Keyshawn Davis stopped Denys Berinchyk in round four to win the WBO Lightweight title at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden.

In round three, Davis landed a left to the body that put Berinchyk on a knee for a knockdown. In round four, it was another left to the body to liver as Berinchyk tried to come in and throw punches that put Berinchyk on the deck for the 10-count at

Davis, 134.2 lbs of Norfolk, VA is now 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Berinchyk, 134.6 lbs of Kyiv, UKR is 19-1.

Davis said, “It was an amazing feeling. Right before I knocked him out, I was hearing the crowd saying, ‘Norfolk! Norfolk! Norfolk!’ I was like, ‘I’ve got to knock him out now! Boom!’”

“I never really had problems with awkward fighters. The only thing that was giving me trouble was how he kept jumping in and out. And he was a little faster than I expected. As the rounds went on, I got more comfortable in there, and in the fourth round, I did it to him.”

“My son was here. I had to show up for my son, Keyshawn Jr. He was in the crowd watching me. It means a lot to me now. When he looks back at this day, he’s going to be proud of his father.”

“I want anybody who has the balls to step in the ring and fight me. There are two 135-pound champions that I would love to fight. If they have the guts to step in the ring with ‘The Businessman,’ tell them to send me a contract, or I can send them one.”

Xander Zayas Stops Slawa Spomer in 9

Xander Zayas remained undefeated with a ninth round stoppage of Slawa Spomer in a battled of undefeated junior middleweights.

In round one, Spomer began to bleed from his nose.

In round nine, Zayas hurt Spomer with a left hook to the body. Spomer retreated to the ropes and Zayas pounced on Spomer with a flurry of punches until Zayas doubled over Spomer again with a another left to the body, and the fight was stopped at 2:01.

Zayas, 153.2 lbs of San Juan, PR is 21-0 with 13 knockouts. Spomer, 153.2 lbs of Heilbromn, GER is 20-1.

Zayas said, “I knew from the first round that he would wear down little by little. In the third or fourth, I hurt him, and he got me with a good shot. But I went to my corner, and they told me to keep fighting intelligently because we had 10 rounds to wear him down. And by the eighth and ninth, they told me, let’s step it up with the combinations, and we started to land with more power to get the finish.”

“On paper, he was my toughest opponent to date, and I stopped him. I have passed every test that has been put in front of me, and I feel I’m ready to fight for a world title right now. I want that next.”

Mielnicki and Coyle Battle To Majority Draw

Vito Mielnicki Jr. and Connor Coyle battled to a 10-round majority draw in a middleweight fight.

In round four, Mielnicki was bleeding from his mouth. In the same round, Coyle was cut around his left eye.

Mielnicki landed 146 of 546 punches. Coyle was 98 of 520.

Mielnicki, 159.4 lbs of Roseland, NJ took a card by a 96-94 tally while two judges had it even at 95-95. Mielnicki is now 20-1-1. Coyle, 158.3 lbs of Derry, NI is 21-0-1.

Juanmita Lopez DeJesus needed just 59 seconds to win his pro debut over Bryan Santiago in a four-round junior bantamweight bout.

DeJesus landed a left uppercut that put Santiago down and out.

Dejesus, 113.8 lbs of Caguas, PR is the son of former world champion Juan Manuel Lopez. Santiago, 113.6 lbs of Weslaco, TX is 1-2-1.

Abdullah Mason remained undefeated by dropping Manuel Jaimes four-times enroute to a fourth round stoppage in a eight-round lightweight bout.

In round Mason dropped Jaimes with a step-back left uppercut. Mason scored another knockdown in round three from another left hand.. In round four, Mason dropped Jaimes with a right hook that was followed by a left. Mason finished off Jaimes when he dumped him agaion the canvas with a straight left hand that was followed by two right hooks at 1:55.

Mason, 136.2 lbs of Cleveland is 17-0 with 15 knockouts. Jaimes, 137 lbs of Stockton, CA is 16-3-1.

“I said the same thing {about no longer being called a prospect}. We say the same thing. We want the belts, world championship,” Mason said. “I gotta keep doing what I’m doing and making these guys look the way I’ve been doing since I turned pro.”

Rohan Polanco stopped Jean Carlos Torres in round two of their 10-round welterweight fight.

In round one, Polanco dropped Torres with a leaping left hook to the temple In round two, it was a left hook that d put Torres down again. Seconds later, it was a big right hand that rocked Torres and one punch later the fight was stopped at 1:48.

Polanco, 146.4 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is now 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Torres, 147 lbs of Trujillo Alto, PR is 22-2.

Keon Davis stopped Ira Johnson in round two of their four-round welterweight fight.

In round two, Davis dropped Johnson with a left hook to the body. Then it was a flurry that was capped by a right over the top that put Johnson down for 10-count at 1:38.

Davis, 149.2 lbs of Norfolk, VA is 2-0 with one knockout. Johnson, 148.2l lbs of Kansas City is 3-3.

Jared Anderson won a 10-round unanimous decision over Marios Kollias in a heavyweight bout.

In round four, Kollias started to swell under his left eye.

ANerson, 256.8 lbs of Toledo won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 18-1. Kollias, 235.4 lbs of Pares, GRE is 12-4-1.

Juan Carlos Guerra Jr. scored an upset six-round split decision over Nico Ali Walsh in a middleweight fight.

Guerra, 1578.8 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 58-56 twice and 58-56 for Walsh. Guerra is now 6-1-1. Waksh, 15.2 lbs of Las Vegas is 11-2.

NEW YORK CITY (Jan. 9, 2025) — Heavyweight contender Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson is ready for a fresh start in 2025. The once-beaten puncher from Toledo, Ohio, returns in a 10-rounder against Marios Kollias on Friday, Feb. 14, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Anderson-Kollias joins a stacked ESPN+-streamed undercard headlined by the WBO lightweight world title showdown between reigning champion Denys Berinchyk and unbeaten American standout Keyshawn Davis. 

The undercard will also feature the pro debut of second-generation Puerto Rican star Juanmita Lopez De Jesus, who will take on Bryan Santiago (1-1-1) in a four-round junior bantamweight tilt. Rising welterweight prospect Keon Davis will see action in a four-rounder against an opponent to be named.

Berinchyk-Keyshawn, Xander Zayas-Slawa Spomer, and Vito Mielnicki Jr.-Connor Coyle will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. 

The undercard will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with K2 Promotions and Queensberry Promotions, tickets are ON SALE NOW via Ticketmaster.com.

“I still believe Jared Anderson is one of the most formidable heavyweights in the world, and I expect him to return with a vengeance this year,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Juanmita has the family and amateur pedigree to become a world champion and one of the faces of Puerto Rican boxing. Keon Davis is a tremendously talented young fighter. What a night of fights we have in store for fans at the MSG Theater.”

Anderson (17-1, 15 KOs), a one-time Team USA amateur prodigy, turned pro in October 2019 and registered seven knockout wins in less than 13 months. He graduated from prospect to contender with one-sided victories over Jerry Forrest, George Arias, and former world champion Charles Martin. Anderson opened his 2024 campaign in a Top Rank on ESPN main event, notching a 10-round unanimous decision over Ryad Merhy. He stepped up to face division boogeyman Martin Bakole last August in Los Angeles, suffering three knockdowns before being stopped in the fifth. Kollias (12-3-1, 10 KOs) has not been stopped since his pro debut in 2014 and is one fight removed from a majority decision defeat to Danish upstart Kem Ljungquist.

Juanmita, the son of former two-weight world champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez, returns to a building with family significance. Juanma won two world championship fights at The Theater, defending his WBO junior featherweight crown over Rogers Mtagwa in 2009 and winning the WBO featherweight title over Steven Luevano the following year. Juanmita, a 19-year-old from Caguas, represented Puerto Rico at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Keon Davis (1-0), Keyshawn’s youngest brother, made his professional debut last November at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. He shut out Jalen Moore over four rounds on a card headlined by Keyshawn’s second-round stoppage of Gustavo Lemos.  

ORLANDO, FL (August 5, 2024) – After seeing this past weekend’s heavyweight fights that included Andy Ruiz Jr., Jarrell Miller, Jared Anderson and Martin Bakole, undefeated heavyweight star on the rise, Dainier “The Fear” Pero (8-0, 6 KOs), believes he compete with any of the top heavyweights in the world.

In his last bout, a thrilling display of power, speed and skill, Pero delivered a stunning 5th round knockout against James Evans (7-2-1, 7 KOs) at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando. The fight, part of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 7 card, showcased Pero’s undeniable talent and solidified his status as a rising star in the heavyweight division.

Pero, known for his explosive power and exceptional footwork, dominated the bout from the opening bell, culminating in a spectacular knockout that left fans and critics praising his talent. Following his impressive victory and seeing his competition over the weekend, Pero expressed his confidence in his ability to compete with the top heavyweights in the world.

“After watching this past weekend’s fights, I truly believe my speed and footwork give me an edge against any heavyweight out there,” said Pero, who is promoted by Boxlab Promotions. “I showed a lot in my last fight. I’m ready to take on anyone and prove that I belong among the best in the division.”

Pero’s trainer, the well-respected Bob Santos, confirmed his fighter’s thoughts, praising Pero’s dedication and talent. “I’ve trained many fighters, but Dainier Pero is something special. His combination of speed, power, and footwork is amazing. I firmly believe we have the next great heavyweight star in boxing. He’s a bigger version of Oleksandr Usyk.”

“Dainier Pero has all the tools to become a dominant force in the heavyweight division,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions and Pero’s promoter. “His performance against Evans was just the beginning. The sky is the limit for him, and we are committed to guiding him to the top.”

“My latest victory was a statement, but it’s only the beginning,” said Pero as he continues to climb the heavyweight rankings. “I’m ready to step up and take on bigger challenges. I want to prove myself against the best and continue my journey to the top of the heavyweight division.”

By Norm Frauenheim

LOS ANGELES — Terence Crawford won the fight. But he didn’t beat his critics.

Crawford’s place in the pound-for-pound debate and indeed history are still an argument, one sure to be debated as much as ever after he won a fourth title in a fourth weight class with a unanimous decision over Israil Madrimov before an announced crowd of about 28,000 at BMO Stadium Saturday night.

Crawford moved up the scale to junior-middleweight. But he didn’t bring some of his singular brilliance with him. He believes this is his era. But that claim will have to wait. Madrimov did to Crawford what Errol Spence Jr, Shawn Porter and so many more could not. He took him to the score cards. 

Madrimov was the first fighter not knocked out by Crawford in eight years. Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) had scored 11 straight stoppages. Then, the streak was snapped by an unlikely fighter, an Uzbek known more his amateur accomplishment than his pro resume.

Madrimov (10-1-1, 7 KOs) fought the feared Crawford on even terms. At times, he made Crawford look ordinary. Above all, he made him look beatable, especially if he faces Canelo Alvarez in another jump up the scale, this time to a projected bout at 168 pounds.

“He’s a hell of a fighter,’’ Crawford said.

Above all, Madrimov was a surprising fighter, unknown to most in the crowd. But his amateur education included tireless movement and shifting angles that seemed to baffle Crawford. Going into the final two rounds, it looked as if Crawford might lose on the cards. But a sudden, perhaps desperate aggressiveness, might have saved him in the end. He rocked Madrimov in the 11th and the 12th with with repeated uppercuts. On the official scorecards, it was 115-113, 116-112, 115-113, all for Crawford.  The Boxing Hour.com also scored it 115-113, also for Crawford..

But not everybody agreed, including Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, Madrimov’s promoter.

“This fight was on a knife edge,’’ said Hearn, who especially angry at the 116-112 score. “In a title fight, you’ve got to rip the the belt off the defending champion.’’

Crawford didn’t do that. But he did leave the ring with the World Boxing Association’s version of the junior-middleweight title.

For Madrimov, it was enough to ask for a rematch. He asked Hearn to put one together for later in the year. But that depends on Crawford, who will be 37 on Sept. 28 and looked every bit his age. There’s speculation that Crawford is just a couple fights from retirement. The guess has been that he’ll cash out if and when he ever gets an opportunity to fight Canelo. If Canelo was watching Saturday, he had to like his chances.

Predictably patient and calculating in his debut at 154 pounds, Crawford began  slowly, perhaps studiously. It was the first stage in a search and destroy mission. The search was for an opening, a weakness in Madrimov’s style. But Crawford never did get to the destroy stage. 

Through the first five rounds, it was hard to find a weakness in Madrimov. The clever Uzbek presented Crawford with a problematic mix of angles and movement. He stepped to one side, bounced up and down at a rapid pace, then stepped to the other side. For Crawford, Madrimov’s style presented a tactical puzzle, one complicated by his tireless and purposeful movement.

Crawford, fighting out of a southpaw stance, managed to land a few right hands. But not one  appeared to do much damage. At times, he made Crawford look awkward. He tripped and fell in the fifth. 

All the while, Madrimov would land a jab, enough of them to leave a small bruise under Crawford’s right eye. With each passing round, it looked as if Madrimov was emboldened by his ability to fight the longtime pound-for-pound  contender on his own terms. He dictated the pace. Controlled the ring. 

In the seventh, Madrimov’s right hand landed with more frequency. In the ninth and tenth, Madrimov was the aggressor. Stubbornly, he moved forward, putting Crawford on his heels and  without any apparent fear of walking into one of his lethal counters.

“He fought a great fight,’’ Crawford said.

A surprising one, too

Valenzuela upsets Isaac Cruz

Jose Valenzuela kept moving.

In the end, he moved into a huge upset.

Valenzuela relied on patience, poise and precision, all enough to score a split decision over feared Isaac Cruz in the final fight before a main event featuring Terence Crawford-versus-Israil Madrimov Saturday in front of a capacity crowd at BMO Stadium Saturday.

Valenzuela (14-2 9 KOs), the new World Boxing Association junior-welterweight champion, had to endure — indeed survive — some rocky moments in the late rounds to secure the win over Cruz, a 5-to-1 betting favorite.

Cruz, ever aggressive, threw a jackhammer-like right hand out of a crouch. It stunned Valenzuela in the final seconds of the 11th. Had it happened earlier in the round, Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs) might have saved his belt 

But Valenzuela, of Renton WA,  made it back to his corner with his poise intact. after the 12th, two scorecards favored him, 116-112 both. On the third, it was 115-113 for Cruz.

“His smarts,” said his new rainer, Robert Garcia, who has moved into a corner that was once occupied by Jose Benavidez Sr. “He had to stay smart. Fight smart.”

He did, but his steady performance didn’t convince a crowd that included many Mexican fans. They booed the decision. Cruz, a Mexico City fighter nicknamed Pitbull, believed he did enough to win.

“So did the crowd,” Cruz said. “Listen to them.”

It sounded like an immediate rematch

Ruiz and Miller fight to a dull draw

It was a majority draw, Mostly a dud, too..

There was no winner Saturday in a heavyweight bout between Andy Ruiz and Jarrell Miller Saturday on the Crawford-Madrimov card at BMO Stadium 

In a plodding exhibition between fighters beyond their prime, there was mostly impatience from a gathering crowd anxious for the main event, or Eminem, or just an early stoppage. But there was no stoppage, no early end to a fight that generated boos before it reached the sixth round.

It was Ruiz’ first fight in 23 months. Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KOs) had been idle for too long. His noted hand speed, the key to his memorable upset of Anthony Joshua, was gone. Midway through the fight, he became a one-handed fighter because of an apparent broken bone in his right.

That allowed Miller (26-1-2, 22 KOs) to assert himself. But he never really capitalized. His punches were hit-and-miss, mostly miss. In the end, he did enough to win on one scorecard, 116-112. On the other two cards however, it was a draw, 114-114.

“Let’s do it again,” Ruiz said to the crowd. “I’d love a rematch.”

He’d be the only one.

Jared Anderson falls in fifth-round beatdown

Jared Anderson began the day as America’s next great heavyweight.

But his future changed.

The next great was turned into just another American heavyweight. 

Martin Bekole (21-1, 16 KOs), a Congo heavyweight living in London, knocked the next out of Anderson’s future with a beatdown, three knockdowns in a stunning fifth-round stoppage Saturday on the Crawford-Madrimov card.

Anderson’s feet weren’t quick enough to elude Bekole. His jab didn’t have the power or precision to keep him off. Bekole simply moved forward, steamrolling Anderson  like a runaway truck on the nearby LA freeway.

Anderson (17-1, 15 KOs) was down late in the first round from an uppercut. He was down a second time midway through the fifth from another uppercut. Moments later, he delivered still another uppercut, dropping Anderson onto the canvas and under the bottom rope. He got up. But it was clear he was finished, a stoppage loser at 2:07 of the fifth.

Morrell wins light-heavy debut, calls out Benavidez

David Morrell didn’t waste much time after winning his light-heavyweight debut, a unanimous decision over Radivoje Kalajdzic.

Who’s next?

David Benavidez, he said.

“I want to fight Benavidez,” Morrell said after winning a vacant World Boxing Association title with a mixed performance in his first fight after moving up from super-middleweight. “I want him. Everybody knows that. Benavidez is the boogeyman. I’m here.”

Benavidez won his light-heavyweight debut, a decision over Oleksandr Gvozdyk, also in a mixed performance on June 15.

Before calling out the Phoenix fighter, it wasn’t exactly clear that Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) had beaten Kalajdzic, a tough Serbian and a veteran light-heavyweight. Morrell appeared to tire Saturday on the Crawford-Madrimov undercard.  He pursued an early knockout. Midway through the 12-round bout, Kalajdzic (29-3, 21 KOs) moved forward and countered, often landing shots easily. Nevertheless, it was one-sided on the scorecards. It was 117-11,118-110 and 117-111, all for Morrell.

“I feel good,” said Morrell, who fought as though he was thinking more about Benavidez than Kalajdzic

Andy Cruz impresses, scores seventh-round stoppage of Moran 

Andy Cruz showed why he’s a prospect with a dramatic seventh-round stoppage of Antonio Moran in the third fight Saturday on the Crawford-Madrimov card.

Cruz (4-0, 2 KOs), a Cuban lightweight who won Olympic gold in a victory over Keyshawn Davis in 2021, staggered Moran i(30-7-1, 21 KOs) in the sixth.

Late in the seventh, he finished the job with a long right hand that traveled with laser-like precision. It sent Moran, of Mexico City, falling into the ropes, which were the only thing that kept him from falling out of the ring. At 2:59 of the seventh, it was over. 

Steve Nelson, Crawford stablemate, scored fifth-round TKO

Omaha super-middleweight Steve Nelson calls himself So Cold.

It’s a nickname he put to good use on a hot afternoon Saturday in the second fight on the card featuring Terence Crawford-Israil Madrimov at BMO Stadium, a soccer stadium within a few miles roadwork from the LA skyline.

In an outdoor ring at the center of the stadium floor, Nelson (20-0, 16 KOs), a Crawford stablemate, kept his cool, controlled the pace and then coolly scored a fifth-round TKO of Marcos Ramon Vazquez (20-1-1, 10 KOs) of Tijuana.

First Bell: Crawford-Madrimov opens with a draw.

It started with more people in the ring than in the seats.. Instead of cheers, there just echoes from the traffic that surrounded BMO Stadium.

But the show must go on and it did with Saudi welterweight Ziyad Almaayouf (5-0-1, 1 KO) and Michael Bulik (6-7-1, 2 KOs) fighting to a draw in the first fight on a card featuring Terence Crawford-Israil Madrimov Saturday under a hot sun at BMO Stadium.

Almaayouf appeared to be the busier fighter. Early on, he scored repeatedly with fast hands. On the scorecards, however, it was a majority draw — 57-57 twice and 59-55 on the third card.

NEW YORK CITY (July 24, 2024) – Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (4-0, 2 KOs) learned invaluable lessons from attending a Sugar Hill-operated training camp in Delray Beach, Florida, last week as a sparring partner for undefeated heavyweight Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (17-0, 15 KOs) as he prepares in for his next fight on August 3rd in Los Angeles.

The 24-year-old Anderson, who was a two-time U.S. Nationals Championship gold medalist, takes on Martin Bakole (20-1) on a major DAZN pay-per-view card, headlined by world super welterweight champion Terence Crawford.

“Jared is definitely the real deal,” Taylor said, “and camp was well organized. We did rounds and Sugar Hill (Anderson’s head trainer) let us see the recordings. He likes to go back to review videos and he sent us copies of it to review and analyze. He likes to teach. He’s about teaching techniques and giving instructions. I learned from him how to slip better and to use more head movement. From sparring Jarad. I learned to capitalize by using my jab backing up, and finishing up my combinations by punching out of my combinations.”

Considered by many to be the future face of American heavyweights, the 24-year-old Anderson is world rated across the board: WBO #4, IBF #5, WBC #6, The Ring #7 and WBA #13.

“I have better confidence after sparring with him,” Taylor noted. “No way he’s losing. I learned from him to keep cool, throw my jab, and everything that I’ve learned in the gym really works. I was super sore but remained calm at all times in the ring. I love to learn and I’m going to continue to take advantage of these sparring camp opportunities.”

In addition to Anderson, Taylor has sparred Filip Hrgovic, Jarrell Miller, Brandon Glanton and Otto Wallin.

“Pryce has had a very busy few months.” Taylor’s manager NYC-lawyer Keith Sullivan commented. “He turned pro in December, is 4-0, competed a full season in the TCL league and made time to partake in some great camps. Sparring with Jared is an invaluable experience that will serve him well in his upcoming fight in six weeks. I’ll be looking to see a more aggressive, slicker Pryce on September 7th in New York City”.

Taylor (R) met 2016 Olympic gold medalist and reigning WBC Lightweight World Champion Shakur Stevenson, a close friend and former Team USA teammate of Anderson

A decorated U.S. amateur boxer, highlighted by his two New York Golden Gloves Championship titles, Taylor was also a four-time runner-up in USA National Championships, including one to Joshua Edwards, who is representing the U.S. as a super heavyweight for Team USA in the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris. Taylor also played basketball for one season at Corning Community College in upstate New York.

Taylor used the week of camp sparring with Anderson to better prepare him for his next fight, September 7th against Lemir Isom Riley (4-2, 2 KOs), at Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York. It will be Taylor’s first scheduled six-round bout.

After recently finishing his second season as a member of the NYC Attitude in the Team Combat League (TLC), Taylor was just informed that he has been selected as a TCL All-Star.

Jared Anderson won a 10-round unanimous decision over former cruiserweight world champion Ryad Merhy in a listless heavyweight bout at the American Bank center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The bout lacked action as it seemed that Merhy was happy staying out of close range and eating jabs and right hands all fight from Anderson.

Anderson landed 128 of 662 punches. Merhy was a putrid 34 of 144. Merhy threw the third lowest amount of punches in the history of Compubox for a 10-round bout.

Anderson, 250.9 lbs of Toledo, OH won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 17-0. Merhy, 235.6 lbs of Brussels, BEL is 32-3.

Anderson said, “Another day, another night in the office. I wanted to give the fans a better show, but what can you do when they show up to fight like him. It’s just another day in the office. We’re going to continue working.

“I stayed sharp for 10 rounds. That’s the biggest takeaway. I got to make some changes. I made some mistakes. I got hit with a few punches. I shouldn’t have gotten hit at all because he didn’t even come here to fight.

“I want all of the names. If I’m ranked with you and your name is near mine, then we can get it crackin’. We’re coming to knock everybody off.”

Ajagba Wins Split Decision over Vianello

Efe Ajagba won a 10-round split-decision over Guido Vianello in a heavyweight bput.

In round two, Vianello hurt Ajagba badly when he landed a hard right to the head. Ajagba got it together and took the middle rounds by boxing and showing off his skills. Vianello made a late push but it feel just short as Ajagba won by scores of 96-94 on two cards and a third card was 96-94 in favor of Vianello.

Ajagba landed 186 of 583. Vianello was 177 of 622.

Ajagba, 241.2 lbs of Ughello, NIG is 20-1. Vianello, 244.5 lbs of Rome, ITA is 12-2-1.

Conceicao Stops Guardado in 7

Former two-time world title challenger Robson Conceicao stopped Jose Guardado in a scheduled eight-round junior lightweight bout.

In round nine, Conceicao dropped Guardado with a hard left to the body. Guardado was hurt badly and eat a barrage of punches until the fight was stopped when he was sent to the canvas for a second time at 2:27.

Conceicao, 131.6 lbs of Bahia, BRA is now 18-2-1 with nine knockouts. Guadardo, 131.5 lbs of Ensanada, MEX is 15-2-1.

Julian Delgado made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Juan Tamez in a middleweight fight.

Delgado, 159.3 lbs of Corpus Christi, TX won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 and is 1-0. Raez, 159 lbs of Laredo, TX is 1-1.

Ruben Villa IV won a 10-round unanimous decision over Cristian Cruz in a featherweight bout.

Villa, 125.6 lbs of Salinas, CA won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and is now 22-1. Cruz, 125.1 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 22-7-1.

John Rincon remained undefeated with a six-round majority decision over Yainel Alvarez in a welterweight bout.

Rincon, 143 lbs of Corpus Christi, TX won by scores of 59-55, 58-56 and 57-57 and is now 9-0. Alvarez, 143.5 lbs of Ciego de Avila, CUB is now 3-4-2.

Abdullah Mason remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Ronal Ron in a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Mason landed a perfect left that put Ron on the canvas. In round three, Mason dropped Ron with a hard body shot and then a left to the head. In round four, Mason landed a vicious barrage of head and body shots that forced referee Laurence Cole to stop the bout at 1:02.

Mason, 134.6 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Ron, 134.7 lbs of Guarico, VEN is 14-6.

Charly Suarez remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Louie Coria in a junior lightweight fight.

In round eight, Coria landed a left that put Suarez backed into the ropes that was ruled a knockdown. That was not enough as Suarez dominated with boxing ability through just about the whole fight.

Suarez, 131.8 lbs of San Isidro, PHL won by scores of 7-74 twice and 76-75 and is now 17-0. Coria, 131.7 lbs of Moreno Valley, CA is 15-7.

Alejandro Guerrero scored an upset by stopping previously undefeated Jalen Walker in round seven of an eight-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Guerrero dropped Walker with a straight left hand. In round four, Guerrero scored another knockdown when Guerrero landed a right to Walker’s body.

In round six, Walker was credited with a knockdown after he landed a combination that bent Guerrero over that was ruled a count. In round seven, Guerrero landed a hard uppercut that hurt Walker on the ropes and the towel was thrown in by Walker’s corner after a follow up flurry had Walker defenseless at 1:36.

Ali Feliz made a successful pro debut with a second round stoppage of Anthony Woodson III in a scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Feliz dropped Woodson with a hard left and right to the chin and the fight was stopped at

Feliz, 219.1 lbs of Danbury, CT is 1-0 with one knockout. Woodson, 280.2 lbs of Gary, IN 1-2.

   •  Jared Anderson 250.9 lbs. vs. Ryad Merhy 235.6 lbs
(Anderson’s WBO International and WBC USA Heavyweight Titles – 10 Rounds)

   •  Efe Ajagba 241.2 lbs vs. Guido Vianello 244.5 lbs
(Ajagba’s WBC Silver Heavyweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•  Robson Conceição 131.6 lbs vs. Jose Guardado 131.5 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 5:50 p.m. ET/2:50 p.m. PT)

•  Julian Delgado 159.3 lbs vs. Juan Tamez 159 lbs
 (Middleweight— 4 Rounds)

•  Ruben Villa 125.6 lbs vs. Cristian Cruz 125.1 lbs
 (Vacant WBC Silver Featherweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•   John Rincon 143 lbs vs. Yainel Alvarez 143.5 lbs
 (Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Abdullah Mason 134.6 lbs vs. Ronal Ron 134.7 lbs
 (Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Charly Suarez 131.8 lbs vs. Louie Coria 131.7 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Jalen Walker 131.2 lbs vs. Alejandro Guerrero 131.8 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Ali Feliz 219.1 lbs vs. Anthony Woodson III 280.2 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 4 Rounds)

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (April 11, 2024) — Unbeaten heavyweight phenom Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (16-0, 15 KOs) looks to overcome his biggest challenge to date against Belgian contender Ryad Merhy (32-2, 26 KOs) this Saturday, April 13, in the 10-round main event at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, Nigerian puncher Efe Ajagba (19-1, 14 KOs) and Italian standout Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (12-1-1, 10 KOs) will clash in a battle of 2016 Olympians.

The eight-round televised opener features Brazilian three-time world title challenger Robson Conceição (17-2-1, 8 KOs) against Mexico’s Jose Guardado (15-1-1, 5 KOs).

Anderson-Merhy, Ajagba-Vianello and Conceição-Guardado will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (5:50 p.m. ET/2:50 p.m. PT) will feature hometown heroes Julian Delgado and John Rincon. Delgado will make his pro debut in a four-round middleweight tilt against Juan C. Tamez (1-0), while Rincon (8-0, 2 KOs) faces Yainiel Alvarez (3-3-2, 1 KO) in a six-rounder at welterweight. 

The undercard also features a gamut of Top Rank’s up and coming talent, including lightweight prodigy Abdullah Mason (12-0, 10 KOs), who puts his unbeaten record on the line against Ronal Ron (14-4, 11 KOs).

Newly-signed prospects Jalen Walker (12-0-1 10 KOs) and Ali Feliz will make their debuts under the Top Rank banner. Walker takes on Alejandro Guerrero (12-4, 9 KOs) in a eight-round junior lightweight fight, while Team USA heavyweight Feliz enters the paid ranks in a four-rounder versus Anthony Woodson III (1-1, 1 KO).

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Jared Anderson

“Expect the best version of me. Expect to see me shine. Expect to see me dominate and show why I belong here.”

“Merhy has a different level of experience. But, everything from my amateur pedigree and what I’ve always done to everyone, whether they have experience or not, will play a different role.”

“The challenge {with smaller fighters} is that you have to sometimes deal with their speed, which we trained for. But I don’t really see to many challenges with this. I don’t really see too many challenges. I’m used to fighting all types of different people. I’m used to training with all types of people. So, if you don’t prepare properly, then you won’t perform properly. So, just know that we came prepared for sure.”

Ryad Merhy

“I’m very happy to be here. What a great opportunity. Who would have ever thought that from a small country like Belgium I would be able to show my talent in America? I hope to represent my country.”

“I’m not looking for anything. They’re looking for me. I’m a cruiserweight who has moved up to the heavyweight division because I was called out. They keep calling me, and now I’m here.”

“Jared is a very talented fighter. He is a great prospect. But this Saturday I’m going to show that he still has a long way to go. I have gone 177 rounds as a pro, while Anderson has only gone 46.  So, we’ll see if that plays a big difference on Saturday.”

Efe Ajagba

“We know each other well. We’ve sparred each other. So, we know each other a lot. We have Olympic backgrounds, so that’s how it happened.”

I want to see what he brings to the table. We sparred. But that’s sparring. That’s different from an actual fight. He thinks that I’m going to fight like I how sparred. But it’s not going to be like that. This fight means a lot because it is a stepping stone.”

Guido Vianello

“We know each other. We are two aggressive fighters in the ring, I can’t wait to fight. I can’t wait to see what happens in there.”

“I expect a good fight. This is a great opportunity. I’m really happy. The happiness is the strongest power I have. So, let’s see who is the best and fight.”

“I have zero pressure because I always just think about me. I’m happy because Top Rank has a lot of heavyweights. This is good for us because we can make a lot of good fights.”

Robson Conceição

“For sure it was a tough fight with Emanuel Navarrete. It was a war. And I learned a lot from it. I also prepared a lot for this fight. And I think I will get another title shot soon.”

John Rincon

“I’m excited to be back in my hometown. I just gotta keep doing what I’m doing. The sky is the limit for me. I’m ready, and I’ll see you all on Saturday.” 

Ali Feliz

“This is huge. I’ve been waiting for this moment for years. And there’s no better place to start it than Top Rank. I’m excited to start the journey.”

Saturday, April 13
 

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

Jared Anderson vs. Ryad Merhy, 10 rounds, Anderson’s WBO International and WBC USA Heavyweight Titles

Efe Ajagba vs. Guido Vianello, Ajagba’s WBC Silver Heavyweight Title

Robson Conceição vs. Jose Guardado, 8 rounds, junior lightweight
 

ESPN+ (5:50 p.m. ET/2:50 p.m. PT)
 

Julian Delgado vs. Juan C. Tamez, 4 rounds, middleweight

Ali Feliz vs. Anthony Woodson III, 4 rounds, heavyweight

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Anderson vs. Merhy and Ajagba vs. Vianello will be presented live Saturday, April 13, at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. The event takes place at American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas.

In the 10-round heavyweight main event, unbeaten knockout artist Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson takes onBelgian contender Ryad Merhy.

Anderson (16-0, 15 KOs) is coming off an impressive 2023, where he notched three victories with two knockouts. In April, he brought George Arias’ undefeated run to an end. Less than three months later, he celebrated his triumphant return to Toledo, squaring off against former world titleholder Charles Martin and earning a 10-round unanimous decision. Anderson then dispatched Andriy Rudenko in five rounds in August. 

Merhy (32-2, 26 KOs) makes his U.S. debut following his best win yet, a December victory over hometown hero and Olympic gold medalist, Tony Yoka in Paris.

In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, Nigerian puncher Efe Ajagba (19-1, 14 KOs) and Italian standout Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (12-1-1, 10 KOs) will collide in a duel of 2016 Olympians.

The eight-round televised opener features three-time world title challenger Robson Conceicao (17-2-1, 8 KOs), as he looks to keep his junior lightweight world title hopes alive against the upset-minded Jose Guardado (15-1-1, 5 KOs).

Undercard action begins at 5:50 p.m. ET/ 2:50 p.m. PT exclusively on ESPN+.

Calling the action will be ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna. 

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Anderson vs. Merhy (All Times ET)

HOUSTON, Texas (April 4, 2024) — Unbeaten heavyweight phenom Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson is gearing up to deliver another spectacle. 

Anderson, the fighting pride of Toledo, Ohio, will step up in class to face Belgian contender Ryad Merhy on Saturday, April 13, at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, Nigerian puncher Efe Ajagba (19-1, 14 KOs) and Italian standout Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (12-1-1, 10 KOs) will collide in a duel of 2016 Olympians.

The eight-round televised opener features three-time world title challenger Robson Conceicao (17-2-1, 8 KOs) against the upset-minded Jose Guardado (15-1-1, 5 KOs). 

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com. 

Anderson-Merhy, Ajagba-Vianello, and Conceição-Guardado will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Anderson (16-0, 15 KOs) is coming off an impressive 2023, where he notched three victories with two knockouts. In April, he brought George Arias’ undefeated run to an end, dismantling the slick Dominican in only three rounds. Less than three months later, Anderson celebrated his triumphant return to Toledo, squaring off against former world titleholder Charles Martin in front of over 7,000 hometown fans and earning a 10-round unanimous decision. The 24-year-old carried that momentum into Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he dispatched Andriy Rudenko in five rounds in August. Merhy (32-2, 26 KOs) makes his U.S. debut following his best win yet, a December victory over hometown hero and Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka in Paris.

Following a recent training session in Houston, this is what Anderson had to say:

“I feel like my career is going in the right direction. The only way is up. But I’m still working like it’s my first day. We’re on the job, so make sure you all stay with the journey. Stay with me.”

“I have a better IQ than Merhy. You have to have a high IQ to do this. I have one of the best IQs in the heavyweight division. So, make sure you watch the little things. Make sure you watch for the details.”

“He’s got a beating coming. I always come to entertain. Don’t miss it.”

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (March 14, 2024) — Tickets for the 10-round heavyweight showdown between unbeaten knockout artist Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson and Belgian contender Ryad Merhy — Saturday, April 13 at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas — go on sale TOMORROW, March 15 at 12 p.m. CST via Ticketmaster.com.
 
Presale tickets are available now by CLICKING HERE.
 
The heavyweight co-feature is a battle of 2016 Olympians, as Nigerian puncher Efe Ajagba (19-1, 14 KOs) looks to take down Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (12-1-1, 10 KOs).
 
The eight-round televised opener features three-time world title challenger Robson Conceicao (17-2-1, 8 KOs), as he looks to keep his junior lightweight world title hopes alive against the upset-minded Jose Guardado (15-1-1, 5 KOs).
 
Anderson-Merhy, Ajagba-Vianello and Conceição Guardado will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Two of Corpus Christi’s finest fistic talents hope to impress the home fans on the ESPN+-streamed undercard, as welterweight John Rincon (8-0, 2 KOs) fights in a six-rounder and National Golden Gloves champion Julian Delgado makes his much-anticipated professional debut in a four-round middleweight contest.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Feb. 29, 2024) — Following an accelerated amateur career that saw him secure two national titles, super middleweight prospect “King” Julian Delgado is ready to launch his pro career in front of his hometown fans.
 
Delgado will face an opponent to be named in a four-round special attraction on Saturday, April 13, at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Delgado’s pro debut and the rest of the undercard will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.
 
The ESPN-televised tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will feature a pair of 10-round heavyweight showdowns, as unbeaten phenom Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson steps up in class to face Belgian contender Ryad Merhy.
 
In the co-feature, Nigerian puncher Efe Ajagba and Italian standout Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello will collide in a showdown between 2016 Olympians.
 
The eight-round televised opener will see Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição taking on Mexico’s Jose Guardado.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets go on sale Tuesday, March 5 at 10 a.m. CST via Ticketmaster.com.
 
Delgado’s journey in the sweet science began not long ago, in 2021. Nevertheless, he quickly found his calling and secured two National and State titles across an almost 40-fight amateur career. In 2023, the 22-year-old etched his name in Texas history by becoming the first Corpus Christi native to secure a National Golden Gloves title in four decades, following in the footsteps of former junior featherweight world champion Jesse Benavides. Less than a year later, Delgado is gearing up for his start in the paid ranks.
 
Delgado said, “This is a moment I have been manifesting and have been working towards day in day out for the last two years of my life. I cannot wait to shine in front of my friends and family and put on an exciting fight that showcases just how bright my future is. This is an opportunity to prove myself and demonstrate the hard work and dedication that has brought me to this point.”

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Feb. 28, 2024) — Undefeated heavyweight phenom Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson is angling for another big knockout. The fighting pride of Toledo, Ohio, steps up in class to face Belgian contender Ryad Merhy on Saturday, April 13, in the 10-round main event at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, Nigerian puncher Efe Ajagba and Italian standout Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello will meet in a battle of 2016 Olympians.

The eight-round televised opener features three-time world title challenger Robson Conceicao, as he looks to keep his junior lightweight world title hopes alive against the upset-minded Jose Guardado.

Anderson-Merhy, Ajagba-Vianello and Conceição Guardado will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets go on sale Tuesday, March 5 at 10 a.m. CST via Ticketmaster.com.

“Jared Anderson is the most exciting young heavyweight in the world, and he’s stepping up against his toughest opponent to date. Corpus Christi is a great fight town, and I can’t wait for the fans there to have a front row seat for the future heavyweight champion,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Efe Ajagba is one of the division’s biggest punchers, but Guido Vianello is a skilled fighter who demanded a step up in competition. If you like heavyweights, this is a can’t-miss card.”

Anderson (16-0, 15 KOs) had a banner 2023 that saw him go 3-0 with a pair of knockouts. In April, he ended the unbeaten run of George Arias, stopping the Dominican slickster in only three rounds. Less than three months later, Anderson made his triumphant Toledo homecoming and faced former world champion Charles Martin in front of more than 7,000 adoring fans. Anderson earned a clear 10-round decision over Martin and carried that momentum to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in August, where he stopped Andriy Rudenko in five rounds.

“This is going to be the start of a big year, and I can’t wait to show out in front of the fans in Corpus Christi and everyone watching on ESPN,” Anderson said. “Merhy is a solid fighter, but he has never faced a heavyweight like me. He’ll see that in person on April 13.”

Merhy (32-2, 26 KOs) is an Ivory Coast native who was raised in Belgium, where most of his pro fights have taken place. He won a secondary cruiserweight world title in 2021 and then moved up in weight to pursue heavyweight glory. Merhy saw his seven-bout winning streak end when he dropped a 12-round decision to Kevin Lerena in Lerena’s home country of South Africa. Last December, he traveled to Paris for a bout with hometown hero and Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka. He upset Yoka by split decision to breathe new life into his heavyweight campaign.

“After ending 2023 with a great performance, I am looking for another great performance, this time on American soil against the ‘future heavyweight hope,’” Merhy said. “What I like about my current position is that I have nothing to prove. I accepted this fight because I don’t see Anderson as a big danger. It’s up to him to prove himself against a small heavyweight like me. I feel no pressure. See you on April 13, Jared.”

Ajagba (19-1, 14 KOs) reignited his career following his first defeat, an October 2021 decision against Frank Sanchez. He began his 2023 campaign in January with a 10-round decision over then-unbeaten Stephan Shaw and continued that momentum with a fourth-round disqualification victory over Zhan Kossobutskiy in August. Ajagba finished the year in grand fashion with November’s fourth-round stoppage over one-time amateur nemesis Joe Goodall.

“I remember Guido from the Rio Olympics, and he is a very skilled and powerful fighter,” Ajagba said. “My goal is to become heavyweight champion, and in order for me to accomplish my dream, I have to be at my best against Guido.” 

Vianello (12-1-1, 10 KOs) suffered a stroke of bad luck on the Ajagba-Shaw undercard, losing via sixth-round TKO to Jonnie Rice due to a cut eye caused by a punch. He was leading on the cards when the fight was stopped. Vianello bounced back nine months later, shutting out veteran Curtis Harper over eight rounds. He then returned to his knockout ways in February, blasting out Moses Johnson in one round on the O’Shaquie Foster-Abraham Nova undercard in New York City.

Vianello said, “This is a big opportunity for me to fight one of the top heavyweights in the world, and I did not hesitate when it was offered. I am ready to step up to the plate, and I look forward a great fight on April 13.”

Conceição (17-2-1, 8 KOs), Brazil’s first-ever Olympic boxing gold medalist, turned pro in November 2016. He dropped decisions in world title contests to Oscar Valdez and Shakur Stevenson, and in November 2023, he recovered from a pair of knockdowns to salvage a draw against three-weight world champion Emanuel Navarrete. Guardado (15-1-1, 5 KOs), from Ensenada, Mexico, has never fought outside of his home country and is coming off a second-round stoppage over Aramis Solis last November.

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

• Puerto Rican junior lightweight southpaw Henry Lebron (19-0, 10 KOs), who is ranked in the top 10 by the WBO and IBF, will face Filipino contender Charly Suarez (16-0, 9 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Lebron turned away unbeaten prospect William Foster III by majority decision last November to continue his climb up the rankings.
   
• Corpus Christi-born welterweight prospect John Rincon (8-0, 2 KOs) looks to thrill the hometown fans in a six-rounder. Rincon fought at American Bank Center last September and tallied a six-round decision over Bryan Ismael Rodriguez Rivera.
   
• One of the sport’s fastest-rising stars, lightweight prospect Abdullah Mason (12-0, 10 KOs), returns in an eight-rounder against Ronal Ron (14-5, 11 KOs). Mason, a 19-year-old southpaw prodigy from Cleveland, Ohio, obliterated Benjamin Gurment with an overhand left in the second round on the Teofimo Lopez-Jamaine Ortiz undercard in Las Vegas.
   
• Featherweight contender Ruben Villa (21-1, 7 KOs) will fight Mexican veteran Cristian Cruz Chacon (22-6-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder

Jared Anderson remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over Andriy Rudenko in a heavyweight bout at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Anderson was dominant, especially with his jab and he beat down the body of Rudenko. In round five, Anderson started to open up and land power shots until the fight was stopped at 1:40.

Anderson, 239.6 lbs of Toledo, OH is 16-0 with 15 knockouts. Rudenko, 244.3 lbs of Dnipro, UKR is 35-7.

“I’m enjoying the ride, enjoying the fights, and just doing my job,” Anderson said. “I was sending a statement to myself. I’m fighting for myself, and I’m fighting for my family. As much as people want to hate on me for it, I’m a realist. I’m going to stay real and be real. And I’m going to say what’s on my mind. Ya’ll can take it how ya’ll want. This is a business. This is a sport. I’m just doing my job. Take it how you want. You can’t force me to be somebody ya’ll want me to be. I’m going to be myself. And I’m going to be that till the end.”

Efe Ajagba defeated Zhon Kossobutskiy via fourth round disqualification due to low blows.

In round three, Kossobutskiy was deducted a point for a low blow. Seconds later, he deducted another point for the same in fraction. In round four, Kossubutskiy landed a hard shot below the belt tat sent Ajjagba to the canvas and the fight was waved off at 33 seconds.

Ajgaba, 226.5 lbs of Ughleli, NIG is 18-1. Kossibsbutskiy, 234.4 of Atkalyk, KAZ is 19-1.

Bruce Carrington remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Angel Antonio Contreras in a featherweight bout.

Carrington, 126.7 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 9-0. Contreras, 126.8 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 13-7-2.

Jeremiah Milton remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Craig Lewis in a heavyweight bout.

Milton, 254.4 lbs of Tulsa won by scores of 80-72 and 79-72 twice and is now 11-0. Lewis, 260.4 lbs of Detroit is 15-7-1

Sona Akole scored a six-round majority decision over previously undefeated Nico Ali Walsh in a middleweight bout.

Akole, 157.9 lbs of Saint Paul, MN won by scores of 58-56 twice and 57-57 and is now 8-1. Walsh, 159.1 lbs of Las Vegas, NV 8-1.

Abdullah Mason remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Cesar Villarrga in a lightweight bout.

Mason, 134.9 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 10-0. Villarraga, 134.7 lbs of Bogota, COL is 10-8-1.

Ablaikhan Zhussupov stopped Wiston Campos in round five of their six-round welterweight bout.

In round four, Zhussupov dropped Campos with a combination. Campos began to bleed from his nose. In round five, Zhussupov landed several hard jabs that was followed by a flush left. Zhusspupov continued to beat down Campos and the fight was stopped by the corner at 2:52.

Charly Suarez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Yohan Vazquez in a junior lightweight bout.

Suarez, 130.6 lbs of Davao del Norte PHL won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and is now 16-0. Vazquez 129.6 lbs of Stroudberg, PA is 25-4.

TULSA, OK (Aug. 24, 2023) — Roughly 1,000 pounds of heavyweight muscle will roll into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa on Saturday evening for an action-packed doubleheader.

In the 10-round main event, Toledo native Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) looks to notch his second victory in as many months against Andriy Rudenko (35-6, 21 KOs). Anderson thrilled his hometown crowd on July 1 with a 10-round decision over former world champion Charles Martin.

The 10-round co-feature will see Nigerian knockout artist Efe Ajagba (17-1, 13 KOs) seek to end the unbeaten run of southpaw puncher Zhan Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs).

Anderson-Rudenko, and Ajagba-Kossobutskiy will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT) features Brooklyn-born featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (8-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder, Tulsa-born heavyweight Jeremiah Milton (10-0, 7 KOs) taking on Craig Lewis (15-6-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder, and middleweight Nico Ali Walsh (8-0, 5 KOs) against Sona Akale (7-1, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Jared Anderson
 
“It was easy to get back into things after my last fight. We never stop, really. We might have taken a week off, but then we went right back to it. We took our time by sharpening our skills before sparring. But everything was great. We’re ready to go to work.”

“My coaches have been training me like a little guy since I was eight years old. So, it kind of comes naturally to just move like I’m at a lighter weight. That’s what I do every time I step in there.”
 
“This Saturday you will see me sticking to my plan. I’ll be using my jab, my speed. I’m always willing to do whatever I need to do in order to win. And I will continue being who I am because I am great.”

Andriy Rudenko
 
“Today is Ukrainian Independence Day, and we are here thanks to our Ukrainian army, thanks to our Ukrainian soldiers who defend our country. It fills us with glory to represent the bravest country in the world.”
 
“I’m very happy to be in the United States. It’s been my dream to have a professional fight in the U.S. When I started my career, I dreamed of having a fight at the mecca of professional boxing, so I am very happy.”
 
“I know that my opponent is one of the best heavyweight prospects right now. I will show you what my plans are for stopping him this Saturday in the ring.”

Efe Ajagba
 
“I know this is a big fight. I made sure to prepare hard and get everything done in training camp. I know he is a good fighter, but I will do everything possible to win the fight.”
 
“I want to thank him for accepting the fight. I’ve been training hard for this fight because I know who he is. I will get things done on Saturday night.”

Zhan Kossobutskiy
 
“I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. This is a great opportunity for me to debut on ESPN.”
 
“I’m very happy to have this fight. I have faced very strong opposition. It’s been a lot better for my career to have fought strong opposition. I believe the same is the case with my opponent for this Saturday.”

Nico Ali Walsh
 
“We were working on a lot of different things in this camp. Head movement was a big part of it. Defense was a big part of it. I’m no stranger to taking a punch. Everyone knows I can take a punch. But that’s not what is important to me. What is important is not taking the punch and still being able to come back. This camp has been completely different, and I can’t wait to show that improvement.”

Jeremiah Milton
 
“I’ve been staying busy and learning from each fight. I’ve been progressing and climbing up the rankings. I’ve been making an impact on the heavyweight division. It’s been amazing.”
 
“This is my city. We got all these heavyweights out here. So, it’s going to be nothing but knockouts. Tulsa loves knockouts. They love big performances. And that’s what they are in for.”
 

Saturday, August 26

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT)

Jared Anderson vs. Andriy Rudenko, 10 rounds, Heavyweight

Efe Ajagba vs. Zhan Kossobutskiy, 10 rounds, Heavyweight

ESPN+ (6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT)

Bruce Carrington vs. Angel Antonio Contreras, 8 rounds, Featherweights 

Jeremiah Milton vs. Craig Lewis, 8 rounds, Heavyweights

Nico Ali Walsh vs. Sona Akale, 6 rounds, Middleweights

Ablaikhan Zhussupov vs. Wiston Campos, 8/6 rounds, Welterweights
 
Charly Suarez vs. Yohan Vasquez, 10 rounds, Junior Lightweight

Top Rank YouTube (6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Onoriode Ehwarieme, 8 rounds, Heavyweight

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Anderson vs. Rudenko will be presented live this Saturday, August 26, at 10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT, on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In the 10-round main event, Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson, fighting pride of Toledo, Ohio, will take on Ukrainian contender Andriy Rudenko.

Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) debuted as a pro in 2019 and has developed into a top contender. He ended his first 14 fights in six rounds or less. The 23-year-old will make his third 2023 appearance less than two months after defeating former world champion Charles Martin in front of 7,234 hometown fans in his hometown.

Rudenko (35-6, 21 KOs) is a 39-year-old with more than 16 years of pro experience. He was 24-0 before losses to then-undefeated contenders Lucas Browne and Hughie Fury. In recent years, he has provided stern tests to some of the sport’s top big men.

In the 10 round co-feature, heavy-hitting Nigerian contender Efe Ajagba will take on unbeaten Kazakh southpaw Zhan Kossobutskiy. Ajagba (17-1, 13 KOs), a 2016 Olympian, has solidified himself as one of the division’s fiercest punchers. Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs) is a 34-year-old southpaw from Kostanay, Kazakhstan. He has only gone the distance once in his career, a six-round decision win over Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko in September 2018.

The undercard streams exclusively on ESPN+ at 6:50 p.m. ET / 3:50 p.m. PT.

ESPN’s Joe Tessitore will call the action with Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr. Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna?will serve as reporters.

Digital, On Demand and Exclusive to ESPN+

ESPN.com 

Out Friday: Lapsed Fan’s Guide to the Heavyweight Division 

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok

Anderson vs. Rudenko (All Times ET)

About ESPN

About ESPN+

(Aug. 23, 2023) — Ukraine’s WBO/WBA/IBF heavyweight world champion, Oleksandr Usyk, will defend his collection of belts against England’s Daniel Dubois this Saturday, Aug. 26 at Tarczy?ski Arena Wroc?aw in Wroclaw, Poland.
 
This is the second title defense for pound-for-pound great Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs), who moved up to heavyweight in 2019 following a historic run to the undisputed cruiserweight championship. Usyk toppled reigning champion Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision in September 2021, then prevailed by split decision last August in their highly anticipated rematch. Dubois (19-1, 18 KOs) has won four fights by stoppage since a 2020 TKO defeat to countryman Joe Joyce.
 
Usyk-Dubois will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ as a special one-fight broadcast starting at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. Ring walks are expected shortly thereafter.
 
Usyk-Dubois kicks off a marathon fight day on the ESPN family of networks. The action then turns to Oklahoma for the undercard of the Jared Anderson-Andriy Rudenko heavyweight main event at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. ESPN+ will stream undercard bouts beginning at 6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT. A slew of undefeated prospects will be in action, including Brooklyn-born featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (8-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder, Tulsa-born heavyweight Jeremiah Milton (10-0, 7 KOs) taking on Craig Lewis (15-6-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder, and middleweight Nico Ali Walsh (8-0-1, 5 KOs) against Sona Akale (7-1, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder.
 
The action moves to ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT for a heavyweight doubleheader, as Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) returns less than two months removed from his triumphant Toledo homecoming to fight Rudenko (35-6, 21 KOs) in a 10-round clash. In the 10-round co-feature, top contender Efe Ajagba (17-1, 13 KOs) looks to topple unbeaten southpaw Zhan Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs).

TULSA, OK (July 20, 2023) — Heavy-hitting Nigerian contender Efe Ajagba will take on unbeaten Kazakh southpaw Zhan Kossobutskiy in the 10-round co-feature on Saturday, August 26 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Ajagba-Kossobutskiy will be the co-feature to the heavyweight showdown between Toledo-born phenom Jared Anderson and Andriy Rudenko.

Uzbek Olympic gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov will make his Top Rank debut in the eight-round televised opener against Nigeria’s Onoriode Ehwarieme.

Anderson-Rudenko, Ajagba-Kossobutskiy & Jalolov-Ehwarieme will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.

Ajagba (17-1, 13 KOs), a 2016 Nigerian Olympian, has solidified himself as one of the division’s fiercest punchers. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound slugger debuted as a pro in July 2017 and secured six first-round knockouts in his first eight bouts. He suffered his first defeat in October 2021 against Frank Sanchez. Following the loss, Ajagba had surgery on both his elbows, returning in August 2022 to stop Hungarian veteran Jozsef Darmos in the second round. The 29-year-old is coming off a 10-round decision win against previously unbeaten contender Stephan Shaw in January.

“This is a great test for me as I continue my quest to become Nigeria’s next heavyweight champion,” Ajagba said. “I am coming to Tulsa to score a devastating knockout and remind everyone what I’m capable of doing inside the ring.”

Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs) is a 34-year-old southpaw from Kostanay, Kazakhstan. He has only gone the distance once in his career, a six-round decision win over Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko in September 2018. In 2021, he went 3-0 with three knockouts. In 2022, he dispatched former world title challenger Johann Duhaupas in the fifth round and is coming off a third-round knockout over previously unbeaten contender Hussein Muhamed last November.

Kossobutskiy said, “I’m ready to make my debut in the United States against a very strong opponent. I want to show that I can beat the best in the heavyweight division, and to do that, you must overcome very tough challenges. I look forward to showing the world my abilities on August 26.”

Jalolov (12-0, 12 KOs) represented Uzbekistan at the 2016 Olympics before turning pro in May 2018 with a third-round TKO over Hugo Trujillo. He built an 8-0 record before returning to the amateur ranks in the summer of 2021 to capture an Olympic gold medal. Jalolov then tallied four knockout wins in the paid ranks before continuing his remarkable amateur run in May with a gold medal at the 2023 World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The 29-year-old wrecking ball returns to the pro ranks following his fourth-round TKO over Curtis Harper last November.

Ehwarieme (20-2, 19 KOs) debuted as a professional with a decision win over Junior Maletino Iakopo in December 2010. He defeated his next 16 opponents by knockout, all within five rounds. He suffered his first loss against Rodney Hernandez in June 2019, but returned in December to stop Ariel Esteban Bracamonte via first-round knockout. Ehwarieme suffered a fourth-round stoppage loss against Kossobutskiy in February 2021, and he is 2-0 with two knockouts since. The 35-year-old, who represented Nigeria at the 2008 Olympics, blasted out Jeff Holcomb in only one round in February 2022.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard includes some of the sports brightest up-and-coming talents.

Rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (8-0, 5 KOs), the latest fistic talent to come from Brownsville, Brooklyn, will fight an opponent to be named in an eight-rounder. Carrington will make his fourth 2023 appearance following an eighth-round TKO win over Luis Porozo in June.

Undefeated middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (8-0-1, 5 KOs), grandson of Muhammad Ali, will face Sona Akale (7-1, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder. Ali Walsh will fight in Tulsa for the third time as a pro following an eight-round draw against Danny Rosenberger on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko undercard.

19-year-old lightweight prodigy Abdullah Mason (9-0, 8 KOs) will make his fourth appearance of 2023 in a six-round duel. Mason was considered one of the brightest U.S. amateur talents before signing with Top Rank in October 2021. The southpaw returns after a second-round TKO win over Alex de Oliveira on July 1.

In a 10-round junior lightweight tilt, Filipino Olympian Charly Suarez (15-0, 9 KOs) will put his unbeaten record on the line against hard-hitting Dominican Yohan Vasquez (25-3, 20 KOs). Suarez heads to Tulsa following a 12^th-round TKO win against then-unbeaten Australian Paul Fleming on enemy turf.

Kazakh Olympian Ablaikhan Zhussupov (3-0, 2 KOs) returns in a welterweight clash scheduled for eight rounds.

TULSA, OK (July 13, 2023) —There is no rest for the sport’s hottest young heavyweight.  Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson, the fighting pride of Toledo, Ohio, is set to go for his Sweet 16.

Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) will take on Ukrainian contender Andriy Rudenko in the 10-round main event on Saturday, August 26 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. The 23-year-old slugger will make his third 2023 appearance less than two months after defeating former world champion Charles Martin in front of 7,234 hometown fans in Toledo.

Anderson-Rudenko and additional fight action will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.

“This is another great test for Jared. When you watch him fight, you are seeing a future heavyweight champion of the world,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Rudenko is a crafty veteran who has been in there with some top guys. The fans at Hard Rock Tulsa are in for a real treat.”

Anderson debuted as a pro in 2019 and has developed into a top contender. He ended his first 14 fights in six rounds or less. His knockout victims included Jerry Forrest and previously unbeaten standouts George Arias and Vladimir Tereshkin. On July 1, he fought for the first time as a pro in his hometown, debuting as a headlining attraction with a 10-round unanimous decision win over Martin. Ranked 7th in the world by the WBO and 9th by the WBC, Anderson is on track to challenge the division’s top dogs.

Anderson said, “I want to stay active and make my case that I am the present and future of the heavyweight division. Rudenko is a tough, durable veteran. I respect what he’s accomplished in the game, but on August 26 at Hard Rock Tulsa, he’s going to regret accepting this challenge.”

Rudenko (35-6, 21 KOs) is a 39-year-old with more than 16 years of pro experience. He was 24-0 before losses to then-undefeated contenders Lucas Browne and Hughie Fury. Rudenko then tallied seven consecutive wins, earning his first regional title in the process. In recent years, he has provided stern tests to some of the sport’s top big men, losing via decision to former world champion Alexander Povetkin, reigning European champion Agit Kabayel, and top contender Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang.

Rudenko said, “This is a tremendous opportunity, and I am coming to Tulsa to score the big upset. I dedicate this fight to the people of Ukraine, and I can’t wait to show everyone that I still have what it takes to perform at the highest level.”

Jared Anderson went the distance for the first time and won a 10-round unanimous decision over former IBF Heavyweight champion Charles Martin at The Huntington Center in Anderson’s hometown of Toledo, Ohio.

At the end of round three, Anderson dropped Martin by flinging a left from the southpaw stance that hit the top of Martin’s head. Anderson continued to pound away and rock Martin. In round five, Martin hurt Anderson with some hard left hands.

In round nine, the mouth of Martin began to bleed. Anderson was able to dominate the second half of the fight alternating from orthodox to southpaw, landing jabs and some solid punches to the jaw. Martin tried to make a last second stand as he landed a perfect left to the jaw that sent Anderson back, but time ran out.

Anderson landed 157 of 369 punches; Martin was 85 of 324.

Anderson, 243.4 lbs of Toledo, OH won by scores of 98-91 and 99-90 twice and is now 15-0. Martin, 259.5 lbs of St. Louis, MO is 29-4-1.

Anderson said, “It felt great. I had my team with me. I got my family with me. I got Toledo with me. They showed up and they’re in the building. They were with me the entire 10 rounds. I heard them all the way through. I’m grateful for my opponent. He took the fight on short notice. He came and performed really good. I think we put on a hell of a show for Toledo.

“I wanted to go the distance. It was my first time. I just wanted to make sure that I could go the distance and especially be able to withstand power the whole 10 rounds. He had power until the last round, and I was happy to get the rounds in.

“I think I took his best shots very well. I don’t think there was a time in the fight where I looked unsteady or where I couldn’t hold my own. Did feel like he got me with a good shot and stunned me? No. But do I feel like he got me with a good shot and made me aware? Yes, so I had to readjust and get back to the game plan.”

Martin said, “I took the fight on 11 days’ notice. I did the best I could. He’s a real champion. He’ll be making his way to the top soon. I’m proud of him.

“He’s really good. He’s a crafty boxer. Usually, when I catch somebody and hurt them, I can finish them. If they don’t fall, usually I can follow up and put them away. But he is like a little middleweight. He is crafty. He was able to get out even when he was rocked. He was able to maneuver and get out the way. He’s going to be a champion.

Makhmudov Stops Akepejiori in 2

In a battle of heavyweight sluggers, Arslenbek Makhmudov stopped Raphael Akepejiori in round two of their 10-round bout.

In round one, Makhmudov came out fast and dropped Akepejiori with a perfect right uppercut. At the end of the round, Makhmudov dropped Akepejiori again with a left hook while Akepejiori’s right hand was caught in the ropes. In round two, Makhmudov landed several devastating uppercuts that wobbled Akepejiori and then sent up down with a hard right. Akepejiori got to his feet, but the fight was waved of at 1:43.

Makhmudov, 263.4 lbs of Montreal, CAN is now 17-0 with 16 knockouts. Akepejiori, 255.5 lbs of Lagos, NIG is 15-1.

Abdullah Mason stopped Alex de Oliveira in round two of their six-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Mason landed three fast and hard left hands that put de Oliveira down and the fight was stopped at 2:18.

Mason, 135.2 lbs of Cleveland is 9-0 with eight knockouts. de Oliveira, 135.8 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is now 20-5.

Mason said, “It was amazing. I felt amazing. I felt great in this camp. Right now, there is no cap on my ceiling. I’m just focused, and I’m going hard.”

2020 United State Olympian Tiger Johnson remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Montrel in a junior welterweight bout.

In round three, the left eye of Montrel began to swell.

The eye continued to worsen as the doctor checked on it before round seven commenced. The right side of Montrel’s forehead became a bloody mess in round seven.

Johnson, 141.2 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 9-0. Montrel, 140.6 lbs of New Orleans is now 15-2.

Dante Benjamin Jr. remained undefeated by stopping Mirandy Zola in round one of their six-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Benjamin landed a big left hand that was followed by a right to the chin that put Zola on his back. Benjamin came forward and landed a big right that snapped Zola’s head back and the bout was stopped at 1:56.

Benjamin, 173.3 lbs of Cleveland is 7-0 with six knockouts. Zola, 173.9 lbs of Columbus, OH is 4-3.

DeAndre Ware won a six-round unanimous decision over DeCarlo Perez in a super middleweight bout.

Ware, 167.9 lbs of Toledo, OH won by scores of 59-55 twice and 58-56 and is now 16-4-2. Perez, 167.5 lbs of Atlantic City, NJ is 19-9-1,

Rance Ward scored a six-round majority decision over previously undefeated Husan Al Mashhadi in a junior middleweight bout.

Ward, 153.6 lbs of Houma, LA won by scores of 59-55, 58-56 and 57-57 and is now 8-5-1. Al Mashhadi, 151.2 lbs od Dearborn Heights, MI is 6-1.

Tyler McCreary came back after a two-year layoff with a six-round unanimous decision over Deivi Julio in a junior lightweight bout.

In round two, Julio was docked a point for holding.

McCreary, 131 lbs of Toledo, OH won by scores of 59-54 and 57-56 twice and is now 18-2-1. Julio, 130.9 lbs of Monteria, COL is 26-14.

Nicklaus Flaz upset previously undefeated Jahi Tucker via eight-round majority decision in a junior middleweight bout,

Flaz was cut on his right eyebrow in the final round.

Flaz, 151.2 lbs of Bayamon, PR won by scores of 78-74, 77-75 and 76-76 and is now 11-2. Tucker, 151.8 lbs of Deer Park, NY is 10-1.

 •  Jared Anderson 243.4 lbs. vs. Charles Martin 250.5 lbs
(Heavyweight — 10 Rounds)

   •   Abdullah Mason 135.2 lbs vs. Alex de Oliveira 135.8 lbs
(Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

   •   Arslanbek Makhmudov 263.4 lbs vs. Raphael Akpejiori 255.5 lbs
(Heavyweight — 10 Rounds )

(ESPN+, 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

•    Tiger Johnson141.2 lbs  vs. Jonathan Montrel 140.6 lbs 
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

•  Dante Benjamin Jr. 173.3 lbs  vs. Mirady Zola 173.9 lbs 
 (Light Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

•  DeAndre Ware 167.9 lbs vs. Decarlo Perez 167.5 lbs
 (Super Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Husam Al Mashhadi 151.2 lbs vs. Rance Ward 153.6 lbs
 (Junior Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

• Tyler McCreary 131 lbs vs. Deivi Julio 130.9 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Jahi Tucker 151.8 lbs  vs. Nicklaus Flaz 151.3 lbs
 (Junior Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

TOLEDO, Ohio (June 29, 2023) — Toledo’s knockout king is ready to shine in his hometown Saturday evening.

Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) will fight former world champion “Prince” Charles Martin (29-3-1, 26 KOs) in the 10-round main event at Toledo’s Huntington Center. 

In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, Montreal-based wrecking ball Arslanbek Makhmudov (16-0, 15 KOs) takes on Nigeria’s Raphael Akpejiori (15-0, 14 KOs).

Anderson-Martin and Makhmudov-Akpejiori will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. In a special feature just before the main event, lightweight phenom Abdullah Mason (8-0, 7 KOs) will take on Alex de Oliveira (20-4, 14 KOs) in a six-rounder.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (6:15 p.m ET/3:15 p.m. PT) will feature Toledo natives DeAndre Ware and Tyler McCreary.

Ware (15-4-2, 9 KOs) returns to the ring against Decarlo Perez (19-8-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round super middleweight tilt, while McCreary (17-2-1, 8 KOs) takes on veteran Deivi Julio (26-13, 16 KOs) in a six-round junior lightweight battle.

Junior welterweight standout Tiger Johnson (8-0, 5 KOs) will face Jonathan Montrel (15-1, 10 KOs) in an eight-round bout, and light heavyweight prospect Dante Benjamin Jr. (6-0, 4 KOs) will meet Mirady Zola (4-2, 1 KO) in a six-round clash.

Junior middleweight prospect Husam Al Mashhadi (6-0, 5 KOs), the fighting pride of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, fights the durable Rance Ward (7-5-1, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Warriors Boxing, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Jared Anderson
 
“This is super special. I’m super excited. I’m the talk of the town. It’s a new feeling. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to embrace it. I’m happy to be an inspiration for the kids.”
 
“I come prepared for anything and everything. Luckily, he is still a southpaw. I think that was the biggest reason that we chose him after the change. He’s also a bigger name. He is a former world champion. He has fought a few world titleholders as well.”
 
“I’m prepared for everything. It didn’t throw a monkey wrench in the plan, but it definitely made us go back to the drawing board, look at the tapes, and come back with a plan.”
 
“My toughest fight outside the ring is life because it throws curveballs at you that you just don’t expect sometimes. I think I’ve been through a lot in my 23 years, and I think I’ve handled it well.”

Charles Martin
 
“I was happy when I got the call. I had been putting in a lot of work, so I was happy that the hard work was finally paying off. I’ve dedicated myself fully. I leave no stones unturned. You can’t do that in this game.”
 
“Surprisingly, I won my national championship here in Toledo, Ohio before I turned professional. So, I’m kind of just coming back and reliving the experience. It’s a good thing.”
 
“I’m up for the challenge. He’s a big, strong, young lion. And I’m here.”

Arslanbek Makhmudov
 
“Camp was good. Everything was great. I just can’t wait for it to be Saturday so I can perform. Montreal has been good for me. It’s a comfortable place for my family, and it’s comfortable for my training.”
 
“I came here to compete against the best and become the champion of the world. That’s my goal, my target and my dream. That’s why I started boxing when I was nine years old. I have a lot of experience as an amateur and that helps me as a professional.”

Raphael Akpejiori
 
“I came here on a basketball scholarship from Nigeria. I was one of those kids who did everything they could to make life better for myself and my family. I played basketball for four years, and I played football until grad school. I got my master’s degree. I was picked up by the Miami Dolphins. I didn’t make the final cut, so I started boxing. And then I fell in love with the sport.”
 
“I met up with very good people. They say that every time a student wants to learn, a teacher magically appears. My coach is the ‘Road Warrior’ himself, Glen Johnson, and he took me to another level. All my coaches have helped take me to another level, and I’m excited to be here.”
 
“This is the best guy I will have faced. But to be a champion, you have to go through some fire. And I have put myself in line to go through that fire. All I have to do is listen to the ‘Road Warrior’ and do everything we’ve done in camp.”
 
Tiger Johnson

“I’m really excited. Everyone’s about to see what Ohio is made of. For as long as boxing has been around, Ohio has always had legends. So, we’re about to put on a show. In every camp, we always go back to the fundamentals. Everyone will see my improvement on Saturday night.”

Dante Benjamin Jr.
 
“I love training. It’s like a family at the gym. I have a lot of fun. This past camp has been fun because my friends have been training with me. They push me. So, it feels good.”

Abdullah Mason
 
“My family keeps me focused inside the gym. We all share the same goal, which is to become a world champion. So, we’ll keep working towards that, and eventually it’s going to come.”

Jahi Tucker
 
“Saturday night will be the same old story: domination. In my last fight {against Nikoloz Sekhniashvili}, I wanted to show everything I’ve learned. It helped me get to that level. That last fight just added on to the experience that I’m going to take to championship fights.”

DeAndre Ware
 
“It’s been my dream to fight at the Huntington Center. Jared made this possible, and I’m just looking forward to it. We’re going to display our talent for the city.”

Husam Al Mashhadi
 
“This means a lot to my family. Everybody at home is really excited for me. I’m very excited. Toledo is like my backyard, so I’m looking forward to seeing all the fans come out from Michigan.” 

Tyler McCreary
 
“It feels good to be here. I’ve been working really hard. I appreciate Jared for coming back home. It’s a good feeling to be back in action.”

Saturday, July 1

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

Jared Anderson vs. Charles Martin, 10 rounds, Heavyweights 

Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Raphael Akpejiori, 10 rounds, Heavyweights 

 
ESPN+ (6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

Tiger Johnson vs. Jonathan Montrel, 8 rounds, Junior Welterweights

Jahi Tucker vs. Nicklaus Flaz, 8 rounds, Junior Middleweights

Toledo’s knockout king Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) returns home to headline a 10-round main event against former world champion “Prince” Charles Martin (29-3-1, 26 KOs).

Fighting in the main event for the first time as a pro, 23-year-old Anderson has yet to go beyond the sixth round, having stopped five of his opponents in the first round and another five in the second round. In 2020, he garnered global attention as Tyson Fury’s primary sparring partner, but he is now carving his own path as he prepares to face the top names of the division. Martin, a 37-year-old St. Louis native, captured the IBF heavyweight world title in January 2016 with a third-round TKO over Vyacheslav Glazkov. Martin is coming off a fourth-round knockout against Devin Vargas last September in Los Angeles.

Rounding out the heavyweight doubleheader is the 10-round co-feature with Montreal-based wrecking ball Arslanbek Makhmudov (16-0, 15 KOs) taking on Nigeria’s Raphael Akpejiori. (15-0, 14 KOs).

The undercard streams exclusively on ESPN+.

Calling the action will be Andre Ward, a Hall of Famer and 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medalist, and Timothy Bradley Jr., a Class of 2023 Hall of Famer.  Serving as reporters will be Mark Kriegel, Bernardo Osuna, and Crystina Poncher.

Original Programming:

Prior to the event, ESPN will air RELENTLESS: Jared Anderson, 30-minute candid look at the next great American heavyweight Jared Anderson ahead of his homecoming in Toledo, OH. Fight fans will get to know “The Real Big Baby” before he reps “The Glass City” in his first-career headliner against former IBF Heavyweight world champion Charles Martin (29-3-1, 26 KOs). Still just 23 years young, the undefeated 2021 “Prospect of the Year” Anderson holds a perfect 100% finish rate with 14 knockouts in 14 professional victories, which he looks to keep intact in his main event debut.

RELENTLESS: Jared Anderson (All Times ET)

ESPN.com

Out Friday: The Most Intriguing Tier of the Heavyweight Division: The Next Generation, by Mike Coppinger

ESPN+, ESPN App Boxing Content: Live and Upcoming, On Demand, Studio Shows, Archives

• Top Rank: Real TimeGo all-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night
• Boxing
• Top Rank
• State of Boxing

• Max on BoxingMax Kellerman hosts a 30-minute series weighing in on key boxing news and providing insights on the sport’s top fighters and upcoming events
• Who Do U Fight 4?Get to know the next generation of Top Rank stars and learn what drives them

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok

Anderson vs. Martin

About ESPN
ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst. 

About ESPN+  

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 25.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).   

TOLEDO, Ohio (June 21, 2023) — The homecoming for heavyweight sensation Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson is still on, but the man in the opposing corner has changed. After undefeated Kazakh contender Zhan Kossobutskiy was forced to withdraw due to a delay in obtaining his visa, former world champion “Prince” Charles Martin has stepped up to face Anderson on Saturday, July 1 at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio.
 
Anderson-Martin and a 10-round heavyweight co-feature between unbeaten punchers Arslanbek Makhmudov and Nigeria’s Raphael Akpejiori will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Warriors Boxing, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
“We weren’t going to let anything spoil the Toledo party,” Anderson said. “I have a new opponent, but it will be the same outcome.”
 
Martin said, “I’ve always said I will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. If I have to fight on less than two weeks’ notice to get a big opportunity, so be it. I’m ready. And since I can’t get the best guys from my generation to fight me, I’ll fight the best guy from the new generation. My goal is to become a two-time heavyweight champion. I have to beat Jared Anderson to accomplish my goal.”
 
Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) has only been extended past three rounds twice in a career that began with a first-round stoppage in October 2019. From April 2021 to December 2022, he notched five consecutive second-round knockouts, including one over the normally durable Jerry Forrest. Anderson began his 2023 campaign in April with a third-round stoppage over the previously undefeated George Arias. Martin (29-3-1, 26 KOs), a 37-year-old St. Louis native, captured the IBF heavyweight world title in January 2016 with a third-round TKO over Vyacheslav Glazkov. Martin lost his title to Anthony Joshua less than three months later, but he has remained a force on the heavyweight scene. He is 6–2 since the Joshua setback, including a highlight-reel stoppage over Gerald Washington in 2020. Martin is coming off a fourth-round knockout against Devin Vargas last September in Los Angeles.

TOLEDO, Ohio (June 1, 2023) — Two Ohio-born talents have joined the pre-Independence Day celebration as part of the ESPN+-streamed undercard to the heavyweight doubleheader featuring Toledo’s  Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson against Kazakhstan’s Zhan Kossobutskiy in a 10-round main event on Saturday, July 1 at Toledo’s Huntington Center. 
 
Cleveland native Abdullah Mason will make his third appearance of 2023 in a six-round lightweight fight against Tobias Green, while Toledo-born junior lightweight Tyler McCreary will face an opponent to be named in a six-rounder.
 
Anderson-Kossobutskiy and Arslanbek Makhmudov-Raphael Akpejiori will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Universum Boxing, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
Mason (8-0, 7 KOs) is a 19-year-old prodigy who was considered one of the brightest talents in U.S. amateur boxing before signing with Top Rank in October 2021. Mason debuted as a pro the following month with a second-round TKO over Jaylan Phillips. In 2022, Mason went 5-0 with four knockouts. The southpaw phenom plans to be just as dominant this year after a first-round knockout over Erick Garcia Benitez in April and a sixth-round TKO win over Desmond Lyons last month on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko undercard. Green (10-3, 3 KOs) is a 27-year-old Floridian who returns after an eight-round decision win against Ryan Schwartzberg last October. 
 
McCreary (17-2-1, 8 KOs) is an almost nine-year pro who is on the comeback trail. Following his 2019 showdown against former two-division world champion Carl Frampton, the 30-year-old experienced a near-two-year layoff before losing to Manuel Rey Rojas in 2021. Last month, however, he overcame another layoff to score a first-round knockout against Jake Bornea in Toledo.

TOLEDO, Ohio (May 2, 2023) — Toledo’s knockout king is set to take center stage in front of a hometown crowd.
 
Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson will fight Kazakhstan’s Zhan Kossobutskiy in a 10-round main event Saturday, July 1, at Toledo’s Huntington Center. 

In the 10-round co-feature, Montreal-based wrecking ball Arslanbek Makhmudov takes on Nigeria’s Raphael Akpejiori.

Anderson formally announced his upcoming fight today at the Glass City Pavilion in Toledo. He was joined by Hall of Fame Promoter/Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz and Toledo-born first responder DeAndre Ware, who will see action on the undercard.

Anderson-Kossobutskiy and Makhmudov-Akpejiori will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Universum Boxing, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
 
At the press conference, this is what Anderson, Arum, Ware and Mayor Kapszukiewiczhad to say.

Jared Anderson

“I’m happy to be here. I’m feeling so loved and embraced here. It means everything to me. I plan to put on a great show. I plan to show the kids and the city that we are still fighting and are one of the biggest small cities in the nation. The world will know us.”
 
“I’ve been in the gym going crazy. As you can see, my body shows it. My fights show it. My power shows it. I’m going to keep pushing and stay on track so that this train keeps going.”
 
“I’m super excited. I’m happy to see all the familiar faces and all the friends and family. The cameras are good and all, but I’m doing this for the city. I’m doing this for the people that are here. I’m doing this for the people that don’t have phones in their hand and are out there in the world right now fighting to survive. I’ve been fighting to survive for a long time. Now that I don’t have to do that, I want to show you all that hopefully you won’t have to do that, too. Just keep fighting. Keep striving to be better and you will get there for sure.”

Bob Arum

“I’m happy to be here because this is Jared Anderson’s hometown. We told him that one day he would fight his first main event here in Toledo. Jared is here. And just because he’s here doesn’t mean that he gets a piece of cake. He is fighting a very, very tough competitor because we believe that Jared will be the future heavyweight champion of the world. But to do that, he’s got to fight really tough guys. And we’ve gotten him an opponent from Kazakhstan who is 19-0 with 18 knockouts.”

Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz

“This is beyond exciting. It builds upon an underrated boxing history in Toledo. Right across the river, maybe a quarter of a mile down, Jack Dempsey won his heavyweight crown. Here in Toledo, the golden age of boxing began on July 4, 1919. Muhammad Ali fought here. George Foreman fought here. We’ve got a proud boxing tradition, but there is nothing more special that rallying behind one of our own. Toledo backs its own. And we can’t wait for Jared to fight.”

DeAndre Ware

“I remember boxing at the PAL. Back then, you were a little guy. We used to get on you all the time. Then you got older and started sparring. I used to put my mouthpiece out there and say, ‘you can’t knock it out my mouth.’ I can’t do that anymore. I’m proud of you, Jared. I thank you for this opportunity. I’m thankful for fighting here in front of my friends, fans and family. I’m happy.”