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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It wasn’t pretty, but Teofimo Lopez won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jamaine Ortiz to retain his WBO Junior Welterweight title at the Michelob Ultra Arena inside Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

The fight took it’s shape early as Ortiz wanted to circle the ring and not do much on offense. Lopez was following Ortiz around, but he was at least trying to make the fight. The fight was a frustrating watch, as the movement of Ortiz did not give Lopez any opportunities for sustained offense.

In round seven, Ortiz was cut above the left eye from an accidental headbutt In the same round, Lopez began to bleed from his mouth. The fight continued it’s defensive struggle theme as Lopez would land glancing blows, but it was more then what Ortiz was able amount.

Lopez landed 78 of 364 punches. Ortiz was 80 of 409.

Lopez, 139.6 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 117-111 and 115-113 twice to raise his record to 20-1. Ortiz, 139.6 lbs of Worcester, MA is 17-2-1.

Keyshawn Davis Stops Jose Pedraza in 6

Jose Pedraza remained undefeated bt stopping former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza in round six of their 10-round lightweight bout.

Davis was dominant from the second round on as he worked the body and that slowed the veteran Pedraza who was fighting at lightweight for the first time in four years.

In round six, Davis landed a body shot that set up a big right over the top that hurt Pedraza. Davis jumped on his prey and unloaded with some hard shots that forced Pedraza back on the ropes and the ref saved a bloody Pedraza as it was stopped at

Davis, 134.7 lbs of Norfolk, CA is 10-0 with seven knockouts. Pedraza, 134.5 lbs of Cidra, PR is 29-6-1.

Rene Tellez Giron won a eight-round unanimous decision over George Acosta in a lightweight bout.

In round five, Giron dropped Acosta with an overhand right. Giron was cut in the back of his head from a headbutt.

Giron landed 146 of 486 punches. Acosta was 125 of 422.

Giron, 132 lbs of Quertarro, MEX won by scores of 79-72, 78-73 and 76-75 and is now 19-3. Acosta, 131.3 lbs of Whittier, CA is 17-2.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Raul Salomon in a middleweight bout.

Martinez, 161.6 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 10-0-1. Salomon, 164.4 lbs of Long Beach, CA

Hot-Shot prospect Abdullah Mason scored a spectacular second round stoppage over Benjamin Gurment in round two of an eight round lightweight bout.

In round two, Mason landed three booming lefts that drove Gurment into the corner that was ruled a knockdown. The fighters met in the center in the ring and Mason landed a devastating left that put Gurment down on his back and the fight was stopped at 1:29.

Mason, 135.3 lbs is 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Gurment, 136.8 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is 8-1-3.

Charlie Sheehy remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Abdel Sauceda in lightweight bout.

Sheehy, 135.7 lbs of Brisbane, CA won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 9-0. Sauceda, 135.4 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 12-4.

Alan Garcia made short work of Tomas Ornelas by registering a 51 second knockout in a six-round lightweight bout.

Garcia dropped Ornelas in the opening seconds with a left hook. Garcia ended things with three punch combo that finished off by a left to the body and the fight was stopped at

Garcia, 136.6 lbs of Ulysses, KS is now 11-0 with nine knockouts. Ornelas, 134.6 lbs of Denver is now 7-4.

Lemir Isom-Riley stopped Antonio Zeoeda in round three of their six-round heavyweight bout.

In round three, Isom-Riley dropped Zepeda as Zepeda took a knee. Moments later, Isom-Riley scored a second knockdown after a flurry and the fight was stopped by the corner at 1:28.

Isom-Riley, 257 lbs of Harrisburg, PA is 4-2 with two knockdowns. Zepeda, 299.7 lbs of Las Vegas is 6-2.

Art Barrera Jr. stopped Michael Portales in the opening round of their four-round junior welterweight fight.

In round one, Barrera landed a huge left hook that put Portales on the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:41.

Barrera, 141 lbs of Linwoood, CA is 3-0 with three knockouts. Portales, 140 lbs of San Jose, CA is 3-3-1.

NEW YORK (November 4, 2023) – Three undefeated boxers from the Split-T Management stable will be in action tonight at The Tahoe Blue Event Center in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Undefeated middleweight Javier Martinez takes on Isaiah Wise in a eight-round bout.

Martinez of Milwaukee is 8-0-1 with two knockouts. The 28-year-old has wins over Rance Ward (4-1-1), Panchino Hill (7-0-1) and is coming off a draw with Joeshon Jones (7-0) on May 13th in Stockton, California.

Wise of Philadelphia is 11-2-2 with six knockouts. The 31-year-old has wins over Mark Daniels Jr. (3-0) and Enver Halili (10-2). Wise is coming off a six-round decision over Cameron Krael on March 25, 2022, in Philadelphia.

Martinez weighed 161.8 lbs. Wise was 160.8.

Junior welterweight Omar Rosario collides with Angel Robollar in a eight-round fight.

Rosario, 25 of Caguas, Puerto Rico is 11-0 with three knockouts. Rosario has defeated Uriel Villanueva (1-0), Wilfred Mariano (3-0), Marc Misiura (2-0), Raekwon Butler (4-1), Julio Rosa (4-0), Esteban Munoz (6-1), Bryan Rivera (4-0-1) and his last outing when he won an eight-round unanimous decision over Jan Carlos Rivera (8-1) on June 10th in New York City.

Robollar of California is 7-3 with three knockouts. The 19-year-old has wins over Carlos Ibaraa (1-0-1), Manuel Quinonez (3-0), Juan Avila Medina (5-0) and Julio Cardona (8-0). Robollar is coming off a decision win over Esteban Munoz on August 26th in Tacoma, Washington.

Rosario weighed 140 lbs. Robollar was 137.8 lbs.

6’9″ inch heavyweight Antonio Mireles takes on Skylar Lacy in a six-round fight.

Mireles of Des Moines, Iowa is 8-0 with seven knockouts. The 26-year-old has had his hand raised over Brandon Hughes (2-0), Eric Perry (5-0-1), Patrick Mailata (6-1) and his last fight, Mireles stopped Dajuan Calloway in six-rounds on August 12th in Glendale, Arizona.

Lacy of Indianapolis is 7-0 with five knockouts. The 29-year-old Lacy is coming off a fourth-round stoppage Anthony Woodson III (1-0) on July 22nd on Maumalle, Arkansas.

Mireles weighed 268.7 lbs. Lacy was 252.7.

Martinez, Rosario and Mireles are promoted by Top Rank.

All three fights can be seen live on ESPN + at 6 PM ET.

NEW YORK (May 15, 2023)-Lightweight Otha Jones III scored an emphatic four-round unanimous decision over Marcello Williams on Friday night at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida

Jones was dominant in his performance as he boxed very well by working behind a great jab. Williams was never able to mount any offense, and Jones won by scores of 40-35on all cards.

Jones of Toledo, Ohio is now 7-1-1.

Jones is promoted by GH3 Promotions

In Stockton, California, Javier Martinez and Joeshon Jones fought to an eight-round split draw in a battle of undefeated middleweights.

Martinez won a card 77-75; Jones took a card 79-73 and a third card was even at 76-76.

Martinez, 160.2 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 8-0-1. Jones, 161.2 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 7-0-1.

Martinez is promoted by Top Rank.

Janibek Alimkhanuly retained the WBO Middleweight title with a second round obliteration of Steven Butler at The Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In round two, Alimkhanuly dropped Butler with a devastating left uppercut that was followed by a huge left. When Butler got up, he was on unsteady legs. Alimkhanuly jumped on Butler and sent him to the canvas for second time with a big flurry of punches. Alimkhanuly continued to pound a wounded Butler and put him flat ion his back and the fight was stopped at 2:35.

Alimkhanuly, 159.2 lbs of Kazakhstan is now 14-0 with nine knockouts. Butler, 159.6 lbs of Montreal 32-4-1.

Alimkhanuly said, “Championsl. Boxing superstars! Where are you? I am waiting. Let’s fight. I am the most avoided boxer. I am the middleweight king. Let’s go. Let’s fight. I am ready for anybody. Anytime. Anywhere.”

Jason Moloney Decisions Astrolabio to Win Bantamweight Title

Jason Moloney won the vacant WBA Bantamweight title with a 12-round majority decision over Vincent Astrolabio

Moloney was cut around the left eye in round seven.

Moloney landed 143 of 463 punches. Atrolabio was 109 of 596.

Moloney, 117.8 lbs of Melbourne, AUS won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 and is now 26-2. Astrolabio, 117.2 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 18-4.

Moloney won the title on his third attempt.

Moloney said, “I thought I won it going away, but all that matters is the victory. And now I have this belt for the rest of my life.

“I broke my hand in the third or fourth round. It hurt every time I threw it. But I knew this was my last chance to make my dream come true.

“This is half the job done for Team Moloney. Next week, [twin brother] Andrew will join me as champion of the world.”

Gabriel Flores Jr. destroyed Derrick Murray by scoring an opening-round, one-punch stoppage in a eight-round lightweight bout.

Flores landed a perfect check left hook to the chin that sent Murray crushing down to the canvas with the back of his head hitting the canvas and the fight was stopped at 30 seconds.

Flores, 134.4 lbs of Stockton, CA is now 22-2 with eight knockouts. Murray, 134.4 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 17-9-1.

Former world title challenger Ruben Villa IV stopped Maicol Lopez Viillagrano in round five of their eight-round featherweight bout.

In round four, Villa dropped Villagrano with a left uppercut that was followed by a straight left to the chin. In round five, Villa landed several big lefts that forced a referee stoppage at 1:55.

Villa, 126.4 lbs of Salinas, CA is 20-1 with seven knockouts. Villagrano, 126.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 16-5.

Javier Martinez and Joeshon Jones fought to an eight-round split draw in a battle of undefeated middleweights.

Martinez won a card 77-75; Jones took a card 79-73 and a third card was even at 76-76.

Martinez, 160.2 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 8-0-1. Jonez, 161.2 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 7-0-1.

Amado Fernando Vargas won a four-round unanimous decision over Bernando Marzano in a junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Vargas dropped Manzano with a hard left.

Vargas, 129.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is ow 7-0. Marzano, 129.6 lbs of Mexico City is 2-5.

Brian Norman Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Jesus Perez in a welterweight fight.

Norman, 148 lbs of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice and is now 24-0. Perez, 147 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 24-5.

NEW YORK (November 16, 2022) -This past Saturday night, three Split-T Management fighters picked up wins to remain undefeated.

In Las Vegas, heavyweight Antonio Mireles scored his sixth knockout in as many fights as he took out previously undefeated Eric Perry in the opening round of their scheduled six-round bout.

In the opening round, Mireles dropped Perry face-first from a hard combination, and the fight was stopped at 2:26.

Mireles of Des Moines, Iowa is 6-0 with six knockouts

Credit: Mikey Williams (Top Rank via Getty Images)

On the same card, middleweight Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a six round unanimous decision over Marco Delgado.

Martinez of Milwaukee, Wisconsin won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice to raise his mark to 8-0. Delgado of Turlock. California is 7-5.

Mireles and Martinez are promoted by Top Rank.

Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

Saturday in Cleveland, Khalil Coe stayed undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Bradley Olemda in a light heavyweight bout.

Coe dominated the action and in round five he dropped Olemeda with a left hook. Coe of Flemington, New Jersey won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 4-0-1. Olemda of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico is 5-1.

Coe is co-managed by Split-T Management and Keith Connolly and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Janibek Alimkhanuly defended the WBO Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Denzel Bentley at The Palms Hotel Casino on Las Vegas.

Alimkhanuly landed 189 of 535 punches. Bentley was 157 of 615.

Alimkhanuly, 159.6 lbs of Zhilandy. KAZ won by scores of 118-110 and 116-112 twice and is now 13-0. Bentley, 159 lbs of London is 15-2-1.

Seniesa Estrada defended the WBA Minimumweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jazmin Gala Villarino.

Estrada, 103.3 lbs of East Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 23-0. Villarino, 105 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 6-2-2.

Emiliano Fernando Vargas stopped Julio Cesar Martinez in round two of their four-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Vargas dropped Martinez with a short but powerful left hook to the chin the folded Martinez under the bottom rope and the fight was stopped at 47 seconds.

Vargas, 133.8 lbs of Las Vegas is 2-0 with two knockouts. Martinez, 134 lbs of South Bend, IN is 1-1.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Marco Antonio Delgado in a super middleweight bout.

Martnez, 162.6 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 8-0. Delgado, 162.6 lbs of Turlock, CA is 7-5.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Edgar Joe Cortes in a six-round junior featherweight bout,

In round four, Diaz landed a left to the top of the head that was followed by a right hook to the jaw that sent Cortes down. Cortes got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:14.

Diaz, 121.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 8-0 with three knockouts. Cortes, 122.2 lbs of Vineland, NJ is 9-7-1.

Charlie Sheehy obliterated Markus Bowes in the opening round of their four-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Sheehy rocked Bowes several times with hard right hands and then dropped him with the same punch. Sheehy ended things with a vicious combination that forced a referee stoppage at 1:37.

Sheehy, 135 lbs of Brisbane, CA is 5-0 with four knockouts. Bowes, 135.6 lbs of Rosboro, NC is 2-1.

Karlos Balderas stopped Esteban Sanchez in the eighth and final round of their lightweight bout.

In round one, Balderas landed a left hook that set off a flurry of punches that put Sanchez on the canvas.

In round four, Sanchez began to bleed from his nose.

In round eight, Sanchez was still taking shots and the fight was stopped at 1:02.

Balderas, 135.4 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 14-1 with 12 knockouts. Sanchez, 135.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 18-3.

Antonio Mireles remained perfect with a first round stoppage of Eric Perry in a six-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles landed a heavy combination that put Perry down face first and he was not able to beat the 10-count at 2:26.

Mireles, 269.6 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 6-0 with six knockouts. Perry, 279.8 lbs of Toccoa, GA is 5-7-1.

NEW YORK (November 12, 2022) -TONIGHT, three Split-T Management Fighters will look to remain undefeated over two events.

At The Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, middleweight Javier Martinez will take on the tested Marco Delgado in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Martinez of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has a record of 7-0 with two knockouts. The 27 year-old former United States National Champion, has racked up wins over Rance Ward (4-1-1) and his last bout when he scored a six-round unanimous decision over undefeated Pachino Hill (7-0-1) on July 23rd in Hinckley, Minnesota.

Delgado of Turlock, California, has a record of 7-4 with five knockouts. Delgado has wins over undefeated Joseph McCargo (3-0-1), former Irish Olympian Joseph Ward and undefeated Burley Brooks (6-0). Delgado is coming off a loss to Cem Kilic on August 4th in Montebello, California.

At Friday’s weight in, Martinez was 162.6 lbs. Delgado was also 162.6.

Credit: Mikey Williams (Top Rank via Getty Images)

Big 6’9″ heavyweight Antonio Mireles takes on Eric Perry in a battle of undefeated big guys.

Mireles of Des Moines, Iowa is 5-0 with five knockouts. The 25 year-old former United States National Champion will be making his sixth start in 13 months. He has a second round stoppage over undefeated Brandon Hughes. Mireles is coming off a second round stoppage over Kaleel Carter on August 20th in San Diego.

Perry of Pearland, Texas is 5-0-1 with five knockouts. The 36 year-old Perry stopped Jaden Booth in the opening round of their February 19th bout in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Mireles weighed 269.6 lbs. Perry was 279.8.

Mireles and Martinez are promoted by Top Rank and their fights will be streamed live on ESPN+ at 7:15 PM ET.

Photo by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing

In Cleveland, undefeated light heavyweight Khalil Coe takes on Bradley Olmeda in a six-round bout. Coe of Flemington, New Jersey is 3-0-1 with two knockouts. Coe, 26, has a second round stoppage over Dylan O’Sullivan. Coe is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over William Langston on April 30th in New York.

Despite just 34 amateur fights, Coe made the most of his opportunities as he was a member of the distinguished United States elite team. Coe gained his most prominence when he knocked out Olympic Gold Medal Winner and four-time world amateur champion Julio Cesar La Cruz.

Coe is co-managed by Split-T Management and Keith Connolly, and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Olmeda of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico is 5-0 with three knockouts. The 28 year-old Olemda is coming off a unanimous decision win over Felix Gutierrez Guzman on August 12th in La Romana, Dominican Republic.

Coe weighed 174 lbs. Olmeda was 175.5 lbs.

The bout can be streamed live on Matchroom Boxing Youtube page at 5:35 PM ET

Last Friday night in Plant City, Florida, Dominic Valle remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Jose Antonio Meza in a super featherweight bout.

Valle of Lutz, Florida won by tallies of 59-55 twice and 58-56 and is now 6-0. Meza of Durango, Mexico is 8-8.

Valle is promoted by Pro Box Promotions.

NEW YORK (July 26, 2022)–Five members of the Split-T Management roster came home with big victories in as many bouts on Saturday.

At The Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minnesota, four Split-T fighters had their hands raised on an ESPN+ streamed card.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Chino Hill in a middleweight bout,

In round three, Martinez had a scrape around his right eye.

Martinez landed 115 of 242 punches. Hill was 70 of 368.

Martinez, 160.8 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 7-0. Hill, 161 lbs of Davenport, IA is 7-1-1.

Haven Brady Jr. remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Aaron Echeveste in a featherweight bout.

Brady, 127.8 lbs of Augusta, GA won by scores of 60-53 and 60-54 twice and is now 7-0. Echeveste, 126.8 lbs of Leon, MEX is 6-8.

Antonio Mireles stopped Dennys Reyes in round two of their four-round heavyweight fight.

In round two, Mirleles dropped Reyes with a body shot that was followed by a left to the head. Mirleles finished off the fight by dropping Reyes with a right hand, and the fight was stopped at 2:19.

Mireles, 269.2 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 4-0 with four knockouts. Reyes, 228.6 lbs of Finley, MN is 3-3.

Dante Benjamin stopped Corey Thompson in round one of a scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout featuring undefeated fighters.

Benjamin jumped all over Thompson in the opening seconds, cutting him in the forehead and then dropping him with a hard combination. Benjamin then dropped Thompson with a vicious five-punch combination. Benjamin ended the fight by dropping Thompson with a hard right hand at 2:24.

Benjamin, 172.6 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 3-0 with two knockouts. Thompson, 174.8 lbs of Alexandria, MN is 4-1.

Martinez, Brady, Mireles and Benjamin are promoted by Top Rank

At The Caribe Royale In Orlando, Joseph Adorno took out Roberto Almazan in the second round of their six-round lightweight fight.

Adorno dominated the action and finished off Almazan at 2:59 of the second frame.

Adorno of Allentown, PA is now 16-1-2 with 14 knockouts. Almazan is 10-18.

Adorno is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

Martinez, Brady, Mireles and Benjamin Photos by Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

Former world champion Isaac Dogboe won a 10-round split decision over two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez in a featherweight bout at The Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minnesota.

Dogboe landed 190 of 783 punches; Gonzalez was 197 of 549.

Dogboe, 125.8 lbs of Anyako, GHA won by two scores of 96-94. Gonzalez won a card 96-94.

Dogboe is now 26-2. Gonzalez, 125.6 lbs of Glendora, CA is 25-3.

Dogboe said, “I said to the people that my journey can be a Hollywood blockbuster movie, and I praise God always.
 
“I’ve always seen {trainer} Barry {Hunter} as a very inspirational person, a father figure. He’s a person that when it seems like it’s all gone, he always has something to say to you. I really needed him in my corner. He was able to pull that extra strength in me out. I want to say thanks to Joet Gonzalez. He’s a true warrior.
 
“Whoever the champions are, they should watch out. The ‘Royal Storm,’ I am back, baby!”

“Close fight. I thought I won the fight. I buckled him, I believe, twice in the fight. I stunned him,” Gonzalez said. “He didn’t really land too many shots. I landed the cleaner, harder shots. I was pushing him back, and he was holding most of the time. Roughing me and trying to stop me. But I thought I won the fight.”

Giovanni Cabrera remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Gabriel Flores Jr. in a lightweight fight.

Cabrera dropped Flores just 10 seconds into the fight with a straight left. In round four, it was a right hook around the head that put Flores on the canvas.

Cabrera landed 189 of 602 punches; Flores was 57 of 335.

Cabrera, 135.6 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 98-89 on all cards and is now 21-0. Flores, 135.4 lbs of Stockton, CA is 21-2.

“I felt amazing. It’s what we worked on in the gym,” Cabrera said. “Everybody, I think, can see I’m a very slick boxer. As I’ve progressed in the professional ranks, there’s still growth to be had. There’s a lot to learn, and I have the best trainer in the world to do that. I’ve been working on my power. He felt it in the first round. Gabriel Flores is as tough as they come. My hat’s off to him. This incredible fight wouldn’t have been made if he wasn’t brave enough to take it.”

Flores said, “I should’ve kept on stepping to my left. The game plan kind of went to blur. My father was telling me to keep stepping to my left, keep feinting, keep flicking my jab, and keep jabbing. I didn’t really do much of any of that.”

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Chino Hill in a middleweight bout,

In round three, Martinez had a scrape around his right eye.

Martinez landed 115 of 242 punches. Hill was 70 of 368.

Martinez, 160.8 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 7-0. Hill, 161 lbs of Davenport, IA is 7-1-1.

Guido Vianello remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Rafael Rios in a scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round four, Vianello dropped Rios with a flurry of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:59.

Vianello, 244.2 lbs of Milan, ITA is 9-0-1 with nine knockouts. Rios, 258.4 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 11-4.

Haven Brady Jr. remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Aaron Echeveste in a featherweight bout.

Brady, 127.8 lbs of Augusta, GA won by scores of 60-53 and 60-54 twice and is now 7-0. Echevester, 126.8 lbs of Leon, MEX is 6-8.

Colton Warner won a four-round unanimous decision over Jimmy Barnes in a heavyweight bout.

Warner, 254 lbs of Pine City, MN won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 5-1. Barnes, 265.6 lbs of Pine City, MN is 1-3.

Good looking 18 year-old prospect Abdullah Mason stopped Luis Fernandez in the opening round of their four-round lightweight bout

Mason dropped Fernandez in the first 15 seconds with a quick right-left. Mason dropped Mason again with a quick right hook. Mason continued to beat up Fernandez with devastating blows until the bout was stopped at 2:39.

Mason, 135 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 3-0 with three knockouts. Fernandez, 136 lbs of Austin, TX is 1-4-1,

Antonio Mireles stopped Dennys Reyes in round two of their four-round heavyweight fight.

In round two, Mirleles dropped Reyes with a body shot that was followed by a left to the head. Mirleles finished off the fight by dropping Reyes with a right hand, and the fight was stopped at 2:19.

Mireles, 269.2 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 4-0 with four knockouts. Reyes, 228.6 lbs of Finley, MN is 3-3.

Dante Benjamin stopped Corey Thompson in round one of a scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout featuring undefeated fighters.

Benjamin jumped all over Thompson in the opening seconds, cutting him in the forehead and then dropping him with a hard combination. Benjamin then dropped Thompson with a vicious five-punch combination. Benjamin ended the fight by dropping Thompson with a hard right hand at 2:24.

Benjamin, 172.6 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 3-0 with two knockouts. Thompson, 174.8 lbs of Alexandria, MN is 4-1.

Antonio Woods remained undefeated with a first round stoppage over Darryl Jones in a six-round middleweight bout.

Woods uncorked a vicious combination in the corner and the bout was stopped at 2:36.

Woods, 161.6 lbs of Cedar Rapids, IA is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Jones, 162 lbs of Sarasota, FL is 4-5-1.

NEW YORK (July 23, 2022)–TONIGHT!!! Five fighters of the Split-T Management stable will be in action.

At the Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley, Minnesota, it will be a big night as four undefeated Split-T prospects will look to remain perfect.

In a six-round middleweight bout, Javier Martinez of Milwaukee. Wisconsin takes on fellow undefeated Panchino Hill.

Martinez has a record of 6-0 with two knockouts. The 26 year-old Martinez, has wins over Rance Ward (4-1-1) and his bout when he took a unanimous decision over Donte Stubbs on March 4th in Fresno, California.

Hill of Davenport, Iowa is 7-0-1 with six knockouts. The 25 year-old Hill is coming off a second round stoppage over Keith Debrow on February 12th in Davenport, Iowa

Martinez weighed 160.8 lbs; Hill was 161 lbs

In a six-round featherweight bout, undefeated Haven Brady Jr. takes on Aaron Echeveste.

Brady of Albany, Georgia is 6-0 with four stoppages. The 20 year-old Brady has a win over Roberto Negrete (3-0) and his last bout when he stopped Jose Argel (8-2) in four-rounds on March 26th in Las Vegas.

Echeveste of Leon, Mexico is 6-7 with three knockouts. The 35 year-old Echeveste is coming off a loss to Ariel Lopez on May 21st in Queens, New York.

Brady weighed 127.8 lbs. Echeveste was 126.8 lbs

Big 6’9″ heavyweight Antonio Mirleles battles Denny Reyes in a four-round contest.

Mireles, 25, of Mexican-American descent, initially began boxing at the Des Moines PAL at the age of 12 and started competing at 15. He was guided for his entire amateur career by a pair of two strong coaches in John Saunders and Elly Nunez.

In his relatively brief, but extremely successful run in the amateurs, Mireles compiled a record of 28-4 with 10 knockouts – culminating in winning the 2020 USA Olympic Trials in the Super Heavyweight division. He was also a 2019 National Golden Gloves Champion, a 2019 Eastern Elite Amateur Champion and a five-time Iowa Golden Gloves Champion.

Mireles is 3-0 with two knockouts, is coming off a second round stoppage over Brandon Hughes (2-0) on March 4th in Fresno, California.

Reyes of Minneapolis is 3-2 with one knockout. The 32-year-old has a win over Cayman AUdie (1-0) and is coming off a loss to Thomas Matlon on April 23rd in Minnesota.

Mirleles weighed 269.2 lbs. Reyes was 228.6

Dante Benjamin takes on undefeated Corey Thompson in a four-round light heavyweight bout.

Benjamin, 20 years-old of Cleveland, Ohio amassed over 100 wins as an amateur, and was a seven-time national champion as he was a 2016 and 2017 Junior National Champion, 2017 Eastern Regional Champion, and a 2018 Youth National champion. He also took first place in the Emil Jechev International tournament in Botevgrad, Bulgaria.

In 2017, he was named the Under Armour Fighter of the Year.

As a professional, Benjamin is 2-0 with one knockout with both his victories coming over undefeated opponents.

Benjamin stopped Herman Rendon (2-0) in the opening round on January 29th. He followed that up with a unanimous decision win over Kevin Johnson (2-0) on March 26th in Las Vegas.

Thompson of Sauk Centre, Minnesota is 4-0 with three knockouts. Thompson, 34, has a win over Michael Thunder (1-0). In his las bout, Thompson stopped Blake Bergeson on April 23rd in Minnesota.

Benjamin weighed 172.6 lbs. Thompson was 174.8 lbs

Martinez, Brady, Mireles and Benjamin are promoted by Top Rank. Their bouts will be streamed live on ESPN+ at 6:45 PM ET.

At the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, lightweight Joseph Adorno of Allentown, Pennsylvania will take on 48 fight veteran Julio Buitrago in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Adorno has a record of 15-1-2 with 13 knockouts. The 23 year-old Adorno is in his sixth year as a professional who won his first 14 bouts which were highlighted by victories over Marco Antonio Ocano (1-0), Kevin Ocano (8-0) and Damian Alejandro Sosa (9-2). Adorno is coming off a first round stoppage over Juan Santiago on May 21st at The Caribe Royale Orlando.

Adorno is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

The fight will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com

NEW YORK (March 7, 2022) – Split-T Management fighters were impressive with four big victories over the weekend.

On Friday night, junior welterweight Rolando Vargas scored an explosive stoppage over Jerrell Hodge in Columbus, Ohio.

Vargas buckled Hodge with a big left hook. Vargas followed up with a booming right that put Hodge down and out and the fight was stopped.

With the win, Vargas, a Milwaukee native improves to 7-1 with seven knockouts.

WATCH VARGAS KNOCKOUT
Rolando Vargas 1st round stoppage over Jerrell Hodge

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Donte Stubbs in a middleweight bout.

In round two, Stubbs began to bleed from his nose. In round three, Stubbs dropped Martinez with a straight right. But that was the only blemish for the 26 year-old Martinez as he used his superior boxing skills to repeatedly land solid punches throughout the contest.

Martinez, 161.8 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 59-56 and 58-55 twice and is now 6-0. Stubbs, 163 lbs of Riverside, CA is 6-4.

Martinez is a former United States National Ama

6’9? Antonio Mireles remained perfect as he stopped previously undefeated Brandon Hughes in round two of their scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles landed a perfect jab-straight left that sent Hughes down on his face. Moments later it was another straight left that put Hughes down just before the end of the round. In round two, Mireles landed a big left hand that hurt Hughes and the fight was stopped just as Hughes hit the canvas at 1:04.

Mireles, 259.4 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 3-0 with three knockouts. Hughes, 282.4 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 2-1
Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Genc Pllana in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

Pacheco, 170 lbs of Los Angeles is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Pllana, 171 lbs of Hagerstown, MD is 9-4-1.

In a battle of former world champions, Jesus Ramirez won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jose Pedraza in a junior welterweight bout at The Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

It was a tactical fight with Ramirez looking to push forward, while Pedraza was getting in good work while working off the back foot and countering. In round, nine, the right eye of Pedraza began to swell.

Ramirez landed 133 of 554 punches; Pedraza was 110 of 586.

Ramirez, 139.8 lbs of Avenal, CA won by scores of 116-112 on all cards and is now 27-1. Pedraza140 lbs of Cidra, PR is 29-4.

Ramirez said, “Jose Pedraza is a smart, experienced fighter. He was going to find a way to survive and put up a fight. He was there boxing towards the end of the fight.  My hat’s off to him and his team. He was well-prepared. It was a great fight. I got to see where I am right now.

“I’m going to go back, work and stay focused and stay active. That’s one thing that’s affected me these last couple of years. I’ve trained so many times for a little bit of fights. My inactivity, my discouragement throughout training camps, it really took a big toll on me. I’m ready to stay active and stay motivated. There’s a lot of really great fighters coming up to 140. There’s a lot of really good fighters at 140 right now.”

Torrez Jr. stops Melson in 2

2021 U.S. Olympic Silver Medal winner, Richard Torrez Jr. made a successful pro debut as he stopped Allen Melson in round two of their six-round heavyweight bout

In round one, Torrez dropped Melson in the corner with a little combination. Melson’s nose began to bleed. Torrez began to bleed badly over his left eye from a clash of heads. In round two, Torrez dropped Melson with a straight left. the fight ended when Torrez dropped Melson with a left after a furious exchange, and the fight was stopped at 1:23.

Torrez, 228.2 lbs of Tulure, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Melson, 201.8 lbs of Alabama is 6-4.

Torrez said, “After the cut, I knew I had to get back to basics, and that’s what I did. I made sure to avoid additional head clashes, and I got the job done in the second.
 
“Sure, the cut is frustrating, but I’m not going to let it ruin the celebration. What a night. It was everything I’d hoped it would be.
 
“I didn’t know what to expect. I wanted to make a good first impression, especially in front of my home fans. They brought the energy, and I fed off the energy they gave me. The Central Valley is home, and I am proud to represent my people.”

Gonzalez stops Santisima in 9

Joet Gonzalez stopped Jeo Santisima in round nine of a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout of former world title challengers.

In round eight, Samtisima started to swell under his right eye. In round nine, Gonzalez landed a couple of right hands and the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Gonzalez, 125.8 lbs of Glendora, CA is now 25-2 with 15 knockouts. Santisima, 125.2 lbs of the Philippines is 21-4.

Gabriel Flores Jr. gutted out a 10-round majority decision over Abraham Montoya in a junior lightweight bout.

Flores looked good early, but seemed to tire in the middle rounds and started eating flush punches. Flores was better in the final frame.

Flores landed 177 of 503 punches; Montoya was 174 of 597.

Flores, 131.6 lbs of Stockton, CA won by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95 and is now 21-1. Montoya, 131.8 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 20-3-1.

Hector Tanajara and Miguel Contreras fought to an eight-round split draw in a lightweight bout.

Tanajara won a card 78-84, Contreras took a card 77-75 and a third card was even at 76-76.

Tanajara, 135 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 19-1-1. Contreras, 134.2 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is 11-1-1.

Karlos Balderas stopped Aelio Medquita in round two of a scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

Seconds into the bout, Balderas landed a big right hand that sent Mesquita down for a knockdown. Towards the end of the round, it was another right that sent Mesquita to the deck for a 2nd time. In round two, Balderas landed another right sent Mesquita down and the fight was over at 38 seconds.

Balderas, 134.2 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 12-1 with 11 knockouts. Mesquita, 131.2 lbs of Guajua, BRA is 20-7-1.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Donte Stubbs in a middleweight bout.

In round two, Stubbs began to bleed from his nose. In round three, Stubbs dropped Martinez with a straight right.

Martinez, 161.8 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 59-56 and 58-55 twice and is now 6-0. Stubbs, 163 lbs of Riverside, CA is 6-4.

Charlie Sheehy remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage over previously undefeated Johnny Bernal in a scheduled four-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Sheehy rocked Bernal with a hard right and followed up with another hard right that sent Bernal into the ropes for a knockdown. Sheehy hurt Bernal again with a left hook. Sheehy then landed a vicious combination that forced a referee stoppage at 2:33.

Sheehy, 134.2 lbs of Brisbane, CA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Bernal, 135 lbs of Denver, CO is 2-1.

6’9″ Antonio Mireles remained perfect as he stopped previously undefeated Brandon Hughes in round two of their scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles landed a perfect jab-straight left that sent Hughes down on his face. Moments later it was another straight left that put Hughes down just before the end of the round. In round two, Mireles landed a big left hand that hurt Hughes and the fight was stopped just as Hughes hit the canvas at 1:04.

Mireles, 259.4 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 3-0 with three knockouts. Hughes, 282.4 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 2-1

NEW YORK (March 4, 2022) – Split-T Management fighters will be on display this weekend as five fighters will look for big wins.

Tonight In Fresno, California, Javier Martinez takes on Donte Stubbs in a six-round middleweight bout.

Martinez, 26 of Milwaukee is 5-0 with two knockouts. Martinez has a win over Rance Ward (4-1-1). In his bout, Martinez took a six-round unanimous decision in shutout fashion over Darryl Jones on October 15th in San Diego.

Stubbs of Riverside, California is 6-3 with two knockouts, and is coming off a loss to Kevin Ottley on September 23rd in Costa Mesa, California.

Martinez weighed 161.8 lbs while Stubbs was 163 lbs.

Also in Fresno, 6’9″ Antonio Mireles makes his third start as he takes on undefeated Brandon Hughes in a four-round heavyweight contest.

Mireles, of Mexican-American descent, initially began boxing at the Des Moines PAL at the age of 12 and started competing at 15. He was guided for his entire amateur career by a pair of two strong coaches in John Saunders and Elly Nunez.

In his relatively brief, but extremely successful run in the amateurs, Mireles compiled a record of 28-4 with 10 knockouts – culminating in winning the 2020 USA Olympic Trials in the Super Heavyweight division. He was also a 2019 National Golden Gloves Champion, a 2019 Eastern Elite Amateur Champion and a five-time Iowa Golden Gloves Champion.

As a pro, Mireles has two first-round knockout wins, with the most recent being over Jacob Williams on December 4th in Clive, Iowa.

Hughes of Gilbert, Arizona is also 2-0 with two knockouts. Both of his wins have come in Chihuahua, Mexico. He stopped Genardo Daniel Rodarte Lozano on August 27th.

Mireles weighed 259.4 lbs. Hughes was 282.4

The Martinez and Mireles fights will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 7:15 PM ET

Martinez and Mireles are promoted by Top Rank.

Also tonight in Columbus, Ohio, junior welterweight Rolando Vargas will take on Jerrell Hodge in a six-round bout.

Vargas, 22 years-old of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is 6-1 with six knockouts. Vargas has knockouts over two undefeated opponents, Jessi Hackett (1-0) and Nathaniel Lee Davis (1-0). Vargas is coming off a first-round stoppage over Akeem Jackson on September 10th in Detroit.

Hodge of Streetsboro, Ohio is 2-1 and is coming off a split decision win over previously undefeated Getffred Ngayot (4-0) on November 23rd in Erie, Pennsylvania

Saturday in San Diego, Diego Pacheco (13-0, 10 KOs) takes on Genc Pllana (9-3-1, 5 KOs) in a super middleweight bout.

FRESNO, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2021) — Former unified junior welterweight world champion Jose Ramirez will return in front of a raucous home crowd. Ramirez, the pride of California’s Central Valley, will face former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza in a 12-round junior welterweight battle Saturday, Feb. 5 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

In a six-round heavyweight special feature immediately before the main event, Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr., from the Central Valley town of Tulare, California, will make his long-awaited professional debut.

The entire Ramirez-Pedraza card will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+. Undefeated lightweight prospect Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (13-0, 11 KOs), rising junior lightweight Karlos Balderas (11-1, 10 KOs), middleweight prospect Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (5-0, 2 KOs), and 6’9 heavyweight Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (2-0, 2 KOs) are all slated to appear on the card.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $36 go on sale Monday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

“Jose Ramirez has always demanded the biggest challenges, and he’s back in there with a tough former champion in Jose Pedraza,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “There are few more exciting atmospheres in boxing than when Jose fights in the Central Valley. The fans there love Jose, and he embodies the region’s blue-collar work ethic. I am also delighted that the Central Valley’s next superstar, Richard Torrez Jr., will make his professional debut in front of a sold-out crowd.”

Ramirez (26-1, 17 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since May’s decision defeat to Josh Taylor for the undisputed junior welterweight title. Ramirez had made four title defenses since winning the WBC crown in 2018, and he unified the WBC and WBO world titles the following year with a knockout win over Maurice Hooker. Ramirez has drawn 65,794 fans through five headlining fight nights at Save Mart Center. When he fought Jose “Chon” Zepeda at Save Mart Center in February 2019, 14,034 fans — an attendance record for boxing in the arena — turned up. Pedraza (29-3, 14 KOs), from Cidra, Puerto Rico, is a former junior lightweight and lightweight world champion who has won three in a row since a decision defeat to Zepeda. He is coming off June’s eighth-round knockout over the previously undefeated Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez.

“I am motivated to become world champion once again, and it begins with a tough fight against Pedraza,” Ramirez said. “There are no better fans than the ones who pack the Save Mart Center every time I fight. The Central Valley is my home, and it is always a great honor to perform for my people.”

“This one is personal to Ramírez,” said Rick Mirigian, Ramirez’s manager. “This is the fight that puts him back at the top of the sport and in line for the biggest fights.”

Pedraza said, “The new year will bring a big opportunity to battle against a former world champion like Jose Ramirez. This fight is very important for me because I know this will be the fight that will give me the opportunity to win a world title in a third weight division.

“There is no space for a loss. Not on my record, and much less in my mind. I know that Ramirez is a great fighter and always comes well prepared. He always comes in shape to give the fans a great fight.” 

Torrez made history as the first American Olympian to medal in the Super Heavyweight division since Riddick Bowe in 1988. Last month, he signed a long-term professional contract with Top Rank. Torrez was a U.S. National Championships gold medalist in 2017 and 2018, in addition to capturing three U.S. Youth National titles from 2014-2016. He went 154-10 as an amateur, and after a long international career in the unpaid ranks, he returns home for his pro debut.

“I can think of no better place to turn pro than in front of my Central Valley friends and family,” Torrez said. “They’ve supported me my entire amateur career, and I am thrilled that they will see the start of my professional journey. Let’s show everyone what it means to be valley grown!”

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New York (October 18, 2021)-Split-T Management fighters were a perfect 4-for-4 over the weekend with winning efforts on Friday night in San Diego and Saturday night in Brooklyn.

Friday night in San Diego, Split-T fighters racked up three victories as Giovani Santillan remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Angel Ruiz in a welterweight bout.

Santillan was able to get the better of the fast paced fight by landing hard combinations on the inside. The fight was fought at close quarters with many exchanges that saw Santillan land more and harder.

In round seven, Santillan’s left eye began to swell.

Santillan landed 266 of 693 punches; Ruiz was 157 of 577.

Santillan, 147 lbs of San Diego won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 28-0. Ruiz, 147.4 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 17-2.

Santillan said, “This is what it’s all about, a great fight in front of my amazing hometown fans. They were cheering for me all night, and it was an honor to perform for my people in San Diego.

“My father and I always wanted to fight here. It was a dream come true, and credit to Angel Ruiz for going to battle for 10 rounds. He’s a true Mexican warrior. I have nothing but respect for him.”

Santillan is promoted by Top Rank and Thompson Boxing

Javier Martinez remained undefeated as he battered Darryl Jones over six-rounds to win a unanimous decision in a middleweight bout.

Martinez, 162.4 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 60-54 and 60-53 twice and is now 5-0. Jones, 161.6 lbs of Sarasota, FL is 4-3-1.

Martinez is promoted by Top Rank.

6’9″ Antonio Mireles made a successful pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Demonte Randle in a heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles dropped Randle with a right hook. Seconds later, Mireles landed a hard flurry that sent Randle into the ropes for a knockdown. Mireles ended the fight with a right hook to the side of the head that sent Randle down and the fight was stopped at 2:07.

Mireles, 262.2 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 1-0 with one knockout. Randle, 314 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 2-2.

Mireles is Promoted by Top Rank.

Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Will Madera spoiled the American debut of Jamshidbek Najmitdinov after round five of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight fight.

In round four, The nose of Najmitdinov began to bleed. Najmitdinov also hurt his left arm, and the fight was halted after round five because of those injuries.

Madera, 139.4 lbs of Albany, NY is now 17-1-3 with 10 knockouts. Najmitdinov, 139.8 lbs of Tashkent, UZB is 17-2.

“This was a tough fight against a strong guy,” said Madera. “I knew I was hurting him, he was shaking his head no but that usually means yet. He was getting tired from my body shots and I could hear him grunting after each one.”

Madera is promoted by Liveco Boxing.

Split-T Management’s undefeated featherweight, Haven Brady Jr. will be in action this Saturday night in Atlanta.

Santillan/Martinez/Mireles Photos by Mikey Williams Top Rank via Getty Images.

Madera Photo by Amanda Wescott / Triller Fight Club

Emanauel Navarrete earned his 2nd title defense of the WBO Featherweight title over Joet Gonzalez at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

In round two, Gonzalez began to swell under his right eye. In round three, a cut formed under that eye from a Navarrete left hook. Gonzalez showed an extreme toughness as the swelling and cut got worse in each round, but that did nor deter him as he agressiveness made Navarrete begin to turn up his customery volume punching.

Over the 2nd half of the fight, Navarrete started taking control, but when the cut from Gonzalez seemed to worsen, he came back to land hard shots that would push Gonzalez back. In the end, the sheer volume was the difference for Gonzalez by scores of 118-110 and 116-112 twice.

Navarrete landed 272 of 979 punches; Gonzalez was 169 of 667.

Navarrete, 125.8 lbs of Mexico is 35-1. Gonzalez, 125.4 lbs of Glendora, CA is 24-2. Both of his losses were in world title bouts as he dropped a unanimous decision to Shakur Stevenson for the same title October 26, 2019.

“Without a doubt, I hurt him, but every single time he came back, and he also hurt me. A couple shots he landed hurt me during the fight,” Navarrete said. “It has been an exciting ride so far, and from now on, I want the bigger fights.”

Gonzalez said, “I thought I had it seven rounds to five, eight rounds to four. I was really surprised by that score of 118-110, I believe. But it is what it is, and I did my best.”

Santillan Decisions Ruiz

Giovani Santillan remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Angel Ruiz in a welterweight bout.

Santillan was able to get the better of the fast paced fight by landing hard combinations on the inside. The fight was fought at close quarters with many exchanges that saw Santillan land more and harder.

In round seven, Santillan’s left eye began to swell.

Santillan landed 266 of 693 punches; Ruiz was 157 of 577.

Santillan, 147 lbs of San Diego won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 28-0. Ruiz, 147.4 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 17-2.

Santillan said, “This is what it’s all about, a great fight in front of my amazing hometown fans. They were cheering for me all night, and it was an honor to perform for my people in San Diego.
 
“My father and I always wanted to fight here. It was a dream come true, and credit to Angel Ruiz for going to battle for 10 rounds. He’s a true Mexican warrior. I have nothing but respect for him.”

Henry LeBron remained undefeated by winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Manuel Rey Rojas in a junior lightweight bout.

LeBron landed 97 of 311 punches; Rojas was 37 of 232.

Lebron, 131 lbs of Puerto Rico won by scores of 80-72 scores on all cards and is now 14-0. Rojas, 130.2 lbs of Dallas, TX is 21-6.

Lindolfo Delgado remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Juan Garcia Mendez in a junior welterweight fight.

In round eight, Delgado landed a hard right that was follwed by a combination that dropped Mendez in the corner.

Delgado landed 170 of 385 punches; Mendez was 75 of 451.

Delgado, 141.6 lbs of Linares, MEX won by scores of 80-71 on all cards, and is now 14-0. Mendez, 140.2 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 21-5-2.

Javier Martinez remained undefested as he battered Darryl Jones over six-rounds to win a unanimous decision in a middleweight bout.

Martinez, 162.4 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 60-54 and 60-53 twice and is now 5-0. Jones, 161.6 lbs of Sarasota, FL is 4-3-1.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated by winning a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Ramirez in a bantamweight fight.

In round one, Diaz dropped Ramirez with an overhand right.

Diaz, 118 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 40-35 twice and 39-36 and is now 3-0. Ramirez, 116.4 lbs of Tucson, AZ is 1-1.

Antonio Mireles made a successful pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Demonte Randle in a heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles dropped Randle with a right hook. Seconds later, Mireles landed a hard flurry that sent Randle into the ropes for a knockdown. Mireles ended the fight with a right jook to the side of the head that sent Randle down and the fight was stopped at

Mireles, 262.2 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 1-0 with one knockout. Randle, 314 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 2-2.

NEW YORK (October 14, 2021) – Tomorrow night at The Pechanga Arena in San Diego, three members of the Split-T Management stable will be in action.

In the co-feature bout, undefeated welterweight Giovani Santillan takes on Angel Ruiz in a 10-round welterweight fight.

Santillan, who will be fighting at home as the San Diego native sports a perfect mark of 27-0 with 15 knockouts.

The 29 year-old Santillan is the former NABO welterweight champion, and is the cusp of a big fight as he wins over Peter Haro (2-0), Michael Belasi (10-2), Daniyer Hanik (10-0), Osenohan Vazquez (7-1-1), Eduardo Rivera (9-1-2), Ernesto Ortiz (10-2), Omar Tineda (18-3), Sammy Valintin (12-0), Dodzi Kemwh (19-1), Alejandro Barboza (11-1), and his bout whenhe took a unanimous deciion from Cecil McCalla (23-4) on June 26 in Las Vegas.

Ruiz of Los Angeles is 17-1 with 12 knockouts. Ruz, 24 has a win over Jonathan Foruna (8-2), and his last bout, when he won an unanimnous decision over previously undefeated Bobizhan Mominov on April 22nd in West Point, New York.

Santillan, who is co-promoted by Top Rank and Thompson Boxing weighed 147 lbs. Ruiz was 147.4

Santillan – Ruiz will be streamed by ESPN + beginning at 11:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM PT.

Also seeing action will be Split-T Management’s undefeated Javier Martinez. Martinez will take on Darryl Jones in a six-round middleweight bout.

Martinez of Milwaukee, Wisconson is 4-0 with two knockouts. Martinez has wins over Rance Ward (4-1-1) and his last bout he stopped veteran Calvin Metcalf in four-rounds on May 22nd in Las Vegas.

Martinez, 26, was the 2020 Olympic Trial Champion at middleweight, . A five-time National Champion, and the number-one ranked fighter at 165 pounds in the USA Boxing Rankings, Martinez’s selection as an Olympic alternate despite his victory at the trials and various international experience caused shock-waves through the amateur system.

Jones of North Port, Florida is 4-2-1 with two knockouts. The capable Jones has wins over Stephen Hall (1-0) and Aaron Casper (5-1)

Martinez is promoted by Top Rank, and weighed 162.4 lbs. Jones was 161.6 lbs.

Making his pro debut will be recent Split-T Management signee, 6’9″ Antonio Mireles.

Mireles, of Mexican-American descent, initially began boxing at the Des Moines PAL at the age of 12 and started competing at 15. He was guided for his entire amateur career by a pair of two strong coaches in John Saunders and Elly Nunez.

In his relatively brief, but extremely successful run in the amateurs, Mireles compiled a record of 28-4 with 10 knockouts – culminating in winning the 2020 USA Olympic Trials in the Super Heavyweight division. He was also a 2019 National Golden Gloves Champion, a 2019 Eastern Elite Amateur Champion and a five-time Iowa Golden Gloves Champion.

He will be taking Demonte Randle (2-1, 2 KOs) of Texas City, Texas.

Mireles, who is promoted by Top rank, weighed 262.2 lbs. Randle was 314 lbs

The Martinez / Jones and Mireles/Randle fights will be streamed by ESPN+ beginning at 8:30 PM ET /5:30 PM PT

NEW YORK (May 22, 2021)- Javier Martinez remained undefeated with an explosive fourth round stoppage over Calvin Metcalf in a scheduled six-round middleweight bout at The Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas.

Martinez is managed by Split-T Management.
In round four, Martinez landed a perfect right hook to the head that sent Metcalf down and out at 1:33. It was the first time Metcalf has been stopped.

Martinez, 162.5 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 4-0 with two knockouts. Metcalf, 160.4 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 10-6-1.

“I am excited about that knockout. Going into the fight, I was looking for a knockout as he was never stopped in 16 bouts. I did my thing ,and I am glad I got him out there. I am getting used to the pro style, and the sky is the limit. I am looking to get back sometime in August,” said Martinez

Martinez is promoted by Top Rank.

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams (Top Rank via Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS – No dispute.

Josh Taylor made sure of it, knocking down Jose Ramirez twice enroute to winning all of the pieces to the junior-welterweight title with unanimous decision Saturday night in front of a small crowd at Virgin Hotels and an ESPN audience.

 The judges scored it the same way. It was 114-112 — once, twice, three times — all for Taylor. The margin was only two points, a nod perhaps to Ramirez’ toughness. But the difference between the two was clear, indisputable. There was no argument. No need for a rematch.

Taylor moved toward an even bigger date, perhaps with leading pound-for-pound contender Terence Crawford at a heavier weight, welter. But there were no lingering questions Saturday about who he was. There’s not a better 140-pound fighter on this planet or any other.

“I have been waiting for this moment all my life,’’ he said to a crowd of fellow Scots who chanted his name and waved the Scottish flag.

Taylor (18-0, 13 KOs) seized the moment midway through the fight with all of his advertised guile and power. He had promised to knock out Ramirez (26-1, 12 KOs). But that was the only promise he didn’t keep. He knocked put everything else, including some early doubt.  

Ramirez was first to enter the ring, wearing a robe in bright colors and dark shoes. Taylor followed, clad in Scottish tartan and a waistband in gold. It was a clash of culture. A clash of colors. A clash of styles.

After a couple of days marked by escalating trash talk, they had finally arrived at the moment when they would communicate with hands bound in white gloves and loaded with dark intent.  

Ramirez was the first to strike. For three plus rounds, he moved forward throwing right hand leads with his first step toward Taylor. It appeared to surprise Taylor. For few moments, the Scotsman looked uncertain, even dazed. But he would recover, adjust and mount the fight’s second and third strikes.

Late in the fourth and throughout the fifth, Taylor seemed to regain his footing and eventually the momentum. He imposed his will, if not his superior height on Ramirez, moving forward in much the same way that Ramirez had in the earlier rounds.

In the sixth, Taylor caught, a left-handed counter that landed on Ramirez’ chin and dropped him onto the canvas. In the seventh, Taylor struck again, this time in the split second after referee Kenny Bayless separated them. Bayless stepped back from the break and Taylor fired a left uppercut.

Ramirez was back on the canvas, down for a second time. He got up. But the spring in that first forward step was gone.

Suddenly, Taylor looked bigger.

Looked stronger.

Looked to be in control.

He was.

“We used his aggression against him,’’ Taylor said. “No disrespect. I’ve got nothing but love for Ramirez. This week was no disrespect. It was all part of the mind games to get in his head, to make him more eager to jump in at me and be more aggressive, to use his aggression against him.”

Ramirez wasn’t finished after the knockdowns. He never is. He carried on the fight with the resilience that has been a trademark to his career and his character. In the eleventh, an incoming Ramirez appeared to stun Taylor, who fell into him and then hung onto him. But it wasn’t enough and Taylor knew it. He waved a gloved right hand at the crowd, limited to 750 people by COVID protocol, as he walked to his corner after the eleventh.

One more round, and there would be no dispute.  

“I’ve got nothing but love for Ramirez. This week was no disrespect. It was all part of the mind games to get in his head, to make him more eager to jump in at me and be more aggressive, to use his aggression against him.

“I thought the scorecards were a little tight. I thought they were well wider than that. I wasn’t too happy with the selection of the judges, but I wasn’t going to moan. I was confident in winning this fight anyway.”

Ramirez said, “He took advantage of some of those clinches but, hey, I got back up and tried to give it my best and stay smart. I was never hurt. I was aware. I was just disappointed every time it happened. I tried to shake it off and get back to my rhythm. But it was overall a good fight. Hopefully, I get back and I learn from my mistakes. You win some and you lose some. 

“I felt like I landed some clean shots. It came down to the clinches. He would let his hands go as soon as he got his chance and I think I left it to the referee to do his part and it was a lack of experience on my part.”

Zepeda Decisions Lundy

Jose Zepeda didn’t have much time to celebrate. He won with precise punches. Then, he went back to work as a hopeful observer.

Zepeda (34-2, 26 KOs) kept himself in line for a junior-welterweight title with a unanimous decision, 98–92 on all three cards, over Hank Lundy (31-9-1, 14 KOs) Saturday in the Theater at Virgin Hotels.

Then, he took seat, hopeful for a shot at the winner of the next fight, Jose Ramirez-versus-Josh Taylor for all of the pieces to the 140-pound title. Zepeda, of Long Beach, Calif., looked solid against Lundy, a Philadelphia fighter. For 10 rounds, it was all business for Zepeda, who was coming off a wild Fight of the Year in October when he got up from four knockdowns to knock out Ivan Baranchyk. In 2019, he lost a majority decision to Ramirez.     

Sims Upsets Rodriguez via Majority Decision

The show began with an upset. Kenneth Sims Jr. scored it, opening the ESPN telecast for the Jose Ramirez-Josh Taylor bout with a stunner, a majority decision over junior-welterweight prospect Elvis Rodriquez at Las Vegas’ Virgin Hotels. Rodriguez (11-1-1, 10 KOs), of the Dominican Republic, started strong. But he appeared to tire midway through the eight-rounder. Sims (16-2-1, 5 KOs), began to catch up with him, rocking him with repeated blows and staggering him in the closing moments of a bout that ended with him leading on two cards, 78-74 on each. On the third, it was a draw, 76–76.  

Sims remarked, “I got a baby on the way, so that’s all the extra motivation I needed.” 

Mexican featherweight Jose Vivas overcame two knockdowns and a point reduction for a low blow to score a unanimous, yet narrow decision over Louie Coria of Moreno Valley, Calif. Vivas (21-1, 11 KOs) looked beaten in the third when Coria (12-5, 7 KOs) dropped him twice. But Rivas, a Manny Robles-trained fighter, came roaring back with an aggressive inside attack. Over the next five rounds, Vivas rocked him with repeated body blows. The judges noticed. All three scored it, 75-74, for him in the final fight on the ESPN+ portion of the Ramirez-Taylor card. 

Las Vegas junior-lightweight Andres Cortes (14-0, 7 KOs) relied on aggressiveness in a tough fight to stay unbeaten, scoring a 77-75, 78-74, 75-3 decision over Eduardo Garza (15-4-1, 8 KOs), a Texas fighter who kept it close with body punching throughout eight rounds of the fourth fight on Ramirez-Taylor card.  

Cuban featherweight Robeisy Ramirez (7-1, 4 KOs) combined precision and power to score repeatedly over six rounds for a one-sided decision over Ryan Allen (10-5-1, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas. Allen’s hands-down defense left him wide open for repeated blows from Ramirez throughout the third bout on the Jose Ramirez-Josh Taylor card.  

Raymond Muratalia (12-0 10 KOs), a lightweight from Fontana, Calif.,  had all the advantages. His strength, size and power overwhelmed Jose Gallegos (20-11, 15 KOs) midway through the fifth round of a scheduled eight-rounder. It was over, a TKO, at 1:40 of the round during the second fight on card featuring Jose Ramirez-Josh Taylor at Las Vegas’ Virgin Hotels.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Calvin Metcalf in a scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

In round four, Martinez landed a perfect right hook to the head that sent Metcalf down and out at 1:33.

Martinez, 162.5 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 4-0 with two knockouts. Metcalf, 160.4 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 10-6-1.

NEW YORK (May 21, 2021)- Tomorrow night, undefeated middleweight prospect Javier Martinez will take on veteran Calvin Metcalf in a bout scheduled for six-rounds at The Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas.

The bout, which will kick off the much anticipated Jose Ramirez – Josh Taylor undisputed junior welterweight world championship fight card, will begin at 4:45 ET and be streamed live on ESPN+.

The 25 year-old Martinez of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who is managed by Split-T Management, is 3-0 with one knockout, and is coming off his first stoppage victory as he took out Billy Wagner in the first round on February 20th in Las Vegas.

Martinez also has a win over Rance Ward (4-1).

Martinez got ready for this bout as he was a main sparring partner to Ramirez.

Martinez was the 2020 Olympic Trial Champion at middleweight. He was also a five-time National Champion, and the number-one ranked fighter at 165 pounds in the USA Boxing Rankings, Martinez’s selection as an Olympic alternate despite his victory at the trials and various international experience caused shock-waves through the amateur system.

Metcalf of Kansas City, Missouri, has a record of 10-5-1 with three knockouts. The 26 year-old is a five-year professional. Metcalf has quality wins over Raymond Handson (5-0-1), Joe Louie Lopez (9-2) and Marchristopher Adkins (9-2). Metcalf has never been stopped and is coming off a defeat to undefeated Timur Kerefov on August 20th in Detroit.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Martinez checked in at 162.5 lbs. Metcalf was 160.4

Martinez is promoted by Top Rank.

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams (Top Rank via Getty Images)

Oscar Valdez had a star-making performance as he brutally knocked out Miguel Berchelt to win the WBC Super Featherweight Title at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.

Valdez showed he was the quicker fighter from the outset as he landed some hard and flush left hooks from the outset.

In round four, Valdez landed a left hook to the head that wobbled Berchelt. Later in the round, it was two more left hooks that sent Berchelt into he ropes which was correctly ruled a 10-count.

Valdez continued to dominate as he busted up Berchelt, and at the end of round 10, he landed a vicious left hook to the head and Berchelt slowly crumpled over his legs and face-first to the canvas. The fight was stopped immediately at 2:59.

Valdez, 130 lbs of Nogales, MEX is 29-0 with 23 knockouts. Berchelt, 130 lbs of Cancun, MEX is 30-2.

Valdez said, “There’s nothing better in life than proving people wrong. I have a list of people who doubted me. My idols doubted me. Boxing analysts doubted me. They said Berchelt was going to knock me out. I have a message to everybody: Don’t’ let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do.
 
“I want to take this belt home, and I’m happy for that. Any champion out there… I heard Shakur Stevenson wants to fight. Let’s do it. I just want to keep on fighting and give the fans what they want.”

Gabriel Flores Jr. stopped former world title challenger Jayson Velez in round six of a scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

In round six, Velez dropped Velez with a hard left hook. Flores then wobbled Velez badly with another counter shot, and Velez was in all kinds of trouble. Velez ended the bout with another left that put Velez down and the fight was topped at 1:40.

Flores Jr.132 lbs of Stockton, CA is 20-0 with seven knockouts. Velez, 132 lbs of Juncos, PR is 29-8-1.

Flores said, “I could’ve done it earlier. I was playing with my food. {Trainer Gabriel Flores Sr.} told me I just gotta press it. Nothing was really going on those first five rounds, to be honest. I was just feeling him out. 

“I would love to get the winner of Jamel Herring and Carl Frampton. I’d love that. I’m going to keep on working, and my performances are going to get better and better.”

Esquiva Falcao stopped Artur Akavov after round four of a scheduled 10-round middleweight bout.

Falcao controlled the bout until Akavov’s corner stopped the fight in the corner as Akavov cited a possible broken nose.

Falcao, 162 lbs of Visoria, BRA is 28-0 with 20 knockouts. Akavov, 162.5 lbs of Pskov, RUS is 20-4.

Elvis Rodriguez remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Luis Alberto Veron in a junior welterweight bout.

Rodriguez landed 97 of 342 punches; Veron was 71 of 348

Rodriguez, 13 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 11-0-1. Veron, 142 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 18-3-2.

Rodriguez said, “This was my first scheduled eight-round fight, and I actually think I got a lot of good experience. Each fight, you acquire something different, and for this fight, I think the experience of going the rounds actually helped me out.
 
“It’s a great experience going the full eight rounds. It’s back to the gym to work on several things, specifically I know I needed to let my hands go a little more. When I did do that, I was able to hurt him. But in the end, I think it was a great experience. He’s a natural welterweight. He’s never been stopped, so I knew it would be a tough challenge, but you know I will go back to the gym and work harder to continue to grow in this sport.

Xander Zayas remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over James Martin.

Zayas, 146 lbs of San Juan, PR won by scores of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 7-0. Martin, 146 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is 6-2.

Zayas said, “As a young fighter, you need these types of fights. I haven’t been out of the first round in nearly a year, so for me to get six round in, that was important.”

Javier Martinez made short work of Billy Wagner by stopping him in the opening round of their four-round middleweight bout.

Martinez landed a booming right hook that buckled Wagner, and three ripping punches later, the fight was stopped at 1:51.

Martinez, 161 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 3-0 with one knockout. Wagner, 160 lbs of Great Falls, MT is 3-2.

Omar Rosario stopped Uriel Villanueva in round two of their scheduled four-round junior welterweight bout featuring undefeated fighters.

In round two, Rosario dropped Villanueva with a left hook to the body. Seconds later, It was another left hook to the body that sent Villanueva to his knee and he did not beat the count of 10 at 2:38.

Rosario, 140 lbs of Caguas, PR is now 3-0 with one knockout. Villanueva, 140 lbs of Anaheim, CA is 1-1.

NEW YORK (February 20, 2021) – Four fighters under the Split-T Management banner will see action on two different shoes

In Las Vegas, undefeated Heavyweight Sonny Conto returns to take on Waldo Cortes in a four-round bout; undefeated middleweight Javier Martinez takes on Billy Wagner in a four-round bout; Omar Rosario battles Uriel Villanueva in a junior welterweight tussle. Those bouts will be contested at at the MGM Grand Conference Center, AKA “The Bubble”, and streamed live on ESPN+ at 6:30 PM RT.

Welterweight contender Ivan Golub takes on Luis Eduardo Florez in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds at the Carible Royale.in Orlando, Florida.

Conto of Philadelphia has a record of 6-0 with five knockouts.

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams /Top Rank via Getty Images

The 25 year-old Conto is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Curtis Head on January 11, 2020 in Atlantic City.

Cortes of Arizona is 6-3 with three knockouts, and sports a win over Kingsley Ibeh. Cortes is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Daviante Jones on October 29th.

Conto weighed 221.5 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in. Cortes was 255.5 lbs.

Martinez of Milwaukee is 2-0.

The 25 year-old Martinez is coming off a unanimous decision over Rance Ward on August 29th.

Martinez was the 2020 Olympic Trial Champion at middleweight. He was also a five-time National Champion, and the number-one ranked fighter at 165 pounds in the USA Boxing Rankings, Martinez’s selection as an Olympic alternate despite his victory at the trials and various international experience caused shock-waves through the amateur system.

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

Wagner of Great Falls, Montana, has a record of 3-1 with one knockout.

He has a win over Andrew Whitfield, and is won his last two fights, including his last bout when defeated 16-fight veteran Sean Gee on January 25, 2020.

Martinez weighed 161 lbs; Wagner weighed 160 lbs.

Rosario of Caguas, Puerto Rico, has a record of 2-0.

The 23 year-old Rosario is coming off a unanimous decision win over Matt Gaver on October 2nd in Kissimmee, Florida.

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

guidance of Tim VanNewhouse.

Conto, Martinez and Rosario are promoted by Top Rank.

Golub of Brooklyn, New York is on the cusp of a major opportunity, as he sports an impressive mark of 18-1 with 14 knockouts.

The 32 year-old Golub is a seven-year professional.

He has racked up a slew of an impressive wins over Kirk Huff (3-0), Tyson Harrison (2-0), Kendal Mena (20-2), Juan Rodriguez Jr. (12-3), Marlon Aguas (9-0) and James Stevenson (23-2). Golub has won five straight contests, with the latest being a 10th round stoppage over Janer Gonzalez (19-2-1) on November 15, 2019 to make the 2nd defense of his WBC USNBC Welterweight title.

Florez of Colombia is 25-17 with 21 knockouts.

The 33 year-old is a 10 year-veteran, and has a 1st round knockout over current WBC Super Featherweight champion Miguel Berchelt (21-0 at the time).

Florez has shared the ring with world champions Jamel Herring and Regis Prograis.

Golub weighed in a 149.6 lbs. Florez was 150.4 lbs.

Golub is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

NEW YORK (August 31, 2020)–Touted middleweight prospect Javier Martinez made it two wins in a row to begin his career, as he won a six-round unanimous decision over Rance Ward at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.

Martinez, 25 years-old of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is managed by Tim VanNewhouse of Split-T Management, and is promoted by Top Rank.

Martinez boxed very well as he worked behind a nice southpaw jab, and focused on some solid body shots.

Martinez won by 60-54 scores on all three judges scorecards.

“I feel like I dictated the whole fight,” Said Martinez. “At the last minute they moved it to a six-round fight. I feel that I made better adjustments from my 1st fight. I learned from my pro debut, and I made the adjustments that I needed to. I was more relaxed for this fight, and I feel that I did well for my 1st six-round fight, but I am not satisfied, and I am only going to get better with every fight. Hopefully, I can get back in there in October.”

“I went in there to box. I am good at what I do, and that is boxing.”

Martinez was the 2020 Olympic Trial Champion at middleweight. He was also a five-time National Champion, and the number-one ranked fighter at 165 pounds in the USA Boxing Rankings, Martinez’s selection as an Olympic alternate despite his victory at the trials and various international experience caused shock-waves through the amateur system.

Martinez is trained by Robert Garcia

Photos by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

Jose Ramirez won a 12-round majority decision over mandatory challenger Viktor Postol via majority decision to retain the WBC/WBO Junior Welterweight World Titles at The MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.

Postol had success early on as he worked behind his long jab. Ramirez pushed the action and hurt Postol. Ramirez continued to push the action and landed some hard power shots in a battle that was nip and tuck for much of the fight. Ramirez outlanded Postol 156 to 147, and won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114.

Ramirez, 139.8 lbs of Avenal, CA is 26-0. Postol, 139.7 lbs of Ukraine is 31-3.

Said Ramirez, “I went in there a little too cold, you know? I impressed myself. I’m much stronger than most guys think. I just gotta not lose confidence in myself and stick to what I do best and box, let my hands go and not hesitate too much. I think there was a little bit of hesitation throughout the fight.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the ring. There have been a lot of things that have happened in my personal life. It’s been such a long training camp. I think {I went} through the routine instead of, ‘Let’s fight.’
 
“I felt like I was just in a sparring session. I think I could’ve made the fight a lot easier in my favor, but we live and we learn. This was an amazing experience. I’m just happy I got the win.”

Said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, “It was a good fight, but both men were impacted by going through three training camps and the whole situation with COVID-19. That being said, I thought Jose clearly won the fight.”

Barboza Decisions Luis

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

In round six, Barboza was deducted a point. Other than that, it was all Barboza.

Barboza landed 225 of 69 punches; Luis was 135 of 577.

Barboza, 139.2 lbs of South El Monte, CA won by scores of 99-90 on all cards and is now 24-0. Luis, 139.4 lbs of Cornwall, CAN is 29-3.

Said Barboza, “To be honest, I haven’t fought since last November. I haven’t gone 10 rounds in a while. He was a tough guy. I needed the rounds. I showed a little bit of what I’ve been working on in the corner, going southpaw and all that. I give my performance a ‘B.’ I wasn’t really satisfied because I didn’t get the stoppage. It happens.
 
“I want {Alex} Saucedo. I think me and him would be a great fight. I know he wants it. I want it, so we could probably get it on soon. If he’s ready, I’ll be ready.”

Rodriguez stops Wilson in 3

Elvis Rodriguez kept his perfect knockout streak in-tact as he stopped Cody Wilson in round three of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Rodriguez dropped Wilson with a straight left to the chin. In round three, Rodriguez sized Wilson wit a jab and landed a booming left to the head that made Wilson plummet in the corner and the fight was stopped at 1:03.

Rodriguez, 143.9 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 9-0 with nine knockouts. Wilson, 142.9 lbs of Farimony, NY is 9-3.

Said Rodriguez, “We knew it was going to be a tough fight because I’m a 140-pound fighter, but this fight took place at 144 pounds. I knew I had to be patient, but I knew that I could set up that knockout.

“When someone like Freddie Roach, a Hall of Famer, a legendary trainer, says that about someone like me, wow, that’s amazing. It’s also bringing some pressure because I have to perform. I know that under him, I’m going to continue to develop my skills, my talent, and I’m not going to let anyone down.”

Raymond Muratalla remained undefeated as he stopped Cesar Valenzuela in round seven of a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout,

In round one, Muratalla dropped Valenzuela with a straight right to the head. In round two, Valenzuela got even as he dropped Muratalla with a right to the head.

After that, Muratalla started to and continued to beat up Valenzuela until the fight was stopped at 2:24 of round seven.

Muratalla, 135.4 lbs of Fontana, CA is 10-0 with eight knockouts. Valenzuela is 134.9 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 15-7-1.

In a battle of undefeated bantamweights, Gabriel Muratalla won a four-round unanimous decision over Justice Bland.

In round one, Bland seemed to have dropped Muratalla, but he hit him while he was down, and then docked a point.

Muratalla, 119.6 lbs of Fontana, CA won by scores of 38-36 on all cards, and is now 5-0. Bland, 118.7 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 2-1.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated by pounding out a six-round unanimous decision over Rance Ward in a middleweight bout.

Martinez, 159.5 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 2-0. Ward, 162.9 lbs of Houma, LA is 4-2-1.

NEW YORK (August 29, 2020) -Tonight at the MGM Grand Conference Center, middleweight prospect Javier Martinez goes for his 2nd win as a professional as he takes on Rance Ward

Martinez, 25 years-old of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is managed by Tim VanNewhouse of Split-T Management, and is promoted by Top Rank.

The bout can be seen LIVE on ESPN + beginning at 7:30 ET.

Martinez was impressive in his pro debut when he won a four-round unanimous decision over Ryan Burrs on July 15th.

Ward (4-1-1, 2 KOs) of Houma, Louisiana won his first four bouts, and has a win over previously undefeated Scott Perhach.

Martinez was the 2020 Olympic Trial Champion at middleweight. He was also a five-time National Champion, and the number-one ranked fighter at 165 pounds in the USA Boxing Rankings, Martinez’s selection as an Olympic alternate despite his victory at the trials and various international experience caused shock-waves through the amateur system.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Martinez was 159.5 lbs. Ward was 162.9 lbs.

Martinez is trained by Robert Garcia

NEW YORK (July 15, 2020) – Highly regarded prospect Javier Martinez made a successful professional debut by winning a four-round unanimous decision over Ryan Burrs in a middleweight bout at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Martinez is under the guidance of Split-T Management’s Tom VanNewhouse.

Martinez boxed well and featured a strong right hook, especially to the body. He made Burrs back up on several occasions with those hard right hooks as the tall southpaw won by scores of 40-36 on all cards.

With the win, the 24 year-old native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is now 1-0.

“I went in there with a game-plan that I thought that I was fighting a southpaw. I quickly adjusted. I should have used my jab more. In my next fight, I will fix that, and I will have my full team with me,” said Martinez.

“I could tell that I was working the body well. Those right hooks were very effective, and I am happy to win my pro debut. I will get back in the gym and work on the things that I need to work on, and I will keep getting better with each fight.”

Martinez is promoted by Top Rank.

Mikaela Mayer remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Helen Joseph in a junior lightweight bout at The MGM Frand in Las Vegas.

Mayer dominated the action as she outworked and outlanded Joseph. Mayer boxed very well from distance, and worked the body on the inside, and cruised to the victory of 100-90 twice and 99-91.

Mayer outlanded Joseph 195-86.

Mayer, 131.6 lbs of Los Angeles is 13-0. Joseph, 129 lbs of Lagos, NIG is 17-5-2.

Following the bout, Mayer received a word of encouragement, and a promise, from Bob Arum.

“Bob said, ‘Great fight,’ and that the next one will be for the title,” Mayer said. “We’ve been trying to get a world title fight for a while now. I said, ‘Don’t let Eddie Hearn {outbid} us.’”

The folk hero that is Clay Collard continued as he stopped Lorawnt-T Nelson in round two of a scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Collard dropped Nelson with a hard right hand. In round two, it was another right hand that sent Nelson to the canvas. Collard scored another knockdown in the round from a combination. Collard finished off Nelson with a hard combination that forced the referee to stop the fight at 1:57

Collard, 161.7 lbs of Burley, ID won his 4th fight of 2020, with the previous three being over undefeated opponents is 8-2-2 with three knockouts. Nelson, 158.8 lbs Aneda, CO is 5-4.

“I showed my boxing skills in there tonight. I’m unorthodox, but I get the job done,” Collard said. “As soon as Top Rank wants me back, I’ll be ready. Next month on ESPN, let’s go!”

Ruben Cervera won a six-round unanimous decision over Clay Burns in a lightweight bout.

Cervera dropped Burns in the opening seconds of the fight with a left hook.

Cervera, 131.8 lbs of Santa Marta, COL won by scores of 59-54 twice and 58-56, and is now 12-2. Burns, 133.1 lbs of Alexandria, LA is now 9-9-2.

Both guys landed 70 punches, but the knockdown proved to be the difference.

Touted prospect Javier Martinez made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Ryan Burrs in a middleweight fight.

Martinez boxed well and featured a strong right hook, especially to the body. He made Burrs back up on several occasions with those hard right hooks as the tall southpaw won by scores of 40-36 on all cards.

Martinez out–landed Burrs 52-47.

Martinez, 162 lbs of Milwaukee was the 2020 United States Olympic Trials champion, and is now 1-0. Burrs, 161.2 lbs of Frederick, Maryland is 2-2.

NEW YORK (July 14, 2020) – 2020 United Sates Olympic Trials champion Javier Martinez makes his highly anticipated professional debut when he takes on Jonathan Burrs in a four-round middleweight fight that will take place TONIGHT at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The bout can be seen live on ESPN beginning at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT

Martinez, 23, was the 2020 Olympic Trial Champion at middleweight, but has decided to turn professional under the guidance of Split-T Management’s Tim VanNewhouse. A five-time National Champion, and the number-one ranked fighter at 165 pounds in the USA Boxing Rankings, Martinez’s selection as an Olympic alternate despite his victory at the trials and various international experience caused shock-waves through the amateur system.

A Milwaukee-native, Martinez is now training in Las Vegas, Nevada under the tutelage of renowned trainer Jorge Capetillo.

Burrs of Frederick, Maryland, has a record of 2-1, and is riding in on a two-fight winning streak, which includes his four-round unanimous decision over Justin Sykes on January 26, 2019 in Waldorf, Maryland.

Martinez tipped the scales at 162 lbs. Burrs was 161.2.