Matchroom Boxing won the promotional rights for the World Boxing Association (WBA) super bantamweight eliminator bout between Uzbekistan’s Murodjon Akhmadaliev and Mexico’s Kevin Gonzalez, which was held this Monday morning, October 9, via zoom. 

Matchroom got the promotional rights after offering US$ 120,000.00 for the fight between the number one and the number two ranked boxers. 

As stated in the rules of the pioneer body, Matchroom gave three options to carry out the fight, December 9, in San Francisco; December 16, in Arizona and December 23, in Abu Dhabi. 

The signed contracts for the bout must be sent to the WBA Championships Committee within 20 days from the time of the bidding, so they should be received by October 29. 

As provided in such cases, the purse split will be 50% for each fighter and the fight must take place between November 23, 2023 and January 9, 2024.

The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee ordered the purse bid for the super bantamweight world eliminator bout between Murodjon Akhmadaliev and Kevin Gonzalez, which will take place on October 9 in Houston, Texas. 

After the period of negotiations was completed without the parties reaching an agreement, the pioneer organization decided to call the bidding, which will be directed by the World Championships Committee vice chairman, Julio Thyme from Panama. 

The bidding will be conducted under WBA rules and the purse split will be 50% for each fighter, while the minimum amount to participate will be US$ 80,000.00.

Akhmadaliev is ranked No. 1 at 122 pounds and a former world champion, while Gonzalez is ranked No. 2. The two must fight to determine the next challenger for the title, which is currently held by Marlon Tapales.

The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee ordered the super bantamweight eliminator bout between Murodjon Akhmadaliev and Kevin Gonzalez, a decision that was made this Monday, August 28, 2023 and the communication was sent to the teams of both fighters.

Uzbek Akhmadaliev is the former world champion and current number 2 ranked fighter. Initially, he was supposed to face Tomoki Kameda, who occupied the first place in the rankings, but the Japanese decided to move up in the rankings and informed the body about it. Therefore, the committee chose the next best available contender, which in this case was the Mexican Gonzalez. 

The negotiation period granted to Akhmadaliev and Gonzalez is of 30 days from the moment the communication was sent. If no agreement is reached within this period or if either party refuses to sign the bout, the committee may call for purse bid with a 50% purse split for each fighters. 

Marlon Tapales is the current champion of the division and is expected to meet Naoya Inoue next in a unification fight. The winner between Akhamadaliev and Gonzalez will be the next mandatory challenger for the WBA 122-pound world title.

The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee approved on Monday, June 5, 2023, that Marlon Tapales, WBA super bantamweight champion, will unify his belt against the winner of Naoya Inoue and Stephen Fulton. Meanwhile, Murodjon Akhmadaliev and Tomoki Kameda must meet in a final eliminator to determine the division’s mandatory challenger.

Los Angeles, CA (April 12, 2023) Former Unified Super Bantamweight World Champion Murodjon ‘MJ’ Akhmadaliev has re-watched his fight against mandatory challenger Marlon Tapales from this past Saturday night and is incredulous at the scoring which resulted in him losing his world titles (WBA, IBF). Scores for the split decision was 118-110 for Akhmadaliev, scored by Texas Hall of Fame judge Javier Alvarez, and 115-113 twice for Tapales by Sergio Caiz from California and Jose Roberto Torres from Puerto Rico.

Broadcast internationally from San Antonio, TX on DAZN, the fight was fought in close quarters which found the 28-year-old Uzbek southpaw consistently beating his Filipino opponent to the punch.

“I came into the dressing room and I felt like I was dead, my body was still moving, but I knew my life was over, everything I worked for my entire life was now over” said Akhmadaliev, (11-1-0, 8 KOs). “I would never have any excuses, I knew that if my hand was not raised, then I lost my titles and the most important fight of my life. But then my team walked in, and my manager and trainers told me, stop crying, take your belts and go home as a Champion, ‘you did not lose this fight Champ!’

“I did take a couple of big shots in the first couple of rounds, but I felt like I recovered well and was taking the fight to him from round four on. After watching the fight at home now, I am seeing why my team was so supportive, I do not believe that he did enough to win this fight and take my hard-earned titles away from me!”

“I’ve worked hard my entire life to get to this point of being a world champion and on the way to an undisputed world title fight; it’s just very hard to fathom that everything was taken from me in one night, and they didn’t deserve it.”

Akhmadaliev had an extensive amateur career compiling a record of 300-15 in addition to a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games.

Said manager Vadim Kornilov, “This is just not something that is acceptable.  Murodjon has dedicated his entire life to the sport, he’s built a very successful career in the United States as a professional boxer, far away from his homeland, he became a unified world champion and has made three defenses of his titles with two of them being mandatory challengers ordered by the WBA and the IBF. We cannot let things like this happen in the sport and just act like it’s ok, or that this is mere incompetence or someone’s subjective view of the fight.  Some people will argue that there are no grounds for complaints as it was a pretty close fight, but let this be on their consciousness.  We have asked numerous reputable representatives of this great sport to score this fight and their scores have Murodjon unanimously winning this fight and leading on the scorecards at least by a couple of rounds, which is enough to keep your titles and get your hard earned victory. We are currently collecting all the necessary information to take action on this and protest the decision with both the WBA and the IBF, as well as the Texas Boxing Commission. 

“We believe that there should be an immediate rematch ordered, and if Tapales won this fight by split decision the first time, now being the champion he and his team will only have more confidence and all the Champion Perks on their side to get a unanimous decision in the rematch!”

Dmitry Bivol, the WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion, is a teammate and a close, long-time friend of Murodjon who was also appalled with the decision. “Frankly, it’s a disgrace and very harmful to the sport of boxing. I had ‘MJ’ winning a clear decision and was stunned when the scorecards were read.”

Jesse Rodriguez became a two-division world champion with a 12-round unanimous decision over Cristian Gonzalez to capture WBO Flyweight title in San Antonio, Texas.

Rodriguez, 111.4 lbs of San Antonio, Texas won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 and is now 18-0. Gonzalez, 112 lbs of Tultitlan, MEX is 15-2.

Marlon Tapales wrestled the IBF/WBA Super Bantamweight titles with a 12-round split decision over now-dethroned champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev,

Tapales, 121.8 lbs of Lanao del Norte, PHL won two cards 115-113 and Akhmadaliev took a card by a too-wide 118-110.

Tapales is 37-3. Akhmadaliev, 121.6 lbs of Chust, UZB is 11-1.

Raymond Ford scored a 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Jessie Magdaleno in a featherweight bout.

In round four, Ford dropped Magdaleno with a hook behind the head.

In round 11, Ford dropped Magdaleno with a right hook to the body that was followed up by a straight left to the head.

Ford, 126 lbs of Camden, NJ is 14-0-1. Magdaleno, 126 lbs of Las Vegas is 29-2.

Thomas Mattice scored a come from behind 10th round stoppage over Ramiro Cesena in the final round of their super featherweight bout.

In round eight, Mattice was deducted a point after his mouthpiece came out.

Mattice landed a right that drove Cesena back. Mattice landed a hard flurry for which most of the punches seemed to hit the gloves of Cesena and the fight was stopped at 1:35.

Mattice, 129 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 21-3-1 with 16 knockouts. Cesena, 130 lbs of Baja California, MEX is 16-1-1.

Israil Madrimov won a 10-round unanimous decision over Raphael Igbokwe in a super welterweight contest.

Madrimov, 158.8 lbs of Chiva, UZB won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 9-0-1. Igbokwe, 160 lbs of Houston, TX is 16-4.

Marc Castro remained undefeated by stopping Ricardo Lopez in a eight-round lightweight fight.

In round seven, Castro hurt Lopez with a hard right that drove Lopez to the ropes that started big flurry, and the fight was stopped at

Castro, 133 lbs of Fresno, CA is 10-0 with seven knockouts. Lopez, 133.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 16-7-3.

Khalil Coe remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over James Quiter in scheduled six-round light heavyweight fight.

In round one, Coe dropped Quiter with a hard left hand. In round three, Coe dropped Quiter with a right hand. Seconds later, Coe finished the fight by landing a bug right uppercut that put Quiter down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:51.

Coe, 175.8 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 5-0-1 with three knockouts. Quiter, 174.8 lbs of Oak Park, IL is 6-2-1.

Jesus Martinez and Jose Lopez battled to a four-round draw in a bantamweight contest.

Each fighter won a scorecard 39-37 and a third card was 38-38.

Martinez, 119.4 lbs of DelRio, TX is 3-0-1. Lopez, 118.4 lbs of Rodgewood, NY 4-2-2.

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.

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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.”

Demetrius Andrade remained undefeated and retained the WBO Middleweight title with a 2nd round destruction of Jason Quigley and SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire.

In round one, Andrade rocked Quigley with a right hook and a follow up shot put the Irish challenger on the canvas. In round two, Andrade landed a wicked overhand left that put Quigley down again. Andrade landed a leaping left that sent Quigley down and the fight was stopped at 2:24

Andrade, 160 lbs of Providence, RI is 31-0 with 18 knockouts. Quigley, 159 1/2 of Ireland is 19-2.

“I did what I said I would do, I looked good and felt good,” said Andrade. “I delivered a message tonight – what’s next and who’s next.
 
“Every time I get in the ring, I do something different, and I can do it all, and whatever I need. Patience. So many times, you see people get knocked down and then they knock the other guy down. So, I keep patient in there and wait for the shots to land. But you asked for KOs, and I give you KOs so let’s go.
 
“I’m 31-0, Olympian and World champion, so what more do I need to do?”

Martinez and Arroyo battle to a no-contest

The WBC Flyweight title bout was between Julio Cesar Martinez and McWilliams Arroyo was postponed three-times, They finally fought on Friday. The fight was full of action, but unfortunately the fight was ruled a no-contest after Arroyo was badly due to a headbutt after round two.

In round one, Arroyo with a hard right hand in between punches. Later in the round, Martinez caught Arroyo with a wicked right that sent him to the canvas. In round two, Arroyo was cut over his right eye. Later in the round, Martinez dropped Arroyo again with a left to the head. With Arroyo bleeding badly, the fight was ruled off after the round.

Martinez, 111.4 lbs of Mexico City is 18-1, 2 no-contest. Arroyo, 111.6 lbs of Fajardo, PR is 21-4, 1 NC

Akhmadaliev Decisions Velasquez; Retains Super Bantamweight Titles

Murodjon Akhmadaliev retained the IBF/WBA Super Bantamweight titles with a unanimous decision over sturdy late-replacement Jose Velasquez.

Akhmadaliev dominated the action as he backed up Velasquez with consistent punching for the duration of the fight.

Akhmadaliev landed 238 of 833 punches; Velasquez landed 170 of 551.

Akhmadaliev, 121.8 lbs of Uzbekistan won by scores of 119-109 on all cards and is now 10-0. Velasquez, 121.6 lbs of Quellon, CHL, stepped in for Ronny Rios who testes positive for COVID-19, is 29-7-2.

Reis Defeats Camara Via Split-Decision to become unified champion

In an action packed 10 round brawl, Kali Reis retained her WBA and won the vacant WBO Super Lightweight title over Jessica Camara.

Camara started strong and was able to get in some good left hooks. Reis came on down the stretch and showed championship experience.

In round 10, Camara was badly cut over her left eye.

The two waged a vicious war in that 10-round as Reis landed some hard punches.

Reis landed 158 of 556 punches; Camara was 159 of 547.

Reis, 138 lbs of Providence, RI won by scores of 97-93 twice with Camara taking a card 95-94

Reis is now 19-7-1. Camara, 139 lbs of Montreal is 8-3.

Reis will now take on Chantelle Cameron for the undisputed title.

“I thought I won the fight,” said Reis. “Jessica put up a brilliant fight, but I do feel I did the cleaner work. I’m so happy and I can’t wait to fight for the undisputed fight next year, that’s my dream.”

Demsey McKean stopped Don Haynesworth in round six of a scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

McKean dominated the action and landed a big flurry on the ropes in round six that forced a referee stoppage at 27 seconds.

McKean, 243 lbs of Queensland, AUS is 20-0 with 13 knockouts. Haynesworh, 293.6 lbs of New Rochelle, NY is 16-8-1.

Nelson Perez remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Raymundo Rios in a junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Perez dropped Rios with a left hook. In round two, Perez sent Rios down again with a left hook.

Perez, 140 lbs of Marlboro, MA won by scores of 40-34 on all cards, and is now 5-0. Rios, 139.6 lbs of Mexico is 3-8-2.

Thomas O’Toole made quick work of Mark Malone by scoring a 1st round stoppage in the four-round cruiserweight affair.

O’Toole landed a devastating left that sent Malone slumped to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:31.

O’Toole, 186.8 lbs of Ireland is 2-0 with two knockouts. Malone., 198.6 lbs of Longview, TX is 1-1.

Khalil Coe and Aaron Casper battled to a four-round majority draw.

Coe, 175.8 lbs of Jersey City, NJ won by scores 39-37 and 38-38 twice.

Coe is 1-0-1. Casperm 174.8 lbs of Augusta, GA is 6-4-2.

LAS VEGAS, NV (September 9, 2021) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated super bantamweight contender, Raeese “The Beast” Aleem (18-0, 12 KOs), currently ranked WBA #1, is looking for a world title shot, and WBA super bantamweight champion, Murodjon Akhmadaliev (9-0, 7 KOs), is who Aleem would like next.

“I am the number one contender and mandatory for Akhmadaliev’s belt and people are saying he is one of the best in the division, so I want him to prove it, because I know I can beat him,” said Aleem. “With the WBA reducing the number of world titles they have, and now that I am not an interim world champion, I want this fight. Since Akhmadaliev won the belt against Daniel Roman nearly two years ago, he has only fought one time. I feel the WBA needs to mandate this fight and crown the true champion at super bantamweight.”

Aleem, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, is looking for the biggest fights possible.

“Aleem passes all the checkmarks of being a world champion, but no one seems too eager to fight him,” said Greg Hannley, Aleem’s manager. “Aleem versus Akhmadaliev would be a great fight that fans would love to see. A battle of two of the best in the world.”

Aleem doesn’t just have his eyes set on the current WBA world champion, he also wants to face the winner of Stephen Fulton vs Brandon Figueroa in the future as well.

“I want to beat Akhmadaliev and then unify my title against the winner of Stephen Fulton versus Brandon Figueroa,” Aleem continued. “I am the best fighter in this division, and I am calling out all names, if people don’t like me, sign up to fight me and prove me wrong.”

Muroodjon Akhmadliev retained the IBF/WBA Super Bantamiweight titles with a fifth round stoppage over Ryosuke Iwasa at the Humo Arena in Tashkent, Uznbekistan.

In round five, Akamadaliv landed a hard combination that sent Iwasa into the ropes, and the fight was stopped (maybe Prematurely) at 1:30.

Akhmadlaiv, 121 .2 lbs of Chust, UZB is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Iwasa, 121.6 lbs of Kashiwa, JAP is 27-4.

Shakhram Giyasov stopped Patricio Lopez in round three of a scheduled 10-round super lightweight fight.i

In round two, Giyasov landed a right hand that put Moreno on the deck. In round three, Giyasov landed a right to the head that sent Moreno down face-first and the fight was over at 2:21.

Giyasov, 139.5 lbs of Bukhara, UZB is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Moreno, 139.3 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 28-5.

Madrimov decisions Kalombo

In a fight featuring undefeated super welterweights, Israil Madrimov won a 10-round unanimous decision over Emmany Kalombo.

In round eight, Madrimov landed a left in the middle of an exchange that sent Kalombo stumbling into the ropes for a knockdown.

Madimov, 154.2 lbs of Khiva, UZB won by scores of 100-89, 99-90 and 98-92 to raise his unblemished mark to 7-0. Kalombo, 153.6 lbs of The Congo is 14-1.

Jalolov stops Zutis in 2

Bakhodir Jololov stopped Kristaps Zutis in round two of a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Jalolov dropped Zutis with a left. Seconds later, it was a right hook that put Zutis down with a right hook in the corner and the fight was stopped at 1:16.

Jalolov, 250 lbs Sariosiyo, UZB is 8-0 with eight knockouts. Zutis, 255 lbs of Sabile, LAT is 7-2-2.

Dusmatov stops Kizota in 2

2016 Olympic Gold Medal winner Harsanboy Dusmatov stopped Muhsin Kizota in round two of their scheduled 10-round light-flyweight bout.

In round one, Dusmative dropped Kizota with a left over the top. In that same right, Dusmatov was cut around the right eye. In round two, Dusmatov landed another perfect left that put Kizota down for a second time. Moments later, it was a short left on the inside the put Kizota down again. Kizota was able to go on, but only a couple of seconds later, one more flush left forced the referee to stop the fight at 2:02,

Dusmatov, 108 lbs of Uzbekistan is 3-0 with three knockouts. Kizota, 108 lbs of Tanzania is 11-3.

Mirazizbek Mirzakhlilov made a successful pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Tasha Mjuaji schedueld six-round super bantamweight bout

In round one, Mirzakhalilov dropped Mjuaji with a right hand. Seconds later it was another right t hat sent Mjuaji down for the 10-count at 2:24.

Mirzakhlilov, 121.9 lbs of Tanzania is 1-0 with one knockout. Mjuaji of Tanzania is 17-8-2.

Murodjon Akhmadaliev says he will target his fellow champions if he can successfully defend his WBA Super and IBF World Super-Bantamweight titles against Ryosuke Iwasa at the Humo Arena in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, live worldwide on DAZN on Saturday (7am PT/10am ET/3pm GMT/7pm local)

Akhmadaliev (8-0 6 KOs) became unified champion in just his seventh pro outing when he took the belts from Daniel Roman in Miami in January 2020.

The COVID pandemic robbed ‘MJ’ of the chance to capitalize on that success but while he was unable to defend the belts in the States but now, he gets the chance to fight on home soil for the first time as a pro, on a bill stacked with Uzbek talent.

The 26 year old headlines the card alongside teammates and friends Israil Madrimov and Shakhram Giyasov, and Uzbekistan’s first unified World champion is excited to be able to bring such a huge night of action to his homeland, against a dangerous opponent in the in-form Iwasa (27-3 17 KOs) who bounced back from a World title defeat to TJ Doheny with two wins.

“When you fight at home, defending what belongs to you, that’s probably the most important fight,” said Akhmadaliev. “To give a good fight under the bright lights, that’s what I’m looking forward to. It’s a dream for any fighter to perform at home.

“Israil, Shakhram and I have been together for 15 years. We worked for World amateur rankings and becoming Asian Champions, World Champions, Olympians. 

“We’ve been together through everything. Now being professional and have the chance to fight in a huge event at home, already being the champion is huge.

“Ryosuke Iwasa is a warrior, he’s been in the ring with the very best. I rate him very highly and believe he is a very dangerous fighter. 

“I have studied him and am ready for him as always. My team have done the work and I will do the work in the ring. I’m not going to give up anything to anybody.

“He is trying to get what is mine, but that’s not going to happen. Boxing is not always easy, just like life. It’s pretty much always hard, you have to have tough fights in the ring and in life. 

“You have to endure tough times and that’s how it’s been in my life. I’m prepared for any challenge because of that. I am only focused on Iwasa, but as a champion my dream is to win every belt.

“If everything goes well tomorrow night, I will not avoid anybody, I want all the belts. I’m blessed to be a World Champion, now defending my belts at home is the next goal for me.

“I’m looking forward to showcasing myself which is important to my countrymen, family and friends. I look forward to bringing the attention of the boxing world to Uzbekistan.”

In the evening’s chief support bout, Super-Lightweight star Shakhram Giyasov (10-0, 8 KOs) returns home for his first pro fight in his homeland. With over a million Instagram followers and massive popularity in his home country, ‘Wonderboy’ rose to fame after winning silver at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, adding to his gold medals at the World and Asian Championships at Welterweight. 

Since signing promotional terms with Eddie Hearn in April 2019, the 27-year-old sensation has displayed his destructive power with big knockout wins over Colombian former World Champion Darleys Perez and Wiston Campos in his last fight – and tomorrow night he defends his WBA International Super-Lightweight title against Mexico’s Patricio Lopez Moreno (28-4 20 KOs).

Rising Super-Welterweight star Israil Madrimov (6-0, 5 KOs) has made an electric start to life in the paid ranks, leaving his decorated amateur career behind and winning a Title in his first pro outing in November 2018 to signal his intentions. 

‘The Dream’ defeated Eric Walker in a final eliminator for the WBA World title in the streets of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma last August to stay on track to beat his ‘brother’ Akhmadaliev’s record of unifying his division before eight fights. 

This time he faces the Democratic Republic Of The Congo’s Emmany Kalombo (14-0, 14 KOs), who has won all fourteen of his professional contests inside the distance since turning professional in Kempton Park, South Africa in August 2015.

Some of the best up-and-coming fighters from one of boxing’s emerging powerhouses have the chance to impress; undefeated Heavyweight Bakhodir Jalolov (7-0, 6 KOs) looks to extend his four-fight KO streak, Flyweight prospect Hasanboy Dusmatov (2-0, 2 KOs) faces Mushin Kizota (11-2 5 KOs) for the vacant WBA International Light-Flyweight title, Cruiserweight Sanjar Tursanov (2-0, 1 KO) sees action and there’s professional debuts for Welterweight Ikboljon Kholdarov and Featherweight Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov.

WEIGHTS FROM TASHKENT

12 x 3 mins WBA Super and IBF World Super-Bantamweight titles

Murodjon Akhmadaliev (121.2lbs)         vs.     Ryosuke Iwasa (121.6lbs)
(Chust, Uzbekistan)                                  (Kashiwa, Japan)

10 x 3 mins WBA International Super-Lightweight title

Shakhram Giyasov (139.5lbs)        vs.     Patricio Lopez Moreno (139.3lbs)
(Bukhara, Uzbekistan)                    (Los Mochis, Mexico)

10 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest

Israil Madrimov (153.4lbs)   vs.     Emmany Kalombo (153.6lbs)
(Khiva, Uzbekistan)                         (Democratic Republic of Congo)

6 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest

Bakhodir Jalovov (250lbs)    vs.     Kristaps Zutis (255lbs)         
(Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan)          (Sabile, Latvia)   

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 6, 2020) – A week ago, at the Meridian Island Gardens Arena in Miami, FL, Daniel “The Baby Face Assassin” Roman (27-3-1, 10 KOs), valiantly relinquished his two super bantamweight word titles (WBA / IBF), losing a hard-fought split decision to Murodjon Akhmadaliev (8-0, 6 KOs). Roman showed true grit in the loss and is now vehemently campaigning for an immediate rematch.

“It was a close fight and I take my hat off to Akhmadaliev for being a true warrior,” said Roman, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions and Matchroom Boxing. “I want a rematch because I think I won the fight. I believe I deserve to get that opportunity because I left it all in the ring. I know Akhmadaliev has the heart of a champion, and I believe he’ll want a to face me once more to settle the score between us.”

“Daniel Roman is the embodiment of how a prize fighter should carry themselves inside and outside of the ring,” said Eddie Gonzalez, Roman’s manager and trainer. “The fight was a split decision and if anyone deserves another shot, it’s Daniel.”

“We are in the process of requesting the rematch and we hope that the WBA and IBF realize that Danny is a credit to the sport of boxing,” said Alex Camponovo, Vice President and matchmaker for Thompson Boxing. “The fight was razor sharp close and I personally think Danny edged it out; now we need to wait and trust that Daniel Roman will be granted the rematch he is seeking and deserves.”

“Its moments like these where a true champion shows his heart by working his way back to the top,” Roman concluded. “There is no doubt in my mind that I’ll once again be a world champion when that opportunity presents itself. My promoters and management team are the best, I know they will get it done. I’m going to do everything in my power to get my world titles back.”

#

By Bart Barry-

Thursday in the co-comain event of a Super Bowl
week fightcard broadcast by DAZN from a shady Miami venue called Meridian at
Island Gardens – check out its Google reviews for a chuckle – super
bantamweight Danny Roman lost his WBA and IBF titles by split decision to Uzbekistan’s
Murodjon Akhmadaliev in a very good fight worthy of a rematch.

They were there to make history, history be
damned.  Akhmadaliev was to break Leon
Spinks’ record, a record few knew existed till DAZN’s promoter unearthed it, and
if that meant the benefit of most every scoring doubt need go the Uzbekistani,
so be it.  Thursday evening’s co-comain
fare was very good, again, but not historic, even if everything broadcast these
days must be.

WBA
Scores Analysis, which seems founded on innovative logic, got the score
right, Roman 115-113, by weighing the three official scorers against each other,
in an ode of sorts to selforganization.  There
are far worse analysis tools out there.

Writing of which, punch statistics, too, appeared
to favor Roman, even if prefight research should indicate Roman did not strike Akhmadaliev
nearly so hard as he got struck by him.  That’s
the thing about research, though.  What
evidence did the eyes perceive that Akhmadaliev hits so much harder?  His was the more marked face at final
bell.  His was the much more fatigued
body for three minutes before final bell. 
And most replays showed him flurrying like a teenager whenever at close
quarters, pepperdusting Roman’s elbows and wrists and collarbone.

Akhmadaliev was not the better prizefighter in
Miami, and Roman, the unified champ, did more than enough golfing Akhmadaliev
with uppercuts to retain his titles on a traditional scorecard.

A note about that. 
Close rounds traditionally get scored for the champ, not the challenger,
because that’s where the eyes fall before each engagement.  I’ve written about this a few times before,
but even if you’re tired of reading it, methinks, I’m not yet tired of treating
it:

A truly objective scorer should begin his eyes in
the neutral space between the fighters and return his eyes to that space often
as possible, too.  From that neutral
space he should track any punch that crosses the threshold and grade its effect
thereafter.

Impossible, you say?  Quite right. 
There are no truly objective scorers.

The fighter upon whose fists a scorer’s eyes most
frequently fall has an appreciable scoring advantage, sort of like, and for
much the same reason, the actor upon whom audiences’ eyes most frequently fall
has a scoring advantage at the Oscars. 
In performance arts they call it presence, and in prizefighting it be
the champion’s gree to lose.  Except when
marketing or gambling concerns make it otherwise.

Such was the case Thursday when the barely tested Akhmadaliev
entered the ring with marketing and gambling concerns in his favor.  Of those two, of course, the gambling
concerns always be more honest, and the chalk had it that Akhmadaliev was
probably something very special while Roman was already something a bit
journeyman.

Instead, Akhmadaliev was a cross between Ukraine’s
Vasyl Lomachenko and Armenia’s Vic Darchinyan, and not the right cross
exactly.  Were a man to mix successfully Lomachenko’s
form and Darchinyan’s aggression he’d be a historic entity.  Trouble is, Akhmadaliev more often mixes Darchinyan’s
form – back elbow cocked for telegraphing – with Lomachenko’s aggression,
ballrooming his way away.

There’s a whiff of autoheadline-reading there; Akhmadaliev
believes he is more than he is by virtue of his historic career, and for reasons
both financial and patriotic nobody round him has yet to say it isn’t so.  Danny Roman kinda said it in round 12,
though, didn’t he?  Whilst Akhmadaliev tried
Will-O’-the-Wisp-ing his way to winning a round without throwing a punch for
its opening 5/6, Roman did the needful, as they say, walking forward and
winning the closing round with classic boxing.

O, but look how much Akhmadaliev did in all the
preceding rounds!  Yes, do.

Thursday’s fight was a modernday Vazquez-Marquez,
was it not?  Larger money, lower stakes, poorer
form, lighter punching, less conclusive ending. 
They aren’t making 122-pounders like Izzy and Rafa these days, even if
they’re commentating like they are.

Still, as Super Bowl fightcards go, this wasn’t a
bad one.  Skipping the amateur boxing on
the card, half the televised matches were good and competitive.

Twelve years ago I covered a Scottsdale, Ariz.,
card the week of Super Bowl XLII and the week before that a local promoter told
me: “They always try to do Super Bowl week, and it never works.” 

That wasn’t the best quote, though – that came
from “El Machito” Hector Camacho Jr., on the card to supply a patronym fiftysomething
East Coast lushes might recognize and pay some slight fraction of what $10,000 the
card’s visiting promoter initially thought he might charge for ringside seats to
a Monte Barrett mainevent in a converted carny tent called 944 Super Village at
Stetson Canal.

“I’ve disrespected the sport of boxing so many
times I’m surprised they let me put gloves on,” said El Machito (44-3-1) at the
Friday weighin, by way of promoting his Saturday afternoon battle with Luis
Lopez (13-11-1).

The reason Super Bowl week fightcards generally
don’t work is because while the Super Bowl attracts men in shiny suits, they’re
bespoke suits, generally, and boxing is decidedly off-the-rack.  By the magic math of a visiting promoter
there are at least 10,000 guys in town who could care less about $10,000, and
if he can just find 20 of them he’s on his way, 50 of them and he’s the new Don
King (who posted a Super Bowl XXX loss of his own 24 years ago in Phoenix on a
card that included famed ticketseller B-Hop). 
Shiny suits and carnival barking.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Murodjon Akhmadaliev is chasing history as he prepares to challenge WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami on Thursday January 30, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $40 (PLUS FEES)
 Akhmadaliev (7-0 6 KOs) can equal Leon Spinks’ record of becoming a men’s unified World champion in just his eighth pro fight and will become the first unified ruler from Uzbekistan with victory over Roman (27-2-1 10 KOs).

‘MJ’ has blasted his way to the mandatory spot with the WBA since turning pro in March 2018 and for the 25 year old, his meeting with the Baby Faced Assassin represents an opportunity to become a hero in his boxing-mad country.

“It’s history in the making,” said Akhmadaliev. “To become a unified champion in just eight fights and the first from Uzbekistan is really some great history for me to make, I want to make my country proud. Boxing is the number one sport in Uzbekistan and with God’s blessing, I think everything will play out well. 

“It’s a dream come true for me. I have been climbing this mountain for 17 years, in the gym twice a day in that time. I’ve broken my wrists, my fists, my nose, bloodied face, had cuts; all that sacrifice is for fights like this. I know people think I am inexperienced and Danny will take me out or something like that, but trust me, I have given it my all for 17 years and it will be no different for fight night.

“This is the most important fight in my career so far. I’m fighting the unified champion, the best in the division, so it’s a big step up for me but we’re very well prepared for this fight with my coaches Antonio and Joel Diaz. 

“I’ve only had seven fights and I haven’t felt challenged in any of those fights. I am not comparing those fights to this one as I know they are different and this is a hard fight. All the talk about his experience that he brings to the ring is fine but it’s only when we get in the ring together that we will see who is the best fighter, the most experienced, who is stronger, faster, sharper and smarter. I don’t like to talk too much; I love to fight, and I can’t wait to fight him.”

Akhmadaliev’s clash with Roman is part of a huge night of World championship boxing as Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) defends his WBO World Middleweight title against contender Luke Keeler (17-2-1, 5 KOs) and Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defending his IBF World Super Featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs).

YouTube sensations Jake Paul and AnEsonGib make their pro debuts against each other, Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr (20-0 18 KOs) fights for his first pro title against Roamer Alexis Angulo (25-1 22 KOs) and a host of young talents are in action in the form of Movladdin Biyarslanov (5-0 4 KOs), Austin Williams (4-0 3 KOs), Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs), Otha Jones III (4-0 1 KO) and Avril Mathie (4-0-1 2 KOs).

WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight champion, Daniel Roman, held a workout for the media today at the City of Angles Boxing gym in Los Angeles. Roman defends his titles against unbeaten WBA mandatory challenger Murodjon Akhmadaliev on the stacked World championship triple header bill on Thursday January 30 at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $40 (PLUS FEES)

CLICK HERE TO WATCH DANIEL ROMAN’S EPISODE OF ‘BORN FIGHTER’ ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
 Roman, who is the only unified champion in the super-bantamweight division, has remained unbeaten since 2013, becoming one of the most accomplished fighters in boxing. Here is what he and his team had to say about this sensational matchup. 

“Murodjon Akhmadaliev beat my teammate Isaac Zarate so I’m very familiar with him,” said Roman. “I know he’s a strong kid, an aggressive fighter, he’s hungry and he’s going to try to take me out as best he can.”

“He makes a few mistakes, he likes to fight with his hands down, not sure if that’s his style, but those are the flaws I see in him,” Roman continued. “Akhmadaliev might not have the experience as a pro, but he was a great Olympic amateur who won a bronze metal. At this level there are no easy fights. His style and my style are going to make for a great bout.”

“It was a great training camp like always,” concluded Roman. “We expect Akhmadaliev to come with his best and we are not taking him lightly. My shoulder injury is behind me and I’m feeling 100%. This is a world championship fight and we are ready to go.”

“Danny is a true professional, he’s discipline, he sacrifices, he works hard,” stated trainer and manager Eddie Gonzalez. “If I ask him to do something he goes beyond. I’m very confident his going to beat Murodjon Akhmadaliev.”

“I think Roman is one of the best fighters in boxing period,” said Ken Thompson, CEO of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He’s fought all over the world and won world titles. He’s the best fighter we’ve ever had at Thompson Boxing. I’m expecting him to have a spectacular performance.”

“I can’t think of any fights the Danny Roman has been in that wasn’t action packed,” said Thompson Boxing matchmaker Alex Camponovo. “He hasn’t lost many rounds in his career and I expect him to dominate in this fight.”

Roman’s clash with Akhmadaliev is part of a huge night of World championship boxing as Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) defends his WBO World Middleweight title against contender Luke Keeler (17-2-1, 5 KOs) and Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defending his IBF World Super Featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs).

YouTube sensations Jake Paul and AnEsonGib make their pro debuts against each other, Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr (20-0 18 KOs) fights for his first pro title against Roamer Alexis Angulo (25-1 22 KOs) and a host of young talents are in action in the form of Movladdin Biyarslanov (5-0 4 KOs), Austin Williams (4-0 3 KOs), Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs), Otha Jones III (4-0 1 KO) and Avril Mathie (4-0-1 2 KOs).

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 23, 2020) – Thompson Boxing Promotion’s WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight champion, Daniel Roman, held a workout for the media today at the City of Angles Boxing gym in Los Angeles. Roman defends his titles against unbeaten WBA mandatory challenger Murodjon Akhmadaliev on the stacked World championship triple header bill on Thursday January 30 at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Roman, who is the only unified champion in the super-bantamweight division, has remained unbeaten since 2013, becoming one of the most accomplished fighters in boxing. Here is what he and his team had to say about this sensational matchup.

“Murodjon Akhmadaliev beat my teammate Isaac Zarate so I’m very familiar with him,” said Daniel Roman. “I know he’s a strong kid, an aggressive fighter, he’s hungry and he’s going to try to take me out as best he can.”

“He makes a few mistakes, he likes to fight with his hands down, not sure if that’s his style, but those are the flaws I see in him,” Roman continued. “Akhmadaliev might not have the experience as a pro, but he was a great Olympic amateur who won a bronze metal. At this level there are no easy fights. His style and my style are going to make for a great bout.”

“It was a great training camp like always,” concluded Roman. “We expect Akhmadaliev to come with his best and we are not taking him lightly. My shoulder injury is behind me and I’m feeling 100%. This is a world championship fight and we are ready to go.”

“Danny is a true professional, he’s discipline, he sacrifices, he works hard,” stated trainer and manager Eddie Gonzalez. “If I ask him to do something he goes beyond. I’m very confident his going to beat Murodjon Akhmadaliev.”

“I think Roman is one of the best fighters in boxing period,” said Ken Thompson, CEO of Thompson Boxing Promotions, Roman’s promoter. “He’s fought all over the world and won world titles. He’s the best fighter we’ve ever had at Thompson Boxing. I’m expecting him to have a spectacular performance.”

“I can’t think of any fights the Danny Roman has been in that wasn’t action packed,” said Thompson Boxing matchmaker Alex Camponovo. “He hasn’t lost many rounds in his career and I expect him to dominate in this fight.”

Daniel Roman revealed in the latest episode of ‘Born Fighter’ that faith and meditation are key to his success as he prepares to defend his WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami on Thursday January 30, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $40 (PLUS FEES)

CLICK HERE TO WATCH DANIEL ROMAN’S EPISODE OF ‘BORN FIGHTER’ ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
 Roman (27-2-1 10 KOs) defends his titles for the first time having added the IBF crown to his WBA strap in a fight of the year contender on his Los Angeles home turf in April against Irishman TJ Doheny. 

The ‘Baby Faced Assassin’ was due to meet his WBA mandatory Akhmadaliev (7-0 6 KOs) in September in New York but Roman was forced out of the fight with a shoulder issue, the first time an injury has disrupted his near ten year stint as a pro. Roman had been accused of ducking the challenge of the impressive Uzbek Olympic bronze medal man, but the champion has poured scorn on those claims, instead declaring he’ll be back stronger following his layoff and will target the remaining belts after victory in Miami. 

“I read the Bible a lot and I try to be in church most days when there is service,” said Roman. “If it’s not boxing or family, I am in church. 

“I try to apply the Bible to everything in my life and I meditate on what I read. It helped with the cancellation of the last fight. It hurt my pride because I wanted to fight but you cannot fight when you are injured, you cannot let all the hard work go to waste. I meditated and the right decision was made. I have good people around me that look out for me, and everything happens for a reason.

“It was my first time having to cancel a fight through injury, it’s never happened to me before so it was really tough. My mind was set to fight in September but it had to be cancelled, so I just had to try to recover although only boxing was in my mind at the time – I feel great now and I’m ready for the challenge.

“Everyone that gets in the ring is brave but you cannot fight at 60 or 70 per cent. There’s no running here, he’s the mandatory for my WBA title and I am ready to defend the belts. We’re not giving them up easy, we’re here to stay and we’re ready to conquer the rest of the belts. 

“Hopefully everything works out great and we beat Akhmadaliev. I have been calling out Rey Vargas and he’s challenged me too, if it doesn’t happen with him, we can fight Emanuel Navarette. Hopefully Rey and I both win and we can get it on. I am not the type of fighter to disrespect anyone.

“I’m not boxing to get rich or to become famous, I do it because it’s something that I love. I want kids to see me and see that there’s nothing to hold you back from doing what you want, to achieve your dreams.” 

Roman’s clash with Akhmadaliev is part of a huge night of World championship boxing as Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) defends his WBO World Middleweight title against contender Luke Keeler (17-2-1, 5 KOs) and Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defending his IBF World Super Featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs).

YouTube sensations Jake Paul and AnEsonGib make their pro debuts against each other, Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr (20-0 18 KOs) fights for his first pro title against Roamer Alexis Angulo (25-1 22 KOs) and a host of young talents are in action in the form of Movladdin Biyarslanov (5-0 4 KOs), Austin Williams (4-0 3 KOs), Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs), Otha Jones III (4-0 1 KO) and Avril Mathie(4-0-1 2 KOs).

Roman is the latest fighter featured on season two of ‘Born Fighter’ following the likes of Daniel Jacobs, Devin Haney, Billy Joe Saunders and Michael Hunter as the second series focuses on the stable at Matchroom Boxing USA after 11 episodes from the British and Irish stable featuring Katie Taylor, Luke Campbell, Dillian Whyte, Joshua Buatsi and more.

The series will be presented by Lauren Gardner, a familiar face to sports fans in America as the host of DAZN’s nightly live baseball program “ChangeUp” as well as a contributing reporter for DAZN’s boxing coverage. The Colorado native has worked with CBS Sports, AT&T SportsNet, Fox Sports Ohio, MTV2, MLB/NHL Network and ESPN, where she covered NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, College Football, College Basketball and two Super Bowls. The American series of ‘Born Fighter’ will also appear on DAZN 24 hours after premiering on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hunter Hands Kuzmin First Loss In Heavyweight Clash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ford Stays Perfect, Outpoints Castillo 

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

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

Bermudez Shines In Debut, Scores KO2 Over Conde 

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

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

Yeleussinov Blasts Out Hicks Inside One

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

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

Akhmadaliev Stays Perfect, TKOs Soto In 4

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

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

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

Ferrer Scores Wide UD Over Fryers 

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

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

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

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

Maijdov Stops Fountain In 4 In Pro Debut

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

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

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

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

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

Darren “DC3” Cunningham UDs Jonathon Ramos To Open Night 

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

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

ORANGE, Calif. (Aug. 6, 2019) – WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight champion Danny Roman takes on lethal WBA mandatory challenger Murodjon Akhmadaliev on Friday, Sept. 13 from the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York, live on DAZN in the U.S. and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Roman (27-2-1 10 KOs) unified his WBA crown with the IBF strap of Irishman TJ Doheny in a fight of the year contender at home in Los Angeles in April, a fifth World title win on the bounce and fourth inside 14 months for the 29-year-old.

Roman’s fifth defense of his WBA crown pits him against dangerous Uzbek talent Akhmadaliev (6-0 5 KOs). The highly decorated amateur has looked fearsome in ending five of his six pro outings to date inside the distance, with the 25-year-old’s last win coming on the same Los Angeles bill as Roman’s dust-up with Doheny.

Roman vs. Akhmadaliev is brought to you in association with Thompson Boxing and World of Boxing.

“Anyone that knows me understands that I’m a real fighter,” said Roman. “I’ll fight anyone they put in front of me. Akhmadaliev is hungry, but so am I. It wasn’t that long ago [2017] when I challenged for the WBA title so we’re not going to give it up. I’m here to fight and defend the WBA belt once more. I have two belts [WBA and IBF], but I want more. My goal is to get all of them so by no means am I overlooking Akhmadaliev. He has that amateur pedigree, can punch with power and likes to come forward. The second you underestimate someone, that’s when bad things happen. I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.

As a unified champion, I understand I have a target on my back. That’s why I’ve been in the gym, staying sharp like I always do. There’s no time to relax and look back at what I’ve done because my work isn’t finished.”

“Danny is among the most committed and disciplined World champions out there,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He relishes challenges and at this point in his career, he only wants the toughest and biggest fights. Akhmadaliev is a young and dangerous opponent, but Danny has all the tools to continue his reign as the best talent in the division. We’re confident that he’ll deliver another excellent performance and retain his WBA title for the fifth time.”

“I am very glad that Daniel Roman took this fight,” said Akhmadaliev. “I know that we are both warriors and this will be a real war! Don’t miss this fight!”

“We have been waiting for this fight for some time,” said Vadim Kornilov from World of Boxing. “I believe with the will, character, and power of both of these guys, this fight will be a fight of the year candidate.”

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

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Los Angeles, CA (July 2, 2019) With a winning bid of $145,000, World of Boxing won the purse bid today for the WBA Super Bantamweight World Championship bout for their fighter, #1 ranked mandatory challenger, Murodjon ‘MJ’ Akhmadaliev, (6-0-0, 5 KOs), against champion Daniel Roman, (27-2-1, 10 KOs). The purse bid took place in Panama City, Panama with World of Boxing being the only bidding party. The fight must take place by September 30, 2019.

Said Vadim Kornilov, “We’re very excited that World of Boxing has won this purse bid and is ready to give ‘MJ’ the opportunity to fight Danny Roman for the WBA Super Bantamweight World Title in September. ‘MJ’ has accomplished a great deal as a professional in just over a year, has fought top opposition from his first fights as a pro, has defended his WBA Intercontinental Title numerous times, and is ready to fight for a world title and become a world champion.”

“’MJ’ is a star in the making and will be ready to unify with other world champions after this fight! Fighters like this excite Mexican and International fans, as they will not step down from any fight, he would rather lose than let down his fans.”

A 2016 Bronze Medalist representing Uzbekistan at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, the 24-year-old Akhmadaliev has very quickly impressed U.S. boxing fans with his remarkable power and world class skills. On November 24, 2018, he was specifically chosen to fight on HBO’s last edition of their iconic World Championship Boxing series, knocking out Isaac Zarate in the ninth round.

Most recently, Akhmadaliev thrilled the Los Angeles fight fans with a stunning third-round knockout of Carlos Carlson at the Forum on April 26, 2019.

Roman has made four successful defenses of the WBA Junior Bantamweight World Title since becoming champion in September 2017 by defeating Shun Kubo in Kyoto, Japan. In his most recent bout he unified titles by defeating IBF Super Bantamweight World Champion TJ Doheny over twelve rounds on April 26, 2019.

Los Angeles, CA (May 1, 2019) WBA Super Bantamweight Mandatory Challenger Murodjon ‘MJ’ Akhmadaliev, (6-0-0, 5 KOs), was victorious this past Friday night, April 26 at the Forum in Los Angeles, CA and once again set his sights on a world title fight with WBA/IBF Super Bantamweight World Champion Danny Roman who also fought on the same card promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Winner of the Bronze Medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, representing Uzbekistan, the 24-year-old southpaw has quickly impressed boxing fans on both coasts with his all-action style and stunning power. Fighting for the first time at the iconic Forum, Akhmadaliev knocked out Carlos Carlson in the third round on Friday night.

Following his victory, Akhmadaliev, promoted by World of Boxing and Matchroom Boxing in an agreement announced last week, watched as Roman won a 12-round majority decision over TJ Doheny capturing the IBF title.

Stated Akhmadaliev, “I have been Roman’s mandatory since the end of 2018 which is a fact he and his team have completely ignored but I wanted to remind everyone that my time has come. I have defeated everyone that has been put in front of me including two opponents from Roman’s promotional team, Thompson Boxing.”

“Roman displayed a great deal of will and dedication in his victory over Doheny, it was a great fight. Now it’s time for a true test and I hope that he is ready. I know that real Mexican fighters don’t step down from any fight and I hope that we can have a real war for the fans in September.”

Commented manager Vadim Kornilov, “We strongly feel that ‘MJ’ is the best super-bantamweight in the world and that given the opportunity he will prove that in the ring. With his amateur pedigree combined with the outstanding start to his professional career, he’s capable of becoming one of the biggest stars in the lighter weight divisions.”

This past November 24, 2018, Akhmadaliev was featured on HBO World Championship Boxing in only his fifth professional fight, stopping Isaac Zarate in the ninth round. The victory earned him the WBA Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight Title.

Akhmadaliev is trained by the renowned Joel Diaz in Indio, CA.

Shakhram Giyasov and Murodjon Akmadaliev have signed co-promotional deals with Matchroom Boxing USA and World of Boxing.

The Uzbek pair both fight in Inglewood, Los Angeles tomorrow night (Friday April 26) with Giyasov taking on Emmanuel Taylor over ten rounds and Akmadaliev tackling Carlos Carlson over eight.

**TICKETS START FROM JUST $31 AND ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER**

Giyasov (7-0 6 KOs) has raced to 7-0 in his first year as a pro having turned over in March 2018 following a stellar amateur career. The 25 year old bid farewell to the amateur scene as the 2017 World Champion, fresh off the heels of landing the Asian Championship earlier in the year to add to his 2016 silver medal at the Rio Olympics. Giyasov has signaled his dangerous intentions in the paid ranks with six of his seven wins coming inside the distance, and now he looks to shift gears in his pursuit of replicating that amateur success in the pros.

“This is great news for my future and I cannot wait to start my journey on DAZN tomorrow night,” said Giyasov. “I have seen it all in the amateurs, now I am here in the pros to get the same success. There’s a lot of hard work to come but I am ready to put that work in to win World titles and thrill the fans, starting in LA tomorrow.”

Akmadaliev (5-0 4 KOs) has a similarly glittering amateur background with gold in the 2017 Asian Championship, silver medals in the World and Asian championships in 2015 and Olympic bronze in Rio. The 24 year old has already got his hands on hardware in the paid ranks, landing the WBA Inter-Continental Super-Bantamweight title with a first round KO of Ramon Contreras in his fourth pro outing in August – defending the crown with a ninth round stoppage of Isaac Zarate in November. Akmadaliev will hunt a sixth win and fifth inside the distance and then keep a keen eye on the unification clash later in the night between WBA ruler Daniel Roman and IBF king TJ Doheny, with the big-hitting talent ready to strike as the mandatory for the WBA title.

“I am delighted to be teaming up with Matchroom Boxing USA, DAZN and World of Boxing,” said Akmadaliev. “I am excited to be in action in Los Angeles tomorrow night and I will be looking to steal the show. I will be very interested in the Roman vs. Doheny fight as I would love to fight the winner of that one.

“I’m delighted to welcome these two outstanding young talents to the Matchroom Boxing USA team,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Both are unquestionably future World champions and both have electric styles that will light up venues and broadcast platforms around the World. I’m looking forward to seeing them tomorrow night at the Forum and live on DAZN.”

“Giyasov and Akhmadaliev are great fighters and we are looking forward to working together with Eddie Hearn and DAZN to build them towards World championships,” said Andrey Ryabinskiy, head of World of Boxing.

“I really believe that Giyasov and Akhmadaliev are going to attract a lot of attention at 140lb and 122lb weight classes this year!” said Vadim Kornilov. “We are looking forward to some very exciting fights that we have planned.”

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ATLANTIC CITY–Dmitry Bivol retained the WBA Light Heavyweight title as he pounded out a 12-round unanimous decision over former champion Jean Pascal at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.

Bivol mixed up his combinations as some started at the head while others focused on the body.  Pascal tried to keep Bivol honest by throwing some wild shots from distance.  Bivol was very solid and workmanlike throughout the 12-round affair that saw flashes of the old Pascal as he would occasionally get in with a wild shot.

Bivol, 174,4 lbs of St. Petersburg, RUS won by scores of 119-109 twice and 117-111 to stay unbeaten at 14-0.  Pascal, 174.6 lbs of Montreal, CAn is 33-6-1.

“Every time we shoot for a knockout,” said Bivol. “I try to show my boxing skills also. I hope everyone was happy with the fight, and I thank everyone for coming out to watch.

“(Pascal) used his experience and he was powerful in this fight. I used all of my skills to win this fight,” added Bivol.

“Bivol is a great young champion and I take my hat off to him as the top guy at light heavyweight,” said Pascal following the fight. “I was focused and prepared for this challenge, and I gave it my all, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough for me tonight.

“Now I will go back to Montreal with my head held high, enjoy some time with my family, and then after I take some time off I will sit down with (manager) Greg Leon and the rest of my team to see what’s next.”

What does Bivol’s future hold in one of boxing’s most competitive divisions? He has made no secret of wanting to unify the division. “I’m ready to fight (Eleider) Alvarez, (Sergey) Kovalev, or (Badou) Jack. Let’s make the fight,” said Bivol. But he didn’t limit himself to the champions. “Now I’m ready to fight everyone. Either light heavyweight or super middleweight,” said Bivol, who says he can make the 168 pound limit for the right opponent
Murodjon Akhmadaliev stopped Isaac Zarate in round nine of their scheduled 10-round super bantamweight bout.

Akhmadaliev landed the harder punches throughout.  He began to work the body in the middle rounds in an effort to break Zarate down.  That was  accomplished as he started to land heavy shots to the head.  Finally in round nine, Akhmadaliev landed a hard left that drove Zarate into the ropes, and the fight was stopped by referee Eric Dali after a follow up flurry at 1:17.

Akhmadaliev, 121.2 lbs of Namangan, UZB is 5-0 with four knockouts.  Zarate, 122 lbs of San Pedro, CA is 16-4-3.

“It went almost exactly as we thought it would go,” said Ahkmadaliev. “(Zarate) is a crafty and durable fighter and has a lot of experience. I knew I was to going to go in there and knock him out.

“The game plan was to go to the body and wear him down. I knew I was going to take a lot of punches while doing that and to get the job done. I learned a lot of lessons from Zarate. Now, I only want to fight for belts in the future,” said Ahkmadaliev.

Distinguished prospect Israil Madrimov  made a successful pro debut with a 6th stoppage over Vladimir Hernandez in a scheduled ten round super welterweight bout.

In round two, Madrimov started landing power shots that opened up a cut over the right eye of Hernandez.  In round three. Madrimov landed a bevy hard rights that drove Hernandez to the ropes and eventually to the canvas.

In round six, Madrimov continued the onslaught until referee Harvey Dock stopped the bout at 1:24.

Madrimov, 152.8 lbs of Khiva, UZB is 1-0 with one knockout.  Hernandez, 157.2 lbs of Durango, MX is 10-3.

“It was a debut for the title. The only time it happened in boxing history (before this) was (Vasyl) Lomachenko who fought for a title in his first fight,” said Madrimov. “I’m very pleased. The game plan was to do exactly what I did. I want to make history in boxing, and today was my first step.” Of his opponent Hernandez, Madrimov said, “I wasn’t surprised, we knew he is a very tough guy. When we kill the body, the head will fall.”

Shakhtam Giyasov made short work of Miguel Zamudio with a 1st round stoppage of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

Seconds into the fight, Giyasov dropped Zamudio with a hard left hook.  After being dropped from a low, Giyasov scored his 2nd and final knockdown with a hard combination, and the bout was stopped at 2:41.

Giyasov, 141.2 lbs of Bukhara, UZB is 6-0 with five knockouts.  Zamudio, 142.2 lbs of Sinaloa, MEX is 41-12-1.

“We watched the opponent a lot, we knew he was a serious opponent. He has almost 50 professional fights,” said Giyasov. “But we worked on certain things that worked in this fight. I was glad to defeat such a good and experienced opponent. I’m ready for any fight that is given to me, I’m ready for anything in the next fight.”
Sergey Kuzmin remained undefeated with a 6th round stoppage over Laron Mitchell in a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round three, Kuzmin landed a left hook that put Mitchell down.  Mitchell began to bleed over his left eye.  Kuzmin dropped Mitchell again in round five.

Kuzmin ended things with a 3rd knockdown in round six, and the bout was stopped at 2:37.

Kuzmin, 244.2 lbs of St. Petersburg, RUS is 14-0 with 11 knockouts.  Mitchell, 244.6 lbs of San Francisco, CA is 16-2.

“The fight was great, the fight went very good, as we planned,” said Kuzmin. Kuzmin said of Mitchell, “He was exciting, but he was more surprised by my punches.” Kuzmin says he will rest a little bit, “then get ready for the next fight, go to training camp and train, train, train.”

Logan Yoon remained undefeated by stopping Hamzah Sempewo in round five of their six-round welterweight bout.

Yoon scored two knockdowns in round four, and finished the fight off in round five with a flurry that forced referee Eric Dali to stop the action at 2:39.

Yoon, 143.4 lbs of Honolulu, HA is 14-0 with 11 knockouts,  Sempewo, 141.2 lbs of Mulago, UGA is 12-11.

Despite the stoppage, Yoon was a tough grader. “My performance wasn’t the best, I can always do better. But overall, it was OK. I give it a B-minus,” said Yoon. His plans moving forward: “We’re going back to the gym, training hard, and whatever knowledge we get from God, my manager, and my father, and from inside, that’s what we’ll do.”

Karl Dargan won an eight-round unanimous decision over Moises Delgadillio in a lighteight bout.

Dargan, 134.2 lbs of Philadelphia won on all cards by a 78-73 score, and is now 19-1. Delgadillio, 135 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 17-18-1.

Dargan said he’d hoped for a better performance. “My performance, it was OK, but not what I expected. I felt good, but I didn’t perform like I felt. Most important thing, he didn’t win and I did.” Dargan says he will make adjustments for his next fight. “It’s not anything I really have to change. Just things that need to be tuned up,” explained Dargan.

Former Olympic Gold Medal winner Evgeny Tischenko stopped Christian Mariscal in round two of their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Tischenko dropped Mariscal with a straight left for referee Harvey Dock’s 10-count at 1:38.

Tischenko, 212 lbs of Beigorod, RUS is 3-0 with two knockouts. Mariscal, 246.4 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 11-2.

“I’m very pleased, I’m very happy that I had an opportunity to perform on such a big event on HBO Championship Boxing,” said Tishchenko. “One of the last shows, and I am pleased with my performance. I’m hoping to perform many more times here in the United States.”