punches that was capped off by a left hook to the face that put Harris down. In round four, Fulghum continued to batter an almost defenseless Harris and the fight was stopped at 2:18

Fulghum, 167.6 lbs of Houston is 14-0 with 12 knockouts. Harris, 166.4 lbs of Detroit is 22-3-2.

Ricardo Sandoval won a 10-round unanimous decision over Saleto Henderson in a flyweight bout.

Sandoval laned 185 of 540 punches. Henderson was 78 of 505.

Sandoval, 111.4 lbs of Rialta, CA won by scores of 100-90 twice and 98-92. Henderson, 107 lbs of Indianapolis is now 10-2.

Kenneth Sims Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Kendo Castenada in a welterweight bout.

Sim landed 197 – 629 punches. Castaneda was 149 of 694.

Sims, 146.4 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 22-2-1. Castaneda, 146.8 lbs of Mexico is 21-8.

Joel Iriarte stopped Darel Harris in round two of their six-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Iriarte dropped Harris from a flurry in the corner. In round two, Iriarte dropped Harris with a left uppercut and the fight was stopped at 1:21.

Iriarte, 146.8 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is now 6-0 with six knockouts. Harris, 143 lbs of Sarasota, FL is 19-24-2.




WBA #5 super middleweight contender Darius “DFG” Fulghum plans to deliver a Splash Performance on February 15th against Winfred Harris, Jr. in Anaheim on DAZN

LOS ANGELES (February 10, 2025) – Undefeated super middleweight Darius “DFG” Fulgham (13-0, 11 KOs), No. 5 in the world by the World Boxing Association (WBA), is excited about his second World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Super Middleweight title defense this Saturday night (Feb. 15) against Detroit veteran Winfred “Hotboy” Harris, Jr. (22-2-2, 10 KOs).

Fulghum vs. Harris, Jr. is the 10-round, co-featured event on a Golden Boy Promotions card, headlined by Oscar Duarte vs. Miguel Madueno, to be streamed on DAZN live from Honda Center in Anaheim, California. 

Harris, Jr., who has only been stopped once in 26 pro fights, is a former Universal Boxing Federation All America Middleweight Champion. His last fight ended in an eight-round draw last November for the World Boxing Council FECARBOX super middleweight title.

“I’m excited about this great opportunity,” Fulghum said. “I don’t know too much about my opponent and won’t until I get in the ring. He has a good record; I hear that he comes to fight.

“This is an opportunity for me to show what level I’m at in my division. I’m planning a splash performance. My job is to put on a show. There are expectations for me to perform at a high level because of my rating, but this is what I love to do. Overall, I train hard to be the best version of myself.”

Fulghum and Harris, Jr. have one common opponent, Vaughen Alexander, who defeated last June by way of a 10-round unanimous decision, while Harris, Jr. fought Alexander in 2021 to an eight-round solute draw.

Last month, Fulghum gained additional experience as a sparring partner for light heavyweight David Morrell, Jr. for the latter’s recent fight against David Benavidez.

“I showed that I belong,” Fulghum remarked about sparring with Morell, “and that I’m one of the top guys at 168.”

Fulghum, 28, was a decorated amateur boxer who was ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, but as a professional he’s fought strictly as a super middleweight. He captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, both of these major amateur accomplishments achieved while he was earning a nursing degree from Prairie View A & M University.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers including WBA & WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs), world super flyweight title challenger John “Scrappy” Ramirez (14-1, 9 KOs), former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs) and German junior welterweight Simon “Saucy” Vollmer (6-0, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Instagram/X//Linkedin: @DariusFulghum




THE TALENTED AND UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT DARIUS “DFG” FULGHUM RETURNS AS CO-MAIN EVENT FOR DUARTE VS. PROGRAIS

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2025) – A stacked undercard has been announced for Golden Boy’s Feb. 15 card featuring Duarte vs. Prograis. In a monumental step in his career, Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte (28-2-1, 22 KOs) will face former two-time super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (29-3, 24 KOs) in a 12-round super lightweight bout. The event is presented in association with Cancun Boxing and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

Co-headlining the show, Darius “DFG” Fulghum (13-0, 11 KOs) of Houston will take on Detroit’s Winfred “Hotboy” Harris (22-2-2, 10 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight fight. Fulghum will defend his WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight title.

Tickets for Duarte vs. Prograis are on sale now, priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25, excluding applicable service charges. A limited number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets, which include exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades, are also available. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, HondaCenter.com, or GoldenBoy.com. In light of the destructive Los Angeles wildfires, Golden Boy will honor first responders by donating 1,000 tickets to them and their families through 1sttix.org.

In a 10-round fight defending his WBC Silver flyweight title, Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (25-2, 18 KOs) will take on Indianapolis’ Saleto Henderson (10-1, 7 KOs). Top-rated Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (21-2-1, 8 KOs) will compete in a 10-round welterweight fight against San Antonio’s Kendo Castaneda (21-7, 9 KOs). Former Team USA member and rising knockout star Joel Iriarte (5-0, 5 KOs) will fight in a six-round welterweight bout against Steven Thomas (4-0, 2 KOs) of South Carolina.

Featured on the prelims, Mexico City’s Yair Gallardo (8-0, 7 KOs) will compete in an eight-round light heavyweight fight against Carlos Miranda (7-1, 3 KOs) of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Undefeated prospect Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (10-0, 8 KOs) of Denver will take on Francisco Pacheco (7-3-2) of Mexicali, Mexico, in a six-round lightweight fight.

Petr Khamukov (13-0, 6 KOs) of Woodland Hills and Dayan Depestre (5-0-1, 3 KOs) of Miami will collide in an eight-round middleweight bout. Undefeated Gael “El Terror” Cabrera (6-0, 4 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico, will face Jalisco’s Roberto “Escorpion” Pucheta (14-25-3, 8 KOs) in a six-round super bantamweight fight. Orange, California’s Fabian Guzman (6-0, 6 KOs) will participate in a six-round middleweight fight against an opponent to be announced.

In a four-round super lightweight match, Amarillo, Texas’ Javier Meza (1-0, 1 KO) will meet Bellevue, Nebraska’s Rickey Smith (0-2). Opening fight night, Kevin Gudino (1-0, 1 KO) of Bakersfield will compete in a four-round bantamweight bout against an opponent to be announced.

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Duarte vs. Prograis is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GarciaDuarte




Schofield Decisions Giron

WBA number-two ranked lightweight Floyd Schofield survived a late knockdown to win a 12-round split decision over Rene Tellez Giron at the Virgin Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

In round 11, Giron sent Schofield to the canvas when he landed a left hook on the inside.

Schofield landed 259 of 771 punches. Giron was 72 of 292.

Schofield, 134.4 lbs of Austin, TX won by scores of 118-109 twice and 116-111 and is now 18-0. Giron, 134.4 lbs of Mexico is 20-4.

“I feel good. It was my first time going 12 rounds, especially with a fighter that wasn’t going to back down,” said Floyd Schofield. “It was a shot to the back of the head. I kind of turned my head, so he took the shot. I just had to get up, I’m not going to quit. (Talking about the knock down) I give myself a B+ only because I went 12 rounds with a fighter that had a lot of power. He’s a good, rough, tugged fighter that wouldn’t back down.

Melikuziev Defeats Stevens by Split Decision

Bektemir Melikuziev won a 12-round split decision over David Stevens in a super middleweight fight.

In round nine, Melikuziev began to bleed from his nose.

Melikuziev landed 165 of 417 punches. Stevens was 169 0f 708.

Melikuziev took two cards by 118-110 and 117-111 tallies. Stevens took a card by a 116-112 score.

Melikuziev, 170 lbs of Uzbekistan is now 15-1. Stevens, 167.4 lbs of Reading, PA is 14-2.

“Tough fight,” said Bektemir Melikuziev. “Awkward clash of styles. I did my best on a short notice.”

Fundora Stops Alaniz in 7; Becomes Undisputed Flyweight Champion

Gabriela Fundora became the undisputed flyweight champion with a seventh round stoppage over Gabriela Alaniz

In round seven, Fundora dropped Alaniz with a good straight left hand, Seconds later, it was a perfect left on the jaw that folded Alaniz over and the fight stopped at 1:40.

Fundora, 111 lbs of Coachella, CA is 15-0 with seven knockouts. Alaniz, 110.4 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 15-2.

Fundora became the youngest undisputed champion in boxing history at 22 years old.

“This is a dream come true that I have made become a reality,” said Gabriela Fundora. “My team and I have been training to make history and we did that tonight. I didn’t really feel Alaniz’ power, but I knew she came to do what I did which is look for a knockout. I had been practicing that punch since the beginning of training camp – I felt like Bruce Lee preparing for this fight. We’ll see what’s next for me – I can go up in weight or go down – we will see.”

Fulghum Stops Pearson in 3

Darius Fulghum stopped Christopher Pearson in round three of a 10-rouns super middleweight contest.

In round one, Fulghum landed a combination in the corner that sent Pearson down. In round three, Fulghum just continued to land shots against Pearson. Pearson was not throwing back and the fight was stopped at 1:03

Fulghum, 167 lbs of Houston is 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Pearson, 166.4 lbs of Selma, TX is 17-5-1.

Iriarte Stops Madrid in 1st Round

Joel Iriarte stopped Xavier Madrid in the opening round of their six-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Iriarte landed a crushing 1-2 that sent Madrid to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:50.

Iriarte, 146.4 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is 5-0 with five knockouts. Madrid, 147 lbs of Albuquerque, MEX is 5-6.

Eric Tudor won a 10-round unanimous decision over Harold Calderon in a welterweight bout.

Tudor, 145 lbs of Fort Lauderdale, FL won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 12-1. Calderon, 146.6 lbs of Miami is 28-2.

Asa Stevens remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Garea Diagan in a featherweight bout.

Stevens, 125 lbs of Waianae, HA won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 7-0. Diagan, 125 lbs of General santos City, PHL is 10-5.

Dalis Kaleopu won a six-round unanimous decision over Manuel Lerna in a super featherweight bout.

Kaleopu scored a knockdown in round two and won by scores of 60-53 on all cards.

Kaleopu, 130.8 lbs of Waianae, HA is 6-0. Lerna, 131.8 lbs of Pharr, TX is 4-1.

Jordan Fuentes won a four-round unanimous decision over Roberto Pena in a super bantamweight fight.

Fuentes, 119 lbs of Fresno, CA won by scores of 40-35 and 40-36 twice and is now 2-0. Pena, 119.8 lbs of McAllen, TX is 4-5.




Undefeated WBA #6 Darius “DFG” Fulghum’s Mercurial rise in super middleweight division has led him from prospect to contender

LOS ANGELES (October 24, 2024) – There is a new sheriff in boxing and his name is Darius “DFG” Fulghum (12-0, 10 KOs), the undefeated rising star from Houston already ranked No. 6 in the world by the World Boxing Association (WBA).

“I have such a great team behind me and my job is to fight,” Fulghum spoke about the reason for his mercurial rise. “I trust my manager (3 Point Management – 3 PM) and Golden Boy (his promoter) to get me the best fights. 3 PM has done an amazing job working my career and Golden Boy, too. Together, they’ve kept me extremely active – nine fights in a 12-month span – fighting on big cards on DAZN his last six fights). My team, led by head trainer Darnell Pierce, and my family and friends have given me so much support. I’m blessed!

“I was the first one on my team to see that I was No. 7 in the WBA (he had not previously been rated and has since moved up to No. 6) and I jumped up on my couch streaming about being recognized by one of the four major sanctioning bodies. I still have to fight some of the (world-rated) fighters, but this is a dream come true for me. I was surprised by it (rated so quickly) but not surprised because, all along, I wanted to crack the top ten this year.”

Fulghum returns to the ring on November 2 at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, when he takes on Christopher Pearson (17-4-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round fight.

You will not find the 28-year-old Fulghum calling out the King of the Super Middleweights, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, nor any fighters rated ahead of him in the WBA such as Edgar Berlanga, Christian Mbilli, Lester Martinez, Erick Bazinyan, and Bektemir Melikaziev. It is not because he doesn’t feel that he can’t beat them.

“I’m not a matchmaker and I don’t pick-and-choose who I fight,” Fulghum explained. I trust my promoter and manager to guide my career. I fight who they put in with me. Nobody knows what Canelo is going to do. He had all four (world title) belts, but he just gave up the IBF. He could retire and open up all the titles in my division. I want to be in position to grab one of those belts, putting my name up there to fight for a belt.

“I do not call anybody out. I don’t deserve to fight Canelo right now; I don’t deserve it right now and would look foolish by calling him out. I haven’t earned it yet. I don’t target other fighters because I don’t want to be perceived as picking and choosing my opponent. I just do my job in the ring. I enjoy what I do, I love it. I feel that I can compete with Canelo and beat anybody else in my division.”

In his most recent fight this past June in Indio (CA), Darius dominated Vaughen Alexander (18-11-1) by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice. Fulghum, though, knows he’s not even close to his prime, yet, and that he has areas to improve in before reaching his peak.

“My skills have improved since I’ve been a pro for three years,” Fulghum concluded, “but the most improvements I’ve made is to better understand myself and the process like how to cut weight the best way, changing my diet, fight night routine, cut off distractions and other things like that because there’s a big difference between fighting as an amateur and pro. I want to be a legend in boxing!”

Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer who was ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, but as a professional he’s fought as a super middleweight. He captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, both of these major amateur accomplishments achieved while he was earning a nursing degree from Prairie View A & M University.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers including WBA Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs), world super flyweight title challenger John “Scrappy” Ramirez (13-1, 9 KOs), and former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Instagram/X//Linkedin: @DariusFulghum




Darius Fulghum Decisions Vaughn Alexander

Darius Fulghum remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Vaughn Alexander in a super middleweight bout that headlined at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Fulghum landed 168 of 511 punches. Alexander was 78 of 244.

Fulghum, 167.8 lbs of Houston won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 12-0. Alexander, 171.8 lbs of St. Louis is now 18-12-1.

“It was a great experience going the distance against Vaughn, anyone that knows him, knows he is a really tough guy,” said Darius Fulghum. “I hurt my hand during the fight so we were working with what we had and we are so happy we were able to secure the victory. The best part about headlining was my family and friends in the crowd chanting “DFG.

Tristan Kalkreuth won a 10-round unanimous decision over Anthony Holloway in a cruiserweight bout.

Kalkreuth landed 114 of 334 punches. Holloway was 61 of 238.

Kalkreuthm 199.8 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 14-1. Holloway, 190.9 lbs of Duluth, MN is now 7-6-3.

Grant Flores stopped Josias Gonzalez in round three of their six-round super welterweight bout.

In round three, Flores landed a hard right that was followed up by a left to the body that put Gonzalez on the canvas, and the bout was stopped at 2:34 after the ten count.

Flores, 153.8 lbs of Coachella, CA is 5-0 with four knockouts. Gonzalez, 150.4 lbs of Whittier, CA is 2-3-1.

Leonardo Sanchez stopped Jenel Lausa in round four of their six-round lightweight bout.

In round three, Sanchez scored a knockdown from a combination. With just under a minute to go in the round, Sanchez scored another knockdown, this time with a left to the body.

In round four, it was a left hand that put Lausa down again and the fight was stopped at 1:08.

Sanchez, 131.4 lbs of Cathedral City, CA is 7-0 with six knockouts. Lausa, 135 lbs of Manila, PHL is 11-4-1.

Cayden Griffiths made a successful pro debut with a second-round stoppage over Juan Romero in a four-round super lightweight bout.

in round one, Griffiths dropped Romero with a left to the body. In round two, it was another left to the body that put Romero down on his knees and he was counted out at 43 seconds.

Griffiths, 140 lbs of Coachella, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Romero, 139.4 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 0-2.




VIDEO: Darius “DFG” Fulghum vs. Vaughn “The Animal” Alexander | WEIGH IN




DARIUS FULGHUM TO FACE NEW OPPONENT VAUGHN ALEXANDER AS MAIN EVENT FOR GOLDEN BOY FIGHT NIGHT ON DAZN

INDIO, CALIF. (June 25, 2024) – Undefeated, blue-chip prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (11-0, 10 KOs) of Katy, Texas will face a newly installed opponent, Vaughn “The Animal” Alexander (18-11-1, 11 KOs) of St. Louis, Missouri. Alexander was last seen going the distance against 2023 fight of the year winner Sergiy Derevyanchenko on the Haney vs. Garcia undercard. Fulghum and Alexander will measure up in a 10-round super middleweight clash. The event will take place at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, the first fight begins at 5:00 p.m. PT and the worldwide DAZN broadcast begins at 6:00 p.m. PT.

The undefeated Korean-American middleweight stud Eric Priest (13-0, 8 KOs), will co-headline the prospect show in an eight-round middleweight match against Janer Gonzalez (21-6-1, 17 KOs) of Cartagena, Colombia. Also on the DAZN broadcast, Las Vegas, Nevada’s Tristan “Sweet T” Kalkreuth (13-1, 10 KOs) will face Duluth, Minnesota’s Anthony Holloway (7-5-3, 6 KOs) in a 10-round cruiserweight fight.

Coachella’s very own star Grant Flores (4-0, 3 KOs) will participate in a six-round super welterweight fight against Whittier’s Josias Gonzalez (2-2-1). Rounding out the DAZN broadcast, Leonardo “Bazooka” Sanchez (6-0, 5 KOs) will fight against Manila, Philippines’ Jenel Lausa (11-3-1, 7 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight fight.

On the preliminary card, Cayden Griffiths of the Coachella Valley will make his professional debut against Mexicali, Mexico’s Juan Romero (0-1). Griffiths trains with renowned trainer Joel Diaz in Indio. Opening fight night, Tijuana, Mexico’s Brandon Sanchez (8-0, 7 KOs) will face MJ BO (9-7-2, 5 KOs) of Manila, Philippines in a six-round featherweight fight.

Tickets for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Fulghum vs. Alexander are on sale and are priced at $65, $55, $45, and $35 plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at FantasySpringsResort.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

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Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GBFightNight




Undefeated Super Middleweight Prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum Excited to headline first show

LOS ANGELES (June 17, 2024) – Undefeated super middleweight prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (11-0, 10 KOs) is pumped to be headlining his first show on June 25th, when he faces veteran Ronald Ellis (18-4-2, 12 KOs) in the 10-round match on “Golden Boy Fight Night”, streaming live from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California. 

“I’m extremely blessed to be starting to make my way to bigger stages and better names,” Fulgham talked about headlining for the first time. “The 168-pound division has a lot of top fighters moving up and all four (major) world title belts (33-year-old Canelo Alvarez is the undisputed, unified super middleweight world champion) will be up for grabs. I’m putting myself in a good position to grab one of those titles. My team (Golden Boy Promotions and 3 Point Management) are doing a good job, showing how much they believe in me.”

Ellis has become a gatekeeper in the super middleweight division, and he should be the toughest test to date for the 27-year-old Fulgham, who has fought in 13 less fights and 83 fewer rounds than Ellis, who fights out of Lynn, Massachusetts. Ellis’ brother is world-rated welterweight Rashidi Ellis (24-1, 15 KOs) and their sister, Rashida Ellis, was a 2020 Olympian. She also was a member of Team USA a few years ago as, ironically, Fulghum.

Ellis hasn’t been active the past few years, fighting only four times in nearly four years. But his last three opponents have all been undefeated like Fulghum: extended then 23-0 (20 KOs) David Benavidez into the 11th round against the current WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Champion, took the reigning WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight Champion Christian Mbilli (19-0, 18 KOs) the full 10 rounds, and last October in his most recent fight, he was stopped in the fourth round by Erik Bazinyan (30-0, 21 KOs).

During his 12-year professional career, Ellis has upset Russian Olympian Matvey Korobov (28-3-1, 14 KOs) by way of a fourth-round technical knockout, in addition to fighting Junior Youman (13-0, 9 KOs) to a 10-round draw.

“I have a dream and he’s another person in my way,” Fulghum commented about his next opponent. “He is a good, durable guy who has been in against a lot of good guys. A great test for me. I see him as a challenge and that’s what I want.”

Fulgham, fighting out of Houston, has shown steady improvement since his pro debut on December 12, 2021.

“I’ve learned how to pace myself, which will be valuable going into this fight,” Fulghum concluded. “I’ve also learned my process, preparing for a fight, physically and mentally, and what to avoid. Also, dealing with the media because there has been more attention with each of my fights.”

Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a super middleweight as a professional. He captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, both major amateur accomplishments achieved while he was earning a nursing degree from Prairie View A & M University.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers including  WBA Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs), world super flyweight title challenger John “Scrappy” Ramirez (13-1, 9 KOs), former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs), and unbeaten heavyweight hopeful Zach Spiller (5-0, 4 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Instagram/X (Twitter)/Linkedin: @DariusFulghum




GOLDEN BOY’S STAR PROSPECTS TO FILL THE UNDERCARD OF GOLDEN BOY FIGHT NIGHT ON DAZN SHOW

INDIO, CALIF. (June 12, 2024) – Golden Boy’s star prospects will fill the undercard of the upcoming Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN event, which will be headlined by the undefeated, blue-chip prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (11-0, 10 KOs) of Katy, Texas who will face tough challenger Ronald “Flatline” Ellis (18-4-2, 12 KOs) of Lynn, Massachusetts in a 10-round super middleweight match. The event will take place at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and worldwide on DAZN beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT. 

The undefeated Korean-American middleweight stud Eric Priest (13-0, 8 KOs), will co-headline the prospect show in a 10-round middleweight match against a soon to be announced opponent. Priest’s last outing was a unanimous decision victory against the experienced Jose Sanchez. Also on the DAZN broadcast, Las Vegas, Nevada’s Tristan “Sweet T” Kalkreuth (13-1, 10 KOs) will face Sinaloa, Mexico’s Mario “El Ruso” Aguilar (23-9, 19 KOs) in a 10-round cruiserweight fight. This will be Kalkreuth’s first 10-round fight; “Sweet T” has been on a three-fight knockout victory streak, his last against Marquise Weston which was a second-round KO. 

Coachella’s very own star Grant Flores (4-0, 3 KOs) will participate in a six-round super welterweight fight against Whittier’s Josias Gonzalez (2-2-1). Rounding out the DAZN broadcast, Leonardo “Bazooka” Sanchez (6-0, 5 KOs) will fight against Manila, Philippines’ Jenel Lausa (11-3-1, 7 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight fight. 

On the preliminary card, Tijuana, Mexico’s Brandon Sanchez (8-0, 7 KOs) will face MJ BO (9-7-2, 5 KOs) of Manila, Philippines in a six-round featherweight fight. Opening the fight night, Cayden Griffiths of the Coachella Valley will make his professional debut against a soon to be announced opponent. Griffiths trains with renowned trainer Joel Diaz in Indio. 

Tickets for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Fulghum vs. Ellis are on sale and are priced at $65, $55, $45, and $35 plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at FantasySpringsResort.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

Media interested in a credential for the fight must fill out a credential application by Monday, June 24. To apply, please visit https://forms.gle/dAHtW8UJd35ky4dbA. 

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Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GBFightNight




DARIUS “DFG” FULGHUM TAKES ON DANGEROUS CHALLENGE AGAINST RONALD “FLATLINE” ELLIS AS MAIN EVENT OF GOLDEN BOY FIGHT NIGHT ON DAZN

INDIO, CALIF. (May 29, 2024) – The undefeated, blue-chip prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (11-0, 10 KOs) of Katy, Texas will headline his first-ever show against tough challenger Ronald “Flatline” Ellis (18-4-2, 12 KOs) of Lynn, Massachusetts in a 10-round super middleweight match on Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN.  The event will take place at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and worldwide on DAZN beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT. 

“I’m excited to be headlining my own card. Moments like this is what I’ve sacrificed and trained so hard for,” said Darius Fulghum. “I truly believe I’m ‘Destined for Greatness’ and on June 27th the DFG Army is going to show out strong!”

“I’m excited for the opportunity,” said Ronald Ellis. “I believe I have the experience and the skill-set to come out on top. I know perfect timing feels like I’m too late and I know I’m still great in spite of my mistakes, so be ready for a show on June 27.”

“With his combination of huge punching power and savvy ring intelligence, Fulghum is quickly rising up the ranks from exciting prospect to legitimate contender,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya. “On June 27, he takes a giant step up, headlining a Golden Boy Promotions main event against Ronald Ellis, who has shared a ring with some of the top dogs in the super middleweight division. Is Darius ready? We absolutely think so.” 

Tickets for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Fulghum vs. Ellis are on sale tomorrow, Thursday, May 30, and are priced at $65, $55, $45, and $35 plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at FantasySpringsResort.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

Media interested in a credential for the fight must fill out a credential application by Monday, June 24. To apply, please visit https://forms.gle/dAHtW8UJd35ky4dbA. 

Darius “DFG” Fulghum is one of the hottest, must-watch prospects in Golden Boy’s stable. A former Team USA Member, he has a robust amateur career with a number of accolades including becoming a Golden Gloves winner in 2018. He was last seen securing a fourth-round technical knockout victory over the more experienced Cristian Olivas on the Haney vs. Garcia card last April 20. Not only a lover of the sweet science, he is also a Registered Nurse.

Ronald “Flatline” Ellis was born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts. Standing at a lanky 6′, Ellis is a strong fighter with power in both hands; he’s capable of a one-punch knockout at any time. Managed by Sheer Sports and trained by Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, he has stepped into the ring with some of the most dangerous world champions and contenders to date including David Benavidez and Christian Mbilli.

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Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GBFightNight




Statement Delivered: Munguia stops Ryder

PHOENIX — A statement was demanded.

Statement delivered.

Jaime Munguia did what Canelo Alvarez could not. He stopped a tough, smart John Ryder Saturday night in a super-middleweight fight that was a test of Munguia’s potential.

There’s plenty of that, perhaps enough for him to land a Canelo fight projected to be in May. It’s all up to Canelo, whose pay-per-view clout and celebrity comes with a perk. He does what he wants to.

It’s anybody’s guess as to whether he wants the Munguia that 10,836 fans at Footprint Center saw against Ryder, whose corner threw in the towel at 1:25 of the ninth round.

“It would be an honor to be in the same ring with him,’’ Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) said when asked the inevitable Canelo question.

Canelo or not, there’s one thing certain about Munguia, a 27-year-old fighter from Tijuana. He stepped out of the ring with enhanced credibility.

He’s a player, a proven threat at 168 pounds. Put him alongside David Benavidez, David Morrell, Edgar Berlanga and Jermall Charlo.

“I was ready for this,’’ he said. “I knew I was ready for this.’’

He knew more than just about anybody other than his Hall of Fame trainer, Freddie Roach. Roach predicated Munguia would win an eighth-round TKO. Roach missed by only a round.

Munguia did it with four knockdowns of Ryder (32-7, 18 KOs), a 35-year-old fighter who faces some tough question about whether his career has come to end.

Munguia knocked down Ryder in the second with a body shot that left a nasty red mark Ryder’s right side. He knocked down the UK fighter again in the fourth with successive left hands.

Then, there was the ninth. There was a right to the top head. Ryder was down for a third time. Then another blow to the head. Ryder was down for a fourth time. The towel soon followed, a sign of surrender for Ryder and the beginning of a second chapter for the emerging Munguia.

 Minimum Weight, Max Power: Oscar Collazo retains title 

It’s called minimum. Somehow, that isn’t quite fair to Oscar Collazo.

Maximum is more like it.

Collazo, the World Boxing Organization’s minimum weight champion flashed max power, knocking Reyneris Gutierrez, into the ropes and then flat on the canvas before the referee interceded and stopped it for third-round TKO Saturday night on the Jaime Munguia-John Ryder featured card at Footprint Center.

First, it was a huge right hand form Collazo (9-0, 7 KOs) that drove Gutierrez (10-2, 2 KOs) into the ropes. If not for those ropes, The Nicaraguan would have tumbled out of the ring, over the work table and onto the floor. Then, it was a left hand from the Puerto Rican. This time, no ropes were in the way. Gutierrez hit the deck. Moments later, it was over, a TKO:at 37 seconds of the third.

Darius Fulghum  wins a unanimously-booed dud

It was a fight full of clinches, missed punches, rabbit punches, boos  and more boos. There was even the wave.

Just when you thought it was extinct, Darius Fulghum and Alantez Fox brought it back. That’s how bad their super-middleweight fight was on the DAZN-streamed undercard for the Jaime Munguia-John Ryder mnin event at Footprint Center Saturday night.

The booing started in the second round. It got louder, even louder, until a near capacity crowd just bored. It started doing the wave. Yeah, that wave. Hands up, stand up and sit down, going from section to section in an undulating ring around the arena. Hey, it was better than watching the fight.

By the way, Fulghum (10-, 9 KOs), of Houston, won it, scoring a majority

 decision over Fox (28-6-1, 13 KOs), of Upper Marlboro MD. 

Not so sweet stoppage

Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora 12-0 (9KOs) made her first women’s IBF Flyweight title defense VS Christina Cruz 6-0. The fight was a battle of the sweet science of hit but not get hit, no one fighter looked dominate in the match. One fighter did control the ring through out the fight and was more active with her combinations and stunning her opponent. Fundora was using her ring IQ to cut off the ring and edging out the rounds in her favor in a very close fight. More over as the championship rounds rolled along Gabriela showed the heart of a warrior and took the fight over effortlessly out boxing Cruz. With less than a minute left in the 10th and final round referee Chris Flores stepped in and called a end to the fight in a controversial fashion. Cruz was not hurt and was simply walking away with her guard up still  defending herself. Visibly upset Cruz pleaded her case of why it should not have been stopped with some ringside having it a drawing going into the final round. Coming out on top and staying undefeated Fundora moves to 13-0 (10KOs) in a post fight interview Fundora praised Cruz “Cruz is a good fighter and glad she stepped up” also “I looked to her because she was an olympian and had a picture on my wall as a kid” ending her statement by saying “Cruz is an amazing fighter and it was an honor to share the ring”. When asked about the stoppage Fundora stated “I unleashed on her, and she turned around indicating she no longer wanted to fight”

One can only ask if she deserves a rematch or does the co-promotions between Golden Boy Promotions and Sampson Promotion look to set up a fight for undisputed later this year, Seemingly the road block to undisputed is Marlen Esparza who holds the other 3 tittle and has an upcoming fight that she can not look past herself. Just as her smile, the future is bright for the undefeated fighter of Coachella, CA….David Galaviz

David Picasso scores unanimous decision in U.S. debut

David Picasso wasn’t looking for a masterpiece. 

Just a victory.

He got it.

In his first appearance in the United States, Picasso, an unbeaten featherweight from Mexico City, scored repeatedly early, tired midway, then held on and held off Erik Ruiz in the late rounds.

All of it was enough for Picasso (27-0-1, 15 KOs) to secure a unanimous  decision over Ruiz (17-10-1, 7 KOs), a fighter from Oxnard, Calif., who from round to round got more aggressive in a 10-rounder in the first DAZN-streamed fight on the Munguia-Ryder card at Footprint Center.

Daniel Garcia scores crushing first round stoppage

It was over before a lot of arriving fans ever got to their seats.

Daniel Garcia finished the non-DAZN portion of the Jaime Munguia-John Ryder card in a flash at Footprint Center. Daniel Lugo may have seen it coming. But he couldn’t do much about it.

Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs), an unbeaten  lightweight from Denver, sent a right hand flying over the edge of  Lugo’s upraised gloves. Boom, it landed, crashing off Lugo’s chin and driving his head up and around. By the time some fans looked up, it was over.

Lugo (4-2, 1 KO), of Phoenix was down and out, a stoppage loser at 1:51 of the first round.

Gregory Morales scores unanimous decision, rocks Ron and the crowd

In the third bout of the night Gregory Morales (15-1, 9KOs) of San Antonio, TX faced Ronal Ron (14-4 ,11KOs) in a super featherweight fight 

In a  feel-out first round both fighters saved all their energy for the last 20 seconds of the round with both having success landing punches. It picked right back up in the second. However as the round came to an end, Morales showed head movement and landed some crisp punches. In the theme of the fight, Morales and Ron saved all the excitement for the end of the round. They got the crowd a little excited. There were theatrics coming from Ron. He spit his mouth piece out around the 2:20 mark. A few second later, he was warned about a head butt. The pace of the round had significantly picked up, with both fighters finding their rhythm and timing. Ron was briefly stunned early in the 5th round by a well placed left from Morales.

 As the crowd started chanting “Goyo”, it gave Morales extra motivation, landing a few lefts directly to the chin of Ron. 

A left hook by Morales landed. Over the last three rounds, Morales picked up the production of his pace and dazed his opponent with a multitude of punches. The last round served as the best round for Morales as he landed some great combos that made the crowd get even loader. Morales improved to 16-1 (9KOs), scoring a unanimous decision. In fight that brought the crowd to its fight in the final round.the crowd a good fight. —–David Galaviz

Toe-to-Toe: Gael Cabrera scores knockdown wins decision in tough bout

It was power against resilience.

Gael Cabrera, a Mexican featherweight from Sonora — just south of Arizona, had the power. He needed it, all of it to win. 

Miguel Ceballos, one of two AZ fighters on the Munguia-Ryder card, had the resilience, almost enough of it to score an upset.

But the power prevailed. A straight right hand from Cabrera (4-0, 3 KOs) put Ceballos down in the first round. Then, Cabrera held on, withstanding repeated bursts of energy from Ceballos (2-1, 2 KOs), of Peoria AZ.  Cabrera appeared to tire, but he still had enough power in both hands to keep Ceballos off him. The result: Cabrera won a unanimous decision in a hard-fought fight.

First Bell: Munguia-Ryder card begins with a quick stoppage

It should have been a matinee. But Jonathan Canas turned it into a short subject.

Canas, a lightweight from Santa Ana CA, needed only 64 seconds to finish Kameeko Hall in the opening bout Saturday afternoon on the card featuring Jaime Mungia-John Ryder at Footprint Center.

Canas, still perfect with three knockouts in three fights, delivered a body-to-head combo that put Hall, a winless fighter from Brunswick GA, onto one knee. It was the body shot that hurt him the most. When Hall (0-4) tried to get onto his feet, he got sick to his stomach. At 1:04 of the first, it was over for everybody but the maintenance crew. It had to clean up the mess.




Undefeated super middleweight prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum Prepared to make big statement

LOS ANGELES (January 24, 2024) – The beat continues this Saturday night in Phoenix for undefeated super middleweight prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (9-0, 9 KOs) as he takes on the toughest test of his relatively young professional boxing career, former world title challenger Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (28-5-1, 13 KOs), on a show presented by Golden Boy Promotions.

Headlined by Jaime Munguia vs. John Ryder, all the action will be streamed on DAZN from Footprint Arena, including Fulghum’s 10th pro fight.”

Two years ago, Fox unsuccessfully challenged David Morrell for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Middleweight World Championship, and he’s also fought two-division world champion Demetrius Andrade, as well as Liam Williams and Erik Bazinyan.

“I’ve watched a lot of tape of him (Fox) and he’s the most experienced guy I’ve fought and the biggest test of my career,” the 27-year-old Fulghum said. “I want to make a big statement in this fight to showcase my skills. I’m looking forward to this great opportunity, fighting on a great platform again, DAZN.   

“I have a lot of experience, too (amateur and pros), and I’ve seen a lot of styles. I feel one of my best attributes is that my style is adaptable. No matter what the situation, I’ll figure it out. I want to get the world to recognize my talent and make an impression on everybody watching me fight. If they say after this fight that they need to see me fight again, I’ve accomplished what I’m setting out to do.”

Fulgham, who is a perfect 9-for-9 with 9 knockouts, will be fighting in his first scheduled 10-round bout against Fox. “If the knockout comes, it comes,” he noted. “I want to make a big statement and 10-for-10 would be a big statement. I trust my team, 3 PM (3 Point Management) and Golden Boy, and they’re moving me the way I should be. By the end of this year, I want to be in striking distance to names like Canelo and Benevidez because, eventually, those are the guys I want to fight. But I need to earn it first.

“I really haven’t made any drastic changes for my first 10-round fight. I prepare for every fight like it’s for a world title. Physically, I’ve made improvements and I’m even better prepared mentally for this fight because I’m locked in and understand the process.”

Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a super middleweight as a professional. He captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, both major amateur accomplishments were achieved while he was earning a nursing degree from Prairie View A & M University.

INFORMATION:

Instagram/X (Twitter)/Linkedin: @DariusFulghum




Undefeated super middleweight prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum Celebrating banner 2023

LOS ANGELES (December 14, 2023) – Undefeated super middleweight prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (9-0, 9 KOs) concluded a memorable 2023, knocking out Pachino “Chino” Hill on December 2nd in the second round, in his hometown of Houston on a Golden Boy Promotions card headlined by Ryan Garcia vs. Oscar Duarte on a live DAZN stream from Toyota Center.

The 27-year-old Fulghum was 6-for-6 in 2023 with six knockouts, all since May, increasing his perfect pro record to 9-0 with nine knockouts. In Darius’ six fights this year, he has only needed 16 total rounds to stop his six opponents.

In 2023, Fulghum started working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing Los Angeles-based company, in addition to signing an exclusive promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions.

“Everything that has happened in my boxing career has been perfect timing,” Fulghum commented, even when I was an amateur. I graduated (from college) in 2019, right before the pandemic, and I was able to work my schedule around to compete in The Nationals.

“I don’t know how I could have had a better year other than winning a world title, but that wasn’t realistic right now. I had a perfect year, six fights in seven months, all won by knockout. I learned so much this year in and out of the ring like the process. . I never take days off. I’m gaining all the experience I’ll need to get that world title belt. Everything has been in sync, and I give a lot of the credit to my family for always supporting me.”

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a light heavyweight/super middleweight as a pro. He captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. All of his amateur accomplishments were achieved while he attended college.

Fighting at home as a pro for only the second time during his career, Fulghum wanted to do something special for his family, friends, and fans in Houston. He did just that…..

Team Fulghum came up with the idea for him to wear his Prairie View A & M cap and gown during his walk up to the ring and after the fight when his hand was raised in victory by referee Mark Calo-oy.

“I loved it,” Fulghum added. “Me and my team wanted to make my first fight in Houston something special. I’m so happy it came out really nice. Everything was absolutely ridiculous, Houston really showed up. I felt the love.”

If 2023 was a banner year, Fulghum plans to make 2024 a breakthrough campaign.

“I want to make noise in my division next year and 168 (lbs.) is tight,” Fulghum concluded. “People are starting to notice me, but I don’t have the leverage right now to call out anybody, never mind (David) Benavidez, Canelo (Alvarez), (Jermell) Charlo or (Jaime) Munguia. Next year, I want people to watch me fighting tough competition.”

Perfect timing!

INFORMATION:

Instagram/X (Twitter)/Linkedin: @DariusFulghum




Undefeated prospect Darius Fulghum Fighting for sixth time in 2023

LOS ANGELES (November 22, 2023) – Undefeated Darius “DFG” Fulghum (8-0, 8 KOs) faces light heavyweight Pachino “Chino” Hill (8-4-1, 6 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round bout at home in Houston on a Golden Boy Promotions card, headlined by Ryan Garcia vs. Oscar Duarte, on December 2 at Toyota Center.

The 27-year-old Fulgham is on a hot run, knocking out each of the eight opponents to date as a professional. However, it isn’t imperative for Fulghum to extend his perfect  KO streak to nine. This will be his third straight scheduled eight-round fight, but the first two only went a total of three rounds.

“It’s (9-for-9) not really important to me because I care most about winning and giving the fans an exciting fight,” Fulghum explained. “I want to give a dominant showing and if the knockout comes, it comes. My opponent is very tough. He’s coming to fight, not rollover.

“Anybody who has seen me train knows I train for 12 rounds. There’s no doubt in my mind that I can go a strong eight. I know I’m in top condition and will be putting on the pressure.”

3 PM has him fighting for the sixth time in 2023, the second under contract to the event promoter, Golden Boy Promotions.

“2023 has been the best year of my career,” Fulghum commented. “The start of my career has been everything I want to do to get me where I’m going, one step at a time. I’m taking my time. My boxing IQ is higher in the pro ranks with the experience I’m gaining. I’m more familiar with the process and I’m learning how to keep care of my body. Overall, I’m more comfortable with the process and I’m used to the PR stuff. Everybody wants recognition, but it has to be earned not given.”

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a super middleweight as a pro. He captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

Because the fight is after Thanksgiving, Fulghum will need to sacrifice and ship a few of the traditional foods that have too many carbohydrates.

“I’m a big ‘foodie’ but I believe Thanksgiving isn’t all about food,” Fulghum concluded. “I’m not concerned about what I won’t be able to eat this year. I believe Thanksgiving is about being thankful for the people you love, and I will be spending time with a lot of them. I do love food, though. If I wasn’t a boxer, my dream job would be Guy Fieri’s (Food Network host).”   

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing company based in Los Angeles that has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (45-1, 30 KOs), NABA Super Flyweight Champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 8 KOs), WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem Hackett (12-0, 6 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweight Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).

It’s a lock, Fulghum’s time is coming; not if, rather when. Book it!

INFORMATION:

Instagram/X (Twitter)/Linkedin: @DariusFulghum




8-for-8 Super Middleweight Prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum signed by Golden Boy Promotions

LOS ANGELES (October 17, 2023) – Undefeated super middleweight prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (8-0, 8 KOs) has a perfect 8-for-8 professional career record, stopping each of his eight opponents to date, and he was recently rewarded for his efforts by signing a promotional contract offered by Golden Boy Promotions.

In his most recent fight, his sixth since he started working with 3 Point Management (3PM) this past April, Fulghum knocked out veteran Mexican Alan Campa (18-8, 12 KOs) with a lethal left hook to the liver at the end of the opening round of their October 7th fight in Las Vegas on DAZN. Campa has become a gatekeeper of the super middleweight division having fought two-time world title challenger Jesse Hart, Sergiy Dereyanchenko, Erik Bazinyan and Junior Younan, among the more notables.

The 27-year-old Fulgham, who fights out of Houston, extended his KO streak to eight, but he never goes into a fight looking for a knockout.

“No,” he explained, “I don’t go into a fight looking for a knockout. My style is to break down my opponent. There are expectations from others for me to knockout my opponent. I can’t believe all the hype and rely on my power. My style is to breakdown my opponent in every fight; if the knockout comes, it comes. I don’t think I’m a devastating puncher, but I am extremely skilled.

“I definitely have power, but some guys are more durable than others. I’ve been in with heavy guys (coming down from light heavyweight). I still don’t want to get hit, which will help me later in my career. I haven’t suffered any wear and tear.”

Fulghum’s left hook is a punch he and his trainers have worked hard at developing. It paralyzed Campa, whose face showed how much that one punch hurt him, as he went down to his knees in obvious pain.

“We’ve really practiced that punch to exactly where the right place is,” Fulghum said. “This shot had nothing to do with power, it was about placing it on the liver. I caught him with it while he was throwing a punch. Not that it had that much power, but I felt it in my knuckles. I placed it where it paralyzed him. That shot hurt, you can’t fake it.”

Fulghum is excited to be signed by one of the premier boxing promoters in the world, Golden Boy Promotions, and grateful for the managerial work done by 3 PM.

“I’m extremely excited to be with Golden Boy,” Fulghum commented. “Oscar (de la Hoya) can push me to new heights. He can get me in big fights. Golden Boy has pushed me out there (on DAZN streams) and I’m relaxed fighting in front of people.

“I do have to thank 3 PM. They really saved my career. They’ve done an excellent job and are the most professional people I’ve ever worked with.”

3 PM put Fulghum, who had only fought three times  in more than two years prior to him starting to work with 3 PM, on the fast track and he has excelled, fighting five times this year and displaying improvement in each fight. His last fight was only three weeks after his previous match.

“Fighters fight,” Darius responded to fighting at such an accelerated pace. “This is my job, my career. I have my health, so there’s no reason not to fight (when there’s an offer). I still need to get more experienced to climb the ratings. Why not fight? I’d like one more fight before the end of this year.”

Fulghum’s last two fights were scheduled eight-rounders, but combined they only lasted less than three combined. A 10-round fight is right there for the fast-rising super middleweight from Texas. What’s next?

“I’m not sure,” he concluded. “It depends on the opportunity and whether it’s an eight of ten. My style is built for longer fights. I just need to keep fighting. I’ll take what I can get. Nothing is planned but I want a (scheduled) 10-round fight soon and then fight for a regional belt.”

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a super middleweight as a pro. He captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a Company based in Los Angeles that has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (45-1, 30 KOs), NABA Super Flyweight Champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 8 KOs), WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem Hackett (12-0, 6 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweight Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).

There’s a new sheriff in the super middleweight division and his name is Darius “DFG” Fulghum.

INFORMATION:

Instagram/X (Twitter)/Linkedin: @DariusFulghum




Zurdo Ramirez Decision Joe Smith Jr.

In a battle of former world champion, Gilberto Ramirez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Joe Smith Jr. in a cruiserweight bout at The Cosmopolitan Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

It was an entertaining bout throughout the fight with Ramirez boxing and landing some solid flurries. Ramirez was proficient to body. Smith came on in the middle rounds by landing some hard power shots. Ramirez took the final two rounds to solidify the fight.

Ramirez landed 169 of 415 punches. Smith was 119 of 419.

Ramirez, 191.6 lbs of Mazatlan, MEX won by wider that it looked margins of 99-91 on all cards is 45-1. Smith, 191.8 lbs of Long Island, NY is 28-5.

“This is a new beginning for me,” said Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. “I came back stronger, faster and I came forward. I was a lot smarter in the ring. I think it was a great performance for me. I don’t have anything to say except thank you, Joe Smith, I think he’s a great fighter and tough opponent. I wish him all the best. We had to take care of business in the ring. I felt like I was ahead on the cards. I never took any chances because he has heavy hands and brings a lot of heat to the ring.”

Melikuziev Stops Alantez Fox in 4

Bektemir Melikuziev stopped Alnatez Fox in round four of a scheduled 10-round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Melikuziev was bleeding over his left eye. In round four, Melikuziev dropped Fox with a hard body shot that followed by a left to the head. Melikuziev finished off the fight after a big flurry from Melikuziev and the fight was waved off at 2:44.

Melikuziev, 167.6 lbs of Shoimbek, UZB is 13-1 with 10 knockouts. Fox, 167.2 lbs of Upper Marlboro, MD is 28-5-1.

“I learned my lesson [on avenging the loss against Gabriel Rosado],” said Bektemir Melikuziev. “This was the most awkward fighter at 168 I’ve fought. I want to fight everyone at 168. If you don’t want to fight, get out of the way!”

Darius Fulghum Stops Campa in 1

Darius Fulghum remained perfect by stopping Alan Campa in the opening round of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In the opening frame, Fulghum landed a perfect left to the Solar Plexus that put Campa down for the 10-count at 2:58.

Fulghum, 170.2 lbs of Houston is 8-0 with eight knockouts. Campa, 168.8 lbs of Guaymas, MEX is 18-9.

“Statement made,” said Darius Fulghum. “I’m Golden Boy’s next superstar.”

Jose Sanchez Upsets Eric Tudor

Jose Sanchez won an eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Eric Tudor in a super welterweight fight.

Tudor landed 93 of 290 punches. Sanchez was 131 of 508.

Sanchez, 153.8 lbs of Albuquerque, NM won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice and is now 14-3-1. Tudor, 153.4 lbs of Fort Lauderdale, FL is 9-1.




Undefeated Prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum Fighting in LA for first time in initial 8-rounder

LOS ANGELES (August 30, 2023) – Undefeated prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (6-0, 6 KOs) will experience a few firsts on September 16th in his toughest test to date during his young professional career versus veteran Mexican fighter Ricardo Adrian “Tyson” Luna (25-10-2, 16 KOs) at Commerce Casino and Hotel in Los Angeles.

The 26-year-old Fulghum, who is a promotional free agent, will be fighting in L.A. for the first time in his first scheduled eight-round bout.

“I’m excited to be fighting on a good card on DAZN,” Fulghum commented. “I’ve built a good network there (in LA at Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood) and I’ll have a lot of people coming from home (Texas), too.

“Nothing really changes in training (preparing for his first eight-rounder at a lighter weight). Every time I had a four or six round fight, I prepared for it like it was a 12-round fight. Same for this fight but with even more focus.”

Luna has become a “gatekeeper” having fought top prospects at various stages of their respective careers such as (16-0) Albert Ramirez, (19-0) Diego Pacheco, (30-0) Eric Bazinyan and (16-3) Ryota Murata. Luna’s most notable fight was a draw with 21-2 Vyacheslav Shabranskyy.

“I’m not putting pressure on myself to get a knockout,” Fulghum said, “Every fighter will tell you, if a knockout comes, it comes. My style is wear-and-tear to breakdown my opponent. Will I take a knockout? Yes, but I’m not planning for it.”

Fulghum will be fighting for his fourth time in five months, a pace that perfectly suits “DFG” as he transitions from light heavyweight to super middleweight, fighting Luna at a 172-pound catchweight.

“I’d like to ramp it up even more because it builds my experience,” Fulghum explained his accelerated pace of development. “I haven’t suffered any damage in my fights and I’m always in the gym training.”

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a light heavyweight/super middleweight as a pro. He captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. All of his amateur accomplishments were achieved while he attended college.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing company based in Los Angeles that has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs), NABA super flyweight champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 8 KOs), light heavyweight Kareem Hackett (12-0, 6 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweight Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).




Undefeated Prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum On accelerated pace, returns this Saturday For his third fight in 3 months

LOS ANGELES (July 5, 2023) – Undefeated light heavyweight prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (5-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring this Saturday night for his third fight in three months, back at home in Texas in a six-round bout against Jeremiah Curtright (2-1, 2 KOs) at AT & T Center in San Antonio.

Fulghum vs. Curtright is on a loaded card, presented by Golden Boy Promotions, headlined by the World Boxing Association (WBA) World Welterweight title fight between Vergil Ortiz, Jr. and Eimantas Stanionis.

Fulghum, 26, had to train during Houston’s oppressive heat, as well as pass on the traditional July 4th weekend cookouts.

“Making weight has never been easier for me,” Fulghum jokingly said. “I’ll have some hot dogs and burgers after this fight. It’s the little sacrifices that pay off in the end. I’m used to this now. I’m a professional.

“For me, I’m excited to be fighting so often. It’s the dream of any young fighter. I always stay on weight and in shape to be in the right position. This is just the start of my pro career; I want to keep fighting and improving. I’m so excited for my future. I’d like to fight for a belt by the end of next year and be a top contender the following year.”

Fulghum, who is a promotional free agent, is thrilled to be fighting again in his native Texas. He lives and trains in Houston, but San Antonio is only three hours away.

“I love fighting at home again,” Fulghum remarked. “I was born in Killeen, which is only 1 ½ hours from San Antonio, and I have people in Austin and San Antonio. I’m going to have good support there.”  

In his most recent fight this past June 3rd, Fulghum sold out Galveston (TX) Island Convention Center, as the headliner, stopping Symari Alexander in the sixth round.

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a light heavyweight/super middleweight as a pro. He also captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, all accomplished as he attended college.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing company based in Los Angeles that has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs), NABA super flyweight champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 8 KOs), light heavyweight Kareem Hackett (11-0, 5 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweight Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Instagram/Twitter/Linkedin: @DariusFulghum




Undefeated Prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum SELLS OUT His First Headline Event This Saturday In Texas

LOS ANGELES (May 31, 2023) – Undefeated prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (4-0, 4 KOs) headlines a sold-out pro card event for the first time this Saturday night against Las Vegas-based light heavyweight Symari Alexander (2-1, 2 KOs) in the six-round main event at Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.

“Words can’t really express how I really feel about headlining this show (presented by El Tigre Promotions),” Fulghum said. “Not only am I headlining for the first time, but I’m fighting locally (Galveston is a 45-minute drive from Houston). It’s a blessing; great opportunity for me. I’m ready to put on a show!”

The 26-year-old Fulghum, who is a promotional free agent, and Alexander are familiar with each other, having fought twice in the amateurs in 2016.

“I beat him twice and there was a walkover too (technically 3-0),” Fulghum remembered. “But that was a long time ago and it doesn’t mean anything now. We’ll see how we’ve grown as fighters, both of us, how we’ve evolved. This is our trilogy fight.”

Fulghum is coming off an impressive victory this past April 29th, when he destroyed the battle-tested, Jay Williams in the second round, finishing him off with a devastating left hook, right-hand combination. Darius hadn’t fought in eight months and now he’s fighting only five weeks later.

“I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do because my pro career started a little slow,” Fulghum remarked. “I was in shape, on weight, so I figured. why not take this fight? I want to keep rolling as soon as possible. My preparation literally doesn’t change. I’m in the gym working hard and that’s what works for me. Plus, I get to put on a show for my hometown crowd. Texas has always shown me great love and support and I hope to return the favor to my community in due time.”

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a light heavyweight/super middleweight as a pro, capturing top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, all accomplished as he attended college.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing company based in Los Angeles that has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs), NABA super flyweight champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 8 KOs), light heavyweight Kareem Hackett (11-0, 5 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweight Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Instagram/Twitter/Linkedin: @DariusFulghum




Undefeated prospect Darius Fulghum made triumphant return last Saturday 

LOS ANGELES (May 3, 2023) – Eight months out of the ring didn’t leave Houston’s undefeated light heavyweight prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (4-0, 4 KOs) rusty last Saturday night as he made a strong statement against Jay Williams (4-10) at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

The 26-year-old Fulghum, who is a promotional free agent, fought on the William Zepeda-headlined card streamed live on DAZN.

Fulghum hadn’t fought since last August 10, when he knocked out David Murray (10-3-1) in the second round in Detroit, and he didn’t know who his opponent was until late last week.

“No rust at all,” Fulghum reported. “I felt fluid in the ring, extremely free.”

Fulghum dropped Williams once in the opening round and again in the second, throwing a flurry of punches at his overmatched opponent. The end came at the 0:58 mark of round four, when Fulghum finished off Williams with a picture-perfect left hook, right hand combination.

“It felt amazing,” Fulghum said. “I saw all my supporters there during my walk out and it brought life in me. That was a great feeling. I felt alive again!

“I only gave myself a B grade because I really should have gotten him out in the first round. I loaded up on my shots to get a clear knockout. But I listened to my corner to let my hands go and the knockout will come. It was a good learning experience.”

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a light heavyweight/super middleweight as a pro, capturing top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, all accomplished as he attended college.

Fulgham is tentatively slated to be back in action June 3rd against an opponent to be determined in Galveston, Texas.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing company based in Los Angeles that has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs), NABA super flyweight champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (11-0, 8 KOs), light heavyweight Kareem Hackett (10-0, 5 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweight Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Instagram/Twitter/Linkedin: @DariusFulghum




Undefeated light heavyweight prospect Darius Fulghum returns to ring this Saturday after 8-month inactive stretch

LOS ANGELES (April 27, 2023) – Houston’s undefeated light heavyweight prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (3-0, 3 KOs) enters the ring this Saturday evening for the first time since last August against Jay Williams in a four-round bout streaming live on DAZN from College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

The 26-year-old Fulghum hasn’t fought since last August 10, when he knocked out David Murray (10-3-1) in the second round in Detroit.

“I can’t put into words how excited I am to be back in the ring,” Fulghum said. “It’s been a long time coming. A lot of waiting. Even though I haven’t fought since August, I have been putting in the work and I’m excited to display my skills on the 29th.

“Nobody has seen anything yet. I’m just starting to showcase myself. Fans are going to see a super jab, range control, and a high IQ. Hey, I have a nursing degree, so I have to be smart (laughing). Everything I do is calculated. Ideally, I’d like to fight five more times this year at the least.”  

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a light heavyweight/super middleweight as a pro, capturing top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, all accomplished as he attended college. Because of the long delay due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Darius passed on the opportunity to compete in the Olympics, turning pro and signing a promotional contract with Probellum. Fulghum fought three times as a professional before parting ways with Probellum earlier this year, and he is now a promotional free agent.

Fulghum, though, doesn’t feel any added pressure fighting as a promotional free agent and being scouted by potential handlers.

“There’s no pressure on me regardless of my promotional situation,” Darius concluded. “My whole objective when I fight is to perform at my best. My ambition is to become one of the greatest.”

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing company based in Los Angeles that has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs), NABA super flyweight champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (11-0, 8 KOs), light heavyweight Kareem Hackett (10-0, 5 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweight Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Instagram/Twitter/Linkedin: @DariusFulghum