Re: Show Cause – WBO Jr. Featherweight Participant Zolani Tete
Scheduled six-fight ESPN+ stream set to begin at 2 pm ET/11 am PT
In a magnificent world title fight South Africa’s Zolani Tete (28-3, 21KOs) risks his WBO bantamweight title against Filipino interim WBO champion John Riel Casimero (28-4, 19KOs) where the winner will be likely to face IBF and WBA title holder Naoya Inoue in 2020.
Liverpool puncher Sam Maxwell (12-0 (10KOs) defends his WBO European super lightweight crown against unbeaten Connor Parker (12-0, 1KO) from Derbyshire.
Here are a selection of quotes from today’s press conference
ZOLANI TETE
“I have been out injured because of shoulder tendonitis, but the way I have been training it shouldn’t bother me. I didn’t need surgery, but it took a couple of months to get it right. Mentally and physically I am still there and the injury will not stand in my way. It was frustrating getting injured in the World Boxing Super Series and pulling out, but Casimero is one of the best.
Hopefully after this defence my next fight will be Naoya Inoue. If I beat Casimero that fight is a step closer. It is possible to meet Inoue next year.
My promoter Mr Frank Warren will do his best to make the fight happen. My shoulder will not come off, but you will see punches bouncing off Casimero’s head. He is a good fighter though who can come forward and has power, but we will deal with those things.
JOHN RIEL CASIMERO
“This is a good fight and I will give a good performance. My advantage is power and stamina. My promoter Manny Pacquiao had told me that if I’ve worked hard I can win. This is my second time boxing here and in the first fight Charlie Edwards was beaten. I am a better fighter now. Zolani is a good boxer and tough, but second to me. I will do my best to knock him out.”
SEAN GIBBONS (President, Manny Pacquiao Promotions)
“To have Senator Manny Pacquiao behind you tells you how good Casimero is. The Senator can sign a lot of fighters, but only goes with good ones. Casimero has travelled the world and feels comfortable here. He is one of the top three or four fighters in the Philippines.”
☑️Upcoming WBO World Title Bouts:
💥November 30 – Undisputed WBO Welterweight Female Champion Cecilia Braekhus Vs. Victoria Noelia Bustos @ Casino de Monte Carlo Salle Medecin, Monte Carlo, Monaco.
💥November 30 – WBO Bantamweight World Champion Zolani Tete Vs. John Riel Casimero @ Arena Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom.
💥December 7 – Unified WBO Heavyweight Champion Andy Ruiz Vs. Anthony Joshua @ Diriyah Arena, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
💥December 7 – WBO Jr. Featherweight World Champion Emanuel Navarrete Vs. Francisco Horta @ Auditorio GNP Seguros, Puebla, Mexico.
💥December 14 – WBO Welterweight World Champion Terence Crawford Vs. Egidijus Kavaliauskas @ Madison Square Garden, New York, USA.
💥December 14 – WBO Jr. Flyweight Female Champion Tenkai Tsunami Vs. Jessebelle Pagaduan @ Uchinoura Ginga Arena, Kimotsuki -cho, Kagoshima, Japan.
💥December 31 – WBO Jr. Bantamweight Female World Champion Miyo Yoshida Vs. Li Ping Shi @ Ota-City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan.
💥December 31 – WBO Flyweight World Champion Kosei Tanaka Vs. Wulan Tuolehazi @ Ota-City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan.
💥December 31 – WBO Jr. Bantamweight World Champion Kazuto Ioka Vs. Jeyvier Cintron @ Ota-City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan.
💥January 10, 2020 – For vacant WBO Jr. Middleweight Female Championship Claressa Shields Vs. Ivana Habazin @ Ocean Resort Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA.
💥February 1, 2020 – Unified Jr. Welterweight Champion Jose Ramirez Vs. Viktor Postol @ Mission Hills Haikou, Haikou, China.
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Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions are heading to the Midlands to stage a bumper night of boxing at Arena Birmingham Saturday November 30, live on BT Sport.
Tickets will go on general sale on Friday 18th October at 12pm via Ticketmaster and Ticketfactory.
The bill is stacked with 50-50 clashes featuring six title fights. The show will feature:
Zolani Tete v John Reil Casimero (WBO World Bantamweight Championship)
Sam Maxwell v Connor Parker (WBO European Super Lightweight Championship)
Hamzah Sheeraz will contest the vacant WBO European Super Welterweight Championship against an opponent to be named this week.
Zolani Tete (28-3, 21KOs) makes the fourth defence of his WBO World Bantamweight title against John Riel Casimero after his promoter Frank Warren won the purse bids.
It will be Tete’s first fight since October 2018 when he defeated Russia’s Mikhail Aloyan in the World Boxing Super Series. Unfortunately injury then ruled him out of the tournament.
“I have fully recovered from the shoulder injury and I will be testing it on Casimero’s chin. I am back,” warned the South African.
Filipino Casimero (28-4,19KOs) stopped Charlie Edwards in a IBF Flyweight title defence here in 2016 and is brimming after capturing the Interim WBO crown.
WORLD BOXING ORGANIZATION
Luis Batista Salas, Esq.
Chairman
WBO Championship Committee
TO: ALL BONA FIDE PROMOTERS
FROM: LUIS BATISTA SALAS, ESQ.
DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH 2019
RE: WBO BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE -PURSE BID- ZOLANI TETE VS. JOHN RIEL CASIMERO
As per Section 11 through 14 of the WBO Regulations for World Championship Contests (www.wboboxing.com) and as per promoter’s request, please be advised a Purse Bid will be held at 9:00 a.m. (PST) on Saturday, September 14th 2019, at the following venue:
MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel
3799 Las Vegas, Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
89109, United States of America
Telephone: +1 (877) 880-0880
E-Mail: infonews@wboboxing.com
The minimum acceptable bid for the World Bantamweight Division is $100,000.00 US Dollars.
In accordance with the WBO Championship Rules & Regulations, the President, Francisco Valcárcel, Esq. will preside over the Purse Bid.
Any additional information, please visit our website at www.wboboxing.com or contact the WBO main office.
===================================================================
Luis Batista Salas, Esq.
Chairman
WBO Championship Committee
September 5th 2019
VIA EMAIL: Mr. Frank Warren Queensberry Promotions – Mr. Sean Gibbons MP Promotions
Re: WBO Bantamweight Championship Contest – Purse Bid Zolani Tete vs. John Riel Casimero
Gentlemen:
As per Section 11 through 14 of the enclosed copy of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests (www.wboboxing.com), please be advised that a Purse Bid will be held at 9:00 a.m. (PST) on Saturday, September 14th, 2019, at the following venue:
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
Lobby Area
3799 S Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Telephone: +1 (877) 880-0880
E-mail: infonews@wboboxing.com
Pursuant with our WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests on Purse Bid procedures, be advised on the following:
The minimum acceptable bid for the WBO Bantamweight Division is $100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Dollars).
WBO President Francisco Valcárcel, Esq., will preside purse bid proceedings.
Kindly note the following provisions:
1. If the Champion is injured and depending on the type of injury and the needed recovery time, or is unavailable or refuses to fight, the WBO Championship Committee in accordance with the WBO Regulations, will declare the title is “Vacant” and could recommend to the WBO Ratings Committee that the former Champion be rated at the number one (1) position in the WBO Bantamweight Division in accordance with the ABC and WBO Ratings Criteria. Consequently, the
Interim WBO Champion will be elevated to WBO Bantamweight Champion status.
2. If the WBO Interim Champion is injured, unavailable or refuses to fight, his title will be declared “Vacant” and the WBO Championship Committee could recommend to the WBO Ratings Committee that the former Interim Champion be rated at the number one (1) position in the Bantamweight Division in accordance with the ABC and WBO Ratings Critera. The WBO Bantamweight Champion may be allowed a “Voluntary” fight or the Committee may issue any other ruling pursuant with the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.
3. Signed contracts shall be filed to the WBO Offices within five (5) days from the adjudication of the Purse Bid.
4. 50% of the total proposed purse in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check or money order payable to the WBO, or money in cash, in the legal tender of the United States of America (dollars), shall be filed in an Escrow Account within ten (10) days from the adjudication of the Purse Bid.
5. Bout must be held no later than 90 days from the adjudication of the Purse Bid.
Conversely, be advised that as result of then former WBO Bantamweight Champion Marlon Tapales’ inactivity, this Committee ordered an elimination bout to determine the Mandatory Challenger of the referenced division between Zolani Tete vs. Arthur Villanueva. On April 22nd 2017, Tapales lost his title at the scale due to exceeding the prescribed Bantamweight Division weight limit. Subsequently, this Committee sanctioned an Interim Championship Contest between the aforementioned contestants which also, was held on the same date at the Leicester Arena, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom. Tete defeated Villanueva via Unanimous Decision (UD) to win the Interim WBO Bantamweight Championship Title. Immediately thereafter, Tete was elevated to WBO Bantamweight Champion status and successfully defeated Siboniso Gonya via Knockout (KO); bout held at the SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
Shortly thereafter, Tete successfully defended the aforementioned title against former WBO Flyweight and Jr. Bantamweight Champion Omar Narvaez via Unanimous Decision (UD); bout held at the SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
Afterward, Tete entered the Bantamweight Division Tournament held by World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) and faced Mikhail Aloyan winning via unanimous decision (UD); bout held in Ekaterinburg Expo, Ekaterinburg, Russia, on October 13th 2018. Then, Tete was scheduled to face former WBO Bantamweight and Jr. Featherweight Champion Nonito Donaire in a Unification Bantamweight Championship bout scheduled for April 27th 2019, at Lafayette, Louisiana, USA. In light of the tournament’s duration, lack of activity within the division, and considering the rights of all the contenders in the referenced division, the WBO World Championship Committee ordered an Interim Championship contest on April 16th 2019, between then ranked contenders Ricardo Espinoza and former WBO Jr. Flyweight Champion John Riel Casimero. The bout was held at the Dignity Health Stadium in Los Angeles, California, whereby Casimero won via Knockout (KO). Days before the bout, on April 24th 2019, Tete’s representatives informed the WBO that their fighter had suffered an injury in his shoulder and therefore, decided withdrawing from the referenced bout and WBSS tournament. Furthermore, on May 5th 2019, Queensberry Promotions on behalf of Tete filed via email an official medical certification confirming said injury, and advising that Tete would return to active training within 4-6 weeks. On July 11th 2019, Tete’s promotional representatives filed another medical certification indicating the status of said fighter’s recovery period and advising that the rehab period would extend until the month of September of the aforementioned year.
Considering Tete’s recovery extension period, the WBO sanctioned a “Voluntary” bout between WBO Interim Bantamweight Champion Casimero and contender Cesar Ramirez; bout held on Saturday, August 24th 2019, at San Andres Civic & Sports Center, District of Malate, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines. Casimero successfully defended his title winning via Knockout (KO) in round ten (10). Moreover, on August 26th 2019, this Committee ordered commencement of negotiations between the Team Tete and Team Casimero whereby the parties where granted ten (10) days to reach an agreement. Unfortunately, the parties could not reach an agreement and on Tuesday, September 3rd 2019, Mr. Sean Gibbons on behalf of MP Promotions, requested Purse Bid Procedures accordingly. Said request was also ratified by Mr. Andy Ayling of Queensberry Promotions on the same date.
In summary, Tete only fought on two (2) occasions during 2018, being his last fight on October 13th 2018. Thus far, Tete has not participate in active competition in over eleven (11) months whereas, Casimero won the Interim Bantamweight Championship and successfully defended said title. Therefore, having Tete fully healed and fit to box, and Casimero being designated Mandatory Challenger in the Bantamweight Division, this Committee has ordered that both contestants fight in order to determine only one WBO Bantamweight Champion. In light of the foregoing circumstances, and pursuant to Section 1(b)(1) (20)(c) of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests, and this Committee having the authority and discretion empowered by our rules, the WBO World Championship Committee determines as follows:
SECTION 1. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE
(b) The World Championship Committee shall have the following powers and discretion:
(1)To determine the format and venue for making any determination that is subject of the WBO World Championship Rules; and,
(20) To make or recommend exceptions or variations from the Rules as the W orld Championship Committee determines are necessary, and
(c) The above powers shall be interpreted to include any and all powers necessary, helpful or convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies, and intent of these rules.
SECTION 13. DIVISION OF PURSE BID FOR CHAMPIONSHIPS HELD PURSUANT TO PURSE BID
(a)The purse for Championship Contests held and completed pursuant to Purse Bids (except those Championship Contests involving situations described in Section (14)(e) hereof, the Purse Bid division for which shall be distributed as per Section (14)(e)(2) shall be distributed as follows:
(1) CHAMPIONSHIPS with an EXISTING CHAMPION
(A)In fights for the Title between the Champion and the Mandatory Challenger held in the country of origin, residence or nationality of the Champion, the Champion shall receive 75% of the purse and the Challenger shall receive the remaining 25%.
(B)In fights for the title held in any other country, the Champion shall receive 80% of the purse and the Challenger shall receive the remaining 20%.
Wherefore, the WBO Bantamweight Champion Zolani Tete shall receive 75% of the purse and the WBO Interim Bantamweight Champion John Riel Casimero (Mandatory Challenger) shall receive the remaining 25% of the purse.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our main offices.
Yours truly,
Luis Batista Salas, Esq.
Cc: Francisco Valcárcel, Esq./President
South Africa’s WBO World champion Zolani Tete (28-3, 21 KOs) is in a ‘good place’ and thanks Floyd Mayweather Sr. ahead of facing the WBC Diamond and WBA World champion, American-Philippine Nonito Donaire (39-5, 25 KOs), in the 118lb WBSS semi-final on April 27 at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA, USA.
“Preparations have been excellent for the fight,” said Tete before sending praise to legendary trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., the father, and former trainer, of undefeated five-division champ Floyd Mayweather Jr.
“I’ve been out in Las Vegas and it’s been very enjoyable. Mayweather Sr. has been the x-factor which has psychologically uplift us to another level, he’s the last piece of the puzzle we needed for this fight.”
The task in front of him in Lafayette, Louisiana is a former multiple-time world champion in four weight classes and current WBC Diamond and WBA Super World champion. 36-year-old Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire is undoubtedly a legend in the game and says the tournament has made him 20 years younger.
Tete has respect for Donaire’s level, but feels confident ahead of the semi-final.
“I’m expecting a very good challenge from Nonito Donaire,” said Tete. “He may be coming to the end of his career but he is still a dangerous fighter operating at a high level, but it will be me who will come out on top in the fight. I’m in a really good place right now, feeling fit, feeling powerful and I can’t wait for the fight.”
Like Donaire, Tete also has his share of fame to claim. For example, when he defended his WBO title for the first time on November 2017, knocking out his countryman Siboniso Gonya with a right hook after 11 seconds, it was the quickest world title fight in history.
31-year-old Tete grew up in the Mdantsane township in South Africa and had a rough childhood that could have turned into a tough future if it wasn’t for boxing.
“I started boxing at the age of eight,” told Tete. “I believe training has kept me away from committing a crime. Some of my friends … they way they look now is terrible. I dedicate my boxing life to my mother, my kids, and my fiancée and want to make sure that they get a proper upbringing and a good future. I should assist them by not getting hit. From where I was I would never believe I would be here representing my country, representing my family and soon to be a unified champion.
“All the guys in the tournament are tough, but it depends when they meet me, if they are gonna bring their toughness, because there is one thing I know about myself and about my team. We can break you into pieces! Who ever stands in my way is staying in the rail way and the train will come … and take him out.”
In the other WBSS semi-final at the Cajumdome in Lafayette American Regis Prograis (23-0, 19 KOs), the WBC Diamond Super Lightweight champion, will be battling Belarus’ WBA title-holder Kiryl Relikh (23-2, 19 KOs).
Tickets starting at $25 for the WBSS Super-Lightweight and Bantamweight Semi-Finals on April 27 at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA are available from TicketMaster here.
Fans in the U.S. and Canada can watch all the Ali Trophy semi-finals LIVE, exclusively on DAZN.
Zolani Tete & Nonito Donaire continue their quest for the Ali Trophy on April 27 in the USA, with a venue currently being finalised World Boxing Super Series
“We cannot wait to get started with our Season 2 semi-finals and we will announce the venue along with ticket sales in the coming days,” said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer.
“All boxers involved in this spectacular doubleheader impressed in their quarter-finals and these champions will leave it all in the ring to get to the final. Fireworks, guaranteed!”
The sensational doubleheader opens the semi-final stage of the World Boxing Super Series and what a night in place for the fans in the U.S. and around the world:
USA’s Regis Prograis (23-0, 19 KOs) vs Belarus’ Kiryl Relikh (23-2, 19 KOs), a semi-final in the 140lb division and American-Philippine Nonito Donaire (39-5, 25 KOs) vs South Africa’s Zolani Tete (28-3, 21 KOs), a semi-final in the 118lb edition of the tournament.
Donaire-Tete:
WBO World Champion Tete outpointed Russia’s Mikhail Aloyan with scores of 114-110, 114-111 and 114-111 for the ‘Last Born’, when he booked his place in the semi-final. Donaire ‘The Filipino Flash’ won his quarter-final as Northern Ireland’s and No. 1 seed Ryan Burnett was forced to retire from the fight after four rounds of action due to a lower back injury.
“WBSS has set up such a great opportunity for me to achieve what I’ve always wanted and that’s to be Undisputed Champion,” said Donaire. “Since the last fight, I took just a couple weeks off and came right back to the gym. Tete is a formidable opponent and we have been preparing since the last fight. I’m even more excited with it being in the U.S. and won’t waste the opportunity to show the crowd what we’ve been working on.”
“Nonito Donaire is a true champion and has had a lot success against my fellow countryman like Moruti Mthalane and Jeffrey Mathebula in the past, but that stops here,” said Tete. “I respect Nonito, but I have a lot of faith in my own boxing ability and I will come out victorious when we fight.”
Tickets for the hotly-anticipated semi-finals on April 27 will soon go on sale. Fans in the U.S. and Canada can watch the Ali Trophy semi-finals LIVE, exclusively on DAZN.
Fans are encouraged to sign-up for Ticket Alerts to receive an email reminder when tickets can be purchased.
Following Friday’s weigh-in, Terence “Bud” Crawford and Jose Benavidez Jr. had to be separated at the weigh-in. The trash talk led to Crawford (33-0, 24 KOs) being shoved, and then throwing a punch at the WBO welterweight world title challenger Benavidez (27-0, 18 KOs) – as they collide on Saturday at the CHI Health Center Omaha (ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 10:30 p.m. ET). (photo by Mikey Williams).
ESPN and ESPN Deportes (10:30 p.m. ET)
• Terence Crawford 145.4 lbs vs. Jose Benavidez Jr. 145 lbs
(Crawford’s WBO welterweight world title – 12 Rounds)
WBO Bantamweight World Champion Zolani Tete & Mikhail Aloyan make weight ahead of their Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals on October 13 at the Ekaterinburg Expo, Ekaterinburg, Russia.
Zolani Tete (30) (27-3, 21 KOs): 52,8 kg and Mikhail Aloyan (30) (4-0): 53,2 kg.
The fight will be streamed live on DAZN, WBSS website (http://worldboxingsuperseries.com), Facebook page World Boxing Super Series and Russia Match TV, starting at 18:00 🇬🇧 time
Weigh-In: WBO World Jr. Flyweight Champion 🇵🇷 Angel Tito Acosta (18-1, 17 KOs) 108 lbs, and challenger 🇲🇽 Abraham Rodríguez (23-1, 11 KOs) 107.8 lbs.
Watch the fight live tomorrow only on Golden Boy Fight Night Facebook page.The bout takes place in The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Tete: “I will adjust & take him out!” – Final Press Conference from Ekaterinburg, Russia
The Ali Trophy 118lb QF and WBO World Championship – Zolani Tete vs Mikhail Aloyan – and the 200 lb QF and IBF Eliminator – Ruslan Fayfer vs Andrew Tabiti – will be contested this Saturday at the Ekaterinburg Expo in Ekaterinburg, Russia.
All four fighters were in confident mood at Thursday’s press conference in Ekaterinburg, Russia’s fourth-largest city and the cultural center of the Urals.
“I am in good shape, ready for the fight,” said South Africa’s Zolani Tete (27-3, 21 KOs), the WBO World Champion.
“As a world champion you must be ready to adjust and adapt, so whatever Aloyan will be bringing I will adjust and take him out.”
Russia’s Mikhail Aloyan (4-0) is hoping the home advantage will give him the edge over Tete.
“The fact that we are fighting in Ekaterinburg will bring out the best in me. I am ready for the fight.”
His countryman Ruslan Fayfer (23-0, 16 KOs) is relying on his greater experience to beat American Andrew ‘The Beast’ Tabiti (16-0, 13 KOs).
“I have more experience than Tabiti,” said Fayfer. “I am not going to reveal anything, I will show everything during the fight. Everything you should see you will see on Saturday night.”
Tabiti was diametrically opposite in his answer.
“I’m on my A-game,” he said. “I came here for the W, nothing else. I am going to knock this guy out!”
Following one of its hugest pugilistic nights in history, which happened at the Olimpiyskiy Palace of Sports in Moscow, Russia, on July 21, the local fight scene is rapidly getting ready for another installment of the World Boxing Super Series.
With the mutual love clearly in place, Ekaterinburg – the heart of the Ural Region – will make up for quality of the cruiserweight final with a couple of world-class quarterfinals both in the bantamweight and in the cruiserweight divisions.
Tonight, Russian Boxing Federation revealed the pre-final line-up for the card, which will include a plethora of Russian fighters in quality match-ups.
The main event is undeniably a bantamweight WBO title attraction, which will see an ultra-ambitious crack at the belt, waiting to be attempted by professionally inexperienced but willing Russian contender Mikhail Aloyan, 30.
Aloyan was one of the best flyweight amateurs of the recent decade with two (2011 and 2013) world championship gold medals and two (2012 and 2016) Olympic medals (the latter one – a silver one – being stripped off him for drug violations). As an amateur, the Russia-based Yezidi had wins over two-time Olympic champion Robeisy Ramirez, future pugilistic world champions Khalid Yafai, Amnat Ruenroeng and Rau’Shee Warren, as well as wins over top-rated contenders Andrew Selby and Nordine Ouabali.
As a pro, the WBA #5 and WBO #10 bantamweight had just four wins in four fights, none being by a stoppage and the last two being scored only via split decisions. All of his wins were against Nicaraguan opponents.
Tete, also 30, a naturally born power puncher, had been around for a long time, losing to quality fighters (Moruti Mthalane, Juan Alberto Rosas and Roberto Domingo Sosa) in a step-up fights before finally getting crack at title after a career-breakthrough win over JC Sanchez. He followed it up with wins over Teiru Kinoshita and Paul Butler, which brought him the IBF 115lb title. He later made a move up in weight, winning a vacant WBO 118lb title against Filipino Artur Villanueva, before scoring a record-breaking 11-second kayo of countryman Siboniso Gonya in the first defense of the belt. In his latest outing, the South African scored a shutout win over Omar Andres Narvaez.
In a co-main event, two undefeated cruiserweights will collide in a fascinating match-up of will and power. Ruslan Faifer, 27, started his career in August 2013 and has been very active as both a heavyweight and a cruiserweight ever since. He got seven wins in 2015, seven more in 2016 and four more in 2017 to get his record to solid 23-0, 16 KOs. He is also rated #2 by the IBF, #5 by the WBA and #9 by the WBO. His 29-year-old opponent is both experienced (although not as active as Faifer) and powerful, getting a record of 16-0, with 13 KOs. IBF #3, WBC #5 Tabiti has recently defeated solid opponents in Steve Cunningham and Lateef Kayode.
Undercard
Vladimir Shishkin (7-0, 4 KOs), a 27-year old talent from Serpukhov, Russia, will try to do, what his much more famed compatriot and former WBA super middleweight champion Fedor Chudinov was unable to do. That is to win over WBC #9, IBF #12 and WBA #13 rated Frenchman Nadjib “The Iron Djib” Mohammedi (40-6, 23 KOs), who has recently lost to Chudinov only on paper but not in reality as the split decision for the Russian was ruled as one of the gravest robberies of 2018. This fight is scheduled also for twelve.
IBF #5, WBO #7 and WBA #11 ranked cruiserweight Yuri Kashinskiy (16-0, 15 KOs) shouldn’t experience out-of-order problems with Argentinean power-puncher Juan Ezequiel Basualdo (11-1-1, 10 KOs) in a fight that originally is scheduled for ten.
WBO #14 Russian bantamweight Nikolay Potapov (18-1-1, 9 KOs) will test his skillset against very dangerous Nicaraguan import Alexander Espinoza (16-1-2, 7 KOs). Espinoza is coming off a recent loss (via a split decision) to WBSS participant Mikhail Aloyan.
Light middleweight Magomed Kurbanov (15-0, 11 KOs), once rated #1 by the WBO but now limited to #4 by the IBF, #6 by the WBC, and #13 by the WBC, will look for the IBF Intercontinental 154 lbs title, presently owned by Frenchman Howard Cospollite (17-6-2, 6 KOs).
Still young at 32, heavyweight veteran Andrey Fedosov (30-3, 25 KOs) will test his skills in a ten-rounder against experienced American gut-check Joey Dawejko (19-5-4, 11 KO).
WBO #1 and IBF #8 rated lightweight Roman Andreev (21-0, 15 KOs) will know his opponent later, while 2016 Olympic gold medalist Evgeny Tishchenko (1-0, 1 KO) will collide with Armenian Artush Sarkisyan (4-6, 2 KOs) over six.
By Alexey Sukachev / BoxingScene.com
The quarterfinal match of the second season of the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS), at the Bantamweight limit, will see WBO World Champion Zolani Tete go up against Olympian Mikhael “Misha”Aloyan in Yekaterinburg on October 13.
This fight was announced on Monday at a press conference by the Secretary-General of the Russian Boxing Federation, Umar Kremlev.
“It is planned that on October 13 at the Expo Center in Yekaterinburg, there will be the fight between Aloyan and Tete, and another quarter-final, but the draw of that weight category has not happened as of yet,” Kremlev said.
Last month’s draw matched up Tete and Aloyan in the opening round of the competition.
“This is an opponent with a lot of experience, he has 30 fights, a lot of knockouts. I hope for a spectacular fight, we will train hard,” Aloyan said.
Kremlev added that in Yekaterinburg, there is a lot of attention being paid to boxing.
“There is a boxing academy here, it’s the only place in Russia where you can professionally train athletes. Here we can bring national teams to the training camp… We hope that there will be fights from both the semifinals and finals held here,” he said.
The 29-year-old Aloyan is the owner of the title of the International championship of the World Boxing Association (WBA) in the bantamweight division. He made his professional debut on May 2017, he has four wins (no knockouts) and no defeats. He is also a bronze medalist in the 2012 London Olympic Games, a two-time world champion and European champion.
On the record of the 30-year-old Tete, he has 27 wins (21 by KO), 3 losses. He held the world title of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in the super flyweight division during 2014-2015, and he’s held the WBO belt at bantamweight since November 2017, and he’s made one defense of that belt.
By Igor Lozarin, tass
https://www.boxingscene.com/zolani-tete-vs-mikhael-aloyan-set-october-13-yekaterinburg–130674
Three Bantamweight World Champions, Ryan Burnett (WBA), Manny Rodriguez (IBF) and Zolani Tete (WBO), are the first confirmed fighters for the second season of the World Boxing Super Series.
“After a fantastic first season with Super Middleweight and Cruiserweight, we have decided that bigger is better. So we are going out with three divisions in our second season,” said Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer, Kalle Sauerland.
“We are delighted to have three champions agreed to go into the Bantamweight tournament.”
“Burnett, Rodriguez and Tete represent three continents, they represent what the World Boxing Super Series is all about and we cannot wait to see these amazing athletes compete for the Muhammad Ali Trophy.“
A sensational line-up is in the making for Season 2 of the World Boxing Super Series with three world champions entering the Bantamweight edition of the quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy, The Greatest Prize in Boxing.
The ingredients for epic battles are in the mix: ’O’s will go, titles will be unified and titles lost as Ryan Burnett, Emmanuel Rodriguez and Zolani Tete join the revolutionary bracket-style elimination tournament.
Said 30-year-old WBO World Bantamweight Champion Zolani Tete (27-3, 21 KOs) from Eastern Cape, South Africa:
“I would like to thank the World Boxing Super Series for the opportunity, I am very humbled and honoured to enter the tournament. This is the opportunity I have been looking for; to show that I am the best in my division.”
Five fighters remain to be revealed to complete the Bantamweight cast. Further details on Season 2, featuring three weight classes, and the finals of Season 1, will be announced over the next weeks.
WORLD BOXING ORGANIZATION
Luis Batista Salas, Esq.
Chairman
WBO Championship CommitteeTO:ALL BONA FIDE PROMOTERS
FROM:LUIS BATISTA SALAS, ESQ.
DATE:DECEMBER 5, 2017
RE:WBO BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE PURSE BID
Zolani Tete vs. Omar NarvaesAs per Section 11 through 14 of the WBO Regulations for World Championship Contests (www.wboboxing.com) and as per promoter’s request, please be advised a Purse Bid will be held at 4:00 p.m. ET on Friday, 8 of December 2017 at the following venue:
Stewart Hotel
371 7th Avenue
New York City, NY 10001
United StatesPhone Number: +1 (212) 563-1800
E-Mail: info@stewarthotelnyc.comThe minimum acceptable bid for the World Bantamweight Title is $100,000.00 US Dollars.
In accordance with the WBO Championship Rules & Regulations, the President, Francisco Valcárcel, Esq. will preside over the Purse Bid.
Any additional information, please visit our website at www.wboboxing.com or contact the WBO main office.
Condominium First Federal | Suite 711-714 | 1056 Muñoz Rivera Avenue | San Juan, PR 00927
O: 787-765-4628 | E: lbs@wboboxing.com | F: 787-758-9053
E: boxing@wboboxing.com | W: www.wboboxing.com | E: infonews@wboboxing.com
Photo Credit: Action Images / Craig Brough –
CAPE TOWN – Eastern Cape bantamweight Zolani ‘Last Born’ Tete oozed class over 12 rounds on his way to an emphatic points win over Filipino Arthur Villanueva on Saturday’s ‘City of Champions’ card at Leicester Arena, England.
The fight was a title eliminator for the WBO bantamweight crown held by Filipino Marlon Tapales who claimed the belt last July. Tete was in command from the opening bell and in the 11th round, he dropped Villanueva.
After 12 rounds, Tete was declared the unanimous points winner with scores of 120-107 and 119-108 (twice). Despite the huge margins, the fight was not one-sided but on the occasions when Villanueva broke through his opponent’s defences, Tete responded almost immediately with telling counter-punches to wrest back the initiative.
“✔ Tete is putting on a masterclass here in Leicester! Heading towards another belt.”
Meanwhile, in an interesting development, WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel, announced before the start of the bout that Tapales had been stripped of the title because he failed to make weight at the weigh-in for his scheduled defence against Japan’s Shohei Omori on Sunday in Osaka Japan.
As Tete’s bout against Villanueva was originally scheduled to be an elimination bout to determine the mandatory challenger for the WBO bantamweight title, it was elevated to an interim title fight. In the event of Omori winning, he’ll be declared the champion.
Previously, the Mdantsane-born Tete, 29, won the IBF super flyweight title in December 2015. Tete fights under the banner of British promoter Frank Warren. During the pre-fight announcements, Tete and one of his cornermen wore a T-shirt bearing the late Nick Durandt’s photo with the words RIP. A few years ago, Tete was trained by Durandt.
www.iol.co.za/sport/boxing/sas-tete-all-class-as-he-reigns-supreme-to-win-wbo-interim-title-8779988
Zolani Tete is set to return to the ring later this month as he looks to claim another world title.
The former IBF super-flyweight world champion, who beat Ellesmere Port’s former bantamweight king Paul Butler in March, 2015 before relinquishing due to be offered a paltry purse for a mandatory defence against McJoe Arroyo, has been out of the ring since last June.
South Africa’s Tete (24-3, 20 KOs) will box in Manchester, at the city’s Arena, on April 8, exclusively live on BoxNation and BT Sport.
The 28-year-old southpaw, whose nickname is ‘Last Born’, was handed a final eliminator for the WBO bantamweight world title at the sanctioning body’s recent convention and it was set to happen on November 26, 2016 in Cardiff, Wales.
But the Queensberry Promotions confirmed on Thursday that Tete will return against Arthur Villanueva of Philippines on the ‘A New Era’ card in which features two debut outings and a world title as well as cracking domestic showdown, with further clashes to be revealed in due course.
Villanueva, 27, has a record of 30-1 (16 KOs) and is a former challenger to Tete’s old IBF belt at 115 pounds, but the pair are set to meet a division north at bantamweight as they each look for the opportunity to come up against current Boxing Organisation king in the division Marlon Tapales.
The current WBO Asia-Pacific champion Villanueva is coming off the back of a stunning second-round knockout against Mexico’s Juan Jimenez in California.
“It has always been my dream to fight for another world title,” said Tete. “I’m very excited about the fight but I know it is one that I can’t lose if I want another belt around my waist.
“I want to be known as one of the best fighters in the world and clean up the rest of the belts, but first I have to get my hands on the WBO bantamweight title and to do that I need to beat Villanueva.
“From what I have seen of him I can tell he’s a strong fighter and hopefully he will put up a good fight against me but Zolani Tete will be victorious on the night.
“I’m delighted to be returning to the UK. It’s a great feeling and I won’t disappoint my UK fans. I’m going to put on an exciting show like always.”
The card is headlined by Terry Flanagan’s fifth WBO lightweight title defence against number two-rated Petr Petrov and features the debut of double Olympic champion Nicola Adams as well as star amateur Daniel Dubois, James Metcalf features and there is a mouth watering clash between Liam Williams and Liam Smith for the former’s WBO European super-welterweight title.
In other news, Steve Wood of VIP Promotions has announced a Central Area title showdown between holder Adam Ismail and challenger Andy Colquhoun.
The pair, who campaign at welterweight, will clash on March 24 at Robin Park Sports & Tennis Centre in Wigan, supported by a solid undercard. The show will be streamed exclusively live on VIP Boxing TV.
Also on the VIP schedule, Scott Fitzgerald returns home to Preston –– at the Guild Hall –– on March 11 and Wood, who is also the manager of the aforementioned Flanagan, also has a show scheduled for February 18 at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse as well as March 18 at the Devonshire Dome in Buxton, with Jack Massey topping the bill.
And another Steve Wood-managed fighter in the shape of Ryan Mulcahy has had his ring return date handed to him.
‘The Monk’, who is undefeated in seven with two early, confirmed that he has been added to the undercard of Matchroom Boxing’s next Liverpool card.
The show, which has yet to be formally announced, will take place at the ECHO Arena on April 22, will be exclusively live on Sky Sports and is expected to feature WBC International super-middleweight champion Rocky Fielding and Mulcahy’s new gym-mate Tom Farrell among others.
Elsewhere, Anthony Yarde, the Ilford ‘Beast’ who has already made his US debut, is set for his ring return.
Yarde, 25 is 9-0 with eight early and will be looking to get into double figures in the paid code when he boxes at Leicester Arena on April 22, exclusively live on BT Sport and BoxNation.