Vergil Ortiz Jr. had two knockdowns ruled against him, but was able to gut out a 12-round majority decision over Serhii Bohachuk to win the WBC Interim Super Welterweight Title at the Michloeb Ultra Arena inside the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

In round one, Bohachuk was credited a knockdown when he landed a right hand that connected with Ortiz and after instant replay review, it was ruled the extra point for the Ukranian.

In round eight, Bohachuk landed a left hook that forced the glove of Ortiz to touch the canvas and was ruled a second knockdown. That only inspired Ortiz to land vicious right hands in the round. Ortiz began to bleed from the bridge of his nose. In round 11, Ortiz hurt Bohachuk with a left hook that froze Bohachuk. In round 12, Ortiz wobbled Bohachuk with a right hand.

Lopez landed 265 of 746 punches. Bohachyk was 225 or 832.

Ortiz, 153.8 lbs of Grand Prairie, x was able to win by scores 114-112 twice and 113-113 and is now 22-0. Bohachuk, 153.8 lbs of Vinitza, UKR is 24-2.

Conwell Takes out Gray in 2

Charles Conwell remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Khiary Gray in a 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round two, Conwell landed two lefts to the head and then a thudding left to the body put Gray down for the 10-count at

Conwell, 153.8 lbs of Cleveland is 20-0 with 15 knockouts. Gray, 154 lbs of Worcester, MA is 18-7.

Sims Jr. Stops Former Champ Romero After 5

Kenneth Sims Jr. stopped very late replacement and former world champion Jonathan Romero After round five of their 10-round super lightweight bout.

Sims dominated and worked the body and slowly beat down Romero, who took the bout on 24 hours notice.

Sims148.4 lbs of Chicago is 21-2-1 with eight knockouts. Romero, 145.4 lbs of Cali, COL 35-5.

Fundora Decisions Asenjo; Defends Flyweight Title

Gabriela Fundora defended her IBF Flyweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Daniela Asenjo.

Fundora landed 194 of 506 punches. Asenjo was 63 of 312.

Fundora, 109.8 lbs of Coachella, CA won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 14-0. Asenjo, 111.3 lbs of Valdivia, CHL is 16-4-3.

Iriarte Stops Ortiz in 1

Joel Iriarte stopped Miguel Ortiz in the opening round of their six-round welterweight bout.

Iriarte hurt Ortiz several times and landed six punches that knocked him between the ropes and the fight was stopped at 2:15.

Iriarte, 146.4 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is 4-0 with four knockouts. Ortiz, 143.6 lbs of Springfield MA is 3-2.

Cecilia Braekhus won the WBC Interim Super Welterweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Maricela Cornejo.

Braekhus, 154.6 lbs of Bergen, NOR won by scores of 96-93 on all cards and is now 38-2-1. Cornejo, 153 lbs of Prosser, WA is 19-7.

Eric Priest remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Luke Lozo in a middleweight bout.

Proest, 159 lbs of Overland Park, KS won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 14-0. Lozo, 160 lbs of Split, CRO is 9-3-1.

Johnny Canas remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Joseph Cruz in a super lightweight bout.

In round three, Cruz was cut over his left eye.

Canas, 136.8 lbs of Santa Ana, CA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 5-0. Cruz, 132 lbs of Sonora, MEX ia 7-10.

Jordan Fuentes made a successful debut with a four-round unanimous decision over James Mulder in a super featherweight bout.

Fuentes, 122.4 lbs of Fresno, CA won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 1-0. Mulder, 127 lbs of Antioch, CA is 0-3.

Jennah Creaspn won her pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Kelsey Wickstrum in a welterweight bout.

Creason, 144.6 lbs of Visalia, CA is 1-0. Wickstrum, 146 lbs of Reading, CA is 2-2.

Angelo Leo became a two-division world champion with a explosive 10th round stoppage over Luis Alberto Lopez to win the IBF Featherweight champion at the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico

In round nine, Leo started to swell under his right eye. In round 10, Leo landed a perfect left hook to the chin that sent Lopez sprawling flat on his back and he was counted out at 1:16.

Leo, 125.6 lbs of Albuquerque is now 25-1 with 12 knockouts. Lopez, 125.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 30-3.

Leo said, “This means the world to me, fighting back in my hometown. I’ve been yearning for this moment. Like I said, what better way to do it than with a world title shot and with a knockout?
 
“That left hook, we’ve been practicing in camp for four, five months. Not in the gym, but in my room in front of the mirror. I just kept throwing that left hook. And it paid off in the 10^th round.
 
“I want to fight all the champions, whether it be Rafael Espinoza for a unification bout. Naoya Inoue, whoever it may be.”

Lindolfo Delgado Defeats Bryan Flores by Split Decision

In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, Lindolfo Delgado won a 10-round split decision over Bryan Flores.

In round three, Delgado dropped Flores with a clubbing right to the top of the head.

In round seven, Flores was deducted a point for a low blow.

Delgado landed 100 of 354 punches. Flores was 104 of 471.

Delgado won two cards by scores of 96-92 and 95-93. Flores won a card 96-92.

Delgado, 139.9 lbs of Linares, MEX is 21-0. Flores, 139.9 lbs of Juarez, MEX is 26-1-1.

Delgado said, “The victory was not easy, but I enjoyed it a lot. I enjoyed every round of it, as we had to stay focused in each moment to win the fight.”

“He came with a strong will to win, and aside from that, he throws his punches with force. But we managed to get the victory. I would like a world title opportunity next

Matthew Griego won an eight-round unanimous decision over Gilberto Mendoza in a flyweight bout.

Griego, 111.9 lbs of Albuquerque won by scores of 80-2 on all cards and is now 15-0. Mendoza, 110.7 lbs of Modesto, CA is 23-19-4.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. stopped Laszlo Toth in the second round of their 10-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Mielnicki landed an uppercut that was followed by a left hook to the temple that put Toth down. Toth got to his feet but was stumbling around. His father/trainer entered the ring therefore the official result was a disqualification.

Mielnicki, 154 lbs of Roseland, NJ is 19-1. Toth, 153.3 lbs of Soprom, HUN is 32-9-2.

“I thought it was a knockout, not a DQ,” Mielnicki said. “Xander Zayas, we could get that going in New York soon, probably in another year. Let’s get that going. I heard him call my name. I’d love that.”

Albert Gonzalez remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Damian Alcala in a six-round featherweight bout.

In round three, Gonzalez scored a knockdown with a hard combination. Gonzalez continued to land hard shots drilled Alcala with a big uppercut that was followed by a right that put Alcala down again and the fight was stopped at 2:51.

Gonzalez, 126.3 lbs of Moreno Valle, CA is now 10-0 with six knockouts. Alcala, 126.9 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 8-5.

Alan Garcia remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Maickol Lopez Villagrana in a eight-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Garcia dropped Villagrana with a right hand. In round three, it was a left hook that put Villagana on the canvas. Later in the round it was a double right hook that put Villagrana down again and the fight was stopped at 2:34.

Garcia, 136.2 lbs of Ulysses, KS is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Villagrana, 136.2 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 16-6.

Steven Navarro stopped Israel Camacho in the opening round of their six-round bantamweight bout.

In round one, Navarra dropped Camacho with a hard left to the body. Seconds later it was another thudding left to the body that put Camacho on the canvas and the fight was over at 2:14.

Navarro, 116.6 lbs of Inglewood, CA is 3-0 with two knockouts. Camacho, 115.6 lbs of Houston is 2-12.

World-ranked featherweight Arnold Khegai stopped Belmar Preciado after round nine of their 10-round bout.

Khegai dominated the fight until Preciado had enough following the ninth frame.

Khegai, 125.8 lbs of Odessa, UKR is 22-1-1 with 14 knockouts. Preciado, 125.9 lbs of Ibohue, COL is 22-8-1.

MIAMI, FL (August 9, 2024) — The World’s Greatest Promoter, Don King, has announced the return to the ring of WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Noel “The Dark Horse” Mikaelian (27-2, 12 KOs) as he faces Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1, 19 KOs) in an explosive night of fights set for Saturday, Sept. 28 at Casino Miami Jai Alai.

Mikaelian from Yerevan, Armenia, fighting out of Miami, was originally scheduled to defend his world title Rozicki from Ontario, Canada, on June 7 but the fight was postponed due to a cut Mikaelian suffered in training near his eye.

“It was disappointing that I wasn’t able to face ‘The Bruiser’ in June, but my injury has healed to perfection and I’m ready to go,” Mikaelian said. “I can’t wait for September 28^th and to defend my world title during this massive Don King event.”

King said there is no debate that the matchup is between the world’s top cruiserweights fighting at the 200-pound limit. “Even minus the Mikaelian-Rozicki matchup we had a near-sellout crowd at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood in June headlined by Biair “The Flair” Cobbs and Adrien “The Problem” Broner,” King said. “The word is out that we are still producing the best fights in all of boxing and fights that the world wants to see and that boxing fans are clamoring for!”

King added the September fight date was previously discussed to take place September 14^th, but moved off that date because of the busy combat sports calendar with Mexican superstate Canelo Alvarez fighting, as well as the first UFC fight at the Sphere in Las Vegas. 

Added Rozicki, the WBC’s No. 1 contender and ranked No. 8 by the WBA. “I’m glad we were able to reschedule this fight, and now I will finally get what is rightfully mine. Mikaelian can’t delay my date with destiny any longer and I will put that world title belt around my waist come September 28^th.”

The Don King Productions fight card will be broadcast on Pay Per View via Triller TV, DonKing.com and Itube247.com.

Tickets, priced starting from $25, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.playcasinomiami.com. Floor seats are $150, ringside seats are $750, and next level tables $2,500. 

By Norm Frauenheim –

Canelo Álvarez, who often acts like a Prince, and Turki Alalshikh, who is one, are engaged in a contentious face-off, emphasis on face. It’s messy, then again most things are in boxing.

This one has been brewing for a while, but it escalated in the wake of Terence Crawford’s solid, yet pedestrian decision over Israil Madrimov, who was known more for his amateur accomplishments than his pro resume. Crawford was supposed to be sensational. That expectation was built into his unbeaten record, his history as a two-division undisputed champion and his reign as the  consensus pound-for-pound No. 1. 

The Madrimov fight last Saturday was seen as a step toward bigger things, specifically a fight with Canelo. Instead, it left questions about what’s next for  Crawford. In retrospect, it’s no surprise. Crawford was attempting to make one the riskiest moves in boxing. He was jumping up in weight, from welterweight to junior-middle. 

Perhaps, it was a jump too far. Crawford looked tentative early and beatable later. Only a furious burst of energy and uppercuts over the final two rounds saved him from a scorecard upset. He won on all three cards. He won on this one, 115-113. But not everybody agrees, including Canelo. He told media that, on his card, Madrimov won.

Fair enough. In the end, however, the close fight is a sign that Crawford should stay at welterweight, Reportedly, that won’t happen. Boxing Scene reported Thursday that he intends to relinquish his World Boxing Organization version of the 147-pound belt. 

The consensus is that he’ll stay at junior middle, defend the 154-pound belt he took from the unappreciated Madrimov, whose up-and-down,  side-to-side movement was a defensive puzzle that the calculating Crawford could not solve.

Still, it was Crawford’s debut at a heavier weight. It was a new beginning for a fighter known for his smarts. Perhaps, he learned from it and will be more effective against Tim Tszyu, Sebastian Fundora, or Vergil Ortiz Jr. in his next date at junior-middleweight. Ortiz faces Serhii Bohachuk Saturday in an intruding 154-pound belt for an interim title at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay.

There are still options for Crawford. But the close decision over Madrimov — Crawford’s first victory after an eight-year run of 11 straight stoppages — eliminated one. For now, there’s no immediate chance of him facing Canelo, unified champion at 168 pounds. 

Throughout the buildup to Crawford-Madrimov, that was the talk. It was the one fight that Prince Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, seemed to want more than any other. Crawford insisted that he wasn’t listening, that he had only Madrimov on his mind. But it was impossible to ignore. 

If it was ever real, however, is another question for one reason: Canelo. He never seemed to exhibit any interest, perhaps because he knew that he wouldn’t get any credit for beating a smaller man. For whatever reason, Canelo continued to rebuff any and all attempts by Alalshikh to put together the fight. Tension was evident when Canelo continued to sidestep David Benavidez and  chose to fight over-matched Edgar Berlanga on Sept. 14. The Canelo-Berlanga  fight at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on the same night Al Sheikh will work a UFC event at the brand new Sphere.

“We will eat him,’’ Alalshikh said of Canelo.

That’s one way of saying Alalshikh promises to destroy Canelo’s live gate on Sept. 14.

It was also a comment that offended Canelo, who has a history of getting angry at anything said that he views as disrespectful. After Gennadiy Golovkin trashed him for a positive test for clenbuterol, GGG offended him enough for their third fight to be delayed. Trash talk from Benavidez and his father, Jose Benavidez, is one reason there’s been no Benavidez-Canelo fight, despite a widespread demand for one. Now, it looks as if he won’t do business with Alalshikh, at least not for awhile.

“I don’t like the way (Alalshikh) talks,’’ Canelo told Boxing Scene this week.

He didn’t like the way Golovkin talked.

He didn’t like the way Benavidez and his dad talk.

Nevertheless, the Prince kept talking, countering in his own way on social media . “I have no desire in discussing another conflict,’’ he said.

Amid it all,  he did something else. He called himself “the face of boxing” in a social-media post that included his photo. Other than spending lots of money, it’s hard to know what he exactly thinks qualifies him to be the so-called face of anything other than perhaps a bank. Face-of-Boxing is one thing he can’t buy. 

It’s not in the purse.

It’s in the heart. 

It might be an ill-defined title, but only a face that risks lifetime scars qualifies. In saying he’s the face, Alalshikh tries to puts himself alongside Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Floyd Mayweather and so many others. There’s a debate today about whether the current face is Canelo, or Crawford, or Naoya Inoue, or Oleksandr Usyk. But neither Alalshikh nor any other promoter, matchmaker or sportswriter is in the argument. Or should be.

Alalshikh has access to unprecedented bills of currency that include the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Hamilton, Jackson, Grant and Benjamin. It was hard to ignore — I tried —  that many in boxing were willing to get on bended knee to acquire as many of those Benjamins as they could Saturday. Repeatedly, broadcasters called Saturday’s card at BMO Stadium “the best ever.’’ Was that before or after Ali-Frazier? Before or after Duran-Leonard? Before or after Leonard-Hearns?

Spending money to change today’s game doesn’t include the right to rewrite its rich history 

Canelo, I think, knows that . Often, he’s easy to dislike. Money has turned him into a diva. When he says he wants $150-to-$200 million to fight Benavidez and $150 million to fight Crawford, he’s only saying he won’t fight either. If he is in fact the Face of Boxing, it’s blemished for as long as doesn’t fight Benavidez. 

But he’s proud and he also understands history. He’s always saying he wants to make history. This time, he is. In his stand against Prince Alalshikh, he’s saying that not everything can be bought.

By Mario Ortega Jr. –

Veteran light heavyweight Jasper McCargo entered the ring at a fork-in-the-road moment in time as a professional fighter on Saturday night in Sacramento, California. Should returning Blake McKernan get the best of him in their scheduled six-rounder, “Smooth Jazz” would seriously consider closing up shop on fighting and concentrate on his other life’s work as owner and proprietor of Pound for Pound Fitness, a personal training studio in his hometown of Richmond, California. McCargo did not leave the ring with his hand raised, but the manner in which defeat was dealt has left McCargo with unfinished business. 

Going into the third round on Saturday at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, the local fight fans appeared to be taking in an exciting and competitive fight. McCargo boxed well for most of the first round, but McKernan landed some eye-catching shots late that may have swayed it his way. Round two featured two-way action as well, with McCargo playing the boxer and counter-puncher and McKernan looking to close the distance. 

As is the case in boxing, things can change with one punch and they soon did in the third. McCargo was caught with a stiff right, which was the precursor to a knockdown, as ruled officially by referee Michael Margado, though disputed by McCargo’s own recollection. Upon resumption of the round, McCargo appeared to clear the cobwebs and actually boxed well to close out what had been previously a disastrous stanza. 

Things abruptly came to a halt at the start of round four. Long-tenured and well-respected ringside physician Dr. Gary Furness stood at a neutral corner to assess McCargo and before long referee Margado was waving off the bout, officially at :01 of the fourth, to the dismay of many ringside and despite the animated protest of “Smooth Jazz.”  

“I feel it was definitely an unfair situation that happened,” says McCargo. “To just stop the fight, it was not right. I feel like I deserved to be able to continue in the fight. In no way, shape or form, should he have stopped the fight. It definitely wasn’t right that he did that. I feel it was pretty unfair. We still had three more rounds to go and who knows what would have happened in those next three rounds. Especially the way Blake was getting tired anyway. I was feeling strong.”

To be fair to the ringside doctor, his chief concern is fighter safety and the disappointed fans and spectators ringside did not have the same face-to-face view of McCargo at the time of the stoppage. However, based on McCargo’s performance at the tail end of round three, and his fluidity in the immediate aftermath of the bout, one would have been hard-pressed to find a neutral party ringside that agreed with the timing of stoppage. 

“He didn’t say much to me,” recounts McCargo of his interaction with the doctor in the corner. “He called me over there and as soon as I went over there, I told him, ‘Hey, I feel great. You saw that I finished the round strong.’ He told me to follow his finger, and I know I followed his finger. I was getting ready to start the round and he just waved it off. There was nothing in regards to me, where he should have waved it off. 

I questioned him more about it in the locker room. He said, ‘Your left eye looked funny, like you might have had a concussion.’ I said, ‘Well my left eye is not the same as my right eye anyway.’ And I reminded him that I was talking fine, I was finishing the round strong and I was still punching and making him miss. We had that minute between rounds to recover. There was no reason to stop a fight like that. He just kind of did the brief post-fight test, said that I looked ok and gave me the basic 45-days [post-fight suspension]. And that was the end of the conversation.” 

McCargo (4-6-3, 2 KOs) is also of the opinion that it was not the right hand or any follow-up that finally drove him to the canvas in the third round, which ultimately prompted the ringside doctor’s concern. 

“Even with the knockdown, he caught me with a good shot, but really he shoved me down,” claims McCargo. “I tried to clinch after the shot, and as I was clinching he was actually pulling me down. So it wasn’t the actual shot that made me go down. It was him pulling me down. I guess it could go either way, but still, it wasn’t the type of blow that should stop the fight. If I had a concussion, he should have been able to finish me right there. I wouldn’t have been punching him and making him miss and talking clearly to him. If it was a concussion, I would have been still woozy and not able to punch like that. I just don’t feel like that was a good enough explanation.” 

With the result of their meeting on August 3rd carved into the record books, McCargo’s only recourse is to convince McKernan into giving him a rematch.  “Smooth Jazz” does not want to end his career on the sour note of a questionable stoppage in a fight he and many others felt was still undecided. 

“I feel like I deserve a rematch and all the people that came to see the fight deserve a rematch,” says McCargo. “I feel like if Blake was a real fighter, like a real serious fighter, then he should want to get a clear victory against me. Instead of bragging about a situation like that, as if it was a clear victory. 

The way I feel and the way a lot of other people feel: they paid 75 or 110 dollars to get in there and next thing you know, Blake lands one punch and the referee just stops the fight. And the fight doesn’t continue. I would have been mad too, if I had just come as a fan.” 

Blake McKernan (14-2, 7 KOs) of Sacramento will next fight on September 21st at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort in nearby Lincoln, California. McCargo initiated a push online for fans to voice their desire to see the rematch take place on that date next month and continues to make his case in the hopes the fight can be made in short order. 

“I was already supposed to fight on that show anyway,” says McCargo. “It was in the contract, if I had won, the rematch, with us fighting again, would have been on the 21st [of September]. So we should just fight on the 21st. What should happen is that we have a second fight and continue the first fight, that is what is fair.”  

The ball is likely in McKernan’s court. The rematch would conceivably be the easiest fight to make. Fan interest appears to be there as well. 

“If there were ever any situation where there should be a rematch, this is definitely that situation,” says McCargo. “Otherwise it is just unfinished.” 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com 

August 6, 2024) –Weights for Tuesday Night’s (TONIGHT) Country Box 19 show at The Troubadour Nashville.

Ermes Orta 144.2 – Ryan Venable 142

Fernando Cuza 232.8 – Robinson Perez 243.6

DeSean Dixon 145.4 – Keith Foreman 147.2

Peter Latorre 146 – Dustin Garrett 148

Margaret Whitmore 129.4 – Shaniqua Frazier 129

Promoter: Jimmy Adams Promotions

Venue: Troubadour Nashville

1st Bell 7PM CT (8 PM ET)

TV: USA Today Network, and USA Today Sports Network; Trillerr.TV (Marc Abrams and Albert Haynesworth on the Call)

Photos By Janet Wohler / Jimmy Adams Promotions

Jimmy Adams Promotions & Country Box “Where Music Meets Boxing” is proud to announce that we have now signed a deal with USA Today. USA Today Network can be seen there on any of their viewers, please click the link https://www.gannett.com/channels/ and find the right fit for you to view Country Box March 5 at the Troubadour. Get your tickets at countrybox247.com

Plus Countrybox247.com. ITUBE247.com and Triller.TV

By Norm Frauenheim –

LOS ANGELES — It was a ceremonial weigh-in, which is another way of saying it was phony. But there was nothing phony about the look. From Terence Crawford, it never has been.

Crawford looked at and through Israil Madrimov the way he has throughout a career introduced and defined by unblinking, unforgiving eyes impossible to ignore and intense enough to fear. Crawford doesn’t say much. He doesn’t have to. Those eyes say it all. They have throughout a career without a loss and never a sign of hesitancy or self-doubt.

Errol Spence has seen it. Shawn Porter, and so many more, have seen it. It was Madrimov’s turn at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles Friday about 24 hours before their junior-middleweight title fight at BMO Stadium just a few miles of roadwork down the freeway.

They had already made weight earlier in the day behind closed doors for the California State Athletic  Commission. Crawford (40- 31 KOs) was at 153.4 pounds. Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) was at the 154-pound limit. A ceremonial version in front of fans and cameras was next. It’s one way to sell the pay-per-view for a card scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. PT (4:30 ET). It’s mostly theater, rehearsed and packaged. 

But for Crawford it was one more chance to unleash a look seen for the first time for the fighter standing across from him. We’ve seen the look on video and in photos. For those last few moments on a stage in downtown LA, however, it included more than just ceremony. There was chaos. At least, that was the promise, the forecasted threat, on the night before the first jab ignites the controlled violence.

Did it affect Madrimov? We won’t know until opening bell in a soccer stadium built on real estate that once included the old Sports Arena, a cornerstone to LA’s rich boxing history. But the look was a sure sign that the fight was already underway in the minds of both Crawford and Madrimov.  

“I was already the best at 154 when I stepped into this division,’’ said Crawford, a former undisputed champion at welterweight and junior-welter, who will fight for the first time at junior-middle against Madrimov, the champion about to make a first-time defense.

Madrimov is given a chance because of his familiarity at the weight. He’s a natural junior-middleweight. Then again, Crawford might be a natural force-of-nature. He’s on a roll, including a streak of 11 successive stoppages. 

The argument is that eventually a move up the scale will stop Crawford, end his pound-for-pound reign. Madrimov appeared to be unshaken by a look that has left a lot of Crawford opponents beaten before the first counter lands.

“I have a plan,’’ said the unbeaten Uzbek, who has been training in the desert east of Los Angeles under veteran trainer Joel Diaz’ guidance. “I have a plan to showcase my skills and prove I’m the best in this division.’’

Madrimov, mostly unknown among Mexican-American fans in Southern California, possesses athleticism and two-fisted power. Like Crawford, he’s versatile, able to switch from southpaw to orthodox and back.

A former gymnast, his footwork includes angles that could give Crawford problems. He’s an educated fighter, one who learned the craft through a decorated amateur career that includes more than 300 bouts. 

Translation: He knows what he’s doing. But, Crawford said, he’ll have to know a lot more than just that.

Crawford says he has beaten a lot of fighters whose resume includes trophies and medals.

“They all left the ring the same way, and I look for him to leave the same way,’’ Crawford said moments after a stare down that has always included an unmistakable look at him.

And what he intends to do. 

On The Undercard 

Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. (35-2, 22 KOs), who is coming off a 23-month layoff,  faces Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (26-1-1, 22 KOs). Miller was at 305.6 pounds, the lightest Miller has weighed in six years. Ruiz was at 274.4 pounds, the heaviest he’s been since his rematch loss to Anthony Joshua in December 2019. “This is everything for me, of course it is,’’ said Ruiz, remembered for his huge upset of Joshua in New York. “I had everything in the palm of my hand. Then, it just went away. I want to be a damn champion again.’’

In another heavyweight fight,  promising Jared Anderson (17-0, 15 KOs) is in for his toughest test against Martin Bakole (20-1, 15 KOs). Anderson was at a career-high 252.4 pounds. Bakole also came in at a career-high weight, 284.4 pounds.

Mexican junior-welterweight champion Isaac Cruz (26-2-1, 18 KOs) got huge cheers from Mexican fans  He was at 140 pounds against Jose Valenzuela (13-2, 9 KOs), who was at 139.8.

David Morrell (10-0, 9 KOs), a Cuban living in Minneapolis, looks as if  he’s a possibility at light-heavyweight for David Benavidez, the Phoenix fighter who has decided to stay at 175 pounds. Benavidez relinquished his spot as the WBC’s so-called mandatory challenger to Canelo Alvarez’ super-middleweight title. Instead, Benavidez, who hopes to resume his career later this year, has a so-called mandatory shot at the 175-pound winner of Dmitry Bivol-versus-Artur Beterbiev in October. Morrell (10-0, 9 KOs) will be at light-heavy for a vacant title against Radivoje Kalajdzic (29-2, 21 KOs). Morrell, who has scored seven successive stoppages, was at 174.8 pounds Friday. Kalajdzic was at 174.4.

Andy Cruz (3-0, 1 KO), an Olympic gold medalist from Cuba, was at 134 pounds for his lightweight bout against Antonio Moran, who came in at 134.8. Cruz is a Boots Ennis stablemate. “Boots will be here, at ringside,’’ Cruz said of Philadelphia’s welterweight champion. Ennis wants to fight Crawford, who instead might be in line for a big-money bout against 168-pound Canelo. 

By Mario Ortega Jr. –

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – Solidly-built cruiserweight Blake McKernan returns to the site of his professional debut to take on a tough assignment in Jasper “Smooth Jazz” McCargo while hoping to begin his comeback story on the right note at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Saturday night. Fighters for the six-bout card, dubbed “Showdown in Sactown,” weighed-in on Friday afternoon at the host venue. 

McKernan (13-2, 6 KOs) of Sacramento has fought just once since coming up short against former world champion Badou Jack on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. undercard in November of 2020. The time away from the ring was due to multiple shoulder surgeries and a bout with severe sepsis, which caused organ dysfunction that had McKernan bedridden for a time. McKernan, known as “The Beast,” is back healthy and looked to be in great shape at Friday afternoon’s weigh-in, scaling 197-pounds. 

McCargo (4-5-3, 2 KOs) of Richmond, California is a veteran with over eight years of professional experience, which was preceded by a successful amateur run on the national level. After a three-fight stretch where McCargo took on three of the most well-regarded prospects he could find, “Smooth Jazz” looked rejuvenated in two fights against Sacramento’s Terrell Glynn last year. In their first meeting, which took place at the DoubleTree, many ringside felt it was McCargo that deserved the four-round decision that ultimately went to the hometown fighter in a majority verdict. In their rematch, the bout was stopped after nearly two rounds due to a cut and declared a technical draw. McCargo was the last fighter to weigh-in Friday, coming in at a trim 184-pounds. 

Islam Abdusamadov (2-0, 1 KO) of San Jose, California by way of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia will take on Matthew Monroe (1-3) of Sacramento in a four-round middleweight bout between two fighters familiar with the DoubleTree ring. 

Abdusamadov was tested in his last bout against Juan Meza Moreno at this same venue in January, as a second-round knockdown proved the difference in the bout. Monroe fought on the same January card, taking undefeated Victor Guerrero to  the four-round distance. Abdusamadov weighed-in at 164, while Monroe made 165-pounds. 

The squared circle will look undersized when heavyweights Jamaar Collins and Herman Hodnett make their professional debuts against one another on Saturday. Collins, who stands 6’4” and fights out of Merced, California, will look up at the 6’8” Hodnett of Oroville, California, as they meet in a four-rounder. Collins, an ex-footballer, came in at 217-pounds. Hodnett, who played football and basketball at Butte Community College, came in at 216-pounds. 

Tony “Pretty Boy” Hernandez returns to his home away from home in a short-notice four-round light heavyweight bout against Jawan Jackson (0-3) of Sacramento. 

Hernandez (6-3-1, 4 KOs) of Live Oak, California turned in an impressive performance this past January 20th at the DoubleTree in scoring a six-round unanimous decision over veteran gatekeeper Ramon Ayala. 

Jackson, who has also fought professionally in MMA and kickboxing, weighed-in at 169-pounds, while Hernandez came in heavy at 180-pounds. An agreement was reached, which included a fine for Hernandez, and the fight will proceed on Saturday night. 

In an all-Sacramento super featherweight pairing, Dorrel Fore Jr. will take on Jaycee King over four-rounds. Both fighters are making their professional debut. The two locals had the most contentious face-off at Friday afternoon’s weigh-in, with some brief light shoving. Fore Jr. scaled 134-pounds, while King came in at 131. 

William Davis (2-2-1, 1 KO) of Oakland, California will take on Miguel Soto-Garcia (1-2) of Fresno, California by way of Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico in a four-round welterweight bout. Davis came in at 145-pounds, while Soto-Garcia scaled 142. 

Quick Weigh-in Results:

Cruiserweights, 6 Rounds

McKernan 197

McCargo 184 

Middleweights, 4 Rounds

Abdusamadov 164

Monroe 165

Light heavyweights, 4 Rounds 

Hernandez 180* 

Jackson 169

Heavyweights, 4 Rounds

Collins 217

Hodnett 216

Super featherweights, 4 Rounds

Fore Jr. 134

King 131

Welterweights, 4 Rounds

Davis 145

Soto-Garcia 142

*Hernandez eight pounds over the contracted 172-pounds. 

Tickets for the event, promoted by Upper Cut Promotions, are available online at uppercutpro.com or tomorrow night at the door. 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be contacted at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com 

By Mario Ortega Jr. –

Without the support of one of the big-time promoters, fighters aiming to be successful in building their resumes often live by the motto,“I stay ready, so I don’t have to get ready.” Some of the best opportunities free agents receive come from accepting fights on short notice. In recent years, veteran light heavyweight Tony Hernandez has learned the value of staying ready, so when the opportunity came to fight this Saturday in Sacramento, California, “Pretty Boy” did not have to get ready and jumped at the chance. 

Hernandez (6-3-1, 4 KOs) of Live Oak, California is a longtime venue favorite at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, where Saturday night’s event takes place, but he was not originally slated to appear as part of promoter Nasser Niavaroni’s “Showdown in Sactown” card and did not get the call until three weeks out. 

“I was supposed to have one of my fighters make their debut on this card and he ended up getting hurt,” recalls Hernandez, who has owned and operated the Hernandez Boxing Academy in Yuba City for four years. “When that happened, Nasser asked if I could take his spot. So I ended up taking his spot and this is sort of a stay-busy fight for me, because I am looking for bigger fights in August and September.” 

Before Hernandez can shift focus to those potentially more profitable bouts in the coming months, he will first take on Jawan Jackson (0-3) of Sacramento in a four-rounder on Saturday. Jackson sports a novice pro boxing record, but has also competed professionally in MMA and kickboxing. 

“I’ve never heard of him,” admits Hernandez. “He’s almost 40 as well. I don’t know where he trains at. Maybe he is self-taught. He does have a lot of MMA fights though.” 

The one potential hiccup that could even the playing field for the less experienced Jackson would be the fact that Hernandez enters the bout at less than 100 percent. When preparing to fight in late April, Hernandez injured one of his hands in sparring and has been nursing it ever since. 

“I was sparring with Mike Guy and ended up hitting him on the top of the head,” recalls Hernandez. “So I laid off of it before I was offered a fight in Florida and ended up taking it. I was sparring with Joeshon James and hurt it again when I hit him on top of the head and then the elbow.” 

With a late August or September return originally planned, Hernandez has not been sparring since reinjuring himself in order to preserve his hand. 

“After that sparring, my hand was all swollen, and I figured I needed to let it heal,” explains Hernandez. “I couldn’t just keep hurting it, saying yes to fights and keep getting hurt. I wasn’t going to fight until September [until this fight was offered]. I haven’t sparred for this fight to be honest. I’m nursing the hand still. I’m just basically going off of being active and my experience, having been fighting for so long.”

One of the benefits of experience is the opportunity to learn from your past mistakes. Hernandez has gained a better understanding of his body and how to manage his weight between fights. 

“I was walking around at about 190,” explains Hernandez, who had previously begun camps, such as the one before Kenny Lopez Jr., as high as 225-pounds. “I’ll be coming in at 175 [on Saturday]. Right now I am about 183, so I only have about seven pounds to cut. I will just be sitting in a hot bath on Friday morning and drop the rest of the weight. This hasn’t been too bad with such a short notice.”

Without the ability to spar, for the fear of reinjuring his hand, Hernandez has concentrated on other areas of preparation. 

“For a three-week notice, I feel pretty good,” exclaims Hernandez. “I was running the mountains before [I was offered the fight] and staying active. I had hurt my hand so I was taking some time off, but still trying to stay active.”

Should Hernandez come out victorious with two healthy hands he could potentially be back in action before the end of the month on the Amari Jones-Daniel Echevarria undercard in Oakland, California. 

“Nasser might put me on to stay busy,” says Hernandez of the August 31st event, which takes place at the Oakland Marriott City Center.  “I was supposed to fight Amari, but he didn’t want to fight me at a catch-weight of 165. He wanted me to get down to 160. So we’ll see. Nasser was originally going to try and set that up for August, but maybe it is a possibility for September 21st.” 

Hernandez last touched the 160-pound middleweight limit in February of 2020. In the six fights since, including this coming Saturday, Hernandez has competed between 168- and 175-pounds. To get down to 160-pounds, to meet Amari Jones at Thunder Valley Casino, would be quite the undertaking.

“If I could make 160 by September that would be nice, but that’s a tough one,” admits Hernandez of a potential Amari Jones fight. “I’d have to do some serious training for that one.” 

Before he can shift gears and look toward August or September, Hernandez has the task at hand: win on Saturday and leave the ring healthy. 

“I am just hoping for a good show,” says Hernandez, who always draws a boisterous crowd in Sacramento. “I haven’t knocked anybody out since [May 2022,] so I am hoping for a knockout. I am going to push the pace and see how my hand feels. I am expecting this to end and it won’t go the whole four rounds, that is for sure. I’d just be playing with my food at that point.”

After Saturday, Hernandez’s meals could potentially get much bigger in the ring, while also getting smaller out of the ring. 

Tickets for Saturday night’s event, promoted by Upper Cut Promotions, are available online at uppercutpro.com 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com 

Jesus Saracho won a 10-round split decision over Alberto Palmetta in a welterweight bout at the Pro Box Event Center in Plant City, Florida.

Saracho, 144.2 lbs of Mexico won by scores of 97-93 and 96-94, while Palmetta won a card card 96-94.

Saracho is 14-2-1. Palmetta, 146.9 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 19-3.

Emiliano Moreno remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Rashield Williams in a welterweight bout.

Moreno, 146 lbs of Long Beach, CA won by scores of 79-73 on all cards and is now 10-0. Williams, 146.6 lbs of Nassau, BAH is 11-3.

Jonathan Navarro shook off a five-year layoff and on the strength of a disputed knockdown remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Clarence Booth in a super lightweight bout.

In round one, Navarro landed a hard overhand right that sent Booth hard into the ropes that was ruled a knockdown.

Navarro, 142.6 lbs of East Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 76-75 on all cards is now 18-0. Booth, 143.4 lbs of Jacksonville, FL is 21-11.

Terrence Williams had to get off the deck to win a six-round split decision over Roberto Escobar in a welterweight bout.

In round two, Escobar dropped Williams with a left hook.

Williams, 146.6 lbs of Tarpon Springs, FL won two cards by 58-56 tallies. Escobar won a card 57-56.

Williams is now 7-0. Escobar, 146 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 6-3-1.

Michael Pirotton remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Rashad Coulter in a heavyweight bout.

Pirotton, 228.6 lbs of Liege, BEL won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 9-0. Coukter, 246.6 lbs of Dallas is 5-4.

ATLANTIC CITY (July 24, 2024)–Weights for Friday night’s Boxing Insider Promotions card that will take place at Tropicana Atlantic City and streamed Live on DAZN 

Otto Wallin 244 lbs. – Onoriode Ehwarieme 226 lbs.

Jason Castanon 139 lbs. – Arevonte Dukes 136 lbs.

Justin Figueroa 159 lbs. – Freddy Espinoza 159 lbs.

Bruce Seldon Jr. 229 lbs. – Isiah Margheim 243 lbs.

Jacob Riley Solis 162.5 lbs. – James Abraham 164 lbs. 

Marco Romero 168 lbs. – Victor Pradis 168 lbs.

Stacia Suttles 140 lbs. – Kalinda Faria 139 8 lbs.

Promoter: Boxing Insider Promotions

Venue: Tropicana Atlantic City

1st Bell: 7:30 PM ET

Stream: DAZN

“Irish” Micky Ward will be in attendance to meet and greet fans and sign autographs.

photo credit – The Fight Photos/David Algranati

By Mario Ortega Jr. (Ringside)

STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA – In the first-ever boxing event held at Banner Island Ballpark, local hero Gabriel Flores Jr. bested a determined Ronal Ron en route to a hotly-contested eight-round unanimous decision victory. 

Ron (14-6, 11 KOs) of Chino Hills, California by way of Caracas, Distrito Capital, Venezuela proved better than advertised, especially considering one would be hard-pressed to find any pre-fight ballyhoo mentioning him by name. 

Flores (23-2, 8 KOs) of Stockton was satisfied to play the role of the boxer as Ron was the aggressor for much of the bout. 

Flores, the WBA #12 ranked lightweight, started the fight in control, as his superior technical skill proved a problem for Ron, 134.4, through the first two rounds. 

Ron pressed the action for much of the third stanza, as Flores, 134.8, was content to fight off of his back foot. Flores may have been urged by his corner after the third, as he seemed to come out with renewed vigor. After a heated exchange, Ron developed a cut near his left eye that referee Edward Collantes ruled was from a punch in the fourth. 

Following a competitive fifth round, Ron landed well with combinations in the sixth, as Flores continued to play the role of counter-puncher to varying degrees of success. When the Stockton native boxed and moved, Ron had trouble finding the target. When Flores found himself stationary or on the ropes, the Venezuelan was far more successful. 

Flores took a more forceful approach to close out the final two rounds, snapping Ron’s head back along the ropes late. Flores boxed well down the stretch to punctuate his performance. 

Final scores read a little wider than some of the action indicated, as Flores earned the unanimous verdict by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice. 

With the win, Flores successfully defended his regional WBA Continental USA title and more importantly stays on track for bigger and better things in the lightweight division. 

Journeyman Andrew Rogers (9-12-3, 3 KOs) of Elkhart, Indiana scored a workmanlike eight-round unanimous decision to notch an upset over Julian Rodarte (19-2-2, 8 KOs) of Downey, California. 

Some of the pre-fight shenanigans will likely garner some scrutiny from those in the know, as Rogers, 140, weighed-in five pounds over the contracted weight on Friday morning. After some negotiating, the bout was allowed to proceed, with Rogers agreeing to a secondary weigh-in Saturday to limit his rehydration. 

Rodarte, 134.4, opened the bout well, outworking Rogers in the first two rounds. The fight began to turn in the third after a left hook staggered Rodarte briefly and may have initiated a small cut.

Rodarte pressed the action in the fourth and slowed Rogers with his body attack  but with was the Indiana native that had more in the tank down the stretch. 

Rodarte, looking a little weary in the seventh, finding himself on his knees twice from slips. Rogers was rough on the inside and looked to be the heavier, stronger fighter as the fight came to a close. All three judges scored the bout for Rogers, 77-75. 

Former standout amateur Lorenzo Powell (2-0, 1 KO) of Sacramento, California scored two knockdowns en route to a one-sided drubbing of converted MMA fighter Ethan Rowan (0-1) of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Powell, 137.2, rocked Rowan, 139, with the first combination he threw and quickly scored knockdown number one. When Rowan returned to his feet, Powell moved-in quickly and downed Rowan with a left to the body. As soon as Rowan crumpled to the ground, referee Edward Collantes called the one-sided bout at 51 seconds of round one. 

In an entertaining scrap, super flyweight prospect Andrew Rodriguez (4-0, 1 KO) of Salinas, California turned back a determined Alejandro Robles (0-4) of Modesto, California via four-round majority decision. 

The term “better-than-his record” was created for guys like Robles, 115.8, who stood in there with the multidimensional Rodriguez, 113.8, throughout the bout. 

In the end, official judges preferred the offensive output of Rodriguez. Judge Kermit Bayliss scored the bout even, 38-38, but was overruled by judges David Hartman, 40-36, and Brian Tsukamoto, 39-37. 

Former amateur star Steve Canela of San Jose, California had hoped to make his pro debut tonight, but a late opponent switch was only approved for an exhibition by the California State Athletic Commission. 

Veteran Pedro Pinillo (5-8, 5 KOs) of Cali, Colombia had fought just eight days ago in Georgia, but was willing to fight Canela Saturday night in Stockton. 

Canela, 144.6, was consistently first throughout the contest as Pinillo, 145.4, kept a low guard, but hung in there with his fresher adversary. At the bout’s conclusion, ring announcer Lupe Contreeras declared the exhibition had been scored even. 

In under one-round, super bantamweight prospect Ab Lozano (2-0, 2 KOs) of Martinez, California made short work of Wild Card Boxing Club regular sparring partner Rod Sarguilla (2-6, 1 KO) of Los Angeles, California by way of Midsayap, Cotabato, Philippines.

Throughout the brief contest, the stronger Lozano, 123.8, was in complete control of 

Sarguilla, 123. Lozano forced Sarguilla to the ropes and was unrelenting in his assault. Referee Michael Margado repeatedly asked Sarguilla to show him something, but when the southpaw Lozano rocked Sarguilla late in the round, the official had seen enough. Time of the stoppage was 2:50 of round one.

G-Squad Entertainment has an October 12th date on hold at the Stockton Memorial Auditorium, which lines up perfectly for a Flores return. 
Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (July 19, 2024) — Tickets are on sale for the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) 8th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend to be held Friday September 27^th, Saturday September 28^th, and Sunday September 29^th, 2024 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and Boardwalk Resorts – Flagship Hotel. 

The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) Weekend commences at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on Friday September 27^th with all 2024 Living Inductees CONFIRMED to attend this year’s festivities.

2024 INDUCTION CLASS:

FIGHTERS: James Buster Douglas, Sergio Martinez, Paul Williams, Gerry Cooney, Mark Breland, Sharmba Mitchell, Tyrone Mitchell Frazier, Mario Maldonado and Eva Jones-Young CONTRIBUTORS: James “Buddy” Mcgirt, Bruce Blair, Sampson Lewkowicz, Eric Bottjer, Randy Gordon, Guy Gargan POSTHUMOUSLY: Howard Davis Jr., Jay Larkin, Eddie Cotton PIONEERS: Eric Seelig, George Godfrey, Joey Giardello

“Thank you esteemed colleagues for selecting me for a prestigious position such as an inductee in the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame! This is a great honor and I salute you all. Moreover, Atlantic City has been great to me throughout my career and I have fond memories of the many fights fought there while pursuing my Championship journey. I look forward to seeing you all in September 2024.” – James Buster Douglas

“Atlantic City holds many great memories from my boxing career, where I experienced triumph and defeat. The iconic Boardwalk Hall marked the start of my recognition on the world boxing stage, establishing me as one of the best globally. I’m humbled and forever grateful for being inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame with a rich boxing history. Thank you for this extraordinary recognition.” – Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez

“I cherish the memories from my time in Atlantic City, where numerous significant moments unfolded in my life. I’m so proud to be honored by A. C. Boxing Hall of Fame, particularly at this juncture in my life when it might seem that the efforts I invested to achieve championship status are overlooked by many. I’m humbled by this recognition” – Paul Williams 

Weekend at a Glance:

 Friday September 27th, 2024 Live Broadcast of SiriusXM Radio Show “At the Fights” hosted by: Gerry Cooney and Randy Gordon Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm in Lobby of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City 

 Friday September 27th, 2024 The Opening Bell VIP Cocktail Reception Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm, $60.00 entry fee online and/or at the door, join us inside The Balcony – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City 

Friday September 27th, 2024 Hard Hitting Promotions presents: Live Championship Boxing at: Resorts Hotel & Casino Atlantic City – Legendary Superstar Theater Time: 7:00pm – 12am

 Saturday September 28th, 2024 Fight Fan Experience in Sound Waves Lobby Area – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Time:10:00am – 2:00pm,

The Highlight of the weekend is Saturday, evening September 28^th, red-carpet formal Awards & Induction Ceremony which takes place in an award show atmosphere. Join us as we honor all who helped make Atlantic City a worldwide boxing Mecca. Attendees will also enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle in our Pre & Post VIP Cocktail Receptions with boxing royalty and special guests.  

Sunday, September 29^th Brunch & Comedy Show at: Back Stage Café – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm 

Sunday, September 29^th Cigars, Sip & Mingle with Legends at Tennessee Ave Tobacco Company Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm 

Tickets can be purchased by visiting: Ticketmaster | ticket prices for Awards & Induction Ceremony are: $125.00 & $60.00 please visit our website for all event tickets, room reservations and full event schedule and itinerary by visiting us at: www.acbhof.com  

A special thanks to our sponsors and supporters: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Boardwalk Resorts – Flagship Hotel, Mayor Marty Small Sr., City of Atlantic City, Bare Knuckle Fighting Champions, Hard Hitting Promotions, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, The Irish Pub-Atlantic City, D’Arcy Johnson Day-Lawyers, O.C.E.A.N Inc; Community Action Partnership & Atlantic City PAL, Sampson Boxing, Quail Hill Realty-Smithville, Holman Wealth Management, Tennessee Ave Tobacco Company, Sparbar LTD, Patrick Killian Arts, Guzman Gloves, Adams Boxing, WBC, IBF, Icons of Boxing Memorabilia and Fight Night Apparel

For more information, visit the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame’s website at: www.acbhof.com

By Mario Ortega Jr.

After a year of cancellations due to everything from opponent pullouts to promoted events that never took place after false weather reports or multiple postponements, Salinas, California-based super flyweight prospect Andrew Rodriguez will finally get to ply his trade in the United States for the first time as a professional this coming Saturday, just 130 miles north of home, at Banner Island Ballpark in Stockton. For Rodriguez, fighting at the Minor League Baseball stadium represents his first opportunity to show his local fanbase that, after years of perfecting his craft, he is ready for the major league of pro boxing. 

Rodriguez (3-0, 1 KO) entered the paid ranks in February of last year, earning a unanimous decision win over a 32-fight veteran in Rosarito, Mexico. For the former National Junior Golden Gloves champion, traveling south for his debut represented the culmination of years of hard work in the gym, dating back to Rodriguez’s early years of grade school. 

“It was pretty wild,” recalls Rodriguez of his debut. “It was like stepping into a new world. You don’t exactly forget about the amateurs, but you have to understand this is the real deal now. You can lose your life in boxing. One wrong hit and it is over. It was an eye opener. I had to tell myself, all the stuff you do outside of the gym is just as important as everything you do in the gym. I take that information I told myself and try to apply it to every day. Whenever I am in the boxing ring as a professional, I need to take care of myself.”

After notching his first knockout two months later in Tijuana, Mexico, Rodriguez was slated to make his stateside debut last April in Santa Ynez, California. After matchmakers for the event could not find an opponent willing to fight Rodriguez at his weight class, the super flyweight stayed the course in the gym, only to have several more agreed to dates fall apart that fall and into early this year. Rodriguez returned to the ring this past April, almost one year to the day of his last fight, scoring a four-round unanimous decision over 32-bout veteran Julio Jacobo back at the Evolution Club in Tijuana. 

“I was glad I went to get those cobwebs out of the way and he was a tough, game fighter,” says Rodriguez of the Jacobo fight. “It was a good fight and it went all four rounds for a unanimous decision win. If the knockout comes, it comes, but I would rather look good the whole fight, than have a shitty performance with a knockout win. I am glad I got that experience for my second full, four-round fight. It felt good after being without a fight for almost a full year. It was good to get in there, get the jitters out and it prepared me mentally for what is coming next.” 

Next up for Rodriguez is a familiar face in Alejandro Robles (0-3) of Modesto, California this Saturday night. After a year of gearing up for bouts that never came to fruition in his home country, the Salinas product had to have a pragmatic view of the proposed date until his opponent signed and it still may not feel like a reality until they step on the scale Friday in Stockton. 

“We got this date in Stockton to finally make my U.S. debut and I was hoping and praying it was going to come through,” says Rodriguez of when the July 20th date was first discussed. “Especially since we didn’t get that call [on the opponent] until late June. So when we got that contract, that was the confirmation stamp that we finally got it. We signed the contract, so it is official.” 

When Rodriguez was offered the fight, his opponent’s name rang familiar, even though he had never been offered to fight him over the last year of searching for bouts in California. After doing some digging, Rodriguez came across an old fight tape and realized they had shared a ring before. 

“I just remembered recently, I had fought him in the Golden Gloves in 2022,” says Rodriguez. “We fought back then and I came out victorious. For a while I didn’t recognize him, but I went back into some old files from amateurs and found out for sure that I had fought him. That was the amateurs though, and it is a whole different game in the pros. You can never underestimate anybody. In the pros, all it takes is that one hit. So looking at him, I am taking it like he is undefeated. He has that chip on his shoulder and I am pretty sure he knows who I am. So we are coming strong, coming hard for him.” 

Despite Robles’ winless pro record, Rodriguez is expecting his foe to come ready and be the best version of himself possible. 

“In his eyes, it has to be a make or break and against a guy that beat him in amateurs,” explains Rodriguez. “He’s fighting close to home for him, so I know he is coming to fight. I am not overlooking him or taking him lightly. I know I beat him in the amateurs, but it is a whole different game in the pros. We have eight ounce gloves on. I am coming mentally ready and physically strong. I’ve had some great work this camp and I feel it will all display this Saturday, July 20th.” 

In preparation for this fight, Rodriguez was in camp with his godbrother and featherweight contender Ruben Villa. The two also traveled to Riverside, California to get work with Robert Garcia’s vast stable of fighters before Villa wrapped up camp for his fight, which took place last Saturday. 

“I got some great work with all undefeated guys, working in the heat out there,” explains Rodriguez of his time in Riverside at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy. “I got to turn heads and earn some respect out there from them.” 

Back home, finishing up his in-ring preparation, Rodriguez spent time in the squared circle with undefeated super bantamweight prospect Anthony Garnica in Oakland, California, who fights next month. “Garnica is a really solid fighter and one of the best fighters at my weight that I can get work with in the area,” says Rodriguez. 

Should things go according to plan on Saturday, Rodriguez and his team are eyeing potential dates locally in October and November to hopefully keep things rolling into 2025. 

“I want to get one or two more fights before the end of the year,” exclaims Rodriguez. “From there, hopefully five fights next year. I just want to stay active going into 2025 and hopefully be a lot busier all of next year.” 

Rodriguez, who ideally wants to campaign at 115-pounds, but is willing to take fights in the 118-pound bantamweight division, wants to build his career locally as much as possible and solidify his brand, joining Salinas’ storied line of professional fighters. 

“I feel a lot of people don’t know who I really am, just because all my pro fights have been in Mexico,” explains Rodriguez. “I took a break from the amateurs when I was about thirteen, so a lot of people didn’t really get to know me. I do wish my name was a little more out there. That is why we are working right now. I just have to keep working and my time will eventually come. I hope to put on an amazing performance this Saturday and turn a lot more heads.”

Despite all the trouble landing local fights, Rodriguez has continued to gain support from family, friends and fans throughout his early journey in the paid ranks. “Superfly” had a large contingent make the journey to Rosarito for his debut last year and plans to reward everyone that makes the shorter drive north as he fights on the undercard of the first boxing event ever held at Banner Island Ballpark this weekend. 

“I want to thank everyone for all the support,” says Rodriguez. “I know it has been a bumpy first year-and-a-half and I appreciate everyone that has trusted the process, sticking with me through all these fallouts. I just can’t wait to put on this performance on Saturday and show everyone what they have been missing out on.” 

Tickets for the event, promoted by G-Squad Entertainment and available via pay-per-view on the BLK Prime streaming service, are available online at gsquadent.com 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com 

ATLANTIC CITY (July 16, 2024)–On Friday night, July 26th, boxing returns to Tropicana Atlantic City as Boxing Insider returns for another exciting night of action.

Tickets are now on sale for $63, $103, $203 and $303 and can be purchased at the following link:

https://www.ticketmaster.com/boxinginsider-live-professional-boxing-atlantic-city-new-jersey-07-26-2024/event/020060CD00CE6AFA

The main event will feature former lineal world heavyweight title challenger Otto Wallin (26-2, 15 KOs) of New York via Sweden take on Onoriode Ehwarieme (20-4, 19 KOs) of Miami in a eight-round battle of big punching heavyweights.

The undercard will be filled with local and undefeated fighters.

In a six-round bout, undefeated Atlantic City native, Justin Figueroa (9-0, 7 KOs) fights Victor Mendoza Arreola (4-1, 2 KO) of Colorado Springs, Colorado in a junior middleweight bout.

In four-round bouts, Atlantic City native Bruce Seldon Jr, (1-0, 1 KO) takes on Isaiah Margheim (1-3) of Sandusky, Ohio in a heavyweight clash.

Jason Castanon (1-0, 1 KO) of New York battles Arvontae Dukes (2-0) of Bronx, NY in a battle of undefeated junior welterweights.

Jacob Solis (4-0, 4 KOs) of New York puts his perfect mark on the line against James Abraham (2-1-1, 2 KOs) in an inter-borough battle of middleweights.

19-time National Amateur champion Marco Romero (1-0, 1 KO) of Kansas City fights Victor Pradis (2-0) of Covington, Louisiana in a scrap of undefeated super middleweights.

Stacia Suttles of the Bronx will make her pro debut against Kalindria Faria (1-1) of Sao Paulo, Brazil in a four-round lightweight bout.

“Irish” Micky Ward will be in attendance to meet and greet fans and sign autographs.

Miami, Florida – Trifon Petrov has signed the undefeated Cuban prospect, Dayan Depestre to a multi-year managerial deal. 

Dayan Depestre was born in Cuba, but now resides in Miami. The undefeated Middleweight was Cuban National Amateur Champion before moving to the United States and turning professional. 

Depestre currently has a record of 3-0 (3KOs) as a professional boxer. His only blemish was a split decision draw against fellow undefeated Euri Cedeño. Depestre took the Cedeño fight on a very short notice because of the opportunity to fight on DAZN. 

“The Cedeño fight was a blessing in disguise. I took the fight on a one week notice and we fought to a draw, but it allowed me to showcase my skills in front of somebody like Trifon Petrov,” said Depestre. 

Trifon Petrov who also manages Euri Cedeño took notice of Dayan Depestre during that fight. 

“I was ringside, and it was a phenomenal fight to watch between two of the best young fighters in the weight class. Cedeño, who’s fighting under the Top Rank and ESPN banner now, has been on a tear before and after the Depestre fight. Dayan was the only fighter who gave Euri any problems,” said Trifon Petrov. 

Depestre trains under Rodolfo Campo at the Alpha Pro Center in Miami. 

“I met with Rodolfo and Dayan in Miami a couple of weeks ago, and we had a great conversation that led me to signing Dayan. I am excited to add another top Middleweight to my team,” added Petrov. 

Dayan Depestre is scheduled to return to the ring on September 6th in Houston on a televised show by DAZN and promoted by Red Owl Boxing. In the main event on that card, we will see another fighter managed by Trifon Petrov in the undefeated Welterweight Thanjhae Teasley.

Toledo, Ohio – Trifon Petrov has signed the undefeated Toledo native, Wayne Lawrence to a multi-year managerial deal. 

Lawrence started boxing at an early age of 3 and quickly became a child boxing sensation. Wayne, who’s better known as “Pretty Boy Bam Bam”, was a guest on t Ellen DeGeneres when he was 7 years old. He also appeared on ESPN First Take, and on Dr. Oz, as well as co-starring alongside Floyd Mayweather in the video of the song “Undisputed” by Ludacris. 

Boxing is a family affair for the Lawrence’s family. Pretty Boy Bam Bam has been trained by his father, Wayne Lawrence Sr. his whole life. 

Wayne Lawrence turned professional in 2021 and has a record of 7-0 (4KOs). 

“We’ve struggled getting fights,” Lawrence said. “People kept turning us down. Nobody really wants to fight me, so my career has been stagnant. I am ready to get national exposure and showcase my talent on TV. Trifon Petrov is one of the best in the game right now. His fighters consistently fight on tv, they fight for titles and stay active. I am excited to work with him and allow him to guide my career moving forward.”

The 22-year-old last fought in April on a local show in Cleveland. Wayne Lawrence stopped journeyman Ira Terry in the second round of their contest. 

“Wayne is extremely marketable and talented fighter. I’ve been following his career for some time now, and I’m happy that we are finally able to work together. We have some exciting things in the works for him. I am expecting him to make his television debut later this year,” said Petrov. 

PHILADELPHIA-–Jaron “Boots” Ennis made a happy homecoming as he stopped gritty David Avanesyan after round five to retain the IBF Welterweight title before a very impressive crowd of 14,119 fans at Wells Fargo Center.

Ennis showed off his immense natural ability by landing some swift and powerful combinations. Ennis landed some serious body shots and slowly started to break down Avanestyan. Avanesyan touched up Ennis by landing some shots as he stood in the pocket against the undefeated champion.

In round five, Avanesyan was having his best round UNTIL, a right hook caught the challenger on the side of the head and the Armenian was sent to the canvas. Ennis continued to land hard combinations and battered Avanesyan at the end of the frame.

In the corner, it was determined that Avanesyan had suffered enough of a beating and the fight was halted.

Ennis, 146.4 lbs is 32-0 with 28 knockouts. Avanesyan, 147 lbs of Newark, ENG is 30-5-1.

Jalil Hackett Decisions Peter Dobson

Jalil Hackett remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Peter Dobson in a welterweight clash.

Dobson controlled the action as he landed some solid combinations. Dobson stood in tough and was able to make the fight closer down the stretch as it was too little. too late as Hackett won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94.

Hackett landed 200 of 700 punches. Dobson was 127 of 447.

Hackett, 146.4 lbs of Washington, DC is 9-0. Dobson, 146.6 lbs of Bronx, NY is 16-2.

Skye Nicolson Retains Featherweight Title with Decision over Vargas

Skye Nicolson retained the WBC Featherweight title as she boxed her way to an easy 10-round unanimous decision over Dyana Vargas.

Nicolson boxed and moved perfectly as she opened the fight up by featuring a stiff jab. In the middle rounds Nicolson started landing at will with her straight left. Nicolson was very crafty with her feet as she was always a couple of steps ahead both offensively and defensively for Vargas.

Nicolson landed 135 of 329 punches. Vargas was 28 if 248.

Nicolson, 125.6 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 11-0. Vargas, 125.6 lbs of The Dominican Republic is 19-2.

Khalil Coe Stops Ritter in 2

Khalil Coe remained undefeated with a two round destruction of Kwame Ritter in their 10-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Coe hurt Ritter with a hard left hook. Coe followed the up and landed huge left hook that put Ritter on the canvas. Ritter was hurt and Coe pounced on him by landing hard shots until a right hand knocked Ritter along the ropes and the fight was stopped at 1:59.

Coe, 174 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 9-0-1 with seven knockouts. Ritter, 173 lb of Baltimore is 11-2.

Christopher Diaz stopped Derlyn Hernandez in round two of their eight-round super featherweight bout.

Diaz, 131.4 lbs of Puerto Rico is 29-4 with 19 knockouts. Hernandez, 131.4 lbs of the Dominican Republic is 12-2-1.

Christian Carto stopped former world title challenger Carlos Buitragp after round three of their eight-round super bantamweight bout.

In round three, Carto scored a knockdown when he landed a right in the corner.. Carto continued to pound away on Buitragp. The corner pulled Buitago out of the fight following the round.

Carto, 124.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 24-1 with 16 knockouts. Buitrago, 125.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is 38-14-1.

Ismail Muhammad staved off an early knockdown and scored one of his own as he won a six-round unanimous decision over Frank Brown in a super lightweight bout.

In round one, Muhammad walked into a perfect right from Brown that put him on the canvas. Later in the round, Brown was cut over his right eye that may have come from a clash of heads during the knockdown punch.

In round four, Muhammad dropped Brown with a right to the top of the head.

Muhammad, 144 lbs of Philadelphia won on two cards by 58-54 scores and 57-55 and is now 5-0. Brown, 144.2 lbs of San Antonio is 3-5-2.

Dennis Thompson made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Fernando Valdez in a bantamweight bout.

Thompson, 116.6 lbs of of Philadelphia battered Valdes and won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 1-0. Valdes, 119.2 lbs of Salta, ARG is 1-8.

Haven Brady Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Jesus Vazquez Jr. in a junior lightweight bout at the OTE Arena in Atlanta.

Brady landed 184 of 522 punches. Vazquez was 40 of 346.

Brady, 130 lbs of Albany, GA won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 13-0. Vazquez, 133 lbs of Los Angeles is 11-3.

Saul Sanchez won an eight-round unanimous decision over Arthur Villanueva in a bantamweight fight.

Sanchez, 119 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 78-74 twice and 77-75 and is now 21-3. Villanueva, 119 lbs of Bagp City, PHL is 35-6-1.

Oshae Jones stopped Simone Da Silva in round five of a scheduled eight-round junior middleweight bout.

In round five, Jones dropped Da Silva with perfect right to the body. Jones continued to hurt Da Silva until a big flurry in the corner forced a stoppage at 1:54.

Jones, 153.2 lbs of Philadelphia via Toledo, OH is -0 with three knockouts. Da Silva, 150 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 17-34.

Kurt Scoby made shirt work of Daniel Lim by registering an opening round stoppage in a scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

In the first minute, Scoby dropped Lim by landing a jab that was followed by a hard right. Lim was dropped for aa second time with a left hook. It was another nasty left hook to the body that put Lim down for a third and final time as he did not neat the count at 2:03.

Scoby, 138.5 lbs of Duarte, CA is 14-1 with 12 knockouts. Lim, 136.4 lbs of Don Carolina, CA is 11-2.

David Lopez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Pedro Pinillo in a junior welterweight fight.

Lopez landed 63 of 229 punches. Pinillo was 29 of 176.

Lopez of Oakland won by scores of 60-54 on all cards is now 6-0. Pinillio of Cali, COL is 5-8/

Johnny Mansour stopped Edgar Uvalle in the opening round of their four-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Mansour landed about 20 unanswered punches that resulted in a standing-eight count. The fight did not last long after as Mansour dropped Uvalle againt after big flurry and a right dropped him in the corner and the bout was stopped at 2:25.

Mansour, 134.6 lbs of San Diego is 2-0 with one knockout. Uvalle, 133.2 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 2-5-2.