TOKYO (May 31, 2024) — WBC bantamweight world champion, three-weight king, and rising pound-for-pound superstar Junto Nakatani will defend his strap against Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio on Saturday, July 20, at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.

Nakatani-Astrolabio tops a world title tripleheader that also includes WBO junior bantamweight world champion Kosei Tanaka against Jonathan “Titan” Rodriguez and the vacant WBO flyweight world title showdown between Riku Kano and Los Angeles native Anthony Olascuaga.

Additionally, the card features former kickboxing world champion Tenshin Nasukawa, who will take on Jonathan “Torres” Rodriguez in a 10-round bantamweight special feature.

The three world title fights and Nasukawa-Rodriguez will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the early morning hours in the U.S. 

Junto Nakatani vs. Vincent Astrolabio

Nakatani (27-0, 20 KOs) is a former flyweight and junior bantamweight world champion who is 6-0 with five knockouts in title fights. He won the vacant WBO junior bantamweight crown in May 2023 with a brutal 12^th-round knockout over Andrew Moloney in Las Vegas. Less than four months later, he defended the belt with a one-sided decision over Argi Cortes. He moved up three pounds in February and dethroned WBC bantamweight world champion Alexandro Santiago via sixth-round TKO. Astrolabio (19-4, 14 KOs) is making his second bid for a world title following a May 2023 majority decision defeat to Jason Moloney for the vacant WBO bantamweight strap. 

Kosei Tanaka vs. Jonathan “Titan” Rodriguez

Tanaka (20-1, 11 KOs), who has held world titles in every weight class from 105 to 115 pounds, became Japan’s third-ever four-division world champion when he won a unanimous decision over Christian Bacasegua for the WBO junior bantamweight title in February. Tanaka has won five fights since the lone loss on his ledger, an eighth-round TKO to fellow Japanese four-division king Kazuto Ioka. Rodriguez (25-2-1, 17 KOs), from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, is 3-0-1 since falling short to Jerwin Ancajas in an April 2021 bid for the IBF junior bantamweight crown.

Riku Kano vs. Anthony Olascuaga

Kano (22-4-2, 11 KOs) is unbeaten in five fights since moving up to flyweight in 2022. He went 3-0 in 2023, including a second-round stoppage over then-unbeaten Khomsan Kaewruean. The 26-year-old is making his second attempt at a world title, as he lost a technical decision to Katsunari Takayama in 2016 for the WBO minimumweight title. Olascuaga (6-1, 4 KOs) is a former amateur standout who challenged Kenshiro Teraji for the unified light flyweight title in April 2023. He rebounded from that brutal setback — a ninth-round TKO — with a seventh-round stoppage over Giemel Magramo five months later.

Tenshin Nasukawa vs. Jonathan “Torres” Rodriguez

Nasukawa (3-0, 1 KO) made his pro boxing debut in 2023 following a decorated 44-0 kickboxing record that included multiple word titles. One of Japan’s most famous athletes, he is already world-ranked at bantamweight. Nasukawa made his 2024 debut in January with a third-round TKO over Luis Robles Pacheco. Rodriguez (17-2-1, 7 KOs), from Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, is best known for his 2023 first-round knockout of former world champion Kal Yafai. He is coming off February’s seesaw battle against Antonio Vargas, which he lost by seventh-round TKO.

Janibek Alimkhanuly retained the WBO Middleweight title with a second round obliteration of Steven Butler at The Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In round two, Alimkhanuly dropped Butler with a devastating left uppercut that was followed by a huge left. When Butler got up, he was on unsteady legs. Alimkhanuly jumped on Butler and sent him to the canvas for second time with a big flurry of punches. Alimkhanuly continued to pound a wounded Butler and put him flat ion his back and the fight was stopped at 2:35.

Alimkhanuly, 159.2 lbs of Kazakhstan is now 14-0 with nine knockouts. Butler, 159.6 lbs of Montreal 32-4-1.

Alimkhanuly said, “Championsl. Boxing superstars! Where are you? I am waiting. Let’s fight. I am the most avoided boxer. I am the middleweight king. Let’s go. Let’s fight. I am ready for anybody. Anytime. Anywhere.”

Jason Moloney Decisions Astrolabio to Win Bantamweight Title

Jason Moloney won the vacant WBA Bantamweight title with a 12-round majority decision over Vincent Astrolabio

Moloney was cut around the left eye in round seven.

Moloney landed 143 of 463 punches. Atrolabio was 109 of 596.

Moloney, 117.8 lbs of Melbourne, AUS won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 and is now 26-2. Astrolabio, 117.2 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 18-4.

Moloney won the title on his third attempt.

Moloney said, “I thought I won it going away, but all that matters is the victory. And now I have this belt for the rest of my life.

“I broke my hand in the third or fourth round. It hurt every time I threw it. But I knew this was my last chance to make my dream come true.

“This is half the job done for Team Moloney. Next week, [twin brother] Andrew will join me as champion of the world.”

Gabriel Flores Jr. destroyed Derrick Murray by scoring an opening-round, one-punch stoppage in a eight-round lightweight bout.

Flores landed a perfect check left hook to the chin that sent Murray crushing down to the canvas with the back of his head hitting the canvas and the fight was stopped at 30 seconds.

Flores, 134.4 lbs of Stockton, CA is now 22-2 with eight knockouts. Murray, 134.4 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 17-9-1.

Former world title challenger Ruben Villa IV stopped Maicol Lopez Viillagrano in round five of their eight-round featherweight bout.

In round four, Villa dropped Villagrano with a left uppercut that was followed by a straight left to the chin. In round five, Villa landed several big lefts that forced a referee stoppage at 1:55.

Villa, 126.4 lbs of Salinas, CA is 20-1 with seven knockouts. Villagrano, 126.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 16-5.

Javier Martinez and Joeshon Jones fought to an eight-round split draw in a battle of undefeated middleweights.

Martinez won a card 77-75; Jones took a card 79-73 and a third card was even at 76-76.

Martinez, 160.2 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 8-0-1. Jonez, 161.2 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 7-0-1.

Amado Fernando Vargas won a four-round unanimous decision over Bernando Marzano in a junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Vargas dropped Manzano with a hard left.

Vargas, 129.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is ow 7-0. Marzano, 129.6 lbs of Mexico City is 2-5.

Brian Norman Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Jesus Perez in a welterweight fight.

Norman, 148 lbs of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice and is now 24-0. Perez, 147 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 24-5.

  •  Janibek Alimkhanuly 159.2 lbs. vs. Steven Butler 159.6  lbs
(Janibek’s WBO Middleweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

   •   Jason Moloney117.8 lbs vs. Vincent Astrolabio 117.2 lbs
(Vacant WBO Bantamweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT)

•  Gabriel Flores Jr. 134.4  lbs vs. Derrick Murray 134.4  lbs
(Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•    Javier Martinez 161.2 lbs  vs. Joeshon James 161.2 lbs 
 (Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•  Ruben Villa 126.4 lbs  vs. Maickol Lopez Villagrana 126.6 lbs 
 (Featherweight— 8 Rounds)

•  Amado Fernando Vargas 129.4 lbs vs. Bernardo Manzano 129.6 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

•    Brian Norman Jr. 148 lbs  vs. Jesus Perez 147 lbs
 (Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

STOCKTON, Calif. (May 11, 2023) – An action-packed world championship doubleheader is coming to Stockton, California.

Undefeated Kazakh phenom Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (13-0, 8 KOs) will defend his WBO middleweight world title against Canadian contender Steven Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs) this Saturday at Stockton Arena.
 
In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (25-2, 19 KOs) will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs) for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.

Janibek-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (6:15 p.m ET/3:15 p.m. PT) includes Stockton-born lightweight Gabriel Flores Jr. (21-2, 7 KOs)and top featherweight contender Ruben Villa (19-1, 6 KOs) in separate eight-round bouts. Amado Fernando Vargas (6-0, 2 KOs), the undefeated son of former junior middleweight world champion Fernando Vargas, is also set to return in a four-rounder.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

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

Janibek Alimkhanuly

“I’m very excited. This is my second defense. I prepared very well for this fight. I don’t want to just defend my title. I want to unify titles. I think it’s going to be a great fight this Saturday night.”
 
“I really enjoyed training at Brickhouse Boxing. In my last fight, I fought all 12 rounds, and I felt like something was missing. So, we added a new conditioning coach, and he has helped me a lot. I had a very good preparation. I really enjoy working with Buddy McGirt at Brickhouse Boxing.” 
 
“I got a new conditioning coach because I understand that it will help me grow. If you keep doing the same things, then you will stay in the same place. I wanted to grow. I wanted to unify. I wanted to fight Jermall Charlo. I wanted to fight Erislandy Lara. In order to do that, I knew that I had to make changes.”
 
“As a fighter, I really respect him because he says what he thinks. But I’m going to show him that not only will he not be able to knock me out, he won’t even be able to touch me.” 

Steven Butler
 
“I’m 100 percent ready. I have a lot of respect for Janibek for giving me the opportunity, but he’ll be making a big mistake if he tries to think past me. I want to knock him out. I want the belt. That’s it.”
 
“I’ve learned a lot. I started boxing when I was 11 years old. I’m 27 now. So, I have a lot experience behind me. When I put it all together on Saturday night, I’m going to shock the world.”
 
“This means a lot to me. It’s a dream come true. We have worked a long time for this title shot. And now we have the opportunity this Saturday night to fight for, and win, the title.”
 
“I’m scared of nobody. I’ve taken risks my whole life. Janibek is a good boxer. I have nothing bad to say about him. But we worked hard in this training camp. I’ve worked hard my entire life for this fight.”

Jason Moloney

“This means everything to me. I’ve been boxing for nearly 20 years now and chasing this one dream of becoming champion of the world. It’s something I think about every single day of my life. I train so hard. I’ve made so many sacrifices to be in this position. So, I’m ready. Nothing will make me prouder than having that belt wrapped around my waist and sharing this special moment with my family and my team.”
 
This is a really special moment for us. I’ll be fighting to become world champion this weekend. And my brother, Andrew, will fight for a world title on the Haney vs. Lomachenko card as well. This is an incredible story. Two twin brothers that have been on this journey for nearly 20 years. For us to finally achieve it and to become champions one week apart is incredible.”

Vincent Astrolabio 
 
“I’m am very determined to take the belt home to the Philippines for my family, my country and my people. I am prepared 100 percent. I am very much ready for this fight.”
 
“I have this stuffed kangaroo because I will give it to Jason. I have it because I think of Jason as a baby kangaroo.”

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“It feels amazing to be here. It gives me life. It gives me energy. It helps me keep on going. Because when I fight and I win, my whole city wins. My whole city is going in there with me. So, it feels great. I feel so alive here. I can’t wait to repeat 2019.” 

Ruben Villa

“It feels good to finally be on the A-side of the card. To repay the people who have helped me, I always want to perform well. I want to perform at the best. I got to work at the Top Rank Gym for this camp. And everything went well. I really can’t wait to show what I’ve been working on.”

Amado Fernando Vargas

“Training camp has been phenomenal. I’ve been working with Gabriel Flores and his father. They’ve been helping me out tremendously in camp with my boxing. And, of course, my father Fernando Vargas has been helping us. He showed me how to throw my first punch, and now we’re here together on the big stage.” 

Saturday, May 13 
ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Butler, 12 rounds, Janibek’s WBO Middleweight World Title

Jason Moloney vs. Vincent Astrolabio, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Bantamweight World Title
 

ESPN+ (6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Derrick Murray, 8 rounds, Lightweight

Javier Martinez  vs. Joeshon James, 8 rounds, Middleweight
 
Ruben Villa vs. Maickol Lopez Villagrana, 8 rounds, Featherweight
 
Amado Fernando Vargas vs. Bernardo Manzano, 4 rounds, Junior Lightweight
 
Haven Brady Jr. vs. D’Angelo Fuentes, 8 rounds, Junior Lightweight

Brian Norman Jr. vs. Jesus Perez, 8 rounds, Welterweight

STOCKTON, Calif. (May 10, 2023) – WBO middleweight world champion Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuky is ready to take out his frustrations on Steven Butler. After calls to unify against the division’s other champions were not answered, Janibek will defend his world title against big-punching Canadian contender Butler on Saturday at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.

Janibek-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio 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 Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Janibek (13-0, 8 KOs), a 2016 Olympian from Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, rose the ranks in 2021 with knockout victories over former world champions Rob Brant and Hassan N’Dam. He picked up the WBO interim middleweight world title last May with a second-round blitzing of Danny Dignum and was elevated to world champion after Demetrius Andrade vacated his title. Janibek made the first defense of his title in November, turning back the stiff challenge of British champion Denzel Bentley. Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs) has won four straight bouts, all in Canada, since back-to-back defeats.

Following a recent training session, this is what Janibek had to say:

“I give all the credit to Steven Butler for accepting this fight. In a division full of ducks, Butler is a true warrior. I know he will come to fight, and we will give the fans a great show.”

“Demetrius Andrade gave up his title to avoid fighting me. He ran eight pounds up the scale. He is the ultimate duck. Jaime Munguia turned down a shot at the title to fight weaker opposition. They are the two ducks, but I am the champion now.”

“I called out the division’s other champions, and they didn’t answer. Butler answered the call. I am fighting Saturday to prove a point. I will knock out Butler in devastating fashion.”

“The middleweight division runs through me now. I am here to stay. While the other champions continue not to fight, I will challenge the best and knock out everyone in my path.”

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone presents a world championship doubleheader. Janibek vs. Butler and Moloney vs. Astrolabio, live this Saturday, May 13 at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event takes place at Stockton Arena in Stockton, CA. 

The main event features undefeated Kazak phenom Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly (13-0, 8 KOs) defending his WBO middleweight world title against Canadian contender Steven Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs).

Janibek, a native of Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, took the fast track to title contention after representing his country in the 2016 Olympics. He captured his first pair of regional titles in 2019 and in 2021 stopped former world champions Hassan N’Dam and Rob Brant. In 2022, he captured the interim WBO middleweight title. He was then elevated to world champion after Demetrius Andrade elected to move up in weight rather than defend his title. Last November, Janibek defended his title against Denzel Bentley via a 12-round decision.

Butler is a nine-year pro from Montreal, Canada. He captured the IBF North American title via first-round knockout against Janks Trotter in 2016 before suffering his first defeat against then-undefeated Brandon Cook the following year. Butler bounced back with eight knockout victories before decisioning Vitalii Kopylenko to capture the WBC International middleweight title. Butler is now coming off four wins, two of them by knockout.

In the co-feature for the vacant WBO bantamweight title, former two-time world title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (25-2, 19 KOs) will take on hard-hitting Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs).

The undercard will stream exclusively on ESPN+ at 6:15 p.m. ET / 3:15 p.m. PT.

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

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STOCKTON, Calif. (May 1, 2023) — Undefeated featherweight prospect Amado Fernando Vargas is set to return in a four-rounder on the May 13 undercard of the world championship doubleheader featuring undefeated Kazakh phenom Janikbek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly defending his WBO middleweight world title in the main event against Canadian contender Steven Butler at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.

Janibek-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Vargas’ bout will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Vargas (6-0, 2 KOs) is a 22-year-old prospect who made his pro debut in 2021 with a first-round knockout against Hector Montijo Molina in Mexico. In 2022, he made his U.S. debut by defeating Anel Mudo via four-round unanimous decision in May and ended the year with a points victory against Osmar Olmos Hernandez in November. In his last fight, Vargas decisioned Printice Canada over four rounds in April. Trained by his father, former world champion Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, he is one of three boxing brothers, along with older sibling Fernando Jr. and younger brother and Top Rank-signed lightweight Emiliano.

STOCKTON, Calif. (April 5, 2023) — Tickets are on sale now for the May 13 championship doubleheader featuring undefeated Kazak phenom Janikbek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly defending his WBO middleweight world title in the main event against Canadian contender Steven Butler at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.
 
In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.
  
Alimkhanuly-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio 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 Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
The ESPN+-streamed undercard will feature the return of “Stockton’s King,” Gabriel Flores Jr., in an eight-round lightweight battle.
 

Brazilian Olympic Gold medalist and former two-time title challenger Robson Conceicao joins the undercard action in a 10-round junior lightweight bout. Conceicao (17-2, 8 KOs) will see action for the first time since dropping a decision loss to Shakur Stevenson last September. His only other loss came against former two-division champion Oscar Valdez.

STOCKTON, Calif. (March 29, 2023) — Undefeated Kazak phenom Janikbek “Qazaq Style”Alimkhanuly will defend his WBO middleweight world title in the main event against Canadian contender Steven Butler on Saturday, May 13, at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In the co-feature, former two-time world title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight title.

Alimkhanuly-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Featured on the EPSN+-streamed undercard is the return of “Stockton’s King,” Gabriel Flores Jr. (21-2, 7 KOs). The 22-year-old will fight in an eight-round lightweight bout and hopes to rebound from last July’s loss to Giovanni Cabrera.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, ticket information will be announced shortly.

“We are excited to bring two world championship fights to the wonderful fight city of Stockton,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Janibek is the most avoided middleweight in the world, but Steven Butler did not hesitate to take on the challenge. Jason Moloney has been close to a world title before, but he’ll need to be at his best to defeat a determined Filipino in Vincent Astrolabio.”

“I’m very proud of the character Steven has shown to work his way back to the top,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger. “We are not going to miss our chance. We’re going to cause a surprise on May 13.”

Janibek (13-0, 8 KOs), a native of Zhilandy, Kazakhstan, took the fast track to title contention after representing his country in the 2016 Olympics. He captured his first pair of regional titles in 2019 by defeating Cristian Olivas. In 2021, Janibek stopped former world champions Hassan N’Dam and Rob Brant. The following year, the 29-year-old blasted out Danny Dignum in two rounds to capture the interim WBO middleweight title, earning a shot at then-champion Demetrius Andrade. Janibek was elevated to world champion after Andrade elected to move up in weight rather than defend his title. The southpaw defended his title against Denzel Bentley via a 12-round decision last November.

“All of the middleweights have run scared, so I give Steven Butler a lot of credit for accepting the fight,” Janibek said. “I want to unify the division, but I cannot overlook Butler. He is a tough, powerful challenger, and I look forward to giving a tremendous show to the fans in Stockton and those watching on ESPN.”

Butler (32-3-1, 26 KOs) is a nine-year pro from Montreal, Canada. He captured the IBF North American belt via first-round knockout against Janks Trotter in 2016 before suffering his first defeat against then-undefeated Brandon Cook the following year. Butler bounced back with eight knockout victories before decisioning Vitalii Kopylenko to capture the WBC International middleweight title. The 27-year-old then traveled to Japan to challenge Ryota Murata for the WBA title in a valiant but unsuccessful effort. Butler is now coming off four wins, two of them by knockout.

Butler said, “No detail will be spared in this training camp. Expect a big upset on May 13. I am confident that I will bring the belt back to Quebec.”

Moloney (25-2, 19 KOs) began his career in the paid ranks as a junior featherweight before moving down to 118 pounds in 2017. As a bantamweight, he scored three knockout wins in a row before losing to Emmanuel Rodriguez via split decision in his first world title opportunity. He then stopped four opponents in a row before challenging pound-for-pound king Naoya Inoue for the unified bantamweight championship. Moloney is coming off four consecutive wins, including a third-round knockout over Filipino contender Aston Palicte.

“On May 13 I will become champion of the world. Nineteen years of hard work, countless sacrifices, and complete dedication to the sport all come down to this moment,” Moloney said. “Whatever it takes to have this world championship wrapped around my waist, nothing will stop me. I want to say a big thank you to Top Rank and my team for giving me this opportunity.” 

Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs) is a 25-year-old native of the Philippines who burst onto the scene last year with a 10-round unanimous decision against former unified world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux. Last November, he dropped Nikolai Potapov three times before stopping him in the sixth round to earn a crack at his first world title.

“Ever since I started boxing my dream was to fight for a world title, and dreams do come true with hard work,” Astrolabio said. “I have played this moment over and over in my head, and I will not be denied the world title. I want to thank my promoter, Manny Pacquiao, and Sean Gibbons for getting me this WBO bantamweight world title shot.”

In undercard action, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+:

• In an eight-round middleweight bout, former U.S. amateur star Javier Martinez (8-0, 2 KOs) makes his 2023 debut. Martinez dominated the durable Marco Delgado last November in a career-best performance.
   
• Atlanta-based welterweight standout Brian Norman Jr. (23-0, 19 KOs) comes back in an eight-rounder. Norman made his Top Rank debut in January with an eight-round decision over Rodrigo Damian Coria.
   
• Junior lightweight prospect Haven Brady Jr. (9-0, 4 KOs) makes his second appearance of 2023 in an eight-rounder. Brady turned back the gritty challenge of Ruben Cervera in January to improve to 9-0.

In a highly anticipated battle of undefeated lightweights, Frank Martin coasted to a 12-round unanimous decision over Michel Rivera at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

In round seven, Martin put Rivera on the canvas with a right hook.

Martin, 134.75 ls of Indianapolis, IN won by scores of 120-107, 118-109 and 117-110 and is now 17-0. Rivera, 134.5 lbs of Miami is 24-1.

Vladimir Shishkin remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Jose Uzcategui in a super middleweight fight.

Shiskin outlanded Uzcategui 238 to 162.

Shishkin, 167.25 lbs of Russia won by scores of 117-111 twice and 115-113 and is now 14-0. Uzcategui, 167.5 lbs of El Vigla, VEN is 3205.

Vincent Astrolabio stopped Nikolai Potapov in round six of their 12-round bantamweight bout.

In round five, Astrolabio landed a body punch that put Potapov on a knee. In round six, another body shot sent Potapov down for the count at 1:26.

Astrolabio, 117.5 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 18-2-1 with 13 knockouts. Potapov, 117 lbs of Posdoisk, RUS 23-3-1.

Omar Juarez was deducted three points for low blows but won a 10-round unanimous decision over Austin Dulay in a super lightweight bout.

In round three, Juarez was deducted two points for low blows. In round four, Juarez was once again deducted a point for a low blow.

Juarez, 141 lba of Brownsville, TX is 14-1. Dulay, 140 lbs of Nashville, TN is 15-4.

Elijah Garcia remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Cruse Stewart in an eight-round middleweight bout.

In round two, Garcia dropped Stewart with a left hook. Stewart did not get up and the fight was waved off.

Garcia, 164 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Stewart, 162.5 lbs of Maple Grove, MN is 8-2.

LAS VEGAS – November 22, 2022 – Rising undefeated lightweight contenders Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera and Frank “The Ghost” Martin will clash in an intriguing 12-round WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator as they headline live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 17 in a Premier Boxing Champions event at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see former world champion José Uzcátegui return to action against unbeaten former amateur standout Vladimir Shishkin in a 12-round IBF Title Eliminator. Plus, bantamweight contenders face off as Vincent Astrolabio and Nikolai Potapov battle in a 12-round IBF Title Eliminator that kicks off the telecast.

“Michel Rivera vs. Frank Martin is one of the best matchups that can be made in the stacked lightweight division and the fans watching on SHOWTIME and at The Cosmopolitan are surely in for a treat on December 17,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Each has shown immense skill and heart in earning their status as contenders, and they’ve proven that they’re ready to fight whoever it takes to become world champion. Adding in two closely matched bouts on the televised undercard makes this a night of drama that fight fans will not want to miss.”

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

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Fla., Rivera (24-0, 14 KOs) burst onto the scene in 2019, making his United States debut with a victory over Rene Tellez Giron. The 24-year-old continued his ascent with five more victories in 2020 and 2021, including knockouts of Jon Fernandez and Anthony Mercado. Most recently he outboxed Jerry Perez, earning a unanimous decision victory in October after dominating the previously unbeaten Joseph Adorno on his way to a unanimous decision in March.

“This is the type of fight that I’ve been asking for and I can’t wait to get into the ring,” said Rivera. “Martin is a strong opponent with a good record, but I’m ready to show that I am the future of the lightweight division. I’ve been training hard in Miami so that I’m ready for anything that Martin brings. Make sure you tune in to this fight!”

The 27-year-old Martin (16-0, 12 KOs) ascended the lightweight rankings in 2021 with a pair of impressive victories before delivering a New Year’s Day KO over veteran Romero Duno. In April 2021, Martin knocked out the previously unbeaten Jerry Perez in a dominating performance before earning a unanimous decision over Ryan Kielczweski in August. He produced a methodical destruction of Jackson Mariñez in July when he stopped him in the 10^th round, showing the skill set that has made him one of the most highly touted contenders at lightweight. Originally from Indianapolis, Ind., Martin now trains in the Dallas area under the guidance of Derrick James alongside his promoter and unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

“I’m excited to be able to go out there and prove to myself and prove to the fans how great I am,” said Martin. “Michel Rivera is a good fighter. He’s technically sound and seems to have a determined mentality which means he’s going to come out and give a good fight on December 17. I’m just a few steps ahead of Rivera as far as having speed, power and ring IQ. I feel I have more in the arsenal. This is going to be an action-packed fight. There is going to be a lot of excitement, and a lot of hard shots are going to be dished out, so if you want to see a bang ’em fight, get ready to see two hungry, undefeated fighters go at it. Just remember: Every underdog had to go outside to an uncomfortable situation to become the top dog.”

Born in Venezuela and fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico, Uzcátegui (32-4, 27 KOs) captured a 168-pound world title in March of 2018 by stopping veteran contender Andre Dirrell after eight rounds. The 31-year-old put himself in position to fight for a title with four straight stoppage victories from 2015 through 2016, including a win over then unbeaten Julius Jackson. Since losing the title to unbeaten champion Caleb Plant in January 2019, Uzcátegui has rebounded to win four of his last five fights, including most recently knocking out Felipe Romero in May.

“I am thrilled to be returning to fight on SHOWTIME on December 17,” said Uzcátegui. “That is where I won my world title and I can’t wait to put on another great performance. I am looking at this fight against Shishkin as my chance to reclaim my belt. I’m leaving it all in the ring in this fight. It’s all or nothing for me once I step between the ropes.”

Now fighting out of the resurgent Detroit boxing scene under the guidance of the renowned SugarHill Steward, Shishkin (13-0, 8 KOs) is a Russian native who turned pro in 2016 following a prolific amateur career. The 31-year-old stopped veteran contender Nadjib Mohammedi in October 2018 before putting together his most recent five victories in stateside bouts. That run includes three appearances on SHOBOX: The New Generation and started with an eighth-round stoppage of DeAndre Ware on SHOBOX in 2019, a 2020 triumph over the previously unbeaten Ulises Sierra and most recently a sixth-round TKO of Jeyson Minda in March.

“This is an incredible opportunity for me to get closer to my ultimate dream of becoming world champion,” said Shishkin. “My opponent is a strong former champion with a proven record and an excellent skill set. However, me and my team are doing everything we can to be 100% on December 17. I believe that I’m facing a great opponent who will allow me to showcase my style of fighting.”

The 25-year-old Astrolabio (17-3, 12 KOs) put himself into world title contention with an upset victory over longtime pound-for-pound staple Guillermo Rigondeaux in February. A native of General Santos City in the Philippines, Astrolabio will make his U.S debut on December 17 as he looks to take one step closer to a world title opportunity. Prior to that decision victory in February, Astrolabio’s previous five wins had all come by knockout.

“I am very excited to make my U.S. debut on December 17,” said Astrolabio. “I want to thank my promoter Manny Pacquiao and my whole team for making this dream come true. I’m honored to be fighting in a world title eliminator. I truly feel that I earned this opportunity with my victory over Rigondeaux. This is my first fight on SHOWTIME and I’m training hard to make it a memorable one.”

Potapov (23-2-1, 11 KOs) has held his current training camp in Miami as he is co-trained by John David Jackson while he too looks to solidify his shot at a world title. The Russian native enters the fight on a three-bout winning streak following a narrow decision loss to Joshua Greer in July 2019. The 32-year-old turned pro in 2010 and was unbeaten until a 2016 draw against fellow contender Stephon Young. 

“This is an important stage of my career and a fight that I’m putting everything into,” said Potapov. “Winning a world title has always been my dream. I know that this fight is one step away from that dream. I’m going to do everything I can in my power to make it a reality. I hope that my opponent comes into the ring at his best as well, so that we can give the fans a great fight. No matter what, I’m planning on having my hand raised.”

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