•  Raymond Muratalla 134.1 lbs vs. Tevin Farmer 134.7 lbs
(NABF & NABO Lightweight Titles— 10 Rounds)
 
•  Ruben Villa 125.5 lbs vs. Sulaiman Segawa 122.6 lbs
(Villa’s WBC Silver Featherweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•  Charlie Sheehy 139.9 lbs vs. Ricardo Quiroz 139.8 lbs
(Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

•  Art Barrera Jr. 145.4 lbs vs. Javier Mayoral 145.7 lbs
(Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Jonathan Lopez 130.9 lbs vs.  Leonardo Padilla 131.8 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Albert Gonzalez 128.8 lbs vs. Conrado Martinez 128.1 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Israel Mercado 140.2 lbs vs. Dondrell Haynes 139 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Javier Zamarron 126.9 lbs vs. Mikey Bracamontes 127.8 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS (July 12, 2024) — WBO/IBF middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly was forced to withdraw from Saturday’s title defense against Andrei Mikhailovich at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas after being hospitalized Thursday evening due to dehydration.
 
“Janibek was cutting the final pounds last night when he fainted,” said Egis Klimas, Janibek’s manager. “We immediately took him to Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center, where he was put on an IV. While the scans showed no kidney damage, he was severely dehydrated and in no condition to fight.”
 
The 10-round lightweight showdown between undefeated contender Raymond Muratalla and former world champion Tevin Farmer has been elevated to the main event.
 
Muratalla-Farmer and the rest of the undercard will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT. 

LAS VEGAS (July 11, 2024) — Kazakhstan’s middleweight king is ready to defend his throne against an unbeaten challenger determined to seize the unified crown.

Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly will put his WBO and IBF world titles on the line against New Zealand’s Andrei Mikhailovich on Saturday, July 13, at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, Raymond Muratalla (20-0, 16 KOs) will face former world champion Tevin Farmer (33-5-1, 8 KOs).

Janibek-Mikhailovich and Muratalla-Farmer top a loaded bill that will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ and Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

Despite holding two major world titles, Janibek (15-0, 10 KOs) is one of boxing’s most avoided champions. The 2016 Olympian has knocked out eight of his last nine foes, including a sixth-round drubbing of Vincenzo Gualtieri last October to unify the WBO and IBF titles.

Mikhailovich (21-0, 13 KOs) hopes his Cinderella story culminates with a pair of world titles in the world’s boxing capital. Adopted by a New Zealand couple from a Russian orphanage at 18 months, Mikhailovich overcame substance abuse issues as a teenager and didn’t pick up a pair of gloves until he was 15 years old. He turned pro five years later and captured a pair of regional titles in 2022 with a third-round stoppage over Ernesto España. Mikhailovich defended those titles last year with an epic fifth-round stoppage over the previously unbeaten Edisson Saltarin, where he survived a first-round knockdown.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.

This is what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference.

Janibek Alimhkanuly

“The reason I’m here is to fight for all four titles. It doesn’t matter if I’m going to defend one title or two titles. I’m looking to get and defend all four titles.”

“I have to be critical of Erislandy Lara and Carlos Adames because they are champions and they do not want to fight other champions. I think that a real champion fights other champions. However, I think in the future, they will be sitting here as well.”

“I want to thank him for taking this fight. None of the other champions agreed to fight me. But he did step up. Of course, he is undefeated. He is young. He is very hungry. And he’s bringing everything on Saturday night.”

“Everything went well in my preparation in California. We had four or five different sparring partners. Everything went smoothly. And I’ll show you all on Saturday.”

Andrei Mikhailovich 

“I come from Russia. I was adopted there. Me and my twin came from an orphanage. The Soviet Union collapsed and there was a lot of disparity and economic issues and kids had to be given up. And unfortunately, I was given up. But, I didn’t give up on myself, and I fought the fight of life.”

“Everyone tells me that this is a huge fight and asks me how I’m going to handle the pressure of fighting in Las Vegas for the unified WBO and IBF middleweight championship. But the fight of life is a lot tougher than this. This is just another day in paradise for me. This is what I love to do.”

Raymond Muratalla

“Come Saturday night, I’ve got to make a statement so I can get these title shots that I want. I’m ready for it. I’ve been putting in the work. And I can’t wait to show you all on Saturday.” 

“I’m ready for a title shot. He’s a good fighter. But I just think I’m on another level now. It’s going to show Saturday night.” 

“I can’t count how many new sparring partners I’ve had. And they’re all southpaws. So, I’m fully prepared for this fight. There were too many guys to count. Different styles. Different height and weight. Big guys, small guys, and fast guys. So, whatever he brings, I’ll be ready for it.”

Tevin Farmer

“I’m excited. A lot of people might judge me based on my last {big} fight, when I fought Joseph Diaz Jr. There were a lot of medical issues, but we got it straightened out. I worked my butt off from 2020 until now. I had to take a couple of fights at a lower level to get back to where I needed to be. I understand the process. It’s not always easy. So, I’m coming to dominate.”

“There’s levels to this. There are steps he should have taken. For him to take such a big step is brave of him. He’s really brave. Maybe his team sees flaws in me that they think they can handle. I thank them for taking this fight. But I don’t know if I would have taken the fight if I were him.”

Ruben Villa

“I’m excited. I’m ready. I’ve been doing this my whole life. I’m where I want to be. I’m knocking on the door of a world title shot. Every performance matters now, so on Saturday night, I plan on doing my best, dominating, and looking good.”

“There’s Venado {Lopez}. I fought him and beat him already. I would like to fight him again. That was a fun fight. We’ve both gotten better since. I’d also fight Rey Vargas, who is the WBC champ. I want a world title shot.”

Saturday, July 13

FIRST BELL: LIVE on ESPN+ (6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT)
 

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Andrei Mikhailovich, 12 Rounds, Janibek’s WBO & IBF Middleweight World Titles

Javier Zamarron vs. Mikey Bracamontes, 6 Rounds, Junior Lightweight

LAS VEGAS (May 30, 2024) — Kazakhstan’s middleweight king is gearing up to defend his unified crown against an unbeaten contender seeking to claim his throne.

Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly will put his WBO and IBF world titles on the line against New Zealand’s Andrei Mikhailovich on Saturday, July 13, at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, Raymond Muratalla will face former world champion Tevin Farmer.

Janibek-Mikhailovich and Muratalla-Farmer top a loaded bill that will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ and Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 4 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

“Janibek is the best middleweight in the world and willing to fight anyone in that division. Mikhailovich is a hungry, undefeated contender, and he is coming from New Zealand to shake up the title picture,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Muratalla can compete with any lightweight in the world, and I expect Tevin Farmer to give him a stiff test. Tevin is a decorated former champion who understands that a win puts him right back in the title picture.”

Janibek (15-0, 10 KOs), a 2016 Olympian, quickly rose the ranks from prospect to contender ranks. In 2021, he registered knockout wins over former belt-holders Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam before securing the WBO Interim middleweight world title with a second-round demolition of Danny Dignum in May 2022. He was elevated to full champion after Demetrius Andrade vacated the title and made his first defense with a unanimous points win versus Denzel Bentley that November. In May 2023, he blasted out Canadian contender Steven Butler in two rounds and became a unified champion that October by vanquishing IBF king Vincenzo Gualtieri via sixth-round TKO.

“I look forward to defending my world titles, and I must give Andrei Mikhailovich a lot of credit. The other world middleweight champions refused the challenge, and he stepped up to the plate,” Janibek said. “On July 13 in Las Vegas, I will show the world ‘Qazaq Style’ again. The road to undisputed continues, and Mikhailovich is in my way.”

Mikhailovich (21-0, 13 KOs) was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and was raised in New Zealand. He began boxing at 15 and turned pro five years later in April 2018. Mikhailovich captured his first regional strap with a third-round TKO versus Ernesto España in June 2022 and decisioned Francis Waitai across eight rounds the following month. He registered his most impressive victory in April 2023 by rising off the canvas in the opening stanza to stop then-unbeaten Edisson Saltarin in five. He returned one year later to score a first-round TKO win over Les Sherrington.

Mikhailovich said, “At the end of the day, Janibek is just another guy, another test on my way to greatness. Others will say this is a big deal, but to me, this is fate. I was born for this. Since day one, I have planned to dominate, take over, and control my destiny. I train relentlessly, eat right, and always maintain a warrior’s mindset, so I don’t need any extra motivation because the two belts are on the line.” 

Muratalla (20-0, 16 KOs) is a 27-year-old contender inching towards a world title opportunity. He went 3-0 with three knockouts in 2023. In March, he overcame a first-round knockdown to finish Humberto Galindo with a body shot in the ninth, opened the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko pay-per-view broadcast that May by pulverizing Jeremia Nakathila in two, and culminated his year in November by destroying then-unbeaten Mexican puncher Diego Torres in eight. Muratalla heads into this contest following a 10-round points verdict over Xolisani Ndongeni in March.

“I’m ready for the lightweight champions, but I can’t take Tevin Farmer lightly. He is a former world champion who wants another shot,” Muratalla said. “I have a great training team with Robert Garcia and all the fighters at Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, and they push me to get better every fight. On July 13, you will see the best version of Raymond Muratalla.”

Farmer (33-5-1, 8 KOs) overcame early-career setbacks before going on an 18-fight win streak, culminating in a showdown against Kenichi Ogawa for the IBF junior lightweight title in December 2017. Ogawa’s controversial points win was overturned to a No Contest after he tested positive for a banned substance. Farmer then had his second title shot and triumphed over Billy Dib to win the vacant IBF strap the following August. The 33-year-old made four defenses before losing the belt to Joseph Diaz Jr. in January 2020. He has since gone 3-0 with two knockouts, including a first-round stoppage over Alan Luques Castillo in March.

Farmer said, “I’m finally in a healthy state. It’s time to show my level. The fans haven’t seen me at my best yet. I’m happy they’ll finally witness greatness from me.”

In scheduled undercard action:

Argentinian puncher Gustavo Lemos (29-1, 19 KOs) will make his Top Rank debut in a 10-round battle. Lemos made his U.S. debut in April by giving unbeaten contender Richardson Hitchins all he could handle in an IBF junior welterweight world title eliminator, nearly stopping him in the eighth before losing a controversial points verdict.

Junior lightweights William Foster III (17-1, 11 KOs) and Eridson Garcia (18-1, 12 KOs) will collide in a 10-rounder. Foster rebounded from his loss to Henry Lebron last November with a first-round TKO against Lucas Mignoni in March. Garcia also secured a first-round TKO that month, defeating Jose Santos Gonzalez.

Former world title challenger Ruben “Drac” Villa (22-1, 7 KOs) will fight in a 10-rounder at featherweight versus Sulaiman Segawa (16-4-1, 6 KOs). Villa began his 2024 campaign by besting Christian Cruz via decision in April. 

Featherweight prospect Jonathan Lopez (15-0, 11 KOs) looks to extend his knockout streak to three in an eight-rounder. Lopez, who trains with Eddy Reynoso, began his 2024 campaign earlier this month by stopping Edgar Ortega on the undercard of the Emanuel Navarrete-Denys Berinchyk main event.

Bay Area-born junior welterweight prospect Charlie Sheehy (9-0, 5 KOs) will see action in an eight-rounder against Ricardo Quiroz (13-4, 7 KOs). Sheehy returns after February’s shutout decision over Abdel Sauceda.

# # #
About Palms Casino Resort
Palms Casino Resort is making history as the first resort in Las Vegas fully owned and operated by a Native American Tribe. Palms Casino Resort features two distinct towers with 766 hotel rooms and suites, a diverse mix of bars, restaurants, live entertainment venues, and immersive lifestyle experiences across a 95,000-square-foot reimagined casino. Offering free valet and self-parking, the resort also includes over 190,000 square feet of meeting, convention, and event space; the Pearl, a 2,500-seat theater; an expansive pool, The Spa & Salon at Palms; a wedding chapel; the Brenden Theatre 14-screen cinema and nearly 600 units at Palms Place condominiums.

Palms is located just west of the center of the Las Vegas Strip off I-15 on Flamingo Road. Palms Casino Resort is owned by The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (“SMGHA”) an affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. For more information visit http://www.palms.com/ or the Palms Press Room. Follow Palms on social media  Facebook Twitter Instagram.

Philadelphia (November 20, 2023) –- R and B Promotions will kick off the last month of 2023 with a big night of boxing on Friday, December 1st at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Headlining the card will be former world champion Tevin Farmer taking on Patrick Okine in a eight-round junior lightweight bout.

?Farmer of Philadelphia is 32-5-1 with seven knockouts. The 33-year-old Framer defeated Angelo Ward (1-0), Tim Witherspoon Jr. (6-1-1), Tyrone Luckey (4-1-1), Camilo Perez (9-0), Noel Echevarria (11-10), Emmanuel Gomez (14-0), Viktor Chermous (15-1-1), Angel Luna (10-0-1), Daulis Prescott (30-2), former world champion Gamailei Diaz, Ivan Redkach (19-1-1) and Dardan Zenunaj (12-2).

On August 3, 2018, Farmer traveled to New South Wales, Australia, and defeated Billy Dib (44-4) to win the IBF Junior League championship. Farmer defended the title four times with wins over James Tennyson (22-2), Francisco Fonseca (22-1-1), Jono Carroll (16-0-1) and Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1). Farmer came back after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus with a 10-round unanimous decision over Avery Sparrow on June 24th at the 2300 Arena. In his bout, Farmer viciously stopped Oscar Barajas in six-rounds on September 29th at the 2300 Arena.

Okine of Accra, Ghana is 21-6-2 with 18 knockouts. The 32-year-old Okine has defeated David Kotey (1-0) and Richard Amenfu (4-1). Kotey is coming off a loss to Cletus Seldin on October 10th in New York.

In six-round bouts:

Oluwafemi Oyeleye (14-0, 8 KOs) of Long Beach, CA fights Luis Solis (26-17-4, 22 KOs) of Yucatan, Mexico in a super welterweight contest.

Joshua Jones (8-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Carlos Padilla (19-13-1, 13 KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia in lightweight battle.

Erron Peterson (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named i a junior middleweight fight.

In four-round contests:

Ismail Muhammad (3-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Ishmeal Dixon (0-2) of Benton Harbor, MI in a junior welterweight bout.

Juan Marrero (2-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia fights an opponent to be named in a lightweight contest.

Edwin Cortes (4-0) of Millville, New Jersey collides with Tyrone Arzeno (1-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a bantamweight fight.

In a battle of undefeated middleweights, Allen Otto (2-0-1,2 KOs) of Pennsauken, New Jersey fights James Abraham (2-0-1, 2 KOs) of Queens, New York.

Devin Gantt (5-0, 5 KOs) of Sicklerville, New Jersey takes on an opponent to be named in a featherweight contest.

Ghandi Romain (2-1, 2 KOs) of Irvington, NJ fights Jamar Leach (1-1) of Philadelphia in a welterweight fight.

Steve Cunningham Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) of Pittsburgh takes on Angelo Thompson (0-7) of Irvington,4-0- New Jersey in a junior middleweight clash.

Tickets for this great night of boxing are priced at $75, $105 and $155 and can be purchased BY CLICKING HERE

Philadelphia (October 3, 2023) –- Weights for Friday night’s R&B Promotions card at the 2300 Arena.

Former world champion Tevin Farmer registered a stunning and spectacular sixth round stoppage over Oscar Barajas in a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout that headlined a seven bout card at the 2300 Arena.

The show was promoted by R and B Promotions.

Farmer dropped Barajas with a jab in round two. In round three, Barajas had some good moments as he backed up and even hurt Farmer. Farmer did well by moving and holding to get out of the round.

In round six, Farmer unloaded a perfect straight left to the head that put Barajas out cold for several moments. The end of the fight came at 1:51.

Farmer who picked up his second win in three months after a three-plus year layoff is now 32-5-1 with seven knockouts. Barajas, 133.6 lbs of Ocampo, MEX is 21-9-1.

Oluwafemi Oyeleye remained undefeated by stopping Jimmy Williams in round three of their six-round junior middleweight bout.

Oyeleye scored a knockdown in round three and the bout was stopped at 2:48.

Oyeleye, 153.3 lbs of Philadelphia is now 14-0 with eight knockouts. Williams, 153.1 lbs of New Haven, CT is now 18-13-2.

Carlos Rosario and Diuhl Olguin fought to a six-round junior lightweight bout.

Scores 59-55 for Olguin and 57-57 twice.

Rosario, 131.9 lbs of Pennsauken, NJ is 9-3-1. Olguin, 127.9 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 16-32-7.

Joshua Jones remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Perez in a lightweight bout.

Jones, 134.6 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 8-0-1. Perez, 137.5 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 41-38.

Allen Otto and James Abraham battled to a four-round draw in a battle of undefeated middleweights.

Scores were 39-37 for Abraham and 38-38 twice. Abraham, 158.4 lbs of Queens, NY is 2-0-1. Otto, 157.4 lbs of Pennsauken, NJ is 2-0-1.

Rob Perez scored a four-round majority decision over Daniel Bean in a rematch of heavyweights.

Perez, 237.8 lbs of Worcester, MA won by scores 39-37 twice and 38-38 and is now 2-0. Bean, 233.3 lbs of Old Bridge, NJ is 2-2.

Ghandi Romain needed just 59 seconds as he scored two knockdowns to defeat Jose Luis Fracica Baron in a four-round welterweight bout.

Romain, 145.5 lbs of Irvington, NJ is 1-1 with one knockout. Baron, 145.3 lbs of El Vigia, VEN is 0-6.

R and B Promotions will be back at the 2300 Arena on December 1st.

The show was the last that was regulated by Executive Director Greg Sirb.

Philadelphia (September 25, 2023) –- This Friday night, former lightweight world champion, Tevin Farmer gets back into the ring for the second time in three months when he takes on Oscar Barajas in an eight-round lightweight bout at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The seven-bout card is promoted by R & B Promotions.

Farmer of Philadelphia is 31-5-1 with six knockouts. The 33-year-old Framer defeated Angelo Ward (1-0), Tim Witherspoon Jr. (6-1-1), Tyrone Luckey (4-1-1), Camilo Perez (9-0), Noel Echevarria (11-10), Emmanuel Gomez (14-0), Viktor Chermous (15-1-1), Angel Luna (10-0-1), Daulis Prescott (30-2), former world champion Gamailei Diaz, Ivan Redkach (19-1-1) and Dardan Zenunaj (12-2).

On August 3, 2018, Farmer traveled to New South Wales, Australia, and defeated Billy Dib (44-4) to win the IBF Junior League championship. Farmer defended the title four times with wins over James Tennyson (22-2), Francisco Fonseca (22-1-1), Jono Carroll (16-0-1) and Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1). Farmer came back after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus with a 10-round unanimous decision over Avery Sparrow on June 24th at the 2300 Arena.

Barajas of Zamora, Mexico has a record of 19-8-1. The 33-year-old Barajas has wins over Roxie Lam (7-1) as well as three big upset wins over Philly fighters Jerome Conquest and Damon Allen (16-1-1) as well as a decision win over Roberto Gomez (5-1) on March 4th in Newtown, PA.

In Six-Round Bouts:

Oluwafemi Oyeleye (13-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles takes on Jimmy Williams (18-12-2, 6 KOs) of New Haven, CT in a junior middleweight bout.

Carlos Rosario (9-3, 4 KOs) of Somerdale, NJ fights Phillip Davis (3-6-2) of Worcester, MA in a lightweight bout.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Joshua Jones (7-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Jonathan Perez (41-37, 33 KOs) of Barranquilla, COL in a lightweight contest.

In a battle of undefeated middleweights, Allen Otto (2-0, 2 KOs) of Pennsauken, NJ fights James Abraham (2-0, 2 KOs) of Queens, NY

Daniel Bean (2-1, 2 KOs) of Old Bridge, NJ scraps with Rob Perez (1-0) of Worcester, MA in a a heavyweight tussle.

Gandi Romain (0-1) of Irvington, NJ takes on debuting Beni Beguy of New York in a welterweight contest.

The fight will be streamed at

CLICK FOR STREAM

Tickets are $80, $105 and $150 and can be purchased at

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

PHILADELPHIA (June 20, 2023- THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, Former IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Tevin Farmer returns to action when he takes on Avery Sparrow in a mouth watering 10-round lightweight bout at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The card is promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions.

Farmer of Philadelphia, 30-5-1 with six knockouts, will be making his first appearance in nearly three and a half years. The 32-y ear-old won the IBF Junior Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Billy Dib on August 3, 2018 in New South Wales, Australia. Farmer made four successful defenses of the crown with wins over James Tennyson (22-2), Francisco Fonesca (22-1-1), Jono Carrol (16-0-1) Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1). Farmer dropped the belt to Joseph Diaz Jr. on January 30, 2020 in Miami. Farmer also has wins over Angelo Ward (1-0), Tim Witherspoon Jr. (6-1-1), Tyrone Luckey (4-1-1), Camilo Perez (9-0), Noel Echevarria (11-1), Emanuel Gonzalez (14-0), Viktor Chernous (15-1-1), Angelo Luna (10-0-1), Daulis Prexott (30-2), former world champion Gamaliel Diaz, Ivan Redkach (19-1), and Darden Zenunaj (12-2).

Sparrow of Philadelphia is 11-4 with four knockouts. The tough 29 year-old who will fight anybody at any time has wins over Anthony Burgin (10-2), Israel Henriquez (6-0), Joey Laviolette (6-0), Jose Lopez (19-1-1), former world title challenger Hank Lundy (29-7-1) and Matt Conway (20-2). Sparrow dropped his last bout to William Foster III on July 23, 2022 in Philadelphia.

On the undercard in six-round bouts, Dezmond Lucas (6-1, 3KOs) of Bronx, NY fights Elijah Vines (5-0, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight bout.

Romuel Cruz (8-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Jenn Gonzalez (9-19-1, 5 KOs) of Santa Teraza, Nicaragua in a featherweight contest.

Derrick Webster (29-4, 14 KOs) of Glassboro, NJ fights an opponent to be named in a super middleweight contest.

In four-round bouts:

Gustavo Morales (1-0, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA battles Najee Belcher (0-2) of Las Vegas in a welterweight contest.

Luis Gonzalez Colon (5-1, 4 KOs) of Aibomito, Puerto Rico faces off against Efrain Cruz (4-6-1, 1 KO) of Viequez, Puerto Rico in a super lightweight bout.

Trinidad Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) of Grand Prairie, Texas boxes Artimus Sartor (4-3, 1 KO) of Cincinnati, Ohio in a bantamweight fight.

Ticket prices are. $200 VIP, $100 ringside, $75 preferred and $60 GA and can be purchased at the following Link:

https://2300arena.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=97

By Norm Frauenheim –

PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. – It was a fight that traveled, first from Ghana to Dubai and then to this town in central Arizona. It crossed a lot of time zones. Accumulated lots of miles. But it went nowhere.

In the end, there was no Mickey Bey-versus-Tevin Farmer in a ring, or on pay-per-view.

It just vanished Friday night like lost luggage. The way it disappeared probably got more attention than the advertised bout ever would have. It looked as if there just wasn’t interest in a lightweight fight between a couple of forgotten ex-champions

Farmer, who won junior-lightweight belt in 2018, is 32. Bey, who won a lightweight belt in 2014, is 39. Neither have fought in a couple of years.

That’s a tough sell on any map. Turns out, it was impossible in a growing community near Prescott, an old Western town known for Whiskey Row and its colorful history as Arizona’s territorial capitol. There are conflicting allegations about who’s to blame. What to blame.

For now, that leaves only one reliable guide. Follow the money. There wasn’t enough of it, at least not for Bey and Farmer. In an Instagram post midway through the undercard, they suddenly announced the fight was off, saying that the promoter failed to fulfill promises.

“The promoters, you know, pulled a little slick on us,’’ Bey said.

Bey and Framer weren’t even in Prescott Valley when they posted the news.  They were in Phoenix, about 91 miles down the road. It appeared they posted the message while aboard a flight.

It was clear early Friday that they had decided they wouldn’t fight. According to several people who were at the formal weigh-in Thursday, there were signs that Bey and Farmer were unhappy.

However, their promoter, EJ Matthews of Bigger Than Life Entertainment said they share some of the blame. Both fighters were part of the promotion, Matthews said. Both Farmer and Bey have their own promotional entities. Their logos were on display on the ring ropes and throughout the arena, Findlay Toyota Center.

“They co-promoted, they’re partners,’’ Matthews said in the aftermath late Friday. “They couldn’t make their own deal.’’

However, Bey and Framer said they worked to save the fight.

“We did our due diligence,’’ Framer said.

Bey said: “We tried to bargain with them.’’

However, it’s not clear whether there was enough there. There’s no deal to make if there’s nothing in the pot. The fight was offered on RedemptionTV for $29.99. Bey and Farmer said on their post that PPV buyers should try to get their money back. But were there any buyers?

If a mostly empty Toyota Center was an indication, there weren’t many. The arena has 5,100 seats. Early in the card, there were maybe a 1,000 in the audience. Even that diminished, however, after Prescott junior-middleweight Danny Hilton (2-0, 2 KOs), promoted by Sweet Science Boxing of Phoenix, scored an early stoppage of overmatched Isaac Sifuentez (0-6) of Texas.

Hilton’s fans left the building and headed out to party after their hometown favorite won. They were never there for Bey-Farmer in the first place. Even if they had been, however, they would not have known that the main event was off.

The Bey-Farmer cancellation was never announced before or during the lengthy card. It only became known, word-of-mouth, when the fighters posted the news on Instagram.

There was no comment from the Arizona State Boxing & MMA Commission about the cancellation and how it was handled. Executive director Danny Vella said commission directives prohibit him from commenting

Vella told 15 Rounds that any comment would have to come through a public information officer assigned to the regulatory agency by the Arizona Department of Gaming, which runs the commission. There was no public information officer at ringside Friday. Purses, recorded by the Commission for tax purposes, were also not disclosed. They haven’t been for about a year.

15 Rounds asked a public information officer repeatedly for the purse amount earned by super-middleweight David Benavidez last November for a stoppage of Kyrone Davis at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

15 Rounds is still waiting for an answer to that question. And, now, another one.

Friday night’s craziness overwhelmed whatever attention there was on the undercard. A couple of noteworthy bouts:

Junior-featherweight Tramaine Williams (20-1, 6 KOs) of New Haven, Conn., displayed patience and poise in a unanimous decision over Filipino Jetro Pabustan (31-9-6, 9 KOs).

Phoenix featherweight Keenan Carbajal (24-3-1, 16 KOs) threw a huge right-handed uppercut for a third-round knockout of Brazilian Aelio Mesquita (21-8-1, 19 KOs).

Prescott, Arizona (July 25, 2022)–On Friday night , August 12th, former world champions Tevin Farmer and Mickey Bey will finally square in a 10-round lightweight bout. The fight will take place at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott, Arizona.

The outstanding night of boxing can be seen live on Pay-Per-View at RedemptionPPV.com

The fight has successfully been rescheduled after the event was moved from Ghana to Dubai. The show had to be postponed after the President of Dubai passed away.

The show is promoted by Bigger Than Life Entertainment and Sports Sweet Science Boxing in association with Indie Pro Sports. Tevin Farmer and Bey Brothers Boxing.

Farmer, 31 of Philadelphia has a record of 30-5-1 with six knockouts. Farmer won the IBF Super Featherweight title on August 3, 2018 with a 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Billy Dib. He went on to make four successful defenses over James Tennyson, Francisco Fonseca, Jono Carroll and Guillaume Frenois. In his last bout, Farmer dropped his belt to Joseph Diaz Jr. on January 30, 2020. Farmer also has wins over Angelo Ward (1-0), Tim Witherspoon Jr. (6-1-1), Tyrone Luckey (4-1-1)l, Camilo Perez (9-0, Noel Echievarria (11-1), Emanuel Gonzalez (14-0), Viktor Chernous (15-1-1), Angel Luna (10-0-1), Daulis Prescott (30-2, former world champion Gamaliel Diaz, Ivan Redkach (19-1-1), and Dardan Zenunaj (12-2).

Bey, 39 of Cleveland, Ohio, is 23-3-1 with 11 knockouts. A ring veteran of 17 years, Bey won the IBF Lightweight title with a 12-round split decision over Miguel Vazquez on September 13, 2014 in Las Vegas. He dropped the title when he lost a split decision to Rances Barthelemy on June 3, 2016. Bey also has wins over Rashad Ganaway (10-1-1), Alejandro Rodriguez (12-3), Jose Herrera Garcia (32-5) and Naim Nelson (12-0). In his last fight, Bey lost a split decision to current undisputed lightweight champion George Kambosos on December 14, 2019 in New York.

A stacked undercard will feature Lorenzo “Truck” Simpson (11-0, 7 KOs) of Baltimore taking on Tyi Edmonds (14-4, 9 KOs) of Meridian, Mississippi in a eight-round super middleweight bout.

Keenan Carbajal (23-3-1, 15 KOs) of Phoenix, Arizona fights Belmar Preciado (21-5-1, 14 KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia in an eight-round featherweight affair.

Mohammed Aryeetey (7-0, 5 KOs) fights Jeronil Borres (11-7-1, 6 KOs) of the Philippines in an eight-round flyweight bout.

Tramaine Williams (19-1, 6 KOs) of New Haven, Connecticut will square off with Jetro Pabustan (31-9-6, 9 KOs) of The Philippines in a super bantamweight fight.

Daniel Hilton (2-0, 2 KOs) of Prescott Valley, Arizona will look to thrill his hometown fans when he battles Isaac Sifuentez (0-5) of Texas in a four-round junior middleweight bout.

More bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets range from $35-$250 Findlaytoyotacenter.com

PARIS, France (April 18, 2021) – European Super Featherweight Champion Samir Ziani (32-3-1, 7 KOs) has called out Tervin “American Idol” Farmer (30-5-1, 6 KOs), former International Boxing Federation World Super Featherweight Champion, to fight June 5th for the WBC Silver belt in a World Boxing Council (WBC) elimination fight. The winner would position himself for a title fight against WBC World champion Oscar Valdez.

The battle of left-handed super featherweights would be on the June 5th Triller pay-per-view card in Florida, headlined by undefeated World lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez (16-0) vs. George Kambosos, Jr. (19-0), supported by an exhibition fight between 4-time World heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin McBride.

According to Ziani’s manager Gary Hyde, was offered the WBC eliminator against Farmer and the Frenchman immediately accepted, while all has been quiet from Farmer.

“”I was excited to fight Farmer on a great Triller show,” Ziani said, “especially because it is my dream to win a World title in the United States. “I am surprised to hear that Farmer has chickened out of our fight, but I suppose je knows his boxing is slipping downwards.

“I want you, Farmer! Accept the fight and be a real warrior. Don’t run away from me. I want to box in the capital of boxing, the United States, to show American fans what I can do. They say you’re a technician, I will show you that I am a true warrior. The ring is for real men with the ambition to beat the best, not box the weakest, so, let’s give true value and pay respect to our noble art of boxing.”

Ranked No. 11 by the WBC, as well as No. 9 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF), the 30-year-old Ziani is the reigning EBU European champion, riding a 10-fight win streak. In his most recent fight (Sept. 5, 2020) and second title defense, Ziani dropped a bloody Alex Dilmaghian (19-1-1) three times en route to a 12th round win by technical knockout with 9-seconds left in what was a Fight of the Year candidate.

Ziani’s last loss was 4 ½ years ago to World title challenger and fellow Frenchman, Guillaume Frenois (41-1), by a razor-thin margin, 115-113 three times, in Paris. Earlier in his career, Ziani also suffered a disputed 10-round loss by decision (97-93, 96-94, 96-94) in Denmark to current IBF World Lightweight Champion Richard Commey (18-0) in 2014.

“Ziani is an all-action fighter with an enormous work rate,” the Ireland-based Hyde added. “It would be a tantalizing match between two talented southpaws with the winner going on to fight for the WBC World title.”

The president of NoWhere2Hyde Management, Hyde has managed numerous world-class boxers during his career including world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux, Youri Kalenga and Simpiwe Vetyeaka.

INFORMATION:
Facebook: /SamirZiani, /nowhere2hyde
Twitter: @BoxeurProZiani, @nowhere2hyde
Instagram: @samir_ziani_boxeurpro, @gary_nowhere2hyde

New York, NY (March 20, 2020) DiBella Entertainment’s scheduled Broadway Boxing event, set for Thursday, March 19, from Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ, was unfortunately canceled due to COVID-19. However, the series’ 17-year legacy has been well documented and, on Monday, March 23, a classic episode from the vault will be streamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, beginning at 7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT. The show was held on March 30, 2016, from the historic B.B. King Blues Club and Grill in Times Square, Manhattan, NY, and featured incredible action throughout the evening, in front of a boisterous, standing-room-only crowd.

“People need to be entertained and they need a break from cable news. I wanted to provide fans with some entertainment while they are spending more time at home and following health and safety guidelines,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This episode of Broadway Boxing is a fun representation of the series. My hope is that, for a brief moment, those at home can be transported to the late and legendary B.B. King Blues Club, in the heart of Times Square, for a ringside seat to great boxing.”

CHRIS GALEANO [r.] vs. DEVAUN LEE (Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

The main event features a battle of the boroughs between New York prospects, Chris “Golden” Galeano (10-0, 1 KO), of The Bronx, and Devaun “Unique” Lee (6-2, 3 KOs), of Jamaica, Queens. Galeano’s New York State middleweight title was on the line. Both Galeano and Lee were coming off of their best wins to date against previously unbeaten opponents. Each turned pro with exceptional amateur credentials, with Galeano, a two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, and Lee, a two-time Metro champion and three-time New York Golden Gloves finalist. What transpired was a thrilling boxer-versus-puncher seesaw clash.

TEVIN FARMER vs. GAMALIEL DIAZ (Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

In the co-featured bout, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s Tevin “The American Idol” Farmer (20-4-1, 5 KOs) takes on former world champion Gamaliel “El Platano” Diaz (39-13-3, 18 KOs), of Michoacan, Mexico, for the vacant NABF super featherweight title. Then a rising, world ranked contender working his way toward a world title shot, Farmer was three years and 13 wins removed from his last defeat. Diaz, a WBC super featherweight titlist from 2012-2013, came in with a wealth of experience, having faced eight current, future or former world champions. Tevin’s slick boxing acumen was put to the test against the Mexican veteran’s pressure and aggressive style.

CINDY SERRANO [r.] vs. RENATA DOMSODI (Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

Puerto Rican Cindy Serrano (23-5-3, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, squares off against Budapest, Hungary’s Renata Domsodi (13-8, 6 KOs) in a six-round, special attraction women’s contest. Going in, Cindy had won eight of her last nine bouts, with one draw. Domsodi, a three-time world title challenger, had previously shared the ring with several notable contenders and champions, including Heather Hardy twice, Shelly Vincent, Eva Voraberger, Zulina Munoz, and Ramona Kuehne twice. Serrano’s skills and finesse matched against Domsodi’s heart and experience made for a very entertaining scrap. Just six weeks earlier, at the same venue, Cindy’s younger sister, Amanda, had captured a world title in her third weight class and, less than nine months later, Cindy would join her as a world champion.

SHEMUEL PAGAN [r.] vs. RYAN PICOU (Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

The broadcast opens with Shemuel “The Chosen One” Pagan (7-0, 4 KOs), a super lightweight prospect from Brooklyn, NY, versus Ryan Picou, a tenacious Las Vegas underdog with a granite chin. Pagan turned pro to much fanfare, as a five-time New York Golden Gloves champion and 2008 Olympic team alternate. On this night, the offensive-minded Pagan met his toughest adversary yet.

Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.

Miami Fight Night on DAZN during Super Bowl Week in Miami got kickstarted live from Meridian at Island Gardens with exciting bouts.

In the main event Demetrius Andrade (28-0 17 KOs) defends his WBO World Middleweight strap and stops Luke Keeler in 9 (17-2-1 5 KOs). Andrade dropped Keeler with the first one two of the fight in what looked like the very quick beginning to a very fast end. However what appeared to be a highlight reel performance by the champion, instead turned into a struggle to take out an opponent who did not belong in a world title fight. Andrade did not look like a polished Champion looking to shine on a huge stage and awaiting a big ticket payday or a marquee world title fight. He appeared more like a desperate fighter chasing a KnockOut versus an opponent who would not stand to round with any of the other top five guys in the division. In the end there was a devastating barrage of punches by the champion and the fight officially ended at two minutes 49 seconds of the ninth round.

In the co-main event 2012 Olympian JoJo Diaz 30-1(15 KO) rips the IBF Super-Featherweight title from Tevin Farmer 30-4-1(6 KO) after a war of words and battle in Miami. 

Diaz won the opening round and then Farmer won the next with a sharp jab and missile left hands, Diaz gets a nasty cut above his eye and is pouring blood the next couple rounds. The cut does not seem to slow the challenger as rounds five and six the two go toe to toe with the better work and accuracy going to Diaz. Through eight rounds I had it 6-2 Diaz. Round ten was a great tale of two halves with Diaz having the opening while he was unclose and Farmer when he was able to box at range behind his jab.  Diaz worked through the blood and cut and controlled the final two rounds and round twelve I felt Farmer was a bit concerned and knew he needed a knockout.  Both fighter left it all in the ring during the final stanza ending with Diaz bursting a scream of relief and success as the final bell rings  I scored this fight 116-112.  The judges came through with 116-112 and 115-113 twice. “He put up a helluva fight and did a great job and won” said Farmer after the fight.

Seven time, seven division female superstar Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano improved her incredible record to 38-1-1(28KO).  Serrano exploded out of the blue corner in round one and charged right at Simone Aparecida Da Silva 17-15 the former title contender from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Serrano boxed brilliantly setting up body shots and great uppercuts.  Da Silva was not afraid to mix it up and fought valiantly until :53 of round number 3 when Sam Burgos called a stop to the action saving Da Silva from herself officially a TKO win for Serrano.

MJ Akhmadaliev Makes History in Miami Winning the IBF & WBA Super Bantamweight Title

DAZN Miami Fight Night started with a historic IBF and WBA super bantamweight title clash between champion Daniel “DannyThe Baby Faced Assassin” Roman and challenger Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev (7-0 6 KOs).  Akhmadaliev equaled Leon Spinks’ record of becoming a men’s unified World champion in just his eighth pro fight and became the first unified ruler from Uzbekistan.  MJ started on his front foot and went after the champion loading up and getting in range with nice body shots. Roman came forward targeting the body in the middle rounds finding his range making the rounds very close. Rounds eight and nine were fantastic back and forth going into the championship rounds.  Roman suffered a cut above the right eye around round 10. Roman came forward the final  fought hard to the final bell with Akhmadaliev winning the split decision with the cards reading 115-113 for Roman and 115-113 twice for Akhmadaliev.

In the opening bout red-hot Miss Swimsuit USA International and now bantamweight prospect Avril Mathie improved to 5-0 with a 4th round TKO win over Denver Colorados Angelina Hoffschneider.

In the Second bout Movladdin Biyarslanov improved to 6-0(5KO) with a third round TKO over Nicolas Atilio Velazquez11-8. As an amateur, Biyarslavnov racked up an 85-13 overall record, and collected four national championships. His greatest amateur achievement was his victory over the great Cuban Yasniel Toledo at the 2015 Pan Am Games, which netted him the gold medal and worldwide acclaim. A year later, he became the only male Canadian boxer to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Amateur standout Otha “OJ3“Jones III From Toledo Ohio battered Juan Santiago 16-18(9KO) with a variety right hands and left hooks through two rounds. OJ3 dropped Santiago just before referee Frank Gentile saved the Colorado fighter by stepping in at 1:29 seconds of the second round officially a TKO win for Jones who improves to 5-0(2KO).

The DAZN Live feed got underway with highly decorated amateur Austin “Ammo” Williams 5-0(4KO) winning in the fourth round stopping Donald Sanchez 5-3 of Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Ammo set the pace early working behind his southpaw jab and setting up his powerful left hands.  A hard overhand left in round number two put Sanchez on his ass, and again twice in the fourth marking the official end.

Colombian Roamer Alexis Angulo 26-1(22KO) retained his WBO Latino Super Middleweight Title in a chess match upset win over previously unbeaten Anthony “The Magician” Sims Jr 20-1 (18KO). A point in round 5 taken from Angulo for holding did not affect his lead as he won the close rounds with aggression hunting down Sims who spent nearly every minute of the GBfight jabbing, fainting, bouncing on his feet & moving out of harm which was Angulo. 

The final cards were split with all judges turning in scores of 96-93 1 card going to Sims and the other 2 to the winner Angulo.

Alexis Espino fighting out of improved to 6-0(5KO) with stoppage over  Vincent Baccus 4-2-1 at 1:49 of of the third round.

JoJo Diaz is ready to rip the IBF Super-Featherweight title from Tevin Farmer and ending the war of words that sees him challenge for the belt at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami on Thursday night, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $40 (PLUS FEES)
 Diaz (30-1 15 KOs) is hunting for a World title at the second attempt having fallen short against Gary Russell Jr for the WBC Featherweight strap in May 2018 and failing to make the weight against Jesus Rojas for the WBA crown three months later.

The Californian has found 130lbs to be his sweet spot with three wins in 2019 setting up his shot with Farmer (30-4-1 6 KOs), and tensions between the pair on social media and in a clash in Las Vegas during the Canelo Alvarez vs. Daniel Jacobs fight has stirred up huge interest in Thursday night’s clash.

Despite the tensions between them, Diaz has plenty of respect for the champion and knows he has to penetrate the ‘American Idol’s’ slippery defense if he is to take the title away from Farmer.

“I wanted to fight the best for a World title and that’s Tevin Farmer,” said Diaz. “I started calling him out because I knew I was going to climb up the rankings. I was talking shit to him at the press conference In Las Vegas, I threw the out my hook and he caved in and fell into my net, started talking shit back and everyone wanted the fight to happen. 

“Farmer could have chosen an easier fight, but he has a lot to prove to the critics and to himself that he’s the best in the division and I feel I have a lot to prove too. He’s talked a lot, so I hope he backs it up and brings it.

“I learnt a lot from the Russell fight, knowing that I have to take more risks in there. I could have had him and won the fight, I feel like I am a better fighter than him but I let off the gas and I wasn’t opening up as much as I should have but it was a learning experience for me and it’s made me the fighter that I am today. 

“I’m hungrier than ever. I know Tevin is a very good fighter, but I have a lot at stake and it’s the opportunity of a lifetime and I have to go out and showcase to everyone that I am the next star of the sport.

“I can’t wait to shut this guy up. He’s a hell of a fighter though, don’t get me wrong. He’s a World champion for a reason, he knows how to win, he’s a talented defensive boxer, he knows how to dodge and make you miss and how to win rounds. But he’s never fought a guy as tough as me, his defenses have been against good fighters, but none of the level that I bring. I feel I am an elite level guy and I have championship pedigree and on Thursday night, it’s going to come out.

“I don’t want easy fights; I could have gone down an easier route but that wouldn’t satisfy me. I want to go out and prove that I will fight the best and I want to win a World title by taking it from the champ. Tevin is the best fighter at 130lbs now and I want to dethrone him and that would be the most satisfying way to achieve my dream.

“If he wants to bang in there that’s cool with me, that’s my cup of tea, but if wants to move around and create his angles and be slick how he is, trust me, I have got everything to capitalize and land the shots to hurt him, slow him down and land devastating shots. I don’t see it going 12 rounds, I think I will hurt him and make him feel my shots. I’m happy and ready to go 12 rounds with him though, I’m not going to go in swinging for the fence, that’s what he wants. I’ll fight a smart fight.”

Diaz and Farmer clash on a huge night of action in Super Bowl week as Demetrius Andrade (28-0 17 KOs) defends his WBO World Middleweight strap against Luke Keeler (17-2-1 5 KOs), unified World Super Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman (27-2-1, 10 KOs) defending his titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev (7-0, 6 KOs) and YouTube stars Jake Paul and AnEsonGib clashing on their pro debuts.

Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr (20-0 18 KOs) fights for his first pro title against Roamer Alexis Angulo (25-1 22 KOs) and a host of young talents are in action in the form of Movladdin Biyarslanov (5-0 4 KOs), Austin Williams (4-0 3 KOs), Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs), Otha Jones III (4-0 1 KO) and Avril Mathie (4-0-1 2 KOs).

Tevin Farmer is still craving unification fights at Super-Featherweight before a move to Lightweight as he prepares to defend his IBF title against JoJo Diaz at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami on Thursday January 30, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $40 (PLUS FEES)
 Farmer (30-4-1 6 KOs) has enjoyed a spell as the most active World champion, with his clash in Super Bowl week his fifth defense of the title he won in Australia in August 2018.

The Philadelphia star dismissed the challenges of James Tennyson, Francisco Fonseca, Jono Carroll and Guillaume Frenois in a ten month period and now welcomes the test of Diaz (30-1 15 KOs), who is gunning to win a World title at the second attempt in a bout fueled by a war of words on social media.

The ‘American Idol’ knows his clash with Diaz is arguably the toughest examination of his championship reign to date, but the 29 year old is confident of retaining his title – and wants to add more belts at 130lbs before moving up to Lightweight.

“After I win, I think I have one or two more fights at 130lbs and then I’ll move up, especially if the big fights don’t happen,” said Farmer. “It’s not frustrating, I want the unification fights and I want to be undisputed, but as long as I am still fighting and feeding my family, I am OK with that. 

“I go out there and do my thing, I don’t listen to what people say as you can’t win, I just focus on my job and I know what that job is, I don’t need to be told – I bust my ass in the gym and we get popping. 

“Talk about overlooking people is overused as you have to plan for the future, but it’s my future and I won’t let any other fighter determine my career – you don’t want to fight me, we move on. I will make my legacy with what I do and who I fight, I don’t care what anyone else does, it’s all down to me.

“It’s going to be a hell of a fight, he’s going to come ready and I am always ready to fight. I’ve had a great camp and we’ve added some new things to what I already have so I can’t wait, it’s going to be fireworks. You can never learn enough. I’m the first in the gym and I’m the last out, I put the work in and cut no corners. 

“He started calling me out on social media, usually I don’t pay attention to people but I thought that he would be a good name on my resume, he’s a hell of a fighter and I wanted to give him a shot at the title. I knew the fight would happen, if I say the fight is going to happen, it’s going to happen.

“He’s going to come out and try to bang, throw a lot of power shots, maybe he could try to box too. But anything he brings I’m ready for it.”

Andrade and Keeler clash on a huge night of action in Super Bowl week with Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defending his IBF World Super Featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs), unified World Super Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman (27-2-1, 10 KOs) defending his titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev (7-0, 6 KOs) and YouTube stars Jake Paul and AnEsonGib clashing on their pro debuts.

Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr (20-0 18 KOs) fights for his first pro title against Roamer Alexis Angulo (25-1 22 KOs) and a host of young talents are in action in the form of Movladdin Biyarslanov (5-0 4 KOs), Austin Williams (4-0 3 KOs), Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs), Otha Jones III (4-0 1 KO) and Avril Mathie (4-0-1 2 KOs).

Farmer became a champion in spectacular fashion, scoring a knockdown over Dib and winning the bout by unanimous decision. The boxing fans voted the performance as the best among three other nominees. It is the third time Farmer has been recognized for having the best performance among Philly boxers (2015, 2016 & 2018). He has won six awards overall, including this year’s award for “Philly Fighter of the Year”.

“It took a lot of work to make this possible,” Farmer said about his awards. “I’m gonna definitely be there (on April 14th). I’m happy to be there. It’s an honor.”

The awards, named after Philly middleweight boxing legend Bennie Briscoe, have been recognizing the best achievements of the Philly boxing scene since 2007.

This year’s event will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Xfinity Live! in South Philadelphia (1100 Pattison Avenue), 1-4 PM. Tickets for the Briscoe Awards cost $10 each, and can be purchased in advance at BriscoeAwards.com, or by calling 609-377-6413.

The Briscoe Awards are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501c3 Non-Profit organization, dedicated to preserving and honoring the great legacy of boxing in and around the city of Philadelphia. For more information, call John DiSanto at 609-377-6413.

“It’s an honor, Farmer said about being named the “Philly Fighter of the Year”. “I say it’s an honor because we have a lot of great fighters in Philadelphia. Anybody could have gotten this award, but I got it. That’s big.”

Last August, Farmer defeated Australian Billy Dib by unanimous 12-round decision to win the vacant IBF belt, and then defended it twice before the end of the year. In October, Farmer knocked out Irishman James Tennyson in Boston, for his first title defense, and then decisioned Francisco Fonseca of Costa Rica at New York’s Madison Square Garden to close out his year. Recently he defended his title for a third time in Philadelphia.

The only current world champion from Philadelphia also earned the “Performance of the Year” award for his title-winning effort against Dib. Farmer has won Briscoe Awards on four previous occasions, making these his fifth and sixth Briscoe trophies.

“It means a lot, Farmer said. “And I’m definitely gonna be there.”

The awards, named after Philly middleweight boxing legend Bennie Briscoe, have been recognizing the best achievements of the Philly boxing scene since 2007.

This year’s event will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Xfinity Live! in South Philadelphia (1100 Pattison Avenue), 1-4 PM. Tickets for the Briscoe Awards cost $10 each, and can be purchased in advance at BriscoeAwards.com, or by calling 609-377-6413.

The Briscoe Awards are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501c3 Non-Profit organization, dedicated to preserving and honoring the great legacy of boxing in and around the city of Philadelphia. For more information, call John DiSanto at 609-377-6413.

It was the 26 year old southpaw challenger, Carroll, however, who got off to the quick start, making a concerted effort to bang Farmer to the body.

But after a brief two round “feeling out” period, the southpaw champion settled in and began countering Carroll to head and body, throwing counter uppercuts from in-close and ripping loaded counter lefts to the body. A clash of heads also caused a nasty cut over Carroll’s right eye, a cut that only worsened as the fight progressed.

In the middle rounds, Farmer, 29, began taking over as Carroll’s offense began to slow and his punches began to hold less steam. There was a lot of in-fighting in the middle rounds, welcomed by the “American Idol”, Farmer, who was content to let Carroll throw a few before firing back the more significant shots.

Although struggling to gain ground through most of the mid-to-late rounds, Carroll did rally in the eighth, scoring mostly with body blows.

As the tenth wound to a close, Farmer hurt Carroll with a short right, sending the bearded Irishman in full retreat. Farmer kept his foot on the gas, connecting with more shots, but Carroll was able to ride out the storm until the end of the round.

The championship rounds went to Farmer, as well, securing the victory and his title.

It was the third successful title defense, and first in Philadelphia, for Farmer, who won his belt against Australian Billy Dib last August.

Farmer, who early in his career, without proper promotional guidance found himself prematurely pitted against tough opponents. After just twelve pro fights, Farmer’s record already sported four losses and one draw. Seven-plus years later, those numbers remain unchanged.

Farmer’s last loss came via stoppage against Jose Pedraza in 2012.

For his part, Carroll gave a good account for himself in his first world title challenge and first fight on American soil.

The Dublin native is now winless in his last two contests, having fought to a draw against Frenchman Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1, 12KO) in December.

Katie Taylor Wins Another Title, Stops Rose Volante

In a world female lightweight unifier between two previously unbeaten champions, Ireland’s Katie Taylor (13-0, 6KO) added the WBO title to her collection (IBF, WBA), stopping Brazil’s Rose Volante (14-1, 8KO) in the ninth of a scheduled ten round contest.

Taylor, a former 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, started quickly, dropping Volante early in the opening round with a left hook.

Credit Volante, who not only survived the remainder of the first, but then dug in and stood toe-to-toe with Taylor for the duration of the contest. And although she battled and traded with Taylor, Volante was being battered round after round.

In the eighth round Taylor, 32, Taylor shot up off her stool and looked determine to end it, letting her fists fly. But Volante, who was making her third title defense, showed the heart of a true champion and refused to fold.

It wasn’t until the 1:40 mark of the ninth round that referee Benjy Esteves stepped in to stop the punishment and call a halt to the contest.

Taylor remains on track to land a megafight later in this year, either against 7-division champion and current WBO female super flyweight titleist Amanda Serrano or undefeated unified world female welterweight champion Cecelia Braekhus.

Maciej Sulecki Survives Gabe Rosado Surge In North Philly Brawl

In a classic Philly brawl that saw both fighters hit the mat twice, Polish middleweight Maciej Sulecki (28-1, 11KO) outlasted a late surge by veteran fan favorite “King” Gabriel Rosado en route to a ten round unanimous decision victory.

It took less than ninety seconds for action to heat up and big punches to land, as Sulecki, 29, found immediate success with his right hand, firing a right behind Rosado’s left ear that dropped him to the mat. Rosado, 33, was shaken, but not hurt, and was able to navigate his way through the rest of the first.

In the third round, Rosado, who was fighting in his hometown for the first time in seven years, started to gain a bit of momentum. Much like Sulecki, he started also finding a home for his own right hand, landing two nose-crunching rights in the third.

The middle rounds weren’t dominated by either fighter, but it was Sulecki and his rights that were getting the better of Rosado.

Things looked like they might come to an end in the eight when Sulecki landed a left hook-right hand combo that rocked Rosado and sent him to the canvas for the second time in the fight. A woozy Rosado was able to ride out the remainder of the round, much of which was spent with his back against the ropes in a neutral corner, dipping, diving, and dodging Sulecki punches.

Then in the ninth, in classic Philly fashion, Rosado battled back and worked the crowd into a frenzy. The former world title challenger landed a perfectly thrown counter right that exploded on Sulecki’s head, sending the Pole crashing to the mat. Sulecki beat the ensuing ten count, but was quickly met again by another Rosado right, this a looping overhand right, that crumpled Sulecki to the canvas yet again. Credit Sulecki who again beat the referee’s ten count before the bell signaling the end of the ninth round chimed.

In the tenth round, Rosado kept his foot on the gas, trying to end the fight with a single right hand. But Sulecki was able to weather the storm and survive.

In the end, all three judges scored the contest for Sulecki (95-91×2, 95-93).

Sulecki’s only professional loss remains a UD to former world middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in April 2018.

For Rosado, who was coming off a draw against Luis “Cuba” Arias in November, the result makes it only one win in his last five contests.

Sulecki is now positioned to face off against WBO middleweight titleist Demetrius Andrade.

Luke Campbell TKOs Adrian Yung In 5

Former world lightweight title challenger “Cool Hand” Luke Campbell (20-2, 16KO) made it three wins in a row since his 2017 defeat to Jorge Linares, stopping Adrian “Chinito” Yung (26-6-2, 20KO) in the fifth round of a scheduled ten rounds.

Campbell, a 2012 Olympic Gold medalist, had it his way from the opening bell, controlling the fight from the onset. The British southpaw eventually broke through in the fourth round after a right hand forced Yung, who took the fight on short notice, to a knee.

In the sixth, the 31 year old British southpaw, Campbell, upped the pressure. After landing an unobstructed flurry of shots, referee Eric Dali jumped in to stop the contest at the 1:37 mark of round five.

Campbell remains the mandatory challenger for Mikey Garcia’s 135lb. WBC title. Garcia, of course, squares off against undefeated welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. tomorrow night on FOX PPV in Texas.

Raymond Ford Cruises To UD In Pro Debut

In his professional debut, nineteen year-old Matchroom Boxing featherweight prospect Raymond Ford (1-0) earned a four round unanimous decision against Weusi Johnson (3-11).

The former 2018 123-pound National Golden Gloves champion scored a knockdown midway through the first courtesy of a huge left cross, but was unable to stop Delaware’s Johnson before the end the round. No matter to Ford, though, as the Camden, NJ southpaw faced little resistance the rest of the way and cruised to a shutout victory. Scores were 40-35×3.

Yeleussinov Earns Wide UD Against Ortiz

2016 Olympic Gold medalist Daniyar “Kazakh Thunder” Yeleussinov (6-0, 3KO) remained undefeated, scoring a wide eight round unanimous decision against fellow welterweight Silverio Ortiz (37-14, 18KO).

Yeleussinov, a 28 year-old southpaw, started quickly, picking and landing his shots, while using fantastic footwork to keep the 439 round veteran, Ortiz, out of range.

From the third round on, the fight didn’t come as easy for the Matchroom Boxing prospect, as the distance began to close and exchanges increased. There was never a point where the Kazakh wasn’t in control, however, but Ortiz did score with loaded rights, albeit infrequently.

In the seventh, Yeleussinov scored a knockdown that culminated with a punch landing behind Ortiz’s head while he was already on the mat. Referee Benjy Esteves instructed the judges to score the knockdown, but also took a point away from Yeleussinov.

At the end of eight, official scorecards read 79-70 and 79-71×2 for Yeleussinov.

Sparrow Hammers Lundy, Scores MD Win

In a highly anticipated entertaining all-Philadelphia slugfest, Avery Sparrow (10-1, 3KO) scored a ten round majority decision over former world title challenger Hank Lundy (29-8-14KO).

It didn’t take long for the two rivals to start exchanging some serious leather, and toward the end of the first round, the 35 year-old southpaw Lundy scored with a short left, followed by a straight right that seemed to grab Sparrow’s attention.

No long lasting impact, however, as the spry 25 year-old, Sparrow, flipped the script in the following round, scoring two knockdowns courtesy of right hands. The first came seemingly out of nowhere, when Sparrow launched an overhand right that caught Lundy flush on the left side of the head, sending him off balance, forcing his glove to touch the canvas. The ensuing knockdown came less than a minute later, as Sparrow countered a wild-swinging Lundy, shooting a straight right down Broad Street, sending Lundy crashing to the mat.

The resilient 241-round veteran Lundy dug deep, though, and came back the very next round and stood toe-to-toe with Sparrow, perhaps even nicking the round.

From the third on it was a seesaw affair, with both fighters willing to eat a few punches to land a few of their own.

Wild exchanges were commonplace almost every time an ensuing round neared end.

When it was all said and done, the three judges turned in cards of 94-94, and 95-93 and 96-92 for Sparrow.

The win is arguably the biggest of Sparrow’s young career, who’s other win of note came against Jose Lopez in 2017.

The result marks the second loss in a row for “Hammerin’” Hank and is his third in his last six contests.

Ballard Stops Fonseca For Second Time In Career

Undefeated super middleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (20-0, 13KO) scored a fifth round stoppage over hardnosed Mexican Victor Fonseca (17-20-1, 14KO) to kick off a night of fights from Temple University’s Liacouras Center. It was the second time the 25 year-old Ballard and Fonseca squared off and the second time Ballard closed the show inside the scheduled distance. In 2015, the Golden Boy Promotions signee stopped Fonseca inside three rounds, and tonight he needed just two more, battering Fonseca around the ring until referee Eric Dali stopped the fight in the fifth of a scheduled ten.

Tonight’s card, presented by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, will culminate when hometown champion Tevin Farmer (28-4-1, 6KO) defends his IBF World Super Featherweight title live on DAZN (US) and Sky Sports (UK) against unbeaten Irishman Jono Carroll (16-0-1, 3KO).

Jono Carroll says his clash with IBF World Super-Featherweight champion Tevin Farmer is a dream come true as they meet tonight at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
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Carroll (16-0-1 3 KOs) fights in his first World title bout against the Philly ace (28-4-1 6 KOs) who defends his title for a quickfire third time in five months.

A tense fight week comes to a head tonight in Farmer’s hometown, with the pair passing their IBF check-weigh this morning, champion scaling 138.7lbs and the challenger 138.5lbs in what he calls a ‘life changing’ title shot.

The unbeaten Irishman says he couldn’t have scripted a better scenario for a World title fight just two days before St Patrick’s Day, and having said he’s ‘rattled’ the champion in the build-up, he also believes that Farmer may have underestimated him following his draw against Guillaume Frenois in his last fight in December.

“This is what dreams are made of – topping a bill in America for a World title on St Patrick’s Day weekend,” said Carroll. “This changes my family’s life forever. I always come to bring the fight, I wear my heart on my sleeve so every time I am in that ring you get the purest me.

“I hope that people are sleeping on me because of that last fight, when you become number one in the world and you fight for a world title, people are going to watch you – and they want to be entertained to boot, and I bring that extra bit of entertainment with me as they don’t know what I am going to do next, they can’t know because I don’t know!

“No disrespect to Tevin, but I think he’s a boring fighter, whereas I come to bring the fight, so it’s a perfect gel of styles, and styles make fights. If you get someone that’s just going to stand there and let him dictate it’ll be boring, but I bring it and I’m a big believer in law of attraction and that’s why we’re here.

“I don’t know why Tevin and I started to have beef, one thing just led to another and it escalated. Any man that fights for a World title you have to respect – and he’s a World champion defending his title for the third time. You cannot take anything away from him and you have to respect what he’s done in the sport, and he’s done it the hard way.

“I have to be smart in there and show that there’s a lot to my game too. I cannot be a one-trick pony that just comes forward, and I am not that anyway. My Dad always told me that you cannot be one-styled as a fighter because someone will come along that has the formula to beat that style. There are times in there where I’ll have to be smart, times I will need to stand and fight, there’s loads of things that I will need to do, but I know I am capable of doing them and I feel that this shot has come at the right time.

“I didn’t box to my ability against Frenois, but things happen for a reason, I take it as a blessing. I did a lot wrong in the fight, I planned to box him and be smart and did that for the first five rounds, perfectly, but then I caught him with a big shot that rocked him and I thought ‘now I am going to take him out’ so I started throwing bombs as I thought i could hurt him any time.

“So instead of sticking to the gameplan I started throwing big shots and that drained me, it was stupid and not what I’m capable of. I wasn’t up to scratch and maybe I looked past him a little bit and his experience showed as he came on strong in the latter rounds. It was a lesson, it showed me that I just cannot roll over people at World level, he’s a tough man and he could bang.”

Carroll’s clash with Farmer is part of a huge night of action in Philadelphia as Irish sensation Katie Taylor (12-0 5 KOs) looks to unify the Lightweight division once again, putting her IBF and WBA straps on the line against Brazil’s WBO champion Rose Volante (14-0 8 KOs).

Philadelphia Middleweight warrior Gabriel Rosado (24-11-1 14 KOs) faces Poland’s Maciej Sulecki (27-1 11 KOs) for the WBO International title and a likely World title shot at Demetrius Andrade, Philly Lightweight’s Hank Lundy (29-7-1 14 KOs) and Avery Sparrow (9-1 3 KOs) battle for local pride, Olympic gold medal pair Luke Campbell MBE (19-2 15 KOs) and Daniyar Yeleussinov (5-0 3 KOs) and silver medalist John Joe Nevin (11-0 4 KOs) taste their first action of 2019, unbeaten Super-Middleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (19-0 12 KOs) faces Victor Fonseca (17-9-1 14 KOs) while exciting New Jersey amateur star Raymond Ford makes his pro debut.

IBF World Super-Featherweight champion Tevin Farmer has told the other champions at 126lbs to ‘put up or shut up’ ahead of his title defense against Jono Carroll on Friday night (March 15) at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

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Farmer defends his crown for the third time inside five months as he fights at home in Philly for the first time as a World champion, and as fight week kicked off with the media work out today, the champion had to field more questions over a future unification bout with Gervonta Davis.

Farmer has long wanted to face the WBA Super champion from Baltimore in what we be a mega showdown – but it’s a fight that is in the distance rather than a reality – and Farmer has grown tired of talking about fights that aren’t happening as he remains one of the most active World rulers in the game.

“Everybody is talking about who the best is in the division – there’s only one way to tell,” said Farmer. “I am ready to fight anyone. My promoters Eddie Hearn and Lou DiBella are ready to make a fight with anyone so whomever has a belt out there – it’s time to put up or shut up.

“It’s my third defense in five months, I’m the most active male World champion in the world and I want it to continue like that. I like working with Eddie, Lou and DAZN and I hope that we can keep doing business for the rest of my career.

“I’m fighting more than anyone and I’m winning. I’ve probably defended my title more times since winning it than some champions that have had the belt for two years.”

Farmer’s clash with Carroll is part of a huge night of action in Philadelphia as Irish sensation Katie Taylor (12-0 5 KOs) looks to unify the Lightweight division once again, putting her IBF and WBA straps on the line against Brazil’s WBO champion Rose Volante (14-0 8 KOs).

Philadelphia Middleweight warrior Gabriel Rosado (24-11-1 14 KOs) faces Poland’s Maciej Sulecki (27-1 11 KOs) for the WBO International title and a likely World title shot at Demetrius Andrade, Philly Lightweight’s Hank Lundy (29-7-1 14 KOs) and Avery Sparrow (9-1 3 KOs) battle for local pride, Olympic gold medal pair Luke Campbell MBE (19-2 15 KOs) and Daniyar Yeleussinov (5-0 3 KOs) and silver medalist John Joe Nevin (11-0 4 KOs) taste their first action of 2019, unbeaten Super-Middleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (19-0 12 KOs) faces Victor Fonseca (17-9-1 14 KOs) while exciting New Jersey amateur star Raymond Ford makes his pro debut.

Tevin Farmer believes his remarkable story is only going to get better as he prepares to defend his IBF World Jr. Lightweight title against Jono Carroll at the Liacouras Center, Philadelphia on Friday March 15, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

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Farmer defends his title for the third time against the Irishman, a first World title fight for the ‘American Idol’ on his Philly home patch – something that the 28 year old could not see coming in the summer of 2017 when his career was threatened after he was shot in the hand.

When Farmer did return to action, it was in his first World title clash in Las Vegas in December 2017, and was on the receiving end of a controversial defeat to Kenichi Ogawa, who later failed a drugs test.

The Philly ace would not be deterred though, and landed the IBF strap in Australia in August against Billy Dib and after joining forces with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN along with his long time promoter Lou DiBella and DiBella Entertainment, Farmer is reveling in his status as one of the most active champions and promises to put his brash Irish opponent to the sword on St Patrick’s weekend.

“I’ve improved mentally and physically over recent years, my story has been crazy and it’s only getting better,” said Farmer. “I’m defending my title every couple of months, I don’t know another champion out there that is as active as me – four World title fights in seven months, it’s incredible.

“He’s been talking crazy so I picked him, because I want to see what he’s really working with – let’s give him the opportunity to become champion of the World, let’s see if he can back it up, because you know that I am going to bring it in Philly.

“He got this fight because I chose him. Nothing else. Listen, all that sad story about what he’s done, he’s not going to convince Philly. They are with me. I am going to beat him up real bad, right in front of all of Philadelphia.

“He got on Twitter and called me cocky. I’m not. Philly, I am going to beat his ass anyway. After I beat him, I’ll take him for cheesesteaks. Not Pat’s, Geno’s and all that either. I’m going to take him to the Papi spot. That’s the best spot.

“If you don’t know me, I am Tevin Farmer. I am a real Philly fighter. I came from nothing and I owe it all to my team. This year I am looking to fight four or five times, maybe six if I can. I want to go down as one of the best to ever do it and 2019 is going to be a huge year for me.”

Farmer vs. Carroll tops a huge bill in Philadelphia on March 15, where Irish star Katie Taylor looks to unify her IBF and WBA Lightweight crowns against WBO champ Rose Volante.

Philly Middleweight warrior Gabriel Rosado is in a crunch clash with Polish World-rated contender Maciej Sulecki and there’s an all-Philly affair at Lightweight between Avery Sparrow and Hank Lundy.

Exciting amateur prospect Raymond Ford makes his pro debut on the bill and he’ll be looking to follow in the footsteps of two amateur standouts that also box in Philly – Kazakhstan’s Olympic gold medal man Daniyar Yeleussinov and Ireland’s Olympic silver medalist John Joe Nevin.