Via Phil Jay / worldboxingnews.net

World Boxing Organization President Gustavo Olivieri has told World Boxing News that boxing 15 rounds won’t be happening under his watch.

Following WBN’s exclusive with WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, who held similar views, Olivieri pointed to the initial decision to reduce championship fights from 15 to 12 rounds.

Olivieri exclusively told WBN: “I strongly oppose the idea of reinstating 15-round championship bouts in any format, as it would be a clear step backward for fighter safety. Boxing is an inherently dangerous sport, and the transition to 12-round fights was a necessary reform to reduce fatigue-related injuries and long-term health risks.”

After Olivieri’s predecessor Paco Valcarcel branded any 15-round move – which his WBA counterpart was willing to trial – ‘insane,’ the new President believes any transitions in the sport should be targeted elsewhere.

“As regulators, our primary responsibility is prioritizing fighter safety and continuously enhancing protective measures. Rather than revisiting past practices, we should focus on strengthening medical protocols, improving fighter well-being, maintaining integrity and transparency in our actions, and ensuring the sport continues to evolve in a way that safeguards its athletes.

“The pursuit of greatness in the ring should never come at the cost of a fighter’s long-term health, both during and after their career,” he concluded.

Like Olivieri, Sulaiman expressed his concern about where safety standards are heading when it comes to recent debates. Teofimo Lopez had begun the 15-round discussion when referencing the growing trend bordering obsession of fighters becoming undisputed.

Adding three more rounds would do nothing to decipher the best boxer on the planet and would only increase the risk of brain damage, which is already massively high.

Turki Alalshikh, whose magazine aired Lopez’s request to fight 15-rounders, spoke out less than 12 hours after WBN highlighted the dangers.

“No, I don’t support this idea in any way,” said the Saudi matchmaker. “This is bad for a fighter’s health. I would never be in favor of fights going back to 15 rounds.

“In my opinion, even a 12-round fight could be too much for a fighter’s health, but 15 rounds is out of the question. A 15-round fight should never be allowed to happen.”

Lopez responded to Alalshikh, saying, “I am shaking my crazy head, Turki Alalshikh. Nevertheless, I respect your wishes. From one lion to another.”

Source: https://www.worldboxingnews.net/boxing-15-rounds-backward-wbo-president/

Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KOs) claimed the WBO lightweight world title in just his 14th professional fight, knocking out fellow Olympic silver medalist Denys Berinchyk (19-1, 9 KOs) with a left hook to the body in the fourth round Friday evening at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Days after an ugly fight-week controversy between the two, Davis refused to let his emotions get the best of him. He stayed composed, picked Berinchyk apart, and closed the show.

The 25-year-old had to navigate Berinchyk’s constant feinting and in-and-out movement early, but by the third round, he had found his rhythm, timing him with right hands on the way in and dropping him with a left to the body.

Seizing on the success of his midsection attack, Davis doubled down in the fourth. As Berinchyk stepped in, Davis countered with a right and left downstairs, the latter folding him to the canvas.

Berinchyk tried to get up, but referee Harvey Dock waved it off at 1:45.

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.”

X Marks The Sport

Puerto Rican star Xander Zayas lived up to his WBO No. 1 junior middleweight ranking, stopping tough-as-nails German contender Slawa Spomer (20-1, 11 KOs) in the ninth round of a pitched co-feature.

Zayas (21-0, 13 KOs) invested in the body early and often, and it eventually paid dividends. He spent most of the fight chipping away and building a comfortable lead before seizing his moment.

Expecting a hook upstairs, Spomer left his body open, and Zayas buried a left to the liver. Spomer never recovered as Zayas pounced, pouring it on until referee Charlie Fitch had seen enough.
Zayas retained his pair of regional straps at 2:01 of the ninth round.

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.”

Quotes from today’s final Jack Catterall vs. Arnold Barboza Jr WBO Interim Jr Welterweight Clash press conference ahead of Saturday’s action at Co-op Live in Manchester, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“A huge night of boxing at the wonderful Co-op Live here in Manchester on Saturday – live on DAZN around the world. For me one of the best fights in the world at 140 lbs. It’s the interim WBO Super-Lightweight World Title between England’s Jack Catterall and America’s Arnold Barboza. Jack Catterall, the man that should be undisputed. The man that has gone through Jorge Linares, Josh Taylor, Regis Prograis and now this man awaits – 31-0 Arnold Barboza that sat at the top of the pecking order for a long long time. One of Golden Boy’s top charges. Straight off a fantastic victory over Ramirez in Saudi Arabia. Ready now to put himself in a golden position for huge fights within the division.”

Jack Catterall:
“What a card we’ve got on Saturday night, three other lads from my gym fighting, some great live fights but on my fight, it’s a huge opportunity for me on Saturday.

“I think we’re both taking confidence from the preparations we’ve had, I don’t want easy fights, Arnold has been in the position that I’ve been in waiting for that opportunity and I don’t think that you can sit back now the way that boxing is on the sidelines, you’ve got to take your chance. I’ve got good momentum, I feel better with every camp, this camp has been great, we’ve bettered it from the last time, and I do believe I’m a better fighter and I get him out of there on Saturday.

“I’ve been very active and the confidence comes from the time spent in the gym and all the hard work has been done and it’s time to relax, recover and perform. I’ve got better and better through the momentum and activity and that’s where the confidence has come from.

“I’m in a great division at 140 lbs with a lot of tremendous fighters, but nothing matters until after Saturday night, I have to remain focused on Arnold. That being said, we understand the business, there’s so many great fights to be made. Teofimo Lopez has the WBO Title, hopefully that’s a fight that can be made down the line, but I’ve got to beat him and beat him well on Saturday.

“This is the final hurdle on Saturday, it’s a big fight, it’s high risk, high reward like he said, I’m ready and we’re bringing that belt back to Charley on Sunday morning.”

Arnold Barboza Jr:
“We had another offer to fight the main event at home, but I just want to fight the best. I believe Jack is a really good fighter at the top of the division, and I think we’re the best, I don’t think the champions are better than us to be honest. We’re always ready for challenges, we’re ready to go.

“I believe I’m the best in the division, I don’t think anyone can fuck with me. I’m just confident in myself, at the end of the day we can do all he talking, I know he’s not a trash talker and I’m not a trash talker, Saturday is going to determine everything and that’s all the matters.

“I’ve watched a lot of fights where people have gone to enemy territory and they are getting booed – I hope it’s sold out and I hope I get booed, that’s just going to turn me on. I’m excited and it’s a dream, a big fight with high risk and high reward, no more of those low risk, low reward fights, I’m excited to get in there and dance with him.

“I really believe I stop him. The way camp has gone, we isolated ourselves with 8,000ft elevation, running in the snow, everything we did and the the way I’ve been feeling in sparring and my sparring partners can attest, I feel stronger and better than ever. He’s coming with everything, I’m coming with everything, so let’s go.

“This fight means everything to me. There’s fans in the UK, expect a great fight and an exciting fight, and I hope to bring some of those fans back with me to the US.”

TOMORROW at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+

Fight Venue: The Theater at Madison Square Garden (New York City)

• Denys Berinchyk 134.6 lbs. vs. Keyshawn Davis 134.2 lbs
(Berinchyk’s WBO Lightweight World Title – 12 Rounds)

• Xander Zayas 153.2 lbs vs. Slawa Spomer 153.2 lbs
(Zayas’ NABF & NABO Junior Middleweight Title — 10 Rounds)

• Vito Mielnicki Jr. 159.4 lbs vs. Connor Coyle 158.8 lbs
(Vacant USBA, WBC USA & WBO International Middleweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

Undercard start time: (ESPN+, 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT)

• Juanmita Lopez De Jesus 113.8 lbs vs. Bryan Santiago 113.6 lbs
(Junior Bantamweight — 4 Rounds)

• Abdullah Mason 136.2 lbs vs. Manuel Jaimes 137 lbs
(Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

• Rohan Polanco 146.4 lbs vs. Jean Carlos Torres 147 lbs
(Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

• Keon Davis 149.2 lbs vs. Ira Johnson 148.2 lbs
(Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

• Jared Anderson 256.8 lbs vs. Marios Kollias 235.4 lbs
(Heavyweight — 10 Rounds)

• Nico Ali Walsh 157.2 lbs vs. Juan Carlos Guerra Jr. 157.8 lbs
(Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

Don’t miss the WBO JABS Podcast, a special edition, straight from NYC! We’re diving into all the action with our exclusive insights on: Davis-Berinchyk, Zayas-Spomer, Barboza-Catterall, Polanco-Torres, Mielnicki-Coyle Terence Crawford, and more.

Follow our YT Channel for more exclusive content.

Versión en español

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.

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.

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.”

“The boxing community mourns the devastating loss of professional boxer John Conney. His passing is a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in our sport. While boxing will always carry dangers, we must recognize that every possible measure must be taken to prevent such tragedies.

It is the responsibility of all stakeholders—promoters, trainers, referees, medical personnel, and governing bodies—to be proactive and competent in enforcing safety protocols. From rigorous medical screenings to in-ring officiating and post-fight care, there must be no compromise when it comes to a fighter’s well-being.

This loss must serve as a wake-up call. We cannot allow another preventable tragedy to occur. The time for action is now.”

WBO President, Gustavo Olivieri, Esq.

“The boxing community mourns the devastating loss of professional boxer John Conney. His passing is a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in our sport. While boxing will always carry dangers, we must recognize that every possible measure must be taken to prevent such tragedies.

It is the responsibility of all stakeholders—promoters, trainers, referees, medical personnel, and governing bodies—to be proactive and competent in enforcing safety protocols. From rigorous medical screenings to in-ring officiating and post-fight care, there must be no compromise when it comes to a fighter’s well-being.

This loss must serve as a wake-up call. We cannot allow another preventable tragedy to occur. The time for action is now.”

WBO President, Gustavo Olivieri, Esq.

(En español) WBO JABS PODCAST – El panel analizó Canelo/Crawford, Jake Paul, Claressa Shields, Cruz/Fierro, Benavidez/Morrell, Beterbiev/Bivol y más. ¡Síguenos en nuestro canal de YouTube!

Monday, February 10, 2025– The World Boxing Organization (WBO) and the Chamber of Commerce of Colombia have formed a strategic alliance, expanding the scope of our mission and objectives to create a greater impact and new opportunities by integrating, for the first time ever, both the private and government sectors.

Lunes, 10 de febrero de 2025– La Organización Mundial de Boxeo (WBO) y la Cámara de Comercio de Colombia han formado una alianza estratégica, ampliando el alcance de nuestra misión y objetivos para generar un mayor impacto y nuevas oportunidades al integrar, por primera vez, tanto el sector privado como el gubernamental.

Press Release / Comunicado de Prensa

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Keyshawn Davis, the latest fighting sensation from Norfolk, Virginia, will challenge undefeated Ukrainian and fellow Olympic silver medalist Denys Berinchyk for the WBO lightweight world title on Friday, Feb. 14, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Berinchyk-Keyshawn headlines an ESPN-televised tripleheader that features Xander Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) taking on fellow unbeaten Slawa Spomer (20-0, 11 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.

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.

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

Davis (12-0, 8 KOs) transitioned from Tokyo Olympic silver medalist to elite contender in quick fashion, emerging as one of the sport’s brightest young stars. In February 2024, he dismantled two-division world champion Jose Pedraza over six one-sided rounds. Davis outclassed Mexican puncher Miguel Madueño across 10 in July and closed out the year with a statement-making second-round knockout of Gustavo Lemos in front of a sold-out hometown crowd at Scope Arena. Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs), who captured his silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, shook up the division last May by vanquishing Emanuel Navarrete via split decision to claim the vacant WBO lightweight crown.

Following a recent training session in Las Vegas, this is what Davis said:

“I’m very excited. Madison Square Garden. New York City, that’s my second home. I have family out there, so I’m ready to turn up for them. Madison Square Garden is legendary. And now that I’m fighting for my first world title there, it means even more.”

“He’s undefeated, and nobody wants to lose their unbeaten record. He’s coming off his biggest win, which was against Emanuel Navarrete. He also has a lot more experience than I do. And this isn’t for a vacant title. I have to take it from him.”

“I’ve never fought his style of boxing as a professional. It’s something new to me in professional boxing. But, if you liked my last fight, you’ll be in for the same treat, a magnificent performance, a hell of a showdown, and something you can’t miss.”

“I feel super strong. I feel motivated. I feel locked in. Nothing can steer me away from my goal of becoming a world champion on February 14. I feel great, and I’m ready to put on a show.”

“I can only think about my world title. But depending on how crazy I knock Berinchyk out, I’m going to be one of those big names that people are going to want to get in the ring with. I’d be putting myself down if I talk about fighting ‘big names’ because I can become one of those big names on February 14.”

El panel analizó Canelo/Crawford, Jake Paul, Claressa Shields, Cruz/Fierro, Benavidez/Morrell, Beterbiev/Bivol y más. ¡Síguenos en nuestro canal de YouTube!

Eddie Hearn hosts a special event at the National Football Museum in Manchester as Jack Catterall and Arnold Barboza Face Off for the first time ahead of their February 15 WBO Junior Welterweight showdown at the Co-op Live.

TUNE-IN WBO JABS PODCAST: The panel discusses Canelo/Crawford, Jake Paul, Claressa Shields, Cruz/Fierro, Benavidez/Morrell, Xander Zayas, Juanmita López, and more! Follow us in our YT Channel!

El Presidente de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo y el Secretario de Recreación y Deportes de Puerto Rico fortalecen lazos para trabajar en beneficio del boxeo y la juventud puertorriqueña.

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Temas que analizó el panel:
Mayer-Ryan, Teófimo López, Catterall-Barboza, Olascuaga-Kyoguchi, Inoue-Kim, Norman Jr-Cuevas, Beterbiev-Bivol 2, Buatsi-Smith, Berinchyk-Davis y más.

WBO World Championship Committee: In the Matter of the WBO Jr. Welterweight Division

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Happy Birthday to Hall of Fame Inductee Iván Calderón Iron Boy . The WBO family wishes you a very special day and year. The former WBO Mini and Junior Flyweight World Champion is an example of perseverance.

HOF 2024

Ivan Calderon – Master of Movement

Re: Show Cause Notice–WBO Jr. Featherweight Intercontinental Champion Dennis McCann – Adverse Analytical Finding Reported by VADA

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Tyson Fury, one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time, has announced his retirement from boxing.

From defeating Wladimir Klitschko to win the WBO title in 2015, to his trilogy with Deontay Wilder and his pair of legendary bouts with Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, he always gave his all in the ring.

His remarkable career has helped reignite attention towards the heavyweight division and will be missed.

The WBO family wishes him the best in his future endeavors.

Re: Interim Medical Certification Jr. Featherweight Contender Sam Goodman

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official-announcement

The WBO Interim Heavyweight Champion, Joseph Parker, embodies the true spirit of the sport. A consummate professional, a gentleman, and a champion both inside and outside the ring, Parker has represented the WBO with great honor and integrity.

In accordance with WBO policy regarding the unification of interim titles, we have mutually agreed that Joseph Parker will enter the ring as champion, and he will be announced as such. However, upon the sound of the opening bell, the title will be declared vacant.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Joseph Parker for his dedication to the sport and look forward to his continued success in his career. All the best against Dubois. The doors of the WBO will always be open.

Gustavo Olivieri, Esq.
WBO President

¡El podcast WBO JABS está de vuelta con una emocionante lista de temas!

En este episodio tenemos de invitado al cotizado prospecto Juan Zayas. El panel discutió varios temas de interés como el campeón WBO 140 libras Teófimo López, la indiscutible reina de dos divisiones Claressa Shields, el evento especial Tres Reyes Magos de la WBO y Boxing Bullies. Un análisis más cercano de Usyk Vs. Fury y la división pesada, la estrella en ascenso Moses Itauma, el análisis de los combates WBO entre Inoue y Goodman y Catterall Vs. Barboza.

¡Únete a nosotros mientras desglosamos estos temas candentes y más en el último episodio de WBO JABS!

Sigue nuestro canal de YT para más contenido exclusivo.

This episode dives deep into:

Teofimo López, the reigning WBO Jr. Welterweight Champion, Undisputed Queen Claressa Shields, WBO Special Three Kings event. A closer look at the Usyk Vs. Fury, rising star Moses Itauma analysis of the bout between Inoue and Goodman and Catterall Vs. Barboza.

Join us as we unpack these hot topics and more in the latest episode of WBO JABS!

Follow our YT Channel for more exclusive content.
WBO JABS NEWEST EPISODE⬇️

✔️We’re Back! #WBOJABS

Ep. #1 with special guest Bantamweight prospect, Juancito Zayas.

Topics: Teofimo Lopez, Catterall/Barboza, Beterbiev/Bivol 2, Moses Itauma, and more.

Follow our YT Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@WorldBoxingOrg