BROOKLYN (February 13, 2025) – Former International Boxing Federation(IBF) Lightweight World Champion Richard “RC” Commey (30-5-1, 27 KOs) returns to the ring after a two-year absence on Sunday, February 23^rd, fighting on “The Return” card, presented by World Kid Promotions, to be streamed on www.bxngtv.com live from Kings Theater in Brooklyn.

Commey joins another former world champion,  Brooklyn junior middleweight Sadam “World Kid” Ali (27-3, 14 KOs), who returns to the ring after a 5 ½ years absence from the ring in the eight-round main event against Vicoriano Antonio Santillan (13-7-2, 8 KOs), the former International Boxing Organization (IBO) Welterweight Champion.

Their friendship is critical in terms of Commey’s return and they’re doing it together.

“I have a great relationship with Sadam,” Commey explained. “I was training in his gym when I wasn’t world champ and I’m still training there. I stayed in camp with him when he became world champion. We are very good friends – like family – especially when we talk about boxing.”

A former World Boxing Organization (WBO) and 2008 U.S. Olympian, Ali’s company, World Kid, is promoting this event, its first since 2012, which was also held in Brooklyn.  Ali captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Middleweight World title in 2017, upsetting Miquel Cotto (41-5) at the famed Madison Square Garden.

Ghana-native Commey, who fights out of The Bronx, faces an opponent to be finalized in an eight-round welterweight bout. The 37-year-old Commey captured the vacant IBF crown on February 2, 2019, when he stopped Isa Chaniev (13-1) in the second round. Three-and-one-half months later, Commey successfully defended his title with an eighth-round stoppage of Raymundo Beltran (36-8-1).

Commey was idle for the last two years because of life and managerial issues that are now resolved. He’s returning to the ring, not for a one-and-done fight, but for a final career run.

“I had to clear my mind,” Commey talked about his situation that kept him out of the ring. “This is the first of many fights to follow, but I still have to look at my performance that will tell me about upcoming fights.”

The co-featured event will spotlight a YouTube sensation, East Meadow (NY) junior welterweight Adam Saleh (1-0-1, 0 KOs), who is supported by his nearly 5-million subscribers, in a four-round match against TBA.

Undefeated Brooklyn bantamweight prospect Khalid Twaiti (14-0, 5 KOs), runner-up in the 2015 USA National Championships, is coming off his first 10-round fight last October, in which he won by way of a dominant unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91, 98-91) over Emmanuel Rodriguez (15-1) in Newark, New Jersey.

Other fighters on the undercard include Brooklyn junior lightweight “Speedy” Chiara Dituri (9-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round match, as well as pro-debuting New York City junior middleweight Jahanze Riswan, and pro-debuting light heavyweight Mike Boyle, who is a Yonkers (NY) firefighter, in a pair of four-rounders.

Card subject to change.

_______________________________________________________________________ 

OPEN FIGHTER WORKOUTS

Ali, Saleh, Commey, Twaitti, Rizwan, Dituri and Boyle will hold open workouts – media and public welcome – on Tuesday, Feb. 18 (between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. ET), at Sadam Ali Boxing Gym, located at 468 Halsey Street in Brooklyn.

Ticket prices range between $43.00 and $206.00 and are available for purchase online at https://www.kingstheatre.com/events/sadam-ali/.

Doors open at 3 p.m. ET with the first bout at 4 p.m. ET.

(BROOKLYN (January 14, 2025) — A pair of past world champions, Sadam “World Kid” Ali (27-3, 14 KOs) and Richard “RC” Commey (30-5-1, 27 KOs), will start their comebacks on Sunday, February 23, on an entertaining card, “The Return,” presented by Ali’s World Kid Promotions.

All the action will be streamed on www.bxngtv.com live from Kings Theater in Brooklyn. Ticket prices range between $289.00 and $59.00 and are available for purchase online at https://www.kingstheatre.com/events/sadam-ali/.

Ali, 36, hasn’t fought in 5 ½ years, and his company’s last promotion was in 2012, also in Brooklyn. A 2008 U.S. Olympian, Ali captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Middleweight World title in 2017, upsetting then future Hall-of-Famer Miquel Cotto (41-5) at the famed Madison Square Garden.

This fight is not a one-and-done for Ali, who is making a full comeback, starting Feb. 23.

“I took a little time off from boxing,” Ali explained, “A break from something I’ve done my entire life. I was a 2008 Olympian and World Champion for a reason. I’m all in. I got the itch. I’m excited and ready to go. My comeback will be step by step to get some rust off. I know I can do it, and I will. It’s time to go!

“I’m excited to be promoting again. We have a great card. Khalid Twaiti is an undefeated fighter, 14-0, Adam Saleh is a popular YouTuber fighting as a pro and, of course, Richard Commey. I’m ready to promote again and all these fighters are going to put on a show.”

Ghana-native Commey, who fights out of The Bronx, was the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Lightweight Champion during 2019, after he stopped Isa Chaniev (13-1) in the second round of their title fight. The 36-year-old Commey, who has been inactive for nearly two years, will be fighting in an eight-round bout. 

Also slated to fight Feb. 23 is undefeated Brooklyn bantamweight Khalid Twaiti (14-0, 5 KOs), who was runner-up in the 2015 USA National Championships. Twaiti is coming off his first 10-round fight, which he won by way of a dominant 10-round unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91, 98-91) over Emmanuel Rodriguez (15-1) last October in Newark, New Jersey.

YouTube sensation, lightweight Adam Saleh (1-0-1, 0 KOs), will be in this third four-round pro fight, supported by his nearly 5-million subscribers.

Complete bouts will soon be released. Card subject to change.

Doors open at 3 p.m. ET with the first bout at 4 p.m. ET.

In a battle of former world champions, Jose Ramirez stopped Richard Commey in round 11 of a scheduled to 12-round junior welterweight bout in front of nearly 15,000 fans at The Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

In round 11, Ramirez dropped Commey with an uppercut. Later in round, it was a body that put Commey to his knees at 2:31.

Ramirez, 140 lbs of Avenal, CA is 28-1 with 18 knockouts. Commey, 140 lbs of Accra, GHA 30-5-1.

Estrada Decisions Rupprecht To Unify Strawweight Titles

Seniesa Estrada scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Tina Rupprecht to unify the WBA and WBC Strawweight titles.

Estrada, 104.2 lbs of East Los Angeles won by scored of 100-90 on all cards and is now 24-0. Rupprecht, 104.8 lbs of Augsburg, GER is 12-1-1.

Mireles win Split-Decision over Mailata

6’9″ heavyweight Antonio Mireles picked him self off the deck to win a six-round split decision over Patrick Mailata

In round three, Mailata landed a short right that wobbled and eventually sent the big Mireles to the canvas. Mireles took four-rounds on two cards as he on by scores of 57-56 twice and Mailata took a card 57-56.

Mireles, 265.4 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 7-0. Mailata, 321.4 lbs of Apia, SAM is 6-2.

Raymond Muratalla stopped Humberto Galindo in round nine of their 10-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Galindo dropped Muratalla with a right hand. In round four, Muratalla dropped Galindo with a left to the liver.

In round nine, Muraralla dropped Galindo with a body shot combination that made Galindo stay on his knee for the 10-count at 2:46.

Muratalla, 136.6 lbs of Fontana, CA is 17-0 with 14 knockouts. Galindo, 136 lbs of Riverside, CA is 14-3-1.

Charlie Sheehy remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Angel Rebollar in a lightweight bout.

In round six, Sheehy was cut on the left eyelid from an accidental headbutt.

Sheehy, 134.8 lbs of Brisbane, CA won by scores of 60-54 and 58-56 twice is now 6-0. Rebollar, 133.4 lbs of Los Angeles is 6-2.

Jessie James Guerrero and Eduardo Alvarez battled to a four-round majority draw in a light flyweight bout.

In round two, Guerrero was cut over the right eye from an accidental headbutt.

Scores were 40-36 for Guerrero and 38-38 twice. Guerrero, 109 lbs of Gilroy, CA is the nephew of former world champion Robert Guerrero is 3-0-2. Alvarez, 108.6 lbs of Maywood, CA is 0-2-1.

Ricardo Ruvalcaba stopped Marco Antonio Cardenas in round one of their scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

Ruvalcaba dropped Cardenas with a step around body shot, and the fight was stopped at 2:59 of round one.

Ruvalcaba, 140.8 lbs of Ventura, CA is 8-0-1 with seven knockouts. Cardenas, 140.4 lbs of Salem, OR is 9-8-1.

Subara Murata scored a first round stoppage over Jose Negrete in a scheduled four-round junior featherweight bout.

In round one, Murata dropped Negrete with a straight left to the chin. Negrete got to his feet, but he was wobbling all over the place and the fight was stopped.

Murata, 121.8 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is 4-0 with four knockouts. Negrete, 121.4 lbs of Hartford, CA is 2-2.

    •  Jose Ramirez 140 lbs. vs. Richard Commey 140 lbs
(WBC Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator — 12 Rounds)

   •   Seniesa Estrada 104.2 lbs vs. Tina Rupprecht 104.8 lbs
(WBA, WBC & Ring Magazine Minimumweight World Titles — 10 Rounds)

•  Antonio Mireles 265.4 lbs vs. Patrick Mailata 321.4 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

•    Raymond Muratalla 136.6 lbs vs. Humberto Galindo 136 lbs
 (Lightweight— 10 Rounds)

•  Charlie Sheehy 134.8 lbs vs. Angel Rebollar 133.4 lbs
 (Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Jessie James Guerrero 109 lbs vs. Eduardo Alvarez 108.6 lbs
 (Light Flyweight — 4 Rounds)

•  Ricardo Ruvalcaba 140.8 lbs vs. Marco Antonio Cardenas 140.4 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Subaru Murata 121.6 lbs vs. Jose Negrete 121.4 lbs
 (Junior Featherweight — 4 Rounds)

FRESNO, Calif. (March 23, 2023) – Top Rank on ESPN will deliver another action-packed tripleheader this Saturday at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. 

In the main event, former unified world champion Jose Ramirez (27-1, 17 KOs) takes on former lightweight world champion Richard “RC” Commey (30-4-1, 27 KOs) in a 12-round junior welterweight showdown. 
 
In the co-feature, WBA minimumweight world champion Seniesa Estrada (23-0, 9 KOs) will face WBC champion Tina Rupprecht (12-0-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round unification fight that will also crown a Ring Magazine queen. In the six-round heavyweight ESPN-televised opener, Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (6-0, 6 KOs) battles Patrick Mailata (6-1, 3 KOs).
 
Ramirez-Commey, Estrada-Rupprecht and Mireles-Mailata will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets starting at $29 are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.
 
At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Jose Ramirez 
 
“It’s always an honor for me to fight here in Fresno in front of the people who saw me grow up as a fighter. I hope to go out there on Saturday to showcase my talent in front of the people who love me the most.”
 
“I’ve experienced being at the top with people praising me and me being ranked at No. 1. Then, I became unified world champion when I beat Maurice Hooker. Then, all of a sudden after one loss, people started to walk away from that. But I’m just blessed that I have a beautiful family, a beautiful team, and a wonderful promotional company. That’s all I need. So, I found myself, and I realized who I am. I feel like I’m ready to show that lion that we all saw before I started getting distracted with some of the stuff that comes with being at the top. Now it’s time for me to work.”
 
“We’re focused on Richard Commey. This is a fight that is going to deliver a lot of excitement on Saturday.”
 
Richard Commey
 
“I’m always excited to get back in the ring. This is what I do. It’s going to be an interesting fight on Saturday. I really want to become a two-time world champion, so I’m coming strong this Saturday.”
 
“Like Ramirez said, he’s got the ‘fire’ back in him. So, I think he really wants to get back to the top. Just like me.”
 
“It’s always good to represent people, especially when those people don’t have a lot of eyes on them. So, to be the focal point and represent them is an amazing feeling.”
 
Seniesa Estrada 
 
“I’m so excited. This is the moment that I’ve dreamed of since I was seven years old. It’s crazy to think about how far I’ve come in this sport and how far this sport has come for women. Who would have thought that a little girl from East L.A. would be unifying titles on ESPN? It’s insane to think about how far I’ve come, and I’m just happy to represent all women in sport on Saturday night.”
 
“I expect Rupprecht to come in there at 100%. I expect her to go in there to win. She’s coming to win. She’s a good fighter. She’s a tough fighter. But I know that I’m different. I’m special, and I’m going to show that on Saturday.”
 
“I’ve been wanting to make the fight against Yokasta Valle. But this is the first step in making that fight happen. I have to beat Tina to fight Valle for the undisputed championship.”
 
Tina Rupprecht
 
“I’m very happy to be here. I’m happy to have my first fight in the U.S. I’m excited, and I’m ready to fight. It’s a big honor to fight for both titles. This is always what I wanted. And on Saturday you will see the best version of Tina.”
 
“Of course, I have watched her fight. But I’m not the kind of fighter who only focuses only on the opponent’s style. I also focus on myself. You will see on Saturday.”
 
Antonio Mireles
 
“I’m very excited. I knew this would happen. I just didn’t know it would happen now. It’s going to be nice to finally fight in front of a packed crowd on ESPN. It’s crazy that it’s been over a year since I turned pro. It shows how fast time goes by. But compared to where I was last year, I just feel like a completely different fighter. I’ve improved so much. But, I’m also more confident in my abilities.”

Raymond Muratalla
 
“I’m excited to be here. It’s my first time fighting in Fresno. I’m excited to be on the undercard of Jose Ramirez. I can’t wait. Each fight, I’m getting better and better. You’re going to see me go crazy. I’m just so ambitious. I’m just working hard. And I’m just really trying to stop these opponents.”
 

Saturday, March 25

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

Jose Ramirez vs. Richard Commey, 12 rounds, WBC Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator

Antonio Mireles vs. Patrick Mailata, 6 rounds, Heavyweight
 

ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

Raymond Muratalla vs. Humberto Galindo, 10 rounds, Lightweight

Charlie Sheehy vs. Angel Rebollar, 6 rounds, Lightweight
 
Jessie James Guerrero vs. Eduardo Alvarez, 4 rounds, Light Flyweight
 
Ricardo Ruvalcaba vs. Marco Cardenas, 6 rounds, Junior Welterweight
 
Subaru Murata vs. Jose Negrete, 4 rounds, Junior Featherweight

Top Rank presented by Autozone will be live this Saturday, March 25, at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+.  The triple-header features a junior welterweight showdown, a minimumweight title unification fight, and a six-round heavyweight clash. The event takes place at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

In the 12-round junior welterweight main event, former unified 140-pound world champion José Ramírez (27-1,17 KOs) from Avenal, California will meet former lightweight world champion Richard “RC” Commey (30-4-1, 27 KOs).  Following his 2021 decision defeat to Josh Taylor for the undisputed junior welterweight title, Ramírez rebounded last March with a unanimous decision victory over former two-weight world champion José Pedraza. He has been among the sport’s best 140-pounders since winning the WBC world title against Amir Imam in March 2018.

Commey,from Accra, Ghana, made his name as one of the sport’s top lightweights, winning Commonwealth honors before capturing the IBF world title in February 2019. His title reign lasted 10 months, as he knocked out former world champion Ray Beltrán before a stunning second-round stoppage defeat to Teófimo López at Madison Square Garden. Commey’s lightweight run ended with a December 2021 decision loss to Vasiliy Lomachenko. 

The co-feature will be a world title unification clash, as WBA minimumweight world champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (23-0, 9 KOs) collides with WBC world champion Tina Rupprecht (12-0-1, 3 KOs).

Hailing from East Los Angeles, California, Estrada returns to her home state intent on unifying world titles for the first time in her decorated career. The 30-year-old veteran turned pro nearly a dozen years ago and has competed at the world class level in three weight classes. In 2021, she captured the WBA minimumweight and WBO light flyweight titles in consecutive fights. Estrada then vacated the light flyweight title to pursue undisputed glory at minimumweight. She signed with Top Rank last year and returned from a nearly 11-month layoff in November to shut out Jazmin Gala Villarino.

Rupprecht, from Augsburg, Germany, has made five defenses of her world title after being elevated from interim champion in 2018. Earlier that year, she toppled Yokasta Valle, who is the current IBF and WBO unified minimumweight world champion. In July 2021, Rupprecht edged former world champion Katia Gutierrez by split decision. She is coming off a decision win over Rocío Gaspar in December.

The heavyweight opener will be a six-round clash between Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles and Patrick Mailata.  Mireles (6-0, 6 KOs) is a Mexican-American prospect from Des Moines, Iowa. As an amateur, he won several national tournaments and signed with Top Rank in September 2021. Mailata (6-1, 3 KOs) is a Samoan-born prospect who had a decorated amateur career representing New Zealand.

The undercard will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.
 

ESPN’s Joe Tessitore will call the action with Hall of Famers Andre Ward and Timothy Bradley, Jr. as analysts; Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna will serve as reporters.  

Original Content: The Dream Americano

Ahead of the March 25 doubleheader, ESPN will air Top Rank’s The Dream Americano, a 30-minute celebration of the Mexican-American fighting spirit, featuring a visit with co-headliners, U.S. Olympian José Ramírez and undefeated world champion Seniesa Estrada. Viewers will also be treated to special guest appearances by actors Danny Trejo and Mario López. 

In addition to the air times below, The Dream Americano will also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App and on ESPN.com and ESPN+. 

Top Rank Presents: The Dream Americano 

ESPN.com

Out Friday: How Seniesa Estrada’s love for boxing helped save her father –by Mike Rothstein

ESPN+, ESPN App Boxing Content: Live and Upcoming, On Demand, Studio Shows, Archives  

Top Rank: Real Time Go all-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night 

Boxing 

Top Rank 

State of Boxing 

Max on Boxing Max Kellerman hosts a 30-minute series weighing in on key boxing news and providing insights on the sport’s top fighters and upcoming events 

Who Do U Fight 4? Get to know the next generation of Top Rank stars and learn what drives them 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok

 Ramírez vs. Commey-  Estrada vs. Rupprecht  – Mireles vs. Mailata  (All Times ET)

About ESPN 

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.? ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.? 

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

FRESNO, Calif. (March 21, 2023) — Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles is ready for prime time.

The 6-foot-9, 270-pound heavyweight southpaw will return in a six-round clash against Patrick Mailata on Saturday, March 25, at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. Mireles-Mailata will open the televised tripleheader headlined by the junior welterweight showdown between Jose Ramirez and Richard “RC” Commey and the minimumweight title unification bout between WBA champion Seniesa Estrada and WBC queen Tina Rupprecht.

Ramirez-Commey, Estrada-Rupprecht and Mireles-Mailata will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets starting at $29 are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

Mireles (6-0, 6 KOs) is a Mexican-American prospect from Des Moines, Iowa. As an amateur, he won several national tournaments and signed with Top Rank in September 2021. Mireles made his pro debut the following month on the undercard of the Emanuel Navarrete-Joet Gonzalez main event in San Diego. Under the tutelage of Robert Garcia, he has maintained a 100 percent knockout ratio and is coming off a first-round knockout against Eric Perry last November. Mailata (6-1, 3 KOs) is a Samoan-born prospect who had a decorated amateur career representing New Zealand. Mailata has won two straight since a majority decision loss to Kingsley Ibeh.

FRESNO, Calif. (March 14, 2023) — U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez
Jr. has been forced to withdraw from his March 25 homecoming fight due to a training injury. Torrez (5-0, 5 KOs), from Tulare, California, was scheduled to face Willie Jake Jr. in the six-round ESPN-televised opener at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. The 23-year-old southpaw knockout artist, who has three first-round knockouts on his ledger, is expected to return this summer.

The ESPN broadcast will now be a doubleheader featuring Jose Ramirez and Richard “RC” Commey in a junior welterweight showdown and a minimumweight title unification fight between WBA champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada and WBC queen Tina Rupprecht.

Ramirez-Commey and Estrada-Rupprecht will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets starting at $29 are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

In a battle of former world champions, Jose Pedraza and Richard Commey battled to a 10-round split draw in a junior welterweight bout at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Th fight was entertaining with each guy landing some great flurries. Over the first half of the fight, Commey was getting through with some great power shots. He seemed to have built up a small lead as the second half of the fight commenced.

In round six, Commey was cut around his left head from an accidental headbutt. That seemed to slow him down a little bit as Pedraza was able to stage a furious rally in rounds nine and 10. It looked like Pedraza may have eked the fight out as Pedraza won a scorecard 97-93; Commey 96-94 and 95-95.

Pedraza landed 165 of 496 punches; Commey was 149 of 684.

Pedraza, 139.8 lbs of Cidra, PR is now 29-4-1. Commey, 138.8 lbs of Accra, GHA is 30-4-1.

“Even though my eye was inflamed, we understood that it was done because he has a good right hand. The entire night, the whole point was to neutralize that right hand. Despite the fact that it was inflamed, I was able to do that,” Pedraza said. “I’ve never turned down a fight, and I’m not going to start now. Whatever Top Rank wants for me. If they demand a rematch, I’m ready to give Richard Commey a rematch because he deserves it and I have the utmost respect for him. Ultimately, my goal is to win a world title once again. Whatever I have to do, that’s what I’m willing to do.”

Commey said, “It is a draw. Obviously, I have to go back home and see my people. I love my people, and I gotta go back there, do what I gotta do.”

Anderson Stops Ravcanin in 2

Heavyweight Jared Anderson remained perfect stopped Mijan Ravcanin in round two of an eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Anderson landed a blistering right that sent Ravcanin down for the 10-count at 3:00.

Anderson, 241.4 lbs of Toledo, OH is 12-0 with 12 knockouts. Ravcanin, 230.6 lbs of Belgrade, SER is 24-3.

“I was very calm. I was very patient. Actually {trainer Darrie Riley} was more nervous than I was as usual, though. I felt very relaxed, pretty much the most relaxed I’ve ever been,” Anderson said. “I heard my coach tell me to switch {to southpaw}. I listened to him as always, so that was really the reason I switched.”

Torrez Destroys Canedo

Olympic Silver medal winner Richard Torrez Jr. annihilated Marco Antonio Canedo in the opening round of their six-round heavyweight bout.

In the opening seconds, Torrez dropped Candedo with a left hand.  He then landed a big left and right and sent Canedo down on his face and was motionless at 44 seconds.

Torrez, 225.4 lbs of Tulare, CA is 3-0 with three knockouts.  Canedo, 215.8 lbs of Mexico is 4-3.

“I am happy with the result, but my thoughts right now are with Canedo,” Torrez said. “He’s a tough man, and I have the utmost respect for him. It happens to the best of us.”

Tiger Johnson stopped Harry Gigliotti in round five of their six-round junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Johnson opened up a cut under the left eye of Gigliotti with a hard right hand. Johnson battered and bloodied Gigliotti, and in round five, Johnson landed a hard combination that was punctuated by a left hook that made Gigliotti turn and the fight was stopped at 2:17.

Johnson, 141.8 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 5-0 with four knockoouts. Gigliotti, 140.6 lbs of Lowell, MA is 8-4.

Efe Ajagba stopped Jozsef Darmos in round two of their eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Ajagba dropped Darmos with a right to the body. Seconds later, it was a right to the temple that put Darmos to a knee and the fight was stopped at 1:15.

Ajagba, 232.2 lbs of Ugetlli, UGA is 16-1 with 13 knockouts. Darmos, 239.2 lbs of Hungary is 14-5-1.

Jeremiah Milton remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Nick Jones in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Milton landed a huge right that dumped Jones on the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 2:49.

Milton, 245.6 lbs of Tulsa, OK is 6-0 with five knockouts. Jones, 217.2 lbs of Jackson, MS is 9-5.

Kelvin Davis remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Sebastian Gabriel Chaves in a junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Davis landed a big left-right combination that put Chaves on the deck. Chaves began to bleed from his nose.

Davis, 141 lbs of Norfolk, VA won by scores of 60-52 on all cards and is now 6-0. Chaves, 142.6 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 5-5.

Frevian Gonzalez won a six-round unanimous decision over Gerardo Esquivel in a junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Gonzalez scored a knockdown from a left hook.

In round six, Esquivel began to bleed from the nose.

Gonzalez, 135.8 lbs of Cidra, PR won by scores of 59-54 twice and 58-55 and is now 6-1. Esquivel, 135.6 lbs of Tacoma, WA is 3-3-1.

In a battle of undefeated 18 year-olds, prized prospect Abdullah Mason pounded out a four-round unanimous decision over Angel Rebollar in a lightweight contest.

In the opening seconds, Mason dropped Rebollar with a right hook to the head. In round two, Rebollar started to bleed from his nose. In round three, Mason began to bleed from his nose.

Mason, 135.2 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 40-35 twice and 39-36 and is now 4-0. Rebollar, 133.6 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is 5-1.

Dante Benjamin Jr. remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Leandro Silva in a light heavyweight bout.

Benjamin, 174.2 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 4-0. Silva, 175 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 3-7.

•  Jose Pedraza 139.8 vs. Richard Commey 138.8
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

•   Jared Anderson 241.4 lbs vs. Miljan Rovcanin 230.6 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Richard Torrez Jr. 225.4 lbs vs. Marco Antonio
Canedo 215.8 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

   •   Tiger Johnson 141.8 lbs vs. Harry Gigliotti 140.6 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

   •  Efe Ajagba 232.2 lbs vs. Jozsef Darmos 239.2 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

   •   Jeremiah Milton 245.6 lbs vs. Nick Jones 217.2 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

•  Kelvin Davis 141 lbs vs. Sebastian Gabriel
Chaves 142.6 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•  Frevian Gonzalez 135.8 lbs vs. Gerardo Esquivel 135.6 lbs
 (Lightweight— 6 Rounds)

•  Abdullah Mason 135.2 lbs vs. Angel Rebollar 133.6 lbs
 (Lightweight— 4 Rounds)

•  Dante Benjamin Jr. 174.2 lbs vs. Leandro Silva 175 lbs
 (Light Heavyweight — 4 Rounds)

* The Haven Brady Jr.-Manuel Guzman fight was called off after Brady missed the 128-pound contract weight by three pounds

TULSA, OK (July 14, 2022) — Two former world champions are set for an Oklahoma showdown, as Jose “Sniper” Pedraza will battle Richard “RC” Commey in the 10-round junior welterweight main event Saturday, Aug. 27, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.

In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, the fighting pride of Toledo, Ohio, undefeated puncher Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson, returns to action against veteran Miljan Rovcanin.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, Pedraza-Commey and Anderson-Rovcanin will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. 

Tickets starting at $49 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.

“The junior welterweight division is talent-rich, and the winner of Pedraza-Commey is in line for a massive fight,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We are thrilled to see Jared Anderson back in action. He is the world’s best young heavyweight, and fans will have another opportunity to see a future superstar.”

Pedraza (29-4, 14 KOs), from Cidra, Puerto Rico, is a two-weight world champion who has fought many of this generation’s top fighters since capturing the IBF junior lightweight crown in June 2015. He moved up to the junior welterweight ranks in 2019, rebounding from a loss to Jose Zepeda to author victories over Mikkel LesPierre, 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier Molina, and the previously unbeaten Julian Rodriguez. Pedraza’s momentum was halted in March when he dropped a tightly contested decision to former unified world champion Jose Ramirez.

Pedraza said, “August 27 will definitely be a high-stakes battle between two world-class fighters. We are both coming to get back on the winning path. That’s the perfect recipe for a great fight. I know that a convincing victory against an opponent of Commey’s caliber will put me back in contention to capture that coveted world title opportunity. Despite what happened in my last fight, I still have my sights set on being crowned world champion at 140 pounds. I’m still chasing my goal of becoming a three-division world champion.”

Commey (30-4, 27 KOs), one of Ghana’s most accomplished fighters, captured the IBF lightweight world title in February 2019 with a second-round stoppage over Isa Chaniev. Since losing his title to Teofimo Lopez that December, Commey knocked out Jackson Marinez in six rounds and lost a decision to pound-for-pound legend Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko. After 34 fights campaigning as a lightweight, Commey now moves up to 140 pounds in hopes of winning a second world title.

“I am grateful to DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank to be fighting on ESPN as I begin my quest to become a two-weight world champion,” Commey said. “Pedraza is a gentleman and a great champion, and I will have to be at my best to earn the victory.”

Anderson (11-0, 11 KOs) had a breakthrough 2021, securing four devastating knockouts culminating in December’s second-round blitzing of Oleksandr Teslenko. He suffered a hand injury in training, which postponed his 2022 debut. Anderson, a 6’4, 240-pound former U.S. amateur champion, hopes to continue his knockout momentum against Rovcanin (24-2, 16 KOs). The Serbian veteran has won five consecutive bouts since a stoppage loss to undefeated contender Agit Kabayel.

Anderson said, “I am 100 percent healthy and more than ready to get back in the ring. I’m creating a legacy for my last name and growing as a fighter with every fight. Tune in on August 27 because ‘The Real Big Baby’ is back!”

The undercard — streaming exclusively on ESPN+ — is scheduled to include the return of heavyweight puncher Efe Ajagba (15-1, 12 KOs) in an eight-rounder against Hungary’s Jozsef Darmos (14-4-3, 10 KOs). Ajagba, a 2016 Nigerian Olympian, has not fought since last October’s defeat to Cuban star Frank Sanchez on the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder III undercard. Injuries delayed Ajagba’s return, and he’s looking to reclaim his status as one of the division’s rising talents.

In other undercard action:

• Tokyo 2020 U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (4-0, 3 KOs), from Cleveland, Ohio, steps up in class against Harry Gigliotti (8-3, 3 KOs) in a six-round junior welterweight scrap. Johnson, at 23 years old, is one of the sport’s brightest young talents. He fought at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in January and shut out the previously undefeated Xavier Madrid.
   
• Tulsa native Trey Lippe Morrison (18-1, 17 KOs), who lost his undefeated record in his last bout, is scheduled to return in an eight-round heavyweight fight.
   
• Standout junior welterweight prospect Kelvin Davis (5-0, 4 KOs) steps up in a six-rounder against Sebastian Gabriel Chaves (5-4, 2 KOs).
   
• Frevian Gonzalez (5-1, 1 KO), who trains with Pedraza, will see action in a six-round lightweight bout against Gerardo Esquivel (3-2-1, 1 KO).

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

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

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

Anderson Takes Out Teslenko in 2

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

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

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

Keyshawn Davis Shines in Top Rank Debut

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

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

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

Nico Ali Walsh Decisions Sanchez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   •  Vasiliy Lomachenko 134.4 lbs vs. Richard Commey 134.2 lbs 
(Vacant WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Title — 12 Rounds)

•     Jared Anderson 240 lbs vs. Oleksandr Teslenko 213.8 lbs 
(Anderson’s Jr. NABF Heavyweight Title — 8 Rounds)

•   Keyshawn Davis 137.8 lbs vs. Jose Zaragoza 136.2 lbs 
(Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Nico Ali Walsh 159.2 lbs vs. Reyes Sanchez 161.8 lbs 
(Middleweight — 4 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT)

   •    Xander Zayas 152.6 lbs vs. Alessio Mastronunzio 152.2 lbs
 (Junior Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Pablo Valdez 146 lbs vs.  Julio Cesar Sanchez 149.6 lbs
 (Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

   •     James Wilkins 127.2 lbs vs. Juan Tapia 129.4 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight  — 8 Rounds)
  •       Joe Ward 175.2 lbs vs. Britton Norwood 176.4 lbs
 (Light Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

  •       Kelvin Davis 144 lbs vs. Ryan Schwartzberg 144.8 lbs
 (Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

   •     John Bauza 140.2 lbs vs.  Michael Williams Jr. 138.6 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

NEW YORK (Dec. 9, 2021)—The former pound-for-pound king, Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko, has saved some of his best performances for the New York City spotlight. He hopes to do it again Saturday evening at Madison Square Garden in the 12-round lightweight main event against former world champion Richard “RC” Commey (ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

Lomachenko vs. Commey headlines a stacked quadruple-header airing after the Heisman Trophy Ceremony. Heavyweight knockout artist Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (10-0, 10 KOs) returns in an eight-rounder against Ukraine’s Oleksandr Teslenko (17-1, 13 KOs), recent U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (3-0, 2 KOs) takes on Mexican veteran Jose Zaragoza (8-3-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round lightweight tilt, and middleweight Nico Ali Walsh (2-0, 2 KOs), grandson of “The Greatest,” opens the telecast in a four-rounder versus Reyes Sanchez (6-0, 2 KOs).

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT) features Puerto Rican junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas (11-0, 8 KOs) in a six-rounder, and Kelvin Davis (2-0, 1 KO) in a four-rounder at welterweight.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Vasiliy Lomachenko

“Madison Square Garden is a special place for me because during my professional career I had a lot of memorable fights here. It is the Mecca of Boxing. Thank you, Commey, you are a strong fighter. I think we are giving a very interesting fight to the fans. As I said before, he has big power and reach and has experience and a big heart.”

“I’m very excited because this is the next step of my boxing career, and it will be very interesting for the fans.”

Richard Commey

“I’m feeling good. I’m very excited. This is my second time coming here. The last time didn’t work out well for me {against Teofimo Lopez}, so I have the opportunity to right the wrong.”

“I’ve got all of my country {Ghana} behind me. I’ve got all of the little children back home who want to be where I am, and I know it’s not an easy fight, but I’m coming. Losing is part of boxing, so regardless of how you lose, it’s all about coming back. So whatever happened with the Teofimo Lopez fight, it is what it is and I took it as a man. I knew I needed to come back and I came back very strong, and that is the reason why Loma chose me, and Saturday we are going to see what happens.”

Jared Anderson

“I’ll be honest, he let a cruiserweight stop him, so that says it all. I had a pretty tough camp emotionally, but we came physically. We’re now mentally prepared, thanks to my team. They mean a lot to me. They’re behind me.” 

Oleksandr Teslenko

“I know I’m the underdog, but I don’t care what people say.”

Nico Ali Walsh

“This is such a humbling experience and it’s been an honor. It’s been a whirlwind these last couple of months, and to be among these great fighters… all these fighters I’ve watched before in the past. Being on the undercard of Lomachenko is amazing.”

Xander Zayas

“I have to close out the year strong and put on a show here at Madison Square Garden.”

“I’ve been having a lot of fun here in New York. It means a lot to me. it means a lot to the Puerto Rican fans. My team came off a great victory two weeks ago {with George Kambosos Jr.} here at Madison Square Garden, so I want to keep that momentum going, I’m ready to put on a show Saturday night, and now it’s laser focus.”

Keyshawn Davis

“I’m signed with Top Rank, the {Olympics} are over, and I feel like there is really no more pressure. It’s all business at this point. I believe in myself. I know I can fight. I’m going to go in there like I’ve been doing this entire year. We’re just going to keep this train going.”

Kelvin Davis

“This means a lot to me. It’s like a dream come true with me and my brother on the same card.”

SATURDAY, December 11, 2021

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Richard Commey, 12 rounds, vacant WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Title

Nico Ali Walsh vs. Reyes Sanchez, 4 rounds, middleweight

ESPN+, 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT

Xander Zayas vs. Alessio Mastronunzio, 6 rounds, junior middleweight

Pablo Valdez vs. Julio Cesar Sanchez, 6 rounds, welterweight

James Wilkins vs. Juan Tapia, 8 rounds, featherweight

John Bauza vs. Michael Williams Jr., 8 rounds, junior welterweight

Three-weight kingpin Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko returns to Madison Square Garden this Saturday, Dec. 11, for a 12-round lightweight showdown against former world champion Richard “RC” Commey. Lomachenko-Commey airs live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT following the 2021 Heisman Trophy Ceremony. The undercard streams exclusively on ESPN+ at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.  

Lomachenko-Commey marks boxing’s return to the “Big Room” at Madison Square Garden for the first time in nearly two years. In the 10-round co-feature, undefeated heavyweight sensation Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson will battle Oleksandr Teslenko.  In addition, Puerto Rican junior middleweight standout Xander Zayas and middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, will also see action on this special New York City fight night. 

ESPN’s boxing team calling the action will be led by Joe Tessitore with analysts Tim Bradley and Andre Ward and reporters Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna.

ESPN will debut Relentless, an original 30-minute candid look at the two-time Olympic gold medalist, three-weight world champion and recent pound-for-pound king Lomachenko ahead of his headline return to “The World’s Most Famous Arena.”  Relentless will air on ESPN2 Friday, Dec. 10 at 12:30 a.m. and Saturday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 a.m.; it will also air on ESPNEWS on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 12:30 p.m. 

Lomachenko vs Commey (All Times ET)

NEW YORK (Dec. 8, 2021) — Top Rank chairman Bob Arum has hit yet another milestone. Arum, the Brooklyn-born one-time federal prosecutor whose boxing career began with “The Greatest,” turns 90 years old today.

Arum is back in his old stomping grounds to promote Saturday’s ESPN-televised quadruple-header (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) featuring former pound-for-king Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko against former lightweight world champion Richard “RC” Commey in the 12-round main event at Madison Square Garden. Lomachenko-Commey marks the 2,120^th fight card of his promotional career.

Arum’s inaugural promotion took place in Toronto on March 29, 1966, when Muhammad Ali defended his heavyweight title against George Chuvalo. In the 55-plus years since Ali-Chuvalo, Arum has promoted many of boxing’s biggest superstars, including 27 Ali fights, the entire middleweight championship run of Marvelous Marvin Hagler, George Foreman’s triumphant return to the ring that culminated in his second heavyweight title, and Manny Pacquiao’s rise to modern-day legend.

In addition, Arum has promoted dozens of fighters from pro debut to world champion, including Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Michael Carbajal, Teofimo Lopez, Shakur Stevenson, Jose Ramirez, Oscar Valdez, Mikaela Mayer, Donald Curry, and Lomachenko.

BOB ARUM BY THE NUMBERS

2,119 Boxing cards promoted
     864 Boxing shows TR promoted on ESPN network
     677 World title fights promoted by TR
     550 Boxing shows TR promoted in Nevada
     412 Boxing shows TR promoted in New Jersey
     220 American cities in which TR has promoted
     196 Boxing shows promoted by TR in California
     154 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Texas
     129 Boxing shows TR promoted on HBO network   
       98 Boxing shows promoted by TR on CBS network
       92 Foreign cities in which TR has promoted
       73 Boxing shows TR promoted on ABC network
       73 Boxing shows promoted by TR in New York State
       70 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Arizona
       63 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Puerto Rico
       52 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Mexico
       49 Pay-per-view boxing shows promoted by TR
       48 Boxing shows promoted by TR in New York City                                
       47 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Illinois
       42 States in which TR has promoted boxing
       41 Miguel Cotto fights promoted by TR 
       41 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Pennsylvania 
       38 Michael Carbajal fights promoted by TR (HOF)
       37 Oscar De La Hoya fights promoted by TR (HOF)
       37 Donald Curry fights promoted by TR (HOF)
       36 Johnny Tapia fights promoted by TR (HOF)
       35 Floyd Mayweather, Jr fights promoted by TR (HOF)
       33 James Toney fights promoted by TR
       33 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Florida      
       32 Erik Morales fights promoted by TR (HOF)
       31 Micky Ward fights promoted by TR
       30 Boxing shows promoted by TR on Showtime/ShoBox networks
       29 Mikey Garcia fights promoted by TR
       29 Tommy (The Duke) Morrison fights promoted by TR
       28 Iran Barkley fights promoted by TR
       28 Oscar Valdez fights promoted by TR
       27 Muhammad Ali fights promoted or co-promoted by TR
       27 Boxing shows promoted by TR on Closed-Circuit TV
       27 Foreign countries in which TR has promoted, incl. Puerto Rico               
       27 Jose Ramirez fights promoted by TR
       25 Freddie Roach fights promoted by TR (HOF)
       25 Roger Mayweather fights promoted by TR
       24 Boxing shows promoted by TR in New Mexico
       24 World heavyweight title fights promoted by TR
       24 Terence Crawford fights promoted by TR
       20 Marvelous Marvin Hagler fights promoted by TR (HOF)
       20 Manny Pacquiao fights promoted by TR
       19 Juan Manuel Marquez fights promoted by TR (HOF)
       17 Shakur Stevenson fights promoted by TR
       16 Robert Garcia fights promoted by TR
       14 George Foreman fights promoted by TR (HOF)
       14 Boxing shows promoted by TR in China
       13 Thomas Hearns fights promoted by TR (HOF)
       13 Teofimo Lopez fights promoted by TR
       10 Alexis Arguello fights promoted by TR (HOF)
       10 Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini fights promoted by TR (HOF)
         9 Boxing shows promoted by TR in Colorado
         8 Roberto Duran fights promoted by TR (HOF)
         7 Sugar Ray Leonard fights promoted by TR (HOF)
         7 Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. fights by TR (HOF)
         5 Carlos Monzon fights promoted by TR (HOF)
         5 Emile Griffith fights promoted by TR (HOF)
         4 Mike Tyson fights promoted by TR (HOF)
         4 Tyson Fury fights promoted by TR
         2 Larry Holmes fights promoted by TR (HOF)
         1 Evel Knievel Snake River Canyon jump promoted by Bob Arum
         0 Boxing shows (so far!) promoted by TR in: Alabama, Alaska,
            Arkansas, Kansas, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Wyoming

NEW YORK (Dec. 7, 2021) — Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko, the former three-weight world champion, is determined to return to the top of the lightweight heap. A former unified lightweight champion, Lomachenko fights former world champion Richard “RC” Commey in a 12-round main event at Madison Square Garden this Saturday Dec. 11 live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+).

Lomachenko (15-2, 11 KOs) last fought in June, knocking out Masayoshi Nakatani in nine rounds. George Kambosos Jr. recently staked his claim as the division’s top dog with last month’s split decision over Teofimo Lopez, who toppled Lomachenko by unanimous decision in October 2020.

Kambosos’ win shook up the lightweight picture, and Lomachenko aims to make a bold statement Saturday evening.

Lomachenko said, “Richard Commey has big power, reach and experience. This is an interesting challenge for me, and I know it’s a fight the fans are excited to watch.

“I am 100 percent healthy and ready for Saturday night. I can’t wait. Madison Square Garden is like a second home for me. So many great moments in my career have taken place at Madison Square Garden. I won the lightweight title against Jorge Linares in that arena, so returning there brings back many great memories.

“I’m not going to say if I am the number one lightweight. That is a question for the fans. I always want to show my skills in the ring, and I hope the fans enjoy what I do.

“We can discuss my future after Saturday night. Of course, Kambosos is a fight I would like. He is the new champion, and he had a great performance against Lopez. But Commey deserves my full attention, and that is the task I am focused on now.

“My goals keep me motivated, one of which is to become undisputed champion. Commey is one of the division’s most dangerous fighters, and he is the one standing in my way.”

Lomachenko vs. Commey headlines a stacked quadruple-header airing after the Heisman Trophy Ceremony on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Heavyweight knockout artist Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (10-0, 10 KOs) returns in an eight-rounder against Ukraine’s Oleksandr Teslenko (17-1, 13 KOs), recent U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (3-0, 2 KOs) takes on Mexican veteran Jose Zaragoza (8-3-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round lightweight tilt, and middleweight Nico Ali Walsh (2-0, 2 KOs) opens the telecast in a four-rounder versus Reyes Sanchez (6-0, 2 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com or MSG.com.

In order to attend the event, all guests age 12 and older are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination (this means having at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine prior to attending). MSG’s comprehensive COVID-19 guidelines, including those regarding children under 12, can be found at https://www.msg.com/madison-square-garden/faqs.

About Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) is a leader in live entertainment. The Company presents or hosts a broad array of events in its diverse collection of venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre. MSG Entertainment is also building a new state-of-the-art venue in Las Vegas, MSG Sphere at The Venetian. In addition, the Company features the original production – the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – and through Boston Calling Events, produces the Boston Calling Music Festival. The Company’s two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG+, deliver a wide range of live sports content and other programming. Also under the MSG Entertainment umbrella is Tao Group Hospitality, with entertainment dining and nightlife brands including: Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Beauty & Essex, Cathédrale, Hakkasan and Omnia. More information is available at www.msgentertainment.com.  

NEW YORK (Dec. 3, 2021) — Keyshawn Davis, the lightweight star who earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, has a golden chance to shine on one of boxing’s biggest platforms. Davis (3-0, 2 KOs), in his first fight since signing a long-term deal with Top Rank, will face Mexican veteran Jose Zaragoza (8-3-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout Saturday, Dec. 11 on the undercard of the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Richard Commey lightweight main event.

Middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (2-0, 2 KOs), grandson of “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali, will fight fellow unbeaten Reyes Sanchez (6-0, 2 KOs) in the four-round televised opener.

Lomachenko-Commey, an eight-round heavyweight showdown between Jared Anderson and Oleksandr Teslenko, Davis-Zaragoza and Ali Walsh-Reyes will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT following the 2021 Heisman Trophy Ceremony.

Davis, one of boxing’s most sought-after promotional free agents, signed a long-term contract with Top Rank last month. His notoriety soared following the Tokyo Olympics, a run that included a knockout win over France’s Sofiane Oumiha and a close loss to Cuban legend Andy Cruz in the gold medal match. Zaragoza has won three straight fights and has never been knocked out as a pro.

The full undercard will stream live on ESPN+ at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT and is scheduled to include the following bouts:

• Xander Zayas (11-0, 8 KOs), the rising Puerto Rican star and frontrunner for 2021 Prospect of the Year, will fight Italy’s Alessio Mastronunzio (9-1, 3 KOs) in a six-round junior middleweight clash. Zayas is 5-0 with three knockouts in 2021, including a fourth-round drubbing of Dan Karpency in October on the Shakur Stevenson-Jamel Herring undercard. Mastronunzio, who is making his American debut, is 4-0 in 2021.
   
• Undefeated welterweight Pablo “Pretty Boy” Valdez (5-0, 4 KOs), the popular New York City ticket-seller from the Lower East Side, is scheduled to fight Julio Cesar Sanchez (11-3, 6 KOs) in a six-rounder. Valdez fought Oct. 30 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, outlasting Alejandro Martinez in a toe-to-toe crowd-pleaser.
   
• Kelvin Davis (2-0, 1 KO), the older brother of Keyshawn Davis, will clash with Bryan Emmanuel Ramirez (1-1-1, 1 KO) in a four-rounder at welterweight. Kelvin Davis also signed with Top Rank last month.
   
• In an eight-round battle of unbeaten junior welterweights, John “El Terrible” Bauza (15-0, 6 KOs) will face Michael “Boy Wonder” Williams Jr. (19-0, 12 KOs). Bauza is coming off June’s second-round blitzing of Christon Edwards, while Williams seeks to tally his sixth victory of 2021.
   
• Staten Island-born featherweight prospect James “Crunch Time” Wilkins (9-2, 6 KOs) hopes to thrill the home city fans in an eight-rounder against Texas native Juan Tapia (10-3, 3 KOs). Wilkins, who was homeless on the streets of Staten Island early in his pro career, makes his Madison Square Garden debut with hopes of graduating to contender status.
   
• Former Irish amateur superstar “Mighty” Joe Ward (5-1, 2 KOs) looks to make it six wins in a row against Britton Norwood (10-3-1, 7 KOs) in a six-round light heavyweight tilt. Ward suffered a freak knee injury in his October 2019 pro debut against Marco Delgado and lost via second-round TKO. He avenged the loss with a one-sided decision over Delgado in March. As an amateur, Ward was a three-time European Championships gold medalist, a three-time World Championships medalist, and a 2016 Olympian.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com or MSG.com.

In order to attend the event, all guests age 12 and older are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination (this means having at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine prior to attending). MSG’s comprehensive COVID-19 guidelines, including those regarding children under 12, can be found at https://www.msg.com/madison-square-garden/faqs.

About Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) is a leader in live entertainment. The Company presents or hosts a broad array of events in its diverse collection of venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre. MSG Entertainment is also building a new state-of-the-art venue in Las Vegas, MSG Sphere at The Venetian. In addition, the Company features the original production – the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – and through Boston Calling Events, produces the Boston Calling Music Festival. The Company’s two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG+, deliver a wide range of live sports content and other programming. Also under the MSG Entertainment umbrella is Tao Group Hospitality, with entertainment dining and nightlife brands including: Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Beauty & Essex, Cathédrale, Hakkasan and Omnia. More information is available at www.msgentertainment.com.  

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 17.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year)
at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

NEW YORK (Nov. 1, 2021) — Three-weight kingpin Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko, the Ukrainian virtuoso who saves his best for the New York City spotlight, hopes his next oversized challenge is not a bridge too far. Lomachenko returns to Madison Square Garden on Saturday, Dec. 11 for a 12-round lightweight showdown against former world champion Richard “RC” Commey.

Lomachenko-Commey marks boxing’s return to the “Big Room” at Madison Square Garden for the first time in nearly two years, when Terence Crawford defended his welterweight title with a riveting knockout over Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas. In the 10-round co-feature, undefeated heavyweight sensation Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson will battle Oleksandr Teslenko.

Lomachenko-Commey and Anderson-Teslenko will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT following the 2021 Heisman Ceremony. Puerto Rican junior middleweight standout Xander Zayas and middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, will also see action on this special New York City fight night.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets starting at $56 go on sale, Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com or MSG.com.

“It is only fitting that the great Lomachenko headlines boxing’s highly anticipated return to Madison Square Garden. However, Richard Commey can never be counted out, as he’s a tough fighter who carries huge power in both hands,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Jared Anderson is a future heavyweight champion, but I expect Teslenko to be his toughest challenge to date. I also can’t wait to see what Xander and Nico do next, as they are two of the most charismatic and exciting young fighters in the sport.”

Lomachenko (15-2, 11 KOs) has authored many of his most memorable moments under the MSG lights. He’s fought three times at the adjoining Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, knocking out Roman Martinez in 2016 to become a two-weight world champion, forcing fellow two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux to quit in 2017, and unifying lightweight world titles in December 2018 with a unanimous decision over Jose Pedraza. Lomachenko had a memorable bout against Jorge Linares at Madison Square Garden in May 2018, becoming a three-weight world champion when he knocked out the Venezuelan star the 10^th round with a body shot. He bounced back from his 2020 undisputed lightweight title defeat to Teofimo Lopez with June’s ninth-round stoppage over Japanese stalwart Masayoshi Nakatani.

Lomachenko said, “It is always special when I fight at Madison Square Garden, where so many great moments in my career have taken place. Richard Commey is a former world champion, an opponent I will not underestimate. I expect the best version of Commey, and I will be prepared for whatever he brings on December 11.” 

As has become his lightweight custom, Lomachenko will enter the ring as the smaller man. Commey (30-3, 27 KOs) has a nearly two-inch height advantage and 5.5 inches in reach. The New York City resident held the IBF lightweight world title in 2019, but in December of that year, he was stopped in two rounds by Lopez at Madison Square Garden. Commey took nearly 14 months off, returning in February to knock out Jackson Marinez in six rounds. One of the division’s most dangerous punchers, his other two losses have come via split decision to Robert Easter Jr. and Denis Shafikov. The winner of this fight becomes a logical world title challenger in 2022.

Commey said, “I want to thank my team of Michael Amoo-Bediako, Lou DiBella, and Keith Connolly for getting me this opportunity. Ever since the Lopez fight, all I have thought about is becoming a two-time world champion. This fight against Lomachenko will get me one step closer to my goal. I also want to thank Bob Arum and Top Rank for the opportunity to again grace the stage at Madison Square Garden, one of boxing’s most iconic venues. I know that most people consider me the underdog, but I am aiming to prove them all wrong and make Ghana proud once again.”

Anderson (10-0, 10 KOs), from Toledo, Ohio, rose to prominence due to his highlight-reel knockouts and status as heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s most trusted sparring partner. He has scored three knockouts in 2021 and had his most high-profile assignment Oct. 9 on the Fury-Deontay Wilder III PPV undercard. Anderson opened the PPV telecast with a second-round blitzing over the previously undefeated Vladimir Tereshkin. Teslenko (17-1, 13 KOs), a 6’4, 220-pound prospect from Ukraine, built a 16-0 record before being knocked out in five rounds by Shawndell Winters in December 2019. He rebounded in fine form, knocking out Cesar David Crenz in three rounds in June 2021.

Anderson said, “I’ve made my mark in Las Vegas over the last two years and now it’s time to steal the show in my Madison Square Garden debut on December 11. The Mecca of Boxing holds so much history, and I can’t wait to add my name to list of legends who’ve fought there.”

Zayas (11-0, 8 KOs) can wrap up the 2021 Prospect of the Year award with an impressive showing at Madison Square Garden. The San Juan native is 5-0 in 2021, most recently knocking out Dan Karpency in four rounds on the Jamel Herring-Shakur Stevenson card Oct. 23 in Atlanta.

Ali Walsh (2-0, 2 KOs) turned pro Aug. 14 with a first-round knockout and makes his debut in the building where his grandfather fought some of his most legendary fights, including “The Fight of the Century” against Joe Frazier in 1971 and the 1974 Frazier rematch.  Ali Walsh shined alongside Zayas in Atlanta, notching a third-round stoppage over James Westley II.

In order to attend the event, all guests age 12 and older are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination (this means having at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine prior to attending). MSG’s comprehensive COVID-19 guidelines, including those regarding children under 12, can be found at https://www.msg.com/madison-square-garden/faqs.

About Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) is a leader in live entertainment. The Company presents or hosts a broad array of events in its diverse collection of venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre. MSG Entertainment is also building a new state-of-the-art venue in Las Vegas, MSG Sphere at The Venetian. In addition, the Company features the original production – the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – and through Boston Calling Events, produces the Boston Calling Music Festival. The Company’s two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG+, deliver a wide range of live sports content and other programming. Also under the MSG Entertainment umbrella is Tao Group Hospitality, with entertainment dining and nightlife brands including: Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Beauty & Essex, Cathédrale, Hakkasan and Omnia. More information is available at www.msgentertainment.com.  

(ESPN, 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT)

    •     Richard Commey 136 lbs vs. Jackson Marinez 135.5 lbs 
(Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

•   Adam Lopez 126 lbs vs. Jason Sanchez 126 lbs 
(Lopez’s NABF Featherweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•   Jared Anderson 249 lbs vs. Kingsley Ibeh 276 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 8:15 p.m. ET / 5:15 p.m. PT)

•   Jahi Tucker 144 lbs vs. Eric Rodriguez 144.5 lbs 
(Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

•   Eric Puente 137 lbs vs. Sergio Vega 136 lbs 
(Lightweight  — 4 Rounds)

•    Troy Isley 157 lbs vs. Bryant Costello 158 lbs 
(Middleweight — 4 Rounds)

•        Floyd Diaz 117 lbs vs. Fernando Macias 118 lbs 
(Bantamweight — 4 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS (February 11, 2021) — Saturday’s Top Rank on ESPN main event between Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov — for the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title — has been postponed after Vlasov tested positive for COVID-19. 

Vlasov said, “I am devastated with the postponement of my world title fight against Joe Smith Jr. I have been following strict protocols, I have done regular testing with negative results, and I have no symptoms. I am well prepared and had an excellent training camp. I look forward to the rescheduling of the fight and the opportunity to display my world class skills.”

The Richard Commey-Jackson Marinez lightweight bout has been elevated to the main event and will headline the ESPN-televised tripleheader beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. In the new co-feature, action star Adam Lopez will defend his NABF featherweight belt in a 10-rounder against former world title challenger Jason Sanchez. The ESPN telecast will open with Toledo heavyweight sensation Jared Anderson (7-0, 7 KOs) against Kingsley Ibeh in a six-rounder.

Undercard bouts, including the professional debut of former U.S. amateur star Troy Isley, will stream live on ESPN+ at 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT.

LAS VEGAS (December 22, 2020) — Light heavyweight contender Joe “The Beast” Smith Jr., the consummate everyman, spent more than a decade as a union laborer on Long Island. He now owns and operates a tree service business, chopping and trimming trees when he’s not training.

At 31 years old, this far-from-average Joe will battle Russian veteran Maxim Vlasov for the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title Saturday, Feb. 13. In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, former world champion Richard “RC” Commey will fight Dominican slickster Jackson Marinez.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Patriot Promotions, Smith-Vlasov and Commey-Marinez will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

“This is Rocky IV come to life,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Joe Smith Jr. is boxing’s blue-collar hero, a relentless fighter who chops down trees outside the ring and chops down opponents when the lights are bright. Maxim Vlasov is a tough Russian who is going to meet Joe punch for punch in the center of the ring. This will be an early contender for 2021 Fight of the Year.”

DeGuardia said, “I am very confident that Joe Smith Jr. will be the new WBO world champion, but I also know that Maxim Vlasov is a strong and seasoned fighter who also wants to become champion. It will make for a great night of boxing on ESPN. Kudos to the WBO for recognizing Joe’s talents and mandating this fight, and to Bob Arum and Top Rank for their continued excellence during this pandemic.”

Smith (26-3, 21 KOs) is best known for sending living legend Bernard Hopkins through the ropes and into retirement in 2016, but a world title has thus far proven elusive. He received a shot at the WBA light heavyweight world title in March 2019 and nearly knocked out Dmitry Bivol in the 10^th round, but Bivol hung on to win a unanimous decision. Smith rampaged in 2020, dominating Jesse Hart over 10 rounds and knocking out former world champion Eleider Alvarez in an August title eliminator. Those victories propelled Smith to the WBO No. 1 ranking and a second crack at world title glory.

Smith said, “I have worked very hard to get a second opportunity at a world title. I feel I have improved, and on February 13, I am going to make my dream come true and become world champion.”

Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs), a 15-year-pro, has been a world-level operator at super middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight. He moved down to light heavyweight in early 2019 and soon joined the ranks of the top contenders. In a six-month span, Vlasov stopped Omar Garcia in four rounds, topped longtime contender Isaac Chilemba by unanimous decision to avenge a 2011 defeat, and shut out the previously undefeated Emmanuel Martey over 10 rounds.

“This is a great chance, and perhaps my last opportunity, to finally become a world champion,” Vlasov said. “Smith is a strong and relentless fighter, so I expect a very serious challenge.”

Commey (29-3, 26 KOs), from Accra, Ghana, has been a lightweight since turning pro in his home nation in February 2011. He fell just short in his first attempt at a world title, dropping a split decision to Robert Easter Jr. in September 2016 for the vacant IBF title. Commey won the IBF title in February 2019 with a second-round stoppage over Isa Chaniev, then defended it in June with an eighth-round knockout over former world champion Ray Beltran. His title reign ended that December, when Teofimo Lopez emerged with a star-making second-round TKO. Commey has not fought since the Lopez fight and is re-energized for another world title run.

Commey said, “It’s been a long and frustrating wait to get back into the ring, and February 13 can’t come soon enough. I’ve kept myself in shape, but once I heard the date, I stepped up my training. All I’ve been thinking about is winning back my title. I am not looking past Jackson Marinez, as I know he is a tough, slick fighter, so he has my full attention. The road to redemption begins now.”

Marinez (19-1, 7 KOs), from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, entered 2020 largely unknown to fight fans. That all changed in August, when he outboxed the unbeaten Rolando Romero over 12 rounds. The official judges disagreed with most boxing observers, and Marinez lost a unanimous decision. Trained by Robert Garcia in Riverside, Calif., Marinez gets a shot at redemption and would enter the world title picture with a victory over Commey.

Use the hashtag #SmithVlasov to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing; twitter.com/ESPNRingside.

NEW YORK (December 16, 2019)- This past Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, undefeated lightweight Teofimo Lopez had the whole boxing world buzzing as he scored an emphatic and explosive 2nd round knockout over Richard Commey to win the IBF World Lightweight championship.

Lopez, a former Olympian from Honduras, is managed by Split-T Management.

In round two. Lopez walked Commey into a powerful right hand that connected on Commey’s face and sent the now-former world champion plummeting to the canvas. After trying to get up, the impact of the blow forced Commey to stumble back to the canvas. Commey showed a champions heart by beating referee David Fields’ count, but the fight would only last a few seconds longer, as Lopez was all over Commey as he landed a plethora of hard power-shots that forced Fields to wave off the action at 1:13 of the 2nd frame.

“I think we both saw it. There were a lot of shots that were open. I just had to close the gap. Commey has a lot of experience, and I started working the jab a lot. I blocked his jab, and came with the over hand right, and just clipped him.”

With the win, Lopez is now in line to face pound-for-pound top fighter Vasilliy Lomachenko in the first part of 2020, in a fight that boxing fans are already salivating for.

“I’m at a loss for words right now. This is a dream come true,” Lopez said. “{Commey} is a bad man. His shot could’ve done the same to me if he hit me with that shot.

“I am elated for Teofimo. He is now officially a star in the sport. These are the types of fights and outcomes we had envisioned for him when we signed him. At still just 22 years-old, this is just the beginning, and he will be at the top of the mountain for a long time to come,” said David McWater, CEO of Split-T Management.

Lopez is promoted by Top Rank