William Zepeda punched his ticket to a title shot with a four-round bludgeoning of Maxi Hughes as The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas,

In round three, Zepeda was relentless and especially effective to the body. In round four, the beatdown continued as Zepeda continued to more or less assault Hughes all over the ring. Mercifully for Hughes his corner pulled him from the fight after the round.

Zepeda, 133.8 lbs of San Mateo Atenceo, MEX is 30-0 with 26 knockouts, Hughes, 134.6 lbs of Yorkshire, ENG is 26-7-2.

“This was another day in the office,” said William Zepeda. “Thirty different camps and thirty different wins and all I can do is thank my team. Early on I knew I had him, the strategy was to work the body and finish at the top. It is not confidence that I feel, but the weight of responsibility to keep giving this level of performances. The rivals who are at my doorstep are much stronger and have a lot more experience and we must continue to work. I will be the next champion from Mexico! I am ready for Shakur, Gervonta – who ever is ready to face me. I want to be a world champion.”

Floyd Schofield remained undefeated as Esteuri Suero did not comply wit the basic ruled of boxing and was disqualified in round five of their 10-round lightweight bout,

Schofield dominated the fight which visibly frustrated Suero into snapping the rules.

In round one, Schofield was cut above his right eye due to a headbutt. In round two, Suero was deducted a point for holding. In round four, Suero was deducted another point for throwing Schofield on the canvas. Finally in round five, Suero hit Schofield with an intentional low blow and the fight was called off at 2:07

Schofield, 134.8 lbs of Austin, TX is 17-0, Suero, 135 lbs of Las Vegas is 13-2.

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

Priest landed 92 of 310 punches. Sanchez was 63 of 229.

Priest, 159.6 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 13-0. Sanchez, 160 lbs of Reynosa, MEX is 21-5-1.

Tristan Kalkrreuth stopped Marquice Weston in round two of their eight-round heavyweight bout,

In round two, Kalkreuth dropped Weston with a left hand and the fight was over at 1:32.

Kalkreuth, 198.6 lbs of Las Vegas is 13-1 with 10 knockouts. Weston, 201.6 lbs of Seattle is 15-3-1.

Joel Iriarte made a successful pro debut by stopping Bryan Carguacundo in round two of their four-round welterweight bout.

Iriarte was a 17-time National Amateur dominated the action and in round two hurt Carguacundo with a couple of uppercuts and the fight was stopped at 1:26.

Iriarte, 145.2 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Carguacundo, 142.8 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 3-6-2.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 6, 2023): Today, Golden Boy Promotions hosted a press conference at the Tobin Center and announced the new main event for Saturday, July 8 featuring Golden Boy’s hot prospect Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield (14-0, 11 KOs) who will headline in his home state of Texas. Presented in association with Davies Entertainment, Schofield will face Haskell “Hackman” Rhodes (28-4-1, 13 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada in a 10-round lightweight fight and defend his WBA International Title. The new main event replaces the original clash between undefeated knockout sensation Vergil Ortiz, Jr. (19-0, 19 KOs) of Grand Prairie, Texas and World Champion Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) of Kaunas, Lithuania for Stanionis’ WBA Regular Welterweight Title. The DAZN broadcast will begin at 7:00 p.m. CT/ 5:00 p.m. PT.

In the chief supporting role, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (32-4-1, 15 KOs) will participate in a 10-round lightweight fight against Harbor City, California’s Jerry Perez (14-2-1, 11 KOs). In a spectacular unification bout, the WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine World Champion Marlen Esparza (13-1, 1 KOs) of Houston, Texas will face WBO World Champion of Buenos Aires, Argentina Gabriela Alaniz (14-0, 6 KOs) in a 10-round flyweight fight. Opening the broadcast with an eight-round super welterweight fight, Romanian-American prospect Eric Tudor (8-0, 6 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida will square off against Reggie Harris, Jr. (7-3, 3 KOs) of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Featured in the prelims, Tristan Kalkreuth (10-1, 7 KOs) of Duncanville, Texas will fight Joe Jones (13-8,10 KOs) of Jersey City, New Jersey in a six-round cruiserweight match. Opening fight night with six-rounds of light heavyweight action, Houston’s Darius “DFG” Fulghum (5-0, 5 KOs) will fight Jeremiah Curtright (2-1, 2 KOs) of Saint Charles, Missouri.

Here is what the fighters had to say:

FLOYD “KID AUSTIN” SCHOFIELD, WBA INTERNATIONAL LIGHTWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER:

“It’s a blessing to be the main event, everybody is coming up to me now ‘oh, now you’re the main event’ so you know, I gotta do what I got to do. Hearing that, I know I have to make a statement. I was training just as hard as if I was the main event from the beginning, so Saturday night I am going to make a statement.

“It’s super exciting to be fighting in San Antonio because it’s like now, all my fans don’t have an excuse, they can come to this fight. So I’d like to see everyone who said they were coming. I have a big fan base in Austin and in San Antonio, and to combine them for the fight is going to be massive support and love, the energy is going to be amazing.

“I just want to give a big thanks to Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy, Bernard Hopkins, my dad, my team, Chris, Cameron Davies, and all the fans. Thank you for not canceling this fight and my best wishes to Virgil Ortiz. Make sure you tune in on Saturday. It’s gonna be a good show.”

HASKELL “HACKMAN” RHODES, LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHTER:

“Just like Schofield, we’ve been training just like we’re the main event to compete against the whole card to steal the show. But I do want to say thanks to Golden Boy and everyone for keeping the show going and also to Floyd for taking the fight with me to put me in this position.

“I know he’s super talented, but I’ve seen a lot like him, and I’m used to styles like his, so I bring the experience and I’m ready. I know I have learned some lessons that have helped me straighten out my life because there are some fights I shouldn’t have lost. So this fight is going to get a fire from me that he’s not expecting. The fighter you have seen in the ring before is not the same, I am a whole different person.”

MARLEN ESPARZA, WBA, WBC, AND RING MAGAZINE WORLD CHAMPION:

“I’m really excited to be here. First of all, I want to thank God and I want to thank Golden Boy for making sure that the show goes on. I hope Vergil has a quick and healthy recovery. But I’m excited to get back in the ring. I’ve defended my belts before and I’m really looking forward to getting this WBO belt. My goal is to become undisputed and this is what I need to do to get there. I understand I’m also facing a world champion. So, we’re taking this very seriously. Me and my coach, my manager James Cooper, we’ve worked really hard on making sure that we have everything done correctly. And I’m just waiting and ready to get the job done.

“I feel like it’s like any other challenge that I faced in boxing. It’s always on to the next, to the next and trying to show that I am one of the best female boxers in boxing. I’ve done everything there is to do and the WBO belt is just what’s next. I take everything extremely seriously. Boxing has been my life. And it’s everything I focus on and this is a life goal. And I’m not going to leave the ring without it.”

GABRIELA ALANIZ, WBO WORLD CHAMPION:

“I’m really happy to be here and I am ready to show everyone the kind of fighter I am. I am very excited to be able to defend my world title and be able to fight for two more world titles.

“Making history as a female boxer in Argentina is a big motivator for me. I know that I’m in a foreign land, and I’m here as a visitor, but in the ring, I feel like I’m a local, because I am where I love to be. I love to be in the ring fighting.”

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, FORMER LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:

“It’s a tragic situation, what’s going on with Virgil Ortiz and in his career, my condolences to him and his family. I’m gonna be praying for you brother and I wish you a quick recovery so you can come back to the ring and give the fans what they want to see and see you back in the ring.

“Also want to thank Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions, for saving the show and saving this card. All of us fighters on the undercard have been working day in and day out to showcase our skills and showcase our abilities and show what we can do inside their ring. So for them to save the show for us means a lot to us.

“I’ve been training very, very hard. My career has had a lot of ups and downs, but I’ve been very focused and I feel very, very determined. I cut a lot of things out of my life that weren’t beneficial and right now I’m at my A-game. I’m really going to put on a great show, especially now that I’m the co-main event. I’m really going to whack some ass now.”

ERIC TUDOR, SUPER WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT:
“I’m very excited to be a part of another great card. I want to thank God and Golden Boy for the opportunity. I want to thank my team for getting me ready. And, you know, I’m just very excited and looking forward to putting on another great fight Saturday, so make sure you tune in early.”

DARIUS FULGHUM, LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT:

“This is a huge opportunity to be on this card. Bernard gave a great speech; I was listening to it and it really inspired me and motivated me. We got to pivot. We make dozens of decisions in the ring and in life all the time. And so when a moment comes, we’ve got to seize it. So that’s what I’m here to do, to steal the show. And I hope everybody watching tunes in. We’re gonna put on a great show with everybody on this card.”

TRISTAN KALKREUTH, CRUISERWEIGHT PROSPECT:

“I just want to thank you all, all the fans and my team, my coaches. I’m just very humbled and grateful to be here and just following up on what Bernard said, as a fighter we have a simple job. It is to prepare, train, and fight. I just hope everybody tunes in to this fight. All Glory to God.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS:

“The health of the fighter is the most important. We are all in Vergil’s corner, wishing him the very best possible recovery and will wait for him with open arms and ready for when he wishes to come back to the ring. Vergil, with the help of his dad, has the potential to be a world champion.

“Thank you to DAZN and all our partners for helping us make sure the show goes on. This has opened up the opportunity for Golden Boy’s top prospect, Floyd Schofield, to accelerate his profile by headlining in his home state of Texas. Floyd will face Haskell Rhodes in a 10-round fight for the WBA International title.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, HALL OF FAMER AND GOLDEN BOY PARTNER:

“We lost the main event, of course we’re not happy about it, you’re not happy about it, but his health is most important. But also what’s important is that the fighters to my right and to my left see that adjustments have to be made. It’s no different than life, no different than in the ring, things happen that you can’t control.

“So the fighters here, the future champions, are watching. They might not say anything to us, but they are watching to see how we react as promoters. See how we pivot, to how we adjust, just like in the ring. Sometimes you gotta make those adjustments, the adjustments that need to be made on the promoter-side to save the show.

“And so again, this is an opportunity for those who were waiting to be showcased, for those who want to be the main event to get the chance to be the star of the night, of the show. So this is an opportunity for everybody that’s up on stage, that’s going to fight, to learn as a lesson that first, health is more important. Your safety is more important.”

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Schofield vs. Rhodes is a 10-round fight for the WBA International Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Davies Entertainment. The event is sponsored by BetOnline, “Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, July 8 at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

Fans can purchase tickets at a discounted price for $150, $75, $37.50, $35, and $25 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at ticketmaster.com or by using the Ticketmaster App on your mobile device. More information on ticket refunds will be shared as soon as possible.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #StanionisOrtiz

About the AT&T Center
The premier entertainment venue in South Texas, the AT&T Center is the home of the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The Bexar County-owned arena has also hosted hundreds of concerts and special events since opening in 2002 and underwent a $110+ million renovation in 2015 to enhance the fan experience at all levels. For more information go to ATTCenter.com.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (June 15, 2023): The undercard has been finalized for another potential main event candidate for ‘Fight of the Year’ featuring the highly anticipated clash between undefeated knockout sensation Vergil Ortiz, Jr. (19-0, 19 KOs) of Grand Prairie, Texas and World Champion Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) of Kaunas, Lithuania for Stanionis’ WBA Regular Welterweight Title.

In the chief supporting role, Golden Boy’s blue-chip prospect Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield (14-0, 11 KOs) will be looking to dazzle the crowd yet again after a ferocious second-round knockout victory against Jesus Valentin Leon on the Davis vs. Garcia undercard on April 22. Presented in association with Davies Entertainment, Schofield will measure up against Haskell “Hackman” Rhodes (28-4-1, 13 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada in a 10-round lightweight fight. 

On the DAZN broadcast with a spectacular unification bout, the WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine World Champion Marlen Esparza (13-1, 1 KOs) of Houston, Texas will take a step closer to her dream to become the first-ever undisputed female flyweight champion of the world when she faces WBO World Champion of Buenos Aires, Argentina Gabriela Alaniz (14-0, 6 KOs) in a 10-round flyweight fight. Esparza returns to the ring after an impressive showing against Eva Guzman last August 2022 on the Ortiz, Jr. vs. MicKinson undercard. 

Opening the broadcast with a redemptive return to the ring after re-signing a multi-fight contract with Golden Boy, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (32-4-1, 15 KOs) will also be on the DAZN undercard in a 10-round lightweight fight. Diaz’s opponent will also be announced in the coming weeks. 

On the preliminary card with an eight-round super welterweight fight, Romanian-American hot prospect Eric Tudor (8-0, 6 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida will square off against Reggie Harris, Jr. (7-3, 3 KOs) of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Tudor made waves and gained a massive following on the undercard of Diaz, Jr. vs. Gesta this past March 2023, where he was in a toe-to-toe matchup against Damoni Cato-Cain.

Also in the prelims, Tristan Kalkreuth (10-1, 7 KOs) of Duncanville, Texas will fight Jaime Solorio (12-5-2, 9 KOs) of Ensenada, Mexico in a six-round cruiserweight match. Opening fight night with four-rounds of light heavyweight action, Houston’s Darius “DFG” Fulghum (5-0, 5 KOs) will fight Ricardo Medina (1-4) of San Antonio. 

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Stanionis vs. Ortiz, Jr. is a 12-round fight for the WBA Regular Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by BetOnline, “Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, July 8 at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

Tickets for Stanionis vs. Ortiz, Jr. are on sale and are priced at $250, $150, $100, $75 and $50 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at ticketmaster.com or by using the Ticketmaster App on your mobile device.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply for a credential by clicking HERE. Credential applications are due by June 30, 2023. 

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #StanionisOrtiz

About the AT&T Center

The premier entertainment venue in South Texas, the AT&T Center is the home of the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The Bexar County-owned arena has also hosted hundreds of concerts and special events since opening in 2002 and underwent a $110+ million renovation in 2015 to enhance the fan experience at all levels. For more information go to ATTCenter.com.

Gervonta Davis stopped Ryan Garcia in round seven of their 12-round catchweight bout before a capacity crowd of 20, 842 fans at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Garcia hurt Davis with an overhand right. Garcia continued touching Davis until a perfect counter left from Davis landed squarly on the jaw of Garcia that sent him to the deck.

In round seven, Davis landed a left hand to the ribs which made Garcia take two steps back and sink to a knee for the 10-count at 1:34.

Davis, 135.3 lbs of Baltimore is 29-0 with 27 knockouts, Garcia, 135.5 lbs of Los Angeles is 23-1.

Gervonta Davis

“Everything about this was exciting. I was excited to be a part of this event. I remember coming up in the Golden Gloves and seeing Floyd fight at the MGM. It was crazy. I actually just saw Rihanna perform at the Super Bowl, and I thought that’s going to be me one day. And we’re here.

“The reality definitely matches the dream. But the job is never done until I retire so I’m going to keep my head down, stay humble and continue to work.

“Me predicting the 7^th round KO was me just trying to get in his head. I really don’t know until I actually get in there with my opponent, but once I got in there with him I felt like skill-wise, it all matched.

“The first knockdown was just him not knowing his placement and I knew that I was the smaller guy, and my coach was telling me in camp that he’s going to come up with his head up, so just shoot over the top.

“I didn’t think that body shot would end it, but I saw his facial expression and that’s what made me take it to him. It was a good shot, for sure. I thought he was going to get up but I like to play mind games, so when he was looking at me, I was looking at him trying to tell him, ‘Get up!’. And he just shook his head, no.

“I’m definitely the face of boxing. Absolutely!”

Ryan Garcia

“I’m good. ‘Tank’ is a great fighter. I take my hat off to him. I know we talked a lot of trash leading into the fight, but he knows what it is. It’s all love at the end of the day. I was honored to be in the ring with a great fighter and I respect him a lot. You know how the business goes. But I want to say to Tank, you’re a good man.

“He just caught me with a good shot. I don’t want to make any excuses in here. He caught me with a good shot and I just couldn’t recover and that’s it. He caught me with a good body shot, snuck under me and caught me good.

“I couldn’t breathe. I was going to get back up, but I just couldn’t get up.

“I think I should have pressured him a little harder near the ropes. I was giving him a little bit too much respect and I think that was my downfall. I think I gave him a little too much respect in the ring.”

Morrell Destroys Falcao in 1; Retains WBA Super Middleweight Title

David Morrell Jr. retained the WBA Super Middleweight title with a first round destruction of Yamaguchi Falcao.

Morrell came out blistering as he could not miss with his right hooks and uppercuts. Morrell sent Falcao down with a hard uppercut. Morrell finished off Falcao with a devastating right hook that plummeted him face-first and he was out for several minutes before he could get to his feet. The time was 2:22.

Morrell, 167.8 lbs of Santa Clara, Cuba is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Falcao, 166.4 lbs of Espirito Santo, BRA is 24-2-1.

David Morrell, Jr.

“I’m so excited. This was a big moment and a big night for me, so a knockout in the first round is incredible. But this is boxing. First round, second round, I’m not worried when the knockout comes but I got it in the first round.

“I think this is the best moment of my career tonight. It was a big event and a big name. I want to fight the best in the division.

“Much respect to Yamaguchi. I’m glad he’s okay. He’s a good guy and a good boxer.

“David Benavidez is next. Where is he? I want to fight Benavidez, man. He’s next, 100 percent. I don’t want any other guys at 168 pounds. Just Benavidez. I respect Benavidez and his team, but inside the ring, I don’t respect nothing.”

Melikuziev Gets Even With Rosado; Wins Unanimous Decision

Bektemir Melikuziev evened the score with Gabriel Rosado and took a 10-round unanimous decision in a super middleweight contest.

Melikuziev laded 153 of 354 punches. Rosado was just 55 of 332.

Melikuziev, 167.3 lbs of Uzbekistan won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is 12-1. Rosado, 167.3 lbs of Los Angeles via Philadelphia is 26-17-1

Bektemir Melikuziev

“This was the fight that I wanted. This is the fight that I felt like I made a mistake in the first one, and I had this opportunity for revenge on such a big card. It’s a pleasure for me.

“In the first fight against Rosado, I underestimated my opponent. This time, we put the work in during camp. We went through everything. This time, the goal was to showcase my skills, box and punish him as much as possible too.”

Gabriel Rosado

“I tried, but I was a step behind. Father Time, eighteen years as a pro, but I was game. I walked to him, I boxed him, I tried everything but I was a step too slow.

“I was a split-second behind. He’s fresh, he’s young and I’m happy for him. I knocked him out bad in the first fight and he made adjustments.

“I don’t make any excuses. I was ready. Now it’s time to wrap it up and give my knowledge to younger fighters with management and training. I want to share my experience with them, and maybe do some more commentating.”

”

Elijah Garcia Decisions Kevin Salgado

19 year-old Elijah Garcia remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Kevin Salgado in a welterweight bout.

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

Garcia landed 194 of 621 punches. Salgado was 178 of 551.

Garcia, 159.2 lbs of Phoenix, AZ won by scores of 97-92 twice and 95-94 and is now 15-0. Salgado, 159.2 lbs of Mexico City is 15-2-1.

Elijah Garcia

“I was standing a little too still trying to fight on the inside. Salgado is a tough opponent. He was real tough, real strong and I just had to move and box a little bit. Other than that, it was a good, hard 10 rounds. I give my opponent 100 percent props.

“I stayed in shape one hundred percent after my last fight. Back-to-back camps, and not only that, but I made boxing a lifestyle. I’m always in the gym, eating good and doing the best I can to stay healthy.

“I just have to continue getting better in the gym every single day. That’s what it’s about. I learned a lot today. It was my first time going past six rounds and I got the full 10. The fights like this will get me closer to a world title.

“It feels great to get this win on a big stage. I feel like I’m getting better with each fight. I know I have a long way to go, but I like where I’m at. I’m hoping to get right back in the ring soon.”

Kevin Salgado

“I felt like I won. By a small margin, but I should have won.

“I feel really sad because I felt like this was a really good fight. The referee kept getting in my way. I got a point deducted from me but he didn’t say anything when Garcia hit me in the back of the head. It’s all just very sad.

“It felt like swimming against the current. Mexicans always come to fight against everyone and everything: The judges, the opponent, the refs, the home fans. None of that got in my way to keep moving toward.

“I wish I had had more time to prepare. The three weeks’ notice I got didn’t allow me to be as sharp as I wanted or needed to be.

“I’m still here and I will be a world champion someday. I can promise you that.”

Czerkaszyn Stops Espadas in 9

Fiodor Czerkaszyan stopped Elias Espadas in round nine of a 10-round middleweight bout.

Czerkasyn beat up Esoadas throughout and even turned it up in rounds eight and nine, and the bout was stopped at 2:07.

Czerkasyn, 159.1 lbs of Warsaw, POL is 22-0 with 14 knockouts. Espadas, 158.9 lbs of Merida, MEX is 22-6.

Mielnicki Jr. Destroys Charles in 4

Vito Mielnicki Jr. took out Jose Sanchez Charles in round four of their 10-round super welterweight bout.

At the end of round three, Mielnicki dropped Charles with a long right to the head. Seconds later, it was a short, quick right that put Charles down for a second time. In round three, Mielnicki cracked Charles with a counter right to the jaw that sent him sprawlimg down to the canvas and the bout was stopped at 33 seconds.

Mielnicki, 153.1 lbs of Roseland, NJ is 15-1 with 10 knockouts. Charles, 153.6 lbs of Reynosa, MEX is 20-4-1.

Lorenzo Simpson remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Pachino Hill in a middleweight bout.

In round six, Hill began to bleed from the nose.

Simpson, 161.6 lbs of Baltimore won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is 13-0. Hill, 163.3 lbs of Davenport, IA is 8-2-1.

Good looking Floyd Schofield remained undefeated with a second round destruction of Valentin Leon Jr. in a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Schofield put Leon on the canvas with a straight left. In round two, Schofield dropped Leon face-first wit a perfect left at 1:51.

Schofield. 134.7 lbs of Austin, TX is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Leon, 134 lbs of Culican, MEX is 23-2-2.

Jalil Hackett remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Jason Phillips in a scheduled four-round super welterweight bout.

In round three, Hackett dropped Phillips with a perfect left hook to the body. Seconds later, it was another left hook that ended Phillips afternoon at 2:20.

Hackett, 153.9 lbs of Washington, DC is now 6-0 with five knockouts. Phillips, 153.5 lbs of Davenport, IA is 3-4-2.

Cuttino Oliver stopped Roberto Cantu Pena in round two of a scheduled four-round bantamweight fight.

In round one, Oliver dropped Pena Twice and the fight was stopped 1:07 into round two.

Oliver, 115.6 lbs of Baltimore is now 3-0 with two knockouts. Pena of Mexico is 3-3.

Alexis Rocha earned a big fight by stopping late-replacement George Ashie in round seven of their 12-round welterweight bout at The YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California.

In round three, Rocha uncorked a vicious right hook that landed on the jaw and sent Ashie to the canvas. There was some furious exchanges that Rocha got the better of and he landed some good hooks to the head and thudding body shots.

In round six, Rocha was cut over his right eye from an accidental headbutt. In round seven. Rocha landed a perfectly timed right hook that deposited Ashie face-first on the canvas and the fight was over at 2:08.

Rocha, 146.4 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 22-1 with 14 knockouts. Ashie, 146 lbs of Accra, GHA is 33-6-1.

“I wanted to make a statement,” said Alexis Rocha. “Crawford is next. But if that can’t happen, I want all the big names. I’m signed to the best promotional company in the world, and I know they’ll make it happen. He [Ashie] was a tough fighter, but I knew he wasn’t going to hang with me.”

Floyd Schofield Decisions Mercado

Floyd Schofield remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Alberto Mercado in a lightweight bout.

In round two, Schofield landed a hard right to the top of the head that put Mercado down.

Schofield, 134.8 lbs of Austin, TX won by scores of 100-89 on all cards and is now 13-0. Mercado, 134.8 lbs of Humacao, PR is 17-5-1.

“My feet hurt, but it was a good victory,” said Floyd Schofield. “To the fans, thank you for all the love and support, and next time I’ll definitely get that knockout. We want to fight Keyshawn Davis next.”

Melikuziev Stops Sierra in 3

Bektemir Melikuziev stopped Ulises Sierra in round three of their 10-round super middleweight bout.

In round two, Melikuziev was cut over the right eye from a punch. In round three, Melikuziev dropped Sierra with a straight left to the body. Late in the round, it was a hard straight left to the body that put Sierra down for good, and the bout was stopped at 2:59.

Melikuziev, 167.6 lbs of Indio, CA is now 11-1 with nine knockouts. Sierra, 167.4 lbs of San Diego, CA is 17-3-2.

“I’m happy that I just won and as I said before Gabe Rosado is the guy I’m looking for and if not him, anyone,” said Bektemir Melikuziev. “I’m ready. Just give me any 168-lb fight. Thank you to all of my supporters, we’re moving little by little. We’re getting closer to the title shot, we got another title today and we’re looking forward to the world championship.”

Oscar Collazo Stops Reyes in 5

Oscar Collazo stopped Yudel Reyes in round five of their 12-round WBO Minimumweight Elimination bout.

In round five, Collazo landed a big right hook that rocked Reyes back. Collazo followed up with a left and another right hook that put Reyes on the canvas. At the end of the round, Collazo landed another flush right hook that was followed by a straight left that put Reyes down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:59.

Collazo, 104.6 lbs of Villalba, PR is now 6-0 with four knockouts. Reyes, 104.2 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 15-2.

“I feel super good. We did exactly what we wanted to do,” said Collazo. “If we went to the body, we then went back up and that’s how we made it happen. The knockout punch was the hook. We had been practicing since camp so I’m glad we made it happen. I want the champions next. Specifically, The WBA champion, Melvin Jerusalem. So, Melvin, if you’re listening, I want you.”

Floyd Schofield remained undefeated with a first round annihilation of Daniel Rosas in a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout at The Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Schofield dominated and landed a left hook that put Rosas down and out at 1:37.

Schofield, 134.8 lbs of Austin, TX is 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Rosas, 132 lbs of Mexico City is 22-6-1.

“I manifested this knockout, and I just feel so good right now,” said Schofield. “This is the fight game, and I hope he is ok. When Oscar came into my dressing room, I almost had a heart attack – I was like dang – this is real. I’m happy and I’m proud of myself and my team. It’s a dream come true. I honestly feel like crying, but I am trying not to. I want everyone in my division!”

Anabel Ortiz Decisions Maria Santizo

Former world champion Anabel Ortiz won an eight-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Maria Santizo in a light flyweight bout.

Ortiz, 108 lbs of Mexico City won by scores of 79-73, 78-4 and 77-75 and is now 33-5. Santizo, 106.6 lbs of Guatemala City, GUA is now 10-2.

“The fight proved to be a hard one, but it was experience that helped me secure the win,” said Ortiz. “There were points in the fight where she would make me mad when she would grab me by the back of my head and I just wanted to unleash on her, but I knew I had to conserve my energy. Right now, I am going to eat a hamburger and drink a coca-cola, and then discuss with Roberto Diaz what my next steps are.”

Joshua Garcia remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Christian Lorenzo in a super featherweight bout.

Garcia, 130 lbs of Moreno Valley, CA won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 6-0. Lorenzo, 128 lbs of Los Angeles is 3-4.

Jorge Estrada remained undefeated with a four-round majority decision over Sergio Gonzalez in a middleweight bout.

Estrada, 149.8 lbs of Mexicali, MEX won by scores of 40-36 twice and 38-38, and is now 4-0. Gonzalez, 155 lbs of Mexico is 6-12-1.

Eric Tudor remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Ramon Marquez in a super welterweight bout.

In round two, Tudor dropped Marquez with a left to the body. Seconds later, it was another hard body shot that put Marquez down again. Marquez nose was starting to bleed, and the fight was stopped after hard flurry at 2:41.

Tudor, 153.6 lbs of Fort Lauderdale, FL is 6-0 with five knockouts. Marquez, 145.4 lbs of Tucson, AZ is 5-3.

 MIAMI, FLA – Highly touted super welterweight prospect Eric Tudor (5-0) will return to the ring on October 20th on the Floyd Schofield-Daniel Rosas undercard in Indio, Calif.  The fight is part of Golden Boy’s monthly prospect series that stream live on DAZN.  

Tudor’s opponent will be the battle tested Isiah Jones (9-7). The Detroit native has only lost to undefeated opponents. 

If all goes well, Tudor will return to action on a major card in December. 

“I’m very focused on taking care of business in October against against Jones. There is a lot on the line. I’m grateful to the opportunities Golden Boy has given me and I believe that another victory should earn me a long term promotional agreement,” said Tudor. 

The 2020 Romanian Olympian made his pro debut in February when he stopped Dalton Duncan in the opening stanza of their bout scheduled for four rounds. 

He has followed that up performance with four more victories including three by knockout. He was last in action in February when he stopped fellow unbeaten prospect Edgar Valenzuela (now 7-1) in two rounds.

Tudor’s trainer Derik Santos is very pleased with the progress his young charge has made in the professional ranks. 

“You can see he is growing as he has progressed from four to six rounds,” said Santos. “He already had a pro style and we are just developing it more every time he steps in the ring. I’m very happy with the improvements he’s made.” 

INDIO, CA (Aug.19, 2022) – Golden Boy will return to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Thursday, Oct. 20 for its Thursday evening series Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN. The special night will be themed pink to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.

Headlining the show is newly-signed, blue-chip prospect Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield (11-0, 9 KOs) of Austin, Texas. Schofield will be looking to dazzle the crowd yet again after his impressive knockout win over former IBF Junior Bantamweight Champion Rodrigo Guerrero (26-15-2, 16 KOs) on the undercard of Ortiz vs. McKinson on Aug. 6. 

“I am at a loss for words,” said Floyd Schofield. “This is a dream come true. My dad always told me this was all going to happen. To see it really happen, is beyond words. Now I have to do my part and win.”

Daniel “Bad Boy” Rosas (22-5-1, 14 KOs) will be looking to avenge his last defeat in the ring against Lamont Roach, Jr. on the undercard of Zurdo vs. Barrera last July 2021. Rosas is a two-time world title challenger and former WBO Youth Super Flyweight and WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) Super Flyweight Titleholder.

“He might be very well-spoken and media trained but I am a warrior,” said Daniel Rosas. “I hope he knows that on October 20, I will be coming with everything for him.” 

Information on the undercard will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Tickets for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Schofield vs. Rosas will go on sale Friday, August 26, 2022 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets are priced at $55, $45, $35 and $25 plus applicable facility fees and service charges. Tickets are available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested in a credential for the fight must fill out a credential application by Thursday, Oct. 13. To apply, please visit https://bit.ly/Oct20GBFN. 

Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GBFightNight

LOS ANGELES, CA (August 18, 2022) – Exciting, blue-chip prospect Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield (11-0, 9 KOs) has signed a co-promotional deal with Golden Boy. The 19-year-old lightweight fighter from Austin, Texas will be co-promoted with Davies Entertainment.

“Being with Golden Boy Promotions is a dream come true,” said Floyd Schofield. “I get to learn from two legends – Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins – that I studied for years. My dad always told me this was all going to happen. To see it really happen, is beyond words. Now I have to do my part and win.”

A pugilist working out of Richard Lord’s Boxing gym that has seen the likes of Jesus Chavez and James Kirkland walk through its doors, his training and sparring resume features a long list of current and up-and-coming world champions.

“The feeling of excitement to bring Floyd to Golden Boy has more than doubled after watching him ringside as he impressively debuted under our promotional banner this past month,” said Oscar De La Hoya. “With his humble charm, charisma, and dedication to become one of the top guys in the sport, we see a great deal of potential superstardom in the making.”

Schofield debuted professionally on October 9, 2020 with a skillful knockout of Richard Esquibel. Since then, he has quickly built out his undefeated, professional portfolio with a series of knockout wins. His background outside of the ring is just as impressive – Schofield and his father were formerly unhoused and lived in a shelter for months which fostered his desire to help disadvantaged individuals through community works.

Schofield will be the main event of Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN on Oct. 20 live from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino with a soon-to-be-announced opponent. More details on the show will be shared shortly.

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For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. came off almost a year layoff to keep his perfect knockout streak intact as he stopped Michael McKinson in round nine of their welterweight bout at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

In round one, Ortiz was cut around the left eye from an accidental headbutt

In round eight, Ortiz landed a hard left hook to the body that dropped McKinson  In the opening seconds of round nine, Ortiz landed a big left to the body.  McKinson was hurt and the corner waved the towel and the fight was stopped at 27 seconds.

Ortiz, 146.6 lbs of Grand Prairie, Texas is 19-0 with 19 knockouts.  McKinson, 146.8 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG is 22-1.

Marlen Esparza Decisions Guzman; Retains Flyweight Titles

Marlen Esparza defended WBA/WBC Flyweight titles with a 10-round unanimous decision over Eva Guzman.

In round six, Esparza was cut on the side of her left eye. Esparza was very pinpoint on her punches and won by scores of 98-92 twice and 99-91.

Esparza, 111.8 lbs of Houston, Texas is 13-1.  Guzman, 109 lbs of Marcay, VEN is 19-2.

Blair Cobbs Drops Hooker 3 times; Wins Decision

Blair Cobbs won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Maurice Hooker in a welterweight bout.

In round one, Cobbs dropped Hooker with a huge three-punch combination that was highlighted overhand right. In round two, Cobbs dumped Hooker again with hard straight left.  Late in the round, it was another straight left that put Hooker down again,

In round six, Cobbs was cut around the right eye from an accidental headbutt.

Cobbs, 146 lbs of Philadelphia, PA won by scores of 97-90 twice and 96-91 and is now 16-1-1.  Hooker who came in over the contracted weight, weighed in at 150 lbs and Dallas, Texas native is now 27-3-3.

“This wasn’t an easy fight, it was a tougher fight than my last one, and this victory for sure has put me in the top ten rankings,” said Blair Cobbs. “I fought a tougher, heavier fighter. He could box and had an extremely long reach, but today I showed that I can go into deep waters, box, and give fans a show. I want to thank god for this performance, there is nothing stronger and greater than god. Today, I showed that I have more to give to the sport of boxing, that even through adversity Blair ‘The Flair’ will come out on top.” 

Melikuziev stops Janjanin in 3

Hard punching Bektemir Melikuziev stopped Sladan Janjanin in round three of a scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout

In the first 30 seconds, Melikuziev landed a vicious left to the body that put Janjanin down in a lot of pain. In round two, Melikuziev landed some hard shots to the head that sent Janjanin down for a second time.  In round three, it was another vicious left to the body that sent Janjanin to the deck.  The fight was finally stopped when Melikuziev continued to land thudding punches and the fight ended at 2:18.

Melikuziev, 171 lbs of Indio, CA is 10-1 with eight knockouts.  Janjanin, 168 lbs of Boston, MA is 32-13.

“I didn’t know my opponent until recently so we trained to have a good camp and a preparation,” said Bektemir Melikuziev. “After I dropped him with the body shot I was hoping he would keep going, we didn’t come here to end it one punch. We want to make sure we get some rounds in to gain some experience. But he was an awkward fighter, very uncomfortable but I think my training really showed off today.” 

19 year-old Floyd Schofield remained undefeated by taking out Rodrigo Guerrero in round six of their eight-round lightweight bout.

In round three, Schofield landed a right hand that put Guerrero on the canvas for a knockdown. Schofield dropped Guerrero for a second time in round four, and the bout was stopped after round five. The official time was 10 seconds of round six.

Schofield, 133.8 lbs from Austin, TX is now 11-0 with nine knockouts. Guerrero, 134.6 lbs of Mexico City, MEX is 26-15-2.

Alex Martin brushed himself from a first round knockdown to win a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Hank Lundy in a junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Lundy dropped Martin with an overhand left.

Martin, 140 lbs of Chicago, IL won by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice and is now 18-4. Lundy, 138.4 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is 31-11-1.

Carlos Nava remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Rodolfo Hernandez in a scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

In round two, Nava dropped Ramirez with a big right hand. In round four, Nava delivered punishment and landed a flurry of punches and the bout was stopped at 36 seconds.

Nava, 138.8 lbs of Pasadena, TX is 9-0 with six knockouts. Hernandez, 135 lbs of Mexico City is 30-11-1.

Figo Ramirez won a four-round unanimous decision over Francisco Bonilla in a bantamweight contest.

In round two, Ramirez was deducted a point for a low blow.

Ramirez, 117.4 lbs of Dallas, TX won by scores of 39-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Bonilla, 117 lbs of Chihuahua, MEX is now 6-14-3.

Rohan Polanco stopped Dedrick Bell in round two of their eight-round welterweight bout.

Polanco landed a devastating left to the Solar Plexus that sent Bell down for the count.

Polanco, 147 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is now 8-0 with five knockouts. Bell, 146.8 lbs of Memphis, TN is 31-33-1.