SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – November 5, 2025 – The stage is set for one of the most star-studded nights in women’s boxing history as Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced additional bouts for the highly anticipated Amanda Serrano vs. Erika Cruz rematch taking place on Saturday, January 3, at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, live globally on DAZN. In the co-main event, MVP’s reigning WBA lightweight world champion Stephanie Han (11-0, 3 KOs), a dedicated mother of two, eight-year veteran of the El Paso Police Department, and former beauty pageant competitor will defend her title against the most dominant two-sport athlete in combat sports history, former boxing and UFC champion, MVP’s Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm (34-2-3, 9 KOs) who will be looking to win a boxing world title in a fourth division. The 10-round lightweight championship bout at 135 lbs will be contested under equal rules to men with three-minute rounds, joining Serrano and Cruz in a historic statement for women’s boxing. Tickets will go on sale Friday, November 7 at 9am ET at prticket.com.

Joining the historic main and co-main event are some of the top Puerto Rican contenders and prospects. MVP’s Puerto Rican Olympian and WBA #1 and WBC #6 contender Yankiel “El Doctorcito” Rivera (7-0-1, 3 KOs) will face former WBO world champion Jonathan “Bomba” González (28-4-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round flyweight showdown at 112 lbs; MVP’s featherweight contender Jan Paul Rivera (13-0, 7 KOs) taking on San Juan native Alfredo “El Salsero” Cruz (10-3-1, 5 KOs) in an 8-round bout at 126 lbs; undefeated super featherweight Henry “Moncho” Lebron (20-0, 10 KOs) against Juan “Johnny Blaze” Tapia (14-4, 5 KOs) in an 8-round contest at 130 lbs; and Aguada’s rising talent Chris “The Punisher” Echevarria (9-1, 4 KOs) facing Gabriel Bernardi (7-3, 5 KOs) in a 6-round super bantamweight bout at 122 lbs. Also on the card will be Amanda Serrano’s protege, 23-year-old sensation Krystal Rosado (7-1, 2 KOs).

MVP’s undefeated WBA lightweight world champion Stephanie Han (11-0, 3 KOs) is a proud Korean-American and El Paso, Texas native. She has elevated her boxing career to new heights while juggling the roles of devoted mother of two, including her special needs daughter with Nicolaides-Baraitser Syndrome, serving as an eight-year veteran of the El Paso Police Department, and beauty pageant competitor for Miss Sun City and Miss Texas. She launched her amateur boxing journey in July 2006, compiling a winning record before stepping away from the sport in April 2011. A decade later, she returned to boxing after helping her sister, former IBF featherweight world champion Jennifer Han, train to take on Katie Taylor. She made a powerful return to the ring in October 2021 with a unanimous decision win over Isabel Garcia. Remaining undefeated, Han quickly rose through the ranks, most recently delivering a dominant knockout victory over Hannah Terlep to claim the vacant WBA lightweight world title. In her MVP debut in August 2025, Han successfully defended her title against Colombia’s Paulina Angel. As she continues her career under the MVP banner, Han plans to continue establishing herself as one of the premier forces in women’s lightweight boxing.

“From El Paso to the world stage, now I get to fight Holly Holm, in Puerto Rico next to the island’s greatest boxer in Amanda Serrano,” said Stephanie Han. “Every sacrifice has led to this moment, and I’m grateful and excited for the opportunity. Equal opportunity at that, with 3-minute rounds.”

MVP’s Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm (34-2-3, 9 KOs) is widely regarded as the most dominant two-sport athlete in combat sports history. A pioneer in women’s boxing and a trailblazer in MMA, Holm is the only fighter to hold world titles in both disciplines, cementing her legacy as a generational talent and global icon. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Holm won the IKF national amateur championship title in 2001 before making her pro boxing debut in January 2002, winning by TKO. Holm won her first title, the IBA super lightweight crown, in December 2004. After three successful title defenses, she moved up to 147 lbs and secured the WBA welterweight title in June 2006. In June 2008, Holm stepped up to 154lbs in the super welterweight division to win the IBA and WBAN super welterweight titles. In December 2011, Holm was defeated by Anne Sophie Mathis for the vacant IBA female and WBAN welterweight titles. Holm faced Mathis in a rematch in June 2012, avenging the loss with a UD victory to add the WBF, IBA, and WBAN titles to her collection. Holm then moved back down to the super lightweight division to win the vacant WBF and IBA titles. In May 2013, Holm cemented her legacy as she defended the WBF and IBA super lightweight titles against Mary McGee. Holm pivoted into MMA in 2014, signing a multifight deal with the UFC. Her MMA career culminated in her headlining megafight against then-undefeated bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey in November 2015, the most highly attended UFC event in history at the time. Rousey was the overwhelming favorite going into the bout, but Holm leveraged her southpaw stance and boxing skill to control the opening round before landing a sensational knockout in the second round—and handing Rousey her first loss. As she earned the title, Holm became the first person to win championships in both boxing and MMA. She is currently ranked Boxrec’s #2 greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time and remains the most dominant two-sport athlete of all time. After signing with MVP in May 2025, she faced then-undefeated Yolanda Vega on the Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. card in June 2025, winning by unanimous decision. She will now make her 24th world title fight appearance, almost thirteen years after her last title reign, as she contends for the WBA lightweight title against Stephanie Han.

“I feel great,” said Holly Holm. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to fight for a fourth weight division title and add to my legacy on Saturday, January 3. I’m thankful for MVP and this opportunity and look forward to fighting in Puerto Rico, an island with a deep boxing culture.”

“Holly Holm is back challenging for a boxing world title, 12 years after leaving the sport and doing it with MVP,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of MVP. “She is facing a multi-faceted athlete in Stephanie Han who is a champion, a mother, and a police officer. And they are doing it with 3-minute rounds like the men. Joining them are an array of Puerto Rican standouts, including MVP’s own Yankiel Rivera, Jan Paul Rivera, and Krystal Rosado, representing the island’s next generation of greatness and demonstrating MVP’s commitment to pushing the sport forward through equality, opportunity, and world-class fights for fans around the globe, live only on DAZN.”

MVP’s Puerto Rican Olympian and WBA #1 ranked flyweight contender Yankiel “El Doctorcito” Rivera (7-0-1, 3 KOs) will face former WBO junior flyweight world champion Jonathan “Bomba” González (28-4-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round flyweight bout at 112 lbs. Rivera, a 28-year-old sensation from Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, has rapidly become one of the island’s brightest stars, holding the WBA Continental, WBC Silver, and WBO Intercontinental flyweight titles at 112 lbs. A 2020 Olympian and five-time Puerto Rican national champion, Rivera has impressed with his speed, precision, and composure, most recently earning a majority draw against Angelino Cordova. Facing him on Saturday, January 3, is González, a Caguas, Puerto Rico resident and former WBO light flyweight world champion, who has represented Puerto Rico on the world stage since turning professional in 2011 after a decorated amateur career that included gold medals at the 2008 Youth World Championships and 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games. 

“Although fighting a fellow countryman is not something I especially enjoy, this is my profession. I will fight anyone, anywhere until I reach my goal,” said Yankiel Rivera. “Bomba is a great fighter with great boxing capabilities. The fact that he is a former world champion says it all. But he simply will not be able to stop me from my goal. I have come too far for him to take away my dream. I will do my job, which is to take him out. He will try to do the same. He is in for a tough night. I am elated to have the opportunity to fight at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum. All the all-time greats have fought there, and being able to fight there is always an honor. To all my fans, get your tickets for an exciting night of boxing. You will see the best version of myself taking care of business. See you there. Don’t miss it. Puerto Rico!!!”

On the preliminary card, MVP’s #7 WBA and #14 WBO featherweight contender Jan Paul Rivera (13-0, 7 KOs) will take on San Juan native Alfredo “El Salsero” Cruz (10-3-1, 5 KOs) in an 8-round featherweight bout at 126 lbs, showcasing two of Puerto Rico’s finest rising talents in a can’t-miss showdown. Rivera, the 24-year-old sensation from Salinas, Puerto Rico, was a decorated member of the Puerto Rican National Boxing Team, compiling over 200 amateur bouts and earning two consecutive Puerto Rico Elite National Championships in 2020 and 2021, along with a silver medal at the 2018 AIBA Youth World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Since turning professional, Rivera has quickly risen through the ranks, displaying exceptional technical skill, power, and composure while remaining undefeated across fights in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia. Most recently, he secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over Daniel Bailey at MVP Fight Night in August 2025. His opponent, 28-year-old Alfredo “El Salsero” Cruz, is a San Juan, Puerto Rico native, who comes to the ring after taking a unanimous decision win over Carlos Arrieta-Torres in October 2025. 

“I am very happy to be fighting again in Puerto Rico,” said Jan Paul Rivera. “Stepping back into the ring for a big event like this fills us with enthusiasm. In this fight, as in past fights, we will prepare to put on a great show and take the victory by any means necessary. We are very grateful to everyone involved in this great event.”

Aguadilla, Puerto Rico’s undefeated super featherweight Henry “Moncho” Lebron (20-0, 10 KOs) is 28 years old. Lebron is currently Boxrec’s #1-ranked Puerto Rican talent at 130lbs following his most recent victory to win the vacant IBF Latino Super Featherweight title and the WBO NABO super featherweight titles in a 10-round unanimous decision over Christopher Diaz in December 2024. He is currently the IBF #6, WBO #8, and WBA #8 contender at 130lbs. Lebron will face Brownsville, Texas rising contender Juan “Johnny Blaze” Tapia (14-4, 5 KOs). The 32-year-old won his latest bout by TKO in March 2025. 

Aguada, Puerto Rico’s Chris “The Punisher” Echevarria (9-1, 4 KOs) will also return to the ring on the preliminary card. After a difficult loss in his pro debut in 2021, Echevarria has rebounded with an active nine-win streak. The 25-year-old talent most recently defeated Charlie Clemente-Andino by second round KO in December 2024 and followed the stoppage with a dominant 10-round unanimous decision over David Quijano-Garcia in June 2025. He will face Cidra, Puerto Rico’s Gabriel Bernardi (7-3, 5 KOs). The 29-year-old aims to rebound after his two latest tough fights and re-establish himself as a contender to watch in the division. 

MVP’s rising bantamweight contender and Amanda Serrano’s protege, Krystal Rosado (7-1, 2 KOs) will also join the Serrano vs. Cruz 2 card. She is currently the WBO #5, IBF #8 and WBA #9 contender. She most recently faced former 118lb world champion Shurretta Metcalf on Most Valuable Prospects 16 in October 2025.

In the main event, MVP’s first signee, boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (47-4-1, 31 KOs) will make her long-awaited return in front of her home Puerto Rican fans in a unified WBA and WBO world title defense against Mexico’s #4-ranked WBO contender Erika “Dinamita” Cruz (18-2-1, 4 KOs). The 10-round, highly anticipated rematch will be contested under equal rules to men with three-minute rounds, as Serrano makes her latest statement for equality in women’s boxing alongside Cruz. Presale for Serrano vs. Cruz 2 will begin Thursday, November 6 at 10am ET. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, November 7 at 9am ET at prticket.com.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @DAZNBoxing or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @DAZNBoxing.

About MVP

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize returns for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP has produced Jake Paul’s last six global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Perry match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix. MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson streamed live globally on Netflix and shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN

DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA). We are building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading tech, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app.

For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?dazngroup.com.

Vasilily Lomachenko won a 12-round unanimous decision over Richard Commey in a battle of former world champions at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.

In round seven, Lomachenko dropped Commey with a left hand.

Lomachenko, 134.4 lbs of Ukraine won by scores of 119-108 twice and 117-110, and is now 16-2. Commey, 134.2 lbs of Accra, GHA is 30-4/

Anderson Takes Out Teslenko in 2

Jared Anderson remained perfect by taking out Oleksandr Teslenko in round two of a scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Anderson landed a crunching right and left hook to the head that sent Teslenko dropping down to the canvas. Teslenko got to his feet, but the fight was called off at 1:33.

Anderson, 240 lbs of Toledo, OH is 11-0 with 11 KO’s. Teslenko, 213.8 lbs of Chevisi, UKR is 17-2.

Keyshawn Davis Shines in Top Rank Debut

Prized Olympic prospect, Keyshawn Davis sizzled in his Top Rank debut by stopping Jose Zaragoza in round two of a scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

Davis landed a big uppercut that put Zaragoza down for the 10-count at 2:51.

Davis, 157.8 lbs of Roanoke, VA is 4-0 with three knockouts. Zaragoza, 136.2 lbs of Jackson, MS is 6-4-2

Nico Ali Walsh Decisions Sanchez

Nico Ali Walsh remained undefeated with a four-round majority decision over Reyes Sanchez in a middleweight bout.

Ali Walsh, 159.2 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 40-36, 39-37 and 38-38 and is now 3-0. Sanchez, 162.8 lbs of Topeka, KS is 6-1.

Xander Zayas stopped Alesio Mastronunzio in round one of a six round junior welterweight boyt.

Zayas decked Mastronunzio with the first punch which was a perfect counter right just 10 seconds into the fight. Zayas battered Mastronunzio throughout the round until it was stopped at 2:52.

Fan-favorite Pablo Valdez remained undefeated with a 4th round stoppage over Julio Cesar Sanchez in a scheduled six-round welterweight fight.

Valdez dropped Sanchez four timed in the fourth round before the fight was halted.

Valdez, 146 lbs of New York is 6-0 with five knockouts. Sanchez, 149.6 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 11-4.

In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, John Bauza took apart Michael Williams Jr, by scoring a 4th round stoppage in a scheduled eight-round bout,

In round two, Bauza clocked Williams with an overhand left that sent him to the deck. Williams kneeling on the canvas in an effort to slow down Bauza’s attack. In round four, Bauza dropped Williams three times. The first came from a combination on the ropes. The 2nd came from a perfect left. Williams finished the fight with a perfect straight left to the face and the fight was stopped at 2:18.

Bauza, 140.2 lbs of Puerto Rico is now 16-0 with seven knockouts. Williams, 138.9 lbs of Fayetteville, NC is 19-1.

James Wilkins won a eight-round unanimous decision over Juan Tapia in a junior lightweight fight.

In round four, Wilkins dropped Tapia with a strong jab.

Wilkins, 127.2 lbs of Staten Island, NY won by scores of 77-74, 77-75 and 76-75 and is now 10-2. Tapia, 128.4 lbs of Brownsville, TX is 10-4.

Kelvin Davis remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Ryan Schwartzberg in a welterweight fight.

Schwartzberg could not see and the fight was stopped in the corner.

Davis, 144 lbs of Norfolk, VA is 3-0 with two knockouts, Schwartzberg, 144.8 lbs of Davie, FL is 1-4-1.

Joe Ward stopped Britton Norwood in round one of a scheduled six-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Ward dropped Norwood with a combination to the chin. With Norwood hurt, Ward was all over Norwood and the fight was stopped at 1:35.

Ward, 175.2 lbs of Athlone, IRL is 6-1 with three knockouts. Norwood, 176.4 lbs of Jackson, MS is 10-3-1.

LAS VEGAS (May 11, 2021) — Before Jose Ramirez and Josh Taylor clash for the undisputed junior welterweight world title Saturday, May 22 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, two featherweight firefights will get the action going.
 
Mexican contender Jose Enrique Vivas will battle the Robert Garcia-trained Louie Coria in a scheduled eight-rounder.
 
And, in an eight-rounder with a touch of gold, two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez will face Juan Tapia, the fighting pride of Brownsville, Texas.
 
Vivas-Coria and Ramirez-Tapia are among the undercard fights scheduled to stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT.
 
Ramirez-Taylor headlines a junior welterweight tripleheader starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+. The main card will also showcase Jose “Chon” Zepeda in a 10-rounder versus “Hammerin” Hank Lundy and unbeaten sensation Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez against former U.S. amateur star Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. in an eight-rounder.
 
Vivas (20-1, 11 KOs) went 2-0 last year inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble, outlasting Carlos Jackson in a Fight of the Year contender and knocking out John Vincent Moralde in the opening round. A former Mexican amateur standout, Vivas has won three straight bouts since a points loss to Ruben Villa. Coria (12-4, 7 KOs), from Moreno Valley, California, hopes to break a two-bout losing skid, although both defeats came in brawls that could’ve easily gone his way. Last June, he dropped a majority decision to Adam Lopez, and four months later, he knocked down 2016 Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceicao en route to a disputed unanimous decision verdict.
 
Ramirez (6-1, 4 KOs) turned his career around following a shocking decision defeat to Adan Gonzales in his professional debut. He avenged that loss last July via shutout decision and most recently knocked out Brandon Valdes (13-1 at the time) in the sixth round. Ramirez makes his 2021 debut against Tapia (10-3, 3 KOs), a seven-year pro who has gone the distance against 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Vladimir Nikitin and pound-for-pound standout Shakur Stevenson.
 
In other undercard action:

• Las Vegas native Andres Cortes (13-0, 7 KOs) will make his 11^th consecutive hometown appearance, this time against Eduardo “Thunder” Garza (15-3-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round junior lightweight tilt. Cortes made a memorable impression inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble last July, recovering from a fourth-round knockdown to outpoint Alejandro Salinas.
   
• Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (11-0, 9 KOs), the Robert Garcia-trained lightweight prospect from Fontana, California, will fight Jose Luis Gallegos (20-10, 15 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Muratalla is coming off a third-round stoppage win over Luis Porozo last November on the Terence Crawford-Kell Brook card, his sixth consecutive knockout win.
   
• Middleweight prospect Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (3-0, 1 KO), who was once the top-ranked American amateur at 165 pounds, will fight veteran Calvin Metcalf (10-5-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. Martinez last fought Feb. 20 and knocked out Billy Wagner in the first round.

About Ramirez vs. Taylor

Promoted by Top Rank, Ramirez vs. Taylor is a 12-round showdown for the undisputed junior welterweight world championship, which will take place Saturday, May 22 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (and simulcast on ESPN+) at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT.

The telecast will also feature a 10-round junior welterweight battle between Jose “Chon” Zepeda and “Hammerin” Hank Lundy, in addition to an eight-round junior welterweight tilt between knockout artist Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez and Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. 

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 12.1 million subscribers.
 
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

14 Months after being involved in a gruesome automobile accident, Errol Spence Jr. retained the IBF/WBC Welterweight titles with a solid 12-round unanimous decision over former two-division champion Danny Garcia in front of 16,101 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Spence was very effective with his jab and pressure that would not let Garcia get off in the fight. Garcia was able to land some shots in between the pressure of Spence.

The right eye of Garcia began to sell in the 8th round. The activity of Spence was clear in the fight and won by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 twice.

Spence landed 187 of 707 punches; Garcia was 117 of 700. Spence out-Jabbed Garcia 84-14.

Spence, 146.5 lbs is 27-0. Garcia, 146.75 lbs of Philadelphia is 36-3.

ERROL SPENCE JR.“The moment is surreal. Coming back from the accident, I feel like I looked pretty good tonight. 

“All training camp I felt good. I told people I didn’t want a tuneup fight. I proved to everyone that I’m the best 147-pound fighter in the world. 
“Danny Garcia pushed me to the limit, especially in training camp. I’ve watched him fight since he was an amateur. I knew he was a great champion and I had to be 100% ready.”

“I’m the taller fighter and he had shorter arms, so the jab made sense to use. Everything was set up off the jab. We were prepared to out point him using that jab. I think Lennox Lewis would be proud of me using the jab the way I did.

“I had a great training camp where I was sparring and taking punches. I wasn’t surprised when I had to take a punch in the fight. I had already been taking punches and I’ve always had a great chin anyway.

“I give my performance a B. I think I had a little bit of ring rust. But I was in such great shape and took everything seriously in training so that I would not be discouraged by that. I worked my jab and used my angles because that was my best move.

“I’m just thinking about seeing my kids tomorrow and hanging out on my ranch. I’m going to eat some good food and we’ll see what the future holds. It’s been a long year and a half, so I’m going to wind down for a week or two, then get back on it.

“It was a lifelong dream of mine to be a household name in Dallas and I’ve done that. I’m thankful to have that support. I was smiling walking to the ring because it was a long road back. It took a lot of trials and tribulations to get to this point tonight, and it all paid off. I’m here for a reason.

“I proved that I’m back and here to stay. I’m the unified champion of the world for a reason.

“I felt some of his punches, but it wasn’t enough to discourage me from coming forward. He was strong and I give him his kudos. He came to fight and tried to take my titles, but I defended it well at home.

“I’m glad that my hard work and path to get back ended with my titles around my waist again in my hometown in front of my home fans.

“I think I hurt him a bit, but Danny Garcia is very gritty and he’s not going to cower down to anybody. I thought I got him a couple times to the body, but I knew he wasn’t going to back down. He’s a real fighter.”

DANNY GARCIA

“He was the better man tonight. No excuses. I fought a hard and tough fight. He had a good jab and that was the key to the fight. He was also a bit busier than me.

“I just have to rebuild and see what we do next. I fought hard and I’m proud. All my losses were hard fights that I fought till the end, so I’m proud of my effort.

“I knew what he was bringing to the table. I just had to believe in my hook more and throw it more. I can’t make any excuses. We can only get better from here. 

“His jab was rangy and threw my timing off a bit. That was the key to the fight. Everything else I feel like I adapted to. The jab was the only thing that was better than expected.

“I think Spence is physically stronger than Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter. They’re all on pretty much the same level, but Spence is the strongest one. 

“I was trying to be more active. He did a good job taking away what I wanted to do. Everyone is looking for my left hook, so I thought my right hand could be the difference. I had some success going to the body with it. When two champions fight, one guy is going to be better on the night.”

Fundora Destroys Ahmed in 2

6’7″ Inch Sebastian Fundora took out Habib Ahmed in round two of their scheduled 12-round super welterweight bout.

Fundora obliterated Ahmed from the opening bell as he landed furious flurry of punches for both rounds before the fight was stopped at 1:30 of round two.

Fundora, 153.5 lbs of Cochella, CA is 16-0-1 with 11 knockouts. Ahmed, 152.5 lbs of Accra, GHA is 27-2.

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“We just fought in an eliminator, so I’m pretty sure I’m high up in the rankings now. We’ll go back and talk about what’s next with my team. I may take a week off and enjoy the holidays, then come back strong with whatever is next. I want to fight anyone. The 154-pound division is stacked, so I’ll be ready for anyone. 

“I had the time to admire my work in round one. I was happy to enjoy it while I had the chance after I landed that uppercut. 

“We were ready for anyone who we had to face tonight. A win like this doesn’t surprise me because we were so prepared. 

“I feel like I’m meant for this. I’ve worked so hard for this. Me and my father have worked on this dream since I was eight-years-old. By now, big stages like this feel normal to me. 

“I don’t think I’m peaking yet. I turn 23 this month. I feel like I have a lot of room to grow. I’m going to be in this sport for a long time and I’m going to be champion, but we’re not there yet. 

“We saw him buckle in the first round. I heard my dad yell from the corner that he was shaken. I knew he couldn’t take the power, so I decided to walk right through him.”

HABIB AHMED“I’m disappointed with how the fight went. I took the fight on short notice so I knew it would be difficult. But I was training hard and wanted to test myself. 

“He’s tall and he’s a good boxer. I didn’t start working fast enough and he started working immediately. That’s why he got me with the uppercut in round one. That messed up my rhythm. I was surprised he came out so fast. 
“I’m still young and have a future in this sport. I’m going to get back in the gym, correct my mistakes, and come back better.”

Lopez Stops Santana in 10th

Josesito Lopez stopped Francisco Santana in the 10th and final round of their welterweight bout.

Lopez dominated the bout from the get-go as in round one. Lopez landed a big right that was followed by a left to the body that put Santana on the deck.

In round nine, Lopez scored a 2nd knockdown as he landed some hard hooks on the ropes. Lopez continued to batter Santana for the balance of the round and the fight could have been stopped there. In the 10th, Lopez dropped Santana again. The fight went on, but only for a few seconds more as Lopez landed a barrage of punches that forced the stoppage at 1:22.

Lopez, 146.2 lbs of Riverside, CA is 38-8 with 21 knockouts. Santana, 147 lbs of Santa Barbra, CA is 25-9-1.

JOSESITO LOPEZ“Santana is one of the toughest fighters out there not holding a belt. I’m never in an easy fight but, I’m always going to give it everything I have.

“He knew that if he made a small mistake, he was going to pay. I made sure he paid and I dictated the pace with my jab while utilizing good footwork against a tough fighter.

“I was patient. He’s a tough crafty fighter who can take good punches. He’s a solid fighter with a strong punch.

“You can’t deny me anymore. If I’m not in with the best, I’m in with the toughest. I want one of the world champions or one of the top fighters. 

“It was a tough fight like I expected. I had to be smart in there, dictate the pace and pick my shots. We managed to do what we set out to do.

“The work I put in with Robert Garcia has showed in every fight. I get better each and every fight and come out with wins. Today I stopped one of the hardest guys in the sport to finish.  

“I feel like I’ve gotten stronger, smarter and faster. I’ve improved in every part of my game thanks to Robert Garcia. 

“I deserve to be fighting the best now. I’ve proved it. I’d fight the winner or loser of tonight’s main event. Not only am I as good as any of them, but I’m one of the most entertaining fighters in the division. 

“We worked out positioning. We were maybe a little too cautious at times. But we wanted to break him down little by little. I was happy to be able to finish the job.”

FRANCISCO SANTANA

“He got me with a flash knockdown in the first round. He throws big wide shots and he caught me on the top of my head and messed with my equilibrium for a second. I was able to get up and go back to work. 

“I thought I had something left, but after tonight I have to go back and talk with my family. I think that was my last fight. I was able to do a lot of great things in the sport. No fighter ever wants to hang them up, but I thank God that I was able to meet so many great people in the boxing world. I might be retired as a boxer, but I’m still going to be around this sport.”

Ramirez stops Flores in 5

Eduardo Ramirez stopped Miguel Flores in round fie of their scheduled 12-round featherweight bout.

In the beginning of round five, Ramirez landed a crushing left hook to the jaw that sent Flores crashing on his back. Flores got up with blood flowing out of his mouth, and the bout was stopped at 20 seconds.

Ramirez, 125.2 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 24-2-3 with 11 knockouts. Flores, 125.4 lbs of Dallas, TX is 24-4.

EDUARDO RAMIREZ

“I’m very happy about the win. I worked very hard and I’m thrilled to get the victory tonight.

“This was all the result of the hard work I put into the gym. The Montiel brothers trained me well and it all paid off tonight.

“This was a last minute opponent. I didn’t get to train specifically for him. But I’m getting better every day in the gym, that’s my main focus. I feel like I can beat anyone in this division.

“I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself. Whatever my team wants to do, we’ll talk about it. I just want to become a world champion. I’ll be ready anywhere at any time.

“I always felt in control of the fight. My intensity dropped a bit in the third round, but my corner kept telling me to put the pressure on and I’d get the knockout. That’s exactly what ended up happening.

“I like to do it all in the ring. I can move around and box. But I love to go in there and fight inside. I’m learning so much day after day from training in Tucson with the Montiel brothers.

MIGUEL FLORES

“I was having fun in there. I thought I was doing better on the inside than the outside with him. We were putting on a good fight. He just caught me with one of those looping shots. It happens, it’s part of boxing. I’m a fighter and I’ll be back.

“I thought I hurt him with a few body shots and was coming on in the fight. I was effective on the inside. I thought I could have taken over, but he’s a crafty guy. It felt like an even fight.”

EARLY RESULTS

Isaac Avelar won a 10-round unanimous decision over Sakaria Lukas in a featherweight bout.

Avelar landed 225 of 686 punches; Lukas was 100 of 562.

Avelar, 126.8 lbs of Mexico won by scores of 98-92 on all cards and is now 17-2. Lukas, 127.6 lbs of Namibia is 23-1.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Steve Pulluaim in a welterweight bout.

In round one, Mielnicki dropped Pulluaim with a right to the top of the head. in round two, he dropped Pulluaim with a left to the body.

Mielnicki landed 121 of 309 punches; Pulluaim was 47 of 247.

Mielnicki, 146.8 lbs of Roseland, NJ scores of 60-52 on all cards, and is now 7-0. Pulluaim, 144.8 lbs of Riverside, MO is 5-3.

Marco Delgado won a six-round split decision over previously undefeated Burley Brooks in a super middleweight bout.

In round five, Brooks was deducted a point for a low blow. In round six, he was deducted another point for the same infraction.

Delgado landed 95 of 387 punches; Brooks was 85 of 366.

Delgado , 170/6 lbs of Anaheim, CA won by scores of 59-53 twice with Brooks taking a card 57-56.

Delgado is 7-1. Brooks, 170.4 lbs of Dallas, TX is 6-1.

Juan Tapia won a eight-round unanimous decision over Fernando Garcia in a super bantamweight bout.

In round six, Garcia had some blood on the bridge of the nose.

Tapia, 123 lbs of Brownsville, TX won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 10-3. Garcia, 122.4 lbs of Dallas. TX is 13-3.

Frank Martin stopped Tyrone Luckey in round five of their scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

Martin dropped Luckey twice in round two, once in round five and ended with a body shot at 2:31 of round five.

Martin, 138,6 lbs of Indianapolis, IN is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Luckey, 138.4 lbs of Long Beach, NJ is 12-13-4/

NEW YORK CITY — For the third straight year, Michael “Mick” Conlan (11-0, 6KO) claimed victory on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, scoring a unanimous ten round decision over Mexican Ruben Garcia Hernandez (24-4-2, 10KO), whipping the Irish faithful on-hand into a frenzy at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater and retaining his WBO Intercontinental Title in the process.

It was an electric entrance for Conlan, who walked through the crowd to the ring, complete with bagpipes and alcohol-fueled Irish singalogs.

But where Conlan’s entrance was on point, his performance was a bit lacking.

The 27 year old former Irish Olympian started slow, content to gain information in the early goings while switching stances from southpaw to orthodox to keep Hernandez off-balance.

Although Conlan varied his looks, he lacked creativity, and relied on potshots to slowly pick apart the lesser-skilled Hernandez. Conlan, who is trained by Adam Booth, operated at his best when he threw combinations, which unfortunately came few and far between. When Conlan did throw punches in bunches, in rounds eight and ten for example, he inflicted damage and had Hernandez on the defensive.

Hernandez’s best work came in the fifth, when he had Conlan playing a little defense, wailing away at the Irishman while his back was against the ropes.

In fairness to Conlan, he didn’t have to be something he is not tonight. Ultimately, it was an easy night’s work for Conlan and the scorecards proved that.

At the end of ten, all three judges scored it a shutout for Conlan, 100-90.

Luis Collazo Grinds Out SD Over Samuel Vargas

In what Top Rank billed as the main event of the evening, 37 year old former world welterweight champion Luis Collazo (39-7, 20KO) turned back the clock and turned in a workmanlike performance, grinding out a ten round split decision against Samuel Vargas (30-5-2, 14KO). Don Trella scored the bout 96-94 for Vargas, while Glenn Feldman and Frank Lombardi had it 96-94 and 98-92 for Collazo, respectively.

After a brief feeling out period, in which Collazo, who was fighting at Madison Square Garden for the fourth time in his career, bested Vargas, the two began to get intimate in the third. Vargas willingly closed the distance, but got a bit more than he bargained for, as Collazo time and again scored with left hands.

Undeterred, Vargas came back round after round, continually shortening the distance in order to fight chest to chest with Collazo, who was more than happy to fight in tight.

From the third round on, each round played out in similar fashion, with the Colombian-Canadian Vargas and Collazo fighting an inside fight, but with Collazo besting his foe.

Towards the end of the fight, a cut over Collazo’s right eye that was initially caused by a headbutt in round two started to give the New Yorker a few issues. But the 282 round veteran battled through and earned the judge’s decision. 15rounds.com scored the contest 97-93 for Collazo.

The result marks Vargas’ fifth career defeat. Other fighter’s to have had their fist raised against Vargas include Errol Spence, Jr., Amir Khan, and Danny Garcia.

Mojica Upsets Barnes Via Split Decision

Dallas bantamweight Oscar Mojica (12-5-1, 1KO) scored the biggest win of his career, spoiling some of the St. Patrick’s Day fun at Madison Square Garden in the process, defeating two time Irish Olympic Bronze Medalist Paddy “The Leprechaun” Barnes (5-2, 1KO) via six round split decision.

Things went wrong for Barnes, 31, from the get-go, as the first Mojica jab landed produced an ever-flowing stream of blood from the Irishman’s nose. Mojica, 26, sensing Barnes could feel his power, applied pressure for the remainder of the first, forcing Barnes to fight off his back foot.

In the second the Texan dug a beautiful left to Barnes’ liver that forced the Irishman to his knees. The referee inexplicably and wrongly ruled it a slip. Credit Barnes who, once back to his feet, starting taking the fight to Mojica.

Barnes landed his best punch of the fight — a right cross — midway through the sixth that seemed to grab Mujica’s attention and stall his offense. Barnes, who was fighting in the US for the first time, kept his foot on the gas for the remainder of the round, but it wasn’t enough to get the nod.

Judge James Pierce scored it 58-56 for Barnes, while John McKaie and Kevin Morgan saw it 58-56 for Mojica.

The result marks the second straight loss for Barnes. He last lost in August when he KO’d via body shot by Cristofer Rosales in a WBC world featherweight title fight.

It was an easy night at the office the Bronx’s Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (13-1, 8KO) as he easily outpointed Adrian Ramirez (10-3, 6KO) of the Dominican Republic. Official scores read 80-72×3.

Vargas was patient and prodding throughout, at times almost too calculating. It seemed if he just let his hands go the fight would have ended inside the distance. Nonetheless, the 20 year old Puerto Rican southpaw fought the fight on his terms, at his pace, and cruised to the win.

Vargas’ only blemish remains a DQ loss against Samuel Santana 2016.

Bauza Cruises Past Maldonado To Stay Perfect

Newly signed Top Rank prospect John Bauza (12-0, 5KO) cruised to an easy unanimous decision against Mexican-American Ricardo Maldonado (8-9-1, 1KO). Bauza, a Puerto Rican native who lives in North Bergen, NJ, quickly imposed his will on his 30 year old opponent. The 20 year old southpaw, who is trained by Robert Garcia, came off his stool firing from the onset, sitting down on almost all his punches, firing them off with purpose.

Less than two rounds into the contest, a Bauza right hook opened a small cut above Maldonado’s right eye and less than a round later, Bauza was scoring at will with his straight left, at one point shooting three straight down Main Street without obstruction. Bauza continued to dissect and bloody Maldonado the rest of the way, possibly even breaking the stubborn Mexican’s nose.

At the end of six, all judges agreed on a 60-54 scorecard for Bauza.

Nikitin Moves To 3-0 With MD Over Tapia

Russian featherweight Vladimir Nikitin improved to 3-0 earning a hardfought majority decision against tough Texan Juan Tapia (8-3, 3KO). Nikitin, who is perhaps best known to date for his controversial win against Michael Conlan at the 2016 Rio Olympics en route to a bronze medal, struggled with the non-stop pressure from Tapia. The two were constantly exchanging, but the 28 year old Russian consistently bested his 26 year old counterpart.

At the end of six, the judges scorecards read 57-57 and 59-55×2 for Nikitin.

Joseph Adorno Battles His Way Past Victor Rosas

Nineteen year old Top Rank lightweight prospect, Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (12-0, 10KO), battled his way to a six round unanimous decision against Mexican southpaw Victor Rosas (10-9, 4KO). It took Adorno a few rounds the to figure out his 31 year old counterpart, but by the time the fourth round came around, Adorno was having it his way. The orthodox-stanced teen, who is co-trained by his father Anibal and Robert Garcia, scored a knockdown in the fifth courtesy of a counter left hook. Credit Rosas, however, who battled back in the sixth and had his best round of the fight, backing up Adorno.

At the end of the bout, all three judges agreed on a 58-55 scorecard in favor of Adorno.

Ireland’s Reeves Kicks Off St. Paddy’s Day Card With Win

In a four round junior welterweight contest, Ireland’s Lee Reeves (3-0) shutout (40-36×3) Texas-native Eduardo Torres (1-2) to kick off an evening of boxing from the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The card is anchored by a ten round welterweight scrap between former junior welterweight champion Luis Collazo (38-7, 20KO) and Samuel Vargas (30-4-2, 14KO) and concludes with a special attraction St. Patrick’s Day attraction, seeing former Irish Olympian Michael Conlan (10-0, 6KO) take on fellow featherweight Ruben Garcia Hernandez (24-3-2, 10KO) in a ten round bout of their own.