Former world champion Heather Hardy won a six-round unanimous decision over Calista Silgado in a lightweight bout in the headline bout at Sony Theater in New York City.

Hardy, 132.8 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 60-54 and 58-56 twice and is now 23-2. Silgado, 130.8 lbs of Colombia is 20-16-3.

Heather Hardy: “Silgado is a veteran who has fought everybody. I expected this kind of fight, and I prepared for it. I had a lot of rust to shake off.

“I’m going to take the weekend to unpack the emotions surrounding the fight. It was lot to digest, being my first one with a new team, my first one since turning 40 and my first one with no kid at home. I have decisions to make moving forward but they can wait until Monday.”

Nadim Salloum stopped previously undefeated Leandro Capozucco in the final scheduled round of their super middleweight bout.

In round six, Salloum landed a hard flurry on a beat down Capozucco and the fight was stopped at 1:30.

Salloum, 167.8 lbs of Brooklyn via Lebanon is 9-1 with four knockouts. Cappozucco, 166.6 lbs of Argentina is 4-1.

Andy Dominguez Velasquez stopped Ricardo Caraballo in the opening round of a scheduled eight-round flyweight bout.

Velasquez dropped Caraballo with a vicious right hand. Caraballo was hurt, and ate a flurry of power punches that put him on the deck and the bout was stopped at 2:36.

Velasquez, 110 lbs of Las Vegas is 8-0 with six knockouts. Caraballo of Florida is 7-2.

Ivan Golub stopped Wesley Tucker at the end of round four of a scheduled 10-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Tucker dropped Golub with a hard counter right hook. In round four, Golub had a dominant round as he landed several flurries of hard punches that rocked Tucker. In between rounds the fight was halted in the comer.

Golub, 150.6 lbs of Brooklyn, NY via Ukraine is 21-1 with 16 knockouts. Tucker, 152 lbs of Toledo, OH is 15-4.

Petros Ananyan stopped Paulo Cesar Galdino in round six of a scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

In round five, Galdino began to bleed from his nose. Ananyan dominated the action and battered a game Galdino until the bout was stopped at

Ananyan, 142 lbs of Los Angeles is 17-3-2 with eight knockouts. Galdino, 140 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 12-6.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ-Mark Magsayo wrestled the WBC Featherweight title with a 12-round majority decision over long-reigning champion Gary Russell Jr. at The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa.

Magsayo started off well by going to the body in an effort to slow down Russell. Seconds into round four, Russell seemed to hurt his right shoulder. That seemed to affect him as he did not use his right hand much for the remainder of the fight. Magsayo continued applying pressure and landing with both hands. Russell was able to win some rounds by landing some sharp lead lefts.

Magsayo boxed with ease with Russell using his speed and the occasional quick left. He was outworked by the challenger who fought like the title was in his grasp.

Magsayo landed 150 of 543 punches; Russell was 69 of 323.

It was as Magsayo won by scores of 115-113 twice and 114-114.

Magsayo, 125.5 lbs of The Philippines is 24-0. Russell, 125.5 lbs of Capitol Heights, Maryland is 31-2.

“This is my dream come true,” said Magsayo. “Ever since I was a kid, this was my dream. I’m so proud that I’m a champion now. Thank you so much to the Filipino fans for the support.”

 “I believe I have a torn tendon in my right shoulder,” said Russell. “I haven’t competed in almost two years. This is what true champions do. I wanted to step into the ring and display my superiority regardless of the injury. “I hurt the shoulder about two weeks ago,” continued Russell. “But I went through with the fight because I’m a true champion and this is what warriors do. I’m going to fight regardless of what the situation is. I refuse to not compete and display my skillsets to my fans and the people that came out to show support and love. Please believe that I will be back. I still want these fights.”

“I knew that he was hurt in round four,” said Magsayo. “I took advantage of it because he was only using one hand. This was my opportunity to follow through. My coach was telling me to use good combinations and follow through. He said this is your chance to become a champion and now I am a champion.”

“I believed in my skillset and what I bring into the ring,” said Russell. “I felt like I still won the fight to be honest. Hell yeah I want a rematch. Would he want a rematch? That’s the question.” “It’s up to my promotional team,” said Magsayo when asked about a potential rematch. “But I’m willing to fight anybody. I’m the champion now!”

Matias Stops Ananyan in Rematch War

Subriel Matias stopped Petros Ananyan in a grueling war after round nine of a scheduled 12-round junior welterweight rematch

The two stood about four inches from each other throughout the fight. Ananyan was cut over his right eye as early as round two. That did not deter Ananyan as every time he ate big combination from Matias, he would fire back with hard combinations of his own, He fought back valiantly and got himself back in the fight.

In round seven, Matias was deducted a point for low blows. That seemed to light a new fire under Matias as he started landing more power shots, and in round nine, landed a huge left that spun Ananyan to the canvas. Ananyan took a lot of punches and the fight was stopped in the corner by the ringside doctor after the round.

Matias, 140.5 lbs of Fajrado, PR is now 18-1 with 18 knockouts. Ananyan, 141 lbs of Armenia is 16-3-2.

“This is the fight that I wanted,” said Matias, who was jubilant in victory following the fast-paced affair. “Ever since my defeat to him, I wanted to avenge the loss. When you’re sure about yourself and you know that you have the skills that you have, you take the rematch.”

“I’m not just a hard-hitter but the way that I fight is like cutting down a tree,” said Matias. “Just keep hitting them. I think I can improve my power but let’s see what happens with time. I want to thank everybody who made this fight possible, but I’m going to take my time before deciding who I will fight next.”

Nyambayar and Lukas Fight to a draw

-Former world title challenger Tugstsogt Nyambayar and late-replacement Sakaria Lukas fought to a 10-round draw in a junior lightweight bout.

Lukas seemed to have knocked Nyambayar in round eight, but referee Eddie Claudio ruled it a slip.

Nyambayar landed 125 of 417 punches; Lukas was 111 of 479.

Each fighter took a card 96-94 and a third card was even at 95-95.

Nyambayar, 128 lbs is now 12-2-1. Lukas, 127.5 lbs of Namibia is 25-1-1.

“What I saw in real time, he fell down not from the impact of the blow but from his body language, he just slipped. His feet went and he slipped,” said Claudio post fight to ringside reporter Jim Gray.

 “I thought I won the fight and I didn’t believe it was a knockdown,” said Nyambayar. “It was a hard fight, especially against an opponent on short notice. My goal is to fight for the world title again.” “Everyone saw it was a knockdown that should have given me a split-decision win,” said Lukas, who endured a 27-hour flight to the U.S. for the bout from his native Namibia. “I fought my heart out and I deserved the win. I took the fight on short notice, but I was ready to win. I believe I won the fight, but I can’t do anything about the decision. We had the fans behind us, they know what happened.”

IN-NON-TELEVISED ACTION

Abimael Ortiz pounded out an eight-round unanimous decision over Ryan Allen in a super bantamweight contest.

In round two, Ortiz dropped Allen with a left-right combination.

Ortiz, 123 lbs of Coyey, PR won by scores of 76-75 on all cards and is now 10-1-1. Allen, 122 lbs of Jackson, MI is 10-6-1.

Leshawn Rodriguez destroyed Sixto Suazo inside of a round in their scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

Rodriguez battered Suazo as he landed several flush shots that snapped the head of Suazo and the fight was stopped at 1:36.

Rodriguez, 156.1 lbs of Coram, NY is 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Suazo, 156.3 lbs of Atlanta, GA is 9-3-1.

Evan Holyfield remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Chris Rollins in a super welterweight fight.

Holyfield, 151,5 lbs of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 9-0. Rollins, 151.5 lbs of Charlottsville, VA is 5-4-1.

In a battle of undefeated featherweights, Katsuma Akitsugi won a six-round unanimous decision over Rasheen Brown.

Akitsugi, 123.5 lbs of Japan won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56 to raise his record to 8-0. Brown, 124 lbs of Philadelphia is 11-1.

Max Garland stopped Marik Black in the 2nd round of their four-round wheelwright bout.

Garland beat up Black until the fight was stopped at 1:44 of round two.

Garland of Washington, DC was making his pro debut. Black of Versailles, KY is 1-1-1.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – December 22, 2021 – WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. will defend his world title and display his blistering hand speed against top contender and WBC mandatory challenger Mark Magsayo headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, January 22 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, N.J.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a 12-round rematch between super lightweight contenders Subriel Matías and Petros Ananyan in the co-main event, plus hard-hitting featherweights Tugstsogt Nyambayar and Vic Pasillas squaring-off in the 10-round telecast opener.

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

“Gary Russell Jr. has been a force in the featherweight division for years with his dazzling skills and will again defend his title against a hungry and powerful up-and-coming opponent when he duels Mark Magsayo live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, January 22,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Magsayo earned this fight with an impressive 10th-round knockout of Julio Ceja in August and he will be looking to show that he’s the future of the 126-pound division, by knocking off the long-reigning featherweight king in Russell, who has proven worthy of his top spot with his five successful title defenses. Combined with two all-action undercard showdowns, this shapes up to be an electric night of boxing in Atlantic City.”

The Capitol Heights, Md., native Russell (31-1, 18 KOs) has held his WBC Featherweight Title since 2015 when he stopped multiple division champion Jhonny Gonzalez to emphatically capture the belt. The 33-year-old is part of one of boxing’s premier fighting families as he is trained by his father Gary Sr., and stays sharp alongside his younger brothers, unbeaten super lightweight Gary Antuanne and undefeated bantamweight Gary Antonio. Russell owns victories over current featherweight titleholder Kiko Martinez via TKO in 2019 and a unanimous decision over former world champion Joseph Diaz Jr. in 2018. Most recently, Russell outpointed the previously unbeaten Tugstsogt Nyambayar on his way to his fifth title defense in February 2020.

“I’m ready and I’ve been waiting to display my talents and get back in the ring,” said Russell. “My opponent is one of Manny Pacquiao’s fighters, who is a legend in the sport and I’m pretty sure has a good eye for talent. I’m sure he signed Magsayo for a reason. I know that I’m facing a guy who’s willing to put it all on the line, with everything to gain and nothing to lose.”

The Filipino sensation Magsayo (23-0, 16 KOs) fights out of Pasig City, Metro Manila and most recently scored a career-best victory in August knocking out former champion Julio Ceja in the 10th round of a fight he trailed on the scorecards. The 26-year-old fights in the U.S. for the sixth time on January 22 as he steps into his first shot at championship gold. Magsayo is trained by Freddie Roach in Southern California and owns 12-round decision victories over Shoto Hayashi and Ramiro Robles, in addition to a sixth-round stoppage of former title challenger Chris Avalos.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME for the WBC world title,” said Magsayo. “This is the fight that I want and have been working hard to get for years. I am going to come to win and to make the most of this chance. There is a reason Gary is a champion, just like there is a reason I became the mandatory challenger. This is going to be a great fight for me to show the world what Filipinos are made of. I’ve had a long road to get to this position and I will be fighting in honor of everyone who helped me get here.”

Matías (17-1, 17 KOs) will look to avenge his only career loss, which came by narrow decision to Ananyan in 2020, when he enters the ring on January 22. Fighting out of his native Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Matías has rebounded from the defeat to score back-to-back impressive victories on SHOWTIME. He stopped the previously unbeaten Malik Hawkins in October 2020 in the sixth round and forced the previously unbeaten Batyrzhan Jukembayev to quit after eight rounds in their May clash. Matías stopped his first 15 opponents inside of the distance and has still yet to go to a decision in a victory.

“Everyone who knows me knows how much I wanted this rematch,” said Matías. “I’m very excited that I’m now getting that opportunity. That defeat slowed me down, but it was necessary for me to get to where I ultimately want to be. If I don’t beat Ananyan in this rematch, then I don’t deserve to be champion yet.”

The 33-year-old, Ananyan (16-2-2, 7 KOs) made his U.S. debut in December 2019, losing a narrow majority decision against Kareem Martin after defeating Arkadi Harutyunyan in April 2019. Born in Abovyan, Armenia and training in Southern California, Ananyan was unbeaten in his first 15 fights after turning pro in 2015. Ananyan followed up his career-best triumph over Matías by defeating Daniel Gonzalez in October via decision to set up this rematch on January 22.

“I want to thank my team for getting me this opportunity to showcase my skills on national television and to prove that my victory over Subriel Matías last year was no fluke,” said Ananyan. “Like our first fight, the rematch will be a barnburner. I am back training in the United States, getting great sparring in camp and I feel very confident. Come January 22, I will defeat Matias once again.”

Nyambayar (12-2, 9 KOs) won a silver medal representing his native Mongolia in the 2012 Olympics and now lives in Southern California, where he’s trained by John Pullman. The 29-year-old ascended the featherweight rankings after his extensive amateur career with victories over then unbeaten Harmonito Dela Torre and former interim champion Oscar Escandon. He earned his first world title shot when he defeated former champion Claudio Marrero in January 2019, before dropping his championship bout against Russell on SHOWTIME. Nyambayar returns to the featherweight division after challenging top 130-pounder Chris Colbert in a July contest he lost by decision.

“This is a great opportunity for me on January 22,” said Nyambayar. “I am prepared and excited to get back into the ring. This is going to be a great show from top to bottom, and I’m looking to deliver another great fight for the fans. This is going to be a battle from the first bell and I am confident I will come out victorious.”

Pasillas (16-1, 8 KOs), who hails from East Los Angeles, will return to action looking to bounce back from his first career defeat at the hands of Ra’eese Aleem in January on SHOWTIME. Pasillas will move back to featherweight on January 22, where he most recently scored a dominating sixth-round knockout over then-unbeaten Ranfis Encarnacion in September 2020. Pasillas possesses impressive power and was riding a six-fight knockout streak into the bout with Aleem.

“I have redemption on my mind and I’m ready to bounce back with a stellar performance when I step in the ring with Nyambayar,” said Pasillas. “My best performances have been at featherweight and I am much stronger at this weight. I’m very happy that my team was able to provide me with this opportunity. Everyone will see the difference in this fight. I’m hungrier and stronger now than ever before.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Cletus Seldin scored a vicious 7th round stoppage over William Silva in a scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

In round seven, Seldin unleashed a perfect overhand right to the chin and another straight right put Silva down and out at 24 seconds.

Seldin, 139.1 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 26-1 with 22 knockouts. Silva, 139 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 28-4.

Said a euphoric Seldin after the victory, “This was the hardest training in my life. Just a year ago I was sleeping on the floor, after three cancellations of a fight.  I am 100% giving myself an A+ on this, for all the hard work and determination I had to get here.”

 “We always went for body, head, body, head, and coming up with the right hand. If you go back and look at what my trainer said for that round, he said, ‘two jabs and throw a short overhand right.’ He wasn’t getting up after I landed those two big right hands.”

“The distance was close and I was able to land them. I went for the home run on that right-hand combination and got the knockout.”

Ananyan Decisions Gonzalez

Petros Ananyan won a 10-round majority decision over Daniel Gonzalez in a super lightweight contest.

In round four, Gonzalez began to bleed from his nose. That fight featured terrific back and forth action with the difference being the 9th round where Ananyan battered the bloody face of Gonzalez.

Ananyan landed 106 of 415 punches; Gonzalez was 103 of 442.

Ananyan, 139.4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95 and is now 16-2-2. Gonzalez, 138.6 lbs of Woodhaven, NY is 20-3-1.

“This was a tough fight but I’m very happy with my performance. I’m ready now for better competition and look forward to bigger fights in the near future,” said Ananyan after the victory.

Madera stops Najmitdonov after five

Will Madera spoiked the American debut of Jamshidbek Najmitdinov after round five of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight fight.

In round four, The nose of Najmitdinov began to bleed. Najmitdinov also hurt his left arm, and the fight was halted after the round five because of those injuries.

Madera, 139.4 lbs of Albany, NY is now 17-1-3 with 10 knockouts. Najmitdinov, 139.8 lbs of Tashkent, UZB is 17-2.

“This was a tough fight against a strong guy,” said Madera. “I knew I was hurting him, he was shaking his head no but that usually means yet. He was getting tired from my body shots and I could hear him grunting after each one.”

Francis Decisions Roman

In a battle of undefeated super welterweight, Cesar Francis won an eight-round unanimous decision over Jose Roman.

In round four, Francis dropped Roman with a body shot.

Francis landed 71 of 320 punches; Roman was 62 of 273.

Francis, 144.4 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 79-72 and 78-73 twice and is now 9-0. Roman. 145.4 lbs of Bayamon, PR is 11-1.

Brooklyn, New York (October 15, 2021)

Tomorrow’s Triller Fight Club fight card tipped the scales today at the Sheraton Brooklyn on the eve of an action packed night of fights at the Barclays Center.

In the 10-round NABA Super Lightweight title fight, CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (25-1 21KO’S) weighed in at 139.4 lbs. Challenging Seldin for the title is Brazilian, WILLIAM “BABY FACE” SILVA (28-3 16KO’s) who weighed in at 139 lbs.

In the 10-round WBA Continental America’s title fight, DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ tipped the scale at 138.6 lbs, while his opponent, PETROS ANANYAN weighed in at 139.4 lbs.

Tickets can be purchased at TrillerFightClub.com. The Seldin-Silva & Gonzalez-Ananyan slugfest is promoted by Triller Fight Club, DiBella Entertainment and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

New York, New York (October 12, 2021)

Brooklyn is buzzing with boxing’s return to the Barclays Center on Saturday night (10/16) as CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (Shirley, NY, 25-1, 21KO’s) defends his NABA Super Lightweight Championship against challenger and stablemate, WILLIAM “BABY FACE” SILVA (Sao Paulo, Brazil, 28-3, 16KO’s) at Triller Fight Club.

The stakes of the previously announced co-main event between Queens native, DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ (Woodhaven, NY, 20-2-1, 7KO’s) and Armenian born Russian Brooklynite, PETROS ANANYAN (Brooklyn, NY, 15-2-2, 7KO’s) have been raised, as Star Boxing is pleased to announce that this 10-round super lightweight showdown will now be for the vacant WBA Continental America’s Super Lightweight Championship.

To Gonzalez, the belt adds to an already massive opportunity, “I’m so excited to fight for this belt. I’m truly blessed. I want to thank my promoter JOE DEGUARDIA for getting me these epic opportunities. I am ready to put it all on the line on Saturday night. I’m taking this home!”

A victory not only secures a WBA Continental America’s Title but is a ticket into the upper echelon of the super lightweight division. Both Gonzalez and Ananyan understand what is at stake come Saturday night, it only remains to be seen who will execute and seize such a monumental opportunity.

Tickets can be purchased at TrillerFightClub.com. The Seldin-Silva & Gonzalez-Ananyan slugfest is promoted by Triller Fight Club, DiBella Entertainment and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

PREVIOUS RELEASES:
TRILLER FIGHT CLUB TO FEATURE SELDIN-SILVA, GONZALEZ-ANANYAN 10/16

UPCOMING EVENTS:

TRILLER FIGHT CLUB PRESENTS: TRILLERVERZ III
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16
BARCLAYS CENTER, BROOKLYN, NY

CLETUS SELDIN vs WILLIAM SILVA DANNY GONZALEZ vs PETROS ANANYAN

TICKETS HERE

STAR BOXING PRESENTS:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 40
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11
THE PARAMOUNT, HUNTINGTON, NY

Rockin’ Fights returns for its 40th edition at The Paramount for an electric Thursday night fights on Long Island!

TICKETS HERE

STAR BOXING ARCHIVES:
Rockin’ Fights 38: Cletus Seldin vs Luis Flores NABA Title Bout
Rockin’ Fights 35: Danny “El Gallo” Gonzalez vs Jerome “Conqueror” Conquest

New York, NY (May 29, 2021) – World ranked junior welterweight contender Petros Ananyan (15-2-2, 7 KOs) is back in the United States, training in Los Angeles, CA, and wants to take on the best in his division, including a rematch against Subriel Matias, who he defeated in 2020.

Currently ranked #14 by the IBF and #15 by the WBC, Ananyan defeated the previously unbeaten, highly ranked knockout artist Matias on February 22, 2020, on the undercard of Wilder-Fury II. For over six exciting rounds, the two adversaries stood shoulder-to-shoulder trading furious combinations, until Ananyan hurt and staggered Matias into the ropes for a knockdown call in the seventh frame. Ananyan dominated the remainder of the contest to secure the win. Going into the bout, Matias was rated #2 by the IBF, #3 by the WBC, and #10 by the WBO.

“Last year, I came to Las Vegas from Moscow on short notice to take on the highly ranked Subriel Matias and I beat him. I proved that I belong among the best junior welterweights in the world,” said Ananyan.

“It was very tough for me having to sit out and not fight right after the biggest win of my career, with the onset of the pandemic. I gave Matias his first loss, almost knocking him out, and now he is fighting in a semifinal eliminator for the IBF title at 140 pounds. I don’t believe that is right. In a recent interview, Matias called me a lizard and said that he was a shark. If you watch our fight, that is ridiculous. It would give me great pleasure to defeat him again.

“I am back in the United States, training in Los Angeles with my chief coach Levi Melamed, and I want to take on the top fighters at my weight. Josh Taylor, Adrien Broner, Regis Prograis, Jose Zepeda, I want them all. I know that my promoter, Lou DiBella, is planning my next fight and I cannot wait to get back into the ring.”

“The 140-pound division has a lot of talent and more moving toward it. Ananyan is one of the best junior welterweights in the world and he deserves an opportunity to fight the best,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He’ll be back in the ring in July to shake off the rust and then he wants to take on the biggest challenges available. Petros also has unfinished business with Matias, who he’ll defeat again in a rematch.”

Ananyan turned pro in 2015 and won the IBF International junior welterweight title in 2017. Born in Armenia and raised in Russia, Ananyan began boxing at the age of 11. Over the next 15 years, he compiled an amateur record of 220-60, while winning the Moscow Championships in 2007, securing a bronze cup at the Cup of Russia Tournament in 2008, and making it to the finals of the 2014 AIBA Open Championships in China.

During that time, Ananyan also served in the military and attended University. While completing a two-year stint in the Russian Army, Ananyan won the Championship of the Armed Forces Boxing Tournament in 2010. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism in 2013.

New York, NY (09/29/20) – DiBella Entertainment has signed super lightweight contender Petros Ananyan (15-2-2, 7 KOs) to an exclusive promotional agreement.

Ananyan is coming off of an impressive victory against previously unbeaten knockout artist Subriel Matias on February 22, in Las Vegas, as part of the undercard to the Wilder-Fury heavyweight championship rematch. For over six exciting rounds, the two adversaries stood shoulder-to-shoulder trading furious combinations, until Ananyan hurt and staggered Matias into the ropes for a knockdown call in the seventh frame. Ananyan dominated the remainder of the contest to earn a unanimous decision. Going into the bout, Matias was rated #2 by the IBF, #3 by the WBC, and #10 by the WBO.

Born in Armenia and raised in Russia, Ananyan began boxing at the age of 11. Over the next 15 years, he compiled an amateur record of 220-60, while winning the Moscow Championships in 2007, securing a bronze cup at the Cup of Russia Tournament in 2008, and making it to the finals of the 2014 AIBA Open Championships in China.

During that time, Ananyan also served in the military and attended University. While completing a two-year stint in the Russian Army, Ananyan competed in and won the Championship of the Armed Forces Boxing Tournament in 2010. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism in 2013.

Ananyan, who captured the IBF International junior welterweight title in 2017, is currently training in Los Angeles, CA, but primarily lives in Russia with his wife and two children. His Russian trainer, Vely Melamed, has been in Ananyan’s corner for most of his pro career.

“Lou DiBella is one of the best promoters in the world and I’m happy to team up with him,” said Ananyan. “I know that, with DiBella Entertainment, I can achieve my dream of becoming a world champion. I am hungry, determined and eager to prove that I am one of the best super lightweights in the world.”

“I’m thrilled to sign Petros Ananyan to DiBella Entertainment,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Petros’ win against Matias showed me that he has the talent to compete with the top contenders of the super lightweight division. I will work hard to provide Petros with the opportunities to move toward a world title shot.”

“I first met Lou DiBella in Moscow at a sanctioning body’s annual convention in 2003 and we’ve been friends ever since,” said Ananyan’s manager, Edouard Goumachian. “I’ve worked with him on many of my fighters’ careers and I am excited for Ananyan’s future with DiBella Entertainment’s guidance.”

LAS VEGAS–Tyson Fury was spectacular in wearing down, beating down and eventually stopping Deontay Wilder to win the WBC Heavyweight title at the MGM Grand.

Fury was the aggressor and used his 42 pound size advantage to dictate the entire bout that had Wilder showing little resistance.

Fury sent Wilder to the canvas in round three when he landed a cuffing right to the ear. After that, Wilder seemed to lose his energy as the Fury continued to wear Wilder down. The punch the that sent Wilder down also caused bleeding out the right ear of Wilder. In round five, Fury dropped Wilder again, this time it was a body shot. Fury continued to land thudding shots and Wilder kept looking worse with each landed Fury punch.

After looking bad in the corner in between round’s six and seven, Fury came and landed two booming right hand that had referee Kenny Bayless and the corner of Wilder throwing in the towel simultaneously at 1:39.

Fury, 273 lbs of Winslow, UK is now 30-0-1 with 21 knockouts. Wilder, 231 lbs of Tuscaloosa, AL is 42-1-1.

TYSON FURY:

“A big shout out to Deontay Wilder. He came here tonight and he manned up and he really did show the heart of a champion.

“I hit him with a clean right that dropped him and he got back up. He is a warrior. He will be back. He will be champion again.

“But I will say, the king has returned to the top of the throne!”

DEONTAY WILDER:

“I’m doing good. Things like this happen. The best man won tonight, but my corner threw in the towel and I was ready to go out on my shield. I had a lot of things going on heading into this fight. It is what it is, but I make no excuses tonight. I just wish my corner would have let me go out on my shield. I’m a warrior. He had a great performance and we will be back stronger.”

“Even the greatest have lost and came back, that is just part of it. You just take it for what it is. I can make no excuses tonight. I had a lot of complications. But we’ll come back stronger next time around. This is what big-time boxing is all about, the best must fight the best. I appreciate all the fans that came out and supported the show, and I hope that everyone gets home safely.”

Former Heavyweight champion Charles Martin scored a one-punch knockout over former world title challenger challenger in round six of their scheduled 12-round elimination bout.

The bout was void of action until Martin landed a booming left that sent Washington to the canvas. Washington got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:57.

Martin, 254 lbs of Carson, CA is 28-2-1 with 25 knockouts. Washington, 236 1/2 lbs of Vallejo, CA is 20-4-1.

CHARLES MARTIN

“I knew that I had him hurt a few times in the fight. Every round I think I hurt him, but I just couldn’t finish him. I knew that I had to take my time in there. It took me some rounds to catch up with him, because he’s very quick on the retreat.

“This win means a lot. It shows that I’ve been working hard. The people can see it. I was never hurt at any point. This has just given me more confidence in myself. I can take the punches and give the punches.”

GERALD WASHINGTON

“The referee did what he thought was right. He’s a top notch ref so I won’t complain about the stoppage. He put me down and I got up, so I definitely wanted to get back to it.”

Emanuel Navarrete stopped Jeo Santisima in round 11 to retain the WBO Super Bantamweight title.

Navarrete dominated the action and finally was able to get Santisima out there with a brutal 11 punch flurry at 2:20 of round 11.

Navarrete, 122 lbs of Mexico City is 31-1 with 27 knockouts. Santisima, 122 lbs of the Philippines is 19-3.

Sebastian Fundora won a 10-round unanimous decision over Daniel Lewis in a junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Fundora began to bleed from the nose

Fundora, 153 1/2 lbs of Cochella, CA won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-94 and is now 14-0-1. Lewis, 153 lbs of Sydney, AUS is 6-1.

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“I think it was a fair decision and a good fight. There were a lot of hard punches. I knew he would be tough. When they told me I was fighting an Olympian, I knew it would be a tough fight. He probably had more experience than me, but we prepared the right way and got the win.

“I always want to use my height and my physical gifts, but it just depends on the fight. If the situation changes, we have to be ready to adapt.

“Whether we’re fighting on the inside or the outside, I always want to be the busier fighter. The more punches you throw, the more you’re going to land. It’s the way I like to fight.

“I’ll have to talk to my team, but I want to keep facing the best competition possible and continue to grow in the sport.”

Javier Molina won an eight-round unanimous decision over Amir Imam in a junior welterweight bout.

Molina, 141 1/2 lbs of Norwalk, CA won by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice and is now 22-2. Imam, 141 1/2 lbs of Albany, NY is 21-3.

Petros Ananyan won an upset 10-round unanimous decision over previosuly undefeated knockout artist Subriel Matias in a junior welterweight bout.

In round seven, Ananyan landed some booming shots that hurt Matias and drove him back to the ropes. Matias seemed out on his feet and for some reason referee Robert Byrd administered an eight-count.

That was the difference in the fight as Matias won by scores of 96-93 and 95-94 twice for Ananyan, 142 lbs of Brooklyn, NY and is now 15-2-2. Matias, 142, Fajardo, PR is 15-1.

Gabriel Flores Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous over Matt Conway in a junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Flores dropped Conway with an overhand right. In round two, Conway started to swell around his right eye.

Flores, 132 1/2 lbs of Stockton, CA won by scores of 80-71 twice and 79-72, and is now 16-0. Conway, 132 1/2 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA is 17-2.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Corey Champion in a welterweight bout.

In round one, Mielnicki dropped Champion with a flush counter right. In round four, Champion was bleeding from his nose.

Mielnicki, 147 lbs of Roseland, NJ won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 5-0. Champion, 147 lbs of Louisa, VA is 1-3.

In a foul fest 10 featherweight fight, Isaac Lowe won a unanimous decision over Alberto Guevara.

In round four, Guevara was deducted a point for hitting on the break. Low was deducted apoint for hitting on the break and then another one for throwing Guevara down.

In round five, Lowe was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. In round six, Guevara was deducted for hitting on the break. Lowe was deducted another point in the round for hitting on the break. In round eight, Lowe dropped Guevara with a left hook.

Lowe, 125 1/2 lbs of Morecambe, UK won by scores of 96-87 twice and 95-88 and is now 20-0-3. Guevara, 126 lbs of Mazatlan, MEX is 27-6.

Rolando Romero stopped Arturs Ahmetovs in round two of a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

Romero dropped Ahmetovs twice and the fight was stopped at 1:22 of round two.

Romero, 137 lbs of Las Vegas is 11-0 with 10 knockouts. Ahmetovs, 136 lbs of Delray Beach, FL is 5-1