AUDIO: Skye Nicolson Previews Title Defense against Dyana Vargas Plus Update on Amanda Serrano fight
A sensational Skye Nicolson rolled the dice in Las Vegas and made it a perfect ten to become the new WBC World Featherweight Champion by beating Sarah Mahfoud on Saturday. Now promoter Eddie Hearn wants Australia’s new boxing queen to reap the rewards of her crowning glory and embark on a huge homecoming defence Down Under. It was total domination for Nicolson (10-0, 1 KO) at the five-star Fontainebleau Las Vegas Resort as she captured the coveted green and gold belt with a unanimous points victory, with scores of 100-90, 100-90 and 99-91 – over former IBF holder Mahfoud. And by doing so the 28-year-old star restored Aussie pride and broke the Sin City hoodoo after compatriots Tim Tszyu and Michael Zerafa lost recently. Matchroom Sport chairman Hearn revealed he is planning talks with Australian authorities as early as this week in a bid to deliver Nicolson’s return – before targeting huge fights with the likes of mandatory WBC challenger Raven Chapman and division ruler Amanda Serrano later this year. “I now need to speak to people in Australia because she needs that homecoming defence quite quickly,” said Hearn, speaking to Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel. “Skye barely broke sweat in there. She was very impressive and loads more to come from her. I didn’t give Mahfoud a round, but one judge did. “I think you’re only seeing 20% of Skye Nicolson. I’ve seen her train and I’ve watched her spar where she’s hurting girls repeatedly. But how can you criticise her when she’s beating the No.2 ranked featherweight in the world in a mismatch? “We all want excitement and I want to see her letting her hands go a bit more and stopping people. I know it’s there and I know she can do it. “But she’s winning so easily, and her style is a nightmare for people. That’s why people like [Amanda] Serrano don’t really want to take the fight until the money is out of control because it is high risk. Her feet, her movement is really good and if she can start letting her hands go – because she can punch – then she’s going to be even more tough to beat.” With an immediate world title defence Down Under being Hearn’s preference for Matchroom’s latest World Champion, he admitted a massive Matchroom vs. Queensberry fight could be in the works too against Chapman. “Raven Chapman is the mandatory and that’s the fight I’ll speak to George Warren about because there will be another 5-v-5 later on in the year – and it’s exactly the sort of fight we should be looking to put on,” he added. “To beat Sarah Mahfoud far more convincingly than Amanda Serrano did is a major statement. “Skye’s doing what any champion should do and that is to chase the very best in their division – and for her right now it is Amanda Serrano. “I want to see her make a homecoming defence, then fight Raven Chapman and then hopefully the fight with Amanda Serrano becomes big enough for her to accept.” Nicolson is now Australia’s second current reigning World Champion alongside Matchroom’s king of the Cruiserweights, Jai Opetaia. “It sounds pretty good, I really do like the sound of it,” she said. “When I heard my name being read out as the winner, it was exactly how I imagined it and how I’ve played it out in my mind leading up to the fight. It was very special. “But it’s not the pinnacle for me. I know this is the first of many – and there will be many more and I’m very excited for where I’m headed. “With [Amanda] Serrano, it’s nothing personal. If you don’t want to fight me then that’s fine. But let us know what you’re doing with all the belts because I want them. But if you do want to fight, I’m ready when you are. “It would be a dream come true to fight in Australia, especially in Brisbane or the Gold Coast. I’m a Queensland girl through and through. “To bring the World Title to my home country and fight in front of all my family and friends would be amazing – and the start of a really special journey. I’m a true blue Aussie and it would mean absolutely everything to me.” |
Skye Nicolson says she is fighting not just for her first World title but to continue to raise the profile of women’s boxing in Australia as she takes on Sarah Mahfoud for the vacant WBC Featherweight belt at Bleaulive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.
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Nicolson (9-0 1 KO) has already won honors for her country in the amateurs, with Commonwealth gold placed around her neck at her home games in 2018, and in her tenth pro fight, Nicolson can add a World title strap to her collection if she can see off former World ruler Mahfoud (14-1 3 KOs)
The 28 year old’s title tilt comes off the back of a chastening weekend in America for Australian fighters in World title bouts, with Tim Tszyu surrendering his crown in a bloody battle against Sebastian Fundora in Vegas, and Michael Zerafa and Liam Wilson getting stopped in their fights against Erislandy Lara and Oscar Valdez.
Nicolson has grand designs on landing one of the biggest fights out there against Amanda Serrano, and knows that beating the Dane to win her first World title would bring the fight closer to reality, and would provide a huge shot in the arm for the sport in her beloved home land.
“We’ve had a few female World champions in Australia and I excited to be part of that movement and to be one of the girls that the younger generation are looking up to and aspiring to be like,” said Nicolson. “I know I have an important job as a role model, not just for kids in Australia but around the world. A lot of athletes have an important position in shaping the lives of girls and boys, and I take that responsibility seriously.
“I follow a lot of the young girls boxing in Australia like Ella Vasen, Sienna Murray, Maia Laird and Tiana Rew, and they are killing it. The growth of female boxing is huge, women’s boxing is in its infancy, and where it’s going to be in the next ten to 20 years is very exciting and I’m really proud to be part of that development.
“The Australian boxing community just wants to get more eyes on the sport, that’s really been Australia’s struggle. We’re a big country with a small population, and it makes it really hard to get the backing and support that the athletes need. The stuff that we’re doing her around the world is aimed at growing the sport in Australia, to bring big fights there.
“Tim has lead the way and has got Australian boxing on the map and hopefully that’s going to bring big fights to Australia. That’s what I want to do as well and for me, the dream is to fight for undisputed against Amanda Serrano in Australia.”
Nicolson’s clash with Mahfoud is part of a big night of action in Las Vegas, led by a double-header with two of America’s brightest stars as Richardson Hitchins takes on Gustavo Lemos in a final eliminator for the IBF World Jr. Welterweight title and Diego Pacheco defends his USWBC and WBO International Super-Middleweight titles against Shawn McCalman.
British Olympic gold medal man Galal Yafai defends his WBC International Flyweight title against Agustin Mauro Gauto. Marc Castro gets a first title bout in his 12th pro outing, taking on Abraham Montoya for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title, Harley Mederos is in action for the sixth time in the paid ranks over six rounds against Pedro Vicente and there’s a pro debut for former Team USA talent Steven Navarro over six rounds at Super-Flyweight against Jose Lopez.
Skye Nicolson will face Sarah Mahfoud for the vacant WBC World Featherweight title at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Saturday April 6, live worldwide on DAZN.
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Nicolson (9-0 1 KO) lands her first World title shot in Sin City, just over two years since making her professional debut in San Diego. The Australian has raced to #1 in the WBC rankings at 126lbs, and landed her first KO win in her last outing, stopping Lucy Wildheart in Dublin in November in the first defense of the interim title the 28 year old won in Mexico in September against Sabrina Perez.
Mahfoud (14-1 3 KOs) is looking to spoil the party and in turn become a two-time ruler at Featherweight. The Dane held the IBF title after being elevated from interim champion, and successfully defended it against Nina Meinke in April 2022, before losing to Amanda Serrano in Manchester, England in September 2022. The 34 year old is on a three-fight winning streak on home turf since that loss, picking up the WBC Silver title in March 2023 and successfully defending it in October, with an eight-round win in between.
“This means everything to me,” said Nicolson. “To fight for my first World title in the iconic boxing city of Las Vegas is truly special. It will be a proud moment for my family and my team – and on April 6, my lifelong dream of becoming a World Champion will finally become a reality.
“Ever since the first time I put on a pair of boxing gloves, I’ve worked tirelessly towards this moment. Capturing the prestigious green and gold WBC belt will be the first major step towards becoming the Undisputed champion. And the new!”
“It is a dream of mine to become a two-time World champion,” said Mahfoud. “And it is also a dream of mine to box in Las Vegas on the biggest stage. Skye Nicolson is a good fighter, but she’s not proven at world-level like me. I will teach her a lesson and show her the levels on April 6.”
Two more fights added to the card are led by Briton’s Olympic gold medal man Galal Yafai defending his WBC International Flyweight title against Agustin Mauro.
Yafai (6-0 4 KOs) is hunting the World champions at the weight, and the 2020 games king is sitting pretty in the rankings, most pertinently at #6 with the WBC as he defends the belt he won on debut in February 2022 for the fifth time in Las Vegas. The 31 year old will be looking to put the belt holders on notice on April 6, but that’s exactly what Mauro (21-1 15 KOs) is looking to do too. The Argentine has won three of his last four fights inside the distance, and the 26 year old is planning to derail Yafai’s journey to a World title.
“It’s great to be fighting in Las Vegas for the first time in my career, which is something all Brits dream of,” said Yafai. “I know that Agustin is confident and that’s perfect for me, I want someone that believes they can win, as that will bring the best out of me.
“I like my positioning in the rankings, and I really think that 2024 is the year that I can get my shot at a World title.”
“I’m really excited about this opportunity,” said Mauro. “I’m going to destroy Galal Yafai. This is my time. I’d like to thank Matchroom Boxing for giving me such a huge opportunity for my career. I’ve been working extremely hard alongside my trainer, Rodrigo Calabrese, to get a great victory in the United States.
“We’ve been studying Galal. He is a great boxer, but I have what it takes to win the WBC International title on April 6. This will be my first time in Las Vegas. I always dreamed about fighting in this great city and I’m not going to waste my opportunity.
“I want to make history for Argentinean boxing, and this is a great opportunity to do just that. The fight comes at a great time in my career. I’ve had 22 professional fights. The last one was in Argentina in January, and I again displayed my knockout power. This is what I want to show in Las Vegas. On April 6, the boxing world will know who ‘Avión’ Gauto is.”
The third fight added to the bill sees Marc Castro fight over ten rounds for the second time, as he meets Abraham Montoya at Super-Featherweight. Castro (11-0 8 KOs) boxed over the ten round distance for the first time in November in Los Angeles, but only needed seven of them to record an eighth win inside the distance. Montoya (22-5-1 14 KOs) is a vastly experienced operator, with 99 more rounds in the bank than his young foe, and the 29 year old Mexican will provide the toughest test to date for the Fresno talent.
Nicolson, Yafai and Castro are part of a big night of action in Las Vegas, topped by a double-header featuring two of Matchroom’s brightest stars. Richardson Hitchins (17-0 7 KOs) tops the bill as he takes on Gustavo Lemos (29-0 19 KOs) in a final elimination for the IBF World Super-Lightweight title, while Diego Pacheco (20-0 17 KOs) continues his assault on the Super-Middleweight division as he defends his WBC USA and WBO International titles against Shawn McCalman (15-0 7 KOs).
Featherweight star Skye Nicolson is confident of landing her dream World Title shot on home soil in Australia this year.
The Interim WBC World Champion had been calling for a shot at multi-weight icon Amanda Serrano but will now face Denmark’s Sarah Mahfoud for the full World Title after the Puerto Rican vacated her title last month.
The Commonwealth Gold medallist and Olympian, who is undefeated in nine fights since joining the professional ranks in March 2022, enjoyed a breakout 2023, securing four big wins from four fights in New York, Cardiff, Tijuana and Dublin.
Nicolson kicked off 2023 by outpointing Spain’s Tania Alvarez at the Madison Square Garden Theater to land the WBC Silver Featherweight Title before decisioning Peru’s Linda Laura Lecca in her second fight at the Cardiff International Arena.
The slick southpaw captured the Interim Featherweight World Title against Argentina’s Maribel Perez in Mexico and ended the year in style by earning her first stoppage win against Sweden’s Lucy Wildheart on the blockbuster Cameron vs. Taylor 2 card in Ireland.
28-year-old Nicolson has paved the way for female boxing in Australia, and speaking at a media day in Brisbane today the former amateur sensation admitted that it would be a dream come true to capture a full World Title in front of her family and friends down under.
“I think Matchroom are trying really hard to get the fight in Australia, hopefully in Brisbane, which would be a dream come true for my first World Title,” said Nicolson. “I’m really excited to win that first World Title and bring it home to Australia. Matchroom, right now, are trying to focus on a date in April.
“I think a lot of people thought my last fight was going to be a tough test for me but I know what I’m capable of. I didn’t overlook Lucy Wildheart but I knew that fight was going to be a big statement. I’ve said from day one, the better the opponent, the better the Skye Nicolson you’ll see on the night.
“I know Mahfoud won three rounds against Serrano just over a year ago. She won’t win three rounds against me. That was the same against Wildheart, she won three rounds against Mikaela Meyer. She wasn’t winning three rounds against me, never, it wasn’t even going to be close. I feel very confident, I know she’s a good boxer but that works in my favour, I like fighting good boxers.”
Katie Taylor avenged her first professional defeat to win a majority decision over Chantelle Cameron to win the Undisputed Junior Welterweight Title in front of a raucous crowd at 3 Arena in Dublin, Ireland
It was an action packed fight with Taylor landing the crisper combinations that had the crowd on their feet throughout the “Fight of They Year” Candidate. Cameron was courageous in defeat as she fought through a bad cut on her forehead that started in the second round.
Taylor, 139.6 lbs of Bray, Ireland won by scores of 98-92, 96-94 and 95-95 and is now 23-1. Cameron, 139.5 lbs of Northampton, ENG is 18-1.
Cully Edges By Mould Via Split Decision
Gary Cully came back from his first professional defeat by winning a 10-round split decision over Reece Mould in a lightweight bout.
Cully, 134.5 lbs of Naas, IRE won by scores of 97-93, 96-93 and Cully won a scorecard by a 97-93 total.
Cully landed 77 of 305 punches. Mould landed 92 of 261.
Cully is now 17-1. Mould, 134.1 lbs of Dorncaster, ENG is 18-2.
Donovan Stops Ball in Four
Paddy Donovan remained undefeated by stopping Danny Ball in round four of their 10-round welterweight fight.
In round four, Donovan dropped Ball with a hard left hand. Donovan then unloaded on Ball and dropped him again with a hard flurry of punches. The corner of Ball threw in the towel at 2:41.
Donovan, 146.5 lbs of Limerick, ENG is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Ball, 146.7 lbs of Kingswingford, ENG is 13-2-1.
Carty Stops Garber in 8th and Final Round
Popular heavyweight Thomas Carty stopped Dan Garber in the final minute of the eighth and final round.
Carty beat Garber down and in round eight, landed a hard left to the body that took the starch out of Garber and then dropped him after a few follow up punches at 2:19.
Carty, 154.3 lbs of Dublin, IRE is now 8-0 with seven knockouts. Garber, 220.5 lbs of Bradford, ENG is 5-2.
Skye Nicolson retained the WBC Interim Featherweight title with a ninth round stoppage of Lucy Wildheart.
Nicolson Defends Interim Title with 9th round Stoppage of Wildheart
Nicolson won every one by boxing and breaking down Wildheart. Wildheart was bleeding all over her face. the fight was stopped when the corner of Wildheart threw in the towel as Nicolson was landing an unanswered flurry of punches at 1:11.
Georgio Visioli made a spectacular pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Lee Anthony Sibley in a super featherweight bout.
Visioli landed a perfect left hook that put Sibley on the canvas. Sibley got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:21.
Visioli, 134.9 lbs of Guidford, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Sible, 133.5 lbs of La Oliva, SPA is 3-2.
Dublin, Ireland – 24 November 2023 – The WBC Interim World Featherweight Title Challenger Lucy Wildheart hit 125.35lb at today’s official weigh in held at the Helix, Dublin, ahead of her fight with Skye Nicolson tomorrow night.
Swedish star Wildheart (10-2-0, 4 KO’s) faces the unbeaten champion Nicholson at the 3Arena on Matchroom Boxing’s blockbuster show headlined by the big rematch between Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron.
Australia’s Nicolson (8-0-0) weighed in at 125.15lb as she puts her title on the line for the first time since winning the belt against Sabrina Perez in September.
Wildheart, who now resides in Chelmsford, Essex, has had a perfect camp with Trainer, Sam Mullins at Churchills Gym and is in prime condition to tackle Nicolson and relieve her of the crown on Saturday night.
“Everything is done now and it’s just the fight tomorrow night. I’m ready for this moment and can’t wait to get in the ring and get the job done.”
Chelmsford, England – 18 October 2023 – Former World title challenger Lucy Wildheart makes her long awaited return to the ring and it’s straight back into World title action when she challenges the WBC Interim World Featherweight Champion Skye Nicolson.
Wildheart (10-2, 4 KO’s) will face unbeaten Australian star Nicolson (8-0) on the undercard of Matchroom Boxing’s blockbuster show on Saturday 25th November at the 3Arena in Dublin, headlined by the rematch between Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron.
The 30-year-old from Växjö, Sweden, now based out of Chelmsford, Essex, is World rated #3 by the WBC and has been targeting a showdown with the newly crowed Champion Nicholson, who won the title by beating Sabrina Perez on points in Tijuana, Mexico, last month.
In April this year Wildheart accepted without hesitation a late minute call to face the American star Mikael Mayer for the Vacant WBC Interim World Lightweight Championship when Mayers’s original opponent Christina Linardatou was not cleared by the BBBofC.
At just 48 hours notice at the Copper Box Arena in London and two weight divisions above her natural featherweight class, Wildheart put on a valiant performance and extended the bigger and heavier punching Mayer the full ten round distance to only lose on the judges scorecards.
Trained by Samm Mullins at Churchill’s Gym in London, Wildheart is thrilled with her opportunity. She said, “This is the moment I have waited patiently for all of my career, to be challenging for the world title in my weight division.”
“Thank you to Matchroom for the opportunity to fight on a major promotion and surrounded by other ladies’ who have already made history and continue to do so,”
“The atmosphere on the night is going to be surreal and I’m grateful to be part of this huge night to further grow women’s boxing even more.”
Wildheart’s manager Richard Maynard, CEO of Strike Sports Management, said, “Lucy has craved a fight with Skye for a very long time and I’m delighted to have concluded the deal swiftly with Matchroom to get her this opportunity.”
“It’s a magnificent stage for Lucy to showcase herself on a huge Matchroom show in Dublin, live on DAZN and on one of the biggest shows of the year on the Taylor-Cameron 2 card.”
“Skye is a quality fighter and we’re not underestimating her, it’s all there for Lucy to take she has the experience.”
Skye Nicolson believes her decision to stay pro and hunt World title glory will be vindicated on Friday night as she challenges Sabrina Maribel Perez for the interim WBC World Featherweight title at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez Moreno in Tijuana, Mexico, live worldwide on DAZN.
Nicolson (7-0) had been agonizing over taking a second crack at Olympic glory at the 2024 Games in Paris, having been edged out in the quarter-finals of the 2020 Games in Japan by Briton Karissa Artingsall. The Aussie star chose to turn pro following that disappointment and has impressed in getting to 7-0 and sitting in the top six of all the governing body rankings – but with pro’s able to fight in the Olympics, the 28 year old had been toying with a run at getting her hands on an Olympic gold medal to sit alongside the Commonwealth Games top prize she landed in 2016. Going into Friday night’s showdown with Argentinian Perez () Nicolson reveals that watching a Stateside Matchroom show in the early hours in London in June was the clincher in her deciding to stick to the paid ranks – and victory on Friday night in Tijuana will see her take a massive step towards landing a shot at the World title next. “It was a really, hard decision to stay pro, but it was just something inside me,” said Nicolson. “It’s hard to explain, when I turned pro, I was 100 per cent always looking at the Paris Games in 2024. My time at the Olympics was cut short, maybe controversially, it was a close decision, but a lot of people thought I won and deserved the medal, so it was hard to just let go of that and move on. “I’ve had a whirlwind year and a half as a pro, I am loving what I am doing, I’ve got great momentum and I’m in a good place just seven fights in. I started to feel like I was almost convincing myself that I still wanted to go down the Olympic route because it’s something I’d always wanted to do, instead of really accepting how I was really feeling about it. “I went and did some of the international training camps with the amateur teams and something just wasn’t right and I was at home in London watching the New Orleans show at 2am, I was on the edge of my seat watching the fights and getting excited about it and I thought ‘this is me now, this is what I want’ and I couldn’t be sure when I would fight as a pro again if I went down that route. “When I made that decision to stay pro it felt like a weight was lifted off my chest, I felt so happy and content in the decision and knew it was right. I want to keep the momentum going and I want to fight for a World title into the next eight-12 months and I feel like I won’t live in regret and that I 100 per cent have made the right decision. “I’m in the top six across the governing bodies and I’ve worked hard to be there and it’s such a good position. Also, going back into the amateurs for those trials, people had been saying that I fight like an amateur still, but I cannot tell you how much I have changed. Maybe they were small changes that people on the outside couldn’t tell, but for me, they were big changes. I felt like I could end up reversing 18 months of work in the gym as a pro for a year in the amateurs, and then go back to work again on being a pro after Paris for another year or so. “I’m really excited for Friday, and especially as the challenger. I don’t want to be fighting for vacant titles, I feel like I am going to earn it more by fighting the champion and dethroning them. She’s been a pro for a long time and is experienced, I think it’s a good step up in opposition for me going into my eighth fight. I’m coming to take what’s mine and get into that mandatory position. “I feel like most of the opponents I’ve boxed have come to survive not to win, so she’s the champion and is going to want to keep that title, and that’s going to bring the best out of both of us. She’s coming to win and that’s where I’ll see the openings and opportunities more than my fights so far. There’s not a lot of footage out there, I know she’s shorter than me, but there’s not much out there – so we’re prepared for anything.” Nicolson’s clash with Perez comes on a stacked night of action in Tijuana on Mexican Independence weekend, headlined by Angel Fierro (21-1-2 17 KOs) defending his WBO NABO Lightweight title against Brayan Zamarripa (13-1 4 KOs). Erika Cruz (15-2 3 KOs) returns to action following her epic battle with Amanda Serrano in February and tackles Melissa Odessa Parker (6-1 2 KOs) for the WBA Continental Americas Super-Bantamweight title, Rising Mexican talent Kevin Barron Crespo (12-0 9 KOs) tastes ten round action for the first time as he faces Christian Olivo Barreda (20-1-1 7 KOs) and young Heavyweight Federico Pacheco (4-0 3 KOs) kicks the card off live on DAZN against Carlos Cardenas (4-0 3 KOs). |
Number-one ranked Liam Paro solidified his spot with a one-punch knockout of fellow undefeated Brock Jarvis in the opening round of their 12-round bout in Brisbane, Australia.
In round one, Paro landed a perfect left hand that put Jarvis flat on his back and he could not get up, and the fight was over at 2:29.
Paro, 136 lbs of Brisbane, AUS is 23-0 with 14 knockouts. Jarvis, 139.9 lbs of New South Wales is 20-1.
World-ranked heavyweight Demsey McKean stopped Patrick Korte in round three of their 10-round heavyweight bout.
In round one, Korte was cut over his right eye. In round four, McKean dumped Korte on the canvas with a left uppercut that was followed by a left and a right to the chin and the fight was over at 2:59.
McKean, 252.6 lbs of Brisbane, AUS is now 22-0 with 14 knockouts. Korte, 234.1 lbs of Germany is 18-2-1.
Syke Nicolson won a 10-round unanimous decision over Krystyna Jacobs in a featherweight bout.
In round four, Nicolson dropped Jacobs with a right hook.
Nicolson, 127.6 lbs won by scores of 100-89, 99-90 and 98-91 and is now 5-0. Jacobs, 125.1 lbs is 6-4.
Cesar Mateo Tapia scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Abdouleye Sakho in a battle of undefeated super middleweights.
Tapia, 167.2 lb won by scores of 99-91 and 97-93 twice and is now 15-0. Sakho, 167.4 lbs is 7-1.
Rocky Ogden stopped Ben Cameron Hands in the opening round of their eight-round super featherweight bout.
In the opening frame, Ogden landed a hard right to the head that sent Hands to the canvas and the bout was stopped at 2:33.
Ogden, 129.9 lbs of Gold Coast, QUE, AUS is 3-0 with one knockout. Hands, 129.2 lbs of Sunshine Coast is 3-1.
Jalen Tait stopped Rhys Evans after round six of their eight-round lightweight bout.
In round five, Tait dropped Evans with a body shot. In round six, Evans was cut over his left eye. The doctor took a look at the cut and the bout was stopped.
Tait, 134 lbs of Townsville, AUS is 10-0 with six knockouts. Evans, 134.1 lbs was making his pro debut.
Dylan Biggs remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Marko Pizzi in a junior middleweight fight.
Biggs, 153 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 80-72 twice and 78-74 and is now 7-0. Pizzi, 153.4 lbs of Sydney, AUS is 4-3.
Liam Paro and Brock Jarvis will clash for the WBO Global Super-Lightweight Title at the South Bank Piazza in Brisbane on Saturday October 15, live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN, as Matchroom break new ground with their first show in Australia.
Paro (22-0 13 KOs) is ranked No.1 with the WBO at 140lbs and the Brisbane star will aim to kick-off Matchroom’s new era Down Under in style on his home turf. The 26-year-old inked a promotional pact with Hearn in December after seeing off the unbeaten Yomar Alamo in Tampa, Florida on his American debut. Jarvis (20-0 18 KOs) also comes into the bout on the back of his first fight on US soil, where the New South Wales ace came out on top in a wild shoot out with Alejando Rodriguez with a fifth-round stoppage in Fresno, California. The 24-year-old recorded his 18th win inside the distance from 20 fights that night and has promised fans another all-action affair next month. “I’m very grateful to get the opportunity. It almost seems unfair that I get a shot at world No.1 without even having competed in the 140lbs division but that’s just the way that it went and I’m very lucky to get the opportunity. I’m going to make the most of it.” “I am so excited to kick-off this new era for Matchroom in Australia,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Australian fans are so passionate about sport and boxing is on the rise here, so I have no doubt that they will embrace the fight nights that we put on and join us in creating unforgettable nights that showcase this country as one of the key players for the sport globally. |
Joe Cordina thrilled his hometown fans by violently knocking out Kenichi Ogawa in round two to win the IBF Junior Lightweight title at The Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales.
In Round two, Cordina landed a perfect right to the jaw that splattered Ogawa on the canvas, and the fight was stopped.
Cordina, 129.6 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is now 15-0 with nine knockouts. Ogawa, 129.4 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is now 26-2-1.
Barrett Decisions Kourbanov
Zelfa Barrett won a 12-round unanimous decision over Faroukh Kourbanov in a junior lightweight bout.
Barrett Mancherster, ENG is 28-1. Kourbanov of Dison, BEL is 19-4.
Dalton Smith stops Perouene after six
Dalton Smith remained undefeated by stopping Mauro Peroune after round six of their 10-round super lightweight fight.
In round six, Smith dropped Perouene with a right hand. After round six, the fight was stopped.
Smith, 138.5 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Perouene, 139.4 lns of Santa Rosa, ARG is 14-6-1.
Nicolson Decisions Bouvier
Skye Nicolson remained undefeated with an eight-round decision over Gabriela Bouvier in a featherweight fight.
Nicolson, 127.3 lbs of Queensland, Australia won by an 80-72 score is now 4-0. Bouvier, 127.2 lbs of Maldonado, URA is 15-11-1.
Yafai Stops Cairns in 4
Gamal Yafai stopped Sean Cairns in round four of their eight-round super bantamweight fight.
In round four, Yafai dropped Cairns with a hard left hook to the jaw and the bout was stopped at 1:55.
Yafai, 124 lbs of Birmingham, ENG is 19-2 with 11 knockouts. Cairns 124.3 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 8-3.
Callum French won an eight-round decision over Gadatamen Taylor in a super lightweight contest.
French, 137.25 lbs of Gateshead, ENG won by a 79-73 score and is now 3-0. Taylor, 137.5 lbs of Palma de Mallorco, SPA is 4-10-1.
Kyran Jones remained undefeated with a four-round decision over Vasif Mamedov in a middleweight fight.
In round two, Jones dropped Mamedov with a straight left.
Jones, 163.5 lbs of Hengoad, WAL won by a 40-35 score and is now 4-0. Mamedov., 164.1 lbs of Perm, RUS is 2-18-3.
Joe Morgan remained undefeated with a four-round decision over Rustem Fatkhullin in a super lightweight bout.
Morgan, 143.4 lbs of Aberdare, WAL won by a 40-35 score and is now 4-0. Fatkhullin, 144.2 lbs of UFA, RUS is 8-33.
Ben Crocker remained undefeated with a dour-round decision over Evgeni Vazem in a welterweight fight.
Cocker, 149.5 lbs of Swansea, WAL won by a 40-36 score and is now 4-0. Vazem, 151.6 lbs of Serov, RUS is 9-30
Ester Konecna spoiled the pro debut of Monique Bux by winning a four-round decision in a super middleweight bout.
Konecna, 160.3 lbs of Ostrava, CZE won by a 39-37 score and is now 2-15-1. Bux, 167.1 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 0-1.
In a fight that exceeded huge expectations Katie Taylor won a 10-round split decision in front of a raucous and sold-out 19, 187 at Madison Square Garden.
The bout was billed as the best female fight of all-time, it delivered and then some. The two came out on even terms, with Taylor boxing just a hair better to take a slight early lead.
Serrano hurt Taylor badly in both rounds five and six with hard combinations. Taylor wanted to stand toe-to-toe with Serrano and paid dearly for it. Taylor seemed wobbly and unsettled as she stood in her corner between rounds five and six. Taylor was able stem the tide and start scoring from distance with quick combinations. Several times down the stretch, the two best female fighters on the world electrified The Garden Crowd by exchanging in the midst of furious flurries. The two did that until the very bell in this sure-fire Fight of the Year contender.
Taylor landed 147 of 575 punches; Serrano was 175 of 624.
Taylor of Bray, IRE took two cards by scores of 97-93 and 96-93. Serrano of Brooklyn, NY won a card by 96-94.
Taylor is now 21-0. Serrano is 42-2-1.
“What a fighter Amanda Serrano is – I think we are both great fighters,” said Taylor. “Look what we have just done, selling out Madison Square Garden, the biggest venue in boxing history.
“Both of us have broken so many barriers in her careers. It feels great to be in this position really! Amazing fight. What a night!
“I knew exactly how deep I had to dig in this fight. I knew going into it that I was going to be in the trenches at some stage. She’s a phenomenal fighter and a great, great person.
“I was listening to my trainer and I’m so grateful for Ross. Thank you for everything. You’re such a humble guy but you’re the best in the world.”
Smith Batters, Stops Vargas in 10
In a battle of former world champions, Liam Smith stopped Jessie Vargas in round 10 of their 12-round junior middleweight clash.
The fight was close through four rounds, with several even exchanges occurring between the two fighters. The naturally bigger Smith began to take over and started beating up Vargas. With each successive round, Vargas looked more tired, which opened for more powerful shots to land by Smith. Finally in round 10, Smith landed a big left hook that set off an unanswered flurry that forced referee Steve Willis to stop the bout at 41 seconds.
Smith of Liverpool, UK is 31-3-1 with 18 knockouts. Vargas of Las Vegas falls to 29-4-2.
Crews-Dezurn Decisions Cederroos to win Undisputed Super Middleweight Crown
Franchon Crews-Dezurn won the Undisputed Super Middleweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Elin Cederroos.
It was an action packed fight that saw Crews-Dezurn land a lot of overhand shots that forced the nose of Cederroos to bleed as early as round four.
Crews-Dezurn landed 171 of 439 punches; Cederroos was 108 of 511.
Crews-Dezurn of Baltimore, MD won by scores of 99-91 and 97-93 and is now 8-1. Cederroos of Sweden is 8-1.
Yafai Stops Cartagena After 2
2021 Olympic Gold Medal winner, Galal Yafai stopped Miguel Cartagena after round two of their scheduled 10-round flyweight bout.
Yafai dominated Cartagena all over the ring for both rounds until the fight was stopped.
Yafai of Birmingham, ENG is 2-0 with two knockouts. Cartagena of Philadelphia i 17-7-1.
NEW YORK–Austin Williams destroyed Chordale Booker in the opening round of the 10-round middleweight bout.
Williams hurt Booker and the pounded away on him with Booker sitting on the ropes for a scored knockdown. Booker was deemed unable to continue at 2:25.
Williams of Houston, TX is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Booker of Stamford, CT is 17-1.
Reshat Mati remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Joe Eli Hernandez in a super lightweight bout.
Mati, 143.8 lbs of Staten Island, NY won by scores of 80-72 on all cards, and is now 12-0. Hernandez, Matarnoros, MEX is 12-2.
Australian Olympian Skye Nicolson remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Shanecqua Paisley Davis in a featherweight bout.
In round six, Nicolson capped off the victory by dropping Davis with a straight left.
Nicolson, 125.6 lbs of Yatala, AUS won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 3-0. Davis, 125.2 lbs of Houston is 3-2.
Khalil Coe remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over William Langston in a light heavyweight bout.
Coe, 174. lbs of Jersey City, NJ won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56 and is now 3-0-1. Langston, 173 lbs of Kenosha, WI is 6-3.