Tag Archives: shobox

Posted on 04/03/2019

By: Ken Hissner

Sam’s Hotel and Gambling Hall will host a ShoBox event on Friday night. This card will feature eight bouts and will be promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

The main event will feature featherweight Angelo “El Chinito” Leo of Las Vegas, Nevada facing off against Neil “The Best” John Tabanao of Cebu, Philippines.

Photo Credit: Sam’s Town Las Vegas Twitter Account

This will be Leo’s first scheduled ten rounder after winning sixteen straight. Tabanao has won his last four bouts and will be making his US debut.

Leo, 16-0 (8), started his career at bantamweight and eventually moved up to featherweight. Tabanao, 17-4 (11), started out at super bantamweight and has even gone up to super lightweight two fights ago.

The co-feature will have Xavier Martinez, 13-0 (9), of Sacramento, CA, who has stopped his last five opponent’s. He will be taking on John “Mulawin” Vincent Moralde, 21-2 (11), of General Santos City, PH.

Last year he defeated Ismail “Sharp Shooter” Muwendo, 19-0. This bout is scheduled for 10 rounds. Another bout on the card will feature ten round welterweight showdown between Cameron “Suave” Krael, 15-13-3 (4), of Las Vegas, and Angel “Hit Man” Hernandez, 15-12-2 (9), of McAllen, TX.

There will also be three eight rounder’s on the card with Super Featherweight Andres Cortes, 10-0 (6), of Las Vegas, will be taking on Jamal Dyer, 9-1 (5), of Baltimore, MD. Welterweight Sanjarbek Rakhmanov, 11-1-1 (5), of UZB, out of Las Vegas, will be taking on Keith “The Bount” Hunter, 9-0 (7), of Las Vegas. Super Middleweight Kevin “The Second Coming” Newman II, 8-1-1 (4), of Las Vegas, will be taking on Cesar “Principe” Lopez Ugarte, 8-3 (6), of Augascalientes, MEX.

In a pair of six rounder’s Lightweight Kingdamon “Don’t Blink” Antoine, 8-0 (7), of Akron, OH, will be taking on Raheem Abdullah, 3-1 (0), of Colorado Springs, CO. With Super Lightweight Maurice “Ambitious” Lee, 9-1-2 (5), of Woodland Hills, CA, with a to be announced opponent.

Posted on 02/16/2019

By: Ken Hissner

The Kansas Star Arena, in Mulvane, KS, Friday, was the host site for Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions and King’s Promotions fight card on ShoBox The New Generation.

In the Main Event Super Lightweight Shohjahon “Decendent of Tamerlane” Ergashev, 16-0 (14), of UZB and Detroit, MI, defeated southpaw Mykal “Professor” Fox, 19-1 (5), of Upper Marlboro, NJ, over 10 foul filled rounds.

Photo Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

In the opening round Ergashev ran across the ring taking it to Fox keeping him against the ropes. Fox seemed to regain his composure trying to use his jab. Ergashev warned for fouling Fox by referee Bill Clancy not once but twice pushing Fox to the canvas.

In the second rouind Ergashev pushed Fox down for the third time in the fight. Referee Clancy threatened him once again but taking no points away. Fox ended up lifting Ergashev up off his feet. At the end of the round referee Clancy warned Ergashev.

In the third round Fox became the aggressor. Ergashev threw few punches since the warnings. It was all Fox in the round. In the fourth round Ergashev landed a clean lead left to the chin. Fox was moving around the ring once again. Ergashev warned again though he turned away and got hit on the back of the head.
In the fifth round regained the lead and then started moving around countering with a chopping left to the head. Fox contines giving Ergashev a boxing lesson. Ergashev seems to be holding back concerned being disqualified.

In the sixth round Ergashev landed a left to the body of Fox. Fox landed a triple jab to the chin of Ergashev. Referee Clancy warned Fox of bending over making Ergashev lean on him. Ergashev seemed frustrated not having an opponent like Fox. There were too many easy fights coming into this one. Ergashev ended the round with a left on the chin of Fox.
In the eighth round Fox continued to work the ring well having Ergashev walking into his jab. The fans were not happy with this round. In the ninth round Ergashev landed a lead left on the chin of Fox. Fox has done his best to keep the distance between both of them using his jab. Ergashev continued to follow Fox around as the fans again showed their displeasure. Fox landed a lead left and ran from Ergashev the last fifteen seconds. Clancy again got too involved between rounds.

In the tenth and final round Ergashev rushed in and got caught with a left on the chin from Fox. Ergashev landed a left and right on the chin of Fox. Ergashev rocked Fox with a straight left on the chin. Both fighters exchanged left hands to the chin. Ergashev made the fight while Fox did much to much running.
Scores were David Sutherland 96-94 while both judge’s Karen Holderfield and Jeff Sinnett scored it 98-92. This writer had it 95-95.

Super Bantamweight southpaw Jesse Angel Hernandez, 11-2 (7), of Ft. Worth, TX, lost a lopsided decision to Thomas Patrick “Taylor” Ward, 26-0 (4), of West Rainton, UK for the NABA USA title over 10 rounds.

In the second round Hernandez kept going from southpaw to orthodox not confusing Ward who uses a decent jab. In the third round Ward with the quicker hands has Hernandez walking into punches. Hernandez warned for using his forearm by referee Bill Clancy. Ward landed a left to the body while Hernandez tried countering missing by a mile. Ward landed a 3-punch combination to the body and head. Hernandez continues switching stances with neither working. Ward landed a combination to the head driving Hernandez against the ropes.

In the fourth round Ward landed a combination to the chin. Ward landed a solid left hook on the chin dropping Hernandez. In the fifth round Ward landed a 3-punch combination to the body and head. Ward landing single body shots with Hernandez keeping his hands high not returning any punches.

In the sixth round Ward landed a lead right on the chin. Ward is landing punch after punch with Hernandez trying to block them with no success. He is on the defense the entire round. In between rounds referee Clancy warned the Hernandez corner to start fighting of he will stop the fight.

In the seventh round Ward continued landing punches as Hernandez looked confused again switching stances. Ward landed a flurry of punches driving Hernandez to the ropes. In the eighth round Hernandez tried but Ward was much to fast for him. Again the referee went to the corner of Hernandez threatening to stop the fight.

In the ninth round Ward pinned Hernandez against the ropes with both swinging away but Ward out hitting him two to one. In the tenth and final round Hernandez’s punches are falling short as Ward counters well. Ward landed a solid left hook to the chin. Ward landed a double left hook to the body with the first border line. Ward landed a double left hook to the body while Hernandez misses a counter punch. Hernandez missed four straight punches as Ward ducked each one then landed a left hook at the bell.
Scores were 100-89, 99-90 98-90 with this writer 99-90.

Heavyweight Apti Davtaev, 16-0-1 (15), of Kurchaloi, RUS, stopped Richard “Silverback” Carmack, 15-15-1 (12), of Belton, MO, at 2:48 of the first round.
super Lightweight Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov, 14-0 (12), of KAZ, Houston, TX, ended in a majority draw with Jose Luis Rodriguez, 25-12-1 (13), of Monterrey, MEX, over 8 rounds.

Scores were 75-77, and 76-76 twice.
Flyweight 2016 Olympian Bronze Medalist Nico Hernandez,7-0 (4), of Wichita, KS, won a lopsided decision over Victor “Pillito” Trejo, Garcia, 16-10-1 (8), of Tlalnepantla, MEX, over 8 rounds.
Scores were 79-73 and 80-72 twice.
Flyweight Elena Saveleva, 5-1 (4), of Pushkino, RUS, stopped Tatiana Williams, 0-2 (0), of Kansas City, MO, in the first round.

Posted on 02/02/2019

By: Ken Hissner

Super Middleweight Ronald “Akeem” Ellis lost a majority decision to DeAndre Ware for the vacant NABA, USBO and WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight Titles. Vito Mielnicki’s GH3, Split-T Management and Greg Cohen Promotions promoted Friday night’s event over ShoBox at the Main Street Armory in Rochester, NY.

In the Main Event Super Middleweight Ronald “Reckless” Ellis, 15-1-2 (10), of Lynn, MASS, lost a majority decision to DeAndre “Axeman” Ware, 13-1-2 (8), of Toledo, OH, over 10 rounds.

In the first round Ware forced the action with Ellis looking over anxious not as busy. The shorter Ware seemed to use his jab better than Ellis. In the second round Ellis settled down more using his reach to an advantage. Ellis never backed up jabbing and using body punching. Ellis landed a long right to the chin just prior to the bell having a better round.

In the third round Ellis landed a chopping right to the head. Into a minute of the round Ellis landed a combination to the head. Ware landed several jabs followed by a right to the chin. Ellis landed a counter right to the chin.

Inside a minute left in the round Ware landed a solid right to the chin. Ware landed a double left hook to the body.

In the fourth round Ellis used a good jab. Ware landed a solid right to the chin. Ellis landed several jabs followed by a right to the chin. Too many clinches in the round for referee Michael Griffin.

Ellis had a better round using his jab. In the fifth round Ellis finally took the lead with Ware backing up for the first minute before Ware once again started moving forward. Ware walked into a right uppercut from Ellis. Ellis landed a solid right uppercut with half a minute left in the round. Ware with less of a reach seemed to land as many jabs.

In the sixth round more movement than punches landed for the first half of the round with Ware chasing Ellis. Finally getting inside Ware landed a right uppercut. Ware walked into a right uppercut. In the seventh round both went toe to toe for half a minute at the start of the round. Halfway through the round Ware landed a good uppercut. With less than a minute left in the round Ware landed a flurry having Ellis against the ropes. Ellis kept moving working his jab. Ware finished strong landing a flurry at the bell.

In the eighth round Ware came out throwing but Ellis matched him punch for punch. Halfway through the round Ware landed a flurry of punches to the head. Ware never stops coming forward. Ellis landed a combination. He kept using his jab but Wade landed several solid punches up to the bell.

In the ninth round Ellis is using his jab moving backwards. Ellis came into this fight recovering from a right hand injury and has only been using it sparingly. Ware punched Ellis to the ropes but got countered well from Ellis. Inside Ware landed a chopping right to the head of Ellis who was leaning in. Ware drove Ellis into the ropes with body shots.

In the tenth and final round with Ware pressing in Ellis landed a flurry of punches to the head. Inside Ellis landed a left hook to the chin. Ellis flurried to the body. Halfway through the round Ware and Ellis mixed it up inside. In the final minute Ware bullied his way in but was not throwing punches as Ellis had him walking into punches.

Scores were 96-94 twice and 95-95 as did this writer have it.

In the Co-Feature Lightweight Thomas “Gunna Man” Mattice, 13-1-1 (10), of Cleveland, OH, lost a mild upset to “Ill” Will Medera, 13-0-2 (6), of Albany, NY, over 8 rounds of action.

In the first round Medera pushed the action with several body shots. After a minute of mostly jabs Mattice opened up with a combination. Halfway through the round Medera landed a lead right to tht chin of Mattice. Mattice came back seconds later with a right of his own to the chin. Mattice used a good steady jab while Medera threw more heavier punches.
In the second round Mattice landed a good left hook to the head of Medera. Medera continued coming forward working the body. After a minute of action Medera landed a solid right to the head of Mattice. Mattice came back with a right uppercut to the chin of Medera. Medera missed with a right that was countered by a Mattice left hook on the chin. Medera landed a 3-punch combination ending with a right to the chin. Medera landed a solid left hook to the chin of Mattice just prior to the bell.

In the third round both fighters landed rights to the chin of one another. Mattice landed a flurry of four punches. Mattice finally stayed in the middle of the ring landing a solid right to the chin. Then he started moving once again. Inside a minute left in the round Medera landed several good body shots. With less than half a minute to go referee Charley Fitch had to break up the first clinch.
In the fifth round Medera kept coming forward working the body until he was countered by a right from Mattice on the chin. Mattice landed a lead right to the chin. Mattice landed a double left hook to the body and head. Medera landed a flurry of body punches but was countered with a left hook to the chin at the bell.
In the sixth round Mattice landed a double left hook ending with a right to the chin. Mattice landed his best punch of the fight a right after a lead jab to the chin of Medera. Mattice landed half a dozen punches without return to the head of Medera.

In the seventh round both fighters opened up with power punches with Medera still working the body while Mattice landed a good uppercut after a variety of jabs. Medera continued working the body with Mattice jabbing and landing counter rights. This was the closest round of the fight.

In the eighth and final round Medera continued going mostly to the body while Mattice landed jab after jab. Neither fighter seemed to go all out in a very close fight being it was the final round. Mattice landed a flurry at the bell.
Scores were 78-74 and 77-75 twice. This writer had it 76-76.

Middleweight Dominic Wade, 19-1 (13), of Largo, MD, returned to action since losing a title fight to GGG scoring a knockout over Martin Fidel Rios, 23-19-4 (13), of Parea, LaPampa, ARG, at 1:48 of the first round.

Ring announcer was Thomas Treiber.

Posted on 01/31/2019

By: Hector Franco

This upcoming Friday night at the Main Street Armory in Rochester, New York the next edition of Showtime’s ShoBox series will take place. In the broadcast’s main event Lynn, Massachusetts native Ronald “Akeem” Ellis (15-0-2, 10 KOs) will take on DeAndre “Axeman” Ware (12-1-2, 8 KOs) in a ten-round Super Middleweight (168) bout.

Ellis is a 2010 National Golden Gloves champion where he defeated super middleweight contender and 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the finals. Standing at over 5’10 with a 77-inch reach, Ellis has some physical advantages over his opponent and will look to a victory to further pursue a goal of winning a world title.

Ellis’s opponent Ware is coming off of the first loss of his professional career. Ware lost a unanimous decision to Germany’s Cem Kilic in September of last year. The bout with Kilic was taken on short notice hindering Ware’s performance. However for Ellis, the Toledo, Ohio native has had a full training camp. Ware has been boxing for less than ten years and currently holds a job as a firefighter in the Toledo, Ohio area.

The bout between Ellis and Ware will be contested for three vacant major regional titles including the NABA, United States Boxing Organization and WBC Continental Americas super middleweight titles.

Ellis will be making his fourth appearance on the ShoBox platform with his most known bout being a draw against Roc Nation’s Junior Younan in February of last year. Both men have much to prove against one another with bigger opportunities awaiting the pugilist who comes out with his hands raised in victory. The two fighters know what’s at stake and are treating the match as the most significant of their respective careers.

The primary supporting fight on the undercard will feature an eight-round Lightweight (135) contest between two undefeated fighters. Cleveland, Ohio’s Thomas “Gunna Man” Mattice (13-0-1, 10 KOs) will take on New York’s Will Madera (12-0-2, 6 KOs).

The bout is taking the place of a scheduled match that featured Hawaii’s Logan Yoon who suffered a knee injury in training camp. Yoon would have faced Mexico’s Richard Zamora in a Super Lightweight (140) contest.

Mattice will be appearing on ShoBox for the fourth time. In his previous two bouts, Mattice faced off with Armenia’s Zhora Hamazaryan. In their first bout, Mattice received a controversial split-decision victory in a match where he was knocked down in the second round. In the rematch, Mattice fought another closely contested bout with Hamazaryan that resulted in a draw. Before stepping in the ring with Hamazaryan, Mattice was on a six-fight knockout streak that he looks to continue against Madera.

Madera is a former three-time New York Golden Gloves champion. After falling to two consecutive draws in late 2017 and early 2018, Madera returned to his winning ways scoring a second-round stoppage over Curtis Niko Morton in September of last year.

Starting the night’s festivities will be an eight-round super featherweight contest between the unbeaten Abraham Nova (14-0, 10 KOs) and Ghana’s Oluwaseun Joshua Wahab (16-0, 10 KOs).

The ShoBox: The New Generation series has been an overwhelming success for Showtime. It gives an avenue for up and coming boxers to work on their craft on a national platform. The telecast will feature three fights between undefeated fighters who will be looking to further their path onto greater ventures. As we saw last year with HBO, these kinds of shows are not guaranteed to last forever. Boxing fans should make sure to tune in to not miss any action.

Posted on 11/17/2018

By: Ken Hissner

Hard Hitting Promotions in association with Victory Promotions on a card at South Philly’s 2300 Arena Friday night televised live on ShoBox in an all Philly Main Event before a packed house.

In the main event Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 22-0 (20), destroyed Ray “Tito” Serrano, 24-6 (10), at 1:12 of the second round.

In the first round Ennis came out landing a solid right to the chin of Serrano. Ennis had Serrano backing up the entire round bewildered with the hand speed of Ennis who had him holding on at the bell. In the second round Ennis switching from southpaw to orthodox dropped Serrano with a left hook on the chin. Serrano beat the count but was out of it. Ennis dropped Serrano a second time with a right hand. He jumped on Serrano dropping him with a flurry for a third knockdown ending the mismatch.

Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

In the co-feature Kenny Sims, Jr., 13-2-1 (4), of Chicago, IL, lost a lopsided decision to Sammy Teah, 15-2-1 (7), from Liberia, residing in Philly, over 8 rounds.

In the first round there was no feeling out as both fighters were throwing punches in bunches. Teah used an effective right while Sims used a good left. Round could have gone either way. In round two both fighters mostly used a body attack. Teah rocked Sims with a right hand on the chin. Sims fought back but was hurt. Big round for Teah.

In the third round Teah worked well inside while Sims seemed to play into his hands trying to switch back and forth from orthodox to southpaw but with little effect. In the fourth round Teah used uppercuts to the body hurting Sims. Teah simply outworked the out of town fighter Sims.

In the fifth round Teah kept the pressure on the back pedaling Sims. It was another good round for Teah. Referee Benjy Esteves, Jr., warned Sims at the end of the round for using a back hander. In the sixth round Teah rocked Sims with a combination to the head. Teah landed a double left hook to the body of Sims who came back with a chopping right to the head. Teah had Sims in trouble the last ten seconds of the round as the bell sounded.

In the seventh round Teah kept the jab in the face of Sims who was coming forward looking for the big punch being far behind in the fight. Teah was still the better of the two round after round. In the eighth and final round Teah came out looking for the knockout but Sims knowing he needed one stood his ground. Teah never looked better in this writers eyes.

Scores were Braswell and Weisfeld 77-75 and Poturaj 79-73 This writer had it 79-73.

Super bantam Arnold “Arni” Khegai, 14-0-1 (9), of Philly, defeated Jorge Diaz, 19-6-1 (10), of New Brunswick, NJ over 8 rounds.

In the first three rounds Diaz worked the body of Khegai. Diaz in the fourth round drew blood over the left eye of Khegai. Cut-man Joey Eye went to work on it between rounds.

In the fifth round Khegai finally started landing solid punches to the head of the ever ducking Diaz. Referee Rosato gave several warnings to Khegai for pushing the head of Diaz down but never took a point away. In the sixth round Khegai landed a solid left to the chin of Diaz dropping him. Diaz weathered the storm getting through the round.

In the seventh round Khegai had his best round trying to capitalize on the previous rounds knockdown. Diaz kept in the round as best he could. In the eighth and final round Khegai continued using dirty tactics and receiving warnings but landed solid punches to the fading Diaz. At the end of the round Khegai had Diaz out on his feet being saved by the bell.

Scores were LaRosa 79-72 while Weisfeld and Poturaj scored it 77-74. This writer had it 76-75 with the knockdown the difference.

Philly Lightweight Branden “The Gift” Pizarro, 13-1 (6), defeated Jerome Rodriguez, 7-11-3 (2), out of Allentown, PA, over 6 rounds for the NBA belt.

In the first round Pizarro landed several lead rights to the chin of southpaw Rodriguez. Pizarro landed a 3-punch combination to the body and head of Rodriguez. In the second round a right hook from Rodriguez put a welt under the left eye of Pizarro. Pizarro ended the round with a double left hook to the chin of Rodriguez. Cut-man Joey Eye went to work on the welt of Pizarro’s between rounds.

In the third round inside being held by Rodriguez Pizarro landed three chopping rights to the head. Rodriguez used his jab while Pizarro was throwing twice as many in return followed by rights to the head. In the fourth round Pizarro landed half a dozen unanswered punches. After landing a combination Pizarro got his head snapped back by a Rodriguez jab. Pizarro with his hands to his side ended the round with a combination to the chin of Rodriguez.

In the fifth round Pizarro landed a combination to the head but got caught with a Rodriguez right hook on the chin. Pizarro turned southpaw for about ten secons before returning to orthodox. In the sixth and final round both opened up getting the fans into it. Rodriguez landed a hard uppercut to the chin of Pizarro. Pizarro ended the round with a combination to the chin of Rodriguez.

Scores were LaRosa 60-54 while Braswell and Poturaj as well as this writer had it 59-55. Esteves was the ref.

Super Featherweight Gadwin “Abayarde” Rosa, 9-0 (7) of Ocala, FL, deated German Meraz, 61-51 (38), of Sonora, MEX, over 6 rounds for the NBA title.

In the first two rounds Rosa was on the offense going to the body of Meraz. Rosa landed a solid left hook to the chin of Meraz in the second round. In the third round there was too much clinching as referee Rosato handled it appropriately. Finally with 10 seconds to go Meraz got in his best punch of the night a left hook to the chin of Rosa.

In the fourth round Meraz unloaded with overhand rights to the head of Rosa. Rosa came back evening the score for the most part. In the fifth round Meraz switched to southpaw holding off Rosa for the most part. In the sixth and final round Meraz became the aggressor landing uppercuts to the body of Rosa. Meraz missed with an uppercut and was countered by a Rosa right to the chin.

Scores were LaRosa and Weisfeld 59-55, David Braswell 60-54 with this writer having it 59-55. Rosato was the ref.

Super Welterweight Kieran Hooks, 3-2-1 (1), of Philly, was stopped by Gledwin “Chico” Ortiz, 6-2 (5), of the Bronx, NY, at 2:27 of round one.

In the first round Ortiz landed a devistating right to the chin of Hooks who went down face first. Referee Esteves wisely immediately waved it over!

Super Featherweight Christian Tapia, 7-0 (6), of Coamo, PR, stopped Darnell Pettis, 3-13 (0), of Cleveland, OH, who couldn’t come out for the fourth round.

In the first two rounds it went back and forth. In the third and fourth Tapia took over hurting Pettis. By the end of the fourth referee Rosata with the advice of the ring physician stopped it in favor of Tapia.

Light Heavyweight Benjamin Sinakin, 2-0 (1), of Philly stopped southpaw Darren Gibbs, 1-6 (1), of Ferndale, MI, at 2:23 of the first round.

In the first round Sinakin dropped Gibbs with a right to the chin. Gibbs beat the count but Sinakin jumped on him having him hurt in a corner when referee Esteves wisely called a halt.

Cruiserweight David Stevens, out of Reading, PA, 1-0 (1), stopped Judd Brown, 0-2-1, (0), of Johnson City, TN, at 2:56, of the first round.In the first round Stevens was bombing Brown with solid shots landing a left hook followed by a straight right for a knockdown. The second knockdown was a right uppercut causing referee Rosato to call a halt.

Posted on 11/14/2018

By: Ken Hissner

ShoBox: The Next Generation will be in the “City of Brotherly Shove” Friday featuring whom this writer considers the best Philly prospect since 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Meldrick Taylor. He will be opposed by another Philly fighter, Ray “Tito” Serrano.

They will meet at South Philly’s 2300 Arena on a ten bout card promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions in association with Victory Promotions. Ennis, 21-0 (19) and Serrano, 24-5 (10), will headline in a ten round bout.

“When you are a boxer from Philly it means you have to put on a show. I love fighting at home, that’s the best feeling ever. People let the crowd get to them, I just feel at home. I feel comfortable and relaxed. I get to show out on SHOWTIME in Philly, get a win and look good doing it. My goal is to be world champ and be a great example for the kids. I want to unify, get all the belts, move up in weight and keep going. Watch out all 147’s. A young animal is on the way,” said Ennis.

In the co-feature super lightweight Kenneth “Bossman” Sims, Jr., 13-1-1 (4), of Chicago, IL, takes on Liberia’s Samuel “Tsunami” Teah, 14-2-1 (7), out of Philly, over 8 rounds. Super Bantamweight Ukrainian Arnold “Arni” Khegai, 13-0-1 (9), out of Philly, takes on Jorge Diaz, 19-5-1 (10), of New Brunswick, NJ, over 8 rounds.

Two NBA belts are up for grabs in fights featuring Philly Lightweight Branden “The Gift” Pizarro, 12-1 (6), taking on southpaw Jerome Rodriguez, 7-10-3 (2), out of Allentown, PA, over 8 rounds. In the other NBA title bout Super Featherweight Gadwin “Abayarde” Rosa, 8-0 (7), of Ocala, FL, taking on German “Panteonero” Meraz, 61-50-2 (38), of Sonora, MEX, over 6 rounds.

Other non-televised fights all 4 rounder’s feature Super Welterweight Kieran Hooks, 3-1-1 (1), of Philly, taking on Gledwin Ortiz, 5-2 (4), of the Bronx, NY. Super Featherweight Christian Tapia, 6-0 (5), of Coamo, PR, will be taking on Darnell Pettis, 3-12 (0), of Cleveland, OH. Philly Light Heavyweight Benjamin Sinakin, 1-0 (0), taking on southpaw Darren Gibbs, 1-5 (1), of Ferndale, MI. Super Bantamweight Angel Pizarro, 4-0 (3) taking on TBA and Cruiserweight David Stevens, out of Reading, PA, making his debut will be fighting Dustin Long, 0-1-2 (0), of Johnson City, TN.

Posted on 09/29/2018

By: Ken Hissner

Under his own promotion Devin Haney Promotions the unbeaten Devin “The Dream” Haney took on Juan Carlos Burgos in the main event ShoBox: The New Generation. This card took place at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California. Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing were also part of the promotion.

In the Main Event No. 15 IBF ranked Devin “The Dream” Haney, 20-0 (13), of Las Vegas, NV, won a lopsided decision over Juan Carlos “Miniburgos” Burgos, 33-3-2 (21), of Tijuana, MEX, for the vacant IBF North American Lightweight Title, over 10 rounds.

Photo Credit: Showtime Twitter Account

In the first round Haney moved using his jab while Burgos landed several left hooks. Burgos landed a long right to the head of Haney who was moving away at the time. In the second round Burgos kept throwing the left hook to the body while Haney mainly used his jab. Burgos ended the round with several left hooks to the body ending with a hook to the chin of Haney.

In the third round Haney missed quite a bit before landing a pair of chopping rights to the head of Burgos. Burgos landed a left hook to the chin of Haney. Haney missed with a right but followed thru landing a left hook to the chin of Burgos. Haney ended the round with a right to the chin of Burgos. In the fourth round Burgos from southpaw landed a lead left to the chin of Haney. Haney landed a chopping right to the head while Burgos landed a left hook to the chin of Haney. Haney stalks while Burgos stays against the ropes moving side to side.

In the fifth round Haney sticks and moves while Burgos lands solid left hooks to the body of Haney. Haney landed a lead right to the chin of Burgos who keeps chasing Haney. Haney hurt Burgos with a right uppercut to the chin. In the sixth round while against the ropes Haney landed half a dozen rights to the head of Burgos. Haney’s hand speed has made a major difference but the fans are starting to boo as Haney does too much running and countering when he stops moving.

In the seventh round Haney decides to stand his ground for close to a minute at the start of the round before he started moving again landing the jab. Referee Zachary Young warns both boxers about talking to one another. There was little action in the round with the crowd booing again near the end. In the eighth round both started landing body shots while in the middle of the ring. Burgos warned for rabbit punch. Burgos landed three left hooks to the body of a moving Haney as the booing starts up again.

Photo Credit: Showtime Twitter Account

In the ninth round Haney is going to work landing lead rights and chopping rights to the head of Burgos. With just under a minute left in the round Haney rocks Burgos with several rights to the head. Burgos did little fighting in the round. In the tenth and final round Haney landed a double left hook to the chin of Burgos. Haney landed a solid right after landing the jab to the chin of Burgos who just can’t handle the hand speed of Haney. Burgos landed a double left hook to the head and body of Haney. The booing started again in the final minute. Haney landed the final punch of the fight a lead right to the head of Burgos.

Scores were 97-93 and 100-90 while this writer had it 98-92.

In a rematch Super Lightweight Thomas “Gunna Man” Mattice, 13-0-1 (10), of Cleveland, OH, ended in a disputed split draw with Lightweight Armenian Zhora Hamazaryan, 9-1-1 (6), of L.A., CA, over 8 rounds. Mattice came in 3 pounds over the 135 contract weight.

In the first round Mattice starts out moving around the ring with Hamazaryan chasing. At the halfway point of the round Hamazaryan landed a solid right uppercut to the chin of Mattice. Just under a minute Mattice landed his best punch of the round a right cross to the chin of Hamazaryan. Hamazaryan landed a right followed by a left both to the head of Mattice. In the second round Hamazaryan opened up with half a dozen unanswered punches. A left hook to the chin by Hamazaryan drove Mattice back several steps. Hamazaryan landed a left hook to the chin while Mattice came back with a chopping right to the head.
In the third round after each landing well Mattice got on his bicycle. Mattice is using his jab keeping Hamazaryan at bay. Hamazaryan warned for hitting Mattice behind the head. Mattice landed a combination at the bell. In the fourth round after both mixed it up Hamazaryan rocked Mattice with a left hook to the chin forcing Mattice to continue to hold for most of the remaining round. Hamazaryan rocked Mattice with a left hook to the chin driving him into the ropes.

In the fifth round Hamazaryan landed a 3-punch combination. Going into the final minute Hamazaryan was having his way with Mattice continuing to do more holding than punching. In the sixth round Hamazaryan landed a right uppercut to the chin of Mattice. Mattice warned for hitting on the break. Mattice landed a combination and then started moving around the ring again. Mattice landed a solid right just after the bell. The referee Ray Corona has done little to prevent Mattice from fouling.

In the seventh round Mattice was warned for holding down the head of Hamazaryan. Mattice landed a hard left knocking out the mouthpiece of Hamazaryan. Hamazaryan continued chasing Mattice landing punches and getting held and pushed by Mattice. In the eighth and final round Mattice was moving and jabbing until a right from Hamazaryan to the chin rocked Mattice. Mattice started showboating as Hamazaryan is all business. Hamazaryan landed the last punch of the fight a right to the chin of Mattice.
Scores were 77-75 Mattice, 77-75 Hamazaryan and 76-76. This writer had it 78-74 Hamazaryan.

German Super Middleweight Cem “The Champ” Kilic, 12-0 (7), of Sherman Oaks, CA, defeated DeAndre “The Axe Man” Ware, 12-1-2 (8), of Toledo, OH, over 8 action packed rounds.

In the first round there was no feeling out as both opened up. Originally set to be a middleweight bout Ware could not make it so they are in the super middle division. Kilic is much taller and landed several rights to the head of Ware. He landed four punches to the body. Both exchanged rights to the chin just prior to the bell. In the second round Kilic rocked Ware with a left hook to the chin while Ware came back with a solid right to the chin. Ware landed a hard right to the chin of Kilic. A Ware combination rocked Kilic just prior to the end of the round.

In the third round Ware landed a 3-punch combination. Kilic drove Ware into a corner but Ware came back rocking Kilic with a right hand to the chin. Ware worked his right well against the taller Kilic who used a good right uppercut. In the fourth round both came out throwing leather. Kilic showed blood from his nose. Kilic knocked out the mouthpiece of Ware with a right to the chin. Kilic landed half a dozen unanswered punches to the head and body.

In the fifth round Kilic started using his jab more setting up Ware with right hands. Ware landed three body shots at the halfway point of the round. Kilic landed a flurry of punches to the head and body of Ware. Both continue to throw a good amount of punches. In the sixth round Ware kept coming forward but walking into solid punches by Kilic. Ware landed his lead right to the chin of Kilic which has been his best weapon so far. Once again a Kilic right knocked out the mouthpiece of Ware.

In the seventh round Kilic landed half a dozen unanswered punches while Ware came back pushing Kilic with his head and gloves. Ware got a warning from Referee Tony Crebs for using his head. Both landed punches by bunches up to the end of the round. In the eighth and final round Ware came out throwing possibly he may be behind. It may have been the first clinch in the fight at the halfway point of the round. Ware has Kilic moving backwards. Kilic has never gone beyond four rounds. It was a very good fight.

Scores were 78-74, and 79-73 while this writer had it 77-75.

Posted on 09/27/2018

By: Ken Hissner

Unbeaten Lightweight Devin “The Dream” Haney and 3-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos will battle for the vacant IBF North American Lightweight Title Friday at the Pechanga Resort & Casino, in Temecula, CA. This will be on ShoBox: The Next Generation triple header with Davin Haney Promotions.

“I’ve been saying for a while now that I always felt like I was my own promoter. And I feel like a lot of other fighters feel they are their own promoter as well because they do all the marketing, they do their social media, and they are getting their name out there. I’m just one of those fighters that took the initiative to actually go get my promoters license and go all the way with this,” said Haney. He is also starting his own stable of fighters including Darren Cunningham, 6-0, who will be on the card.

The 19 year-old Haney, 19-0 (13) is promoted by Top Rank and won the vacant USBA Lightweight title in his last fight in Philadelphia defeating Mason Menard, 33-2 who retired at the end of the ninth round. This is scheduled for 10 rounds.

Vargas has challenged for world titles at Featherweight and Super Featherweight and is stepping up to lightweight. “He’s fought in Tijuana a bunch of times (10) so I’ve seen him in person. I didn’t really pay attention to him at that time. He has ability. He’s hungry with good skills but I don’t think he’s ready for a fighter like me. He’s too young and I’m an experienced fighter that knows how to win,” said Burgos.

The co-feature is a re-match in July between Thomas “Gunna Man” Mattice, 13-0 (10), of Cleveland, OH, and Armenian Zhora Hamazaryan, 9-1 (6), out of L.A. with Mattice winning a controversial 8 round split decision with Mattice hitting the deck in the second round. This was why just three months later they are in a rematch. Mattice is promoted by Banner Promotions and Hamazaryan by Thompson Boxing. This is scheduled for 8 rounds.

For Hamazaryan it will be his third straight fight in the US with his previous fights being in Russia.

Rounding out the triple header another 8 rounder between Super Middleweight German born Cem “Champ” Kilic, 11-0 (7), out of Sherman Oaks, CA, and DeAndre Ware, 12-0-2 (8), of Toledo, OH.

Just last month Kilic stopped Joe Amouta, 7-1-1, in 3 rounds. All but one of his fights (Mexico) has been in the US. In June in his last fight he defeated Puerto Rico’s Enrique “Kikin” Collazo, 11-0-1 (9), in a majority decision over 8 rounds.

Posted on 09/22/2018

By: Ken Hissner

At the Firelake Arena in Shawnee, OK, Friday night promoting were DiBella Entertainment, Tony Holden Pomotions and HD Promotions on ShoBox featuring WBC Super Featherweight Silver champion Spain’s Jon “Jon Fer” Fernandez, and Carlos Ramos both managed by former world champion Sergio “Marvilla” Martinez.

WBC No. 9 Super Featherweight contender Jon “Jon Fer” Fernandez, 16-1 (14), of Spain lost his WBC Silver title to O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster, 14-2 (?), of Houston, TEX, over 10 rounds.

In the first round Foster dances around the ring as the taller Fernandez stalks him. Foster landed a jab but was countered with a Fernandez right to the chin. Foster seemed to waste a lot of energy dancing around and doing little on offense. In the second round Fernandez landed a jab and was countered by a right to the chin by Foster. Foster continues to dance around the ring while Fernandez seemed to have problems cutting the ring off and catching him. Foster landed a counter left hook knocking the head of Fernandez back. Foster ended the round with a solid jab knocking the head of Fernandez back.

In the third round Foster continues bouncing around the ring using his hand speed when Fernandez gets close to counter him. In the fourth round referee Lawrence Cole warned Foster for hitting behind the head. Foster landed a solid lead right to the chin of Fernandez knocking his head back. Fernandez continues to have a problem landing a solid punch to the “moving target” Foster is giving him. Fernandez landed a left hook to the body but got countered with a right to the chin.

In the fifth round Foster landed half a dozen body shots on Fernandez. Fernandez continues to have a problem landed anything solid due to the movement of Foster. Fernandez has marks under both eyes at the end of the round. In the sixth round the same pattern of the fight continues. Just prior to the end of the round Fernandez got his best punch of the fight a short right cross rocking Foster.

In the seventh round Foster landed a nice left hook to the chin of Fernandez. Both boxers exchanged left hands to the chin of one another. Fernandez had a better round. In the eighth round Foster landed a solid right to the chin of Fernandez. Fernandez landed a short chopping right but got rocked with a Foster left hook to the chin.

In the ninth round Foster continues countering Fernandez while moving around the ring. In the tenth and final round referee Cole again doesn’t have the boxers touch gloves. Fernandez continues to miss most of his punches. Fernandez landed a good right cross head to the chin of Foster. Against the ropes Foster countered well against Fernandez.

Scores were 98-92 by all three judges and 97-93 by this writer.

In the co-feature Super Featherweight Irvin Gonzalez, 11-0 (9), of Worcester, MASS, easily defeated Ecuador’s southpaw Carlos Ramos, 9-1 (6), of Spain made his US debut, over 8 rounds.

In the first round southpaw Ramos landed several lead left hands to the chin of Gonzalez. Ramos is shorter and fights out of a crouch. Gonzalez used a good jab but got countered by a left from Ramos to the head. In the second round Gonzalez switched to southpaw landed a good combination then returned to orthodox. Moment’s later back to southpaw Gonzalez landed several good punches to the head of Ramos before returning to orthodox. Referee warned Ramos about using his head at the end of the round.

In the third round Ramos landed a solid right hook to the head of Gonzalez. Ramos missed with a lead left and got countered by a chopping right to the head by Gonzalez. Again the referee warned Ramos at the end of the round for using his head. In the fourth round Gonzalez landed a double jab but got countered with a left to the chin from Ramos. Referee warned both fighters for hitting behind the head. Gonzalez landed a 3-punch combination to the head and body of Ramos. Ramos held and hit Gonzalez twice and was warned for holding and hitting. Gonzalez had a welt under his left eye at the end.

In the fifth round both had a good exchange. Ramos told the referee he had vasoliene in his right eye so the referee stopped the action and allowed Ramos to go to his corner to get it whipped clean. Gonzalez warned for pushing Ramos to the canvas. Ramos landed a solid left to the head which was his best punch of the round. Gonzalez was much busier than Ramos. In the sixth round Gonzalez out worked Ramos who is only throwing one punch at a time. Ramos landed the last punch of the round a lead left to the chin of Gonzalez.

In the seventh round Ramos dances while in one spot without throwing anything while Gonzalez lands a right to the chin. Gonzalez landed a combination to the chin of Ramos. In the eighth and final round Gonzalez landed a double jab ending with a right to the chin of Ramos. Gonzalez jab keeps Ramos on the defense. Ramos finally landed a combination to the chin of Gonzalez. Gonzalez landed a solid lead right to the mid-section of Ramos. Gonzalez continued out working Ramos right up to the bell.

Scores were 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 while this writer had it 79-73.

Lightweight Wesley Ferrer, 12-1-1(7), of Brooklyn, NY, lost a majority decision in a sloppy fight to Philadelphia’s Steven “The Hit Man” Ortiz, 9-0 (3), over 8 rounds.

In the first round the taller Ortiz uses his jab well. Ferrer landed an overhand right to the chin of Ortiz rocking him. Both landed punches after the bell. In the second round Ferrer landed a right to the chin of Ortiz who had his hands low. Ortiz threw half a dozen unanswered punches as Ferrer slipped a few of them. Ferrer landed a right to the head.

In the third round Ferrer landed a right to the chin of Ortiz. Seconds later Ferrer landed a left hook to the chin of Ortiz. Both exchanged left hooks to the chin. In the fourth round both exchanged a flurry of punches with Ferrer landing the final and left to the head of Ortiz. Ortiz was warned for holding by referee Lawrence Cole. Ferrer forces the action. Referee Cole warned Ortiz to keep the punches up.

In the fifth round Ferrer warned for hitting the back of the head but landed another one behind the head without a warning. Referee warns Ferrer for holding. Ferrer landed a combo with the right rocking Ortiz. In the sixth round Ferrer warned for hitting behind the head. Both boxers warned for holding. Ferrer landed a good right to the chin of Ortiz. The fight continues to be very sloppy with too much holding.

In the seventh round Ferrer landed an overhand right that glanced off the top of the head of Ortiz. Ortiz landed a short right to the head but was countered with a left to the head. In the eighth round Ferrer missed with a left hook and got countered with a right from Ortiz on the chin. Ortiz landed a lead right to the chin of Ferrer. Ferrer landed a 3-punch combination. The bout ended to a lack luster fight.

Scores were 76-76, 78-74 and 77-75 for Ortiz while this writer had it 78-74 Ferrer.

Super Featherweight James “Real Crunch Time” Wilkins, 5-1 (5), of Staten Island, NY, suffered his first loss in a lopsided loss to Misael Lopez, 9-0 (4), of Denver, CO, over 8 rounds for the Americas Super Featherweight Title.

In the first round Lopez landed a flurry of punches to the head while Wilkins covered up. Wilkins warned twice by the referee for hitting behind the head. Lopez landed a 3-punch combination driving Wilkins into the ropes. Lopez moves around the ring well with Wilkins trying to nail him with little success. In the second round Wilkins missing wildly as the shorter Lopez countered with a flurry of punches. Lopez landed three left hooks to the body of Wilkins. Wilkins dropped Lopez with a low left hook. The referee gave Wilkins a warning for a second time and gave Lopez a five minute rest. Lopez after the rest starts landing right hands to the body of Wilkins. Wilkins land a counter left to the chin aft getting hit by a Lopez right to the chin.

In the third round Wilkins was warned again for a low blow by referee Mike English. The taller Wilkins had trouble landing anything but a jab as Lopez counters well to the body and head. Lopez lands a flurry of punches to end the round. In the fourth round Wilkins was warned again and the referee who warned him “next time I will take away a point” didn’t. The taller Wilkins is frustrated. Lopez is beating him to the punch and willing to stand in front of him.

In the fifth round Lopez works the body with left hooks. Both exchanged body punches. Finally the referee takes away a point for another Wilkins low blow left hook. Lopez started moving more and countering well. Wilkins is frustrated due to lack of landing punches and getting hit. In the sixth round another low blow by Wilkins and the referee gives him a weak warning. Lopez backs into the ropes and opens up hurting Wilkins. Wilkins was driven into the ropes. Lopez landed a hard right to the body of Wilkins. Wilkins landed a right and left combo to the head of Lopez who had his hands down. Lopez landed a good right uppercut to the mid-section of Wilkins.

In the seventh round Lopez is hitting Wilkins with everything he throws. Lopez is too fast a foot and hand. Lopez landed half a dozen unanswered punches but is getting cocky dropping his hands. Lopez landed a 3-punch combination to the head of Wilkins. Wilkins came back with a long right to the chin. Referee warned Wilkins for hitting behind the head. Wilkins landed a right making Lopez whose right hit the canvas just prior to the bell but the referee failed to call it a knockdown. In the eighth and final round Lopez works the body and got hit by a Wilkins counter right to the head. Lopez raises his hands halfway through the round as if the fight is already won by him. Lopez showboats the last half a minute.

Scores were surprisingly close at 79-72, 77-74, 76-75 while this writer had it 80-71.

Posted on 09/19/2018

By: Ken Hissner

Spain’s Jon “Jonfer” Fernandez, 16-0 (14), won the WBC Silver title a year ago and this Friday makes his first defense against O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster, 13-2 (8), of Houston, TEX, on Showtime.

Since Fernandez has not defended in a year and is ranked No. 9 in the WBC while Foster is not ranked. The fight will take place at the Firelake Arena in Shawnee, OK.

Fernandez has scored stoppages in 3 rounds in his last two fights scheduled for 8 rounds since winning the title a year ago. He has stopped Nicaragua’s Henry Maldonado, 20-6, in June and Panama’s Juan “Lil General” Huertas, 14-1-1 in April. He previously has wins over Juan “Pachito” Reyes, 14-3-3, Ismael Garcia, 7-0, Ernesto Garcia III, 7-1 and Mikael “Misha” Mkrtchyan, 16-1, all by stoppages.

In the co-feature is Super Featherweight Irvin Gonzalez, 10-0 (9), of Worcester, MASS, is taking on Ecuador’s Carlos Ramos, 9-0 (6), of Spain in a scheduled 8. The only time Gonzalez has gone the distance is in his lone 8 rounder. Ramos is a southpaw and will be making his US debut.

Lightweight Wesley Ferrer, 12-0-1 (7), of Brooklyn, NY, coming off a draw last December is taking on Philadelphia’s Steven Ortiz, 8-0 (3), who last fought in January of this year. The draw was Ferrer’s first 8 rounder. He had a very good amateur background.

For Ortiz who defeated Joshua Davis, 11-2, in 2 rounds in his first 8 rounder this is a bout between two top prospects scheduled for 8 rounds.

Super Featherweight James “Crunch Time” Wilkins, 5-0 (5), of Staten Island, NY, taking on Misael Lopez, 8-0 (4), of Denver, CO, scheduled for 8 rounds for the vacant American Boxing Federation Continental Americas Super Featherweight Title.

Wilkins is jumping from all 4’s to an 8 winning twice in June. Lopez has a pair of 8’s on his record and last fought in February scoring a decision win.

Posted on 07/21/2018

By: Ken Hissner

Vito Mielnicki’s GH3, Victory Promotions and Banner Promotions at the WinnaVegas Casino & Resort, Sloan, Iowa, brought in the hottest prospect in the country in unbeaten Philly welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis, taking on Armando “The Gentleman” Alvarez, of Key West, FL, for the vacant WBC United States Silver (USNBC) welterweight title over 10 rounds of boxing over USA Showtime.

Welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis, 21-0 (19), of Philly, easily demolished Armando “The Gentleman” Alvarez, 13-1 (7), of Key West, FL, at 2:59 of the third round.

In the opening round it was all Ennis showing his quickness as the plodding Alvarez is doing more holding than fighting. Ennis starts moving and still out landing Alvarez. Alvarez warned for a low blow by referee Adam Pollack. Ennis impresses the fans having the bewildered Alvarez he signed for this one.

In the second round Ennis gave Alvarez all kinds of moves confusing him. Ennis fighting southpaw landed a lead left to the chin of Alvarez. Back to orthodox Ennis rocked Alvarez with a left hook to the head. Ennis kept backing up Alvarez who continues to do more holding than fighting. A right uppercut to the body hurt Alvarez. More body shots from Ennis had Alvarez looking bewildered. In the third round Ennis was “having fun” which is part of his entertaining to the fans.

Ennis stood looking away with an eye on Alvarez who threw a punch missing by a mile. An Ennis body shot dropped Alvarez who was cut under the left eye. Another half a dozen punches from Ennis without return. Suddenly Alvarez took a knee taking a county. A left hook from Ennis dropped Alvarez on the seat of his trunks. Alvarez tries holding taking much punishment as the referee asks him several times if he wants to continue before finally stopping it with a second left in the round. Ennis looked superb and very entertaining. Alvarez proclaimed before the fight he will go to the body but it was Ennis who went to the body.

Ennis is managed by his father while being promoted by Chris Middendorf’s Victory Boxing Promotions. “There are a lot of questions swirling around Ennis right now. Does he deserve to have his first fight on national television as the main event on ShoBox? Why was he fighting in Utah, New Mexico, Indiana, North Carolina, Virginia, DC, and small shows? Why was he moved so quickly with twenty fights in his first two years as a pro? Are all of your questions answered after tonight?” said Middendorf.

“I’m really excited about “Boots” and I brought Chris (Middendorf) in with his Victory Boxing Promotions. I am now starting my own promotion called N.O.W. Promotions. We will co-promote “Boots” together. I have big plans for him. I’ve had (Terence) Crawford and other pound for pound guys. I have had 34 world champions. I am so high on “Boots”. He wants to be the best fighter in the world. Crawford felt the same. Those guys are special. He just turned 21 (June 26th). His dad and I have known each other for 20 years. I’m getting ready to put 5 or 6 prospects with his dad. He teaches defense that nobody does anymore. They just teach offense. He takes his time with them and teaches them to slip punches,” said Dunkin.

Super lightweight southpaw Montana “Too Pretty” Love, 11-0-1 (5), of Cleveland, OH, and Kenneth “Bossman” Sims, Jr., 12-1-1 (4), of Chicago, IL, battled to a 8 round draw in a good fight.

In the first round both boxers let it all hang out. Sims had Love pinned against the ropes. Sims was landing lead rights to the chin of Love. In the second round Sims landed half a dozen unanswered punches before backing off the taunting Love. Sims turned southpaw the second half of the round.

In the third round it was Love landing a right hook. Seconds later a lead left to the chin of Sims by. Sims went back and forth orthodox to southpaw seeing a different Love in this round. In the fourth round Love had Sims on the ropes. Best round so far for Love evening the score.

In the fifth round Love knocked out the mouthpiece of Sims halting the action until referee Paul Parry gets the corner to replace it. It was a big round for Love. In the sixth round Sims comes out fast knowing the fight is slipping away from him the past three rounds. Love pinned Sims on the ropes until the referee breaks them. Back into the middle of the ring Sims took over.

In the seventh round Sims kept Love against the ropes but did catch several counter rights to the head. Close round for Sims. It was possibly the best round of the fight. In the eighth and final round it was Sims keeping Love against the ropes for the most part. The fans were loving the action. Sims was showing good hand speed at the end. Good action in this one.

Scores were 77-75 Sims, 77-75 Love, 76-76 a draw. This writer had it 77-75 Sims.

Lightweight Thomas “Gunna Man” Mattice, 13-0 (10), of Cleveland, OH, came off the canvas to win a highly disputed split decision over Armenian Zhora Hamazaryan, 9-1 (6), of L.A., CA, over 8 rounds.

In the first round Mattice moved well to his left using his jab. Hamazaryan walked Mattice against the ropes landing good body shots as Mattice held his hands high. Mattice started moving again boxing well. Hamazaryan landed a good lead overhand right to the chin of Mattice. In the second round Hamazaryan had Mattice covering up until after a jab a power shot right on the chin of Mattice dropped him for an 8 count. Hamazaryan jumped on Mattice who was holding and even wrestled Hamazaryan to the canvas. A left hook by Hamazaryan to the chin of Mattice had the latter grabbing to get through the round.

In the third round Mattice’s head seemed clear as Hamazaryan is trying to pick it up where he left it off in the previous round. Mattice was boxing well but took a good right on the chin from Hamazaryan that didn’t seem to have any effect.

Mattice ended the round with a right uppercut to the chin of Hamazaryan. In the fourth round Mattice boxed well even in close. A left hook from Hamazaryan to the chin had Mattice falling into a clinch. They exchanged rights up to the bell.

In the fifth round Hamazaryan kept coming in low trying to get under the jab of Mattice that is bothering him. Mattice landed right uppercuts and chopping rights to the chin and head of Hamazaryan who seems to be tiring having only four rounds of boxing in the past twenty rounds. In the sixth round Hamazaryan rushes in taking counter punches from Mattice. Mattice the second half of the round is on the run again. Hamazaryan seemed to get a second wind pressuring Mattice with wild left hooks and overhand rights to the head.

In the seventh round Hamazaryan kept the pressure on Mattice hurting Mattice with a right to the chin forcing Mattice to clinch forcing referee Adam Pollack to warn him for holding. Hamazaryan landed a leaping left hook to the chin of Mattice who continued to move to his left trying to avoid left hooks from Hamazaryan. In the eighth and final round Hamazaryan kept Mattice on the move with good body and head shots. In the final minute Mattice started using more offense but Hamazaryan got right back into his face with both hands.

Scores were 77-74 Hamazaryan, 76-75 Mattice twice. This writer had it 77-74 Hamazaryan.

Posted on 05/12/2018

By: Ken Hissner

Hard Hitting Promotions, Greg Cohen Promotions and Devin Haney Promotions over Sho-Box before a standing room only crowd at the 2300 Arena in Philly Friday night.

In the Main Event Super Lightweight Devin “The Dream” Haney, 19-0 (12), of Las Vegas, NV, forced Mason “Rock Hard Mighty” Menard, 33-3 (24), of Rayne, LA, to retire after nine shut out rounds to win the vacant USBA Lightweight title.

Photo Credit: Showtime Boxing Twitter Account

This one was a mismatch from the opening bell with Haney dazzling Menard who couldn’t land but a handful of punches the entire fight. Haney had a machine gun like jab throughout. He would land the right hand almost at will though Menard had his hands held high at all times. Round after round Haney dominated. He made this vacant USBA title bout look so easy. He forced Menard to not come out for the tenth and final round. Haney will deservingly be in the top ten of the IBF rankings with this shout out of a match.

Super Bantamweight Glenn Dezurn, 9-2-1 (6), of Baltimore, MD, was stopped at 1:47 of the 8th round losing to Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer, Jr., 17-1-1 (9), of Chicago, IL.

From the opening round up until the sixth round Greer dominated. Dezurn started to turn things around in the sixth and seventh rounds. In the eighth round Greer landed a hard right to the chin of Dezurn and down he went. He was up at the count of 8 from Referee Benjy Esteves, Jr. Greer raced across the ring having Dezurn defenseless forcing Referee Esteves, to wave it off!

Light Heavyweight Alvin “Iron Majik” Vermall, Jr., 15-1-1 (12), of Catskill, NY, was defeated by southpaw Charles ”The Truth” Foster, 16-0 (8), of New Haven, CT, over 8 rounds.

In the first round the taller Foster used his jab with Vermall trying to get inside. Foster keeps measuring Vermall who is missing more than landing. Foster landed a lead left to the mid-section of Vermall. Foster ended the round with a hard left uppercut to the chin of Vermall. In the second round Vermall rocked Foster with a right uppercut. He keeps leaping in trying to land the big punch on Foster who is not co-operating. Referee Rosato warns Foster for hitting behind the head. Foster landed a 3-punch combination. Vermall came right back just before the bell landing a solid right to the chin of Foster. In the third round Foster keeps pawing with the jab with Vermall rushing in and ending in a clinch. Foster uses an occasional left uppercut to the chin of Vermall who seems frustrated not getting his punches in.

In the fourth round Vermall leaped in with a left hook to the head of Foster. Foster lands a lead left to the chin with Vermall coming right back with a right to the chin of Foster. Too many clinches on the part of both. Vermall ends the round with a solid right to the chin of Foster. In the fifth round Vermall comes out trying to make a brawl of it while Foster lands a chopping left to the head of Vermall who comes in low. Foster lands a solid left uppercut to the chin of Vermall. Vermall hurt Foster with a wild right to the chin at the bell.

In the sixth round Foster is trying to keep Vermall at bay but Vermall jumps in with wild punches to the head of Foster. Foster continues to get the better of the always coming forward Vermall. In the seventh round

Super Bantamweight Arnold “Arni” Khegai, 12-0-1 (5), of Odessa, UKR, defeated Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez, 16-3-2 (8), of San Antonio, TX, over 8 rounds.

In the first round Khegai is pushing Lopez back with little action in the round. In the second round Khegai landed a lead right to the chin of Lopez. Khegai landed a right hand to the chin of Lopez driving him back halfway across the ring. In the third round Lopez landed a 3-punch combination rocking Khegai. Khegai landed a lead right to the chin of Lopez just prior to the bell. In the fourth round Khegai landed a lead right to the chin of Lopez who came right back with a left hook to the head of Khegai. Halfway through the round things started to heat up a bit.

In the fifth round Khegai landed a chopping right while in a clinch and then was warned for using the cuff of his glove. Both fighters have received numerous warnings. In the sixth round Referee Benjy Esteves, Jr. took a point from Khegai. Both boxers are throwing wild punches with neither gaining an edge. In the seventh round both boxers are throwing bombs and then falling into a clinch. It’s been a very sloppy showing up to the eighth and final round. In the eighth round Khegai rocked Lopez with a right hand to the chin. Lopez came back with a combination to the head of Khegai. Khegai landed a left hook to the chin of Lopez heard throughout the arena.

Judge Braswell and DiPalo had it 78-74 and Carter 78-73. This writer had it 77-74.

Lightweight southpaw Jeremy “King” Cuevas, 9-0 (7), of Philadelphia, stopped Hector Marengo, 7-12-4 (4), of Arecibo, PR, at 1:51 of the second round.

In the first round Cuevas landed a lead left to the chin of Marengo knocking him back several steps. Cuevas landed a lead left to the head of Marengo stunning him. It was all Cuevas with little action. In the second round Cuevas landed a flurry of punches pinning Marengo in a corner. Cuevas landed a dozen punches finally dropping Marengo to a knee. Cuevas jumped on him causing referee Shawn Clarke to wave it off.

Lightweight Branden “The Gift” Pizarro, 10-1 (4), of North Philly Badlands, shut out Israel “Isra” Villela, 6-10 (2) of Cancun, MEX, over 6 rounds.

In the first two rounds Pizarro dominated with his jab while Villela got in a right to the body and a left hook to the head. Pizarro briefly turned southpaw. In the third round Pizarro continued to move well using his jab with an occasional right to the head of Villela. Pizarro got warned by Referee Bashir for pulling Villela by the back of the neck. In the fourth round the flashy Pizarro landed a right uppercut to the body of Villela. Villela was chasing Pizarro until he ran into a flurry of punches. Villela landed a right to the head of Pizarro who shook his head as if there was little on it. Pizarro landed a right to the head followed by a left hook to the body. Pizarro landed a hard right uppercut to the chin of Villela that got the fans into it.

In the fifth round Villela landed an overhand right to the chin of Pizarro. Pizarro switches from orthodox to southpaw with little coming from southpaw. The fans start chanting “Branden, Branden”, just prior to the bell. In the sixth and final round Villela walked into a Pizarro left hook to the chin. Both boxers warned for infractions by the referee. Pizarro ended the round with a left hook to the chin of Villela.

Judge Carter, Weisfeld and DiPallo had it 60-54 as did this writer.

Light Heavyweight David “One-Two” Murray, 7-2-1 (6), of Wilmington, DE, was knocked out by Jamaican Craig “Danger” Duncan, 11-1-1 (9), of Apopka, FL, at 2:45 of the fourth round.

In the first round both fighters are known for their punching power which means there is little action with one waiting for the other to land a bomb. The last thrown punch of the round was Duncan landing the first right hand to the chin of Murray. In the second round Duncan continues to stalk Murray finally both are opening up. Duncan carries his hands to his side finally landing an uppercut to the body of Murray. Duncan pinned Murray against the ropes. Murray landed a right to the head of Duncan.

In the third round Duncan comes out using a lot of feints and landed a right to the head of Murray. Murray landed a right of his own to the head of Duncan seconds later. Duncan forced Murray to hold after landing a pair of body shots. With half a minute left in the round Duncan landed a flurry of punches. In the fourth round Murray landed a double left hook to the head of Duncan. Duncan came back pinning Murray against the ropes with both fighters landing haymakers. Duncan landed an uppercut to the chin of Murray and down he went to a knee. Duncan landed a lead right to the chin of Murray who went face first down and out cold. It took about 10 minutes before Murray was assisted from the ring.

In the opening bout returning after 18 months Super Lightweight, Milton ”El Santo” Santiago, 17-0 (3), of North Philadelphia, shut out Jorge L Munguia, 13-12 (5), of Tegucigalpha, Honduras, over 6 rounds.

In the first round both fighters were mixing it up. Santiago landed a combination dropping Munguia. Santiago ran across the ring jumping right on Munguia knocking his mouthpiece out. Santiago was warned twice about hitting behind the head by Referee Ron Bashir. In the second round Santiago continue to press Munguia who wouldn’t give up. Santiago landed a lead right to the head of Munguia. Munguia started pressing Santiago until he ran into a combination from Santiago.

In the third round Santiago was warned for a third time by Referee Bashir this time for using his head. Munguia was warned for a low blow. Santiago controlled the round but the action slowed down. In the fourth round Santiago backed Munguia into a corner but Munguia fought himself out of the corner. Santiago is going to the body with uppercuts from both hands. Munguia is very game. In the fifth round Santiago is still throwing punches but Munguia shows him no respect fighting back. Santiago is warned for pushing. Munguia is throwing punches but can’t match Santiago. In the sixth and last round missed with a pair of uppercuts. Both boxers raised their arms up trying to get the fans into it. Santiago has a pleasing style but little power or Munguia would have been out by now. Munguia was warned for a low blow.

Judges Page had it 60-54 Judge Carter, Weisfeld and this writer had it 60-53.

Posted on 05/10/2018

By: Ken Hissner

When will the PA Boxing Director learn you cannot have two boxing events on the same night like he did December 1st? 2300 Arena in South Philly is sold out per Will Ruiz of Hard Hitting Promotions with co-promoter Greg Cohen Promotions Showtime event Friday at Front & Oregon. At SugarHouse Casino Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions are on 1001 Delaware Avenue.

Photo Credit: Devin Haney Twitter Account

The main event at 2300 has Devin “The Dream” Haney, 18-0 (12), of Las Vegas, NV, taking on Mason “Rock Hard Mighty” Menard, 33-2 (24), of Rayne, LA, for the USBA Lightweight Title over 10 rounds. At the Press Conference Wednesday Haney was there but Menard a no show. Doors open at 6:30 and First Bout at 7:15.

Showtime will have four of the eight bouts aired starting at 9pm. The co-feature has Super Bantamweight Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer, Jr., 16-1 (8), taking on Glenn Dezurn, Jr., 9-1-1 (6), of Baltimore, MD, in a 10 round bout
Light Heavyweight Alvin “Iron Majik” Varmall 15-0-1 (12), of Catskill, NY,takes on Charles Foster, 15-0 (8), of New Haven, CT, in a 8 round bout. Super Bantamweight Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez, 16-2-2 (8), of San Antonio, TX, takes on Arnold “Ami” Khegai, 11-0-1 (8), of Odessa, UKR, over 8 rounds. They are the four Showtime bouts.

Four Philadelphia boxers in 6 round bouts will fill out the card with Lightweight southpaw Jeremy “King” Cuevas, 8-0 (6), of Philly, taking on Hector Marengo, 7-11-4 (4), of Arecibo, PR. Lightweight Branden “The Gift” Pizarro, 9-1 (4), of Philly, taking on Israel “Isra” Villela, 6-9 (2), of Cancun, MEX. Light Heavyweight David ‘One-Two” Murray, 7-1-1 (6), of Philly, taking on Craig “Danger” Duncan, 10-1-1 (8), of Apopka, FL. Opening the show will be the return of Milton “El Santo” Santiago, 16-0 (3), of Philly, after 18 months taking on Jorge L Munguia, 13-11 (5), of Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

At the press conference were Haney, Greer, Dezurn, Varmall, Lopez, Cuevas, Murray, Duncan and Santiago. “This will be my sixth appearance tying a record on Showtime. Thank God, my team, my dad, Hard Hitting and Greg Cohen. Come Friday I want to show them I’m up there with those at the top,” said Haney. “Thank God, I have a pillow for Dezurn to put him to sleep on,” said Greer. “I want to thank my coach, parents and am looking forward for a great fight and to put another guy to sleep bringing Showtime back to Philly,” said Cuevas.

At the SugarHouse Casino in the main event will be Super Lightweight Mykal “The Professor” Fox, 16-0 (4), of Forestville, MD, taking on Anthony Mercado, 11-3 (10), of Arecibo, PR, over 8 rounds. Eleven Sports will cover the event. There will be seven other bouts with a pair of 6 rounder’s and 6 bouts at 4 rounds.

Returning to the ring after 21 months is “The Fighting Ring Announcer” Super Bantamweight Alex Barbosa, 5-3-1 (1), of Philly. The rest of the undercard has Bantamweight’s Romuel Cruz, Jerrod Miner and Desmond Moore of Philly. Also, Super Featherweight’s Joshafat Ortiz of Reading and Jordan “The Kidd” Peters, of D.C., Heavyweight Michael Polite Coffie, of NY. Lightweight Thomas Mattice, 11-0 (9), of Cleveland, OH, was added this week.

Doors open at 6pm and Starting time for first bout is 7pm.

Posted on 03/10/2018

By: Ken Hissner

Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment and USA Showtime promoted the interim World Boxing Council World Super Lightweight Title fight Friday night from Deadwood Mountain Grand, in Deadwood, South Dakota.

In the Main Event southpaw Regis “Ruga Rou” Prograis, 21-0 (18), of New Orleans, LA, living in Houston, TX, the WBC No. 2 contender, destroyed the former IBF World and WBA World Super Lightweight champion southpaw Julius “Blue Machine” Indongo, 22-2 (11), of Windhoek, Nambia, living in Omaha, NEB, the WBC No. 8 Contender, with four knockdowns at 2:54 of the second round.

In the first round the taller Indongo landed a combination to the head of Prograis. A solid right hook by Prograis to the chin of Indongo hurt him. A strong jab from Prograis to the chin of Indongo almost knocked him down. Prograis landed a right uppercut to the chin of Indongo dropped him to the canvas. In the second round Indongo used his jab with occasional long left hands to the chin of Prograis. Both fighters went to the body.

A left from Prograis to the chin of Indongo dropped him. Two more times left hands to the chin of Indongo dropped him for the second and third time forcing referee Ian John-Lewis to wave it off.
“I didn’t have a chance to show all my punches since it ended so soon. This 140 pound division is mine,” said Prograis.
Holden Production and Banner Promotions promoted the co-feature.

In the co-feature Russian born Super Lightweight Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk, 18-0 (11), out of Brooklyn, NY, stopped late sub Russian Petr “El Czar” Petrov, 38-6-1 (19), out of Madrid, Spain, at 1:12 of the eighth round of a scheduled twelve.

In the first round a jab from Baranchyk scored a knockdown when Petrov as his gloves touched the canvas breaking his fall. Baranchyk leaped with a left hook to the chin of Petrov. Petrov used his jab keeping Baranchyk off balance.

Baranchyk landed a solid left hook to the chin of Petrov. In the second round a left hook from Baranchyk to the chin of Petrov knocked him to the canvas and he got up immediately and started fighting when referee Mark Nelson jumped in and started his count. Petrov came back with a good right to the side of the head of Baranchyk. Petrov ducked into a Baranchyk left uppercut to the chin. The round ended as Petrov landed a right to the chin of Baranchyk.

In the third round Petrov landed a left hook to the body of Baranchyk. Baranchyk dropped Petrov to a knee with a left hook to the body but referee Nelson called it a slip. Petrov landed a right to the head of Baranchyk but got countered with a right to the head almost dropping him. Just prior to the bell Baranchyk landed two left hooks to the body knocking Petrov into the ropes. In the fourth round Petrov landed a double left hook to the body of Baranchyk. Baranchyk landed a double left hook to the body and head of Petrov. Petrov came back with a left hook to the body followed by a right to the head of Baranchyk. Baranchyk came back with a 3-punch combination to the body and head of Petrov. Petrov ended the round with several rights to the body and head of Baranchyk.

In the fifth round Baranchyk continued to throw punches with “bad intentions” to the head of Petrov. Baranchyk landed a lead right to the head of Petrov. Petrov landed a pair of left hooks to the body of Baranchyk. That was the best round of the fight so far. Petrov took the fight on five days notice and stepped up the super lightweight. In the sixth round Petrov landed an over hand right to the head of Baranchyk. Baranchyk came back with a combination to the head of Petrov. Baranchyk landed an overhand right to the ear of Petrov dropping him.

In the seventh round Baranchyk landed a pair of combinations to the head of Petrov. Baranchyk landed a chopping right to the head of Petrov. Just prior to the end of the round Baranchyk landed a flurry of punches to the body and head of Petrov. In the eighth round Baranchyk continued to show how his power was much stronger than Petrov driving him into the corner with a flurry of punches until referee Nelson wisely called a halt.
This writer had Baranchyk up 69-61 after seven rounds. Baranchyk is managed by David McWater.

Heavyweights Junior Fa, 14-0 (8), of Papakura, New Zealand, won a lack luster majority decision of late sub Craig Lewis, 14-2-1 (8), of Detroit, MI, over 8 rounds.

In the first round Fa landed the first punch a right to the chin of Lewis. Lewis is mostly using a jab. He missed quite a bit with his right hand. Inside the final minute of the round Fa landed a solid left hook to the head of Lewis and followed up with several more punches before Lewis tied him up. In the second round Fa landed a solid left hook backing Lewis up several steps. There were a dozen clinches after this keeping referee Mark Nelson busy.

In the third round Fa landed a good left hook to the chin of Lewis while inside.

Fa landed a solid right to the chin of Lewis getting his attention. Another round of about ten clinches. In the fourth round Fa came out and landed the first combination of the fight starting with a left hook followed by a straight right to the chin of Lewis. Lewis took the fight on two weeks notice and had his mouth open already gasping for air. He had swelling around his left eye. Lewis jumped in with a left hook to the chin of Fa. Again, too many clinches.

In the fifth round Lewis continued to come forward walking into a Fa left hook on the chin. Both threw right hands at the same time with both missing and falling into a clinch. Lewis landed a right to the chin of Fa. Fa came back with a right to the chin of Lewis. A Lewis jab to the mid-section of Fa knocked Fa off balance. In the sixth round it was Fa missed with a right and fell into a clinch time after time.
In the seventh round Fa landed a good left hook to the chin of Lewis. Fa landed a combination to the head of Lewis.

Referee Nelson continued to tell both boxers to stop clinching. In the eighth and final round Fa landed a pair of right’s to the head of Lewis. Fa looked exhausted and Lewis did too but seemed more active. Fa continued to hold Lewis. Lewis landed a left uppercut just prior to the bell on the chin of Fa. This fight was like watching wall paper dry.

Judge Rey Danseco had it 76-76, Juan Carlos Pelayo had it 78-74 and ? 79-73. This writer had it 77-75.

Super Featherweight Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard, 27-1 (15), of Hartford, CT, won by TD in 8 at 1:58 of the round over Jesus A. “Chuito” Valdez, 22-4-1 (11), of Sonora, MEX, of a scheduled 8.

Heavyweight Trey Lippe, 14-0 (14), of Tulsa, OK, stopped Oswaldo Ortega, 3-8 (1), Sonora, MEX, at 1:13 of the third in a scheduled 6.

Super welterweight Charles Conwell, 7-0 (5), of Cleveland, OH, shut out Juan Jesus Rivera, 28-20 (18), of Aguascalientes, MEX, over 6 rounds.

Posted on 03/06/2018

By: Ken Hissner

Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment and USA Showtime will bring you an interim World Boxing Council world Super Lightweight Title fight Friday night from Deadwood Mountain Grand, Deadwood, South Dakota.

In the Main Event a pair of southpaws will do battle with NABF Champion Regis Prograis, 20-0 (17), of Houston, TX, the WBC No. 2 contender taking on the former IBF World and WBA World Super Lightweight champion Julius “Blue Machine” Indongo, 22-1 (11), of Windhoek, Nambia, the WBC No. 8 Contender.

Prograis in his last fight in June of 2017 stopped Joel Diaz, Jr., then 23-0 at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY, knocking him down four times in the second round before it was ended by the referee. It was only his second fight of 2017 and last one. He is quite a puncher and a fan favorite.

Indongo is coming off his first career loss to then 4-Organization world champion Terence “Bud” Crawford being knocked out in 3 rounds in August of 2017. This is a tough challenge to come back on for Indongo. He also holds rankings at No. 8 in the IBF and No. 9 in the WBO.

In the co-feature Russian born Super Lightweight Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk, 17-0 (10), out of Miami, OK, where he has fought his last six fights. He takes on Russian Petr Petrov, 38-5-1 (19), out of Madrid, Spain.

Baranchyk was only 3-0 with those fights in Belarus when he came to the US and was signed by David McWater of Split-T Management. His last fourteen fights have been in the US. “I’m very excited about the fight. We think he gets the title shot when he wins,” said McWater.
In Baranchyk’s last fight he defeated Philadelphia’s Keenan “Killer” Smith, then 11-0, in July of 2017. In his previous fight in February he defeated Abel Ramos, then 17-1-2, in a USBA Super Lightweight title defense. He won that vacant title defeating Zhimin Wang, then 7-0, from China. Baranchyk’s last four wins have all been by decision.

In Petrov’s last fight in April of 2017 he lost a decision for the WBO World lightweight title to champion Terry Flanagan in the UK. In 2014 he won the ESPN Boxcino tournament at lightweight.
Heavyweights Junior Fa, 13-0 (8), of Papakura, New Zealand, takes on Craig Lewis, 14-1-1 (8), of Detroit, MI, over 8 rounds. This should be an interesting battle of young heavyweights.
This will be Fa’s third fight in the US. He holds a pair of wins in 2009 and 2012 over current WBO Champion Joseph Parker in the amateurs. In his last fight he knocked out Fred Lathan in November 2017 in the first round. Lewis had a NC with Lathan in 2014. In his last fight in August he knocked out Galen Brown, then 44-37-1 in 2 rounds.

Also on the card is Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard, 26-1 (15), of Hartford, CT, who will be taking on Jesus A. “Chuito” Valdez, 22-3-1 (11), of Sonora, MEX.
After losing in an NABF and WBO NABO featherweight title challenge to future world champion Mikey Garcia, then 24-0, in 2011 Remillard spent six years out of boxing only to come back in April of 2017 posting three wins. His last bout was a fourth round stoppage over Yardley Armenta Cruz, then 22-8. Valdez’s last fight was in September of 2017 scoring a stoppage win.

“The team has a great plan, we wanted at least 30 rounds before we step up the level of opposition we needed to work off ring rust which Matt has done and looks great. This will be his fourth fight back and he’s in the best shape of his life and is ready to fight anyone at 130 pounds after this fight,” said Seth DeRobbio (manager/agent).

This is a great lineup for Friday night and each fight could headline.