“Don’t blink!”

That’s the message from young lightweight sensation Adam ‘The Assassin’ Azim one day out from his championship showdown with the undefeated Santos Reyes in the main event of Saturday’s BOXXER Fight Night, airing live on Sky Sports Arena from 8pm.

Effortlessly making weight, the electrifying 20-year-old has a steadily growing army of fans thanks to last year’s string of stunning performances as he kicked off his professional career in style.

Azim was declared the Young Fighter of the Year 2022 by BBC Sport and now is a day away from headlining a major British arena for the first time. Reyes – undefeated and hailing from the storied boxing nation of Nicaragua – will provide his toughest test to date, but Azim has no concerns.

A war of words developed between Zak Chelli and American opponent Anthony Sims at Wednesday’s press conference and Chelli’s dislike for his Californian antagonist has only deepened in the intervening days.

“I am done talking, I just want to hurt this man. His arrogance, his persona, I just hate him,,” said Chelli after making weight.

Sims, standing close by, retorted with indignation. “Arrogance? The nerve! I guarantee you he’s going to hit the canvas. The Magician is back and I am going to make a statement baby!” 

A similarly heated note has saturated every interaction between Viddal Riley and Anees Taj in the run-up to this fight, largely stemming from Taj.

Irked by suggestions that he’s overmatched, Taj has made strong statements of intent to finish Riley inside the distance. Today though, he wore headphones to the weigh-ins and was in no mood to talk.

“Talking is done, time to work,” said Taj, only briefly uncovering one ear to respond to Sky Sports presenter Andy Scott’s request for final comments. 

When the mic passed to Riley, he voiced agreement. “Yeah he’s right, we’ve done enough talking. Tomorrow night we get to put hands on him, get him out of there and move on.”

The full card and weigh-in results are as follows:

Adam Azim (Slough) (10st 0 lbs) vs. Santos Reyes (Nicaragua) (10st 0 lbs) 

WBA International Super-Lightweight Contest @ 10st (10 x 3 Mins) 

Zak Chelli (Fulham) (11st 13 lbs) vs. Anthony Sims (USA) (11st 13 lbs)

WBA International Super-Middleweight Contest @ 12st (10 x 3 Mins)

Tyler Denny (Birmingham)  (11st 6 lbs) vs. Brad Pauls (Harlow)  (11st 5 lbs)

English Middleweight Championship @ 11st 6 lbs (10 x 3 Mins)

Viddal Riley (Tottenham) (14st 2 lbs) vs. Annes Taj (Watford) (14st 2 lbs 5oz)

8 x 3 Mins Cruiserweight Contest @ 14st 4lbs

Caroline Dubois (Romford) (9st 11 lbs) vs.Feriche Mashaury (Tanzania) (9st 12 lbs)

8 x 3 Mins Lightweight Contest @ 9st 12lbs

Jeamie TKV (Tottenham) (18st 8 lbs) vs. Harry Armstrong (Torquay) (18st 7 lbs 5 oz)

8 x 3 Mins  Heavyweight Contest 

Hassan Azim (Slough) (10st 9 lbs 5 oz) vs. Abdallah Luanja (10st 4 lbs) (Tanzania)

6 x 3 Mins  Welterweight Contest @ 10st 10lbs

Stephen McKenna (Ireland) (10st 13 lbs) vs. Brendon Denes  (10st 11 lbs) (Zimbabwe)

8 x 3 Mins  Welterweight Contest @ 10st 10lbs

Jordan Reynolds (Luton) (12st 3 lbs 5 oz) vs. Mohamed Cherif (France)  (12st 5 lbs)

6 x 3 Mins  Super-Middleweight Contest @ 12st 2lbs

Razor Ali (Maida Vale) (8st 12 lbs) vs. Hector Lozano (Mexico)  (8st 13 lbs 5 oz)

4/6 x 3 Mins  Featherweight Contest @ 9st

London, England (Jan 13, 2023) – Zak is back! Super-middleweight Zak Chelli will return to action on February 11 at the OVO Arena in London when he takes on the ‘Magician’ Anthony Sims Jr.

This hugely-exciting international ‘Wild Card’ contest – in association with headline event partners bet365 – joins an action-packed card in the capital, headlined by Adam Azim.

English super-middleweight champion Chelli (12-1-1, 6 KOs) celebrated a unanimous points victory over Germaine Brown on his last outing at Wembley in June 2022.

He was set to defend his title last November at Alexandra Palace before his opponent Lerrone Richards was forced to withdraw at the 11th hour.

Now Londoner Chelli, who has high aspirations of making big strides in the 168lb division this year, faces a huge step up against the tough American knockout specialist. 

Sims Jr (23-1-0, 20 KOs), stands at 6ft 1in, has stopped 20 of his 24 opponents,  won the WBA Inter-Continental super-middleweight title in 2021 and he is a cousin of the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The 27-year-old from Indiana is renowned for his destructive and devastating power with an impressive 20 KOs on his resume. And Chelli insists this is a fight fans in London will not want to miss.

Chelli said: “After the disappointment of not fighting last November, it’s great to be back at the OVO Arena in Wembley.

“This will be a really good fight for me. I’m training hard and I want to make a big impact on the division this year.

“I’m looking forward to taking on an experienced man from overseas in Sims Jr and stealing the show!”

Hassan Azim is back too – and is on a mission to underline his incredible talent this year.

Elder brother of Adam, undefeated Azim (5-0, 2 KOs) put on a brilliant performance last November when he outclassed Nestor Amukoto at Alexandra Palace with a comfortable points victory to cap a hugely successful 2022.

The popular welterweight prospect won all four of his fights last year and he’ll be keen to create his own headlines when he launches his campaign in London – live in the UK & Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports Boxing. An opponent will be named in due course.

Joining the bill is the ‘Wanderer’, Jordan Reynolds. The Luton-based super-welterweight (4-0, 1 KO) was successful on his most recent visit to Wembley’s iconic arena when he outclassed Jose Manuel Lopez Clavero in a majority points victory last October.

And Iranian featherweight prospect ‘Razor Ali’ (6-0) will be keen to showcase his sharp skills in the capital too. Ali – full name Alireza Ghadiri – is unbeaten in six previous fights and will be keen to add his first stoppage in what will be his seventh professional fight.

Adam ‘The Assassin’ Azim headlines against undefeated Santos Reyes (12-0, 3 KO’s).

With six consecutive stoppage victories – including November’s stunning two-round demolition of the highly-regarded Rylan Charlton – BBC Young Fighter of the Year, Azim has now established himself as the world’s leading lightweight prospect and considered by many as a future world champion after his breakthrough year in 2022. 

Azim’s McGuigan’s Gym stablemate ‘Sweet’ Caroline Dubois (5-0, 4 KO’s) takes a big step up on February 11 when she faces the highly-experienced Argentinian national champion Yamila Belen Abellaneda (15-5-1, 3 KO’s).

Best known to British fight fans for her WBA Intercontinental title battle with Natasha Jonas’ arch-rival Terri Harper in March last year, Abellaneda – who has successfully defended her Argentina national title four times since winning it in December 2020 – is making her second visit to the UK next month.

The English Middleweight Championship will be on the line when newly-crowned champion Tyler Denny (15-2-3) makes his first defence against undefeated Cornwall man Brad Pauls (16-0, 9 KO’s). 

Viddal Riley (7-0, 4 KOs) marked himself out as a rising threat in the stacked cruiserweight division in 2022. On February 11, he turns his attention to Anees Taj (7-2-0, 5 KOs).

8 Rounds – Flyweights

Andy Dominguez, 113.8 lbs. (8-0, 6 KOs) from The Bronx, NY

Marvin Solano, 114 lbs. (24-7, 8 KOs) from Managua, Nicaragua

8 Rounds – Super Flyweights

Sulem Urbina, 114.8 lbs. (13-2-1, 2 KOs), born in Mexico now living in Phoenix, 

Indeya Smith, 113.4 lbs. (5-6, 1 KO) from Dallas, TX.

8 Rounds – Middleweights

Anthony “The Magician” Sims Jr., 158.4 lbs (22-1, 20 KOs), Los Angeles, CA

Anthony Todd, 159.2 lbs. (14-6, 8 KOs) from Atlanta, GA

8 Rounds – Super Middleweights

Nadim Salloum, 170.2 lbs. (9-1, 4 KOs) born in Jounieh, Lebanon, 

Decarlo “3mendo” Perez, 169.4 lbs. (19-6, 6 KOs), Atlantic City, NJ

8 Rounds – Middleweights

Alejandro Luis Silva 156.4 lbs. (19-0, 14 KOs) from Avellaneda. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Issa Samir, 156 lbs. (19-1, 16 KOs), Ghana

The Bronx’s undefeated Andy Dominguez will be the main event fighter for the first time in his young career in a fight card tabbed “Holiday Fight Night.” The event takes place Wednesday, December 21, just four days before Christmas, certainly the most wonderful time of the year, at Sony Hall, in Times Square, New York City. 

This will be BoxingInsider Promotions second fight card. Their first, on October 13, also at Sony Hall, had a raucous standing-room-only crowd.

Tickets for “Holiday Fight Night,” priced from $85 are available at Ticketmaster Here

ABOUT BOXING INSIDER

Established in 1997 as a premier boxing news and information destination, BoxingInsider has recently transitioned into the promotional business.  BoxingInsider has promoted one amateur boxing event and on October 13 had their first professional boxing promotion, at Sony Hall, Times Square, New York, NY.

December 19, 2022, New York, NY  – –  The Bronx’s undefeated Andy Dominguez will be the main event fighter for the first time in his young career in a fight card tabbed “Holiday Fight Night.” The event takes place Wednesday, December 21, just four days before Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year, at Sony Hall, in Times Square, New York City. 

Tickets for “Holiday Fight Night,” are available at Ticketmaster, click Here

Featured on the card will be Nadim Salloum, the first and only professional boxer to be born and raised in Lebanon, former WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight Champion Anthony Sims Jr. making debut at middleweight, two-time world champion challenger Sulem Urbina and northwest New York native Elon de Jesus.

Nadim Salloum (9-1, 4 KOs) born in Jounieh, Lebanon, is the first and only professional boxer to be born and raised in Lebannon. Nadim now resides in Brooklyn and has a raucous following. The Lebanese faithful’s fandom did not go unnoticed at Nadim’s last fight at Sony Hall on October 13 at Sony Hall. On Wednesday, Nadim will battle Decarlo 3mendo” Perez (19-6, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight bout. 

“Since I have made it to the professional ranks, boxing has grown so much back in Lebanon,” said Nadim. “People know that it is doable at least now. Every time I go back home, I do an event just talking and showing them videos explaining to them how boxing really works and share my story at the same time – what happens behind the scenes for a Lebanese boxer. Last summer we gathered around 60 people and taught them more about the sport. Next summer I plan to do a training camp for kids in need with a Lebanese American NGO as well so keep them out of streets through boxing.

This will be BoxingInsider Promotions second fight card. Their first, on October 13, also at Sony Hall, had a raucous standing-room-only crowd.

Andy Dominguez (8-0, 6 KOs) from The Bronx and born in Mexico, knocked out his last opponent in the first round in front of a boisterous standing room only crowd gone wild that included many of his family and friends. 

Sulem Urbina (13-2-1, 2 KOs), born in Mexico now living in Phoenix, Arizona began her boxing life fighting at the Oxnard PAL as an amateur and has fought in two world champion fights in five years as a pro. 

Anthony “The Magician” Sims Jr. (22-1, 20 KOs) born in Indianapolis now residing in Los Angeles made his pro debut on April 9, 2014, following a stellar career. He rolled through his first twenty bouts which earned him a January 30, 2020, WBO Latino supermiddleweight title fight, which he lost by split decision.  He would rebound in his next fight, winning the WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight title on August 13, 2021 with a ninth round stoppage. On December 21, Sims Jr will fight Anthony Todd (14-6, 8 KOs) from Atlanta, GA in an eight-round middleweight bout.

Alejandro Luis Silva (19-0, 14 KOs) from Avellaneda. Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a former Argentinean Welterweight Champion. He won that title, February 15, 2020 and successfully defended it five times. Silva will battle Ghana’s Issa Samir (19-1, 16 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout.

Elon “El Leon” de Jesus (4-1, 3 KOs) from Dunkirk, NY, made his professional debut on December 18, 2020.  Elon will fight in a six-round bantamweight bout against Jesus Arturo “Chucho” Guzman (8-10, 5 KOs).

ABOUT BOXING INSIDER

Established in 1997 as a premier boxing news and information destination, BoxingInsider has recently transitioned into the promotional business.  BoxingInsider has promoted one amateur boxing event and on October 13 had their first professional boxing promotion, at Sony Hall, Times Square, New York, NY.

December 6, 2022, New York, NY  – –  The Bronx’s undefeated Andy Dominguez will be the main event fighter for the first time in his young career in a fight card tabbed “Holiday Fight Night.” The event takes place Wednesday, December 21, just four days before Christmas, the best time of the year, at Sony Hall, in Times Square, New York City. 

Featured on the card will be former WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight Champion Anthony Sims Jr., undefeated Steven “The Hitman” Ortiz, former world champion challenger Sulem Urbina and Elon de Jesus.

This will be BoxingInsider Promotions second fight card. Their first, on October 13, also at Sony Hall, had a raucous standing-room-only crowd.

Tickets for “Holiday Fight Night,” priced from $85 are available at Ticketmaster Here

“This is the best present – to be back home fighting in New York City for the holidays, in front of my family, friends and fans,” said Andy Dominguez. “I plan on giving them another exciting fight.“

“I’m real excited for this bout,” said Anthony Sims Jr. “It’s my first time fighting as a middleweight and first time fighting in NYC – and in Times Square – that’s real old school. I love that. I’m ready to show off my skills and win over some NY fans”

“I’m very excited to be back in ring against a durable veteran fighter like Andrew Rodgers,” said Ortiz. “Fighting in one of the biggest fan-based boxing cities just four days before Christmas will make this a special victory. I’m taking this fight very seriously, working hard in training camp away from my family. I am determined to look sharp and impress. I hope Rodgers is ready because I am coming with a vengeance.”

“I’m looking forward to coming to New York as it has been a dream of mine to fight there,” said Sulem Urbina. “Indeya Smith is a good fighter. She’s fought great opposition and she’s rugged. I just know I am there to win and this will be my Christmas present.”

“Excited is an understatement,” said de Jesus. “To be fighting in New York for the first time in my professional career & what a better time to be here, to put on a show for my family and friends during the holiday season! Look for an exciting fight as I aim to climb the ranks and make a name for myself in my division.”

Andy Dominguez (8-0, 6 KOs) from The Bronx and born in Mexico, knocked out his last opponent in the first round in front of a boisterous standing room only crowd gone wild that included many of his family and friends. It was Andy’s fourth knockout win in a row. Andy turned pro in August 2020, in a bubble event during the pandemic peak. Dominguez will fight fellow flyweight Gilberto Mendoza (19-13-3, 10 KOs) from Modesto, California in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.

Anthony “The Magician” Sims Jr. (22-1, 20 KOs) born in Indianapolis now residing in Los Angeles made his pro debut on April 9, 2014, following a stellar career. He rolled through his first twenty bouts which earned him a January 30, 2020, WBO Latino supermiddleweight title fight, which he lost by split decision.  He would rebound in his next fight, winning the WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight title on August 13, 2021 with a ninth round stoppage. On December 21, Sims Jr will fight Anthony Todd (14-6, 8 KOs) from Atlanta, GA in an eight-round middleweight bout.

Steven “Hit Man” Ortiz (12-0, 3 KOs) born and raised in Philadelphia, made it to the Gold Gloves national semi-finals in 2014 before turning pro in February 2015. Through his first six professional fight he had lost a total of one round on only one judge’s scorecard. On February 23, 2019, Ortiz won the Pennsylvania State Lightweight title, knocking down Jeremy Cuevas twice en-route to a unanimous decision victory.  On December 21, Ortiz will battle Andrew Rogers (7-10, 2 KOs) from Elkhart, Indiana in an eight-round lightweight bout.

Sulem Urbina (13-2-1, 2 KOs), born in Mexico now living in Phoenix, Arizona began her boxing life fighting at the Oxnard PAL as an amateur. She began her pro career in 2016 and won her first twelve bouts (with one no contest mixed in). Her first loss, on October 30, 2020, came against who is now Unified World Champion and Ring Belt Champion Marlen Esparza, against whom she lost a unanimous decision. On July 9, 2021 Sulem fought WBA Flyweight Champion Naoko Fujioka and lost a majority decision. On December 21, Sulem battles Indeya Smith (5-6, 1 KO) from Dallas TX in an eight-round super flyweight bout.

Elon “El Leon” de Jesus (4-1, 3 KOs) from Dunkirk, NY, made his professional debut on December 18, 2020.  Elon will fight in a six-round bantamweight bout.

ABOUT BOXING INSIDER

Established in 1997 as a premier boxing news and information destination, BoxingInsider has recently transitioned into the promotional business.  BoxingInsider has promoted one amateur boxing event and on October 13 had their first professional boxing promotion, at Sony Hall, Times Square, New York, NY.

Miami Fight Night on DAZN during Super Bowl Week in Miami got kickstarted live from Meridian at Island Gardens with exciting bouts.

In the main event Demetrius Andrade (28-0 17 KOs) defends his WBO World Middleweight strap and stops Luke Keeler in 9 (17-2-1 5 KOs). Andrade dropped Keeler with the first one two of the fight in what looked like the very quick beginning to a very fast end. However what appeared to be a highlight reel performance by the champion, instead turned into a struggle to take out an opponent who did not belong in a world title fight. Andrade did not look like a polished Champion looking to shine on a huge stage and awaiting a big ticket payday or a marquee world title fight. He appeared more like a desperate fighter chasing a KnockOut versus an opponent who would not stand to round with any of the other top five guys in the division. In the end there was a devastating barrage of punches by the champion and the fight officially ended at two minutes 49 seconds of the ninth round.

In the co-main event 2012 Olympian JoJo Diaz 30-1(15 KO) rips the IBF Super-Featherweight title from Tevin Farmer 30-4-1(6 KO) after a war of words and battle in Miami. 

Diaz won the opening round and then Farmer won the next with a sharp jab and missile left hands, Diaz gets a nasty cut above his eye and is pouring blood the next couple rounds. The cut does not seem to slow the challenger as rounds five and six the two go toe to toe with the better work and accuracy going to Diaz. Through eight rounds I had it 6-2 Diaz. Round ten was a great tale of two halves with Diaz having the opening while he was unclose and Farmer when he was able to box at range behind his jab.  Diaz worked through the blood and cut and controlled the final two rounds and round twelve I felt Farmer was a bit concerned and knew he needed a knockout.  Both fighter left it all in the ring during the final stanza ending with Diaz bursting a scream of relief and success as the final bell rings  I scored this fight 116-112.  The judges came through with 116-112 and 115-113 twice. “He put up a helluva fight and did a great job and won” said Farmer after the fight.

Seven time, seven division female superstar Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano improved her incredible record to 38-1-1(28KO).  Serrano exploded out of the blue corner in round one and charged right at Simone Aparecida Da Silva 17-15 the former title contender from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Serrano boxed brilliantly setting up body shots and great uppercuts.  Da Silva was not afraid to mix it up and fought valiantly until :53 of round number 3 when Sam Burgos called a stop to the action saving Da Silva from herself officially a TKO win for Serrano.

MJ Akhmadaliev Makes History in Miami Winning the IBF & WBA Super Bantamweight Title

DAZN Miami Fight Night started with a historic IBF and WBA super bantamweight title clash between champion Daniel “DannyThe Baby Faced Assassin” Roman and challenger Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev (7-0 6 KOs).  Akhmadaliev equaled Leon Spinks’ record of becoming a men’s unified World champion in just his eighth pro fight and became the first unified ruler from Uzbekistan.  MJ started on his front foot and went after the champion loading up and getting in range with nice body shots. Roman came forward targeting the body in the middle rounds finding his range making the rounds very close. Rounds eight and nine were fantastic back and forth going into the championship rounds.  Roman suffered a cut above the right eye around round 10. Roman came forward the final  fought hard to the final bell with Akhmadaliev winning the split decision with the cards reading 115-113 for Roman and 115-113 twice for Akhmadaliev.

In the opening bout red-hot Miss Swimsuit USA International and now bantamweight prospect Avril Mathie improved to 5-0 with a 4th round TKO win over Denver Colorados Angelina Hoffschneider.

In the Second bout Movladdin Biyarslanov improved to 6-0(5KO) with a third round TKO over Nicolas Atilio Velazquez11-8. As an amateur, Biyarslavnov racked up an 85-13 overall record, and collected four national championships. His greatest amateur achievement was his victory over the great Cuban Yasniel Toledo at the 2015 Pan Am Games, which netted him the gold medal and worldwide acclaim. A year later, he became the only male Canadian boxer to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Amateur standout Otha “OJ3“Jones III From Toledo Ohio battered Juan Santiago 16-18(9KO) with a variety right hands and left hooks through two rounds. OJ3 dropped Santiago just before referee Frank Gentile saved the Colorado fighter by stepping in at 1:29 seconds of the second round officially a TKO win for Jones who improves to 5-0(2KO).

The DAZN Live feed got underway with highly decorated amateur Austin “Ammo” Williams 5-0(4KO) winning in the fourth round stopping Donald Sanchez 5-3 of Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Ammo set the pace early working behind his southpaw jab and setting up his powerful left hands.  A hard overhand left in round number two put Sanchez on his ass, and again twice in the fourth marking the official end.

Colombian Roamer Alexis Angulo 26-1(22KO) retained his WBO Latino Super Middleweight Title in a chess match upset win over previously unbeaten Anthony “The Magician” Sims Jr 20-1 (18KO). A point in round 5 taken from Angulo for holding did not affect his lead as he won the close rounds with aggression hunting down Sims who spent nearly every minute of the GBfight jabbing, fainting, bouncing on his feet & moving out of harm which was Angulo. 

The final cards were split with all judges turning in scores of 96-93 1 card going to Sims and the other 2 to the winner Angulo.

Alexis Espino fighting out of improved to 6-0(5KO) with stoppage over  Vincent Baccus 4-2-1 at 1:49 of of the third round.

Anthony Sims Jr will fight for his first pro title as he meets Roamer Alexis Angulo for the WBO Latino Super-Middleweight title on Thursday January 30 at the Meridian in Island Gardens in Miami, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $40 (PLUS FEES)
Sims Jr (20-0 18 KOs) secured three wins in 2019 to further underline his credentials for landing major clashes in 2020, finishing the year with a stoppage win in Chicago in October after going the ten-round distance for the first time in April in California.

WBO #9 Angulo (25-1 22 KOs) represents a stiff test for Sims Jr’s aspirations with the Miami-based Colombian KO artist only having one blemish on his record, coming against Gilberto Ramirez when he challenged the Mexican for his WBO World title in June 2018.

“I’m delighted to be fighting for my first belt in Miami – I plan to make it the first of many,” said Sims Jr. “I’ve been ready for this step up for some time and I will prove that I am ready to mix it with the best with a devastating performance on January 30 – it’s time to bring the funk!”

“I am always well prepared when I step in the ring,” said Angulo. “On January 30, my opponent will be facing the most difficult test of his young career. I will do everything I can so that he fails. I hope many of my fans and fellow Colombians living in Miami will come out to see me give my all.”

Sims Jr and Angulo clash on an action-packed night of World championship boxing in Miami, topped by WBO World Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade (28-0 17 KOs) defending his crown against Irish challenger Luke Keeler (17-2-1 5 KOs).

Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defends his IBF World Super Featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs), unified World Super Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman (27-2-1, 10 KOs) defending his titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev (7-0, 6 KOs) and YouTube stars Jake Paul and AnEsonGib clashing on their pro debuts.

Former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk moved up to heavyweight with a stoppage over Chazz Witherspoon after round seven of their scheduled 12-round bout at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

Usyk dominated the bout with quick combinations that tired out Witherspoon, who took the bout on five days notice. Witherspoon started to redden around his face and although he tried, he was outgunned and his corner pulled the plug on the bout.

Uysk, 215 lbs of Kiev, Ukraine is now 17-0 with 13 knockouts. Witherspoon is now 38-4.

Dmitry Bivol retained the WBA Light Heavyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Lenin Castillo.

In round six, Bivol landed a sharp right that dropped Castillo.

Bivol was systematic and won just about every round as the scores read 120-107 and 119-108 twice.

Bivol, 174.3 lbs of St. Petersburg, RUS is 17-0. Castillo, 175 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 20-3-1.

Jessica McCaskill retained the WBA/WBC Super Lightweight title with a 10-round majority decision over the woman she won the titles from in Erica Farias.

The fight was very sloppy with a lot of holding, mostly from Farias.

Farias was deducted a point in round four for holding.

McCaskill was deducted a point in round six for hitting behind the head.

McCaskill, 138.7 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 97-91, 96-92 and 94-94 to raise her mark to 8-2. Farias, 138.1 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 26-4.

Arthur Biyarslanov won a six-round unanimous decision over Tyrome Jones in a super lightweight battle.

In round five, Biyarslanov was bleeding from over his right eye, but landed more, and won by scores of 59-55 twice and 58-56 to raise his mark to 5-0. Jones is 4-6-1.

Anthony Sims Jr. remained perfect by stopping Morgan Fitch in round six of their scheduled 10-round super middleweight fight.

In the opening minute, Sims put Fitch down with a big right. Sims followed that up with a vicious flurry that resulted in a 2nd knockdown.

In round six, Sims landed a perfect counter right hand that buckled Fitch and was ruled a knockdown. Sims then jumped on Fitch and landed a hard four-punch flurry and the bout was stopped at 2:18.

Sims Jr., 168.5 lbs of Plainfield, IN is 20-0 with 18 knockouts, Fitch, 167.5 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA is 19-4-1.

Charles Conwell scored a vicious 10th round stoppage over Patrick Day in a junior middleweight bout.

In round four, Conwell landed a right hand that knocked Day down.

In round eight, it was a harder right hand that sent Day to the canvas. In round nine, Conwell was cut above the right eye. In round 10, Conwell landed a hard right-left combination that sent Day crashing to the canvas. The head of Day bounced hard off the deck, and he was down for several minutes. Day was taken out of the ring on a stretcher.

The time of the finish was at 1:46.

Conwell, 153.8 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 11-0 with eight knockouts. Day, 153.7 lbs of Freeport, NY is 17-4-1.

Otha Jones III won a four-round majority decision over Eric Manriquez in a super featherweight bout.

Jones, 129 lbs of Toledo, OH is 4-0. Manriquez, 130 lbs of Houston, TX is 7-9-1.

Former world champion TJ Doheny stopped Jesus Martinez at the end of round five of a scheduled eight-round super bantamweight fight.

In round one, Doheny landed a hard left that drove Martinez into the ropes that was rightfully ruled a knockdown. Doheny dominated the action and hurt Martinez on several occasions and the fight was stopped between rounds five and six,

Doheny, 124 lbs of Bondi Junction, AUS is now 24-1 with 16 knockouts. Martinez, 124 lbs of Monteria, COL 26-10.

Juan Francisco Estrada won the WBC Super Flyweight title with a unanimous decision over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in a rematch at The Forum in Ingleoowd, California.

Estrada dominated as he was sharp by landing hard shots with both hands. Rungvisai landed some shots, but it was few and far between action led by by Estrada.

Rungvisai made a late-go of it, but Estrada was too far ahead on the cards, and won by tallies of 116-112 and 115-113 twice.

Estrada, 114.6 lbs of Hermosillo, MEX is 39-3. Rungvisai, 114.2 lbs lbs of Si Sa Ket, THA is 47-5-1.

Danny Roman used two knockdowns to unify his WBA and the IBF Super Bantamweight title with a 12-round majority decision over TJ Doheny.

In round two, Roman dropped Doheny with a left hook. In round four, Doheny began to bleed from his nose. In the next round, he had swelling from around his left eye.

In round seven, Doheny landed a series of power punches that hurt Roman. In round nine, a big left hook buckled Doheny. In round 11, Roman sent Doheny t a knee with a hard left hook to the body.

Roman, 121.2 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 116-110 twice 113-113 and is now 27-2-1. Doheny, 121.8 lbs of Bondi Junction, AUS is 21-1.

“This is what it’s all about,” said Roman, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Matchroom Boxing. “I love challenges like these. TJ put up a great fight, but I was too much for him. I knocked him down early, late and roughed him up in the middle. It’s crazy now that I think about it. This is what I wanted, to unify the division. I’m looking forward to celebrating with my team and enjoying this for a while.”

In a battle of former world champion, Jessie Vargas stopped Humberto Soto in round six of their scheduled six-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Vargas was cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt. There were several furious exchanges throughout the fight.

In round six, Vargas landed a perfect right hand that sent Soto to the canvas. Vargas finished the fight by landing several flush shots that snapped the head back of Soto, and the fight was stopped at 1:48.

Vargas, 150.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 29-2-2 with 11 knockouts. Soto, 150.4 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 69-10-2.

Anthony Sims Jr. won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vaughn Alexander in a super middelweight bout.

Sims, 168 lbs of Plainfield, IN won by scores of 98-92 and 96-94 twice and is now 19-0. Alexander, 166.6 lbs of St. Louis, MO is now 14-3.

Diego Pacheo remained undefeated with a vicious 1st round stoppage over Guillermo Maldsonado in a middleweight bout.

After landing several hard right hands that rocked the head of Maldonado, Pacheco landed a thunderous left hook that dropped Maldonado hard to the canvas, and the bout was stopped at 1:46.

Pacheco, 161.8 lbs of Los Angeles is 3-0 with two knockouts. Maldonado, 159 lbs of Seattle, WA is 1-1.

Shakhram Giysaov won a 10-round unanimous decision over Emanuel Taylor in a junior welterweight bout

In round one, Taylor hurt Giysov badly with a hard left hook to the chin. Taylor hurt Giyasov again in round four, but the judges barley gave Taylor any credit as two cards read 99-91 twice and 98-92 for Giyasov.

Giyasov, 139.6 lbs of Bukhara, UZB is 8-0. Taylor, 138.6 lbs of Edgewood Arsenal, MD is 20-6.

Austin Williams made a successful pro debut with a 1st round stoppage over Joel Guevara in a scheduled four round middleweight bout.

Williams dropped Guevara once and finished him with a hard flurry at 2:06

Williams, 159 lbs of Houston is 1-0 with one knockout. Guevara, 158 lbs of West Virginia is 3-5-1.

Anthony Sims Jr. admits he’s a work in progress – but wants to challenge for titles at the end of 2019 as he returns to action at The Forum in Inglewood, LA on Friday April 26, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

**TICKETS START FROM JUST $25 AND ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER**

Sims Jr (18-0 17KOs) impressed on British soil once again in his last outing, a sixth round stoppage of Mateo Veron in Peterborough, England to further extend his unbeaten record.

That was a first scheduled ten round contest for ‘The Magician’ and the longest amount of time he’s spent in the ring in his 18 wins since turning pro back in April 2014.

The 24 year old is settling into the Super-Middleweight division having dropped down from 175lbs and that’s where he wants to pick up his first pro hardware later in the year – before the Indiana man looks at bigger names and prizes in 2020.

“I am a work in progress,” said Sims Jr. “I’ve been working on my jab, letting my hands go and getting loose. My record says that I am power-puncher so I am trying to get back to boxing as you can’t just go out there and expect to blast everyone away.

“I’d like some sort of title fight by the end of the year but the key is making sure I am ready because once you get to that level, there’s no turning back. I haven’t had to dig it out and grit my teeth in the 10th, 11th and 12th rounds yet, so I need to go deeper in fights before we get there, but it’s coming, those big fights could be ready for me next year.

“I’m only 24, I’m growing into things still. The champions out there like Callum Smith, Chris Eubank Jr are in their late 20s with plenty of experience. I’ve had a lot of fights but I am still young.

“Chris and I go back, we’re boys. We sparred when I was 18 and it was a great sparring session, it’s a fight I can see in the future. I am a Super-Middleweight. I’m stronger at 168lbs, it’s the best place for me.”

Sims Jr’s return to action is part of a huge night of boxing in LA, topped by a World title double header as Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (47-4-1 41 KOs) and Juan Francisco Estrada (38-3 26KOs) rematch for the WBC and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles and WBA World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman and IBF ruler TJ Doheny clashing in a unification battle.

Jessie Vargas (28-2-2 10 KOs) is on the hunt to become a three-weight World champion and he faces fellow two-weight World king Humberto Soto (69-9-2 37 KOs) in a crunch clash for their elite level aspirations. The Soto clash will be Vargas’ first fight with new trainer Freddie Roach, and it’s a busy evening for the Hall of Fame coach as Scott Quigg (35-2-2 26KOs) also looks to move to world honors in a new weight, targeting a Featherweight World title shot in the second half of the year.

Shakhram Giyasov (7-0 6KOs) and Diego Pacheco (2-0 1KO) landed wins in Tijuana, Mexico this weekend and will fight on the bill, while Eddie Hearn’s latest addition to his blossoming stable of young USA talents, Houston’s Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams, will make his pro debut on the card.

Tickets are on sale now prices from just $25 – to charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com, and also at the Forum Box Office.

Jordan Gill stopped Emmanuel Dominguez in round three of a scheduled 12-round featherweight fight,

In round three, Gill dropped Dominguez with a ripping flurry to the head. Seconds later it was a straight right that put Dominguez down. The fight ended with Gill landing a bunch of unanswered punches on the ropes at 1:55.

Gill, 125.4 lbs of the Uk is 23-0 with seven knockouts. Dominguez, 125.4 lbs of Mexico is 24-8-2.

Anthony Sims Jr. stopped Mateo Veron in round six of their scheduled 10-round super middleweight bout.

In round six, Sims landed a big right hand that sent Veron to the canvas. Later in the round, it was a hard combination that dropped Veron and the fight was stopped at 1:54.

Sims, 169.1 lbs of Compton, CA is 18-0 with 17 knockouts. Veron, 167 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 28-22-3.

Unbeaten Indiana Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr is targeting his first professional title in 2019.

‘The Magician’ begins his campaign at 168lbs in a scheduled ten round contest with Argentina’s Mateo Damian Veron at the East of England Arena in Peterborough on March 2, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The stylish 23-year-old has reached 17-0 in the paid ranks with 16 of those wins coming inside the distance. He claimed an impressive knockout victory on the undercard of Joe Cordina’s Commonwealth title victory over Sean Dodd in Cardiff back in August and is aiming to steal the show again on his second outing on British soil.

“I’m over the moon to be fighting back in the UK, I feel like I’m coming back home,” said Sims Jr. “I’m looking to show off my skills to all of my UK fans and everyone watching on Sky Sports and DAZN. I’ve been adopted by the British and it feels good to be back.

“My goal is not only to be a World Champion, but to build awareness around mental health issues and be a voice for all people. I’m starting to get a large following in the UK and I want to keep building that with big performances. March 2 is going to be a lot of fun and I can’t wait to meet more of my UK fans.

“The opponent doesn’t really matter, I just want to get a belt. They all have two arms and two legs just like me. So I’m just working out the kinks and building to that point where I can compete with best. Anybody that holds a title is a target to me.

“I can’t really be specific about what belt I want and what opponents I want but all I know is I’m gunna get me a belt in 2019. Ive been building up to this point and in 2019 you’re going to see me explode onto the scene. This is only the beginning of a magical journey.”

Sims Jr vs. Veron is part of a huge night of boxing in Peterborough.

Jordan Gill headlines his first show as he goes for his second pro title in a WBA International Featherweight clash with Mexico’s Emmanuel Dominguez.

Richard Riakporhe makes the first defence of his WBA Inter-Continental title against Belfast’s 12-1 Tommy McCarthy.

Nottingham’s Leigh Wood clashes with Ghana’s Abraham Osei Bonsu for the vacant Commonwealth Featherweight crown.

Heavy-handed Super-Middleweight prospect John Docherty looks to make if four knockouts from four fights after impressing again on the Garcia vs. Cheeseman undercard at The O2 and Leeds Super-Bantamweight and former Team GB amateur standout Qais Ashfaq aims to go 5-0, and there’s also action on the undercard for Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway, Wisbech Super-Welterweight Joe Steed and St Ives Super-Lightweight Bradley Smith.