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

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

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

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

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

Melikuziev Stops Alantez Fox in 4

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

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

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

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

Darius Fulghum Stops Campa in 1

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

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

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

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

Jose Sanchez Upsets Eric Tudor

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

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

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

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (October 5, 2023) – Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico and Joe “Common Man” Smith Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) of Long Island, New York hosted a press conference today ahead of their WBA Cruiserweight Eliminator match. Scheduled for 10-rounds, the fight night, presented in collaboration with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, will take place live from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and live around the world on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT.

The undercard of Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. was also on hand to promote their upcoming fights. As co-main event, Bektemir “The Bully” Melikuziev (12-1, 9 KOs) of Shoimbek, Uzbekistan, who also proudly represents Indio, California, will face Upper Marlboro, Maryland’s Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (28-4-1, 13 KOs). “The Bully” will defend his WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight Title in a 10-round fight. Darius “DFG” Fulghum (7-0, 7 KOs) will fight Alan Campa (18-8, 12 KOs) of Guaymas, Mexico in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. Opening the broadcast, Fort Lauderdale’s Eric Tudor (9-0, 6 KOs) will participate in an eight-round super welterweight fight against Jose Sanchez (13-3-1, 4 KOs) of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

On the preliminary undercard Tristan “Sweet T” Kalkreuth (11-1, 8 KOs) of Carlton, Texas will face Aaron “Ghozt Mas” Casper (7-4-2, 5 KOs) of Augusta, Georgia in an eight-round cruiserweight fight. Daniel “Ikaika” Luna (3-0, 3 KOs) will hope to repeat history with a four-round super lightweight fight against Erick Benitez (4-5, 1 KO) of Guadalajara, Mexico.

Also part of the preliminaries, in an eight-round junior middleweight fight is Star Boxing’s Jahyae “Golden Child Brown (13-1 9KO’s), who will face off against Youngstown, Ohio’s Victor Toney (7-2-1 6KO’s). Also on the undercard is Star Boxing’s undefeated, New Jersey prospect, Rajon “Picasso” Chance (8-0-1 6KO’s), who will measure up in an eight-round featherweight fight against Orlando Perez Zapata (13-0 9KO’s) of Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.

Here’s what some of today’s participants had to say:
GILBERTO “ZURDO” RAMIREZ, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION:
“Thank you everyone for being here. I want to thank God for this. I am blessed to be here. Thank you Golden Boy, and Joe Smith for taking the fight. The first time I fought in Las Vegas was at the Cosmopolitan and I want to repeat what happened last time and have my hand lifted in the air in victory.”
JOE SMITH JR., FORMER WORLD CHAMPION:
“Like I said, I’m glad to be back. I’d like to thank Golden Boy Promotions and Star Boxing for this opportunity. Looking forward to this Saturday. Thank you Zurdo for this opportunity. This weekend, I’m looking to make another statement.”
BEKTEMIR MELIKUZIEV, WBA INTERCONTINENTAL SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER:
“I am super happy to be back on a great card against a very good opponent. I want to thank my promoter, Golden Boy, and my team for making this happen. One thing I can promise you for sure is that you won’t want to miss this fight.”
ALANTEZ FOX, SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHTER:
“First and foremost I want to thank God for blessing me. I want to thank my fans watching from home. I also want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for this opportunity. I can’t wait for Saturday, this is my season.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:
“Welcome to my new home here in Las Vegas! I’m very excited to be showcasing this amazing card and this is what I’m talking about when working with other promoters.”

“When you have a former world champion — the first 168-pound Mexican champion of the world and you have Joe Smith Jr., the common man who comes to fight and is a legend killer fighting the likes of Bernard Hopkins and more — this has the makings of a great fight.”

“From top to bottom we have an amazing fight card. We’re showcasing the young talents and the must-watch prospects.”
BERNARD HOPKINS, PARTNER OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS:
“We’re closing out 2023 and entering 2024 on a high. We have these two, credible fighters ready to put on a show for everyone.”
JOE DE GUARDIA, FOUNDER AND CEO OF STAR BOXING:
“It’s certainly special to be here for a fight like this because these are both two guys that really have to put everything on the line. Two former World Champions fighting each other, and both of them are stepping up taking this real challenge.”

#

Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. is a 10-round cruiserweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

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

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (October 4, 2023) – Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico and Joe “Common Man” Smith Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) of Long Island, New York will now be fighting in a WBA Cruiserweight Eliminator match, the winner immediately in line for a world championship. Scheduled for 12-rounds, the fight night, presented in collaboration with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, will take place live from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and live around the world on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT.

In a new co-main event, Bektemir “The Bully” Melikuziev (12-1, 9 KOs) of Shoimbek, Uzbekistan, who also proudly represents Indio, California, will face Upper Marlboro, Maryland’s Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (28-4-1, 13 KOs). “The Bully” will defend his WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight Title in a 10-round fight.

Newly added to the DAZN card, Darius “DFG” Fulghum (7-0, 7 KOs) will fight Alan Campa (18-8, 12 KOs) of Guaymas, Mexico in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. Fulghum has been on an unstoppable knockout streak and will be returning to the ring less than one month after his stoppage victory on September 16. Opening the broadcast, Fort Lauderdale’s Eric Tudor (9-0, 6 KOs) will participate in an eight-round super welterweight fight against Jose Sanchez (13-3-1, 4 KOs) of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

On the preliminary undercard Tristan “Sweet T” Kalkreuth (11-1, 8 KOs) of Carolton, Texas will face Aaron “Ghozt Mas” Casper (7-4-2, 5 KOs) of Augusta, Georgia in an eight-round cruiserweight fight. Also making a quick return after an explosive, second round knockout on September 7, recently signed Daniel “Ikaika” Luna (3-0, 3 KOs) will hope to repeat history with a four-round super lightweight fight against Erick Benitez (4-5, 1 KO) of Guadalajara, Mexico.

Also part of the preliminaries, in an eight-round junior middleweight fight is Star Boxing’s Jahyae “Golden Child Brown (13-1 9KO’s), who will face off against Youngstown, Ohio’s Victor Toney (7-2-1 6KO’s). Also on the undercard is Star Boxing’s undefeated, New Jersey prospect, Rajon “Picasso” Chance (8-0-1 6KO’s), who will measure up in an eight-round featherweight fight against Orlando Perez Zapata (13-0 9KO’s) of Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.

Previously announced, John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 8 KOs) versus Panama City, Panama’s Ronal Batista (15-3, 9 KOs) in a WBA Super Flyweight Final Eliminator fight will now take place on the Rocha vs. Santillan card on Saturday, October 21.

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

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

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

LAS VEGAS (October 2, 2023) –- Back in March, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez came in overweight for the first time during his long career for his scheduled fight with Gabe Rosado, which resulted in the bout being canceled, as well as the former world super middleweight champion’s reputation taking a tough hit.

Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) plans to prove himself against Joe “The Common Man” Smith, Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs), the former Light Heavyweight World Champion, this Saturday night in the 12-round main event on a card presented by Golden Boy Promotions, to be streamed live on DAZN from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

“The cancellation of the Rosado fight was definitely a disappointing and challenging moment in my career,” Ramirez admitted. “It was the first time I missed weight and I take full responsibility for it. I understand that it had an impact on both the fight itself and my reputation. I want to sincerely apologize to my fans, my team, and everyone who was looking forward to the fight.

“I’m aware that setbacks like this can have an impact but I believe that how I respond to adversity is what truly matters. I’m determined to show through my actions and performances that I’m dedicated to my career and to rectify my past mistakes. I’m focusing on the present and future, and I’m looking forward to proving myself in upcoming fights and regaining the trust of those who support me.”

Ramirez and Smith will both be moving up to the cruiserweight division for the first time, although their fight will be contested at 190-pounds. In some respects, Zurdo vs. Smith is an elite crossroads fight in terms of the winner becoming a legitimate world cruiserweight contender, the loser more of a name “opponent”.

“Zurdo” completely understands that saying he’s learned from the aforementioned Rosado fight cancellation simply isn’t enough going into the fight with Smith.

“I take full responsibility for not making weight and for any disappointment it caused,” he said. “Moving forward, I’m making several changes to ensure that such a situation doesn’t happen again, Moreover, the experience has motivated me to redouble my efforts in every aspect of my training camp. From my conditioning and skill development to my mental preparedness, I’m leaving no stone unturned, I’m determined to prove that I’ve learned from my mistakes and that I’m fully committed to my career and the expectations that come with it.

“Ultimately, I understand that actions speak louder than words, and I’m dedicated to showing through my performance that I’ve taken the necessary steps to rectify the situation and come back stronger and more focused than ever.”

Interestingly enough, “Zurdo” and Smith have fought four common opponents. Both lost 12-round decisions to World Boxing Association (WBA) Super World Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey Bivol, both took decisions from Maxim Vlasov and  Jesse Hart (Ramirez did so twice). The only difference was in Ramirez’ favor because “Zurdo” knocked out Sullivan Barrera and Smith lost a decision to Sullivan.

Does this common opponent comparison give Ramirez an advantage going into the Smith fight?

“No,” he quickly answered. Every fight is different, and I don’t ever compare any fight in that manner. Joe is a world champion who I know on fight night will come with everything he has to become victorious.”     

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INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Facebook: /ZurdoPromotions, /GilbertoZurdoRamirez

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

ABOUT ZURDO PROMOTIONS: Headquartered in Las Vegas and Mexico, Zurdo Promotions is the premier combat sports/event led by former World Champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Zurdo Promotions strives to be the best in all areas to set the new standard in boxing. Visit us at www.ZurdoPromotions.com.

Las Vegas, NV (October 2, 2023) — On Saturday night live from the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada Golden Boy Promotions, and Joe DeGuardia‘s Star Boxing present a WBA title eliminator between two former world champions in Mexico’s Gilberto “Zurdo“ Ramirez (44-1 30KO’s) and Long Island’s Joe “Common Man” Smith Jr. (28-4 22KO’s).

The highly anticipated main event will be aired live on DAZN, as both former champions will go to battle for the first time as cruisweights in a very significant bout.

Also featured on the undercard are two of boxing rising prospects. Undefeated New Jersey, native Rajon “Picasso“ Chance (8-0-1 6KO’s) will scrap with undefeated Dominican Republic super featherweight, Orlando Zapata (13-0 9KO’s), in an 8-round bout.

Also, Schenectady (13-1 9KO’s), New York’s own Jahyae “Golden Child” Brown will take on Youngstown, Ohio, Victor Toney (7-2 6KO’s) in an 8-round Super welterweight bout.

Zurdo-Smith is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. is a 12-round cruiserweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

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

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CONTACTS:

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 21, 2023): Former World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) hosted a media workout at Brickhouse Boxing Club ahead of his grand debut in the cruiserweight division against former light heavyweight World Champion Joe “Common Man” Smith Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) of Long Island, New York on Saturday, October 7. The clash is presented in association with Star Boxing, will take place live from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and live around the world on DAZN.

A number of undercard fighters of the Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. event also participated in the workout to promote their upcoming matches. Recently signed to Golden Boy, John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 8 KOs) will co-headline with a 12-round, WBA Super Flyweight Final Eliminator fight against Panama City, Panama’s Ronal Batista (15-3, 9 KOs). Bektemir “The Bully” Melikuziev (12-1, 9 KOs) of Shoimbek, Uzbekistan, who also proudly represents Indio, will face Upper Marlboro, Maryland’s Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (28-4-1, 13 KOs). Daniel “Ikaika” Luna (3-0, 3 KOs) will participate in a four-round super lightweight fight against Guadalajara, Mexico’s Erick Benitez (4-5, 1 KO).

Here is what today’s participants had to say:
GILBERTO “ZURDO” RAMIREZ, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION:
“I am excited for me an my team to return on October 7 in Las Vegas. I am most excited for myself because some of the best shows happen in Vegas.”

“I feel great at cruiserweight, this is typically the weight I’ve walked around my entire life. I feel much stronger in this class and most importantly I feel healthy.”

“Dealing with the Bivol loss was really tough. It hurt my soul and it hurt my ego as a warrior. Now that I have been able to move past it, I want to come back even stronger and I want to win. I want to feel like I can do it.”

“I’ve been watching Joe Smith Jr. for many years now; probably his whole career. He is a great fighter and it’s exciting for me to face him because he is a former world champion, he has faced many former champions and great top opponents.”

JOHN “SCRAPPY” RAMIREZ, SUPER FLYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE CONTENDER:
“This final eliminator is just another fight, something that I have been working for and it has finally came into fruition. It’s all about staying ready so you don’t need to get ready.”

“My path to a world championship is fight to fight, opponent to opponent. Right now, my focus is the man in front of me. He is Panamanian, has tremendous experience, he is hungry, and he is looking for that opportunity to make a statement. So I am not taking him lightly. When the competition is good, I perform better.”

BEKTEMIR “THE BULLY” MELIKUZIEV, SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHTER:
“I feel good after my great win against Gabriel Rosado. I am excited to finally be back. We’re ready for all the big fights in the division. Gabe was a very principal fight for me. I am now in my hunting mode for the world titles.”

“My team have done their homework on my opponent. It doesn’t matter to me who I fight. I know he is very tall for our weight class, he is very awkward, tough, and always in good fights. I am not looking past my opponent, it’s going to be a very interesting fight.

DANIEL “IKAIKA” LUNA, SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT:
“We had a really quick night last month with my second-round knockout, so I just thought why not? My team and I talked about it, and we felt that I was all ready, in-shape, and prepared to come back this month. We just want to stay busy.”

“We don’t focus on the knockouts, we focus on staying busy. If the knockout comes, it comes. I know my opponent is pretty tough and comes to fight, but so do I.”

#

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

Media interested in covering the fight can apply for a credential at: https://www.emccredentials.com/10-07-23. Applications are due EOD, October 2, 2023.

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

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (September 15, 2023) – The always entertaining John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 8 KOs) will co-headline the Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. card with a 10-round, WBA Super Flyweight Final Eliminator fight against Panama City, Panama’s Ronal Batista (15-3, 9 KOs). The winner of the scrap will move on to fight for a world title. The highly anticipated fight night is presented in collaboration with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, will take place live from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and live around the world on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com. 

Bektemir “The Bully” Melikuziev (12-1, 9 KOs) of Shoimbek, Uzbekistan, who also proudly represents Indio, California, will face Upper Marlboro, Maryland’s Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (28-4-1, 13 KOs). “The Bully” is returning after a successful rematch against boxing veteran Gabriel Rosado in April 2023 that saw him become the WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight Titleholder which he will defend on October 7. Opening the DAZN broadcast, Tristan “Sweet T” Kalkreuth (11-1, 8 KOs) of Carolton, Texas will face a soon-to-be-announced opponent in a six-round cruiserweight fight. Kalkreuth’s last fight in July left fan’s jaws on the floor after a vicious knockout and a backflip to celebrate. 

On the preliminary undercard Golden Boy’s favorites are scheduled to return against soon-to-be announced opponents. Fort Lauderdale’s Eric Tudor (9-0, 6 KOs) will participate in an eight-round super welterweight fight. After an explosive, second round knockout on September 7, recently signed Daniel “Ikaika” Luna (3-0, 3 KOs) will hope to repeat history with a four-round super lightweight fight.

Also part of the preliminaries, in an eight-round junior middleweight fight is Star Boxing’s Jahyae “Golden Child” Brown (13-1 9KO’s), who will face off against Youngstown, Ohio’s Victor Toney (7-2-1 6KO’s). Also on the undercard is Star Boxing’s undefeated, New Jersey prospect, Rajon “Picasso” Chance (8-0-1 6KO’s), who will measure up in an eight-round featherweight fight against Orlando Perez Zapata (13-0 9KO’s) of Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.

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

Media interested in covering the fight can apply for a credential at: https://www.emccredentials.com/10-07-23. Applications are due EOD, October 2, 2023.

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

LAS VEGAS (September 12, 2023) –- When former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) takes on former Light Heavyweight World Champion Joe “The Common Man” Smith, Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) on October 7^th, it’ll be 7 ½ years since Ramirez last fought in the modern-day Mecca of Boxing, Las Vegas.

Zurdo vs. Smith will headline the Golden Boy Promotions event to be streamed live on DAZN from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan. Both veteran fighters will be making their cruiserweight debuts, albeit  fighting at a 190-pound catchweight.

“Zurdo” last fought in Las Vegas on April 9, 2016, when he became the first Mexico native to capture a world super middleweight title, dominating a 12-round unanimous by winning each round on all three judges’ scorecards for a shutout, to defeat defending World Boxing Organization (WBO) World Champion Arthur Abraham (44-4) at MGM Grand. Ramirez is 3-0 (1 KO) in Las Vegas, while Smith is 1-0 in Las Vegas having stopped the then former WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion.

“Fighting in Las Vegas is an incredible experience,” Ramirez said. “It’s often referred to as the Mecca of Boxing for a good reason. The city has a rich history in the sport, hosting some of the most iconic and legendary boxing matches. The atmosphere, the energy, and the sheer excitement of fighting in such a renowned location are truly unparalleled. Personally, I enjoy fighting in Las Vegas not just because of its historical significance, but also because of the passionate fan base and overall boxing culture that the city embodies. The lights, venues and the whole ambiance creates a unique and electrifying environment that fuels my motivation and determination. While every fight location has its own charm, Las Vegas has a special place for any boxer. It’s a place for any boxer. It’s a place where dreams are made and legacies are forged, and I’m honored to be part of a tradition every time I step into the ring there.”

“Zurdo” is coming off of his first pro loss as he prepares to fight Smith. Ramirez lost a 12-round decision to World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitri Bivol (21-0) last November in Abu Dhabi. His training camp at Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood (CA) does have a different look.

“Win or lose, Ramirez explained, “I’m always looking to improve. While the loss was disappointing, it provided me with invaluable insights. Physically, I’m pushing myself even harder in training to ensure I’m in the best shape possible. I’m always focusing on refining my techniques and working on any weaknesses that were exposed in my previous fight. Mentally, the loss has ignited a new level of determination in me. It reminded me that setbacks are a part of the journey, and they only make us stronger. Overall, this loss is a unique opportunity for growth and transformation into the new division. I’m learning from my mistakes and adapting my strategy accordingly. I’m excited to showcase the improvements I’ve made and to prove that setbacks don’t define me – they motivate me to rise above and come back stronger than ever.

“The loss in my most recent fight was undoubtedly a significant learning experience for me. It provided valuable insights that I’m determined to use to become an even better fighter. Overall, the loss has reignited my motivation and commitment to improvement. I’m dedicated to refining my skills, broadening my fight IQ, and ensuring that I step into the ring as the best version of myself. While setbacks are rough, they are also opportunities for growth, and I’m embracing that philosophy as I continue my journey in the sport.”

Next stop, Las Vegas Boulevard…..the same city in which “Zurdo” first became world champion.

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Facebook: /ZurdoPromotions, /GilbertoZurdoRamirez

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

ABOUT ZURDO PROMOTIONS: Headquartered in Las Vegas and Mexico, Zurdo Promotions is the premier combat sports/event led by former World Champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Zurdo Promotions strives to be the best in all areas to set the new standard in boxing. Visit us at www.ZurdoPromotions.com.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (August 29, 2023) – Tickets for the anticipated cruiserweight clash between former World Champions Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) and Joe “Common Man” Smith Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) will go on sale Wednesday, August 30 at 10:00 a.m. PT. Presented in collaboration with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, the former world champions will make their grand debut in the cruiserweight division on Saturday, October 7 with a 12-round fight that will take place live from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and live around the world on DAZN. 

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com. 

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

###

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

Media interested in covering the fight can apply for a credential at: https://www.emccredentials.com/10-07-23. Applications are due EOD, October 2, 2023.

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

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (August 21, 2023) – Former World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) will make his grand debut in the cruiserweight division and measure up against former light heavyweight World Champion Joe “Common Man” Smith Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) of Long Island, New York on Saturday, October 7. The 12-round clash, presented in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, will take place live from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and live around the world on DAZN. 

The former WBO Super Middleweight World Champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will be looking to make a statement and demonstrate he has the bravado to become a two-division titleholder. With nearly 15-years of professional experience, he embarked on a career that would see him defeating the likes of Maxim Vlasov, Jessie “Hard Work” Hart and “King” Arthur Abraham, whom he defeated to become the WBO Super Middleweight World Champion. His sole blemish on his record comes from a valiant performance against Dmitrii Bivol last November 2022. Ramirez is now ready to return to the ring and contend against the heavy hitters of the division.

“I am ready to take over the cruiserweight division and prove to myself that I can add another championship belt to my resume,” said Gilberto Ramirez. “I want to thank all of my fans, Golden Boy, DAZN, the WBA, and my entire team that have supported me through this season of change. We are ready to face a hungry opponent in Joe Smith Jr. who is used to being an underdog. I know both of us wanted this fight at light heavyweight a few years back, but I’m glad we can make it now. See you all in Las Vegas!” 

The iron-willed, former light heavyweight world champion Joe Smith Jr. is known to prove his critics wrong, becoming the WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion after giving an unyielding boxing performance when he fought Maxim Vlasov in April 2021. He went on to successfully defend his title against Steve Geffrard in January 2022 and then succumbed to Artur Beterbiev in a massive unification fight on June 18. In addition, Smith has one of the best resumes in boxing that includes victories over former undisputed champion and boxing legend, Bernard Hopkins, former world champion, Eleider Alvarez, and title contenders Jessie Hart and Andrzej Fonfara. Having begun his career in 2009, he has earned the respect of the “common man” and will also be going up to cruiserweight for the first time to face Ramirez.

“It feels great to return to the ring in a big way on October 7 against ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez,” said Joe Smith Jr. “I was having a rough time this year, then we tragically lost my brother Alex on top of it all. I miss him and know he will be with me when I step into that ring. He was always proud of me and he would be happy to see me back. I can’t wait to show the world the Common Man is back and hope my performance can bring some happiness and inspiration back to my family.”

“‘For almost 15 years, ‘Zurdo’ beat everyone who stepped into the ring, becoming a world champion and the most feared man in the Super Middleweight division in the process,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “But coming off a loss and with a new weight division to conquer, there is a renewed fire in Zurdo’s eyes. I expect an impressive outing and a first step towards a cruiserweight world championship.”

“We are thrilled to announce the return of Star Boxing’s ‘Common Man,’ Joe Smith Jr. at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas live on DAZN,” said Star Boxing’s CEO Joe DeGuardia. “He and his family have had a rough year, but in quintessential Joe Smith fashion, while there were many fights out there for him, he wanted the biggest and toughest challenge available.  It will once again be Champion vs Champion as two former world champs go head to head in this intriguing fight. This has all the makings of must see action and I personally look forward to watching Joe back in the ring on October 7th.” 

‘What an exciting fight this will be between two former World Champions,” said Joseph?Markowski, CEO North America, DAZN Group. “Zurdo wanted a tough test, and this one-his first at cruiserweight-vs Smith Jr. is going to be a very difficult fight for him. You will not want to miss it! Tune in October 7th live from the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, broadcast only on DAZN.”

More information on event tickets and the complete undercard will be announced in the coming weeks.

Huntington, New York (September 27, 2022) – What makes a great fighter nickname? Some fighters like Star Boxing’s Richie “Popeye the Sailor Man” Rivera are given a nickname from their childhood that just sticks. Others are bestowed a nickname that fits the fighters out of the ring persona, like Star Boxing’s former WBO World Champion, “The Common Man” Joe Smith Jr. Then there are those that are given a nickname based on a fighter’s style inside the ring – enter, “RUTHLESS” RONNY REYES (New York, NY 1-0).

Reyes is set to fight for the second time at “Rockin’ Fights,” this Saturday October 1st, and will bring his ruthless in-ring aggression to ‘wow’ the anticipated sold out crowd. To do so Reyes will need to go toe-to-toe with TRAVIS “PRETTY BOY” CRAWFORD (Corpus Christi, TX, 0-1) over their 4 round super featherweight bout. The Reyes-Crawford undercard bout takes place on the same card as the highly anticipated pro debut of former MMA standout, JOHN GOTTI III (Oyster Bay, NY, Pro Debut) as well as the 10 round ABO Cruiserweight Championship bout between LYUBOMYR PINCHUK (Pittsburgh, PA 14-3-1 8KO’s) vs JOEL SHOJGREEN (Brooklyn, NY 13-3 12KO’S).

Reyes made his pro debut at Star Boxing’s, June 11th, “Rockin’ Fights” 42 where he had the crowd on its feet as he ruthlessly went to battle with then, fellow professional debut super featherweight, Hector Bacerra. Watch the fight highlights HERE. Reyes controlled the action against the game Bacerra in an exciting, four round all out brawl. After buzzing Bacerra a few times in the third and fourth rounds, Reyes would get the unanimous decision sweep (40-36 x3).

The trash talk has been heating up since the Reyes-Crawford fight announcement was made, and it will almost certainly spill into the ring come fight night on October 1st. In an interview with KRIS 6 News Corpus Christi, Crawford pulled no punches, “I feel like it’s going to be a landslide win. He throws very wide, very open. Those are mainly the fighters I like to get because it’s easy to counter them and pick them apart.”

Reyes, smirked at Crawford’s sentiment, adding for himself, “This fight I will demonstrate the true meaning of ruthlessness and why that’s me! I would also love to mention how boxing ain’t for everyone. [Crawford] will learn that October 1st and start applying for an office job.”

Whether you are team “Ruthless”, or team “Pretty Boy”, one thing is for certain, these two are ready to throw down. Very few tickets remain to Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” 43, as all ringside, all floor seating, all stage and all loge seats are SOLD OUT. Be sure to get your tickets before it is too late.

“Rockin’ Fights” 43 is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing

Bouts subject to change

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 43 TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

!EXTREMELY LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN!

BUY TICKETS HERE!
TICKETS START AT JUST $50

FIGHT NIGHT: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2022 AT THE PARAMOUNT

ABOUT ROCKIN’ FIGHTS

Created in 2011, the “Rockin’ Fights” series has developed elite boxing talent and has produced former WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion, the “Common Man”, JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. (Mastic, Long Island 28-4 22KO’s) and former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion, CHRIS ALGIERI (Huntington, NY 25-4 9KO’S), two of only four Long Island World Champions EVER.

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 43 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

For more information visit us at www.StarBoxing.com. For 30 years of action packed fights, subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE. Follow along on social media for fight announcements and updates @StarBoxing, and join the conversation using #RockinFights.

PREVIOUS RELEASES:

Rockin’ Fights 43 Announced for October 1st at The Paramount

Rockin’ Fights 43 Card Announced

Rockin Fights 43: Pinchuk-Shojgreen to battle for ABO Title

ROCKIN’ FIGHTS ARCHIVES:

IBO World Champions MICHAEL “LONE WOLF” MAGNESI got off the deck in the first round to dominate Eguene Lagos by incredible TKO3 at Rockin Fights 40

TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES left his mark on “Rockin’ Fights” 35 with a vicious TKO victory over RAY OLIVEIRA JR. to remain undefeated!

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Artur Beterbiev scored an emphatic second round stoppage over Joe Smith Jr. to defend his IBF/WBC and add the WBO Light Heavyweight titles at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

At the end of round one, Beterbiev landed a short right to the side of the head that sent Smith down to a knee. In round two, it was another right that put Smith down. Seconds later, Beterbiev landed a hard combination for a third knockdown. Beterbiev finished off the fight when he landed two uppercuts and a right that wobbled Smith to the ropes and the fight was stopped at 2:19

Beterbiev of Montreal, CAN is 18-0 with 18 knockouts. Smith if Long Island, NY is 28-4.

Ramirez Knocks Out Nova in 5

Robeisy Ramirez stopped previously undefeated Abraham Nova in round five of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round five, Ramirez landed a big left hand that put Nova flat on his back and the fight was over at 2:20.

Ramirez of Ciemfugos, CUB is 10-1 with six knockouts. Nova of Albany, NY is 21-1.

Bruce Carrington stopped Adrian Leyva after round five of their six-round featherweight bout.

Leyva was cut over his left eye in round five, and the bout was just stopped just as the sixth round was about to commence.

Carrington of Brooklyn, NY is 4-0 with three knockouts. Leyva of Guantanamo, CUB is 3-3-1.

Jahi Tucker remained undefeated with fourth round stoppage over D’Andre Smith in a welterweight contest.

The time was 2:27 for Tucker of Deer Park, NY who is now8-0 with five knockouts. Smith of Atlanta, GA is 10-2.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Danil Plantonovschi in a junior featherweight bout.

Diaz of Las Vegas won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 5-0. Plantonovschi of Brooklyn is 4-1.

Troy Isley stopped Donte Stubbs in the sixth and final round of their middleweight fight.

At the end of of round four, Isley dropped Stubbs with a perfect right to the jaw. In round six, Isley landed a perfect right that sent Stubbs to the canvas. Stubbs wobbled to his feet and the fight was stopped at

Isley of Alexandria, VA is 6-0 with four knockouts. Stubbs of Riverside, CA is 6-6.

Wendy Toussaint won a eight-round unanimous decision over Asinia Byfield in a junior middleweight fight.

Toussaint of Huntington, NY won by scores of 79-73 on all cards and is now 14-1. Byfield of Reading, ENG is 15-5-1.

Jahyae Brown won a six-round unanimous decision over Keane McMahon in a junior middleweight bout.

Brown of Schenectady, NY won by scores of 60-54 and 58-56 twice and is now 11-0. McMahon of Dyblin, IRE is 7-3.

  •  Artur Beterbiev 175 vs. Joe Smith Jr. 174.6
(WBC/IBF/WBO Light Heavyweight World Titles — 12 Rounds)

•   Robeisy Ramirez 125.8 lbs vs. Abraham Nova 125.4 lbs 
(Vacant USBA and WBO Global Featherweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT)

   •    Bruce Carrington 127.4 lbs vs. Adrian Leyva 127.4 lbs
 (Featherweight— 6 Rounds)

   •    Jahi Tucker 147.8 lbs vs. D’Andre Smith 147.6 lbs
 (Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

   •   Floyd Diaz 121.6 lbs vs. Daniil Platonovschi 122 lbs
 (Junior Featherweight — 6 Rounds)

   •   Troy Isley 158.6 lbs vs. Donte Stubbs 161.6 lbs
 (Middleweight— 6 Rounds)

   •    Wendy Toussaint 152.2 lbs vs. Asinia Byfield 152.8 lbs
 (Junior Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•    Jahyae Brown 153.2 lbs vs.  Keane McMahon 152.6 lbs
 (Junior Middleweight — 6 Rounds) 

NEW YORK (June 16, 2022) — Two of the light heavyweight division’s fiercest punchers will put three world title belts at stake in one of the year’s most anticipated showdowns. WBC/IBF world champion Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs) — boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio — will take on Long Island’s WBO champion Joe Smith Jr. (28-3, 22 KOs) Saturday evening at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

In the highly anticipated 10-round featherweight co-feature, two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez (9-1, 5 KOs) steps up against the unbeaten Abraham “El Super” Nova (21-0, 15 KOs). Ramirez has won nine straight bouts since a shocking loss in his pro debut, while Nova has settled in at featherweight after spending the first five-plus years of his career campaigning at junior lightweight

Beterbiev-Smith Jr. and Ramirez-Nova will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.Undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m PT) and includes the return of featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (3-0, 2 KO), the latest standout to come from Brownsville, Brooklyn. Carrington made his pro debut on the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder III undercard last October, signed with Top Rank later that year, and has won two fights thus far in 2022. In March, at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, he scored a highlight-reel knockout over Yeuri Andujar.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, a limited number of tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.com.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum had to say. 

Bob Arum 

“At my age, this fight brings me back so many decades to when Top Rank promoted the leading light heavyweights in the world like Bob Foster, Matthew Saad Muhammad, John Conteh, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, and Marvin Johnson. The light heavyweight division has given people who follow boxing great thrills for as long as I’ve been promoting fights. Now we have this fight, which will go into the annals like all the great light heavyweight fights of the past and may even be the one that is the greatest.”

“Joe Smith is a tremendous fighter. He has a big heart. He has a lot of skills and a lot of punching power. And what can I say about Artur Beterbiev? He really epitomizes the ferocity that light heavyweights have been known for. Tremendous puncher. Big heart. A guy who refuses to lose. Nothing can be better than this. I predict that this fight will be considered the Fight of the Year for 2022.”

Artur Beterbiev

“This is a very important fight for me. With regard to the place, it’s not different for me. I’m more focused on the fight. I’m more focused on my opponent, not on the place. I always ask my boxing coach and my conditioning coach about how I’m doing. I ask them if it’s less than I was doing two years ago. They tell me that I’m doing better than two years ago.”

“If we compare it to the last one, this camp went very well. This camp was better. I want to thank my team, my conditioning coach, my boxing coach, all my team and all my sparring partners who helped me. We had a good camp.”

“We are both ready for this fight. I think it’s going to be a good fight. We will see. I can’t predict the future. I’m just a boxer.”

Joe Smith Jr.

“This is a huge opportunity. Beterbiev is a huge name in boxing. Everyone knows who he is at this point. He has two world titles, and I want those belts. I believe this fight is going to be great. You’ve got two big punchers, and I’m just excited to be in there with him. He’s a great name.”

“I’m fighting at the Garden. Home is not too far from here. All my fans are going to be here to support me or, if not, watch at home. I’m just glad to be here defending my WBO title and unifying two other belts.”

“I believe this guy is in his prime right now. I don’t think age has anything to do with it. I know he’s here at 100 percent and ready to go. I know I’m here fighting one of the best, so I trained at 110 percent. I made this camp a little longer. I made sure that I improved things that I wasn’t doing at my best. I stayed more consistent with my training, so I feel comfortable about this weekend.”

Robeisy Ramirez

“My level increases with the quality of opponent that I have in front of me. So, I think my growth is due to me increasing the level of my opposition and because we’ve been increasing our work, both mentally and physically.”

“We decided to take this fight because it would lead to a title shot. We all know who Abraham is. We all know the kind of record he has. So, a victory would put us one step away from fighting for a title. This was the step we wanted to take and the fight we were looking for. We weren’t looking to make a fight that wasn’t this one.”

“We didn’t make any adjustments. We did the kind of training camp that we would do for any other fight. At the end of the day, he is an opponent who has two arms and will be boxing. So, we just have to be prepared physically and go out there and work.”

Abraham Nova

“I’ve been trying to fight for a world title at 130, but I haven’t gotten the opportunity. I felt like there was a lot of political things going on. So, I decided to go down to 126 and see if I could make a run. I wanted the {Emanuel} Navarrete fight, but I guess he didn’t want the fight, so Robeisy was next in line. I feel like a win over him puts me in line for a title shot.”

“I feel like I’m being overlooked. People haven’t seen the best of me. In fights, I do this and I do that, but I always fix them. You guys are going to see a complete ‘Supernova’ on Saturday night. I promise that.”

“It’s always business as usual. In training camp, I did a lot of adjustments. He’s a lefty. I’m a righty. So, I had to get lefty sparring partners. I had different sparring partners every week. We have a great game plan, and I’m ready to execute it on Saturday night.”

Bruce Carrington

“It feels great to once again be fighting in this historic arena. I’m highly blessed to have back-to-back fights in my hometown as well. This is a great experience for me, and I’m ready to tackle this head-on. As a fighter, you should always get better than your last fight, so giving my folks and fans something new to see is definitely something I plan on doing this Saturday.”

Saturday, June 18

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

 
Artur Beterbiev vs. Joe Smith Jr., 12 rounds, WBC/IBF/WBO Light Heavyweight World Titles
 
Robeisy Ramirez vs. Abraham Nova, 10 rounds, Vacant USBA & WBO Global Featherweight Titles

 ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT)

Bruce Carrington vs. Adrian Leyva, 6 rounds, featherweight
 
Jahi Tucker vs. D’Andre Smith, 6 rounds, welterweight

Troy Isley vs. Donte Stubbs, 6 rounds, middleweight

Kieran Molloy vs. Jonathan Ryan Burrs, 4 rounds, junior middleweight

Jahyae Brown vs. Keane McMahon, 6 rounds, junior middleweight

NEW YORK (June 15, 2022) — In three days, one man will hold three light heavyweight world titles. WBC/IBF world champion Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs) will battle Long Island’s WBO champion Joe Smith Jr. (28-3, 22 KOs) on Saturday evening at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden (ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). The victor will be one step closer to attaining undisputed champion status.
 
Beterbiev, a two-time Russian Olympian who now calls Canada home, is the only world champion in boxing with a 100 percent knockout ratio. He has been a world champion since 2017 and is widely regarded as the division’s top fighter. Smith, a one-time union laborer, cemented his “Rocky” story when he defeated Maxim Vlasov in April 2021 to win the WBO title. He defended that title in January with a ninth-round stoppage over Steve Geffrard.
 
Before fight night, catch up on the action behind the scenes with the two-part Blood, Sweat and Tears: Beterbiev vs. Smith Jr. Part 1 & Part 2 are available to view on Top Rank’s YouTube Channel. Be sure to subscribe to Top Rank’s YouTube Channel for episodes of Top Rank Real Time, which gives fans a closer look at fight week festivities.
 
Thursday, June 16
 
PRESS CONFERENCE: Featuring Beterbiev, Smith Jr., Robeisy Ramirez, Abraham Nova, and Bruce Carrington.
 
1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT

• Live on ESPN+ and Top Rank’s YouTube/Twitter pages 

Friday, June 17

Max on Boxing Live Weigh-In Show: Beterbiev vs. Smith Jr.

4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

• Live on ESPN2 and Top Rank’s YouTube/Twitter pages

Saturday, June 18

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

 
Artur Beterbiev vs. Joe Smith Jr., 12 rounds, WBC/IBF/WBO Light Heavyweight World Titles
 
Robeisy Ramirez vs. Abraham Nova, 10 rounds, Vacant USBA & WBO Global Featherweight Titles

 ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT)

Bruce Carrington vs. Adrian Leyva, 6 rounds, featherweight
 
Jahi Tucker vs. D’Andre Smith, 6 rounds, welterweight

Troy Isley vs. Donte Stubbs, 6 rounds, middleweight

Kieran Molloy vs. Jonathan Ryan Burrs, 4 rounds, junior middleweight

Jahyae Brown vs. Keane McMahon, 6 rounds, junior middleweight

New York, New York (June 15, 2022) – The word underdog and Joe Smith Jr. seem to be synonymous. When WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion JOE SMITH JR. (28-3 22KO’s) steps in the ring for the biggest fight of his life on Saturday, June 18, he will be facing a boxing thoroughbred and brutal Russian powerhouse, in the WBC and IBF World Champion, ARTUR BETERBIEV (17-0 17KO’s).  When Vegas oddsmakers opened its books upon the fight’s announcement, Smith in spite of being a world champion, with tremendous credentials himself, was once again listed as an underdog (a huge 8 to 1 underdog)!  For non-gamblers, this means, with the spread, if you were to bet $100 dollars on a Smith victory on June 18, you would win $800. 

This is not the first, nor the second, third or even fourth time Joe Smith Jr. finds himself as the underdog in a major fight. Back on June 18, 2016, on a magical night in Chicago, IL as a relative unknown, Smith burst onto the boxing scene with a spectacular, nationally televised first round knockout of then #2 world ranked light heavyweight, ANDRZEJ FONFARA. Entering the fight, Smith was a 20 to 1 long shot to beat hometown favorite Fonfara, yet Smith beat the odds emphatically (KO-1).  Yes, for those of you that are superstitious, Smith burst on the scene as a 20-1 underdog exactly 6 years to the date that he will be fighting Artur Beterbiev, on the magical date of June 18th.  

Next Smith was handpicked by boxing legend and multi-time world champion, BERNARD HOPKINS for the final fight of his illustrious career in Los Angeles, CA. The final fight became a nightmare instead of a dream farewell for the legend when Smith landed a six-punch combination that dramatically put Hopkins out on his feet, sending him through the ropes, and onto The Forum floor for an 8th-round KO victory. Entering the fight, Smith was also an 8 to 1 underdog, yet not only did he beat Hopkins, but Smith beat the oddsmakers once again.   

Over the next two years, Smith battled like a warrior for most of the ten rounds with a broken jaw against Sullivan Barrera, then picked up a comeback win against Melvin Russell in his next bout and ultimately fought Dmitry Bivol in his first world title challenge. A tenth-round overhand bomb by Smith had Bivol wobbling back to his corner, but he was saved by the bell. Bivol defended his title, and Smith went back to the drawing board.  

“The Common Man” would not be deterred and with a renewed vigor, experience and determination, found himself on the main stage for a light heavyweight showdown with JESSE HART on ESPN.  Smith was a 3 to 1 underdog against Hart, who was being touted as a major player at 175 lbs.  Instead, Smith imposed his will and strength on Hart, battering and eventually dropping Hart in the seventh round in a dominating and impressive performance. Smith yet again beat the odds. 

With that victory, Star Boxing proudly entered Smith into a WBO Light Heavyweight Title elimination bout where he clashed with former world champion ELEIDER ALVAREZ at the MGM Grand Bubble, in Las Vegas. Smith put on a show that caught the attention of the boxing world. Landing 125 of his 369 punches thrown as opposed to Alvarez who landed just 51 of 125 punches thrown, Smith thoroughly dominated the former world champion in a career defining performance.   It was clear Smith had advanced tremendously since the Bivol loss.  He launched Alvarez through the ropes courtesy of a brutal right hand which earned him a ninth-round KO and a second world title shot. Yes, Smith was 3 to 1 underdog for the Alvarez fight, yet he beat Alvarez, and, once again, the oddsmakers. 

Smith went on to win the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title in an absolute war over MAXIM VLASOV in Tulsa, OK in April of 2021, and successfully defended his title against late replacement STEVE GEFFRARD at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY in January of 2022, both of which were broadcast live on ESPN. 

Now, on June 18th, Smith embarks on yet another challenge in the three-belt world title unification bout in the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden live on ESPN. He finds himself once again as the underdog. Beterbiev has earned the name “The King,” for being the only professional boxing champion with a perfect KO ratio of 17 wins, with 17 knockouts.  He is regarded as the most dangerous fighter in the world.

Most would feel the weight of the world on their shoulder having to constantly carry the ‘prove them wrong mentality’ but for Smith, it makes him who he is, “I enjoy being the underdog.” He said. “I would rather be the underdog because it makes me want to push harder, makes me want to prove everyone wrong.”

While Beterbiev’s reputation may very well proceed him,  “The Common Man” Joe Smith Jr. has beat the odds before and will look to do so once more – this time by slaying “The King” for light heavyweight supremacy. 

Beterbiev-Smith is promoted by Top Rank and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and will take place Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden live on ESPN, ESPN + and ESPN DEPORTES.

Long Island, NY (June 1, 2022) — WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion, The “COMMON MAN” JOE SMITH JR, (28-3, 22 KOs), is continuing to ramp up his training in preparation for the highly anticipated three-belt unification battle with IBF/WBC Champion ARTUR BETERBIEV, (17-0, 17 KOs) on Saturday, June 18 in the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

The Long Island native Smith, promoted for many years by JOE DEGUARDIA (Star Boxing) will be making the second defense of his world title earned on April 10, 2021 by defeating top rated contender Maxim Vlasov. His first defense of the title came against Steve Geffrard on January 15, 2022.

Working with longtime trainer JERRY CAPOBIANCO, Smith is very happy with his training camp for this fight.

“We stayed home as we always do, we have everything we need right here on Long Island,” said the hard-hitting Smith. “Every camp we add in different things that work for me to make me a better boxer and I’ve improved greatly the last few years. That and my conditioning has improved which has helped me to have strong second halves of fights.”

“Last Sunday I was out on the beach working by digging holes and running with a parachute in the sand. It’s a little different but great for my strength and conditioning. I know I’ll be fully prepared for Beterbiev on June 18.”

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“I’ve been hearing about Beterbiev being the best in the light heavyweight for a few years. He’s knocking everyone out and they call him the boogeyman of the division but I’m ready mentally and physically for the fight.”

“I’m very happy to be fighting at Madison Square Garden, I’ve never fought there as a professional, just as an amateur in the Gloves. I haven’t fought at home in six years but I’m sure I’ll have a lot of support from Long Island on fight night.”

Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing said, “Joe and I have been together on this incredible journey for almost ten years. I am proud we were able to provide him with the opportunities that enabled him to become a world champion. From developmental fights on Long Island as a prospect to fighting on boxing’s biggest stages, Joe has always taken the biggest challenges and comes prepared for victory. He has been working hard and keeps learning. His hard work has been on display over the course of his career as he has improved in all facets in the ring.”

“June 18 is going to be a very special night, a three-belt world title unification between two very talented, hard punching light heavyweights at The Mecca of Boxing. Boxing fans and longtime loyal supporters of Joe have definitely picked up on the excitement of the fight as advance ticket sales have been phenomenal.”

All ringside seats sold out immediately as did 3 of the 5 ticket categories. Only a handful of tickets in price categories 4 and 5 remain.

The few remaining tickets for June 18th can be purchased at Ticketmaster or MSG.com.

Promoted by Top Rank in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, Beterbiev-Smith will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT.)

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PREVIOUS RELEASES:

BETERBIEV-SMITH THREE WORLD TITLE UNIFICATION ANNOUNCED FOR JUNE 18

WENDY TOUSSAINT & JAHYAE BROWN ADDED TO BETERBIEV-SMITH UNDERCARD

JOE SMITH JR. ARCHIVES:

JOE SMITH JR. successfully defends his WBO World Title against Steve Geffrard

JOE SMITH JR: WBO WORLD CHAMP

Highlights

New York, New York (May 31, 2022) – Earlier this month, one of boxing’s most anticipated fights was formally announced for June 18, when Long Island’s “Common Man” and working class hero, WBO World Light Heavyweight Champion, JOE SMITH JR. (28-3 22KO’s) meets WBC and IBF World Light Heavyweight Champion, ARTUR BETERBIEV (17-0 17KO’s) in a three world title unification bout at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden LIVE on ESPN.

Star Boxing proudly announces two of its super welterweight prospects will be on the undercard in separate matches. Haitian Born, Long Island residing, WENDY “HAITIAN FIRE” TOUSSAINT (Huntington, NY, 13-1 6KO’s) makes his return to the bright lights of MSG as he faces off with the United Kingdom’s ASINIA “DGOHST” BYFIELD (15-4-1 7KO’S) in what should be an exciting crossroads bout. Toussaint appeared on ESPN defeating Isiah Jones by unanimous decision in The Bubble, on the undercard of Joe Smith Jr.’s emphatic KO victory over Eleider Alvarez. Since then, Toussaint took on heralded contender Charles Conwell on Showtime, taking the #4 world rated super welterweight into deep water, before falling short. Most recently Toussaint scored a first round TKO victory at Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” in March.

Byfield is also no stranger to the bright lights as evidenced when he took #11 world rated super welterweight Ted Cheesman the distance at Copper Box Arena in London. Coming off a second round TKO win last week (May 22), Byfield will look to carry the momentum into the June 18 showdown against Toussaint. The two will meet at the Hulu Theater with the hope of victory, and bigger fight opportunities to come.

Wendy Toussaint had this to say about the fight, “I just want to say how excited I am to finally be fighting on my good friend’s undercard (Joe Smith Jr.). Asinia Byfield is a very good opponent, he has a lot of experience and a great record. By defeating him I will be right where I want to be in the junior middleweight division of boxing. I will not disappoint. I want to thank Star Boxing and my own team for this opportunity.” Toussaint-Byfield will be an 8-round bout.

In the other super welterweight bout, undefeated prospect, JAHYAE “GOLDEN CHILD” BROWN (Schenectady, NY 10-0 8KO’s) will face off with Ireland’s KEANE “THE ICEMAN” MCMAHON (Dublin, Ireland 7-2 4KO’s). Brown, who is an explosive, 22 year old standout, will be making his debut under the Star Boxing banner and hopes to make it one to remember. He defeated Dormedes Potes (then 12-2-1 9KO’s) to secure the ABF Super Welterweight Title in April 2021 and now looks to remain undefeated as he faces his toughest test to date against Keane McMahon.

McMahon is a six-time Irish National Champion. McMahon is coming off of an impressive first round KO victory in Germany, and will fulfill his lifelong dream of fighting at the “Mecca of Boxing”, NY’s Madison Square Garden. The Brown-McMahon fight is a six-round bout.

“We are on the big stage now!” said Jahyae Brown. “I just want to thank God, my coach and the rest of my team, Star Boxing, and Joe DeGuardia for giving me this opportunity. I am going to make a statement in front of the whole world!”

“We are pleased to secure these opportunities for our 154 lb. standouts in Wendy Toussaint and Jahyae Brown on one of, if not the most eagerly anticipated shows this year in boxing,” said Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA. “Joe Smith Jr. vs Artur Beterbiev will be a night to remember, and Wendy and Jahyae have the chance to showcase their abilities to the world.”

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JOE SMITH JR. ARCHIVES:

JOE SMITH JR. successfully defends his WBO World Title against Steve Geffrard

JOE SMITH JR: WBO WORLD CHAMP

Highlights

NEW YORK (May 4, 2022) — Three belts and light heavyweight supremacy will be at stake when WBC/IBF world champion Artur Beterbiev meets WBO champion Joe Smith Jr. in a highly anticipated unification showdown Saturday, June 18, at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
 
Beterbiev, boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout rate, hopes to pick up another strap against “Cinderella Man” Smith, a Long Island native who grew up about 70 miles from Madison Square Garden.
 
In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez will battle the unbeaten Abraham “El Super” Nova. Beterbiev-Smith and Ramirez-Nova 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 Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, tickets starting at $56 go on sale Friday, May 6 at 12 p.m. ET, and can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com or MSG.com.
 
“Beterbiev versus Smith is one of the very best fights that can be made in boxing, two huge punchers fighting at Madison Square Garden in what will be an electric atmosphere. Whoever comes out on top will be the true king of the light heavyweight division,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Robeisy Ramirez has developed into a sensational pro, and he will have his hands full against a tough, undefeated kid in Abraham Nova. The winner will be in line to fight for a featherweight world title.”
 
“I am thrilled we were able to put this sensational championship unification fight together,” said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing. “The top two punchers in boxing fighting each other for their three world titles. It has been brewing for a long time and is a potential fight of the year. Joe Smith Jr. is proud of his humble background and hard-working union ‘Common Man’ moniker, but he is also truly special and a real champ.  He could have chosen an easier path, but he wanted the best and toughest out there, the guy everyone is afraid to fight. Credit to both champions, each fighting the toughest, hardest-punching and most dangerous foe the division has. I can’t wait to see this fight!”
 
Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs), a two-time Russian Olympian, has spent his nine-year pro career based in Montreal, Canada. He has been a world champion since knocking out Enrico Koelling for the IBF strap in November 2017. He’s won five title fights inside the distance since then, including an off-the-deck victory over Callum Johnson and a title unification classic versus Oleksandr Gvozdyk in 2019. Beterbiev went 2-0 in 2021, capping the year with December’s brutal ninth-round stoppage over longtime contender Marcus Browne.
 
“I look forward to the challenge ahead of me. Joe Smith Jr. is a worthy champion, but I am coming to Madison Square Garden to add another world title to my collection,” Beterbiev said. “This fight will get me one step closer to becoming undisputed champion.”
 
Smith (28-3, 22 KOs) earned mainstream recognition with his 2016 knockout of living legend Bernard Hopkins and scored standout wins over Jesse Hart and Eleider Alvarez in 2020. In his second world title attempt, he outlasted Maxim Vlasov in a 2021 Fight of the Year Contender. Smith successfully defend his world title in January with a ninth-round stoppage over late replacement Steve Geffrard.
 
Smith said, “I am extremely excited and focused on this task I have ahead. Facing Beterbiev is huge. It is going to be a fight that fans remember forever, with two of the biggest punches in boxing today facing off. This opportunity is a dream of mine to accomplish. Fighting with three titles on the line is one step closer to becoming undisputed.”
 
Ramirez (9-1, 5 KOs) has been on a sterling run since a shocking loss in his August 2019 professional debut. An Olympic champion in 2012 and 2016, Ramirez is coming off one-sided victories over the unbeaten Orlando Gonzalez and Irish veteran Eric Donovan. Nova (21-0, 15 KOs), who spent much of his career at junior lightweight, has been flawless since moving up to the featherweight ranks. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Albany, New York, Nova knocked out William Encarnacion in eight rounds on the Smith-Geffrard undercard in January.
 
Ramirez said, “I have always wanted to display my talent on a stage as important as the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. Come June 18, I will not only take advantage of this big opportunity, but I will also hand Nova the first loss of his career. I’m going to take a big leap in my quest to become world champion, and above all, showcase my class and give boxing fans another great performance. I will make clear that ‘El Tren’ is a true powerhouse in the featherweight division.”
 
Nova said, “Robeisy is a great talent, and he’s the fighter that will get me to that next level. I need a statement victory. Beating a two-time gold medalist puts me right in the title picture. The better the competition, the better I look. Nobody has seen the best of me yet, and I will show that on June 18.”
 
The undercard, which will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+, is scheduled to feature many of the sport’s rising superstars. In six-round bouts, Brooklyn-born featherweight puncher Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (3-0, 2 KOs) and Long Island welterweight Jahi Tucker (7-0, 4 KOs) hope to extend their unbeaten records. U.S. Olympian Troy Isley (5-0, 3 KOs), fresh off his knockout win on the Oscar Valdez-Shakur Stevenson undercard, returns in a six-round middleweight bout. Featherweight Kurt Walker (2-0, 1 KO) and junior middleweight Kieran Molloy (1-0, 1 KO), both of whom starred for the Irish national team as amateurs, will make their respective U.S. debuts.

KO King Anthony Yarde (22-2, 21 KOs) is the no.1 contender for American Joe Smith Jr.’s WBO World Light-Heavyweight title, and that fight is likely to happen this year.

The Ilford man is now on a mission to clean up the 175lb division after knocking out Lyndon Arthur in four rounds last month, getting revenge for a controversial points loss one year earlier.

His trainer Ajayi told Dev Sahni on The Lowdown said: “The longer Anthony has to prepare and get better no one is beating him. I believe this in my heart.

“When the time is right, because everything is timing, Anthony Yarde will beat all the guys in a fashion where he we won’t leave no doubt, just like Lyndon Arthur.”

Yarde’s outspoken trainer added: “I have said it over the years, ‘Tunde Ajayi has never trained a fighter to win on points’. Anthony’s record speaks for it. Anthony is a knockout merchant.

“I didn’t see anything new from Joe Smith Jr in his defence against Steve Geffrard. Anthony Yarde is a different proposition.”

“Like us he has come up the tough way and always had his back against the wall. He is a fighter continually getting better having dethroned some legends of the sport.

“We went up against a legend (Sergey Kovalev) and come up short. Joe Smith came up against one, Bernard Hopkins and knocked him out.

“From my perspective Frank Warren will do what he always does and deliver. The WBO have said Joe Smith has to fight Anthony Yarde next.

“People expect Anthony Yarde to win a World title. Joe Smith talks paydays and Frank can deliver that. Joe Smith isn’t getting the Canelo fight so he has to look at us.”

After just 12 amateur contests and 18 professional fights, in August 2019 Yarde travelled to Sergey Kovalev’s back yard in Chelyabinsk and challenged for the Russian’s WBO World title.

Yarde almost pulled off one of boxing’s greatest upsets in round eight badly hurting the champion, but the Briton’s lack of big fight experience told and he was stopped three rounds later.

Ajayi says: “With experience comes wisdom. We now have the wisdom not only in the fight but out of it in terms of preparation for a World title fight.

“Even stuff like the media obligations. We never had that before Russia. We just went there with nuts and guts and faith in our abilities, but I think we are there now.

“We are going to become World champions. We have the right team. James Cook has been the cement that we needed to solidify the team.

“We’re looking forward to the Joe Smith fight. That is the only fight on my mind at the moment, but we are not frightened by anyone.”

Joe Smith Jr. retained the WBO Light Heavyweight title with a 9th round stoppage over late-replacement Steve Geffrard at The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Smith dominated the action by landing power shots to back up Geffrard. Geffrard showed little resistance, but was able to hang around and last rounds by moving a little bit. He spent most of his time eating hard shots on the ropes.

in round nine, Smith threw a quick 15-punch flurry that put Geffrard down for the 10-count just as his corner was stopping the fight at 37 seconds.

Smith, 174 1/4 lbs of Long Island, NY is 28-3 with 22 knockouts. Geffrard, 173.5 lbs of Delray Beach, FL 18-3.

Smith said, “He really brought it today. It was a great fight. As you can see, he’s a great boxer, a good survivor. I was trying to get him out of there early, but I realized he was very tough and I wasn’t going to be able to do that. I tried to wait until the later rounds and started throwing more combinations to pick him apart.
 
“{Beterbiev} is what I want. I want to get back in the gym, work on my craft, and like I say each and every time I get in the ring, I’m going to get better and better. I believe the next time you see me, I’ll be ready for anybody.
 
“If Canelo wants to come to 175 and fight me, I’m ready for him. That’s the fight I want. Everybody would love to see that fight. It would be a big deal.”

Nova Stops Encarnacion in 8

Abraham Nova made his featherweight debut with an 8th round stoppage over William Encarnacion.

Nova dominated the action as he landed some solid body punches early. Nova began to take his work work upstairs and started to wobble Encarnacion in round six through the rest of the fight, which was stopped at 55 of round eight after a big flurry of punches.

Nova, 126 3/4 lbs of Albany, NY is 21-0 with 15 knockouts. Encarnacion, 127 lbs of The Dominican Republic is 19-2.

Nova said, “It feels good to fight close to home a day after my birthday. I had a tricky opponent in front of me, but I got the job done.

“I want {WBO world champion Emanuel Navarrete}, to be honest. Everybody thinks he’ll blow me out. Put him in there. Let’s see if he’ll do it. I know I’ll beat him. I know I have the punch output, I know I’ll knock him out, and I know I’ll be the next WBO champion.”

Omar Rosario celebrated his 24th birthday with a six-round unanimous decision over Rawkwon Butler in a junior welterweight fight.

In round six, Butler was bleeding from his nose.

Rosario landed 132 of 368 punches; Butler was 52 of 218.

Rosario, 139 1/4 lbs of Caguas, PR won by scores of 58-55 and 59-54 twice and is now 6-0. Butler, 138 1/4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 4-2.

Jahi Tucker remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Akeem Black in a scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Tucker dropped Black after a series of hard power shots that was finished up with an uppercut. The onslaught continued in round two as Tucker continued to batter Black until the fight was stopped at 1:18.

The 18 year-old Tucker, 146 3/4 lbs of Deer Park, NY is 6-0 with four knockouts. Black, 145 3/4 lbs of Chicago, IL is 6-5.

2021 U.S. Olympian Troy Isley pounded Harry Keenan Cruz-Cubano for a six-round unanimous decision in a middleweight fight.

In round one, Cruz-Cubano was cut under his left eye.

In round six, Isley was deducted a point for a low blow.

Isley, 156 1/4 lbs of Alexandria, VA won by scores of 59-53 and 59-54 twice and is now 4-0. Cruz-Cubano, 156 1/4 lbs of Jacksonville, FLA is 6-3.

Lyubomyr Pinchuk won an eight-round unanimous decision over Jose Mario Flores in a cruiserweight fight.

In round two, Pinchuk was cut over his left eye from a clash of heads.

Pinchuk, 194.5 lbs of Lviv, UKR won by scores of 8-72 and 79-73 and is now 14-2-1. Flores, 197.5 lbs of Washington, DC is 8-3-2.

    •  Joe Smith Jr. 174.25 lbs vs. Steve Geffrard 173.5 lbs 
(Smith’s WBO Light Heavyweight Title — 12 Rounds)

•     Abraham Nova 126.75 lbs vs. William Encarnacion 127 lbs 
(Featherweight — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7:45 p.m. ET/4:45 p.m. PT)

   •    Omar Rosario 139.25 lbs vs. Raekwon Butler 138.25 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Jahi Tucker 146.75 lbs vs. Akeem Black 145.75 lbs
 (Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Troy Isley 156.25 lbs vs. Harry Keenan Cruz-Cubano 156.25 lbs
 (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)
  •    Lyubomyr Pinchuk 194.5 lbs vs. Jose Mario Flores 197.5 lbs
 (Cruiserweight — 8 Rounds)