Keyshawn Davis stopped Denys Berinchyk in round four to win the WBO Lightweight title at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden.

In round three, Davis landed a left to the body that put Berinchyk on a knee for a knockdown. In round four, it was another left to the body to liver as Berinchyk tried to come in and throw punches that put Berinchyk on the deck for the 10-count at

Davis, 134.2 lbs of Norfolk, VA is now 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Berinchyk, 134.6 lbs of Kyiv, UKR is 19-1.

Davis said, “It was an amazing feeling. Right before I knocked him out, I was hearing the crowd saying, ‘Norfolk! Norfolk! Norfolk!’ I was like, ‘I’ve got to knock him out now! Boom!’”

“I never really had problems with awkward fighters. The only thing that was giving me trouble was how he kept jumping in and out. And he was a little faster than I expected. As the rounds went on, I got more comfortable in there, and in the fourth round, I did it to him.”

“My son was here. I had to show up for my son, Keyshawn Jr. He was in the crowd watching me. It means a lot to me now. When he looks back at this day, he’s going to be proud of his father.”

“I want anybody who has the balls to step in the ring and fight me. There are two 135-pound champions that I would love to fight. If they have the guts to step in the ring with ‘The Businessman,’ tell them to send me a contract, or I can send them one.”

Xander Zayas Stops Slawa Spomer in 9

Xander Zayas remained undefeated with a ninth round stoppage of Slawa Spomer in a battled of undefeated junior middleweights.

In round one, Spomer began to bleed from his nose.

In round nine, Zayas hurt Spomer with a left hook to the body. Spomer retreated to the ropes and Zayas pounced on Spomer with a flurry of punches until Zayas doubled over Spomer again with a another left to the body, and the fight was stopped at 2:01.

Zayas, 153.2 lbs of San Juan, PR is 21-0 with 13 knockouts. Spomer, 153.2 lbs of Heilbromn, GER is 20-1.

Zayas said, “I knew from the first round that he would wear down little by little. In the third or fourth, I hurt him, and he got me with a good shot. But I went to my corner, and they told me to keep fighting intelligently because we had 10 rounds to wear him down. And by the eighth and ninth, they told me, let’s step it up with the combinations, and we started to land with more power to get the finish.”

“On paper, he was my toughest opponent to date, and I stopped him. I have passed every test that has been put in front of me, and I feel I’m ready to fight for a world title right now. I want that next.”

Mielnicki and Coyle Battle To Majority Draw

Vito Mielnicki Jr. and Connor Coyle battled to a 10-round majority draw in a middleweight fight.

In round four, Mielnicki was bleeding from his mouth. In the same round, Coyle was cut around his left eye.

Mielnicki landed 146 of 546 punches. Coyle was 98 of 520.

Mielnicki, 159.4 lbs of Roseland, NJ took a card by a 96-94 tally while two judges had it even at 95-95. Mielnicki is now 20-1-1. Coyle, 158.3 lbs of Derry, NI is 21-0-1.

Juanmita Lopez DeJesus needed just 59 seconds to win his pro debut over Bryan Santiago in a four-round junior bantamweight bout.

DeJesus landed a left uppercut that put Santiago down and out.

Dejesus, 113.8 lbs of Caguas, PR is the son of former world champion Juan Manuel Lopez. Santiago, 113.6 lbs of Weslaco, TX is 1-2-1.

Abdullah Mason remained undefeated by dropping Manuel Jaimes four-times enroute to a fourth round stoppage in a eight-round lightweight bout.

In round Mason dropped Jaimes with a step-back left uppercut. Mason scored another knockdown in round three from another left hand.. In round four, Mason dropped Jaimes with a right hook that was followed by a left. Mason finished off Jaimes when he dumped him agaion the canvas with a straight left hand that was followed by two right hooks at 1:55.

Mason, 136.2 lbs of Cleveland is 17-0 with 15 knockouts. Jaimes, 137 lbs of Stockton, CA is 16-3-1.

“I said the same thing {about no longer being called a prospect}. We say the same thing. We want the belts, world championship,” Mason said. “I gotta keep doing what I’m doing and making these guys look the way I’ve been doing since I turned pro.”

Rohan Polanco stopped Jean Carlos Torres in round two of their 10-round welterweight fight.

In round one, Polanco dropped Torres with a leaping left hook to the temple In round two, it was a left hook that d put Torres down again. Seconds later, it was a big right hand that rocked Torres and one punch later the fight was stopped at 1:48.

Polanco, 146.4 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is now 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Torres, 147 lbs of Trujillo Alto, PR is 22-2.

Keon Davis stopped Ira Johnson in round two of their four-round welterweight fight.

In round two, Davis dropped Johnson with a left hook to the body. Then it was a flurry that was capped by a right over the top that put Johnson down for 10-count at 1:38.

Davis, 149.2 lbs of Norfolk, VA is 2-0 with one knockout. Johnson, 148.2l lbs of Kansas City is 3-3.

Jared Anderson won a 10-round unanimous decision over Marios Kollias in a heavyweight bout.

In round four, Kollias started to swell under his left eye.

ANerson, 256.8 lbs of Toledo won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 18-1. Kollias, 235.4 lbs of Pares, GRE is 12-4-1.

Juan Carlos Guerra Jr. scored an upset six-round split decision over Nico Ali Walsh in a middleweight fight.

Guerra, 1578.8 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 58-56 twice and 58-56 for Walsh. Guerra is now 6-1-1. Waksh, 15.2 lbs of Las Vegas is 11-2.

NEW YORK CITY (Feb. 12, 2025) — Keyshawn Davis is on the verge of the biggest moment of his career.

Davis (12-0, 8 KOs) will challenge Denys Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs) for the WBO lightweight world title this Friday, Feb. 14, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The 25-year-old gets his first shot at world title glory against a fellow Olympic silver medalist determined to hold onto his crown.

The fight took on a deeply personal turn during Thursday’s press conference after Davis accused Berinchyk of delivering a box of bananas and a watermelon to his room, an act he deemed racist, while Berinchyk dismissed the claim as a manufactured controversy.

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican contender Xander Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) looks to defend his WBO No. 1 ranking against fellow unbeaten Slawa Spomer (20-0, 11 KOs).

New Jersey-born middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr. (20-1, 12 KOs) kicks off the broadcast in a 10-round showdown against world-ranked Irishman Connor Coyle (21-0, 9 KOs).

Berinchyk-Davis, Zayas-Spomer, and Mielnicki-Coyle will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard begins at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT and features the pro debut of second-generation Puerto Rican star Juanmita Lopez De Jesus, son of former two-weight world champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez, in a four-round junior bantamweight tilt against Bryan Santiago (1-1-1, 1 KO).

Undefeated lightweight southpaw Abdullah Mason (16-0, 14 KOs) takes on Manuel Jaimes (16-2-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-rounder, while Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco (14-0, 9 KOs) looks to edge closer to a title shot in a 10-round welterweight clash against Jean Carlos Torres (22-1, 17 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with K2 Promotions and Queensberry Promotions, tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.

This is what the fighters said at Wednesday’s press conference:

Denys Berinchyk

“I don’t speak English, and I don’t write English.  I saw his message on social media. It’s weird even to mention this. Some people with bad intentions looking for some hype made that.”
 
“The first thing you need to do is make weight. And afterward, on Friday, we’re going to sort it out.”
 
“Since winning my title, I’ve been training the entire time. And I was preparing for this defense. Nothing changed too much in my life. We have a war in Ukraine. So, unfortunately, my life didn’t change much.”
 
“I never imagined myself fighting here. But I’ve been working hard for 25 years to make my dream come true and accomplish this assignment.”
 
“I have 355 amateur fights. I have more than 500 victorious street fights. I have one bare-knuckle fight that was also victorious.” 

Keyshawn Davis

“I want to address the fact that this guy came to America to give me bananas and a watermelon with a note on it. It’s unprofessional, and I feel like it’s racist. And you just made this fight a little more personal. This man brought a box of bananas and a watermelon to America to bring to my room. I took it as racist. So, I got something for you.”
 
“Ya’ll did it. It’s OK that ya’ll did it. I’m going to whoop your ass for it. Just know what’s coming Friday night.”
 
“It’s a real blessing. When he called my name out after he won his last fight, I had a feeling in my spirit that I was going to fight him for the world championship. I never thought it would be at Madison Square Garden.”
 
“You’re not tougher than me. You can talk about all that bare-knuckle stuff. I come from what I come from. I’ve been doing this bare-knuckle s**t outside the ring. So, all that s**t you’re talking about, I don’t care. I’m going to f**k you up this Friday. 
 
I don’t care about none of your experience or amateur experience. I don’t care about your silver medal. I don’t even care about your watch, your belt, or any of that. I’m going to f**k you up on Friday.”

Xander Zayas

“I feel amazing. Fight No. 7 here at the ‘Mecca of Boxing.’ New York is like a second home now. I’m excited to put on a show for the fans once again and to put the 154-pound weight class on notice. I’m coming for the world title next.”
 
“This means the world to me. He’s ranked at No. 11 in the WBO for a reason. He’s 20-0 for a reason. He has good victories behind him. But I’m looking forward to becoming 21-0 on Friday night and to the great opportunities coming next in 2025.”

“I’ve been here since Saturday. We had 10 weeks of training camp. I’m one step away from the main goal. I have to beat him to get there, so I’m going to prove that I belong at the elite level.”
 
Slawa Spomer

“I want to show that I belong at the top. Xander is also a top boxer, and I want to climb to the top. In order to get there, you have to fight the best fighters in the world. That’s why I’m here.”

“Camp with Roy Jones Jr. was amazing. So, two dreams have come true. One was to fight at Madison Square Garden, and the other was to prepare with Roy Jones Jr. The preparation and camp were very good. I’ve been in the game long, so I didn’t need to learn the basics. But now, I see different things because of what Roy has taught me. So, I’m proud of that opportunity.”

Vito Mielnicki Jr.

“This is exciting. I’m fighting on the main card on ESPN, which is another great opportunity. I feel blessed to be in this position.”
 
“The goal is to keep climbing and fighting better opposition. This is definitely my toughest to date on paper. And I’m just excited to show what I’ve been working on and how I’ve grown as a fighter. I’m going to put on a dominating performance on Friday.”
 
“This is everything I’ve dreamt of as a kid. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. So we’re going to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Connor Coyle

“I’ve been looking for big fights. But I never got them. It’s not like I was ducking or dodging people. I’ve just had to fight whoever was put in front of me.”
 
“I believe this is my opportunity now, and I’m happy this is at MSG.”
 
“You’ll see the best version of me. I spent 12 weeks in total away from my kids and family. It was the best camp I’ve had, mentally and physically. I’ve had the best sparring. And this is my opportunity, so I have to grab it with both hands.”

Rohan Polanco

“I’ve moved up in weight, so this camp was more intense, and I did more weight training. The sparring was intense, too. But for this fight, I feel very good. I have a lot of experience. I know that my opponent has a lot of experience as well. I think that with my boxing skills, I will walk away victorious.”
 
“My trainer, Hector Bermudez, is very intelligent. He is always teaching me how to adapt to professional boxing because I had such a long career as an amateur. We have meshed well, and I believe it was a great decision for my career to have chosen him.”
 
“The plan is to keep winning so I can keep positioning myself until I get a world title opportunity. That is what we are looking for.”
 
Abdullah Mason
 
“From my last fight, I learned to fight smart and make sure I listen to my corner. Every time I’m tuned into them, the easier the fight is. I did get up and do exceptionally well, but I need to fight smart.”
 
“I see myself up there with the guys who hold the titles. Skill-wise, I feel like I’m able to hold my own in one of those fights and come out on top. But we’re proving ourselves, and we’ll keep taking those steps forward. Hopefully, we grab a smaller title later this year.”
 
Juanmita Lopez de Jesus
 
“I want to make my people in Puerto Rico proud, so I’m going to show what I’m made of and what I bring to the table. This is definitely a different experience. I’ve never had this kind of attention before, so I’m very excited.”

Friday, February 14

ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)

Keyshawn Davis vs. Denys Berinchyk, 12 rounds, Berinchyk’s WBO Lightweight World Title

Xander Zayas vs. Slawa Spomer, 10 rounds, Zayas’ NABF & NABO Junior Middleweight Titles

Vito Mielnicki Jr. vs. Connor Coyle, 10 rounds, Vacant USBA, WBC USA & WBO International Middleweight Titles
 

ESPN+ (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT)

Juanmita Lopez De Jesus vs. Bryan Santiago, 4 rounds, junior bantamweight

Abdullah Mason vs. Manuel Jaimes, 8 rounds, lightweight

Rohan Polanco vs. Jean Carlos Torres 10 rounds, welterweight

Keon Davis vs. Ira Johnson, 4 rounds, welterweight

Jared Anderson vs. Marios Kollias, 10 rounds, heavyweight

Nico Ali Walsh vs. Juan Carlos Guerra Jr., 6 rounds, middleweight

*The Tiger Johnson-Quashawn Toler fight was canceled due to Toler being overweight. 

NEW YORK CITY (Feb. 11, 2025) – Fight week has arrived for “The Businessman” as he closes in on his biggest deal yet—his first world title.

Undefeated U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs) will challenge Ukraine’s Denys Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs) for the WBO lightweight world title this Friday, Feb. 14, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The 25-year-old contender who began his pro career in 2021 now takes his biggest step yet toward superstardom.

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) takes on fellow unbeaten Slawa Spomer (20-0, 11 KOs).

New Jersey-born middleweight Vito “White Magic” Mielnicki Jr. (20-1, 12 KOs) will open the broadcast in a 10-rounder versus Connor “The Kid” Coyle (21-0, 9 KOs).

Berinchyk-Keyshawn, Zayas-Spomer, and Mielnicki-Coyle will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT) will feature top contenders and a slew of decorated prospects.

• Juanmita Lopez De Jesus vs. Bryan Santiago, 4 rounds, junior bantamweight
• Abdullah Mason vs. Manuel Jaimes, 8 rounds, lightweight
• Rohan Polanco vs. Jean Carlos Torres, 10 rounds, welterweight
• Keon Davis vs. Ira Johnson, 4 rounds, welterweight
• Jared Anderson vs. Marios Kollias, 10 rounds, heavyweight
• Tiger Johnson vs. Quashawn Toler, 8 rounds, welterweight
• Nico Ali Walsh vs. Juan Guerra Jr., 6 rounds, middleweight

Original Programming

Blood, Sweat & Tears: Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn: An inside look at both camps as they prepare for their most important showdown to date, with a deep dive into Davis’ path to his first world title opportunity.

Abdullah Mason: Appetite for Smoke: A special feature on rising lightweight prodigy Abdullah Mason, the Cleveland-born uber-talent who is on the precipice of world title contention.

Blood, Sweat & Tears and Appetite for Smoke are available now on Top Rank’s YouTube Channel, while new episodes of Top Rank Real Time, a behind-the-scenes look at the fighters and their camps, will premiere every day throughout the week.

Fight Week Schedule:

Before Friday’s event, fight week activities will stream live on Top Rank’s YouTube, X (Twitter) and Facebook pages.

Tuesday, February 11: Face-Off at One World Observatory
Keyshawn Davis and Denys Berinchyk meet face-to-face high above New York City.

Highlights from the event will be featured on Top Rank’s YouTube, X (Twitter) and Facebook pages.

Wednesday, February 12: Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn Final Presser
2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT
Streaming live on Top Rank’s YouTube, X (Twitter) and Facebook pages.

Thursday, February 13: Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn Official Weigh-In
12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT
Streaming live on Top Rank’s YouTube, X (Twitter) and Facebook pages.

Friday, February 14: Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn Fight Night

Undercard Stream
5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT
LIVE and exclusively on ESPN+

ESPN Broadcast
9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+
 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2025) — WBO No. 1 junior middleweight contender Xander Zayas is knocking on the door of a world title opportunity, and a dominant showing could be the key to unlocking it.

The 22-year-old Puerto Rican phenom will lock horns with fellow unbeaten Slawa Spomer in a 10-round showdown on Friday, Feb. 14, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Zayas-Spomer will be the co-feature to the WBO lightweight world title battle between reigning champion Denys Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs) and American challenger Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs).

New Jersey-born middleweight Vito “White Magic” Mielnicki Jr. (20-1, 12 KOs) will open the ESPN-televised tripleheader in a 10-rounder against world-ranked contender Connor “The Kid” Coyle (21-0, 9 KOs).

Berinchyk-Keyshawn, Zayas-Spomer, and Mielnicki-Coyle will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with K2 Promotions and Queensberry Promotions, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 in 2019 and has become one of Puerto Rico’s most promising young stars. In 2024, he dominated former world champion Patrick Teixeira in June and decisioned Damian Sosa in September, solidifying his status as the WBO’s No. 1 contender. Spomer (20-0, 11 KOs), who tallied stoppage wins in 2023 versus Felice Moncelli and Milan Prat, returns after scoring a first-round TKO against Adam Ngange in November.

Following a recent training session in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this is what Zayas said:

“I’ve watched clips of his fights. He’s undefeated and knows how to adjust. He’s a good boxer, but I feel superior in every aspect. He’s a warrior, but I am the better fighter overall.”

“We’ve worked on everything. We’ve worked on defense, offense, countering, and using our angles. Based on my preparation and the kind of rhythm I’ll have in the fight, he won’t be able to handle me. I’m also ready to go the full 10 rounds. So, whether it goes the distance or not, I know I’m leaving with the win.”

“This is the most important fight of my career. I’m fighting someone who’s ranked and unbeaten, and the winner will likely get a world title shot this year. We’ve worked toward that goal for many years and are closer than ever. I’m highly focused on what I have to do, and I know I have to look spectacular.”

“For lots of people, February 14 is Valentine’s Day. For me, though, it’s a chance to showcase why I’m the best at 154 pounds and deserve a world title shot next. I’m ready to make a statement.”

NEW YORK CITY (Jan. 7, 2025) — The prince of the lightweight division is coming to The Big Apple looking to unseat the king.

WBO world champion Denys Berinchyk will make the first defense of his title against the undefeated fighting pride of Norfolk, Virginia, Keyshawn Davis, on Friday, Feb. 14, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican standout Xander Zayas steps up against fellow unbeaten Slawa Spomer.

And, in the 10-round televised opener, New Jersey-born middleweight Vito “White Magic” Mielnicki Jr. looks to upend undefeated, world-ranked contender Connor “The Kid” Coyle.

Berinchyk-Keyshawn, Zayas-Spomer, and Mielnicki-Coyle will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with K2 Promotions and Queensberry Promotions, tickets go on sale Thursday, Jan. 9 at 12 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.

“Keyshawn Davis has everything it takes to be a modern-day great, but he must first defeat an unbeaten, determined Ukrainian champion in Denys Berinchyk. This has all the makings of a lightweight classic in New York City,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Xander Zayas is facing a tough, undefeated kid in Slawa Spomer, an excellent test for our Puerto Rican star as he nears a world title shot. And with Vito Mielnicki Jr. facing unbeaten Irishman Connor Coyle, we have a sensational tripleheader in store for the fans at The Theater at Madison Square Garden and watching live on ESPN.”

Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs) spent nearly a decade on the Ukrainian national team as an amateur, where his teammates included pound-for-pound great Vasiliy Lomachenko and two-weight undisputed king Oleksandr Usyk. He won the European title in December 2022 on the Tyson Fury-Derek Chisora 3 undercard, notching a decision over Yvan Mendy. Eight months later, he bested Anthony Yigit on the Usyk-Daniel Dubois bill in Poland, earning him a crack at Emanuel Navarrete for the vacant WBO lightweight world title. He stunned the ferocious Mexican warrior last May, tallying a split decision at Pechanga Arena San Diego. For his first title defense, Berinchyk will play the role of underdog once more, attempting to derail the Davis locomotive.

“I’m not going to make any big statements or shower my opponent with compliments,” Berinchyk said. “I’ll just say one thing: Don’t relax, dude! It won’t be an easy fight for you!” 

Davis (12-0, 8 KOs) ascended to the WBO No. 1 ranking in less than four years as a pro, showcasing the skills that made him the most accomplished American amateur of his generation. He graduated to 10-rounders in 2023, knocking out Yigit and dominating former European champion Francesco Patera to start the year. The only blemish on his record — an October 2023 decision victory over Nahir Albright that changed to a no-contest after a positive marijuana test — proved to be a minor speed bump. He stopped former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza in February and overcame Mexican puncher Miguel Madueño over 10 one-sided rounds in July. Davis authored a career-best performance last November, starching Gustavo Lemos in two rounds in front of 10,568 fans at a sold-out Scope Arena in Norfolk.

“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for. Denys Berinchyk called me out, and I answered,” Davis said. “A new era in the lightweight division begins on February 14th. Be there in person or watch it live on ESPN because what I’m going to do must be seen to be believed.”

Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs), the WBO No. 1 contender, spent 2024 fighting at The Theater. He headlined Puerto Rican Day Parade Weekend in June, coasting past former world champion Patrick Teixeira over 10 rounds. Three months later, as the co-feature to the Sandy Ryan-Mikaela Mayer main event, he shut out Mexico’s Damian Sosa. The San Juan native signed with Top Rank at 16, made his pro debut as a 17-year-old in 2019, and currently holds a pair of regional titles. 

Spomer (20-0, 11 KOs) has beaten three undefeated prospects in his career. In October 2023, the German puncher blew away highly touted French standout Milan Prat in 10 rounds. Spomer returned 13 months later and picked up a first-round TKO over Adam Ngange in Dubai.

“Since I was a kid, I always dreamed of making New York City my second home, and it fills me with pride to know that with a lot of effort and sacrifice, little by little, we have been receiving more and more love from my Puerto Ricans from ‘The Big Apple,’” Zayas said. “Fighting in front of my people at Madison Square Garden is always a great honor, and I can’t wait to give them a great night of boxing on February 14. I will show I am ready to challenge for a world title at 154 pounds. I will not back down!”

Spomer said, “I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this my whole life. It’s time to show the world that I belong at the top of the sport.”

The 22-year-old Mielnicki (20-1, 12 KOs) makes his middleweight debut and is riding a 12-fight winning streak. The Garden State’s rising star signed with Top Rank last year and made his promotional debut in August with a second-round disqualification win over Laszlo Toth. He returned in September at The Theater and secured a majority decision over Khalil El Harraz. Coyle (21-0, 9 KOs), a world-ranked Irishman, is a 34-year-old veteran who turned pro in 2016 following a well-traveled amateur run. He made three defenses of a regional title from 2022-2023 and picked up his lone victory of 2024 in August with an eight-round decision over Kyle Lomotey in Barnsley, England. Coyle is no stranger to “road warrior” status, as he’s 18-0 on North American soil.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard is scheduled to include the following bouts:

• Dominican-born welterweight contender Rohan Polanco (14-0, 9 KOs) continues his march towards a world title against Puerto Rico’s Jean Carlos Torres (22-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Polanco represented his homeland at the Tokyo Olympics and has knocked out four of his last five foes. Torres has won three bouts since a 2021 stoppage defeat to Darwin Price.
   
• Rising lightweight Abdullah Mason (16-0, 14 KOs) will make his 2025 debut against Manuel Jaimes (16-2-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-rounder. The Cleveland-born Mason fought five times in 2024, stopping all his opponents in four rounds or less. Jaimes lost a 10-round decision to former world champion Rolando Romero last September.
   
• Cleveland’s Tiger Johnson (14-0, 6 KOs), an Olympic teammate of Davis’ in Tokyo, will face Cincinnati native Quashawn Toler (17-3, 12 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight battle for Ohio supremacy. This marks the fourth straight appearance at The Theater for Johnson, who went 3-0 with one knockout in 2024. In September, he won an eight-round decision over Yomar Alamo.
   
• Middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (11-1, 5 KOs), the grandson of “The Greatest,” will face an opponent to be named in a six-rounder. Ali Walsh avenged the lone loss of his career last June, overcoming a dislocated shoulder to win a unanimous decision over Sona Akale. 

Mikaela Mayer won the WBO Welterweight title with a 10-round majority decision over Sandy Ryan at The Madison Square Garden Theater.

It was a high action, high contact fight. The two traded hard shots throughout the fight. Mayer had a solid first half of the fight, with Ryan landing some hard shots with both hands.

In round five, Mayer cut over over her left eyelid.

Ryan landed 185 of 567 punches. Mayer was 186 of 636.

Mayer won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95.

Mayer, 146.8 lbs of Los Angeles is now 20-2. Ryan, 146.6 lbs of Derby, ENG 7-2-1.

The two fighters had bad blood throughout the build due to one Mayer’s trainers Emanuel “Flick” Savoy becoming the lead trainer of Ryan. The strangeness of the build up continued n fight night as somebody threw paint on Ryan as she left her hotel

Mayer said, “It was similar to how I thought it would go. I always said before that I respected Sandy as a boxer. She has a big pedigree, just like myself, but I knew I was gonna beat her to the punch. I knew I was faster. I knew I was sharper. And that’s exactly what I did.

“I picked it up halfway through the fight, like I always do. I always turn it on in that second half of the fight. And she just couldn’t handle my timing. So, I felt like I won the fight, and I’m just glad I got the right decision this time.

“I want to finish what I started and go undisputed. I came very close at junior lightweight. But my body outgrew that weight. I’m comfortable now. I feel like I’m stronger than ever. I’m still in my prime, as you can see. So I’m coming for the other champions.”

Ryan said, “I’m obviously disappointed, and I’m not taking nothing away from the decision. But before coming to the venue, I don’t know if you guys seen, but I had a hit and run {with paint outside the hotel}. And that was definitely set up. I’m not taking nothing away from the win, but it unsettled me.

“It threw me off a bit of my game plan because I just wanted to fight. And you saw at the start of the fight, I was handling her quite well on the jab. I was boxing her and then I started to pick it up. But then, I was obviously pushing it too hard.

“It’s nice to fight in America again. But I just don’t like the circumstances that happened to me before the fight. But I can’t take nothing away from that. It is what it is.”

Zayas Decisions Sosa

Xander Zayas remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Damian Sosa in a junior middleweight bout.

Zayas was 256 of 685 punches. Sosa was 74 of 524.

Zayas, 153.4 lbs of San Juan, PR won by scores of 100-90 on all scorecards and is 20-0. Sosa, 153.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 25-3.

Zayas said, “He pushed me and elevated me to the next level. Now, I feel like I’m ready. Before, I felt like I was ready. But now I think I let everybody know that I’m ready for the elite names.

“Man, they said he throws 84 punches per round. I didn’t see that today. I did my job. Now, I just have to be calm, relax, and see what my promoter wants. I want whoever is in the top five.”

Carrington Wins Majority Decision over Segawa

Bruce Carrington remained undefeated with a 10-round majority decision over Sulaiman Segawa in a featherweight bout.

In round seven, Carrington suffered a hematoma from a clash of heads.

Carrington landed 91 of 358 punches. Segawa was 108 of 416.

Carrington, 125.8 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 97093 twice and 95-95 and is now 13-0. Segawa, 123.8 lbs of Kempala, UGA is 17-5-1.

Carrington said, “I owe him a lot {for that education tonight}. This is just gonna get me to the next level. I just learned to deal with the off-tempo. I got a couple of things I gotta work on back in the gym. We gotta get back on our beat and have more dominant performances. But as long as we got the ‘W’ at the end of the day, we’re still good.”

Vito Mielnicki Jr. won a 10-round majority decision over Khalil El Harraz in a junior middleweight bout.

Mielnicki, 153.8 lbs of Roseland, NJ won by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 95-95 and is now 20-1. El Harraz, 152.4 lbs of Rome, ITA 16-6-1.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with a eigt-round unanimous decision over Mario Hernandez in a bantamweight bout.

In round five, Diaz dropped Hernandez with a step-back right uppercut.

Diaz, 117.8 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 78-73 twice and 77-74 and is now 13-0. Hernandez, 117.2 lbs of Mexico is 12-5-1.

Elvis Rodriguez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Kendo Castaneda in a junior welterweight bout.

In round five, Castaneda was cut around his left eye.

Rodriguez, 142.8 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 17-1-1. Castaneda, 142 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 21-7.

Tiger Johnson remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Yomar Alamo in a junior welterweight bout.

Johnson, 140.8 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice and is now 14-0. Alamo, 140.2 lbs of Agua Buernas, PR is 22-3-1.

Rohan Polanco remained undefeated as he became the first man to drop and stop Marcelino Lopez in round six of their 10-round welterweight bout.

At the end of round three, Polanco dropped Lopez with an uppercut. It was the first time that Lopez had been down in his 43-fight career. Lopez was cut in the bridge of the nose. In round four, Polanco landed an overhand right that forced Lopez to take a knee.

In round six, Polanco landed a combinbation that punctuated by a right hand that put Lopez down to a knee. Polanco ended things when he landed a hard combination that put Lopez down again and the fight was stopped at 2:08.

Polanco, 143.4 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 14-0 with nine knockouts. Lopez, 143 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 37-5-1.

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN: Ryan vs. Mayer will be presented live this Friday, September 27, at 10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event will take place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York.

In the main event, Sandy Ryan will defend her WBO welterweight world title against Mikaela Mayer.

Ryan (7-1-1, 3 KOs) from Derby, England, turned pro in 2021 after a successful amateur career, winning a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and silver at the 2014 World Championships. She avenged her sole defeat with a unanimous decision over Erica Farias in 2022 and won the vacant WBO title in April 2023 against Marie-Pier Houle. Following a controversial draw with Jessica McCaskill, she notched a signature victory with a fourth-round knockout of former two-division world champion Terri Harper.

Mayer (19-2, 5 KOs), a 2016 U.S. Olympian and former unified junior lightweight world champion, returns to the U.S. after a four-fight run in England. After a pair of wins in 2023, she lost a controversial split decision to IBF welterweight champion Natasha Jonas in January. While a rematch with Jonas didn’t happen, Mayer once again aims to become a two-weight world champion.

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature Xander Zayas collides with Damian Sosa.

Zayas (19-0, 12 KOs) a five-year pro, has won two regional titles and emerged as a major attraction in New York City, boasting a perfect 5-0 record at Madison Square Garden. His main event debut in June was a triumphant one, as he dominated former world champion Patrick Teixeira over 10 rounds.

Sosa (25-2, 12 KOs) from Tijuana, Mexico, is on a three-fight winning streak and has an impressive 3-0 record in the U.S.

He won a clear points verdict over Clay Collard in 2021, prevailed via a 10-round decision over former Zayas foe Ronald Cruz the following year, and most recently shocked undefeated prospect Marques Valle by a split decision in April.

In the 10-round special feature featherweight battle, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington takes on Sulaiman Segawa.

Carrington (12-0, 8 KOs) is undefeated at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, with all five of his wins there coming by knockout, including a stunning fourth-round finish of Bernard Torres in February and an eighth-round TKO over Brayan De Gracia in June. Segawa (17-4-1, 6 KOs), a native of Uganda now based in Maryland, has faced tough competition throughout his 11-year career, with all his losses against then-unbeaten fighters, including a close decision to Abraham Nova in 2018.

Undercard bouts begin at 6:30 p.m. ET/ 3:30 p.m. PT on ESPN+.

Calling the action will be Bernardo Osuna, Timothy Bradley, Jr., and Mark Kriegel.

ESPN.com

Out Thursday: Ranking the Current 5 Best Young Fighters in Boxing – With Shu Shu Carrington, Xander Zayas, Vito Mielnicki, Elvis Rodriguez, Tiger Johnson, and Floyd Diaz fighting on Sept. 27, Timothy Bradley Jr. ranks the top young fighters to watch in boxing.

New! ESPN Original Series “The Fight Life” premieres October 7, chronicling a year in the world of Top Rank Boxing through the journeys of five of the sport’s elite boxers: Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez and Josh Taylor.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Ryan vs. Mayer (All Times ET)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2024)  — Puerto Rican junior middleweight sensation Xander Zayas is ready for his sixth New York City appearance. 

Zayas will take on Mexico’s Damian Sosa in a 10-rounder on Friday, Sept. 27, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Zayas-Sosa will be the co-feature to the WBO welterweight title clash between reigning champ Sandy Ryan (7-1-1, 3 KOs) and former unified junior lightweight queen Mikaela Mayer (19-2, 5 KOs).

Brooklyn-born featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (12-0, 8 KOs) will open the ESPN-televised tripleheader in a 10-rounder versus Sulaiman Segawa (17-4-1, 6 KOs).

Ryan-Mayer, Zayas-Sosa, and Carrington-Segawa will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

Zayas (19-0, 12 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 in 2019 and has since become a major New York City attraction. He has captured two regional straps and has accumulated a perfect 5-0 record when fighting at Madison Square Garden venues. In June, he made his main event debut at The Theater, defeating former world champion Patrick Teixeira over 10 dominant rounds. Sosa (25-2, 12 KOs) from Tijuana, Mexico, returns after vanquishing unbeaten prospect Marques Valle via split decision in April. 

Following a recent training session in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this is what Zayas had to say:

“Damian Sosa is a Mexican warrior who brings that work ethic, hunger, and drive to snatch this win from me. He’s coming off a solid victory in his last fight against another Puerto Rican. I know he’ll come well-prepared, and that’s exactly what we want. We want the best version of Damian Sosa that night, and I think we’ll get it.”

“We are adjusting for a fighter who applies a lot of pressure and throws lots of punches. It’s all about being smart, sticking to the game plan, and listening to my corner.”

“Right now, we’re focusing more on conditioning, being at 100 percent at all times, and not losing focus at any point during the fight. We’re also working on being ready to fight on the inside when I need to and boxing on the outside when it’s time to box.”

“It’s exciting to be heading back to New York. Every time, I can feel more of the love and support from the people who want to see me in the city that never sleeps. It’s something special.”

NEW YORK CITY (Aug. 5, 2024) — If a trainer is like family, Sandy Ryan and Mikaela Mayer will soon play boxing’s version of “Family Feud.”

Ryan will defend her WBO welterweight world title against Mayer on Friday, Sept. 27, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. And she will do so with a former Mayer confidant in her corner. Kay Koroma, who helped train Mayer from Olympic standout to professional world champion, will help train Ryan for this career-defining main event.

Two of boxing’s emerging uber-talents, Puerto Rican junior middleweight Xander Zayas and Brooklyn-born featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, will see action in separate 10-round televised features. Zayas will face Mexican contender Damian Sosa, while Carrington looks to turn away the upset-minded Sulaiman Segawa.

Ryan-Mayer, Zayas-Sosa, and Carrington-Segawa will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, ticket information will be released shortly.

“Mikaela Mayer always wants to fight the best, and Sandy Ryan is an elite welterweight. These are the two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and the winner will stake her claim as the preeminent 147-pounder,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Bruce Carrington and Xander Zayas are future superstars, and I look forward to seeing how they fare against the toughest opponents of their respective careers.”

Mayer (19-2, 5 KOs), a 2016 U.S. Olympian, jumped out to a 17-0 record to begin her pro career while winning a pair of junior lightweight world titles and becoming a pound-for-pound mainstay. The Los Angeles native returns to America after a four-fight run in England that included a debated 2022 split decision loss to Alycia Baumgardner in a bid for the undisputed junior lightweight title. Mayer won a pair of decisions in 2023 as she moved up in weight to prepare for a welterweight world title opportunity. In January, she lost a highly disputed split decision to IBF champion Natasha Jonas. While a Jonas rematch did not materialize, Mayer has another chance to become a two-weight world champion.

“After months of negotiations in every direction, I am thrilled that my team has pulled through for me and gotten me this fight. As several dates fell through in the UK, the last thing I expected was for my manager to call with an offer that ticked every box,” Mayer said. “My team not only secured me another title fight against the opponent I asked for, but I’m coming back to the U.S. with my Top Rank and ESPN family. I loved fighting in the UK over the past two years, but I have genuinely missed fighting in America. I’m ready to take Sandy Ryan’s WBO belt. AND NEW!”

Ryan (7-1-1, 3 KOs), from Derby, England, turned pro in 2021 after an accomplished amateur career that included a 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal and a 2014 World Championships silver medal. Her lone defeat — a March 2022 split decision to Erica Farias — was avenged less than five months later with a unanimous decision triumph. Ryan picked up the vacant WBO title in April 2023 with a unanimous decision over Marie-Pier Houle. Following a highly controversial draw against Jessica McCaskill in a title unification tilt, Ryan notched her signature victory in March with a devastating fourth-round knockout over former two-division world champion Terri Harper.

Ryan said, “I’m excited to be returning to America and particularly fighting at MSG. It’s the Mecca of Boxing and a venue that every champion dreams of competing in. I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity, and I want to thank Matchroom and Top Rank for coming together to make the fight. It’s the perfect moment in my career, and I’m looking forward to successfully defending my world title. I can promise that on a level playing field, nobody is taking this belt from me.
 
“Mayer has had an awful lot to say about me and this fight, and I’m sure she will continue to do so, but I’m an athlete and a professional. I will let my boxing do my talking, and I will shine in that ring on September 27. Bring it on!”

Zayas (19-0, 12 KOs) has been ticketed for stardom since signing with Top Rank as a 16-year-old prodigy in 2019. The five-year pro has lived up to the billing thus far, as he’s captured a pair of regional titles while becoming a major New York City attraction. Zayas is 5-0 at Madison Square Garden, including his main event debut in June, which saw him beat former world champion Patrick Teixeira over 10 one-sided rounds. Sosa (25-2, 12 KOs), from Tijuana, Mexico, has won three in a row and is 3-0 when fighting on American soil. He won a clear points verdict over Clay Collard in 2021, prevailed via a 10-round decision over former Zayas foe Ronald Cruz the following year, and most recently shocked undefeated prospect Marques Valle by a split decision in April.

Zayas said, “In my last fight, I dominated a former world champion from start to finish, and now I’m ready to put on an even better performance for my people in New York on September 27. I’m motivated by the challenge of facing a Mexican warrior and excited to return to Madison Square Garden after all the love and great energy I received during Puerto Rican Day Parade Weekend.”

Carrington (12-0, 8 KOs) is 5-0 with five knockouts at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. He saved some of his most highlight-worthy KOs for the hometown fans, including February’s fourth-round demolition of Bernard Torres. He made it five for five at The Theater in June with an eighth-round TKO over Brayan De Gracia. Segawa (17-4-1, 6 KOs), a native of Uganda who resides in Maryland, is an 11-year pro. His defeats have all come against then-unbeaten opposition, including a competitive 2018 decision to Abraham Nova. Segawa authored a career-defining victory in July, stunning WBC. No. 1 featherweight contender and former world title challenger Ruben Villa by unanimous decision over 10 rounds.

Carrington said, “I’m ready for all the champions in my division. Segawa is a speed bump, and he’s about to get run over in my hometown. The Shu Shu Era is just getting started.”

(ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT)

    •  Xander Zayas 153.4 lbs. vs. Patrick Teixeira 153.4 lbs
(NABF and NABO Junior Middleweight Titles – 10 Rounds)

   •  Bruce Carrington 125.4 lbs vs. Brayan De Gracia 125 lbs
(Featherweight — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT)

•  Tiger Johnson 141.2 lbs vs. Tarik Zaina 142.6 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

•  Andy Dominguez 111.8 lbs vs. Cristopher Rios 111.8 lbs
 (Flyweight — 8 Rounds)

•  Jahi Tucker 160.2 lbs vs. Quincy LaVallais 161.4 lbs
 (Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Ofacio Falcon 129.8 lbs vs. Antonio Dunton El Jr. 130.4 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Ali Feliz 220 lbs vs. Lemir Isom-Riley 253.6 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 4 Rounds)

•   Nisa Rodriguez 160.6 lbs vs. Jordanne Garcia 165.2 lbs
 (Super Middleweight— 4 Rounds)

NEW YORK (June 6, 2024) — Junior middleweight sensation Xander Zayas (18-0, 12 KOs) is gearing up to kick off Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend by making his headlining debut.

Zayas takes on Brazilian former world champion Patrick Teixeira (34-4, 25 KOs) in the 10-round main event this Saturday, June 8, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (11-0, 7 KOs) will face Panamanian power puncher Brayan “La Roca” De Gracia (29-3-1, 25 KOs), a last-minute replacement for Jose Enrique Vivas, who withdrew from the fight due to visa issues.

Zayas-Teixeira and Carrington-De Gracia will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the U.K. and Ireland.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT) will feature the eight-round returns of U.S. Olympian TigerJohnson (12-0, 6 KOs) and Jahi Tucker (10-1-1, 5 KOs). Johnson will see action in a junior welterweight tilt against Tarik Zaina (13-1-1, 8 KOs), while Tucker squares off against Quincy LaVallais (17-4-1, 12 KOs) at middleweight.

Additionally, Nisa Rodriguez (1-0), a Golden Gloves champion and NYPD officer, makes her second pro appearance in a four-round middleweight clash versus Jordanne Garcia (4-3-3).

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.

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

Xander Zayas

“This is something we’ve worked towards doing. I want to give thanks to Top Rank, ESPN, and MSG for giving me this opportunity. Man, I’m 21 years old, and I’m headlining at MSG. It’s something I always dreamed of. I worked hard for it. And now it’s happening.”

“On paper, this is the biggest test of my career. I have to pass it with flying colors. I know that. The team knows that. We’re focused on winning Saturday night and then focusing on everything else.”

“Somebody is going to have to back down in this fight. And I don’t believe that will be me. I’m ready to go 10 rounds if necessary. I’m willing to go through everything I have to go through to get the victory.”

Patrick Teixeira

“A win in this fight can get me back to where I want to be, headlining in big fights. 

“Obviously, every fight is different. I know that. So, I prepared differently and used different strategies. I just hope to come out with the win.”

“In reality, I adapt myself to my opponent. I like to apply pressure and come forward, but it all depends on what my opponent does.”

Bruce Carrington

“Of course, we go back to the drawing board with film study and things like that. It’s just the consistency of staying sharp and sharpening the tools. I feel like with my style, I can adapt to anybody in a short period of time. I do want to give a shout-out and give thanks to Brayan for taking the fight to make the show still happen. Too bad that he’s going to be on the bad end of that show.”

“It’s Shu York City and Puerto Rico coming together. It’s ShuYorico!”

“I plan on putting on a great performance. I plan on doing something special for the Puerto Rican fans. They’ve shown me a lot of love.”

Brayan De Gracia

“I’m always in the gym, regardless of whether I have a fight or not. The opportunity came. I just have to adapt to Shu Shu’s style and adjust the sparring partners, too”

Tiger Johnson

“Last fight, I didn’t get a chance to showcase what we’ve been working on. I had a good training camp in Los Angeles. We worked on a lot, and ya’ll going to see Saturday night.”

“It’s really special {to fight alongside my friends}. We’re the best coming up. Ya’ll get a chance to see us and showcase our talent. We’re going to be world champions one day.”

“Expect a knockout. A stoppage. I’m getting him out of there.”

Jahi Tucker

“I’m super excited. I grew up in Brooklyn. Shu Shu was a big part of our neighborhood. It’s crazy that now we’re at The Garden. We’re about to show out.

I’m remaining focused and understanding that the goal remains the same. It’s domination regardless {of the opponent}. We just got to go in there and get rid of him.”

Nisa Rodriguez

“My son kind of bullied me into turning pro. He was like, ‘You’re not going pro?!’ First, I’m an NYPD officer, but I get my workouts in. And I’m fortunate that my job is supportive so I can do this.”

“I feel like I’m at home here. I’m comfortable. I have a lot of support. I’m blessed with my family, friends, my job and the people on this card that I know. It’s encouraging for me.”  

Saturday, June 8

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT)

Xander Zayas vs. Patrick Teixeira, 10 Rounds, NABF & NABO Junior Middleweight Titles

Bruce Carrington vs. Brayan De Gracia, 10 rounds, featherweights
 

ESPN+ (7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT)

Tiger Johnson vs. Tarik Zaina, 8 rounds, junior welterweights

Ofacio Falcon vs. Antonio Dunton El Jr., 6 rounds, junior lightweights

Ali Feliz vs. Lemir Isom-Riley, 4 rounds, heavyweights

Nisa Rodriguez vs. Jordanne Garcia, 4 rounds, middleweights

NEW YORK (June 6, 2024) — Junior middleweight sensation Xander Zayas (18-0, 12 KOs) is gearing up to kick off Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend by making his headlining debut.

Zayas takes on Brazilian former world champion Patrick Teixeira (34-4, 25 KOs) in the 10-round main event this Saturday, June 8, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (11-0, 7 KOs) will face Panamanian power puncher Brayan “La Roca” De Gracia (29-3-1, 25 KOs), a last-minute replacement for Jose Enrique Vivas, who withdrew from the fight due to visa issues.

Zayas-Teixeira and Carrington-De Gracia will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the U.K. and Ireland.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT) will feature the eight-round returns of U.S. Olympian TigerJohnson (12-0, 6 KOs) and Jahi Tucker (10-1-1, 5 KOs). Johnson will see action in a junior welterweight tilt against Tarik Zaina (13-1-1, 8 KOs), while Tucker squares off against Quincy LaVallais (17-4-1, 12 KOs) at middleweight.

Additionally, Nisa Rodriguez (1-0), a Golden Gloves champion and NYPD officer, makes her second pro appearance in a four-round middleweight clash versus Jordanne Garcia (4-3-3).

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.

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

Xander Zayas

“This is something we’ve worked towards doing. I want to give thanks to Top Rank, ESPN, and MSG for giving me this opportunity. Man, I’m 21 years old, and I’m headlining at MSG. It’s something I always dreamed of. I worked hard for it. And now it’s happening.”

“On paper, this is the biggest test of my career. I have to pass it with flying colors. I know that. The team knows that. We’re focused on winning Saturday night and then focusing on everything else.”

“Somebody is going to have to back down in this fight. And I don’t believe that will be me. I’m ready to go 10 rounds if necessary. I’m willing to go through everything I have to go through to get the victory.”

Patrick Teixeira

“A win in this fight can get me back to where I want to be, headlining in big fights. 

“Obviously, every fight is different. I know that. So, I prepared differently and used different strategies. I just hope to come out with the win.”

“In reality, I adapt myself to my opponent. I like to apply pressure and come forward, but it all depends on what my opponent does.”

Bruce Carrington

“Of course, we go back to the drawing board with film study and things like that. It’s just the consistency of staying sharp and sharpening the tools. I feel like with my style, I can adapt to anybody in a short period of time. I do want to give a shout-out and give thanks to Brayan for taking the fight to make the show still happen. Too bad that he’s going to be on the bad end of that show.”

“It’s Shu York City and Puerto Rico coming together. It’s ShuYorico!”

“I plan on putting on a great performance. I plan on doing something special for the Puerto Rican fans. They’ve shown me a lot of love.”

Brayan De Gracia

“I’m always in the gym, regardless of whether I have a fight or not. The opportunity came. I just have to adapt to Shu Shu’s style and adjust the sparring partners, too”

Tiger Johnson

“Last fight, I didn’t get a chance to showcase what we’ve been working on. I had a good training camp in Los Angeles. We worked on a lot, and ya’ll going to see Saturday night.”

“It’s really special {to fight alongside my friends}. We’re the best coming up. Ya’ll get a chance to see us and showcase our talent. We’re going to be world champions one day.”

“Expect a knockout. A stoppage. I’m getting him out of there.”

Jahi Tucker

“I’m super excited. I grew up in Brooklyn. Shu Shu was a big part of our neighborhood. It’s crazy that now we’re at The Garden. We’re about to show out.

I’m remaining focused and understanding that the goal remains the same. It’s domination regardless {of the opponent}. We just got to go in there and get rid of him.”

Nisa Rodriguez

“My son kind of bullied me into turning pro. He was like, ‘You’re not going pro?!’ First, I’m an NYPD officer, but I get my workouts in. And I’m fortunate that my job is supportive so I can do this.”

“I feel like I’m at home here. I’m comfortable. I have a lot of support. I’m blessed with my family, friends, my job and the people on this card that I know. It’s encouraging for me.”  

Saturday, June 8

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT)

Xander Zayas vs. Patrick Teixeira, 10 Rounds, NABF & NABO Junior Middleweight Titles

Bruce Carrington vs. Brayan De Gracia, 10 rounds, featherweights
 

ESPN+ (7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT)

Tiger Johnson vs. Tarik Zaina, 8 rounds, junior welterweights

Ofacio Falcon vs. Antonio Dunton El Jr., 6 rounds, junior lightweights

Ali Feliz vs. Lemir Isom-Riley, 4 rounds, heavyweights

Nisa Rodriguez vs. Jordanne Garcia, 4 rounds, middleweights

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN, presented by AutoZone: Zayas vs. Teixeira, will be presented live this Saturday, June 8, at 11 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event takes place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y. It marks the 19^th anniversary of Top Rank’s parade weekend tradition, which started when Miguel Cotto defended his junior welterweight crown against Muhammad Abdullaev in 2005.

Puerto Rican junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas will face his stiffest challenge yet as he takes on Brazilian former world champion Patrick Teixeira in a 10-round clash.

Zayas (18-0, 12 KOs) has been on the path to stardom since signing with Top Rank at 16 and debuting as a pro in 2019, capturing his first regional title with a TKO win against Elias Espadas in 2022. This marks the 21-year-old’s first main event and his first fight against a former world champion.

Teixeira (34-4, 25 KOs) stunned the boxing world by upsetting Carlos Adames to capture the interim WBO junior middleweight world title in 2019. The 33-year-old southpaw has won three straight fights by knockout, including a fourth-round TKO against Edisson Saltarin earlier this year.

In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (11-0, 7 KOs), a 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials champion from Brownsville, Brooklyn, will now face Panamanian power puncher Brayan “La Roca” De Gracia (29-3-1, 25 KOs) a 12-year pro who has only been stopped once. De Gracia replaces Jose Enrique Vivas, who was forced to withdraw from the fight due to a delay in obtaining his visa.

Undercard action with some of the East Coast’s top talents begins at 7:40 p.m. ET/ 4:40 p.m. PT exclusively on ESPN+.

Calling the action will be ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna, who was recently inducted into the National Boxing Hall of Fame.

Original Program – Fighter Canvas: Xander Zayas

Before fight night, ESPN will offer fight fans a 30-minute portrayal of Xander Zayas (18-0, 12 KOs) as he prepares for his first career main event. Fans will get an exclusive inside look at this emerging fighter as he strives to follow in the footsteps of Puerto Rican fight legends such as Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto. Before he can fight for a world title, he must pass his toughest test to date in Brazilian former world champion Patrick Teixeira (34-4, 25 KOs).

The program will also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App, on ESPN.com, and ESPN+.

Fighter Canvas: Xander Zayas (All Times ET)

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Zayas vs. Teixeira (All Times ET)

About ESPN

About ESPN+

NEW YORK (June 5, 2024) — Featherweight contender Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington will now face Panamanian power puncher Brayan “La Roca” De Gracia in the 10-round co-feature this Saturday, June 8 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

De Gracia replaces Jose Enrique Vivas, who was forced to withdraw from the fight due to a delay in obtaining his visa. Carrington-De Gracia will be the co-feature to the junior middleweight main event between Puerto Rican standout Xander Zayas and Brazilian former world champion Patrick Teixeira.

Zayas-Teixeira and Carrington-De Gracia will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the U.K. and Ireland.

Carrington (11-0, 7 KOs), Brooklyn’s latest championship hopeful, thrilled the hometown faithful with February’s highlight-reel knockout over Bernard Torres at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. De Gracia (29-3-1, 25 KOs) is a 12-year pro who has only been stopped once. He is coming off a closely contested decision loss last July to former world title challenger Edward Vazquez in Texas.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.

ESPN will air the original program Fighter Canvas: Xander Zayas before the June 8 main event—Zayas vs. Teixeira—at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

The program offers fight fans a 30-minute portrayal of undefeated rising Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas (18-0,12 KOs) as he prepares for his first career main event. Zayas, who signed with Top Rank at 16 as their youngest prospect ever, is now 21 and headlining for the first time in New York City during the weekend of the famed Puerto Rican Day Parade. Fans will get an exclusive inside look at this emerging fighter as he strives to follow in the footsteps of Puerto Rican fight legends such as Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto. Before he can fight for a world title, he must pass his toughest test to date in Brazilian former world champion Patrick Teixeira (34-4, 25 KOs).

The program will also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App, on ESPN.com, and ESPN+.

Fighter Canvas: Xander Zayas (All Times ET)

Fight Night

Live, Saturday, June 8 at 11 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+, Top Rank presents kick-off to Puerto Rican Day Parade Weekend: Xander Zayas vs. Patrick Teixeira. 

Zayas vs. Teixeira (All Times ET)

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

About ESPN

About ESPN+

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 24, 2024)  — The Xander Zayas era is about to begin.

The 21-year-old junior middleweight phenom will face Brazilian former world champion Patrick Teixeira in the 10-round main event on Saturday, June 8, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Zayas looks to kick off Puerto Rican Day Parade Weekend by taking on his stiffest test to date.

In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (11-0, 7 KOs), the latest fistic prodigy from Brownsville, Brooklyn, aims to extend his knockout streak against Mexico’s Jose Enrique Vivas (23-3, 12 KOs).

Zayas-Teixeira and Carrington-Vivas will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK & Ireland.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

Zayas (18-0, 12 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 and debuted as a pro in October 2019. He won his first regional belt with a fifth-round TKO win against Elias Espadas in August 2022 before vanquishing Alexis Salazar following eight rounds that December. In 2023, he beat Ronald Cruz via eight-round decision during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend and stopped Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in five in September. Zayas ended the year that December by tallying a fifth-round stoppage against Jorge Fortea. Teixeira (34-4, 25 KOs) returns to the United States following three consecutive knockout wins in his home country.

Following a recent training session in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this is what Zayas had to say:

“Patrick Teixeira is a former world champion. He has a lot of experience. He has fought great fighters, and he’s very hungry to return to the top of the sport. So, I have to go in there very prepared because I know he will also be prepared.”

“In this fight, I have to be intelligent. I have to follow the game plan. I have to block out all the emotions that will be a part of that night. Obviously, it’s an important night for Puerto Ricans. But we’re going to have to block that out. We’re going to have to be patient and work little by little. I have 10 rounds to do the damage that I want to do and to put on a great show.”

“I’m excited to get in there with him. I’m excited to explore the things that I’ve seen on video. I’m excited to explore the game plan we have for him. And I’m excited to showcase why my era will begin on June 8.”

“It’s a dream come true to headline at Madison Square Garden. I’ve been asking for this for some time. I was waiting for my turn because we take things step by step, as I’ve done my whole career. But it’s something that, at 21 years of age, is impressive. I still can’t believe it. But at the same time, I try to take it as just another fight and remain focused.”

NEW YORK (April 17, 2024) – Junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas is poised to kick off Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend by facing his stiffest challenge yet.
 
Zayas will take on Brazilian former world champion Patrick Teixeira in a 10-round clash on Saturday, June 8 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Zayas will look to secure his 19th pro win 19 years after Top Rank initiated its parade weekend tradition when Miguel Cotto defended his junior welterweight crown against Muhammad Abdullaev.
 
In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, the latest fistic prodigy from Brownsville, Brooklyn, aims to extend his knockout streak against Mexico’s Jose Enrique Vivas.
 
Zayas-Teixeira and Carrington-Vivas will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK & Ireland.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 24 at 12 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.
 
“This is a great New York City card featuring two young men, Xander Zayas and Bruce Carrington, who are poised to become two of the sport’s biggest stars,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Our Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend cards are always special, and I can’t wait for another raucous atmosphere.”
 
Zayas (18-0, 12 KOs) has been on the path to stardom after signing with Top Rank at 16 and debuting as a pro in October 2019. He captured his first regional title with a TKO win against Elias Espadas in August 2022 and followed up with an eight-round decision against Alexis Salazar that December. In 2023, he decisioned Ronald Cruz during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend and stopped Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in September. The 21-year-old concluded the year in December with a scintillating fifth-round TKO against Spanish contender Jorge Fortea as the co-feature to the Robeisy Ramirez-Rafael Espinoza main event.

Zayas said, “Representing Puerto Rico on a date in which Boricua culture is celebrated and honored represents a sacred commitment that I have with my people. On June 8, I won’t just be fighting for myself. I’ll be fighting for each and every Puerto Rican who always perseveres when the going gets tough. This is my first main event and my first fight against a former world champion. And I plan on carrying my flag and making it shine on one of the world’s biggest stages, ‘The Mecca of Boxing.’”
 
Teixeira (34-4, 25 KOs) stunned the boxing world by upsetting Carlos Adames to capture the interim WBO junior middleweight world title in November 2019. After being elevated to full champion, the 33-year-old southpaw faced multiple setbacks, losing the title to Argentine powerhouse Brian Castaño in February 2021. In his subsequent bouts, he was controversially disqualified against Paul Valenzuela in April 2022 and suffered a decision loss against then-unbeaten Russian Magomed Kurbanov that July. Undeterred, Teixeira bounced back with a first-round knockout win against Adrian Perez in November 2022, a second-round stoppage over Carlos Rivero last August and a fourth-round TKO against Edisson Saltarin in March.

Teixeira said, “It took longer than expected, but this fight is finally here. I can’t wait to get in the ring and put the division on notice. I did it once before when I won my world title against Adames on a Top Rank show, and I’m going to do it again with one of their rising stars. Zayas is a great talent, and everyone there will be supporting him during that important weekend. But my experience will make the difference, and I’ll show that on June 8.”
 
Carrington (11-0, 7 KOs), a 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials champion, has rapidly ascended the ranks since turning pro in October 2021. The 27-year-old secured five victories in 2023, including a second-round TKO against former world title challenger Jason Sanchez. In his last outing, he blasted out Bernard Torres with a right hook at The Theater in February. The stoppage went viral and was a SportsCenter Top 10 highlight.
 
Carrington said, “Vivas should be my toughest opponent to date, but as I do every time I fight in Shu York City, I’m going to put on a crowd-pleasing performance. It’s special to fight in front of the great Puerto Rican fans. I can’t wait for June 8.”
 
Vivas (23-3, 12 KOs), a tenacious 29-year-old Mexican, enjoyed an undefeated 17-0 run before encountering his first pro defeat at the hands of Ruben Villa in September 2019. He bounced back with a four-fight winning spree, including a 10-round decision over then-unbeaten Carlos Jackson in July 2020 and an eight-round triumph against Louie Coria the following May. Despite a majority points loss to eventual title challenger Eduardo Baez in March 2022, Vivas rebounded with a win over Edy Valencia before losing to Joet Gonzalez last April. In February, he scored a first-round TKO against Jonathan Aguilar.
 
The ESPN+-streamed undercard will showcase a selection of some of the best rising talents from the East Coast.
 
Junior middleweight Jahi Tucker (10-1-1, 5 KOs), from Deer Park, New York, looks to respond following a string of setbacks in an eight-rounder versus Quincy LaVallais (17-4-1, 12 KOs). Tucker overcame a tough out in Nikoloz Sekhniashvili last April, dropped a decision to Nicklaus Flaz in July, and fought to a majority draw against Francisco Daniel Veron in December.
 
U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (12-0, 6 KOs) will see action in an eight-rounder against once-beaten Tarik Zaina (13-1-1, 8 KOs). After going 4-0 in 2023, the Cleveland native made his 2024 debut with a first-round stoppage victory against Paulo Galdino in February. 
 
Unbeaten welterweight Elijah Flores (8-0, 3 KOs) will lock horns against Derrick Whitley Jr. (7-4-1) in a six-rounder. Flores, a Bronx native, returns following a fourth-round TKO against Alejandro Munera in March.
 
Junior lightweight prospect Ofacio Falcon (10-0, 6 KOs) heads to The Theater for a third time to take on Antonio Dunton El Jr. (5-2-2, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder. Falcon, also a Bronx native, decisioned Edward Ceballos in February.
 
Team USA heavyweight hopeful Ali Feliz (1-0, 1 KO), from Danbury, Connecticut, makes his second appearance in the paid ranks in a four-round tilt versus Lemir Isom-Riley (4-2, 2 KOs). Feliz dispatched Anthony Woodson III in only two rounds last Saturday in Corpus Christi, Texas. Isom-Riley last fought on the Teofimo Lopez-Jamaine Ortiz bill in February, stopping Antonio Zepeda in three rounds.
 
Nisa Rodriguez (1-0), a Golden Gloves champion and NYPD officer, will square off against Jordanne Garcia ( 4-3-3) in a four-round middleweight fight.

Rising flyweight Andy Dominguez (10-1, 6 KOs), who was born in Mexico and raised in The Bronx, will face Cristopher Rios (10-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
 

Rafael Espinosa wrestled the WBO Featherweight title with an action packed 12-round majority decision over Robeisy Ramirez at The Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

The taller Espinosa had a good start to the fight as he was able to get inside and land punches. Ramirez was able to get in some decent shots of his own. In round five, Ramirez landed a right hook that sent Espinosa to the deck. Espinosa got up but fell back down at the bell.

The two traded flurries of punches which thrilled the sold out crowd which favored the Cuban born Ramirez. In round 12, Espinosa’s pressure finally wilted Ramirez and dropped the now-former champion with a flurry that was capped by a left hook.

That seemed to be the difference as Espinosa won by scores of 115-111, 114-112 and 113-113.

Espinosa, 125.3 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is now 22-0. Ramirez, 125.6 lbs of Cuba is 13-2.

Espinoza said, “I didn’t think about anything in here. I just thought about winning. I even asked what round we were in. And I knew that I had to drop him in order to win. I just put my heart into it. I always do that. And thank God it happened.

“I think I’ve had a broken foot since the second round. But what kept me on my feet was my daughter, my parents, my wife and my family. I knew that all of Mexico was watching me. And I knew that I had to become a world champion.”

Ramirez said, “We did what we always do. We followed what Ismael Salas told us to do. We scored the knockdown and tried to end the fight, but it didn’t happen.

“I thought the fight was won. But he got his second wind. I tried to catch mine. But I’ve got to give him credit. He came after me. He got the knockdown. I didn’t think it would determine the result, but that’s what the judges decided.”

Zayas Stops Fortea in 5

Promising Xander Zayas stopped Jorge Fortea in round five of their 10-round junior middleweight bout.

In round one, Zayas dropped Fortea with a left to the body. In round five, it as another left to the body that put Fortea down for the 10-count at 1:37.

Zayas, 153.6 lbs of San Juan, PR is 18-0 with 12 knockouts. Fortea, 153,7 lbs of Souce, ESP is 24-4-1.

Zayas, “We knew that he likes to keep his elbows out. And it was just a matter of time after we got him in the first round. After that, he went into survival mode and brought his elbows down. But then we got him with another body shot.”

Good looking Bruce Carrington remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Jason Sanchez in a 10-round featherweight fight.

In round two, Carrington rocked Sanchez with a right. He followed him around the ring and dropped Sanchez with a hard right. Sanchez was not all the way back and then ate a left hook just before the bell and went to the canvas again and the fight was over at 2:59.

Carrington, 125.8 lbs of Brooklyn is 10-0 with six knockouts. Sanchez, 125.7 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 16-5.

Carrington said, “This was a statement to the rest of the featherweight division. I want all the smoke. It doesn’t’ matter who it is.”

Richard Torrez Jr. had to almost go the distance for the first time. The key word is almost as he stopped veteran Curtis Harper in the eighth and final round of their heavyweight bout.

Torrez battered Harper throughout the fight and finished him with a hard flurry of punches on the ropes before a referee stoppage at 2:03.

Torrez, 230.8 lbs of Tulure, CA is 8-0 with eight knockouts. Harper, 273.9 lbs of Clarksville, TN is 14-11.

Torrez said, “I knew I needed the rounds, and Curtis Harper was a tough, game opponent. This is an experience that will only help me as I progress.
 
“When I saw his mouthpiece fly out, I knew the knockout was coming. I’m happy I got the rounds in and a knockout.”

Jahi Tucker and Francisco Daniel Veron fought to a eight-round majority draw in a junior middleweight contest.

Tucker won a scorecard by a 77-75 tally, that was overruled by two 76-76 cards.

Tucker, 155.2 lbs of Deer Park, NY is 10-1-1. Veron, 155.1 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 13-0-1.

Rohan Polanco scored a sixth round stoppage over Keith Hunter in a eight-round junior welterweight bout.

In round six, Polanco hurt Hunter and landed a huge flurry of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:06. Hunter was visibly upset and may have struck the referee.

Polanco, 142.9 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is now 11-0 with seven knockouts. Hunter, 139.3 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is now 15-2.

Tiger Johnson remained undefeated with an eight-round split decision over Jimmer Espinosa in a junior welterweight bout.

Johnson, 141.6 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 79-73 and 78-74, while Espinosa took a card 77-75.

Johnson is now 11-0. Espinosa, 141.2 lbs of Tuxtl, MEX is 15-2.

Damian Knyba remained undefeated with eight-round unanimous decision over Michael Coffie in a heavyweight bout.

Knyba, 264.1 lbs of Wodzyn, POL won by scores 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is 13-0. Coffie, 290.9 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 13-5.

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (Dec. 7, 2023) — Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez is ready to defend his world title in front of a crowd of Cuban supporters in South Florida. 

Ramirez (13-1, 8 KOs) will defend his WBO featherweight crown against
unbeaten Mexican contender Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (21-0, 18 KOs) this Saturday, Dec. 9 at Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas (17-0, 11 KOs) squares off against Spain’s Jorge Fortea (24-3-1, 9 KOs).

Ramirez-Espinoza and Zayas-Fortea will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (5:40 p.m. ET/2:40 p.m. PT) features the return of rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (9-0, 5 KOs), who will take on former world title challenger Jason Sanchez (16-4, 9 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (7-0, 7 KOs) will face Curtis Harper (14-10, 9 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight battle.

The undercard also sees the returns of Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco (10-0, 6 KOs) and U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (10-0, 5 KOs) in separate eight-round junior welterweight bouts.

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

Robeisy Ramirez

“Aside from being very concentrated on this fight, I am also very excited and happy to be able to defend my world title in Miami, where I know my Cuban people will be in attendance. I’m excited for the show we’ll be delivering this Saturday.”

“Becoming a champion has been a change for the better. This includes the training because that is what has to change the most as you always have to be prepared for a great 12-round fight.”

“I have never struggled with taller fighters. But with regard to how I will fight, I leave that to my trainer, Ismael Salas.”

Rafael Espinoza

“This is a moment that all boxers hope for. I have been wanting this opportunity ever since I first put on a pair of gloves. Now I’m here. This means everything to me.”

“I always try to use my height advantage. My body has been blessed with this height, and I don’t even struggle to make weight. Obviously, I use it to my advantage, but like all Mexicans, I like coming forward, too.”

“My 21 fights are behind me, and what I have in front of me is this important opportunity, this world title fight.” 

Xander Zayas

“I am very happy that he’s coming well prepared and that he had all the preparation in the world because I want the best Jorge Fortea that night. I will give the best version of myself. In my last fight, I showed why I’m made for this. This next fight will be the same.”

“I don’t feel like there’s anything special {about him}. The speed is something that could concern me. He’s not faster or stronger than me, but he does have some good speed.”

Jorge Fortea

“This is boxing. And anything can happen. I’ve prepared very well because they notified me of this fight ahead of time. Normally, I’m not notified ahead of time. That’s why I’m very prepared.”

“My goal right now is to win this fight. It will move me up the ladder and allow me to have more fights at this level.”

Richard Torrez Jr. 

“I really do enjoy just being active. This kind of reminds me of the amateur days, where we’d have five fights in like five days. So sometimes it feels a little slow almost. But this is an amazing opportunity to be here to showcase all the training that we’ve been doing.”

“We’re prepared for the rounds. If the opportunity comes to have a knockout, I’m not going to pass it up. I go out there to showcase what I’ve been able to do, and if a punch lands, a punch lands.” 

Bruce Carrington

“I’m really focused on this fight. But I also want to stay as consistent as I am. I love being inside the ring. This is my fifth fight this year. I want to give the fans more of me and more of what they want to see in 2024.”

“It’s really important for me to really put on a show for everyone so we can enjoy the holidays.”

Saturday, December 9

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

Robeisy Ramirez vs. Rafael Espinoza, 12 rounds, Ramirez’s WBO Featherweight World Title

Xander Zayas vs. Jorge Fortea, 10 rounds, junior middleweight

ESPN+ (5:40 p.m. ET/2:40 p.m. PT)Bruce Carrington vs. Jason Sanchez, 10 rounds, featherweight

Damian Knyba vs. Michael Coffie, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Ramirez vs. Espinoza will be presented live this Saturday, December 9, at 10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT, on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ from Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

In the main event, Cuban WBO featherweight world champion Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez puts his belt on the line against unbeaten Mexican contender Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza. 

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Ramirez (13-1, 8 KOs) made significant strides in 2022 under trainer Ismael Salas, securing victories against Eric Donovan, Abraham Nova, and Jose Matias Romero. He continued his success in 2023 by capturing the WBO featherweight world title with a unanimous decision win over former world champion Isaac Dogboe and defending it with a fifth-round TKO against Satoshi Shimizu in July, establishing himself as a dominant force in the 126-pound division.

After more than a decade in the professional ranks, Espinoza (21-0, 18 KOs) is set for his first shot at a world title. With a towering height of 6’1″, he boasts a significant seven-inch height advantage and enters the title bout on a five-fight knockout streak, including stoppage wins this year over Rafael Rosas Ramirez and Ally Mwerangi.

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas squares off against Spain’s Jorge Fortea.

Zayas (17-0, 11 KOs), who signed with Top Rank at 16, has been steadily rising since his pro debut in October 2019. In 2022, he secured wins over Quincy LaVallais, Alexis Salazar, and Elias Espadas, followed by victories over Ronald Cruz and Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in 2023. With his third win of the year, he aims to solidify his position as a title contender.

Fortea (24-3-1, 9 KOs), a 13-year pro from Spain, is coming off a decision win over the previously unbeaten Ismael Flores in April. He is riding a three-bout winning streak and is a former WBC Latino 154-pound belt-holder.

The undercard, featuring some of Top Rank’s best and brightest up and coming talent, streams exclusively on ESPN+ at 5:40 p.m. ET / 2:40 p.m. PT.

Calling the action will be: ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna. 

ESPN.com

Out Friday: “Top 25 Under 25” list

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Ramirez vs. Espinoza (All Times ET)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Nov. 29, 2023) — Puerto Rican junior middleweight contender Xander Zayas hopes to close the year on an emphatic note.

Zayas will take on Spain’s Jorge Fortea in a 10-round battleonSaturday, Dec. 9 at Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Zayas-Fortea will serve as the co-feature to the WBO featherweight world title showdown between reigning champ Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez and unbeaten Mexican contender Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza. 

Ramirez-Espinoza and Zayas-Fortea will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.
 
Zayas (17-0, 11 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 and has been on the path to superstardom ever since his pro debut in October 2019. In his fifth year as a pro, he is already inching closer to a title shot in the competitive 154-pound division. He notched an eight-round unanimous decision over Ronald Cruz during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend in June and a fifth-round TKO against the hard-hitting Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in September. Fortea (24-3-1, 9 KOs), a 13-year pro from Spain, is riding a three-bout winning streak.

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

“We are counting down the days to fight night! I can’t wait for the bell to ring on December 9 in South Florida. I dedicate this fight all my Boricuas from the ‘Island of Enchantment’ and the ‘Puerto Rican Diaspora’ who I know will tune in to my fight that night on ESPN.”
 
“I am determined to close the year with a bang and to continue positioning myself as one of the main contenders at junior middleweight. In the new year, I’m aiming to continuing my climb up the ranks step by step. That is why I push myself to give my all every day in the gym. You will see a better version of me every time I fight.”
 
“I am grateful for the support of the fans. I am also very happy to share the card with a great friend whom I respect a lot like “El Tren” from Cuba, Robeisy Ramírez. We are already close to a sold out venue, and we are ready to bring joy to our people. We’re coming to put on a great Latin party between Cubans and Puerto Ricans.”

PEMBROKE PINES, Florida (Oct 31, 2023) – Two high-stakes showdowns top the bill on a special Top Rank on ESPN card Saturday, Dec. 9 at Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida. 
 
In the main event, Cuban WBO featherweight king Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez puts his belt on the line against unbeaten Mexican contender Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza. 
 
In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas squares off against Spain’s Jorge Fortea.
 
Ramirez-Espinoza and Zayas-Fortea will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets go on sale Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.

“We are thrilled to be back in South Florida with a loaded card featuring some incredibly talented fighters,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Ramirez has his hands full against an undefeated challenger who will not be deterred by the moment, and I know Xander Zayas wants to make a huge statement in front of his humongous South Florida fan base.”
 
Ramirez (13-1, 8 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has been on a dominant trajectory after joining forces with trainer Ismael Salas. The 29-year-old southpaw had a tremendous 2022 in which he stopped Irish veteran Eric Donovan, then-unbeaten Puerto Rican Abraham Nova and Argentine contender Jose Matias Romero. This year has been even better for the fighting pride of Cienfuegos, Cuba, as he soundly defeated former world champion Isaac Dogboe by unanimous decision to capture the WBO featherweight title in April and defended his crown on enemy turf with a fifth-round TKO against Japanese contender Satoshi Shimizu in July.  
 
Ramirez said, “Miami is for many of us Cubans an important meeting point, where Spanish is spoken, our heritage is celebrated, and we remember our homeland daily through the city’s vibrant culture. Ever since I turned professional, I have wanted to fight near my people of Miami, where I also live. That cherished moment has finally arrived. On December 9, at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, I hope to have the support of the Cuban community of Miami and to see our flag waving everywhere.”
 
Espinoza (21-0, 18 KOs) has dedicated more than a decade to his career in the paid ranks, all leading up to his first opportunity at a world title. He debuted in 2013 and has fought mostly in his native Mexico, save for two early-career bouts in the U.S. A giant in his division at 6’1”, Espinoza will boast a seven-inch height advantage and is coming off a five-fight knockout streak. He tallied stoppage wins over compatriot Rafael Rosas Ramirez in March and Tanzania’s Ally Mwerangi in July.
 
Espinoza said, “I am happy and grateful for what is happening. The time has come, the opportunity of my life, and I will not waste it. Robeisy is a great champion, and I am glad to face someone like him. I know we will have a great fight, and it will go down in boxing history. I am sure of it.”
 
Zayas (17-0, 11 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 and has been on the path to super stardom ever since his pro debut in October 2019. In 2022, he scored eight-round decision wins over Quincy LaVallais and Alexis Salazar, along with a fifth-round TKO against Elias Espadas. In 2023, he notched a 10-round unanimous decision win over Ronald Cruz during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend in June and a fifth-round TKO against hard-hitting Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in September. Zayas aims to cement his candidacy for a title shot with his third victory of the year. Fortea (24-3-1, 9 KOs) is a 13-year pro from Spain who coming off a decision win over the previously unbeaten Ismael Flores in April. He is riding a three-bout winning streak and is a former WBC Latino 154-pound belt-holder.
 
Zayas said, “I am super motivated to close the year with one more fight in which I will be able to continue demonstrating the progress of my skills and maturity as a fighter, which I have achieved thanks to the dedication and all the hard work in the gym. The goal on December 9 is to continue showing that I am prepared for the next step.”
 
The ESPN+ undercard will showcase some of Top Rank’s best and brightest up-and-coming talents, including:
 
Rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (9-0, 5 KOs), the fighting pride of Brownsville, Brooklyn, will take on former world title challenger Jason Sanchez (16-4, 9 KOs). Carrington will attempt to go 5-0 this year in his first scheduled 10-rounder. Sanchez lost a unanimous decision to then-WBO featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez in June 2019.
 
Junior middleweight Jahi Tucker (10-1, 5 KOs) looks to bounce back from his first defeat in an eight-rounder against unbeaten Argentinian Francisco Daniel Veron (13-0, 10 KOs). Tucker overcame a tough Nikoloz Sekhniashvili in April, but dropped a decision to Nicklaus Flaz in July.
 
Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco (10-0, 6 KOs) will lock horns against Keith Hunter (15-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight tilt. Polanco returns following his most impressive win to date, a fifth-round destruction of Panamanian contender Cesar Francis in July.
 
U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (10-0, 5 KOs) makes his fourth appearance of 2023 in an eight-round junior welterweight fight against Mexico’s Jimmer Espinosa (15-1, 14 KOs). Johnson is coming off a hard-earned majority decision over Ricardo Quiroz in September.
 
Undefeated heavyweight prospect Damian “Polish Hussar” Knyba (12-0, 7 KOs), a 6-foot-7 behemoth with an 86-inch reach, takes on Scott Alexander (17-6-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
 

# # #

 
About Charles F. Dodge Center
The Charles F. Dodge City Center has over 45,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space and boasts a modern, contemporary design that’s as intelligent as it is visually striking. The sleek lines and unique layout of the building will catch your eye, but the real gem is our Great Hall. Spanning over 23,000 square feet, it can accommodate more than 3,200 guests theater-style, 2,100 for concerts, 1,300 classroom-style, 1,120 for banquets, and over 100 exhibits for trade shows. Get ready for unforgettable experiences at the Charles F. Dodge City Center – where state-of-the-art meets community pride!

Xander Zayas stopped Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in round five of their 10-round junior middleweight bout.

Halfway through round one, Zayas dropped Valenzuela with a left hook. Later in the round, the two got tangled, but Zayas landed a right hand that put Valenzuela down for a second time. Zayas continued to beat up and batter Valenzuela until the bout was stopped at 42 seconds.

Zayas, 153.7 lbs of San Juan, PR is 17-0 with 11 knockouts. Valenzuela, 153.4 lbs of Agua Prieto, MEX 21-5.

Emiliano Fernando Vargas stopped Alejandro Guardado in round three of a six-round lightweight bout.

Vargas hurt and landed a hard flurry and was very impressive until the bout was stopped at 1:37.

Vargas, 135.8 lbs of Las Vegas is 7-0 with six knockouts. Guardado, 136.3 lbs of Sevilla, SPA is 5-1.

Julio Luna won an eight-round unanimous decision over Omar Aguilar in a welterweight contest.

Luna, 146.6 lbs of Gomez Palcios, MEX won by scores of 79-73, 78-74 and 77-75 and is now 21-1-2. Aguilar, 146.6 lbs of Ensenada, MEX is 25-2.

John Rincon remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Bryan Ismael Rodriguez Rivera in a welterweight fight.

Rincon, 143.4 lbs of Corpus Christi, TEX won by scores of 60-54 twice and 58-56 and is now 8-0. Rivera, 143.9 lbs of Caguas, PR is 4-2-1.

Jermaine Ortiz won a 10-round unanimous decision over Antonio Moran in a junior welterweight bout.

In round six, Moran began to bleed from the nose. In round eight, Ortiz was cut under the right eye.

Ortiz, 137.8 lbs of Worcester, MA won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 17-1-1. Moran, 137.5 lbs of Mexico Cuty is 29-6-1.

Former world title challenger Ruben Villa IV won an eight-round unanimous decision over Brandon Valdes in a featherweight bout.

Villa, 126.7 lbs of Salinas, CA won by scores of 78-74 on all cards and is now 21-1. Valdes, 126.9 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 15-4.

Tiger Johnson remained undefeated with a eight-round majority decision over Ricardo Quiroz in a junior welterweight fight.

Johnson, 141,7 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 79-73 twice and 76076 and is now 10-0. Quiroz, 141.6 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 13-3.

MIAMI, Fla. (Aug. 29, 2023) – Junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas is gearing up for his first scheduled 10-rounder.

Zayas will return against Mexico’s Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in the co-feature to the IBF featherweight world title showdown between reigning champion Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez and Joet Gonzalez on Friday, September 15, at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

Lopez-Gonzalez, Zayas-Valenzuela, and the return of lightweight sensation Emiliano Fernando Vargas will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Zayas (16-0, 10 KOs) is Puerto Rico’s latest rising superstar. He signed with Top Rank at 16 and has maintained a flawless record. Zayas had an impressive 2022 in which he scored eight-round decision wins over Quincy LaVallais and Alexis Salazar, along with a fifth-round TKO against Elias Espadas. In June, he fought for the first time during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend, defeating Ronald Cruz via eight-round unanimous decision at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Valenzuela (21-4, 20 KOs) is a six-year pro who has given stiff tests to Alexis Rocha, Souleymane Cissokho and Bakhram Murtazaliev. The 24-year-old Mexican is coming off a third-round TKO victory against Daniel Vega in April.

Following a recent training session in Miami, this is what Zayas had to say:

“As always, I am giving everything in my preparation for this important step in my career on September 15 in Corpus Christi, Texas. I feel great and am prepared to put on a show on such an important date for the Mexican fans, and even more so when it is one of my first battles between Puerto Rico and Mexico. I’m ready for the challenge!”

“I’m excited and focused on getting the job done. It’s been eight weeks of solid work throughout training camp. I know I’m going to be ready for a big fight, as I’ve been sparring alongside the experienced Mexican fighter Juan Macias Montiel, who has faced the big names in the middleweight division. I am sure his style and experience have brought out the best in me, and you will see that on September 15. I will be more than ready to give another great show to the fans in Corpus Christi and everyone watching live on ESPN.”

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Aug. 14, 2023) – Like father, like son.
 
Emiliano Fernando Vargas will make his ESPN-televised debut on Friday, Sept. 15 at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, more than 18 years after his father headlined at the venue.
 
Vargas, who scored a second-round stoppage victory against Jorge Luis Marquez Alvarado last Saturday at Desert Diamond Arena, will return in a six-round clash against an opponent to be named. Vargas’ return will open the televised tripleheader headlined by the IBF featherweight world title showdown between reigning champion Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez and two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez.
 
In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas takes on Mexico’s Roberto Valenzuela Jr.
 
Lopez-Gonzalez, Zayas-Valenzuela and Vargas’ return will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Vargas (6-0, 5 KOs) turned pro last May and has tallied five victories since signing with Top Rank later that year. Before the Alvarado knockout, “El General” shined on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko bill in his Las Vegas hometown, stopping Rafael Jasso in two rounds. All five of his stoppage victories have come in either the first or second round, and now Vargas, who recently turned 19, will step up to the six-round distance for the first time. His father, Fernando Vargas, defeated Raymond Joval by unanimous decision in front of a capacity crowd at American Bank Center in 2005.
 
“I’d like to thank Top Rank and my team for the opportunity to make my ESPN-televised debut on a great card in Corpus Christi,” Vargas said. “I am proud to be a Vargas, and I look forward to following in the footsteps of my father, who was victorious at the American Bank Center nearly 20 years ago.”

Ahead of their upcoming bouts in August and September, ESPN will air: Pressure: Xander Zayas & Bruce Carrington, a 30-minute retrospect of the most recent outings for two of Top Rank’s brightest rising blue-chip prospects. The show features a behind-the-scenes look at the June 10^th Taylor-Lopez undercard as Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas (16-0, 10 KO) remained undefeated in New York City and claimed the honorary “Miguel Cotto Award” in his first fight on Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. Also in action that night was Brooklyn phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (8-0, 5 KO), and fight fans will have the opportunity to get a candid look at his spectacular knockout win on home turf.

Next up for the two future superstars:

• Carrington returns to action on Saturday, 8/26 in Tulsa, OK as the featured preliminary bout on ESPN+ ahead of the Top Rank on ESPN main event between American heavyweight hero “The Real Big Baby” Jared Anderson (15-0, 14 KO) and Ukrainian contender Andriy Rudenko (35-6, 21 KO).
• Zayas makes his anticipated return on Saturday, 9/15 in Corpus Christi, TX as the co-main event on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ ahead of the IBF Featherweight world title main event between Luis Alberto Lopez (28-2, 16 KO) and Joet Gonzalez (26-3, 15 KO).

In addition to the air times below, Pressure: Xander Zayas & Bruce Carrington will also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App and on ESPN.com and ESPN+.

Pressure: Xander Zayas & Bruce Carrington

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CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (July 24, 2023) – Mexico’s featherweight king is set to put his crown on the line during Mexican Independence Day Weekend. 

Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez will defend his IBF world title against former two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez on Friday, September 15 at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Lopez returns stateside after back-to-back championship showdowns abroad.

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, rising Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas takes on Mexico’s Roberto Valenzuela Jr.

Lopez-Gonzalez and Zayas-Valenzuela will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $30 go on sale Tuesday, July 25 at 3 p.m. CST via Ticketmaster.com.

“The fight fans in Corpus Christi and everyone watching on ESPN are in for a real treat. Luis Alberto Lopez is one of Mexico’s emerging champions, and Joet Gonzalez is a seasoned pro who is a difficult night at the office for anyone,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I am also pleased to see Puerto Rico’s next superstar, Xander Zayas, back in the ring against a step-up opponent in Valenzuela.”

Lopez (28-2, 16 KOs) overcame numerous challenges in his quest to become a world champion. After early-career losses to Abraham Montoya and Ruben Villa, he defeated Andy Vences via split decision in July 2020 and dominated then-unbeaten junior lightweight prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. over 10 rounds in September 2021. Lopez then moved down to featherweight and stopped another undefeated foe, Isaac Lowe, in seven rounds at London’s York Hall. After two stay-busy wins, he earned his shot at the IBF title, dethroning Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds, England. In his first defense, the 29-year-old once again traveled to enemy territory and beat Michael Conlan via fifth-round TKO with a dazzling right uppercut in Belfast.

“We’re going to bring a memorable all-Mexican war to Corpus Christi on Mexican Independence Day Weekend,” Lopez said. “Nothing but respect to Joet, but he’s not leaving Texas with my belt. I guarantee an exciting fight, but the IBF world title will still be wrapped around my waist.”

Gonzalez (26-3, 15 KOs) debuted in the pro ranks in 2012 and was 23-0 before facing Shakur Stevenson for the vacant WBO featherweight title in 2019. He dominated veteran Miguel Marriaga in his September 2020 return before losing his second attempt at the WBO strap in a 2021 Fight of the Year contender against Emanuel Navarrete. Gonzalez then stopped Jeo Santisima via ninth-round TKO in March 2022 before dropping a split decision to Isaac Dogboe in July of that year. The 29-year-old will have his third opportunity at a world title after defeating Enrique Vivas via 10-round unanimous decision in April.

Gonzalez said, “I am thankful to Top Rank that I am receiving another shot at the world title. I plan on taking full advantage of this opportunity and fulfilling my dream. Lopez is an excellent champion, but I’m coming to Texas with every intention on hearing the words, ‘And NEW!’”

Zayas (16-0, 10 KOs) has been on a rapid trajectory to super stardom since signing with Top Rank at 16. He has maintained an unblemished record since debuting as a pro in October 2019. In 2022, he scored eight-round decision wins over Quincy LaVallais and Alexis Salazar, along with a fifth-round TKO against Elias Espadas. The 20-year-old will make his second 2023 appearance after a 10-round unanimous decision win over Ronald Cruz during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend in June. Valenzuela (21-4, 20 KOs) is a six-year pro who has given stiff tests to Alexis Rocha, Souleymane Cissokho and Bakhram Murtazaliev. The 24-year-old Mexican is coming off a third-round TKO victory against Daniel Vega in April.

Xayas said, “I am excited for the next big step in my career that will take place on September 15 in Corpus Christi, Texas, against a Mexican warrior that I know will come prepared to give his best and will bring out the best in me. I am training hard to continue showing Puerto Rico and all of Latin America what I am capable inside the ring.”

The ESPN+-streamed undercard includes an all-Mexico showdown, a U.S. Olympian, and the return of three of Top Rank’s top contenders. 

Mexican standouts Omar Aguilar (25-1, 24 KOs) and Julio Luna (20-1-2, 11 KOs) will collide in an eight-round welterweight battle. Both are on the comeback trail following losses to two of Top Rank’s finest. Aguilar suffered his first career setback against Lindolfo Delgado last August and returned with a second-round TKO win over Cristian Sonora Soltero in May. Luna dropped a 10-round decision to Giovani Santillan last August, but he bounced back with a third-round knockout win against Hassam Valenzuela in March.

Lightweight contender Jamaine Ortiz (16-1-1, 8 KOs) returns in a 10-rounder. Last October, the 27-year-old took an early lead against former lightweight champion Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko before losing the tightly contested battle via unanimous decision. 

Brazilian Olympic gold medalist and former two-time title challenger Robson Conceicao (17-2, 8 KOs) will see action in an eight-round junior lightweight tilt. Conceicao heads to the ring for the second time this year following a no contest against Nicolas Polanco in June.

Former world title challenger Ruben Villa (20-1, 7 KOs) returns in an eight-round featherweight clash against Colombia’s Brandon Valdes (15-3, 7 KOs). Villa dominated Maickol Lopez Villagrana en route to a fifth-round KO in May.

U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (9-0, 5 KOs) makes his third appearance of 2023 in an eight-round junior welterweight fight against an opponent to be named. He scored a dominant decision win over Jonathan Montrel in July.

NEW YORK–Teofimo Lopez became a two-division world champion with an emphatic 12-round unanimous decision over Josh Taylor to win the WBO Junior Welterweight title before a Madison Square Garden record crowd of 5,151.

The fight began with a fast pace with Taylor working the body. Lopez was able to land some “show me” right hands. Lopez started to foreshadow of things to come by landing quick and pinpoint right hands that was able to stop Taylor in his tracks. That assault came in rounds three through five, with round four being a big frame for “The Takeover” as he rocked Taylor. The two fighters took turns over the next four-rounds.

Lopez was terrific over the next three rounds as he dominant as hand speed proved to be too much. His right hand continuously found a home on the face of Taylor. In round 12, Lopez sealed the deal by hurting Taylor twice, with the latter being from a perfect right to the body that hurt Taylor.

Lopez, who was the undisputed lightweight champion, becomes a two-weight division champ by scores of 117-111 and 115-113 and is now 19-1. Taylor of Scotland is 19-1.

Xander Zayas remained undefeated by stopping Ronald Cruz in a eight-round junior middleweight bout.

Zayas dropped Cruz in the opening seconds with a powerful right hand. Zayas dominated the action and landed several hard flurry that had Cruz reeling on the ropes.

Zayas, 152.8 lbs of San Juan, PR won by scores of 80-71 on all cards and is now 16-0. Cruz, 152.4 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is now 18-3-1.

Said Zayas, “Thank you to all my Puerto Rican fans and to everyone that came out. This is a dream come true. I’m very happy to have fought during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. He was a tough guy. I was hitting him with everything. He didn’t want to go down. He was here to fight. He was motivated. He was tough. But we passed with flying colors. Unanimous decision. And we made the adjustments we needed to do.”

“He brought out the dog in me. I had to dig deep. I had to stay focused. I had to listen to my corner. And most importantly I had to have fun, which was the most important part. I had the crowd here cheering for me, so I was trying to stay as focused as possible.”

Robson Conceicao and Nicolas Polanco fought to a no-decision as a headbutt in round two deemed Polanco unable to continue.

Omar Rosario remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Jan Carlos Rivera in a junior welterweight bout.

Rosario, 139.2 lbs of Caguas, PR won by scores of 77-75 and is now 11-0. Rivera, 138.4 lbs of Vieques, PR is 8-2.

Damian Knyba won an eight-round unanimous decision over Hiamann Olguin in a heavyweight fight.

Knyba, 261.4 lbs of Wodzyn, POL won by scores of 79-73 on all cards and is now 12-0, Olguin, 256.8 lbs of El Dorado, MEX is 9-6-1.

Bruce Carrington battered Luis Porozo and stopped him in round eight of their eight-round featherweight bout.

Carrington hurt Porozo in round eight and the fight was stopped at 2:17.

Carrington, 126.8 lbs of Brooklyn is 7-0 with five knockouts. Porozo. 126.4 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 16-7.

Henry Lebron remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Carlos Rosario in a junior lightweight bout.

In round 10, Lebron dropped Ramos with a left hook.

LeBron, 129.2 lbs of Aguadilla, PR won by scores of 98-90 twice and 97-91 and is now 18-0. Rosario, 129.6 lbs Madrid, SPA is now 17-3.

NEW YORK (May 23, 2023) —Junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas (15-0, 10 KOs) will have an extra source of motivation for his upcoming fight.

The 20-year-old standout will fight Ronald “Diablo” Cruz (18-2-1, 12 KOs) on Saturday, June 10 for the second annual Miguel Cotto Award, which is presented by Top Rank and Madison Square Garden Entertainment. The Miguel Cotto Award celebrates the remarkable career of the legendary four-division world champion and upholds the tradition of hosting a major fight card during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. Cotto, who achieved notable wins against Muhammad Abdullaev, Paulie Malignaggi, Zab Judah, Joshua Clottey, Sergio Martinez and Daniel Geale during this festive weekend, will present the award at The Theater at Madison Square Garden following the June 10 bout.

Zayas-Cruz will be the co-feature to the junior welterweight showdown between WBO and Ring Magazine world champion Josh Taylor and former unified and lineal lightweight king Teofimo Lopez.

Taylor-Lopez and Zayas-Cruz will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. 

Cotto said, “For me, it’s a great honor and a great pleasure that Madison Square Garden and Top Rank have an award with my name to continue the tradition of fight cards during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. This award will motivate future generations to deliver their best in each fight.”

“Miguel Cotto has made an immeasurable mark on boxing at ‘The Mecca’ – Madison Square Garden,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, Marquee Events and Operations, Madison Square Garden Entertainment. “We’re thrilled to celebrate Cotto’s warrior legacy during the Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend with the presentation of the second annual award to the winner of the Xander Zayas v. Ronald Cruz fight on Saturday, June 10.”

Zayas said, “I’ve always said that in the world of boxing, Miguel Cotto is my favorite fighter. He is the reason I decided to become a fighter. It’s a total honor and a dream come true to have the opportunity to fight for an award that has his name. This confirms for me that we are on the right path, and it motivates me to keep working hard to continue accomplishing my dreams. I want to unite my Island and all of the Puerto Ricans in the United States in the same way that Miguel did. That is my biggest dream, and I will achieve it.”

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

NEW YORK (April 12, 2023) —Junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas is set to shine on the eve of Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City.

Zayas will return in a 10-round re-scheduled battle against Ronald “Diablo” Cruz Saturday, June 10 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Zayas-Cruz will serve as the co-feature to the junior welterweight showdown between WBO and Ring Magazine champion Josh Taylor and former unified and lineal lightweight king Teofimo Lopez.

Taylor-Lopez and Zayas-Cruz will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

Zayas (15-0, 10 KOs), from San Juan, Puerto Rico, is on the fast track to super stardom. He signed with Top Rank at 16 and has maintained an unblemished record. He is coming off an impressive 2022 that included eight-round decision wins over Quincy LaVallais and Alexis Salazar, along with a fifth-round TKO against Elias Espadas. The 20-year-old was originally scheduled to face Cruz in the April 1 co-feature to the Robeisy Ramirez-Isaac Dogboe main event, but a training injury forced him to withdraw. Zayas is ready to settle unfinished business on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade atop an undercard that will feature several of his countrymen.

“I cannot wait to fight at Madison Square Garden in front of my people on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade. This is a dream come true,” Zayas said. “Ronald Cruz is a tough, durable fighter, and I expect the best version of him on June 10.”

Cruz (18-2-1, 12, KOs) is a Los Angeles native who has never been stopped as a pro. After suffering his first loss in 2015, he went 16-0 before drawing against Kevin Ottley in 2021. In his last fight, the eight-year pro went 10 competitive rounds in a unanimous decision loss to Damian Sosa.

“I’m beyond excited to be fighting Xander Zayas,” Cruz said. “My whole life I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to test myself against top opposition on the biggest of stages. I look forward to starting a new rivalry, El Salvador against Puerto Rico. June 10, you will have two hungry lions battling it out. I can’t wait.”

The undercard, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+, features two all-Puerto Rico battles.

Henry “Moncho” Lebron (17-0, 10 KOs) takes on Christian Tapia (15-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight tilt. Lebron is coming off wide decision wins over Andy Vences and Luis Lebron, while Tapia looks to rebound from a competitive decision defeat to Cleveland standout Thomas Mattice.

Promising prospect Omar Rosario (10-0, 3 KOs) squares off against Jan Carlos Rivera (8-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight bout. Rivera has won four straight fights since a decision loss inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble.

The loaded undercard action also features pair of rising stars in eight-rounders, both of whom fought on the Shakur Stevenson-Shuichiro Yoshino bill in Newark, New Jersey. Brooklyn featherweight prodigy Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (7-0, 4 KOs), who knocked out Brandon Chambers in the second round, makes his third appearance at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Polish heavyweight dynamo Damian Knyba (11-0, 7 KOs), who stopped Curtis Harper in the eighth round, will fight an opponent to be named.

TULSA, OK (Feb. 8, 2023) — Two of Top Rank’s brightest young talents—lightweight prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas and undefeated Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco—are set to return on Saturday, April 1, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.

Vargas, who is coming off a unanimous decision win against Francisco Duque last week, will face an opponent to be named in a four-round lightweight clash. Polanco, who was originally scheduled to fight in January, will make his Top Rank debut in a six-round junior welterweight fight against an opponent to be determined. The two join an already stacked card headlined by the interim WBO featherweight title bout between Robeisy Ramirez and Issac Dogboe and the eight-round co-feature between undefeated Puerto Rican star Xander Zayas and Ronald “Diablo” Cruz.

Ramirez-Dogboe, Zayas-Cruz, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. Tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.

Vargas (3-0, 2 KOs) was a seven-time national amateur champion before turning pro in May 2022 with a first-round stoppage over Mark Salgado. In October, “El General” signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank and made his debut with the company with a highlight-reel knockout over Julio Martinez. Under the guidance of his father and trainer, Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, the 18-year-old set his sights on becoming Prospect of the Year in 2023. 

Check out Vargas’ latest interview on our new podcast series, Top Rank: Unbox’d.

Polanco (8-0, 5 KOs) turned pro before the Tokyo Olympics, earning wins in Mexico and in the Dominican Republic. After losing by split decision to Uzbekistan’s Bobo-Usmon Baturov in his opening bout, Polanco continued his professional career with a third-round knockout win over Gabriel Fernando Punalef Calfin. “El Rayo” ended 2021 with a decision win over Jonathan Jose Eniz before going 2-0 in 2022. The 24-year-old was initially scheduled to return on the Efe Ajagba-Stephan Shaw undercard in January, but an injury sidelined his opponent.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).  

TULSA, OK (Jan. 26, 2023) — Two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy “El Tren” Ramírez will lock horns with Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe in a 12-round showdown for the vacant interim WBO featherweight world title Saturday, April 1, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.

In the eight-round co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas looks to extend his unbeaten record against nine-year veteran Ronald “Diablo” Cruz.

Ramirez-Dogboe and Zayas-Cruz headlines a packed card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now and available to purchase at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.

“We have seen Robeisy Ramirez grow from a decorated Olympian to a young man on the verge of stardom. Isaac Dogboe is no pushover and represents the toughest test of Ramirez’s career. I expect an exciting, dramatic fight for the great fans in Tulsa,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “2023 will be a huge year for Xander Zayas, a superstar in the making who I believe will be Puerto Rico’s next champion.”

Ramirez (11-1, 7 KOs), from Cienfuegos, Cuba, went from losing his pro debut in August 2019 to one of the division’s top contenders in 2023. Ranked No. 3 by the WBO, Ramirez had a breakthrough in 2022, knocking out Irishman Eric Donovan, the previously unbeaten Abraham Nova, and Argentinean contender Jose Matias Romero. Ramirez has knocked out five of his past six foes, a stunning power surge he hopes carries over to The Sooner State. He is considered one of the greatest boxers ever to emerge from the famed Cuban amateur system and seeks to author a career-best victory in Tulsa.

“I have been boxing for more than 20 years and have been a fighter every step of the way,” Ramirez said. “I never forgot where I came from, but I refuse to define myself by past accomplishments. Even after winning my second Olympic gold medal, I endured hardships. I embraced the challenges ahead of me and know that my greatest tests and most significant accomplishments in boxing are still ahead of me.

“On April 1, I will enter the ring with the hunger that has brought me here and the hunger that comes with knowing that there is still much to achieve. This is just the beginning for Robeisy ‘El Tren’ Ramírez.”

Dogboe (24-2, 15 KOs) has a rapid championship rise at junior featherweight, but he lost his title and career momentum with back-to-back defeats to Emanuel Navarrete. He overhauled his camp following the Navarrete losses, linking up with decorated trainer Barry Hunter at Headbangers Boxing Gym in Washington, D.C. The Dogboe/Hunter partnership has resulted in four consecutive victories, including majority decisions over Adam Lopez and Christopher Diaz. He earned a shot at the interim title with last July’s split decision over Joet Gonzalez, a toe-to-toe battle in Hinckley, Minnesota, that ranked among the year’s best action fights. Dogboe, from Anyako, Ghana, represented his homeland at the 2012 London Olympics and spent much of his childhood in London.

“Nearly five years ago, I became the WBO junior featherweight champion of the world, to the shock of many people. On April 1, I will be crowned a two-time, two-division champion,” Dogboe said. “Ramirez is a good fighter, and I commend him for his achievements. I’ve waited patiently for this opportunity, and I want to thank Bob Arum and the Top Rank family for being good to me over the years. My team and I are preparing for this life-changing opportunity. God Bless all the boxing fans and boxing enthusiasts for their continuous support.”

The 20-year-old Zayas (15-0, 10 KOs), from San Juan, has been ticketed for stardom since signing with Top Rank at 16. He broke through in 2021 with six victories, setting up a 2022 that saw him graduate to eight-rounders. Zayas shut out Louisiana’s Quincy LaVallais over eight rounds, knocked out the durable Elias Espadas in five, and made a “Heisman Night” statement in December with a near-shutout decision over Alexis Salazar. Zayas’ road to contention continues against Cruz (18-2-1, 12, KOs), a Los Angeles native who has never been knocked out as a pro. Cruz went 10 competitive rounds with Damian Sosa last August, dropping a unanimous decision.

Zayas said, “2023 is going to be big for my career. I’m going into the new year with all the power and the mindset needed to make a name for myself in the division. I’m locked in. Laser focused. It all starts on April 1 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’m very excited to be on this card since I’ll have the opportunity to showcase my skills as the co-feature on ESPN+. This time, I’ll be fighting against a worthy Mexican opponent, and I’m planning to put on a show for all the boxing fans.”

Undercard bouts, also streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+, include:

• In an eight-round grudge match, Jahi Tucker (9-0, 5 KOs) will make his junior middleweight debut against Nikoloz Sekhniashvili (8-1, 6 KOs). Tucker called for a fight against Zayas, but he must first face Zayas’ training partner, a former amateur standout from the nation of Georgia. Sekhniashvili returned from a 15-month layoff last November to stop the previously unbeaten David Rodriguez in three rounds. 

“I am excited to be fighting on a Top Rank card again, this time against an undefeated fighter,” Sekhniashvili said. “I know Jahi is going to run and likes to use his mouth more than his hands. He will try to avoid me, but once I make contact, he will slow down instantly. I can’t wait until April 1.”

Tucker said, “Nikoloz is going to be easy work. After I get finished with him, I want to fight Xander.”

• Two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez (25-3, 13 KOs), from Glendora, California returns against Mexican veteran Jose Enrique Vivas (22-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight firefight. Gonzalez looks to rebound from last July’s tight split decision defeat to Dogboe. Despite the Dobgoe setback, Gonzalez is still ranked in the top 10 of the WBC and WBO featherweight rankings. Vivas kept his title hopes alive last August with a split decision over Edy Valencia.
   
• Junior welterweight phenom Tiger Johnson (7-0, 5 KOs), who represented the U.S. at the Tokyo Olympics, fights in his first second scheduled eight-rounder against an opponent to be named. Johnson stopped Harry Gigliotti in five rounds at Hard Rock Tulsa last August.
   
• Tulsa-born heavyweight prospect Jeremiah Milton (8-0, 6 KOs) returns home against an opponent to be named. Milton has fought in Tulsa three times a pro, securing two first-round knockouts and a second-round stoppage.
   
• Cleveland-born lightweight Abdullah Mason (6-0, 5 KOs) makes his 2023 debut in a six-rounder. Mason fought at Hard Rock Tulsa last August, outlasting the game Angel Rebollar en route to a four-round decision win.
   
• Light heavyweight prospect Dante Benjamin Jr. (5-0, 3 KOs), from Cleveland, aims to continue his knockout momentum in a six-rounder. Benjamin opened his 2023 campaign Jan. 14 with a first-round stoppage over Emmanueal Austin.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).  

Former undisputed lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez took a 10-round split decision over Sandor Martin at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

In round two, Martin was cut in the bridge of the nose from a headbutt. Later in the round, Martin was able to score a knockdown when Lopez charged in and Martin landed a little right hook to the side of the head. In round four, Martin began to bleed from the nostrils. Martin was awkward, but Lopez had a better workrate and landed more punches as the punch stat statistics read 97 of 391 for Lopez, while Marin was 77 of 244.

The scorecards read 97-92 and 96-93 for Lopez. Martin won a card 95-94.

Lopez is now 18-1. Martin is 40-3.

Jared Anderson Takes Out Forrest in 2

Jared Anderson remained perfect with a second round destruction of Jerry Forrest in their 10-round heavyweight bout.

After Forrest landed a couple of power punches in round one, Anderson unleashed a blitz of vicious power shots that landed on the head of Forrest. Forrest did not go down, but that meant he ate more destructive punches in the second frame and finally referee David Fields mercifully ended the fight at 1:34 of round two.

Anderson of Toledo, OH is 13-0 with 13 knockouts. Forrest is 26-6-2.

Zayas Decisions Salazar

Xander Zayas remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Alexis Salazar in a junior middleweight bout.

Zayas won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 15-0. Salazar is 25-5.

Davis Decisions Burgos

Hot-prospect Keyshawn Davis won a eight-round unanimous decision over former three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a lightweight bout.

Davis won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 7-0. Burgos of Tijuana, MEX is 35-7-3.

Joe Ward won an eight-round unanimous decision over Frederick Julan in a light heavyweight bout.

Ward of Moate, IRE won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 8-1. Julan of Brooklyn, NY is 12-2.

Damian Knyba stopped Emilio Salas in round two of their six-round heavyweight bout.

The bout was stopped at 1:50 for Knyba who is now 10-0 with six knockouts. Salas is 10-4-1.

Tiger Johnson stopped Mike Ohan in round five of their eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Johnson hurt Ohan with a hard right hand and then unleashed 20 unanswered shots that forced referee Steve Willis to stop the bout at 1:29.