Raymond Ford, Austin Williams and Otha Jones III all take a big step-up in their blossoming careers on the undercard of the blockbuster unification rematch between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Saturday March 13, live worldwide on DAZN.  TICKETS FOR ESTRADA VS. CHOCOLATITO ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER – TICKETS START AT $35 (PLUS FEES)  Ford (8-0 4 KOs) has been in hot form, closing 2020 out with impressive stoppage wins in Florida and Texas and the 21 year old takes on unbeaten New Mexico talent Aaron ‘Angel Baby’ Perez (10-0 6 KOs) over eight rounds.   Williams (7-0 6 KOs) is looking to build on his own stellar 2020 performances where he won all three of his fights via stoppage in Miami, Mexico City and Dallas, and ‘Ammo’ will look to continue that streak in his first eight round bout against the experienced Californian Aaron Coley (16-3-1 7 KOs).   Jones III (5-0-1 2 KOs) battled to a split draw in Mexico City in his last outing in October, and the Ohio starlet will look to brush that off in his first eight round battle against dangerous Texas native Jorge David Castaneda (13-1 11 KOs).   “This is a big night for Ray, Ammo and OJ3,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “All eyes are on Dallas with our mouth-watering World title triple-header, but these boys will be out to steal the show. All three of them are top talents, and now they are moving into the next phase of their careers, taking on tougher tests and stepping up to eight rounders and beyond. The pressure is on to shine, and I am sure they are going to rise to the occasion.”   All five fighters take their spot on a massive night of triple-header World title action, topped by the rematch between Estrada (41-3 28 KOs) and Chocolatito (50-2 41 KOs) with the WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine World Flyweight titles on the line.   There’s another case of repeat or revenge as Jessica McCaskill (9-2 3 KOs) defends the undisputed World Welterweight title against Cecilia Brækhus (36-1 9 KOs) and there’s a Matchroom debut on the card for Hiroto Kyoguchi (14-0 9 KOs) as he defends his WBA and Ring Magazine World Light-Flyweight titles against Axel Vega (14-3-1 8 KOs).

Canelo Alvarez won a emphatic 12-round unanimous decision over Callum Smith to win the WBA/WBC Super Middleweight title at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Alvarez was dominant from the start as he landed some quick hard shots using a diverse offensive attack. At different times in the contest, Alvarez landed hard jabs; rights; left hook and a tremendous uppercuts.

By the middle rounds, it was evident that it would be a dominant victory for Alavrez as despite having a seven-inch height disadvantage, Smith would not and could not hold Alavarez with anything. Alavrez could just walk right in and land thudding combinations and dividing his punches to the head and body.

Alvarez hurt Smith several times with those hard, and the Englishman did well to hear the final bell, but he was bruised and cut over his right eye, and never competitive in the fight which saw Alavrez win on two cards 119-109 and a third was more generous for Smith to the tune of 117-111.

Alvarez landed 214 of 494 punches; Smith was 99 of 539.

Alvarez of Guadalajara, MEX is now 54-1-2. Smith of Liverpool, ENG is 27-1.

Castro Stops Valdes in 3

Marc Castro made a successful pro debut with a 3rd round stoppage over Luis Javier Valdes in a scheduled four-round junior lightweight fight.

In round two, Castro dropped Valdes with a right uppercut. In round three, it was a body shot that followed by a right to the head and Valdes did not beat the count at 1:59

Castro, 130.1 lbs of Fresno, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Valdes, 128.8 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 7-6-1.

Sanchez stops Fernandez in 7

Frank Sanchez remained undefeated with a crushing 7th round stoppage over Julian Fernandez in a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round seven, Sanchez landed a booming right that badly hurt Fernandez. A follow up right dropped Fernandez onto the apron and the fight was stopped at 1:35.

Sanchez, 229 lbs of Miami is 17-0 with 13 knockouts. Fernandez, 209.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 14-3.

Ford Stops Lopez in 7

Raymond Ford stopped Juan Antonio Lopez in round seven of their scheduled eight-round featherweight fight.

In round one, Ford sent Lopez to the deck with a right hook.

In round seven, Ford landed a perfect right hook to the chin that sent Lopez to a knee. Lopez took the 10-count and the fight was stopped at 1:14

Ford, 128.6 lbs of Camden, NJ is 8-0 with four knockouts. Lopez, 129.2 lbs of Dallas, TX is now 15-8.

Williams stops Jones in 1st

Austin Williams remained undefeated by stopping Isiah Jones in round one of their scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

Williams clipped Jones with hard left that hurt him. Williams jumped all over Jones and landed a hard barrage of punches that forced the stoppage at 1:29.

Williams is now 7-0 with six knockouts. Jones of Detroit is 9-4.

Devin Haney retained the WBC Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa at the Seminold Hard Rock Resort in Hollywood, Florida.

Haney was dominant throughout the contest as kept Gamboa at bay by landing jabs and right hands.

In round 11, Gamboa was docked a point for holding.

Haney landed 133 of 401 punches. Gamboa was 84 of 472.

Haney, 135 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 120-107 twice and 118-109 to raise his udefeated mark to 25-0. Gamboa, 135 lbs of Miami, FL is 30-4.

“I’m pleased with the performance because I didn’t take any punishment,” said Haney. “I came out of there looking like I did when I went in, I was ready to fight again if I had to.
 
“I knew that he would go into survival mode and he was successful with that, he was in there trying to survive as much as he did. I pitched a shut-out and I didn’t get hit with any big shots, it is what it is. 
 
“Of course I wanted the KO but every fight can’t end like that. Gamboa is a crafty opponent, he showed that he can survive, he showed why he has been in the game for a long time. Anyone that has knocked him out has taken punishment while doing it, I didn’t take any punishment and maybe that’s why I didn’t get the KO.
 
“I beat him the smartest. The jab, the reach, the speed and the ring IQ were the keys to victory. I showed that I am able to go 12 rounds, to hit and not get hit, you can talk about landing big shots but Gamboa didn’t land anything.
 
“There’s always going to be pressure, every fight is going to have everyone watching and critiquing what you do, I understand that. I am ready to put on a big 2021 and fight best and put on a statement to show the world that I am the best.
 
“I am interested in my mandatory of course but I want all the belts, Teofimo Lopez has the rest of the belts so I want to make the undisputed fight.”

Hrgovic stops Booker in 5

Filip Hrgovic remained undefeated with a 5th round stoppage over Rydell Booker in a heavyweight bout.

In round two, Hrgovic dropped Booker with a chopping right to the head. Hrgovic continued to pound away at Booker until the bout was stopped at 47 seconds.

Hrgovic, 242.6 lbs of Zagreb, CRO is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Booker, 248 lbs of Detroit, MI is 26-3.

After the fight Hrgovic said “I have a message to the heavyweight division. Fight me. There are big fights out there, I am ready for all of them. I can out box and I can knockout. Tonight, Rydell was good and it was good to get the win against him, but now I want to look to who is next. I am ready.

Promoter Nisse Sauerland followed “Tonight we saw Filip do what he said he was going to do at the press conference. He was going to outbox and knockout a man who hadn’t been knocked out before. He showed his ability to control fights, he has 10 knockouts from 12 fights, 5 now consecutive.”

“Credit to Rydell Booker, he took the fight and tried to come forward. He’s a good boxer with a good record, but tonight he had no way of finding a way through. Filip belongs at the top table, and soon he’ll be there.”

Zhilel Zhang remained undefeated by stopping Devin Vargas in round four of a scheduled 10-round heavyweight fight.

In round four, Zhang landed a counter right and left that dropped Vargas, and the fight was over at 49 seconds.

Zhang, 259.6 lbs of Las Vegas is 22-0 with 17 knockouts. Vargas, 226 lbs of Sylvania, OH is 22-7.

Reshat Mati stopped Marcos Mojica in round two of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Mati dropped Mojica with a shirt left hook In round two, Mati dropped Mojica with an uppercut, and shortly thereafter, the fight was stopped at 44 seconds.

Mati, 146 lbs of Staten Island, NY is 8-0 with six knockouts. Mojica, 146.4 lbs of West Palm Beach , FL is 17-6-2.

Raymond Ford remained undefeated with a 3rd round stoppage over Rafael Reyes in a featherweight bout.

In round one, Ford dropped Reyes with a straight left. In round three, it was another left that sent Reyes to the canvas. Ford then landed about 12 unanswered punches, and the fight was stopped at 1:26.

Ford, 125.8 lbs of Camden, NJ is 7-0 with three knockouts. Reyes, 123 lbs of Clovis, MX is 18-11.

Arthur Biyarslanov stopped Juan Jose Martinez in round one of a scheduled six-round super lightweight fight.

Biyarslanov dropped Martinez with a right hook to the side of the head and the fight was stopped at 59 seconds.

Biyarslanov, 141 lbs of Toronto, CAN is7-0 with six knockouts. Martinez, 141.8 lbs of Mexico City is 28-10.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hunter Hands Kuzmin First Loss In Heavyweight Clash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ford Stays Perfect, Outpoints Castillo 

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

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

Bermudez Shines In Debut, Scores KO2 Over Conde 

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

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

Yeleussinov Blasts Out Hicks Inside One

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

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

Akhmadaliev Stays Perfect, TKOs Soto In 4

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

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

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

Ferrer Scores Wide UD Over Fryers 

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

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

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

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

Maijdov Stops Fountain In 4 In Pro Debut

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

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

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

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

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

Darren “DC3” Cunningham UDs Jonathon Ramos To Open Night 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Katie Taylor Wins Another Title, Stops Rose Volante

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maciej Sulecki Survives Gabe Rosado Surge In North Philly Brawl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luke Campbell TKOs Adrian Yung In 5

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

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

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

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

Raymond Ford Cruises To UD In Pro Debut

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

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

Yeleussinov Earns Wide UD Against Ortiz

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

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

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

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

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

Sparrow Hammers Lundy, Scores MD Win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ballard Stops Fonseca For Second Time In Career

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

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