Jaime Munguia remained undefeated by stopping former world title challenger Kamil Szeremeta after round six of their 12-round middleweight fight at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

Munguia dominated the fight and started to beat up Szeremeta more and more with each round until Szeremeta pulled the plug on the fight following the sixth round.

Munguia, 159.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 37-0 with 30 knockouts. Szeremeta, 159.8 lbs of Bialyatok, POL is 21-2.

“I was surprised at his ability to take punishment,” said Jaime Munguia. “He has all my respect because he could take a lot of punishment. I was really trying to work my offense in this fight and try different things. Then I began to pressure him and change the distance at which I fought. Hopefully, I can fight for a world title at the end of this year. If not, I would like to fight Gabriel Rosado.”

Rosado Shocks Melikuziev in Three

Former world title challenger Gabriel Rosado stunned undefeated super prospect Bektemir Melikuziev in round three of a scheduled 12-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Melikuziev landed a body shot that backed Rosado up and eventually to a knee. In round three, Rosado landed a perfect counter right to the jaw that sent Melikuziev face-first on the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:21.

Rosado, 168 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is 26-13-1 with 15 knockouts, Melikuziev, 168 lbs of Indio, CA is 7-1.

“I knew I would have to dig deep,” said Gabriel Rosado. “I had more experience than he, but he’s very strong and throws heavy shots. I was trying to time him, but he caught me with the body shot. He didn’t drop me, but I took a knee to recover. And then I got the win.”

Esparza wins Flyweight Title with Decision over Zamora

Marlen Esparza got off the deck to comeback and wrestle the WBC Flyweight title over Ibeth Zamora in an action packed fight.

In round one Zamora dropped Esparza from a counter right over the top. Esparza was able to whether that and come, back and outland Zamora with the cleaner shots over the activity of Zamora.

Esparza landed 226 of 569 punches; Zamora was 157 of 726.

Esparza, 111.4 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 97-92, 96-93 and 96-94 and is now 10-1. Zamora, 111.4 lbs of Huichitlan, MX is 32-7.

Cobbs Stops Solomon in 5

Blair Cobbs remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over Brad Solomon in a welterweight bout.

Cobbs took some shots early, but turned the tide in 5th round. In that round, he dropped Solomon with a straight left and the fight was stopped at 2:57.

Cobbs, 146.8 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 15-0-1 with 10 knockouts. Solomon, 146.8 lbs of Douglasville, GA is 29-4.

EL PASO, TEXAS (June 17, 2021): Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) and Kamil Szeremeta (21-1, 5 KOs) hosted their final press conference today ahead of their 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship. The fight will take place at The University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT/1:30 p.m. MDT/3:30 p.m. ET.

Below are what today’s main event fighters had to say:

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Champion:
“Thank you to all. I’m excited to be fighting in El Paso. It’s been a dream of mine. It’s a place where many great fighters have fought. It fills me with pride to be able to deliver a great show. I think I need to make a statement. I’m on the rise, so I have to keep doing things better with each fight. We have a great fighter in front of us. We have a lot of respect and admiration towards him, so we have to make sure we do things correctly so that we get a big fight next.”

KAMIL SZEREMETA, Former World Title Challenger:
“This fight will be great. I’m happy to fight against such an amazing fighter. On Saturday, I will do my best to give you all a great show. I am very happy that I am fighting an undefeated boxer. It makes it more meaningful. I’m not worried about being in a place that will be full of Jamie Munguia’s supporters. I don’t even care. I’m used to this. I’m always fighting in other territories.”

ERIC GOMEZ, President of Golden Boy:
“We have a rich history here in El Paso. We’ve done many shows here, and many champions have fought here. Texas is a great state for boxing, but there’s also something special about El Paso. This will be a great show, and it’s stacked from top to bottom. We’re going to kick off the broadcast with Blair Cobbs, one of the top rising stars. He’s a very exciting fighter. We also have Marlen Esparza, who bounced back from her first loss and now fighting for a world title. The co-main event is also going to be great with Bektemir taking on Gabriel Rosado. And, of course, it will be topped off by the main event with Jaime Munguia. He’s Mexico’s next biggest star.”

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Munguia vs. Szeremeta is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions and Warrior’s Boxing. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 19 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT/1:30 p.m. MDT/3:30 p.m. ET. Additional undercard bouts will be streamed live on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 4:30 p.m. PT/5:30 p.m. MDT/7:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Szeremeta are on sale now and are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $35 not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 915-747-5234. Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.utepspecialevents.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For fans who have already purchased tickets for Saturday, April 24 and would like to still attend Munguia vs. Szeremeta your tickets and seating location are still valid for the new date and no further action is required.

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

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/MunguiaSzeremeta into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 15, 2021) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated welterweight, Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs), battles Brad Solomon (29-3, 9 KOs) this Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center. The 10-round bout, presented by Golden Boy Promotions, will be the opening fight live on DAZN on the Jaime Munguia vs. Kamil Szeremeta card.

Cobbs, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, gives his thoughts on his matchup with Solomon, training camp, and more, as he wraps up the final days of training camp from the Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles with new trainer Freddie Roach.

On his recent training camp:
“I’ll be well prepared going into this fight as I’ve put in the necessary work that is needed to compete at this level. Since I got with Freddie Roach, I’ve added some wrinkles to my game. All my sparring partners have been world class fighters so there is nothing that Solomon will bring to this fight that I haven’t already seen. My weight is good and I’ll be ready to throw down.”

On his matchup with Brad Solomon:
“I have a lot of respect for Solomon, as I do all fighters, and I know he’s coming with his best, but I’m going to show him that I’m a different animal. The angles I’m going to be coming at him with are going to give him some major problems. I know he’s been in the ring with some great fighters, so I’m not taking him lightly. I’m going to jump on him if I get him hurt at anytime during this fight. My goal is to not let this fight go the distance.”

On making his 2021 debut:
“It’s been frustrating not being able to fight during the pandemic. I had to shake off a lot of rust during camp, but my timing is good right now. Even though this year is almost halfway done, I want to finish strong with at least three more fights if I can stay healthy.”

On what a win will do for his career:
“This is a big opportunity for me and I’m hoping a victory will put me in the top ten of all sanctioning organizations. Solomon is not an easy fight and I believe this win will lead to some more meaningful fights. I’m ready to fight anyone, all I want is the opportunity.”

#

Munguia vs. Szeremeta is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions and Warrior’s Boxing. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 19 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas and will be streamed live
exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT/1:30 p.m. MDT/3:30 p.m. ET. Additional undercard bouts will be streamed live on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 4:30 p.m. PT/5:30 p.m. MDT/7:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Szeremeta are on sale now and are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $35 not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 915-747-5234. Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.utepspecialevents.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For fans who have already purchased tickets for Saturday, April 24 and would like to still attend Munguia vs. Szeremeta your tickets and seating location are still valid for the new date and no further action is required.

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

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/MunguiaSzeremeta into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

EL PASO, Texas (June 11, 2021) – Former world title challenger Kamil Szeremeta (21-1, 5 KOs) will step in to face Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) in a 12-round bout for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship. The fight will take place on Saturday, June 19 at The University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico, beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT/1:30 p.m. MDT/3:30 p.m. ET.

“I take my hat off to Jaime Munguia because he has remained calm and focused on his fight on June 19 despite so many changes,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “I am confident that he will make all the necessary changes and adjustments in order to walk away with his hand raised in victory. Kamil Szeremeta is the perfect challenge to show the world why he deserves a world title opportunity.”

“I have a lot of experience when it comes to opponent changes,” said Jaime Munguia. “Obviously, it’s different at this level because the preparation is stronger and more strategic. However, I’ve taken it very calmly, and we are going to make the necessary adjustments to walk away with our hand raised in victory on June 19.”

“I am delighted to be returning in such an important fight against Jaime Munguia,” said Kamil Szeremeta. “I understand the situation. Fight night is less than two weeks away. However, I’ve been preparing for an opportunity like this, and I will make sure to take it advantage of it. This June 19, I will score the upset against Munguia.”

“We are ready to show the world that Jaime Munguia is ready to become a two-division world champion,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions. “But first he will have to prove himself against a strong fighter in Kamil Szeremeta, whose only loss was to one of the best middleweights in recent years. With a resounding victory on June 19, the pride of Tijuana will put all the contenders in the division on notice.”

“On June 19, a standout Polish contender will headline a great boxing event against Jaime Munguia,” said Leon Margules, President of Warrior’s Boxing. “However, and contrary to what was expected, it will be Kamil Szeremeta who will represent Poland that night. I look forward to seeing him defeat Munguia and earn himself another world title opportunity.”

In the co-main event, rising Uzbek contender Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (7-0, 6 KOs) will face his toughest test to date against former world title challenger “King” Gabriel Rosado (25-13-1, 14 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental and WBA Continental Americas Super Middleweight Titles.

Ibeth “La Roca” Zamora (32-6, 12 KOs) of San Cristobal Huichochitlan, Toluca, Mexico will defend her WBC flyweight world championship against Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza (9-1, 1 KO) of Houston, Texas in a 10-round fight.

Welterweight contender Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will fight Brad “King” Soloman (29-3, 9 KOs) of Lafayette, Louisiana in the 10-round opener of the DAZN stream.

Additional undercard fights will be streamed live via Facebook Watch.

Topping the undercard presentation is an exciting battle between two Golden Boy welterweights as Raul Curiel (9-0, 7 KOs) of Tampico, Mexico and Ferdinand Keroyban (14-1, 9 KOs) of North Hollywood, California meet in a 10-round fight.

Exciting southpaw contender Alexis “Lex” Rocha (16-1, 10 KOs) of Santa Ana, California will look to bounce back from his first defeat in a 10-round 147-pound battle against Jameson Bacon (26-4, 17 KOs) of Cebu, Philippines.

Tristan Kalkreuth (8-0, 6 KOs) of Duncanville, Texas will return to the ring in a six-round cruiserweight bout against Demetrius Banks (10-10-1, 5 KOs) of Detroit, Michigan.

Manuel Flores (9-0, 6 KOs) of Coachella, California will face Daniel Lozano (15-10-1, 11 KOs) of Bowling Green, Florida in a six-round super bantamweight battle.

Gregory “Goyo” Morales (12-0, 8 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will put his undefeated record on the line in a six-round super bantamweight fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.

#

Munguia vs. Szeremeta is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions and Warrior’s Boxing. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 19 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT/1:30 p.m. MDT/3:30 p.m. ET. Additional undercard bouts will be streamed live on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 4:30 p.m. PT/5:30 p.m. MDT/7:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Szeremeta are on sale now and are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $35 not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 915-747-5234. Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.utepspecialevents.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For fans who have already purchased tickets for Saturday, April 24 and would like to still attend Munguia vs. Szeremeta your tickets and seating location are still valid for the new date and no further action is required.

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

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/MunguiaSzeremeta into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

Gennady Golovkin stopped mandatory challenger Kamil Szeremeta after round seven of their IBF Middleweight championship bout at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Resort in Hollywood, Florida.

Golovkin dropped Szeremeta at the end of round one with a left hook to the chin. Golovkin sent Szeremta to the deck in round two with a overhand right to the side of the head. In round four, Golovkin landed an overhand right that was followed by a little left hook on the inside that put Szeremeta down again.

In round seven, Golovkin dropped Szeremeta with a jab. The fight was halted after that round.

Golovkin who made the 1st defense of his IBF title, and 21st middleweight title defense is now 41-1-1 with 36 knockouts. Szeremeta of Poland is 21-1.

Choi Decisions Silgado

WBA Super Featherweight champion Hyun Mi Choi won a 10-round unanimous decision over Calista Silgado.

Choi landed 163 of 552 Punches; Silgado was 89 of 364.

Choi, 131 lbs of North Korea won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 18-0-1. Silgado, 131 lbs is 19-12-3.

Ryder Decisions Guy

Former world title challenger John Ryder won a 10-round unanimous decision over Mike Guy in a super middleweight bout.

Ryder landed 103 of 401 punches; Guy was 66 of 284.

Ryder, 170.2 lbs of London, ENG won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 96-94 and is now 29-5. Guy, 168.2 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 12-6-1.

\Gongora shocks Akhmedov with 12th round stoppage

Carlos Gongora stunned Ali Akhmedov with a 12th round stoppage in a battle of undefeated super middeweights.

Akhmedov had the advantage early as he hurt Gongora in round two,

In round seven, Akhmedov was cut over his right eye. In round 12, Gongora knocked down Akhmedov with a uppercut. Later in the round, it was another left uppercut that plummeted Akhmedov to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:57.

Gongora of Boston via Ecuador is 19-0 with 14 knockouts. Akhmedov of Kazakhstan is 16-1.

Reshat Mati stopped Dennis Okoth in round six of their six-round welterweight bout.

Mati dominated the action and then landed a big flurry that had the referee stopped the fight with Okoth hurting his foot at 1:17.

Mati of New York is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Okoth of Silver Spring, MD is 4-5-1.

Two world title fights will be featured on the undercard of the historic Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin – Kamil Szeremeta IBF/IBO World Middleweight Championship.  Undefeated super middleweight contenders Ali Akhmedov (16-0, 12 KOs), from Almaty, Kazakhstan and Carlos Góngora (18-0, 13 KOs), from Esmeraldas, Ecuador, will rumble for the vacant IBO super middleweight world title and unbeaten WBA super featherweight world champion Hyun Mi Choi (17-0-1, 4 KOs), from Seoul, South Korea, will be looking to extend her 12-year title reign against Calista Silgado (19-11-3 14 KOs) from Tolu, Colombia.  Presented by GGG Promotions and Matchroom Boxing with Warriors Boxing, the Golovkin – Szeremeta world championship event will take place Friday, Dec. 18, behind closed doors at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. It will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN beginning at 5pm ET in over 200 countries and territories.
 
“Title fights have always been my goal, and together with the team we became one step closer to the world title.  I am confident in myself, my strength, and can’t wait to step into the ring.  The training camp was held at the highest level as always, and I am ready for the fight,” Akhmedov said.
 
“We have been training together for several years and I have seen his progress with every fight and training camp.  He is ready to fight for the world title and I am glad that Ali represents GGGP at the turning point of his career.  I am sure he will succeed,” Golovkin said.  
 
“I know I will be in tough with Akhmedov and I am ready for anything he wants to offer.  We will see if he can do the same against me.  Boston is about to see the start of its newest championship dynasty — mine,” Góngora said.                  
 
Akhmedov, who has won 75% of his fights by stoppage, returns to the ring having won five of his last six bout by knockout.  He captured the WBC International Silver super middleweight title on June 8, 2019 by knocking out undefeated Marcus McDaniel in the third round.  He followed that up with his first title defense, a first-round stoppage of Andrew Hernandez, Oct. 5, 2019.  Promoted by GGG Promotions, he has been in the same training camp of his mentor Gennadiy Golovkin for several years.    
 
Góngora, who represented Ecuador in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals in the 2008 summer games, has been training out of the Boston area throughout his professional career.  The Ecuadorian bomber’s skill set as a boxer puncher and his victory by knockout ratio of 72% has made him one of the most avoided fighters.  Now, in his first opportunity to fight on the international stage, he has vowed to make the most of this opportunity.  
 
Choi’s 19^th pro outing is her 18^th World title fight, and on her American debut, the two-weight World ruler will look to make a big statement to her star-studded rivals at Super-Featherweight, while Calista is looking to break her curse in World title outings, having challenged for elite belts on six previous fights.
 
“From the time I started boxing, it was my dream to fight in the United States,” said Choi. “Now, it’s time to realize that dream. I am ready to show everyone a great boxing match. Through this match I hope to gain respect and support from the world. I’m looking forward to my first match in the United States.”
 
Also added to the card is British Super-Middleweight World title contender John Ryder (28-5 16 KOs) who takes on Michael Guy (12-5-1 5 KOs) over ten rounds. Ryder is back in action for the first time since taking on Callum Smith for the WBA and WBC Diamond titles, running the champion close on his Liverpool home turf. The Londoner will be looking to shake the rust off as he prepares for a big fight in the first quarter of 2021.
 
Reshat Mati (8-0 6 KOs) has been an exciting addition to the paid ranks, and the Albanian Bear fights for the ninth time as a pro and unbeaten Californian 18 year old Jalan Walker (6-0 6 KOs) fights on US soil for the first time against Rafael Reyes (18-11 14 KO’s) having boxed in Mexico six times since his debut in November 2019.

The Big Drama Show is back!  Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin, boxing’s most dominant middleweight of his era, returns to the ring looking to make even more history when he attempts to make a division-record 21st successful defense of his World Middleweight titles.  Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, has worn a world championship belt every year since 2010.  He will be making a mandatory title defense against undefeated top-rated contender Kamil Szeremeta (21-0, 5 KOs), from Biaylstok, Poland, Friday, Dec. 18, behind closed doors at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL.  The Golovkin-Szeremeta IBF/IBO Middleweight World Championship fight, and its action-packed undercard bouts, will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in over 200 countries and territories.

 “This is not just any fight.  It is a fight with great meaning.  I always have the greatest respect for all of my opponents.  I have really missed boxing and I wanted to fight this year.  The goal — fighting for a record twenty-first successful world title defense.” Golovkin said.    

“I want this title for Poland and my family.  GGG is a great champion, one of the best in history, but it is time for replacement.  Thank you for the great chance, I must take my opportunity to be the first world middleweight champion from Poland,” Szeremeta said.

“GGG is looking to make history this December on DAZN in front of a worldwide audience,” said DAZN EVP Joseph Markowski.  “We look forward to launching our Global platform with an action-packed opening month featuring boxing’s biggest stars.”

“This is a historic moment for one of the best fighters of our generation. GGG has been providing explosive entertainment for many years now and we can expect a war on December 18 against Szeremeta.  The Pole is the unbeaten mandatory challenger and I know the team really fancy their chances of an upset during these crazy times. As we have seen through Golovkin’s career — don’t blink and certainly don’t miss it,” said Eddie Hearn, managing director, Matchroom Sport.

Golovkin, who shares the record for consecutive World Middleweight title defenses, returns to the ring in his second reign as World Middleweight Champion. In a battle of former Olympic medalists, Golovkin regained the IBF middleweight title on Oct. 5, 2019, with a unanimous decision victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko, a hellacious toe-to-toe slugfest that had the frenzied crowd at Madison Square Garden on its feet for the entire 12 rounds.  Many considered it the Fight of the Year.  Golovkin’s Big Drama Show has packed iconic arenas around the world, selling out Madison Square Garden, The O2 in London, the Fabulous Forum and StubHub Center in Los Angeles, and T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  This will be his first time fighting in the Sunshine State.  His decade-long rampage on the middleweight division has also attracted millions of viewers who have watched him on premium cable, pay-per-view, and DAZN.       

Now Golovkin faces his second consecutive top-rated contender in Szeremeta.  The former EBU European middleweight champion, eight years younger than the defending world champion, enters this fight like a hurricane gathering strength, having won three of his last five fights by knockout, including a second-round stoppage of Oscar Cortes on the undercard of Golovkin-Derevyanchenko.  His reign as EBU European middleweight champion included victories over Alessandro Goddi, Ruben Diaz and Andrew Francillette, who had a combined record of 79-4-4 when he fought them — a winning percentage of 91%. 

The Golovkin-Szeremeta World Middleweight Championship event is brought to you by GGG Promotions, in association with Matchroom Boxing and Warriors Boxing.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, IBF Middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin could defend his title against mandatory challenger Kamil Szeremeta on February 29th in Chicago.

“Feb. 29 is the date we’re looking at here. We have a hold on the arena,” promoter Eddie Hearn said late Saturday night at a news conference at the arena after the event he promoted there in which former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk made his heavyweight debut with a seventh-round knockout of Chazz Witherspoon in the main event.

“Gennadiy’s had back-to-back fights at the Garden, and we’ve seen from the ticket sales for this event (on Saturday night) that we have a good reputation and relationship with fight fans in [Chicago], and if he fights his mandatory, which is Szeremeta, the Polish fighter, then it would make sense to come here with such a huge Polish community. It’s not a definite, but it’s definitely a venue we’re looking at.

“It’s difficult to go to a place twice in the year with the schedule, but if there was a place we’d go twice to in a year, it would be Chicago. We’ve probably had our two biggest gates in this arena outside of [Anthony] Joshua-[Andy] Ruiz in America and it’s a great city.”

Hearn said that Szeremeta is pushing for his mandatory title fight with Golovkin and that GGG “wants to fight Canelo, but I don’t think he’s going to wait for a decision from Canelo. So it all depends on what happens in the next few weeks. Obviously, the Kovalev fight is only three weeks away. So it’s not like [Golovkin] can’t wait until then, but I don’t think he’s prepared to wait until December, etc., to have another fight [set up]. If the IBF say that the mandatory is due [since he won] a vacant title, which is generally what happens for a vacant belt, then he would jump in and take that fight.”

NEW YORK CITY — In the main event from Madison Square Garden, Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin (40-1-1, 35KO) scored a unanimous decision (114-113, 115-112×2), edging past Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10KO) to recapture the IBF middleweight title he once owned in an all action Fight of the Year candidate streamed live on DAZN.  

It was a bombs-away affair from the get-go and similar to Dervenyanchenko’s title fight against Daniel Jacobs, the Ukranian came out of cold and was caught and dropped by a Golovkin right on the top of the head midway through the first round. GGG carried his momentum into the second round and landed a vicious lead left hook that opened a nasty gash over Derevyanchenko’s right eye that immediately sent blood running down the 33 year-old’s face.  

Perhaps spurred on by a sense of urgency brought on by the cut, Derevyanchenko stepped up pressure in the third round and started taking the fight to Golovkin, committing heavy shots to the 37 year-old’s body which immediately started to pay dividends.

Credit Derevyanchenko’s cutman, Mike Bazzel, who worked on the gruesome cut round after round, and did a good enough job to satisfy the ringside physicians who continually inspected the Ukranians eye throughout the fight.  

Derevyanchenko noticeably hurt Golovkin for the first time in the fight late into the fifth with a left hook to the liver that produced a wince from GGG and sent him backpedaling in retreat.  The following round witnessed Golovkin sucking wind, breathing deeply through his mouth, while the bloody Derevyanchenko applied more pressure.  

After dropping the early-middle rounds, Golovkin dug in in the seventh and rallied, landing huge left hooks that targeted the worsening cut over Derevyanchenko’s eye.  

The eight and ninth played host to wild exchanges where both fighters were willing to take punches to land their own shots. 

But in the tenth, a surefire Round of the Year candidate, Derevyanchenko came out of his corner guns-a-blazin’ and wailed away on GGG, who found himself in a world of hurt.  But the Kazakh once again found something within himself, withstood Derevyanchenko’s onslaught, and scored with his own huge shots as the round progressed. 

The championship rounds witnessed back and forth action with GGG besting Derevyanchenko during the most meaningful exchanges.  

At the end of twelve, judge Kevin Morgan scored the bout 114-113 and both Eric Marlinski and Frank Lombardi had it 115-112, all for Golovkin.  15Rounds.com also scored it 115-112.

Golovkin now reclaims ownership to the IBF world title he once held and the one that rival Saul “Canelo” Alvarez was stripped of earlier this year after Alvarez and Golden Boy Promotions failed to make a fight with Dereveyanchenko, the IBF mandatory challenger, by a set deadline.  

Tonight marked the second fight GGG worked with trainer Jonathan Banks in his corner.  Banks entered the picture after Golovkin and longtime trainer Abel Sanchez went through an ugly public divorce earlier this year.

For Derevyanchenko, tonight marked the second straight fight he had his longtime trainer, Andre Rozier operating as his corner’s chief second.  Derevyanchenko, who is co-trained by Rozier and Gary Stark, was forced to split from Rozier and work solely with Stark for his title clash with Daniel Jacobs, who is also trained by Rozier.  It was the second time the Ukranian came up short in a title bout, the other being to Jacobs earlier this year.  

It was Golovkin’s second consecutive fight and fifth overall inside the main room at the “World’s Most Famous Arena”, where he’s amassed a record of (4-0, 3KO).  He last fought at the Garden in June when he knocked out Steve Forbes in 4 rounds.   

Golovkin’s lone defeat remains his controversial MD defeat to Canelo Alvarez in 2018.  The two rivals also fought to a draw in 2017 in a fight that many believe Golovkin deserved to win. 

Madrimov Batters Barrera En Route To 5th Round TKO

In the co-feature from Madison Square Garden, unbeaten Uzbeki junior middleweight Israil “The Dream” Madrimov (4-0, 4KO) destroyed Mexican veteran Alejandro Barrera (29-6, 18KO), scoring a fifth round TKO in a contest initially slated for ten rounds.  

Madrimov, 24, set the tone early when he landed a leaping left hook that floored Barrera early in the first.  Instead of headhunting the foggy Barrera, Madrimov make a conscious effort to batter Barrera’s body for the remainder of the opening round.  

Madrimov, who is one of a seemingly endless number of Uzbeki fighters training out of Joel Diaz’s gym in Indio, CA, fought a level above Barrera, who did his best to slip and counter the forward-pressing Madrimov.  Madrimov kept coming though, altering from orthodox to southpaw, pouring in jabs to the body and head, and consistently working his way inside to unload.  

By the fifth round, Madrimov’s body shots began to take their toll on the 33 year-old Barrera, whose movement and reflexes significantly slowed.  It then became open season for the Matchroom Boxing prospect, who potshotted Barrera with head-snapping blows until referee Benjy Esteves stepped in to stop the punishment at the 2:36 mark of the fifth round.  

Madrimov now joins Errol Spence Jr. as the only other fighter to have stopped Barrera inside the distance.  

Baranchyk Blasts Bracero, Scores TKO3

Former IBF junior welterweight champion Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (20-1, 13KO) bounced back from his World Boxing Super Series semi final defeat to Josh Taylor, scoring a fourth round TKO against veteran Gabriel Bracero (25-4-1, 6KO) in a contest originally scheduled for ten rounds.

It was bombs away for Baranchyk in the opening round, as the 26 year-old threw haymaker after haymaker, hoping to land a fight-ending blow early.  Credit the crafty Brooklynite, Bracero, who was able to remain composed during Baranchyk’s early bursts, and pepper in counter shots that would momentarily halt the Beast’s momentum.  

In the second, Baranchyk began connecting with his power shots.  Using his jab only to set up hooks and crosses, Baranchyk landed a huge left hook early in the round and briefly staggered Bracero.  The two engaged in numerous exchanges throughout the remainder of the round, and at times Bracero would land clean, but his punches did little to deter the forward momentum of Baranchyk who would open a cut over Bracero’s right eye before round’s end.  

In the fourth round, Baranchyk planted a heavy left hook to Bracero’s liver that forced him against the ropes.  Baranchyk immediately followed the body shot with a clean jab and a huge right cross that sent Bracero stumbling forward to the mat.  A dazed Bracero beat referee Arthur Mercante Jr.’s ten count but his corner stepped in to stop the contest before action resumed. The official time of the stoppage came at the 1:30 mark of the fourth round.  

Akhmadev Walks Through Hernandez, Stops Him In One

Khazak-born super middleweight Ali Akhmadev (16-0, 12KO) needed just :44 seconds of a scheduled ten rounds to land a fight-ending right cross to Andrew Hernandez’s (20-8-2, 9KO) temple.  

The GGG stable-mate, who is also trained by Jonathan Banks, set the right hand up nicely by throwing it behind a stiff jab. 

It was Akhmadev’s second straight win inside the distance, and just the fourth time Hernandez has been stopped in his thirty fight career.  

Ceballo Disposes Of Amanov In 3

In a battle of unbeatens, former five-time New York Golden Gloves Champion Brian Ceballo (11-0,6KO) scored a third round TKO over fellow welterweight Ramal Amanov (16-1, 5KO), handing the Azerbaijan native his first pro defeat.  

The 25 year-old Ceballo dominated from the onset, proving to be too quick and too slick for the 35 year-old Amanov.

Early on, a Ceballo left opened a bothersome cut over Amanov’s right eye.  In the third round, Ceballo, who was fighting for the fifth time in 2019, landed another left that knocked Amanov off-balance.  The Fort Greene Brooklyn native Ceballo followed up the left with a flurry of shots that prompted referee Arthur Mercante, Jr. to step in and stop the contest at the 1:20 mark of the third round.  

Szeremeta Shines In US Debut, Scores TKO2 Over Cortes

In his US debut, unbeaten Polish middleweight Kamil Szeremeta (21-0, 5KO) scored a second round TKO over Mexican veteran Oscar Cortes (27-5,14KO).  

The 29 year-old Szeremeta asserted himself early, dropping Corets with a beautifully thrown left hook to the chin in the opening round.  The tattooed Pole kept the heat on in the second, hurting Cortes with an overhand right, before finishing him off with a final left-right combo.  With doctors clamoring on the apron, referee Benjy Esteves Jr. called a halt to the bout at the :45 second mark of round two.  

It was the fourth time in Cortes’ career that he’s been stopped inside the distance and just Szeremeta’s win via stoppage in his last nine contests.  

Injury Spoils Irishman Joe Ward’s Pro Debut, Suffers TKO Loss 

Former 2016 Irish Olympian Joseph Ward (0-1) had his pro debut spoiled when he suffered a gruesome knee injury midway through the second round of a scheduled six round light heavyweight clash that resulted in his opponent, Marco Delgado (6-2, 4KO), being awarded a TKO victory.

The end came suddenly in the second when a Delgado feint drew a reaction from Ward, whose knee twisted awkwardly and immediately gave out, leaving Ward reeling in pain on the mat.  Referee Eddie Claudio ruled the injury “self-imposed”, and therefore Delgado received a win by TKO. The time of the stoppage came at the 1:00 mark of round 2. After doctors tended to Ward’s knee, the gritty Irishman — who is trained by Buddy McGirt — walked out of the ring under his power.  

Ababiy Kicks Off MSG Card In Style; Stops Seldon In One

Twenty year-old Matchroom Boxing super middleweight prospect Nikita “White Chocolate” Ababiy needed less than one of a scheduled six rounds to up his already perfect record to 7-0, 6KO, earning a first round TKO against 31 year-old veteran Isiah Seldon (13-3-1, 4KO).  

Ababiy, who trains under Aureliano Sosa and fights out of Brooklyn, NY, was relentless, battering Seldon’s body, before coming upstairs to deliver a definitive blow that left Seldon unable to continue as the bout was waved off at the 1:45 mark of the opening round.

It was the fifth stoppage in six career wins for the Keith Connolly managed fighter.  

On the flip side, tonight’s TKO marked just the second time in seventeen pro bouts that Seldon had been stopped inside the distance. 

The Ababiy stoppage kicked off a night of fights from Madison Square Garden that will culminate when former middleweight king Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin and Sergiy Derevyanchenko clash for the vacant IBF middleweight title in a bout that will be streamed live on DAZN.