Tag Archives: tevin

Posted on 01/28/2020

By: Sean Crose

“After I win,” says IBF super featherweight champion Tevin Farmer in the lead up to Thursday’s fight with Joseph Diaz, “I think I have one or two more fights at 130lbs and then I’ll move up, especially if the big fights don’t happen.” Although there are names such as Miguel Berchelt and Jamel Herring who hold titles in Farmer’s weight class, boxing politics might well keep unification bouts from happening. Therefore, Farmer may well just move on after a point. “It’s not frustrating,” Farmer says. “I want the unification fights and I want to be undisputed, but as long as I am still fighting and feeding my family, I am OK with that.”

Yet Farmer also wants people to know he isn’t overlooking anyone. “Talk about overlooking people is overused as you have to plan for the future,” he says, “but it’s my future and I won’t let any other fighter determine my career – you don’t want to fight me, we move on. I will make my legacy with what I do and who I fight, I don’t care what anyone else does, it’s all down to me.”

One person Farmer wants the world to know he’s focusing on is the 30-1 Diaz. “It’s going to be a hell of a fight, he’s going to come ready and I am always ready to fight,” Farmer says. “I’ve had a great camp and we’ve added some new things to what I already have so I can’t wait, it’s going to be fireworks. You can never learn enough. I’m the first in the gym and I’m the last out, I put the work in and cut no corners.” Although Diaz isn’t as high profile an opponent as some may want Farmer to face, Farmer is happy to give the Californian a chance.

“He started calling me out on social media,” he says of Diaz. “Usually I don’t pay attention to people but I thought that he would be a good name on my resume, he’s a hell of a fighter and I wanted to give him a shot at the title. I knew the fight would happen, if I say the fight is going to happen, it’s going to happen.” The 30-4-1 titlist made it clear he’s exuding confidence walking into Thursday. “He’s going to come out and try to bang,” Farmer said of Diaz, “throw a lot of power shots, maybe he could try to box too. But anything he brings I’m ready for it.”

he Farmer-Diaz bout will be part of a huge Thursday card airing live from Miami’s Meridian at Island Gardens on DAZN. The event will also feature Demetrius Andrade facing off against Luke Keeler for the WBO middleweight title, and Daniel Roman facing off against Murodjon Akhmadaliev for the WBA and IBF super bantamweight titles. 

Posted on 09/23/2019

By: Shane Willoughby

The most active champion in the world may be hitting a bit of turbulence. Tevin Farmer has fought 5 times in the last 13 months but none of those fights were that big.

However, Eddie Hearn spoke about getting his fighter a big fight at the end of the year, but who? The top of the list was Gervonta Davis.

Both men have gone back and forth for years and it seemed as if they were desperate to settle their issues. However, that fight is practically dead in the water after failed negotiations and ‘Tank’ Davis moving up to lightweight.

Another fight on the cards was against Joseph Diaz. Now Diaz is far from a massive draw in the sport but him and Farmer have had many verbal exchanges that weren’t very pleasant. These guys are far from friends and the build-up would have been fantastic.

With Jo Jo Diaz signed to DAZN as well it seemed as if that fight was inevitable. But unfortunately not, because he has decided to ditch Tevin Farmer and face Jesus Cuadro at the end of the year. It’s not looking great for Farmer.

Eddie Hearn loves putting his fighters into unification, we’ve seen him do it with Hooker, Roman, Jacob’s and Joshua and that was the plan for Farmer. Both Hearn and Farmer spoke about unifying the belts and the most likely challenger was Miguel Berchelt.

Berchelt is currently the WBC Super featherweight welterweight champion and has held the title since 2017, making 6 title defences. With him being signed to Top Rank wouldn’t have been a problem either, in fact, it may have sped up the process.

We just saw Arum send one of his fighters in Ramirez to DAZN and pick up the belt from Hooker and that negotiation seemed to happen overnight. However, Berchelt is now set to fight Jason Sosa on November 2nd.

The most active fighter seems to be without a fight. With no big fights on the horizon it’s likely we see Farmer take another easy touch before the end of the year. But Hearn needs to get a big fight for his man soon because Farmer’s contract with DAZN is up very soon.

Posted on 07/30/2019

By: Shane Willoughby

In the modern age of boxing, with all the politics involving the TV networks, it can cause inactivity with fighters. Especially if they are in a division where their promoter doesn’t have many fighters in his stable. With all that said Tevin Farmer is definitely a freak of nature in this era of the sport.

In the last 11 months Farmer has fought 5 times and is looking to continue at this rate for the remainder of the year. Whilst many fans were quite critical of his last fight Guillaume Frenois due to the lack of action, what they can’t criticise, is the fact that he is fighting.

Not only is the Philadelphia fighter active but he is winning. Farmer is 30-4 but hasn’t lost in the last 7 years. Which is remarkable.

Since signing with Matchroom in 2018, the IBF champion has fought 53 rounds in 47 weeks; and other than James Tennyson every other opponent he has fought in that time period, he has gone the distance with.

He is by far the most active champion in the division and if we were to compare him with another champion at 130lb there is no better person than Gervonta Davis. Unlike Farmer, Tank has only boxed twice in the past year; going 3 rounds in total.

It’s not that TMT are not doing right by Davis, it’s just that what Tevin Farmer is doing is nothing short of exceptional.

The expression, you don’t get paid for overtime in boxing doesn’t appear to apply for Tevin Farmer. His contract is reportedly $2 million for 4 fights, and whilst that’s not Canelo money, if you consider the fact that he is making that amount in only 8 months, those purses are more than substantial.

In fact, it might be a good thing for DAZN that he isn’t on Canelo’s contract because at the rate Farmer is going he would be getting 365 million every 2 years.

Posted on 07/10/2019

By: Sean Crose

“July 27 will be the fourth defense of my world title in just under one year,” says the (29-4-1) IBF world super featherweight champion Tevin Farmer. “There is no other world champion as active as me and I don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. I’m only 28 years old and I’m still learning and still improving each and every time I step in the ring.” Over the past year, the Baltimore native has fought an unheard of (by today’s standards) five times, and has gone everywhere from Australia to Boston to New York to his native Philadelphia in order to ply his trade.

Now Farmer will be fighting in Texas as one of the highlights of a live card that will be aired on the DAZN streaming service from Arlington’s College Park Center. His opponent will be Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1) of Saint-Quentin, France. “It is no secret that there are major fights out there for me in the division,” says Farmer, “but I need to take care of business first with Frenois, who has had a lot to say. July 27 is going to be my best performance yet.” The southpaw Frenois, of course, has other plans. He may not be a huge name with huge wins on his resume, but the Frenchman has suffered just a single defeat in his entire career, and that was almost six years ago.

Still, all eyes are on Farmer as he continues to make his mark on the super featherweight division. “Tevin Farmer is a throwback warrior,” says promoter Lou DiBella, “who believes that a true champion defends his title at every possible opportunity.” After spending some time under the radar, Farmer is determined to let his presence be felt by remaining active. “Against Frenois,” DiBella says, “Tevin will be fighting his fifth world title fight in one year and will put an exclamation point on a historic 12-month run. With his mandatory obligation out of the way, the stage will be set for an even more historic next 12 months and beyond for Tevin.”

British super promoter Eddie Hearn is equally effusive of Farmer’s current place in the fight game “I am delighted to add another world title fight to this huge night of boxing on DAZN,” he says. “Tevin has been America’s most active world Champion over the last year and just needs to get past this to land the big one in the fall.” There has been much talk of Farmer facing fellow super featherweight titlist Gervonta Davis, though the two fight on different platforms, and for different promoters. In fact, Davis himself will be defending his WBA world title against Ricardo Nunez in Maryland the same night Farmer throws down with Frenois in Arlington.

Although both Farmer and Davis have been criticized recently for their level of competition, Hearn makes it a point to present Frenois as a legitimate challenge. “Frenois gave Jono (Carroll) a great fight when they battled to a draw last year,” he says, “and will come to Dallas full of ambition.”

Posted on 03/16/2019

By: Ken Hissner

The Liacouras Center in Philadelphia on Friday night was the host event as big time boxing returned to Philadelphia. The main event featured Philly’s Tevin “American” Farmer defending his IBF World Super Featherweight Title against No. 2 ranked Jono “Celtic Warrior” Carroll, of Dublin, Ireland. The promoters were Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment and J Russell Peltz’s Peltz Boxing Promotions. The event was well attended

IBF World Super Featherweight Champion southpaw Tevin “American Idol” Farmer, 29-4-1 (6), defended his title for the third time in five months by defeating southpaw Jono “Celtic Warrior King Kong” Carroll, 16-1-1 (3), of Dublin, IRE, over 12 exciting rounds.

It was surprising to see the PA commission allowed Carroll to fight with a full beard.

In the first round Farmer gave Carroll a boxing lesson having the jab in an all southpaw match in his face the entire round until the last ten seconds when Carroll landed a combination. In the second round Carroll landed a flurry of punches to the body. Farmer fought Carroll’s round staying inside and getting outworked.

In the third round it was an inside brawl from both fighters. Farmer is quicker and referee Rosato is not warning Carroll’s low flows but from a distance motioning keep them up. The fans love the action. In the fourth round Farmer returned to boxing picking Carroll apart and rocking hin with a right hook to the chin. They are going back and forth inside with Farmer getting the best of it. Farmer ended the round with lightning punches to the body and head of Carroll. Carroll laughed going back to the corner. He is a lovable character.

Photo Credit: DAZN Boxing Twitter Account

In the fifth round Farmer countered Carroll with a left cross on the chin. Carroll is outworking Farmer inside. Farmer knocked out the mouthpiece of Carroll. Farmer is puttin on a show rocking Carroll. Farmer landed a right to the head and a left uppercut to the body. Farmer got warned for a low borderline punch by referee Rosato.

In the sixth round Farmer made Carroll miss a variety of punches and came back with a flurry landing every one. Carroll kept coming. Farmer stayed inside slipping punches and rocking Carroll with a left on the chin. Farmer had Carroll missing several punches at the bell. In the seventh round Farmer has Carroll following him and walking into punches. Carroll is touch as nails but Farmer is much slicker. Farmer landed a double left uppercut on the chin.
In the eighth round both fighters are landing solid punches all inside. Its all body shots from both fighters. Farmer is landing uppercuts at will. The Irish fans are loud at the end of the rounds but not so loud during the round. In the ninth round Carroll is throwing more but Farmer landed the more effective punches. Carroll has the hart of a lion. Farmer has been playing with him but needed to land more punches. Carroll’s got a cut over his right eye. Farmer is a slickster but you never know how the judges see it.

In the ninth round the action is furious. Farmer evades many punches and comes back with solid right hooks on the chin. Carroll is cut over both eyes. Farmer is showing his superior skills. Farmer has Carroll busted up with blood covering his face. Referee Gary Rosato pulled Carroll off as he was trying to land something after the bell in desperation.

In the tenth round Carroll’s glove was untied and his corner took too long to take care of it. Farmer is out there having fun as the Celtic Warrior has him against the ropes being desperate but dangerous. In the eleventh round Farmer will slip head shots but Carroll is landing to the body. Farmer is giving him a boxing lesson but Carroll never stops tring. Carroll landed a good body shot but Farmer has him a bloody mess with head shogts. A right hook rocked Carroll. The corner should have stopped it for Carroll.

In the twelfth and final round Farmer looks to finish it. He landed a right cross to the chin rocking Carroll. Farmer landed a combination to the head of Carroll having him near exhaustion. Carroll kept fighting back like the warrior he is but he is in with a better fighter tonight. The fans enjoyed this one especially the Philly fans.

Scores were 117-110 and 117-111 twice with this writer having it 118-110. The fans loved this one.

IBF World Female and WBA World Female Lightweight Champion and 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Taylor, 13-0 (6), of Bray, IRE, stopped WBO World Female Lightweight Champion Rose “The Queen” Volante, 14-1 (8), of Sao Paulo, BRZ, in a unification match at 1:40 of the ninth round in a war now having three belts.

In the first round Volante rushed out landing the first punch. A minute later Taylor dropped her with a flurry of punches for an 8 count of referee Benjy Esteves, Jr. In the second round it was a lot of infighting with both taking the lead. Taylor landed a solid right on the chin but Volante came back with a right of her own driving Taylor into Volante’s corner landing a right to the chin at the bell.

In the third round Volante came out pressing Taylor who countered well. The crowd was yelling “come on Katie”. Volante countered a right with a right moving Taylor back several steps. In the fourth round Taylor landed a 3-punch combination to the head and body. Volante has surprised the crowd going punch for punch with the highly respected Taylor. This was another close round. In the fifth round the women are slugging it out to the delight of the fans. Volante looks like she has a bloody nose.

In the sixth and seventh rounds the women fought back and forth on even terms. In the eighth round Taylor rocked Volante with a flurry of solid punches to the head. Taylor landed a good left hook to the body. Volante came back forcing the action with a right on the chin. Taylor came right back with a right on the chin. Taylor landed three punches to the head. The fans were chanting “Katie, Katie”!

In the ninth round Taylor came out landing a pair of left hooks to the body. Volante came back with a right and got countered with a flurry from Taylor staggering Volante. Taylore landed a pair of left hooks to the body. She followed after a clinch with a flurry of punches to the chin. Volante looked like her nose might be broke as referee Esteves waved it off. The Volante corner did not complain. It was a very good fight from both champions.

After eight rounds this writer had Taylor ahead 77-74.

Volante had nothing to be ashamed of for she fought like a champ. Taylor is one of the most colorful boxers in the game. Humble and very approachable to the press.

Middleweight “King” Gabe Rosado, 24-12-1 (14), of Philadelphia, lost a decision to Maciel “Striczu” Sulecki, 28-1 (11), of Warsaw, POL, for the vacant WBO International Title.

In the first round a solid lead right on the chin from Sulecki dropped Rosado who got up on shakey feet. Referee Clark gave him the 8 count. Rosado was able to get through the round. In the second round Sulecki stalked Rosado who countered with a good right on the chin. Both exchanged rights to the chin. Rosado had the Philly crowd yelling and Sulecki had the Polish crowd yelling with red and white flags flying.

Photo Credit: DAZN Boxing Twitter Account

In the third round both fighters to war with Rosado getting the best of it. Sulecki backed him into a corner with a right to the chin. The fans were really into it. Rosado landed another wild right. In the fourth round Sulecki landed a solid right on the chin. Rosado scores with one right to Sulecki’s three but the fans go wild for Rosado. Rosado landed a right to the chin followed by a right uppercut to the chin. Rosado rocked Sulecki with a right having the fans on their feet.

In the fifth round both fighters exchanged solid rights to the chin. Sulecki landed a combination to the chin. Rosado landed a 3-punch combination to the chin. Sulecki landed a hard chopping right on the head. Good and close round. In the sixth round Suleci is pressing the fight but Rosado is outlanding him. Rosado has swelling on his face while Sulecki is unmarked. Rosado has the crowd behind him since his wild introduction.

In the seventh round Rosado came out using his jab effectively. He has the faster hands. Rosado rocked Sulecki with a right cross on the chin. Rosado landed an overhand right on the chin making Sulecki smile. Rosado landed an uppercut while the referee was breaking them. Then at the bell landed one slightly after the bell on the chin.

In the eighth round Sulecki landed a straight right on the chin. Rosado started showboating and Sulecki replied with a right to the chin. Sulecki missing two and got hit with a Rosado right. Rosado landed aright uppercut but got countered with a powerful right dropping Rosado on his back for the 8 count. Rosado ran around the ring with his hands up in the air trying to recover.

In the ninth round the lead was going back and forth. A right from Rosado dropped Sulecki who got up and got dropped again by Rosado!Rosado hurt Sulecki with a right on the side of the head. Rosado landed two solid punches hurting Sulecki who came back with a right to the chin. The fans were on their feet the entire round. Sulecki clinched and too three hard uppercuts from Rosado on the chin. It turned into a out and out brawl. Rosado won the round and the crowd!

Scoring was McKaie and Braslow 95-91 and Carter 95-95 while this writer had it 95-91 Rosado. Rosado can’t catch a break even in this home city. The crowd was stunned with the decision. All of press row but this writer had Sulecki ahead. Demitrius Andrade was in the crowd and told this writer they will fight in June.

Lightweight 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist and WBC No. 1 ranked southpaw Cool Hand” Luke Campbell, 20-2 (16), of Yorkshire, UK, stopped Adrian “Chinito” Young, 26-6-2 (2), of Sinaloa, MEX, at 1:37 of the fifth round.

In the first round it was all Campbell until halfway through. Young became the aggressor the second half with Campbell wining the round. In the third round Campbell countered well but Young kept coming holding his own. In the fourth round Campbell landed a hard straight left on the chin. He followed with a right uppercut to the chin dropping Young for the 8 count. Campbell landed a pair of lefts to the chin just prior to the bell.

In round five Campbell took over landing punch after punch while Young was cut over the left eye. Young landed his one and only punch a good right on the chin. Campbell landed a flurry of punches driving Young into the ropes reeling until referee Dali wisely called a halt. The UK fans went wild!

Debuting Raymond “Savage” Ford, 1-0 (0), of Camden, NJ, made an impressive debut defeating a game Weusi Johnson, 3-11 (0), of Wilmington, DE, over 4 rounds.

In the first round an overhand left from southpaw Ford dropped Johnson for the 8 count by referee Gary Rosato. Johnson held his own surviving the round. Ford signed by Matchroom and a former National GG champion wanted to impress and did in the round. In round two Ford continued with more punches until Johnson came back quite well. Johnson being a late sub but coming off a win.

In the third round Ford and Johnson fought it out well. It was a close round with Ford getting the edge. In the fourth and final round Johnson knowing he needs a knockdown chases Ford. Ford landed a solid left to the chin that Johnson walked into. Ford seemed content to take the decision.

Scores were 39-36 by all 3 judges. This writer had it 40-35.

Welterweight 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist southpaw Danivar Yeleussinov, 6-0 (3), of KAZ, out of Brooklyn, NY, defeated Silverio Ortiz, 37-24 (18), of Yucatan, MEX, over 8 rounds.

In the first round Ortiz landed the first punch a right to the chin. Yeleussinov came right back with a combination to the chin. Then landed a hard right hook to the head. In round two Yeleussinov backed Ortriz against the ropes with a flurry of body shots. Ortiz landed a right to the chin getting off the ropes. Another close round.

In the third round Yeleussinov backed up against the ropes countering Ortiz with jabs and lefts to the chin. Ortiz is walking into punches trying to catch Yeleussinov. In the fourth round Yeleussinov warned for low punch by referee Benjy Esteves, Jr. Yeleussinov landed a hard left uppercut to the chin. Ortiz chased him the entire round.

In the fifth round Yeleussinov was dishing out wicked body punches. Ortiz halfway through the round landed a solid right to the chin. Yeleussinov worked the body for the most part. In the sixth round Yeleussinov would land three punches and Ortiz come back with one. Ortiz got a second warning for hitting behind the head. It was an entire round of in fighting.

In the seventh round Yeleussinov landed a powerful left on the head of a ducking Ortiz knocking him to the canvas but landed a punch while Ortiz was down. Referee Esteves is giving Ortiz all the time he needs to recover. The referee deducted a point from Yeleussinov. It turned into a brawl with inside fighting. Ortiz rocked Yeleussinov with a overhand right to the chin as the bell sounded. Ortiz pounded his chest.

In the eighth and final round Ortiz landed a solid right to the chin. Seconds later Ortiz landed a left hook to the chin. Knowing he is way behind he is looking to pull it out with a knockout but Yeleussinov had too much power for him to overcome.

Scores were 79-71 and 79-72 twice. This writer had it 79-71.

Lightweight Hank Lundy, 29-8-1 (14), of Philadelphia, lost a majority decision to Avery Sparrow, 10-1 (3), of Philadelphia, over 10 rounds of nothing but action! A Peltz Boxing rematch in the making!

In the first Sparrow landed the first hard punch a right on the chin. Luindy landed a hard left hook to the dhin having Sparrow against the ropes. sparrow came back seconds later landing a right on the chin. Sparrow is a much better defensive fighter but got tagged with a right and left hook on the chin seconds before the end of the round.

In the third round Sparrow ducked into a Lundy left hook to the body. Lundy was missing everything but a good jab. Avery landed the final punch of the round a lead right to the chin. In the fourth round Lundy missed with a wild left hook as Sparrow stepped to the side of it. Both are showing respect for one another only throwing jabs. Sparrow landed a right to the chin. Lundy came back missing three punches. It was a close round.
In the fifth round Sparrow landed a left hook to the chin and a right to the body. Lundy continues pressing the fight. He had good body work. In the sixth round Sparrow rocked Lundy with a right to the chin. Lundy works the body when inside while Sparros counters with a right to the chin. Sparrow landed a right to the chin and a left to the body. Both boxers talked to one another at the bell while referee Clark got between them.

In the seventh round Lundy flurried to the body backing Sparrow up. Lundy showed some of his defensive skills making Sparrow miss several punches. Sparrow landed the final punch a right on the chin In the eighth round both take turns pressing ahead. Sparrow landed a triple jab on the chin. Sparrow landed a right uppercut to the chin. Lundy turned southpaw which is his natural.

In the ninth round Lundy missed an overhand right but followed through with a left hook to the body. Sparros landed a lead right to the chin. Lundy landed a left hook to the chin. Sparrow landed a right to the chin. Lundy landing hard body shots. Sparrow landed the final punch a right to the chin.

In the tenth and final round Lundy warned for hitting behind the head by referee Clark. Sparrow missed with two punches but the third landed on the chin. Lundy landed a left hook to the chin. Both were throwing punches at the bell. This one lived up to the build up.

Scores were LaRosa 94-94, Worling 96-92 and Braslow 95-93 as did this writer have it.

John Joe Nevin, 11-0 (4), of Mullingar, IRE, Andres Figueroa, 9-3 (5),
In the first round

D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard, 20-0 (13), of Temple Hills, MD, stopped Victor “Sina” Fonseca, at 2:11 of the fifth round in a scheduled 10.

In the first round after a minute Fonseca landed a pair of rights to the rib cage. Ballard landed a chopping right while inside. Fonseca pushed Ballard against the ropes with a pair of body shots. Ballard landed a right uppercut on the chin at the ten second warning. In the second round both fighters mixed it up well. This is a rematch from when Ballard had stopped Fonseca earlier in their career.

In the third round Ballard landeded a 3-punch combination to the body. He is opening up this round. Again a 3-punch combination to he body and head. Fonseca went back to his corner pretty well beaten but it only takes one punch in this game to come back. In the fourth round Ballard picked up where he left off. There is no quit in Fonseca. Ballard landing hard right uppercuts looking for a knockout.

In the fifth round Fonseca is out landing Ballard until a Ballard low punch hurt Fonseca. Referee Eric Dali is giving him time to re-cooperate. Ballard continues to come forward working the body. A right on the chin and a left hook to the body hurt Fonseca. Fonseca came back with a overhand right on the chin. Referee Dali wisely called a halt after two minutes into the round Fonseca walked back to his corner spitting out his mouthpiece.

Posted on 03/13/2019

By: Sean Crose

“Everybody is talking about who the best is in the division – there’s only one way to tell,” says IBF Super Featherweight champ Tevin Farmer. “I am ready to fight anyone. My promoters Eddie Hearn and Lou DiBella are ready to make a fight with anyone so whomever has a belt out there – it’s time to put up or shut up.” Since winning his title off of Billy Dib in August, Farmer has successfully defended his title twice. Now the Philadelphia native is preparing for defense number three, which will be against Jono Carroll, who Farmer will meet in front of a hometown crowd this Saturday at Philly’s Liacourus Center. With such notable peers as Gervonta Davis, and Miguel Berchelt at Super Featherweight, however, Farmer is looking to show who is truly the king of the hill.

“It’s my third defense in five months,” says Farmer. “I’m the most active male World champion in the world and I want it to continue like that. I like working with Eddie, Lou and DAZN and I hope that we can keep doing business for the rest of my career.” There is little doubt that Farmer is proving himself to be unusually active fighter by modern standards, something fans are noticing. “I’m fighting more than anyone,” he says, “and I’m winning. I’ve probably defended my title more times since winning it than some champions that have had the belt for two years.” Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, which is promoting Saturday’s card, has made it clear that Farmer is eager to face WBA Super Featherweight Champion Davis…if such a fight is possible.

“Farmer has long wanted to face the WBA Super champion from Baltimore in what would be a mega showdown,” Matchroom states, “but it’s a fight that is in the distance rather than a reality – and Farmer has grown tired of talking about fights that aren’t happening as he remains one of the most active World rulers in the game.”

On Friday night, Farmer, 28-4-1, will fight the 16-0-1 Carrol live on the DAZN streaming service. Women’s WBA and IBF Lightweight champ Katie Taylor, 12-0, will also be fighting on the card, putting her belts on the line against the 14-0 WBO World Lightweight champ Rose Valante. Philadelphia native Gabriel Rosado will appear on the card, as well. The 24-11-1 fighter will be facing the 27-1 Maciej Sulecki in a middleweight affair.

Posted on 01/27/2019

By: Sean Crose

“Tevin Farmer will defend his IBF World Super-Featherweight title against Jono Carroll at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia on Friday March 15, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.” The red hot 28-4-1 Farmer will be putting his IBF World Super Featherweight Title on the line when he meets Ireland’s 16-0-1 Carroll on Saint Patrick’s day weekend. “He’s got a World title shot on St Patrick’s weekend,” Farmer says. “He should be thanking me.”

The Philly native says his foe is “trying to get under my skin but it’s impossible to get under my skin. He’s making himself look bad and he’s stepping up to a whole different level with me. I’m A-level and he’s going to pay.” Carroll most certainly seems ready for war. “I’ll do what I want with Tevin,” the Irishman says. “He’s a tiny little child and I’m not afraid of him…when we meet, if he’s respectful of me, I’ll be respectful back as that’s how I’ve been brought up – but if comes talking rubbish then I’ll put him in his place.”

“He says we both come from tough backgrounds, the hood,” Farmer says of the Dublin native. “That boy hasn’t come from any struggle, no hood. I’m going to show him when he comes to Philly, he’s going to eat his words. He’s trying to get his buzz up but there’s certain things that you don’t say. He’s made this personal and you don’t want to get personal with a Philly guy like me.” This will be Carroll’s first shot at a major world title. “He’s never met a man like me in his life,” Carroll says of Farmer. “He came from a rough background yes, but so did I. We’re both from crazy places but we’re in the limelight now, so we have to be grown-up and responsible as we’re going to have cameras around us.”

Farmer may not be crazy about Carroll, but he’s thrilled to be fighting in his hometown. “This is big for me, fighting as a World champion in Philly,” he says. “When does Philly hold big World championship shows? This is big – it’s a boxing town but this is as big a show as there’s been here for a long time.” This will be Farmer’s fourth fight in just over six months – a very high work rate for an established fighter, the kind preferred by Matchroom Boxing honcho Eddie Hearn, a man who, along with promoter Lou DiBella, Farmer has high praise for.

“I have to thank Eddie, Lou and DAZN,” he says, “for making this a reality, because often World champions don’t always get the chance to fight in their home city. It doesn’t happen, but it’s happening for me and that shows the level of respect that Eddie, Lou and I have for each other. It’s going to be a great night.”

Posted on 12/11/2018

By: Sean Crose

With only five knockouts in his previous 31 fights, super featherweight Tevin Farmer was not seen as a power puncher when he slipped between the ropes at Boston’s TD Garden last fall. Appearances, however, can be deceiving things. The crowd at Garden that night ended up being as stunned by Farmer as his opponent James Tennyson undoubtedly was. In short, the fight was over in the fifth, thanks to a thunderous performance by IBF champ Farmer. For a man whose been in the fight game since 2011, Farmer has largely stayed under the radar. As a part of the DAZN aired Canelo-Fielding broadcast this weekend from Madison Square Garden, however, the Philly native looks to continue making waves.

The 27-4-1 Farmer’s opponent this Saturday will be the 22-1-1 Costa Rican contender Francisco Fonseca. Gervonta Davis, who has had a war of words with Farmer, has been the only man to best Fonseca. What’s more, 16 of Fonseca’s opponents have been stopped within the distance. Farmer, however, appears eager to once again be the ferocious combatant fans saw in Boston several months back. “Another day,” says Farmer, “another big night. “I’m looking to do the same thing that I did to Tennyson – but much faster.”

Promoter Lou DiBella, has nothing but praise for Farmer. “Tevin Farmer is one of the most inspirational stories in boxing,” he says. “He’s won 20 fights in a row and is one of the fastest improving young stars in boxing. I’m pleased that, with Eddie Hearn and DAZN, he is now the most active champion in the ring. It’s a tremendous opportunity to be on the Canelo-Fielding bill.” Eddie Hearn also has impressive words for the champion.

“It’s brilliant,” he says, “to Tevin straight back out after his big win in Boston. We are keeping our guys nice and active and Tevin gets his chance to go again on the biggest stage at Madison Square Garden against Fonseca.” As for Fonseca, the man is ready to make the most of the moment. “I’d like to thank Tevin Farmer for the opportunity,” Fonseca claims. “I see his focus is on Gervonta Davis, not on me – but you have no idea the opponent that you will clash with on December 15.”

Hearn isn’t downplaying Saturday’s opposition. “2019 is going to be a monster for Tevin,” he says, “but he must get the job done next Saturday – I can’t wait to see him light up the Garden live on DAZN.”

Posted on 11/12/2018

By Jake Donovan

When Tevin Farmer and promoter Lou DiBella entered a co-promotional pact with Eddie Hearn, it came with the promise of bigger paydays and a steady stream of ring activity.

Two lucrative fights in less than two months qualifies as living up to such a promise.

Photo Credit: Tevin Farmer Twitter Account

Once a hard-luck contender, Farmer will see his name in bright lights as the Philadelphia-bred super featherweight titlist next defends his strap on December 15 at Madison Square Garden. His second title defense will come versus Francisco Fonseca, in supporting capacity to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’ challenge of secondary super middleweight titlist Rocky Fielding.

Both bouts will be part of what is already becoming a loaded card which will stream live on DAZN USA.

The late addition of Farmer (27-4-1, 6KOs) to the show fills an undercard void left behind after Artur Beterbiev declined an opportunity to defend his light heavyweight belt versus Joe Smith Jr. Hearn—who promotes Fielding—was guaranteed a certain amount of undercard slots by the event’s lead promoter Golden Boy Promotions and opted to get his 130-pound charge right back in the ring.

It was an easy call for Farmer, who is coming off of a 3rd round knockout of James Tennyson. The bout was so one-sided that the 28-year old titlist immediately afterward called for one more fight on the year.

In landing on the December 15 show, he now gets to end his 2018 ring campaign in stark contrast to a tumultuous 2017 run that saw him hit hard in and out of the ring. Farmer survived a gun shot while attempting to break up an altercation outside of a family function.

The incident put him on the shelf for the next few months, but with his ring return coming in the form of his first career major title fight. The opportunity came about after his divisional rival Gervonta Davis—with whom Farmer has feuded in person and online—missed weight and was forced to vacate his title ahead of a knockout win over Fonseca last August.

Farmer’s shot came last December in Las Vegas, where fans on hand as well as HBO viewers witnessed one of the worst decisions of the year as he dropped a highly questionable split decision to Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa.

Justice came in the form of a post-fight drug test, which showed Ogawa coming up hot for the banned substance androstanediol. With the title still vacant, Farmer willingly traveled to Australia where he dominated local contender Billy Dib over 12 rounds this past August.

He now enters his second title defense, which will come just 14 weeks after realizing his dream of winning a major title.

“I’m in shape and ready to defend my title,” Farmer commented of his being available for the quick turnaround. “I ain’t gotta say much, three (title) fights in four months.”

The pairing with Fonseca is a calculated move by DiBella and Hearn. Both have openly called for a unification bout with Davis, who reclaimed a separate version of the 130-pound crown earlier this year. The forthcoming title defense provides the opportunity to compare Farmer’s performance to that of Davis’ one-sided 8th round knockout.

Fonseca (22-1-1, 16KOs)—a 24-year old from Costa Rica—has since won three straight, all by knockout and all taking place in Panama City, Panama. His upcoming challenge of Farmer will mark his second bid for a major title as well as his second in the United States—his lone career loss to Davis representing the answer to each of those trivia questions.

Farmer and Fonseca join main event players Alvarez and Fielding in all fighting at Madison Square Garden for the first time in their respective careers. The placement of this bout comes on the heels of the announced undercard clash between former middleweight titlist David Lemieux and fringe contender Tureano Johnson, who was the lone boxer to represent Bahamas in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Posted on 10/19/2018

Philly’s IBF World Super Featherweight Champion Tevin “American Idol” Farmer makes his first title defense Saturday at the TD Garden, in Boston, MASS, against North Ireland’s James “The Assassin” Tennyson.

Southpaw Farmer, 26-4-1 (5), was robbed in December of 2017 losing a split decision to Kenichi Ogawa, 22-1 (17), of Tokyo, Japan, but it was changed to a NC due to Ogawa testing positive for use of androstanediol.

Farmer came back in August of 2018 to defeat Bill Dib, 43-4, over 12 rounds in Australia to win the vacant IBF World Super Featherweight title. The 28 year-old Farmer has wasted no time in defending his title.

Tennyson is ranked No. 7 in the IBF while the first two slots are vacant. After a 7-4-1 start in his career Farmer ran off 18 straight wins over a 5 year period up to the NC with Ogawa.

Farmer is trained by Raul “Chino” Rivas in the TKO Fitness Gym in Cherry Hill, NJ, along with former champion Jason Sosa. Former Philly fighter Rashiem Jefferson is the assistant trainer for both.

“God willing I will get passed this fight for I have another one lined up. Stay busy, stay sharp, stay alive,” said Farmer. This is the first of a four fight deal Farmer has with DAZN who will be broadcasting this event.

In the co-feature southpaw No. 1 ranked Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, 25-0 (16), of Providence, RI, and No. 2 ranked Walter “The Executioner” Kautondokwa, 17-0 (16), of Windhoek, Nambia, will be fighting for the vacant WBO World Middleweight title stripped from Billy Joe Saunders of the UK.

Featherweight Kid Galahad, 24-0 (15), of Sheffield, UK, meets Liberia’s southpaw Toka Kahn Clary, 25-1 (17), of Providence, RI, over 12 rounds. Also, 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Taylor, 10-0 (5), of Bray, Ireland, defends her IBF World and WBA World Female Lightweight titles against WBO World Featherweight champion Puerto Rico’s Cindy Serrano, 27-5-3 (10), of Brooklyn, NY, over 12 rounds.

Posted on 08/03/2018

By: Ste Rowen

Tevin ‘American Idol’ Farmer is the new IBF super-featherweight champion of the world after a completely victory over, Australian, Billy Dib.

Dib walked to the ring accompanied by two motorbikes, but it was Farmer that accelerated into the lead as the early rounds played out much as expected, with Tevin taking the initiative behind a well finished and accurate jab. Billy attempted to be more than just a passenger, but Farmer’s footwork and agility left the Australian struggling to land.

The bout threatened to turn awkward when the boxers grappled and held their way through the 2nd round. There was no inside-fighting finesse from either. Dib, a former IBF featherweight world champion, seemed to realise early on that he couldn’t outbox his southpaw opponent.

Farmer’s hands were too quick and constant, his footwork elusive and seemingly beyond what ‘The Kid’ could deal with.

Towards the end of the 4th, the American had his opponent trapped in the corner, and although Dib made it through the round, Farmer was upping the pace of his attacks. At the beginning of the 6th, Billy hit the canvas, ruled as a slip, but it summed up the home fighter’s whole fight so far.

The obvious criticism to lay at Farmer’s door is his lack of power. 5KOs in 30 bouts show that, and it felt, heading into the 7th, that considering the quality and frequency of Tevin’s punching, that with a little more power, this fight would be over.

Rounds 7 and 8 gave us more of the same, Dib’s only occasional success was coming on the inside but even then, the ‘American Idol’s’ strength kept him from being bullied or bruised up by the 47-fight veteran.

Then with 30 seconds left of the 9th, Farmer landed a beautiful left hook, which sent Dib falling backwards and down for the 10-8. The Australian survived the round, but Farmer was pumped and up on his feet for the 10th before the minute break had ended. Tevin was ready to end the bout there and then, but maybe a little too excited as he began to get sloppy and throw wide, wayward shots.

Despite the knockdown Dib survived through to see the final bell, but that’s all he did. Tevin was just far too good on the night for the brave Australian. This time there was no controversy for the American to deal with as the scorecards were read out. 118-109, 119-108, 120-107 all for new IBF 130lb world champion, Tevin Farmer.

A tearful Billy Dib announced his retirement in the ring, as he promised he would do if he was defeated tonight. The Australian ends his career as a former featherweight world champion with a record of 43-5 (24KOs).

‘‘Billy Dib is a hell of a fighter, he’s had a hell of a career. A great fighter to win the belt against’’ Said Farmer now, 26-4-1 (5KOs), post-fight. ‘‘If I was from somewhere else, not Philly, I might have been bullied…In Philly we come ready and we’re born out of the womb to be ready for war.’’

There are fascinating match-ups to be made at super-featherweight, but Farmer was keen to send a message to Gervonta Davis,

‘‘Everyone was ducking me and not wanting to give me an opportunity…Now I’ve got the belt, and everybody wants to scream my name. No more talking, send the fucking contract and the money on the table and we can make it happen.’’

Posted on 08/01/2018

By: Ste Rowen

Tevin Farmer vs. Billy Dib

Philadelphian southpaw, Tevin Farmer will be hoping it’s second time lucky this Friday when he takes on Australian, Billy Dib in a fight for the vacant IBF super-featherweight world championship, at Redfern’s, Technology Park in Australia.

Farmer, 25-4-1 (4KOs) was last seen in the ring in December when he challenged for the IBF strap vs. Kenichi Ogawa. It was a bout that was controversial on multiple levels. Firstly, the belt was only vacant because Gervonta Davis missed weight before his fight with Francisco Fonseca last August. The matchup between Farmer and Ogawa was then made and though it went the distance, it seemed the Philadelphian had clearly won the bout. Two of the judges begged to differ, returning scorecards of, 115-113, 116-112 and 112-116, handing the Japanese a split decision victory and the IBF belt.

Photo Credit: Top Rank Boxing Twitter Account

But the controversy wasn’t over just yet as, in April of this year, it was reported that Kenichi tested positive for two forms of synthetic testosterone and was subsequently banned and stripped of his title, leaving it vacant once again and opening the door for Tevin, #4 in the IBF rankings, to take his second chance at world honours.

‘‘When you go on the road and get it, I think people respect you more.’’ Farmer told ‘FightHype’. ‘‘I had a lot of setbacks in 2017…He’s gonna catch everything I’ve been feeling these past two years.’’

‘‘It goes like this. Beat Billy Dib for the IBF. Next fight Davis for the WBA, then fight Miguel Berchelt for the WBC. I want these fights back to back.’’

Dib, 43-4 (24KOs), a former IBF featherweight champion, was last involved in a world title fight over three years ago when he was knocked out by, then WBC 130lb titlist, Takashi Miura in Tokyo. And the ‘The Kid’ hasn’t fought in a scheduled 10-rounder since July 2016 when he went the distance with Thai, Amphol Suriyo. Since then Billy has fought three times, 11 rounds, including a ‘no-contest’ result where he clashed heads with Yardley Armenta Cruz on the Mikey Garcia vs. Adrien Broner undercard.

Speaking to ‘Fox Sports’ in Australia, the IBF’s ranked #3 said,

‘‘Ever since Jeff Fenech and I teamed up, back in early October, we’ve sort of had our eyes on either Gervonta Davis or Tevin Farmer…Both guys are southpaws, so we’ve been preparing mentally for southpaws and I think it’s gone really well.’’

‘‘With a loss, I’d definitely give my goodbyes to the sport of boxing.’’

The winner will join 130lb belt holders Berchelt (WBC), the recently crowned Masayuki Ito (WBO) and both – yes both – WBA champions, Alberto Machado & Davis; which should make for some interesting unifications, if all parties are willing, and ready to fight.

Tim Tszyu vs. Stevie Ongen Ferdinandus

Also fighting on Friday’s Technology Park card is, Tim Tszyu, son of former super-lightweight unified world champion, Kostya Tszyu. Tim, 9-0 (7KOs) will be up against Indonesian road warrior, Stevie Ongen Ferdinandus, 27-15-1 (14KOs) in Tszyu’s 2nd defence of the WBC ‘Asian Council Continental’ junior-middleweight strap.

Speaking to ‘Fox Sports’, Tszyu was keen to outline his own path, separate from his father’s success.

‘‘Through my ability and my training, I’m showing that I’m taking the right steps forward for my own career, not as the son of Kostya Tszyu…Everyone was born for a certain reason, and I was born for this.’’
‘‘This is the first time I’ve had 8-10 weeks (training) so we’ve had a strength time, a sparring time and now it’s just the finishing touches…I’ve only had 9 fights, so this is only the start.’’

Posted on 12/21/2017

By: Ken Hissner

New Jersey boxing trainer Raul “Chino” Rivas is one of the most underrated boxing trainers in the country. On November 25th in the co-feature of Kovalev-Shabranskyy main event his boxer the former WBA World Super Featherweight champion Jason “El Canito” Sosa, 20-3-4, of Camden, NJ, lost a highly disputed decision to former IBF World Featherweight and WBA Super World Featherweight champion Cuban Yuriorkis Gamboa, 28-2, of Miami, FL, at Madison Square Garden’s Theater in New York City. John McKaie scored it 95-93 and Don Trella 96-92. This writer had it 95-93 Sosa based on scoring a knockdown and Gamboa deducted a point by referee Ron Lipton for holding in the tenth and last round in order to survive the round.

Photo Credit: HBO Boxing

Then on December 9th another one of Rivas’ boxers Philadelphia’s “American Idol” Tevin Farmer, 25-4-1, lost an even more disputed decision to Japanese champion Kenichi Ogawa, 22-1, for the vacant IBF World Super featherweight title at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, Events Center, in Las Vegas, NV. Even HBO’s IBHOF judge Harold Lederman who had Farmer ahead 9-3 in rounds as did this writer was stunned at the split decision scoring. Can you imagine a boxer comes over from “Japan” and gets a “gift decision over an American boxer in the US?

This writer asked Rivas to give his account of both fights and this is what he said:

Tough loss for both my guys. But I do know we will bounce back stronger and learn from these experiences. We have no control on what the judge’s see and don’t see. It is only going to make us stronger, wiser and hungrier for our next opportunity. I will admit it hurts when you do win and the judges see it the opposite. Tevin Farmer and Jason Sosa at one time were opponents due to their lack of amateur experience but today with their hard work they have earned the respect of the boxing world and they will be recognized as one of the best before their careers are over.

Thank you to all our supporters who have been with us from the beginning and continue to ride with us and the reporters who give us the platform to express ourselves. Thank you.

I will make Tevin Farmer a champion and Jason Sosa once again. I will make Christopher Diaz a champion.

From what Chino said you know he is a top trainer. He didn’t go off like I did watching both Tevin Farmer and Jason Sosa get robbed. These two along with Chino are three of the nicest boxing people I have gotten to know. They are all winners. I do believe rematches are in order for both fighters!

Posted on 12/08/2017

By: Ken Hissner

Philadelphia’s Tevin “American Idol” Farmer will get his vacant IBF World Super Featherweight shot this Saturday at the Mandalay Hotel & Casino Events Center in Las Vegas, NV.

The southpaw Farmer, 25-4-1 (5), hasn’t lost since October of 2012 when he lost to then future world champion Jose Pedraza. He’s won eighteen straight bouts. He is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

In Farmer’s last fight which was in April he defeated Arturo Santos Reyes, 19-7. A year ago Farmer defended the NABF title defeating Dardan Zanunaj, 12-2. He won that title defeating former world champion Gamaliel Diaz, 39-13-3 in March of 2016.

Farmer is trained by Raul “Chino” Rivas in Cherry Hill, NJ. Rivas also trains now former world champion Jason Sosa among others.

Farmer came to the attention of boxing fans back on January of 2014 defeating Noel Echevarria, 11-1. In his next bout on the cable TV he defeated Emanuel Gonzalez, 14-0. After that he defeated the likes of Viktor Chernous, 15-1-1, Angel Luna, 10-0-1, Daulis Prescott, 30-2, Ivan Redkach, 19-1-1 and Orlando Rizo, 19-7, besides Diaz, Zenunaj and Reyes.
Farmer is ranked No. 5 in the IBF with the first two spots vacant. His opponent this Saturday is Japan’s champion Kenichi Ogawa, 22-1 (17), who is ranked No. 6. Ogawa reversed his only loss.

Too many Philly boxers have suffered from the “Philly Jinx” losing when they get their world title chance. There are presently no world champions in Philadelphia. Farmer hopes to change that Saturday!

Posted on 04/30/2017

Tevin “American Idol” Farmer and Christian Carto Win in Philly!
By: Ken Hissner

Hard Hitting Promotions Manny Rivera and Will Ruiz put on a great show at another new location featuring world contender and NABF super featherweight champion and world contender Tevin “American Idol” in the main event Saturday night at the Temple University Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.

Super featherweight Tevin “American Idol” Farmer, 24-4-1 (5), of Philadelphia won his 18th straight fight defending his NABF title and defeating Arturo Santos Reyes, 19-7 (5), of Sonora, MEX,
The first round was a feeling out round with southpaw Farmer winning it. In the second round both exchanged hooks to the head. Farmer may have hurt his right arm or hand landing a punch. His trainer Raul “Chino” Rivas was massaging his arm. In the third round Farmer is switching from southpaw to orthodox not using his right but spairingly. Reyes is taking advantage of this doing well in the round. In the fourth round Reyes landed a solid combination to the head of Farmer who came right back using both hands. Farmer landed a good left uppercut to the jaw of Reyes who came back with solid combinations.

In the fifth round it was very close with Farmer using the right more and may have edged it out over Reyes. In the sixth round Farmer looked like his old self a boxer on a 17 fight winning streak. Reyes keeps chasing him getting countered but getting his punches in especially to the body. In the seventh round it was another close round with plenty of action. Farmer seems to be pulling out the close rounds but Reyes isn’t giving him any breathing room. In the eighth round Farmer is on the attack with Reyes getting in several right uppercuts but Farmer simply outworked Reyes.

In the ninth round Farmer landed a hard countering left uppercut to the chin of Reyes. Reyes came back landing half a dozen punches without return before Farmer fought back out of a peek-a-boo defense. Farmer landed a solid left hand to the chin of Reyes at the bell. Reyes seemed to pull out the round. In the tenth and final round turned out to be the best round of the fight with both boxers letting it all hang out. Referee Shawn Clark warned Farmer for an accidental head butt. Both boxers put on a good show up until the end.

Super lightweight Samuel “Sunami” Teach, 10-1-1 (4), of Philadelphia, stopped Efran “Macho” Cruz, 4-4-1 (1), of Vieques, PR, at 1:40 of the fourth and final round in a war!

In the first round Teah landed a 3-punch combination but Cruz came back. Near the end of a very good round Teach rocked Cruz with a straight right to the head. In the second round both boxers scored hard rights knocking each others heads back. It’s an action packed round. With seconds to go Teach landed a hard right while backed into a corner with Cruz countering with a left hook to the head. Just before the bell Teach rocked Cruz with a right uppercut to the chin.

In the third round Teah landed a double right uppercut to the chin of Cruz who came right back at Teah. In the fourth and final round Teach countered Cruz who was swarming all over him in a corner. Teah rocked Cruz with a right uppercut to the chin had Cruz out on his feet when another right dropped him on his back. Referee Dali stepped in and waved the fight off. In the corner of Teah were “Bozy” Ennis and assistant Rashiem Jefferson.

Bantamweight Christian Carto, 9-0 (9), of Philadelphia, fought a flawless fight stopping a tough Sammy “Panterita” Gutierrez, 14-19-5 (5), of Saltillo, MEX, at the end of the fifth of a six round bout.

In the first round Carto started the action with a left jab followed by a left hook to the body. A right by Carto to the head of Gutierrez had him hurt. Carto landed a 3-punch combination on two occasions. Carto was almost flawless. In the second round Carto landed a 4-punch combination. Cruz finally opened up with a flurry. Gutierrez became the aggressor in a well fought round with Carto countering him. In the third round Gutierrez landed his best punch of the bout an overhand right to the head of Carto. Carto came right back with a flurry. A Carto combination rocked Gutierrez. At the ten second to go in the round mark Carto landed half a dozen punches without return.

In the fourth round Carto started off landing ten punches before Gutierrez landed one in return. In the fifth round a Carto double chopping right got Gutierrez’s attention. Near the end of the round Carto rocked Gutierrez’s head back. In the fifth round a double right from Carto to the head of Gutierrez and down he went. Up with a swelled right eye he tried fighting back as Carto rocked him with a right to the head at the bell. Gutierrez’s corner stopped the fight in between rounds. Referee was Dali.

Carto put on a “clinic” and is a pleasure to watch and what a crowd pleaser. The humble Carto is a young man of few words. He let’s his fists do the talking after each fight. In his corner was former amateur star Mickey Rosato. “He was a very experienced fighter and it was good getting the rounds in,” said Carto. He is a show stealer every time he appears on a card!

Lightweight 17 year-old Branden “The Gift” Pizarro, 5-0 (2), of Philadelphia, defeated Chris Gutierrez, 0-3 (0), of Greenville, TX, over four rounds.
In the first round it was all Pizarro being one of the most relaxed young talents out of Philly. Gutierrez came out southpaw and switched back with much offense. In the second round Pizarro rocked Gutierrez with a lead right to the chin. Gutierrez is using dirty tactics knowing he is being out fought. In the third round it was all Pizarro with Gutierrez continuing with foul tactics trying to offset the young Pizarro from landing a big punch.

In the third round Pizarro continues to stay a step ahead of Gutierrez. In the fourth and final round Pizarro is doing too much posing playing to the crowd. Gutierrez woke him up with a combination to the head. A solid left hook to the head of Gutierrez had him reeling. Angel Pizarro the father and “Bozy” Ennis worked the corner.

Judges Hill and Grant had it 40-36 as did this writer. Werlinsky had it 39-37.
In the opening bout light heavyweight, David “One-Two Punch” Murray, 6-1 (5), of Wilmington, DE, in a war came off the canvas twice to stop Sammy “The Russian Concussion” Horowitz, 6-3-1 (5), of Chicago, IL, at 1:26 of the fourth and last round.

In the first round it was all Murray up until 10 seconds left in the round when Horowitz landed a right to the chin of Murray who went down on the seat of his pants. Referee Clark counted to 8 while the bell had sounded. In the second round Horowitz was cut on the left eyebrow from a Murray right hand. Murray landed half a dozen punches without return near the end of the round.

In the third round a Murray right to the head had Horowitz out on his feet. Horowitz came back with a right of his own to the head of Murray dropping him.

In the fourth and final round Murray rocked Horowitz back several steps having him out on his feet. Referee Clark jumped in and stopped the fight with Horowitz complaining about the stoppage while against the ropes.

This was a second Annual Urban League fund raiser after the professional boxing card. Numerous former boxing people were introduced into the ring by ring announcer Pat Michael Fattore like Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, Buster “The Demon” Drayton, Steve “USS” Cunningham, Jason “El Canito” Sosa, Mike “The Jewish Bomber” Rossman, “Joltin” Jeff Chandler, Charlie “Choo Choo” Brown, Fred Pendleton, Vernoca Michael, Tim Witherspoon, Jr., Dwight Qawi Muhammad, Jackie “Sister Smoke” Frazier, Mitch Allen, Damon Allen, Charles “Hatchet” Brewer and at ringside Willie Gibbs, “Hammerin” Hank Lundy, Garrett “The Ultimate Warrior” Wilson, Angel Pizarro, Jr., Jerome Conquest and Greg Hackett.
Hard Hitting will be back in June at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City with “The New” Ray Robinson in the main event.