NUR-SULTAN, KAZAKHSTAN (DECEMBER 21, 2021)–2016 Olympic Gold Medalist, Daniyar Yeleussinov won his first world title, as he won the IBO World Welterweight Championship by defeating Juan Hernan Leal (15?2) via unanimous decision in front of a a sold out arena in Nur-Sultan Kazakhstan.

Fighting at home for the first time in his professional career, Daniyar showed fast hands along with power early on as he tried to impress the hometown crowd.

The power was in full display in the second round as he knocked down Leal with a straight left to the body.

Yeleussinov would then land a fast counter left uppercut that landed on the tip of the nose, dropping Leal once for a second time.

Leal would then go into survival mode for the rest of the way as Yeleussinov would rain punches on a defensive minded Leal.

Unfortunately an injured left hand midway through the fight prevented Yeleussinov from getting the stoppage.

Yeleussinov won easily by scores of 120-105 twice and 120-106, and improved his perfect record to 11-0 with six knockouts.

With this victory, Yeleussinov became the first of the Welterweight Gold Medalist from Kazakhstan to win a world title, and looks forward to winning the other world titles in the future.

The boxing event was special as the title fight coincided with Kazakhstan celebrating 30 years of Independence. This was the first world title fight in Kazakhstan since Beibut Shumenov won the vacant WBA World cruiserweight title on July 7, 2018 in Nur-Sultan.

“I was very excited to finally fight as a pro in front of my family, friends and country, but I put a lot of pressure on myself because I wanted to put on an outstanding performance as I did my last three fights,” said Yeleussinov

“After the two knockdowns in the second round, I hurt my left hand hitting him on top of his head as I was trying to finish him off. Leal would go on survival mode preventing any real openings for me to fully capitalize.”

“Although it wasn’t the performance I wanted, I got some rust off and got much needed rounds, and I went 12 rounds for the first time in my career.”

Boxing Stars Management featured several of their fighters on the show and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this great event a reality.

Said Elvis Crespo of Boxing Stars Management, “I’m satisfied with Daniyar’s performance as he won every round in the fight and he got much needed work as he only has fought nine rounds in the past two years. We will look to keep him more active as soon as his hand heals up. 2022 will be a big year for Daniyar Yeleussinov!”

“It was a great show and at the best time of year as we were celebrating Kazakhstan’s 30 years of independence as well as Daniyar becoming the 5th World Champion from Kazakhstan,” said Ziya Aliyev of Boxing Stars Management. “It was challenging especially with all restrictions with Covid, but we, Boxing Stars, were very active with the promoters to not only make this a great boxing show but also a great event!”

Boca Rotan, FL. (June 2, 2021)- Undefeated world ranked welterweight and 2016 Olympic Gold Medal winner Daniyar Yeleussinov is now a promotional free agent.

Yeleussinov of Astana, Kazakhstan has a record of 10-0 with six knockouts.

The 30 year-old has been fighting top competition as evidenced by wins over Marcos Mojica (16-2-2), Reshard Hicks (12-0-1), Alan Sanchez (20-4-1) and a 2nd round knockout over former unified world champion Julius Indongo on November 27th in Hollywood, Florida.

With the win over Indongo, Yeleussinov captured the IBF Intercontinental Title, and that catapulted him to a number-eight ranking in the IBF.

Elvis Crespo, CEO of Boxing Stars Management, said “We would like to thank Matchroom Boxing for bringing Daniyar to this point of his career. We are seeking the best option for Daniyar so he can be properly marketed and moved to the top of the welterweight division. Daniyar is a top talent, and has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with and is a future world champion.”
“I look forward to fighting the better quality fighters, and recognized names of the welterweight division in my next few fights,” said Yeleussinov. “That should lead me to a world title shot. When I was an amateur, my goal was to be the best in the world, and I won the Olympic gold medal. When I turned professional, my goal again was to be the best in the world, and become a world champion. I look forward to signing with a new promoter and they can help on my journey to reach that championship goal.”

Ziya Aliyev, Managing Director of Boxing Stars Management, stated ” Our main priority is to continue building Daniyar’s career so the world can see he is the best welterweight in the world. We are excited about his future, and look forward to getting him back in the ring real soon.”

Before turning professional, Yeleussinov was an extremely accomplish amateur as he won the 2010 Asian Games, 2013 World Championships He was a two-time AIBA Elite Men’s Boxer of the Year. That culminated in winning the 2016 Olympic Gold Medal in Rio de Janeiro. In that tournament, he defeated pro standouts Josh Kelly, Soulemayne Cissokho and Shakhram Giyasov. He also has amateur wins over current undisputed junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor and world champion Jamel Herring.

Daniel Jacobs won a split-decision over Gabriel Rosado in a lackluster super middleweight fight at the Seminole Hard Rock Resort in Hollywood, Florida.

Nether guy stood out in the contest where in many of the rounds there punches in the mid-20’s and very few moments of action.

Both guys landed 78 punches with Rosado throwing 549 to 339 of Jacobs.

In the end, Jacobs squeaked it out by winning two cards of 115-113 and Rosado took a card 115-113.

Jacobs, 167.7 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 37-3. Rosado, 168 lbs of Philadelphia is 25-13.

Yeleussinov stops Indongo in 2

Daniyar Yeleussinov stopped former unified champion Julius Indongo in round two of a scheduled 10-round welterweight fight

In round one, Yeleussinov landed a perfect left counter that dropped Yeleussinov. In round two, Yeleussinov landed a perfect left that sent Indongo to the canvas for a 2nd time and the fight was stopped at 1:24.

Yeleussinov, 146.6 lbs of Breezino, KAZ is 10-0 with six knockouts. Indongo, 146.2 lbs of Windhoek, NAM is 23-3.

Nikita Ababiy remained undefeated by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Brandon Maddox in a middleweight contest.

Ababiy landed 83 of 311 punches; Maddox was 62 of 321.

Ababiy, 162.2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 59-55 on all cards and is now 10-0. Maddox, 162 lbs of Detroit, MI is 7-4-1.

Mahammadrasul Majidov stopped Sahret Delgado in round three of their scheduled eight-round bout featuring undefeated heavyweights.

Majidov dominated the action and landed a huge right right that hurt Delgado badly and the fight was stopped at 47 seconds.

Majidov, 232.6 lbs of Baku, AZE is now 3-0 with three knockouts. Delgado, 291 lbs of Humacao, PR is 8-1.

Emmanuel Tagoe won a 10-round majority decision over Mason Menard in a lightweight bout.

In round four, Menard was cut over his right eye.

Tagoe landed 135 of 467 punches; Menard was 126 of 554.

Tagoe, 134 lbs of Accra, GHA won by scores of 98-92, 96-94 and 95-95 and is now 32-1. Menard, 134.8 lbs of Rayne, LA is 36-5.

Daniyar Yeleussinov will face Julius Indongo for the IBF Intercontinental Welterweight title on Friday November 27 behind closed doors at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida, live on DAZN.
 
Yeleussinov (9-0 5 KOs) faces a stern test of his ambitions in the paid ranks as the Kazakhstan Olympic gold medal man aims to press on the accelerator as he enters double figures in pro fights.
 
Indongo (23-2 12 KOs) represents a major step up in class for Yeleussinov, having taken on Terence Crawford for the undisputed Super-Lightweight title in August 2017 as the unified IBF and WBA champion, having unified against Ricky Burns three months earlier.
 
“I thank Indongo for accepting this challenge,” said Yeleussinov. “He’s a former World champion that will come to fight.
 
“This will be a great fight for me and a great boxing show at the Hard Rock. I am going to show I’m the better fighter and Indongo will see the best of Daniyar Yeleussinov. I hope my fans will enjoy this event.”
 
“Daniyar is a very gifted boxer and a highly accomplished Olympian,” said Indongo. “However, I don’t fear anyone, because my skills will be a challenge for him as well. I feel as if my skills and conditioning, since training in America, have improved very much, so it is going to be a good fight. I am prepared to put on a great performance and get the win.  
 
“I understand the importance of this fight for my career. I need to win…period. When I do, I will be considered as a contender in both the 140 lb. and 147 lb. divisions. This fight will open the doors I need to become a World champion again.”    
 
“This is the test that Daniyar needs to show that he’s ready to press for World honors,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Julius is a former unified World champion; he’s been in with some great fighters and still has ambitions at the very top level.
 
“We believe that Daniyar is going to be a player in the division for years to come, but he must prove that by closing 2020 in style against Julius and setting up a big year in 2021.”
 
“Julius Indongo is only three years removed from being the unified champion at 140 and his losses have come exclusively at the hands of truly elite competition,” said Indongo’s promoter, Lou DiBella. “Daniyar Yeleussinov may have a gold medal from the amateurs, but is he an elite pro? Indongo represents a challenge in both skill and experience that Yeleussinov has not encountered as a professional. Indongo is hungry for another chance at a World title so, frankly, he views Yeleussinov as the stepping-stone and not the other way around.”
 
Yeleussinov’s clash with Indongo is part of a huge night of action in Florida as bitter rivals Daniel Jacobs and Gabe Rosado clash in a true grudge match at Super-Middleweight. 
 
Marc Castro will make his pro debut on the undercard of Jacobs vs. Rosado. The Fresno talent was slated to make his bow in the paid ranks in Tulsa, Oklahoma in August, but he tested positive for COVID-19. Now the amateur sensation finally laces them up and is joined on the undercard by three-time World amateur champion Magomedrasul Majidov (2-0, 2 KOs), and young talents Nikita Ababiy (9-0, 6 KOs) and Alexis Espino (6-0, 4 KOs).

Filip Hrgovi? will take on Jerry Forrest and Daniyar Yeleussinov will meet Julius Indongo in big step-up bouts for the talented pair on Friday April 17 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, live on DAZN.
TICKETS START AT JUST $43 (PLUS FEES)
Hrgovi? (10-0 8 KOs) made his debut under the Sauerland-Matchroom Boxing USA co-promotional banner in the same venue in May, hammering Gregory Corbin in the first round in his first defense of his WBC International title, and has added two more big KO wins since then, stopping Mario Heredia in Mexico in August in three rounds and then needing under nine minutes once again to blast away former World title challenger Eric Molina in Saudi Arabia in December.

Hrgovi? expects tough resistance from Forrest (26-3 20 KOs) in his first fight in 2020, with the Virginia man having ran unbeaten Jermaine Franklin close in July and returning to action in September to record his 20^thKO win from 23 fights. 

“I am looking forward to getting back in the ring,” said Hrgovi?. “I have good memories from fighting at the MGM National Harbor. This is where I made my American debut when I knocked out Gregory Corbin in the first round, and I’ve been training hard to give the fans another exciting performance on April 17.

“Jerry Forrest is a good boxer. He is a southpaw with a good record, and I’m expecting a tough fight, but I’m confident I will beat him.

“2019 was a great year for me. I fought in America, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. I had three fights against three strong opponents and got three knockouts wins. This year will be even better. My goal has always been to become World Champion, and I’m now closing in on that goal. I’m coming for belts!”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland said: “Filip is in fantastic shape and ready to start his 2020 campaign in style. Last time out at the MGM National Harbor he introduced himself to the American fight fans with an explosive first-round knockout, and they can expect a similar display this time round. Whenever Filip steps into the ring you’re guaranteed excitement. He is the future of the Heavyweight division and it’s only a matter of time before he’s fighting for World honors.”

Yeleussinov (9-0 5 KOs) looked explosive in his last two outings of 2019, hammering Reshard Hicks inside the opening round of their September clash in New York before stopping Alan Sanchez in the fifth round of their clash in Phoenix in September. 

The Kazakhstan 2016 Olympic gold medal man now faces a stiff test of his talents in his first action of 2020 against Indongo (23-2 12 KOs). The rangy Namibian rose to prominence in December 2016 when his stunning first round one-punch KO win saw him rip the WBO World Super-Lightweight title from Russia’s Eduard Troyanovsky in Moscow and then unified the division against Scotland’s three-weight World champion Ricky Burns in Glasgow in April 2017.

The 37 year old faced Terence Crawford for the undisputed Super-Lightweight title in August 2017 and then met former World Super-Lightweight champion and Maryland headliner Regis Prograis in March 2018. Indongo fell to both champions but bounced back with a 12^th career KO win in Alabama in August, and Yeleussinov has vowed to shine against the former World ruler.

“This is the most important fight of my career,” said Yeleussinov. “I had a great end to the year, and I feel I am building real momentum in the pro game now, but this is a big leap in quality of opponent. Julius is a former unified World champion and has huge experience at the very top level, so I will need to put on a career-best performance to keep my run going.”

One of Matchroom Boxing USA’s bright young talents joins Hrgovic and Yeleussinov in the shape of Raymond Ford (5-0 2 KOs), who will be eager to build on an explosive performance in December in destroying Francisco Mura in the first round in Phoenix.

“This is a big night in the careers of Filip Hrgovic and Daniyar Yeleussinov,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Filip is a big problem for the Heavyweight division. The Croat is gaining valuable experience with every camp and fight, and all eyes will be on the 27 year old in Maryland as he looks to make another statement in boxing’s glamour division.

“Daniyar is really growing in the paid ranks and has been impressive in his recent outings, but Julius Indongo is a big step-up for the ‘Kazakh Thunder’. The former unified World champion will look to carry his power up to 147lbs so Daniyar will be under pressure to both impress again and stave off the attack of the dangerous Indongo.

“Our young stable of fighters is the best in the States, and Raymond continues his pro education on what promises to be another exciting night of action on DAZN.”

Tickets are currently on general sale now starting at just $43 (plus fees) via Ticketmaster. 

NEW YORK CITY — Twenty year old lightweight phenom Devin “The Dream” Haney moved to 23-0, 15KO, retiring previously unbeaten Russian Zaur Abdullaev (11-1, 7KO) in four rounds to capture the WBC Interim LIghtweight Title in the main event of a Matchroom Boxing USA fight card from Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater, streamed live on DAZN.  

The Las Vegas-native Haney wasted no time forcing the action and came off his stool, firing sharp, crisp punches that seemed to make Abdullaev uncomfortable.  Overwhelmed by Haney’s speed, Abdullaev hardly threw punches the first two rounds, and Haney banked them easily. 

In the third, the 25 year-old Russian began to open up a bit, but at a price.  Each time Abdullaev tried to launch an offensive attack, Haney made sure to return fire. 

Haney continued to control every second of the contest and towards the end of fourth, Haney began to land explosive rights at will.  One of those rights may have fractured Abdullaev’s cheekbone, and because of that, his corner threw in the towel between the fourth and fifth round. 

It was the second straight win inside the distance for Haney, who is trained by his father, Bill.  In Haney’s previous fight he scored a spectacular KO of the Year candidate with his one-punch 7th round knockout of veteran Antonio Moran.   

As the WBC interim title holder, Haney is now next in line to face WBC champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, although because of boxing politics, that’s not likely to happen anytime soon.

Amanda Serrano UDs Heather Hardy, Re-Captures WBO Featherweight Title 

Seven weight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (37-1-1, 27KO) recaptured the WBO featherweight title she once held and won the Battle of Brooklyn, earning a hard-fought ten round unanimous decision against fellow Brooklynite Heather “The Heat” Hardy (22-1-1, 4KO).  Judges cards read 98-91×2 and 98-92 for Serrano.

The fight was almost over before it began, as the 30 year-old southpaw Serrano blitzed Hardy early, catching her clean with a left midway through the first round that buzzed the champ.  The ensuing :60 seconds were almost difficult to watch, as Serrano mercilessly let her fists fly, marking up and drawing blood from the defenseless Hardy’s face in the process. Credit the 37 year-old Hardy for hunkering down and grinding it out until the ding of the bell. 

In the second and third, Hardy fared better, but Serrano, the more athletic and naturally gifted of the two continued to dominate and have it all her way.  

Refusing to relinquish her title without a fight, the resilient Hardy mounted a comeback in the middle and late rounds, as she finally was able to settle in and mount some offense of her own. 

But Hardy wasn’t able to sustain any offense for prolonged periods of time, and Serrano’s engine never slowed down.  

For Serrano, the win now sets her up for a mega fight against unifight lightweight champion, Katie Taylor. 

The result marks Hardy’s first defeat inside the squared circle.  Notably, she has ventured out into the world of MMA where she amassed a 2-2 record in four career fights.  

Hunter Hands Kuzmin First Loss In Heavyweight Clash

Matchroom Boxing heavyweight Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (18-1, 12KO) scored a fifth round knockdown en route to a wide unanimous decision against Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11KO) to capture Kuzmin’s WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight Title in a twelve round affair.  All three judges agreed on a 117-110 card for Hunter. 

Hunter, 31, came out for the first round with high-energy and established a pace that he couldn’t maintain.  Kuzmin, 32, patient throughout the first — too patient to win the round — began to assert himself in the second round, methodically working his way within range before firing off a few shots and tying up.  

The third was fought on even terms up until the closing seconds when Hunter, who is trained by former world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, landed a huge overhand right that stopped Kuzmin in his tracks. 

Hunter committed to attack Kuzmin’s body in the fourth and early in the fifth, during an exchange, caught Kuzmin with a crisp left hook that sent the big Russian crashing to the canvas.  Kuzmin beat Ricky Gonzalez’s ten count and navigated his way through the remainder of the round.  

Hunter remained in control of the contest through the sixth, seventh, and much of the eight rounds until Kuzmin stunned Hunter with a combination as the eight round drew to a close. 

Kuzmin was never fully able to capitalize on the little momentum he was able to generate and going forward, Hunter had no trouble putting out any fires when the flames arose.  

The win extends Hunter’s win streak to six.  His only loss remains his unanimous decision defeat against reigning Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Fighter of the Year, Oleksandr Usyk in April 2017, when both fighters were cruiserweights. 

After the bout, Hunter called out former WBA world heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin.  

Kuzmin’s most notable wins remain his retiring of British veteran David Price and his majority decision victory over Philadelphia little big man Joey Dawejko. 

Ford Stays Perfect, Outpoints Castillo 

2018 National Golden Gloves Champion Raymond “Savage” Ford pushed his record to 4-0, 1KO, earning a shutout decision (40-36×3) over the Bronx’s Rafael Castillo (1-4) in a four round junior featherweight bout. 

The Camden, NJ-native Ford, showcased the skillset that earned him his Golden Gloves title, thoroughly outclassing Castillo over the duration of their twelve minute scrap.  At times the southpaw Ford, a Matchroom Boxing prospect, landed shots worthy of knockdowns, but Castillo — who has never been stopped — remained upright from bell to bell.   

Bermudez Shines In Debut, Scores KO2 Over Conde 

Lightweight Christian “Kike” Bermudez (1-0, 1KO) brought his hometown crowd to their feet in the second of a scheduled four round bout, scoring a one-punch KO of Jonathan Conde (1-3, 1KO).  

Bermudez, 23, wasted no time letting his hands fly, twice stunning Conde in the first round. The end came suddenly two-thirds through the second when Bermudez uncorked a jab-straight right-left hook combo that exploded on Conde’s chin and crumpled him to the canvas.  The contest was immediately waved off at the 1:56 mark of the round two.  

Yeleussinov Blasts Out Hicks Inside One

2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Daniyar “Kazakh Thunder” Yeleussinov (8-0, 4KO) displayed a lethal combination of speed and power to score a first round KO over previously unbeaten Texan Reshard Hicks (12-1-1, 6KO) in a welterweight bout initially slated for ten rounds.

Yeleussinov, a southpaw, stunned Hicks early with a left hand and then immediately blitzed him with a flurry of shots that sent Hicks to the mat.  Hicks beat referee Ron Lipton’s ten count, but never fully recovered. Yeleussinov, 28, patiently waited for another opening, and exploded another booming left that stunned Hicks, leaving him defenseless for the definitive blow — another left cross — that sent Hicks to the canvas for good.  Referee Ron Lipton called off the contest at the 2:38 mark of the opening round.  

Akhmadaliev Stays Perfect, TKOs Soto In 4

Featherweight Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev (7-0, 6KO) needed less than five of a scheduled eight rounds to improve upon his already perfect record, scoring a TKO4 against hard-nosed Colombian Wilner Soto (22-7, 2KO).  

Akhmadaliev, a native of Uzbekistan who fights out of Joel Diaz’s gym in Indio, CA, took the fight to his Colombian counterpart, who to his credit, dug in and tried to throw blow for blow with the crafty, hard-hitting southpaw.  

Despite a valiant effort from Soto, the 24 year-old Akhmadaliev battered him around the ring, and scored continuously with power punches to the head until referee Eric Dali stepped in to stop the bout at the 1:56 mark of the 4th round. 

Ferrer Scores Wide UD Over Fryers 

Brooklynite Wesley Ferrer (14-1-1, KO), a Dominican-native, won the battle of junior welterweight New York transplants, outpointing Yonkers’ Larry Fryers (11-2, 4KO), an Irish-native, in an eight round contest.  Judges scorecards read 80-72 and 79-72×2. 

It was the southpaw Ferrer’s left hand that was the difference maker in the bout.  He fed Fryers a steady diet of lefts and the Irishman had no answer for it. When Fryers went on the offensive, Ferrer countered him with a left.  When Fryers took a breather, Ferrer peppered him with a left from distance.

It was an impressive performance from “El Bongocera”, who dominated from bell to bell, and  has now won two straight since suffering his only defeat to Steven Ortiz last September. 

The result marks Fryer’s second career loss.  His other defeat came via TKO against Nikolai Buzolin in April of last year.  

Maijdov Stops Fountain In 4 In Pro Debut

In his professional debut, former 3x World Amateur Champion and 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Magomedrasul Majidov (1-0, 1KO) rose up off the mat and scored a TKO4 over veteran Ed “Tex Trismigistis” Fountain (12-7, 5KO) .

The first round went according to plan for Majidov  as the big man from Azerbaijan cautiously navigated his first three minutes as a paid prizefighter.

The script got flipped early in the second, however, as Fountain caught Majidov with a short, crisp, left hook that dropped the Azerbaijani.

Majidov, who’s trained by John David Jackson, was able to dust himself off and rally the very next round, opening up a nasty cut under Fountain’s right eye.  Majidov increased pressure and pace and Fountain faded fast.  

Majidov, who recently signed a promotional contract with Matchroom Boxing, continued to batter the tiring and increasingly defenseless Fountain, and at the 2:41 mark of round 4, referee Ron Lipton called a halt to the contest, acting on advice from ringside physician Dr. Nitin Sethi who had climbed up on the ring apron.  

Darren “DC3” Cunningham UDs Jonathon Ramos To Open Night 

Twenty-two year old super bantamweight prospect Darren “DC3” Cunningham upped his perfect record to 10-0, 5KO, outpointing Mexican journeyman Jonathan “Zurdo” Ramos (18-25-5, 6KO) in a six round affair that kicked off a ten bout card from Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater, the latter portion set to stream live on DAZN.  Judges cards read 60-54×2 and 59-55 for Cunningham, a St. Louis native, now living and fighting out of Las Vegas, NV where he trains alongside tonight’s headliner, Devin Haney. 

The night of fights will commence with a triple-header beginning live at 9pm ET, anchored by a 12 round contest between 20 year-old phenom Haney (22-0, 14KO) and undefeated Russian Zaur Abdullaev (11-0, 7KO) for the WBC interim lightweight title. 

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Tevin Farmer (29-4-1, 6KO) scored a wide unanimous decision and retained his IBF world super featherweight title against Jono “King Kong” Carroll (16-1-1, 3KO) at Temple University’s Liacouras Center, broadcast live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK. Official scorecards read 117-110 and 117-111×2 for Farmer.

It was the 26 year old southpaw challenger, Carroll, however, who got off to the quick start, making a concerted effort to bang Farmer to the body.

But after a brief two round “feeling out” period, the southpaw champion settled in and began countering Carroll to head and body, throwing counter uppercuts from in-close and ripping loaded counter lefts to the body. A clash of heads also caused a nasty cut over Carroll’s right eye, a cut that only worsened as the fight progressed.

In the middle rounds, Farmer, 29, began taking over as Carroll’s offense began to slow and his punches began to hold less steam. There was a lot of in-fighting in the middle rounds, welcomed by the “American Idol”, Farmer, who was content to let Carroll throw a few before firing back the more significant shots.

Although struggling to gain ground through most of the mid-to-late rounds, Carroll did rally in the eighth, scoring mostly with body blows.

As the tenth wound to a close, Farmer hurt Carroll with a short right, sending the bearded Irishman in full retreat. Farmer kept his foot on the gas, connecting with more shots, but Carroll was able to ride out the storm until the end of the round.

The championship rounds went to Farmer, as well, securing the victory and his title.

It was the third successful title defense, and first in Philadelphia, for Farmer, who won his belt against Australian Billy Dib last August.

Farmer, who early in his career, without proper promotional guidance found himself prematurely pitted against tough opponents. After just twelve pro fights, Farmer’s record already sported four losses and one draw. Seven-plus years later, those numbers remain unchanged.

Farmer’s last loss came via stoppage against Jose Pedraza in 2012.

For his part, Carroll gave a good account for himself in his first world title challenge and first fight on American soil.

The Dublin native is now winless in his last two contests, having fought to a draw against Frenchman Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1, 12KO) in December.

Katie Taylor Wins Another Title, Stops Rose Volante

In a world female lightweight unifier between two previously unbeaten champions, Ireland’s Katie Taylor (13-0, 6KO) added the WBO title to her collection (IBF, WBA), stopping Brazil’s Rose Volante (14-1, 8KO) in the ninth of a scheduled ten round contest.

Taylor, a former 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, started quickly, dropping Volante early in the opening round with a left hook.

Credit Volante, who not only survived the remainder of the first, but then dug in and stood toe-to-toe with Taylor for the duration of the contest. And although she battled and traded with Taylor, Volante was being battered round after round.

In the eighth round Taylor, 32, Taylor shot up off her stool and looked determine to end it, letting her fists fly. But Volante, who was making her third title defense, showed the heart of a true champion and refused to fold.

It wasn’t until the 1:40 mark of the ninth round that referee Benjy Esteves stepped in to stop the punishment and call a halt to the contest.

Taylor remains on track to land a megafight later in this year, either against 7-division champion and current WBO female super flyweight titleist Amanda Serrano or undefeated unified world female welterweight champion Cecelia Braekhus.

Maciej Sulecki Survives Gabe Rosado Surge In North Philly Brawl

In a classic Philly brawl that saw both fighters hit the mat twice, Polish middleweight Maciej Sulecki (28-1, 11KO) outlasted a late surge by veteran fan favorite “King” Gabriel Rosado en route to a ten round unanimous decision victory.

It took less than ninety seconds for action to heat up and big punches to land, as Sulecki, 29, found immediate success with his right hand, firing a right behind Rosado’s left ear that dropped him to the mat. Rosado, 33, was shaken, but not hurt, and was able to navigate his way through the rest of the first.

In the third round, Rosado, who was fighting in his hometown for the first time in seven years, started to gain a bit of momentum. Much like Sulecki, he started also finding a home for his own right hand, landing two nose-crunching rights in the third.

The middle rounds weren’t dominated by either fighter, but it was Sulecki and his rights that were getting the better of Rosado.

Things looked like they might come to an end in the eight when Sulecki landed a left hook-right hand combo that rocked Rosado and sent him to the canvas for the second time in the fight. A woozy Rosado was able to ride out the remainder of the round, much of which was spent with his back against the ropes in a neutral corner, dipping, diving, and dodging Sulecki punches.

Then in the ninth, in classic Philly fashion, Rosado battled back and worked the crowd into a frenzy. The former world title challenger landed a perfectly thrown counter right that exploded on Sulecki’s head, sending the Pole crashing to the mat. Sulecki beat the ensuing ten count, but was quickly met again by another Rosado right, this a looping overhand right, that crumpled Sulecki to the canvas yet again. Credit Sulecki who again beat the referee’s ten count before the bell signaling the end of the ninth round chimed.

In the tenth round, Rosado kept his foot on the gas, trying to end the fight with a single right hand. But Sulecki was able to weather the storm and survive.

In the end, all three judges scored the contest for Sulecki (95-91×2, 95-93).

Sulecki’s only professional loss remains a UD to former world middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in April 2018.

For Rosado, who was coming off a draw against Luis “Cuba” Arias in November, the result makes it only one win in his last five contests.

Sulecki is now positioned to face off against WBO middleweight titleist Demetrius Andrade.

Luke Campbell TKOs Adrian Yung In 5

Former world lightweight title challenger “Cool Hand” Luke Campbell (20-2, 16KO) made it three wins in a row since his 2017 defeat to Jorge Linares, stopping Adrian “Chinito” Yung (26-6-2, 20KO) in the fifth round of a scheduled ten rounds.

Campbell, a 2012 Olympic Gold medalist, had it his way from the opening bell, controlling the fight from the onset. The British southpaw eventually broke through in the fourth round after a right hand forced Yung, who took the fight on short notice, to a knee.

In the sixth, the 31 year old British southpaw, Campbell, upped the pressure. After landing an unobstructed flurry of shots, referee Eric Dali jumped in to stop the contest at the 1:37 mark of round five.

Campbell remains the mandatory challenger for Mikey Garcia’s 135lb. WBC title. Garcia, of course, squares off against undefeated welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. tomorrow night on FOX PPV in Texas.

Raymond Ford Cruises To UD In Pro Debut

In his professional debut, nineteen year-old Matchroom Boxing featherweight prospect Raymond Ford (1-0) earned a four round unanimous decision against Weusi Johnson (3-11).

The former 2018 123-pound National Golden Gloves champion scored a knockdown midway through the first courtesy of a huge left cross, but was unable to stop Delaware’s Johnson before the end the round. No matter to Ford, though, as the Camden, NJ southpaw faced little resistance the rest of the way and cruised to a shutout victory. Scores were 40-35×3.

Yeleussinov Earns Wide UD Against Ortiz

2016 Olympic Gold medalist Daniyar “Kazakh Thunder” Yeleussinov (6-0, 3KO) remained undefeated, scoring a wide eight round unanimous decision against fellow welterweight Silverio Ortiz (37-14, 18KO).

Yeleussinov, a 28 year-old southpaw, started quickly, picking and landing his shots, while using fantastic footwork to keep the 439 round veteran, Ortiz, out of range.

From the third round on, the fight didn’t come as easy for the Matchroom Boxing prospect, as the distance began to close and exchanges increased. There was never a point where the Kazakh wasn’t in control, however, but Ortiz did score with loaded rights, albeit infrequently.

In the seventh, Yeleussinov scored a knockdown that culminated with a punch landing behind Ortiz’s head while he was already on the mat. Referee Benjy Esteves instructed the judges to score the knockdown, but also took a point away from Yeleussinov.

At the end of eight, official scorecards read 79-70 and 79-71×2 for Yeleussinov.

Sparrow Hammers Lundy, Scores MD Win

In a highly anticipated entertaining all-Philadelphia slugfest, Avery Sparrow (10-1, 3KO) scored a ten round majority decision over former world title challenger Hank Lundy (29-8-14KO).

It didn’t take long for the two rivals to start exchanging some serious leather, and toward the end of the first round, the 35 year-old southpaw Lundy scored with a short left, followed by a straight right that seemed to grab Sparrow’s attention.

No long lasting impact, however, as the spry 25 year-old, Sparrow, flipped the script in the following round, scoring two knockdowns courtesy of right hands. The first came seemingly out of nowhere, when Sparrow launched an overhand right that caught Lundy flush on the left side of the head, sending him off balance, forcing his glove to touch the canvas. The ensuing knockdown came less than a minute later, as Sparrow countered a wild-swinging Lundy, shooting a straight right down Broad Street, sending Lundy crashing to the mat.

The resilient 241-round veteran Lundy dug deep, though, and came back the very next round and stood toe-to-toe with Sparrow, perhaps even nicking the round.

From the third on it was a seesaw affair, with both fighters willing to eat a few punches to land a few of their own.

Wild exchanges were commonplace almost every time an ensuing round neared end.

When it was all said and done, the three judges turned in cards of 94-94, and 95-93 and 96-92 for Sparrow.

The win is arguably the biggest of Sparrow’s young career, who’s other win of note came against Jose Lopez in 2017.

The result marks the second loss in a row for “Hammerin’” Hank and is his third in his last six contests.

Ballard Stops Fonseca For Second Time In Career

Undefeated super middleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (20-0, 13KO) scored a fifth round stoppage over hardnosed Mexican Victor Fonseca (17-20-1, 14KO) to kick off a night of fights from Temple University’s Liacouras Center. It was the second time the 25 year-old Ballard and Fonseca squared off and the second time Ballard closed the show inside the scheduled distance. In 2015, the Golden Boy Promotions signee stopped Fonseca inside three rounds, and tonight he needed just two more, battering Fonseca around the ring until referee Eric Dali stopped the fight in the fifth of a scheduled ten.

Tonight’s card, presented by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, will culminate when hometown champion Tevin Farmer (28-4-1, 6KO) defends his IBF World Super Featherweight title live on DAZN (US) and Sky Sports (UK) against unbeaten Irishman Jono Carroll (16-0-1, 3KO).

Philadelphia, PA (March 14, 2019) 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Daniyar Yeleussinov, (5-0, 3 KOs), heads into battle tomorrow night, March 15 against battle-tested Mexican veteran Silverio Ortiz, (37-23, 18 KOs), in a scheduled eight-round welterweight bout at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA.

Since turning professional in April 2018, Yeleussinov, guided by Boxing Stars Management Group LLC , has continued to show the promise of a world champion electrifying crowds in the United States, United Kingdom and Monte Carlo with his world class skills, all-action aggressive style and matinee idol looks.

Now training under the watchful eye of two-division world champion and former undisputed welterweight world champion, Cory Spinks in South Florida, Yeleussinov will look to put on a show for the boxing fans in Philadelphia.

The fight against Ortiz will be Yeleussinov’s first of his 2019 campaign having capped a busy 2018 with a third-round stoppage of Marcos Mojica on November 24 in Monte Carlo.

Said Yeleussinov, “I am very excited to be back in the ring to show why I was the 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist. I want to thank my team, Boxing Star Management, my father Marat and my new coach, former world champion, Cory Spinks.”

“Cory has shown me a lot of new things that will make me a world champion and can’t wait to put them on display on Friday night!”

“Daniyar has been getting more acclimated to the professional style of boxing as evident in his last two fights which he scored two impressive knockouts,” said manager Ziya Aliyev. “This coming year, he will take his career to the next level and will be considered one of the top contenders in the welterweight division.”

Yeleussinov vs. Ortiz, presented by Matchroom Boxing USA is one of the featured bouts on the St Patrick’s weekend event topped by a world title double-header as Philly’s Tevin Farmer (28-4-1 6 KOs) comes home to defend his IBF Super-Featherweight title against Ireland’s Jono Carroll (16-0-1 3 KOs), and Irish sensation Katie Taylor (12-0 5 KOs) looks to unify the Lightweight division once again, putting her IBF and WBA straps on the line against Brazil’s WBO champion Rose Volante (14-0 8 KOs). The fights will be streamed live on DAZN in the United States (7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT) and Sky Sports in the UK.

Boxing Stars Management Group LLC is headed by Ziya Aliyev and Elvis Crespo.

Josh Kelly says he is on a collision course with former amateur rival and Olympic Gold medallist Daniyar Yeleussinov.

‘Pretty Boy’ faces the toughest test of his eight-fight professional career on December 8 at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield when he defends his WBA International Welterweight crown against former World Champion David Avanesyan, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The North East sensation has made a blistering start to life in the paid ranks, landing his first professional title in just his sixth fight against former World ruler Carlos Molina before stopping Kris George in his next fight to earn the Commonwealth strap in Newcastle.

And now the Adam Booth-protege has set his sights on the World title picture in 2019.

One of the greatest amateurs of modern times, Yeleussinov defeated Kelly on the way to Olympic glory at the 2016 Rio Games, but ‘PBK’ feels he has made a smoother transition to the pro game and would be keen for a rematch with the Kazakh star when the time is right.

“I’m down for the rematch with Daniyar Yeleussinov,” said Kelly. “He beat me in the Olympics but as a professional I’ve made the transition much better than he has. When’s the right time to meet? When does it make sense? Those questions are to play out but we’re definitely on a collision course. I’ll enjoy that one in particular, there’s unfinished business.

“My full attention is on Avanesyan and I’m glad to be boxing in Sheffield for the first time as a pro. I’m obviously familiar with the area from the Team GB days so it’s nice to be coming back.

“Adam is moving me quickly, it’s been a short turn around since the last fight in Manchester. Avanesyan is an ex World Champion. He’s boxed Mosley and Peterson who are at the top level. I’ve done my due diligence and we think this is the right step. I’m ready to make that leap and I’m hoping he can test me.

“The Welterweight division is stacked from top to bottom and that excites me and helps me to switch on to remain there for the coming years.

“I’ve won two belts but this is only the start. It’s down to Adam and Eddie about what moves we make. Getting to World level you need to make these little steps, my goal is to lift a World title. People seem to forget I’ve only had eight fights as a professional. If I skip or fight for a British Title early then so be it. I’m just developing day in, day out.”

Kelly’s clash with Avanesyan is part of huge night of boxing in the Steel City.

Main event sees ‘The Special One’ Kell Brook take on Australia’s former Commonwealth Super-Welterweight Champion Michael Zerafa.

Unbeaten Irish star Jono Carroll faces French former European Champion Guillaume Frenois in a final eliminator to become mandatory challenger to IBF Super-Featherweight World Champion Tevin Farmer.

Explosive Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler is in title action as he targets a showdown with newly-crowned British Champion Ted Cheeseman in 2019 and IBF no.1 Featherweight contender Kid Galahad stays busy with an eye on the winner of Josh Warrington vs. Carl Frampton.

Sheffield is well represented on the undercard with Welterweight Anthony Tomlinson, Super-Middleweight Callum Hancock and Middleweight Shakiel Thompson all in action, while Leeds Super-Bantamweight Qais Ashfaq and Denaby Lightweight Terri Harper also feature.

Tickets for Brook vs. Zerafa priced at £40, £60, £100 and £200 (Inner Ring VIP) are available to purchase via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) FlyDSA Arena (www.flydsaarena.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Michael Hunter stopped Alexander Ustinov in round nine of their scheduled 12-round heavyweight bout.

In round eight, Hunter, who had been breaking down the 6’9″ Ustinov landed a big right hand to the head that sent Ustinov down. Ustinov got to his feet, bleeding from his forehead and wobbly. In the next frame, Hunter landed a series of punches that sent Ustinov down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:52.

Hunter, 213.8 lbs is now 16-1 with 11 knockouts. Ustinov, 278.8 lbs of Russia is 34-3.

Kal Yafai was fortunate to retain his WBA Super flyweight title with a unanimous decision over Israel Gonzalez.

Gonzalez seemed to have gotten the better of the action as he landed the combinations to Yafai’s one punch at a time. It would not have been an argument if Gonzalez would have received the nod by three or four points, but Yafai won by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 twice.

Yafai, 114.9 lbs of Birmingham, UK is 25-0, Gonzalez, 115 lbs of Mexico is 23-3.

2016 Olympic Gold Medal winner Daniyat Yeleussinov stopped Marco Mojica in round three of their scheduled eight-round welterweight fight.

In round two, Yeleussinov pelted Mojica with left hands until one put him on the canvas. Yeleussinov dropped Mojica to begin round three. Mojica seemed like he did not want to continue, but he stood in there and took a few more vicious shots until he ate a hrd uppercut and the bout was stopped at 1:10.

Yeleussinov, 147.7 lbs of Kazakhstan is 5-0 with three knockouts. Mojica, 145.9 lbs of Managua, NIC is 16-3-2.

Fanlong Meng remained undefeated with a 5th round stoppage over Frank Buglioni due to a cut.

In round five, Buglioni was cut around the right eye. It was a bad cut, and the bout was stopped at 1:58.

Meng, 174.1 lbs of China is 14-0 with nine knockouts. Buglioni, 174 lbs of England is 22-4-1.