August 26: Efe Ajagba-Zhan Kossobutskiy & Bakhodir Jalolov-Onoriode Ehwarieme Round Out Heavyweight Tripleheader at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa LIVE on ESPN
TULSA, OK (July 20, 2023) — Heavy-hitting Nigerian contender Efe Ajagba will take on unbeaten Kazakh southpaw Zhan Kossobutskiy in the 10-round co-feature on Saturday, August 26 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Ajagba-Kossobutskiy will be the co-feature to the heavyweight showdown between Toledo-born phenom Jared Anderson and Andriy Rudenko.
Uzbek Olympic gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov will make his Top Rank debut in the eight-round televised opener against Nigeria’s Onoriode Ehwarieme.
Anderson-Rudenko, Ajagba-Kossobutskiy & Jalolov-Ehwarieme will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.
Ajagba (17-1, 13 KOs), a 2016 Nigerian Olympian, has solidified himself as one of the division’s fiercest punchers. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound slugger debuted as a pro in July 2017 and secured six first-round knockouts in his first eight bouts. He suffered his first defeat in October 2021 against Frank Sanchez. Following the loss, Ajagba had surgery on both his elbows, returning in August 2022 to stop Hungarian veteran Jozsef Darmos in the second round. The 29-year-old is coming off a 10-round decision win against previously unbeaten contender Stephan Shaw in January.
“This is a great test for me as I continue my quest to become Nigeria’s next heavyweight champion,” Ajagba said. “I am coming to Tulsa to score a devastating knockout and remind everyone what I’m capable of doing inside the ring.”
Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs) is a 34-year-old southpaw from Kostanay, Kazakhstan. He has only gone the distance once in his career, a six-round decision win over Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko in September 2018. In 2021, he went 3-0 with three knockouts. In 2022, he dispatched former world title challenger Johann Duhaupas in the fifth round and is coming off a third-round knockout over previously unbeaten contender Hussein Muhamed last November.
Kossobutskiy said, “I’m ready to make my debut in the United States against a very strong opponent. I want to show that I can beat the best in the heavyweight division, and to do that, you must overcome very tough challenges. I look forward to showing the world my abilities on August 26.”
Jalolov (12-0, 12 KOs) represented Uzbekistan at the 2016 Olympics before turning pro in May 2018 with a third-round TKO over Hugo Trujillo. He built an 8-0 record before returning to the amateur ranks in the summer of 2021 to capture an Olympic gold medal. Jalolov then tallied four knockout wins in the paid ranks before continuing his remarkable amateur run in May with a gold medal at the 2023 World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The 29-year-old wrecking ball returns to the pro ranks following his fourth-round TKO over Curtis Harper last November.
Ehwarieme (20-2, 19 KOs) debuted as a professional with a decision win over Junior Maletino Iakopo in December 2010. He defeated his next 16 opponents by knockout, all within five rounds. He suffered his first loss against Rodney Hernandez in June 2019, but returned in December to stop Ariel Esteban Bracamonte via first-round knockout. Ehwarieme suffered a fourth-round stoppage loss against Kossobutskiy in February 2021, and he is 2-0 with two knockouts since. The 35-year-old, who represented Nigeria at the 2008 Olympics, blasted out Jeff Holcomb in only one round in February 2022.
The ESPN+-streamed undercard includes some of the sports brightest up-and-coming talents.
Rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (8-0, 5 KOs), the latest fistic talent to come from Brownsville, Brooklyn, will fight an opponent to be named in an eight-rounder. Carrington will make his fourth 2023 appearance following an eighth-round TKO win over Luis Porozo in June.
Undefeated middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (8-0-1, 5 KOs), grandson of Muhammad Ali, will face Sona Akale (7-1, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder. Ali Walsh will fight in Tulsa for the third time as a pro following an eight-round draw against Danny Rosenberger on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko undercard.
19-year-old lightweight prodigy Abdullah Mason (9-0, 8 KOs) will make his fourth appearance of 2023 in a six-round duel. Mason was considered one of the brightest U.S. amateur talents before signing with Top Rank in October 2021. The southpaw returns after a second-round TKO win over Alex de Oliveira on July 1.
In a 10-round junior lightweight tilt, Filipino Olympian Charly Suarez (15-0, 9 KOs) will put his unbeaten record on the line against hard-hitting Dominican Yohan Vasquez (25-3, 20 KOs). Suarez heads to Tulsa following a 12th-round TKO win against then-unbeaten Australian Paul Fleming on enemy turf.
Kazakh Olympian Ablaikhan Zhussupov (3-0, 2 KOs) returns in a welterweight clash scheduled for eight rounds.
Top Rank Signs Olympic Gold Medalist Bakhodir Jalolov to Multi-Year Promotional Contract
(July 19, 2023) – Undefeated heavyweight Bakhodir Jalolov, a 6-foot-7, 250-pound southpaw wrecking ball, has signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank. The 29-year-old Olympic gold medalist will make his Top Rank debut in an eight-rounder Saturday, Aug. 26, on the ESPN-televised undercard of the Jared Anderson-Andriy Rudenko heavyweight showdown at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
Jalolov’s opponent will be announced shortly.
“I am excited for this new chapter in my career and to present my boxing skills to boxing fans worldwide,” Jalolov said. “Top Rank is one of the elite boxing promoters, and I look forward to a prosperous relationship.”
“Bakhodir Jalolov is one of the finest heavyweight talents in boxing today,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “His tremendous amateur credentials speak for themselves, and as a professional, he has proven to be equally devastating. I truly believe he will be a heavyweight champion one day.”
“Our team is looking forward to working together with our new partner in Top Rank,” said Vadim Kornilov, Jalolov’s manager. “We are very confident and aligned in our plans and goals on taking Bakhodir to the world championship level.”
Jalolov (12-0, 12 KOs) represented Uzbekistan at the 2016 Olympics, losing to eventual silver medalist Joe Joyce before turning pro in May 2018 with a third-round TKO over Hugo Trujillo. He scored three additional knockout wins that year, all within four rounds. Following a pair of knockout wins in 2019, he stopped Wilfrido Leal in December 2020 and returned to Uzbekistan in April 2021 to knock out Kristaps Zutis in only two rounds. Jalolov re-joined the amateur ranks later that summer and captured Olympic gold, besting current Top Rank stablemate Richard Torrez Jr. in the championship match. He continued his remarkable amateur run in May with a gold medal at the 2023 World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Jalolov comes back to the paid ranks following his fourth-round TKO over Curtis Harper last November.
HE ANNOYED ME’ – BAKHODIR JALOLOV TALKS HARPER KO AND TOP 10 CLAIM
LOS ANGELES, DECEMBER 1 – Bakhodir Jalolov believes he is already among the top 10 best heavyweights in the world – as he warned his rivals not to make him angry.
The giant Jalolov extended his frightening professional record to 12-0 (12 KOs) last weekend when he stopped the helpless Curtis Harper in the fourth round.
Jalolov has revealed the plan was to get at least six rounds under his belt in California but deliberate headbutts by Harper annoyed the ‘Big Uzbek’ who decided enough was enough.
After flooring Harper in the third, 6’7” Jalolov bludgeoned his American rival in the fourth and forced the referee to step in after 1:53 of the round.
“If I had followed my game plan a little bit better against Harper, it would have gone more than four rounds because the plan was to go six rounds with this guy, minimum, to get some experience,” Jalolov told Probellum.com.
“But it just so happened that he annoyed me a little bit with headbutts. I never try to go and hurt people, I try to go and do my best, land my punches, and not get hit.
“I would rate my performance as six out of 10, just because I didn’t really have a training camp for this fight. I was in Uzbekistan with the amateur team. My coach was with Bivol at this time in Dubai, so we only had a little bit of conditioning, a few sparring sessions and that’s why I needed two rounds to catch the rhythm and then get my timing.”
Jalolov was left only satisfied with his latest shuddering KO win and, ominously for the rest of the division, says he cannot see the ceiling on his potential.
“I believe that I can be in the top 10 right now and fight anyone in the top 10,” Jalolov stated.
“It’s just that every everyone has their own time, and my time is just not there yet. And we’re not in a rush. I’m following the plan of my team and when the time comes, I’ll be ready. I’m 28 years old. I’m not even in my prime yet, and when I get there, I will make everything the way it should be.
“Honestly, at this point, I just don’t see the limit to my potential. I’m just starting. I’m just barely getting into the pro game and I’m working with my coaches, I’m learning so much new stuff. We are just starting to build a tank for 12 round fights. So honestly, I just don’t know where the limit is, but I know that I’m going to improve and get much, much better.”
The Uzbek hero now has the heavyweight contenders in his sights but, confident against anyone in the world, Jalolov says he will let the ratings dictate whom he faces.
But finding sparring partners is more problematic with some fighters said to be demanding a small fortune to help Jalolov prepare.
“I’m not going to call out anyone,” he added.
“That’s not how we’re raised, and our parents don’t teach us that way. It is why there are rankings in boxing and if someone wants to fight me okay, and if they don’t want to fight me, okay. I’m not going to call out anyone or disrespect anyone. That’s not how we are raised.
“Sometimes we have to spar two guys at the same time, maybe we get two cruiserweights at the same time. There are always some guys that that are willing to step in the ring and help me. But it’s just hard to find really good quality sparring partners. And sometimes when that sparring partner is really good, that makes me go hard too and sometimes they get hurt. And I don’t really want to do that, I don’t want to hurt anyone in sparring, I’m just trying to get my work in.”
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Prograis Stops Zepeda in 11 to Win WBC Super Lightweight Title
CARSON, CALIFORNIA– In an impressive performance, Regis Prograis claimed the vacant WBC light welterweight title with an eleventh-round knockout of longtime contender Jose Zepeda at the Dignity Sports Health Park.
Prograis (28-1, 24 KOs) of New Orleans, Louisiana proved to have too many dimensions for Zepeda (35-3, 27 KOs) of La Puente, California. When the flow of the bout called for him to box, Prograis boxed. When Zepeda drew him into an inside action fight, Prograis more than handled himself.
Zepeda, 139.4, caught Prograis, 139, leaning to the left for the shot that got a rise out of the crowd in the first. Prograis landed well with his jab early in the second, but Zepeda came back late in the round.
After boxing well at distance for much of the third, Prograis, who entered as the WBC #2 ranked contender, nearly came out of his shoes as he fired off a clean left late in the round. When Prograis went for another sweeping left, Zepeda, the WBC #1 ranked contender, threw his own in concert as the two landed simultaneous hard shots to close out the third.
After getting beaten to the jab, Zepeda drew Prograis into a firefight to close out the fourth, much to the delight of the crowd. The back-and-forth action resumed in the fifth, as neither fighter would let a clean blow go unanswered.
Prograis controlled much of sixth, turning the fight into a boxing match with his pinpoint jab and movement. Prograis’ feints and ring generalship troubled Zepeda again for much of the seventh. Before the close of the round, an accidental clash of heads drew blood from the nose of Prograis.
Prograis continued to outbox Zepeda through rounds eight and nine before Zepeda got him to stand-and-trade heading into the tenth.
The tenth would feature thrilling two-way action throughout, briefly breathing new life into Zepeda’s standing in the bout as Prograis abandoned his jab first style.
The momentum shift would be brief as Prograis rocked and dropped Zepeda along the ropes early in the eleventh. Referee Ray Corona waved off the contest at 59 seconds of round eleven.
After the bout, Prograis refused to call out any of the other names at 140-pounds, considering he is now a champion that should be called out by them.
For Zepeda, the third time did not end up being the charm as all three of his professional defeats have come in world title attempts.
Valle Decisions Bermudez to Win Light Flyweight Titles
In the co-main event, IBF/WBO 105-pound champion Yokasta Valle (27-2, 9 KOs) of San Jose, San Jose, Costa Rica moved up in weight to claim the light flyweight version of the same two titles from previously undefeated champion Evelyn Bermudez (17-1-1, 6 KOs) of Santa de la Vera Cruz, Santa Fe, Argentina via ten-round majority decision.
Valle, 107.4, was active and determined, but the naturally larger Argentine stood up well to the punches throughout the fight. After getting outworked at times early, Bermudez, 106, timed her right hand well in round four and caught the busier Valle clean.
Valle kept a busy pace for all ten rounds, but it appeared Bermudez had the power edge and may have taken rounds with a well-placed right hand or two.
In the end, two judges gave Bermudez very little credit, handing in scores of 99-91 and 97-93 for Valle. The third card was even, 95-95.
After the win, Valle expressed her desire to meet fellow champion Seniesa Estrada at whatever weight class the fight can be made.
2016 and 2020 Uzbekistani Olympian Bakhodir Jalolov (12-0, 12 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York by way of Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan kept his knockout streak alive with a fourth-round stoppage of journeyman Curtis Harper (14-9, 9 KOs) of Jacksonville, Florida.
Jalolov, 247.6, controlled the bout from the early stages, keeping Harper, 260, on the end of his long punches from the southpaw stance.
Harper grew frustrated to the point of intentionally headbutting and hitting on the break during the second round, which earned him a warning from the referee.
In the third, a straight left from Jalolov dropped Harper hard, who got up seconds before the bell and the round would close just before they could touch again.
Jalolov ended the fight, dropping Harper with a combination near the blue corner in the fourth. Harper rose before the count of ten, but referee Thomas Taylor opted the call the one-sided bout. Official time of the stoppage was 1:53 of the fourth.
IBF #4/WBC #5/WBO #8/WBA #12 ranked light middleweight Charles Conwell (18-0, 13 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio took a hard-fought ten-round majority decision over veteran gatekeeper Juan Carlos Abreu (25-7-1, 23 KOs) of La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic.
Conwell, 153.8, found himself bleeding from his left eye early in the second after some inside fighting. Despite being bothered by the blood, Conwell pressed the action in the third, briefly stopping Abreu, 154, in his tracks with a clean combination upstairs.
Conwell continued to force himself in rounds four and five, but some well-placed shots by Abreu worsened the 2016 U.S. Olympian’s cut, creating some drama as the fight moved to the middle rounds.
Abreu, who entered as the WBC #15 ranked 154-pound contender, had one of his better rounds in round seven as he backed up Conwell with consistent combinations. However, Conwell would land the most telling blow late in the round, as a body shot forced Abreu to wince and drop his hands near the bell.
As the fight wore on both fighters had their moments as they kept a busy junior middleweight pace in a bout that the three ringside judges would have a wide range of views. In the end, Conwell improved his ranking in what was billed as a WBC semi-final eliminator. One judge had it even, 95-95, while the other two scored it for Conwell, 98-92 and 96-94.
The son of the beloved former champion of the same name, Fernando Vargas Jr. (7-0, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada hammered overnmatched local Alejandro Martinez (3-3-1, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles, California en route to a second-round stoppage to open the pay-per-view telecast.
Vargas, 150, utilized his natural size advantage to control the first round before opening up offensively to start the second. Martinez, 151.2, was outgunned and hit the canvas after a combination early in the round. Referee Ray Corona took a good look at Martinez, but allowed the bout to continue before another two-punch combination forced Martinez to slide to the canvas and forced the stoppage at 2:40 of round two.
Super bantamweight prospect Nathan Rodriguez (10-0, 7 KOs) of Pico Rivera, California turned back a game Jerson Ortiz (17-6, 8 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua to score a wide eight-round unanimous decision in a bout tougher than the scores would lead you to believe.
Rodriguez, 123.4, scored a knockdown during an exchange early in the third. Ortiz, 123.8, opted for the offense is the best defense approach and was downed again midway through the round.
Through three rounds a distance result looked unlikely, but Ortiz landed some windmill shots to some effect in the fourth before Rodriguez turned back the tide late in the round. The two would engage in two-way exchanges down the stretch of the fight, as Ortiz made a fight out of it after the bleak beginning. The judges could not be swayed to credit Ortiz much for his effort, as Rodriguez took the bout and the minor WBC FECARBOX title by scores of 80-70 and 79-71 twice.
In an upset, Eduardo Estela (14-1, 9 KOs) of Montevideo, Uruguay spoiled the previously unblemished record Ruben Torres (19-1, 16 KOs) of Santa Monica, California via a hard-fought eight-round split decision.
Estela, 136, staggered Torres, 136.2, against the ropes midway through the first, scoring a knockdown and prompting a count from referee Thomas Taylor. Estela pressed for the remainder of the round, but Torres managed to regain his footing.
Torres fared much better in rounds two and three before Estela closed out the fourth strong, knocking the Californian off balance late in the round. Estela continued as the aggressor through the late rounds, forcing the crowd favorite Torres to fight on the move or with his back to the ropes much of the time. Torres stood his ground and fought at a beneficial distance in the eighth to close out the bout, but in the end it was not enough to leave Carson with his unbeaten record intact. Two judges scored in favor of Estela, 78-73 and 76-75. Torres took the dissenting card 76-75.
One of two sons of Fernando Vargas on the card, Amado Vargas (5-0, 2 KOs) of Las Vegas passed a tougher-than-expected test in the form of Osmar Olmos Hernandez (1-2) of Santa Clarita, California.
Vargas, 125.8, opened the four-round bout at a frantic pace, eventually downing Olmos Hernandez, 124.4, with an overhand right early in the first round. Two follow-up lefts would cost the young Vargas a point as referee Jerry Cantu ruled they had come after the knockdown was scored.
Olmos Hernandez finished the first with renewed vigor and carried that energy into the second frame. The stanza would feature back-and-forth action as both Vargas and Olmos Hernandez swung for the fences with little regard for defense.
As the fight wound down, Vargas settled into more of a boxer’s posture which enabled the offspring “El Feroz” to cruise to a unanimous decision by scores of 39-35 and 38-36 twice.
Slick southpaw Austin Brooks (9-0, 3 KOs) of La Mesa, California pounded away at sturdy Jesus Roman (8-6, 3 KOs) of Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico en route to a third-round stoppage.
Brooks,129, opted to fight at close range despite his size advantage and was just too quick and strong for the game Roman, 129.6. The Mexican native fought hard throughout but ultimately wilted to the mat after a barrage in third. Referee Jerry Cantu waved off the contest at 2:03 of the round.
Local middleweight prospect Eric Priest (9-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles barely broke a sweat before scoring a three-knockdown KO of Luis Alberto Vera (11-22-2, 1 KO) of Buenos Aires.
Priest, 160, flurried Vera, 159.8, to the mat for two quick knockdowns in the opening round. Vera had no answer for anything Priest had to offer and was put down a third time by a stinging body shot moments later. Referee Thomas Taylor stopped the bout immediately after Vera took to a knee for the third knockdown.
Jacob Macalolooy (4-0, 3 KOs) of Union City, California remained unbeaten with a second-round stoppage of Terrance Jarmon (3-2, 1 KO) of Toledo, Ohio to open tonight’s card.
Macalolooy, 146.8, dropped Jarmon, 144, late in the first with an overhand left. The southpaw Jarmon fought in survival mode for the remainder of the first and survived to the bell. However it was just a matter of time before Macalolooy ended the bout, dropping Jarmon early in the second, prompting a stoppage from refereeJerry Cantu at the 1:02 mark of round two.
BAKHODIR JALOLOV REVEALS TIMELINE FOR HEAVYWEIGHT DOMINATION
LOS ANGELES, NOVEMBER 23 – Bakhodir Jalolov believes he could be undisputed world heavyweight champion within two years.
The hammer-fisted Uzbek rates Tyson Fury as the leading big man in boxing but is confident that he will, one day soon, takeover from the ‘Gypsy King’.
Jalolov, the 2020 Olympic champion, has won all 11 of his professional contests by shuddering KO and looks to add American Curtis Harper to his hit-list on Saturday night, in California on the undercard of the Jose Zepeda vs Regis Prograis world title fight.
The 28-year-old is seen by many boxing insiders as the heir to the heavyweight throne and has warned his rivals that he possesses a potent combination of devastating punch power allied with movement, footwork and boxing intelligence.
“I think the Tyson Fury is the best heavyweight in the world, and Oleksandr Usyk is very good, obviously, too,” Jalolov told Probellum.com.
“Fury for his size, he moves unbelievably. He has unbelievable movement and once again, he is big and heavy. Usyk is a great boxer, but obviously he’s small for the weight class.
“For me, I’m not a hero in Uzbekistan for winning the Olympics, I’m not there yet.
“But once I become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world at that time, maybe they’ll call me a hero.
“Maybe it’s not going to happen tomorrow, but maybe it’s going to be next year or in two years. But God bless, it is going to happen.”
“I’m not just a puncher,“ Jalolov added.
“Of course, I can punch, and I know that I have power because every time I land, people go down. But I have much more than that. I have a great footwork, feeling of distance and timing and speed.
“And my style is not to take nine shots to land 10. I’m not working like that. Instead of winning 10-9, I’ll win 1-0. I’ll land one, but I’m not going to get hit and that’s my goal. Boxing is about hit and don’t get hit.”
Jalolov (11-0, 11KOs) says former two-time heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko is his all-time favourite fighter and rates Dr Steelhammer’s win over David Haye as his best victory.
“Wladimir Klitschko was tall and fought really smart, he fought behind the jab and was very intelligent,” said Jalolov.
“He was also a good person, in and out of the ring. Klitschko was a great, great example.
“A long time ago, I had a nickname, the ‘Uzbek Klitschko’. And, God bless, soon he’ll know my name and who I am.”
‘BATTLE OF THE BEST’ / SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26 / OUTSTANDING PAY-PER-VIEW UNDERCARD ANNOUNCED / YOKASTA VALLE, CHARLES CONWELL, BAKHODIR JALOLOV, FERNANDO VARGAS JR.
Los Angeles, CA (November 1, 2022) An outstanding Pay-Per-View undercard has been announced for ‘Battle of the Best’ headlined by the highly anticipated WBC Super Lightweight Championship between #1 Ranked Jose ‘Chon’ Zepeda (35-2, 27 KOs) and #2 Ranked Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis (27-1, 23 KO’s), set for Saturday, November 26 and emanating from ‘The War Grounds’, Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA, just outside of Los Angeles, CA.
Presented and produced by Legendz Entertainment in association with Marv Nation, tickets for ‘Battle of the Best’, starting at $39 for the live event can be purchased online at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park is located at 18400 Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746.
With the international boxing world witnessing extraordinary women’s world championship bouts throughout this year, the tremendous momentum continues as fast-rising female superstar Yokasta ‘Yoka’ Valle, (26-2, 9 KO’s), of San Jose, Costa Rica battles undefeated world champion Evelyn ‘La Princesita’ Bermudez, (17-0-1, 6 KOs), of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina for the WBC and WBO Super Flyweight World Titles over ten scheduled rounds.
Fighting in the junior middleweight division, undefeated contender, 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles ‘Bad News’ Conwell, (17-0, 13 KOs), of Cleveland, OH, who many experts believe will soon be the division’s upcoming king, faces his toughest opposition against upset minded, Dominican Juan Carlos Abreu, (25-6-1, 23 KOs) in a ten-round fight.
2020 Olympic Gold Medalist Bakhodir ‘The Big Uzbek’ Jalolov, (11-0, 11 KOs), standing 6’7”and considered the dominant heavyweight of the future, faces off against veteran Curtis Harper, (14-8, 9 KOs), of Jacksonville, FL over ten rounds.
In a special attraction super welterweight six rounder, boxing fans will see the ‘Son of a Legend’, sure-fire prospect Fernando Vargas Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs), open the Pay-Per-View against an opponent to be announced. The heavy-handed southpaw makes his return following a devastating first round knockout of Terrance Jarmon on May 14, 2022 at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles, CA.
The charismatic Yokasta Valle first achieved championship level success with a victory over Ana Victoria Polo in 2016 earning the IBF Atomweight World Title. Most recently she triumphantly returned home to San Jose, Costa Rica, defeating Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen and adding the WBO Minimumweight World Title to her collection. Fighting for the fourth time in 2022, Evelin Bermudez defended her IBF and WBO Junior Flyweight Titles successfully against Yairineth Altuve on July 23, 2022 in San Lorenzo, Argentina.
The 24-year-old all-action Charles Conwell hits The War Grounds ring on November 26 following a third-round knockout of Abraham Juarez Ramirez on June 2, 2022. Battle-tested veteran Juan Carlos Abreu is back in action following a second-round knockout of Emilio Julio on August 12, 2022. On October 29, 2021, Abreu traveled to the United Kingdom knocking out highly touted and undefeated Kazak prospect Tursynbay Kulakhmet in the seventh round.
Bakhodir Jalolov’s reputation as a future heavyweight champion has been strongly validated through his first eleven professional bouts all ending in knockout fashion. In his last start on June 10, 2022, he stopped Jack Mulowayi in the eighth round. This followed up a fifth-round stoppage of Kamil Sokolowski on March 18, 2022 in Dubai. At the 2020 Olympic Games, Jalolov defeated Richard Torrez in the final round to earn the Gold Medal in the Super Heavyweight Division. The confident Curtis Harper enters the battle with Jalolov following a dominant victory over previously unbeaten Christian Thun on July 9, 2022.
PROBELLUM RETURNS WITH PETER MCGRAIL AND BAKHODIR JALOLOV IN LIVERPOOL
LONDON, SEPTEMBER 2 – Hometown hero Peter McGrail headlines his first major show in Liverpool next month alongside some of the city’s top boxing stars.
Probellum returns to the famous fighting city in October after the success of Probellum Liverpool in April when headliner Paul Butler set up his undisputed bantamweight blockbuster with Naoya Inoue, by winning the WBO title with a masterclass display against Jonas Sultan.
But it is world-champion-in-the-making McGrail who is the headline attraction this time and the local hero will be joined on the card by Uzbekistan’s Olympic gold medallist – and heir-in-waiting to the heavyweight throne – Bakhodir Jalolov, who carries with him a frightening 100% KO record.
Other Liverpool favourites set to enter the ring include world ranked featherweight Jazza Dickens, former world super middleweight champion Rocky Fielding and the unbeaten Joe McGrail (5-0, 2KOs) – Peter’s younger brother.
The older McGrail brother (4-0, 3KOs) dazzled at Probellum’s debut Liverpool show and will take centre stage in front of his growing legion of fans next month as his journey towards the top of the super bantamweight division moves up a gear.
Peter McGrail said: “It has been a long-held dream of mine to headline a show in Liverpool but to do so, with an undercard as strong as this one, makes this even more special.
“The level of talent on show at Probellum Liverpool is set to be scarily good and as the headline fighter, I am determined to showcase why I am a future world champion.
“The rest of the card is excellent; Jalolov will be heavyweight world champion one day, Jazza and Rocky are pushing to get world title shots again and my brother Joe is flying this year.”
Heavyweight destroyer Jalolov (11-0, 11KOs) continues his march towards the summit of boxing’s marquee division by fighting in the UK for the first time as a professional.
Jalolov, known as ‘The Big Uzbek’, brings devastating punch power to Liverpool and is ready to reinforce his reputation as the heir to the heavyweight throne.
The 6’7” puncher won gold at the Tokyo Olympics and there is a rapidly growing belief that Jalolov will take over the division in the coming years.
Probellum President, Richard Schaefer said: “I’m delighted that Probellum returns to Liverpool with such a brilliant fighter as Peter McGrail as our headliner.
“Peter is quickly becoming a hero in the city, and this is a landmark moment in his journey to the top of the super bantamweight division.
“Popular fighters like Peter, Rocky and Jazza would pack the arena out by themselves but being able to add the UK debut of Jalolov into the mix makes our return extra special. McGrail and Jalolov are both headed straight to the top of the world, so this is a card that you don’t want to miss.”
Fan favourite Dickens (31-4, 12KOs) is breathing down the necks of world champions Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington and has publicly called out both to put their belts on the line against him.
And while the two-time world title challenger waits for his next opportunity, he will aim to turn the heat up on his 126lbs rivals with a statement display, following April’s stunning stoppage of Andoni Gago.
Fielding (30-2, 18KOs) wants a chance to reclaim the world super middleweight title he won in 2018 and will use Probellum’s return to reinforce his credentials for another shot at the belt.
Ranked highly by the WBA, the 35-year-old is well-placed for a second tilt at world glory and knows an impressive win in his hometown will only aid his cause.
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You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.
About Probellum??? Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.
Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.
The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown.
Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.
But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.
Jalolov Stops Mulowai in 8
2021 Olympic Gold Medal Bakhodir Jalolov scored an emphatic eighth round stoppage over Jack Mulowayi in the eighth and final round of theri heavyweight bout at The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New Yiork.
In round four, Jalolov was deducted a point for holding.
In round right, Jalolov landed a little left to the body that he quickly followed up with a crunching left to the head dumped Mulowayi on the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:21.
Jalolov, 251 lbs of Uzbekistan is now 11-0 with 11 knockouts. Mulowai, 242 lbs of Congo is 11-3-1.
“I’m feeling really good about the performance,” said the 27-year-old Jalolov. “The opponent was at a really good level and a great fighter. He was a really tough, durable guy. I landed some big shots on him and he can take a punch.”
“I thought I was going to stop him at the end of the sixth round when I dropped him, but the referee let him continue and the round was over,” said Jalolov, who was deducted a point for holding in the fourth round. “I thought that was the time. But I had to wait until the final round. I’m happy that I got the stoppage. I feel like I hurt him three or four times.”
Arias Defeats Green By Split Decision
In a battle of undefeated heavyweights, George Arias took an eight-round split decision over Alante Green .
Arias landed 81 of 383 punches; Green was 58 of 405.
Arias, 219 1/2 lbs of New York won by scores of 78-74, 77-75 and 77-75 for Green. Arias is now 18-0. Green, 219 1/2 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 10-1-1.
“I definitely learned more than anything from this fight so I give my performance a C-plus or a B-minus because this is the type of fight that makes me go back to the gym hungrier and knowing there’s a lot more to do,” said Arias, who now lives and trains out of the Bronx. “But we were blessed this time because should he have been a little bit stronger, things could have been more disastrous.”
“Everyone who I face always trains for me a thousand percent better,” continued Arias. “He was real complete. He didn’t really necessarily have any weakness that I could exploit. The reaction time he had was really good and he had good inner footwork where it took me a little too long to get into a zone because every strategy I used he seemed to have a good reaction.”
Thonson Stops Tomlin in Five
In a battle of undefeated lightweights, Chann Thonson stopped Tyler Tomlin in round five of their eight-round bout.
In round one, Tomlin began to bleed over his left eye. Thonson won every round, and in round five, Tomlin’s eye became a bleeding mess and the fight was stopped at 1:01.
Thomson, 132 1/2 lbs of Montreal is 11-0 with eight stoppages. Tomlin, 134 lbs of Cheatem County, TN is 13-1.
“I knew if I stayed in the pocket with him that the shots I was going to give him would put him away,” said Canada’s Thonson, who is trained by former Olympic bronze medalist and light heavyweight contender Chris Johnson. “Surprisingly, he was a little tougher than I thought because when I hit him hard, he wasn’t taking a step back. So eventually I knew that would be his own demise and it was just a matter of time.”
“I feel fine, I feel like I was in the fight. I just got caught with two overhand rights and I’m pretty sure one of them either broke or fractured my nose,” said the 22-year-old Tomlin. “It was in the second or third round when I got caught. I felt and it threw off the game plan as far as what I was trying to do. I got a little more hesitant than I should have. I just can’t get hit by those overhand rights. SHOWTIME, that’s what they do, they put good fighters against good fighters. I felt like I was going to come out on top but we have to go back and watch film and see what comes next.”
BAKHODIR JALOLOV VS. JACK MULOWAYI OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND QUOTES FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
VERONA, N.Y. – June 9, 2022 – Undefeated heavyweight knockout artist Bakhodir Jalolov (10-0, 10 KOs), atwo-time Uzbekistan Olympian and 2020 Gold Medalist, and rising heavyweight prospect Jack Mulowayi (11-2-1, 7 KOs) both showed off their towering stature at Thursday’s official weigh-in a day ahead of their eight-round main event on SHOBOX: The New Generation tomorrow night, Friday, June 10 live on SHOWTIME from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The action begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and helps kick off the International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in nearby Canastota, N.Y.
The co-feature pits undefeated Dominican heavyweight prospect George Arias (17-0, 7 KOs) and unbeaten Alante Green (10-0-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight bout. Plus, six-time Tennessee Golden Gloves Champion Tyler Tomlin (13-0, 9 KOs) squares off against Chann Thonson (10-0, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout that opens the telecast.
Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the action from ringside with former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell serving as expert analysts. Hall of Famer Steve Farhood will perform unofficial scoring duties, while Hall of Famer Al Bernstein will serve as ringside reporter. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, whose owner, Lou DiBella, is a 2020 Hall of Fame inductee and will be formally inducted along with the classes of 2021 and 2022.
FINAL WEIGHTS
Heavyweight Eight-Round Bout
Bakhodir Jalolov – 251 lbs.
Jack Mulowayi – 242 lbs.
Referee: Benjy Esteves; Judges: Don Ackerman (N.Y.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), John McKaie (N.Y.)
“I’m very honored to be fighting on such a big weekend on SHOWTIME. This is my first main event and the toughest fight of my pro career so I’m very prepared and I will show just how prepared I am.
“It hasn’t been that hard for me to switch styles and transition from the amateurs to the pros. But I understand that the opponents will get better, but so far up until this point there’s not a big difference.
“I’m looking at my opponent as just another fighter. I’m not looking at him as a special fighter. I do respect him as a fighter. I do understand he’s a tough guy, never been knocked down, but I look at any fight in the world as just another fight. I’m just getting ready to fight. I’m only looking forward to the world championship fight and that’s what I’m concentrated on. This to me is just another fight.
“If the knockout comes it comes but I’m not chasing it. I never chased it in the amateurs or the pros. It’s just when I land on people they get hurt. If I wanted to, I could drop anyone with a punch, a straight right, left, a body shot, in sparring people go down from jabs, body shots. I’m not looking for it, but if the punch lands clean, it doesn’t matter what punch it is. I’m 250 pounds and whatever I touch it will be painful.
“My father’s dream and my dream was for me to become an Olympic champion. When I went to the Olympics the first time in 2016, I was young. My dad passed away a little bit earlier than the Olympics in 2016, so I knew I wasn’t going to leave amateur boxing without Olympic gold. It was my dream and it was my father’s dream.”
Jack Mulowayi
“I know I have the tools to beat Jalolov and looking at him I know he’s an Olympic champion, but he never had an opponent like me. He never faced someone who’s as hungry and who can take a punch and can give a punch back and come forward the whole time. So we’re going to see on Friday what he’s all about. I think I have more experience in the heavyweight ranks than him, and I believe I have more strength and power than him and better fitness. It’s going to be a great fight.
“This is a big opportunity to show the American fans what I’m all about. In the Frank Sanchez fight (UD loss in 2019), I had way less experience than I have now. I got a new trainer (Ivan Filipovi?) and we’ve been working and we’ve been working on a lot of things and I’ve proven that I’m a different fighter now than I was back then. Now I’m much more of an aggressive fighter and smarter when I fight.
“I’ve always been a basketball fan and a big Michael Jordan fan. My dream was to get into the NBA, so I came to the United States and played college basketball. I even wanted to be an NBA draft pick but I signed with a manager who advised me to play overseas so I played in Italy, Belgium, France. I had a good basketball career, but I got into a car accident and injured my left knee badly so I had to say goodbye to basketball. I gained a lot of weight, so I started boxing to lose weight and I was starting to build muscle that I didn’t have so I tried it out and I loved it. It’s my last chance to make it in sports so I went for it.”
George Arias
“This fight is just like most of my other fights. I always look at it as every guy that I’m fighting is a world championship fighter. I don’t ever look at anybody and treat them as a stepping-stone. I’ve always gotten ready the right way and taken them very seriously because everybody who gets in front of me is somebody that’s trying to disrupt my journey. I take it seriously and I’m always very grateful for every opportunity.
“To be honest, I can’t think that this fight card being during Hall of Fame weekend will be a factor for me. Once I’m in the locker room and I’m getting wrapped up, this is all I can think about. It’s the only thing. Now, it is very nice that the Hall of Fame is going on at the same weekend but as far as I’m concerned, I’m just thinking that I’m going up against a monster and I can’t afford to glamorize what possible meaning the weekend might have in store for other people. For me, it’s a war.
“I’ve studied guys before, and then when I fight them, they’re nothing like what I studied. So I’ve gotten used to not trying to put people in a box based on their previous fights. So I think it will take a round or two of me seeing him in person before I figure him out.
“One thing that has helped me improve is that I had to admit to myself, ‘I may not be the biggest puncher.’ So I can’t stand toe-to-toe with guys thinking that I’m going to get one big punch on them. I believe that by understanding that my footwork, my jab and my boxing is really my forte and would allow me to establish myself more and more. The biggest learning experience has been that I’m not a knockout puncher as much as I am a boxer and if I’m going to hurt you, it will probably be in the later rounds.”
Alante Green
“When I heard about the change in opponents, I said, ‘Bring it on.’ I trained hard for this fight so I’m ready for this opportunity. Camp went really well. I’ve been getting great sparring. I’m in great shape so it really hasn’t been a change for me at all. I’ve fought on the same card as Arias before, and I don’t believe that he’s anything that I haven’t seen before.
“We’ll see how it goes after I get this win whether or not I stay at heavyweight. If it makes sense, then yes, we’ll take every opportunity. That’s always been the plan. After I win a title at cruiserweight, go back up to heavyweight. I think that if it makes sense, I’ll definitely stay at heavyweight. But for right now, I’m really a cruiserweight. That’s what I prefer to be. I look leaner. I’m faster and stronger than all of my opponents.
“I didn’t start boxing until I was 18. Before boxing, I played football. When I was in high school, I had a boxing coach come in and we did a couple classes. After I graduated, I finally had the time and started training. It’s been up ever since then.
“When I switch up to southpaw, it really just happens naturally. I’m a big Terence Crawford fan, so I saw him doing it. I always tried it in sparring and in training. I’m pretty comfortable on both sides.”
Tyler Tomlin
“There’s always pressure to leave a lasting impression. You want to get in there and not just get the win, but leave people with an image that will last and put you in the conversation with a lot of these other top prospects. Obviously, we want to get the win and stick to the game plan, but if I see an opportunity to dazzle, I’m going to do that.
“This is my first TV fight but I’ve fought on some undercards in Vegas. But this is my first time on a big show with the big cameras and the big crowds. I’m used to the big crowds because I do have such a big fan base at home. But you add TV to it and that adds a little bit of pressure. But I’m used to it and I’m just going to get in there and take it like another day at the office for me.
“There are some things I do similar [to Caleb Plant]. Some of the outside work, some of the defense stuff. But he’s more of a slick boxer, which I’m working on myself trying to work on being more of. I’m still a young guy and working to add that. I’m still more of a pressure fighter just because my body isn’t as long and slick as Caleb’s is. When I was young, I was just a puncher and come-forward, really reactive fighter. But as I get older, and as the competition gets better, I’m going to have to be better at easing my mind and get my ring IQ up and putting things together.
“I think Thonson is my toughest test to date, and it’s a test I welcome. My prediction is a fifth, sixth-round TKO. That’s how I see it playing out in my head. If I have to go the eight rounds and get the win that way, I’m ready for that. But if I can get him out of there, I want to.
“I’m just a white kid from Tennessee who’s supposed to be this pretty boy. I’ve heard it all, ‘He’s not that good, he’s not all that.’ I’ve always had that chip on my shoulder. When I get in there I plan to go in and prove myself. I’ve said that a lot in interviews – that I am for real and I’m not just a pretender and a pretty face who can get in front of the camera and talk well. I’m a fighter.”
Chann Thonson
“There was a time before my last fight that a sensation came over me and I realized that I had lost my love for boxing. But after I won, I was able to regain that fire and know that that feeling should be with me all the time, which is the way I am feeling right now. So it’s amazing.
“All due respect, but there’s nothing specific about my opponent that I am worried about. I believe I am the superior fighter. We will see what kind of power he has during the fight. I believe I’ll be able to break him down, to be honest
“I’m expecting a chess match. Once he realizes he can’t win a chess match against me, he will know he has to fight and that will just put him in deeper trouble.
“He’s going to have to have a lucky shot to win, but at the same time I’m prepared to take a shot. I don’t see him having an advantage at all. As long as I do what I need to do then the fight should heavily fall into my favor.”
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 86 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.
OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST BAKHODIR JALOLOV TAKES ON RISING HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT JACK MULOWAYI IN SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® QUADRUPLEHEADER ON FRIDAY, JUNE 10 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
NEW YORK – May 3, 2022 – For the first time in its storied 21-year history, a heavyweight Olympic Gold Medalist will step into the ring and headline SHOBOX: The New Generation as the prospect series features up-and-coming heavyweights in its return to Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y., on Friday, June 10. The action begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME and helps kick off the International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in nearby Canastota, N.Y., where another Olympic Gold Medalist and SHOBOX alum, Andre Ward, will be inducted during the three-year, three-class ceremony.
The main event will see two-time Olympian and 2020 Gold Medalist from Uzbekistan, Bakhodir “Big Uzbek” Jalolov (10-0, 10 KOs), face rising prospect “Big” Jack Mulowayi (11-2-1, 7 KOs) from Belgium in an eight-round heavyweight bout, marking the first time an Olympic heavyweight Gold Medalist has appeared on SHOBOX. Andre Ward, a former U.S. Olympic light heavyweight Gold Medalist who went 5-0 on SHOBOX, is one of the inductees of the 2021 Hall of Fame class.
The co-feature matches former four-time Oregon Golden Gloves champion and Joel Diaz-trained Elvis Garcia (12-0, 9 KOs) against fellow undefeated and four-time Cleveland Golden Gloves champion Alante “Bam Bam” Green (10-0-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight fight while former Ukrainan national champion Iegor Plevako (7-0, 4 KOs) takes on SugarHill Steward-trained Kolbeinn Kristinsson (12-0, 6 KOs), also an eight-round heavyweight matchup. Kristinsson is one of the few pro fighters from Iceland, where pro boxing is banned. Steward also trains WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury.
In the telecast opener, six-time Tennessee Golden Gloves champion Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (13-0, 9 KOs) squares off against Chann Thonson (10-0, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. The telecast is brimming with international flavor, as seven countries are represented among the eight fighters in action. The four-fight telecast is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, whose owner, Lou DiBella, is a 2020 Hall of Fame inductee and being formally inducted along with the classes of 2021 and 2022.
The night of fights marks the seventh time SHOBOX will take place at Turning Stone and the third time the series will be a part of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend in Canastota, N.Y. SHOBOX bouts also took place during Hall of Fame festivities in June of 2013, the year SHOWTIME Ring Announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr., was inducted into the Hall of Fame, and in 2017, the same year longtime SHOBOX analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood and SHOBOX play-by-play announcer and renowned sportscaster Barry Tompkins were inducted.
The SHOBOX alum Ward captured Olympic gold in 2004 as a light heavyweight and went on to collect two super middleweight titles during his triumphant run through the SHOWTIME Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament before moving to light heavyweight and winning three more world titles.
The late SHOWTIME executive Jay Larkin, who helped launch SHOWTIME boxing in 1986 and televised fights involving Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Julio Cesar Chavez during his 22-year tenure with the network, was voted in as part of the Class of 2021.
“It’s always an honor to bring a SHOWTIME event to Turning Stone during Hall of Fame Weekend. This is the third time in the past 10 years that we’ve had the privilege to do a SHOBOX on this weekend,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for SHOBOX: The New Generation. “Every fighter on this SHOBOX card aspires to be a contender, a world champion, and yes, even to someday be in the Hall of Fame. We have eight fighters, seven undefeated, who on June 10 look to take that next step to accomplishing those goals. Congratulations to all the inductees! We have so many fighters who fought on SHOWTIME being inducted and so many friends, most importantly Jay Larkin, who oversaw the launch of SHOWTIME boxing and the SHOBOX series.”
Here is a closer look at the matchups:
Jalolov vs. Mulowayi – 8-Round Heavyweight Main-Event Bout
The 6-foot-7 southpaw Jalolov has knocked out all 10 of the fighters he’s faced as a professional, employing smooth footwork and a jackhammer left hand. A highly decorated amateur, he beat Richard Torrez, Jr., of the U.S. in the gold medal match of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. At the Summer Games in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, where he was his country’s flagbearer at the opening ceremonies, Jalolov lost to Joe Joyce, who went on to win the silver medal and is currently undefeated and a top contender at heavyweight. Jalolov also claimed gold at the 2019 AIBA World Championships and at the 2018 and 2021 Governor’s Cup and is a four-time national champion as part of his 247-17 amateur record. Among his other achievements, he has 1.2 million Instagram followers and a master’s degree in Sports Science.
“I have been very anxious to return to the USA and fight there as a professional,” Jalolov said. “This is a great opportunity for me to perform at my best and show everybody what’s coming in the future of the heavyweight division.”
Born in Kinshasa, Congo, where Muhammad Ali beat George Foreman in the “Rumble in the Jungle,” the 6-foot-5 Mulowayi is a stablemate of WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Makabu. Mulowayi went the distance with unbeaten 20-0 SHOBOX alum and highly regarded heavyweight prospect Frank Sanchez. He has come back from that unanimous decision loss to win four consecutive fights, including the biggest win of his young career by registering a TKO stoppage over-then 20-0-1 Apti Davtaev in Russia last April.
“I am very happy and appreciative to have another chance to come back to America,” said Mulowayi. “This is a bout of vindication for me and my career. When I boxed Frank Sanchez in 2019, I froze and was not mentally or emotionally ready to fight in the U.S. Now I am, and I’ve won four straight bouts since my last defeat. I am not intimidated by the reputation of my opponent. My style, now, is to go for the knockout no matter who I fight, and my defense is my offense. I plan to give an explosive performance and prove that I am a world championship level contender.”
Garcia vs. Green – Eight-Round Heavyweight Bout
Garcia was born in Mexico and moved to Umatilla, Ore., when he was four. A four-time Oregon Golden Gloves champion, he was also a star Greco-Roman wrestler in high school and has dabbled in mixed martial arts, winning three MMA bouts by submission. He brought that multifaceted background with him to training camp and sparring sessions with former two-time unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua before he beat Andy Ruiz in their rematch in December 2019.Garcia’s commitment to boxing was evident at an early age when he endured eight-hour roundtrips five days a week to the closest boxing gym 260 miles away in Tacoma, Wash. He later competed in Mexico, winning national and Golden Gloves titles. During that time, he lived out of his car, sending earnings he made from doing odd jobs back home to support his family. His hard work and sacrifice resulted in an 85-10 amateur record with 42 knockouts and a No. 3 ranking at super heavyweight with USA Boxing. He now works with renowned trainer Joel Diaz in Indio, Calif.
“After my last fight, I took some time off to be with my wife as we welcomed our first child, Elena,” Garcia said. “But now I am back and more focused than ever on my boxing career. My training camp in Indio, California, has been going according to plan. My coach, Joel Diaz, and I both know we have a tough fight against Green and we will be ready. I would like to thank Lou DiBella for the opportunity to be part of the Hall of Fame weekend festivities. I also want to thank my wife and daughter, who are my motivation to get up every day and work so hard.”
A pro since 2016, Cleveland’s Green is also undefeated and is coming off a sixth-round stoppage win over Samuel Clarkson in March in Columbus, Ohio. Green was a two-sport athlete in high school before he discovered boxing. Green boasted a 54-9 amateur record and placed third in an Olympic trial qualifier in Spokane, Wash., in 2015. He has campaigned as a cruiserweight at times in his career, most recently knocking out previously undefeated Taylor Duerr in two rounds in November 2021
“I would like to thank my team, promoter, manager and DiBella Entertainment for this great opportunity,” Green said. “I plan on introducing myself to the boxing world on June 10 and seeing to it that Elvis Garcia leaves the ring with his first loss.”
Plevako vs. Kristinsson – Eight-Round Welterweight Bout
A native of Kharkiv, Ukraine, Plevako is a former Ukrainian national champion and member of the famed Ukrainian National Boxing Team who captured the New York Golden Gloves twice after moving to Brooklyn. He is managed by David McWater of Split-T Management and trained by Bashir Abdullah.
“I am very excited to be fighting on SHOWTIME because this is a big step for my career,” Plevako said. “You will see Iegor Plevako at his best.”
The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Kristinsson is a former Iceland national champion who has trained with Steward at Detroit’s famed Kronk Gym since 2017. Kristinsson cut his teeth sparring with highly ranked Robert Helenius, as well as with undefeated contenders Filip Hrgovic and Jared Anderson, and title challenger Kubrat Pulev.
“As the only heavyweight pro boxer in Iceland, I’ve been training for two years during Covid travel restrictions awaiting my opportunity,” Kristinsson said. “I can’t wait to unleash my power and give the fans a thrill June 10th on SHOWTIME. Iegor Plevako is a decent fighter, but he won’t survive more than two rounds with me.”
Tomlin vs. Thonson – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout
Just 22 years old, Tomlin is from the same hometown as former super middleweight world champion Caleb Plant and has cultivated a passionate fanbase in Ashland City, Tenn. Tomlin started boxing at age nine and was a highly decorated amateur, finishing 65-15 and winning bronze at the 2015 Junior Olympics before turning pro. He is trained by his father, Darryl Tomlin, at the Team Tomlin Gym, which was built five years ago on the family’s home estate. Tomlin fought four times in 2021 and five times in 2020, including a super lightweight bout against Jose Zaragoza on the undercard of the Plant vs. Vincent Feigenbutz card at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville where he won a unanimous decision.
“This is my biggest fight to date, and I thrive in situations like this,” Tomlin said. “When the lights are brightest, I am at my best. I intend to put on a dominant performance and introduce the world to ‘Short Fuse’ in a big way.”
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada to immigrant parents from Jamaica, Thonson is the No. 3-ranked lightweight from Canada. He has a twin brother, Trevor, who is older than him by seven minutes and is also a prizefighter. The two shared the same card in January 2022 when they both recorded second-round stoppages. They are both trained by Chris Johnson, who won Olympic bronze for Canada in 1992 at middleweight and finished 26-3-1 as a pro, losing his final fight to Antonio Tarver in 2001.
“I’m anxiously awaiting my bout against Tyler Tomlin,” said Thonson. “I know that he is a formidable opponent, but I am coming to win. This is a major opportunity and I appreciate DiBella Entertainment and SHOWTIME providing the platform. I’m very confident and am training hard.”
Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the action from ringside with former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell and serving as expert analysts, and Hall of Famer Steve Farhood remotely performing unofficial scoring duties.
The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Tickets for the June 10 heavyweight fight at Turning Stone are on sale now starting at $39. To request media credentials for the June 10th fight at Turning Stone, email Kelly Abdo, Director of Public Relations for Turning Stone at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.
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About SHOBOX: The New Generation Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 86 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.
BAKHODIR JALOLOV JOINS PROBELLUM WITH EYES ON WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
LONDON, MARCH 11 – Olympic gold medallist and unbeaten professional heavyweight Bakhodir Jalolov has signed a co-promotional deal with Probellum and DiBella Entertainment.
The 27-year-old took gold at Tokyo 2020 but the giant from Uzbekistan is now focused on landing world titles in the professional ranks.
Jalolov has a perfect 9-0 record and has stopped every single one of his opponents to deliver a vicious warning shot to the rest of the heavyweight division.
Standing at a massive 6’7”, the huge punching Jalolov – known as the ‘Big Uzbek’ – fights Kamil Sokolowski over eight rounds on March 18 in Dubai as part of Probellum Evolution, a double-header of world championship boxing.
But given Jalolov’s frightening 100% KO ratio, his next contest is not expected to go the distance.
“Everyone in the heavyweight division knows all about me and, deep down, they know it is only a matter of time before I take over,” declared Bakhodir Jalolov.
“With Probellum and DiBella Entertainment promoting me, I will become world heavyweight champion as soon as is possible but, first, I must take care of business against Sokolowski on March 18 in Dubai.
“After that, news will start to spread about Bakhodir Jalolov and the world will soon realise that I am a world heavyweight champion in waiting.”
“Bakhodir Jalolov is a giant of a man and this is a giant signing for Probellum,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.
“Jalolov combines top-level amateur pedigree, phenomenal movement for man of his size and knockout power. He is destined to become world heavyweight champion and working with DiBella Entertainment, Probellum will be delivering those opportunities for him.”
“There is no upcoming young heavyweight in the world who possesses the physical advantages and skillset of the Big Uzbek. Power, speed and amazing agility for a giant are the attributes that will allow Bakhodir to rise quickly,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.
“He will fight for the second time in Dubai on March 18 before a big television exposure in the U.S. in June. The sky is the limit for the Big Uzbek.”
“We are looking forward to a prosperous partnership with Probellum on Bakhodir’s career,” said Vadim Kornilov, Jalolov’s manager.
“We believe that he is currently the biggest young prospect in the heavyweight division and our team will work hard to take him to the Championship level.”
Jalolov scored a shuddering 46 second knockout of Julio Cesar Calimeno in December when he fought on Probellum’s debut show in Dubai and the the Uzbek puncher is back in the UAE on March 18 as part of Probellum Evolution, which will be shown live on Eurosport’s linear channels, discovery+ and Eurosport App to millions of homes across 62 markets and territories in Europe and the Indian sub-continent.
Probellum has signed a landmark, multi-fight deal with Discovery Sports, starting with the back-to-back shows in Dubai, where Jalolov features.
To find out the latest news on Jalolov, ticket information and all updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Facebook and Twitter, Instagram
About Probellum??? Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.
Probellum’s elite stable of international fighters includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Dina Thorslund and Muhammad Waseem.
But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack and Shabaz Masoud among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.
Since launching, Probellum has also signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).?
OLYMPIC MEDALISTS CONFIRMED FOR PROBELLUM’S MARCH SHOW IN DUBAI
DUBAI, FEBRUARY 9 – Bakhodir Jalolov and Hovhannes Bachkov, gold and bronze-winning Olympic medalists respectively, have been added to the card for global promotional company Probellum’s first event of 2022, which takes place in Dubai next month.
The duo, both undefeated in the professional ranks, are the latest high-profile fighters to be confirmed for the event, which will be held at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on March 18 and 19.
“We are absolutely delighted to add both Bakhodir and Hovhannes to the card for our first event of the year,”said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.
“These guys have already shown their talent and there is no question they both have huge futures in the sport.
“To have fighters of this quality competing on the opening night of the event is fantastic news and we are very excited about the prospect of watching them in action. Make no mistake, Probellum Evolution is going to be an event to remember.”
Since turning professional in 2018, Uzbekistani fighter Jalolov (9-0, 9 knockouts) has made a serious statement of intent by winning all nine of his bouts to date via knockout, the most recent of which coming at Probellum’s inaugural show in December, when he produced a devastating performance to see off the challenge of?Colombia’s?Julio Cesar Calimeno?inside the first round.?
Jalolov, who won super-heavyweight gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will face Poland’s Kamil Sokolowski (11-24-2, 4 knockouts) on the opening night of Probellum’s Dubai event.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to Dubai for Probellum’s first event of the year”, said Jalolov.“My training camp has been going well, I’m feeling fit and I’m confident I can maintain my unbeaten run.”
Up-and-coming Armenian Bachkov (2-0, 1 knockout), who has enjoyed a strong start to his professional career and eased to a comfortable victory over Turkey’s Binali Shakhmandarov in his most recent bout, will also be competing on the opening night of the event when he faces Argentina’s Cristian Coria (29-9-2, 13 knockouts).
Bachkov showcased his undoubted qualities at amateur level on multiple occasions and picked up gold medals at both the 2017 European Championships and the 2019 European Games. Like Jalolov, he was also a medalist at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, winning a bronze in the lightweight competition.
“I’m very excited to be competing at Probellum Evolution and I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans,” said Bachkov. “It’s been a good start to my professional career but there is a lot more to come from me and I will show my quality in Dubai.”
The opening night will?be headlined?by France’s Estelle Mossely?(9-0, 1 knockout), who defends her IBO lightweight title against Argentina’s Yanina del Carmen Lescano?(10-1, 2 knockouts), with Ireland’s Jono Carroll?(21-2-1, 5 knockouts)?facing Serbia’s Serif Gurdijeljac?(21-6, 8 knockouts)?in the co-main event.?
Sunny Edwards?(17-0, 4 knockouts), from the UK, puts his?IBF flyweight title on the line against Pakistan’s Muhammad Waseem?(12-1, 8 knockouts)?in the headline bout of night?two, supported by a fascinating contest between USA’s Regis Prograis?(26-1, 22 knockouts)?and Ireland’s Tyrone McKenna?(22-2-1, 6 knockouts).? For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
About Probellum Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.
Probellum’s elite stable includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Troy Williamson, Dina Thorslund, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Will Cawley, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack.
Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).
Probellum hosted its inaugural event at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena in December 2021.
Edwards Decisions Mama to Retain Flyweight Title
Sunny Edwards won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jayson Mama to retain the IBF Flyweight Title at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
In round two, Edwards was cut on his forehead from an accidental headbutt.
Edwards registered a knockdown in round 10.
Edwards, 111 lbs of London, ENG won by scores of 118-109 twice and 117-110 and is now 17-0. Mama, 111 1/2 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 16-1.
Nietes and Jimenez Battle to Draw
Former multi-division world champion Donnie Nietes and Norberto Jimenez battled to a 10-round draw in a super flyweight fight.
Each fighter won a card by a 96-94 score and a third card was 95-95.
Nietes, 115 lbs of the Philippines is 43-1-6. Jimenez of the Dominican Republic is 30-9-5/
Jalolov Destroys Calimeno in 46 Seconds
2021 Olympic Gold Medal winner Bakhodir Jalolov needed just 46 seconds to take out Julio Cesar Calimeno in an eight-round heavyweight bout.
Jalolov landed the first and only punch of the fight, a straight left that put Calimeno down for the 10-count.
Jalolov, 249 lbs of Uzbekistan is 9-0 with nine knockouts. Calimeno, 201 lbs of Colombia is 4-2.
de Bruijn Decisions Valtierra
Anthony de Bruijn won a six-round majority decision over Diego Valtierra in a super featherweight bout.
de Bruijn of the Netherlands won by scores of 59-55, 58-56 and 57-57 and is now 11-0-1. Valtierra of Spain is 6-5.
Carroll Stops Mesquita in 2
Former world title challenger Jono Carroll stopped Aeilo Mesquita in round two of a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.
In round two, Carroll dropped Mesquita with a left hand. Moments later, a right hook sent Mesquita to a knee. Carroll sent Mesquita down for a 3rd and final time with a hard left to the head, and the fight was over at 2:27.
Carroll, 132.3 lbs of Dublin, IRE is 21-2-1 with six knockouts. Mesquita, 132.6 lbs of Brazil is 20-6-1.
OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST JALOLOV CONFIRMED FOR PROBELLUM: REVOLUTION IN DUBAI
Los Angeles, CA – November 30, 2021 – Olympic Gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov is added to the packed Probellum: Revolution, the UAE’s first world championship boxing event, in the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday December 11.
The unbeaten Uzbekistani fighter will compete at Probellum’s inaugural event in Dubai next month, making his first appearance since winning super-heavyweight Gold at the Tokyo Olympics, in association with DiBella Entertainment.
The reputation of Jalolov, 27, continues to grow, and he will now showcase his talents on a card which includes two world title bouts.
Having won Gold at the 2019 World Championships, Jalolov triumphed once again at the 2020 Olympics, which were delayed by a year due to Covid-19, beating USA’s Richard Torrez on points.
“I am very excited to return to my professional boxing career, this has been my priority as it contains the main part of my long-term goal after the Olympics,” said Jalolov. “To fight in Dubai is an added bonus and there is a responsibility for me to be at my best because I know that I already have a lot of fans there and many of my Uzbek and international followers will attend the event.”
Vadim Kornolov, Jolalov’s manager, added: “We are very excited for Bakhodir Jalolov to be a part of a major event in Dubai. This will be Jalolov’s first professional fight after his success in the Olympics and we are looking forward to him making a statement that the fans will remember.”
Lou DiBella, Jolalov’s promoter, said: “Bakhodir Jalolov, the reigning Olympic super-heavyweight Gold medalist, has been boxing’s dominant amateur big man. The Big Uzbek is 6’7”, 27 years old, and 8-0 (8 KOs) as a pro.
“With crunching power and unusual agility for a man of his size, this future world champion is poised to rise up the heavyweight rankings in 2022. I’m pleased and grateful that he will resume his pro career on December 11, in Dubai, at Probellum: The Revolution, the company’s loaded inaugural event.”
“We’re absolutely delighted to add Bakhodir to what was already a brilliant card,” added Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.
“Not only is Bakhodir an Olympic Gold medalist, he is also undefeated in his career to date, and we are looking forward to watching him in action at the Coca-Cola Arena. The fans attending this event will undoubtedly enjoy some top-quality fight action.”
Probellum: The Revolution sees Sunny Edwards defend his IBF flyweight title against Jayson Mama, while John Riel Casimero puts his WBO bantamweight title on the line against Paul Butler.
Other stars confirmed for the event include Donnie Nietes, Archie Sharp and Jono Carroll, with UAE fighters Sultan Al Nuaimi and Fahad Al Bloushi also in action.
Tickets for the event are now on sale in-store at Virgin Megastore and online via Coca-Cola Arena and Platinum List.
For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
“THE BIG UZBEK” BAKHODIR JALOLOV VIES FOR GOLD IN THE OLYMPIC SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT FINAL TONIGHT IN TOKYO
New York, NY (August 7, 2021) Following a third-round referee stoppage victory against Great Britain’s Frazer Clarke in the super heavyweight Semifinals at the Tokyo Olympics, “The Big Uzbek” Bakhodir Jalolov, of Uzbekistan, vies for the gold medal in the tournament’s Final tonight. He faces the United States’ Richard Torrez Jr. at Kokugikan Arena, in what will be a rematch of their 2019 AIBA World Championships contest. The Jalolov-Torrez bout will broadcast as part of Boxing Session 25, which begins tonight at 10:00pm PT / 1:00am ET, streaming on the NBC Olympics Website. Jalolov is expected to be in the ring at 11:15pm PT / 2:15am ET.
Standing six-foot-six, the 27-year-old Jalolov, who holds a professional record of 8-0 with eight knockouts, is just one win away from his goal of winning an Olympic gold medal. He previously competed at the 2016 Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and now has the distinguished honor of being Uzbekistan’s first athlete to be a two-time flag bearer at the Opening Ceremonies.
Born in Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan, the southpaw Jalolov has garnered tremendous accolades as an amateur, winning gold medals at the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships four times, World Cup Tournament, Liventsev Memorial Tournament, Great Silk Way Tournament, and Duisenkul Shopokov Memorial Tournament in 2015, and at the World Cup of Petroleum Countries Tournament in 2014, as well as winning numerous National championships. During his amateur career, Jalolov also focused on his education, earning a Master’s Degree in Sports Science.
“THE BIG UZBEK” BAKHODIR JALOLOV COMPETES IN SEMIFINALS AT TOKYO OLYMPICS TONIGHT
New York, NY (August 3, 2021) Following another shutout decision victory at the Tokyo Olympics, against India’s Satish Kumar in the super heavyweight Quarterfinals, “The Big Uzbek” Bakhodir Jalolov, of Uzbekistan, moves on to the tournament’s Semifinals tonight. He will face off against Frazer Clarke, of England, at Kokugikan Arena. Jalolov’s bout will broadcast as part of Boxing Session 21, which begins tonight at 10:00pm PT / 1:00am ET, streaming on the NBC Olympics Website. For the night owls on the East Coast, Jalolov is expected to be in the ring at 2:03am ET / 11:03pm PT.
Standing six-foot-six, the 27-year-old Jalolov, who holds a professional record of 8-0 with eight knockouts, is taking a break from the paid ranks to return to the Olympic stage seeking gold medal glory. Jalolov previously competed at the 2016 Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He now has the distinguished honor of being the first athlete in the history of Uzbekistan to be the country’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremonies twice.
Born in Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan, the southpaw Jalolov has garnered tremendous accolades as an amateur, winning gold medals at the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships four times, World Cup Tournament, Liventsev Memorial Tournament, Great Silk Way Tournament, and Duisenkul Shopokov Memorial Tournament in 2015, and at the World Cup of Petroleum Countries Tournament in 2014, as well as winning numerous National championships. During his amateur career, Jalolov also focused on his education, earning a Master’s Degree in Sports Science.
Social Media DiBella Entertainment Instagram: @DiBellaEnt Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment
TUNE-IN ALERT: “THE BIG UZBEK” BAKHODIR JALOLOV PREMIERES AT TOKYO OLYMPICS TONIGHT
New York, NY (July 28, 2021) Top heavyweight prospect Bakhodir Jalolov, of Uzbekistan, will premiere at the Olympics in Tokyo tonight, competing in the super heavyweight division. He will face Abdullayev Mahammad, of Azerbajian, in the tournament’s Round of 16 preliminaries. Jalolov’s bout will broadcast as part of Session 11, which begins at 10:00pm ET / 7:00pm PT, streaming on the NBC Olympics Website. He is expected to be in the ring by 11:00pm ET / 8:00pm PT.
Standing six-foot-six, the 27-year-old Jalolov, who holds a professional record of 8-0 with eight knockouts, is taking a break from the paid ranks to return to the Olympic stage seeking gold medal glory. Jalolov previously competed at the 2016 Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He now has the distinguished honor of being the first athlete in the history of Uzbekistan to be the country’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremonies twice.
Born in Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan, the southpaw Jalolov has garnered tremendous accolades as an amateur, winning gold medals at the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships three times (2017, 2019 and 2021), World Cup Tournament, Liventsev Memorial Tournament, Great Silk Way Tournament, and Duisenkul Shopokov Memorial Tournament in 2015, and at the World Cup of Petroleum Countries Tournament in 2014, as well as winning numerous National championships. During his amateur career, Jalolov also focused on his education, earning a Master’s Degree in Sports Science.
Social Media DiBella Entertainment Instagram: @DiBellaEnt Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment
Akhmadaliev stops Iwasa in Five; Retains Super Bantamweight Titles
Muroodjon Akhmadliev retained the IBF/WBA Super Bantamiweight titles with a fifth round stoppage over Ryosuke Iwasa at the Humo Arena in Tashkent, Uznbekistan.
In round five, Akamadaliv landed a hard combination that sent Iwasa into the ropes, and the fight was stopped (maybe Prematurely) at 1:30.
Akhmadlaiv, 121 .2 lbs of Chust, UZB is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Iwasa, 121.6 lbs of Kashiwa, JAP is 27-4.
Shakhram Giyasov stopped Patricio Lopez in round three of a scheduled 10-round super lightweight fight.i
In round two, Giyasov landed a right hand that put Moreno on the deck. In round three, Giyasov landed a right to the head that sent Moreno down face-first and the fight was over at 2:21.
Giyasov, 139.5 lbs of Bukhara, UZB is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Moreno, 139.3 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 28-5.
Madrimov decisions Kalombo
In a fight featuring undefeated super welterweights, Israil Madrimov won a 10-round unanimous decision over Emmany Kalombo.
In round eight, Madrimov landed a left in the middle of an exchange that sent Kalombo stumbling into the ropes for a knockdown.
Madimov, 154.2 lbs of Khiva, UZB won by scores of 100-89, 99-90 and 98-92 to raise his unblemished mark to 7-0. Kalombo, 153.6 lbs of The Congo is 14-1.
Jalolov stops Zutis in 2
Bakhodir Jololov stopped Kristaps Zutis in round two of a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.
In round two, Jalolov dropped Zutis with a left. Seconds later, it was a right hook that put Zutis down with a right hook in the corner and the fight was stopped at 1:16.
Jalolov, 250 lbs Sariosiyo, UZB is 8-0 with eight knockouts. Zutis, 255 lbs of Sabile, LAT is 7-2-2.
Dusmatov stops Kizota in 2
2016 Olympic Gold Medal winner Harsanboy Dusmatov stopped Muhsin Kizota in round two of their scheduled 10-round light-flyweight bout.
In round one, Dusmative dropped Kizota with a left over the top. In that same right, Dusmatov was cut around the right eye. In round two, Dusmatov landed another perfect left that put Kizota down for a second time. Moments later, it was a short left on the inside the put Kizota down again. Kizota was able to go on, but only a couple of seconds later, one more flush left forced the referee to stop the fight at 2:02,
Dusmatov, 108 lbs of Uzbekistan is 3-0 with three knockouts. Kizota, 108 lbs of Tanzania is 11-3.
Mirazizbek Mirzakhlilov made a successful pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Tasha Mjuaji schedueld six-round super bantamweight bout
In round one, Mirzakhalilov dropped Mjuaji with a right hand. Seconds later it was another right t hat sent Mjuaji down for the 10-count at 2:24.
Mirzakhlilov, 121.9 lbs of Tanzania is 1-0 with one knockout. Mjuaji of Tanzania is 17-8-2.
Ivan Golub Makes It Three Wins In A Row, Decisions Manuel Reyes
NEW YORK CITY — Ivan “The Volk” Golub retained his WBC USNBC Welterweight Title, scoring a wide ten round unanimous decision against Manuel Alejandro Reyes (11-5-1, 5KO) in the main event of a DiBella Entertainment Broadway Boxing card from midtown Manhattan’s SONY Hall.
It wasn’t necessarily easy work for the southpaw Golub, but the Ukrainian controlled the action from bell to bell. Golub, who now lives and fights out of Brooklyn, got off to a quick start, immediately banging away at Reyes’ body. Reyes’ gained a bit of momentum the ensuing round when a short right opened up a cut over Golub’s right eye — a cut that would produce blood until the final bell.
In the third, however, the 30 year old Ukranian turned the tide for good, gaining confidence after landing a crisp one-two that stunted Reyes’ ever-forward momentum. In the fourth Golub landed a huge straight left that was set up by a pawing jab. By the time the fifth round rolled around, Golub found a rhythm, timing the southpaw Reyes as he made his way in, peppering him with punches before the California-native could fire off shots of his own.
Golub, who was fighting for the fifth time in Manhattan, continued to control the fight in the mid-to-late rounds, as well, as Reyes was unable to solve his Ukrainian counterpart.
At the end of ten, all three judges scored the contest for Golub, 99-91 and 100-90×2.
The result makes it three wins in a row for Golub since suffering his only career defeat at the hands of Jamontay Clark in 2017.
For Reyes, the result makes it two losses in a row. Prior to tonight, he suffered a UD loss against Mykal Fox in 2017.
Bakhodir Jalolov Blasts Out Brendan Barrett In One
Former 2016 Uzbekistani Olympian Bakhodir Jalolov (6-0, 6KO) destroyed fellow heavyweight Brendan Barrett (7-3-2, 5KO), stopping him in the first of a scheduled six rounds, winning the NABF Junior Heavyweight Championship in the process. From the opening bell, the 6’7” southpaw Jalolov had his way with 5’10” Barrett, who took the fight on short notice. About midway through the opening round, the 24 year-old Jalolov landed a crisp jab that immediately drew blood from Barrett’s nose and sent him retreating to a neutral corner where he took a knee. The 37 year-old Barrett managed to get back to his feet, but probably wished he’d been counted out. Smelling blood in the water, Jalolov, who now lives and fights out of Brooklyn, NY, connected with a missile of a straight left that exploded on Barrett’s chin and collapsed him to the canvas, this time for good. Referee Earl Brown reached a count of three before waving off the contest at the 2:45 mark of the first round.
Alicia Napoleon Pleases Hometown Crowd With TKO2 Over Eva Bajic
Lindenhurst, NY native Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon (11-1, 6KO) delighted the hometown crowd and dismantled fellow super welterweight Hungary’s Eva Bajic (14-17, 9KO), dropping her twice en route to a TKO2 victory. Napoleon, 33, simply outclassed Bajic. Working behind a sharp jab, Napoleon landed at will and in the opening moments of the second round landed a left-right combination that sent Bajic to the mat. The 34 year-old Hungarian, who has now lost six fights in a row and eight of her last nine, beat the ensuing count, but didn’t last much longer. Napoleon followed up and landed an overhand right that returned Bajic to the mat, prompting the ringside physician to step on the ring apron and advise the referee to stop the contest. The official time of the stoppage came at the 1:04 mark of the second round. Napoleon has now won four in a row since suffering his lone career defeat against Tori Nelson in 2015.
Hurshidbek Normatov Shuts Out Calvin Metcalf In 6 Round Bout
Uzbekistan’s Hurshidbek Normatov (8-0, 3KO) shutout (60-53×3) fellow middleweight Calvin Metcalf (9-2-1, 2KO) in a six round contest. Normatov, a 26 year-old southpaw who fights and trains out of Brooklyn, NY, used his jab to keep Metcalf at distance. Once the jab was established, Normatov began to pepper in short right hooks, connecting and dropping Metcalf with a perfectly thrown one in round 3. To his credit, the stubborn 24-year old Metcalf hung tough and refused to let Normatov earn a win by stoppage. At the end of six, all three judges scored it 60-53 for the Uzbekistani.
Brian Ceballo Makes Easy Work Of Ricardo Garcia, Stops Him In 2
Former five-time New York Golden Gloves Champion Brian Ceballo (8-0, 4KO) had an easy night at the office, dominating and stopping fellow welterweight Ricardo Garcia (14-6-1, 9KO) inside two of a scheduled six rounds. Midway through the second Ceballo, who lives and fights out of the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn, connected with a straight right that landed on Garcia’s chin and collapsed him to the mat. The Dominican-born Reading, PA transplant, Garcia, beat referee Earl Brown’s ten count, but never fully recovered. Ceballo, 25, immediately followed up and sealed the deal with a huge left hook that backed Garcia to the ropes, prompting Brown to jump in and call a halt to the bout at the 2:33 mark of the third round.
Khalid Twaiti Stays Perfect With TKO3 Over Jeno Tonte
Super bantamweight Khalid Twaiti (5-0, 3KO) needed less than three of a scheduled four rounds to up his perfect record and record a TKO win against Hungary’s Jeno Tonte (9-7, 8KO). Twaiti, a 23 year-old Yemeni-American from Brooklyn, forced the action and overwhelmed Tonte, who had no answer for Twaiti’s volume or power. After a flurry of punches that landed without obstruction, the referee in charge stopped the contest at the 1:13 mark of the third round.
Joseph Williams Returns From Two-Year Layoff, UDs Jose Mario Flores
Far Rockaway, Queen’s Joseph “Mack” Williams (13-0, 8KO) outslugged and shutout (60-54×3) fellow cruiserweight Jose Mario Flores (8-2-2, 4KO) in a six round contest, kicking off a seven-fight Broadway Boxing card from midtown Manhattan’s SONY Hall, presented by DiBella Entertainment. The night will culminate when once-beaten Ivan Golub (15-1, 12KO) squares off against California-native Manuel Alejandro Reyes (11-4-1, 5KO) in a ten round welterweight scrap.
DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT’S BROADWAY BOXING SERIES DEBUTS AT SONY HALL IN TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK CITY
New York, NY (March 20, 2019) Celebrating its 16th year, DiBella Entertainment’s acclaimed Broadway Boxing series returns to Manhattan on Wednesday, April 10, at Sony Hall in Times Square. Ukrainian welterweight contender Ivan “The Volk” Golub (15-1, 12 KOs) will headline the event taking on Karim Mayfield (21-5-1, 11 KOs), in defense of his WBC USNBC title, scheduled for 10 rounds.
Tickets for BROADWAY BOXING, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance, are currently on sale and start at $55 for Standing Room Only, with $100 stage seating, and $125 for Ringside. VIP Tables are available for $200 per seat and Ringside Tables for $125 per seat. Tickets are available for purchase by calling the DiBella Entertainment office at (212) 947-2577 and online through Ticketmaster HERE. Sony Hall is located at 235 West 46th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue), New York, NY 10036. Doors will open on the night of the event at 7:00 PM with the first bell at 7:15 PM. For more information on Sony Hall, please visit their website (www.SonyHall.com).
“I’m thrilled to bring Broadway Boxing back to New York City and to debut the series at Sony Hall in Times Square,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “On Wednesday, April 10, hard-hitting Ukrainian welterweight contender Ivan Golub will take on highly skilled veteran Karim Mayfield in defense of his WBC USNBC title. The stacked undercard includes Long Island’s world champion Alicia Napoleon, the Big Uzbek, heavyweight giant, Bakhodir Jalolov, as well as renowned amateur, junior middleweight brawler Hurshidbek Normatov and rising Brooklyn prospect Khalid Twaiti. We also welcome Brooklyn’s former amateur standout Brian Ceballo, promoted by Tom Loeffler, to Broadway Boxing.”
Fast-rising welterweight star Ivan Golub, of Brooklyn, NY, is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., and managed by David McWater’s Split-T Management. He captured the WBC USNBC welterweight title in his last fight via outstanding 10-round shutout decision victory against Lanardo Tyner on August 18, 2018. Golub was a highly accomplished amateur, accumulating a 270-32 record. He became a five-time Ukrainian National champion, won bronze medals at the Junior World Championships in 2006 and at the World Championships in 2009. He also participated in the World Series of Boxing, winning all five of his bouts.
WBA Super Middleweight Women’s World Champion Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon (10-1, 5 KOs) will make her highly anticipated return to the ring in an eight-round non-title bout. A native of Lindenhurst, NY, Napoleon won her world title with a 10-round unanimous decision versus Femke Hermans on March 3, 2018, at Barclays Center. Making her first defense on August 4, 2018, the charismatic Napoleon defeated Hannah Rankin by 10-round decision. The Veteran Boxers Association honored Napoleon as the 2018 “New York State Female Fighter of the Year” at their annual Holiday Awards Dinner. Before her August 2014 pro debut, Napoleon competed as an amateur for nine years, winning 11 National titles, including two New York Golden Gloves championships and a National Golden Gloves title.
Standing at 6’7″, former Olympian Bakhodir “The Big Uzbek” Jalolov (5-0, 5 KOs) is a heavyweight giant from Uzbekistan, now training out of Los Angeles, CA, and will see action in a six-round tilt. He is coming off of a second-round stoppage against Willie Harvey, on March 15, in California. Born in Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan, Jalolov was a highly accomplished amateur, compiling a record of 84-13. A four-time National champion from 2013 to 2016 and the #1 ranked amateur in the world before his pro debut, Jalolov represented his homeland at the 2016 Olympic Games and had the distinguished honor of being the country’s flag-bearer at the Opening Ceremonies. As an amateur, Jalolov won gold medals at the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships in 2017, World Cup Tournament, Liventsev Memorial Tournament, Great Silk Way Tournament, and Duisenkul Shopokov Memorial Tournament in 2015, and at the World Cup of Petroleum Countries Tournament in 2014. During his amateur career, Jalolov also focused on his education, earning a Master’s Degree in Sports Science.
Undefeated junior middleweight prospect Hurshidbek Normatov (7-0, 3 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, will battle in a scheduled six-rounder. A native of Uzbekistan, the 26-year-old southpaw, managed by David McWater’s Split-T Management, is coming off of a thrilling sixth-round knockout of previously unbeaten Alexis Gaytan on July 21, 2018, at Foxwoods Resort Casino. As an amateur, Normatov won the 2014 European National Championships and accumulated a 190-40 record.
In the super bantamweight division, Brooklyn’s Khalid “Pure Gold” Twaiti (4-0, 2 KOs) will compete in a four-round bout. Fighting for the first time in 2019, Twaiti is coming off of a four-round unanimous decision against Carlos Noe Ramirez on September 29, 2018, in his home borough. He turned pro in February 2017, after compiling a 74-15 amateur record.
Welterweight prospect Brian Ceballo (7-0, 3 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions and managed by David McWater’s Split-T Management, will fight in a six-rounder. Ceballo was a stellar amateur, compiling a 206-13 record while becoming a five-time New York Golden Gloves champion. He turned pro last March and is coming off of a six-round unanimous decision victory against Randy Fuentes, at the Avalon, in Hollywood, CA.
Additional information on this exciting card will be announced shortly.
THE BIG UZBEK BAKHODIR JALOLOV SEEKS ANOTHER SPECTACULAR KNOCKOUT THIS FRIDAY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
New York, NY (March 13, 2019) Fast rising heavyweight star Bakhodir Jalolov (4-0, 4 KOs) returns to action this Friday night, March 15, against Willie Harvey (3-1-1, 3 KOs) in a scheduled
six-round bout at the Marconi Automotive Museum’s 21st Annual Fundraiser for Kids in Tustin, CA.
The 24-year-old Jalolov represented Uzbekistan in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he was honored as his country’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremonies. Compiling an impressive 84-13 amateur record, Jalolov was a four-time National champion from 2013-2016. He won gold medals at the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships in 2017, World Cup Tournament, Liventsev Memorial Tournament, Great Silk Way Tournament, and Duisenkul Shopokov Memorial Tournament in 2015, and at the World Cup of Petroleum Countries Tournament in 2014. During his amateur career, Jalolov also focused on his education, earning a Master’s Degree in Sports Science.
Since turning professional under the DiBella Entertainment banner in May 2018, the heavy-handed southpaw has quickly impressed boxing fans across the country with highlight reel knockouts.
“Known as the ‘Big Uzbek’, the giant 6’7″ heavyweight Bakhodir Jalolov is a former Olympian with massive knockout power,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “With his gaudy amateur record, skills and size, Jalolov is already a force in the heavyweight division. I expect another impressive win on Friday against Willie Harvey and I will not hesitate to step him up in a major way immediately after.”
Trained by the renowned Joel Diaz in Indio, CA, Jalolov capped his perfect 2018 with a sensational first-round knockout of Marquis Valentine, on December 8, in LaPuente, CA.
Harvey heads into Friday’s battle with Jalolov following a first-round knockout of Paris Liles on January 26, in Charlotte, NC.
Jacobs Outboxes Derevyanchenko To Capture Title
NEW YORK CITY — Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (35-2, 29KO) earned a twelve-round split decision victory over Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (12-1, 10KO) to capture the vacant IBF Middleweight Championship, capping a night a boxing in front of 4,691 paying fans at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater. At the end of the contest, judge Julie Lederman (114-113) scored the fight for the Ukrainian, Derevyanchenko, while Tom Schreck (115-112) and Steve Weisfeld (115-112) both had it for the Brooklyn native, Jacobs.
It was a thirty-six minute violent chess match between two familiar adversaries who have sparred an estimated 300-plus rounds together.
Before the fight, both fighters shared trainers, Andre Rozier. Rozier and Gary Stark, Sr. co-trained Derevyanchenko, while Rozier served as Jacob’s sole trainer.
When the opportunity arose for the two stablemates to square off for the vacant IBF Middleweight Title, decisions had to be made, and Derevyanchenko’s co-training duo would fracture. Stark, Sr. took over as the lone trainer for Derevyanchenko, who now lives in Brooklyn, while Rozier stuck with Jacobs, who he has been training since he was 14.
Each fighter left their Brooklyn homes and flew out west for training camp. Jacobs in San Carlos, CA and Derevyanchenko, in Colorado Springs, CO.
When the bell sounded tonight, under the bright lights of Broadway, both fighters knew they had a huge opportunity in front of them, and both fought like they had nothing to lose.
It didn’t take long for fireworks to explode, as late in the first round Jacobs, 31, dropped Derevyanchenko, 32, with a looping right hand that found a home behind the Ukrainian’s left ear.
The smaller Derevyanchenko, who as an amateur compiled a record of 320-90, continually worked his way inside Jacobs reach and fired off loaded shots that, at times, tested Jacob’s twin. In an effort to keep Derevyanchenko at bay and off balance, Jacobs continually switched from orthodox to southpaw, but the machine-like former 2008 Olympian continually pressed forward, not content to be kept on the outside.
In the sixth round, Jacobs delivered a huge right uppercut as the Ukrainian fighter tried to march his way to the inside. Although thrown with every ounce of body weight behind it, Derevyanchenko ate it well, stopping only momentarily before continuing forward, hunting for action.
“The Technician” operated in machine-like fashion, forward, forward, forward. But when the two fighters engaged, Jacobs seemingly bested Derevyanchenko during most of their exchanges. If he didn’t land the most punches, he landed the cleaner, more powerful ones.
The result marks the third straight victory via the scorecards for Jacobs, a osteosarcoma survivor. During that stretch, Jacobs’ other wins have come against Luis Arias and Maciej Sulecki.
For Jacobs, this was also the first fight back inside the walls of Madison Square Garden since losing a closely contested decision to Gennady Golovkin in March 2017. Jacobs’ only other professional defeat came via one punch KO in the fifth round of a bout with Dmitry Pirog in 2010.
This was the first fight at the Garden, first attempt at a world title, and first taste of defeat for Derevyanchenko.
After the fight, Jacobs called out fellow middleweight title holder, Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34KO). Alvarez is fresh off signing a record $365 million 5-year, 11-fight deal with DAZN, which also has a deal with Matchroom Boxing, the promoter of Jacobs.
Explosive! Machado Blasts Evans Wins Inside 1
It took only 2:25 for Puerto Rico’s Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (21-0, 17KO) to drop Yuandale “Money Shot” Evans (20-2, 14KO) three times and retain his WBA super featherweight title. The fight was almost over as soon as it began, as the southpaw Machado, 28, caught and dropped Evans, 29, for the first time with a crisp left cross. Cleveland’s Evans never fully recovered, and Machado, smelling blood in the water, quickly met Evans with a flurry of punches. The Freddie Roach trained Machado then threw a left cross that opened up Evan’s guard, and then shot a nose-crushing right straight down Broadway that rocked Evans and sent him to the mat for the second time. Referee Ricky Gonzalez was generous with his ten count, trying to buy Evans all the time he could. But the few extra seconds Evans was gifted made no difference, as Machado once again fired off vicious shots on an already groggy Evans, and then ended the fight in explosive fashion, rocketing one more right straight through Evans’ shotty guard, sending him violently to the mat for the third and final time.
It was the second fight at Madison Square Garden for Machado, and his second successful title defense. Machado won his belt with an 8th round KO of Jezreel Corrales in October 2017.
Evans’ only other loss also came via first round stoppage in 2012 courtesy of Javier Fortuna.
Hardy Defeats Vincent Again, Claims WBO World Female Featherweight Title
In a rematch of their hotly contested 2016 bout, Heather “The Heat” Hardy (22-0, 4 KO) once again outpointed Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (23-2, 1KO) to win the vacant WBO World Female Featherweight Title.
Fists came fast and furious throughout all ten rounds as both fighters immediately met in the center of the ring in the opening round and let their hands fly. For the most part, it was a jabless affair; a fight full of power punches thrown at a furious pace. And from the start, neither fighter was able to impose their will on the other. The longer, leaner Hardy, 37, tried her best to throw her shots from a distance, but Vincent, 39, revenge on her mind, continually bull-rushed past Hardy’s defense and landed clean blows of her own.
By the early-middle rounds, both fighter’s faces began to show evidence of being tagged repeatedly. Vincent’s face was beginning to match the color of her mostly-red trunks, while Brooklyn’s Hardy’s face began to puff and swell, and turn light pink.
The action failed to cease as the two fighter’s continued to go toe-to-toe round after round. It wasn’t until the late-middle rounds that Hardy finally gained some separation and clearly won rounds. At the end of ten, judges Glenn Feldman and Kevin Morgan scored it 97-93, while Alan Rubenstein saw it 99-91, all in favor for the new champion, Hardy.
In their previous bout, a 2016 contest in Coney Island, NY, Hardy, a former Former WBC super bantamweight and featherweight champion, eked out a majority decision, as judges turned in cards of 95-95, and 99-91 and 97-93, for “The Heat.”
It was the first fight at Madison Square Garden for Hardy, and her second fight back inside the squared circle since stepping into the octagon for a three-fight stretch from June 2017 to February 2018, amassing a 2-1 record fighting in Bellator.
For Vincent, the loss is the second of her career, both coming courtesy of Hardy.
Mati Outpoints Freeman For Second Career Win
Reshat “The Albanian Bear” Mati (2-0, 1KO) easily outpointed fellow welterweight Keasen Freeman (4-5, 2KO) to earn a unanimous decision victory. This was the first win via the scorecards for Mati, who made his professional debut earlier this month, stopping Adan Ahumada inside 3. Mati scored a knockdown via a beautifully thrown right uppercut in round 3. At the end of the bout, all three judges agreed on a score of 40-35 for Mati. The loss marks the fifth straight defeat for Freeman, who has also been defeated by notable names, Tyrone James and Gary Antoine Russell.
Butaev Demolishes Cosio, Jr., Retires Him In 3
Russian-born Brooklyn-transplant, Radzhab “Python” Butaev (10-8, KO) made quick work Panama’s Azael Cosio, Jr. (21-8-2, 18KO), retiring him after three rounds of their welterweight contest, originally slated to go ten. Butaev, 24, who turned pro in 2016 after compiling an amateur record of 453-9, used his superior skill set and power to blast through Cosio’s guard and brutally batter his 37 year-old counterpart to the body and head. After the third round commenced, Cosio, Jr.’s corner decided it wasn’t their night asked referee Gary Rosato to call a halt to the contest.
The result marked the seventh time out ten career fights for the Joel Diaz-trained Butaev that ended before the fourth round.
Day Wins Hard-Earned Decision Over Veteran Ayala
Patrick Day (16-2-1, 6KO) scored a gutsy ten round unanimous decision victory, claiming the WBC Continental Americas Super-Welterweight Championship over 37 year-old former world title challenger Elvin Ayala (29-12-1, 13KO). Early on in the bought, Ayala, a veteran with 260 professional rounds in his rear view, was able to go blow for blow with Day, occasionally catching his 26 year-old counterpart with clean punches. It didn’t take long for that to change, however, and by the third round, the younger and physically bigger Day, began began to impose his will on the aging veteran.
Round after round, Day was able to walk down Ayala and unload shots, while barely having to deflect any return fire. In the seventh, Ayala mounted a bit of a rally, letting his hands fly more freely. The New Haven, CT native began walking forward and meeting Day halfway, gaining back some of the real estate he was willing to concede during the middle rounds. Eventually, though, Day regained control of the contest and continued to best his foe until the final bell. When the ten rounds concluded, all judges scored the contest in favor of Day, 100-90, twice, and 99-91.
The two blemishes on Day’s record both came in 2015. The first loss, a shocking one, came courtesy of Carlos Garcia Hernandez who stopped Day inside one. The other loss, a UD, was to the long and lanky Alantez Fox later that year.
For Ayala, tonight’s result makes it four straight losses and six in his last seven contests. In fairness to the tough veteran, he continually shares the ring with top-level opposition. Some fighters who have defeated Ayala during the course of his fifteen year career include Vaughn Alexander, Alantez Fox, Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Curtis Stevens, David Lemieux, and Arthur Abraham. Perhaps Ayala’s biggest professional accomplishment remains his 2007 draw with former world champion Sergio Mora.
Joyce Earns Decision In Lightweight Slugfest
In his US debut, Irish native David Oliver Joyce (9-0, 7KO) earned a hardfought unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Jorge Rojas Zacazontetl (4-5-1, 2KO) in a six round scrap. The two lightweights traded knockdowns early courtesy of left hooks, with Joyce dropping Zacazontetl in the first and Zacazontetl returning the favor the following round. Both fighters were willing to forego defense in favor of landing their own shots, left hooks in particular, but as the bought went on it was Joyce who continually got the better of Zacazontetl. Toward the end of the fifth, the 30 year-old Irishman began to punish Zacazontetl, landing at will and snapping his counterpart’s head in all directions. Zacazontetl was able to survive the onslaught, the round, and the fight, but ultimately lost the decision. Judges Larry Hazzard Jr. and Kevin Morgan scored it 58-53, while Alan Rubenstein scored it 58-54, all for Joyce.
Heavyweight Prospect Jalolov Batters Wright, Retires Him In 4
DiBella Entertainment heavyweight prospect, Bakhodir Jalolov (3-0, 3KO), delivered a thorough beating to Tyrell Wright (9-3-2, 6KO), retiring him after the fourth of a scheduled six rounds. The 6’6” southpaw used his height and reach advantage to keep Jersey City’s Wright out of range, all the while delivering violent one-two’s round after round. Jalolov, who is trained by Joel Diaz and who represented Uzbekistan at the 2016 Rio Olympics, dropped Wright midway through the fourth with a straight left hand. Wright was able to beat referee Harvey Dock’s count, but seconds later, Jalolov opened up a huge gash over the right eye of Wright courtesy of another left. That would be the final punch of significance, as Wright’s corner informed Dock that they are stopping at the fight at the end of the fourth.
Donnelly Easily Outpoints Cervera In US Debut
Former 2016 Irish Olympian Steve Donnelly (4-0, 1KO) cruised to an easy decision against fellow super welterweight Ray Cervera (0-3) to kick off a night of fights live from the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The 30 year-old Northern Irishman, who sported USA-themed trunks, dropped his 27 year-old counterpart three times en route to a 40-33 win on all three official scorecards.
Long Island’s Patrick Day Faces Elvin Ayala in Featured Undercard Bout on October 27 at Hulu Theater from Madison Square Garden
New York, NY (October 25, 2018) Three stars on DiBella Entertainment’s roster, Long Island’s Patrick Day and amateur standouts Bakhodir Jalolov and Radzhab Butaev, will be featured on the undercard to the sensational HBO World Championship Boxing televised tripleheader set for Saturday, October 27, at the Hulu Theater from Madison Square Garden.
Tickets are on Now on Sale from TicketMaster.com priced at $46, $66, $106, $206 and $356 (ringside). Doors will open to the venue on the night of the event at 6:00 p.m. with the telecast beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Long Island’s Patrick Day (15-2-1, 6 KOs) will defend his WBC Continental Americas title against battle-tested veteran Elvin Ayala (29-11-1, 13 KOs), of New Haven, CT, in a 10-round junior middleweight clash. The 26-year-old Day, a native of Freeport, NY, is currently riding a four-fight winning streak. On July 15, 2017, Day scored his then-biggest win, a 10-round unanimous decision against previously undefeated Eric Walker in Uniondale, NY. The local fan favorite followed up that victory with a 10-round unanimous decision versus Kyrone Davis on March 3, in his most recent start in Brooklyn, NY.
Nicknamed “The Python”, the 24-year-old Radzhab Butaev is a native of Salsk, Russia. Sporting an unblemished record of 9-0 with seven knockouts, Butaev returns to action following a third-round knockout of Ramses Agaton on July 20, in Los Angeles, CA. He is trained by the renowned Joel Diaz in Riverside, CA. As an amateur, Butaev accumulated an astounding 304-12 record, with 164 knockouts. This Saturday night, Butaev will face Azael “Turbo” Cosio (21-7-2, 18 KOs), of Panama City, Panama. The upset-minded Cosio looks to return to the win column following a very close, 10-round decision loss to Jorge Fortea on April 28, in Bilbao, Spain.
Also 24 years old, Bakhodir Jalolov represented Uzbekistan at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, losing in the quarterfinals to silver medalist Joe Joyce. He was also a four-time National champion with an 84-13 amateur record. Currently 2-0 as a pro with both victories coming by knockout, the 6’6″ heavy-handed southpaw, known as “The Big Uzbek”, will face Jersey City, NJ-native Tyrell Wright (9-2-2, 6 KOs) in a scheduled six-round clash. Fighting in Brooklyn, NY, on April 21, Wright battled undefeated prospect George Arias over eight rounds losing a decision.
Both Butaev and Jalolov are co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc. and managed by Vadim Kornilov.
“Bakhodir Jalolov was one of the best amateur heavyweights in the world,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Already a superstar in his native Uzbekistan with a huge social media following and known as ‘The Big Uzbek’ for his hulking size, Jalolov has massive power in both hands and tremendous potential. With his extensive amateur experience, Jalolov stablemate Radzhab Butaev has the tools to become a world champion.
“Long Island’s Patrick Day has another opportunity to prove he is a world class junior middleweight and I expect an impressive performance in front of his hometown fan base.”
Headlining the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast, Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (34-2, 29 KOs) and fellow Brooklyn resident Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (12-0, 10 KOs) will battle in a scheduled 12-round clash for the vacant IBF World Middleweight Title. Alberto “El Explosivo” Machado (20-0, 16 KOs) will defend his WBA Super Featherweight Title against Yuandale “Money Shot” Evans (20-1, 14 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature.
Opening the telecast at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT in rematch of their epic 2016 “Fight of the Year”, Brooklyn’s Heather “The Heat” Hardy (21-0, 4 KOs) and Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (23-1, 1 KO), of Providence, RI, will face off once again for the vacant WBO Women’s Featherweight World title in a 10-round bout.
The event is promoted by Matchroom Boxing and DiBella Entertainment in association with Fight Promotions Inc., Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions.