Bob Arum revealed this week that Unified WBO Lightweight Champion Vasiliy Lomachenko will be traveling to the United States on June 15 for his September unification fight against IBF champion Teofimo López.

Arum will be staging the Lomachenko vs. Teofimo fight in front of a small crowd of 2,500 spaced out in a large arena in September. It isn’t ideal for such a massive fight like this to take place in front of a small crowd, but there’s not much else they can do.

Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) and Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs) were scheduled previously to meet at the end of May in New York, but the pandemic upset those plans.

Teofimo, 22, is looking huge right now and is said to be in the mid-150s. This week, Teofimo was lifting weights, and looking like a short junior middleweight. The weight cut or Teoimo is going to be difficult, as he’s going to need to lose approximately 20 pounds to make the 135-pound limit.

It’s doable for Teofimo because he’s young, and can probably get away with it. With that said, you can bet that Lomachenko will be attempting to drag Lopez into the later rounds to take advantage of his weight loss.

Lopez’s weight issues could work for Lomachenko, but maybe not. Younger fighters can cut enormous amounts of weight without it hurting them, which is why they have an advantage over the older guys. If Teofimo isn’t weight drained for this fight, Lomachenko could be in for a world of hurt.

A guy has never hit Lomachenko with the kind of size and power that Teofimo has. For Lomachenko to beat Teofimo, he’s going to need to take a lot of heavy blows.

“As far as fighters outside of the United States, there’s a limit to what we can do,” said Arum. “In other words, we don’t fly the planes. I don’t have any influence with this White House, thank God as to lifting travel bans, but where there’s a will there’s a way.

“And I know that Vasiliy Lomachenko, for example, will be coming to the United States sometime in June. I don’t know when the Brits can come. I don’t know when the Canadian’s can come. This is ready out of our hands now,” said Arum.

The Fighters Must Find A Way Into The U.S.

“So every fighter that wants to come over and wants to participate in these shows and continue their careers has got to find a way to do that on their own with their advisers,” said Arum. “We’ll facilitate anything we can. But our power is greatly limited,” said Arum.

As you can see, Top Rank isn’t going to be able to help all their fighters make into the United States with their help. So if they want to participate in Top Rank’s cards, they’ll need to find a way to enter the U.S with the help of their managers and advisers.

It would be interesting to know whether Arum helped the 32-year-old Lomachenko with his documentation to get him into the States. The famous fighters are too crucial for Top Rank to leave it up to them without giving them a hand if needed.

If Lomachenko can’t make it into the United States, then that’s a showstopper. It’s good that Lomachenko is coming to the States this week because that’ll give Arum and Top Rank enough time to explore other options if he’s blocked.

In hindsight, it was a mistake for Lomachenko to go back to Ukraine because he was in the U.S not long ago. He probably didn’t realize how much trouble it would be for him to return to the U.S because of the pandemic situation.

Teofimo Lopez Gives The Secret To Cutting Weight
“‘How much do I weigh right now?’ 156. Six pounds to go to where I want to be at,” said Teofimo this week in answering questions on social media. “And then just lose [water weight to get down to 135].

“‘How do you lose that much weight? Is it healthy for your body?’ You’ve got to drink a lot of water. I drink two gallons of water every day. When I’m in camp, I drink a little bit more than two gallons every day. Foodwise, I love to eat. Food is life, but it’s what you eat and the amount of food you eat and your meals and abundance,” said Teofimo Lopez.

“You don’t want to eat a big amount. Everything has to be fist-sized. Usually, I’ll eat five times a day, including two snacks. If you want me to get in detail and all that. Fish is good. Anything with low sodium. Make sure its low sodium. Don’t eat carbs unless you’re trying to build up weight-wise. If you’re trying to lean up with muscle, then you can try and build up with carbs. A lot of conditioning.

“Once I get into camp, that’s when I drop those next 15 pounds [with the help of his trainer],” said Teofimo. “Right now, I’m making their job easier, and they make it easier for me. None of that good food thing you guys like. You’ve got to throw that out the window if you want to lose weight. I’m trying to come back as soon as possible. Pain is a weakness in the mind, baby,” said Teofimo.

By Sean Jones / BoxingNews24.com

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A light heavyweight bout between Eleider Alvarez (25-1, 13 KOs) and Joe Smith Jr. (25-3, 20 KOs) has been finalized for July 16 at the MGM Grand Convention Center in Las Vegas, Top Rank director of boxing operations Carl Moretti confirmed to ESPN, though he noted that the date “could be moved.”

The clash is a WBO elimination bout, with the winner taking on Umar Salamov or Maxim Vlasov, depending on the outcome of their fight. The WBO light heavyweight title is currently vacant; Canelo Alvarez relinquished the belt shortly after he stopped Sergey Kovalev in 11 rounds in November.

It isn’t clear when Salamov and Vlasov will meet. They are both in Russia awaiting word. The winner of their fight will then have 120 days to face the winner of Alvarez-Smith for the WBO crown.

Eleider Alvarez, of Colombia, briefly held the light heavyweight title in 2018 after stopping Kovalev in seven rounds. He kicked off 2020 by defeating Michael Seals via seventh-round KO in January. Alvarez, 36, is a rugged and well-seasoned fighter who has faced Kovalev (twice, splitting two fights), Jean Pascal (W12) and Lucien Bute (KO5).

Smith, a construction worker from Long Island, New York, was the Cinderella story of 2016 after he upset the likes of Andrzej Fonfara in one round and sent Bernard Hopkins out of the ring and into retirement with an eighth-round stoppage.

Since then, he has lost to Sullivan Barrera and WBA titlist Dmitry Bivol, but he remains a dangerous puncher in the division. In his most recent fight, he outpointed Jesse Hart over 10 rounds in January.

Steve Kim / ESPN.com

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WBO Covid-19 Asia Pacific
Interviewer: Journalist and WBO Media José Sánchez Fournier. Interviewee: WBO Asia Pacific Vice President Leon Panoncillo. Host: WBO In House Counsel Gustavo Olivieri, Esq.

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“Sería como un reality show, con el número de personas que permitan las restricciones sanitarias gubernamentales”, explica Fernando Beltrán

La empresa Zanfer se encuentra analizando varias formas de poder hacer boxeo profesional en estos tiempos, donde la pandemia de la enfermedad del coronavirus está afectando a todos los sectores.

Entre los planes está hacer veladas a puerta cerrada, es decir, sin público, y hasta un reality show, donde sólo habría el número de personas que permitan las restricciones sanitarias indicadas por el gobierno.

Una vez que se pueda hacer boxeo profesional, con esas estrategias, se tiene pensado hasta hacer funciones en días consecutivos.

«Con nuestro aliado estratégico, que es TV Azteca, siempre hemos sido muy inquietos, muy creativos y, sinceramente, sí hemos pensado en hacer boxeo sin audiencia», reveló Fernando Beltrán, tras unos cuestionamientos hechos por reporteros de un medio de comunicación regional.

«También pensamos en darle a la gente, ahora que está en sus casas, no sé, concentrar a dos contendientes del mismo peso, a lo mejor, no que peleen, pero sí hacer un cuatro comparativo de la forma de trabajar de cada uno», agregó.

Fernando Beltrán recordó que no se había organizado peleas de boxeo profesional, debido a las restricciones del gobierno, pero, si este, en su momento accede a realizar eventos con determinada cantidad de personas, la empresa se adaptaría.

«Vamos a concentrarlo en las mismas instalaciones de Tv Azteca, y darle al público una especial de reality show, breve, de lo que come un boxeador, lo que se cuida, las sesiones de entrenamiento, preparación física, y eso viene a darle el conocimiento al aficionado y nos ayudaría a todos», enfatizó.

Los boxeadores que estén listos, primeros en regresar

Una vez que las autoridades de salud den “luz verde” para hacer eventos profesionales de boxeo, Zanfer estará regresando de inmediato con los boxeadores que estén listo para pelear, así lo adelantó Fernando Beltrán.

«El boxeo es un deporte de hambre de todo tipo, como siempre lo hemos dicho. Yo creo que los boxeadores que estén listos, serán los mayores beneficiados en cuanto termine esto de la pandemia de la enfermedad del coronavirus», comentó el CEO de Zanfer.

«Yo estoy seguro de que muchos boxeadores están entrenando en sus casas, se están preparando y, sinceramente, en cuanto las autoridades consideren que ya se pueden hacer eventos masivos, todo mundo vamos estar programando, y vamos a tener filas de boxeadores tratando de programar», agregó.

La Temporada 2020 de Zanfer arrancó el 11 de enero en San Antonio, Texas, donde el tijuanense Jaime Munguía demostró que no sólo fue un sólido campeón mundial Superwelter, sino que es un serio contendiente en la división de los pesos Medios, al hacer su presentación en las 160 libras y noquear en 11 rounds a Gary O´Sullivan.

Y su última velada, antes del paro de funciones, por órdenes del sector salud, fue en Tijuana, teniendo como pelea estelar la victoria de Omar Aguilar, por nocaut, ante David Alegría.

Por Balun Canan / http://semanariobaluncanan.com/

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The liaison conference of the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) and the JPBA (Japan Professional Boxing Association, the union of 282 club owners) set up the necessary guidelines on Friday to prepare to resume boxing shows from July. All the shows scheduled through June had been completely canceled due to the still growing coronavirus outbreak here.

The Japanese government, on April 7, declared a state of emergency until May 6 at first and then extended it through May. But it was lifted last Thursday (May 14) as for 39 prefectures, while eight Metropolis/prefectures such as Tokyo, Osaka and six others should still stay under the coronavirus state of emergency that temporarily restrains our freedom to move around anywhere at any time for safety and sanitation. The closure of sports training facilities, including boxing gyms, still prevails nationwide for fear of any COVID-19 infection.

The JBC/JPBA conference announced as follows:

There are eight applications for promotions in July including a show behind closed doors by Ohashi Promotions on July 16, and others by Misako Promotions on July 22, by World Sports Promotions on July 22, and by East Japan Boxing Association on July 30. The conference, in accordance with the advice medical specialists against the virus infection, drew up the following guidelines to approve the promotions to take place:

1- To keep social distance between the spectators, which may allow only one-third of the capacity audience at boxing arenas like the Korakuen Hall.

2- To regulate the number of bouts up to eight per promotion.

3- To separate a promotion into a couple of cards such as the daytime and night shows at the same arena provided that the local promoter should wish to stage more than eight bouts.

4- To mandate cornermen, judges and JBC officials to wear masks (as for the referee, such protection as faceguard or mask may prevent the third man from making a quick decision or action, so he (the ref) will not be forced to wear the mask or faceguard at this moment).

5- To take care of the mouth guard since it may have a danger of contagious source, so the mouthpiece should be carefully treated for the sake of virus prevention in sparring sessions at the gyms.

Upon the JBC’s final approval of the said applications for boxing shows to take place in July, they will be put into practice. It is good we may be able to welcome boxing back soon even with stringent regulations and restrictions here in Japan.

By Joe Koizumi / fightnews.com
Korakuen Hall / Photo: Boxing Beat

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The return of championship boxing in the United States now has a matchup, date and network.

A fight pitting WBO Featherweight champion Shakur Stevenson against Rafael Rivera is in the process of being finalized for June 9 in Las Vegas in the main event of Top Rank Boxing on ESPN, sources tell The Athletic. The event will end the boxing hiatus imposed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Jose Ramirez-Viktor Postol fight, scheduled for Feb. 2, was the first boxing event canceled by the coronavirus, but that bout was set to take place in the epicenter of the outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Several boxing events were held stateside afterward as the U.S. continued business as usual. Stevenson was in New York for his scheduled fight against Miguel Marriaga on ESPN when the NBA and NHL delayed its season. One day later, on March 12, Top Rank pulled the plug on Stevenson-Marriaga, slated to take place at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on March 14.

More on https://theathletic.com/1812632/

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Four-Division titlist and former WBO Jr. Middleweight & Light Heavyweight World Champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, has joined the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, by making a donation to those fighting on the front line.

Canelo has displayed his good hearted nature on various occasions, as he gave his support to children with cancer, sick people and those affected in Mexico by an earthquake.

On this occasion, Canelo donated 950 personal protection kits for health workers at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara who personally tends to Covid-19 infected citizens.

Jaime Andrade Villanueva, Director General of Guadalajara hospitals, was overwhelmed by the donation and announced that the world champion contributed KN95 masks, overalls, and eye goggles.

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Current WBO Jr. Lightweight World Champion Jamel Herring checked into the Black Eye Barber Shop this week to talk all things boxing.

Subjects covered included mental health issues, the lockdown situation, and a potential battle with Carl Frampton.

Also, the American skirted over possible clashes between Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, plus Terence Crawford vs Kell Brook. Finally, Herring talked about the Olympics and his career in the US Marines.

Johnny Nelson, Anthony Crolla, and Richard Poxon caught up with the champ Jamel Herring. Talking his own battles to becoming champion and his ambitions in the sport!

Via www.worldboxingnews.net

Photo by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

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On May 7, 2005, one of my favorites fights of all time took place when Diego Corrales took on José Luis Castillo at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 12 round lightweight contest was a unification bout as Corrales came into the fight as the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Champion who was of 39–2 with 32 knockouts at the time. Castillo came in at 52–6–1 with 46 knockouts and was the World Boxing Council (WBC) champion.

What happened once the bell rang not only later would become easily the Fight of the Year for 2005, it would become heralded as one of the greatest fights of all time.

Both men were willing to trade blows inside for the entire fight and was amazing action throughout. Corrales said before the fight, “This fight will be like two buffaloes colliding,” and let me tell you that this not only was that but then some as it played out like the real-life version of rock ’em, sock ’em robots.

The fight was an intense, bloody and ruthless match throughout the contest but will be enshrined in history for its te epic tenth round.

Within 30 seconds into the tenth round, Castillo hit Corrales on the button and was knocked down. Corrales spit out his mouthpiece and rose at the count of eight of referee Tony Weeks’ count. A few seconds later, Castillo knocked Corrales down again. Corrales once again took out his mouthpiece out and got back up at the count of nine.

Weeks would take away a point from Corrales for excessive spitting out of his mouthpiece.

When the fight resumed, Corrales would land what Castillo later called “a perfect right hand.” After that right, Corrales had Castillo against the ropes and landed numerous punches which visibly had Castillo out on his feet, causing Weeks to stop the fight.

The tenth and final round without question is not only remembered by those watching this slugfest but the amazing call of its conclusion by Steve Albert calling the blow by blow for Showtime alongside Al Bernstein.

“Unbelievable! Ebb and flow! They’re all standing here at Mandalay Bay! Corrales coming back after being on the canvas twice here in the 10th! Now, Castillo steps back! Corrales waning! Castillo’s in trouble! Weeks steps in and the fight is over! Corrales with a remarkable dramatic turnaround to win this fight! Unbelievable! Diego Corrales said he would go through hell before losing this fight. He may have.” — Steve Albert calling the end of the fight on Showtime.

A rematch of this fight took place on October 8, 2005, but was nowhere as close to capturing the magic of the first one and was shrouded in controversy as Corrales failed to make weight and made the match a non-title one. Corrales also was stopped in the fourth round by Castillo. A third one was set to happen but never took place.

On May 7, 2007, exactly two years after the first fight, Corrales died in a motorcycle accident. Castillo would continue to box before retiring in 2014.

Bernstein said on the broadcast it was “the single most extraordinary comebacks to win a round that has ever happened.”

It still is one of the greatest ones, I’ve ever witnessed.

If you have never seen this bout at all or haven’t seen it in a long time, enjoy this epic clash here. Trust me, this doesn’t disappoint.

Article by Marquis Johns / bigfightweekend.com
Photo via Showtime

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I was requested by the @WBCBoxing @WBABoxing @WorldBoxingOrg & @IBFUSBAboxing to provide info on the #COVID__19. Pls take heed. It still remains a serious issue. God Willing, we are smart, work together & give the coronavirus a KO blow MicrobeBoxing gloveCollision symbol
Full video:

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Oscar De La Hoya and Millie Corretjer have donated $250,000 to Adventist Health White Memorial in Los Angeles in an effort to assist the hospital in dealing with expenses related to treating COVID-19 (coronavirus) at the facility.

“Adventist Health White Memorial is my hospital. They took incredible care of my mother when she was fighting breast cancer. During this time of crisis, White Memorial is incurring extraordinary expenses as they continue to provide quality care to our Boyle Heights Los Angeles community,” said De La Hoya.

“On behalf of me, Millie and our children, we are donating $250,000 to White Memorial to help with these critical unexpected expenses. I am challenging my peers — celebrities, athletes, business leaders and community leaders — to donate to White Memorial or your local hospital to help during this crisis,” Oscar added.

“COVID-19 continues to spread quickly throughout the nation. Those who work in health care and at our hospitals are truly heroes, stepping up in a way that deserves our gratitude and admiration. This is our way of saying thank you,” said Corretjer.

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#WBOKOCoronavirus #WBOKOCovid19 Former Unified WBO Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko opened the doors of his hotel in Kiev to support doctors in their fight against the coronavirus.

The Ukrainian boxer published a statement in which he focuses on giving a helping hand to those who need it most:

“Dear friends,

What we are facing today is much more than a challenge, we are confronted with an historic task that CAN be mastered, “if” we work together on a shared goal and support each other. It depends on each and every one of us, our responsibility, our involvement and our sense of dignity, how quickly we can get past this situation?

Wladimir #Klitschko, Ruslan Oleksenko and #DEOL Partners are honored in doing their part to accommodate doctors and medical staff in Kyiv’s center. We feel the need to do whatever we can to give back to these medical professionals, true heroes. These folks are on the front lines, putting their lives, and own health ahead of ours, we can never forget.

Our doors and hearts are open to those who are fighting the virus on a day-to-day basis. Each of them are saving lives daily, forever grateful. Thank you 🙏 Telephone for details +380991557733”.

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Conforme a la orden ejecutiva emitida por la Gobernadora de Puerto Rico estableciendo un toque de queda en todo el país a raíz del coronavirus, las oficinas principales de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) estarán cerradas hasta el 31 de marzo de 2020.

Ante cualquier duda o pregunta:

Lcdo. Olivieri / Asesor
+1 (787) 615-0932
golivieriesq@wboboxing.com

Sra. Meléndez / Dir. Ejecutiva
+1 (787) 432-0182
dmelendez@wboboxing.com

Sra. Companys / Ejecutiva Admi.
infonews@wboboxing.com

Pursuant to the executive order issued by the Governor of Puerto Rico establishing a curfew throughout the country due to the coronavirus, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) main offices will be closed until March 31, 2020.

For questions and/or inquiries:

Mr. Olivieri, Esq. /In-House Counsel
+1 (787) 615-0932
golivieriesq@wboboxing.com

Ms. Melendez / Executive Director
+1 (787) 432-0183
dmelendez@wboboxing.com

Ms. Companys / Executive Admi.
infonews@wboboxing.com

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Message from WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, Esq. regarding the pandemic coronavirus

“The serious situation that the world is facing due to the terrible coronavirus pandemic forces us to postpone all our activities until next June. All our efforts will be aimed at preventing the spread of this terrible virus by helping to guide and educate all the young people who practice the sport of boxing, regarding how to fight the spreading of this virus. We urge our champions to collaborate with the health authorities in their respective countries, states, municipalities and with the World Boxing Organization in such a noble and necessary effort.”

Mensaje del presidente de la OMB, el licenciado Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel referente a la pandemia del coronavirus:

“La grave situación que está confrontando el mundo debido a la terrible pandemia de coronavirus nos obliga a posponer todas nuestras actividades hasta el próximo mes de junio. Nuestros esfuerzos estarán dirigidos a prevenir la propagación de este terrible virus orientando y educando especialmente a todos aquellos jóvenes que practican el deporte del boxeo, por lo que exhortamos a nuestros campeones a colaborar con las autoridades de salubridad en sus respectivos países, estados, municipalidades y con la Organización Mundial de Boxeo en tan noble y necesario esfuerzo”.

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In light of the national emergency in Puerto Rico, effective immediately, all the scheduled activities of the World Boxing Organization in the island 🇵🇷 will be postponed until past the month of May 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A la luz de la emergencia nacional en Puerto Rico, efectivo inmediato, todas las actividades previstas de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo en la isla 🇵🇷 serán pospuestas hasta después de mayo debido a la pandemia del coronavirus.

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WBO Featherweight World Champion Shakur Stevenson was born and bred in Newark, a.k.a. “Brick City,” the oldest of nine children who dreamed of one day becoming a world champion and using his platform to give back to his community.

Stevenson, who won the title last October, will defend his belt for the first time Saturday from Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden against Miguel Marriaga (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). He joined forces with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka on Wednesday at the city’s Rotunda Recreation & Wellness Center to talk to a large group of local children about his journey from hometown kid to Olympic silver medalist and world champion.

Stevenson autographed posters, took photos, and gave each child an official Team Stevenson headband. Three days before his bout against Marriaga, Stevenson was all smiles and laughs, a champion embracing his celebratory homecoming.

“When I was younger, I didn’t have anyone to come and do something like this for me,” Stevenson said. “This means a lot to me. That’s why I enjoy coming here, and I will always try to come back to where it all started. You all make me feel good, and when I do something good, I do it for Newark.”

“Shakur Stevenson is a Newark native who has brought honor, Olympic glory, and a world championship to our city,” Mayor Baraka said. “Now he is bringing an inspiring message of hope, good sportsmanship, and empowerment to Newark’s youth, as a role model and exemplar. He defines the strength of Newark, and we are proud of him.”

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FRESNO, Calif. (March. 9, 2020) — It took a little longer than expected, Unified WBO Junior Welterweight champion Jose Ramirez, the pride of California’s Central Valley, is set to return. Ramirez will defend his titles against mandatory challenger and former world champion Viktor “The Iceman” Postol Saturday, May 9 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, a short drive from Ramirez’s hometown of Avenal. Ramirez and Postol were set to fight Feb. 1 in China, but the bout was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Ramirez-Postol and a 10-round super lightweight battle between former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza and surging 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina will be televised LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 10 p.m. ET, with the undercard bouts scheduled to stream in English and Spanish on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with TGB Promotions, tickets priced at $206, $131, $96, $66 and $31 go on sale Tuesday, March 10 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at the Save Mart Center box office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

“We are pleased that Ramirez and Postol will finally fight May 9 from the great city of Fresno,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Viktor is a worthy mandatory challenger who earned his title shot, and Jose will be fully prepared to make a statement. And for Jose, this could be his last fight in Fresno for a long time, so I expect the Central Valley faithful to fill up the Save Mart Center for a special evening.”

Ramirez (25-0, 17 KOs) is one of two unified junior welterweight champions. He won the WBC world title in March 2018, prevailing via 12-round shootout against Amir Imam in New York City. He defended that belt twice before stepping up to fight Maurice Hooker in a highly anticipated title unification bout. In one of the best fights of 2019, Ramirez knocked out Hooker in six rounds. A 2012 U.S. Olympian, Ramirez has headlined at Save Mart Center five times previously and has drawn a total of 65,794 fans through the arena’s turnstiles. Last time he fought at Save Mart Center — February 2019 against Jose Zepeda — he drew a career-high turnout of 14,034.

“It is always a blessing to fight at Save Mart Center in front of my loyal fans,” Ramirez said. “I prepared for Postol once, and I will be in top form May 9. My trainer, Robert Garcia, will have me ready for whatever he brings to the table. He is a former world champion who I cannot underestimate.”

Postol (31-2, 12 KOs) has spent the majority of his 12-year career as a super lightweight and nearly a decade at, or near, the top of the division. He stunned the boxing world in October 2015 when he dethroned Lucas Matthysse via 10th-round KO to win the WBC world title. In his next fight, he was blunted over 12 rounds by Terence Crawford in a unification bout. He is 3-1 since the Crawford defeat, dropping a 2018 decision to Josh Taylor, who is now the division’s other unified champion. He earned the WBC’s mandatory shot at Ramirez in April with a unanimous decision over Mohamed Mimoune.

“I am glad the new fight date is set. I’m already in gym, and camp is going really well,” Postol said. “I was ready to fight on Feb. 1 and now I’m focused on May 9. The fight is taking place in his hometown, but that does not bother me because I have the experience to fight on away soil. I am looking forward to become a champion again.”

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Ewa Brodnicka successfully defended her WBO Jr. Lightweight World title. Moving to 19-0, Brodnicka defeated Djemilla Gontaruk via a unanimous decision. Scorecards: 99-91, 99-91 and 100-90

Gontaruk dropped a seventh loss in her 25th bout with the reverse. Brodnicka has now made five defenses of the strap.

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Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will collide in a blockbuster super fight at Manchester Arena on May 2 as the Irish legend puts her Undisputed WBO Lightweight World Title on the line against Puerto Rico’s seven-weight World Champion, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Two-weight World Champion Taylor can strengthen her status as one of the sport’s finest fighters against Serrano on the same night as Dillian Whyte risks his World Title ambitions in a huge Heavyweight encounter with the fearsome Alexander Povetkin.

Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) sealed a dominant points win over Christina Linardatou to claim the WBO Super-Lightweight title at the same venue in November as she stepped up a division after becoming the Undisputed Lightweight ruler against Delfine Persoon in New York.

Serrano (38-1-1, 28 KOs) enhanced her reputation for thrilling fights with an action-packed points win over Heather Hardy at Madison Square Garden in September, while she sharpened her skills for Taylor in a stoppage win over Simone Aparacida Da Silva in Miami in January.

“It’s a fight that seems to have been talked about for years so I’m just glad it’s finally on,” said Taylor. “It’s a massive fight and one that I have been looking forward to for a long, long time.

“I’ve been working hard in training camp in the US since the start of the year so it’s great have a date to focus on now and I can’t wait for May 2nd.”

“I’m happy we finally got this big fight made because both myself & Katie deserve to be in this position,” said Serrano. “While our fight could have been a main event, I’m still grateful it’s happening. I’m not going to talk down to Katie, as I know she won’t to me, so I’ll leave it at this: one thing that’s for sure is that we’ll both leave it all in the ring. Thanks to my Promoter Lou DiBella, Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing, DAZN & Katie Taylor for this great opportunity. See you in Manchester!”

“Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano for the Undisputed Lightweight Championship of the World – this is the biggest women’s fight of all time,” said Eddie Hearn. “The whole of Ireland and Puerto Rico are going to be watching this absolute war between the Undisputed champion and the seven weight division champion – it doesn’t get any bigger!”

“I’m proud to co-promote this historic fight with Matchroom, and to have it featured on a massive card in Manchester,” said Lou DiBella. “Two of the best female fighters in the world, two of the best of all time, will square up for boxing supremacy. Amanda didn’t shy away from moving back up in weight or from the fight being in the UK; she embraced the idea of winning on the road and cementing international stardom. Taylor vs. Serrano isn’t only the best of women’s boxing, it’s the best of what boxing is supposed to be.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing Development, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to add Katie Taylor’s sensational showdown with Amanda Serrano to the Whyte-Povetkin bill. With Sky Sports increasing its commitment to women’s sport, we’ll be showcasing the biggest fight of Taylor’s professional career after following every step of her epic journey.

“We’ve witnessed Serrano’s all-action style, having covered her breathless battle with Heather Hardy. A magnificent multi-weight champion, Serrano now takes on Taylor, Ireland’s dazzling star, as two elite competitors collide in Manchester. Whyte also rolls the dice in a high-risk Heavyweight battle with Povetkin. Two explosive encounters that can only supply fireworks for fight fans.”

Tickets for Taylor vs. Serrano are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200 and £400 (VIP).

Tickets are on sale to Fight Pass members NOW via StubHb (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

General Sale tickets are available to purchase from 10.00am on Friday March 6 via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

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Patrick Teixeira (31-1, 22 KOs) of Sau Paulo, Brazil will make the first defense of his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title against undefeated challenger Brian “El Boxi” Castaño (16-0-1, 12 KOs) of Buenos Aires, Argentina in a 12-round battle.

The event will take place Saturday, April 25 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

“I am very happy and excited to defend my world title for the very first time,” said Patrick Teixeira. “I worked very hard to become a world champion, and I won’t let anyone take that away from me. I know that Castaño, as my mandatory challenger, is tough and experienced, but my team and I are more than ready to go to war and deliver a great performance for all the fans at Fantasy Springs.”

“I’m delighted to announce this epic card of international proportions,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “For this huge event, we’ll have fighters from four different continents battling it out for world titles from all four sanctioning bodies. Fans of professional boxing will be treated to a banquet of big fights headlined by Sergey Kovalev vs. Sullivan Barrera, along with the returns of world champions such as Patrick Teixeira, Rene and Felix Alvarado, and Chayaphon Moonsri. Don’t miss this festival of world champions on April 25 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and live on DAZN.”

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Unified WBO Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua OBE will defend against Kubrat Pulev at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday June 20, live on Sky Sports Box Office, on a show promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Top Rank and Epic Sports and Entertainment.

Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) recaptured his belts and position as the Unified Heavyweight World Champion with a masterful unanimous decision victory over Andy Ruiz Jr at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia on an historical night in December that saw the Heavyweight World Titles contested for the very first time in the Middle East.

June 20 will be ‘AJ’s’ first fight on UK soil in nearly two years, since he defended his crowns with a devastating seventh round knockout of Russia’s Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium, and the former Finchley ABC man will be aiming to deal with Pulev in style to set up an Undisputed showdown against new WBC Champion and fellow Brit Tyson Fury down the line.

Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs), the IBF’s No.1-ranked Heavyweight Mandatory Challenger, gets his second shot at World honours after his defeat to modern legend Wladimir Klitschko in 2014 – the only loss of his 29-fight professional career. He has won six fights in a row since then, including victories over Derek Chisora and an IBF Eliminator win over Hughie Fury in 2018.

The Bulgarian superstar was set to challenge Joshua at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in October 2017 but was forced to withdraw through an injury and will now get his opportunity to ruin the champion’s plans to face Fury in an all-British blockbuster showdown in the future.

“On June 20, I am defending my Heavyweight World Titles,” said Joshua. “I’m back in my home city after some time away. A spectacular stadium has been built in North London and I’m honoured to bring the boxing community from all over the world to witness us make history with the stadium’s first Heavyweight World Title fight. The belts go back up in the air and nothing will stop me from being victorious.”

“I am happy to have the opportunity to show the world how strong I really am,” said Pulev. “Becoming a Heavyweight World Champion has always been my mission in life and on June 20 2020 I will fulfil my destiny!”

“I’m so excited to see Anthony Joshua return to the capital, 70,000 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is going to be very special,” said Eddie Hearn. “2019 was a crazy year that had everything – the only thing missing was a UK fight and as we go into what I believe will be the biggest year of ‘AJ’s’ career so far, all our attention turns to Kubrat Pulev in an absolute must win fight. Pulev is undefeated in six years and his team and especially Bob Arum really fancy this. I think you are going to see something special from ‘AJ’ on June 20 – a destructive performance on the road to undisputed.”

Bob Arum, Top Rank Chairman, said: “Kubrat Pulev has earned his ranking, and he is going to enemy territory prepared to pull off the upset. Ever since Top Rank signed Kubrat last year, I have seen a determined Heavyweight on a mission to win the Heavyweight Title. He has been in this situation before, and he won’t be intimidated by the tens of thousands of Joshua fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. June 20 is going to be another historic evening in the Heavyweight division.”

John Wirt, President of Epic Sports and Entertainment, said: “This fight has been a long time coming, but we finally have Joshua cornered and on June 20, I guarantee Pulev will be victorious and Great Britain’s recently acquired chokehold on the Heavyweight division Championship will be brought to a quick and sudden ending.”

“We’re absolutely delighted about Anthony Joshua’s homecoming World Title fight against Kubrat Pulev at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, said Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing Development. “Pulev is a dangerous proposition, with plenty of top level experience, and ‘AJ’ will need to be at his best to retain his belts in front of his home support.

“We’ve covered every step of ‘AJ’s’ journey, including his impressive rematch win over Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia, and now he’s back in Britain at the home of Spurs. I recently visited the stadium and was blown away by the state-of-the-art facilities. It will provide a stunning backdrop for Britain’s Unified World Heavyweight Champion.”

Ticket information will be announced in due course.

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Ewa Brodnicka – Djemilla Gontaruk is a fight of the evening at Tymex Boxing Night 11. Will the Polish woman once again defend the belt of the WBO world champion in the junior lightweight category?. The event will be broadcast live by Polsat Sport TV on Saturday, March 7, 2020.

Ewa Brodnicka is unbeatable in the professional ring. The Polish woman fought eighteen duels, of which sixteen won by decision and twice by knockouts.

Ewa Brodnicka’s rival will be Djemilla Gontaruk from Belgium. She was the European champion who has a balance sheet of 16-6-2 fights (two wins by KO). The EBU belt won by Gonatruk is the biggest achievement of her, nicknamed “The Pitbull”. In 2019, Gontaruk fought three matches, of which she won two. First she turned out to be better than Karina Kopińska, and recently – on November 23, 2019, she defeated the Italian woman Angela Cannizzaro. In both cases, she won after unanimous judicial decisions. In the meantime, “The Pitbull” lost to another Italian – Silvia Bortrot duel for the title of European champion (unanimous decision).

The fight of the evening at Tymex Boxing Night 11 in Dzierżoniów: Ewa Brodnicka – Djemilla Gontaruk will take place on Saturday, March 7. The competition will start around 22:30. Will the Polish woman once again defend her belt in a skirmish with an experienced opponent?

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Undisputed World Welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus will defend her titles against unified Super-Lightweight champion Jessica McCaskill at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on Friday April 17, live on DAZN.

Braekhus (36-0 9 KOs) will put her 147lbs belts on the line for the tenth time having claimed all the straps in September 2014, and victory for the ‘First Lady’ will see the Norwegian sensation break Joe Louis record of 25 consecutive World title defenses, with the 38 year old’s record stretching back to her first World title fight in her 11thpro outing in March 2009.

McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs) will be desperate to snap that streak in Maryland though, and the Chicago star has undoubtably been one of the great success stories in the last year of women’s boxing. ‘CasKILLA’ bounced back from a close loss to then-WBA World champion Katie Taylor in London in December 2017 to win the WBC Super-Lightweight crown in October 2018 on her home turf and then unified the division in Maryland in May 2019.

Pound-for-pound star Braekhus will be out to make history on the night but McCaskill can become a two-weight World champion and continue her phenomenal run of form in this standout fight on the undercard of the clash of former World Super-Lightweight champions Regis Prograis and Maurice Hooker.

“I’m very excited to battle Jessica McCaskill on April 17,” said Braekhus. “She is a unified World champion and a formidable opponent for me. However, following my victory in November I only took a short time off from training and will be well prepared for this very tough challenge.

“Thanks very much to my team for their efforts in bringing me this opportunity and to my fans all over the world, I can’t wait to put on a great show for you in Maryland.”

“This is a fight I wanted,” said McCaskill. “I want to fight the biggest names and the best fighters. Nothing less. My name is up there with the best in female history and I want to continue on that path. Every time I fight its exciting and not only for female boxing but for boxing – period.”

“This is a fantastic fight on what is going to be another brilliant night of boxing on DAZN,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Cecilia is one of the greatest female fighters of all time and still the ‘First Lady’ has huge ambitions to achieve even more greatness in the sport.

“But what a breakthrough star Jessica has become since landing her World title in Chicago – it’s been a fairytale rise and she wants to go onto achieve greatness like her foe in Maryland. Jessica always brings it on the night and victory over Cecilia would top everything she has done so far, and that’s saying something.

“We have so much more great action to add to this card and I cannot wait for a huge night on April 17 in Maryland.”

Further undercard action will be added in the coming days and an announcement on ticket on-sale dates will be made early next week.

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Emanuel Navarrete successfully defended his WBO junior featherweight title for the fifth time in nine months, battering an overmatched Jeo Santisima en route to an 11th round stoppage victory on the Wilder-Fury 2 undercard.

Navarrete (31-1, 27 KO) really had no trouble with Santisima (19-3, 16 KO), who was a huge underdog and proved that everyone had read the matchup correctly. This has become par for the course with Navarrete title defenses; while he fights regularly and people like that, his opponents are lousy for world title fights.

Santisima did prove durable and game, surviving as long as he did, but he didn’t trouble Navarrete at all. Navarrete dominated in several rounds and looked to close repeatedly, and while he suffered a clear injury to his right hand, he said Santisima lasted because of his toughness.

“I hit him weirdly with my right hand did hurt my thumb, but I had to plow through it and get the victory,” Navarrete told Bernardo Osuna. “The fight took a long time because I had a very tough opponent.”

VIA Badlefthook.com

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