GEORGE KAMBOSOS JR TO FACE AUSTRALIAN RIVAL JAKE WYLLIE IN NEW MAIN EVENT THIS SATURDAY IN SYDNEY

‘Ferocious’ George Kambosos Jr will now face a huge all-Australian clash against young, knockout artist Jake Wyllie in his Sydney homecoming this Saturday – live worldwide on DAZN.
 
The 24-year-old Queensland native steps in at under a week’s notice for the main event after Kambosos Jr’s original opponent Daud Yordan was today ruled out on medical grounds following a visit to a hospital in his homeland of Indonesia.
 
Wyllie, promoted by No Limits Boxing, has an impressive resumé of 16 wins in 17 fights with 15 victories by way of knockout. And he is ready to spoil Kambosos Jr’s homecoming party at the Qudos Bank Arena – brought to fans around the globe under the sponsorship of Riyadh Season.
 
“This is what dreams are made of. I’d already arranged tickets to come watch on Saturday and now I’m fighting in the main event,” said the Australian Super-Lightweight Champion, Wyllie (16-1-0, 15 KOs).
 
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I’m ready to take it with both hands. George has boxed at the highest level in the sport but I’m young, ambitious, and ready to put it all on the line in Sydney on Saturday. Expect fireworks! Jake ‘The Machine’ Wyllie is coming.”
 
The mission remains the same for Kambosos Jr, however, with the former Undisputed Lightweight World Champion relishing his first test in the 140lb division as he sets his sights on a potential World Title date with IBF king, Richardson Hitchins.
 
“I am ready to showcase all the hard work I have been putting in over the last 3 months, no matter who the opponent is,” said Kambosos Jr (21-3-0, 10 KOs).

“Boxing is unpredictable and it is very unfortunate to have Daud Yordan medically pull out, 5 days before the event, but the Ferocious show goes on because there is no show without me.

“Victory is the only thing on my mind, no matter what, and it sets up my 140-pound World Title shot next. I want to give a good local Aussie kid a shot. Jake Wyllie, 16-1, 15 KOs, stands out. He is the current Australian 140 National Champion, the only one that hasn’t been disrespectful for a payday, and I like how he has gone about his business in the boxing world.

“So, I’m giving Jake the ‘Rocky’ shot! The opportunity, but that’s where it ends. This is not a Rocky movie, don’t get it twisted, there is no happy ending. A Ferocious statement is what you’ll see on Saturday night. Victory by any means.”

Last remaining tickets are on sale now for Saturday’s blockbuster event at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, which showcases two huge women’s World Title fights – brought to you by Matchroom Boxing in partnership with DiBella Entertainment and Ferocious Promotions, and in association with Tasman Fighters and Goldstar.
 
WBC World Featherweight queen Skye Nicolson (12-0, 1 KO) continues her quest to become ‘Future Undisputed’ – but must take care of undefeated, mandatory American rival, Overtime Boxing’s Tiara Brown (18-0, 11 KOs).
 
Another long-standing rivalry will be settled in Sydney as Cherneka Johnson (16-2-0, 6 KOs) defends her WBA World Bantamweight title in a rematch against Great Britain’s Nina Hughes (6-1-0, 2 KOs), after their first fight was marred in controversy last May.
 
And rising Heavyweight sensation Teremoana Jr (6-0, 6 KOs) will be out ensure that the Aussies rule when the Olympian bids for his seventh successive stoppage when he faces James ‘The Beast’ Singh (12-5-0, 11 KOs).
 
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “The biggest card in Australia so far this year has just got even bigger.
 
“First and foremost, we wish Daud Yordan a speedy recovery. Now young Jake Wyllie comes in at short notice with a life changing opportunity to shock the world and wreck George Kambosos Jr’s plans.
 
“He is a dangerous puncher with a rising reputation as a stoppage sensation, so expect fireworks this Saturday at the Qudos Bank Arena. Sydney we’re coming – and I cannot wait.” 
 
Last remaining tickets are on sale here: premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=KAMBOSOS25
 
For media accreditation, please apply here: https://form.jotform.com/250637581184057


KAMBOSOS JR FACES YORDAN IN SYDNEY HOMECOMING AS NICOLSON DEFENDS WORLD TITLE DOWN UNDER AGAINST NEMESIS BROWN

‘Ferocious’ George Kambosos Jr headlines a blockbuster Australian Fight Night as he headlines his long-awaited homecoming in Sydney on Saturday, March 22 against Daud Yordan – live worldwide on DAZN, in partnership with DiBella Entertainment and Ferocious Promotions, and in association with Tasman Fighters and Goldstar.

The former undisputed World Lightweight Champion makes his introduction in the Super-Lightweight division on a huge card Down Under from Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena which features two unmissable Women’s World Title bouts with Skye Nicolson and Cherneka ‘Sugar’ Johnson looking to successfully defend their respective crowns on home soil.

And rising Heavyweight sensation Teremoana Teremoana will be out ensure that the Aussies rule when the Olympian bids for his seventh successive stoppage.

Kambosos Jr (21-3-0, 10 KOs) faces former two-weight IBO World Champion Yordan (43-4-0, 31 KOs) in the main event, looking to lay down a marker in one of the sport’s most exciting divisions. 

The 31-year-old – who captured the IBF and WBO Lightweight belts by beating Teofimo Lopez in 2021 – has shared the ring with the likes of Devin Haney, Maxi Hughes and Lee Selby and returns to the ring for the first time since his war last May with the legendary Vasyl Lomachenko.

Indonesian opponent Yordan promises another stern test for Kambosos and is no stranger to fight fans, having previously held IBO World Titles at Lightweight and Featherweight and succumbing to a points defeat by Anthony Crolla in Manchester back in 2018.

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “This a brilliant card, headlined by the ferocious George Kambosos Jr in his hometown of Sydney. He’s a dangerous man and he will be in the mix of World Title conversations soon enough now he’s in the 140lbs division.

“There are two tremendous Women’s World Championship fights too, as Skye Nicolson defends her WBC Featherweight crown against a tough, mandatory in Tiara Brown – plus, Cherneka Johnson and Nina Hughes get the chance to go again for the WBA Bantamweight belt.

“Big, bruising Heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana will be out to put on another knockout performance in front of his home fans, and much more, in what promises to be an unbelievable night of boxing Down Under.”

George Kambosos Jr said: “Eight long years on the road, and finally I get to fight back in my hometown of Sydney, Australia. 

“Moving up and having my 140-pound debut in front of my fans at a sold-out Sydney arena is the return I have always wanted. This is not just a fight; it’s an opportunity to inspire and give back to my loyal fans and to the community that has stuck by me all these years, the wait is now over.

“I will be facing a veteran of the sport and a fierce competitor, former two-time IBO World Champion and WBA World Title challenger Duad Yordan, ‘The Boxing Senator’, from Indonesia.   

“The Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney will set the stage for me to make a statement return in front of my vocal hometown fans. I see this is as a testament to resilience, a celebration of my homecoming, expect fireworks and see you all March 22.”

Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment added: “I am excited to team up with Matchroom Boxing and TEG Sport to bring ‘Ferocious’ George Kambosos Jr. back to his hometown in Sydney where he will face former world champion Daud Yordan on March 22 at the Qudos Bank Arena.

“This is a tremendous style matchup between two come-forward pressure fighters. Yordan is no stranger Down Under with three wins on Australian soil, but George is ready to unleash his warrior spirit once again to put on a sensational performance in his junior welterweight debut.”

WBC World Featherweight queen Skye Nicolson (12-0, 1 KO), meanwhile, continues her quest to become ‘Future Undisputed’ – but must take care of undefeated, mandatory American rival, Overtime Boxing’s Tiara Brown (18-0, 11 KOs).

Defending her championship for the first time in her native Australia, Nicolson made history last October when she was the first female fighter to successfully retain her title in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the Riyadh Season curtain-raiser, when the Southpaw outclassed Raven Chapman to extend her flawless record.

 “This is my homecoming as World Champion – a moment I have dreamed of and manifested: Bringing big world title action Down Under,” said Nicolson.

“Australian boxing is entering a golden era, and this is the time to get excited and be part of the journey. I’m taking on an undefeated and dangerous challenger with the support of the nation behind me.

“My opponent has had a lot to say and doesn’t believe I’m worthy of my status as World Champion. On March 22, she is going to eat her words in Sydney as I silence the doubters and critics all over again.”

Another long-standing rivalry will be settled in Sydney as Cherneka Johnson defends her WBA World Bantamweight title in a rematch against Nina Hughes, after their first fight was marred in controversy last May.

Britain’s Hughes (6-1-0, 2 KOs) will be hungry for retribution after she was initially declared as the winner before the ring announcer corrected himself by revealing Johnson (16-2-0, 6 KOs) as the victor by majority decision to become a two-weight World Champion.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring on another awesome show here in Australia,” said WBA World Bantamweight Champion Cherneka Johnson.

“I have no doubt in my mind that it’s going to be a career-best dominating performance.”

World Title Challenger, Nina Hughes added: “First and foremost, I have a lot of respect for Cherneka Johnson as an athlete – she’s a tough competitor. But this time around, I’m not leaving anything to chance or in the judges’ hands. I’ve trained harder, I’m sharper, and I’m ready to leave no doubt when I step in that ring.” 

Rising Heavyweight sensation Teremoana Teremoana, meanwhile, is looking forward to adding more valuable experience as he plots his path to becoming a future World Champion in the sport.

 “I’m excited to be back in action and heading to Sydney for another huge night for Australian boxing,” said Teremoana Teremoana.

“It’s another step on the ladder for me to get to the very top and I won’t be happy until I get there. People keep asking me if I want to get more rounds in and of course I’m ready for that and looking forward to it when it comes but if I can get someone out of there in 10 seconds, I will do it. 

“I’m a chilled guy outside the ring but don’t get it twisted when that bell rings I’m in there to do damage and knock people out. That’s what people want to see from heavyweight boxing and it’s what I deliver.”



Usyk starts slow; stops Bellew in Eight

Oleksandr Usyk retained the undisputed cruiserweight title with an 8th round stoppage over Tony Bellew in Manchester, England.

Bellew took the early ;ead by landing some nice right hands on Usyk, who seemed to be biding his time to figure out Bellew.  Usyk started to come on in the middle rounds and got his vaunted jab working.

Clearly with the momentum in his favor, Usyk continued to break down Bellew until he landed a crushing left that sent Bellew crashing back first over the bottom rope.  Bellew got to his knees, but the fight was waved off at 2:00.

Usyk of Ukraine is 16-0 with 12 knockouts.  Bellew of Liverpool, UK is 30-3-1.

Former world champion Anthony Crolla earned another world title shot with a 12-round unanimous decision over Daud Yordan in a lightweight contest.

Crolla of Manchester won by scores of 116-112 on all cards, and is now 34-6-3.  Yordan of Indonesia is 38-4.

Former three-division world champion, Ricky Burns stopped Scott Cardle in round three of their scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

In round one, blood started to flow from Cardle’s nose from hard jabs from Burns. In round three, Burns landed a perfect right that sent Cardle to the deck. Cardle got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 2:06.

Burns, 138 lbs of Scotland is 43-7-1 with 16 knockouts. Cardle, 136 1/2 lbs is now 23-3-1.

Josh Kelly stopped Walter Castillo in round one of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Kelly dropped Castillo with a perfect 1-2 combination. Moments later, Kelly landed a hard combination on the ropes, and the fight was stopped at 2:55.

Kelly, 151 lbs of Sunderland, UK is 8-0 with six knockouts. Castillo, 149 1/2 lbs of Argentina is 13-3.

Dave Allen stopped Ariel Bracamonte after round seven of their scheduled 10-round heavyweight fight.

In round seven Bracamonte suffered a cut on the bridge of his nose from a flush right hand from Allen. The fight was halted after that round.

Allen, 257 1/4 lbs of England is 16-4-2 with 13 knockouts. Bracamonte, 256 1/2 lbs of Argentina is 8-2.

Richard Riakporhe stopped Sam Hyde in round eight of their scheduled 10-round cruiserweight bout featuring undefeated cruiserweights.

Riakporhe landed hard shots in round eight, and Hyde’s left eye began to swell in round eight. There was a huge hemotama that shut Hyde’s eight and the towel was thrown in.

Riakporhe, 197.3 lbs of London is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Hyde, 199.5 lbs of Manchester, UK is 13-1-1.

Dymytro Mytrofano and Gino Kanters battled to a four-round draw in a middleweight fight.

In round one, Kanters dropped Mytrofanov just seconds into the fight. Mytronfavov fought back but was only able to muster a draw.

Mytrofanov, who was an Olympian is 2-0-1. Kanters of The Netherlands is 5-2-1. The referee score was 38-38.



AUDIO: CHRIS JOHN – DAUD YORDAN PREVIEW

Compliments of www.fightpicksexperts.com

Casino’s winning streak lifts small thrifts; success of Connecticut tribe’s venture fuels a revival.(Norwich Savings Society, Dime Savings Bank of Norwich and Chelsea-Groton Savings Bank profit from Foxwoods Casino)(includes related article on relations between Indian tribes and community banks)

American Banker May 13, 1996 | Epstein, Jonathan D. go to website dime savings bank

Profiting from gambling is one of the last things a community banker might encourage other people to do.

But that wasn’t the case for the chief executives at three small southeastern Connecticut thrifts.

Five years ago, the three men – Dan Dennis, Jim Cronin, and Duncan Stoddard – were struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel. With the state’s recession in full swing and the defense industry retrenching, their community was battling skyrocketing unemployment and slumping property values.

Those problems reverberated at their local thrifts – Norwich Savings Society, Dime Savings Bank of Norwich, and Chelsea-Groton Savings Bank -which saw nonperforming assets soar and loan losses mount.

All that changed, however, after the Mashantucket Pequot Indians opened the Foxwoods Casino in 1992, eventually supplying 11,000 new jobs and significant investment for the struggling rural community.

The injection resuscitated the area, helping it rebound from the recession far faster than the rest of the state. The casino also helped the fortunes of the three thrifts.

“Everyone in eastern Connecticut is affected by it, every county, every bank, every government,” said Mr. Dennis, chief executive of $711 million-asset Norwich Savings.

The casino has emerged as an unlikely savior for banks that have relied for years on more traditional sources of income.

While Mr. Dennis and his banking colleagues assert that they would have recovered eventually, they agree that it wouldn’t have happened as rapidly were it not for the casino’s success.

Foxwoods’ success is part of a surge in casino gambling on Indian reservations during the past few years. Since the beginning of the decade, at least 92 tribes in 19 states have signed more than 100 compacts for casino gambling with governments.

The agreements authorize games ranging from simple lotteries and off-track betting to blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, and even slot machines.

With almost 600 rooms in two hotels, and more than 250,000 square feet of casino space, Foxwoods has become a major tourist destination in New England. Tribal officials say it is the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

Its revenues have exceeded all expectations. Profits have topped $1 billion a year, most of it nontaxable because the reservation is technically sovereign land.

The regional recovery spawned by Foxwoods has also helped the thrifts’ earnings. Nonperforming assets are down significantly at all three institutions. In 1995, Norwich reported net income of $5.5 million, Chelsea-Groton had earnings of $4.2 million, and Dime had income of $1.8 million.

“We wouldn’t see the bad loans going away and being replaced by good loans if it weren’t for these things,” said $457 million-asset Chelsea-Groton’s Mr. Stoddard.

Although the thrifts are too small to handle the banking relationships for the casino, they have been asked to fund various other individual and tribal projects.

And the Mashantuckets have made sure to divide their deposit business among local banks. That supports the growth of the institutions, while ensuring competitive bidding for tribal projects.

“The success of it is well beyond not only the local people’s expectations, but even their wildest dreams and hopes,” said Mr. Cronin, chief executive at $159 million-asset Dime Savings.

“I know this tribe prefers to do locally what it can, and that involves community banks,” said tribal spokesman Bruce MacDonald. “We’ve made that a policy and a priority.” Since the little-known tribe opened four years ago, southeastern Connecticut has undergone a transformation that rescued it from the disaster that befell the rest of the state.

With its heavy reliance on defense industries, the area was rocked by defense cutbacks that led to, among other losses, about 14,000 job cuts at the General Dynamics Electric Boat submarine facility in Groton.

Almost simultaneously, the effects of the state’s recession and overbuilding in the condominium market led to a steep drop in property values in the area. About 40 banks failed statewide. go to website dime savings bank

The poor conditions pounded the three thrifts. Norwich Savings recorded nonperforming assets of $50 million, or 50% of its capital, while Chelsea-Groton watched its bad assets rise to 70% of capital, or $34 million.

“I don’t think any banker realized in 1989 how devastating or deep an economic trough this would be,” Mr. Dennis said.

The growth of Foxwoods, however, sparked the region’s recovery within just two years of its opening.

“We’re not going to take credit for everything, but we’ve had a noticeable impact on the local economy,” Mr. McDonald said.

With the casino now in full operation and still growing, the Norwich area has seen a return to virtually full employment and the replenishment of once empty housing stock.

And economists say that the new jobs at the casino have also supported 20,000 new jobs in the county and 7,000 in the rest of the state, helping to reduce state welfare rolls.

Currently, Dime Savings Bank of Norwich is working with the Mashantuckets to offer a housing finance program to help tribe members who might not otherwise qualify for loans.

And Norwich Savings Society, which has maintained numerous loan relationships with the tribe since 1983, is seeking to open a branch at the casino for tribe members and casino workers.

The success of the casino also has its drawbacks, the bankers point out. Most notable are the losses incurred by gambling addicts, who may default on loans and bankrupt their businesses.

“There’s been a mixed bag there. It isn’t a panacea,” Mr. Cronin said. “I’m still thankful that it happened. I shudder to think of what might have happened if they were not there.” Epstein, Jonathan D.



Chris John to defend title against Daud Yordan


Mahkota Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions & Sampson Boxing LLC announced in a press conference at the Jakarta International Expo, the championship boxing event scheduled for Sunday, April 17, 2011 at the J.I. EXPO, in Hall D-2. In the main even, undefeated WBA Super Champ. (Featherweight), Chris John (44-0-2, 22 K.O.‘s) vs. countryman, Daud Yordan (27-1-0, 21 K.O.’s). For Chris John, history will be made in Indonesia where he will be making his 14th title defense.
President of Sampson Boxing, Sampson Lewkowicz stated in the press conference “I am extremely pleased and honored to be the boxing steward for this historical event that the entire nation of Indonesia deserves to be a part of and see.” Mahkota Promotion’s best young Entrepreneur & Promoter in Indonesia, Raja Sapta Oktohari stated “This fight will be Indonesia’s equivalent of Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Marvin Hagler or Oscar De La Hoya vs. J.C. Chavez.” Long time Manager and Trainer of Chris John, Craig Christian had this to say “Chris is extremely focused and motivated for this fight. I view this fight as an unpredictable fight between a young prepared boxer matched against an experienced, well-trained fighter”.

The intriguing and beautifully renovated Jakarta International Expo venue has a capacity of 8,000 fans and is expected to be sold out. The site is located at the heart of the capital city of Indonesia and due to it’s partnership with local government, has on-going, complimentary shuttle buses that provide access to visitors of the event. For additional information on the venue’s access, you may also visit the Jakarta International Expo web site: http://www.jiexpo.com/home.php?menu=1&id=3
Additional fight announcements and details will follow in an ensuing Press Release as they are solidified.