By Norm Frauenheim

GLENDALE, Ariz. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez added a third division title with his sixth round knockout of Antonio Vargas Saturday, yet his career goal of a showdown with Naoya Inoue remained unclear in the immediate aftermath of his successful debut at bantamweight.

Trainer Robert Garcia said he wanted Bam to fight once more at 118 pounds before any deal is made to face Inoue.

“We’ve talked about January or February, next year, for the Inoue fight,’’ Garcia Said after Bam knocked down Vargas after some rocky moments in front of a roaring crowd åt Desert Diamond Arena. “We can still do that. That doesn’t have to change.But I want Bam to have one more fight at 118. We can do that in September or October.’’

Bam (24-0, 17 KOs) struggled at times in the early going against Vargas, who leaned on him and backed him up with a succession of punches.

Not until the fifth round did Bam make a key adjustment. It started where it usually does: His feet. With his singular footwork, he stepped to the left of Vargas (19-2-1, 11KOs) and delivered a textbook left hand, putting the World Boxing Association’s defending champion onto the canvas.

In the sixth, Bam did it again, this time ending Vargas’ one-fight reign as the WBA champion.

In an interview inside the ring, Bam was asked about Inoue.

“If you’re asking me if I’m ready, I’m going to say yes,’’ he said. “I’m going to say yes I’m ready for anyone and yes I’m ready for whatever my team plans next.”

This Cardenas scores unanimous decision, wins rematchtime there was no debate. No trash talk either.

Arturo Cardenas made sure of it Saturday, scoring a unanimous decision over Jordan Martinez in a rematch at Desert Diamond Arena.

“I did what I didn’t last time, said Cardenas (18-0-2), who fought Martinez to a draw in early February.” I was aggressive early. I didn’t give away those rounds.’’

Martinez (16-1-1), a popular Phoenix fighter, didn’t quarrel with the result, despite at least one debatable score, a 100-90 shutout. On the other cards, it was 98-92 and 97-93, both for Cardenas

Turkish champion retains belt in narrow win over Gabby Tellez

Elif Nur Turhan kept the belt. Gabby Tellez got the cheers.

In a close and somewhat awkward fight for the women’s International Boxing Federation lightweight title Saturday at Desert Diamond Arena, the bigger Turhan sustained an aggressive pace, scoring enough points on the scorecards for a unanimous decision — 96-94 on all cards — over Tellez (7-1, 3 KOs).

With Phoenix trainer Jose Benavidez Jr. in her corner, Tellez circled Turhan, a powerful Turk, throughout the 10 rounds. Turhan landed a couple of long punches in the final couple of rounds, which might have been just enough to claim a victory that allowed here to take the belt back to Turkey

Terraza wins quick stoppage

Terraza said he knew victory was just a matter of time.

That time came swiftly.

And decisively.

Within two rounds, Terraza, an unbeaten junior-lightweight from Mexico, overwhelmed a shorter Javier Rodriguez, who was down midway through the round and finished within its final few seconds. 

Rodriguez (10-1, 6 KOs), who grew up in the Glendale neighborhood surrounding Desert Diamond Arena, simply had no counter for Terreza’s  reach. Terraza (14-0, 10 KOs) knocked him down with an overhand right and then folllowed with successive punches from all angles.

Trini Ochoa lands right to land back in win column

Trini Ochoa, a popular junior welterweight from Mesa, got back into the win column Saturday. All he needed was a right hand.

It landed, flooring Tristan Perez (12-5-1, 7 KOs) Saturday in a stunning second round at Desert Diamond Arena. Ochoa was coming off his first defeat

Esquina delivers punishing stoppage

It was punishing.

Punishing mostly for Sepu Taylor.

Xechal Esquina, an undefeated featherweight from Phoenix, tirelessly moved forward for six-plus rounds, landing shots that echoed throughout Desert Diamond Saturday on a card featuring Bam Rodriguez-Antonio Vargas.

Somehow, Taylor (1-2-1), of Denver stay edupright. Early in the sixth, however, he began to back away on unsteady feet, At 2:39 of the round, he was down. And done, a bruised stoppage loser to a relentless attack Esquina (6-0, 5 KOs).

Hector Beltran wins second round TKO

Hector Beltran Jr., who calls himself Handsome, must have looked scary to Shaquile Felicia.

Beltran (8-0, 6 KOs), a junior-middleweight From Dallas, threw a quick combo that dropped Felicia (3-2). It also left Felicia with a look that seemed to say he’d rather be back home in Anchorage. Seconds and few more combos later, he was finished, a TKO loser at 2:53 of the round.

First Bell: Ronny Alvarez stoppage opens the show

With temperatures pushing 110 degrees, a small crowd began to escape and gather inside Desert Diamond Arena.

Anything for a little air conditioning.

In the ring, however, Cuban super-middleweight Ronny Alvarez (7-0, 6 KOs) continued to pour on the heat, scoring a seventh round stoppage of Serbia Flip Stankovic (9-4, 6 KOs) Saturday afternoon in the opening bout on a card featuring Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez-Antonio Vargas.  

GLENDALE, AZ (June 5, 2026) – Boxlab Promotions’ undefeated lightweight contender Gabriela “Sosa” Tellez (7-0, 3 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas, will face the biggest challenge of her young professional career when she takes on IBF Lightweight World Champion, Elif Nur Turhan (13-0, 8 KOs) of Istanbul, Türkiye, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The 10-round world title showdown will be featured as part of an action-packed card promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Boxlab Promotions and will stream live worldwide on DAZN.

For Tellez, the opportunity represents the realization of a lifelong dream. After compiling an undefeated professional record and steadily climbing the lightweight ranks, the talented Texan now stands one victory away from becoming a world champion. As she prepares for the most important night of her boxing journey, Tellez says the magnitude of the moment has only strengthened her determination.

Speaking about her first opportunity to fight for a world championship, Tellez reflected on the years of sacrifice that brought her to this stage.

“This is everything I’ve worked for since I first stepped into a boxing gym,” said Tellez. “Every early morning run, every hard sparring session, every sacrifice my family and I made has led to this opportunity. To be fighting for my first world title is a dream come true. I want to seize the moment and bring that championship belt home. Opportunities like this don’t come around often, and I’m approaching this fight with complete focus and gratitude. I’ve visualized this moment for years, and now that it’s here, I’m ready to prove that I belong among the best fighters in the world.”

Training under renowned coach Jose Benavidez Sr. in Arizona has provided Tellez with the confidence and preparation she believes will be necessary against an undefeated champion-caliber opponent. Providing an update on training camp, Tellez praised the work being done behind the scenes as she enters the final stages of preparation.

“Training camp has been incredible,” Tellez stated. “Working with Jose Benavidez Sr. and the entire team has pushed me to another level both physically and mentally. We’ve studied every aspect of Turhan’s style and have built a game plan that brings out the best in me. Every day in camp has been about improving, learning, and preparing for a world championship atmosphere. I feel stronger, faster, and more confident than ever before. The work has already been done, and now it’s about staying focused and bringing everything together on fight night. This will be the best version of Gabriela Tellez that the fans have ever seen.”

While the world title is the immediate goal, Tellez understands that a victory would have a far-reaching impact on both her career and the community that has supported her from the beginning. Discussing what winning the IBF title would mean, Tellez spoke passionately about representing her hometown of San Antonio.

“Winning this title would change my life, but it would also mean so much to the people who have supported me from day one,” said Tellez. “San Antonio has always embraced fighters who work hard and represent the city with pride. I want young girls and young athletes back home to see that no dream is too big if you’re willing to work for it. Becoming a world champion would open new doors in my career, but more importantly, it would give me the chance to inspire others. I want my story to show people that success is possible no matter where you come from. Bringing a world championship back to San Antonio would be one of the proudest moments of my life.”

The June 13 event will mark the highest-profile appearance of Tellez’s career, with boxing fans from around the globe watching live on DAZN. When discussing the opportunity to perform on a worldwide platform, Tellez embraced the spotlight and the responsibility that comes with it.

“This is the kind of stage every fighter dreams about,” Tellez said. “Millions of people will have the chance to watch this fight on DAZN, and I’m excited to show the world my God given talent. I don’t look at the spotlight as pressure…I look at it as an opportunity. This platform gives me a chance to showcase my skills, my heart, and everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve. I want fans tuning in from Texas, from across the United States, and from around the world to see a fighter who refuses to back down from a challenge. Fighting on a stage like this motivates me to perform at my absolute best and leave no doubt that I belong at the championship level.”

Boxlab Promotions President Amaury Piedra expressed his excitement about Tellez reaching the world championship stage and praised her dedication throughout her professional journey.

“We couldn’t be happier for Gabriela and everything she has accomplished to earn this opportunity,” said Piedra. “From the moment she joined Boxlab Promotions, we saw someone with tremendous talent, determination, and a genuine passion for the sport. She has grown tremendously with each fight, and her development both inside and outside the ring has been remarkable. This is the her time to shine.

Elif Nur Turhan has signed a new multi-fight extension with Matchroom Boxing and will make the first defence of her IBF World Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 31 in Newcastle – live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.

The ‘Golden Turk’ Turhan (12-0, 8 KOs) last month solidified her reputation as one of the most dangerous female fighters on the planet when she captured the crown in Monte-Carlo with a fifth round demolition job over Brazil’s then unbeaten Olympic hero Beatriz Ferreira. 

It completed an incredible 2025 for the 30-year-old having previously knocked out both Shauna Browne and Rima Ayadi.

Now Turhan will kickstart her 2026 campaign with the first defence of her World Title at the end of this month against Australia’s Taylah Gentzen at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on an exciting undercard headlined by Bakhram Murtazaliev’s IBF Super Welterweight World Championship clash with the North-East’s own, Josh Kelly. 

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn is thrilled to see Turhan put pen to paper on fresh terms as he plots her path to winning more titles and eventually becoming the undisputed ruler of the 135lb division. 

“Elif is the hardest female puncher, pound-for-pound, no question – in fact, she is is one of the fiercest fighters on the planet today,” said Hearn.

“I’m thrilled to have signed Elif to a new deal with Matchroom because there are many huge nights waiting for her. I think a fight with WBC World Champion, Caroline Dubois, is one of the best bouts you can make in boxing. 

“First, Elif must take care of business against Taylah Gentzen. I’m expecting another knockout performance to light up what is a great night of boxing on January 31 with a brilliant Murtazaliev-Kelly undercard in Newcastle before we switch across the pond to The Ring 6 in New York City for Teofimo-Shakur – all live and exclusive to watch on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.”

Josh Padley, meanwhile, challenges Jaouad Belmehdi for the vacant EBU Super Featherweight Championship in Newcastle. 

Padley said: “We’re off to a flying start to the new year. I am really looking forward to this one, especially with it being a major title on the road back to world title contention. A big win here puts me in the picture for the big fights.”

Heavyweight wonderkid Leo Atang looks ahead to his fifth professional contest in Newcastle, whilst stablemate and Cruiserweight prospect Brad Casey bids to maintain his winning streak to life in the pro ranks.

Commonwealth Games silver medalist amateur standout and North-East native Kiaran MacDonald makes his long-awaited professional debut. Plus, rising hometown Super Bantamweight fan favourite Lee Rogers will be out to stretch his record to 7-0.

And don’t blink as we look forward to a pulsating North-East derby between Newcastle’s unbeaten Josh Blenkiron and Jarrow’s undefeated Robbie Colman for the Northern Area Lightweight title. 

For the latest ticket news and updates on this event, head to matchroomboxing.com.

Shabaz Masoud won a 10-round unanimous decision over Peter McGrail in a super bantamweight bout in Monte Carlo.

Maoud, 121.9 lbs of Stoke-on-Trent, ENG won by scores of 116-111, 115-112 and 114-113 and is now 15-0. McGrail, 121.7 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 12-2.

Turhan Stops Ferreira in 5 To Win IBF Lightweight Title

Elif Nur Turhan stopped Beatriz Ferreira in round five to win the IBF Lightweight title.

In round one, Turhan dropped Ferreita with a hard right right. Seconds later, another big right dropped Ferreira for a second time. In round five Turhan landed a booming right that sent Ferreira into the corner that set off a 14 punch flurry where several flush head shots that put Ferreira down. Ferreira got to her feet but the fight was stopped at 1:08.

Turhan, 134.3 lbs of Istanbul, TUR is 12-0 with eight knockouts. Ferreira, 134.6 lbs of Salvador, BRA is 8-1.

Fisher Stops Balaz in 4

Johnny Fisher stopped previously undefeated Ivan Balaz in round four of their 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Fisher was docked a point for a low blow. In round four, Fisher scored a knockdown when he landed a left to the head. Fisher scored a second knockdown with another right. Seconds later, Fisher ended the fight with a hard right that put Balaz down to a knee and the fight was stopped at 1:19.

Fisher, 242.1 lbs of Romford, ENG is 14-1 with 12 knockouts. Balaz of Prague, CZE us 7-1.

Walker Stops McCormack in 12th

Conah Walker stopped previously undefeated Pat McCormack in the 12th and final round of their welterweight bout.

In round 12, McCormack was bleeding from around his left eye. Later in the round, Walker landed an unrelenting flurry that put McCormack through the ropes. McCormack tried to beat the count, but was unable at 2:16.

Walker, 146.9 lbs of Wolverhampton, ENG is 17-3-1 with eight knockouts. McCormack, 147 lbs of Wasminson, ENG is 8-1.

Sean McComb stopped previously undefeated Hugo Micallef in round eight of their 10-round juniorr welterweight bout.

In round three, McComb dropped Micallef with a straight left to the head.

In round six, McComb dropped Micallef with a left to the body. In round eight, McComb landed another left on the ropes that put Micallef down and the fight was stopped at 2:35.

McComb, 139.7 lbs of Belfast, NI is 21-2 with six knockouts. Micallef, 138.9 lbs of Monte Carlo, MON is 11-1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBRA0oKdF5Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z0Ugax30Lg

Turkey’s Elif Nur Turhan (11-0, 7 KOs) captured the WBA interim super featherweight title with a sixth-round stoppage of France’s Rima Ayadi (11-1, 1 KO) on Thursday night, August 28, at the Théâtre du Casino Barrière in Enghien-les-Bains, just outside Paris. The victory marks the first world title belt of Turhan’s professional career, keeping her unbeaten and extending her knockout streak to three.

From the opening bell, Turhan made her intentions clear. Applying steady pressure and digging to the body, she wore down Ayadi, who tried to keep her at bay with the jab but couldn’t halt the Turkish fighter’s advance. The hometown favorite found no answers as the visitor grew stronger with each passing round.

In the sixth, Turhan broke through with a sharp combination that left Ayadi defenseless. The referee stepped in immediately, waving it off to award Turhan the TKO. It was her second straight victory over an undefeated opponent and the most significant triumph of her career so far.

Nicknamed “The Golden Turk”, Turhan has fought between 130 and 140 pounds since turning pro in 2022, her punching power standing out in a division where knockouts are rare.

For Ayadi, it was the bitter taste of her first professional defeat. At 36, she had built a spotless record, but on this night, she couldn’t withstand Turhan’s firepower.

Heavy-handed Lightweight contender Elif Nur Turhan has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing following her impressive knockout win over Shauna Browne in Belfast last month.
 
The 29-year-old from Istanbul has won all ten of her fights since turning professional back in May 2022, with six of those wins coming inside the distance, and the former WBC International and WBA Gold World Champion hopes to further cement herself as one of the most exciting female fighters on the planet after teaming up with Matchroom.
 
Managed by Ertan Sen of Box Promotion Germany, Turhan (10-0, 6 KOs) introduced herself on the big stage by wiping out Ireland’s Browne with a monster left hook in the opening round of their ten-round clash on the undercard of Lewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan at the SSE Arena Belfast.
 
“I’m incredibly excited to be teaming up with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing,” said Turhan. “I have worked so hard to get myself into this position and now with the backing of Matchroom and my manager Ertan Sen, I can push on to make myself one of the most recognised fighters on the planet. I have a fan friendly style and always look to finish the show early. My aim is to win multiple World Titles and cement my legacy as one of the best fighters in the world. If you don’t want to bleed in the ring, you have to sweat in training!”
 
“I’ve never seen a harder punching female fighter than Elif Nur Turhan,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Elif brings action and vicious intentions every time she steps in the ring. Her team had been messaging me for a long time asking for just one chance – and she grabbed it with both hands by delivering one of the best knockouts I’ve seen in women’s boxing last month in Belfast. Elif took the fight against Shauna Browne on about ten days’ notice and showed us all what she is capable of. She is a huge puncher and will no doubt become one of the most exciting fighters in women’s boxing. Remember the name!”
 
“Get ready for the next chapter of Elif Nur Turhan’s brilliant career,” said Sen. “Elif gave fight fans around the world a small glimpse of what she is capable of in Belfast last month. Fans want to see action and knockouts – Elif delivers both of those in abundance. I am very happy to make this deal with Matchroom Boxing – who we both consider to be the number one promotional company in the world. Stop with dreaming, start with doing!”
 
You can follow Turhan’s journey on Instagram: elfturhann
 

Lewis Crocker was able to get a victory over Paddy Donovan via disqualification after Donovan dropped Crocker with a left hand after the bell to end right eight of their 12-round welterweight bout at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland

In round eight, Donovan was deducted a point for a headbutt. Crocker was bleeding under the right eye. Donovan then dropped Criocker with a left to the body. Very late in the round, Donovan landed a right hook after the bell that put Crocker on the canvas. Referee Marcus McDonnell disqualified Donovan.

Crocker, 146.4 lbs of Belfast is 21-0. Donovan, 146.1 lbs of Limerick, IRE is 14-1.

Richards Stops McCrory in 8

Craig Richards stopped Padraig McCrory in round eight of their 10-round light heavyweight bout.

In round eight, Richards uncorked a left to the solar plexus that put McCrory for the count at 1:58.

Richards. 174.1 lbs of London is 19-4-1 with 12 knockouts. McCrory, 174.5 lbs of Ireland is 19-2.

Walker Wins Majority Decision Over Woodstock

Kurt Walker remained undefeated with a 10-round majority decision over Leon Woodstock in a featherweight bout.

Walker, 126.5 lbs of Lisburn, IRL won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95 and is now 12-0. Woodstock, 126 lbs of of Leicester, ENG is 16-4.,

Ward Stops McCarthy in 6

Steven Ward stopped Tommy McCarthy in round six of their 10-round cruiserweight fight.

At the end of round two, Ward dropped McCarrthy with a left hook at the bell.

In round six, Ward dropped McCarthy with a right over the top. McCarthy was hurt badly and Ward went to work with a vicious flurry of punches. The corner of McCarthy was on the apron, but the referee did not see it. After a few more unanswered punches, the referee stopped the bout at 1:17.

Ward, 199.5 lbs of West Normandy, IRL is 15-3 with five knockouts. McCarthy, 199.3 lbs of Belfast is 21-7.

Ruadhan Farrell won a eight-round decision over Gerard Hughes in a super bantamweight bout.

Farrell, 123.4 lbs of Belfast won by a 79-73 score and is now 7-1-1. Hughes, 124.2 lbs of Valley Castle, IRL is 5-1-1.

Elif Nur Turhan shocked Shauna Brown by scoring a massive first round stoppage in a 10-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Turhan landed a massive left hook that out Brown down. She got to her feet, but was unsteady and the fight was stopped at 47 seconds.

Turhan, 134.6 lbs of Istanbul, TUR is 10-0 with six knockouts. Brown, 134.3 lbs of Ireeland is 5-1.

Jack O’Neill won a four-round unanimous decision over Mohammed Wako in a featherweight bout.

In round two, O’Neill was cut on the forehead from a headbutt.

In round three, O’Neill landed a right to the shoulder that put Wako on the canvas.

O’Neill, 124.1 lbs of Belfast, NI won by a 39-36 score and is now 4-0. Wako, 122.6 lbs of York, ENG via Ethiopia is 1-3.

Aaron Bowen won a six-round decision over Juan Cachiero in a light heavyweight bout.

Bowen, 165.1 lbs of Coventry, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is now 5-0. Cacheiro, 171,2 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 7-4.