Rios-Soto: A Crossroads Battle

It can at times be a cliché, but there are two central stories that just about any fan of Boxing or by extension all of combat sports are familiar with. The first of course centers on a fighter’s rise through the ranks as they garner attention of fans, develop a following, and hopefully conclude that rise by fighting for and winning a world championship. As common as the story of fighter’s rise is, so too is the second story. A fighter’s attempt to rebuild their career after suffering a setback or setbacks, a stage more commonly referred to as “A Comeback.”

Brandon Rios has been a fighter who has endeared himself to Boxing fans with a crowd pleasing style and his willingness to fight anymore. Rios, who at one time held interim/regular champion status in the World Boxing Association (WBA) ratings as a 135lb. Lightweight, has faced several top fighters throughout his career including Manny Pacquiao, Timothy Bradley, and Danny Garcia just to name a few. Although he has not gone beyond the status of a top contender, Rios’ style is one that always ensures fans of an exciting fight.  After being stopped in February of last year by Danny Garcia, one may have wondered how much Rios had left in him as a fighter.

The longtime contender however, began his rebuilding process in November of last year scoring an impressive ninth round stoppage of veteran Ramon Alvarez. Now Rios looks to continue his comeback as he will face former two-division world champion Humberto Soto on Saturday night at the Municipal Auditorium in Tijuana, MX. The fight, which will main event a card televised by digital streaming network DAZN is the very definition of a “Crossroads fight” between two veterans.

In Soto, Rios will face a veteran of eighty professional fights and a fighter who much like Rios has faced some of the best fighters of his era. Soto has held world championships in both the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight and 135lb. Lightweight divisions. While both fighters have previously fought at lower weights, this bout will be fought in the 147lb. Welterweight division, a weight class where both fighters have spent their recent careers competing in.

Soto is at a similar stage in his career as Rios having won his last three fights since losing a ten round decision to Antonio Orozco in October 2015. Despite scoring two knockouts in those three wins, those three opponents were not well-known and facing a fighter of Rios' caliber is likely to provide Soto with a stern test. Stylistically, this is an interesting fight between a fighter in Rios who is known for applying consistent pressure on his opponents going against a boxer/puncher in Soto. The key to this fight in my eyes will be which fighter can establish the tempo.

This will be an encounter between two fighters who have throughout their careers shown a willingness to go toe to toe with their opposition. Brandon Rios is the type of fighter that looks to apply pressure from the outset and continues to come forward throughout the course of a fight. Although Soto has been more than willing to mix it up in the past, I believe it will be crucial that he attempt to box Rios and not stand and trade. Humberto Soto has also shown he can be very technical in his approach in the past and this observer feels he will need to execute a tactical fight plan in order to be successful in this fight.

What may lie ahead for the winner of this fight is something that will surely be a topic of discussion not just for those who cover the sport like yours truly, but also Boxing fans. Both fighters are capable of getting an opponent out of there should the opportunity arise and that alone should make this an interesting fight to watch. While what the two fighters have left to offer at this stage in their respective careers is also a topic to be discussed, each has the type of name recognition value that the winner will likely be in line for another marquee fight down the line in the crowded and talent deep Welterweight division.

When a “Crossroads Fight” such as this takes place the question of what the fighters have left in them is logical to ask. At this stage in each fighter’s career, as tempting as it might be to analyze what each brings into the ring for what could be seen as a prediction of what may or may not happen come fight time, it may come down to another cliché of simply who wants it more. We’ll find out when Rios and Soto square off Saturday night.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Rios vs. Soto takes place on Saturday, February 23rd at the Municipal Auditorium in Tijuana, MX. The card can be seen in the United States on digital sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 7PM ET/4PM PT. To subscribe to DAZN, a list of connected streaming devices, availability internationally, schedules, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com.  In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the card can be seen on Sky Sports Main Event beginning at Midnight (Sunday, February 24th Local UK time.) For more information about Sky Sports, schedules and availability in your area please visit” www.skysports.com.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

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WORLD RATED REAGAN DESSAIX TAKES ON WORLD RATED CAPARELLO FRIDAY IN MELBOURNE

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing

Press Release: February 20, 2019 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Brisbane Light Heavyweight Reagan Dessaix takes a jump up in class as he takes on former IBO World Light Heavyweight Champion Blake Caparello at The Melbourne Pavillion this coming Friday. The pair will contest the WBA Oceania Light Heavyweight title, in what is a real crossroads fight for the Australian duo.  Dessaix discussed his feelings on the former world champion Caparello as he winds down training ahead of the biggest fight of his career.

The 22-year-old said, “Caparello has only had 3 losses in his career against world class fighter in Sergey Kovalev, Isaac Chilemba and Andre Dirrell. That is nothing to be ashamed of.

“I believe I am a top-level fighter, and I’ve been the underdog many times before including my last fight. This is nothing new to me. It’s about me going in there and proving that I am a top-level Light Heavyweight which I believe I am.

“If you want to be the best you have to beat the best. There is no point in cutting corners in this game and I don’t intend on doing that. Blake has been a world champion but it’s time for me to show that there is a new kid on the block on the World Light Heavyweight scene.”

Dessaix is managed alongside the heralded Moloney brothers by Australian Boxing Supremo Tony Tolj. Dessaix discussed life alongside the Moloney’s and under the guidance of Tolj.

The multi-time WBA and IBF regional title holder said, “I got a lot from being around Jason Moloney during the World Boxing Super Series. It was a great learning experience and it gave me a lot of belief in myself that I can reach those heights.

“Since I linked up with Tony I’ve been guided perfectly and I’ve gone from strength to strength. He’s got me the right fights at the right time and I believe he has made a fight that is Australia’s number 1 and 2 Light Heavyweights clashing on Friday night, and I know the result will see me become Australia’s number 1 Light Heavyweight.” 

Material and photo courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. JARRELL ‘BIG BABY’ MILLER PRESS CONFERENCE

Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA

Press Release: By DAZN/Matchroom Boxing USA - NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2019 - Media gathered for the kick off press conference at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Tuesday February 19. DAZN and Matchroom USA formally announced the United States debut of Anthony Joshua to defend his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO WorldHeavyweight titles against Brooklyn’s Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller at Madison Square Garden on Saturday June 1, live on DAZN. 

Anthony Joshua

“He punches like a fairy. Fury knocked him down seven times. He’s the softest puncher in the division. I am going to knock him the f*ck out. He is a drug abuser. He’s a kickboxer. I am going to knock him out. (Miller screams about Anthony’s mother.) Where’s your mother? I am paying her rent with this. She will come here and watch a real champion fight.

“Jarrell Miller is a little b*tch. I am going to throw this jab down his throat. For a guy that is 300 pounds, he punches like a fairy. June 1^st - this is going to be a show. Come out and watch this one New York. I am not up here playing the gangster role. I really knock people out, look at his little hands. This is the first time he will sell out a show and it’s because of me. Of course he spends all day thinking about me and watching my fights, he has to – but it still won’t be good enough.”

Jarrell Miller

“I’m home. I’m ready. You have no idea. I breathe, eat, sleep Anthony Joshua. I have a screen saver of Anthony Joshua. I wake up and think about Anthony Joshua. I see my mother go through some stuff that none of you would survive. I grew up in a third world country. I see my family starving with no shoes on their feet. This is bigger than a fight with Anthony Joshua. It is bigger than me. It is bigger than money.

“There were many years that I didn’t know what I was doing with my life. I’ve always had this anger and drive in my stomach though that would keep me going. I knew that I must be fighting for something. Man, God has a plan for everybody, remember that. It’s bigger than me though, and AJ is just in my way.

“Yeah, he won the Olympics. But that was in his city, they gave it to him. People call me the underdog but that’s alright. I want to be the underdog. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. 

“I want to thank New York City. Thank my mother and my wife. My sister and my trainers. We are from the dirt. From the gutter. We are from under the dirt but I work hard for this. He didn’t want this fight first. He wanted to fight Whyte. That’s fact.

“The more that you understand what boxing is. All that humble, that fake shit – he puts it on. Boxing is not a humble sport. I will leave it with this, we are all going to die one day. I have lost five people this year. That’s what keeps me humble.”

Joseph Markowski – DAZN Executive Vice President, North America

“Watching Anthony Joshua fight in the U.K. is one of the most spectacular experiences that I’ve encountered in boxing. The crowds, the fireworks and the noise are quite remarkable. But like DAZN, AJ has ambitions to be a global superstar and achieving that means taking your show on the road, across the Pond.

"For the first time in his career, Anthony Joshua will be fighting live and in primetime in the United States. And he’s not just fighting in America; he is going right to the hometown of a dangerous Top 10 heavyweight in Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller – a man with as much to say as almost anyone else in the boxing game.

"And for that reason, today is just the beginning of a fantastic fight promotion. The New York Times, ESPN, Sports Illustrated

and many others have invited AJ and Jarrell to their offices this week to discuss the bout. It’s a compelling matchup that is already generating genuine buzz in the US.

"Moreover, it demonstrates DAZN’s continued commitment to our mission goal of delivering amazing value to fight fans. By the time of AJ-Miller, U.S. boxing fans will have already slogged through several expensive pay-per-views in 2019. More than $200 for three fight nights. For that type of money, you could have DAZN for two years and get every boxing and MMA fight on our platform.

"You can see the momentum we’re building in the names we are signing and the types of fights we are making: AJ’s debut in the U.S., Canelo Alvarez vs. Daniel Jacobs for Cinco de Mayo. And there is more to be announced very soon.

"To both fighters, thank you and good luck. And to everyone else, thank you for attending today - we look forward to seeing you on the 1^st of June back here at MSG.”

Eddie Hearn – Matchroom Boxing Managing Director

“We have a seen a rise in the sport with DAZN. They signed Canelo Alvarez, delivered a huge fight between Canelo and Daniel Jacobs on May 4, and now DAZN will feature the biggest heavyweight fight by delivering Anthony Joshua to the United State to face Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller.”

For more information, fans can follow DAZN’s U.S. social channels: @DAZNUSA on Facebook, @DAZN_USA for Twitter, and DAZN_USA for Instagram.

About DAZN:

Globally, DAZN is a live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all the service's sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Italy and the U.S. - where it is a must-have service for sports fans, with a daily show featuring live look-ins to Major League Baseball games beginning in 2019 and more than 100 fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, Golden Boy Promotions, the World Boxing Super Series, and Combate Americas.

Material Courtesy of DAZN/Matchroom Boxing/ Photo Courtesy of Ed Mulholland/ Matchroom Boxing USA Used with permission.

To subscribe to DAZN, a list of connected streaming devices, schedules, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

ANDREW "THE MONSTER" MOLONEY GEARING UP AHEAD OF WBA WORLD TITLE ELIMINATOR IN CHILE

Photo Credit: Steve Dilks

Press Release: By Team Moloney – Rising Australian Super Flyweight star Andrew Moloney is locked into training as he prepares for his March 22 showdown with impressive Chilean Miguel Gonzalez, with the winner putting themselves in line for a crack at the WBA World Super Flyweight title as the official mandatory Challenger. Moloney, who already has a host of titles to his name that includes the Commonwealth title, WBA Oceania title amongst others, opened up on training camp and his opponent on March 22, Miguel Gonzelez.

 The Monster stated, "Training has been going well with my trainer Angelo Hyder. Angelo has trained some of Australia's top talent for years and years, so to learn of Angelo and train alongside the likes of my brother Jason, Billel Dib and Bruno Vifuaviwili is improving me as a fighter every day."  Moloney continued, discussing his South American opposition on March 22 in San Fransico de Mostazal's Gran Arena Monticello.

The current WBA Oceania Champion said, "Gonzelez is a good fighter. He's 29-1 for a reason. He has a great record and his team have a lot of belief in him.  "This fight is really what world title eliminators are about. Two fighters at the top of their game battling it out to see who is number one. Gonzelez is a world level fighter, but I am out to prove I am an elite level fighter on March 22."

 Victoria native Moloney has his sights set on the elite of the Super Flyweight division, which includes Britain's Kal Yafai, Thailand's WBC Champion Wisaksii Wangek and Nicaraguan legend Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez. Moloney elaborated on what he sees him for himself in 2019 and the years to come.

 The Melbourne Super Flyweight said, "I want to be World Champion that is the ultimate goal. Fighting someone like Roman Gonzalez in AAMI Park in Melbourne would be a dream, but my focus in Miguel Gonzalez right now, then onto a big world title clash in 2019."

Material Courtesy of Team Moloney/Photo Courtesy of: Steve Dilks Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

ANTHONY JOSHUA TO FACE JARRELL MILLER IN U.S. DEBUT AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

Press Release: By DAZN/Matchroom Boxing USA – NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2019 - Heavyweight boxing’s biggest star Anthony Joshua OBE will defend his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO World titles against Jarrell Miller in his long-awaited U.S. debut at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, June 1, live on DAZN in the U.S. and Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

Joshua (22-0, 21 KOs), defended his World titles with a devastating knockout of dangerous Russian Alexander Povetkin last time out at Wembley Stadium in September in what was the Olympic Champion’s fourth straight stadium fight in front of over 80,000 fans.

It was a crushing return to the scene of his historical triumph over legendary Champion Wladimir Klitschko in April 2017, where he produced the performance of a lifetime to claim the WBA crown in an unforgettable battle in front of a post war record crowd of 90,000 at England’s National Stadium.

The British sensation blasted Povetkin to the canvas with a brutal assault in the seventh round and then floored the WBA mandatory challenger again to signal a sudden and dramatic ending to his 22^nd professional victory in his home city.

And now sport’s biggest name will follow in the footsteps of Heavyweight greats such as Joe Louis, Joe Frazier, Evander Holyfield and Muhammad Ali when he crosses the Atlantic to silence Brooklyn’s brash ‘Big Baby’ Miller at ‘The Mecca of Boxing’.

“June 1st I am heading to The Big Apple and I plan to embrace the culture and leave with an appetite for more,” said Joshua. “I will be fighting Jarrell Miller at the legendary Madison Square Garden. It has been an honour and a blessing to fight at some of the best venues in the World at home in the UK, not least Wembley Stadium, but the time has come to head across the Atlantic and defend my Heavyweight titles in the USA. I am looking forward to taking on another challenge with a good boxer & a brilliant talker, it will be an exciting fight, I will leave nothing to chance and plan on dismantling Miller in style to make my mark.”

Miller (23-0-1, 20 KOs), has been calling for a British scalp ever since he went face-to-face with Joshua during a heated exchange at the launch of DAZN’s streaming service in the U.S. in July last year, and the undefeated 300lbs giant is promising to turn AJ’s American dream into a living nightmare as he looks to announce himself on the biggest stage of all.

Miller earned his shot at Joshua with successive wins over former World title challengers Gerald Washington, Mariusz Wach, Johann Duhaupas and Tomasz Adamek, crushing the latter inside two rounds on his Matchroom Boxing USA debut at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago in October.

He followed this up with another big stoppage win, this time steamrolling Bogdan Dinu in four rounds to claim the interim NABA Heavyweight title at the Kansas Star Arena, and now Miller returns to his home city to fulfil a lifelong dream of fighting for the World Heavyweight crown.

“AJ is making a huge mistake coming over here to fight me in my own backyard,” said Miller. “He wants to announce himself on the American stage but all he’s doing is delivering me those belts by hand. Its dog eat dog in the ring and this dog has got a bigger bite, he'll be leaving New York empty-handed. This is the fight that I’ve been chasing all my life and on June 1 I’m going to achieve the thing I was born to do and win the Heavyweight Championship of the World. That punk AJ is standing in the way of my dreams and on June 1 he’s getting run the hell over.”

“It’s been an eventful few months but I’m delighted to finally announce that Anthony Joshua will make his American debut at the iconic Madison Square Garden on June 1,” said Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing Managing Director. “AJ has created an incredible ‘Lion’s Den’ atmosphere in the UK and we plan to bring that energy to New York on a card that will be stacked with British vs. American talent. When you look at the Heavyweight greats that have graced the renowned ‘Mecca of Boxing’ the names of Ali, Frazier, Marciano and Tyson stand firm and June 1will be a moment when the World will witness AJ’s turn.

“Jarrell Miller is someone I know well having been involved in his last 4 fights in America. I know how much he wants this fight and I know the belief that him and his team have in beating AJ. He is a mountain of a man with an incredible work rate and he will get the chance to challenge for 4 World Heavyweight belts in his backyard this summer. They went to head to head for all the wrong reasons last summer and next week they will do it again as we get ready for the big build up for a momentous moment on June 1st at MSG.”

“Anthony Joshua is the number one Heavyweight in the World and DAZN is excited to deliver the British star’s much-anticipated U.S. debut at the iconic Madison Square Garden,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN Executive Vice President, North America. “In New York awaits a hometown fighter in Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller who has been quite vocal about his plans to spoil Joshua’s stateside arrival. He poses a real threat to dethrone the Heavyweight king in what will undoubtedly be a major international attraction and we are eager to see what will unfold June 1 on DAZN.”

“A new chapter for our brilliant World King Anthony Joshua as he looks to light up America for the first time against New York’s brash, big hitting Jarrell Miller,” said Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing. “We are delighted to be showing this massive occasion on Sky Sports Box Office and our team will provide every step of an enticing build up between these unbeaten Heavyweights. This sizzling Summer showdown reminds me of when Prince Naseem Hamed conquered Manhattan amidst that thrilling seven knockdown war with Kevin Kelley. Now AJ hits NY and the global adventure begins!”

“The World Heavyweight Championship at Madison Square Garden is unlike any setting in the World and we couldn’t be more thrilled to host Anthony Joshua and Jarrell Miller,” said Joel Fisher, Executive Vice President, MSG Marquee Events. “The legacy of Heavyweights at 'The Mecca of Boxing' that began with the likes of John L. Sullivan, Gene Tunney, 'Jersey' Joe Wolcott, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Joe Louis, Evander Holyfield, Wladimir Klitschko and Lennox Lewis will continue when Joshua and Miller step into the famed Garden ring in front of a packed house on June 1.”

“On June 1 Brooklyn’s Jarrell Miller will fight in the World’s greatest city for boxing’s greatest title — the Heavyweight Championship of the World — on boxing’s biggest stage —  ‘The Mecca of Boxing’ Madison Square Garden,” said Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions. “It is a dream come true for Jarrell, but it is exactly what we envisioned and what I promised him when I began working with Jarrell in his second professional fight. He is on the verge of making history and I am proud to have been there since the beginning.  On June 1 Jarrell follow in the footsteps of Brooklyn Heavyweight greats Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe to bring the Heavyweight World title back to its rightful home NY.”

“It is incredible to be a co-promoter of Jarrell Miller’s World title challenge against Anthony Joshua on June 1st streamed live on DAZN,” said Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions. “The fact that this event is taking place at Madison Square Garden makes it extra special as it’s a home game for Team Miller. I can’t wait to hear Michael Buffer announce, “And the NEW...!”

For more information, fans can follow DAZN’s U.S. social channels: @DAZNUSA on Facebook, @DAZN_USA for Twitter, and DAZN_USA for Instagram.

About DAZN:

Globally, DAZN is a live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all the service's sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Italy and the U.S. - where it is a must-have service for sports fans, with a daily show featuring live look-ins to Major League Baseball games beginning in 2019 and more than 100 fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, Golden Boy Promotions, the World Boxing Super Series, and Combate Americas.

Material Courtesy of: DAZN and Matchroom Boxing USA Used with permission.

To subscribe to DAZN, list of connected streaming devices, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Dib Returns March 30th

Credit: Gary Farmer

Press Release: February 11, 2019 by Dragon Fire Boxing – World rated Super Featherweight Billel “Baby Face” Dib (22 wins – 3 loss) will return to the ring on March 30 at the Seagulls Stadium in Tweeds Heads, NSW Australia. 

Dib is the current WBA Oceania Super Featherweight Champion and World number 10.

“I’m fighting Rey Juntilla (23 wins – 8 loss) from the Philippines. I haven’t really watched much footage on him at this stage. I have faith in my abilities as well as my management team in Tony Tolj and my dad and who they put in front of me. I’ve been told he’s durable and will give me the rounds I need to keep moving up the ranks.” – States Dib

Dib will fight for the second time under World renowned trainer of Champions Angelo “H” Hyder of Australia. Hyder known for being the head trainer of Danny Green and Vic Darchinyan and the chief second of WBA Fighter of the decade Chris “The Dragon” John

“I love every minute of training with Angelo. Not only is he a good man, but his knowledge is unbelievable. He isn’t a trainer, he is a teacher and that’s what is lacking in modern boxing. Im learning more and every day, you can never stop learning in this game and I’m only getting better.”

“Baby Face” has endured a brutal training regime to get his opportunity of boxing immortality by edging close to a World title shot.

Just like my last camp, training has been second to none. Sparring is great, we have great sparring in our team, Moloney twins, (Jason and Andrew Moloney) Bruno Vifuaviwili (Tanzanian) and also our new team mate Furkan who is going to do big things in the sport. I’m working hard day in and day out to become world champion.

It’s an honour to be apart of the WBA, the WBA has been around since the days of Muhammad Ali, when I’m crowned WBA world champion God willing, my name will be up there with the greats”

Dib gives his thoughts on the newly crowned WBA Super Featherweight Champion Andrew Cancio

“Cancio shocked me like he shocked the rest of the world. I think it’s time for Machado to move up a weight division. Cancio looked great but if he wants to keep that belt he needs to stay far away from me.”

Manager Tony Tolj gave his take on the March 30 Promotion and his plans for Dib going forward.  “We have a great card full of WBA title fights that include WBA World #3 Jason “The Smooth” One defending his WBA Oceania Title and “The Captain Kerry Foley contesting WBA & WBC regional titles in our block buster card as well as a stacked undercard as part of our Boxing Mania 5 event. 

“It’s going to be a massive event, and Billel Dib is looking like a new fighter he has elevated in ring knowledge and dedication to new level and I’m confident on him making a statement on March 30 and Andrew Cancio and the WBA Super Featherweight, don’t let the “Baby Face” fool you, this man is ready!”

Tickets available on Monday from megatix.com.au

Material Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing/ Photo Courtesy of: Gary Farmer Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

GABALLO DUNO SCORE EARLY TKO WINS

Credit: Sanman Promotions

Press Release: February 10, 2019 By Sanman Promotions – The event at the Midas Hotel and Casino ended early as the main protagonists finished their bouts with early finishes.

In the main event, Reymart “Assassin” Gaballo crushed his Japanese foe Yuya Nakamura with a thundering left hook at the middle of the second round. Nakamura protested the call for being premature but Referee Virgilio Garcia stood firm to his call.

Gaballo has improved his record to W21-KO18-L0-D0. The Filipino champ also scored two knockdowns in the opening round before disposing his foe in the following stanza. “I was trying to size him up in the opening round but his cockiness encouraged me to go for an early knockout while sticking to the game plan. I am grateful to ESPN5, Team SanMan and 1Pacman Partylist for their support”, a happy Gaballo stated.

SanMan Boxing CEO Jim Claude Manangquil was equally happy with Gaballo’s showing. “He showed us tonight that he is a legitimate champion and has a  bright future in boxing. We definitely want him to get the regular WBA Belt which our very own Nonito Donaire holds. I definitely respect Nonito but this is boxing and if a match with him is mandated by the WBA, then we are willing to fight him. This is a sport anyway.”

Credit:Sanman Promotions

In the co-main event. Romero Duno lived-up to his “Ruthless” moniker by sending his Indian opponent to sleep also in the second round. Duno patiently studied and sized up his opponent in the opening and scored knockdowns midway. Smelling blood in the following round, Duno decided to go for the kill. Dhanda tried to stay away from Duno’s attacks but got caught by a perfect vicious right haymaker that caught him flush on the jaw sending him sprawled on the canvass unconscious. The Indian remained asleep for minutes with the medics attending to him. Luckily he was able to recover and rested in his corner while Duno’s hands were raised in victory. With the victory Duno’s record improves to W20 KO16 L1 D0.

In the post fight interview Duno expressed his joy but at the same time his concern for his defeated opponent. “ I am happy I won but I got so concerned when I saw him unconscious longer than I expected. I thought it was that bad. I have seen bad accidents happen in boxing. We’re both boxers so I really feel him. I dedicate this win to my family especially my parents. Thank you SanMan and ESPN5 for this opportunity”

In the co-featured bout, SanMan prospect Dave Apolinario kept his clean record as he dominated Romshane Sarguilla winning via unanimous decision. He improves his record to W11 KO7 L0 D0. Sarguilla had his good moments in some rounds but Apolinario dominated the fight with class and excellent ring generalship.

Material and Photos Credit: Sanman Promotions. Used with permission. For more information about Sanman Promotions and to watch the Sanman Live Boxing series please visit Sanman Promotions’ official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SanmanPromotions.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

MANANQUIL BAGS WBO BELT IN JAPAN

Credit: Sanman Promotions

Press Release: February 10, 2019 By Sanman Promotions – Sanman boxer Ben Mananquil (W17 KO4 L1 D0) won big on the road as he dominates Tenta Kiyose in Japan to bag the WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight Championship belt. The classy Mananquil started slow calculating the moves of his opponent breaking down his defense and schooling him round by round. Mananquil saw his chance in the eighth round and dropped Kiyose to the canvass. The Japanese fought back like a warrior but was no match to the stylish Filipino who won by Unanimous Decision.

“This win is so sweet because I won it far away from home. Kiyose was tough but I had him figured out. I am so happy to bring home this belt. I dedicate the win to my family, to my SanMan team and to my countrymen”, Mananquil stated.

SanMan CEO Jim Claude Manangquil added another reason for celebration as his other wards Gaballo, Duno and Apolinario all won earlier in Manila. “This is another blessing. Another belt added to the SanMan belt collection. Indeed good things come to disciplined and hardworking boxers. Ben is a harwordking kid. He deserves this win”, Manangquil said.

Material and Photo Credit: Sanman Promotions. Used with permission.

For more information about Sanman Promotions and to watch the Sanman Live Boxing series please visit Sanman Promotions’ official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SanmanPromotions.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Update

We would like to let our readers know that new material will be released on Friday, February 22nd. Stay Tuned. "And That's The Boxing Truth."

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

JASON “THE SMOOTH ONE” MOLONEY RETURNS MARCH 30

Credit: Alex Nunez 

Press Release: February 7, 2019 By Team Moloney - World rated Bantamweight Jason “The Smooth One” Moloney returns to the ring on March 30 at the Seagulls Stadium in Tweeds Heads, NSW Australia. 

Moloney, who dropped a very controversial decision in the World Boxing Super Series against IBF World Champion Emmanuel Rodriguez, will be looking to bounce back in style as he takes on the challenge of highly rated WBA Asia Champion Cris Paulino over 10 rounds. 

Moloney discusses his World Boxing Super Series experience and his upcoming WBA Oceania title defence against Paulino. 

The World title challenger said, “I absolutely loved being involved in the WBSS. Obviously we didn’t the result we wanted which was devastating but to represent Australia in the biggest tournament in world boxing and to fight for a world title was very special and something I will never forget.

To lose a split decision by just one round was heartbreaking but I believed I showed that I belong at the top of the division. I learnt a lot from this fight, I’m even hungrier and I just can’t wait for another chance at a World Title”.

Moloney continued, “Cris Paulino is a very solid fighter who I believe will provide a solid test and certainly come here to win. This is a big opportunity for Cris to come here and try to take my WBA world #3 ranking so I’m training extremely hard to make sure that doesn’t happen”

The Bantamweight division is buzzing at the movement, and Moloney will be primed for another shot at the World title with a victory at the Seagulls Club. 

The Smooth One opened up about his plans for 2019. 

Moloney said, “I have my sights set on the winner of the WBSS, the WBC Champion- Nordine Oubaali or the WBA Interim Champion- Reymart Gaballo. These are all fights which I’m confident I can win. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get my chance and to become World Champion!”

Manager Tony Tolj gave his take on the March 30 Promotion and his plans for Moloney going forward. 

He said, “We have a great card full of WBA title fights that include WBA World #10 Billel “Baby Face” Dib defending his WBA Oceania Title and “The Captain Kerry Foley contesting WBA & WBC regional titles in our blockbuster card as well as a stacked undercard as part of our Boxing Mania 5 event. 

“It’s going to be a massive event, and Jason Moloney is looking explosive in the gym. He has gone to a new level and I’m confident on him making a statement on March 30 and the World Championships will come!”

Tickets available on Monday from megatix.com.au

Material Courtesy of Team Moloney/Photo Courtesy of: Alex Nunez Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

GABALLO-NAKAMURA Full Card

Credit: Sanman Promotions

Press Release: February 5, 2019 by Sanman Promotions – Sanman Promotions and ESPN 5 is back with another night of non-stop boxing action as they present Gaballo vs Nakamura on February 9, 2019 at the Midas Hotel and Casino in Manila. The show will be televised live via ESPN5 at 7:00 PM (Philippines). Below is the full fight card:

Main Event: REYMART GABALLO (Ph) vs YUYA NAKAMURA (Jpn), 10 rounds, 118 lbs.

Co-Main Event: ROMERO DUNO (Ph) vs. KULDEEP DHANDA (Ind), 10 rounds, WBA Asia Lightweight Title

Featured Bout: DAVE APOLINARIO vs. RAMSHANS SARGUILLA, 8 rounds, 112 lbs.

Supporting Bouts:

CARJUN CARCOSIA vs. RENERIO ARIZALA, 8 rounds, 126 lbs.

JERVEN MAMA vs MERVIN LULU 6 rounds, 114 lbs.

ROLAND SERVANIA vs. ARNEL CAOCTOY, 6 rounds, 122 lbs.

MUHAMAD FARKHAN vs. MICHAEL SPEED SIGARLAKI, 8 rounds, 185 lbs.

According to SanMan CEO Jim Claude Manangquil, "It will be a guaranteed night of action, You have seen how Duno and Gaballo finished their past opponents. It is worth watching. SanMan assures you of an all exciting fightcard” The event is free admission.

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Sanman Promotions Used with permission.

For more information about Sanman Promotions and to watch the Sanman Live Boxing series please visit Sanman Promotions’ official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SanmanPromotions.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Garcia Defeats Cheeseman To Retain European Jr. Middleweight Championship

Undefeated European Jr. Middleweight champion Sergio Garcia successfully retained his championship with a convincing twelve round unanimous decision over previously undefeated former British Jr. Middleweight champion Ted Cheeseman on Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London, England. For twelve rounds Garcia and Cheeseman engaged in near non-stop combat with little or no let up for the entire duration of the bout. Despite the high pace which the fight was fought at, Garcia’s consistent offensive rhythm and cleaner punches were the story of this fight as he generally got the better of the action throughout and outworked Cheeseman throughout the bout. After twelve rounds Garcia retained his championship with a unanimous decision. Official scores were: 119-109, (On two scorecards) and 115-114 all for Garcia.

Sergio Garcia advances to 29-0, with 13 Knockouts. Ted Cheeseman falls to 15-1, with 9 Knockouts.

In a bout for the vacant Commonwealth Middleweight championship undefeated prospect Felix Cash scored a first round knockout over Rasheed Abolaji. Cash dropped Abolaji with a jab early in the round. Although Abolaji was able to beat the count, Cash would drop him again with a flush right hand. As he had done after the first knockdown, Abolaji was able to get up, but on unsteady legs the fight was stopped by Referee Marcus McDonnell. Official time of the stoppage was: 2:45 of round one.

Felix Cash advances to 11-0, with 7 Knockouts. Rasheed Abolaji falls to 11-5-1, with 6 Knockouts.

In the Cruiserweight division, undefeated prospect Lawrence Okolie scored a third round stoppage of Tamas Lodi. Lodi, who had taken the fight on short notice was dropped in each of the three rounds for a total of four knockdowns before the fight was stopped by Referee Howard Foster at 1:13 of the third round.

Lawrence Okolie advances to 11-0, with 8 Knockouts. Tamas Lodi falls to 20-12-2, with 17 Knockouts.

In a bout for the WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight championship, Craig Richards scored a third round knockout of Jake Ball. Richards was able to frequently counter Ball’s offense and scored knockdowns with his right hand. Ball did not seem to have much punch resistance and the one-sided encounter was halted stopped at 2:27 of round three after Ball had been knocked down in all three rounds.

Craig Richards advances to 14-1, with 8 Knockouts. Jake Ball falls to 12-2, with 9 Knockouts.

Also in the Light-Heavyweight division, undefeated Dana Zaxo scored a four round unanimous decision over Tayer Mehmed. Dana Zaxo advances to 4-0, with 2 Knockouts. Tayer Mehmed falls to 7-34-3, with 1 Knockout.

In the Heavyweight division, undefeated Fabio Wardley scored a first round knockout over Morgan Dessaux. Official time of the stoppage was 1:43 of round one. Fabio Wardley advances to 6-0, with 5 Knockouts. Morgan Dessaux falls to 5-5, with 5 Knockouts.

In the Super-Middleweight division, undefeated John Docherty scored a first round knockout of Przemyslaw Binienda. John Docherty advances to 3-0, with 3 Knockouts. Przemyslaw Binienda falls to 2-23, with 2 Knockouts.

Rounding out the card, in the Middleweight division undefeated Scott Fitzgerald scored a second round knockout of Radoslav Mitev. Scott Fitzgerald advances to 12-0, with 9 Knockouts. Radoslav Mitev falls to 12-46-2, with 4 Knockouts.

All and all, this card provided a look at some of the rising stars on the British and European Boxing scene. For Sergio Garcia, an unbeaten European champion who was largely unknown to many particularly here in the United States prior to his fight with rising British prospect Ted Cheeseman, his victory over Cheeseman should open up an opportunity to move into the world rankings in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division. In contrast to the twenty-nine fight veteran Garcia, Cheeseman will now go back to the drawing board and look to rebound from the first loss of his career. Although Cheeseman did not come out of this fight as the winner, it should not be overlooked that he put in a determined effort and was very “Game” in defeat in what was an extremely grueling battel. It will be how Cheeseman performs moving forward as to whether or not his loss to Sergio Garcia is a small bump in the road in the career of a potential world champion.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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