Murodjon Akhmadaliev will defend his WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight titles against Marlon Tapales at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday April 8, as the co-main event to Jesse Rodriguez’s quest to become a two-weight World champion when he faces Cristian Gonzalez for the vacant WBO Flyweight crown, exclusively live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS GO ON PRESALE AT 12NOON (CT) TOMORROW (FEBRUARY 9) AND ON GENERAL SALE AT 12NOON CT ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 10) WITH TICKETS STARTING AT $35 (PLUS FEES) VIA ETIX.COM

Rodriguez (17-0 11 KOs) drops down to 112lbs in his quest to land World title honors at a second weight after an incredible year in 2022. ‘Bam’ become boxing’s youngest World champion when he stepped in late to dominate former World ruler Carlos Cuadras to land the vacant WBC Super-Flyweight strap in Phoenix in February and then came home to San Antonio for his first defense where he put on a stunning display at the venue that he goes for two-weight glory in, when he stopped Thai star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai inside eight rounds in June.
 
Those wins saw Rodriguez named as the Fighter of the Year in ESPN’s midyear awards, and in September, he successfully defended the green and gold belt once again, this time in Las Vegas as the co-main event on the Canelo-GGG trilogy night against Israel Gonzalez.
 
It’s same surname, different challenge for Rodriguez as Mexican Gonzalez (15-1 5 KOs) looks to upset the odds in his first World title fight. The 23 year old is the #2 ranked fighter in the division, one spot behind top dog Rodriguez, boxes in the States for the first time in his five year career having exclusively boxed on home turf to this point.
 
“I’m more than excited to be returning home for another World title fight,” said Rodriguez. “My last fight here was a very special night and I can promise this one will be even better. 
 
“I’m ready to make history in San Antonio when I become a two-division champion. I’m here to start 2023 with a bang and nothing less. Thank you to Matchroom and Teiken for yet another opportunity to reach greatness.”
 
“We are working hard for this next great challenge of fighting for the WBO World title,” said Gonzalez. “I want to thank Matchroom, All Star Boxing Inc and Teiken for the opportunity. Our clash of styles will turn this fight into a Mexican war that won’t make it to the scorecards.”
 
Akhmadaliev (11-0 8 KOs) makes the fourth defense of the WBA and IBF belts he landed against Daniel Roman in Miami in January 2020, and he’s seen off Ryosuke Iwasa (TKO 5, April 2021), Jose Velazquez (UD, November 2021) and Ronny Rios (TKO 12, June 2022) in his three defenses to date, with his win over Rios happening at the same venue he returns to in April. ‘MJ’ is hunting an undisputed battle with Stephen Fulton, but Filipino Tapales (36-3 19 KOs) will be looking to throw a spanner in the works, and the former World Bantamweight ruler enters his 40^th pro fight on the back of three straight second round KO wins.
 
“I’m happy to be back in the ring,” said Akhmadaliev. “It’s been a while, but finally we’re here for an exciting match against a great fighter in Tapales. He’s a former champion, we have similar styles, so I am preparing for tough action-packed fight on April 8. Thanks to Matchroom, World of Boxing, my team and all the support from boxing fans.”
 
“I am very excited again for this opportunity to fight for not one but two World titles,” said Tapales. “This is my dream to become World Champion again. I would like to thank my Team at Sanman Boxing, Knucklehead Boxing, Shapiro Sports, Viva Promotions and TGB Promotions for getting me this opportunity. I will bring pride and glory to the Philippines when I win both the IBF and WBA belts.”
 
Raymond Ford’s rise continues at pace, and the WBA #3 rated Featherweight will defend his WBA Continental Americas title against former World champion Jessie Magdaleno. Like Akhmadaliev, Ford (13-0-1 7 KOs) returns to the San Antonio arena that he defended the title in June and does so on the back of a KO worthy of his nickname in Cleveland in November, where a ‘Savage’ right hand ended the challenge of African dangerman Sakaria Lukas. 
 
Ford will be banging on the door for World title action with a win, and that’s a level that’s familiar to Magdaleno (29-1 18 KOs) with the Las Vegas man having ripped the WBO Bantamweight title from Nonito Donaire in November 2016. The 31 year old defended it successfully against Adeilson Dos Santos before losing out to Isaac Dogboe in April 2018 – but he’s been undefeated since 
 
“People are talking about this being a step up for me but I’m the step up for Magdaleno,” said Ford. “He’s never fought anyone with a skill set like mine and never been hit by a sharpshooter like me.
 
“I’m ready for anyone at 126 and once I get past Magdaleno then it’s time for me to get my shot at a World title.”
 
“Everyone loves a comeback story, and everyone loves the underdog as well,” said Magdaleno. “I kind of feel like I’ve been the underdog before, and I’ve come out on top. Here we are again. This is my time to shine. A win in this fight puts me right back to where I need to be. I can’t let Ray Ford take that from me. Hopefully that inspires people to not give up on their dreams.”
 
Mattice (20-3-1 15 KOs) recorded the biggest win of his career to date in his hometown of Cleveland in November, picking up the WBA Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title on points against Christian Tapia. That performance landed him a contract with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, and the first fight under that deal sees the ‘Gunna Man’ defend that belt against Ramiro Cesena. Undefeated Mexican Cesena (16-0-1) brings a fearsome knockout ratio to the table in his first fight on American soil, and the 23 year old dubbed ‘Demon’ has devilish plans to derail Mattice’s Matchroom debut.
 
“April 8 we are back,” said Mattice. “Another undefeated fighter and another big step for my career. This is my first fight since signing with Matchroom and I plan on putting on another spectacular performance to show the world why they signed me. 
 
“At this stage of my career it’s only big fights from here on out. I want the top guys at 130 and on April 8, I plan on making a statement to show I’m here and I’m coming for those belts.”
 
“I am very excited to make my United States debut live on DAZN on April 8 against a very strong opponent in Mattice,” said Cesena. “I am going to be well prepared to bring a war to my Mexican people in San Antonio come fight night. I want to thank my promoters Shane Shapiro and Karim Akkar for giving me this opportunity to showcase my talent in the US.”
 
“What a night we have in store in San Antonio,” said Hearn. “Jesse is on the fast track to becoming a superstar in the sport and performing regularly on his home patch is a key element of turning this young talent into a household name in Texas and beyond.
 
“MJ always brings entertainment and with an undisputed fight in his sights, it’s vital he shines against Tapales. Ray is really building a lot of momentum and with Leigh Wood defending the WBA title next weekend that ‘Savage’ has his eyes on, Jessie Magdelano is the perfect test of Ray’s World title credentials. Thomas is a great addition to the Matchroom team and a real dark horse in the 130lbs division, but he needs to be at his best to see of the dangerous Cesena if he’s to send a message to the champions. 
 
“There’s much more to be added and I can’t wait to be back in San Antonio for this night, where I believe ‘Bam’ will become a two-weight World champion and take the first step on another stellar year.”

Former two-time unified Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs) fights at The O2 in London for the first time since 2016 as he begins life under the tutelage of new head trainer Derrick James. ‘AJ’ returns to the scene of his first World Title win over Charles Martin to face another American contender in Jermain Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs). Saginaw’s ‘989 Assassin’ pushed Dillian Whyte all the way in a close points loss at Wembley’s OVO Arena last November and is relishing his shot against one of the biggest names in the sport. British megastar Joshua is ready to begin his ascent back to the top of the Heavyweight division after suffering back-to-back losses to pound-for-pound great Oleksandr Usyk in London and Saudi Arabia.

This fight will be the first in Joshua’s new five-year partnership with DAZN to be streamed live, exclusive and worldwide on the digital sports entertainment platform, which is fast becoming the undisputed Global Home of Boxing. Joshua vs. Franklin will be included in the £9.99 per month DAZN saver subscription, making it the first fight in over eight years that fans do not need to pay an additional pay-per-view fee to watch Joshua. Beyond the UK, DAZN is available in over 200 territories. Simple to download as an app on Smart TVs, games consoles, tablets and mobiles, and subscribed to with one-click, being on DAZN will make this the most accessible Joshua fight ever.

“I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London.” said Joshua. “Mentally and physically I feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and it will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”

“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”

Alongside Joshua vs. Franklin, Matchroom and DAZN have announced its largest ever schedule of content for the first half of 2023 that will see even more iconic and emerging boxing talent, including five other premium fights, on its platform alongside an ever-greater roster of other sporting entertainment.

The following shows will be shown live and exclusive on DAZN with further fights and full undercard details to be announced shortly:

Saturday, February 18: Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara
Hometown hero Leigh Wood (26-2, 16 KOs) puts his WBA Featherweight World Title on the line against big-punching Mexican Mauricio Lara (25-2-1, 18 KOs) as Matchroom’s 2023 schedule in the UK begins with a bang. ‘Leigh-thal’ memorably stopped Michael Conlan in the 12th and final round of his epic first defence of the WBA 126lbs title back in March 2022, knocking the Irishman out of the ring in brutal fashion to end their Fight of the Year stunner. ‘Bronco’ has been waiting patiently for his shot at Wood after their eagerly anticipated September 24 fight was postponed following a torn bicep suffered by Wood in sparring, but the Featherweight KO artist finally gets his dream World Title opportunity this month in what promises to be an epic battle between two knockout artists.

Saturday, March 11: Callum Smith vs. Pawel Stepien
The WBC’s No.1 ranked Light-Heavyweight contender Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) returns home to face undefeated Pole Pawel Stepien (18-0-1, 12 KOs) at the M&S Bank Arena as he looks to secure a showdown with unified WBC, WBO and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev later in the year. A stacked undercard sees Australia’s WBO Global Super-Lightweight Champion Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) put his title on the line against local favourite Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first-round KO win over fellow Aussie Brock Jarvis last October. One of the hottest prospects in America Diego Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs) fights in the UK for the first time as faces another step up against Little Lever’s all-action Super-Middleweight Jack Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs). Full undercard details to follow.

Saturday, March 18: Cyrus Pattinson vs. Chris Jenkins
Matchroom’s first NXTGEN card of the year at the Utilita Arena Newcastle features some of the very best prospects in the North East looking to take the next steps in their promising careers. Former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson (5-0, 3 KOs) faces his toughest test so far in the professional ranks against Wales’ former British Welterweight Champion Chris Jenkins (23-6-3, 8 KOs) while Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist turned Welterweight prospect Pat McCormack (3-0, 2 KOs) looks to wow his home crowd against Italy’s Dario Socci (15-7-2, 6 KOs) in his first scheduled eight-round contest. Also on the card, Birmingham’s Solomon Dacres (5-0, 1 KO) squares off with Newcastle’s Robert Ismay (11-0, 4 KOs) for the English Heavyweight Title.

Saturday, April 8: Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs. Cristian Gonzalez
Boxing’s youngest World Champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez (17-0, 11 KOs) attempts to become a two-weight ruler when he clashes with Cristian ‘El Chicharito’ Gonzalez (15-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBO 112lbs at the Boeing Center at Tech Port, San Antonio. The 23-year-old sensation from San Antonio, Texas enjoyed a stellar 2022, becoming boxing’s youngest active World Champion in February, stepping in late to meet Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC Super-Flyweight strap in Phoenix and then putting on a stunning display in his first defence, stopping Thai star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on his San Antonio home turf in June inside eight rounds. He was named the Fighter of the Year by ESPN in their midyear awards for 2022 before outpointing Israel Gonzalez on the ‘Canelo’ vs. ‘GGG’ undercard in September.

Saturday, April 22: Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs. Joe Cordina
Unbeaten Welshman Joe Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs) attempts to win his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title back against current belt-holder Shavkatdzhon Rakhmiov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) at the Cardiff International Arena. ‘The Welsh Wizard’ captured the famous red and gold belt with a stunning one-punch knockout of Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa on a memorable night at the arena last June. Cordina was scheduled to make the first defence of his World Title against Rakhimov in Abu Dhabi last November but suffered a hand injury that required surgery and was subsequently stripped of his title by the IBF. Rakhimov won the vacant title by stopping Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett in nine rounds on the undercard of Dmitry Bivol vs. Gilberto Ramirez.

Saturday, May 20: Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2
Irish legend Katie Taylor (22-0, 6 KOs) fights in Ireland for the first time in her professional career, putting her Undisputed Lightweight World Title on the line once more against Puerto Rican star Amanda Serrano (44-2-1, 30 KOs) in an unmissable rematch. Taylor cemented herself as the greatest female fighter on the planet by edging out Serrano in an epic fight for the ages on an iconic night at a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York last April. The global superstar retained her belts after a Fight of the Year contender with multi-division World Champion Serrano – the first women’s boxing bout to headline the famous MSG in its 140-year history, attracting an unprecedented audience of 1.5 million tuning in globally on DAZN.

Alongside this jampacked schedule of boxing, in the last 12 months DAZN has added 75 media properties to its UK offering, giving – in particular – combat sports fans access to the widest range of live and on demand content. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) partnered with DAZN to launch PFL Europe, the inaugural event will be held in Newcastle on 25 March and broadcast globally on DAZN.

In the UK DAZN is available as a Monthly Saver (x12) at £9.99, an Annual Super Saver priced at £99.99 and a Flexible Monthly Pass priced at £19.99.

How to watch DAZN

Watching on DAZN is simple and easy.
Go to the app store on your chosen device, search for and download the DAZN app.
Create an account, choose a plan and start watching anywhere – on your phone, tablet, smart TV and gaming consoles.
You can log in to multiple devices and enjoy top sporting content anywhere.
“What an incredible year Matchroom and DAZN have in store for fight fans around the world – and this is just the beginning,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The UK’s biggest boxing star Anthony Joshua returns to our screens on April 1 as he looks to reclaim his spot as the number one Heavyweight on the plant. ‘AJ’ has reset and refocused and he is on a mission to defy his critics as he kicks off his exciting new partnership with DAZN. Modern legends Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano run it back for all of the marbles at Lightweight in what will be one of the most iconic sporting events that Ireland has ever seen on May 20 in Dublin. Their first meeting at MSG last year was one of the very best night’s I’ve experienced in boxing and the rematch promises to be even bigger and better.

“Callum Smith is within touching distance of a shot at unified Light-Heavyweight ruler Artur Beterbiev and can’t avoid any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien on his Liverpool homecoming on March 11 and boxing’s youngest World Champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez attempts to create even more history on April 8 when he goes for gold at 112lbs against Cristian Gonzalez. ‘The Welsh Wizard’ Joe Cordina attempts to recapture his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff on April 22 and the young guns are out to impress in our first NXTGEN event of the year in Newcastle on March 18 – not forgetting the small matter of Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara in just under two weeks’ time in Nottingham. It is without a doubt the best schedule in boxing and there’s still so much more to come. Watch it all live on DAZN.”

“This is the most eagerly anticipated fight of Anthony Joshua’s career, and, at DAZN, we are delighted to deliver it to fans in the UK and around the world as part of their monthly subscription, making it the most accessible ‘AJ’ fight in a decade”, DAZN CEO Shay Segev said. “Beyond our unrivalled boxing schedule, we are committed to building our library of sports content the UK. Our tie-up with KSI’s Misfits to create X Series and joint venture with Professional Fighters League to launch PFL Europe are just two examples of what we will do to deliver top sports content to DAZN subscribers.”

“We have worked with Anthony Joshua for five years, and we are incredibly excited to be kicking off our new UK relationship with him on April 1,” said Joseph Markowski, CEO North America, DAZN Group. “Being ringside for Taylor vs. Serrano at a sold-out MSG was one of the great sporting moments of my life; what an incredible atmosphere and fight. Alongside this blockbuster, the schedule we have curated so far features some of our best talent, Jesse Rodriguez, Callum Smith and Joe Cordina. All live and exclusive on DAZN.”

“This is the start of a hugely important phase for ‘AJ’ and it is exciting to be kicking it off exclusively on DAZN and at The O2 in London, a place he has had many memorable nights,” said 258 Managing Director Freddie Cunningham.

About Matchroom Boxing
Matchroom Boxing is the world’s leading boxing promotional outfit putting on major stadium and arena shows across the globe. Headed up by boxing supremo Eddie Hearn, Matchroom has been among the world leaders in major boxing promotion and production for over a quarter of a century since its launch in 1987. With an unrivalled stable of world-class fighters, Matchroom’s unique expertise in promotion, staging and television productions cements its position as the No.1 promoter in the sport.

About DAZN Group
DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US and the UK.? Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, JLeague, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world – Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.? DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with UEFA Women’s Champions League and Finetwork Liga F.?DAZN is adding more and more sport to its platform to create a destination for sports fans.??

??DAZN is reimagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialise, and buy tickets, NFTs and merchandise. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.??

DAZN is available on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles. ?DAZN can be accessed on Samsung, LG, Sony and Panasonic Smart TVs and on Games Consoles including Playstation and Xbox. Subscribers also have access to DAZN on their Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and Apple TV and find the app on their iPhone, iPad, android and mobile.

DAZN is a global, privately-owned company with employees in over 25 countries. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?www.dazngroup.com.???

Jesse Rodriguez is relishing his role as the co-main attraction to the trilogy blockbuster between Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night, as he makes his second defense of his WBC World Super-Flyweight title against Israel Gonzalez.
 
The event, presented by Matchroom, Canelo Promotions and GGG Promotions, will broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View in the U.S. and Canada as well as around the world on DAZN (excluding Mexico, Latin America, and Kazakhstan). 

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW VIA AXS.COM
Rodriguez (16-0 11 KOs) has enjoyed a stellar first half of the year, starting by becoming the youngest active World champion in February, stepping in late to meet Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC strap in Phoenix and then putting on a stunning display in his first defense, stopping Thai star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on his San Antonio home turf in June inside eight rounds.

Those performances saw the San Antonio talent named as ESPN’s Fighter of the Year in their midyear boxing awards, and while ‘Bam’ spoke of his pride at the honor, he’s determined to show that there is much more to come in his calendar.

The 22 year old has lofty ambitions to unify divisions and win crowns at multiple weights, and says that meeting Gonzalez (28-4-1 11 KOs) on the biggest stage he’s performed on to date will only shine a bigger light on his limitless potential.

“I don’t feel pressure because I feel I was born for this,” said Rodriguez. “I belong on these big stages, it’s where I feel comfortable. Headlining in San Antonio, co-main to Canelo-GGG III, this is where I want to be, it’s been part of the plan and it’s great to see it play out. There’s expectation on me, all eyes are on me, I know that I need to perform at my best but that excites me. 

“Canelo is the face of boxing so to be the curtain raiser for that fight is amazing, so many fans are going to be able to see what I can do. I’m only 22 so to be doing the things that I am doing, beating Carlos and Rungvisai, two of the four kings at Super-Fly, I never look back and feel I need to appreciate what I do, but I do downplay what I do because I’m a humble guy.

“I’m right where I need to be, it’s just the beginning and the sky is the limit for me. I can’t tell you how far I can go because I don’t know how to stop. I want to be one of those fighters that 20 years from now, people say; ‘remember Bam Rodriguez, he was a bad dude’. One of those legends.

“I feel like I’m getting the recognition that I deserve, and Saturday is the perfect platform to show everybody that I am the real deal.”

Rodriguez’s clash with Gonzalez is part of a huge night of action in Vegas, topped by the epic trilogy battle between Canelo and Golovkin.

Fireworks are promised as Ali Akhmedov and Gabriel Rosado will clash for the IBF North American Super-Middleweight title, Diego Pacheco fights for his first belt as he meets Enrique Collazo for the WBC USNBC Silver Super-Middleweight title, Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams fights for his second pro title as he takes on Kieron Conway for the vacant WBA International Middleweight title.

Three more young talents complete the stacked card, as Marc Castro appears on his fifth Canelo undercard against Kevin Montiel Mendoza, Aaron Aponte mixes it up against Canelo Promotions’ unbeaten prospect Fernando Molina also over eight and Anthony Herrera gets the chance to bounce back to winning ways on the biggest stage as he takes on Delvin McKinley.

All that action leads into the third installment of the classic modern rivalry between Canelo and Golovkin, with the Mexican king putting his undisputed Super-Middleweight crown on the line against Kazakhstan’s reigning WBA and IBF Middleweight ruler in the most anticipated match up of 2022.

Jesse Rodriguez says he feels ‘thankful’ to be named as the Fighter of the Year by ESPN in their midyear awards for 2022 – but the WBC World Super-Flyweight champion is not resting on his laurels and continue his sensational year when he defends his title against Israel Gonzalez on Saturday September 17 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, as co-main event to the trilogy clash between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin. The event, presented by Matchroom, Canelo Promotions and GGG Promotions, will broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View in the U.S. and Canada as well as around the world on DAZN (excluding Mexico, Latin America, and Kazakhstan).

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW VIA AXS.COM
Rodriguez (16-0 11 KOs) has enjoyed a stellar first half of the year, starting by becoming the youngest active World champion in February, stepping in late to meet Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC strap in Phoenix and then putting on a stunning display in his first defense, stopping Thai star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on his San Antonio home turf in June inside eight rounds.

‘Bam’ extended his promotional pact with Eddie Hearn following the win over Rungivisai, and now defends his title for the second time against Mexican Gonzalez (28-4-1 11 KOs), who challenges for World honors for the fourth time in his career.

Rodriguez has begun camp at home and will relocate to Robert Garcia’s California base when his trainer and manager returns from masterminding Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia on August 20. The 21 year old is ready to thrill on the biggest of stages on September 17, and believes it could be the next step in securing Fighter of the Year awards across the board.

“I’m so thankful to be named ESPN’s fighter of the year,” said Rodriguez. “My hard work and dedication to the sport is paying off. That is why I’m able to perform the way I have been. There’s so much more to come and I can’t wait. 

“I’ll be starting my camp in San Antonio for this next fight. I’ll be here for three weeks then finish up in Riverside at Robert Garcia Boxing Academy. Fighting so soon, I feel like I haven’t lost a beat. I’m still in rhythm and I’ll be more than ready for Las Vegas.

“The way people have been saying I’m front runner for Fighter of the Year is motivation to get the job done. It’s a blessing to even be mentioned with some of the greatest boxers in the sport. But come September 17, there will be no question who it belongs to.”

Rodriguez’s achievement was one of many as Matchroom fighters and events dominated ESPN’s midyear awards. Irish superstar Katie Taylor was named female fighter of the year following her victory over Amanda Serrano in their epic battle at Madison Square Garden in New York in April which landed female fight of the year nod. Leigh Wood’s dramatic final round KO win over Jamie Conlan in Nottingham in March earned the WBA Featherweight king the KO of the year and the battle was awarded men’s fight of the year, while Dmitry Bivol’s triumph over Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas in May took the gong for upset of the year.

Rodriguez’s clash with Gonzalez is part of a stacked night of action in Las Vegas, as Diego Pacheco fights for his first pro belt when he meets Enrique Collazo for the WBC USNBC Silver Super-Middleweight title and Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams taking on Kieron Conway for the vacant WBA International Middleweight title, all leading into the third installment of the classic modern rivalry between Canelo and Golovkin, with the Mexican king putting his undisputed Super-Middleweight crown on the line against Kazakhstan’s reigning WBA and IBF Middleweight ruler in the most anticipated match up of 2022.

By Norm Frauenheim-

Jesse Rodriguez storms into the headlines and pound-for-pound talk in about the time it takes to say his nickname.

Bam, he’s there.

His sudden emergence in the wake of a magnificent performance in a stoppage Saturday of Srisaket Sor Rungvisai is stunning, yet not unprecedented.

He’s a little guy, near the bottom of a scale where weights and wages are light. Not much changes. But Rodriguez, still only 22, is poised to do exactly that. His thorough breakdown of an accomplished, yet aging Sor Srisaket, 35, in hometown San Antonio was a bold statement.

For those who didn’t know much about him, it was a crash-through-the door introduction. Bam, he’s impossible to ignore. For those anxious to know more, it was reason to look again at a career that promises so much more. Bam, his dimensions have a potential dynamic that defies boxing’s traditional measure.

On the historical scale, Rodriguez looks to be the best American at a lighter weight since Michael Carbajal. It was fitting five months ago that Rodriguez won his first significant title at the newly-named Footprint Center, an NBA arena within a couple of miles of roadwork from Carbajal’s home in downtown Phoenix.

Rodriguez beat Carlos Cuadras, skilled yet also aging (33), scoring a unanimous decision for a belt at 115 pounds. Depending on the acronym, it’s a division called super-bantamweight or super-flyweight. Super-fly works best here. Lord of the Flies, too.

Carbajal stayed at light-flyweight (108) throughout his Hall of Fame career which ended in 1999.  Why?  Follow the money. Nothing about that old axiom has changed. Rodriguez, also a former light-flyweight, moved up in search of bigger names and bigger paydays. Carbajal never had to. In the. He was the key the flyweight vault.

Over the last two-plus decades, however, a search for another great American flyweight – anther Carbajal – has been hit and miss. Mostly miss.

Those around Rodriguez – trainer Robert Garcia and promoter Eddie Hearn – have been cautious. They aren’t ready to proclaim him as the next in any line of succession. There’s talk about him going down in weight — to 112 — for another title, a resume piece that could augment marketability and his leverage at the bargaining table. Given his relative youth, that’s wise.

If you follow the money, however, it’s impossible to not arrive at Naoya Inoue, a former junior-flyweight champion who retained the bantamweight (118) title with a rematch stoppage of 39-year-old Nonito Donaire a Filipino and another former flyweight champ.

Junior-lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson was the first to mention Inoue on social media last week, saying that Rodriguez would beat the Japanese star in two years. The reaction was swift.

Be careful, don’t let Rodriguez get ahead of himself, skeptics said. Fight Roman Gonzalez first.

Gonzalez is the most decorated flyweight ever. The Nicaraguan became the lightest fighter ever to be No. 1 in respected pound-for-pound ratings. The Ring and ESPN put him on top after the then flyweight champion stopped Brian Viloria in October 2015. But Gonzalez’ reign was brief. He moved up in weight, a jump to super-fly that ended in a knockout loss knocked out by Srisaket in 2017.

Before the KO — Gonzalez’ first loss, there was talk of a fight with the emerging Inoue. First, however, negotiations stalled when Gonzalez said he wanted more money. Then, any chance at the proposed bout vanished with Gonzalez’ KO loss.

Now, Inoue is in just about the same position Gonzalez was five, six years ago. He’s No. 1 in The Ring’s current pound-for-pound rating. He’s No. 2 in ESPN’s edition. Meanwhile, Gonzalez is older (35) and vulnerable to being stopped all over again. Would Gonzalez risk fighting Rodriguez, even if he could?

Meanwhile, Inoue’s stardom is peaking. He’s seeking to enhance his international celebrity and affirm his pound-for-pound supremacy.

“I would like to thank all the media for paying attention, and I would like to have more exposure from the media in the future,’’ he said this week in a video address to the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan.

He went on to say: “I’d like to have the fights that the No. 1-ranked boxer deserves.’’

That, he said, means unifying the bantamweight title. He also suggested it could mean another jump up the scale, this time to 122 pounds, junior-featherweight. But another jump in weight poses the risk that undid Gonzalez.

Instead, there looks to be a better opportunity down scale at Super Fly against Rodriguez. It might be the best way to move up the pay scale. Here’s why:

Inoue was guaranteed a reported $350,000 for his rematch with Donaire. His percentage of pay-per-view receipts were expected to boost his pay check to $500,000.

There were no reports on how much Rodriguez collected for his eight-round stunner of Sor Srisaket. Best guess, it was several numbers less than Inoue’s payday for the Donaire rematch.

That brings us back to Carbajal. Historically, he represents the financial record for reported purses in weight classes between bantam and minimum weight (118 to 105). He got a reported $1 million for his rematch loss to rival and business partner Humberto Gonzalez in a 1994 rematch in Los Angeles. Gonzalez got a reported $1-million for a third fight in Mexico City, also in 1994.

Roman Gonzalez’ biggest reported purse was $700,000 for a split-decision loss to Juan Francisco Estrada in 2021. Donaire, who had a $125,000 guarantee for the Inoue rematch, collected seven-figures twice in his long career. But both were at junior-featherweight (122 pounds). He got a reported $1.32 million for a loss to Guillermo Rigondeaux in 2013 in New York. In 2012, he got a reported $1 million for a stoppage of Jorge Arce.

Another move up in weight increases the risks that have already been there for Inoue. He suffered a fractured eye-socket in his 2019 Fight-of-the-Year decision over Donaire in their first meeting. Call it a warning. There’s also the clock. Inoue is 29. He’s in his prime. His chances will probably never be any better than they are right now against the emerging Rodriguez, still five-to-six years from his prime.

Do it now. Bam, it just makes too much sense.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (16-0,11 KOs), delivered the performance of a lifetime, as he successfully defended his WBC super flyweight title against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (50-6-1, 43 KOs). The current youngest active world champion in boxing showcased why he is the future of the sport, as he stopped the hard-hitting veteran Rungvisai in his hometown within eight rounds.

Rodriguez looked to establish dominance from the opening bell, throwing quick and powerful shots, ensuring Rungvisai would never find his rhythm. He nearly made the former champion’s glove touch the mat in the fourth following a powerful right hand to the head. This dominance continued to the seventh, where Rodriguez dropped Rungvisai with a powerful left hook to the temple. The punishment only continued in the eighth, and following a powerful overhand left as well as a barrage of shots referee Mark Colo-oy waved it off. Rodriguez defeated Rungvisai via TKO at 1:50 in the eighth round.

Following this impressive win, the door is wide open for Rodriguez to challenge either WBA champion Juan Francisco Estrada or former #1 pound-for-pounder Roman “Chocalito” Gonzalez. Whoever his next opponent is one thing is for certain, the entire boxing world will be watching to see how he follows up from this elite-level performance.

The co-main-event pitted IBF and WBA unified super bantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev (11-0, 8 KOs against the veteran underdog Ronny Rios (33-4, 16 KOs). Akhmadaliev flexed his power throughout the fight, throwing hard shots at the seasoned super bantamweight. He continued his dominance through the rest of the match, and with less than a minute left in the 12th round, Akhmadaliev dropped Rios for the first time in the fight. Following the standing 8-count, the champion unloaded with one final assault, prompting the referee to get in between both fighters and stop the fight. Akhmadaliev defeated Rios via TKO at 2:06 in the 12th round.

The second fight of the main card pitted undisputed welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill (12-2, 4 KOs) against challenger Alma Ibarra (10-2, 5 KOs).  Both women opened the fight with strong swings, looking to put a quick end to the fight, especially McCaskill, who flexed her power from the opening bell. The 147lb champion laid the damage on through the first three rounds. Going into the fourth round, Ibarra told her trainer she’d had enough, prompting her corner to stop the fight. McCaskill defeated Ibarra via RTD at 0:10 of the fourth round to remain the undisputed women’s welterweight champion.

McCaskill expressed interest in moving down to 140 lbs., a weight class she has experience in, to face junior welterweight champion, Chantelle Cameron. “She’s done spectacular in her career, and we’re doing so well at 147…” said McCaskill. “I think it’s time to move back down to 140, there’s some great fighters [there].”

In the main card opener, featherweight prospect Raymond “Savage” Ford (12-0-1, 6 KOs) retained his WBA Continental Americas Featherweight title as well as won the vacant IBF North American Featherweight against an undefeated Richard Medina Jr. (13-1, 7 KOs) After a solid opening set of rounds from Ford, he continued to dominate late in the fight, winning a resounding unanimous decision against the hometown fighter. The final decision reflected this dominance, with all judges scoring in favor of Ford, 100-90, 100-90, and 99-91. Ford outstruck Medina 191-79.

Raymond Ford will face unbeaten local talent Richard Medina at the Tech Port Arena in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday June 25 live worldwide on DAZN – with fellow young guns Marc Castro, Nikita Ababiy and Khalil Coe in action on the undercard of the quadruple header of World title action, led by San Antonio’s own Jesse Rodriguez making the first defense of his WBC World Super-Flyweight title against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai.
Tickets starting at $35 (plus fees) are on sale now – click here for more details
Ford (11-0-1 6 KOs) steps through the ropes in his fourth title fight and puts the WBA Continental Americas Featherweight strap on the line that he won by split decision in his last outing, edging out another unbeaten man in Edward Vazquez in Phoenix.

‘Savage’ is ranked at #8 with the WBA and is closing in on the top five and can make an impact in the IBF rankings too, with the IBF North American belt on the line and Ford currently sitting at #13 with the organization.

Those belts and rankings will have Medina (13-0 7 KOs) licking his lips as he fights for a title for the first time in career and on home turf. The 21 year old landed his seventh win inside the distance in his last outing in March, forcing Armando Frausto to retire after seven rounds of their clash in San Antonio.

“This is the third time in my last five fights that I’ve gone and taken on an undefeated fighter in front of their fans,” said Ford. “I don’t see any of these other prospects stepping up to the plate.

“They keep putting these guys in front of them and I’m going to keep handling my business. I know I’m going right to the top in this game and if I have to do it the hard way by fighting these guys in their hometowns, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

“I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity,” said Medina. “I want to thank my promoter Rick Morones of TMB Promotions and my manager Greg Hannley, and Matchroom for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to fighting in my hometown and putting on a spectacular show for my fans and family.

“Getting to fight on the undercard of one of my closest friends, ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, who I’ve known practically my whole life and grew up fighting with, is an honor. I’m ready to showcase my skills to the world.”

Ford and Medina will close the ‘Before The Bell’ broadcast on a huge night of action in Texas, and the New Jersey talent is joined by more rising American stars on a stacked bill.

Marc Castro (7-0 5 KOs) tastes action for the third time in 2022 and does so against unbeaten Puerto Rican Jean Guerra Vargas (6-0 1 KO) over eight rounds at Lightweight. Castro landed his seventh win in the paid ranks earlier in the month in his fourth fight on a Canelo Alvarez card, and the Fresno talent is grateful to be so active as he continues to hone his craft and test himself against the hungry Vargas.

“I’m grateful to stay healthy and stay active,” said Castro. “I’m continuing to work hard daily and ready to put on a show for my supporters.”

Nikita Ababiy (11-0 6 KOs) fights for the first time in 2022, and ‘White Chocolate’ believes he’ll dazzle as he takes on Noe Larrios Jr (14-1 6 KOs) over eight rounds at Middleweight.

“I’m super excited to get back in that ring and show everyone what I’ve been working on,” said Ababiy. “I’m just excited for everyone to see me show out. I know everybody missed the White Chocolate, time to make some noise again and give the people the excitement they’re missing!”

Big hitting Light-Heavyweight Khalil Coe (3-0-1 2 KOs) is back in action in his fourth paid outing, and takes on unbeaten Dominican Joaquin Berroa Lugo (3-0 2 KOs) over six rounds.

“June 25, Big Steppa, we are back at it,” said Coe. “I’m fighting an undefeated opponent and these are the challenges I want. I know what I’m capable of and the ability I have and I’m excited to showcase my skills. This is opportunity for me to show just how good I am and that’s exactly what I plan on doing.”

Rodriguez and Rungvisai headline a huge night of action with those young talents joined by three more World title tussles.

Julio Cesar Martinez (18-2 14 KOs) and McWilliams Arroyo (21-4 16 KOs) pick up where they left off from their curtailed firefight for Martinez’s WBC World Flyweight title, where both men hit the canvas in the opening round and Arroyo touched down again in the second, before the action in New Hampshire in November had to be halted after Arroyo suffered a nasty cut from an accidental headclash.

World title clash number three on the bumper card will see IBF and WBA World Super-Bantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev defend his titles against Ronny Rios. The pair were set to meet in New Hampshire in November, but COVID ruled Rios out and he was replaced by game late challenger Jose Velasquez. Akhmadaliev (10-0 7 KOs) retained his belts with a near-shutout on the cards, going the distance for just the third time in his 10^th pro bout, and second as a World champion. Rios (33-3 16 KOs), the mandatory challenger for the WBA crown, goes for glory for the second time in his 36-fight career after challenging Rey Vargas for the WBC strap at 122lbs in August 2016.

Undisputed Welterweight ruler Jessica McCaskill (11-2 4 KOs) makes the third defense of all her marbles at 147lbs against Alma Ibarra (10-1, 4 KOs). McCaskill ripped the straps from long-standing ruler Cecilia Braekhus on the streets of Downtown Tulsa in August 2020 and saw off the Norwegian in a rematch for her first defense in March 2021. The Chicagoan recorded the fourth stoppage win of her career in the second defense of the belts in December, ending Kandi Wyatt’s challenge in the seventh, and will face the tough test in the form of Ibarra.

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez will defend his WBC World Super-Flyweight title against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on Saturday June 25 at the Tech Port Center + Arena in San Antonio, live worldwide on DAZN and leading a stacked quadruple header of World title action.

Tickets starting at $35 (plus fees) go on sale at 10am CDT tomorrow (Friday May 13) – click here for more details
 Rodriguez (15-0 10 KOs) makes the first defense of the belt he won in stunning fashion in February, flooring former World ruler Carlos Cuadras en-route to becoming the youngest current World champion in just his 15^th pro-outing. ‘Bam’ will get a hero’s welcome on his home turf when he steps through the ropes in San Antonio for the first time as king of the world and only the third time in his career, boxing on his doorstep in his third and fifth fights in June 2017 and March 2018 respectively. 

The 22 year old could hardly face a stiffer test when putting his belt on the line for the first time, coming up against former two-time Super-Fly kingpin Rungvisai (50-5-1 43 KOs). The Thai star was set to face Cuadras in a long-awaited rematch for the title in San Diego, only for Rungvisai to fall ill and be replaced at late notice by the new young champion. The 35 year old has a chance to get his hands on the coveted green and gold strap for a third time, having first held the belt in 2013 and then reclaiming it against Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez three years later.

“Fighting a guy like Rungvisai is going to bring me to a whole new level,” said Rodriguez. “He’s a great fighter but this is my time now. You have to take risks in this sport, that’s what special fighters do. They said it was a risk me challenging for a World title fight on short notice and now they say it’s a risk taking on a fighter like Rungvisai but this is what I want. These are the types of fights you need so you can be remembered by the fans long after your career is done.

“I’ve always said that me and my brother are going to bring the big fights back to San Antonio and this is just the start of it. We are so proud to be from this city and we get that love back from the people there so this will be a special night.”

“Jesse might be the youngest current World champion, but this is a fight where he can prove he already belongs with the very best in boxing,” said trainer Robert Garcia. “We have a lot of respect for Rungvisai, we know what he is capable of, and he is a great, great fighter but I also know what Jesse is capable. I have so much belief in him, and I know he is ready for this.”

“I am very excited for this opportunity to fight for the WBC World title,” said Rungvisai. “I will be at my best to win the WBC World title and become the first three times WBC World champion in the history of Thailand. Thank you so much to Matchroom, DAZN, and the WBC for this opportunity.”

Rodriguez and Rungvisai lead a stellar night of action with three more World title fights on the bill, with Julio Cesar Martinez and McWilliams Arroyo picking up where they left off from their curtailed firefight for Martinez’s WBC World Flyweight title, where both men hit the canvas in the opening round and Arroyo touched down again in the second, before the action in New Hampshire in November had to be halted after Arroyo suffered a nasty cut from an accidental headclash.

Arroyo (21-4 16 KOs) has been out of action since that night, while Martinez (18-2 14 KOs) bravely rolled the dice to take on modern great Chocolatito as the headline act on the night Rodriguez won his belt.

World title clash number three on the bumper card will see IBF and WBA World Super-Bantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev defend his titles against Ronny Rios. The pair were set to meet in New Hampshire in November, but COVID ruled Rios out and he was replaced by game late challenger Jose Velasquez. Akhmadaliev (10-0 7 KOs) retained his belts with a near-shutout on the cards, going the distance for just the third time in his 10^th pro bout, and second as a World champion. Rios (33-3 16 KOs), the mandatory challenger for the WBA crown, goes for glory for the second time in his 36-fight career after challenging Rey Vargas for the WBC strap at 122lbs in August 2016.

The fourth bout on the card has the most belts on the line, as undisputed Welterweight ruler Jessica McCaskill makes the third defense of all her marbles at 147lbs. McCaskill (11-2 4 KOs) ripped the straps from long-standing ruler Cecilia Braekhus on the streets of Downtown Tulsa in August 2020 and saw off the Norwegian in a rematch for her first defense in March 2021. The Chicagoan recorded the fourth stoppage win of her career in the second defense of the belts in December, ending Kandi Wyatt’s challenge in the seventh, and will face the tough test of Alma Ibarra. Ibarra (10-1, 4 KOs) also then beat Wyatt in an eight-round decision in an eliminator for the WBA strap, dubbed the ‘Thrilla for Caskilla’, landing Ibarra the shot at McCaskill’s WBA, WBO, WBC, IBF and Ring Magazine World titles.

“Everyone is coming for the throne and it’s my job to protect it,” said McCaskill. 

“This is a good fight. This fight will confirm why Jessica is the queen of the Welterweight division,” added McCaskill’s trainer and manager Rick Ramos.

“I’ve won fights, I’ve lost fights, I’ve been in the big stage, I’ve fought for a world title, I’m a single mom, I’ve been kidnapped, there’s not one thing that she can bring to the fight that I haven’t seen and surpassed,” said Ibarra. “She’s just holding what’s mine, I’m here to take them!!”

Matchroom and DAZN announce two new shows today as Hiroto Kyoguchi will defend his WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Light-Flyweight titles against Esteban Bermudez at the Arena Coliseo in Mexico City, Mexico on Friday June 10, live worldwide on DAZN, in the latest installment of Matchroom and DAZN’s fight series in Mexico, in association with Canelo Promotions and Clase Y Talento and then Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez will defend his WBC World Super-Flyweight title against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on Saturday June 25 at the Tech Port Arena in San Antonio, live worldwide on DAZN (except Uzbekistan & Thailand) and leading a stacked quadruple header of World title action.
 
Kyoguchi (15-0 10 KOs) puts the titles he ripped from Heikie Buddler in December 2018 on the line for the fourth time and makes a welcome return to the ring after his entertaining battle with the pocket rocket Axel Aragon Vega in Dallas in March 2021 came to an end when the challenger was forced to quit the bout with a hand injury in the fifth round.
 
The Japanese, who previously defended the titles in successive points wins over Tanawat Nakoon and Tetsuya Hisada in June and October of 2020 in his homeland, fights in Mexico for the first time in the paid ranks and does so against a hungry contender.
 
Bermudez (14-3-2 10 KOs) holds the WBA Regular title after handing a first career defeat to defending champion Carlos Canizales in stunning fashion – flooring the belt-holder towards the end of the sixth round before wiping him out with 23 seconds left in the session. The 26 year old will be fired up to elevate to Super champ and rip the coveted Ring Magazine strap from Kyoguchi, and the defending king knows he’s in for a big test on June 10 as he covets unification bouts down the line.
 
“It was always my dream to fight in Mexico because the Mexican style has influenced me a lot,” said Kyoguchi. “It is a great opportunity to show my boxing in that country against a rival like Esteban Bermudez. Regarding the unification fight, I think it is my mission as absolute champion.”
 
“He is a very good champion but kind of weak because too many injuries – I’ve been waiting a year for him to fight me!” said Bermudez. “I live from boxing, and I’ve needed this fight to happen for a long time. I’ve been at training camp for this fight, and he is coming to my home town, the title is going to still here.” 
 
Two weeks later, focus switches to a monster card in San Antonio, as Rodriguez (15-0 10 KOs) makes the first defense of the belt he won in stunning fashion in February, flooring former World ruler Carlos Cuadras en-route to becoming the youngest current World champion in just his 15^th pro-outing. ‘Bam’ will get a hero’s welcome on his home turf when he steps through the ropes in San Antonio for the first time as king of the world and only the third time in his career, boxing on his doorstep in his third and fifth fights in June 2017 and March 2018 respectively.
 
The 22 year old could hardly face a stiffer test when putting his belt on the line for the first time, coming up against former two-time Super-Fly kingpin Rungvisai (50-5-1 43 KOs). The Thai star was set to face Cuadras in a long-awaited rematch for the title in San Diego, only for Rungvisai to fall ill and be replaced at late notice by the new young champion. The 35 year old has a chance to get his hands on the coveted green and gold strap for a third time, having first held the belt in 2013 and then reclaiming it against Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez three years later.
 
“Fighting a guy like Rungvisai is going to bring me to a whole new level,” said Rodriguez. “He’s a great fighter but this is my time now. You have to take risks in this sport, that’s what special fighters do. They said it was a risk me challenging for a World title fight on short notice and now they say it’s a risk taking on a fighter like Rungvisai but this is what I want. These are the types of fights you need so you can be remembered by the fans long after your career is done.
 
“I’ve always said that me and my brother are going to bring the big fights back to San Antonio and this is just the start of it. We are so proud to be from this city and we get that love back from the people there so this will be a special night.”
 
“Jesse might be the youngest current World champion, but this is a fight where he can prove he already belongs with the very best in boxing,” said trainer Robert Garcia. “We have a lot of respect for Rungvisai, we know what he is capable of, and he is a great, great fighter but I also know what Jesse is capable. I have so much belief in him, and I know he is ready for this.”
 
“I am very excited for this opportunity to fight for the WBC World title,” said Rungvisai. “I will be at my best to win the WBC World title and become the first three times WBC World champion in the history of Thailand. Thank you so much to Matchroom, DAZN, and the WBC for this opportunity.”
 
Rodriguez and Rungvisai lead a stellar night of action with three more World title fights on the bill, with Julio Cesar Martinez and McWilliams Arroyo picking up where they left off from their curtailed firefight for Martinez’s WBC World Flyweight title, where both men hit the canvas in the opening round and Arroyo touched down again in the second, before the action in New Hampshire in November had to be halted after Arroyo suffered a nasty cut from an accidental headclash.
 
Arroyo (21-4 16 KOs) has been out of action since that night, while Martinez (18-2 14 KOs) bravely rolled the dice to take on modern great Chocolatito as the headline act on the night Rodriguez won his belt.
 
World title clash number three on the bumper card will see IBF and WBA World Super-Bantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev defend his titles against Ronny Rios. The pair were set to meet in New Hampshire in November, but COVID ruled Rios out and he was replaced by game late challenger Jose Velasquez. Akhmadaliev (10-0 7 KOs) retained his belts with a near-shutout on the cards, going the distance for just the third time in his 10^th pro bout, and second as a World champion. Rios (33-3 16 KOs), the mandatory challenger for the WBA crown, goes for glory for the second time in his 36-fight career after challenging Rey Vargas for the WBC strap at 122lbs in August 2016.
 
The fourth bout on the card has the most belts on the line, as undisputed Welterweight ruler Jessica McCaskill makes the third defense of all her marbles at 147lbs. McCaskill (11-2 4 KOs) ripped the straps from long-standing ruler Cecilia Braekhus on the streets of Downtown Tulsa in August 2020 and saw off the Norwegian in a rematch for her first defense in March 2021. The Chicagoan recorded the fourth stoppage win of her career in the second defense of the belts in December, ending Kandi Wyatt’s challenge in the seventh, and will face an opponent to be named soon in San Antonio.  
 
Mexico’s undercard is shaping up nicely, supporting what promises to be an explosive main event is a cast of hot talents led by Jorge Casteneda meeting Mexico City’s Eduardo Hernandez for the WBC Silver International Super-Lightweight title. Texan Casteneda (15-1 11 KOs) has upset the apple cart in his last two bouts, first handing a majority decision defeat to unbeaten Otha Jones III in Florida in April 2021, and then travelling to London, England to take another ‘0’ by beating Youssef Khoumari in October, again via majority decision.
 
Supporting what promises to be an explosive main event will be a cast of hot talents led by Jorge Casteneda. Texan Casteneda (15-1 11 KOs) has upset the apple cart in his last two bouts, first handing a majority decision defeat to unbeaten Otha Jones III in Florida in April 2021, and then travelling to London, England to take another ‘0’ by beating Youssef Khoumari in October, again via majority decision, and his opponent will be announced soon.
 
Diego Pacheco (14-0 11 KOs) continues to be a must-watch talent and the 21 year old ticks off another major milestone as he stretches his legs over the ten round distance for the first time, against an opponent to be named.
 
“June is looking red hot with two fantastic shows,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Kyoguchi- Bermudez is a great fight. Hiroto is hunting down unifications at 108lbs, but he is going to have his hands full with Esteban, who has proved that he has devastating power – it’s going to be a great night in Mexico City.
 
“As for June 25 in San Antonio – what can we say? It’s a quadruple header of World title action, with four bouts that could headline any card. I’m thrilled to see Jesse get the chance to headline at home as a World champion, and what a foe to face in the Thai legend Rungvisai.
 
“Martinez-Arroyo is a long-running saga that both men want to end in emphatic style, MJ is one of the very best World champions out there and is looking to produce that statement win to lure his fellow champions into unifications – and after an amazing run of fights for women’s boxing in recent months, which continues this weekend in New York with Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, the undisputed Welterweight ruler will want to show that she’s one of the very best out there.”

Late-replacement Jesse Rodriguez won the WBC Super Flyweight world title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Carlos Cuadras at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

In round three, Rodriguez dropped Cuadras with a left uppercut to the body.

Rodriguez landed 258 of 688 punches; Cuadras was 172 of 944.

Rodriguez, 114.1 lbs of San Antonio, TX won by scores of 117-110 twice and 115-112 and is now 15-0. Cuadras, 114.4 lbs of Mexico City is 39-5-1.

“That was a tough ass fight,” said Rodriguez. “He brought out a Jesse Rodriguez I didn’t know was in me, I’m so happy.
 
“I knew it was going to be a tough fight, he’s a true warrior, I thought I was going to get him out of there but he’s so strong.
 
“I stuck to the game plan, used my angles, but in the fifth round I knew he wasn’t going to go so I stayed composed and did my work.
 
“I feel good at this weight so I will stay here for now but if I get a good fight at 108lbs or 112lbs, maybe I’ll get the winner of Chocolatito vs. Martinez, who knows – I’m just open to the best fights.”

Mitchell Stops Skelly in 4; Retains Bantamweight Title

Jamie Mitchell defended the WBA Bantamweight title with a four round destruction over Carly Skelly.

At the end of round one, Mitchell dropped Skelly with a hard left hook. Mitchell scored another knockdown in round two with a big right hand. In round four, Mitchell landed a vicious flurry of punches that included flush rights hands that snapped Skelly’s head back, and the fight was stopped.

Mitchell of Las Vegas is 8-0-2 with five knockouts. Skelly of Liverpool, ENG is 4-1-1.

“It was cool, my first defense and my most precious fight as a pro,” said Mitchell. “Shout out to Claressa Shields for getting the win in the UK tonight, we had great sparring in the build-up so thank you to her for that. She’s truly the GWOAT and an inspiration.
 
“If you are going to run at me, I’m going to stop you in your tracks and that’s what happened.
 
I am only going to get better, we train all year round, people are sleeping on me but I’m going to slowly wake them up.”

Ford Decisions Vazquez

Raymond Ford was lucky that he had two judges on his side as he was awarded a 10-round split decision over Edward Vazquez in a battle of undefeated featherweights.

Ford landed 95 of 514 while Vazquez was 106 of 428.

Vazquez landed the more telling blows throughout, yet two judges scored the fight 98-92 and 97-93 for Ford. Vazquez won a card 96-94.

Ford, 126 lbs of Camden, NJ is 11-0-1. Vazquez of Fort Worth, Texas is 11-1.

Diaz Decisions Smith

Fernando Diaz won a 10-round unanimous decision over Lorenzo Smith in a flyweight contest.

In round five, Smith dropped Diaz with a left hook.

Diaz landed 173 of 594 punches; Smith was 64 of 339.

Diaz, 111 lbs of Riverside, CA won by scores of 96-93 twice and 95-94 and is now 11-1-1. Smith, 111.5 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 10-1.

Coe stops O’Sullivan in 2

Khalil Coe remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Dylan O’Sullivan in a light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Coe dropped O’Sullivan with a left hook. Seconds later Coe ended thing with a left and the fight was stopped.

Coe, 179.5 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is now 2-0-1 with two knockoouts. O’Sullivan, 177.9 lbs of Johnson City, TN is 1-1

Elijah Garcia stropped Antonio Hernandez after round three of their six-round middleweight fight.

Garcia, 163.5 lbs of Glendale, AZ is 10-0 with nine knockouts.

Adam Stewart won a six-round unanimous decision over Alvin Davie in a heavyweight bout.

In round six, Stewart dropped Davie with a right hand.

Stewart, 234 lbs of Phoenix, AZ won by scores of 60-53 on all cards, and is now 13-1-1. Davie, 223.9 lbs of Miami, FL is 6-3.

First bell – 4pm MT

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest

Aaron Aponte (139lbs) vs.     Louis Jourdain (138.8lbs)
(Miami, Florida)                        (Quebec, Canada)

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest

Adam Stewart     (234lbs)      vs.     Alvin Davis (223.9lbs)
(Phoenix, Arizona)                             (Miami, Florida)

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest

Elijah Garcia (163.5lbs) vs.    Antonio Hernandez (162.5lbs)
(Glendale, Arizona)                  (Kansas City, Missouri)         

Live on DAZN – 6pm MT

4 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest

Khalil Coe (179.5lbs) vs.        Dylan O’Sullivan (177.9lbs)
(Jersey City, New Jersey)       (Johnson City, Tennessee)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Flyweight contest

Lorenzo Smith (111.5lbs) vs. Fernando Diaz (111lbs)
(Phoenix, Arizona)                 (Riverside, California)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Continental Featherweight title

Raymond Ford (126lbs)         vs.     Edward Vazquez (125.9lbs)
(Camden, New Jersey)                   (Fort Worth, Texas)

Followed by

10 x 2 mins WBA World Bantamweight title

Jamie Mitchell     (117.2lbs)  vs.     Carly Skelly (116.2lbs)
(Las Vegas, Nevada)                        (Liverpool, England)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant WBC World Super-Flyweight title

Carlos Cuadras (114.4lbs)      vs.     Jesse Rodriguez (114.1lbs)
(Mexico City, Mexico)                         (San Antonio, Texas)

Sandor Martin got the biggest win of his career and shocked former four-division world champion by winning a 10-round majority decision in a welterweight bout in Fresno, California.

Garcia seemed to never find a rhythm in the contest as he was barely throwing any punches. Martin did not exactly light up the pace, but he landed tricky counters throughout the contest. Garcia pressed throughout, but it was the adept and pinpoint connections by Martin as he won by scores of 97-93 twice and 95-95.

Martin landed 75 of 231 punches; Garcia was 60 of 318.

Martin, 144 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is 39-2. Garcia, 143.5 lbs of Ventura, CA is 40-2.

Castro Takes out Luna in 1

Marc Castro thrilled his hometown fans with a 1st round stoppage over Angel Luna in a scheduled six-round junior lightweight contest.

In round one, Castro came out firing by landing vicious power shots and then put Luna down with a left hook. Luna showed nothing in the fight and Castro opened up and landed a huge flurry and the fight was stopped at 2:41.

Castro, 129.8 lbs of Fresno, CA is 4-0 with four knockouts. Luna, 130.4 lbs of Bronx, NY is 14-8-1.

Gonzalez Decisions Soto; Wins WBO Light Flyweight Title

Jonathan Gonzalez won the WBO Light Flyweight title with a split decision over Elwin Soto.

Gonzalez landed 112 of 519; punches; Soto was 104 0f 434.

Gonzalez, 108 lbs of Caguas, PR won two cards 116-112; Soto rook a card 116-112.

Gonzalez is 25-3-1. Soto, 107.8 lbs of Mexicali, MX is 19-2.

Rodriguez stops Burgos in 4

Jesse Rodriguez stopped Jose Alejandro Burgos in round four of their 10-round light flyweight fight.

In round three, Rodriguez started to bleed from his nose. In round four, Rodriguez landed a left that buckled Burgos. One more left put Burgos on the seat of his pants.. Seconds later, Rodriguez landed another crushing left that put Rodriguez down just as the referee was stopping the fight at 1:23.

Rodriguez, 109.2 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 14-0 with 10 knockouts. Burgos, 110 lbs of Ensenada, MX is 18-5-1.

Jarvis Survives Scare; Stops Rodriguez in 5

Brock Jarvis almost had a nughtmarish American debut, but he stemmed off a tough 2nd round to come back to stop Alejandro Frias Rodriguez in round four of their scheduled 10-round lightweight fight.

In round two, Rodriguez rocked Jarvis and battered him all over the ring for much of the frame. Jarvis was able to gather himself and rev up his offense and in round five, he landed hard shots on the inside and hurt Rodriguez before the fight was stopped at 2:04

Jarvis, 134 lbs of Marrickville, AUS is 20-0 with 18 knockoiuts. Rodriguez, 134 lbs of Tepic, MEX is 13-5-2.

Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a stoppage in the eighth and final round over Lucas De Abreu of their super middleweight bout.

Pacheco battered De Abreu untilthe bout was stopped at 2:34.

Pacheco, 166.2 lbs of South Cental, LA is 13-0 with 10 knockouts, De Abreu, 166.4 lbs of Miami, FL is 12-1,

Nikita Ababiy remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Sanny Duversonne in a middleweight bout.

Ababiy, 159.2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 77-75 and is now 11-0. Duversonne, 160 lbs of Mimai, FL is 12-5-2.

17-time National Amateur champion, Charlie Sheehy stopped Luciano Ramos in the 4th and final round of their lightweight contest.

In round four, Sheehy landed a big right that put Ramos on the deck. Seconds later, Sheehy landed a fierce combination that forced a referee stoppage at 1:48.

Sheehy, 134.2 lbs of Brisbane, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Ramos, 137.8 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 0-2.

Oscar Alan Perez won four-round unanimoud decision over Raymundo Rios in a super lightweight bout.

In round two, Perez dropped Rios with a right-left combination.

Perez, 136.9 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 4-0. Rios, 139.6 lbs of Durango, MX is 3-7-2.

Former featherweight world champion Shakur Stevenson won an easy 10-round unanimous decision over Toka Kahn Clary in a junior lightweight bout at the MGM Grand Conference center in las Vegas.

Stevenson dominated the bout with Kahn Clary showing next-to-nothing in return.

Stevenson landed 151 of 514 punches; Kahn Clary landed 48 of 529.

Stevenson, 130 lbs of Newark, NJ won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 15-0. Kahn Clary, 129 lbs of Providence, RI is 28-3-1.

“He knew how to survive. He came in there to survive, and that’s what he did,” Stevenson said. “I want the WBO belt first. The winner of {Carl} Frampton and {Jamel} Herring have to come see me. After that, we want {WBC world champion Miguel} Berchelt.”

Nakatani stops Verdejo in 9

Masayoushi Nakatani shook off two early knockdowns and then stopped Felix Verdejo in round nine of their scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Verdejo scored a knockdown with a hard right hand. It was another right hand in round four that sent Nakatani down for a 2nd time

In round nine Nakatani landed a hard right that sent Verdejo down with a j on the chin. Then it was a right to the top of the head that sent Verdejo down face-first and the fight was stopped at 1:45.

Nakatani, 135 lbs of Osaka, JAP is 19-1 with 13 knockdowns. Verdejo, 135 lbs of San Juan, PR is 27-2.

After the bout, a jubilant Nakatani set his sights on a rematch with Lopez, now the undisputed lightweight world champion.

“I fought Lopez, and I wanted to fight him again, and that’s why I kept going,” Nakatani said. “I want to go for the knockout like I did today, and that’s going to be my style.”

Berlanga Keeps 1st round KO Streak intact; Stops Sierra

Edgar Berlanga kept his perfect 1st round knockout streak alive as he stopped Ulises Sierra in their scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

He dropped Sierra with a hard right around the gloves. He sent Sierra down for a 2nd time with a vicious seven punch combination. Berlanga ended things with a vicious flurry that was punctuated by a hard right and the fight was stopped at 2:40.

Berlanga, 169 lbs of Brooklyn NY is 16-0 with 16 opening round knockouts. Sierra, 167 1/2 lbs of San Diego is 15-2-2.

Berlanga said, “{I want} rounds. The better competition, the better opposition we fight, I believe we’re going to get those rounds in. We ended 2020 with a bang. 2021 is a big year for us, and I’m looking forward to it.

“Tito Trinidad was my idol. He still is. Just being with him opened up my eyes as to what boxing is about, the dedication, the focus, leaving the streets and the bad people alone.”

Quincy LaVallais won a eight-round unanimous decision over feel-good Clay Collard in a middleweight bout.

LaVallais, !59 lbs of Kenner, LA won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice and is now 10-0-1. Collard, 159 lbs of Burley, ID is 9-3-3.

Jesse Rodriguez stopped Saul Juarez in round two of a scheduled eight-round flyweight bout.

In round two, Rodriguez dropped Juarez with a crushing left uppercut for the count of 10 at 2:05

Rodriguez, 110.5 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 13-0 with nine knockouts. Juarez, 110 lbs of Mexico City, MEX is 25-14-2.

Former Olympic Gold Medal winner Robeisy Ramirez stopped Brandon Valdes in round six of a scheduled eight-round featherweight bout.

In round six, Valdes was deducted a point for a low blow. Later in the round, Ramirez landed a heavyweight combination on the ropes, and referee Russell Mora stopped the fight at 2:49.

Ramirez, 126 lbs of Cuba is 6-1 with four knockouts. Valdes, 127 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 13-2.

Haven Bardy Jr. made it two in a row with stoppage at the end of round two of a scheduled four-round featherweight bout over Michael Land.

Brady, 127 lbs of Albany. GA is 2-0 with both wins coming via stoopage. Land, 126 lbs of Cedar Hill, TX is 1-2.

Kasir Goldston stopped Llewelyn McClamy in a scheduled four-round welterweight bout.

In round two, Goldston dropped McClamy with a straight left hand. Goldston finished the bout just a few seconds later when he dropped McClammy again with a left and the fight was stopped at 1:35.

Goldston, 142 lbs of Albany, NU is 2-0 with one knockout. McClamy. 142.5 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA is 2-1.

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 22, 2020) — Robson Conceição, a 2016 Olympic gold medalist for his native Brazil, seeks to notch the signature win of his unblemished professional career when he takes on Luis Coria in a 10-round junior lightweight fight Saturday, Oct. 31 from the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble.

Conceição-Coria will serve as the chief support bout to the world championship doubleheader featuring unified bantamweight world champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue’s title defense against Jason Moloney and Mikaela Mayer challenging WBO female junior lightweight world champion Ewa Brodnicka.

The card will also feature Toledo’s 20-year-old heavyweight sensation, Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (6-0, 6 KOs), who will fight Luis Eduardo Pena (6-1, 6 KOs) in a six-rounder. Anderson has three knockout wins inside the Bubble and four first-round stoppages in his young career.

The entire Inoue-Moloney card will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the co-feature (Brodnicka-Mayer) expected to start at approximately 10 p.m. ET.

Conceição (14-0, 7 KOs) turned pro under the Top Rank banner in 2016 after an amateur career that included the Olympic gold medal, more than 400 victories and two World Championship medals. He last fought in August in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and knocked out Eduardo Reis in the second round. Conceição takes a giant step up in class against Coria (12-3, 7 KOs), a Robert Garcia-trained fighter who is coming off a razor-thin majority decision loss in June against Adam Lopez in one of the year’s best back-and-forth brawls.

In other undercard bouts:

Julian Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) vs. TBA
10 Rounds, Junior Welterweight

“Hammer Hands” Rodriguez is 4-0 with three knockouts since returning from a nearly two-year layoff last July, re-establishing himself as one of the 140-pound division’s top prospects. He made his Bubble debut Aug. 22 and knocked out the previously undefeated Anthony Laureano in the first round. Rodriguez turned pro in 2013 as an 18-year-old, and at 25 years old, is approaching contender status.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (12-0, 8 KOs) vs. TBA
8 Rounds, Light Flyweight

Rodriguez, a 20-year-old southpaw prodigy from San Antonio, Texas, put forth a star-making performance inside the Bubble Sept. 5, knocking down the normally iron-chinned Janiel Rivera three times en route to a first-round stoppage. Trained by Robert Garcia and promoted by Teiken Promotions, Rodriguez has won four straight bouts by stoppage, and his sublime footwork reminds many boxing observers of Vasiliy Lomachenko. 

Andy Hiraoka (15-0, 10 KOs) vs. Rickey Edwards (12-4, 3 KOs)
8 Rounds, Junior Welterweight

Hiraoka, a stablemate of Inoue’s from Yokohama, Japan, made his U.S. debut last November and knocked out Rogelio Casarez in two rounds. A former high school distance-running star, the 24-year-old also bested former world title challenger Akihiro Kondo via 10-round decision in July 2019. Edwards, from Paterson, N.J., hopes to snap a two-bout losing skid and pick up his third victory over a previously undefeated prospect.

Andres Cortes (13-0, 7 KOs) vs. George Acosta (10-1, 1 KO)
8 Rounds, Junior Lightweight

Cortes returns for his second Bubble bout nearly four months removed from his July 7 slugfest against Alejandro Salinas. Cortes recovered from a fourth-round knockdown to earn an eight-round unanimous decision. As an amateur, he notched a pair of victories over undisputed lightweight world champion Teofimo Lopez. Acosta, from Long Beach, Calif., has won three consecutive fights since a six-round decision defeat to Ruben Torres.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com,ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

Jamel Herring retained the WBO Junior Lightweight title when Jonathan Oquendo was disqualified for an intentional headbutt that caused a bad cut over Herring’s right eye. The fight headlined a card at the MGM Grand Conference in Las Vegas,

In round three, Herring dropped Oquendo with a perfect left uppercut. In round five, Herring was cut over the right eye from an intentional headbutt, for which Oquendo was deducted a point.

After round eight, the cut worsened and Herring was not able to see, and the fight was halted and Oquendo was disqualified.

Herring said, “It just got ugly. I wasn’t too satisfied with my performance, to be honest with you. In the beginning, everything was going real smooth, me boxing. I put him down with an uppercut. We knew he was going to come head-first. We had to time it. In the end, I wasn’t happy with how I was looking. I’m disappointed with the outcome. I’ve never been in that situation.
 
“I still want the Carl Frampton fight next by all means. November, December, whatever. I still want that fight next.”

Nelson stops Ware in 6

Steven Nelson stopped DeAndre Ware in round six of a scheduled 10-round super middleweight fight.

In round two, blood started dripping from about the left eye of Nelson. In round five, a worse cut opened up on the eyelid. Both cuts where caused by accidental headbutts.

In round six, Nelson hurt Ware with left hooks that wobbled Ware. Ware went back to the ropes with hard right hands and a big uppercut forced referee Jay Nady to stop the bout at 2:24.

Nelson, 167.6 lbs of Omaha, NE 17-0 with 14 knockouts. Ware, 168 lbs of Toledo, OH is 13-4-2.

“I feel like I’m ready for a title eliminator and then let’s go for the title. That was my whole plan, to set myself up where they can’t deny me a world title.”

Rodriguez Destroys Rivera in 1

Jesse Rodriguez remained undefeated by blowing out Janiel Rivera in scheduled six-round light flyweight bout.

Rodriguez dropped Rivera three times before the fight was stopped at 2:03.

Rodriguez, 109.2 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 12-0 with eight knockouts. Rivera, 109.3 lbs of Bayamon, PR is 18-7-3.

Rodriguez said, “I felt amazing. I told Robert in the locker room, ‘This is the best I’ve ever felt.’ I think I showed that today.

“To have a brother as a champion is really motivating to me. In camp, I was thinking that my brother became a champ, and I can do the same. There were times in camp I didn’t feel like working out or running, but I thought about my brother, and he motivated me. Just the thought of him being a world champ brought out the best of me in camp.”

Anderson stop Hernandez in 4

Jared Anderson remained perfect by stopping Rodney Anderson in round four of a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

Anderson bloodied the nose of Hernandez in round four. Later in the round, Anderson landed a jab, and dropped Hernandez with a left uppercut and the fight was stopped at 2:22.

Anderson, 247.2 lbs of Toledo, OH is 6-0 with six knockouts. Hernandez, 255.2 lbs of Modesto, CA is 13-10-2.

Anderson said, “We’re ready for everybody. We’re building up. Bob {Arum} is moving me perfectly. It was about getting those rounds in and showing I can really box. I’m not just a puncher. I know how to box, and I know how to stay on my back foot.
 
“I’m listening to the commentators more, getting a lot of learning experiences. It’s helping a lot {with me} taking my time and slowing down.”

Benjamin Whitaker won a six-round unanimous decision over D’Andre Smith in a welterweight bout.

Whitaker, 148.8 lbs of San Antonio, TX won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55, and is now 14-4. Smith, 147.4 lbs of Dacatar, GA is 8-1.

Ruben Cervera scored a sensational 2nd round stoppage over Rennard Oliver in a scheduled six-round junior lightweight bout.

Seconds into the fight, an accidental headbutt caused a small abrasion over Cervera’s left eyebrow. In round two, Cervera landed a perfect right to the jaw that sent Oliver down, and the fight was stopped at 1:42.

Cervera, 130.3 lbs of Santa Maria, COL is 13-2 with 11 knockouts. Oliver, 130.5 lbs of New Orleans, LA is 7-3-2.

Despite being knocked down, Edwin Vazquez remained undefeated by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Adan Ochoa in a featherweight bout.

In round two, Ochoa dropped Vazquez with a hard right hand.

Vazquez, 127.3 lbs of Fort Worth, TX on by scores of 58-55 twice and 57-56, and is now 8-0. Ochoa, 127.1 lbs of Los Angeles is 11-2.

Rashiem Jefferson won a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Martinez in a featherweight bout.

Jefferson, 125 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37, and is now 2-0. Martinez, 125.1 lbs of East Los Angeles, CA is 2-2.

LAS VEGAS (August 27, 2020) —Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound heavyweight destroyer from Toledo, Ohio, returns for his third “Bubble” appearance Saturday, Sept. 5 at the MGM Grand Conference Center.

Anderson will take on nine-year pro and noted spoiler Rodney Hernandez in a bout scheduled for eight or six rounds on the undercard of an action-packed doubleheader featuring Jamel Herring’s WBO junior lightweight world title defense against Jonathan Oquendo and unbeaten super middleweight Steven Nelson against DeAndre Ware in a 10-rounder.

Anderson-Hernandez and additional undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 PT.

Anderson said, “I’ve made my home in the ‘Bubble’ this summer, and I’ve enjoyed coming to Las Vegas and putting on a heavyweight show for the fans. I don’t know too much about Rodney Hernandez, but I know he’s been in there with a lot of top guys and usually goes rounds.

“I can’t wait for this one. Top Rank keeps lining these guys up, and I’m knocking them out.”

The 20-year-old Anderson (5-0, 5 KOs) has opened eyes with four first-round knockouts in five outings since making his professional debut last October. He spent the early part of 2020 in camp with Tyson Fury as the lineal heavyweight champion readied to battle Deontay Wilder. When boxing returned, Anderson knocked out Johnnie Langston in three rounds in June and stopped Hector Perez in one round the following month. Hernandez (13-9-2, 4 KOs) has four wins over previously undefeated prospects, including a first-round stoppage over Onoriode Ehwarieme, who was 17-0 at the time.

In other undercard action:

San Antonio native Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (11-0, 7 KOs), a light flyweight prospect promoted by Teiken Promotions, will take on Puerto Rican veteran Janiel Rivera (18-6-3, 11 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Rodriguez has won three straight by knockout, including an eighth-round stoppage Feb. 29 on the Mikey Garcia-Jessie Vargas undercard.

In a six-round battle of unbeaten welterweights, Christopher Gonzalez (7-0-1, 1 KO) will face D’Andre Smith (8-0, 5 KOs). Gonzalez, a ticket-seller in his hometown of Tucson, Ariz., has won four in a row since the lone draw on his ledger.

Colombian puncher Ruben Cervera (12-2, 10 KOs), who defeated Clay “3rd Degree” Burns via decision July 14 inside the “Bubble,” will fight New Orleans native Rennard Oliver (7-2-3, 0 KOs) in a six-rounder at junior lightweight.
Edward “Kid” Vazquez (7-0, 1 ND, 1 KO), from Fort Worth, Texas, will make his “Bubble” debut against Adan “Temo” Ochoa (11-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round junior lightweight tilt.
Philadelphia native Rashiem Jefferson (1-0), a former U.S. amateur star, will return to the ring against Jose Martinez (2-1, 1 KO) in a four-rounder at featherweight.
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content.

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month

ARLINGTON, Tex. ––Truth is stitched in red across the waistband.

It’s no lie.

Errol Spence Jr. delivered truth in a jab, power and quickness again and again over 12 rounds that left Mikey Garcia looking exhausted, undersized and overmatched in a Fox pay-per-view bout in front of a crowd of more than 47,000 at AT&T Stadium.

It was every bit the one-sided massacre Spence promised, or perhaps threatened, a few days before opening bell.

“They said I wasn’t too smart,’’ Spence (25-0, 22 KOs) said after retaining the International Boxing Federation’s version of the welterweight title. “They said I couldn’t box. You saw it today. I can punch and I can box.’’

Truth is, Spence could pretty much do whatever he wanted against Garcia, a former featherweight champion and a current lightweight champ who was fighting at 147 pounds for only the second time.  On the scorecards, Garcia (39-1, 30 KOs) didn’t win a round. The judges scored it 120-108, 120-107, 120-108, all for Spence.

“He really is the Truth,’’ said Garcia, who was Spence’s equal only on the pay scale. According to contracts filed with the Texas Commission, both fighters collected a minimum of $3 million.

Garcia took some solace in the fact he was never knocked down by power shots set up by a Spence jab that consistently rocked back his head.

“I was able to hold on,’’ said Garcia, who said he talked his brother and trainer Robert out of stopping the fight in eighth or ninth round.

For Garcia, it not clear what’s next. He took a risk in jumping up in weight to fight the biggest man in the welterweight division. He could go down in weight to defend his 135 pound title.

For Spence, the victory further enhances his pound-for-pound  credentials. May, it also put him in line to fight Manny Pacquiao, who was at ringside.

“It would be an honor for me to fight him next,’’ Spence said.

From his ringside seat, Pacquiao said:

“Why not?’’

The why-not reasons were there, again and again. Don’t doubt Spence. There’s never much Truth in boxing. For now, however, he is the undisputed version.

David Benavidez roars back with second-round stoppage of J’Leon Love

It was called a comeback. It was that and more.

Luis Nery says hello to U.S. market with sensational stoppage

Mexican bantamweight Luis Nery’s introduced himself to the U.S. market with a performance that will created an appetite for more.

Arreola TKO winner

Chris Arreola opened the Fox pay-per-view telecast of the Garcia-Spence card at AT&T Stadium with a stoppage. Call it bang for the buck.

Charles Martin gets victory in low blow DQ

It was a low blow. Actually, there were four of them, if you were counting. A heavyweight bout that could have been stopped for boredom after a couple of rounds was stopped in the eighth when Gregory Corbin of Dallas (15-1, 9 KOs) was disqualified for his fourth low blow. Charles Martin (25-3-1, 23 KOs), of Saint Louis, got the victory in the final bout before the start of the pay-per-view telecast of the Garcia-Spence card at AT&T Stadium. 

Lindolfo  Delgado, a young super-lightweight from Mexico,  added to his rep as prospect with a powerful first-round knockout of James Roach (5-2, 5 KOs) of Grove, OK, in a swing bout on the pay-per-view portion of the Garcia-Spence card at AT&T Stadium.

Oh, Brother: Marsellos Wilder flashes Deontay’s power for first-round stoppage

Marsellos Wilder is a lot like his better-known brother, Deontay, the World Boxing Council’s heavyweight champ. He punches wildly. He punches powerfully. In the Wilder family, power prevails and it did again Saturday with Marsellos (4-1, 3 KOs) scoring a first-round stoppage of Mark Sanchez (0-3) of Midland, Tex., on the Spence-Garcia undercard at AT&T Stadium

Featherweight Fernando Garcia rolls to 12-0 record with KO win

Dallas super-lightweight Rashidi walks down, breaks down foe for sixth-round stoppage

No stopping San Antonio bantamweight Jesse Rodriquez in TKO win

Milwaukee super-welterweight wins split decision. Anybody for a rematch?

Bantamweight Morales flashes more of everything in scoring unanimous decision

Oklahoma City bantamweight Aaron Morales (6-0, 3 KOs) employed quicker hands, quicker feet and was more accurate from more angles angle, scoring a unanimous decision over Fernando Robles (2-1) of McAllen, Tex., in the fifth bout of the Spence-Garcia featured card.

In the card’s fourth bout, the judges — one of the few people at AT&T Stadium to actually to be in their seats — went back to work, all three scoring a four-round cruiserweight bout for Adrian Taylor (9-1, 4 KOs) of Mesquite, Tex., over William Quintana (7-13, 3 KOs) of Kearney, Neb.

Third bout ends in second-round TKO

The card’s third bout didn’t last much longer. Luis Coria (11-2, 6 KOs), light from Moreno Valley, Calif., finished it with two rounds, scoring a swift stoppage of Omar Garcia (6-8, 1 KOs) of Monterrey, Mex.

Second bout on Spence-Gracia card ends in quick stoppage

There were only echoes at empty AT&T Stadium and one the biggest was caused by Dallas super-middleweight Burley Brooks, who who went crashing to the canvas head-over heels in first-round stoppage delivered by Randy Mast (2-0, 1 KO) of Springfield, MO in the second fight of 17 on card featuring Spence-Garcia.

The corner side of Team Garcia went to work early.

Robert Garcia, Mikey Garcia’s brother and trainer, had to hope the show would end as it opened. It began at empty AT&T Stadium with Garcia-trained Robert Rodriguez (3-0) of San Antonio, winning a unanimous decision over California super-flyweight Fernando Ibarra (0-1) in an afternoon matinee.

About five hours and 16 fights later, Mikey Garcia would face welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. in a Fox pay-per-view televised bout.

LOS ANGELES –Forget Anthony Joshua. Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury still have some unfinished business.

A Wilder-Fury draw in a terrific fight Saturday night at Staples Center made a rematch a lot more likely than a big money date with Joshua for either heavyweight.

Both Fury and Wilder showed great resilience, power and – in the end – guts in a bout that was close most of the time.

In the final three minutes, both fighters fought their way out of trouble and defeat.

Wilder needed at least a knockdown. He got it with a concussive right-left combo. For a fleeting second, it looked as if Fury would not get up. Wilder went to a neutral corner, rolled his shoulders and smiled.

But the celebration was premature. He, like everybody else, had underestimated Fury, who about a year ago was about 150 pounds heavier than he was at opening bell for Showtime pay-per-view bout.

Fury got up, avoided the loss, survived for another day, another shot at Wilder. Judge Alejandro Rochin of Mexico scored it 115-111 for Wilder. Robert Tapper of Canada scored it 114-112 for Fury on a card initially announced at 114-110 and then corrected. The third card announced was from judge Phil Edwards, who scored it 113-113. Edwards is from the UK, Fury’s home country. UK fans filled Staples Center. They probably wanted to give Edwards his Brexit papers. But they, too, probably want a rematch

“Let’s do it,’’ said Wilder (40-0-1, 39 KOs), who kept his World Boxing Council belt. “In the UK, wherever. Wherever there’s the most money.’’

If the Staples crowd reaction was any indication, both Fury and Wilder can expect raise. Wilder was guaranteed $4 million, according to the California Commission. Fury collected a $3 million guarantee. The crowd screamed for more, especially through the six final rounds.

In the early going, Fury appeared to be in control. Wilder missed and missed with his big wind-up shots. But in the ninth, Wilder’s feared power touched Fury just enough to knock down the Manchester City fighter for the first of two times.

“With two knockdowns, I thought won the fight,’’ Wilder said.

But the clever Fury made Wilder looked awkward with agile footwork. It often left Wilder looking like a windmill, swinging his arms aimlessly, above and short of Fury. All the while, Fury mocked him.

“Listen, I got knocked down twice,’’ Fury said. “But I got up twice and won the fight.’’

The argument will continue. The only answer rests in a rematch.

Hurd’s body shot ends Welborn’s upset bid

Jarrett Hurd calls himself Swift. Make that Swift To Respond.

Just as it looked as if Hurd (23-0, 16 KOs) might lose his junior-middleweight belts in a significant upset, he rallied, throwing a wicked body shot that finished the UK’s Jason Welborn (24-7, 7 KOs) at 1:55 of the fourth round.

The aggressive Welborn had been rocking Hurd with repeated shots from head to body through three-plus rounds. Then, Hurd, of Accokeek, MD, decided to go to work. He got it done with one punch.

Luis Ortiz ends dull fight with 10th-round stoppage

The Staples crowd booed. But Luis Ortiz didn’t hear their impatience until the end. Finally, however, the Cuban heavyweight did what could have been done five rounds earlier. He stopped Travis Kauffman of Reading, Penn., midway though the 10th and final round with a succession of punches.

Ortiz (29-1, 25 KOs) also knocked down Kauffman (32-3, 23 KOs) in sixth, eighth and earlier in the 10th. For Ortiz, there’s been talk of a rematch with Deontay Wilder, who was waiting in his dressing room waiting to defend his WBC title against Tyson Fury. Wilder got up from a knockdown and stopped Ortiz in the Cuban’s only loss.

UK heavyweight Joe Joyce opens pay-per-view card with first-round stoppage

Joe Joyce opened the Showtime pay-per-view part of the Fury-Wilder card at Staples with a UK accent. Joyce (7-0, 7 KOs) also kept it short and sweet, scoring a first-round stoppage of Newark heavyweight Joe Hanks (23-3, 15 KOs).

Joyce landed a right that forced Hanks to hold on to the ropes. Without those ropes, he would have been on the canvas. It should have been scored a knockdown. It wasn’t, but it didn’t matter. Seconds later, Joyce landed left, dropping Hanks, who was flat on the floor with no chance of continuing in a that ended at 2:25 of the first.

Guerrero wins comeback bout in a swift stoppage

It didn’t take long for Robert Guerrero to start his comeback. To be exact, he got it done within two rounds against overmatched Hungarian Adam Mate (28-13, 21 KOs). In winning a second-round stoppage, the 35-year-old Guerrero (34-6-1, 19 KOs) scored a knockdown in the first and two more in the second, unleashing three reasons to think his comeback has a real chance at succeeding.

Wilder family stays unbeaten with a Marcellos victory

The Wilders kept the 0 in the family midway through a card Saturday that would end with Deontay Wilder’s heavyweight title defense against Tyson Fury in a Showtime -pay-per-view bout.

Marcellos Wilder, Deontay’s little brother and a big cruiserweight, went to 3-0 (2 KOs) with a unanimous decision of David Damore (1-4-3) of Bakersfield, Calif. Marcellus, whose record includes two KOs, flashed some of Deontay’s power, knocking Damore through the ropes in the second round.

Light-flyweight Jessie Rodriquez stays unbeaten, wins unanimous decision

Jessie Rodriquez, a San Antonio light-flyweight trained by Robert Garcia, was quick and accurate, an overwhelming combination in a one-sided decision over Josue Morales (8-9-3) in the second bout on a card featured by the Wilder-Fury heavyweight title fight.

Philadelphia light-middle weight Julian Williams scores quick stoppage

It was never a question of if, just when. The when was early. A stronger Julian Williams (25-2, 16 KOs), a Philadelphia light-middleweight, sent Mexican Francisco Javier Castro (28-9, 23 KOs) crashing into the ropes. Seconds later, Castro was unable to defend himself in a bout stopped at 2:40 of the second round.

First Bell: UK featherweight Isaac Lowe wins fifth-round stoppage in opener to Fury-Wilder card

UK fans were still singing outside Staples Center when a UK fighter struck an opening key that they hope to hear throughout Saturday.

UK featherweight Isaac Lowe (16-0-3, 6 KOs) opened the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder show with a matinee victory, landing undefended strikes to the head and body that floored Argentine Lucas Rafael Baez (33-17-5, 17 KOs) twice in the fifth round. At 2:11 of the fifth, the non-televised bout was over in a stoppage that left a dazed and slumped over on a stool for a couple of minutes before he could leave the ring under his own power.

LOS ANGELES (November 14, 2018) – Former multiple-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and former heavyweight title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola will make their ring returns as part of an exciting night of undercard action presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, December 1 live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The event is headlined by a heavyweight world championship showdown presented by Premier Boxing Champions that pits WBC champion Deontay Wilder against lineal champion Tyson Fury on SHOWTIME PPV®. The PPV undercard features unified super welterweight world champion Jarrett Hurd returning to take on Jason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz facing-off against Travis Kauffman and rising heavyweight Joe Joyce battling Joe Hanks.

Additional undercard action will see Deontay Wilder’s brother and unbeaten prospect Marsellos Wilder (2-0, 2 KOs)in a cruiserweight attraction. Plus, an IBF Minimumweight World Title showdown will see Westminster, California’s Carlos Licona (13-0, 2 KOs) take on the Phillippines’ Mark Anthony Barriga (9-0, 1 KO) while unbeaten featherweight Isaac Lowe (15-0-3, 5 KOs) competes in an eight-round bout. Undefeated light flyweight prospect Jesse Rodriguez (7-0, 4 KOs) battles Mexico’s Alex Aragon (10-2-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout and hard-hitting British light heavyweight contender Anthony Yarde (17-0, 16 KOs) is also in action.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

One of the sport’s most fearless warriors, Guerrero (33-6-1, 18 KOs) will return the ring for a 10-round welterweight attraction in his first action since July 2017. Representing the Bay Area and fighting out of Gilroy, California, Guerrero’s championship run began at featherweight in 2006 and went through a memorable 2012 triumph over Andre Berto for an interim welterweight championship. Along the way Guerrero has challenged and often engaged in memorable wars against the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia.

Born in Los Angeles, Arreola (36-5-1, 31 KOs) fights for the first time since challenging for Wilder’s WBC title in 2016 and will match up against Houston’s Maurenzo Smith (20-10-4, 13 KOs) in a 10-round attraction. Arreola previously battled Bermane Stiverne in two exciting heavyweight title fights and former champions Vitali Klitschko and Tomasz Adamek. He owns victories over Eric Molina, Jameel McCline, Joey Abell and Seth Mitchell throughout his career.

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @BronzeBomber, @Tyson_Fury, @TGBPromotions, @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.

Brandon Figueroa remained undefeated by stopping former world title challenger Oscar Escandon in the 10th and final round of their super bantamweight bout at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

In round 10, Figueroa landed a perfect uppercut that dropped Escandon on his front. Escandon tried to get up, but fell right back down, and the bout was stopped at 1:42.

Figueroa, 122.4 lbs of Werlasco, Texas is now 17-0 with 12 knockouts. Escandon, 123 lbs of Colombia is 25-5.

Joe Joyce remained undefeated by stopping Iago Kiladze in round three of a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Joyce dropped Kiladze with a hard right in the corner. In round three, it was a left body shot that sent Kiladze to the canvas. Joyce finished the bout in round five with a hard left hook that sent Kalidze to the canvas, and the fight was over at 41 seconds.

Joyce, 263 lbs of England is 6-0 with six knockouts. Kiladze, 218 lbs of Georgia Republic is 26-4.

Joey Spencer remained perfect with a 1st round stoppage over Cory Macon in a middleweight bout.

Spencer dominated from the opening bell as he repeatedly hurt Macon and then landed a booming right that sent Macon down for the count at 2:36.

Spencer, 155.8 lbs of Union City, CA is 5-0 with five knockouts, Macon, 153 lbs of Durham, NC is 0-3.

In a battle of undefeated heavyweights, Efe Ajagba needed one right hand to dispose of Nick Jones in their scheduled six-round bout.

Ajagba landed a hard right that sent Jones down face-first, and the bout was stopped at 2:25.

Ajagba, 238 lbs of Ugehlli, Nigeria is 7-0 with six-knockouts. Jones, 213.6 lbs of Okunulgee, OK is 7-1.

Stephen Fulton remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over German Meraz in a featherweight bout.

In round eight, Fulton dropped Meraz with a right to the body.

Fulton, 126 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 80-71 on all catds, and is now 14-0. Meraz, Meraz, 125.8 lbs of Agua Prieta, MEX is 61-50-2.

Jesse Rodriguez won an eight-round unanimous decision over Edwin Reyes in a light flyweight bout.

Rodriguez, 107.6 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 to go to 7-0. Reyes, 107.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 8-4-3.

Kody Davies won an eight-round unanimous decision over Jerhed Fenderson in a light heavyweight bout.

Davies, 175 lbs of England won on all cards by 80-72 cards is now 7-0. Fenderson, 174.8 lbs of Las Vegas is 4-7.

Omar Juarez made a successful pro debut with a unanimous decision over Matt Gaver in a super lightweight bout.

Arnold Alejandro stopped Francisco Camacho in round five of their scheduled six-round featherweight bout.

Camacho was bleeding from the right side of his head in round three.

In round five, Alejandro landed a hard left that drove Camacho to the corner. Alejandro followed up with a combination that floored Camacho, and the bout was stopped at 1:50.

Alejandro, 125.6 lbs of Dallas, TX is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Camacho, 124.4 lbs of Matamores, MEX is 7-9-1.

Jose Balderas remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Ivan Martino in a bantamweight fight.

Balderas, 118.3 lbs of Santa Maria, CA won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 and is now 5-0. Martino, 118.3 lbs of San Felipe, MX is 3-3.