Turn down a fight for what? It’s not what WBO junior featherweight titleholder Navarrete does.

Watching Emanuel Navarrete box, you almost get the feeling that he enjoys fighting a little too much.

After upsetting Isaac Dogboe by unanimous decision to become the WBO junior featherweight champion in December 2018, Navarrete turned right around and defeated Dogboe by 12th-round TKO in the May 2019 rematch. That reinforced that his initial win was far from just a good night or fluke. He then proceeded to defend that very title three more times before the year ended for good measure.

It’s that kind of bustle that has helped the 25-year-old build his reputation as “The Mexican Iron Man.” Navarrete will look to make it five consecutive title defenses when he faces Jeo Santisima on the main card of Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

“This streak I’m riding of five world title defenses in less than nine months has been great for my career,” Navarrete told DAZN News via a translator. “After beating Isaac Dogboe for the world title, I’ve been a very active fighting champion. Thankfully, I’ve not received much punishment during my streak of world title defenses.”

It’s quite the opposite, as Navarrete has been the one doling out the punishment during this stretch with a third-round TKO of Francisco De Vaca in August, a fourth-round TKO of Juan Miguel Elorde less than a month later and a fourth-round stoppage of Francisco Horta in December.

Turn down a fight for what? It’s not going to happen on Navarrete’s watch — he’s putting the fighting in “fighting champion.” Navarrete (30-1, 26 KOs) has never abandoned the hungry, go-getter mentality of being an underdog throughout this period and doesn’t plan to relinquish it moving forward, either.

“Nothing has changed for me,” he said. “In a way, I still see myself as the underdog. That motivates me to keep working hard and to keep improving my skills. I want to get better with each fight that passes. I want to represent the Mexican flag and my motivation is to raise it as high as I can.”

Plus, he’s not shy about saying that he flat out savors fighting, aiming to have as busy of a 2020 as he did last year.

“I like the activity,” Navarrete said. “As long as I keep walking out unharmed from these fights, I would like to keep fighting as much as possible. It will all depend from the opportunities that my promoters present to me. They are doing a great job moving me and I never turn down a fight.”

For Navarrete, there’s a method behind this frantic pace. It’s his hope that he’ll force a unifying title shot with one of the other junior featherweight champions, whether it be newly crowned IBF/WBA champ Murodjon Akhmadaliev or WBC titleholder Rey Vargas.

“My opinion is that they need to fight me,” he said. “I’ve been looking for a title unification fight for a long time. It doesn’t matter, the name. It doesn’t matter who goes first. I want to face them all. I want to unify the division, but I can’t keep waiting forever. It’s getting tougher for me to make the weight. If I don’t get a title unification opportunity soon, I’ll probably move to featherweight.”

Until then, Navarrete has a fight on his hands with Filipino contender Jeo Santisima (19-2, 16 KOs) and he’s not about to overlook the challenge.

“You have to be prepared to go to war at all times and against any opponent,” he said. “I’m ready to go to war.”

Given the amount of eyes that are bound to converge on the Wilder-Fury 2 card, Navarrete sees Saturday night as an opportunity to introduce his brand of boxing to a new audience, while continuing to give familiar fans the fervent fighting they’ve come to know and love from him.

“This is an event that has captured the attention of fans around the world,” he said. “It’s always great to get that kind of exposure and to get to perform in front of such a big audience. This is a great opportunity for me to showcase all my skills on a big stage.

“The fans haven’t seen the best of me yet.”

But they continue to get him in high volume, which cannot be ignored … especially on the biggest boxing card of the year.

Via MARK LELINWALLA / DAZN.com

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Purse Bid – WBO Light Heavyweight Elimination Contest – Gilberto Ramirez vs. Eleider Alvarez:

“Purse bid for Ramirez vs Alvarez took place at the lobby of the MGM in Las Vegas. Just Top Rank was present. Total amount was 350,000 U.S dollars. Split 50-50. Date May 30th in NY”, stated WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel, Esq.

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Boxing’s busiest champion WBO Jr. Featherweight ruler Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (30-1, 26 KOs) will make his fifth title defense in nine months against Jeo Santisima (19-2, 16 KOs) on Saturday’s Fury-Wilder PPV. 25-year-old Navarrete has won all his defenses so far by knockout (against Isaac Dogboe, Francisco de Vaca, Juan Miguel Elorde and Francisco Horta)

The Wilder vs. Fury II PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

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The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida is happy to announce that boxing is making a comeback to Miami on Friday, February 21!

After TEN years, Miccosukee Fight Series is BACK!

Join Miccosukee Resort & Gaming on Friday, February 21 as we bring Boxeo Telemundo back to Miami. The premiere fight will be taking place with us and you need to be there!

The headlining fight is a NABO WBO Jr. Flyweight Championship fight between Puerto Rico’s Jonathan ‘Bomba’ Gonzalez and Mexico’s Saul ‘Baby’ Juarez.

Gonzalez, a second-generation boxer coming off a challenge with flyweight champion, Kosei Tanaka decided to come down to junior flyweight, making this opportunity possible. Juarez, making his debut in the US, is hoping for another world title opportunity after losing to light flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji. The decision will be crucial for putting either boxer in a position for a world title opportunity.

Doors to the Dome will be open to the public starting at 7 p.m. with the first bout happening at 8 p.m. The Dome can be found on the south side of the resort and tickets will start at only $35.

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A five-foot-five-inch, 118-pound Japanese monster is ready to take over the Las Vegas Strip. WBA/IBF bantamweight world champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue, the three-weight world champion climbing the mythical pound-for-pound rankings, will make his Las Vegas debut Saturday, April 25 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in a unification bout against WBO bantamweight world champion and fellow three-weight kingpin Johnriel Casimero.

Inoue is coming off a memorable decision in the 2019 Ring Magazine and ESPN.com Fight of the Year against future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire. This will be Inoue’s first bout under his long-term promotional agreement with Top Rank.

Inoue-Casimero and the 10-round bantamweight tilt featuring WBO No. 1 contender Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer Jr. and WBO No. 2 contender Jason Moloney will stream LIVE on ESPN+ beginning at 9 p.m. ET. In the final undercard bout on the ESPN+ stream, former super featherweight world champion Andrew Cancio will take on Tyler McCreary in a 10-rounder.

The preliminary bouts will air live on ESPN2 (7 p.m. ET) and will include the return of former world title challenger Alex “El Cholo” Saucedo in a 10-round super lightweight bout.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ohashi Promotions, MP Promotions, TGB Promotions and SGG Sports Promotions, tickets priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25 (not including applicable fees) go on sale Friday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased online at www.axs.com or by phone at 888-929-7849.

“The ‘Monster’ is coming to Las Vegas, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He is a generational talent, a fierce competitor who is ready to take the United States by storm. Casimero is a seasoned champion, and Inoue knows he’s in for a firefight at Mandalay Bay.”

Inoue (19-0, 16 KOs), 26, won his first title in only his sixth pro fight, knocking out Adrian Hernandez to win the WBC light flyweight crown. He is 14-0 with 12 knockouts in world title bouts, as he defended his light flyweight title once before moving up two weight classes to knock out long-time WBO junior bantamweight world champion Omar Narvaez in two rounds in December 2014. He defended that belt seven times before setting his sights on the bantamweight division. His first three bantamweight title bouts lasted a total of four rounds, as he catapulted up pound-for-pound lists with stoppages over Emmanuel Rodriguez and Juan Carlos Payano. The Donaire bout — the final of the World Boxing Super Series tournament — was the ultimate gut check, as he suffered a broken orbital bone before prevailing in an instant classic.

“It is a tremendous honor and a dream come true to headline a card in Las Vegas against a great fighter like Casimero,” Inoue said. “It is my goal to be the undisputed bantamweight king, and I am coming to America to put on a great fight for the fans. I would like to thank Mr. Bob Arum and MGM Resorts for making my Las Vegas dream a reality. Now, the work begins, and I will kick off my 2020 schedule at Mandalay Bay in devastating fashion.”

Casimero (29-4, 20 KOs), from Ormoc City, Philippines, is a newly minted bantamweight world champion who upset South African southpaw Zolani Tete via third-round TKO last November in Birmingham England. A world traveler, Casimero has won world title bouts in Mexico, England, China, Panama and the Philippines, in addition to interim world title bouts in Argentina, Nicaragua and the United States. He is on a five-bout winning streak and is in his physical prime at 29 years old. The Inoue-Casimero winner will be one belt shy of completely unifying the division, as WBC world champion Nordine Oubaali holds the final piece of the championship puzzle.

“This is my dream fight. I have traveled the world and fought in 10 countries. I’ve won world titles at 108, 112 and 118 pounds,” Casimero said. “But ever since I saw my hero and fellow countryman, Senator Manny Pacquiao, fight in Las Vegas, that has been my dream. To everyone who thinks I am the underdog on April 25, I will shock the world and show the fans who the real ‘Monster’ is in the ring.”

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Using his smart boxing, Puerto Rican Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez successfully defended his WBO 105-pound belt by retaning it a ninth round TKO over Colombian challenger Gabriel Mendoza in the main fight of the “WBO Champions Tournament”, held at the El Panama Hotel in Panama City in a presentation of G & V Entertainment in association with PR Best Boxing Promotions and Spartan Boxing.

Méndez (16-1, 6 KOs) scored the second defense of his belt when, after dominating Mendoza (30-7-2, 23 KOs) all the way, the referee stopped the action at 1:28 of round nine when the Puerto Rican attacked with his combinations to batter the challenger, who had a cut on his right eye and swelling in his forehead. In the bout there were several head clashes, but they had no major consequence.

“I feel very happy to debut in Panama with this victory and represent Puerto Rico while maintaining this title,” said Méndez, the only Puerto Rican (male) champion currently, after the victory. “We fought with the plan we had to box and we could go out with our hands up.”

The Puerto Rican, who won his title with a unanimous decision victory over Filipino Vic Saludar in August 2019, said that in his immediate future there is “the mandatory fight with the Chinese Jing Xiang (#1 ranked) and then fight with the other elite champions.”

Meanwhile, Luis Lebrón (17-2-1, 10 KOs) lost a unanimous decision to Mexico’s José Martín Estrada (11-2-1, 5 KOs), who thus became the WBO Latino champion at 122 pounds.

Lebrón seemed to dominate most of the early rounds with good punches to Estrada’s face and body causing swelling and wounding to the eyes from the third round. But Estrada came from behind and knocked down Lebrón with a short upper right in the seventh round to control the action in the latter part of the match and take the win. The judges saw it for Estrada with scores of 95-92, 96-92 and 96-92.

Photos: Sumio Yamada

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Shakur Stevenson, the 22-year-old phenom on the cusp of pound-for-pound greatness, will make the first defense of his WBO Featherweight world title Saturday, March 14, against three-time world title challenger Miguel “Escorpión” Marriaga at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Three days later, Irish featherweight Michael “Mick” Conlan will make his annual St. Patrick’s Day pilgrimage at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in a 10-rounder against hard-charging Colombian veteran Belmar Preciado.

The Stevenson-Marriaga co-feature will see former junior featherweight world champion Jessie Magdaleno fight the unbeaten Sakaria Lukas in a 10-round featherweight showdown. Stevenson-Marriaga and Magdaleno-Lukas will be televised LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Conlan-Preciado and a 10-round female super featherweight showdown between the unbeaten Mikaela Mayer and former featherweight world champion Melissa Hernandez will stream live in English and Spanish on ESPN+ beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets for the Stevenson-Marriaga and Conlan-Preciado cards are priced at $200, $100, $70, $40 and $30 (not including applicable fees) and go on sale Friday, Feb. 7 at 12 p.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

For a limited time, when purchasing a ticket online to one of these cards, you will then be given the option to purchase discounted tickets to the other event.

“What a great two nights of boxing on ESPN and ESPN+, as we get to see Shakur Stevenson defend his title against the big-punching Marriaga and Mick Conlan continue one of boxing’s great traditions,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “New York is going to turn out in force to watch two of boxing’s great young stars.”

Stevenson (13-0, 7 KOs), the pride of “Brick City”, Newark, N.J., was the first male boxer from the 2016 Rio Olympics to win a professional world title. Last October, he bested Joet Gonzalez via unanimous decision to win the vacant WBO featherweight world title. The Gonzalez win punctuated a banner year for the Olympic silver medalist, who also defeated former world title challenger Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz on the Terence Crawford-Amir Khan PPV undercard. Last July, he headlined an ESPN telecast in front of an adoring hometown crowd of more than 5,000 at Prudential Center, knocking out Alberto Guevara in three rounds.

“We’ve been trying to make this fight with Miguel Marriaga for a long time now,” Stevenson said. “I wanted a strong opponent for my first title defense. He’s been in the ring with multiple world champions, and I am ready to prove that I am the best featherweight in the world. This is my fourth fight at Madison Square Garden, but my first as a world champion, and it will be my best performance yet. I know all of my East Coast fans will come out and support on March 14.”

Marriaga (29-3, 25 KOs), one of the division’s hardest punchers, is hoping the fourth time’s a charm. He fell short in previous world title challenges against Vasiliy Lomachenko, Oscar Valdez and Nicholas Walters, but he’s riding a four-bout winning streak (all by KO). He last fought in December 2019, knocking out Alfredo Mejia Vargas with a body shot. A native of Arjona, Colombia, he’s been scouting Stevenson as a potential foe.

“I always wanted this fight, and the time is right now that he’s a world champion,” Marriaga said. “He speaks often about how people are ducking him, but here I am. Colombia will have a new world champion March 14.”

WBO Inter-Continental Featherweight Champion Conlan (13-0, 7 KOs) has made Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden his professional home, as he turned pro in front of a sold-out St. Patrick’s Day crowd there back in 2017. In the years since, he has graduated from prospect to contender, as he’s the No. 1 contender for the title held by Stevenson. He went 3-0 in 2019, including a decision win in December over Olympic nemesis Vladimir Nikitin. Preciado (20-2-1, 13 KOs) will be making his third ring appearance outside of his native Colombia, and he has won two in a row since a KO loss to former world title challenger Hiroshige Osawa.

“I’m honored to return to the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden, and fight for the fourth straight St. Patrick’s Day,” Conlan said. “I know how tough Preciado is, but this fight is a great test as I continue on my path towards becoming a world champion. Fighting in New York City is very special for me. The fans have been very supportive right from the beginning at my pro debut on St. Patrick’s Day in 2017, and I look forward to putting on another tremendous show for them this year.”

“The fans will be there to see Conlan, but mark my words, they will remember me,” Preciado said. “I am more than just another ‘opponent.’ When I win, I won’t be surprised. I am prepared for a hard 10 rounds.”

For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

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#WilderFury WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Emanuel Navarrete Defends His Title Against the Philippines’ Jeo Santisima in PPV Featured Bout. The PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Representing San Juan Zitlaltepec, Distrito Federal, México, Navarrete (30-1, 26 KOs) captured his 122-pound title by defeating Isaac Dogboe in December 2018, and emphatically retained the title by stopping Dogboe in the final round of their rematch in May 2019. The 25-year-old stayed busy after securing the title, scoring stoppage victories in successful title defenses in August, September and most recently in December, when he knocked out Francisco Horta in Mexico. He is boxing’s most active world champion, as the Santisima bout will be his fifth title defense in nine months.

“I am motivated to make my fifth defense in less than a year and especially because I’m proud to be part of a historic card headlined by Wilder vs. Fury II,” said Navarrete. “This is a great opportunity to put on an exhibition for the fans and showcase my talent once again. I’m very grateful to my promoters, Bob Arum and Fernando Beltran, for giving me these opportunities.”

The 23-year-old Santisima (19-2, 16 KOs) turned pro in 2013 as a 16-year-old and has not lost a fight since his fourth career contest in 2014. A native of Masbate City, Philippines, Santisima will ride a 17-fight winning streak into his U.S. debut and his first world title opportunity on February 22. His 2019 campaign saw him deliver victories over Alvius Maufani in August and Rene Dacquel in December.

“I really appreciate this opportunity, as this has been my dream since I was a kid,” said Santisima. “For this fight, I will train and prepare to become the new champion. I don’t feel any pressure. I will just do my best on fight night to show the world who I am. I heard and read the news that this fight is a mismatch, but I will do my best to give a great fight.”

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The first world title fight in Japan this year came earlier today as former world champions Ayaka Miyao (23-8-2, 6) [宮尾 綾香] and Etsuko Tada (19-3-3, 6) [多田悦子] clashed for the vacant WBO female Mini-Flyweight title.

On paper this looked like an excellent match up between two world class veterans. Whilst both were coming to the end of their careers both are still world class and we were expecting an ultra competitive bout between fighters who have been fighting at the top of the sport for years. When it came to the in ring action proved to be just as competitive than we expected.

Coming in we had anticipated the speed and volume of Miyao to be one of two major differences. The other with the power and strength of Tada. And this really proved to be the case with neither fighter ever doing enough to really dominate the action.

Early on Miyao used single shots, though lack of power, something that has been obvious through her career, meant they never bothered Tada. Whilst they were landing clean they did little whereas Tada’s shots were having a clear visible impact, and kept Miyao at range. Whilst the volume seemed to be from Miyao the heavier blows were certainly from Tada.

As we went through the rounds Miyao’s work rate grew and grew. The single shots were becoming less common and instead it was short raids and flurries from the Watanabe Gym fighter. She was coming in and letting 2 and 3 punch combinations go, firing off with both hands. This caused the action to get a touch messy, though both certainly had their moments in what were some hard to score rounds.

​Tada started to look more and more like she was tiring in the later rounds of the fight whilst the quicker, sharper Miyao, really turned it on late, easily out landing Tada in the final rounds, as she tried to swing things her way. It was this late effort from Miyao that could made all the difference had it come just a few rounds earlier.

In the end the bout was a hard one to score. Both fighters had clearly taken a number of rounds each, but the others were debatable either way, and that showed on the score cards.

The first card favoured the 38 year old Tada, 96-94, the second card went with the 36 year old Miyao, 96-94, with the third being an even score of 95-95.

The result, a draw, leaves the title vacant.

Via: AsianBoxing.info
Photo: eonet.jp

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El Campeón Mundial Mini-Mosca de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), el puertorriqueño Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez, expondrá por segunda ocasión su corona cuando enfrente al retador ecuatoriano Pedro “El Insoportable” Villegas, en el combate estelar del evento “Torneo de Campeones de la OMB”, que se llevará a cabo el próximo sábado 8 de febrero, en el Hotel El Panamá, de Ciudad Panamá.

El anuncio de esta cartelera fue hecho este martes, en el Salón Topascio del Hotel El Panamá, en Ciudad Panamá, en donde el Presidente de la OMB, el puertorriqueño Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, estuvo presente, junto a los representantes de la promotoras que unen fuerzas por este evento: G&V Enternainment y Spartan Boxing de Panamá, junto a PR Best Boxing de Puerto Rico.

Méndez ganó el título en agosto del año pasado, cuando derrotó por decisión unánime al filipino Víctor Saludar.

En octubre, defendió la corona ante Axel Aragón Vega, de México, y ahora se enrumba a esta segunda exposición de la corona ante Villegas, un ecuatoriano que está invicto en 12 combates, con 4 triunfos por la vía rápida. Méndez, en cambio, tiene un palmarés de 15-1, con 5 nocauts.

En esta misma cartilla, por el título latino OMB de las 115 libras, el panameño Orlando “El Jaguar” Peñalba enfrentará al venezolano Keyver Fernández, mientras que el boricua Luis “Popeye” Lebrón tendrá como rival al colombiano José Antonio Jiménez.

Además, el prospecto costarricense David “Medallita” Jiménez enfrentará a Jonathán “El Aguas” Arias, Yhorvis Pacheco tendrá como rival a Francisco De la Rosa y en los pesos pesados, Víctor “Porototipo” Delgado enfrentará a Abdiel Matute.

Los boletos ya están a la venta, en Fulltickets y al whatsapp (507) 6747-4321, y el día del evento en los jardines del Hotel El Panamá.

Via Ludo Saez / Notifight.com

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Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. presented WBO Featherweight Boxing Champion and Newark native Shakur Stevenson with the Key to Essex County during a spirited ceremony on Wednesday, January 8th.

“Shakur Stevenson has dedicated himself to his boxing career, earning accolades at the highest levels – an Olympic Silver Medal and several professional featherweight title belts. Throughout his successful run, he has never forgotten his hometown, reminding boxing fans of his Newark roots by wearing the city’s name on his trunks and headband. His pride in Newark and Essex County, and his tireless work ethic are inspirations to our young residents and demonstrate that through hard work they can achieve anything,” DiVincenzo said.

“When I fight, I think of Newark and all the kids who look up to me. I am trying to become better than I am now; I’m still motivated and I thank you for this award and for coming out to support me today,” Stevenson said.

“You have had an enormous opportunity to show the world what Newark is about and who we are. I encourage you to stay focused because this is a long-term venture. The work ethic that goes into being a champion is extraordinary, so you should feel proud,” NJ State Senator and Deputy Chief of Staff Teresa Ruiz said.

“We are so proud of what you have accomplished, especially how you give back to the community and make yourself accessible to young people,” Freeholder Vice President Wayne Richardson said. “Newark is a fantastic city, but what is even better is the fact that it produces such remarkable people like Shakur,” Freeholder Patricia Sebold said. “We like to highlight residents who have achieved greatness. To see what you have accomplished will inspire all young people to work hard and emulate what you have done,” Freeholder Len Luciano said.

“We are all very proud of you. You are Newark and you have a piece of every ward in your body,” Sheriff Armando Fontoura said.

Along with the Key to Essex County, DiVincenzo presented Mr. Stevenson with a plaque, which states: “Born and raised in the City of Newark, Shakur Stevenson started to box at the age of 5. He was an exceptional youth competitor, with his amateur career pinnacling at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, where he took home a Silver Medal. Now a professional, Shakur has continued to impress. Along with an undefeated record, he’s become the international face of featherweight boxing, earning the IBF Intercontinental, WBC Continental, WBO NABO and, most recently, the WBO title belts. This success has led analysts to compare Shakur to several legendary boxing greats. With all his achievements, he remains connected to and proud of his roots, wearing the name of his hometown on his boxing trunks and visiting schools, community centers and senior programs to inspire others. He is role model for all of us, showing that no matter from where you come, through hard work, you can become the best.”

At just 22 years of age, Stevenson has had a successful career in the boxing ring. He started boxing at the age of 5 and his amateur career culminated with him winning the Silver Medal in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. He currently has an undefeated record of 13-0 with seven knockouts as a professional and is the featherweight champion for the IBF Intercontinental, WBC Continental, WBO NABO and the WBO. He won the WBO title belt in October 2019.

By Tehsuan Glover / thenewarktimes.com

Photo by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

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Jaime Munguia (35-0, 28 KOs) made a successful 160-pound debut by defeating Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan (30-4, 21 KOs) via 11th-round stoppage to capture the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title at The Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. The event was streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

“This was a new division for me,” said Jaime Munguia. “I felt stronger and with more conditioning, I just needed to adjust my speed to feel fully comfortable. I would give my performance a 7 or 8 because I needed to do a few more things, but we will get there fight by fight.”

“I was confused about whether to attack or not to attack. Sometimes I thought I had to attack, but I didn’t. But thanks to my corner and Erick Morales I was able to get him. On the last rounds, I was more attentive, even though I still got punched a few times.”

“I would like to fight the best of this division: Canelo, Golovkin, or the Charlos. I know they have more experience, but I look forward to those fights. I want to thank everyone in San Antonio and Viva Mexico.”

“I feel disappointed,” said Gary O’Sullivan. “I was hoping I could win, but I guess I wasn’t good enough to take him down. I just want to go home, spend time with my family and rest. I’ve been away for too long and I think it’s time for me to go and enjoy some time with them. I have made a great sacrifice for this fight, but it’s OK.”

In the co-main event, Alejandra “La Tigre” Jimenez (13-0-1, 9 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexicocaptured the unified WBO Super Middleweight World Title against Franchon “The Heavy-Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn (6-2, 2 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland via majority decision in a 10-round fight. Jimenez won with scores of 97-93 and 98-92, while one judge scored 97-93 in favor of Crews-Dezurn.

“I feel great! This is amazing,” said Alejandra Jimenez. “I’ve accomplished one of my biggest dreams. I’ve been away from my family for a long time. This win is for them, my team, and my country, particularly my Cancun that I love so much.”

“I’m heartbroken, but I’ve been here before,” said Franchon Crews-Dezurn. “This is a learning experience; I have to go back and regroup with my team because I don’t think a decision on my favor was that far. This was a tough fight for me. This was my 8th fight, but I’m still learning and growing in the ring. I thank Golden Boy for the opportunity to show my skills in front of a Hispanic crowd and new people that haven’t met me before. I’m glad they were entertained. This wasn’t the outcome I wanted for my first fight of the year, but I will be back.”

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By: Sean Crose

“I’m on edge,” Unified WBO Super Middleweight champion Franchon Crews Dezurn tells me. “I’m ready to fight.” With women’s boxing being on the rise, it’s good for fans to keep in mind that there’s more notable fighters out there than just those named Shields and Taylor. And one of those notable fighters is most certainly Dezurn, who will be defending her titles as the co-main of this Saturday’s Jaime Munguia – Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan card in Texas.

Dezurn’s opponent will be the undefeated, 12-0 Alejandra Jimenez, someone Dezurn feels well prepared to meet. “I’m very well versed in who I’m competing against,” she says.

What makes Dezurn interesting – aside from her considerable achievements in a professional career spanning just over three years – is her engaging personality. For Dezurn is a fighter who keeps moving forward, despite the obstacles. At 6-1, the thirty two year old didn’t let a loss in her first fight impact her. For starters, she was a last minute opponent for none other than Clarissa Shields. What’s more, Dezurn approached the defeat with a positive attitude. “I looked at it as an investment,” she says of the Shield’s bout. “If I would have won, that would have been crazy.”

While Jiminez doesn’t have the pedigree of Shields, Dezurn has no intention of writing her opponent off. “The only way I have made it this far,” Dezurn tells me, “is to bet on myself and to not underestimate anybody.” Part of betting on herself is staying focused, even on off days. “Today wasn’t the best day in the gym,” she says, for instance, “but I kept it strong and positive.” Aside from her skill inside the ring, Dezurn is downright philosophical when it comes to navigating her career. It’s not often, for instance, that an interview subject quotes Bruce Lee’s fighting philosophy off the top of his or her head. Then again, Dezurn is unique.

“What makes me different is I don’t see myself as just a fighter,” she says. “Not everybody has your best interest. Nobody’s going to believe in you like you believe in yourself.” Yet Dezurn also credits her husband, Glenn – a rising fighter in his own right – as being a major support. “My husband,” says Dezurn, “is one of my biggest influences.” Glenn, a super bantamweight, might also help broaden Dezurn’s appeal in a market where fans are always on the lookout for something new and different.

“To be the first married couple to be on the same card,” says Dezurn, “that’s on my wish list for 2020.”

Dezurn-Jiminez will be aired on DAZN as part of the Munguia-O’Sullivan card on Saturday, January 11th.

By: Sean Crose / BoxingInsider.com

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It’s been a long time coming, but — knock on wood — this Friday night on Showtime from Atlantic City, we’re set to finally get WBO World title bout between Claressa Shields vs Ivana Habazin, headlining the first Showtime boxing event of 2020.

The meeting between these two has been planned since last year, after Shields routed Christina Hammer to fully unify the middleweight division at Boardwalk Hall. The plan from there was for Shields to move down again, this time to 154, as she sought to make further “herstory” by winning world titles in three weight classes faster than anyone else in boxing ever has.

The 24-year-old Shields’ story is well-known at this point. Fighting out of Flint, Michigan, “T-Rex” was dominant at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, winning gold handily both years as the women were allowed to fight in the competition for the first two times ever. Pound-for-pound, she may have been the best women’s fighter both years, and given the fact that US men’s boxing has struggled so mightily at the Olympics this millennium, Shields becoming the first American boxer to win a gold medal since Andre Ward in 2004 became a story.

She gave off the impression of being very humble, very dedicated, very focused. Someone who was born to do what she was doing. But over seven years since the public first got to really know her, the impressions have changed for many.

Shields (9-0, 2 KO) is now seen as boastful and arrogant by some. She has followed a promotional blueprint that has been used many times over. She absolutely has her fans and supporters, but she has her detractors and “haters,” too. And the bottom line is, she wants everyone to watch, whether they’re tuning in to see her win or lose.

Shields’ confidence/arrogance comes from an honest place, at least. Since turning pro in Nov. 2016, she has absolutely dominated as a professional. Her amateur experience brought her into the women’s pro ranks a mile ahead of just about anyone she was going to face, first at 168 and then 160. Even when a fight was supposed to be competitive, against Hammer, it wasn’t. At all. Other than her constant promising of knockouts that don’t come, Shields backs up what she says she’s going to do in every fight, and there’s little reason to believe that changes on Friday.

The 30-year-old Habazin (20-3, 7 KO) won a vacant welterweight title in 2014, and lost it six months later to 147-pound queen Cecilia Braekhus via shutout decision. She’s also dropped fights to Eva Bajic in 2013 and Mikaela Lauren in 2016, and is a natural welterweight, though she has gone 4-0 since moving up to junior middleweight in 2017.

Via Scott Christ / badlefthook.com

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The weigh-in ceremony of the year-end world title tripleheader took place today (Monday) at Shingawa Prince Hotel, where the results were as follows:

WBO Junior Bantamweight title

Kazuto Ioka (Japan) 115 vs. Jeyvier Cintron (Puerto Rico) 114.75

WBO Flyweight title

Kosei Tanaka (Japan) 112 vs. Wulan Tuolehazi (China) 112

WBO Female Junior Bantamweight title

Miyo Yoshida (Japan) 114.75 vs. Li-Ping Shi (China) 112.25

The officials thereof were announced by the JBC (Japan Boxing Commission), as follows:

Ioka vs. Cintron
Referee Tony Weeks (US); judges Wes Melton (US), Julio Cesar Alvarado (Panama), Philip Austin (Australia); supervisor Leon Panoncillo (US)

Tanaka vs. Wulan
Referee Jose Rivera (Puerto Rico); judges Hernando Steidel (Puerto Rico); Julio Cesar Alvarado (Panama), Sawaeng Thaweekoon (Thailand); supervisor Tsuyoshi Yasukochi (Japan)

Yoshida-Li-Ping
Referee Jose Rivera (Puerto Rico); Wes Melton (US), Sawaeng Thaweekoon (Thailand), Philip Austin (Australia); Leon Panoncillo (US)

This show is presented by Watanabe Promotions in association with Hatanaka Promotions. The main event of the Ioka-Cintron bout will be shown nationwide through TBS Television at 6:00 PM on Tuesday (New Year’s Eve) here in Japan.

By Joe Koizumi / Fightnews.com

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💥TONIGHT December 28th – Vacant WBO NABO Jr. Featherweight Championship: Angelo Leo Vs. César Juarez @ State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia.

💥Five WBO Bouts on December 31st @ Ota-City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan:

Main Event – WBO Jr. Bantamweight World Champion Kazuto Ioka Vs. Jeyvier Cintron

Co-Main Event – WBO Flyweight World Champion Kosei Tanaka Vs. Wulan Tuolehazi

WBO Jr. Bantamweight Female World Champion Miyo Yoshida Vs. Li Ping Shi

Vacant WBO Asia Pacific Jr. Featherweight Championship: Yusaku Kuga vs. Jhunriel Ramonal

WBO Mini-Flyweight Asia Pacific Champion Ginjiro Shigeoka Vs. Rey Loreto

💥January 10, 2020 – For vacant WBO Jr. Middleweight Female Championship Claressa Shields Vs. Ivana Habazin @ Ocean Resort Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA.

💥January 11, 2020 – Vacant NABO Light Heavyweight Championship title Jesse Hart vs. Joe Smith, Jr. @ Mark G Etess Arena, Atlantic City, NJ.

💥January 18, 2020 – Vacant WBO Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Eleider Alvarez vs. Michael Seals @ Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, NY

Also, WBO Asia Pacific Jr. Middleweight Champion Takeshi Inoue Vs. Cheng Su @ Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan.

💥January 30, 2020 – WBO Middleweight World Champion Demetrius Andrade Vs. Luke Keeler @ Meridian at Island Gardens, Miami, Florida.

💥February 1, 2020 – Unified WBO Jr. Welterweight Champion José Ramirez Vs. Viktor Postol @ Mission Hills Haikou, Haikou, China.

💥February 20, 2020 – WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight Champion Yomar Alamo Vs. Kendo Castaneda @ Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, Florida.

💥February 20, 2020 – Vacant WBO European Featherweight Championship David Oliver Joyce Vs. Lee Haskins @ Ulster Hall, Belfast.

More to come…

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Earlier today at Haneda airport that was an event held to try and build attention for the final big show of the decade, a triple world title card in Ota-City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan

One of the world title bouts there will see Miyo Yoshida [吉田 実代] defending her WBO Female Jr. Bantamweight World title against Chinese challenger Li Ping Shi.

Today the two were supposed to have a face off as part of the event, though unfortunately Shi’s arrival in Japan was delayed, leaving Yoshida, along with her 4 year old daughter, on the stage.

Yoshida sport about Shi being a strong fighter but believed she had the skills to win, and had practised hard. Her daughter, who had dressed like a character from Frozen, added that she wanted her mum to win, in scenes that were surprisingly cute for what was essentially a boxing press conference.

Despite have not yet scored a stoppage win Yoshida was tipped to score her first stoppage here by both Daisuke Naito and Takashi Uchiyama, who will be doing the commentary on Paravi for the bout.

Via AsianBoxing.info

Photo via bbm-japan.com / FujikiPhoto: Akira Honma

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On New Year’s Eve, in the penultimate world title bout of the decade, WBO Flyweight champion Kosei Tanaka (14-0, 8) [田中恒成] will take on Chinese challenger Wulan Tuolehazi (13-3-1, 6) [乌兰]. Today the two men met for the first time, and took part in a face-off at Haneda Airport. Fight venue: Ota-City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan

Tanaka, who headed over to Tokyo from Nagoya especially for the event, spoke to the press and stated that it was good to have such an exciting event to finish the year.

Wulan, who is fighting in Japan for the second time, explained that Tanaka is a great fighter, but added that he was confident and would do everything he could to win.

The men faced off, without breaking away, for around 30 seconds, in what was an intense stare down.

The two men also took part in the ceremonial contract signing, that we often see done in Japan in the week of a fight, often on the week of a world title fight.

Via AsianBoxing.info
Photo headlines.yahoo.co.jp

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On December 31st we’ll see the year close out with a stacked card from Watanabe, headlined by WBO Jr. Bantamweight Champion Kazuto Ioka (24-2, 14) [井岡一翔] taking on mandatory challenger Jeyvier Cintron (11-0-0-1, 5). Today the men went face to face for the first time, meeting at the Haneda airport in Japan.

The two engaged in a lengthy, and intense face off, as well as talking to the press in quite a public setting.

Ioka seemed impressed by his opponents reputation, speaking about how Cintron is a 2-time Olympian and an undefeated professional. But added that he was prepared to win, and had been Stateside until just a few days ago.

​If Ioka wins, as is expected by many, there was two names suggested that he may face off with next. One of those is fellow Japanese fighter Kosei Tanaka (14-0, 8) [田中恒成], who will be defending his WBO Flyweight title against awkward Chinese challenger Wulan Tuolehazi (13-3-1, 6) [乌兰] on the same show, and the other is Nicaraguan great Roman Gonzalez (48-2, 40). Despite those names being mentioned to him today, Ioka stated that his focus was solely on Cintron.

Cintron on the other hand explained how he was honoured to have a fight in Japan, and came to take the belt back to Puerto Rico. He stated he was in good shape and seemed very calm and relaxed.

via asianboxing.info

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AN JUAN, PUERTO RICO- Puerto Rican Jeyvier Cintron traveled early this morning to Japan for the upcoming challenge with Japanese Kazuto Ioka for the 115-pound WBO belt on December 31 at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

Cintrón (11-0 1ND, 5 KOs), the first Puerto Rican boxer to participate in two Olympic Games (2012 and 2016), went along with his trainer Iván “Iron Boy” Calderón, also trainer Alfonso “Ury” Ramos, his father and former boxer Javier “Perrito” Cintrón, and Peter Rivera, Vice-President of PR Best Boxing Promotions.

The WBO’s mandatory challenger at 115 pounds will face Ioka (24-2, 14 kos), who has been world champion in four divisions (105, 108, 112 and 115 pounds) and won the WBO belt at 115 pounds when he beat Filipino Aston Palicte by TKO in June when faced for the vacant title.

For the Ioka-Cintron meeting, the officials have already been assigned. The referee will be the American Tony Weeks and the judges Wes Melton (United States), Phil Austin (Australia) and Julio César Alvarado (Panama). The WBO supervisor will be León Panoncillo Jr.

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We wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year filled with Peace and Happiness.

WBO administrative offices are closed from 12/18/2019 to 01/13/2020.

If you want to contact us:

dmelendez@wboboxing.com
golivieriesq@wboboxing.com
pacoval@wboboxing.com
mmorales@wboboxing.com

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LOS ANGELES (Dec. 17, 2019): In order to comply with the World Boxing Organization’s (“WBO”) prohibition against its champions holding titles from other sanctioning organizations in multiple weight classes, four-division world champion Canelo Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs) and the WBO have reached an agreement for Canelo to vacate the WBO’s Light Heavyweight World Title. Canelo won the WBO title by defeating Sergey Kovalev via 11th-round knockout on Nov. 2, 2019. Canelo will maintain his status and privileges as a WBO Super Champion, including the privilege to be designated mandatory challenger to the WBO titleholder in any division.

Canelo said, “I know that my accomplishments in the ring have brought pride to my fans and my country. I have long enjoyed my relationship with the WBO and appreciate all they do to preserve and enhance the sport of boxing. This agreement allows the WBO to have its light heavyweight title contested regularly and allows me to pursue bouts against the best opponents, regardless of weight class.”

Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel, president of the WBO, said, “Canelo has already accomplished much in boxing, and is still a young man. When his career is done, he will be regarded as one of the greatest boxers to ever step into the ring, and one of Mexico’s best fighters ever. We look forward to his future fights against rivals at the top of the middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and other divisions.”

“We completely support the decision made by Canelo Alvarez and the WBO,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Canelo made history by stopping Sergey Kovalev in impressive fashion to become a four-division world champion. Not only did he show that he is a real threat at 175 pounds, but he also demonstrated that he is fully capable of moving across several divisions to look for the most exciting fights for the fans. At the same time, we look forward to continue promoting our other WBO champions such as Patrick Teixeira and Franchon Crews-Dezurn.”

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Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas was game, but pound-for-pound king Terence “Bud” Crawford was too much.

Crawford (36-0, 27 KOs) defended his WBO welterweight world title, knocking down Kavaliauskas three times en route to a ninth-round TKO in front of 10,101 fans at Madison Square Garden.

“I thought I had to entertain ya’ll for a little bit. He’s a strong fighter, durable, and I thought I’d give the crowd something to cheer for,” Crawford said. “I wasn’t hurt at all. I got up and went straight to him. I wasn’t hurt by no means. I walked through everything he threw all night.

“I’m not ducking anyone on the PBC side or Top Rank platform. I want to fight all the top guys.”

Kavaliauskas (21-1-1, 17 KOs) had some success early, even buzzing Crawford in the third round with a near-knockdown. Crawford rebounded, reloaded and dominated per usual, cementing his status at the top of the welterweight and pound-for-pound heap.

Photo by M. Williams / Top Rank

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Undefeated Middleweight star Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) will defend his WBO World Middleweight Championship against contender Luke Keeler (17-2-1, 5 KOs) at Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami on Thursday January 30, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK.

Andrade, 31, looks to successfully defend his piece of the middleweight title for the third time as massive unification fights loom in 2020. Following his homecoming debut in front of a packed crowd in Providence, Rhode Island, Andrade continues to stay active and take on all challengers following an impressive 2019. Standing in his way is Keeler, 32, of Dublin, Ireland. The former WBO European Middleweight Champion bested top contender Luis Arias in August, and will aim to make a statement in his U.S. debut against Andrade.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring again finally! It’s a great opportunity to show the world my talents and to be part of Super Bowl weekend in Miami is incredible,” said Andrade. “Miami is a beautiful city and I’m looking to once again showing that I’m the best 160-pound fighter in the world. It’s me again!

“There are major fights for me in the Middleweight division,” Andrade continued. “Those are the fights I want and I’ve been very vocal about it. At the end of the day, I just need to keep winning. They can’t avoid me forever. On January 30, we have to take care of business against Luke Keeler. He’s tough and he’s coming to fight, which will make for a great night of action for the fans in Miami and everyone else watching around the world on DAZN.”

“Demetrius is a great fighter and I understand I’ll be written off as a huge underdog but it’s exactly how I like it, there isn’t a drop of pressure on me,” said Keeler. “It feels surreal in a way but at the same time, I’ve always visualized it so in a way I expected this opportunity to come. Again, there is no pressure on me at all. I’ll have nerves like every fight but I’m going to enjoy every moment, bounce to the ring and pull off the upset.

“It’s a life changing fight and winning brings life-changing paydays but I would’ve taken this fight for free to be in the position that comes with winning,” stated Keeler. “It puts me right up there for fights with Gennadiy Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez.”

DAZN presents Miami Fight Night, brought to you by Matchroom Boxing USA will be held at Meridian at Island Gardens. Meridian is a 65,000 square-foot custom built multi-level premier live event and entertainment experience that will play host to additional VIP events. DAZN and Matchroom Boxing USA will kick off the big week at Meridian as the first of three nights of entertainment leading into Sunday.

Tickets will go on sale tomorrow at www.ticketmaster.com. More details on the special night of boxing from Miami to be announced soon.

Photo by Melina Pizano/Matchroom Boxing USA

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Saturday evening at Madison Square Garden (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET), Terence “Bud” Crawford (35-0, 26 KOs) will defend his WBO Welterweight World title against Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas (21-0-1, 17 KOs).

The ESPN opener will see Irish sensation Michael “Mick” Conlan (12-0, 7 KOs) hoping to turn back amateur nemesis Vladimir Nikitin (3-0, 0 KOs) in a 10-rounder at featherweight. Nikitin defeated Conlan twice as an amateur, including in their 2016 Olympic quarterfinal bout, a decision that sparked international controversy.

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

Terence Crawford

“I’m starting to get used to fighting on these big stages, so it ain’t nothing new to me. This week is going to be a great, spectacular show. I am well-prepared for whatever he brings to the table, and I’m sure they know that as well.”

“Nothing really changed between me and {trainer Brian McIntyre}. We’re a team. Iron sharpens iron. We added some more great fighters to the team. We’re pushing each other each and every day in camp. If I’m tired, {Maurice Hooker} will talk to me, ‘Come on little guy, you tired?’ And that just motivates each and every one of us to go that extra mile. Either we’re running, sparring, hitting the bag. Everything is a competition when we’re in the camp.”

“I’m not focused on no other opponent besides the opponent that’s in front of me. My goal is to make sure I get the victory come this weekend, and that’s the only person I’m focused on now. Anyone else is talk. It goes in one ear and out the other. He’s young, hungry and I’m not taking him lightly.”

Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas

“Crawford was on my mind from the start of training camp in June. So every day was Crawford, Crawford, Crawford. My mindset is good. I’m happy for this fight. When this fight was made officially, I was super happy. I was smiling all day. I want to fight the best, and we’re fighting in the Mecca of Boxing.”

“We started {training} in June, but we started light. Still, all the tactics, everything was about how Crawford fights, which stance {he’ll use}. Sparring, we had lots of different guys, southpaw, orthodox, guys in different stances. And the training camp, [we worked on} speed, power, sparring, technique and tactics, all in this five, six months.”

“Going straight ahead to Crawford is not an option because he’s too smart and he showed in his last fight that he’s smart in the ring. So, yeah, we’ll work on my combinations. We don’t want to go very wild at him.”

Bob Arum On Commey-Lopez

“Some young man who has three of the lightweight titles and is looking to fight for a fourth will be on hand. He’s coming in on Friday to watch this match. Vasiliy Lomachenko will be here. A lot at stake in this Lopez fight with Commey. Both great fighters.”

Photos: Mikey Williams / Top Rank

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