LAS VEGAS (May 10, 2024) — Another chapter in Mexico’s historic saga of intra-national showdowns is set to unfold.
 
Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza will make the first defense of his WBO featherweight world title against Sergio Chirino on Friday, June 21, inside BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Espinoza-Chirino will mark the 161st all-Mexican world title fight and the 20th at featherweight. 

The 10-round junior lightweight co-feature will see Andres “Savage” Cortes and Abraham “El Super” Nova collide in a high-stakes battle presented in association with Murphys Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotion. 
 
In a 10-round special attraction, unbeaten middleweights Troy Isley and Javier Martinez will reignite a fierce amateur rivalry.

Espinoza-Chirino, Cortes-Nova and Isley-Martinez headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ and Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 14, at 12 p.m. PT via Ticketmaster.com.
 
“From top to bottom, this is a truly great card that promises action, and we’re thrilled to be doing our first show at the beautiful Fontainebleau Las Vegas,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Espinoza can be Mexico’s next great champion, but he has a tough assignment in Chirino. Andres Cortes and Abraham Nova is a great grudge match, and the winner will be in great position to challenge for a world title.”
 
“Espinoza-Chirino is one of this year’s most anticipated fights, and we could not be prouder to host it at BleauLive Theater, a sports fan’s paradise where you will feel the intensity of every punch no matter where you’re seated,” says Fontainebleau Las Vegas Senior Vice President of Entertainment, Fedor Banuchi. “Espinoza-Chirino title bout underscores Fontainebleau’s 70-year legacy of delivering premier entertainment to our guests and solidifies our status as a top-tier destination for live events.”
 
Espinoza (24-0, 20 KOs) devoted over a decade to his pro career before capturing the WBO featherweight world title in a Fight of the Year contender against Robeisy Ramirez last December. Despite being knocked down in the fifth after taking an early lead, Espinoza rallied late and dropped Ramirez in the twelfth, nearly stopping him before the final bell. Espinoza earned a majority decision in a stunning upset. Standing at 6’1,” he is the tallest world champion in featherweight history, a division that has included Mexican greats such as Ruben Olivares, Salvador Sanchez, Erik Morales, and Marco Antonio Barrera.
 
Espinoza said, “I’m excited to return to the ring. I’m training very hard like always. I know that I’ll be facing a Mexican compatriot who is coming to win. I will be ready to defend my title with a lot of grit and heart. And that’s what I’ll do in the ring, fight with a lot of heart and win my first title defense.” 

Chirino (22-1, 13 KOs) went 9-0 before an early loss to eventual world titleholder Mauricio Lara in August 2018. Since then, he has remained unbeaten, tallying wins in different parts of Mexico. Last year, he decisioned Ally Mwerangi and Sebastian Tinoco Chavez before making his 2024 debut in February by stopping Dennis Contreras with a body shot in the third round. The 29-year-old hopes to make history by becoming the first world champion to come from the Mexican state of Oaxaca.  
 
Chirino said, “We Mexicans are known for having a lot of heart. And whenever there are two of us in the ring, it’s a battle. I’m happy for the opportunity, but at the same time, I know I’ve earned it. I’m coming for that belt. I have a lot of experience. There will be a problem in the ring, and that problem is Espinoza. But I will solve that problem and take home the victory.”
 
Nova (23-2, 16 KOs) had an impressive amateur career spanning almost 200 fights, with notable wins against Frank Martin, Richardson Hitchins, and Nahir Albright. As a pro, he went 17-0 before entering a co-promotional agreement with Top Rank in early 2020. He suffered his first professional setback in June 2022 via a one-punch knockout against Ramirez at featherweight. Following the loss, Nova moved back to junior lightweight, notching victories over Adam Lopez and former world champion Jonathan Romero before a split decision loss in his first world title shot against O’Shaquie Foster in February.
 
Nova said, “We’ve been on a collision course for a long time. It was eventually going to happen. Andres has been nipping at my heels for a while, calling me out and running his mouth at press conferences. Well, on June 21 in Las Vegas, he’s going to get a taste of what he’s been craving. Be careful what you wish for. No Fear! No Doubt!”
 
Cortes (21-0, 12 KOs), a Las Vegas native, made his mark in July 2020 by overcoming a visit to the canvas to secure a decision victory against Alejandro Salinas at the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. In 2021, he maintained his momentum by outpointing Eduardo Garza in May, knocking out former world title challenger Genesis Servania in the first round in August and vanquishing Mark Bernaldez in three rounds in November. The 26-year-old inked a deal with Top Rank the following March and has since gone 5-0 with three knockouts, including last July’s seventh-round stoppage win over Xavier Martinez and February’s fourth-round TKO against Bryan Chevalier.

“This is going to be a painful night for Abraham Nova. He thinks I’m his ticket to another title shot, but I am going to plant him on the canvas,” Cortes said. “I’m ready for a title shot, and nobody, especially not Nova, will stop me from achieving my dream.”
 
Isley (12-0, 5 KOs) kicked off his pro career in February 2021 and notched his first 10 wins before joining forces with 2023 Trainer of the Year Brian “BoMac” McIntyre. Since then, the Olympian has excelled, registering a dominant points verdict over Mexican veteran Vladimir Hernandez last November on the Shakur Stevenson-Edwin De Los Santos bill before knocking out Marcos Hernandez in round seven in March. Martinez (10-0-1, 3 KOs), a five-time national champion, started his professional journey in July 2020. He only has one blemish, a split draw against Joeshon James. The Milwaukee native is coming off his most significant victory, an eight-round decision over Raul Salomon in February.

Isley and Martinez are familiar foes, having fought four times as amateurs. Isley bested Martinez in the finals of the 2016 and 2017 U.S. National Championships. Martinez responded with victories at the 2018 U.S. National Championships and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

“This isn’t the amateurs anymore,” Isley said. “Javier is going to see the difference in skill when we fight on June 21 in Las Vegas. He’s a tough fighter with a lot of heart, but that won’t be enough for him to win the fight.”
 
“This is the end of the rivalry. We fought some great battles as amateurs, and this one is the tiebreaker,” Martinez said.  “I’ve wanted this fight ever since I turned pro, and on June 21, I will show Troy that our last two amateur fights were not a fluke. I was the better fighter then, and I am the better fighter now.”
 
The undercard includes a pair of Las Vegas natives and the Top Rank debut of a fast-rising prodigy:
 
·      Bantamweight prospect Floyd Diaz (11-0, 3 KOs) makes his second 2024 appearance in an eight-round tilt versus Francisco Pedroza (18-11-2, 10 KOs). The Las Vegas native shined with an eight-round decision over Puerto Rican vet Edwin Rodriguez in March. Pedroza, after giving stiff tests to Gary Antonio Russell and Jason Moloney, bested three-time Olympian Rau’shee Warren over six rounds in August 2022.
 
·      Junior lightweight southpaw DJ Zamora (12-0, 9 KOs), also a native of Las Vegas, will face Jose Antonio Meza (9-9, 2 KOs) in an eight-round contest. The 21-year-old earned two victories in 2023, dispatching Jesus Abel Ibarra in three rounds in March and decisioning Nikolai Buzolin across eight in July.
 
·      Junior bantamweight phenom Steven Navarro (1-0, 1 KO) will make his Top Rank debut in a six-rounder against Juan Pablo Meza (7-3, 2 KOs). The 13-time U.S. national amateur champion entered the professional ranks by stopping Jose Lopez in six in April.
 
·      Albert Gonzalez (8-0, 4 KOs), a featherweight standout trained by Robert Garcia, takes on Conrado Martinez (9-1) in a six-rounder. Gonzalez returns after blasting out Joel Alberto Mora last month.
  

# # #

 
About BleauLive Theater
BleauLive Theater is the entertainment hub of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a 90,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, customizable theater capable of hosting up to 3,800 guests. More information about Fontainebleau Las Vegas dining, events, entertainment, rooms and suites can be found at fontainebleaulasvegas.com.
 
About Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a 67-story, vertically integrated luxury resort. Rooted in the 70-year history of the iconic Fontainebleau brand, Fontainebleau Las Vegas brings a legacy of timeless elegance and unparalleled service to the Strip. Certified by the Green Building Initiative with three Green Globes, the resort’s thoughtful design allows guests to move effortlessly among 3,644 luxury hotel rooms and suites, 550,000 square feet of customizable meeting and convention space, 150,000 square feet of gaming space, a collection of world-class restaurants and shops, exquisite pools, vibrant nightlife, and vitality-enhancing spa and wellness offerings. Located at 2777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., adjacent to the acclaimed Las Vegas Convention Center expansion, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is created by Fontainebleau Development in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments.

O’Shaquie Foster retained the WBC Super Featherweight world title with a 12-round split decision over Abraham Nova at The Madison Square Garden Theater.

Foster scored a knockdown in the last 20 seconds of the contest.

Foster, 130 lbs of Orange, TX won by scores of 116-111 and 115-112 with Nova taking a 114-113 card.

Foster is now 22-2. Nova, 129 lbs of Albany, NY is 23-2.

Cortes Stops Chevalier in 4

Andres Cortes remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Bryan Chevelier in a 10-round junior lightweight bout.

Ringside doctors checked on Chevalier before round four began.In that round, Cortes battered Chevalier all over the ring until the corner stopped the fight at 2:17.

Cortes, 130 lbs of Las Vegas is 21-0 with 12 knockouts. Chevalier, 129 lbs of Bayamon, PR is 20-2-1.

Carrington Obliterates Torres in 4

Impressive Bruce Carrington scored a spectacular fourth round stoppage over Bernard Torres in a 10-round featherweight bout.

In round four, Carrington landed a perfect right hand that put Torres down face-first in the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:59.

Carrington, 125.6 lbs of Brooklyn is 11-0 with seven knockouts. Torres, 125.6 lbs of The Philippines is 18-2.

Guido Vianello destroyed Moses Johnson in the opening round of their eight-round heavyweight bout,

In round one, Johnson dropped Johnson with an overhand right. The punch was ruled on the back of the head. Seconds later, Vianello dropped Johnson with a right hand. Johnson was sent down again with a hard right hand. Johnson was wobbly, but still was let to continue. Vianello dropped Johnson for a third time yet Johnson was forced to continue. Finally Vianello ended things when he decked Johnson again and the fight was waved off at 2:59.

Vianello, 242.2 lbs of Rome, ITA is 12-1-1 with 10 knockouts. Johnson, 248.4 lbs of Huntington, NY is 11-2-2.

Isaah Flaherty won a six-round unanimous decision over Julian Baptiste in a middleweight bout.

Flaherty, 158.4 lbs of Elmont, NY won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 7-0. Baptiste, 158.2 lbs of Annesbury, MA is now 6-4.

In round one, Flaherty was cut on the top of the head from a head clash.

Ofacio Falcon remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Edward Ceballos in a junior lightweight bout.

Falcon, 130 lbs of Bronx, NY won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 11-0. Ceballos, 129.6 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 11-5-1.

Tiger Johnson was impressive in stopping Paulo Galdino in the opening round of their eight-round junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Johnson landed blistering a right hand that set up a perfect left uppercut that put Galdino down. With Galdino hurt, Johnson landed a hard right that sent Galdino back on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 2:49.

Johnson, 140.4 lbs of Cleveland is 12-0 with six knockouts. Galdino, 141.8 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 13-8-2.

Euri Cedeno stopped Antonio Todd in round five of their eight-round middleweight bout.

Cedeno, 159 lbs of La Romanoa, DR is 8-0-1 with seven knockouts. Todd, 158.6 lbs of Atlanta is 16-10.

Arnold Gonzalez won a six-round unanimous decision over Charles Stanford in a welterweight bout.

Gonzalez, 150 lbs of Harlem, NY won by scores of 59-55 twice and 58-56 and is now `4-0. Stanford, 147.6 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 7-5.

•  O’Shaquie Foster 130 lbs. vs. Abraham Nova 129 lbs
(Foster’s WBC Junior Lightweight World Title – 12 Rounds)

   •  Andres Cortes 130 lbs vs. Bryan Chevalier 129 lbs
(Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

•  Bruce Carrington 125.6 lbs vs. Bernard Torres 125.4 lbs
 (Featherweight — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 5:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. PT)

•  Guido Vianello 242.2 lbs vs. Moses Johnson 248.4 lbs
 (Heavyweight— 8 Rounds)

•  Isaah Flaherty 158.4 lbs vs. Julien Baptiste 158.2 lbs
 (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Ofacio Falcon 130 lbs vs. Edward Ceballos 129.6 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Tiger Johnson 140.4 lbs vs. Paulo Galdino 141.8 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Euri Cedeno 159 lbs vs. Antonio Todd 158.6 lbs
 (Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Arnold Gonzalez 150 lbs vs. Charles Stanford 147.6 lbs
 (Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Foster vs. Nova will be presented live this Friday, February 16, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ from The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

In the main event, WBC junior lightweight world champion, O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster will make his second world title defense against Abraham “El Super” Nova.

Foster (21-2, 10 KOs) is unbeaten in 11 fights since a split decision loss to Rolando Chinea in July 2016. He won the WBC world title in February 2023 with a one-sided decision over Mexican standout Rey Vargas. Eight months later, he salvaged his title with a come-from-behind 12th-round knockout over Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez.

Nova (23-1, 16 KOs) had nearly 200 fights during a storied amateur career that included victories over Frank Martin, Richardson Hitchins, and Nahir Albright. In June 2022, he suffered his lone career setback, a one-punch knockout at the hands of two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist and eventual world champion Robeisy Ramirez. Following the Ramirez defeat, Nova returned to junior lightweight and picked up wins over veteran Adam Lopez and former world champion Jonathan Romero.

In the 10-round junior lightweight co-feature, Andres “Savage” Cortes takes on Puerto Rican contender Bryan Chevalier. Undefeated Cortes (20-0, 11 KOs) emerged in August 2021 with a first round knockout of former world title challenger Genesis Servania and has recorded four knockouts in his last six appearances. Chevalier (20-1-1, 16 KOs), a 10-year-pro, is unbeaten in his last 12 fights.
 
In the 10-round televised opener, rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, will face Filipino-born standout Bernard Torres. Carrington (10-0, 6 KOs), 2020 U.S. Olympic trials champion, has been rapidly ascending the ranks since turning pro in October 2021. In his last performance, Carrington stunned former world title challenger Jason Sanchez by knocking him out in two rounds. Torres (18-1, 8 KOs), a Filipino-born southpaw, debuted in the paid ranks in October 2017. Torres is coming off a 10-round points verdict over Tanzanian veteran Nasibu Ramadhani in June.

Undercard action exclusively on ESPN+ begins at 5:20 p.m. ET/ 2:20 p.m. PT.

Calling the action will be ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna. 

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

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Foster vs. Nova (All Times ET)

NEW YORK CITY (Jan. 10, 2024) — Two rising talents are set to put their perfect records on the line as part of the ESPN-televised tripleheader headlined by the WBC junior lightweight showdown between reigning champ O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster and Abraham “El Super” Nova on Friday, Feb. 16 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

In the 10-round junior lightweight co-feature, Andres “Savage” Cortes takes on Puerto Rican contender Bryan Chevalier.

Rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, the latest fistic prodigy from Brownsville, Brooklyn, will face Filipino-born standout Bernard Torres in the 10-round televised opener.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Murphys Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotion, tickets go on sale Friday, Jan. 12 at 12 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.

Foster-Nova, Cortes-Chevalier and Carrington-Torres will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Cortes (20-0, 11 KOs) emerged in July 2020 when he rose from the canvas to secure a unanimous decision win over Alejandro Salinas inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. After decisioning Eduardo Garza in May 2021, Cortes shined with a first-round knockout against former world title challenger Genesis Servania three months later and a third-round TKO against Mark Bernaldez that November. The 26-year-old signed with Top Rank in March 2022 and has since gone 4-0 with two knockouts. Last July, Cortes scored a seventh-round stoppage victory over Xavier Martinez.

Cortes said, “I can’t wait to perform on the big stage at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. This is a massive opportunity, and I will put the junior lightweight division on notice. I want a world title shot, but I must perform well against a tough opponent in Chevalier to make that goal a reality. 2024 is the year I bring a world title home to Las Vegas.”

Chevalier (20-1-1, 16 KOs), a 10-year-pro, is unbeaten in his last 12 fights. He made his U.S. debut by defeating James Wilkins to capture his first regional title in July 2021. Following a yearlong absence from the ring, he returned in 2022 with TKO wins against Carlos Padilla and Cesar Juarez. The 29-year-old continued to build on his momentum last year, tallying seventh-round stoppages against Alberto Mercado in April and Ranfis Javier Encarnacion in July.

Chevalier said, “Andres Cortes is a great fighter. Boxing fans will really enjoy a great fight that night. Expect to see in me a warrior who will do everything possible to walk away victorious. That night, everyone in the boxing world will know who Bryan Chevalier is.”

Carrington (10-0, 6 KOs), 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials champion, has been rapidly ascending the ranks since turning pro in October 2021. The 26-year-old impressed with five victories in 2023, including a second-round knockout over then-unbeaten Brandon Chambers in April. In his last performance, Carrington stunned former world title challenger Jason Sanchez by knocking him out in only two rounds. Carrington enters 2024 knocking on the doorstep of title contention.

“It is always extra special to fight in at The Garden in front of my hometown fans, and I look forward to putting on a show for my people and everyone watching on ESPN,” Carrington said. “I’ve graduated from prospect to contender, and this is the year everyone sees my full arsenal.” 

Torres (18-1, 8 KOs), a Filipino-born southpaw from Norway, debuted in the paid ranks in October 2017. He went 16-0 before losing via 10-round unanimous decision to Frency Fortunato in September 2022 in his U.S. debut. The 27-year-old bounced back with an eighth-round TKO win against Cristian Avila last January in Oslo, Norway. Torres is coming off a 10-round points verdict over Tanzanian veteran Nasibu Ramadhani in June.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard features:

2016 Italian Olympian Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (11-1-1, 9 KOs) battles Moses Johnson (11-1-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight contest. Vianello returns following a decision win over Curtis Harper in October. Johnson, from Huntington, New York, tallied a third-round TKO against Emilio Salas in December. 

Junior welterweight prospect Tiger Johnson (11-0, 5 KOs), a U.S. Olympian from Cleveland, Ohio, makes his 2024 debut in an eight-rounder against Brazil’s Paulo Galdino (13-7-2, 9 KOs). Johnson capped off a spotless 2023 in December with a gritty eight-round split decision over Jimerr Espinosa.

Unbeaten junior lightweight prospect Ofacio Falcon (10-0, 6 KOs) will make his second appearance at The Theater against Edward Ceballos (11-4-1, 6 KOs). Falcon, a native of The Bronx, decisioned Pedro Vicente Scharbaai in June.

Middleweight prospect Euri Cedeno (7-0-1, 6 KOs), who represented the Dominican Republic at the Tokyo Olympics, makes his New York City debut against Atlanta native Antonio Todd (15-9, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

Queens-born middleweight Isaah Flaherty (6-0, 3 KOs) will see action in a six-rounder against an opponent to be named.

NEW YORK (Dec. 8, 2023) — WBC junior lightweight world champion O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster hopes to cool off the latest challenger to his throne.
 
Foster, the fighting pride of Orange, Texas, will make his second world title defense against Abraham “El Super” Nova on Friday, Feb. 16 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Murphys Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotion, ticket information and undercard fights will be announced in due course.
 
Foster-Nova will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
“O’Shaquie Foster wants to prove he is the best junior lightweight in the world, and he’ll have an opportunity to make that statement February 16 against a determined, powerful challenger in Abraham Nova,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I look forward to another great fight night at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.”
 
Foster (21-2, 10 KOs) is unbeaten in 11 fights since a split decision loss to Rolando Chinea in July 2016. He returned to the ring in December 2017 with renewed purpose and decorated trainer Bobby Benton in his corner. Since moving to Houston to train with Benton, Foster has fulfilled the promise he displayed during a 100-plus fight amateur career that included a 2010 National PAL title and an alternate berth on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. He won the WBC world title in February with a one-sided decision over Mexican standout Rey Vargas. Eight months later, he salvaged his title with a 12th-round knockout over Eduardo “Rocky” Hernandez. Hernandez had a sizable lead on two of the judges’ cards at the time of the stoppage. In November, Foster inked a long-term promotional pact with Top Rank.
 
Foster said, “It’s always been my dream to fight at Madison Square Garden, and what better promoter to make this all happen than Top Rank? As a kid, watching all the greats fight at MSG inspired me to want to be a part of the history that comes with fighting at such a legendary place. I’m ready to put on a show and keep proving that I’m the best fighter in the world.”
 
Nova (23-1, 16 KOs), born in Puerto Rico and raised in Albany, New York, had nearly 200 fights during a storied amateur career that included victories over Frank Martin, Richardson Hitchins, and Nahir Albright. Nova signed a co-promotional pact with Top Rank in early 2020 after spending his early career notching victories in Belgium, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, and on club shows in the Northeast United States. In June 2022, he suffered his lone career setback, a one-punch knockout at the hands of champion Cuban standout and current world champion Robeisy Ramirez. Following the Ramirez defeat, Nova returned to junior lightweight and picked up wins over veteran Adam Lopez and former world champion Jonathan Romero.
 
“My team and I have earned this opportunity to bring a world title back home,” Nova said. “You know what I bring, and you know what I’m about. No fear, no doubt.” 

LAS VEGAS – Seniesa Estrada retained the WBA/WBC Ninimumweight titles with a unanimous decision over Leonela Yudica at The Palms Casino Resort.

Estrada landed 161 of 549 punches. Yudica was 144 of 506.

Estrada, 104.4 lbs of East Los Angeles won by scores of 97-93 on all cards and is now 25-0. Yudica, 103.7 lbs of San Juan, ARG is now 19-2-3.

“I knew coming into this fight that she was a boxer who would move away from me and not come forward much. In my preparation, I knew I had to show something different in myself. In my last fight, I fought a good champion who came forward and was aggressive, and I easily outboxed her. In this fight, she’s a boxer and a mover, and I showed that I can fight any type of style because my style is very versatile,” said Estrada. 

Going into this fight, I knew she was a natural flyweight so she is a lot bigger than me physically. So I knew she was going to be able to hang in there. She’s fought very good champions before and always went the distance with them.

I definitely had to use my footwork. I have very good footwork. I had to use my feints and movements to make sure I was close enough to land punches and not get countered. I did get countered, of course. It’s a fight, so that’s going to happen. But I just continue to prove that I’m the best in the division. 

I want Yokasta Valle. I’m the best in this division. I want to prove it by beating her. She can just hand me those belts right now because when we fight it’s going to be bad for her. 

Andres Cortes Stops Xavier Martinez After 7

Andres Cortes beatdown Xavier Martinez after round seven of their 10-round junior lightweight bout.

Cortes, 130 lbs of Las Vegas is now 20-0 with 11 knockouts. Martinez, 129.7 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 18-2.

In a competitive eight round lightweight bout, Nahir Albright pounded out ab eight-round unanimous decision over Karlos Balderas.

Balderas, 134.1 lbs of Santa Maria, CA won by scores of 77-75 twice and 76-76 and is now 16-2. Balderas, 135.9 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 14-2.

“I was feeling myself, and I started finding a groove. When that happens, the fight’s over.” said Cortes.

“It was a good stoppage. His eye was messed up. He was having trouble seeing with the eye because he kept blinking.”

“I want the winner of Emanuel Navarrete vs. Oscar Valdez. I want any champion at 130. If not, I’m going to move up 135 and get all of those champions there.”

Rohan Polanco remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over Cesar Francis in a scheduled eight-round super welterweight fight.

At the end of round four, Polanco landed a looping left to the head that was followed by a straight right that put Francis on the canvas.

Early in round five, Polanco dropped Francis again with a right hand and the fight was stopped at 1:05.

Polanco, 142.9 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR 10-0 with six knockouts. Francis, 141.8 lbs of Brooklyn is 12-2.

It was a war while it lasted, but Abraham Nova stopped former world champion Johnathan Romero in round three of their 10-round junior lightweight bout.

After a furious exchange in round two, Nova dropped Romero with a hard left hook. In round three, the two stood toe-to-toe, and Nova uncorked a hard right over the top that sent Romero down face first and he did not beat the the count at 2:47.

Nova, 130.8 lbs of Albany, NY is now 23-1 with 16 knockouts. Romero, 130.8 lbs of Cali, COL is 35-2.

Suburu Murata stopped Juan Centeno after round four of their six-round junior featherweight bout.

In round three, Murata dropped Centeno with a left hook to the body. Murata continued to dominate and Centeno did no come out for round five.

Murata, 121.5 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is 5-0 with five knockouts. Centeno, 123.3 lbs of Managua, NIC is 8-9-3.

Dante Benjamin Jr. and William Langston fought to a six-round majority draw in a light heavyweight bout.

Scores were 58-56 for Langston and 57-57 twice. Benjamín, 170.1 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 7-0-1. Langston, 171.9 lbs of Kenosha, WI is 8-3-1.

Charlie Sheehy stopped Kaylyn Alford in round three of their six-round lightweight bout.

In round three, Sheehy dropped Alford with a vicious left hook to the head. Alford got to his feet, but the referee waved the fight off at 31 seconds.

Sheehy, 134.5 lbs of Brisbane, CA is now 7-0 with five knockouts. Alford, 133.4 lbs of Lafyette, LA is 4-5-2.

LAS VEGAS (June 14, 2023) — Pound-for-pound dynamo Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada will defend her WBC and WBA minimumweight world titles against Argentina’s former world champion Leonela Yudica on Friday, July 28 at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

In the 10-round junior lightweight co-feature, unbeaten Las Vegas native Andres “Savage” Cortes will take on Sacramento-born contender Xavier Martinez.

The entire Estrada-Yudica card will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $50 go on sale Thursday, June 15 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

“Seniesa Estrada is one of the very best fighters on the planet and is only getting better with every fight,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Yudica is an experienced championship-level fighter who will be undeterred fighting on the big stage. I expect a sensational fight on July 28, along with a co-feature between Cortes and Martinez that promises fireworks.”

Estrada (24-0, 9 KOs) is a 12-year pro who has competed at the world class level in three weight classes. In 2019, she beat U.S. Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza to capture the WBA interim flyweight world title. Two years later, she captured the WBA minimumweight and WBO light flyweight titles in fights against Anabel Ortiz and Tenkai Tsunami. Estrada then vacated those belts to pursue undisputed glory at minimumweight. She signed with Top Rank in 2022 and returned from a nearly 11-month layoff in November of that year to shut out Jazmin Gala Villarino. In March, she added the WBC belt to her collection with a shutout win over the previously unbeaten Tina Rupprecht.

“I am willing to fight any woman in or around my weight class, and I respect Yudica for accepting the challenge,” Estrada said. “My goal is to become the undisputed champion at minimumweight, but I can’t achieve that goal without defeating Yudica first. She is standing in my way, and I am coming to Las Vegas to make an emphatic statement.”

Yudica (19-1-3, 1 KO) debuted as a pro in April 2012 and captured the IBF flyweight world title with a split decision win against Gabriela Bouvier in December 2014. She held the title for nearly eight years, fighting to a draw in her first defense against Vanesa Lorena Taborda in 2015 before defending it seven times. The native of San Juan, Argentina, lost the belt in a tightly contested split decision loss to Arely Muciño in October 2022 and is coming off a 10-round decision victory over Tamara Elisabet Demarco in April. 

Yudica said, “I’m taking this amazing opportunity to show the world what Argentinian fighters are made of. I’m bringing the belts back home to San Juan with me.”

Cortes (19-0, 10 KOs) was a standout amateur, defeating Teofimo Lopez twice in the unpaid ranks. A seven-year pro, Cortes made his Top Rank debut in 2020 and has built a reputation for engaging in action-packed affairs. He shined on the Emanuel Navarrete-Liam Wilson undercard in February, shutting out Puerto Rican upstart Luis Melendez in his first scheduled 10-rounder. Martinez (18-1, 12 KOs) returns to action following an 11-month layoff, intent on proving he belongs in the junior lightweight title conversation. He rebounded from a one-sided loss to Robson Conceição with a stoppage win over Alejandro Guerrero last August.

Undercard action includes two competitive matchups featuring talents from four different Latin American countries.  

Puerto Rican-born junior lightweight contender Abraham “El Super” Nova (22-1, 15 KOs) will face Colombian former world champion Jonathan Romero (35-1, 19 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Nova, who fights out Albany, New York, holds wins over Avery Sparrow and William Encarnacion. In June 2022, he suffered his first defeat via fifth-round knockout against two-time Olympic gold medalist and current world champion Robeisy Ramirez. He bounced back in January with a 10-round decision win over Adam Lopez. Romero edged Alejandro Lopez by split decision in 2013 to capture the IBF junior featherweight world title. He is 12-0 since losing the title in his first defense to Kiko Martinez.

Dominican Olympian Rohan “El Rayo” Polanco (9-0, 5 KOs) steps up against Panamanian-born contender Cesar “Rainman” Francis (12-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight fight. Polanco went 4-0 as a pro before losing in his opening Olympic bout in Tokyo in 2021. Polanco returned to the paid ranks in November 2021 and is coming off a six-round decision win against Ricardo Quiroz in April. Francis seeks to regain his momentum following a 10-round decision loss to Jesus Saracho in January. 

The ESPN+-streamed undercard also features an eight-round lightweight fight between 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (14-1, 12 KOs) and Philadelphia standout Nahir Albright (15-2, 7 KOs).

Former Team USA amateur standout Charlie Sheehy (6-0, 4 KOs) will see action in a six-round lightweight tilt, while hard-hitting Japanese southpaw Subaru Murata (4-0, 4 KOs) returns in a six-round junior featherweight battle.

# # #
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NEW YORK (January 17, 2023) — Abraham Nova won a action-filled 10-round unanimous decision over Adam Lopez in a junior lightweight fight at The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York

Nova’s win highlighted a night that saw Split-T Management Fighters win six contests between Verona and Milwaukee.

In round five, Nova dropped Lopez with a right that was followed by a left to the jaw that landed during an exchange.

At the beginning of round six, Nova landed a hard right hand that hurt Lopez. Lopez was grabbing onto Nova but fell to the canvas for a knockdown.

In round 10, both guys brawled and landed some hard punches. Both were able to stay on their feet in the crowd pleasing affair.

Nova landed 111 of 462 punches; Lopez was 112 of 415.

Nova, 129 lbs of Albany, NY won by scores of 98-90 twice and 97-91 and is now 22-1. Lopez, 129 lbs of Glendale, CA is 16-4.

Haven Brady Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Ruben Cervera in a lightweight bout.

In round one, Brady was cut in his mouth.

Brady landed 108 of 397 punches. Cervera was 56 of 323.

Brady, 132 3/4 lbs of Albany, GA won by scores of 80-72, 79-3 and 78-4 and is now 9-0. Cervera, 130 1/4 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 13-4.

Dante Benjamin Jr. stopped Emmanuel Austin in the opening round of their six-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Benjamin landed a left-right and left to the head that put Austin down. Benjamin finished off Austin as he landed a big flurry of power punches that was highlighted by a booming right hand, and referee Mark Nelson stopped the bout at 2:50

Benjamin, 174 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 5-0 with three knockouts. Austin, 175 lbs of Panama City, FL is 6-1.

Nova is co-promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions. Brady and Benjamin are promoted by Top Rank.

In Milwaukee, Rolando Vargas won an eight-round unanimous decision over Derrick Murray in a super lightweight bout.

Vargas of Milwaukee won by scores of 79-73 twice and 77-75 is now 9-1. Murray of Saint Louis is 17-7-1.

Former IBF Junior Welterweight champion Mary McGee was impressive in stopping former world champion Dahianna Santana at 3:00 of round four of their welterweight bout.

McGee of Gary, Indiana is now 28-4 with 16 knockouts. Santana of New York is 40-14.

McGee is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Javier Zammaron made it two consecutive first round stoppages to begin his career as he took out Sean Williams at 67 seconds of their junior lightweight bout.

Zammaron of Sheboygan, Wisconsin is 2-0 with two knockouts. Williams was making his pro debut.

In the main event in Verona, NY, Split-T Management’s Stephan Shaw (18-1) dropped a close unanimous decision to Efe Ajagba.

Shaw is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank.

Efe Ajagba won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Stephan Shaw at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Ajagba landed 111 of 430 punches. Shaw was 78 of 341.

Ajagba, 235 1/4 lbs of Ugledi, NIG won by scores of 96-94 on all cards and is now 17-1. Shaw, 239/5 lbs of St. Louis, MO is 18-1.

“I went back to the corner and they told me to let my hands go, keep throwing punches, my jab. I controlled the fight, so that’s how I won the fight,” Ajagba said. “He tried to land the big shots. I watched him to see what he was going to do. He kept throwing the jab, using the jab more.”

Rice Stops Vianello Due To Cut

Jonnie Rice stopped previously undefeated Guido Vianello in round seven due to a cut over the left eye.

In round six, Vianello was cut on the left eyelid. The cut was worse as the fight moved to the seventh round and the fight was stopped.

Originally referee Benjy Esteves ruled it a headbutt, but replays clearly showed it was a right that caused the cut. After checking with the TV monitors, the fight was ruled a stoppage win for Ri

Rice, 274 1/4 lbs of Las Vegas, is 16-6-1 with 11 knockouts. Vianello, 239 lbs of Rome, Italy is 10-1-1.

“I did it again… another undefeated fighter,” Rice said. “I’m not here to call anyone out right now. I’m going to enjoy this victory and then see what’s next.”

Abraham Nova won a action-filled 10-round unanimous decision over Adam Lopez in a junior lightweight fight.

In round five, Nova dropped Lopez with a right that was followed by a left to the jaw that landed during an exchange.

At the beginning of round six, Nova landed a hard right hand that hurt Lopez. Lopez was grabbing onto Nova but fell to the canvas fo a knockdown.

In round 10, both guys brawled and landed some hard punches. Both were able to stay on their feet in the crowd pleasing affair.

Nova landed 111 of 462 punches; Lopez was 112 of 415.

Nova, 129 lbs of Albany, NY won by scores of 98-90 twice and 97-91 and is now 22-1. Lopez, 129 lbs of Glendale, CA is 16-4.

Haven Brady Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Ruben Cervera in a lightweight bout.

In round one, Brady was cut in his mouth.

Brady landed 108 of 397 punches. Cervera was 56 of 323.

Brady, 132 3/4 lbs of Albany, GA won by scores of 80-72, 79-3 and 78-4 and is now 9-0. Cervera, 130 1/4 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 13-4.

Bryce Mills won a six-round unanimous decision over Margarito Hernandez in a welterweight contest.

In round one, Hernandez started bleeding from his left eye.

In round four, he was bleeding under his left eye.

Mills, 143 lbs of Syracuse, NY won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 11-1. Hernandez, 144 1/4 lbs of Yakima, WA is 3-4-1.

Brian Norman Jr. remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Rodrigo Coria in a welterweight bout.

In round eight, Norman dropped Coria with a left hook.

Norman, 149 lbs of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 79-2 and 77-74 twice and is now 23-0. Coria, 148 1/4 lbs of Cordoba, ARG is now 10-5.

Bruce Carrington remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Juan Antonio Lopez in a featherweight bout.

Carrington, 128 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 6-0. Lopez, 127.5 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is 17-13-1.

Dante Benjamin Jr. stopped Emmanuel Austin in the opining round of their six-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Benjamin landed a left-right and left to the head that put Austin down. Benjamin finished off Austin as he landed a big flurry of power punches that was highlighted by a booming right hand, and referee Mark Nelson stopped the bout at 2:50

Benjamin, 174 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 5-0 with tree knockouts. Austin, 175 lbs of Panama City, FL is 6-1.

NEW YORK (January 14, 2023) — Tonight undefeated heavyweight Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw will headline a big night of action when he takes on hard-punching Efe Ajagba on ESPN that will highlight a night of action of Split-T Management fighters in Verona, New York and Milwaukee Wisconsin.

Shaw, who was originally slated to face Guido Vianello in the co-feature bout, moved into the prime spot after an injury.

Shaw, 30 of Saint Louis, Missouri is 18-0 with 13 knockouts. The 10 year-professional is regarded as one of the Heavyweights to watch.

Shaw has wins over Danny Kelly (9-2-1), Jonnie Rice (4-1-1), Joel Caudle (7-1-1), Donovan Dennis (12-3), Willie Jake Jr. (8-2-1), Gregory Corbin (15-2) and Lyubomyr Pinchuk (12-1-1). In his bout, Shaw won an eight-round unanimous decision over Rydell Booker (26-6-1) on November 22, 2022 in New York City.

Ajagba is known as one of the hardest punches in the heavyweight division. The Houston native by way of Nigeria is 16-1 with 13 knockouts. The 28 year-old has impressive wins over Tyrell Anthony Herndon (6-1), Luke Lyons (5-0), Nick Jones (7-0), Amir Mansour (23-3-1), Michael Wallisch (19-1), Ali Eren Demirezen (11-0), Iago Kiladze (26-4-1). In his last bout, Ajagba stopped Jozsef Demos in two rounds on August 27, 2022 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Shaw weighed 239.5 lbs. Ajagba was 235 1/4 lbs.

Shaw is co-promoted by Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment.

The fight will be broadcast live on ESPN at 10 PM ET

Also on the card in Verona, will be Split-T’s Abraham Nova taking on Adam Lopez in a 10-round super featherweight bout.

Nova of nearby Albany, New York is 21-1 with 15 knockouts. The 28 year-old Nova won his first 21 bouts. In his last bout, he suffered his first loss as he dropped his fight to Robeisy Ramirez on June 18, 2022 in New York.

Lopez of Glendale, California is 16-3 with six knockouts. Lopez is a former NABF Junior Featherweight and Featherweight champion, and is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over William Encarnacion (19-2) on May 21, 2022 in Las Vegas.

Nova, who is promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions weighed 129 lbs. Lopez was 129 lbs as well.

Undefeated junior lightweight Haven Brady Jr. will see action in an eight-round bout against Ruben Cervera.

Brady, 21 years-old of Albany, Georgia is 8-0 with four knockouts. Brady fought four times in 2022 and he finished off the year by winning an eight-round unanimous decision over undefeated Eric Mondragon on October 29 in New York City.

Cervera of Santa Marta, Colombia has a record of 13-3 with 11 knockouts. The 25 year-old Cervera is coming off a decision loss to Carlos Balderas on May 21 in Las Vegas.

Brady was 132 3/4 lbs. Cervera was 130 1/4.

Also on the card is undefeated light heavyweight Dante Benjamin Jr taking on Emmanuel Austin in a six-round bout.

Benjamin of Cleveland completed his rookie year with a record of 4-0 with two knockouts. He is coming off a unanimous decision over Leandro Silva on August 27, 2022 in Tulsa.

Austin of New Orleans is 6-0 with six-knockouts. The 29 year-old is coming off a first round stoppage over Juan Carlos Pitalua on May 4, 2022.

Benjamin weighed 174 lbs. Austin was 175 lbs.

Nova, Brady and Benjamin’s fights will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 5:30 PM ET.

Brady and Benjamin are Promoted by Top Rank.

In Milwaukee, three more Split-T fighters will be in action. In the main event, Milwaukee’s Rolando Vargas takes on Derrick Murray in a eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Vargas (8-1, 7 KOs) has won three in a row and is coming off a win over Charles Garner (6-1) on October 29th in Milwaukee.

Murray of Saint Louis is 17-6-1 with six knockouts.. He has wins over two undefeated fighters and in his last bout, Murray stopped former world champion DeMarcus Corley on October 29th in Jackson, Tennessee.

The co-feature will see the return of former IBF Junior Welterweight champion Mary McGee. McGee takes on Dahianna Santana in a six-round bout.

McGee of Gary, Indiana is 27-5 with 15 knockouts, McGee won the IBF Junior Welterweight title with a 10th round stoppage over Ana Laura Esteche on December 6, 2019. She defended her crown once with a ninth round stoppage of Deanha Hobb (8-1). In her last bout, McGee lost a 10-round decision to WBC champion Chantelle Cameron on October 30, 2021 in London.

Santana of New York of 40-13 with 15 knockouts. Santana is a former WBA Interim World Featherweight champion. She won the belt by defeating Francis Elena Bravo on June 28, 2014. Santana challenged for the world title on three more occasions. Santana is on a four-fight winning streak as in her last bout she won a unanimous decision over Mima Elizabeth La Hoz on July 10, 2022 In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

McGee is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Finally Javier Zamarron will look to make it two for two when he takes on debuting Sean Williams in a four-round featherweight bout.

Zammaron of Sheboygan, Wisconsin won his pro debut when he stopped Ahmond Rayshan Oates in the opening round on October 29, 2022 in Milwaukee.

Artur Beterbiev scored an emphatic second round stoppage over Joe Smith Jr. to defend his IBF/WBC and add the WBO Light Heavyweight titles at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

At the end of round one, Beterbiev landed a short right to the side of the head that sent Smith down to a knee. In round two, it was another right that put Smith down. Seconds later, Beterbiev landed a hard combination for a third knockdown. Beterbiev finished off the fight when he landed two uppercuts and a right that wobbled Smith to the ropes and the fight was stopped at 2:19

Beterbiev of Montreal, CAN is 18-0 with 18 knockouts. Smith if Long Island, NY is 28-4.

Ramirez Knocks Out Nova in 5

Robeisy Ramirez stopped previously undefeated Abraham Nova in round five of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round five, Ramirez landed a big left hand that put Nova flat on his back and the fight was over at 2:20.

Ramirez of Ciemfugos, CUB is 10-1 with six knockouts. Nova of Albany, NY is 21-1.

Bruce Carrington stopped Adrian Leyva after round five of their six-round featherweight bout.

Leyva was cut over his left eye in round five, and the bout was just stopped just as the sixth round was about to commence.

Carrington of Brooklyn, NY is 4-0 with three knockouts. Leyva of Guantanamo, CUB is 3-3-1.

Jahi Tucker remained undefeated with fourth round stoppage over D’Andre Smith in a welterweight contest.

The time was 2:27 for Tucker of Deer Park, NY who is now8-0 with five knockouts. Smith of Atlanta, GA is 10-2.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Danil Plantonovschi in a junior featherweight bout.

Diaz of Las Vegas won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 5-0. Plantonovschi of Brooklyn is 4-1.

Troy Isley stopped Donte Stubbs in the sixth and final round of their middleweight fight.

At the end of of round four, Isley dropped Stubbs with a perfect right to the jaw. In round six, Isley landed a perfect right that sent Stubbs to the canvas. Stubbs wobbled to his feet and the fight was stopped at

Isley of Alexandria, VA is 6-0 with four knockouts. Stubbs of Riverside, CA is 6-6.

Wendy Toussaint won a eight-round unanimous decision over Asinia Byfield in a junior middleweight fight.

Toussaint of Huntington, NY won by scores of 79-73 on all cards and is now 14-1. Byfield of Reading, ENG is 15-5-1.

Jahyae Brown won a six-round unanimous decision over Keane McMahon in a junior middleweight bout.

Brown of Schenectady, NY won by scores of 60-54 and 58-56 twice and is now 11-0. McMahon of Dyblin, IRE is 7-3.

NEW YORK (JUNE 18, 2022)–Undefeated featherweight contender Abraham Nova is ready for the most important fight of his career when he battles two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner Robeisy Ramirez at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden (ESPN 10 PM ET).

The bout will be contested for the USBA and WBO Global Featherweight titles.

Nova of Albany, New York knows that a win will most likely earn him a world title opportunity.

The 28 year-old, who is managed by Split-T Management has a record of 21-0 with 15 knockouts.

Nova has been a professional for six-years and has defeated Weusi Johnson (1-0), Martin Nicolas Matamala (9-2), Andres Bens Zepeda (7-1), Hassan Nourdine (9-2), Sulimain Segawa (11-1), Brian Palaez (8-2), Mario Ezequiel Sayal Lozaano (18-2-1), Luis Leal (20-3), Avery Sparrow (10-1) and his last bout when Nova stopped William Encarnacion (19-1) in eight-rounds on January 15th in Verona, New York.

Nova is promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions

Ramirez of Cuba is 9-1 with five knockouts, The 28 year-old captured Olympic Gold by winning the 2012 and 2016 and in the latter contest defeated current world champions Shakur Stevenson Murodjon Akhmadaliev. In the 2012 Olympics, Ramirez defeated world title challengers Tugstsogt Nyambayar and Michael Conlan.

As a pro, has defeated Rafael Morales (3-0), Felix Caraballo (13-2-2), Brandon Valdes (13-1), Orlando Gonzalez (17-0) and his bout when Ramirez stopped Eric Donovan (14-1) on February 26th in Glasgow, Scotland.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Nova was 125.4 lbs. Ramirez was 125.8.

NEW YORK (May 4, 2022) — Three belts and light heavyweight supremacy will be at stake when WBC/IBF world champion Artur Beterbiev meets WBO champion Joe Smith Jr. in a highly anticipated unification showdown Saturday, June 18, at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
 
Beterbiev, boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout rate, hopes to pick up another strap against “Cinderella Man” Smith, a Long Island native who grew up about 70 miles from Madison Square Garden.
 
In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez will battle the unbeaten Abraham “El Super” Nova. Beterbiev-Smith and Ramirez-Nova will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, tickets starting at $56 go on sale Friday, May 6 at 12 p.m. ET, and can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com or MSG.com.
 
“Beterbiev versus Smith is one of the very best fights that can be made in boxing, two huge punchers fighting at Madison Square Garden in what will be an electric atmosphere. Whoever comes out on top will be the true king of the light heavyweight division,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Robeisy Ramirez has developed into a sensational pro, and he will have his hands full against a tough, undefeated kid in Abraham Nova. The winner will be in line to fight for a featherweight world title.”
 
“I am thrilled we were able to put this sensational championship unification fight together,” said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing. “The top two punchers in boxing fighting each other for their three world titles. It has been brewing for a long time and is a potential fight of the year. Joe Smith Jr. is proud of his humble background and hard-working union ‘Common Man’ moniker, but he is also truly special and a real champ.  He could have chosen an easier path, but he wanted the best and toughest out there, the guy everyone is afraid to fight. Credit to both champions, each fighting the toughest, hardest-punching and most dangerous foe the division has. I can’t wait to see this fight!”
 
Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs), a two-time Russian Olympian, has spent his nine-year pro career based in Montreal, Canada. He has been a world champion since knocking out Enrico Koelling for the IBF strap in November 2017. He’s won five title fights inside the distance since then, including an off-the-deck victory over Callum Johnson and a title unification classic versus Oleksandr Gvozdyk in 2019. Beterbiev went 2-0 in 2021, capping the year with December’s brutal ninth-round stoppage over longtime contender Marcus Browne.
 
“I look forward to the challenge ahead of me. Joe Smith Jr. is a worthy champion, but I am coming to Madison Square Garden to add another world title to my collection,” Beterbiev said. “This fight will get me one step closer to becoming undisputed champion.”
 
Smith (28-3, 22 KOs) earned mainstream recognition with his 2016 knockout of living legend Bernard Hopkins and scored standout wins over Jesse Hart and Eleider Alvarez in 2020. In his second world title attempt, he outlasted Maxim Vlasov in a 2021 Fight of the Year Contender. Smith successfully defend his world title in January with a ninth-round stoppage over late replacement Steve Geffrard.
 
Smith said, “I am extremely excited and focused on this task I have ahead. Facing Beterbiev is huge. It is going to be a fight that fans remember forever, with two of the biggest punches in boxing today facing off. This opportunity is a dream of mine to accomplish. Fighting with three titles on the line is one step closer to becoming undisputed.”
 
Ramirez (9-1, 5 KOs) has been on a sterling run since a shocking loss in his August 2019 professional debut. An Olympic champion in 2012 and 2016, Ramirez is coming off one-sided victories over the unbeaten Orlando Gonzalez and Irish veteran Eric Donovan. Nova (21-0, 15 KOs), who spent much of his career at junior lightweight, has been flawless since moving up to the featherweight ranks. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Albany, New York, Nova knocked out William Encarnacion in eight rounds on the Smith-Geffrard undercard in January.
 
Ramirez said, “I have always wanted to display my talent on a stage as important as the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. Come June 18, I will not only take advantage of this big opportunity, but I will also hand Nova the first loss of his career. I’m going to take a big leap in my quest to become world champion, and above all, showcase my class and give boxing fans another great performance. I will make clear that ‘El Tren’ is a true powerhouse in the featherweight division.”
 
Nova said, “Robeisy is a great talent, and he’s the fighter that will get me to that next level. I need a statement victory. Beating a two-time gold medalist puts me right in the title picture. The better the competition, the better I look. Nobody has seen the best of me yet, and I will show that on June 18.”
 
The undercard, which will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+, is scheduled to feature many of the sport’s rising superstars. In six-round bouts, Brooklyn-born featherweight puncher Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (3-0, 2 KOs) and Long Island welterweight Jahi Tucker (7-0, 4 KOs) hope to extend their unbeaten records. U.S. Olympian Troy Isley (5-0, 3 KOs), fresh off his knockout win on the Oscar Valdez-Shakur Stevenson undercard, returns in a six-round middleweight bout. Featherweight Kurt Walker (2-0, 1 KO) and junior middleweight Kieran Molloy (1-0, 1 KO), both of whom starred for the Irish national team as amateurs, will make their respective U.S. debuts.

New York (January 17, 2022) — Split-T Management Fighters kicked off the new year in style as featherweight Abraham Nova and junior welterweight Omar Rosario registered impressive victories at The Turning Stone Casino Resort in Verona, New York.

Abraham Nova made his featherweight debut with an 8th round stoppage over William Encarnacion.

Nova dominated the action as he landed some solid body punches early. Nova began to take his work upstairs and started to wobble Encarnacion in round six. Nova continued to break Encarnacion down through the rest of the fight, which was stopped at 55 seconds of round eight after a big flurry of punches.

Nova, 126 3/4 lbs of Albany, NY is 21-0 with 15 knockouts. Encarnacion, 127 lbs of The Dominican Republic is 19-2.

Nova said, “It feels good to fight close to home a day after my birthday. I had a tricky opponent in front of me, but I got the job done.

“I want {WBO world champion Emanuel Navarrete}, to be honest. Everybody thinks he’ll blow me out. Put him in there. Let’s see if he’ll do it. I know I’ll beat him. I know I have the punch output, I know I’ll knock him out, and I know I’ll be the next WBO champion.”

Nova is promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions

Omar Rosario celebrated his 24th birthday with a six-round unanimous decision over Raekwon Butler in a junior welterweight fight.

Rosario dominated the action as he came out working the body. Rosario used a very pinpoint jab that would set up power punches. The fight was close to being stopped in Rosario’s favor several times, but Butler was either saved by the bell or was able to do just enough to get out of the round.

In round six, Butler was bleeding from his nose.

Rosario landed 132 of 368 punches; Butler was 52 of 218.

Rosario, 139 1/4 lbs of Caguas, PR won by scores of 58-55 and 59-54 twice and is now 6-0. Butler, 138 1/4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 4-2.

Rosario is promoted by Top Rank.

Photos from Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

Joe Smith Jr. retained the WBO Light Heavyweight title with a 9th round stoppage over late-replacement Steve Geffrard at The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Smith dominated the action by landing power shots to back up Geffrard. Geffrard showed little resistance, but was able to hang around and last rounds by moving a little bit. He spent most of his time eating hard shots on the ropes.

in round nine, Smith threw a quick 15-punch flurry that put Geffrard down for the 10-count just as his corner was stopping the fight at 37 seconds.

Smith, 174 1/4 lbs of Long Island, NY is 28-3 with 22 knockouts. Geffrard, 173.5 lbs of Delray Beach, FL 18-3.

Smith said, “He really brought it today. It was a great fight. As you can see, he’s a great boxer, a good survivor. I was trying to get him out of there early, but I realized he was very tough and I wasn’t going to be able to do that. I tried to wait until the later rounds and started throwing more combinations to pick him apart.
 
“{Beterbiev} is what I want. I want to get back in the gym, work on my craft, and like I say each and every time I get in the ring, I’m going to get better and better. I believe the next time you see me, I’ll be ready for anybody.
 
“If Canelo wants to come to 175 and fight me, I’m ready for him. That’s the fight I want. Everybody would love to see that fight. It would be a big deal.”

Nova Stops Encarnacion in 8

Abraham Nova made his featherweight debut with an 8th round stoppage over William Encarnacion.

Nova dominated the action as he landed some solid body punches early. Nova began to take his work work upstairs and started to wobble Encarnacion in round six through the rest of the fight, which was stopped at 55 of round eight after a big flurry of punches.

Nova, 126 3/4 lbs of Albany, NY is 21-0 with 15 knockouts. Encarnacion, 127 lbs of The Dominican Republic is 19-2.

Nova said, “It feels good to fight close to home a day after my birthday. I had a tricky opponent in front of me, but I got the job done.

“I want {WBO world champion Emanuel Navarrete}, to be honest. Everybody thinks he’ll blow me out. Put him in there. Let’s see if he’ll do it. I know I’ll beat him. I know I have the punch output, I know I’ll knock him out, and I know I’ll be the next WBO champion.”

Omar Rosario celebrated his 24th birthday with a six-round unanimous decision over Rawkwon Butler in a junior welterweight fight.

In round six, Butler was bleeding from his nose.

Rosario landed 132 of 368 punches; Butler was 52 of 218.

Rosario, 139 1/4 lbs of Caguas, PR won by scores of 58-55 and 59-54 twice and is now 6-0. Butler, 138 1/4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 4-2.

Jahi Tucker remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Akeem Black in a scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Tucker dropped Black after a series of hard power shots that was finished up with an uppercut. The onslaught continued in round two as Tucker continued to batter Black until the fight was stopped at 1:18.

The 18 year-old Tucker, 146 3/4 lbs of Deer Park, NY is 6-0 with four knockouts. Black, 145 3/4 lbs of Chicago, IL is 6-5.

2021 U.S. Olympian Troy Isley pounded Harry Keenan Cruz-Cubano for a six-round unanimous decision in a middleweight fight.

In round one, Cruz-Cubano was cut under his left eye.

In round six, Isley was deducted a point for a low blow.

Isley, 156 1/4 lbs of Alexandria, VA won by scores of 59-53 and 59-54 twice and is now 4-0. Cruz-Cubano, 156 1/4 lbs of Jacksonville, FLA is 6-3.

Lyubomyr Pinchuk won an eight-round unanimous decision over Jose Mario Flores in a cruiserweight fight.

In round two, Pinchuk was cut over his left eye from a clash of heads.

Pinchuk, 194.5 lbs of Lviv, UKR won by scores of 8-72 and 79-73 and is now 14-2-1. Flores, 197.5 lbs of Washington, DC is 8-3-2.

New York (January 14, 2022) — Tomorrow Night at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, Abraham Nova takes on William Encarnacion in a 10-round featherweight bout.

Also, Split-T Management’s undefeated junior welterweight Omar Rosario takes on Raekwon Butler.

The fight will be the co-feature bout live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) Saturday at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Nova, who is world-ranked (number-three by the WBO) at junior lightweight, moves down in weight class.

The Albany, New York native will fight close to home, as the Split-T Management fighter comes into the ring with a record of 20-0 with 14 knockouts.

Nova, 28 years-old has wins over Weusi Johnson (1-0), Martin Nicolas Matamala (9-2), Andres Zepeda (7-1), Hassan Nourdine (9-2), Sulaiman Segawa (11-1), Bryan Pelaez (8-2), Mario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano (18-2-1), Luis Ronaldo Castillo (20-3), Avery Sparrow (10-1) and his bout when Nova won a unanimous decision over Richard Pumicpic on August 14, 2021 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Nova weighed 126.75 lbs. Encarnacion was 127 lbs

Nova is promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions

Encarnacion of the Dominican Republic is 19-1 with 15 knockouts.

Encarnacion, 33 has wins over Anyelo Munoz (10-2), Alan Guzman (16-1), John Casado (17-1), Danny Aguero (11-1), Marlembron Acuna (4-1), Milner Marcano (10-2), and Eliezer Aquino (19-2-1). In his last outing, Encarnacion won a unanimous decision over Donny Garcia on December 17, 2020. This will be Encarnacion’s American debut.

Beginning at 7:45 on ESPN+, junior welterweight Omar Rosario will look to stay undefeated as he takes on Raekwon Butler.

Rosario of Caguas, Puerto Rico is 5-0 with two knockouts. The former Puerto Rican amateur star has defeated three undefeated foes in his first five fights with wins over Uriel Vallanueva (1-0), Wilfred Mariano (3-0) and his last opponent, Marc Misiura (2-0) on August 27, 2021 in Plant City, Florida.

Butler of Brooklyn, New York is 4-1 with two knockouts. The 26 year-old Butler is coming off a unanimous decision over Derrick Whitley on December 11, 2021 in Philadelphia.

Rosario weighed in at 139.25 lbs Butler checked in at 138.25

Rosario is promoted by Top Rank

VERONA, N.Y. (Jan. 7, 2022) — WBO light heavyweight world champion Joe Smith Jr will make his first title defense against an unlikely contender. British puncher Callum Johnson tested positive for COVID-19, so Smith will now face Steve Geffrard on Saturday, Jan. 15 at Turning Stone Resort Casino and LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

In the 10-round co-feature, featherweight contender Abraham Nova (20-0, 14 KOs), who was originally slated to fight Jose Enrique Vivas, will fight Dominican veteran William “El Gago” Encarnacion (19-1, 15 KOs) after Vivas dropped out with an injury.

“I give Steve credit for taking this fight on short notice,” Smith said. “He is a tough guy, and I expect him to bring everything he has for this opportunity. I’m ready to fight regardless of who is in the ring with me. My goal is the same, which is to defend my world title and keep it on Long Island where it belongs.”

Geffrard said, “This is the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s crazy how boxing works. One moment I’m thinking about boxing on a local show, then the phone rings for a chance to fight for the WBO world title on ESPN. Unreal!”

Smith (27-3, 21 KOs), the fighting pride of Long Island, won the title last April with a majority decision over Maxim Vlasov. His proposed October return was postponed due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, and with Johnson out, he turns his attention to Geffrard (18-2, 12 KOs), a 31-year-old native of Miami, Florida.

Geffrard is a nine-year pro who has won 18 straight fights since starting his career 0-2. He upped his record to 18-2 last March, winning an eight-round unanimous decision over longtime contender Denis Grachev. Geffrard had a fight scheduled for Jan. 8 in Delray Beach, Florida, but the “South Florida Cinderella Man” jumped at the chance to fight Smith on eight days’ notice.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, tickets priced from $49 to $89 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.

About Turning Stone Resort Casino

Host of the January 15^th event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year caliber boxing. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including The Lounge with Caesars Sports, a state-of-the-art sports book in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, five hotels, more than 20 signature dining options, two spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, multiple entertainment venues, five golf courses, and several bars and lounges offering live entertainment every weekend.  Additionally, Turning Stone is the Official Resort Casino of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend. The partnership is a multifaceted initiative to spotlight boxing throughout the entire region. The program includes a series of boxing events at Turning Stone that culminate every year in June with an elaborate and bigger-than-ever International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend celebration.  International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend will be held June 9 – 12, 2022.

As an increasing number of athletes and performers now require ticketholders to be vaccinated, Turning Stone has updated its health and safety protocols for the Event Center, The Showroom and Exit 33 nightlife venues to align with industry health and safety protocols.  All ticketholders 12 years or older are required to provide proof of vaccination to attend any event at the Turning Stone Event Center or The Showroom. Children 11 years or younger who are not vaccinated are required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of the event and will be required to wear face coverings while at Turning Stone. Guests visiting areas other than the Event Center, The Showroom and Exit 33 nightlife venues at Turning Stone are not required to provide proof of vaccination. All guests visiting Turning Stone are required to wear masks.

VERONA, N.Y. (Dec. 2, 2021) — Joe Smith Jr., Long Island’s working class hero, will make the long-awaited first defense of his WBO light heavyweight world title against British knockout artist Callum Johnson on Saturday, Jan. 15 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Smith-Johnson kicks off the Top Rank on ESPN 2022 schedule with a battle between two of the division’s biggest punchers. Smith was supposed to defend his title Oct. 30 in New York City, but a COVID-19 diagnosis delayed his return to 2022.

In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, the undefeated Abraham “El Super” Nova, who hails from Albany, N.Y., will face Mexican action star Jose Enrique Vivas. Smith-Johnson and Nova-Vivas will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT.

The undercard — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — will see the long-awaited professional return of Cincinnati-born featherweight Duke Ragan (4-0, 1 KO), who captured a silver medal for the United States at the Tokyo Olympics. Long Island-born welterweight sensation Jahi Tucker (5-0, 2 KOs), Puerto Rican junior welterweight Omar Rosario (5-0, 2 KOs) and rising junior welterweight Kasir “Mazzi” Goldston (4-0, 1 KOs), are scheduled to appear in separate six-round bouts.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, tickets priced from $49 to $89 go on sale Friday, December 3 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.

“Joe Smith Jr. always delivers, and he is in against a tough customer in Callum Johnson. This is a can’t-miss main event to kick off our 2022 Top Rank on ESPN schedule,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Vivas is the ultimate test for a young, undefeated contender like Nova. Like our main event, you’re going to witness a tremendous battle.”

Smith (27-3, 21 KOs) retired the legendary Bernard Hopkins with a storybook knockout in 2015, but it took him nearly six years to capture a world title. He fell short in his first attempt versus Dmitry Bivol in 2019, but in 2020, big-fight opportunities knocked. Smith battered Jesse Hart over 10 rounds in January and then knocked out former world champion Eleider Alvarez through the ropes in August. Nearly eight months after the Alvarez triumph, he edged Maxim Vlasov by majority decision to earn the vacant WBO world title. He became the fourth Long Island-born boxing world champion, joining Buddy McGirt, Chris Algieri, and former WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel Herring. After a full recovery, Smith returned to training intent on staking his claim as the world’s preeminent 175-pounder.

Smith said, “I am glad to be getting back into the ring as quickly as I am to defend my WBO world championship after having COVID. It is not the fight the fans or I expected, but this will be an explosive fight between two huge punchers. I look forward to facing Johnson and defending my belt in front of my fans, as well as putting on a great show for the ones watching at home.”

“Joe Smith Jr. is always exciting to watch, but this fight could top them all. This is ‘must-see TV’ and a perfect fight to launch ESPN’s 2022 boxing season,” said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing. “We are looking forward to Joe defending his WBO world title against Callum Johnson. With two of the hardest punchers in boxing fighting each other, it doesn’t get more explosive than this. Don’t miss this fight, and don’t blink!”

Johnson (20-1, 14 KOs) is a former British and Commonwealth light heavyweight champion riding a three-fight winning streak since a 2018 knockout loss to current WBC/IBF unified champion Artur Beterbiev. Johnson knocked Beterbiev down in the second round, but Beterbiev rebounded and knocked out Johnson in the fourth. Johnson, from Boston, England, shared the same bill with Smith at Turning Stone Resort Casino in March 2019. Johnson knocked out Sean Monaghan in three rounds, while Smith lost a decision to Bivol in a bid for the WBA light heavyweight title.

Johnson said, “Joe is a good world champion, and we’re both big punchers. I’m looking forward to it as much as I’m sure he will be. I also would like to thank Frank Warren and the team at Queensberry, who said they would deliver me a world title shot. They’ve done their job, and now it’s time for me to do my job in the ring and become the new WBO light heavyweight champion.”

“I’m delighted to deliver this opportunity for Callum,” said Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren. “When he came with us, he said he wanted to get active again and become a world champion. Callum has his chance now to realize his dream, and if he fights like I know he can, there is no reason why Britain won’t crown a new world champion on January 15.”

Nova (20-0, 14 KOs), world-ranked at junior lightweight, is now campaigning at featherweight. In June 2020, he turned away Avery Sparrow by unanimous decision, but in training camp for his next fight, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Nova was out of action more than a year and returned in August with an eight-round decision over Filipino veteran Richard Pumicpic. Vivas (21-1, 11 KOs) is a classic Mexican pressure fighter, a 27-year-old native of Texcoco who has won four in a row since a decision defeat to Ruben Villa. In October 2020, he needed only 76 seconds to knock out John Vincent Moralde. He returned in May and rose from a pair of third-round knockdowns to edge Louie Coria by unanimous decision.

About Turning Stone Resort Casino

Host of the January 15^th event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year caliber boxing. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including The Lounge with Caesars Sports, a state-of-the-art sports book in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, five hotels, more than 20 signature dining options, two spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, multiple entertainment venues, five golf courses, and several bars and lounges offering live entertainment every weekend.  Additionally, Turning Stone is the Official Resort Casino of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend. The partnership is a multifaceted initiative to spotlight boxing throughout the entire region. The program includes a series of boxing events at Turning Stone that culminate every year in June with an elaborate and bigger-than-ever International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend celebration.  International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend will be held June 9 – 12, 2022.

As an increasing number of athletes and performers now require ticketholders to be vaccinated, Turning Stone has updated its health and safety protocols for the Event Center, The Showroom and Exit 33 nightlife venues to align with industry health and safety protocols.  All ticketholders 12 years or older are required to provide proof of vaccination to attend any event at the Turning Stone Event Center or The Showroom. Children 11 years or younger who are not vaccinated are required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of the event and will be required to wear face coverings while at Turning Stone. Guests visiting areas other than the Event Center, The Showroom and Exit 33 nightlife venues at Turning Stone are not required to provide proof of vaccination.

Media credential requests for the January 15^th fight should be emailed to Kelly Abdo, Director of PR for Turning Stone, at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

NEW YORK (August 16, 2021) -This past Saturday night, Abraham Nova remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Richard Pumicpic in a featherweight bout at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Nova is managed by Split-T Management.

Nova, 27 years-old, controlled most of the action as he used his length to outbox the veteran Pumicpic, who was making his American debut.

Nova was making his first start in 14 months after suffering an Achilles Tendon injury.

Nova, 127.2 lbs of Albany, NY won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 is now 20-0. Pumicpic, 127.1 lbs of Manila, PHL is 22-12-2.

The bout was streamed on ESPN +.

Nova is promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions

Joshua Franco retained the WBA Super Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Andrew Moloney in their trilogy fight at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Franco landed 168 of 772 punches; Moloney was 107 of 730.

Franco of San Antonio, Texas won by scores of 116-112 on all cards and is now 18-1-2. Moloney of Melbourne, Australia is 21-2.

Franco said, “I had to switch it up on him. He thought I was going to put pressure on him the whole time. That wasn’t working, so I had to switch it up and go to my boxing skills. 

“I had fun with my rhythm, with my jab, my feet. I’m comfortable in there, and that’s what I did.

“We just told each other, all that talking is part of the game, part of building the fight up. He’ll be world champion again. He’s a strong fighter. Nothing but respect to him. I wish him the best in his career.”

Moloney said, “I’ll have to use this as motivation to come back stronger. It’s going to be a long road back.” 

Muhammad Ali’s Grandson; Nico Ali Walsh scores 1st round KO in Debut

The Grandson of Muhammad Ali, Nico Ali Walsh made a successful pro debut with a 1st round stoppage over Jordan Weeks in a scheduled four round middleweight bout.

Walsh dropped Weeks with a nice counter right hand. Walsh finished off Weeks with a flurry of punches, and the bout was stopped.

Walsh of Las Vegas is 1-0 with one knockout. Weeks of Lexington, SC is 4-2.

Ali Walsh said, “This lived up completely to my expectations. It’s been an emotional journey this whole ride these last couple of months.
 
“Obviously, my grandfather, I’m thinking about him so much. I miss him. It’s just an emotional journey, and thank you to Jordan Weeks and his people. Tough, tough kid. I think me and him made a little bit of history tonight.
 
“Honestly, it seems like a lot of pressure, but to me, it’s just my grandfather. To everyone else, to you guys and the crowd, he’s the greatest fighter who ever lived, maybe the greatest person. But to me, he’s the greatest grandfather.
 
“To hear those Ali chants was something that I’ll never forget. I didn’t expect that, to be honest, but it was special.”

Barboza Decisions Moran

Arnold Barboza Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Antonio Moran in a junior welterweight bout.

Barboza landed 278 of 702 punches; Moran was 82 of 823.

Barboza of South El Monte, California won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 to go to 26-0. Moran of Mexico City is 26-5-1.

Barboza said, “Moran is a true Mexican warrior. I thought I’d get the knockout, but he ate a lot of punches. My goal is to get that world title shot, but I am going to keep going until I make that a reality. I want any of the big names at 140 pounds.”

Jason Moloney won a 10-round unanimous decision over Joshua Greer in a bantamweight bout.

Moloney of Melbourne, AUS won by scores of 98-92 twice and 96-94 and is now 22-2. Greer of Chicago, IL is 22-3-2.

Trey Lippe-Morrison went the distance for the first time in his career, but remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Don Haynesworth in a heavyweight bout.

Morrison of Tulsa, Oklahoma won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 18-0. Haynesworth is 16-7-1.

Karlos Balderas stopped Fidel Cervantes in round two of a scheduled six-round junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Balderas landed a booming left hook that he followed up with three vicious shots that sent Cervantes to the deck. The assault continued in round two as Balderas continues to land blistering combinations that forced the stoppage at 2:03

Balderas, 131.6 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is now 10-1 with nine knockouts. Cervantes, 131.6 lbs of Kansas City, KS is 9-2-1.

Balderas said, “I’m back and better than ever. Even with this victory, I have things to work on. I’m going straight back to the gym to get ready for the next one. Thanks to Top Rank for the opportunity and my manager, Sam Katkovski, for making this happen. I’m only getting started.”

Andres Cortes knocked out former world title challenger Genesis Servania in the opening round of their lightweight bout.

In the opening frame, Cortes landed a perfect right that hurt Servania. Cortes followed with a perfect left hook that sent Servania to the deck and the fight was stopped at 3:00.

Cortes, 133 lbs of Las Vegas is 15-0 with eight knockouts. Servania, 132.8 lbs of the Philippines is 34-3.

World-Ranked Albert Bell remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Julio Cortez in a lightweight bout.

In round four, the right eye of Cortez began to close.

Bell, 132.8 lbs of Toledo, OH won by scores of 80-72 on all cards, and is now 19-0. Cirtez, 132.4 lbs of Ecuador is 15-3.

Bell said, “I knew he was a tough, aggressive fighter who was going to come forward all night. I’m happy with my performance, and I look forward to fighting my way to a title shot.” 

Abraham Nova remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Richard Pumicpic in a featherweight bout.

Nova, 127.2 lbs of Albany, NY won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 is now 20-0. Pumicpic, 127.1 lbs of Manila, PHL is 22-12-2.

NEW YORK (August 14, 2021) -Tonight at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma, undefeated Abraham Nova returns to the ring after nearly a 14-month absence when he takes on Richard Pumicpic in a featherweight bout scheduled for eight-rounds.

Nova is managed by Split-T Management.

Nova, 27 year-old of Albany, New York has a record of 19-0 with 14 knockouts.

The five-year professional is looking to return off his 10-round unanimous decision over Avery Sparrow (10-1) on June 25th, 2020.

Nova also has quality wins over Weusi Johnson (1-0), Martin Nicholas Matamala (9-2), Andres Zepata (7-1), Hassan Nourdine (9-2), Sulaiman Segawa (11-1), Brian Pelaez (9-2), Mario Lozano (18-2-1) and Luis Renaldo Castillo (20-3). With the wins over Castillo, Nova won the NABA Super Featherweight title.

Pumicpic of Manilla, Philippines has a record of 22-11-2 with seven knockouts.

The 31 year-old Pumicpic is a 13 year-professional who will be making his United States debut.

He has fought all over the globe, which includes stops in The Philippines, Thailand, Japan and Mexico.

Pumicpic is a former WBC Youth Silver Bantamweight champion, WBC International Super Bantamweight champion and WBO Asia Pacific Featherweight champion

He has wins over Viviencio Urcia (1-0), Diarh Gabutan (5-0-3), Nattaphong Panpaew (9-0-1), Junior Bajawa (14-1-1), Joe Noynay (10-0-1), Hisashi Amagasa (33-6-2) and Yoshimitsu Kimura (9-0). Pumipic is coming off a 6th round stoppage over Landy Cris Leon on May 1st in the Philippines.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Nova was 127.2 lbs. Pumicpic was 127.4

The fight will be streamed on ESPN+ beginning at 6 PM ET.

Nova is promoted by Top Rank.