JAIME MUNGUIA TO RETURN AGAINST MACIEJ SULECKI IN DEFENSE OF WBO INTERCONTINENTAL MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE

 Press Release: By DAZN – BEKTEMIR ‘BULLY’ MELIKUZIEV TO FACE ‘KING’ GABRIEL ROSADO IN CO-MAIN EVENT

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 19 AT UTEP DON HASKINS CENTER IN EL PASO, TEXAS AND LIVE ON DAZN

 

Tickets still on sale!

 

EL PASO, Texas (April 28, 2021) – Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) will return to the ring on June 19 against Maciej Sulecki (29-2, 11 KOs) in a 12-round defense of his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship. The fight will take place at The University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico. 

Credit: DAZN 

 

The event will be held under strict COVID-19 fan safety protocols and with a reduced event capacity below 40%. For detailed COVID-19 event safety fan protocols, click here or visit http://www.utepspecialevents.com. 

 

“Although there have been several changes, we are happy because things are back on track for Jaime Munguia’s return on June 19,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “I’m confident that he will deliver a tremendous performance against Maciej Sulecki and show everyone why he deserves an opportunity to become a two-division world champion. At the same time, we’re very excited to have Bektemir Melikuziev face a real tough test against Gabriel Rosado. If he can look impressive against Rosado, then a world title shot will be just around the corner.”

 

Munguia is a 24-year-old former world champion from Tijuana, Mexico who leaped onto to the highest levels of the super welterweight division by knocking out Sadam "World Kid" Ali to capture the WBO title. Munguia then defended his title against Liam "Beefy" Smith, Brandon "Bad Boy" Cook, Takeshi Inoue, Dennis Hogan and Patrick Allotey. After five defenses at junior middleweight, Munguia moved up to 160 pounds to capture the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title against Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan, which he defended against Tureano Johnson. Despite many changes to his upcoming fight, Munguia will look to make his case for a world title opportunity at 160 pounds.

 

“I feel very excited to be returning on June 19,” said Jaime Munguia. “I know it will be a tremendous fight against Maciej Sulecki. I think he is a great fighter, and I will make sure to deliver a great fight to all the fans in El Paso, Texas and to everyone who will be watching from home. Thank you very much for your support.”

 

Sulecki is a Polish contender who has scored knockout victories against Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr. and countryman Grzegorz Proksa. The 31-year-old puncher has only suffered two defeats, which were against Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs and Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade. Though pulling out of the initial fight date due to an injury, Sulecki is ready to return to the ring on June 19.

 

“There have been many changes, but I am happy that things will take place as planned,” said Maciej Sulecki. “I know that a victory against Jaime Munguia will put me on the path to challenge for a world title. That’s why securing this fight was very important to me. I feel great, and I am totally ready to show the world that I can compete against the best in the division.”

 

“I can’t wait for June 19,” said Leon Margules, President of Warrior’s Boxing. “Although the original date has been changed, the result will remain the same. Maciej Sulecki will dominate Jaime Munguia. I have no doubt.”

 

In the co-main event, rising Uzbek contender Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (7-0, 6 KOs) will face his toughest test to date against former world title challenger “King” Gabriel Rosado (25-13-1, 14 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental and WBA Continental Americas Super Middleweight Titles. 

 

Ibeth “La Roca” Zamora (32-6, 12 KOs) of San Cristobal Huichochitlan, Toluca, Mexico will defend her WBC flyweight world championship against Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza (9-1, 1 KO) of Houston, Texas in a 10-round fight.

 

Welterweight contender Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will fight Brad “King” Soloman (29-3, 9 KOs) of Lafayette, Louisiana in the 10-round opener of the DAZN stream.

 

Additional undercard fights will be streamed live via Facebook Watch.

 

Topping the undercard presentation is an exciting battle between two Golden Boy welterweights as Raul Curiel (9-0, 7 KOs) of Tampico, Mexico and Ferdinand Keroyban (14-1, 9 KOs) of North Hollywood, California meet in a 10-round fight.

 

Exciting southpaw contender Alexis “Lex” Rocha (16-1, 10 KOs) of Santa Ana, California will look to bounce back from his first defeat in a 10-round 147-pound battle against James Bacon (26-4, 17 KOs) of Cebu, Philippines.

 

Irish prospect Aaron McKenna (11-0, 7 KOs) will face Carlos Ortiz (12-5, 12 KOs) of Torreon, Mexico in an eight-round middleweight bout.

 

Fiodor Czerkaszyn (17-0, 11 KOs) of Warsaw, Poland will participate in a 10-round middleweight fight.

 

Evan Sanchez (8-0, 6 KOs) of Parlier, California will return in a six-round welterweight clash against Hector Coronado(5-0, 4 KOs) of Del Rio, Texas.

 

Chris “Milly” Ousley (12-0, 9 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois will participate in a six-round junior middleweight battle against Sanny Duversonne (11-3-2, 8 KOs) of Avon Park, Florida.

 

Manuel Flores (9-0, 6 KOs) of Coachella, California will open the night in a six-round super bantamweight clash.

 

Opponents for Czerkaszyn and Flores will be announced shortly.

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

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

Jackson England Back In Action May 28

 

Press Release: April 27, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Australia’s highly rated "Action" Jackson England 12-1 is all set to get back under the bright lights in the squared circle after being out of Action for more than a year due to limited opponents and covid restrictions. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

The West Australian standout steps up to super featherweight to contest the WBC Asian Boxing Council and IBO Oceania Orient Championships on May 28 in Metro City, Perth in the Main Event of the popular Thunderdome series vs New Zealand Shiva Mishra 7-3 over 10 rounds. 

England has had a solid start to his professional career, winning 12 of his opening 13 professional contests whilst becoming Australian Featherweight champion and WBC  Silver ABCO Title in the process. Jackson, who is trained at the Onyx Gym by head trainer Jay Gray in Perth, opened up about his upcoming title clash. 

England said, 
"I am excited to be progressing in the way I am and I believe I can go all the way in this sport. I am still only young, so it is important to have the right people to guide you. I need to have that and I believe I do in Tony Tolj and Dragon Fire Boxing. 

“I have the opportunity thanks to Tony to fight for another WBC title. We all grew up watching the likes of Floyd Mayweather winning WBC titles, so to start along that path is something I’m very grateful to be given the chance to go on.” 

England returns on this year's second installment of the world-renowned Thunderdome series since the pandemic hit, that has been a mainstay of Australian boxing for decades in itself. England discussed his next outing and his plans for 2020. 

He said, "Well I firstly need to keep listening to my manager Tony Tolj as he knows what's best for my career. He's guided the likes of the Moloney's, Bruno Tarimo, Andres Campos to major titles and I want to follow in their footsteps and I believe I can. They are all world rated, Ive just cracked the WBC ratings prior to the pandemic and we are just getting started. 

"I'm always improving, so I expect to put on a career-best performance at the Thunderdome show. I believe I can go all the way to the top in this sport and I have the opportunity to get back into the WBC rankings in my next fight so that is a massive motivation for me in this fight. 

"I wanted more titles in 2021 and I have that opportunity on May 28. I believe that I can progress up the world ratings titles in a way the likes of Bruno Tarimo has done around my weight so I'd like to follow his path up the world route as I believe I'm destined for world titles eventually."

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

 

For more information about Dragon Fire Boxing please visit Dragon Fire Boxing’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DragonFireBoxing.

 

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

Haney-Linares Undercard Announced

 

Press Release: April 24, 2021 By DAZN – Chantelle Cameron will defend her WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Melissa Hernandez on the undercard of Devin Haney’s WBC World Lightweight title defense against Jorge Linares on Saturday May 29 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, live worldwide on DAZN – with more tickets to go on sale at 10am PT tomorrow (April 25).

  TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE AT 10AM PT ON SUNDAY VIA AXS.COM 

Credit: DAZN 

 

Cameron (13-0 7 KOs) makes the first defense of the title she won with a shut-out points win over Adriana dos Santos Araujo in Milton Keynes, UK in October, and the talented 29 year old fights in the States for the first time in the paid ranks against Hernandez (23-7-3 7 KOs).

 

The Puerto Rican veteran is fighting for a World title at a third weight class after been the WBC Featherweight ruler and having also challenged for the WBC Lightweight strap.

 

There’s a fascinating battle between two Golden Boy Promotions stablemates as Jason Quigley and Shane Mosley Jr go toe-to-toe for the WBO NABO Middleweight title. Quigley (18-1 14 KOs) is back on the winning path with back-to-back wins after his setback against Tureano Johnson in July 2019, and a third win on the spin for the decorated Irish amateur would catapult him into the mix for more big fights and titles at 160lbs.

 

That’s exactly what Mosley Jr (17-3 10 KOs) is hunting too, and the son of the former three-weight king Shane Mosley is in fine form himself and has boxed more recently than Quigley, forcing the retirement of Cristian Olivas after five rounds in Indio, California in February. That was a fourth win on the bounce for the 30 year old, and he’ll be out for a statement win over Quigley to emerge into the mix at Middleweight.

 

It’s a huge night for Martin J. Ward as he faces Azinga Fuzile in a final eliminator for the IBF World Super-Featherweight title. Ward (24-1-2 11 KOs) is edging closer to his World title dreams and the #4 ranked Briton enters the biggest fight of his career to date on his American debut and a welcome return to action for the 29 year old whose last fight was a shutout win over Jesus Amparan in Sheffield, UK in February 2020.

 

Fuzile (14-1 8 KOs) also fights in America for the first time in his career, and the South African ranked one spot lower than Ward at #5 is taking a second bite at the cherry having faced Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in an eliminator in September 2019 in East London, South Africa, with Fuzile ahead on the cards before the Russian recorded an eight round stoppage. ‘Golden Boy’ has not boxed since that night but can get back on course for a world title shot in what promises to be an exciting clash.

 

At the other end of the spectrum, there’s a professional debut on the card for Eddie Hearn’s latest American signing, Khalil Coe. The 24 year old Jersey talent will kick life off in the paid ranks at Light-Heavyweight before eyeing a move down to 168lbs, and his journey will begin in Las Vegas.

 

Reshat Mati (9-0 7 KOs) enters double figures in the pro game on the card, with the New Yorker looking to extend his KO run to six fights, having added two KOs in quick succession in November and December, both in Hollywood, Fl.

 

Ramla Ali (2-0) has been impressive in her two fights since turning pro in October and the first pro female fighter from Somalia gets an introduction to American fight fans on the bill, a card that is rounded off by Devin Haney Promotions’ Darren Cunningham (13-0 7 KOs) continuing his pro rise.

 

“This is a stacked card in support of a brilliant main event – and our first promotion in Las Vegas,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s a brilliant opportunity for Chantelle Cameron to showcase her skills in the States and stake her claim for the unification fights she craves, against a tough competitor in Melissa Hernandez.

 

“Quigley vs. Mosley Jr has the feel of a must-win crossroads fight for the pair, while Ward vs. Fuzile has plenty at stake and is sure to catch fire.

 

“What a night for Khalil Coe to make his debut, this young man can become a star, and the pro journeys of Reshat Mati, Ramla Ali and Darren Cunningham continue on the bill. This is an unmissable night of boxing in Las Vegas.”

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

 

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

Martin Retains European Jr. Welterweight Championship:Results From Barcelona, Spain

 

European Jr. Welterweight champion Sandor Martin scored a workmanlike twelve round unanimous decision Kay Prosper to retain his European championship on Friday night at the Vall d'Hebron Olympic Palace in Barcelona, Spain. In a largely uneventful bout, Martin used his elusive southpaw stance and lateral movement to dictate the tempo of the combat from the opening bell. Prospere, who was very “Game” throughout the entire fight just could not find a way to land any consistent offense on the champion. Only adding to the frustration, Prosper was penalized a point in round eight for an unknown reason as it did not appear he had committed a foul. While not an entertaining or memorable bout to watch, Martin simply did what he needed to do to retain his title. Official scores were: 119-107, 117-110, and 117-109 in favor of Martin. Sandor Martin advances to 38-2, with 17 Knockouts. Kay Prosper falls to 14-2-1, with 7 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

Jr. Middleweight Kerman Lejarraga overcame two knockdowns to score a seventh round stoppage of Jez Smith. A fight that was fought primarily on the inside m Smith seemed to get the upper hand early. In rounds three and four, Smith scored identical knockdowns of Lejarraga with short right uppercuts to the head. Despite appearing to be in control of the fight, Smith was not able to take advantage of the two knockdowns he was able to score and by round six, Lejarraga had turned the ebb and flow in his favor dropped Smith with a hard left hook to the body. At this point in the fight, Smith seemed to be fatigued and this created the opening for Lejarraga to stagger him with a right hand to the jaw. A barrage of unanswered punches forced the fight to be stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 2:31 of round seven. Kerman Lejarraga advances to 32-2, with 25 Knockouts. Jez Smith falls to 12-3-1, with 5 Knockouts.

 

 

In a battle for the European Featherweight championship, champion Andoni Gago and former European Jr. Featherweight champion Gavin McDonnell fought to a five round technical draw. A contrast in style with the shorter pressure fighter Gago trying to get inside the taller and longer McDonnell, Gago appeared to open a cut over the right eye of McDonnell with a left hook early in round one. Gago’s pressure led to more openings and even though McDonnell tried to keep the champion at distance he had increased difficulty as the fight progressed. The cut also gradually worsened and ultimately caused a stoppage of the shortly after the start of round five. What appeared to be a clear stoppage victory in favor of Gago turned into a technical decision as it was ruled that the cut McDonnell suffered in round one was caused by an accidental clash of heads. 

 

Although one official judge had scored every round in favor of McDonnell 50-46, the two other official judges scored the fight identically 48-48 resulting in a technical draw. Andoni Gago advances to 24-3-4, with 7 Knockouts. Gavin McDonnell advances to 22-2-3, with 6 Knockouts.

 

Unbeaten Featherweight prospect Bernard Torres scored a second round stoppage of veteran Anuar Salas. An otherwise uneventful first round quickly changed when Torres connected with a beautiful left hand behind a right jab from the southpaw stance that dropped Salas. It appeared as though Salas may not have been able to beat the ten count, but he was able to get up at the count of nine. Torres closed the show in round two dropping Salas with an overhand left along the ropes. Although Salas struggled to get up and was up by the count of eight, he was in no position to continue and the bout was stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 1:33 of round two. Bernard Torres advances to 14-0, with 6 Knockouts. Anuar Salas falls to 20-9-1, with 12 Knockouts.

 

 

Undefeated Jr. Welterweight Luke Willis scored a six round decision unanimous decision over veteran Ricardo Fernandez. Official scores were: 59-54, and 60-54 (On two scorecards) in favor of Willis. Luke Willis advances to 10-0, with 1 Knockout. Ricardo Fernandez falls to 9-6, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Unbeaten Women’s Welterweight prospect April Hunter began the evening by scoring a four round majority decision over Elsa Hemat. Official scores were: 38-38, and 39-37 (On two scorecards) in favor of Hunter. April Hunter advances to 3-0, with 0 Knockouts. Elsa Hemat falls to 1-4, with 0 Knockouts. 

 

While Sandor Martin has a Boxing style that may not be crowd pleasing, it is certainly effective as with his victory over Kay Prosper he has now successfully defended his European Jr. Welterweight championship twice and is currently on a nine bout winning streak. Although such statistics along with an awkward style does not always translate into world title contention, Martin could be in a position to challenge for a world championship within the next year if he continues to win.

 

“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

Triller Fight Club Debut Thoughts

 

The highly anticipated debut of Triller’s Fight Club series carried with it a sense of intrigue. Following the success of the company’s first foray into the sport of Boxing last November, which was headlined by the eight round exhibition between Mike Tyson and Roy Jones, the introduction of the Fight Club series as well as the company’s acquisition of digital combat sports and entertainment streaming network FITE TV were an indication that Triller was not interested in a one-off venture, but rather to enter Boxing in the promotional realm. This events also followed on the heels of the company acquiring the rights to promote the June 5^th Undisputed Lightweight world championship bout between undefeated champion Teofimo Lopez and unbeaten mandatory challenger George Kambosos.

 

Off those acquisitions and looking to build on what some might view as surprising success of their first event in Boxing last November, Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, played host to the debut of Triller’s Fight Club pay-per-view series on April 17^th that was streamed globally by FITE TV. The presentation of this Boxing card, which featured Jake Paul facing MMA veteran Ben Askren in the main event in a Cruiserweight bout, was not what one would expect of a normal Boxing broadcast as the event featured musical performances as well as a loose presentation by the broadcast team working the event that included veteran broadcasters Al Bernstein and Ray Flores. While the looseness included more than occasional explicit language as well as other elements seen on camera that might turn some Boxing purists off, this observer saw it as an attempt to mix Boxing and entertainment aspects into one hybrid. It should also not be overlooked that Triller has also succeeded in bringing mainstream attention to the sport.

 

While some may have expected a more standard Boxing presentation, I felt for the most part Triller succeeded in providing an entertaining evening of Boxing and music rolled into one package. In terms of what occurred in the ring that evening, it was also interesting. Along with the Paul-Askren bout, the card also featured two bouts that had similar interests. One of those bouts in the Heavyweight division saw former IBF Cruiserweight world champion Steve Cunningham scoring a six round unanimous decision over former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight world champion Frank Mir.

 

As we have seen before when boxers face MMA fighters in bouts contested under MMA rules, or when MMA fighters step into the Boxing ring, there can be a difference in experience and polish that more often than not favors the fighter who’s primary combat sports discipline is one where the bout is being fought. The forty-one year old Mir, who was making his professional Boxing debut in this bout had some sporadic success in being able to land punches on Cunningham, but Cunningham’s overall offensive output and skillset was the difference in an otherwise uneventful bout.

 

The second preliminary bout that took place on the card that could have some implications going forward took place in the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division between former WBA Jr. Welterweight world champion Regis Prograis and former United States Boxing Association (USBA) Lightweight champion Ivan Redkach. Prograis, who was in his second bout since losing his world title in a unification bout with Josh Taylor as part of the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) Jr. Welterweight tournament in October 2019, systematically broke the normally durable Redkach down with a body/head attack. It was this attack that floored Redkach in round six as a result of a clean body shot. Although video replays confirmed that the punch was legal, it was incorrectly ruled an accidental foul by Referee Jim Korb. Because of this ruling, the bout was stopped when Redkach, who would be removed from the ring on a stretcher could not continue.

 

Although Prograis, who had won every round on two official scorecards and was ahead five rounds to one on the third official scorecard, was declared winner by technical decision, the official result was changed in the days following the card by the Georgia State Athletic Commission (GSAC) to a sixth round technical knockout in favor of Prograis, effectively correcting the errant ruling initially made by Referee Jim Korb. With two victories under his belt since his loss to Taylor, Prograis should be in position to challenge for a world championship again in the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division or perhaps the 147lb. Welterweight division.

 

This brings us to the main event of the inaugural Triller Fight Club series where Jake Paul scored a first round knockout of Ben Askren in 1:59. A single yet perfectly timed right hand to the head floored Askren. Although Askren was able to get up, he was on unsteady legs and the bout was stopped by Referee Brian Stutts.

 

While this officially marked the third win in Paul’s Boxing career, he still faces much criticism as well as unanswered questions as none of the three victories have come against someone with Boxing experience. Paul himself has stated that he does take the sport seriously and that people should view him as a serious boxer. 

 

For now, this observer will give him the benefit of the doubt, but it is understandable how some might criticize the influx of Youtubers and other notables who have chosen to enter the sport simply because to date, none of these individuals have faced people with legitimate Boxing backgrounds in official bouts. One does however, need to keep in mind that individuals in Paul’s position, who are relatively new to Boxing do not acquire the experience of seasoned fighters overnight and if he is indeed serious about his commitment as a boxer, it will take time for him to develop. Such development however, needs to occur against fighters who have legitimate Boxing backgrounds and training.

 

While the subject of “Celebrity Boxing” has always been one that is viewed as tongue and cheek because some do not take it seriously, Boxing is a serious sport as well as a dangerous one. As someone who has seen more than one life unfortunately end as a result of injuries sustained in the Boxing ring, I hope anyone and everyone who thinks of getting into a ring treats the sport with the seriousness and respect that it deserves.

 

As for Triller, with two events successfully completed, we will see what is next for Boxing’s newest promotional entity. Although both the Tyson-Jones exhibition and debut of Triller’s Fight Club series are likely to be viewed as successful, much like the influx of new entrants into the Boxing ring, Triller might be tasked with trying to figure out what they want to be. Whether they want to be regarded as a player in the Boxing promotional space where the aim is always to try to put on the best/most competitive fights possible featuring the biggest stars in the sport, or if it will be more of a stage where influencers from other realms can test the waters to see if Boxing is for them, while mixing music and entertainment into one package. 

 

With at least two more Triller Fight Club events planned in the coming months including the June 5^th Lopez-Kambosos Lightweight world championship bout, we may find out. For now, Triller has succeeded both in providing entertainment and drawing mainstream attention, whether that translates into something the Boxing enthusiast will embrace in time and more specifically be willing to support in the form of pay-per-view buys at high price points remains to be seen.

 

“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

 

 

 

 

 

 

HARPER AND CHOI MEET IN SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT UNIFICATION ON MAY 15 ON DAZN

 Press Release: April 20, 2021 By DAZN – Terri Harper will put her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles on the line against undefeated WBA World Champion Hyun-Mi Choi on a huge night of action at the AO Arena, Manchester on Saturday May 15 that also sees the return of rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi plus three European Title fights, live on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories and Sky Sports in the UK. 

Credit: DAZN 

 

Harper (11-0-1, 6 KOs) looked sensational as she stopped Norway's Katharina Thanderz in nine rounds to retain her WBC and IBO 130lbs crowns last time out in November at The SSE Arena, Wembley on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s win over Miriam Gutierrez. 

 

‘Belter’ clung onto her belts after a thrilling draw with Natasha Jonas at Matchroom Fight Camp back in August, but the 24-year-old produced a far more composed performance to ruthlessly halt her mandatory challenger Thanderz in just her 12^th fight. 

 

Choi (18-0-1, 4 KOs), the longest-reigning world ruler in women’s boxing, beat China’s Chunyan Xu on her professional debut in October 2008 to claim the vacant WBA Featherweight crown before making seven defences of her World Title in the following five years. 

 

The South Korean became a two-weight World Champion when she landed the WBA Super-Featherweight Title against Thailand’s Siriwan Thongmanit in May 2014, and most recently defended it against Calista Silgado on her Matchroom debut at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

 

“It’s exciting that our dream of becoming Undisputed Super-Featherweight World Champion is taking a step closer to reality with my first unification fight,” said Harper. “I’m looking forward to the step-up and fighting an undefeated champion.

 

“Choi is the longest-reigning female World Champion and it will be an honour to share the ring with her. I’m more than ready. I’ve been training for this fight since the new year, even with my broken hand. I don’t just want to win; I want to win in style and make a statement.”

 

"I have waited a very long time for the opportunity to fight for the WBC belt," said Choi. "I am so excited and looking forward to it. My goal has been to unify my weight division for many years and now the time has finally come.

 

"I know this fight in England will not be easy. Fighting in another country is extremely difficult but I am prepared for this adventure and challenge. I truly hope the best fighter will win. I have prepared for this opportunity my whole boxing career."

 

Croydon’s Buatsi (13-0, 11 KOs) came through the toughest test of his career as he stopped brave Croatian Marko Calic in seven brutal rounds to retain his WBA International Light-Heavyweight Title in the main event at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes last October.

 

The 28-year-old has since switched trainers and will now be guided by Virgil Hunter in San Francisco, the renowned coach who oversaw Andre Ward’s legendary career that ended with a perfect 32-0 record and World Titles in two divisions. 

 

Undefeated Super-Middleweight talent Lerrone Richards (14-0, 3 KOs), the former British and Commonwealth Champion, steps up his pursuit for world honours as he takes on Italy’s Giovanni De Carolis (28-9-1, 13 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Title.

 

Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy (17-2, 18 KOs) captured the vacant EBU European Cruiserweight Title after a hard-fought majority decision victory over Bilal Laggoune – he makes the first defence of his belt against Romania’s Alexandru Jur (19-4, 7 KOs).

 

Birmingham’s Gamal Yafai (18-1, 10 KOs) puts his EBU European Super-Bantamweight Title on the line for the first time against Jason Cunningham (28-6, 6 KOs) after claiming it with an impressive unanimous decision victory over Italy’s Luca Rigoldi at the Allianz Cloud in Milan.

 

Fast-rising Super-Lightweight star Dalton Smith (7-0, 6 KOs) meets Doncaster’s Lee Appleyard (16-5-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant English Title after their February clash fell through at short notice due two positive COVID tests in Appleyard’s camp. 

 

"This is a cracking card and most likely our last in the U.K. behind closed doors," said Eddie Hearn. "As Terri Harper continues her quest for Undisputed, she takes on the unbeaten champ Hyun-Mi Choi in a brilliant unification match-up. Joshua Buatsi returns to action under new trainer Virgil Hunter and we have three European Title match ups with champions Tommy MCarthy and Gamal Yafai defending and Leronne Richards going for the Super-Middleweight Title. Electric prospect Dalton Smith also steps-up in a great fight vs. Lee Appleyard for the vacant English Title as he continues his charge."

 

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development for Sky Sports, said: “Terri Harper tops a superb night of action, live on Sky Sports, in a high-class unification clash with rival World Champion Hyun-Mi Choi.

 

“Terri is one of our leading women’s fighters – we’ve followed her journey closely – and now she aims to propel herself into elite company as a unified champion.

 

“Joshua Buatsi continues his explosive pursuit of a World Title fight and it will be fascinating to see the influence of America’s highly-regarded trainer, Virgil Hunter.

 

“Lerrone Richards, Tommy McCarthy and Gamal Yafai also return in a triple-header of European Title action, while Dalton Smith against Lee Appleyard should be an enthralling domestic clash.”

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

 

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Torres KO’s Contreras In 1: 3-2-1 Boxing Results From Corona, CA

 

Undefeated Jr. Welterweight prospect Rubin Torres scored a first round knockout of veteran Diego Contreras on Sunday night at Omega Products International in Corona, CA. In the main event of a three bout card, Torres scored a quick knockdown of Contreras with a short left hook to the head. While this looked like a flash knockdown to an outside observer, Torres sensed his opponent was hurt and after Contreras got up from the knockdown, he pressed forward for the finish and dropped Contreras for a second and final time with a barrage of punches highlighted by two left hooks to the body, which forced the fight to be stopped just sixty-four seconds into the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 1:04 of round one. Rubin Torres advances to 15-0, with 12 Knockouts. Diego Contreras falls to 11-4, with 5 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

Unbeaten Jr. Welterweight prospect Miguel Angel Madueno scored a first round knockout over Bergman Aguilar. Madueno, a native of Guasave, MX, who was making his United States debut was extremely aggressive from the outset and put Aguilar on the defensive immediately. Madueno’s pressure style eventually created an opening for a flush right hook to the solar plexus that sent Aguilar down in the closing seconds of round one where he was counted out by Referee Jack Reiss. Official time was 2:59 of round one. Miguel Angel Madueno advances to 24-0, with 22 Knockouts. Bergman Aguilar falls to 15-7-1, with 5 Knockouts.

 

In a Lightweight bout that began the evening, George Acosta scored a six round unanimous decision to earn the eleventh win of his career over thirty-four bout veteran Edgar Ramirez. It was a workmanlike performance for Acosta, who balanced his attack well to the body and head of Ramirez to earn a convincing decision victory. All three official judges scored every round for Acosta 60-54. George Acosta advances to 11-1, with 1 Knockout. Edgar Ramirez falls to 17-17-1, with 14 Knockouts.

 

This card, which was promoted by Ken Thompson’s Thompson Boxing Promotions as part of their growing 3-2-1 Boxing series streamed through the promoter’s YouTube channel and Facebook page provided a look at three prospects in Thompson Boxing’s stable. While those prospects George Acosta, Miguel Angel Madueno, and Rubin Torres faced what some could regard as limited opposition on this card, fights like this do serve a purpose as building blocks in the development of young fighters. Whether all three will be able to take the next steps in their respective development in future bouts remains to be seen.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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SOTO DEFENDS WORLD TITLE AGAINST TAKAYAMA ON MAY 8 ON ALVAREZ-SAUNDERS UNDERCARD

 

Press Release: April 18, 2021 By DAZN – Light-Flyweight champion leads Canelo vs. Saunders undercard Elwin Soto will defend his WBO World Light-Flyweight title against Katsunari Takayamaas the chief-support bout to the blockbuster Super-Middleweight unification clash between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders on May 8 at AT&T stadium in Arlington, TX, live worldwide on DAZN (except Mexico). 

Credit: DAZN 

 

  TICKETS ARE ON SALE AT SEATGEEK.COM

 

Soto (18-1 12 KOs) fights under the Matchroom banner for the first time on the show having penned a deal with Eddie Hearn last week. The Mexican makes the third defense of the crown he ripped from Angel Acosta in dramatic fashion with a final round KO win in California in June 2019 and has seen off the challenges of Edward Heno in October 2019 and Carlos Butrago last October.

 

The 24 year old now puts the crown on the line against the seasoned Japanese Takayama (32-8 12 KOs). The five-time Minimumweight champion made his return to professional action in December in Osaka, Japan having left the paid ranks as a World ruler in 2017 to aim for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo – and now the 37 year old has switched his focus to becoming a two-weight World champion.

 

There’s a stacked card under the two World title fights, led by Kieron Conway defending his WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title against Souleymane Cissokho.

 

Conway (16-1-1 3 KOs) picked up the title with an impressive win over Navid Mansouri at Matchroom’s Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex in August. Conway and Cissokho (12-0 8 KOs) were due to meet on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s win over Kubrat Pulev in London in December, but the bout had to be shelved, so Conway took his frustrations out on Macauley McGowan on that card instead, with a shut-out win over ten rounds.

 

French Olympian Cissokho shrugged off his pain at missing the original fight date on the undercard of his manager Joshua by recording his eighth KO win from 12 outings with a sixth round stoppage of Daniel Echeverria in Dallas in March, setting up a rescheduled clash with Conway that is full of intrigue and importance for their respective careers.

 

Frank Sanchez (17-0 13 KOs) let his hands go for a seventh round KO win over Julian Fernandez on the undercard of Alvarez’s win over Callum Smith in San Antonio, Texas in December, and the big Cuban Heavyweight will be looking to repeat that feat against Nagy Aguilera (21-10 14 KOs).

 

Sanchez is ranked at a lofty #6 with the WBO, and the 28 year old Eddy Reynoso charge will be plotting a route to the crunch clashes with his fellow big-hitters, but Aguilera will be planning to give him a tough night and the 34 year old comes into the bout on the back of a 21^st career win in November.

 

Mexican-American talent Marc Castro (2-0 2 KOs) makes it three Canelo undercard appearances from three since making his pro debut on the Canelo-Smith card in Texas. The stellar amateur recorded a third round stoppage that night and followed that with a second round KO in Miami on the Canelo-Yildirim bill – the 21 year old will be looking to shine on the biggest stage once again over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.

 

Castro’s old amateur foe Keyshawn Davis (2-0 2 KOs) made his debut at the Hard Rock Stadium and he appears alongside Castro once again in his third pro outing. The Virginia starlet grabbed a second round win that night over Lester Brown and followed that by forcing Richman Ashelley to retire after four rounds of their battle in Dubai earlier this month, and Davis will face Jose Antonio Meza (6-4 1 KO) over six rounds. It’s a family affair on the night with Keyshawn’s brother Kelvin Davis (1-0 1 KO) fights for the second time in the paid ranks after a second round KO win on his debut in December in Los Angeles, taking on Jan Marsalek (8-2 7 KOs) over six rounds.

 

Rounding off the undercard, Mexican Welterweight Christian Alan Gomez Duran (19-2-1 17 KOs) is on another Canelo undercard after stopping Angel Hernandez in three rounds in San Antonio in December, and he’ll celebrate Cinco De Mayo weekend over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.

 

“It’s a stacked night of action at the home of the Dallas Cowboys on Cinco De Mayo weekend,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Elwin Soto is a great addition to our stable and the Mexican World champion will want to dazzle on the biggest stage against the experienced Takayama.

 

“The clash between Kieron and Souleymane is a cracker, and I am thrilled for both of them that they get to perform on this stage – there will be some spice there after it was postponed in December and now, they get their hands on each other in Texas.

 

“Frank always brings the heat and he’ll be eyeing a showstopping KO, and again, Marc and Keyshawn get to shine under the brightest lights – it’s going to be a spectacular night of action, leading to the big one between Canelo and Billy Joe.”

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

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