Starting off March with a bang, DAZN’s 2026 boxing slate continued its action-packed start following Emanuel Navarrete’s dismantling of Eduardo Nunez, unifying WBO and IBF titles via an 11th round TKO.

The action continues this Saturday, March 14, when Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-1, 11 KOs) faces Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (22-3-1, 8 KOs) in a must-win fight for both boxers. Sims Jr. most recently took a controversial loss at the hands of Oscar Duarte in August, while Barboza lost his WBO World Super Lightweight fight to Teofimo Lopez last May.

Both fighters look to get back to their winning ways in Anaheim, Calif., as former interim champion Barboza Jr. seeks another shot at a title while Sims Jr. looks to initiate another nine fight win streak in the Honda Center. Main event ring walks are set to commence at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT.

The stacked undercard puts the WBA, WBO and Ring minimumweight titles on the line when Oscar Collazo (13-0, 10 KOs) challenges Jesus Haro (13-3, 2 KOs) in the co-main event. 

Undisputed and undefeated flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora (17-0, 9 KOs) will fight Viviana Ruiz Corredor (10-2, 5 KOs) with her IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO and Ring Flyweight Titles on the line in a highly anticipated 10-round bout. 

Another premier fight takes place this Saturday in Ireland when Anthony Cacace (24-1, 9 KOs) challenges Jazza Dickens (36-5, 15 KOs) for his WBA super featherweight belt. Coverage from Dublin for Dickens’ first title defense begins at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT. 

Rolling into next month, DAZN’s boxing coverage will see former heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) face two-time world title contender Derek Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) at the O2 in London on April 4. 

In both heavyweight’s 50th professional fight, Chisora seeks his fourth-straight win to head into retirement while Wilder also heads to London fresh off a TKO of Tyrrell Anthony Herndon. The pair of longtime friends were set to fight 13 years ago before Wilder’s withdrawal to travel issues, but will finally get a chance to duke it out on Chisora’s home soil on April 4. 

The entire slew of fights is streaming worldwide on DAZN and can be viewed via a DAZN subscription. Purchase your subscription at THIS LINK to watch over 185 fights a year airing worldwide exclusively on DAZN. 

Please click HERE to sign up for DAZN Media Center — your one-stop hub for assets across DAZN Boxing including upcoming pay-per-view events, subscription fights and our archive library.

UPCOMING EVENTS ON DAZN

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Barboza vs. Sims Jr. Press Conference

4pm ET / 1pm PT

WATCH HERE

Friday, March 13, 2026

Barboza vs. Sims Jr. Weigh-in

WATCH HERE

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Arnold Barboza Jr. vs. Kenneth Sims Jr.

Honda Center | Anaheim, Calif. 

WATCH THE FIGHT HERE

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Anthony Cacace vs. Jazza Dickens

3Arena | Dublin, Ireland

WATCH THE FIGHT HERE

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Deontay Wilder vs. Derek Chisora

The O2  | London, England 

WATCH THE FIGHT HERE

NEWS AND SOCIAL

• Welcome to the ????? ?????? ???…proceed with ???????! ??? ???? ?? ??…
• ‘I know he has wanted this fight for a long time,’ Arnold Barboza Jnr on Kenneth Sims Jnr fight
• On March 14, Kenneth Sims Jr. isn’t just stepping into the ring, he’s stepping into war 
• It’s ????? ???? in SoCal 
• Arnold Barboza Jr vs Kenneth Sims Jr
• ??? ????? ??? 
• The O2 is my house.
• Jarrell Miller makes bold prediction for Deontay Wilder vs Derek Chisora
• Deontay Wilder: I need Derek Chisora fight more than he does

ANAHEIM, Calif. (March 2, 2026) — Golden Boy has assembled a stacked undercard featuring many of its top rising stars for its March 14 event, headlined by former interim champion Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-1, 11 KOs) of South El Monte, Calif., as he takes on Chicago’s Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight showdown, streaming live worldwide exclusively on DAZN. The main event takes place Saturday, March 14, at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Tickets for Barboza Jr. vs. Sims Jr. are on sale now and are priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable fees. A limited number of Golden Boy VIP Experience packages will also be available, featuring exclusive merchandise and premium fight-night upgrades. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoy.com.

In the 12-round co-main event, co-promoted with Miguel Cotto Promotions, Puerto Rico’s WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine minimumweight world champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (13-0, 10 KOs) will defend his titles against Mexico’s Jesus “Chiquito” Haro (13-3, 2 KOs). Collazo most recently delivered a devastating knockout victory over Jayson Vayson in September 2025 and returns looking to continue his dominant championship run.

In a title bout co-promoted with Sampson Boxing, undisputed flyweight world champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (17-0, 9 KOs) will defend her throne against WBA Interim World Champion Viviana Ruiz Corredor (10-2, 5 KOs), the Australia-based Venezuelan challenger determined to dethrone boxing’s reigning queen in a 10-round clash.

Recently added to the undercard, Santa Ana’s Alexis “Lex” Rocha (25-2-1, 16 KOs) will face former world champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (34-8-1, 15 KOs), representing South El Monte. Diaz Jr. will move up to welterweight to meet Rocha in a 10-round showdown. Opening the DAZN broadcast, Bakersfield’s rising knockout artist Joel Iriarte (9-0, 8 KOs) will square off against Los Angeles’ Rock Myrthil (17-2-1, 13 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight bout.

The preliminary card will stream live on Golden Boy’s YouTube channel and will spotlight some of the company’s top prospects. Representing the Coachella Valley, the undefeated Grant Flores (12-0, 9 KOs) will compete in an eight-round super welterweight contest. Fellow Coachella Valley standout Cayden Griffiths (7-0, 6 KOs) will compete in a six-round welterweight bout. Making his Golden Boy professional debut, Dylan “La Amenaza” Capetillo of Las Vegas will compete in a four-round super lightweight contest. Opponents for all three fighters will be announced shortly.

Also on the preliminary card, Santa Ana’s Fabian Guzman (9-0, 8 KOs) will compete in an eight-round middleweight bout against Julian Delgado (9-1, 4 KOs) of Corpus Christi, Texas. In an eight-round lightweight matchup, Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (12-0, 9 KOs) of Denver will face Blas Caro (12-9, 5 KOs) of Rosario, Argentina. Opening the night, Leonardo “Bazooka” Sanchez (9-0, 7 KOs) will take on an opponent to be announced in a six-round super featherweight bout.

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

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 #BarbozaJrSimsJr

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2026) — Southern California pride meets Chicago grit as two elite contenders step into a new division and straight into danger when former interim champion Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-1, 11 KOs) of South El Monte faces Chicago’s Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight clash exclusively live worldwide on DAZN. With redemption at stake and 147 pounds wide open, both fighters aim to make an immediate impact and announce themselves as new threats in the division. The main event takes place Saturday, March 14, from the Honda Center in Anaheim and is presented in association with Cancun Boxing.

Tickets for Barboza Jr. vs. Sims Jr. go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 10:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable fees. A limited number of Golden Boy VIP Experience packages will also be available, featuring exclusive merchandise and premium fight-night upgrades. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoy.com.

“I’m officially stepping back into the ring after some much needed time off,” said Arnold Barboza Jr. “My first loss didn’t break me, it built me. Built a new team, new gym, new mindset yet still same purpose, same hunger, same goals. I heard the doubters get louder. I saw some opinions change yet nothing about me changed. This is bigger than revenge. This is the Redemption Tour.”

“This is a fight that I’ve been wanting for a long time. Barboza is a good fighter who’s been on the big stage, but I’ve always known that I am a better fighter than him and only wanted the chance to prove it,” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “I’ve been chasing this opportunity for years now and this is a great time for it to finally happen. This is a do or die fight for both of us, and I can’t wait to get in there and handle business on March 14.”

“I love this fight because neither guy is afraid of the other. Arnold Barboza Jr. and Kenneth Sims Jr. have worked their entire careers to become the best and on March 14 somebody takes a major step toward the top of the division,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “The undercard will be stacked with talent, with the return of Puerto Rican Unified Champ Oscar Collazo and Undisputed Champ Gabriela Fundora both defending their titles. Fans are getting a complete night of high-level Southern California fights!”

In a 12-round co-main event co-promoted with Miguel Cotto Promotions, Puerto Rico’s WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine minimumweight world champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (13-0, 10 KOs) will defend his titles against Mexico’s Jesus “Chiquito” Haro (13-3, 2 KOs). Collazo most recently delivered a devastating knockout victory over Jayson Vayson in September 2025 and now returns looking to continue his dominant championship run.

“I’m very happy to be returning to the ring this coming March 14th. Unfortunately, we won’t be pursuing a unification bout for reasons beyond my control,” said Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo. “The company presented us with this opportunity with Jesús Haro. I respect him because I know he comes with the desire and hunger to be champion, but on March 14th he’ll be facing the best in the division. Without a doubt, Puerto Rico vs. Mexico is a guaranteed war. We’re ready to put on a great fight and secure a solid victory for Puerto Rico.”

“It’s going to be a great fight,” said Jesus Haro. “The Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry has always been present in this sport, and although I was born in the USA and I love this country, Aztec warrior blood runs through my veins, and I’m not going to let my Mexican people down.”

In another stacked title bout in co-promotion with Sampson Boxing, Undisputed Flyweight World Champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (17-0, 9 KOs) returns to defend her throne against WBA Interim World Champion Viviana Ruiz Corredor (10-2, 5 KOs), the Australia-based Venezuelan challenger looking to dethrone boxing’s reigning queen in a 10-round fight.

“There are only two ways of doing something, the right way or the wrong way.” said Gabriela Fundora. “We are preparing to put on a great performance on March 14th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Save the date to watch on DAZN!”

“This opportunity to compete for the undisputed world title is an absolute dream come true for me. It represents everything we work toward from the moment we decide to become professional fighters, and I am incredibly grateful for the chance to perform on the biggest stage,” said Viviana Ruiz. “We’re coming to America to steal the show. I understand the challenge in front of me, I’ve done the work, and I’m ready. I’m excited for March 14th, and I can’t wait to be crowned the new undisputed world champion.”

More information on the undercard will be released soon.

Arnold Barboza Jr. is back! After more than nine months away from the ring, the South El Monte native returns on March 14 at the Honda Center, where he faces Chicago’s Kenneth Sims Jr. in his highly anticipated welterweight debut. Stepping up to 147 pounds against a proven contender, Barboza Jr. begins a new chapter with the same focus and intensity that has defined his career. His last outing came on May 2 in New York City, when he met former WBO and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight Champion Teofimo Lopez in a long-awaited showdown under the bright lights of Times Square. In a high-stakes battle years in the making, Barboza Jr. showcased his composure, grit and elite skillset that night. Although he experienced the first loss of his professional career, he reaffirmed his place among boxing’s top contenders and strengthened his resolve to return better than ever. Before that, Barboza Jr. captured the WBO Interim Super Lightweight World Title with a hard-fought split decision victory over Jack Catterall in Manchester, proving he could travel into hostile territory, beat the odds and emerge victorious against world-class opposition. Since turning professional in 2013, Barboza Jr. has compiled an impressive resume, including notable wins over Alex Saucedo, Mike Alvarado, Jose Pedraza and Jose Ramirez. Known for his technical approach, sharp ring IQ and versatile style, he has established himself as one of the sport’s most disciplined and consistent competitors — and now looks to make his mark in the welterweight division.

Kenneth Sims Jr. returns to Southern California for a highly anticipated showdown against Arnold Barboza Jr., as the two square off at the Honda Center in a California vs. Chicago clash on March 14. Sims Jr. enters the bout fresh off the biggest moment of his career, headlining a WBA title eliminator against Mexico’s Oscar Duarte at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Fighting in front of a passionate hometown crowd, “Bossman” displayed his slick, technical style against Duarte’s relentless pressure in a compelling 12-round battle. Though the contest ended in a majority decision loss, Sims Jr. left with his stock elevated — showcasing composure and championship potential on a major stage. The performance was the latest chapter in his steady rise through the professional ranks. Since turning pro in 2014, Sims Jr. has built an impressive resume, highlighted by a breakout upset victory over previously undefeated Elvis Rodriguez in 2021. He followed that statement win with six consecutive victories, earning top 15 rankings with the IBF, WBA and WBC. Before his professional success, Sims Jr. was a decorated amateur — a nine-time national champion and proud member of Team USA. He competed in the 2012 Olympic Trials, narrowly falling to future world champion Jose Ramirez, and later represented the United States at the 2013 World Championships. Now a world-ranked contender, Sims Jr. remains focused on proving he belongs among the elite in the sport.

###

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

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 #BarbozaJrSimsJr

Oscar Duarte won a 12-round majority decision over hometowner Kenneth Sims Jr. in a grueling junior welterweight fight at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago.

It was a fight fought at close quarters throughout with Duarte constantly pushing the fight and Sims back to the ropes. Sims also fought well with quick combinations. Duarte was proficient with his body work and for most of the fight had Sims fighting Duarte’s fight. The two exchanged in entertaining fashion which made for a fan-friendly fight.

Each fighter landed 220 punches. Duarte threw 900 while Sims threw 669.

Duarte, 139.8 lbs of Parral, MEX won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 and is now 30-2-1. Sims, 139.8 lbs of Chicago is 22-3-1.

“I am very happy, it was a great fight, a war,” said Duarte. “I am very happy about this victory and I am very happy to be closer to be fighting for a world title. Sims Jr. brought much experience and had great conditioning. He came very prepared. However, I felt that I was very prepared and that I was in control of the rounds. It was a fight where I learned a lot. I am ok with doing a rematch with him, wherever he wants to do it. If he wants to run it back in Chicago, we can do it here again too, but I would come ready to knock him out.

“I thought I won. It was a good fight, tough fight, but I thought I won.” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “He brought pressure like I expected. Relentless pressure. It was nothing that I didn’t expect. I mean, I could’ve sharpened my defense. It was a good fight. He’s a tough fighter. It was amazing (the fans). I love my hometown, I love my city. It’s good to see they love me too. Absolutely (run it back). I want it right back because I won that fight. It was a close fight, but I won it. We can go right back to it.”

Prograis Decisions Jojo Diaz in War

In a back and forth bloody brawl, former world champion Regis Prograis was able to win a 10-round unanimous decision over Joseph Diaz Jr.

In round one, Diaz rocked and hurt Prograis with a hard left. In round four, Diaz was cut badly oover the left eye from an accidental headbutt. It seemed like every time Diaz landed a hard punch Prograis seemed off balance. Prograis fought well in sports, but Diaz landed the more telling blows. The two exchanged in the center of the ring and it seemed that Diaz may have done just enough to win the fight or have a draw.

Prograis landed 224 of 895 punches. Diaz was 197 of 510.

The three judges scored it 98-92 and 96-94 for Prograis,

Prograis,142 lbs of New Orleans is 30-3. Diaz, 143.2 lbs of South El Monte, CA is 34-8.

“It was like when you have the jitters coming into a fight, then after that you get hit with the first one — and then it’s a fight,” said Prograis. “I knew it was gonna be a fight with him. I went to my corner and they said, ‘Listen, just keep your jab out.’ And that’s what I did. That’s how I got the job done. People are gonna say what they wanna say, but I felt like I needed this. JoJo’s a veteran. He’s real tough, and he came to fight. We went 10 rounds — 10 hard rounds — and that’s something I definitely needed in my bag,” he added. “For me, I want to get back to being a champion. I want the big money. Big money or a world championship — that’s what I want next.”

Kalkreuth Stops Williams After 3

Tristan Kalkreuth stopped Devonte Williams in round three of their 10-rpind cruiserweight bout.

In round two, Kalkreuth landed two lefts to the body and Williams kneeled to the canvas. Williams decided that he had enough and the official time was one second of round three.

Kalkreuth, 198.6 lbs of Las Vegas is 16-1 with 11 knockouts. Williams, 196.2 lbs of Houston is 13-3.

Edwards Stops Audie in 1st

Joshua Edwards stopped overmatched Cayman Audie in the opening round of their six-round heavyweight bout,

In round one, Edwards dropped Audie with a counter right. Edwards then landed a hard right that spun Audie inro the ropes that was followed up by two more shots and the fight was stopped at 1:29.

Edwards, 228 lbs of Houston is 4-0 with four knockouts. Audie, 242 lbs of Hinckley, MIN is 4-2.

Gallardo Decisions Rankin

Yair Gallardo won a eight-round unanimous decision over Quinton Rankin in a light heavyweight bout.

In round six, Gallardo dropped Rankin with a left to the body. In round eight, Rankin had swelling of his right eye.

Gallardo landed 144 of 399 punches. Rankin was 69 of 275.

Gallardo, 175 lbs of Mexico City won by scores of 80-71 and 79-72 twice and now is 10-0. Rankin, 174 lbs of Gastonia, NC is 21-10-2.

CHICAGO, Ill. (July 31, 2025) – Golden Boy Promotions hosted a final press conference today in Chicago ahead of the highly anticipated Nowhere to Run fight card featuring the fiery, high-stakes clash between Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte (29-2-1, 23 KOs) of Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico, and Chicago’s own Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs). The two super lightweights will collide in a 12-round main event on Saturday, Aug. 2, live from Credit Union 1 Arena and broadcast worldwide on DAZN. The event is presented in association with Cancun Boxing.

Tickets for Duarte vs. Sims Jr. are on sale now and priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable service fees. A limited number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets are also available, which include exclusive merchandise and premium fight night upgrades. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and GoldenBoy.com.

In the co-main event, former world champions will square off in a 10-round super lightweight battle as Houston’s Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (29-3, 24 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time in 2025 to take on South El Monte’s Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (34-7, 15 KOs). The DAZN broadcast will also feature a 10-round cruiserweight showdown between Las Vegas’ Tristan “Sweet T” Kalkreuth (15-1, 10 KOs) and Houston, Texas’ Devonte Williams (13-2, 6 KOs). In heavyweight action, undefeated U.S. Olympian Joshua Edwards (3-0, 3 KOs) will go toe-to-toe with Hinckley, Minnesota’s Cayman Audie (4-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout. Opening the DAZN telecast, Mexico City’s Yair Gallardo (9-0, 8 KOs) will square off against Gastonia, North Carolina’s Quinton Rankin (21-9-2, 16 KOs) in an eight-round clash. Preliminary action will feature Sonora, Mexico’s Gael Cabrera (8-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout against Miami’s Richard Diaz (3-0-1, 2 KOs). Kicking off the night, rising lightweight Mehki Phillips (6-0, 6 KOs) will be featured in a six-round bout against Joseph Cruz-Brown of Sonora, Mexico (12-14, 7 KOs).

Here is what the main event fighters had to say:

OSCAR DUARTE, SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“I am so happy and excited to be here in Chicago. I want to thank my team for the excellent training camp. Thank you to Oscar and the Golden Boy team for all their support.”

“This is going to be a great fight, we are going to give a great show. The people of Chicago are in for a treat, and I know I will have the Latino community rooting for me!”

KENNETH SIMS JR., SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“This was one of my top three goals – the be the best, the make money to take care of my family, and to fight at home and bring a big fight home to Chicago. It’s a dream come true. I am ready to put on a show for my city.”

“I didn’t like the trolling that his team did last year. It takes a lot to get to me. He was bothering me, so I was bothering him. We have to fight anyways.”

“We’re both ranked top five in the world. The best vs. the best. But this is my city, so I am going to whoop his ass.”

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

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 #GarciaDuarte

CHICAGO, Ill. (July 23, 2025) – The undercard is officially stacked for what promises to be a fiery, high-stakes clash between Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte (29-2-1, 23 KOs) of Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico, and Chicago’s own Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs). The two super lightweights will collide in a 12-round main event on Saturday, Aug. 2, live from Credit Union 1 Arena and broadcast worldwide on DAZN. The event is presented in association with Cancun Boxing.

Tickets for Duarte vs. Sims Jr. are on sale now and priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable service fees. A limited number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets are also available, which include exclusive merchandise and premium fight night upgrades. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and GoldenBoy.com.

In the co-main event, former world champions will square off in a 10-round super lightweight battle as Houston’s Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (29-3, 24 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time in 2025 to take on South El Monte’s Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (34-7, 15 KOs). Prograis looks to make a statement after a hard-fought 2024, while Diaz enters the ring eager to prove he still belongs among the sport’s elite.

The DAZN broadcast will also feature a 10-round cruiserweight showdown between Las Vegas’ Tristan “Sweet T” Kalkreuth (15-1, 10 KOs) and Toronto’s Kareem Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs). In heavyweight action, undefeated U.S. Olympian Joshua Edwards (3-0, 3 KOs) will go toe-to-toe with Hinckley, Minnesota’s Cayman Audie (4-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout.

Opening the DAZN telecast, Mexico City’s Yair Gallardo (9-0, 8 KOs) will square off against Gastonia, North Carolina’s Quinton Rankin (21-9-2, 16 KOs) in an eight-round clash. Preliminary action will feature Sonora, Mexico’s Gael Cabrera (8-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout against an opponent to be announced. In heavyweight competition, Chicago’s own Deontae Pettigrew (15-0, 11 KOs) takes on Skylar Lacy (8-1-2, 6 KOs) of Indianapolis in an eight-rounder. Kicking off the night, rising lightweight Mehki Phillips (6-0, 6 KOs) will be featured in a six-round bout against an opponent to be announced.

Regis “Rougarou” Prograis returns to the ring on August 2 at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago, aiming to reset and make another run at the top of the super lightweight division. Following hard-fought decision losses to Devin Haney and Jack Catterall, the former world champion is looking to reestablish his presence in one of boxing’s deepest weight divisions. He’ll serve as the co-main event on a stacked card headlined by Oscar Duarte vs. Kenneth Sims Jr. – a matchup Prograis was originally set to headline earlier this year before a shoulder injury forced him to withdraw. Prograis first tasted world championship glory in 2019 with a dominant sixth-round stoppage of Kiryl Relikh to capture the WBA super lightweight title. Later that year, he went toe-to-toe with Josh Taylor in a thrilling unification bout, narrowly losing by majority decision. He rebounded with a trio of knockout wins, then added the vacant WBC title to his resume in 2022 with an 11th-round finish of Jose Zepeda. Prograis successfully defended that belt in front of an electric New Orleans crowd before the setbacks that followed, but with his experience and hunger still intact, “Rougarou” remains a serious threat at 140 pounds.

Joseph “JoJo” Diaz steps back into the ring on August 2 as the co-main event against Regis Prograis on the undercard of Oscar Duarte vs. Kenneth Sims Jr. in Chicago. A 2012 Olympian and two-division world champion, Diaz is looking to build on his recent unanimous decision win in Tijuana this past June – a performance that marked the start of his comeback after a string of tough outings. Diaz first claimed world title status in 2018 by defeating Jesus Rojas to win the WBA featherweight title. In 2020, he moved up in weight and captured the IBF super featherweight belt with a disciplined win over Tevin Farmer. Known for his high-volume pressure and fearless style, Diaz has gone toe-to-toe with some of boxing’s biggest names and never shied away from a challenge. Now, with experience, hunger and a fresh win behind him, JoJo is out to prove he’s far from finished.

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

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 #GarciaDuarte

Chicago, Illinois (June 19, 2025) – Tickets for the highly anticipated fight between two of the top contenders in the super lightweight division—Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte (29-2-1, 23 KOs), known for his relentless pressure and knockout power, and Chicago’s own Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs), a slick technician with everything to prove in front of a hometown crowd—will go on sale Friday, June 20. The 12-round main event takes place Saturday, August 2, live worldwide on DAZN from Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Presented in association with Cancun Boxing,

Tickets for Duarte vs. Sims Jr. go on-sale Friday, June 20, 10am CT and are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, excluding applicable service charges. A limited number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available, which include exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoy.com.

Media can apply for credentials at https://www.goldenboy.com/press-credentials/. Media credential applications are due by Friday, July 18.

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

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 #GarciaDuarte

Chicago, Illinois (June 10, 2025) – Fireworks are guaranteed when two of the super lightweight division’s most dangerous contenders collide in a high-stakes showdown. Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte (29-2-1, 23 KOs), known for his relentless pressure and knockout power, will go toe-to-toe with Chicago’s own Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs), a slick technician with everything to prove in front of a hometown crowd. The two super lightweights will have nowhere to run, and have been foaming at the mouth to take care of business in the ring. The 12-round main event takes place Saturday, August 2, live worldwide on DAZN from Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Presented in association with Cancun Boxing, the event also marks Golden Boy’s electrifying return to the Windy City—more than a decade in the making—and promises a night of action-packed matchups as both fighters battle for a shot at championship glory.

“I feel very happy and motivated to be the main event on August 2nd against Sims Jr., an opponent I had previously scheduled to fight, but due to fate, the fight was postponed,” said Oscar Duarte. “I want to take this opportunity to thank Oscar de la Hoya, Eric Gómez, and the entire Golden Boy team for their trust. We are going all out, going for that win to get closer to a world championship.” 

“This fight is long overdue and I’m ready to put on a show and leave with the victory,” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “I’m fully healthy now and ready to put on a stellar performance for my fans in Chicago. It’s a dream come true to headline in my hometown, the greatest city in the world.”

“There is nowhere to run and hide for Duarte and Sims in this super lightweight fight that has been brewing over the past year,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “With all the animosity between the two, I can assure that fireworks will explode in this summer firecracker!” 

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

The first time Oscar Duarte stepped in a boxing ring was at 11 years old when his friends invited him to spar. Boxing seemed like Duarte’s life calling ever since, as he went on to claim five state championships, five regional championships, four national titles, and a bronze medal as an amateur. Duarte began his professional career in 2013, steadily building a reputation for his power, crisp combinations and ability to apply unwavering pressure on his opponents. Duarte’s name became known when he faced boxing star Ryan Garcia in Houston, TX in December 2023. Although coming up short against the hard-hitting Garcia, Duarte focuses on growth and his willingness to challenge himself against the best fighters in the division to demonstrate his determination to reach the highest levels of boxing. Under the tutelage of trainer Robert Garcia, Duarte made an impressive comeback, being the first fighter to ever stop former world champion Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz in April 2024. We then saw him against former stablemate Batyr Akhmedov in an all-action super lightweight battle in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he secured a unanimous decision victory. Most recently, Duarte returned to the ring to take on the hard-hitting Miguel Madueño, in an all-Mexican, crowd-pleasing brawl at the Honda Center in February 2025. In that bout, Duarte became the first fighter to stop Madueño, securing a seventh-round knockout and taking the WBA Continental Americas super lightweight title back to Parral, Chihuahua. Duarte returns to the ring in Chicago to face hometown contender Kenneth Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs). Originally scheduled for November 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the bout was postponed due to Sims Jr.’s knee injury during training camp. Now, as the WBA’s No. 4 and No. 5 contenders, they’re set to deliver a must-watch clash of boxing finesse versus persistent pressure — a true showdown between Chihuahua and Chicago. As Duarte continues to rise through the super lightweight rankings, he has his sights set on world title opportunities. His hunger for success, combined with his natural, relentless firepower, makes him one of the sport’s most exciting contenders in the super lightweight division.

An amateur standout, former Team USA member and ranked in the top ten by the WBA and IBF, Kenneth Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs) is seeking to make a statement for the super lightweight division. Enticed by winning, he built an extensive amateur career that saw him become a nine-time national champion and make an appearance in the 2012 Olympic Trials where he lost a one-point decision to eventual Olympian and future world champion Jose Ramirez. He later continued to win the 2013 U.S. National Championships to earn a spot on the USA Boxing National Team. Sims Jr. was soon traveling the world with his teammates, visiting locations such as Ukraine, Ireland, Chile and Puerto Rico, culminating with an appearance in the 2013 World Championships in Kazakhstan. Sims Jr. decided to go professional in March 2014 and quickly amassed a winning streak. With only two losses and a draw as blemishes on his record, he rebuilt himself to be one of the toughest super lightweights in the division. His breakout performance was an upset win against previously undefeated prospect Elvis Rodriguez on May 22, 2021. Since then, he has added six more victories to his resume, launching him to the top of the rankings. The ‘Bossman’ made his mark once again on the Duarte vs. Madueño undercard at the Honda Center on Feb. 15, 2025, claiming a unanimous decision victory in an action-packed, crowd-pleasing fight that further cemented his place in the boxing world. Now ranked No. 4 by the WBA, Kenneth Sims Jr. is set to face Chihuahua’s Oscar Duarte in a highly anticipated bout that fans have been waiting for. The two were originally scheduled to fight in November 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but Sims Jr. was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury sustained during training camp. After exchanging intense words on social media and during a shared presser earlier in February, fight fans can expect fireworks as a slick boxer goes head-to-head with a relentless pressure fighter — a true war between Chicago and Chihuahua.

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

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 #GarciaDuarte

Oscar Duarte stopped Miguel Madueno in round seven of their 10-round junior welterweight bout at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

In round four, Madueno was cut on his nose from a headbutt. In round five, Madueno was cut over his left eye from a punch.

In round seven, Duarte landed a hard right hand that pushed a hurt Madueno to the ropes. Duarte followed with a vicious flurry of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 2:09

Duarte, 140 lbs of Parral, MEX us 29-2-1 with 23 knockouts. Madueno, 140 lbs of Sinaloa, MEX is 31-4.

Darius Fulghum remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Winfred Harris Jr. in a 10-roundsuper middleweight fight.

In round two, Fulghum landed a blistering barrage of punches that was capped off by a left hook to the face that put Harris down. In round four, Fulghum continued to batter an almost defenseless Harris and the fight was stopped at 2:18

Fulghum, 167.6 lbs of Houston is 14-0 with 12 knockouts. Harris, 166.4 lbs of Detroit is 22-3-2.

Ricardo Sandoval won a 10-round unanimous decision over Saleto Henderson in a flyweight bout.

Sandoval laned 185 of 540 punches. Henderson was 78 of 505.

Sandoval, 111.4 lbs of Rialta, CA won by scores of 100-90 twice and 98-92. Henderson, 107 lbs of Indianapolis is now 10-2.

Kenneth Sims Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Kendo Castenada in a welterweight bout.

Sim landed 197 – 629 punches. Castaneda was 149 of 694.

Sims, 146.4 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 22-2-1. Castaneda, 146.8 lbs of Mexico is 21-8.

Joel Iriarte stopped Darel Harris in round two of their six-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Iriarte dropped Harris from a flurry in the corner. In round two, Iriarte dropped Harris with a left uppercut and the fight was stopped at 1:21.

Iriarte, 146.8 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is now 6-0 with six knockouts. Harris, 143 lbs of Sarasota, FL is 19-24-2.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. had two knockdowns ruled against him, but was able to gut out a 12-round majority decision over Serhii Bohachuk to win the WBC Interim Super Welterweight Title at the Michloeb Ultra Arena inside the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

In round one, Bohachuk was credited a knockdown when he landed a right hand that connected with Ortiz and after instant replay review, it was ruled the extra point for the Ukranian.

In round eight, Bohachuk landed a left hook that forced the glove of Ortiz to touch the canvas and was ruled a second knockdown. That only inspired Ortiz to land vicious right hands in the round. Ortiz began to bleed from the bridge of his nose. In round 11, Ortiz hurt Bohachuk with a left hook that froze Bohachuk. In round 12, Ortiz wobbled Bohachuk with a right hand.

Lopez landed 265 of 746 punches. Bohachyk was 225 or 832.

Ortiz, 153.8 lbs of Grand Prairie, x was able to win by scores 114-112 twice and 113-113 and is now 22-0. Bohachuk, 153.8 lbs of Vinitza, UKR is 24-2.

“This has been what we have been fighting for since I was five years old,” said Vergil Ortiz, Jr. “Straight from school, go to the gym, do my homework and get straight to work. When I went pro, it was all day business – 24/7 boxing and it has finally paid off. The first knockdown, I didn’t feel like it was a true knockdown, I felt like I hit his shoe, but the second one really was one. I feel like I did enough to win this fight. I proved everyone wrong. Everyone was saying that I’m washed, that I can’t fight at 154, or that I can’t go the distance. All of that fueled me. I am the best in the world now.”“People saw this fight today, and the real boxing fans who watched this fight know what happened tonight,” said Serhii Bohachuk. “I am feeling great. I knocked him down twice. I want to support my country, Ukraine, I want to say thank you to all the fans for all the support.”

Conwell Takes out Gray in 2

Charles Conwell remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Khiary Gray in a 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round two, Conwell landed two lefts to the head and then a thudding left to the body put Gray down for the 10-count at

Conwell, 153.8 lbs of Cleveland is 20-0 with 15 knockouts. Gray, 154 lbs of Worcester, MA is 18-7.

Sims Jr. Stops Former Champ Romero After 5

Kenneth Sims Jr. stopped very late replacement and former world champion Jonathan Romero After round five of their 10-round super lightweight bout.

Sims dominated and worked the body and slowly beat down Romero, who took the bout on 24 hours notice.

Sims148.4 lbs of Chicago is 21-2-1 with eight knockouts. Romero, 145.4 lbs of Cali, COL 35-5.

Fundora Decisions Asenjo; Defends Flyweight Title

Gabriela Fundora defended her IBF Flyweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Daniela Asenjo.

Fundora landed 194 of 506 punches. Asenjo was 63 of 312.

Fundora, 109.8 lbs of Coachella, CA won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 14-0. Asenjo, 111.3 lbs of Valdivia, CHL is 16-4-3.

Iriarte Stops Ortiz in 1

Joel Iriarte stopped Miguel Ortiz in the opening round of their six-round welterweight bout.

Iriarte hurt Ortiz several times and landed six punches that knocked him between the ropes and the fight was stopped at 2:15.

Iriarte, 146.4 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is 4-0 with four knockouts. Ortiz, 143.6 lbs of Springfield MA is 3-2.

Cecilia Braekhus won the WBC Interim Super Welterweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Maricela Cornejo.

Braekhus, 154.6 lbs of Bergen, NOR won by scores of 96-93 on all cards and is now 38-2-1. Cornejo, 153 lbs of Prosser, WA is 19-7.

Eric Priest remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Luke Lozo in a middleweight bout.

Proest, 159 lbs of Overland Park, KS won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 14-0. Lozo, 160 lbs of Split, CRO is 9-3-1.

Johnny Canas remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Joseph Cruz in a super lightweight bout.

In round three, Cruz was cut over his left eye.

Canas, 136.8 lbs of Santa Ana, CA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 5-0. Cruz, 132 lbs of Sonora, MEX ia 7-10.

Jordan Fuentes made a successful debut with a four-round unanimous decision over James Mulder in a super featherweight bout.

Fuentes, 122.4 lbs of Fresno, CA won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 1-0. Mulder, 127 lbs of Antioch, CA is 0-3.

Jennah Creaspn won her pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Kelsey Wickstrum in a welterweight bout.

Creason, 144.6 lbs of Visalia, CA is 1-0. Wickstrum, 146 lbs of Reading, CA is 2-2.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (May 8, 2024): Golden Boy Promotions announced today the signing of No.1 WBA-ranked super lightweight Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (20-2-1, 7 KOs). The former Team USA member who proudly represents Chicago, Illinois will make his anticipated Golden Boy debut on an upcoming card this summer 2024.

“I’m excited to become a member of the Golden Boy family,” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “Thank you to Oscar De La Hoya, Eric Gomez and the entire Golden Boy team for making this deal happen and giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent to the world. My team and I know that with the Golden Boy team backing me, I will definitely become a world champion.”

“With a No.1 ranking in the WBA, tremendous skills and a dynamite tram behind him, Kenneth Sims is poised to make some real noise in the 140-pound division,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya. “Inside the company, we have a slew of mouth-watering match-ups for Kenneth that could quickly propel him into the world championship picture.”

An amateur standout, former Team USA member and ranked No.1 by the WBA, Kenneth Sims Jr. began his boxing career at eight-years-old when his father, Kenneth Sims Sr., wanted him to learn some defensive skills. Enticed by winning, he built an extensive amateur career that saw him become a nine-time national champion and make an appearance in the 2012 Olympic Trials where he lost a one-point decision to eventual Olympian and future world champion Jose Ramirez. Sims made the decision to remain an amateur following the 2012 Olympic Trials and won the 2013 U.S. National Championships to earn a spot on the USA Boxing National Team. He was soon traveling the world with his teammates, visiting locations such as Ukraine, Ireland, Chile and Puerto Rico, culminating with an appearance in the 2013 World Championships in Kazakhstan.

Sims Jr. decided to go professional in March 2014 and quickly amassed a winning streak. With only two losses and a draw as blemishes on his record, he rebuilt himself to be one of the baddest super lightweights in the division. His breakout performance was an upset win against previously undefeated prospect Elvis Rodriguez on May 22, 2021. Sims capitalized on the moment, outboxing Rodriguez on his way to a majority decision. Since then, he has added four more victories to his resume catapulting him to the top of the rankings.

Outside the ring, Sims and his fiancé Jailyn live in the Chicago area with their daughter Nova and son Kenneth Sims III. Sims has loved every second of being a father and says that it provides a whole new motivation to be successful so he can provide for his growing family.

Roseland, NJ (May 15, 2023) –It was a perfect weekend for GH3 Promotions fighters as Kenneth Sims won a WBA Super Lightweight Elimination bout in Las Vegas, while Junior Younan remained undefeated and Otha Jones III was impressive in Orlando

“This was a great weekend for our fighters. I am so proud of Kenny Sims for the effort he had on Saturday night. He has persevered through so much over the last couple of years, and his hard work paid off and is now in line to fight for a world title. Junior Younan and Otha Jones both have so much ability and they are both getting back on track in their respective ways, and only good things are in their future,” said Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions.

Photo by Esther Lin / SHOWTIME

Kenneth Sims Jr. outlasted former world title challenger Batyr Akhmedov by taking a 12-round majority decision in a junior welterweight Elimination bout.

The two traded hard shots throughout the high-punch count affair. Sims fought that few rounds with a closed right eye.

Sims landed 309 of 832 punches. Akhmedov landed 331 of 933.

Sims, 139.25 lbs of Chicago, won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 and is now 20-2-1. Akhmedov, 138.75 lbs of Las Angeles is 9-3.

“This is what I’ve been waiting on for years,” said Sims, who won for the seventh straight fight. “I’m not supposed to be here right now. That’s what they say. Ain’t nobody thought I would be here right now. And I know that I’m the best so at 140 it’s whatever. I’m ready for anyone.”

“I want the winner of the main event. I want that title. That’s it. Whoever wins the main event, that’s who I want.”

Photo by Damon Gonzalez / Latin Box Sports

Lightweight Otha Jones III scored an emphatic four-round unanimous decision over Marcello Williams on Friday night at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Jones was dominant in his performance as he boxed very well by working behind a great jab. Williams was never able to mount any offense, and Jones won by scores of 40-35on all cards.

Jones of Toledo, Ohio is now 7-1-1.

Jones is managed by Split-T Management.

Photo by Damon Gonzalez / Latin Box Sports

Also in Orlando, super middleweight Junior Younan remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Alan Campa.

Campa was very aggressive, but Younan was able to fight at his own pace, and catch Campa with some good shots on the way in. Ypunan of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice to raise his record to 18-0-1. Campa of Mexico is 18-8.

Younan is co-promoted with Amaury Piedra

Rolando Romero won the WBA Super Lightweight Title with a controversial ninth round stoppage over late-replacement Ismael Barroso at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

In round three, Barroso landed a straight left that sent Romero into the ropes and his gloved touched the canvas for a knockdown.

In round nine, Romero landed a right that staggered Barroso and then put him down with a cuffing right. Later in the round, the two were exchanging in the corner, and referee Tony Weeks for reasons beyond comprehension, stopped the fight at 2:41.

Romero, 139.5 lbs of Las Vegas is now 15-1 with 13 knockouts. Barroso, 139.5 lbs of Miami was a later replacement for reigning champion Alberto Puello, is now 24-4-2.

Puello failed a PED test several weeks ago.

“I’ll be honest, he’s a warrior and he should have been allowed to continue,” said Romero, who improved to 15-1 with 13 KOs and became the 89^th fighter to perform on SHOBOX: The New Generation to go onto capture a world title. “He wanted to keep going and I wanted him to keep going as well.”

“The first punch was when I had him hurt to begin with,” Romero said. “It was right on the nose, it was a little clip.”

“I think it was an injustice to stop the fight,” said Barroso, a late replacement after Alberto Puello,who previously held the WBA 140-pound title, had been stripped of his title because of a failed VADA test. “I was landing the better shots. It was a push on the first knockdown. It wasn’t a big blow or anything. The referee just stopped the fight, and he didn’t say anything. You can see it clearly. I’m the one who’s hitting him. There was nothing clear that he hit me with. I don’t understand why they stopped the fight.”

“I boxed the entire time,” said Romero, who became the second Las Vegas native to win a world title along with Ishe Smith. “I came in a little cold. I got cracked and I got up like a champion and kept going.”

Romero was clear about his future intentions after the fight. “There’s only two fights I want,” he said. “There’s the rematch with Tank Davis. But I think there’s a much bigger option. I want to go after Ryan Garcia. We can do it on Showtime PPV.”

Rances Barthelemy Decisions Omar Juarez

Rances Barthelemy won a 10-round majority decision over Omar Juarez in a junior welterweight bout.

Barthelemy landed 96 of 448 punches. Juarez was 101 of 428.

Barthelemy, 142.5 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 95-95 and is now 30-2-1. Juarez, 142.25 lbs of rownsville, TX is 14-2.

The crowd at The Chelsea rained down boos after the decision was read as many thought that Juarez had done enough to win the fight. “I understand that most of the fans are Mexican here and they were going for Juarez,” Barthelemy said. “But I also had my Cuban fans and they were cheering.”

Barthelemy said he would love nothing more than a rematch with Russell. “I want a rematch even more than a title shot,” he said. “I want that rematch with Gary Antuanne Russell. I want it badly.”

The 23-year-old Juarez had his three-fight winning streak halted. “It is what it is,” he said. “I honestly thought I did enough to win, but all That’s left is keep working hard for next time. My one mistake was not staying on top of him. I should have been more aggressive.”

Sims Jr. Decisions Akhmedov in Thrilling Fight

Kenneth Sims Jr. outlasted former world title challenger Batyr Akhmedov by taking a 12-round majority decision in a junior welterweight Elimination bout.

The two traded hard shots throughout the high-punch count affair. Sims fought that few rounds with a closed right eye.

Sims landed 309 of 832 punches. Akhmedov landed 331 of 933.

Sims, 139.25 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 and is now 20-2-1. Akhmedov, 138.75 lbs of Las Angeles is 9-3.

“This is what I’ve been waiting on for years,” said Sims, who won for the seventh straight fight. “I’m not supposed to be here right now. That’s what they say. Ain’t nobody thought I would be here right now. And I know that I’m the best so at 140 it’s whatever. I’m ready for anyone.”

“I want the winner of the main event. I want that title. That’s it. Whoever wins the main event that’s who I want.”

Akhmedov thought he won the fight after suffering another close loss on the judges’ cards. His previous two losses were also narrow defeats on points. “It’s like every time I don’t stop my opponent it’s like they win,” he said. “It seems like it’s a goal against me. If they reach the 12th round it’s like they already won and they’re already celebrating because the judges give it to them. Look at the punch stats. It’s the third time in a row. I won again. I’m winning rounds, I’m throwing more, I’m hurting him more. He’s surviving seven rounds out of 12.”

Starling Castillo took a hard fought 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Esteuri Suero in a super lightweight fight.

In round nine, Suero was deducted a point for holding. In round 10, Suero was cited for the same infraction.

That was the difference as Castillo won by scores of 95-92 twice and 94-93 and is now 18-1-1. Suero, 139.2 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR os 12-1.

Michael Angeletti stopped Michell Bonquez in round eight of their eight-round bantamweight bout.

In round eight, Angeletti dropped Boxquez when he landed a two rights that was followed by a left. With Bonquez hurt, Angeletti followed up with a hard combination and the fight end the fight was stopped.

Angeletti, 118.2 lbs of Spring, TX 8-0 with seven Bonquez, 118.8 lbs of Fort Lauderdale, FL is 20-4.

18 year-old Justin Viloria stopped Pedro Pinillo in round four of their six-round super featherweight bout.

Viloria pounded Pinillo until the bout was stopped in round four.

Viloria, 127.6 lbs of Whittier, CA is the nephew of former world champion Brian Viloria. Viloria is 2-0 with two knockouts. Pinillo, 129.2 lbs of Cali, COL is 5-2.

Roseland, NJ (May 12, 2023) –GH3 Promotions fighters will be prominent in fights across the United States.

Saturday night at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, junior welterweight Kenneth Sims Jr. takes on Batyr Akhmedov in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator.

The bout can be seen LIVE on SHOWTIME (9 PM ET / 6 PM PT)

Sims of Chicago is 19-2-1 with seven knockouts. The 29 year-old Sims has wins over Jonathan Dinong (5-1), Emanuel Robles (15-1), Elvis Rodriguez (11-0-1), Keeshawn Williams (8-0-1), Cristian Rubio Mino (22-5-2) and his fight when Sims stopped Rock Dodler Myrthil (17-1) on December 17, 2022 at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

Akhmedov of Los Angeles via Kazakhstan is 9-2 with eight knockouts. The 32- year-old has defeated Levani Tisiklauri (7-0), world-title challenger Ismael Barroso (20-2-2), Viktor Plotnikov (33-5) and former world champion Argenis Mendez (25-6-3). Akhmedov has twice challenged for the WBA Super Lightweight titles as he dropped close decisions to Mario Barrios and Alberto Puello.

Friday night, super middleweight Junior Younan will take on Alan Campa in a eight-round bout, while lightweight Otha Jones III fights Marcello Williams at The Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

Younan of Brooklyn, New York is 17-0-1 with 11 knockouts. The 27 year-old is a 10 year professional who has wins over Mike Guy (9-2-1) and his last bout when he took out Dauren Yeleussinov in the opening round on July 30, 2022 in Brooklyn, New York.

Campa of Sonora, Mexico is 18-7 with 12 knockouts. Campa, 31, has wins over Jesse Leyva Magallanes (1-0), Christian Solozano (4-1), Ramon Olivas Echevarria (11-1) and Paul Valenzuela Cuesta (15-1). Campa is coming off a loss to Aaron Silva on December 17, 2022 in Commerce, California.

Younan weighed 175 lbs. Campa was 172.4 lbs.

Younan is co-promoted with Amaury Piedra

Photo by Damon Gonzalez / Latin Box Sports

On the same card, lightweight Otha Jones III takes on Marcello Williams in a six-round bout.

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jones is 6-1-1 with two knockouts, The 23 year-old Jones has wins over Giorgi Gelashvili (5-1) and is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Raymond Chacon on February 25th in Orlando.

Williams of Orlando is 4-16-1 with one knockout. Williams has wins over two undefeated foes in Victoriano Gonzalez (5-0) and Hysom Sabet (1-0-1).

Both Jones and Williams weighed 134 lbs.

Jones is managed by Split-T Management.

LAS VEGAS – April 12, 2023 – Undefeated WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto “La Avispa” Puello will make the first defense of his world title when he takes on hard-hitting contender Rolando “Rolly” Romero on Saturday, May 13 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features two additional super lightweight bouts with former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy dueling the all-action Omar “El Relámpago” Juarez in the 10-round super lightweight co-main event, plus top super lightweight contenders Batyr Akhmedov and SHOBOX^® alum Kenneth Sims, Jr., meet in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator opening up the telecast.  

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

“Saturday, May 13 in Las Vegas lines up to be a fantastic three-fight card with intriguing matchups in the stacked super lightweight division, topped by WBA 140-pound world champion Alberto Puello defending his belt against the always-exciting ‘Rolly’ Romero,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The former two-division champ Rances Barthelemy and young action fighter Omar Juarez will meet in an intriguing crossroads co-main event clash, while two of the 140-pound division’s toughest contenders, Batyr Akhmedov and Kenneth Sims, Jr., look to put themselves in position to fight for a world title opening the telecast.”

“This is a big opportunity for ‘Rolly’ and there’s no doubt that he’s going to make the most of it,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “He’s focused on preparing to get back in the ring and I know that he’s looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans on May 13.”

A native of San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, Puello (21-0, 10 KOs) now fights out of Las Vegas under the tutelage of renowned trainer Bob Santos, who also trains Puello’s childhood friend, former WBA 130-Pound World Champion Hector Luis Garcia. The 28-year-old captured his world championship in his most recent fight, earning a hard-fought decision victory over Akhmedov last August on SHOWTIME. Puello leapt up the rankings in July 2019, handing Jonathan Alonso his first career defeat with a unanimous decision victory that earned him an interim title. He was also successful in his U.S. debut in December 2021, as he scored a unanimous decision victory over Veshawn Owens in Owens’ hometown.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity I have to defend my world title on SHOWTIME,” said Puello. “’Rolly’ has fought at the elite level, so I’m looking forward to testing myself and showing why I am the champion. I’m confident in my skills and I’m coming with everything I’ve got. This is going to be one of the best fights of the year, so make sure you tune in.”

Part of the Mayweather Promotions stable, Romero (14-1, 12 KOs) is known for his brash talk that he backs up with power in both hands as well as an exciting, unique style that makes him must-see whenever he steps between the ropes. Romero returns to the ring for the first time since a May 2022 defeat against three-division champion Gervonta Davis. Prior to the Davis fight, Romero won an interim title in August 2020 by earning a close but unanimous decision over then unbeaten Jackson Marinez. The 27-year-old followed that victory up with a pair of impressive knockout triumphs, dominating slick contender Avery Sparrow with a seventh-round stoppage in January 2021 before dropping former title challenger Anthony Yigit three times on his way to another seventh-round stoppage in July 2021.

“I’m excited to become a world champion on May 13,” said Romero. “Everyone knows what I bring to the ring. It’s gonna be an entertaining show. I hope Puello comes in 100%, because I ready to show that I’m an elite fighter in this division.”

A native of Havana, Cuba now fighting out of Las Vegas, Barthelemy (29-2-1, 15 KOs) returns after a defeat to Gary Antuanne Russell last July in which many believed the referee waived off the fight prematurely. A world champion at 130 and 135 pounds, Barthelemy owns notable victories over Argenis Mendez, Antonio DeMarco, Mickey Bey and Denis Shafikov. His only other professional loss came in a 2018 140-pound championship rematch against Kiryl Relikh. Barthelemy comes from a fighting family, as he is the middle brother between the younger Leduan and the older Yan, who won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics.

“I’m looking forward to putting on a good show against a young, hungry fighter like Omar Juarez,” said Barthelemy. “I want to thank everyone who put me in this position and made this fight happen. At this stage in my career, it’s about building my legacy, and that means getting a knockout on May 13. My hands will be flying when that bell rings.”

The 23-year-old Juarez (14-1, 5 KOs) enters the ring propelled by momentum gained from his efforts inside and outside the ring. He enters the fight on a three-bout winning streak following a June 2021 defeat to All Rivera, including 2022 victories over Ryan Karl in February and Austin Dulay in December. A native of Brownsville, Texas, Juarez has achieved recognition in his community by uplifting the state’s youth through motivational speaking, receiving commendations from the Texas State Senate and the Texas House of Representatives for his altruism.

“This is the biggest fight of my life and I’m grateful to my team for making it happen,” said Juarez. “Rances brings a tremendous amount of experience to the ring, so I know that I have to make the proper adjustments as this fight goes on. I know if I win this fight, big doors will continue to open for me. So believe me when I say that I’m coming to win and win impressively.”

Born in Uzbekistan and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif., Akhmedov (9-2, 8 KOs) represented Turkey at the 2016 Olympic Games. The 32-year-old turned pro in 2017 and won his first seven pro fights, with six coming by knockout. Most recently, Akhmedov lost a narrow split-decision to Puello in a vacant 140-pound title fight last August on SHOWTIME, with his only other blemish coming in a 2019 action-fight against Mario Barrios.

“I’m looking forward to my return to the ring this May,” said Akhmedov. “My goal has always been to win a world championship and I have faith in myself. The fans know that I’m always in exciting fights, and this matchup is going to be more of the same.”

The 29-year-old Sims (19-2-1, 7 KOs) is one of the hottest fighters in the 140-pound division and can move one step closer to a world title with a victory on May 13. Representing his native Chicago, Ill., Sims has won six-straight outings dating back to May 2018 including triumphs over then-unbeaten fighters Elvis Rodriguez and Keeshawn Williams in 2021. Most recently, Sims dispatched Rock Myrthil in the fifth-round of their December 2022 showdown.

“I’m really excited about this fight,” said Sims. “This is what I’ve been asking for and will bring the best out in me. I believe that Akhmedov won his last fight and should be champion right now. This is not gonna be an easy task, but I will prove that I belong with the big names in the 140-pound division.”

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Orlando, FL (August 22, 2022) – Kenneth Sims Jr. captured the WBA Intercontinental junior welterweight championship with a dominant fifth round stoppage of Cristian Mino Sunday, August 21 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.

Headlining EntroBox: Championship Boxing presented by Bally Sports Network and the Bally App, Sims Jr. showed he was the superior boxer from the opening bell.

The Chicago native enjoyed a significant height and reach advantage, peppering Mino with well-placed shots. The game Mino tried to close the gap and apply pressure but was dropped with a perfectly timed body shot. Mino was visibly hurt but made it back to his feet as the bell sounded to end the round.

Sensing his opponent was still hurt from the previous stanza, Sims Jr. dropped Mino again with a body shot before ending Mino’s night by scoring another knockdown via a left hook to the head.

Time of stoppage was 1:07.

Sims Jr. improved to 18-2-1 with 6 KO’s. Mino, of Buenos Aires Argentina, slips to 22-6-2 (17 KO’s).

Sims Jr. is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

“We’re excited with the action from all the fights tonight for both the fans in the seats and cross the nation,” said Ron Johnson, CEO of EntroBox. “Our main event fighter, Kenny Sims Jr. showed the world with pure talent and precision that he earned the WBA Intercontinental belt. This is another championship fight for EntroBox’s archives as we move forward to showcase talent and champions on our platform.”

Velazquez is now 5-0 with 5 knockouts

PHOTO CREDIT: Damon Gonzalez – Boxlab Promotions

In the co-featured bout of the evening, fast rising junior welterweight Orestes Velazquez dismantled Argentina’s Emaliano Garcia in three rounds.

Hailing from Cuba and now fighting out of Miami, FL, the heavy-handed Velazquez decked Garcia in round two and twice more in the third, putting Garcia out of commission at 2:38 of round three.

Velazquez improves to 5-0 (5 KO’s) while Garcia falls to 17-8-1 (13 KO’s).

Kevin Hayler Brown following an impressive pro debut

PHOTO CREDIT: Damon Gonzalez – Boxlab Promotions

Welterweight Kevin Hayler Brown looked sensational in his pro debut, stopping former world champion Jose Alfaro in less than two rounds.

One of the world’s top amateur fighters prior to turning pro, Brown is from Cuba but defected in early 2022. Now fighting out of Las Vegas, NV, Brown displayed a high-octane attack that Alfaro was unable to keep up with. In round two, Brown cornered Alfaro and unleashed a powerful combo that sent the former champ down.

Alfaro, who’d taken a ton of clean punches through a round and a half, was unable to continue and Referee Gene Del Bianco stopped the contest at 2:04 of the second.

“We were extremely confident in Kevin coming into this fight,” said Amaury Piedra of Boxlab Promotions. “With his amateur pedigree and boxing skills, we had no issue matching him with somebody like Alfaro, who was a world champion. Orestes was sensational as well and at only 5-0, he’s not far off from facing a top 15-25 junior welterweight.”

Brown and Velazquez are co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Warriors Boxing.

Hometown hero Derrick “Diesel” Jackson of Orlando battered late replacement Marklin Bailey in a junior middleweight contest.

Jackson, 9-0 (5 KO’s), was the much stronger fighter and overwhelmed Bailey. Jackson buzzed his Durham, NC based foe in rounds one and two but Bailey showed tremendous heart, never backing down. In round three, Jackson continued to overpower Bailey and dropped him hard with a combination that ended his night at 1:09.

“Derrick looked great and I give a ton of credit to Bailey for coming in as a late replacement,” said Piedra. “He’s now 9-0 and is very mature for a 20-year-old. Derrick’s fully dedicated to the sport and the sky is the limit.”

The card was promoted by Boxlab Promotions in Association with American Dream Presents.

About EntroBox™

EntroBox is an entertainment and sports industry company that unleashes the value of entertainers and amateur/pro athletes. EntroBox’s unique approach and professional status in the sporting industry allows them to execute across a diverse landscape. EntroBox is launching the next evolution in boxing’s DNA, while providing a pathway for other sports to connect and monetize to the ever-changing digital world. EntroBox is bridging viewership from network tv to the metaverse.

About Caribe Royale™

A four diamond resort, the Caribe Royale is a 1,388 room resort that provides a luxurious and relaxing experience for guests of all ages. Amenities include a spa, five restaurants, kid’s splashpad and playground, a two-story fitness center and a large outdoor pool featuring a 75 foot waterside. Fully re-imagined and renovated with over $127m in improvements and expansion Caribe Royale is the premier all suite hotel in Orlando.

Roseland, NJ (August 21, 2022) — Tonight at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, junior welterweight contender Kenneth Sims Jr. takes on Cristian Ruben Mino in a 10-round bout for the WBA Intercontinental Super Lightweight title.

The fight can be seen live on the Bally Sports Network and Bally Sports App at 7 PM ET.

Sims, who is promoted by GH3 Promotions comes into the fight with a record of 17-2-1 with five knockouts.

Sims of Chicago is on a four-fight winning streak, which was highlighted by a eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Elvis Rodriguez (11-0-1). He followed that up with a win over previously undefeated Keyshawn Williams (8-0-1) on Christmas Day in Newark, New Jersey.

Earlier in his career, Sims has wins over Jonathan Dinong (5-1) and Emanuel Robles (15-1-1).

Mino of Buenos Aries, Argentina is 22-5-2 with 17 knockouts.

The 25 year-old Mino has wins over Diego Marocchi (11-0), Gaston Rios (5-0-1), Alexis Quintana (4-1). Mino has won two straight, with the latest being a unanimous decision over Carlos Farias on June 25th.

“I am treating this like the biggest fight of my life,” said Sims.

“I have been around people that I can learn from. I am making sure my body and nutrition is good and training hard.”

“I don’t to know much about Mino. I have seen some stuff on YouTube. He seems aggressive. He is a pretty good fighter with a good record.

“I have been training with guys like (undefeated fighters) Troy Isley, Duke Ragan and Bruce Carrington. We give each other confidence.”

“I have confidence fighting against anybody. I feel that I am one the best in the division. The division is open for someone to take it over

“Kenneth is turning into the fighter that I knew he could be. He has shown so much determination to get back to where he is now. He has always had major ability, and with a win against Mino, he will be in position in the WBA to move through the rankings.  With a victory, I think He will get a big fight on a PBC Platform by December.” said Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions.

Sims is managed by Kevin Smalls and Ed Burns.

Sims weighed in at 139.6 lbs. Mino was 136 lbs.

Orlando, FL (August 3, 2022) – Junior welterweight rising star Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. will face Christian “Piedrita” Mino in the main event of a Bally Sports Presents: Entrobox Championship Boxing card Sunday, August 21 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.

The card is promoted by Boxlab Promotions in association with American Dream Presents. Tickets from $45 are on sale at Ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 4 pm and the first bout begins at 5.

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Sims Jr.’s outstanding professional record is 17-2-1 with 5 wins coming by knockout. Promoted by GH3 Promotions, Sims Jr. is coming off consecutive victories against unbeaten opponents, handing Elvis Rodriguez (11-0-1) and Keeshawn Williams (8-0-1) their first professional defeats. He also battled top rated contender Montana Love to a draw in 2018.

Representing the fighting city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mino is 22-5-2 with 17 KO’s. The heavy-handed 25-year-old battled various world class foes including Alfredo Santiago, Juan Manuel Lopez, Nestor Bravo and Ruben Torres among others.

Sims Jr.-Mino is scheduled for 10 rounds and is for the WBA Continental junior welterweight championship.

In the co-featured bout of the evening, junior welterweight phenom Orestes “El Tsunami” Velazquez challenges Emiliano Martin Garcia in a ten round contest.

Born and raised in Cuba but now residing in Miami, FL, Velazquez is 4-0 with all of his victories coming by knockout. On May 7, Velazquez stopped former world champion Juan Carlos Salgado in less than two rounds.

Known as “Pac Man,” Garcia is 17-7 as a pro and 13 of his wins came via knockout. Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Garcia’s battled many quality fighters including, Harold Calderon, Nestor Bravo, Otar Eranosyan, Denys Berinchyk and Reynaldo Ojeda.

Blue chip welterweight prospect Kevin Hayler Brown makes his highly anticipated pro debut against former world champion Jose Alfaro in an eight round welterweight matchup.

One of the world’s top amateur boxers, Brown won the Cuban National Championship in 2019 and defeated legendary Roniel Iglesais in the finals. Brown defected Cuba in early 2022 for the opportunity to begin his pro career in the United States.

Hailing from Nagarote, Nicaragua, Alfaro’s fought all over the world against some of boxing’s best. In 2007, Alfaro won the WBA lightweight championship by outpointing Pantan Narongwet in Germany but lost his first title defense against Yusuke Korobi in his native Japan. He’s faced Erik Morales and Humberto Soto in Mexico, Jason Pagara in the Philippines, and Cesar Cuneca in Argentina.

“This is a unique televised boxing card,” said Ron Johnson, CEO of American Dream Presents. “Kenneth Sims Jr. is on a roll and earned his way into contention at 140 pounds. Orestes Velazquez appears to be on the fast track to a world title and seeing an exceptional talent in Kevin Brown not only make his pro debut in an eight rounder but doing so against a former world champion is unheard of!”

The Sims Jr.-Mino, Velazquez-Garcia and Brown-Alfaro bouts will be televised on Bally Sports Network and the Bally Sports app live at 7 PM ET.

Derrick “Diesel” Jackson of Orlando takes on his toughest foe to date when he meets Damian Bonelli of Buenos Aires, Argentina in a six round junior middleweight matchup.

Jackson, 8-0 (4 KO’s), is coming off a second round knockout of Jesus Silva on May 21 at the Caribe Royale and is only 20-years-old.

Bonelli, 24-11 (20 KO’s), most recently dropped a ten round unanimous decision to Yamaguchi Falcao in an entertaining fight seen on Bally Sports Network.

The talent-rich undercard features former US Olympian Antonio Vargas, unbeaten cruiserweight knockout artist Adrian Pinheiro, junior middleweight Jeovanny Estela, super featherweight Malik Warren, super featherweight Dorian Mark Khan Jr. and junior welterweight David Lopez in separate bouts.

Lopez, Khan Jr. and Warren are promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

“On Behalf of the Caribe Royale Hotel and Boxlab Promotions, we’re excited to once again bring championship boxing to Central Florida” said Amaury Piedra, of Boxlab Promotions “The goal is always to provide the best fight night atmosphere and quality bouts for the fans in attendance and those watching on the Bally Sports Network. We’re proud of our association with Entrobox and Bally Sports. We look forward to continuing to growing stars of the present and future.”

A four diamond resort, the Caribe Royale is a 1,388 room resort that provides a luxurious and relaxing experience for guests of all ages. Amenities include a spa, five restaurants, kid’s splashpad and playground, a two-story fitness center and a large outdoor pool featuring a 75 foot waterside. Fully re-imagined and renovated with over $127m in improvements and expansion Caribe Royale is the premier all suite hotel in Orlando.

Vito Milenicki Jr. stopped Nicholas Delomba in the 10th and final round of their welterweight bout.

Mielnicki dominated the fight, and in round 10 landed a hard right that rocked Delomba. Mielnicki hurt Delomba some more with a follow up flurry, and the corner stopped the bout at 1:49.

Mielnicki Jr., 146.4 lbs of Roseland, NJ is 10-1 with seven knockouts. Delomba, 145.4 lbs of Providence, RI is 16-4.

In a rematch, Rajon Chance won a six-round split decision over Elon De Jesus in a featherweight fight.

Chance, 125 lbs of East Orange, NJ won by scores of 59-55 and 58-58 and is now 6-0-1. De Jesus, 123.8 lbs of Dunkirk, NY took a card 58-56 and is now 3-1-1.

Yoelvis Gomez remained perfect with an opening round stoppage over Clay Collard in their six-round super welterweight fight.

Minutes into the fight, Gomez hurt Collard with a hard left. Gomez put Collard on the canvas after landing 12 hard shots. Gomez continued the onslaught that forced a referee stoppage at 2:11.

Gomez, 157.4 lbs of Havana, CUB is 5-0 with five knockouts. Collard, 158.8 lbs of Burley, ID is 9-6-3.

Joey Spencer stopped Limberth Ponce in round six of their eight-round super welterweight fight.

In round six, Spencer landed a hard right that hurt Ponce. Spencer then landed a huge left-right combination that sent Ponce crumbling down over his right leg, and the bout was stopped at 1:24.

Spencer, 156.4 lbs of Lindin, MI is 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Ponce, 155.6 lbs of Acapulco, MEX is 18-5.

Kenneth Sims Jr. won a eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Keshawn Williams in a welterweight bout.

Sims, 145.8 lbs of Chicago, IL won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 17-2-1. Williams, 146.4 lbs of Washington, DC us 8-1-1.

Travon Marshall stopped Brian Jones in round four of their four-round super welterweight fight.

Marshall dominated the fight until the fight was stopped at 2:18 of round three.

Marshall, 149.6 lbs of Landover, MD is 4-0 with three knockouts. Jones, 148.8 lbs of Clarksville, TX is 15-13.

Michael Anderson scored a 3rd round stoppage over Noe Lopez in a scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

In round three, Anderson dropped Lopez with a big right. Seconds later, it was a double-hook that sent Lopez down for the 10-count at 33 seconds.

Anderson, 147 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 22-3-1 with 16 knockouts. Lopez, 146.6 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 10-5-1.

NEWARK, N.J. (December 24, 2021) – Welterweight contender Kenneth Sims Jr. will take on undefeated prospect Keeshawn Williams in an eight-round showdown that tops FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, December 25 as part of a jam-packed Christmas Day lineup from Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The FS1 telecast will begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten super welterweight prospect Travon Marshall (3-0, 2 KOs) in a four/six-round fight against Brian Jones (15-12, 9 KOs), plus a six-round welterweight duel between Newark’s Michael Anderson (21-3-1, 15 KOs) and Mexico’s Noe Lopez (10-4-1, 4 KOs).

Following the FS1 telecast, FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with welterweight prospect and New Jersey-native Vito Mielnicki Jr. taking on Nicholas DeLomba in the 10-round main event. The broadcast will also see sensational unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer battling Mexico’s Limberth Ponce for eight-rounds of middleweight action in the co-main event, plus featherweights Rajon Chance and Elon de Jesus duel in a six-round rematch, and unbeaten super welterweight prospect Yoelvis Gomez faces Clay Collard in a six-round attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.

The 27-year-old Sims (16-2-1, 5 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since a career-best victory in May saw him earn a decision over the previously unbeaten Elvis Rodriguez. A Chicago-native, Sims has won four of his last five fights dating back to a 2018 draw against Montana Love.

Fighting out of his native Washington, D.C., Williams (8-0-1, 2 KOs) will look to close out 2021 with a second victory after defeating Antonio Sanchez by unanimous decision in August. The 24-year-old had previously beaten Gaku Takahashi in January 2020 as part of a seven-bout winning streak dating back to a split-draw in his second pro fight.

The non-televised undercard will also include Malik Nelson (1-0, 1 KO) facing Prince Martin (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round super bantamweight contest. Rounding out the lineup are three fighters making their pro debuts as welterweight Dwyke Flemmings takes on George Gethers (0-2) in a four-round fight, super lightweight Elijah Flores steps in for a four-round attraction against Shannon Hawkins (0-2) and welterweight Vincent Gigante competes in a four-round duel against Robbie Rose (0-1).

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Follow all the action as Josh Taylor and Jose Ramirez meet for the undisputed junior welterweight world title.  The fights begin at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT with two more junior welterweight fights featuring Jose Zepeda battling Hank Lundy; Elvis Rodriguez taking on Kenneth Sims Jr.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED.  THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Good body shot from Taylor..Left to body from Ramirez…Another body shot..Straight left from Taylor..Nice Body shot after Taylor lands a right..

Round 2 Right from Ramirez..Left to body from Taylor…Lead left..Jab…Double jab from Ramirez…Let to the body..Good uppercut

Round 3 Straight rigt and left hook from Ramirez…Right..uppercut..aylor working on the inside..uppercut…Good straight left..Ramirez lands 2 good righs to the body..Left..Combination..

Round 4 Left from Taylor..Body from Ramirez…Left..Straight right..Hard Body shot from Taylor….Ramirez fighting back

Round 5 Taylor cut around the left eye..Body shot from Ramirez….Rights to the body…Lead left from Taylor…

Round 6 BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES RAMIREZ…Left hook from Ramirez….Lead right…Good body shot from Taylor…Good left…

Round 7 Double left hands to body from Ramirez….UPPERERCUT AND DOWN GOES RAMIREZ…

Round 8 Uppercut from Taylor

Round 9 Right from Ramirez…Good right..Taylor gets in a left….Uppercut ..Right from Ramirez

Round 10 Left from Taylor…Hard right from Ramirez..Counter left from Taylor

Round 11 Counter left from Taylor…Ramirez lands a combination on the ropes..

Round 12 Left hook from Ramirez…Left from Taylor…Good right from Ramirez…

114-112 ON ALL CARDS FOR JOSH TAYLOR

Round 1
Round 2 Left t the body from Zepeda…Another…right to the body..Left to body…Left
Round 3 Good left from Lundy
Round 4 Left from Zepeda
Round 5 Left from Zepeda..Good left from Lundy
Round 6 Counter left from Zepeda
Round 7 Right hook from Zepeda…
Round 8 Left from Zepeda
Round 9 Left from Lundy
Round 10 Combination from Zepeda…Right to the body

98-92 on all cards for ZEPEDA

Round 1:
Round 2: Left from Rodriguez..Good right from Sims..Another right
Round 3 Left from Rodriguez
Round 4 Good straight left from Rodriguez…Right from Sims..Jab from Rodriguez
Round 5
Round 6 Left hook from Sims…1-2 from Rodriguez…Right from Sims..Check hook from Rodriguez
Round 7 Sims working on the inside and lands a uppercut,,2 rights…body..Right from Rodriguez..Redness around right eye of Right eye and his bleeding from the mouth
Round 8 Right hook from Rodriguez…Combination

76-76; 78-74 TWICE FOR KENENTH SIMS JR.

LAS VEGAS – No dispute.

Josh Taylor made sure of it, knocking down Jose Ramirez twice enroute to winning all of the pieces to the junior-welterweight title with unanimous decision Saturday night in front of a small crowd at Virgin Hotels and an ESPN audience.

 The judges scored it the same way. It was 114-112 — once, twice, three times — all for Taylor. The margin was only two points, a nod perhaps to Ramirez’ toughness. But the difference between the two was clear, indisputable. There was no argument. No need for a rematch.

Taylor moved toward an even bigger date, perhaps with leading pound-for-pound contender Terence Crawford at a heavier weight, welter. But there were no lingering questions Saturday about who he was. There’s not a better 140-pound fighter on this planet or any other.

“I have been waiting for this moment all my life,’’ he said to a crowd of fellow Scots who chanted his name and waved the Scottish flag.

Taylor (18-0, 13 KOs) seized the moment midway through the fight with all of his advertised guile and power. He had promised to knock out Ramirez (26-1, 12 KOs). But that was the only promise he didn’t keep. He knocked put everything else, including some early doubt.  

Ramirez was first to enter the ring, wearing a robe in bright colors and dark shoes. Taylor followed, clad in Scottish tartan and a waistband in gold. It was a clash of culture. A clash of colors. A clash of styles.

After a couple of days marked by escalating trash talk, they had finally arrived at the moment when they would communicate with hands bound in white gloves and loaded with dark intent.  

Ramirez was the first to strike. For three plus rounds, he moved forward throwing right hand leads with his first step toward Taylor. It appeared to surprise Taylor. For few moments, the Scotsman looked uncertain, even dazed. But he would recover, adjust and mount the fight’s second and third strikes.

Late in the fourth and throughout the fifth, Taylor seemed to regain his footing and eventually the momentum. He imposed his will, if not his superior height on Ramirez, moving forward in much the same way that Ramirez had in the earlier rounds.

In the sixth, Taylor caught, a left-handed counter that landed on Ramirez’ chin and dropped him onto the canvas. In the seventh, Taylor struck again, this time in the split second after referee Kenny Bayless separated them. Bayless stepped back from the break and Taylor fired a left uppercut.

Ramirez was back on the canvas, down for a second time. He got up. But the spring in that first forward step was gone.

Suddenly, Taylor looked bigger.

Looked stronger.

Looked to be in control.

He was.

“We used his aggression against him,’’ Taylor said. “No disrespect. I’ve got nothing but love for Ramirez. This week was no disrespect. It was all part of the mind games to get in his head, to make him more eager to jump in at me and be more aggressive, to use his aggression against him.”

Ramirez wasn’t finished after the knockdowns. He never is. He carried on the fight with the resilience that has been a trademark to his career and his character. In the eleventh, an incoming Ramirez appeared to stun Taylor, who fell into him and then hung onto him. But it wasn’t enough and Taylor knew it. He waved a gloved right hand at the crowd, limited to 750 people by COVID protocol, as he walked to his corner after the eleventh.

One more round, and there would be no dispute.  

“I’ve got nothing but love for Ramirez. This week was no disrespect. It was all part of the mind games to get in his head, to make him more eager to jump in at me and be more aggressive, to use his aggression against him.

“I thought the scorecards were a little tight. I thought they were well wider than that. I wasn’t too happy with the selection of the judges, but I wasn’t going to moan. I was confident in winning this fight anyway.”

Ramirez said, “He took advantage of some of those clinches but, hey, I got back up and tried to give it my best and stay smart. I was never hurt. I was aware. I was just disappointed every time it happened. I tried to shake it off and get back to my rhythm. But it was overall a good fight. Hopefully, I get back and I learn from my mistakes. You win some and you lose some. 

“I felt like I landed some clean shots. It came down to the clinches. He would let his hands go as soon as he got his chance and I think I left it to the referee to do his part and it was a lack of experience on my part.”

Zepeda Decisions Lundy

Jose Zepeda didn’t have much time to celebrate. He won with precise punches. Then, he went back to work as a hopeful observer.

Zepeda (34-2, 26 KOs) kept himself in line for a junior-welterweight title with a unanimous decision, 98–92 on all three cards, over Hank Lundy (31-9-1, 14 KOs) Saturday in the Theater at Virgin Hotels.

Then, he took seat, hopeful for a shot at the winner of the next fight, Jose Ramirez-versus-Josh Taylor for all of the pieces to the 140-pound title. Zepeda, of Long Beach, Calif., looked solid against Lundy, a Philadelphia fighter. For 10 rounds, it was all business for Zepeda, who was coming off a wild Fight of the Year in October when he got up from four knockdowns to knock out Ivan Baranchyk. In 2019, he lost a majority decision to Ramirez.     

Sims Upsets Rodriguez via Majority Decision

The show began with an upset. Kenneth Sims Jr. scored it, opening the ESPN telecast for the Jose Ramirez-Josh Taylor bout with a stunner, a majority decision over junior-welterweight prospect Elvis Rodriquez at Las Vegas’ Virgin Hotels. Rodriguez (11-1-1, 10 KOs), of the Dominican Republic, started strong. But he appeared to tire midway through the eight-rounder. Sims (16-2-1, 5 KOs), began to catch up with him, rocking him with repeated blows and staggering him in the closing moments of a bout that ended with him leading on two cards, 78-74 on each. On the third, it was a draw, 76–76.  

Sims remarked, “I got a baby on the way, so that’s all the extra motivation I needed.” 

Mexican featherweight Jose Vivas overcame two knockdowns and a point reduction for a low blow to score a unanimous, yet narrow decision over Louie Coria of Moreno Valley, Calif. Vivas (21-1, 11 KOs) looked beaten in the third when Coria (12-5, 7 KOs) dropped him twice. But Rivas, a Manny Robles-trained fighter, came roaring back with an aggressive inside attack. Over the next five rounds, Vivas rocked him with repeated body blows. The judges noticed. All three scored it, 75-74, for him in the final fight on the ESPN+ portion of the Ramirez-Taylor card. 

Las Vegas junior-lightweight Andres Cortes (14-0, 7 KOs) relied on aggressiveness in a tough fight to stay unbeaten, scoring a 77-75, 78-74, 75-3 decision over Eduardo Garza (15-4-1, 8 KOs), a Texas fighter who kept it close with body punching throughout eight rounds of the fourth fight on Ramirez-Taylor card.  

Cuban featherweight Robeisy Ramirez (7-1, 4 KOs) combined precision and power to score repeatedly over six rounds for a one-sided decision over Ryan Allen (10-5-1, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas. Allen’s hands-down defense left him wide open for repeated blows from Ramirez throughout the third bout on the Jose Ramirez-Josh Taylor card.  

Raymond Muratalia (12-0 10 KOs), a lightweight from Fontana, Calif.,  had all the advantages. His strength, size and power overwhelmed Jose Gallegos (20-11, 15 KOs) midway through the fifth round of a scheduled eight-rounder. It was over, a TKO, at 1:40 of the round during the second fight on card featuring Jose Ramirez-Josh Taylor at Las Vegas’ Virgin Hotels.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Calvin Metcalf in a scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

In round four, Martinez landed a perfect right hook to the head that sent Metcalf down and out at 1:33.

Martinez, 162.5 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 4-0 with two knockouts. Metcalf, 160.4 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 10-6-1.