Tag Archives: gamboa

Posted on 12/26/2019

By: William Holmes

On Saturday night, one of Mayweather Promotions prized signings, Gervonta “Tank” Davis, will take on former unified featherweight world champion Yoriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight Title.

This bout will be a part of a Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) card to be televised live on Showtime from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.  The co-main event of the night will be a WBA Light Heavyweight Title Fight between Jean Pascal and Badou Jack.

Other bouts on the undercard will include a super middleweight bout between Jose Uzcategui and Lionell Thompson and aIBF/WBO Junior Featherweight eliminator between Angelo Leo and Cesar Juarez.  

The following is a preview of the co-main event and main event of the night.

Jean Pascal (34-6-1) vs. Badou Jack (22-2-3); WBA Light Heavyweight Title

Despite the fact he’s currently thirty seven years old, Jean Pascal was able to defeat father time and score the upset win over Marcus Browne when he was last seen in a ring in August of 2019.

On Saturday he’ll be facing an opponent closer to his age, a thirty six year old Badou Jack, when he defends his title.

Pascal will have about a two and a half inch height advantage as well as about an inch reach advantage over Jack.  Both boxers had successful amateur careers.  Pascal is Canadian Amateur National Champion and competed in the 2004 Olympics.  Jack is a Swedish National Amateur Champion and competed in the 2008 Olympics.

Pascal has been slightly more active than Jack.  He fought once in 2019, twice in 2018, and two times in 2017.  Jack has fought once in 2019, once in 2018, and twice in 2017.

Pascal has defeated the likes of Marcus Browne, Ahemd Albiali, Yunieski Gonzalez, Lucian Bute, Chad Dawson, and Adrian Diaconu.  His loses were to Dmitry Bivol, Eleider Alvarez, Sergey Kovalev (twice), Carl Froch, and Bernard Hopkins.

Jack has defeated the likes of Nathan Cleverly, Lucian Bute, George Groves, Anthony Dirrell, and Farrah Ennis.  His losses were to Derek Edwards and Marcus Browne.

This is a tough bout to pick, as both boxers are relatively the same age and evenly matched.  Pascal appears to have a slight power advantage as he has more stoppage wins than Jack.

This writer has to give a very slight edge to Pascal, but believes this is a pick-em fight. 

Gervonta Davis (22-0) vs. Yoriorkis Gamboa (30-2); WBA Lightweight Title

If this fight happened when Gamboa was five years younger, it would have been considered a must watch fight.

However, Gamboa is thirty eight years old now, thirteen years Davis’ elder, and is clearly past his athletic prime.  He’s still in good shape, and his deep amateur background may give Davis some issues early on, but Davis’ age and power will be difficult for Gamboa to overcome.

Davis and Gamboa are the same height, but Davis will have a two and a half inch reach advantage over Gamboa.  They both had stellar amateur careers, with Davis being a Police Athletic League National Champion and a Golden Gloves National Champion.  Gamboa however had the better international career as an amateur, as he won the gold medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Gamboa does have a significant edge in power.  He has stopped twenty one of his twenty two opponents, while Gamboa has only stopped eighteen opponents and has two stoppage losses on his resume.

Both boxers have been fairy inconsistent with their activity.  Davis fought twice in 2019 and only once in 2018, but fought three times in 2017.  Gamboa fought once in 2019 and once in 2018, but fought four times in 2017.

Davis has been been defeated, or come close to it.  He has beaten the likes of Ricardo Nunez, Hugo Ruiz, Jesus Cuellar, Francisco Fonseca, Liam Walsh, and Jose Pedraza.  Even though Gamboa is thirty eight years old, this is likely the toughest test of Davis’ career.

Gamboa has defeated the likes of Roman Martinez, Miguel Beltran Jr., Jason Sosa, Darleys Perez, Daniel Ponce De Leon, Jonathan Barros, and Orlando Salido.  His losses were to Robinson Castellanos and Terence Crawford.

Gamboa should he ready for this fight, as a loss will surely spell the end of him receiving legitimate title shots.  However, Davis is just too young and too powerful for Gamboa, who has shown an ability to get knocked out.

Davis might have problems early on against Gamboa, but should end the fight strong and maybe stop Gamboa late. 

Posted on 11/27/2019

By: Hans Themistode

The next pay per view star? Gervonta Davis (22-0, 21 KOs) will be looking to prove he is just that as he takes on Yuriokis Gamboa (30-2, 18 KOs) on December 28th. Their contest is slated to take place at the State Farm Arena, in Atlanta.

Over and over again, Gervonta Davis and Mayweather promotions have claimed that he will be the next pay per view star in the sport of boxing starting in 2020. However, before he gets to that point, he will need to get past multiple division champion Yuriokis Gamboa.

Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions Twitter Account

Since suffering an upset defeat at the hands of Robinson Castellanos back in 2017, Gamboa has reeled off four straight victories. The latter coming at the expense of former world champion Roman Martinez. Gamboa will be 38 by the time these two step in the ring with one another, and although he isn’t the fighter that he once was, Davis still views him as a threat.

“December 28 is going to be an action packed fight,” said Davis. “And not just my fight, but the whole card is going to be great. We’re training hard right now so we can live up to the hype. This is going to be a big event on December 28, not just a boxing show. I want to keep getting better and better inside that squared circle. I hope Gamboa brings the best out of me so that people can see that I’m not just a power puncher. I have a lot of boxing skills.”

This is a contest that spells trouble for Gamboa. At one point in his career he was a constant fixture on just about everyone’s pound for pound list. He was after all a champion in numerous divisions and an Olympic gold medalist back in 2004. However, that was over 15 years ago.

The one advantage that Gamboa has in his favor is that he will walk into this contest as the bigger man as this will be the first contest for Davis in the Lightweight division. Yet, the undefeated Davis is unafraid of the extra weight advantage that his opponent will have as he is looking to place his name amongst the other great fighters that have come before him.

“Coming up in weight is something that I know I have to do to be great. Gamboa is a tough opponent. He’s a gold medalist who hits hard. I’m going to test the waters and December 28 I’m going to show everyone what I can do.”

Davis, 25, has yet to face anyone who can truly push him. Yet, in the case of Gamboa, despite his age, we could see Davis pushed to the brink. It might seem unlikely to anyone else, but that is the mindset that Davis is carrying with him into this contest.

“I believe this is the biggest test of my career so far. He’s very accomplished and we know that he’s explosive and comes to fight. He’s a tough opponent but we’re ready. We’re not taking him lightly at all. This is a really big challenge for me and we know that Gamboa is a bigger guy. He’s an action packed fighter with power and speed. It’s going to be great for the sport and we’re going to make it a great night. The fans should expect action on December 28. I’m going to give it my all and I’m going to put him down on his face.”

As for Gamboa, he has never been known as a trash talker and he stayed true to form during this press conference.

“I recognize that Gervonta has done great things so far in his career,” said Gamboa. “He’s had his glory, and I’ve had mine. I’ve been champion in different weight classes. We’re putting the work in and I assure you December 28 will be a great test for both of us.”

Let’s face it, Gamboa is certainly long in the tooth and questions surrounding his durability is a legitimate one. With this quite possibly being his last chance at gold with his career winding down, he only sees himself walking out on December 28th with his hand raised.

I know that we’re both coming to win, but in my heart and my soul, I see myself winning on December 28. I’ll leave it all in the ring to do so.

“Everyone in Atlanta is going to see a great war. It’s going to be two warriors fighting in the middle of that ring and may the best man win that night.”

Posted on 10/17/2019

By: Hans Themistode

After making a move to the Lightweight division, former Super Featherweight champion Gervonta Davis (22-0, 21 KOs) will be waisting no time as he will fight for a world title in his next fight.

After struggling to make weight at the Super Featherweight division for quite some time, Davis earlier this year, decided it was best for him to move up to a new weight and relinquish his title in the process.

On December 28th, he will attempt to become a two weight world champion when he takes on former belt holder Yuriorkis Gamboa (30-2, 18 KOs). The bout is believed to be taking place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, although there is an outside chance that New York could be in play as well.

For Gamboa, this is an opportunity he has been clamoring for. It has been over six years since he has held a world title. Now, he will get the chance to once again reclaim gold. Those aspirations however, seem farfetched at this point in the career of Gamboa.

At one point the Cuban born Gamboa was considered a pound for pound star. His future shined as bright, if not brighter, then anyone’s in the sport of boxing. Unfortunately, he was never quite able to reach his full potential.

Ongoing managerial issues saw Gamboa suffer from plenty of inactivity. In both 2012 and 2013, the former champion stepped into the ring just once. The following year, 2014, saw Gamboa face his toughest opponent ever. Terence Crawford.

The bout was in no means a one sided affair. At least not at first. Through the first three rounds, Gamboa was clearly outboxing his man. To the credit of Crawford he quickly adjusted his game plan and began to pick Gamboa apart. What ensued was four knockdowns and a ninth round stoppage. Gamboa had since rebounded to win three straight bouts before once again losing by stoppage, this time at the hands of Robinson Castellanos.

For what it’s worth, Gamboa is currently on a four fight win streak, including a stoppage win over another former champion in Roman Martinez.

In the case of Davis, he has quickly rose to become one of boxing’s biggest stars. His one punch knockout power has aided him in that effort. In 2017, Davis stopped then unbeaten champion Jose Pedraza in the seventh round of their title clash. It has been years since Davis has fought anyone even remotely respectable.

This matchup pits two fighters going in opposite directions. Davis is a budding star who has yet to fully unlock all of his potential. Gamboa on the other hand, at the age of 37, has already seen his time pass. Although he has never been seen as a push over at any point in his career, one must think that this is a bad matchup for him.

This contest will be contested for the vacant WBA “Regular” Lightweight title. The winner of this bout will be in the mandatory position to take on arguably the current pound for pound best fighter in the world, Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Posted on 11/08/2018

By: Henry Deleon

Yuriokis Gamboa (28-2 17kos) a four-time world champion in three weight divisions and an Olympic gold medalist from Guantanamo, Cuba will be taking on Miguel Beltran Jr.(33-6 22Kos) Saturday Nov 10th.

I had the opportunity to interview the Olympic gold medalist over the phone. Here’s what he had to share:

Photo Credit: David Martin Warr

Boxing Insider – How do you feel about the fight this Saturday?

Gamboa – I feel ready, I Feel good. Thank you

Boxing Insider – looking past this fight, say you get through this fight with Beltran, what else would you like to accomplish?

Gamboa – Well to continue going forward with my career and to retain another championship belt like we have in the past.

Boxing Insider -In your division there is a lot of big names, a lot of talent in the surrounding weight classes like Gervonta Davis there’s also Lomachenko. How do you feel you would match up to names like these?

Gamboa – I’m basically in a weight class where that question makes no sense. There is nothing different, nothing new. Nothing that I haven’t already accomplished for someone in your case to be asking me that question.

Boxing Insider – In boxing, it is believed one ages rather quick. You’re almost 37 years old. How much more do you think you have left to give to the sport?

Gamboa – I can’t say exactly. Only god knows what he has planned for me.

Boxing Insider – You have had a magnificent career both amateur and professional. There was lot of potential for you to accomplish a lot more in the pros. What do you think prevented you from achieving that?

Gamboa – Well definitely the inactivity. We haven’t had much opportunity to fight therefor not much opportunity to win. That is the main reason.

Boxing Insider – Is there any last words you’d like to say to your fans?

Gamboa – Just want to say thank you to all the fans and to continue following my career. Come Saturday night we are going to demonstrate that we are still able to continue giving you guys exciting performances.

Gamboa vs. Beltran will be live on Pay Per view beginning at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT. Juan Manuel Lopez (35-6 32kos) will also be on the card taking on Cristian Mino (19-2 17kos). Tune in for another exciting night of boxing!

Posted on 11/08/2018

By: Henry Deleon

Leading up to his upcoming bout against Olympic gold medalist Yuriokis Gamboa (28-2 17kos), I had the honor of interviewing over the phone Miguel Beltran Jr. (33-6 22kos) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. He’s a two-time world champion challenger. Here’s what he had to say:

Photo Credit: David Martin Warr

Boxing Insider – Miguel, how do you feel about your fight with Gamboa this Saturday?

Miguel Beltran Jr. – I feel ready, I feel good. We had a great preparation, a great training camp. Now we’re just waiting for the day of the fight. We’re ready to go!

Boxing Insider – In this training camp, what did you find difficult in preparation for this fight?

Miguel Beltran Jr. – We had a lot of rounds of sparring. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays we had tough and intense sparring. But we are ready and in good rhythm come fight night this Saturday.

Boxing Insider – with Gamboa’s previous experience of being a gold medalist in the Olympics, being an ex-world champion. How difficult do you feel this encounter will be?

Miguel Beltran Jr. – I feel it’s going to be a great fight because of our styles of fighting. And to tell you the truth it motivates me to fight someone like Yuriokis Gamboa because of the name and trajectory he has built himself. He doesn’t intimidate me though and come Saturday we will leave it all in the ring so we can come out victorious that night.

Boxing Insider – Many feel that Gamboa’s chin can be questionable, will you be going for the Knock out?

Miguel Beltran Jr. – Yes, but more than anything we prepared in camp for an intense 10 round fight. If we’re able to finish the fight early than great, we welcome that. If not then just know we are well prepared to give a great fight from the opening of the 1st to the end of the 10th round.

Boxing Insider – What is your plan to get Gamboa to fight your kind of fight?

Miguel Beltran Jr. – To keep closing the distance on him and keep constant pressure because we know we have everything against us in this fight, that we basically need a knock out to win the fight.

Boxing Insider – Looking past this fight a bit. Do you feel that with a victory over Gamboa, would that put you on a level to compete with the other big names in that division?

Miguel Beltran Jr. – Yeah for sure! In fact, I’m willing to fight with whoever. I’ve never turned away from anyone nor am I afraid of anyone. But above all I don’t really like to talk a lot. My focus is on Yuriokis Gamboa and if all goes well and we get the victory then we’ll talk about what rival we want next.

Boxing Insider – Gamboa has been inactive for nearly a year now, you have had one fight this year against Misael Munoz who you stopped. Do you feel that Gamboa’s inactivity is going to work in your favor come Saturday night?

Miguel Beltran Jr. – Inactivity tends to have an effect on all fighters. I prepared to win this fight. My team and I are aware of his inactivity and it could have an effect on him, but either way we had a great training camp and we’re ready for war.

Boxing Insider – Any final words you’d like to say to your fans and all those that support you?

Miguel Beltran Jr. – Thank you for supporting and to continue supporting us. I’d like to give a big shout out to all the Mexican people that are going to be with us that night and most of all a huge shout out to my family.

Miguel Beltran Jr. will be going head to head with Yuriokis Gamboa in a 10-rounder lightweight bout live on PPV Saturday Nov 10, 2019. Also on the card will be Juan Manuel Lopez(35-6 32kos) taking on Cristian Mino (19-2 17 kos) in another 10-rounder bout. Tune in for another exciting night of boxing.

Posted on 11/26/2017

By: Ken Hissner

At the Madison Square Garden Theater, in New York City, Saturday night Main Events, Krusher Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and HBO promoted the vacant WBO light heavyweight title fight.

In the main event former WBA, WBO & IBF light heavyweight champion Russian Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev, 31-2-1 (27), of Los Angeles, CA, stopped Ukranian Vyacheslav “Lion Heart” Shabranskyy, 19-2 (16), of Los Angeles, CA, regaining the vacant WBO light heavyweight title, at 2:36 of round two of a scheduled 12.

In the opening round both boxers exchanged jabs with Shabranskyy showing a harder one. A right hand from Kovalev on the left ear and down went Shabranskyy. Another right hand from Kovalev to the left ear of Shabransky and down he went again. In the second round a hard right from Kovalev to the side of Shabranskyy’s and down he went. Kovalev went right after Shabranskyy and was hurting him again with the right hand to the head forcing referee Harvey Dock to end the fight. Seems Kovalev’s new trainer made a big difference with Kovalev seemingly back to his old form.

Light heavyweight Cuban Sullivan Barrera, 21-1 (14), won easily over awkward Felix “Mangu” Valera, 15-2 (13), of Dominican Republic, over 10 rounds.

In the first round Barrera landed a good right to the chin of Valera. Halfway thru the round Valera turned southpaw momentarily. Switching back to orthodox Valera landed a left hook dropping Barrera. A questionable call by referee Mike Ortega ruled a knockdown against Valera by a glancing left hook by Barrera. In the second round Valera was warned for a low blow. Valera started show boating and got caught with a right hand from Barrera. Barrera suffered a cut over his left eye under the eye brow.

In the third round another low blow by Valera cost him a point. Barrera comes fighting back landing hard shots to the head of Valera. Valera again switches to southpaw and show boating. Barrera had a big round. In the fourth round Barrera landed a hard overhand right to the head of Valera. Hands to his side Valera from the southpaw stance landed a solid left to the head of Barrera who keeps coming forward with blood flowing from his cut from a right hook. Barrera ended the round landing a right to the head of Valera.

In the fifth round Barrera kept coming forward landing more punches though the awkward Valera landing the harder punches though moving around with hands to his side. In the sixth round another low blow by Valera cost him a point. Halfway thru the round Valera decided to stand his ground giving the most action of the fight with Barrera throwing back. Barrera landed a double left hook to the head of Valera just prior to the bell.

In the seventh round Barrera landed well with his right to the head along with an uppercut to the head. They traded hard body shots. Barrera continued landing hard rights to the head of Valero. In the eighth round another low blow cost Valero a point. Barrera landed a solid right uppercut to the chin of Valero.

In the ninth round Barrera landed a low blow and lost a point. Again Valero started show boating. Valero dancing around the ring not throwing punches though well behind in the fight. In the tenth and final round Valero opened up with a solid left hook to the head of Barrera knowing he needs a knockout to win. Valero continues to dance around the ring not throwing punches again. Barrera lands final punch of the fight to the head of a strange Valero.

Judge Akerman had it 98-88, Feldman 97-90 and Schreck 97-89 with this writer 98-89. Referee was Mike Ortega. This should earn Barrera a title shot.

Former WBA super featherweight champion Jason “El Canito” Sosa, 20-3-4 (15), of Camden, NJ, lost a disputed majority decision to former IBF & WBA featherweight champion Cuban Yuriokis “El Ciclon de Guantanamo” Gamboa, 28-2 (17), of Miami, FL, over 10 rounds.

In the first round Sosa was the aggressor. Gamboa showed good hand speed in out working Sosa with counter combinations. A clash of heads showed a small red mark over the right eye of Gamboa. In the second round Sosa was warned for a low blow by referee Ron Lipton. Gamboa landed a double left hook to the mid-section of Sosa. Late in the round Sosa landed a left hook to the head of Gamboa where the head butt landed earlier opening a cut over the right eye of Gamboa. Sosa ended the round with a solid overhand right to the head of Gamboa.

In the third round Gamboa was warned twice for pushing off Sosa by referee Lipton. Sosa is throwing the right which is going over the head of Gamboa. Gamboa landed a left hook to the head of Sosa being the best punch of the round. In the fourth round Gamboa landed a good left hook to the body of Sosa. Gamboa warned for holding. Gamboa is landing 3-punch combinations on Sosa. Sosa keeps chasing Gamboa.

In the fifth round Gamboa landed a hard right hand to the chin of Sosa. Gamboa warned about holding for second time. Sosa lands a lead right to the mid-section of Gamboa. Both fighters exchanged right hands to the head. Sosa ended the round with a right uppercut to the chin of Gamboa. In the sixth round Gamboa continues to throw and grab Sosa. Halfway thru the round Sosa landed a good left hook to the head of Gamboa. Gamboa’s left eye started showing swelling.

In the seventh round Sosa landed a pair of left hooks dropping Gamboa with a delay knockdown when his glove hit the canvas per referee Lipton. Gamboa finally warned again for holding for the third time. Sosa landed a hard right to the head of Gamboa that was followed up by another seconds later. In the eighth round a Sosa right hand rocked Gamboa on the chin. Sosa followed up with a right to the body of Gamboa who may be tiring.

In the ninth round another warning to Gamboa for holding. Sosa landed a solid left hook to the head of Gamboa. Sosa ended the round with a good body shot. In the tenth and final round Sosa landed several good jabs to the chin of Gamboa. Referee Lipton finally takes a point from Gamboa for holding once again. Gamboa never stopped holding the rest of the round as Sosa did his best to punch him off of him.

Judge Taylor 94-94, McKaie 95-93 and Tella 96-92 with this writer 95-93 for Sosa. Gamboa took the fight on 3 weeks notice. This fight promoted by Golden Boy and Peltz Boxing.

Posted on 11/08/2017

Compiled By: William Holmes

The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of October 31st to November 7th; covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

Claressa Shields to Defend Women’s Super Middleweight Title Against Tori Nelson

Unified Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields will defend her 168-pound titles against undefeated IBF mandatory challenger Tori Nelson on Friday, Jan. 12 live on SHOWTIME.

A two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Shields (4-0, 2 KOs) will face her second consecutive undefeated opponent in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation live at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Shields dethroned previously unbeaten Nikki Adler Aug. 4 on SHOWTIME to pick up the WBC and vacant IBF titles less than one year after she became the first American boxer to capture back-to-back Olympic gold medals. The 22-year-old native of Flint, Mich., returns to face Nelson, a seven-year veteran with seven times the professional ring experience.

“I’m truly excited to have the chance to demonstrate my skills against an opponent the caliber of Tori Nelson,” Shields said. “I’m honored to be headlining the first ShoBox of 2018, and I know January 12 will be a great night for the fans. This will be the beginning of a historic year for me and for women’s boxing.”

Nelson (17-0-3, 2 KOs) won a middleweight world championship in 2011 and owns wins over previously unbeaten Alicia Napoleon and Mia St. John. The 41-year-old Ashburn, Va., native looks to capture her second world title in a showdown with the fastest rising star in women’s boxing.

“Ever since Claressa turned pro, I have wanted this fight,” Nelson said. “She’s young and talented, but my experience will make the difference. Since I became a boxer, I have dreamed of being in big fights on television. I am confident that I will win this fight and remain undefeated. And I plan to retire as an undefeated world champion.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions in association with Aasha Record Breakers, go on sale Monday, Nov. 13 for $75 for the first two rows of ringside, $65 for remaining ringside seats and all others priced at $49 and $37, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased in person or by calling the Turning Stone Resort Box Office at 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.

“Claressa’s determination to challenge the best available contenders shows why she is one of the most accomplished fighters in the sport today,” promoter Dmitriy Salita said. “This is a great matchup and I am confident that we will witness another memorable performance.”

Said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox: The New Generation: “Claressa is a star both in and out of the ring who possesses all the intangibles to become the face of women’s boxing. In just four professional fights, two as headliners on ShoBox, she is already unified champion at 168 with plans to conquer the 160 and 154-pound divisions. Tori Nelson is undefeated, a former champion, and represents what should be the toughest test of Claressa’s young career. Only time will tell, but I don’t know if there is any fighter in the world who can stop Claressa Shields.”

Shields compiled an amateur record of 77-1 and won her first Olympic Gold when she was only 17 years old in the inaugural women’s boxing competition at the 2012 London Games. She won a second gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and turned professional three months later.

In March 2017 in Detroit, Shields stopped Hungary’s Szilvia Szabados in four rounds in the first women’s main event in premium television history. Shields returned to headline her second ShoBox telecast in August, knocking out Adler in the fifth round to become unified champion in just her fourth professional fight. With the win, Shields became the 70th world champion in the history of the prospect developmental series.

Active in her community, Shields advocates for several social issues and serves as an inspirational figure in her hometown of Flint, a city beset by problems.

Nelson turned professional at the age of 29 and won the WBC 160-pound title in just her fifth professional fight. She twice fought to a draw in middleweight world title bouts with Teresa Perozzi.

The high-pressure Nelson is one fight removed from a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Napoleon, and is fresh off a second round knockout of Latashia Burton in her first hometown fight in Ashburn, Va.

Undercard bouts for the ShoBox telecast will be announced in the coming weeks.

Hennessy Sports Statement in Regards to Tyson Fury

Both Tyson Fury and Hughie Fury have been fighting the United Kingdom Anti-Doping (Ukad) over Fury’s positive test for steroids in June of 2016. The BBC is reporting that the Ukad fears it could be made insolvent or require a government bailout over a dispute with Tyson Fury.

Hennessy Sports recently released a statement in regards to Tyson Fury and stated, “It has been a difficult two years but we will not stop until we have cleared Tyson Fury and Hughie Fury names.”
Former Unified Featherweight Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa to Step In and Fight Jason Sosa
Former unified featherweight champion Yuriorkis “El Ciclon de Guantanamo” Gamboa (27-2, 17 KOs) will step in to fight Jason “El Canito” Sosa (20-2-4, 15 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight fight at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in the televised opener to Kovalev vs. Shabrankskyy. The event takes place Saturday, Nov. 25 and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Gamboa, a 35-year-old native of Guantanamo, Cuba, is an Olympic Gold Medalist who shot to the top of the Featherweight rankings to win two world titles, defeating the likes of Orlando “Siri” Salido and Daniel Ponce De Leon before officially moving up to 130 pounds. Gamboa has also faced stiff competition as a super featherweight, with wins against Darleys Perez and Rene “El Gemelo” Alvarado under his belt. Gamboa is replacing Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos, who pulled out of this fight due to an injury.

“I’m excited for this great opportunity to fight Sosa on the undercard of Kovalev-Shabranakssy,” said Gamboa. “A win over Sosa on HBO could push me back into title contention. I’m a fighter with many aspects and dimensions, and that’s what I’ll bring in my fight against Sosa. For my my last fight, I wasn’t prepared well. This time I will be very much prepared, so I can walk away with my hand raised.”

“I’m excited for Gamboa,” said Zeferino Ramirez of ZR Entertainment. “This is the fight we wanted. And I expect big things in 2018. He’ll be ready for any 130-pound champion if he is successful on November 25.”

The 29-year-old Sosa, of Camden, NJ, is the former WBA World Super Featherweight Champion. He earned his title by handing Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna his first loss as a pro with an 11th-round knockout in Beijing, China in June 2016. Sosa successfully defended his title with a 12-round decision win over Stephen Smith in Monte Carlo in November 2016 before returning several months later in a tough fight against Vasyl “Hi-Tech” Lomachenko in April 2017. Sosa is also known for fighting to an impressive majority draw against former WBA Super World Featherweight Champion Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters and for stopping former world title challenger Jerry “The Corpus Christi Kid” Belmontes in only one round.

“People think we have an easier opponent in Gamboa since Castellanos beat him, but we’re not buying into that,” said Sosa. “Maybe Gamboa didn’t take Castellanos seriously. We expect to see the very best Gamboa on Nov. 25. Having said that, this is not about who we are fighting; this is about why. We are fighting to make Puerto Rico proud after what all the people who live there have been through recently.”

“This should be a solid fight between two guys, the same size, who like to hurt people,” said Russell Peltz, Hall of Fame Promoter of Peltz Boxing Promotions.”It’s a better matchup, style-wise, than the one between Jason [Sosa] and Robinson Castellanos.”

Kovalev vs. Shabranskyy is a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO Light Heavyweight World Title promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions. Barrera vs. Valera is a 10-round light heavyweight fight promoted by Main Events in Association with Shuan Boxing Promotions.

Gamboa vs. Sosa is a 10-round super featherweight fight promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Peltz Boxing and ZR Entertainment. The event will take place on Nov. 25 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin and Tyron “Pretty Boy” James Media Day Quotes

Super lightweight contender and Long Island knockout artist CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN, (20-0 16 KO’s), and undefeated welterweight prospect TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES (5-0 3 KO’s) entertained the large group of press and fans at the Westbury Boxing Gym in Long Island today, in advance of their fights at NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, this Saturday, November 11th. James will face veteran DANIEL SOSTRE (13-14-1, 5 KO’s) in a 6 round bout during the non-televised portion of the card. Also in attendance was Long Islander, TOMMY “THE RAZOR” RAINONE, who will be fighting on the non-televised portion of the card.

Seldin will be the TV opener on HBO, in a 10 round clash against Mexican brawler ROBERTO “MASSA” ORTIZ (35-1-2 26 KO’s). Headlining the card is DANIEL “MIRACLE MAN” JACOBS (32-2 29 KO’s) vs LUIS ARIAS (18-0 9 KO’s) in a 12 round bout and co-feature JARRELL “BIG BABY” MILLER (19-0-1 17 KO’s) vs MARIUSZ WACH (33-2 17 KO’s) in a 12 round heavyweight showdown. The HBO World Championship production is set to begin a 10:00 PM ET with Cletus Seldin vs Roberto Ortiz bout.

CLETUS SELDIN
“When Star Boxing told me that I had a fight on HBO, I just jumped at it, I didn’t even ask who the opponent was”
“Im ecstatic, so excited, to be fighting on HBO and to be in my hometown of Long Island.”
“This is my audition and I’m taking it as there is no tomorrow.”
“I want to show everybody that I am just a really hard working individual who as long as I work hard, I will get there.”
“Whether I am the first fight or the last fight, I will put on the most exciting fight of the night.”

TYRONE JAMES
“This is a big fight for me and I know that, but I am going to take it like any other fight, training 110% just like my other fights, and give it everything I have.”
“We will come out victorious.”

Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Second Induction Weekend June 1st through June 3rd

The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame is proud to announce its second Annual Induction Ceremony & Celebration Weekend. The 2018 celebration is set for Friday, June 1st through Sunday, June 3rd; and will be held at the historic Claridge a Radisson Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Our esteemed Nomination Committee has completed the nomination and voting process; and the names of all luminaries who will be inducted into the 2018 Induction Class, will be announced Monday, November 27, 2017, via an official press release. This year’s group of Inductees is comprised of Boxers, Trainers, Promoters, Managers, Matchmakers, Historians, Special Contributors, and Posthumous individuals. All who have played a major role in making Atlantic City atop boxing destination in the U.S.A.

The countdown to Induction Weekend has begun as plenary meetings are already underway. Over the next several week’s updates on room packages, schedule of events and expected celebrity appearances will be posted on the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame and the Claridge Hotel websites and social media platforms.

During last year’s inaugural three-day celebration – ACBHOF showcased the Fight Fan Experience – a festive boxing-themed environment that included a Boxing Fantasy Camp, Pop-Up Barber Shop, Jack Johnson Exhibit, Icons of Boxing, The Legacy Exists Joe Frazier Scholarship Fund, James O’Neal Sculptures, Cake King of Queens, The Press of Atlantic City Exhibit, WBC Boxing, Food vendors and music by DJ Young Hitta.

The master of ceremonies for the ceremony was President of NJ Boxing Hall of Fame, Henry Hascup. The 2017 induction weekend was a smorgasbord of boxing royalty, celebrity guests, and legions of boxing fans. Last year’s star-studded Charter Class members included: Don King, Michael Spinks, Larry Hazzard, Steve Smoger, Mike Rossman, Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Frank Gelb, Don Elbaum, J Russell Peltz, Dave Bontempo, Ken Condon, Robert Lee, Sr., Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson.

Some of last year’s VIP guests included: Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian, Councilman Frank Gilliam, Dr. Nina Radcliff, Whitney Ullman, Jill Diamond, Flo Anthony, Aaron Snowell, Lillo Brancato, Alan Goldberg, Ray Mercer, Mark Breland, Iran Barkley, Iceman John Scully, Tracy Patterson, Milton Luban, Chuck Zito and the Grandy Twins. Entertainment was provided by former Miss America, Suzette Charles; Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Band and saxophonist Parris.

Considering the scale and level of our inaugural event and the significant interest it has kindled, we can safely say that the celebration remains unique and exciting for Atlantic City and the sport of boxing.

All interested sponsors, exhibitors, and vendors looking be involved in 2018 induction weekend or to reserve a booth are encouraged to contact the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) at [email protected]

Two Time Olympian Alberto Melian to Turn Professional December 16th

Sampson Boxing’s newest promotional signing, Argentinean amateur star and two-time Olympian, Alberto “Impacto” Melián, will be taking the “Lomachenko” route into the professional ranks by facing Diego Ricardo Santillan (23-2, 15 KOs) in an eight-round bout for his first professional fight on Saturday, December 16, at the Macro Stadium of the Argentine Federation of Boxing (FAB) in Buenos Aires.

A formidable foe for anyone, the 30-year-old Santillan, from Tartagal, Salta, Argentina, is a former Argentina (FAB), WBC Mundo Hispano and South American Bantamweight Champion. Melian, however, has requested the fast track to a world championship and promoter Lewkowicz has agreed.

“Alberto is regarded as one of the best Argentine amateur boxers ever and he’s ready for the best of the professional ranks. We hope to have him fighting for a world championship within 10 fights,” said Lewkowicz.

Lewkowicz says that Melian’s amateur credentials are enough to let him forego the usual development period of a new professional.

“In addition to his two Olympic appearances, Alberto fought in nearly every international tournament and won dozens of titles. He’s ready for anyone in the world going into his first fight. We have every confidence in him.”

Melián vs. Santillan will be televised live by TyC Sports Argentina.

Posted on 05/06/2017

Yuriorkis Gamboa and Abraham Lopez Upset in Las Vegas!
By: Ken Hissner

At the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Ballroom, in Las Vegas, NV, former 2004 Olympic Gold medalist, WBO lightweight, interim WBA super featherweight and WBA Super and IBF featherweight champion from Cuba Yuriorkis Gamboa returned to Las Vegas for the first time since 2012 and may have seen his career come to an end. It was a Golden Boy Promotion over ESPN2 in a night of upsets.

In the main event lightweight Yuriorkis “El Ciclon de Guantanamo” Gamboa, 26-2 (17), of Miami, FL, was upset by Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos, 24-12 (14), of Celaya, MEX, at the end of the seventh round having scored several knockdowns over Gamboa.

In the first 2 rounds there was not much action with Gamboa having an edge. In the third round a jab by Castellanos followed by a right to the chin of Gamboa and down he went. In the fourth round a lead round house right hand by Castellanos on the chin of Gamboa and down he went. In the fifth and sixth rounds Gamboa came back with flurries backing up Castellanos who went right hand crazy with few landing.

In the seventh round Castellanos rocked Gamboa with a right to the head but was outworked by Gamboa who seemed like a shell of his former self. The 35 year-old Gamoba advised his corner to stop the fight in between rounds after the seventh round. Gamboa has had four years of inactivity during his career at different times and it caught up with him. Russell Mora was the referee.

In the co-feature Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez, 22-1-1 (15), of LaPu nte, CA, lost his WBA-NABA featherweight title, to Jesus Rojas, 25-1-2 (18), of Caguas, PR, at 1:47 of the eighth round of a title eliminator.

In the opening round there was no feeling out as both fighters were throwing bombs. Lopez got the better of the two. In the second round a solid left hook by Rojas to the chin of Lopez made him wobble back and another left hook made Lopez took a knee. In the third round Lopez came back in a continual slugfest getting the better of Rojas.

In the fourth round a Rojas left hook to the face of Lopez bloodied his nose in knocking Lopez down. By the end of the round Lopez was back on top. The next 3 rounds went back and forth. In the eighth round 3 Rojas rights to the head of Lopez and down he went. Upon getting up Rojas was all over Lopez until referee Tony Weeks stepped in and waved it off.

Middleweight southpaw Yamaguchi Falcao, 13-0 (6), of Sao Paulo, BRZ, dominated Morgan “Big Chief” Fitch, 18-1 (8), of Pittsburgh, PA, over 10 rounds.

Through the first 3 rounds Falcao was the aggressor and used his speed of hand to get the best of Fitch. In the fourth round with his trainer Tom Yankello urging him Fitch came forward hurting Falcao with a body shot. Falcao returned the favor with a glazing right off the chin of Fitch that had him ducking and moving to avoid another punch. In the fifth round the smaller Falcao used his jab more than the much bigger Fitch.

In the sixth round a straight lead left and followed by a right hook from Falcao rocked Fitch whose right eye looked very red. In the eighth round Fitch had swelling over the left eye from lead straight lefts zeroing in from Falcao. In the last two rounds Falcao was showboating being much quicker than Fitch who couldn’t take advantage of it. Judges scores were 100-90 as did this writer.

Super lightweight Vergil Ortiz, Jr., 5-0 (5), of Dallas, TX, stopped Pangel Sarinana, 7-6-2 (3), of MEX, at 1:43 of the third round.

In the opening round it was all Ortiz throwing nothing but bombs but failing to get his fifth straight first round knockout. In the second round Sarinana got his punches in with combinations in a close round. In the third round a vicious right uppercut from Ortiz to the chin of Sarinana and down he went. Upon rising referee Jack Reece had Sarinana take a couple of steps and wisely decided to stop it.

Posted on 05/06/2017

Yuriorkis Gamboa Quits On Stool
By: Sean Crose

Yuriorkis Gamboa (26-1)looked to reignite interest in his somewhat stagnated career on Friday when he faced Robinson Castellanos (23-12) in front of ESPN cameras at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The ten round lightweight bout came during one of the biggest fight weekend’s of the year, as the Canelo-Chavez Jr megabout was going down in town around 24 hours later. It was, no doubt, Gamboa’s chance to get back in the limelight after a crushing loss to Bud Crawford nearly three years earlier.

Gamboa started in relaxed, confident form. Castellanos was in to win, but Gamboa clearly controlled the tempo.

What’s more, the second round was similar to the first. Gamboa slipped early in the third, then was dropped for real late in the round. Credit ringside analyst Teddy Atlas for sounding the warning bell on that one. He had been adamantly pointing out Gamboa’s weak spots since just after the opening bell had rung. He had also predicted Castellanos possibly giving Gamboa trouble.

Sure enough, Gamboa went down again in the fourth. He got up and survived the round, but heading into the middle of the fight, Gamboa certainly wasn’t looking good. He started uping the heat in the fifth, but it was clear Castellanos could drop – and possibly knock out – his man should the opportunity arise. Gamboa continued to throw shots in the sixth, but they were generally arm punches. In the seventh, however, Gamboa started to effect his opponent with power shots. It was clear that he could still carry the night, provided he fought well and consistently throughout the remainder of the bout.

Then, shockingly, Gamboa decided to quit rather than answer the bell for the eighth round. He could have won the fight, he didn’t even seem hurt, but Gamboa had decided enough was enough.

Still, no one knew if there was some damage the man was facing that couldn’t be seen at ringside or on a television screen. Regardless, is was a bad turn for a man whose career had once held such promise. It’s easy to write fighters like Gamboa off, but not always wise to. With that in mind, Gamboa’s career is certainly not in a great place at the moment.

Earlier in the evening, middleweight Yamaguchi Falcao (12-0) won a ten round decision over Morgan Fitch (18-0-1). Also, Featherweight Abraham Lopez (20-0-1) was stopped by Jesus M Rojas (24-1-2) in the eighth round of a scheduled ten rounder.

Posted on 04/11/2017

Boxing Insider Notebook: Ward, Kovalev, Pacquiao, Canelo, Chavez, Gamboa, Burns, and more….
Compiled By: William Holmes

The following is the Boxing Insider notebook for the week of April 4th to April 11th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev Press Conference Quotes

Andre Ward (31-0) and Sergey KOvalev (30-1-1) recently held a press conference to announce their upcoming rematch on Saturday, June 17th at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The bout will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay Per View.

Below are some select quotes from their press conference:

Andre “S.O.G.” Ward – Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion

“I want to thank everybody for coming out today – the media, obviously, HBO, Peter Nelson and their whole team, these guys work tirelessly to get these kinds of things done. I appreciate my team, James Prince, Josh Dubin, Roc Nation and everyone at Roc Nation, JAY Z, Juan and Desiree Perez, Michael Yormark. It’s important to have a good team. We talk a lot about fighting, we talk all about matchups, but when we talk about support, it’s frowned upon. When we see fighters 10, 15, 20 years from now shuffling in a room, nothing to show what they fought for, that’s okay. By the grace of God and by way of my team, that’s not going to happen to me.

“Unfortunately, there’s perception and there’s reality. Perception is every one thing that’s written, every opinion but as you grow and learn this business, it’s not about perception. Nobody can point to a fight where I turned. Not one point. That’s not in my track record. So, I don’t mind the perception. I don’t care about Instagram. This is chess, not checkers. You can make all the rules you want to make, but it’s about the checkmate. That’s when the game is over.

“My team is working on life after boxing. Educating me on the ins and outs. A lot of people talk about money, but they don’t talk about the upside. They’re not talking about the personal sponsorships for the fight, and your obligations for the sponsorship. They’re not talking about the television rights and foreign rights, the merchandise. ‘Be tough, keep focus, destroy the fight’. I’m not with that man. I want the whole thing, I want to understand everything. The fight is not the end.

“They have to understand, there’s nothing scary about this man. You realize we just fought 12 rounds four months ago? Everyone wants to highlight the knockdown, that’s probably one of the most beautiful moments of my career. And did you guys see the other 10 rounds? Nobody’s talking about that. But that’s what makes us who we are. It’s hard concrete down there, we don’t want to fall. We’ve got another drive, we’ve got another gear we’ve got to tap into when we hit adversity and hit the cannons. You guys saw that, in the biggest moment of my career.

“I didn’t get to where I’m at because there’s something unique about me. I didn’t get to this point by happenstance. Some may not like it, but you got to respect it. You don’t have to, but we’ve earned the position that we have. We don’t mind being understated. The fight is academic. When my team green-lighted it, I said go ahead and announce it. The reality is, you’ve got to see me on June 17. That’s the reality of the situation. I love to talk, it’s all good. We knocked heads for 12 rounds, that’s the reality of the situation. He felt me, he knows. On June 17, that’s how we’re going to do. We’re going to get started a little early. Whether you’re with me, or whether you’re against me, tune in. Appreciate everybody’s time. Don’t miss this fight, June 17. You got what you asked for.”

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev – Former Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion

“Hello everyone. I am thankful the fight will take place on June 17. Well, will take place on paper for now. I’m appreciative of my team and Team Ward that this fight will actually happen. I want to apologize to my fans for my performance the last time but we’re going to get this squared either way. We’re going to see who is the best fighter. I’m very excited for June 17. The only thing I hope is that a week or two before the fight, Andre Ward does not get injured and he has enough balls to come out and fight me on June 17.”

Pacman Ready to Go Down Under to Turn Horn’s World Upside Down!

Add Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia to the list of venues on foreign soil that will play host to a MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO fight. Boxing’s only eight-division world champion and the reigning Fighter of the Decade, Pacquiao has accepted the challenge of undefeated No. 2 world-rated contender JEFF “The Hornet” HORN to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title, Saturday, July 1 (Sunday, July 2, in Australia). Promoted by Top Rank® and Duco Events, “The Battle of Brisbane” is expected to attract 55,000 fans and a record pay-per-view audience in Australia. It will also be seen live in the U.S. Look for details on the U.S. telecast in the following weeks.

“Manny has been a pioneer, bringing world title fights to Cowboys Stadium, The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena and now Suncorp Stadium. We’re boxing’s version of Lewis & Clark, discovering new markets,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. ” Manny knows who will be the crowd favorite on July 1, but he can’t wait to give Australia and the world a great performance. It’s going to be unbelievable event.”

Pacquiao (59-6-2, 38 KOs), from General Santos City, Philippines, is in his third reign as WBO welterweight champion. He regained the title on November 5, winning a dominant unanimous decision victory over defending champion Jessie Vargas.

Horn (16-0-1, 11 KOs), from Bisbane, Queensland, Australia, enters this fight having won his last three fights — all in 2016 — against Ali Funeka, Rico Mueller and Randall Bailey inside the distance. They had a combined record of 105-14-4 when he fought them. Horn is world-rated No. 2 by the WBO and the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Robin Krasniqi vs. Arthur Abraham Super Middleweight Title Eliminator
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Middleweight title eliminator, featuring two-time world title challenger Robin Krasniqi taking on the three-time, two-division world champion “King” Artur Abraham, will be available to watch April 22 on pay per view in North America, starting at 2 p.m. ET/ 11 a.m. a.m. PT, live from Congress Center in Ekfurt, Germany. The two fighters have a combined record or 91-9 with 47 knockouts.

“Krasniqi vs. Abraham”, promoted by SES Promotions, is a presentation of Integrated Sports Media and FITE.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute “Krasniqi vs. Abraham” live in North America, starting at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT, on cable, satellite and internet pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, and DISH in the United States, as well as Rogers, Shaw and Sask Tel in Canada, also on the FITE app and website, for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

Outside of North America, “Krasniqi vs. Abraham” is being licensed by leading boxing television rights distribution firm, Protocol Sports Marketing Ltd.

Born in Kosovo, the 29-year-old Krasniqi (46-4, 17 KOs) is a former European and WBO International Light Heavyweight Champion, who resides in Munich, Germany and packs a thunderous punch. Three fights ago, he moved down in weight from Light Heavyweight to Super Middleweight, winning all three bouts at the new weight class and looking highly impressive.

In 2013, Krasniqi lost his first world title shot by way of a 12-round unanimous decision to defending WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion Nathan Cleverly (25-0), in London, by way of a hard-fought 12-round decision.
Following his first career defeat, Krasniqi went on to capture the WBO International Light Heavyweight Title with a seventh-round knockout of previously undefeated Emmanuel Danso (20-0), and has since defended that belt. Krasniqi won the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Light Heavyweight Title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Oleksandr Cherviak (14-3-1).

In 2014, Krasniqi successfully defended those two championships, taking a 12-round unanimous decision from Dariusz Sek (21-1-1), which set up his second world title shot, March 21, 2015 in Germany, against long-time defending WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Juergan Braehmer (45-2) in a massive all-German world title showdown. Krasniqi was unable to answer the bell for the 10th round but learned that he should drop a weight class. Since moving down to Super Middleweight, Krasniqi has looked impressive but Abraham will surely be the biggest test of his career.

Rated No. 2 by the WBO, Abraham (45-5, 30 KOs) has positioned himself for another world title shot as the winner of his Apr. 22nd eliminator with Krasniqi will become the mandatory challenger for reigning WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Gilberto Ramirez, of Mexico. Abraham lost his WBO crown by way a 12-round unanimous decision to Ramirez in Las Vegas in 2016 but must win against Krasniqi to have an opportunity at regaining his title.

The 37-year-old Abraham, a native of Armenia who lives in Berlin, Germany, is a two-time WBO (World Boxing Organization) Super Middleweight Champion, as well as the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) Middleweight World Champion. The knockout artist has a remarkable 18-4 (9 KOs) record in world championship bouts and is 7-4 (4 KOs) against former or current world champions. Noted victims during his 16-½ year professional career reads like a Who’s Who of Boxing in the 160 and 168-pound divisions, including world champions Raul Marquez, Hector Javier Velazco, Jermain Taylor, Robert Stieglitz thrice, and Giovanni De Carolis. Abraham has also defeated world-class opponents such as Martin Murray, Paul Smith twice, Lajuan Simon, Edison Miranda twice. Khoren Gevor, Sebastian Demers, Kofi Jantuah, Kingsley Ikeke and Howard Eastman.

Four of Abraham’s five career losses have been to world champions Carl Froch, Andre Ward, Robert Stieglitz and Gilberto Ramirez. Stieglitz is the only opponent to stop Abraham, who has won nine of his last 10 fights, the most recent an eighth-round technical knockout of Tim Robin Lihaug (15-1) this past July in Germany for the vacant WBO International Super Middleweight Title.

Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. Defends His Belt Against Oscar Escandon on May 20th

WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. will make the second defense of his title when he faces top challenger Oscar Escandon Saturday, May 20 in themain event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from the recently opened MGM National Harbor in Maryland live on SHOWTIME.

The Maryland-native Russell Jr. (27-1, 16 KOs) and the WBC Interim Featherweight Champion Escandon (25-2, 17 KOs) will battle in one of boxing’s most talented divisions that continues to deliver exciting action fight after fight. A lineup of exciting co-featured attractions will be announced next week.

“I’m a gladiator getting ready for a tough battle,” said Russell Jr. “This is going to be a huge night for my family and I’m glad that the time is here. This will be the first time as pros that I get to fight on the same card as both of my little brothers, (unbeaten bantamweight) Gary Antonio and (2016 U.S. Olympian) Gary Antuanne, plus my brother Gary Allan will work all of our corners. We’re excited to get in the ring and show the fans what we’re capable of doing in the ring.”

“I’ve had to wait for this opportunity to face Gary Russell Jr. and I’m going to take full advantage of it,” said Escandon. “It’s going to be a great fight and I know the fans are going to get their money’s worth. I feel 100 percent healthy and now that the fight is here I am ready to knock him out.”

Tickets for the live event promoted by TGB Promotions are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go to http://mgmnationalharbor.com/. The main event is co-promoted by Sampson Boxing. This bout was originally scheduled to take place on March 11 but was rescheduled after Escandon suffered a back injury in training camp. Fans who bought tickets for the March 11 show will have their tickets honored on May 20.

“This is going to be a great night of boxing,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The featherweight division is very hot right now with the recent wins by Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares. There is something very special going on in the division and this will be another memorable fight. Escandon is a tough warrior who has proven time and again that he doesn’t care about going on the road or where he fights. There are great boxing fans in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region and they are in-store for an exciting night on May 20.”

A speedy and supremely talented boxer, Russell Jr., was impressive in his fourth-round stoppage of the battle-tested Jhonny Gonzalez that earned him the title in March 2015. The 2008 U.S. Olympian had scored important victories over Vyacheslav Gusev, Juan Ruiz and Miguel Tamayo before losing a majority decision to Vasyl Lomachenko for the WBO 126-pound title in June 2014. The southpaw, of Capitol Heights, Md., most recently scored a dominant second-round TKO victory over Patrick Hyland in his first title defense in April 2016.

Fighting out of Ibague, Colombia, Escandon turned pro in 2008 and was undefeated in his first 22 professional bouts. Escandon won an interim world title at super bantamweight in 2014 when he defeated Tyson Cave in his U.S. debut. He earned his shot at Russell Jr. last March when he survived an early knockdown to score a knockout victory over Robinson Castellanos in the seventh round of their showdown in Washington, D.C.

Golden Boy Promotions Throw Cinco De Mayo Triple Header on Canelo vs. Chavez Weekend

On Friday, May 5, one day before the mega-fight between Canelo Alvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. goes down in Las Vegas, Golden Boy Promotions will throw a Cinco de Mayo fiesta at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Fans will get a full afternoon and evening of activity starting with the Official Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr.Weigh In, an action-packed night of Golden Boy Boxing onESPN fights headlined by Former Three-Division World Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa taking on the longtime contender Robinson Castellanos, surprise fighter appearances, DJs, sponsor giveaways, entertainment and much, much more!

First, the MGM Grand Garden Arena doors will open at 1:00 p.m. PST for the official Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. and full undercard Weigh-in with fighters hitting the scales at 2:00 p.m. PST/5:00 p.m. EST, main pay-per-view-view undercard to weigh in beginning at 2:30 p.m. PST/5:30 p.m. EST. Soon after the weigh-in, the Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN fights will begin, leading into a special televised tripleheader of fan-friendly action live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
As a special treat to the fans, Golden Boy Promotions will be giving away exclusive VIP seating and entrance to the Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. Weigh-in with purchase of a ticket to Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN: Gamboa vs. Castellanos.
“On the eve of the Mexico vs. Mexico superfight that is Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr., it was only fitting we throw the ultimate fan fiesta on Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “There is no better way to enjoy this special holiday than to come out and watch some top quality, action-packed fights, listen to the sounds of the mariachi bands and wave your Mexican flags.”

Cuban standout and Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis “El Ciclon de Guantánamo” Gamboa (26-1, 17 KOs) of Miami, FL will be making a rapid return to the ring to face rugged Celaya, Mexico fighter Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (21-11, 13 KOs) in a main event lightweight fight scheduled for 10 rounds transmitted on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes beginning at 5:00 p.m. PST/8:00 p.m. EST.

In the co-main event, Abraham “El Chamaco” Lopez (22-0-1, 15 KOs) of La Puente, CA will put his WBA-NABA Featherweight title and undefeated record on the line, as he squares off in a 10 round bout against dangerous fighter Jesus Rojas (24-1-2, 17 KOs) hailing from Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Opening up Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN televised fights, someone’s “0” must go as Sao Paulo, Brazil’s own Yamaguchi Falcão (12-0, 6 KOs) faces his toughest challenge yet in the sturdy Morgan “Big Chief” Fitch (18-0-1, 8 KOs) of Pittsburgh, PA in a 10 round middleweight match.

Ricky Burns to Meet Julius Indongo on Saturday April 15th

Ricky Burns and Julius Indongo will clash in a bout that will unify the WBA and IBF 140-pound world titles. The match-up takes place on Saturday, April 15th and will be featured live and exclusively on AWE, A Wealth of Entertainment and www.klowdtv.com in the United States.

Burns will have the home fan advantage. The bout originates from the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland. The undercard fights begin at 2:30 PM EST / 11:20 AM PT.

“We’re thrilled to bring this very exciting world unification fight to our fans,” stated Robert Herring, CEO of AWE.
Burns of Coatsbridge, Scotland has been a world champion in three weight-classes, and has been competing in world title bouts for seven years.

The 33 year-old has a record of 41-5-1 with 14 knockouts. He has taken part in 12 world title bouts with a record of 10-1-1 in those contests.

Burns has wins over Colin Bain (8-0), Graham Earl (22-0), Haider Ali (4-1), Osumanu Akaba (21-4-1), Yakuba Amidu (16-1-1), Michael Gomes (38-9) and Kevin O’Hara (16-4).

On September 4, 2010, Burns won the WBO Super Featherweight title with a 12 round unanimous decision over Michael Katsidis (28-4). He won the full title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Paulus Moses (28-1). Burns defended that title 3 times with wins over Kevin Mitchell (33-1) & Jose Gonzalez (22-0) and a draw with Raymundo Beltran (28-6), before dropping his title to Terence Crawford.

Burns became a 3-division champion with an 8th round stoppage over Michele Di Rocco on May 28, 2016. He has made one defense, which came on October 7th with a unanimous decision over Kiryl Relikh.

“When Julius Indongo knocked out Eduard Troyanovsky he was immediately an opponent I was interested in,” says Burns. “Indongo can clearly punch and that’s an impressive way to win a World title, especially in Russia. It was some shot he hit Troyanovsky with.

“It’s a huge fight in the division and the kind of fights I need to be involved in at this stage of my career. There were other names talked about but I wanted the toughest, most dangerous fight out there. Indongo with his two belts was that man.

“He is a big tall, rangy, southpaw but bring it on – I have no fear of anyone and it is only the massive fights for me now.

“Fighting in Glasgow is special for me, the crowd at the SSE Hydro has been electric the last two occasions and I expect it to be no different this time round.”

Indongo of Windhoek, Namibia has a perfect mark of 20-0 with 11 knockouts.

The 34 year-old is an eight-year professional, who was the WBO African Super Lightweight champion as he had wins over Zolani Marali (4-5), Ibrahim Class (12-1) and Ishmael Kuchocha (12-3).

On December 3, 2016, Indongo scored one of the biggest upsets of the year, when he scored a stunning and explosive 40 second knockout over classy and undefeated IBF Champion Eduard Troyanovsky (25-0) in the former champion’s backyard of Moscow, Russia.

Indongo added: “It’s an absolute honor for me to fight Ricky, who I regard as an accomplished champion. I respect what he has achieved so far but I’m going to Scotland to rob him of his belt. I know it won’t be easy but I’m comforted by the fact that I have a good team and passionate Namibian fans, and I have every intention of making them smile and unifying the division on April 15.”

Posted on 03/12/2017

Lemieux Brutally Finishes Stevens With A Single Shot
By: Sean Crose

New York’s Turning Stone Casino hosted HBOs Boxing After Dark on Saturday, featuring a bout between middleweights (and GGG victims) David Lemieux and Curtis Stevens. First, though, was a ten round lightweight fight between once promising – now essentially part time -slugger Yuriorkis Gamboa (25-1) and Rene Alvarado (24-7). Keeping his distance throughout the first, Alvarado essentially ceded the round to Gamboa.

Round two showed Gamboa to simply be the more seasoned fighter. Sadly, there wasn’t much more to say regarding the first half of the fight other than the fact that Gamboa was dominant. It was a rather stagnant affair.

And it continued to be so throughout. Sure, Gamboa hit the mat in the 10th, but he got right back up. In fact, some things just can’t be sugar coated. The fight was horrible. How horrible? I actually felt bad for HBOs broadcast team. Criticize Lampley, Jones and Kellerman all you want, they had to WORK to come up with things to say for those ten rounds. Needless to say, Gamboa walked away with a unanimous decision win.

After a nice ten bell tribute to the recently deceased Lou Duva, it was time for the main event. Lemieux (36-3) came out jabbing in the first while Stevens (29-5) looked to counter smartly. By round’s end, it was bombs away. Stevens landed hard. Lemieux even harder. Stevens held up, though. Would Lemieux gas? The Canadian began the second like he wasn’t worried about it, slugging away at the Brooklyn native. Stevens, however, took the shots and effectively went to the body.

By the third, Stevens was confident enough to lower his stance. It was a brutal mistake. Stevens was knocked completely unconscious seconds later. It was scary to see. The man was thoroughly asleep on the canvas. Minutes later, he was still on the canvas, completely unconscious. It wasn’t until he was placed on a stretcher that Stevens seemed to be regaining cognizance. It was a disturbing sight. Boxing can be a disturbing sport, but such things never cease to be jarring.

“I told you what I was going to do tonight,” Lemieux said afterwards. “And I did it.”

Indeed.

Talk soon went around to Canelo Alvarez, Billy Joe Saunders, and, yes, GGG (again) as future Lemieux opponents. Still, Max Kellerman wrapped up the broadcast with genuine concern for Stevens. It was the right note to take. Stevens may as well have been hit with a bat.

Posted on 03/09/2017

HBO Boxing After Dark Preview: Lemieux vs. Stevens, Gamboa vs. Alvarado
By: William Holmes

On Saturday night David Lemieux and Curtis Stevens will meet in the main event of an HBO Boxing After Dark card in the active and exciting middleweight division. This bout will take place at the Turning Stone Resort Casino live in Verona, New York.

Yuriorkis Gamboa, and recent Golden Boy Promotions signee, will be fighting in the co-main event of the night and will be facing Rene Alvarado in the junior lightweight division.

Several other high level prospects will be fighting on the untelevised undercard, including boxers such as Zachary Ochoa, Diego De La Hoya, and Damon Allen Jr.

The following is a preview of both of the televised bouts.

Yuriorkis Gamboa (25-1) vs. Rene Alvarado (24-7); Junior Lightweight

Gamboa has been very inactive since he left Top Rank Promotions to sign with the short lived boxing promotional company ran by 50 Cent. He only fought once in 2015 and did not fight at all in 2016. He’s since signed with Golden Boy Promotions and looks to get his career back on track, and Golden Boy has picked the perfect opponent for him to shake off the ring rust.

Alvarado is seven years younger than Gamboa and will have an inch and a half height advantage as well as a seven inch reach advantage. He also fought twice in 2016 and five times in 2015 and has been considerably more active than Gamboa. However, his advantages stop there.

Gamboa has seventeen knockout victories while Alvarado has sixteen. Gamboa went 4-1 in his past five fights with only one stoppage victory while Alvarado went 2-3 in his past five fights.

Gamboa clearly has the better professional and amateur resume. He’s a former Olympic Gold Medalist and has defeated the likes of Hylon Williams Jr., Darleys Perez, Daniel Ponce De Leon, Jorge Solis, Orlando Salido, Jonathan Victor Barros, and Jose Rojas.

The only big win of Alvarado’s career was against Jayson Velez. He has losses to the likes of Manuel Avila, Andrew Cancio, Joseph Diaz, Eric Hunter, Rocky Juarez, Jezreel Corrales, and Orlando Rizo.

The inactivity would be a bigger concern for Gamboa if he was facing a tougher opponent, but Alvarado lost to nearly every big name opponent he has ever faced and Saturday will be no different.

David Lemieux (36-3) vs. Curtis Stevens (29-5); Middleweight

Lemieux and Stevens are both hard hitting middleweights with knockout power who put on exciting fights for their fans. They both also suffered stoppage defeats to the current middleweight kingpin, Gennady Golovkin.

This is a must win fight for both boxers if they want to fight for a world title in the near future. Lemieux will have about a two and a half inch height advantage but will be giving up an inch and a half in reach to Stevens. Lemieux is three years younger than Stevens and has been more active. Lemieux fought twice in 2015 and twice in 2016 while Stevens fought twice in 2016 and zero times in 2015.

They both has successful amateur careers as Lemieux was a three time Canadian Amateur Champion while Stevens was the 2002 US Amateur Light Heavyweight Champion.

Lemieux and Stevens are both known for their power, but Lemieux has to be given the edge in this department. He has stopped thirty two of his opponents while Stevens has stopped twenty one. They both can be stopped as Stevens was stopped twice in his career while Lemieux has two stoppage losses.

Lemieux has beaten the likes of Glen Tapia, Hasan N’Dam N’Jikam, Gabriel Rosado, Hernando Guerrero, Jose Miguel Torres, Elvin Ayala, and Hector Camacho Jr. His losses were to Gennady Golovkin, Jachim Alcine, and Marco Antonio Rubio.

Stevens has defeated the likes of James De La Rosa, Patrick Teixeira, Tureano Johnson, Patrick Majewski, Saul Roman, Elvin Ayala, and Darnell Boone. His losses were to losses to Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam, Gennady Golovkin, Jesse Brinkley, Andre Dirrell, Marcos Primera (later avenged).

This could be a very entertaining fight, but Lemieux has the stronger amateur background, appears to be the stronger puncher, and has been considerably more active than Stevens recently. Stevens could win by stoppage, but momentum is on Lemieux’s side.