Phoenix, AZ – A tip of the black hat to Emanuel Navarrete, still El Vaquero.

Still the The Victor.

Navarrete’s power proved to be too much for Oscar Valdez about a year-and-a-half ago and again Saturday night in a junior-lightweight rematch in front of a roaring crowd at Footprint Center.

Valdez made some promised adjustments. But there was no way to adjust to his power. He just doesn’t have as much of it as Navarrete. He didn’t in August 2023 at Desert Diamond Arena in nearby Glendale. He didn’t  Saturday night in downtown Phoenix. 

Pick the time. Pick the place. It wouldn’t matter. Navarrete settled it, once and for all, proving that he’s simply a better fighter than Valdez.

“I tried,’’ Valdez said.

But  trying in the rematch didn’t carry him for as long as it did in a punishing loss in the first fight. The rematch was a repeat and then some. Navarrete finished the popular fighter from Mexico’s northern Sonora and south Arizona, dropping him three times — once in the first round, again late in the fourth and the finisher in the sixth.

Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) ended it with a thundering body shot, a left hand that sent Valdez into the ropes and onto the canvas. At 2:42 of the sixth, the fight was over, although Valdez told the crowd he would continue to fight on. The only sure thing is that Navarrete won’t be anywhere in his future, how ever much longer his career lasts.

“I had to work hard in each round.’’ said Navarrete, still the World Boxing Organizations 130-pound champion. “I had to push him back. He comes forward. I had to push him back. And that was the right strategy to take down a Valdez, who is always strong.”

“I told everyone before that I would have a new left hand. And that’s what has happened. It felt really good. We are not starting a second stage of my career. And I plan to take advantage of it.”

Valdez (32-3, 24 KOs) promised adjustments might have cost him in

the opening moments. In the the first round, Valdez moved forward, throwing two or three punches , then ducked and backed away from Navarrete’s attempts at a counter. Late in the first round, Valdez ducked enough to jeopardize his balance. Navarrete capitalized, landing a combination that put, almost pushed, Valdez on to the canvas for an  early knockdown.

Valdez came back over the next couple rounds. He caught Navarrete with succession of solid rights.  All the while, it looked as if Valdez was trying to disrupt Navarrete, an instinctive fighter who is at his dangerous best when he’s gets into a rhythm. It’s a rhythm that rolled over Valdez throughout 12 rounds in the first fight 16 months ago.

Valdez’ adjustments worked, but never long enough to keep Navarrete off him. Interrupt Navarrete’s rhythm, but there was no way to halt his power. It was his advantage in the first fight and again in the second. No need for a third. 

At the end of the fourth rounds, Valdez found himself on the canvas again. He protested to the referee. But to avail. The referee wasn’t listening. He saw what a crowd of more than 8,000 was witnessing. Valdez simply had no chance against Navarrete. Never has.

“Sorry to those who came to see me,’’ Valdez said.  “I wish it was a better result. Maybe next time. No excuses from me. He beat me well.’’

Beat him again.

Espinoza retains his WBO belt

In the 1st of 2 championship rematches of the night we have the co main event of the Navarrete Valdez card, inside the footprint center. Mexican fighter Rafael “Divino” Espinoza defending his WBO Featherweight tittle for the 2nd time in the highly anticipated rematch with Cuban Robeisy Ramirez. In their first fight a year ago, Espinoza edged out the win by a majority decision. Each fight did taste the canvas Espinoza in the 5th, Ramirez touched in the 12th.

Leading up to the fight the fight at hand with many calling it as the potential fight of the night. While both of them have been very respectful and cordial throughout this build up. At the press conference each said that they want to give the fans and themselves a great show.

Rafael “Divino” Espinoza 25-0(21KOs) from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico weighed in at 125.7lbs while Robeisy Ramirez 14-2(9KOs) Cienfuegos, Cuba came in at 125.6

In the opening rounds as expected with two technical fighter both use this round to check each other temperature, in which both were low. Not much action went on except for a couple of punch flurries.

Espinoza started to attack the body of Ramirez, later it opened up a clean uppercut. Ramirez came back with solid left hook that woke up the crowd while getting the attention of Espinoza. As the round went on Ramirez found a home on the right side of Espinoza’s face.

For the first time of the night the boo bird started to chirp however they were quickly turned to cheers as if the fighter heard them. So far this has been an evenly contested fight with both going back and forth. Espinoza is having a little trouble cutting off the ring, as Ramirez is circling the ring. Thus far in the five rounds the action is steady picking up each round

The start of the 6th had a huge turn of events as Ramirez was hit with a straight right hand to his eye that led to him waving his hand up in the air indicating he wanted no mas and that’s how referee Chris Flores took it. Stopping the fight 12 seconds into the round. Earning a TKO victory Espinoza improves to 26-0(22KOs).

In the post fight interview Ramirez indicated that he was hit with a few elbows in the 4th round, and it led to him making sure his health was top priority wanted to protect himself since the referee was not. When interviewed Espinoza stated that Ramirez was feeling his power and knew was coming if he stayed in the fight longer. As for the future he wants the big fights and become a legend in the sport. He also mentioned that he wants to make Phoenix his home. Could we see a potential show down with the winner of the main event?…..possibly in Phoenix?…

Lindolfo Delgado scores convincing stoppage

Lindolfo Delgado has heard boos. Heard questions. But he had only answers Saturday night on the Emanuel Navarette-Oscar Valdez 2 card at the Suns arena in downtown Phoenix.

Delgado (22-0, 16 KOs), a Mexican junior welterweight, dropped Jackson Marinez (22-4, 10 KOs) twice in the fifth round. First, he landed an uppercut combo, putting Marinez, of the Dominican Republic, on the canvas in evident pain. Seconds later, he finished him with a body shot. At 2:14 of the round, referee Wes Melton ended it, declaring Delgado a TKO winner.

Richard Torrez storms back into the KO column

Richard Torrez looked at his record back in September and didn’t exactly recognize it.

It was one knockout shy of perfection in a fight that ended when his opponent was disqualified for spitting out his mouthpiece repeatedly.

“I got in a cab and the driver asked me what I did for a living,” Torrez said. “I told him I’m a heavyweight boxer. So, the driver asked what my record was. That stopped. me. I couldn’t tell him 11 victories, 11 knockouts.”

Torrez will never have that perfect record again. But he put the stoppage back into his identity Saturday, blowing away Mexican Isaac Munoz Saturday on the Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez rematch card at the Suns home area in downtown Phoenix.

Torrez (12-0, 11 KOs) rocked Munoz (18-2-1, 15 KOs) repeatedly through the first two rounds. In the third, he caught him along the ropes, where Munoz slumped into a defenseless posture. The referee ended it, then and there, at 59 seconds of the round

Perez chopped down

The start of the 2nd half of tonight’s fights Gerardo Perez 12-6-1(3KOs) from Salta, Argentina took on Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez 11-0(7KOs) fighting out of Moreno Valley, Ca. In just his 2nd 8 round fight “Chop Chop” is making his return to the valley of the sun. In his Arizona debut he was featured on his stablemates card when Super Flyweight champion Bam Rodriguez fought Sunny Edwards for the IBF and WBO Flyweight belts last December.

Not the way of the night as the first round was pretty much a fill out, as both fighters did not do much engaging. Gonzalez did land 2 clean shots to Perez’s head. Things got interesting as both fighters met in the middle of the ring to start off the 2nd round. The action maintained for much of the round. While each had their moments, again Gonzalez made more of the opportunity and landed the harder punches and knocking Perez’s head back a couple of times.

In the 3rd chop chop found his rhythm stunning Perez with a right hook. In a old fashion brawl this fan favorite round got the fans out of their seats. As this was the round of the night up to this point. Even with the Mexican legend entering the arena could not take away from the action going on in the ring.

Rounds 4 and 5 were catch your breathe type rounds with the actions taking a little break. Gonzalez did start to pick up his punching towards the end of the 5th connecting plenty of times to Perez’s head, however that did not stop him from keep coming forward and pressing the action.

Sensing he has his opponent on the verge “chop Chop” came out of the 7th looking to end it. Walking him down to the corner with a borage of punches. Yet again Perez took those punches stopping the momentum.

 As the fight comes to the end entering the 8th and final round both fighters deserve to be applauded as they left it all in the ring. With Gonzalez maintaining the out put and land the more efficient punches he closed out the fight with some head snapping punches.

The fight ended with no one hitting the canvass but that is not to say it was not a great fight. On the flip side it was the fight of the night as both warriors stood in front of each other and took what the other had. Going to the judges Gonzalez earned the Unanimous decision with 2 of the judges having it a shootout 80-72 and the 3rd scoring it 79-73.—David Galaviz

Steven Navarro put super into flyweight with second-round TKO

It started with a glancing body punch. It continued with a solid body shot. It ended with a left hook. 

From body to head,  Los Angeles super-flyweight Steven Navarro (5-0, 4 KOs)did it all, knocking down Puerto Rican Gabriel Bernadi (7-2, 3 KOs) three times in the second for a dominant stoppage at 2:29 of the round Saturday in the fifth fight on a card featuring the Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez rematch at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

Santillan races to first-round TKO

Giovani Santillan, a slick welterweight from San Diego, is often criticized for not having enough aggression in what is otherwise a versatile skillset.

Let’s just say it was missing in action.

But it was suddenly there, appearing like a bolt of lightning in overwhelming Ghana welterweight Frederick Lawson within three rounds on an ESPN card featuring the Oscar Valdez-Emanuel Navarrete rematch at Footprint Center, the Phoenix Suns home arena.

At the sound of the opening bell, Santiillan (33-1, 18 KOs) — trainer Robert Garcia in the corner for his third straight fight of the day —  raced at a surprised Lawson (30-5, 22 KOs), who had no counter or defense.  As the bell sounded an end to the opening round, referee Chris Flores waved it off, Santillan a first-round TKO winner 

Referee hits the canvas, Art Barrera wins TKO

The fighters were left standing. Only the referee went down.

In a quick finish to a welterweight fight, referee Wes Melton rushed to step in between Art Barrera Jr. and Juan Carlos Campos Medina. Melton was trying to save Medina from further punishment.

He did, but Melton took a tumble in the fight’s only knockdown Saturday afternoon, several hours before the Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez main event at Footroitn Center.

Unhurt, Melton coolly got up and ruled a timely end to the fight at 2:58 of the second round, declaring the Robert Garcia-trained Barrera (7-0, 4 KOs) a TKO winner over Medina (4-2, 3 KOs) of Sioux City, Iowa.

Prospect loses pro debut

He walked into the rung as a prospect. He walked out of it winless.

Cesar Morales’ pro debut ended in a loss and perhaps an early lesson in the second fight on a card featuring the Emanuel Navarrete-Oscar Valdez rematch Saturday.

Morales, a Mexican lightweight signed by Valdez manager Frank Espinoza and trained by Robert Garcia, got rocked in the fourth and final round at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

 A  succession of punches from Kevin Mosquera (3-0, 1 KO), a long and lanky fighter from Ecuador, rocked Morales. In a desperate effort to maintain his balance, his gloves touched the canvas for an official knockdown

That was enough to put him on the losing end of a majority decision — 39-36, 38-37, 38-38 — in what proved to be an early surprise on Top Rank’s 10-fight card. 

In the opening bell inside the Footprint Center home of the Phoenix Suns, Roman Reynoso 22-5-2(10KOs) fighting out of Moreno, Argentina faced DJ “The War Machine” Zamora 14-0(9KOS) a Top Rank prospect coming all the way from Las Vegas, NV. Both fighters made weight yesterday for their Jr Lightweight contest.

In the first round Reynoso went down twice, first by a shot to the right side of his stomach at the 1:03 mark and then on his own accord with a wild punch that connected only with the cold air in the arena.

Sensing some urgency Ramon came out in the 2nd round with a flurry of punches, pushing Zamora to the ropes. What seemed to be plan A for Reynoso did not hold up and with no plan B, Zamora had his equalizer, with 1:17 left in the round, he landed a left hook square on his opponent’s jaw. Referee Chris Chavez Stopping it shortly after. Improving to 15-0(10KOs) Zamora still has some room for improvement but the reward out weighs the risk in his young career.—David Galaviz

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Knockout is the first word in the second chapter to Jamie Munguia’s career.

It sums up what he hopes to do.

It defines the promotional plans Top Rank has for him.

The KO was authored and patiently executed by Munguia in his first fight, post-Canelo, against an unknown, yet skilled Eric Bazinyan Friday in front of a roaring crowd of about 6,500 at Desert Diamond Arena.

In a super-middleweight fight full of twists and turns, ebbs and flows, a bigger and quicker Munguia finally delivered the final word with a succession of punches that left an exhausted Bazinyan on all fours, looking exhausted and beaten late in the 10th. He was finished, a loser by KO at 2:36 of the round.

“It was a great experience,’’ Munguia (44-1, 35 KOs) said in a tone that suggested he anticipates even greater ones in  a career that is just entering its prime.

It was also a victory that put him one fight beyond his last one, a scorecard loss to fellow Mexican Canelo Alvarez. There were questions about how the 27-year-old Munguia would respond to the loss to boxing’s  so-called Face of the Game.

Would he be tentative?

Would he be over-anxious?

No. 

And no.

Munguia’s evident poise was very much intact against Bazinyan (32-1-1, 23 KOs), an Armenian living in Canada. Bazinyan tested Munguia repeatedly in the middle round. 

“I felt like I was winning,’’ Bazinyan said.  “I felt he was very frustrated with my jab, right hand, and counters. He was getting tired. All of a sudden, I got caught. I don’t know what happened there.”

Munguia rocked him in the sixth, seventh and eighth. Each time, it looked as if Munguia was about to take control. But the well-conditioned Bazinyan came charging back, repeatedly rocking him with a solid right hands that he threw behind a consistently accurate jab.

A tentative Munguia would not have known how to respond. An overanxious Munguia would have rushed in and perhaps walked right into knockout blow. But Munguia carefully measured his punches and perhaps his energy, all in an effort to score a KO he had to envision in a comeback from his lone loss.

What’s next? Predictably, Munguia, a quiet fighter from Tijuana, wouldn’t be specific. He was asked about about the Top Rank-promoted Christian M’billi. He was asked by Caleb Plant, who is coming off a bruising victory over Trevor McCumby.

Then, he was asked by Edgar Berlanga, who lost a one-sided decision to Canelo at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena last Saturday.

“If I had to pick, I’d pick Berlanga,’’ he said.

Sounds like that one could produce the second word in that second chapter. 

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Torrez stays unbeaten, Dawejko’s mouthpiece gets him DQed

Richard Torrez Jr. threw most of the punches in a fight dominated by his movement and Joey Dawejko’s mouthpiece.

In the end, it was the mouthpiece that proved to be decisive.

In a heavyweight fight with no knockdowns, Dawejko’s mouthpiece hit the canvas five times. The fifth time resulted in his disqualification in the fifth round of the final fight before the main event, a super-middleweight clash between Jaime Munguia and Eric Bazinyan Friday night in front of an estimated crowd of 7,000 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale Arena.

The DQ will go down as a victory for Torrez, pushing the prospect’s unbeaten record to 11-0 with 10 knockouts.

“Joey was a vet, just like I said,” Torrez said.  “He didn’t give up. That mouthpiece came out a little too much. That’s a veteran move, but at the end of the day, congratulations to him. He put up a good fight.

“I think we were able to show more boxing ability that I was telling you about.”

Torrez was clearly on his way to victory with quick hands and agile feet. On The Boxing Hour’s card, he won the first three rounds easily. He was winning the fourth, too, when Dawejko’s mouthpiece began to dominate the round. Referee Wes Melton picked it up once, twice and then a third time. That’s when he issued his first one-point penalty. A fourth time resulted in a second one-point penalty  for Dawejko (28-12-4  16 KOs), a Philadelphia roofer when not in the ring.

In the fifth, Melton had seen enough of Dawejko’s mouthpiece and the fight. He waved off the fight at 2:02 of the round.

El General marches on to another battle won

In the opening bout of the ESPN+ telecast “El General” Emiliano Vargas 11-0(9Kos) of Las Vegas, NV faces “Lethal” Larry Fryers 13-6-1(5Kos) of Clones, Ireland. Coming in the fight Larry made a bold prediction stating he was going to knock out Vargas in the 5th round. Missing majority of the year Larry is making his 2024 debut looking to mirror 2023 were he went undefeated in his 2 matches. Fans made sure to be in their seats prior to the start of this one. As most AZ fight fans are very familiar with Vargas, this will make it his fourth time fighting in front of them at the Desert Diamond Arena. It also does not hurt that he comes to fight which make him a fan friendly fighter. In a town known for fighter such as the legend Micheal Carbajal, Jose Benavidez jr, and David Benavidez AZ loves to see in all out war. The El “General” has the perfect tactics to keep them happy and on the edge of their seats.

In the opening round emiliano came out with a combo of a left and right to the head of Fryers which caught him by surprise and stunned. Vargas did not let up from the punishment landing at will knocking back Fryers to ropes with a series of jabs. More importantly Vargas was showing off his defense with great footwork and head movement, making his opponent miss many of his punches.

Focusing on the body in round 2 Vargas landed some vicious body shots to the right of fryers ribs. As the round came to an end at the sound of the 10 second mark, Vargas lands a straight left hand wobbling fryers to the ropes with a few significant punches following. Best exchange of the fight to this point

Larry has no answer for Emiliano’s left hook to the head nor to the body. Just as you think Fryers is done he comes back with a punch of his own but no damage being done. As a repeat of the previous round Vargas came with a late rally hurting Larry to the point if there was more time the referee might had to save him.

In the mid point of the fifth round Vargas landed 2 perfect body shots to set up the furious knock out punch a over hand left hook ending the night for Lethal Larry Fryers. The stoppage come at 1:38 of the fifth round.

Emiliano stated that this is his best performance to date and will enjoy crumbl cookies for his hard work. Vargas is showing that he can knockout out his opponents but now adding that he can make them miss as well. The prediction of a 5th round KO was right just the fighter who said it was not. Emiliano “El General” Vargas improves to 12-0(10KOs).

Charly Suarez scores third-round stoppage

Speed is power and Filipino junior-lightweight Charly Suarez proved it repeatedly in overwhelming Jorge Castaneda in the final bout before the ESPN telecast Friday of the card featuring Jaimie Munguia-Erik Bazinyan Friday at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale AZ.

Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) dropped Castaneda (17-4, 13 KOs), of Laredo TX, twice in the third round, finishing him at 2:23 of the third for a fringe World Boxing Organization belt.

Not in Kansas anymore

Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia 14-0(11KOs) from Ulysses, Kansas took on Ricardo Fernandez 15-13(1KO) from Santa Cruz de la sierra, Bolivia in a scheduled 8 round bout. Garcia is coming off a very short break just fighting a little over a month ago when he KOd his opponent in 3 rounds. Coming into this fight should not be nothing new to “Kid Kansas” this past year fighting on average every 2 months, each time taking care of business

Coming to the ring paying homage to Mexico wear the colors of the flag Green, white, and red  during Hispanic heritage month. As the action started Garcia quickly Established the jab, connecting flush on his opponent’s face.

Picking up the activity in the 2nd utilizing more of his arsenal going to the body more often. Towards the end of the round Garcia briefing stunned Fernandez with a left hook to his right temple.

Settling down for the start of the 3rd  Garcia again picked it up carrying all the action as his dance partner did not come out to tangle. Very solid round for Kid Kansas as he did a little of everything  head shots, body shots and movement in the ring

Sensing he has nothing to lose Fernandez came out his Corner swinging, throwing as many punches as all of the previous rounds combine. That was short lived as Garcia took control of the fight once again simply out boxing Fernandez

Garcias body  shots have been landing effectively throughout the fight so far. In a wild turn of event with 45 seconds left in the 5th round Garcia left his guard down and was caught with a powerful right over hand. Before even hitting the canvass Garcia was out, unfortunately his head bounced off the mat. Not being able to get up the referee stops the fight at 35 seconds left in the fifth round.

This is a huge upset for top prospect Alan Garcia, maybe all those miles he put on his body this year is what failed him tonight. There is still a very bright future for Kid Kansas. In his post fight interview Fernandez stated that he was not surprised of the knockout and he knew that he was not getting up. Fernandez improves to 16-13(2KOs) while Garcia suffered his first defeat now at 14-1(11KOs)—-By David Galaviz

DJ Zamora wins decision in tough junior-lightweight bout 

DJ Zamora calls himself The War Machine. 

He got the war. 

Got the victory, too.

Zamora (14-0, 9 KOs), a junior-lightweight from Las Vegas, won a unanimous decision, yet was forced into an intense battle during the middle to late rounds of a scheduled eight-rounder by Argentine Gerenardo Antonio Perez (12-6-1, 3 KOs) Friday on a card featuring Munguia-Bazinyan at Desert Diamond Arena Friday.

Zamora’s superior reach and hand speed controlled the early rounds. In the fourth, however, Perez adjusted, slipped under Zamora’s long  punches and landed repeated uppercuts in a bout cheered by a small, yet lively crowd. 

Unbeaten Steven Navarro scores third-round TKO

Steven Navarro, an unbeaten Super Flyweight from Los Angeles, combined power and speed for a two-fisted demolition of Oscar Arroyo in the third fight — all one-sided — Friday on the card featuring Jaime Munguia-Eric Bazinyan at Glendale’s Desert Diamond Arena.

Navarro (4-0, 3 KOs) overwhelmed Arroyo (3-3, 2 KOs), of Virginia, knocking him down twic , once in the first round and again in the second. Late in third, Navarro unleashed a succession of punches from countless angles, prompting the referee to step in and end it at 2:35 of the round.  

Jorge Perez scores first-round KO

ia Essaoudi walked into the ring, answered an opening bell and had to be helped through ropes and into his dressing forty-six seconds later.

It was quick work, all delivered by Mexican middleweight Jorge Perez (31-4, 26 KOs) in the second fight on a card featuring Munguia-Bazinyan at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, a Phoenix suburb.

Perez, of Los Mochis, landed a lethal hook to Essaoudi’s left side. Essaoudi (22-3, 15 KOs), of Germany, reacted as if he had suffered a fractured rib. In evident pain, he dropped his hands. Then, Perez landed a head-rockincombo. At :46 of the first round, it was over — Perez, winner by knockout.

First Bell: Unbeaten Sebastian Hernandez forces aging foe to quit 

It was a matinee surrender.

The ESPN show featuring Jaime Munguia-Erik Bazinyan opened Friday at Desert Diamond Arena with junior-featherweight  Sebastian Hernandez (17-0, 16 KOs), of Tijuana, landing punches at will against a retreating Yenfrez Parejo (24-7-1, 12 KOs) a middle-aged Venezuelan with a receding hair line. 

Parejo’s age was listed  at 37-years-old. By the third, he looked 50. After the fourth, he was finished, a senior citizen who couldn’t continue.

Rafael Espinoza made the first defense of the WBO Featherweight title with a four-round beatdown of Sergio Chirino at The Fontainbleau Las Vegas.

In round one, Espinoza landed a perfect short left uppercut under an attempted right of Chirino that landed right on Chirino’s jaw that put the challenger on the canvas. In round three, Espinoza dropped Chirino by landing a right uppercut that was followed by a left to the body. In round four, the relentless Espinoza landed a big uppercut on the chin that was followed up by another tapping uppercut that made Chirino wilt to the canvas and the fight was stopped at

Espinoza at 6’1″ is the tallest featherweight champion history and the 125-pound native of Guadalajara, MEX is 25-0 with 21 knockouts. Chirino, 125.6 lbs of Oaxaca, MEX is 23-2.

Espinoza said, “From the beginning, the hunger that I have to triumph, to be better and to move forward was apparent. I gave my heart, and it shows.

“We had a plan to control our distance in the fight. But I like throwing punches and showing people what they want to see, which is action. That’s why I went forward as soon as the first round began. I don’t like going backward.

“I’m here. It’s my time. The time of ‘El Divino.’ I want to unify, and I want the big challenges.” 

Andres Cortes Decisions Abraham Nova

Andres Cortes won a 10-round unanimous decision over Abrham Nova in a junior lightweight bout.

In round three, Cortes was cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt.

It seemed like Nova pulled out the decision by being more active down the stretch but it was Cortes who won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94.

Cortes landed 172 of 497 punches. Nova was 196 of 783.

Cortes, who was over the 130-pound weight limit at 130.8 lbs is now 22-0. Nova, 129.7 lbs of Albany, NY is 23-3.

Cortes said, “It was a tough fight. I knew he was a tough competitor. He just went 12 rounds with a world champion. So, I knew it would be a tough one.

“He was very dirty in there. He called me a dirty fighter, but he was really dirty in there. All these headbutts and stuff. But it was a good fight. No excuses. I dug deep and got the victory.”

Nova said, “This is boxing. This is what happens. I started a bit slow. But then I got my rhythm. I went in there, and I did what I had to do. He hit me a lot behind the head.

“This is boxing. All I’ve got to go is back to drawing board, fix a couple things and come back.” 

In a battle of undefeated middleweight fighters who were amateur stars, Troy Isley won a 10-round unanimous decision over Javier Martinez.

In round seven, Martinez was deducted a point for low blows. A round later, it was Isley who had a point taken away for the same infraction.

Isley landed 206 of 674. Martinez was 134 of 553.

Isley, 158.9 lbs of Alexandria, VA won by scores of 97-91 twice and 96-92 and is now 13-0. Martinez, 159.8 lbs of Milwaukee is 10-1-1.

Isley said, “His two wins over me as an amateur meant nothing. The talent gap showed. We’re on to bigger things now. I want the champions soon.
 
“We knew to box him. We didn’t want to make it a firefight. I had to stay composed and box him.”

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Francisco Pedroza in a bantamweight fight.

In round six, Pedroza was deducted a point for hitting on the break.

Diaz, 117.8 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 78-73 on all cards and is now 12-0. Pedroza, 117.5 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is now 18-12-2.

DJ Zamora III remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Juan Antonio Meza in a junior lightweight bout.

Zamora, 131.5 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 13-0. Meza, 131.2 lbs of Torreon, MEX is 9-10.

Steven Navarro won a six-round unanimous decision over Juan Pablo Meza in a junior bantamweight fight.

Navarro, 115.7 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 2-0. Meza, 114.8 lbs of Santiago, CHL is 7-4.

Bryan Polaco remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Richard Acevedo in a six-round middleweight fight.

In round three, Polcao dropped Acevedo with a combination. Seconds later, it was a one-two that forced Acevedo’s glove to touch the canvas for a second knockdown. Later in the round, Acevedo began to swell from under his left eye. With Acevedo on unsteady legs, the bout was stopped at 2:51.

Polaco, 156 lbs of Fajardo, PR is 7-0 with five knockouts. Acevedo, 156.3 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 6-1-1.

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 26, 2023) – Undefeated rising star, lightweight Demler “The War Machine” Zamora (11-0, 9 KOs), is ready to take his career to the next level with a signature win against Nikolai Buzolin (9-4-1, 5 KOs). The 8-round bout takes place this Saturday, July 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford card.

Zamora, fighting in his hometown of Las Vegas, had an impressive win in his last fight defeating Jesus Abel Ibrarra (15-1, 7 KOs), by way of a third-round knockout, giving him his first loss. After the great performance, Zamora is now fighting in his first 8-round bout as a professional.

“It feels good to be fighting at home on the biggest fight of the year,” said an enthused Zamora. “This is the type of card and atmosphere that all fighters dream about when it comes to fighting on the big stage. I want to be the hidden gem of the event where everyone remembers my name. I have a great team behind me, and I’m ready to shine.”

Zamora turned pro in 2019 and is now looking to make an impression in the super featherweight division. Zamora believes a win here will set him up for a big fall in 2023.

“I have complete faith in my team and the direction my career is going,” continued Zamora. “I simply listen to my coaches and focus on what needs to be done. This will be my first 8-round bout and I’m looking forward to a bright future at 130 pounds. With a good win here, I believe I could have a big fall to finish off the year. I want to be seen as one of the best prospects in the sport of boxing and my goal is to enter that conversation by the end of this year.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 23, 2023) – Undefeated super featherweight, DJ “The War Machine” Zamora (10-0, 8 KOs), is excited to be returning to the ring as prepares to take on his toughest test when he battles Jesus Abel Ibarra (15-0, 7 KOs), in what is sure to be an epic clash of unbeaten fighters. The 8-round bout will take place this Saturday March 25, 2023, on the highly anticipated Benavidez vs. Plant card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“I am very excited to share the ring with another undefeated fighter and this is by far the biggest opportunity of my career,” stated Zamora, who will be fighting in his hometown Las Vegas. “I know exactly what is on the line and what I must do. I hope to give the fans a great show and send a message to the super-featherweight division. I know Ibarra, like me, is a tough fighter with a lot of heart, so we both will be leaving everything in the ring. Fans can expect to see an explosive fight.”

Zamora, who is only 19 years old, has quickly become one of the most talked-about fighters in the Las Vegas boxing scene. He’s already shown that he has the power and skill to be a force in the ring. But his impressive record is not the only thing that sets him apart. Zamora has sparred with some of the biggest names in boxing. These experiences have given him valuable insights into the sport and have helped him to hone his skills even further.

“I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and experience having sparred guys like Devin Haney and Shukur Stevenson, as well as my others out here in Las Vegas,” continued Zamora. “Ryan Garcia invited me to one of his training camps a few years back, and that work was incredible. I know what I’m capable of and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be fighting under the bright lights. I want to thank my team for making this possible. My confidence is at an all-time high and all the hard work will be on display this Saturday.”

The excitement surrounding this fight is palpable, with fans and experts alike eagerly anticipating the clash between these two unbeaten fighters. It’s sure to be a thrilling battle. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the most exciting young fighters in boxing take on his toughest challenge yet.

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 6, 2022) – This past Saturday at the Armory in Minneapolis, MN, super featherweight rising star, DJ “The War Machine” Zamora, improved to (9-0, 8 KOs), scoring a second round TKO against Raul Chirino (19-15, 12 KOs). The scheduled six-round bout was part of the super-bantamweight unification clash between current unified champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and former unified champion Danny Roman.

In the opening round, Zamora dropped Chirino with a straight left, forcing him to go into retreat mode. In round two, Zamora dropped him two more times, once with a left hook to the body, and the other with a straight left, right hook combination up top. The referee stopped the fight at the 1:43 mark after seeing Chirino was still on wobbly legs.

With the victory, Zamora, who hails from Las Vegas, stated he is ready to get right back in the ring with anyone they put in front of him.

“I wanted to come out here and make a statement against an opponent who has been in the ring with some notable fighters,” said Zamora, who recently turned 19-year-old. “I have big dreams of fighting the best in the division. My goal of course is to become a world champion one day, but I know I have to work my way up the rankings.”

Zamora has sparred some of the best fighters in boxing, which include Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, and Ra’eese Aleem to name a few. He credits his experience sparing in his hometown of Las Vegas against the best as to one of the reasons he’s so sharp. 

“When you are sparring guys like Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia and Shakur Stevenson, it’s only natural that you become a more polished fighter,” continued Zamora. “When I was younger, I was around Floyd Mayweather and his uncle Roger. I’ve always enjoyed learning from the best in the business. Right now I’m feeling great and I’m looking forward to getting right back in the ring when my name is called.”

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (June 3, 2022) – Las Vegas’ Demler “DJ” Zamora (8-0, 7 KOs), will be in a six-round featherweight fight against Raul Chirino (19-14, 12 KOs), as part of the off-television undercard of this weekend’s super-bantamweight unification clash between current unified champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and former unified champion Danny Roman, taking place, this Saturday, June 4th, on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

“I am working my way up on these big cards,” said Zamora, the 19-year-old sensation about his upcoming bout. “I’m eager to have an explosive performance and earn my spot on the televised portion very shortly. I want to thank my team for getting me on such a high-profile card so early on in my career, and now I am just looking to constantly grow and get better. I know I have what it takes to be something special in this sport, but now I must show the world and get people talking. My goal for this fight is to get a win that gets people excited about seeing me fight”

Zamora will face Chirino, who has faced Luis Alberto Lopez, Omar Juarez, and Brandon Figueroa, amongst others and is a step-up in competition bout.

“I am excited to compare myself to other great fighters who have fought Chirino,” continued Zamora. “I know that I have to continue being humble, and work hard, but to see how I stack up against top contenders and world champions with a comparable opponent is a good feeling that has me excited. I am excited to be in Minnesota fighting under the bright lights, and big banners, on a world title card. I worked my whole life for moments like this, and now I’m going to show the world who I am.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (September 21, 2021) – This past Sunday featherweight, “The War Machine” DJ Zamora III (5-0, 4 KOs), scored a second-round knockout on his off-TV PBC debut when dismantled, Richard Barnard (1-6-1) by way of a right hook to the body. The 4-round bout took place at the Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California.

In the opening round, Zamora III, took his time to get an idea of what adjustments needed to be made before he went on the attack. In the second round, he stood in the middle of the ring and let his hands go, dropping Barnard with a straight left to the head. After Barnard, got up, Zamora III ended the bout when he landed a powerful body shot via a right hook, and the referee counted him out.

“It felt good to get a nice stoppage on a PBC card,” said Zamora III. “The goal was to come out to Bakersfield and make a statement, by getting a knockout. I’m still only 18-years old so I have a lot to learn in this sport, but I like the way my career is going. I’ll be right back in the gym awaiting my next fight, which I hope will be very soon. I took no punishment so I know I can get back in the ring right away.”

With another fight under his belt, Zamora III feels he’s getting more comfortable in the ring and believes he’s on the right track to become a force in the featherweight division.

“I know with more experience, I’ll be ready to fight anyone in this division,” continued Zamora III. “I’ve been sparring all the top guys in Las Vegas, and I spent a training camp with Ryan Garcia. My confidence is high, and I know I got what it takes to be a household name in this sport. I’m going to keep grinding and working hard to become a world champion one day, that’s the goal.”

“DJ showed a lot of maturity by taking his time in the first round to see what he was working with,” Bob Santos said. “He felt the power of Barnard and took care of business by getting the stoppage. He has a bright future and I’m happy with his performance.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (September 17, 2021) – This Sunday September 19th, unbeaten featherweight, “The War Machine” DJ Zamora III (5-0, 4 KOs), is set to make his PBC debut off TV when he squares off against, Richard Barnard (1-5-1). The 4-round bout will be taking place at the Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California.

“Fighting on this card is something I’ve been looking forward to as I’m ready to showcase my skills to everyone at the PBC,” said Zamora III, who is trained by his dad, Demler Zamora II. “I’m hungry to show the decision makers that I’m ready for the big stage. I’m gong to be letting my hands fly this Sunday, with the hopes of getting the knockout.”

Zamora III, who is of African American and Filipino decent, was a multiple national and international champion as an amateur and plans to carry that success as he marches on in the professional ranks.

“I’m only 18-years old, so I have a long road ahead of me, but I’m looking to get on the fast track,” continued, Zamora III who is managed by Bob Santos. “I have a great team around me, and I know my time will come where I’ll be able to display my talent in a big fight. I’m setting goals to become the next great Filipino champion and follow in the footsteps of my favorite fighter Manny Pacquiao.”

“This is a great opportunity for DJ to get his feet wet on a PBC card.” Bob Santos said. “He’s been sparring very well against guys like Ryan Garcia, Robert Guerrero and Omar Juarez to name a few, and I know he has the talent to become something special.

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 1, 2021) – 18-year-old featherweight sensation, “The War Machine” DJ Zamora III (4-0, 3 KOs), was impressive in his USA debut, scoring a third round TKO against Brandon Trout, an MMA fighter, who was making his pro debut in boxing. The event took place at the Outlaw Saloon in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and was promoted by Pound 4 Pound Promotions.

Zamora, who is managed by Bob Santos, showed great ring generalship as he dictated the pace of the fight from the opening round. Trout, a southpaw, did his best to apply pressure but was denied as Zamora kept his distance with an educated jab. In round three, Zamora, who is also a southpaw, caught Trout with a damaging right hook that stunned him. Zamora saw that Trout was hurt and unloaded a flurry of punches, forcing the referee to stop the bout in the third round.

“It felt great to make my USA debut against a tough opponent like Trout,” said Zamora III, who is trained by his dad, Demler Zamora II. “I’m happy that I was able to get some good rounds in. My first three fights have been in Mexico, so it was nice to fight in my home country. I’m ready to take my career to the next level.”

“My son showed a lot of maturity in this fight,” stated Demler Zamora II, father and trainer of DJ III. “Trout was not an easy fight. This kid was in great shape and he was coming. I was pleased that DJ kept his composure when Trout was coming in aggressive. My son stuck to the game plan and caught him with a nice check hook, and finished him off like a true pro.”

“DJ is a very skilled fighter with a tremendous amount of talent.” Bob Santos said. “You never know what you got in a fighter until he steps up against tough opposition. This was a good test to see where he’s at and he passed with flying colors. My next move for him is to get him an opportunity on a PBC card. I’m hoping he can fight four more times by the end of the year.”

The Barrientes Twins, Chavez and Angel, as well as super middleweight Angel Chavez, who were scheduled to fight on this card, had their fights cancelled due to their opponents coming in ten pounds overweight. Angel Chavez’ opponent never showed up.

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 28, 2021) – Some of the best young fighters in the country will be in action this Saturday, May 29th, from the Outlaw Saloon in Cheyenne, Wyoming, as the Barrientes Twins, Chavez and Angel, as well as super featherweight Demler “DJ” Zamora III and super middleweight Angel Chavez all return to action in separate bouts.

All four teenage fighters are advised by veteran manager Bob Santos. This event is brought to you by Pound 4 Pound Promotions and will be streamed live on YouTube.

Featherweight Chavez Barrientes (5-0, 4 KOs), age 18, will be looking for his third knockout in a row as his career continues to start fast.

“I am not thinking about my knockout streak going into this fight,” said Barrientes. “I am just going to let the fight come to me and focus on boxing a great fight as well as sticking to the game plan.”

Super bantamweight Angel Barrientes (4-1, 3 KOs), age 18, is coming off a first-round knockout in April and is looking to have a similar performance in his upcoming bout.

“I am excited to get back in the ring and stay active,” said Barrientes. “I am gaining experience looking to fight as much as possible and this is a great opportunity for me to continue my career.

DJ Zamora III (3-0, 2 KOs), age 18 and nicknamed “The War Machine”, is eager to make his USA debut.

“I find it very motivating fighting on the same card as my teammates,” said Zamora, an all-action fighter. “I am looking to put on a show and enjoy the sights of Wyoming as well.”

Super middleweight Angel Chavez (3-0, 3 KOs), age 19 of Salinas, California, has won every fight by knockout so far and is looking like a force in the coming years.

“I am very lucky to be in this position I am in and just want to put on a great show,” said Chavez. “I have started out my career with all knockouts, but I am motivated and focused on the task at hand and not my record.”

“This is going to be one of the best shows you can see of young-and-emerging talent,” said Bob Santos. “Each of these fighters will be headlining big cards in the next 3-to-4-years and fans at this show will get the chance to see them early on. I like to call this group the Fearsome Foursome.”

Boxing returns this Saturday, May 29th, from the Outlaw Saloon in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 1, 2021) – Undefeated 17-year-old rising star, DJ “War Machine” Zamora lll (3-0, 2 KOs) spent the past month in training camp with WBC Silver Lightweight Champion, Ryan Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs), as Garcia’s preps for his biggest test when he faces Olympic Gold medalist Luke Campbell (20-3, 16 KOs), on January 2, 2021.

“It was an honor to be in camp with Ryan Garcia,” said Zamora III. “Ryan is fast, explosive and his power is the real deal. Out of all the fighters I’ve sparred he ranks at the top when it comes to speed and power. Eddie Reynoso is doing a great job with Ryan. I learned a lot being in camp with them. Ryan was very helpful in and out the ring, teaching me tricks and trades of the fight game at the higher level.”

Zamora III gave his thoughts on what he expects Ryan Garcia will do to Luke Campbell when they meet this Saturday night, live on DAZN.

“In my opinion, I think Ryan Garcia is going to knockout Luke Campbell within eight rounds,” continued Zamora. “I believe Ryan will break him down in the early rounds, then he will stop Campbell with a body shot.”

Going into 2021, Zamora III will take a tremendous amount of confidence and momentum with him as he will be making his U.S.A. debut at some point during the year.

“After being in camp with Ryan García, I feel more confident with my skills going into 2021,” Zamora concluded. “I now know what it’s like to be in the ring with one of the best in the world, and have learned what I need to do, to be one of the very best myself. This type of experience is going to take my boxing to the next level. This is going to be my year, and I’ll looking to be extremely active once I turn eighteen and make my U.S.A. debut.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 4, 2020) – 16-year-old featherweight prodigy Demler (DJ) Zamora III (2-0, 2 KOs), who trains out of the Pound-4-Pound Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, Nevada, continued his dominance in the ring as won via a first-round knockout last Friday, January 31st at the Big Punch Arena in Tijuana, Mexico.

DJ III landed a straight left that rocked his opponent and forced the referee to stop the contest. DJ Zamora III was a decorated amateur who now has started off his professional career with back-to-back knockouts

“The fight played out perfectly,” said DJ Zamora III. “I worked so hard in this camp and this performance shows just how much work I put in. I’m looking to go back to Mexico next month to continue my quest to become a world champion.”

“DJ trained hard for this bout and the goal is to keep him very active,” said Demler Zamora Jr, the father, and trainer of Zamora III. “He fights well beyond his age and it is showing early in his professional career with these types of performances.”

“DJ got great sparring this camp for this fight as he sparred Tugstsogt Nyambayar, who is fighting Gary Russell Jr for the WBC featherweight world title this weekend,” said Richard Barrientes Jr, DJ’s assistant coach. “DJ is a really good fighter who is getting better with each fight.”

Prodigy boxing twins, Angel Barrientes (1-0, 1 KO), and Chavez Barrientes (1-0, 1 KO), both 17-years old, didn’t get to fight as both of their opponents backed out at the last minute.

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 30, 2020) – 16-year-old featherweight sensation, Demler (DJ) Zamora III (1-0, 1 KO), who trains out of the Pound-4-Pound Boxing Gym, which is one of the top gyms in Las Vegas, Nevada, will return to the ring on January 31, 2020 at the Big Punch Arena in Tijuana, Mexico.

DJ Zamora III was a decorated amateur who has never lost in international competition, winning the Monkstown Box Cup in Ireland two years in a row, and in 2017, was voted the best male boxer at that tournament.

“It is a dream come true to have my second professional fights at only sixteen years old,” said DJ Zamora III. “I am looking to have a similar performance as my professional debut, which was a first-round knockout. I am working hard, and I feel I made the right decision to turn professional at such a young age.”

DJ Zamora III is trained by his father, Demler Zamora II, and assistant coach, Richard Barrientes Jr.

“He was an outstanding amateur, but we made the decision to turn professional when he couldn’t compete in 2020 Olympics based on his age,” said Demler Zamora II, the father and trainer of DJ Zamora III. “At his height, five-foot-ten-inch, and fighting as a southpaw at featherweight, he has a major advantage over the rest of his competition. He has an incredible work ethic and I know he’s going to be something special.”

“DJ has been getting great sparring this camp as he sparred Tugstsogt Nyambayar, who is fighting Gary Russell Jr. for the WBC featherweight title,” said Richard Barrientes Jr., Zamora III’s co-trainer. “DJ is a really good fighter and will make a lot of noise in the pros.”