LOS ANGELES (October 24, 2016) - Former Two-Division World Champion and Future Hall of FamerBernard "The Executioner" Hopkins(55-7-2, 32 KOs) and Light Heavyweight Contender Joe Smith Jr. (22-1, 18 KOs) today hosted a Los Angeles press conference to discuss their 12-round battle set for December 17 at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. and to be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®. Also, in attendance for this press conference was Los Angeles-based undefeated Vyacheslav "Lionheart Chingonskyy" Shabranskyy (17-0, 14 KOs) as he takes on Cuban standout Sullivan Barrera (17-1, 12 KOs) for a 10-round bout for Shabranskyy's WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight title on HBO Latino® Boxing on Friday, December 16 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Also rounding out the HBO Latino® Boxing card, was Former WBC Silver featherweight titlist Ronny Rios (26-1, 11 KOs) against Roy "Pitbull" Tapia (12-1-2, 6 KOs).

Below is what the fighters, their trainers, managers and promoter had to say at today's press conference:

BERNARD HOPKINS, Former Two-Division World Champion and Future Hall of Famer:

"This is history, we have been here many times where history has been made. This is obviously different than everything I have ever done, because it is the Final 1. To be able to have the Final 1 in LA, where the city of stars are trying to be stars, however you cut it, it couldn't have been better with the history placed in the DNA that the Forum has produced.

"It is fitting that the end of a twenty-nine year career, since 1988 is in a historic place at the Forum in Inglewood, CA. This is something that came as an opportunity to be here. I couldn't tell you that it would be in this arena-it just happened, and here I am against an incredible opponent.

"I don't want anyone to say Joe Smith Jr. gave me anything-give me an opportunity and give me a door and I'll open it myself. I don't' have to convince anyone of anything. This is not emotional. What I am going to do is show you why I have been named three different names in boxing from "The Executioner" to "B-Hop" to "The Alien" they all exist in me.

"On December 17th you will see "The Executioner," it will all come full circle. This press conference is just a warm up. Win, lose or draw, there is no excuse-Final 1."

JOE SMITH JR., Light Heavyweight Contender:

"I'm so glad I was chosen to fight Bernard Hopkins in his final fight on December 17th at the Forum. I'm going to train very hard for this fight and take full advantage of it. I'm looking forward to putting on a great show for everyone."

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

"As you know, we are calling this the "Final 1," and Bernard has expressed this is the final one. We are really excited to be putting together this card. We want to thank HBO for putting this card together.

"December 17th will be historical. I want to say coming out party, but it will be the last hoorah, as a champion goes out in his terms, in his way. Only legends can do that and superstars who transcend the sport.

"What excited me about this fight is that Bernard is not fighting someone who is a walk in the park, he is fighting a difficult fight, and this gentleman has every opportunity in the book to win and win a world title. This is Hopkins, this is who Hopkins chose. Joe Smith Jr. has an amazing record and an outstanding knockout percentage that is unheard of in his division.

"Hopkins will be an athlete that will transcend the sport, not just for what he has accomplished in the ring, but for outside of it, and that is huge. I am very excited and happy that this fight will be taking place in an arena where I began my professional career. It is an honor for me and thank you for giving Los Angeles and Angelenos an opportunity to watch this fight.

"Leading up to the event, we have some great events coming up. The annual Oscar De La Hoya Foundation Toy Giveaway will be taking place the day of the fight. We want to get the community involved, not only because yours truly is from here and I began my career here-but because we are celebrating a legend, such as Bernard in a way he should be honored.

"Part of the festivities leading up to the December 17th fight will be a card on December 16th on HBO Latino at one of the best casinos in California, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino,

"At Golden Boy, we are very proud to grow our young fighters. Rios vs. Tapia wasn't an easy fight to make, because we have developed these fighters, but you have to make great fights for the fans and this will be an exciting fight to watch

"On December 16th, I think it is best to promote one of the best divisions in boxing today, the middleweight division. I acknowledge Jason Quigley, who is here today as an undefeated middleweight fighter.

"The main event fight on December 16th has a potential to be a Fight of the Year candidate, in a very hot division-light heavyweight division. Ever since I saw Shabranskyy, who I nicknamed 'Chingonskyy' I have seen something in him, with his finesse in the ring. He is a very special fighter and he is facing an experienced, durable fighter in Sullivan Barrera.

"Thank you to our sponsor, Tecate. I am proud to announce that Tecate will be sponsoring boxing in a whole new way in 2017, everyone will be blown away by how they will bring boxing to the next level.

"What makes Bernard Hopkins is that he doesn't stop, he keeps going and surprises people. He would continue until he was 60 if he could, that's what a legend is, he takes care of himself and keeps going.

JOE DEGUARDIA, President and CEO of Star Boxing:

"It is certainly great to be here in LA at the Forum where so much history has been made. This fight was really easy to male, and that is a testament to Bernard Hopkins, because most fighters would shy away from a puncher like Joe Smith Jr. It is an honor and I thank Bernard and Oscar for taking this fight."

TONY WALKER, Director of HBO Sports:

"December 17th is our last broadcast of the year, and it is very special because it is the last time we will see Bernard Hopkins in the ring. This fight will be Bernard's twenty-third fight on HBO, tying him with Lennox Lewis in appearances. Hopkins will join all of the boxing greats you can name. His traits of tenacity and endurance have been with him and we are going to celebrate Bernard with this Final 1 fight."

JOSE "PEPE" SULAIMAN, JR., CEO of the WBC's Los Angeles Office:

"With greatness comes great responsibility, Bernard Hopkins has taken this to very high levels. He is an ambassador for peace, and is an example in and outside the ring. He has a wonderful relationship with the WBC, and was a very great friend to my father.

"At the WBC, we are very proud to be a part of this fight. This is not another fight, this is not a farewell fight, this a real fight. We are very enthusiastic to be a part of this. Great champions fight great fights and great fighters. There will be two belts. One for the winner and one to celebrate a great champion."

ANDY FOSTER, Executive Director of the California State Athletic Commission:

"One thing I can tell you, the California Commission does not care who wins, we want both fighters to go home safe. We look forward to a safe and successful event."

NICK SPAMPANATO, Senior Vice President West Coast and General Manager of the Forum and MSG:

"The people up here are the best in the business. At The Forum, we are extremely excited to host this fight and have the historic Forum be the host. December 17th will be a great night of fights and we look forward to seeing everyone there."

CHRIS LAVOIE, Public Relations Manager of Fantasy Springs Resort Casino:

"Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is proud to be hosting a great weekend in boxing, it will be broadcast live on HBO Latino. We are proud of our longtime relationship with Oscar and Golden Boy Promotions. Golden Boy boxing brings about ten to twelve shows a year to Fantasy Springs and Shabranskyy vs. Barrera will be an exciting fight on December 16th."
VYACHESLAV SHABRANSKYY, WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight Champion:

"My next fight is December 16th on HBO Latino, and I am very excited to fight. This is a good opportunity for me and for the fans to witness a great fight. I will be ready"
RONNY RIOS, Former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion:

"First and foremost, thank you to HBO and Golden Boy for this great opportunity. December 16th and 17th will be a great night for boxing, as a legend says good bye to the sport. I never underestimate any opponent or fight, so Roy let's put on a great show for everyone to see why Golden Boy is the best promoter in the sport."
ROY TAPIA, Featherweight Prospect:

"What can I say, December 16th will be a great fight. I want to thank my manager and Golden Boy. It has been anything but a smooth path to get here, but on December 16th you will see who I am and what I can do. Like Bernard Hopkins just said up here, give me a door and I will knock it down."

Hopkins vs. Smith is a 12-round light heavyweight battle presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will be televised live on HBO's flagship series beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

MONTREAL (October 22, 2016)-In an all-out slugfest, hard-hitting Middleweight contender David Lemieux (36-3, 32 KOs) delivered a solid victory in front of his hometown crowd in Montreal, earning a unanimous 10-round decision over, Argentinian fighter Christian Fabian Rios (21-8-3, 6 KOs)

"With this win, David Lemieux has once again demonstrated himself to be a dynamic and resilient fighter," said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "This additional victory will open new doors for Lemieux, and we can't wait to see what the next chapter in his boxing career will bring."

In the opening bout at the Bell Center, rising Super Middleweight prospect D'mitrius Ballard (15-0, 11 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact, dominating Gergo Harvath (9-2-1, 5 KOs) throughout the early moments of the fight. In the second round, the Maryland-born Ballard knocked Harvath down three times before the referee waved off the fight.

Juan Francisco Estrada was in a full workout Saturday night as Filipino boxer Raymund Tabugon fight it out till the final bell of their 10-round non-title fight at Estrada's home turf at the Estadio Francisco León García, in Sonora, Mexico.

The 26 years old Mexican showed no problem or whatsoever with his right hand that underwent an operation. Estrada's right hand was injured during his fight against Hernan Marquez last year.

Estrada was sidelined for more than one year before his fight with Tabugon Saturday night. But he showed no ring-rust dominating the 25 years old from General Santos City, Philippines.

The official scores were 100-90 on all three judges' scorecards in favor of Estrada.

With the win, Estrada could be facing the pound-for-pound best fighter in boxing today Nicaragua's Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez in a rematch.

Philippine boxing observers praised Tabugon's gallant performance against the massive favorite and experienced Estrada.

"Tabugon's consolation was his gallant effort against the much experienced more durable Mexican," writes Maloney L. Samaco of Philboxing.com.

General Santos City's Raymond Tabugon (18-5-1, 8KOs) will face Sonora Mexico's Juan Francisco Estrada for a 10-round non-title match at the Estadio Francisco León García, in Sonora, Mexico on Saturday night.

Tabugon traveled to Mexico for the second time hoping for a win this time after being knocked out in the fifth round against  Juan Hernandez Navarrete during his 2015 trip to Mexico. A fight with Estrada is a huge step-up in competition for Tabugon. He's the obvious underdog against the experienced and former flyweight champion Estrada.

Estrada (33-2, 24KO’s) resume includes notable wins against top boxers like Brian Viloria, Milan Melindo, Giovani Segura, and Hernan Marquez. He also once faced but lost to the number one pound-for-pound boxer Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez of Nicaragua.

Sanman Promotions CEO Jim Claude ‘JC’ Manangquil who handled Tabugon said that he "expects Tabugon to fight hard like he always does."

Although Estrada has the experience and crowd on his side, for sure he'll be experiencing some ring rust as he was sidelined for almost 13 months because of an injury to his right hand. He got the injury during his fight against fellow Mexican Tyson Marquez. Estrada needed an operation and it remains to be seen tonight how good his right hand.

LOS ANGELES (October 7, 2016) - All eyes were glued to the ring during tonight's
sold out LA FIGHT CLUB performances at the Belasco Theater as Diego Magdaleno left victorious against Art Hovanissyan via unanimous decision victory. Special guests for the night included Golden Boy Promotions' Partner and Future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, Playboy Playmate of the Year Eugena Washington, WBA-NABA super featherweight Champion Carlos "The Solution" Morales, Jason "El Animal" Quigley,
Jesus "Renuente" Soto Karass, Ivan "Striker" Delgado, Tenochtitlan "T-Dog" Nava, Rafael "El Aiklin" Gramajo, Emilio Sanchez, Pablo "The Shark" Rubio Jr, Luis Coria, Oscar Duarte, and Roy "Pitbull" Tapia.

The main event of the night left the fight fans on the edge of their seats, as Glendale native Art Hovhannisyan (17-3-3, 9 KOs) battled against former WBO International lightweight title holder Diego Magdaleno (29-2, 12 KOs) in a complete slugfest. The bout showcased both of the fighter's relentlessness in the ring, as both exchanged a series of punches from start to finish. During the fourth round, Magdaleno received a head butt, resulting in a cut over his eye, but that didn't stop him from winning the fight via unanimous decision with the judges all scoring it 99-91.

"Entering the ring, every boxer has a chance to get the knockout-and that's what I came for. However, I'm satisfied with the unanimous decision that I received tonight," said Magdaleno. "Hovhannisyan was a tough opponent, but I was able to outbox him. The energy at LA FIGHT CLUB was one I have never seen before, and that definitely propelled me to put my all in to this fight, especially after taking a year off. I'm more ready than ever, and I'm looking forward to the new opportunities after winning this fight."

"I knew what to expect from my opponent, but I feel like I didn't fight as well as I should have. However, I did fight with my whole heart," said Hovhannisyan. "Going forward, I'll be looking over the tape with my coach to go over my mistakes and what I should work on. I want to thank Golden Boy for tonight's event and this opportunity. The next steps are getting rest and healing my hand which was hurt in the fight."

The evening's co-main event broadcast on the Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar featured tough Philadelphia fighter Damon "No Smiling'" Allen Jr. (11-0-1, 4 KOs) facing experienced Mexican fighter Luis Arceo (28-15-5, 18 KOs) in a fight going the distance. Throughout the bout, each fighter attempted to gain the upper hand going up against one another with exchanges of hits and blocks-resulting in a draw with all three judges scoring it 76-76.

"I knew it was going to be a tough fight because Arceo had a ton of experience under his belt," spoke Damon Allen. "I made the fight harder than it had to be. It was a learning experience, and we are definitely going back to the drawing board after this. I want a rematch."

"I honestly feel like I was robbed," said Luis Arceo. "Each time I would unleash my punches, he would run away. I was the tougher fighter, and I am glad that the judges saw that. I entered the ring as the underdog, and with this draw I feel like I was vindicated."

Opening the Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar telecast, Maricela "La Diva" Cornejo (4-2, 2 KOs) battled against Eliza Olson (9-6-3, 2 KOs) in a scheduled six round super middleweight fight. As the second female fight ever to take place at the Belasco Theater's LA FIGHT CLUB, both female fighters brought their A-game as they exchanged hits and blocks in a bout resulting in Cornejo taking home a unanimous decision victory.

"I used my jab, and kept my distance because Olson is known as an unpredictable fighter," said Maricela Cornejo. "I wasn't pleased with the outcome-we all want to win via knock out-but I love the fact that I got to demonstrate good footwork and skills that will continue to empower women's boxing. I'm excited to be a part of LA FIGHT CLUB, and I know that I'll be back."

It was an all-out brawl as Joseph "Diamante" Aguirre (15-0, 9 KOs) won via knockout in the fifth round in a scheduled six-round super welterweight fight against Roberto Carlos "Magnifico" Rivera (6-3, 5 KOs). It was a bloody exchange, and in the second round, Rivera began bleeding through the nose due to the relentless jabs from Aguirre. Finally in the fifth round, Aguirre landed a powerful right hand body shot at 1:45 dropping Rivera to the mat.

"He had a tough punch, and his uppercuts were a wall that kept me from going in," said Aguirre after his knock-out win. "I wanted to finish him off earlier, and I knew that I had to work him by starting with the body and working myself up. It was a tough match, but I got the knock out for being the better fighter."

LA FIGHT CLUB fan favorite and Santa Monica local, David Mijares (4-0, 3 KOs) won in a four-round super lightweight match up against Tijuana's Jason Gavino (3-4, 2 KOs). Mijares entered the ring cautious, and after a couple of heated exchanges exerted his control of the ring. It was a cross-over body shot from Mijares that initially hurt Gavino, and finished off the job with three consecutive uppercuts that caused Gavino to go down during the first round at 2:42, landing Mijares the knock out.

"I knew entering the ring I had to take him seriously, especially after one of his jabs to my lead hand," said David Mijares. "I knew that my punch to the body had hurt him because I felt him shake. I am excited to go eat some food, and then hit the gym again to train."

Opening up the night, Mexico City's Marvin Cabrera (1-0, 1 KO) won his first fight in afour-round welterweight bout against Jose Caro (0-4) of Tuscon, AZ with a left hook to the face leaving Caro unstable and leading the referee to stop the fight at 1:17 within the first round, landing Cabrera the technical knockout of the fight.

"It feels great to get my first win here at the Belasco," spoke Cabrera. "I have made many sacrifices, especially leaving my entire family in Mexico, and this first win has proven it is worth it, and those sacrifices are paying off. It's only the beginning."

Callum Smith retained his undefeated record and improved to 21 wins against 16 stoppages, stopping Hungary's Norbert Nemesapati in round 7 of their super middleweight fight at the under-card of Golovkin-Brook middleweight match, Saturday night, at the O2 Arena, in London, England.

It looks like a very bright future ahead for Smith who maintained an unblemished record after 12 fights, winning all of them, 16 out of which were inside the distance. As per Boxrec.com, Smith has a date already against an opponent yet to be identified. The next fight is scheduled for 15th October at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, in Merseyside, England.

It was a one-sided bout all throughout as Nemesapati was outclassed by a much superior boxer Callum Smith.

Filipino boxer Jhonriel Casimero (23-3, 15 KO's) successfully defended his world flyweight title against the then-undefeated young challenger Charlie Edwards (8-1, 3 KO's) at the under-card of the much-anticipated middleweight clash between Gennady Golovkin and British welterweight titleholder Kell Brook at the O2 Arena, in London, England.

In Round 1, the challenger from Surrey started a very calm and composed game plan. Edwards used the entire ring with his brilliant footwork against the champion who wanted to build an impression early. Casimero started aggressively and landed a big right hand from over the top. His overhand right made it like three times, but most of his power shots missed.

In the succeeding two rounds, Edwards was able to evade the pressure of the incumbent titleholder with his footwork and jabs.

In Round 4,  a solid right uppercut from Ormoc, Philippines native staggered Edwards. Casimero tried to vary his shots as most of his left and right hooks were ducked low by the leaning forward challenger. So when he throws a left uppercut, it finds its home and staggered Edwards.

Meanwhile, Casimero's left eye was bleeding due to a cut caused by an accidental head clash.

In Round 6, Casimero landed body shots, but off the mark with his power shots while Edwards still got his ring movement. Looks like Casimero started to feel frustrated and he stepped up his offense that prompted Edwards to clinch.

In Round 7, Casimero on the attack, unleashing uppercuts that really hit the target as Edward was leaning forward. But the young challenger took all the shots and showed toughness.

In Round 8, Casimero started strong and wanted to finish the now seemed vulnerable challenger with pretty hard body shots. A big right hand from Casimero landed to the head of Edwards cleanly but absorbed it well. But of course, it took Edward's confidence. Edwards looked to be in the survival mood, just moving around and throwing his jab that did no significant damage to the Filipino champion.

In Round 9, painful body shots from Casimero landed at will and pinned Edwards to ropes. This forced Edwards to held Casimero. This time also, Casimero threw more left hooks as the challenger has been moving to his right more often to escape pressure.

In Round 10, Edwards was re-invigorated and seemed to have a pair of fresh legs, actively moving to his left and right. But a well-timed counter left hook from Casimero caught Edwards that sent him down to the floor at the 1:25 mark. Edwards was able to continue after the mandatory count from the referee. But Casimero, a tremendous finisher unloaded several unanswered shots to an almost defenseless challenger. The referee rightfully stopped the fight to avoid more punishment for the young challenger.

Martin Joseph Ward (15-0-2, 8 KO's) captured the vacant British super featherweight title putting on a master class performance against Andy Townend (16-4, 11 KO's) on Saturday night at the under-card of Gennady Golovkin-Kell Brook middleweight clash at the O2 Arena in London.

From the get-go, Ward showed superior accuracy as he tagged Townend with counter-right shots to the head and body. He was able to beat the "KO Kid" to punch. And in fact, in round 6, Ward was unloading tons of heavy shots that almost opted the referee to stop the contest. However, Townend managed to finish the round.

The referee gave Townend a chance by allowing him to continue for another round. But there's nothing significant Townend showed during the seventh round. Maybe just enough to finish the round. In the eighth, Ward stepped up his offense and unloaded several unanswered shots that prompted the referee to stop the contest.

Jerwin Ancajas is the newest boxing champion from the Philippines handing McJoe Arroyo the first defeat of his career via a wide unanimous decision from two judges; 118-109 and 117-110 but close from the other judge; 115-112.

Ancajas (25-1-1, 16 KOs) will take a small share of the price to face McJoe Arroyo (17-1, 8 KOs) for the sake of having a shot of the world title. He will receive a little over 10 percent share of the $25,000.

Ancajas said that money is not important. What's important to him is the championship, and he did win it tonight in front of his home crowd at the Jurado Hall of the Philippine Marine Corp, Barangay Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, in Manila.

The first five rounds were very competitive. But the 6th round was huge for Ancajas. Arroyo was stunned and went down but no knockdown was called by the referee.

Towards the end of round 7, Ancajas hurt Arroyo with a body shot. In round 8, a one-two combination to the body momentarily froze Arroyo. Ancajas followed up to the head that sent Arroyo out from the ring. Arroyo managed to get back inside the ring and the referee took the mandatory count. Arroyo continued but barely survive and was saved by the bell.

In round 9, Arroyo tried to mount a comeback, but Ancajas was able to sustain and connected even more. Ancajas' body punches were very effective.

With the win, Ancajas joins Jhonriel Casimero and Donnie Nietes to the ranks of Filipino world boxing champions.

Ancajas was able to avenge also the loss of then-undefeated compatriot Arthur Villanueva whom Arroyo defeated in 2015 in the US.

 

The Pacquiao-Bradley III promotion revolved around the idea that this would be the last fight of the great Manny Pacquiao.

Well, the fight itself wasn't the craving of boxing fans to happen. They wanted Pacquiao to fight the young up and comer in the 140 to the 147-pound division. These include Terrence Crawford, Keith Thurman, Jessie Vargas, and even Adrien Broner.

It was actually a useless rubber match. Pacquiao had nothing to prove against Bradley. He beat the guy up twice, although on the paper it was actually even at that time. Bradley won the first bout in a controversial decision. Pacquiao clearly beat Bradley in the rematch. But according to his promoter, Bob Arum, it's the best option Pacquiao had at that time -- business-wise.

The promotion believed the fight will sell by pushing that this will be the final fight of Pacquiao. Who would of course miss the final fight of one of the greatest boxing in this generation? There's an upcoming Philippine election also during that time, wherein Pacquiao planned to run as a senator. Pacquiao said that he will retire if he will win and focus on his job as a senator. He eventually won last May 2016 as one of the senators of the Philippine Republic. While as a congressman prior to being elected as senator, Pacquiao was heavily criticized at home for so many absences in congress.

I voted Manny Pacquiao for senator. Thinking that he will retire in boxing if he won the May election in the Philippines. He won. But the retirement was short-lived. Pacquiao reportedly taking on Jessie Vargas next. I said what? Manny really wanted to be called the "first in everything". The "first fighting congressman," the "first fighting senator," and who knows the "first fighting president." Such a fate! But isn't it ridiculous?

There's no question that Pacquiao is a generous man.

He wanted to help his countrymen. I voted for him because I wanted him to continue his service to the country. If he retired and had no tools to continue to help the people, then it's hard. He can't give his own personal resources all the time while retired in boxing. Boxing is his major source of income. Being a senator, he can continue to help and serve his people.

Well the millions of Filipinos that voted for him might be thinking the same, that's why he won the elections. But yet he un-retires! I don't know for what reasons why he wants to fight again?

Let me speculate, maybe because his entire boxing team is still intact, and he needs to finance their payroll? It's outright corruption if he funds the salaries of the entire boxing team from his senate funds. Mr. Duterte will not be happy. Well, sounds unfair for the Pacman if this is one of the reasons to fight again. I hope not. My unsolicited advice is that: he better streamlines his boxing team and terminates unnecessary services, and focuses on his team in the senate.

Deontay Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) remained undefeated stopping Chris Arreola (36-5-1, 31 KOs) on Saturday at the Legacy Arena, Birmingham, in Alabama.

Wilder dropped Arreola in the 4th round with series of unanswered combinations. Prior to that, Wilder had a good time entertaining the crowd by circling his hip while Arreola punching the side of his body. Wilder then created a space between them and landed a crisp uppercut.

With the win, Wilder called out the Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua for a unification bout.

"Of course I want the Furys, of course I want the Joshuas, but the question is, do they want me? My goal is to unify the division. I'm one of the baddest, hardest-hitting heavyweights in the business, so whoever's got those belts, that's who I want," said Wilder.

On an ecstatic Saturday night, few days removed from the 4th July celebration, the Filipino-American crowd at the San Mateo Event Center in California was silenced by a thundering punch combination from tough and rugged Mexican Cezar Juarez that sent "Prince" Albert Pagara down to the canvas for good. A painful first career loss of a promising Filipino prospect is often tagged as the next big thing in Philippine boxing.

Pagara (26-1, 18 KOs) was in control early in the fight. He scored the first knockdown of the fight in the very first round. Pagara landed a counter left hook that betrayed Juarez his knees.

But I know Juarez very well. He will get up.

Juarez (18-5, 14 KOs) found notoriety when got up several times from the floor and mounted a spirited rally in the second half of the fight against Fil-Am Nonito Donaire when they fought in Puerto Rico. Donaire survived Juarez's rally and won on three scorecards.

The knockdown boasted Pagara's confidence. But Pagara went to the neutral corner obviously aware of how tough Juarez is, and expecting Juarez to continue. As expected, Juarez got up and ready to continue but the bell sounded signaling the end of the first round.

In the second round, Pagara is still in control. He landed clear counters, as Juarez continued pressing forward.

In the succeeding rounds, Juarez was able to pin Pagara to the ropes and landed power shots to Pagara's head and body. Although Pagara connected a few good counters too, those counters didn't have enough power to deterred Juarez's attacks. It seemed Juarez's body punches took the steam out from Pagara's punches.

In the 7th round, Juarez mounted an all-out attack that pinned Pagara to the corner. Juarez poured power shots that Pagara tried to block but few landed. Pagara managed to escape from the corner to his left, but he was caught with a solid punch escaping out. He was stunned!

He was cornered again to the ropes and fighting using the famed rope-a-dope technique, but obviously, he didn't have enough toughness to withstand more power shots from Juarez. He managed to escape again and landed few counters that momentarily stopped Juarez on his track. But Juarez came back strong and finished the round having Pagara again pinned to the ropes, landing power shots.

In the eighth round, Juarez came out smoking. Pagara, obviously, still trying to recover from the rough seventh round, was greeted by a combination of power shots that sent Pagara crashing to the floor. He tried to get up, but he was not able to make it.

A gruesome scene followed. Pagara was taken out of the ring through a stretcher and was sent to a nearby hospital. He was later cleared from any life-threatening injuries. But Pagara was advised to take a two-month break from boxing.

“Naunahan lang po ako! (He just got me first.)”, said Pagara of his 8th round knockout defeat against Juarez.

One thing I noticed on Pagara throughout the course of the fight. He was actually battling distraction throughout the fight. I noticed from Round 1 that he kept on clearing his hair with his right hand. The Justin Bieber-inspired haircut didn't do good on Pagara while battling the toughest opponent of his career. His hair draped down to his eyes distracting his focus. Instead of finding an opportunity to land a counter right hand--instead, he's using the right hand to clear his hair that obstructed his vision.

A loss may not define a boxing career. But on how a devastating first loss is being taken. If the young Pagara takes it positively and moves on from there. I'm sure he'll come back stronger and better than his last win.

Juarez, on the other hand, could be well in place to secure a rematch with Donaire. Donaire was also at ringside serving as a commentator for Philippine broadcast media.

Dodong Donaire, father, and trainer of Nonito told Boxingscene.com that ABS-CBN is willing to broadcast a rematch between Donaire and Juarez.

World flyweight titlist Jhon Riel Casimero (22-3, 14 KOs) will face decorated amateur and English flyweight champion Charlie Edwards (7-0, 3 KOs) for Casimero's flyweight title at the O2 Arena (Millenium Dome), in London.

In a Twitter post, promoter Eddie Hearn announced the fight on Monday. The fight will be on Sept. 10.

Casimero regained his title back from Thailand's Amnat Ruenroeng in a rematch last May. He lost to Ruenroeng in an ugly first bout.

Meanwhile, Edwards' undefeated in seven pro-bouts. He was also a former European bronze medalist. Prior to the Casimero fight, Edwards will have to get past one scheduled fight against an opponent yet to be identified. The scheduled fight will happen on Saturday at the Max Schmeling Halle, Prenzlauer Berg, in Berlin.

Keith Thurman vs Shawn Porter Full Fight Boxing... by usamasterman

You know what? Blogging boxing at times can be very tough. I mean you should take a considerable amount of time dedicated to update, read and watch fights. Well, watching would be the easy thing to do as this is what I like. I like to watch boxing matches. I'm a lifelong boxing fan. But, of course, putting your two cents into writing is the tough part. Well to be honest, the toughest actually is to keep this blog with up-to-date content. That's why if you are a boxing fan and you wanted to say something about anything boxing. Shoot me an email at rey.tecson@theboxingdiary.com I'll have it published here.

Well, last week, I wasn't able to post any fight recaps. But it doesn't mean though that there were no significant fights last week. Last week, instead, there were good quality fights. Just like the above bout between Keith Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) and Shawn Porter (26-2-1, 16 KOs) fight last Saturday night on PBConCBS at the Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, New York. But because of those things that I've been going through with life nowadays; tough time at day job, family and relationships, you know, just at times too harsh to juggle.

Anyway whatever it was, it will never rocked my love of the sport of boxing. I mean, this sport really just ran through my veins like blood. I may die without it.

Enough with the dramatic intro. Well, the above fight was really one of the best match-ups in boxing I've seen. Thurman-Porter was not just relentless action throughout the whole 36-minute slug-fest. The bout showed interesting style match-up and ring IQ. Although style makes fights, and the one that would tweak his style keeping in mind finding way to eke out game plan to edge the style presented by the opponent.

With the above said, that's why Thurman won upon the eyes of the three judges at ringside who scored it 115-113 across the board. And I agree with the verdict. I have it too close but of course Thurman winning. Thurman was able to find a way in every engagement with Porter to land effective clean counters. Thurman was able to tweak his style. He thought of defense first, because he knows that the style of Porter will initiate and engage in exchanging leather from start to end.

Porter on the other hand really stuck to his style, which is all out aggression using his physical strength. Although at times he was successful especially when he was able to plant his head on the chest of Thurman, and pinned Thurman to the ropes. And then firing combinations with all his might. But most of the time the aggression were not enough to warrant an effective aggression to win rounds in those close competitive stanzas.

Thurman was able to smothered some of those punches, ducked and come back with left and right counter hooks upstairs -- few of them rocked Porter and momentarily stopped from his track.

As a boxing fan, I can say that: I'm, at times, at the edge of my couch watching the fight. Many already considered the bout a strong "Fight of the Year" contender. Well, it should be considered. The fight never lack the action a fight fan would love to see. But of course we love knockdowns or knockouts. The absence of  KO and KDs of the Thurman-Porter fight will not drop from being considered as serious contender for this year's Fight of the Year honors.

But hey! If I will watch side-by-side the Thurman-Porter fight with the Magsayo-Avalos fight last April---of course I'll be incline to give the Magsayo-Avalos fight of the year trophy. Magsayo and Avalos exchanged knockdowns. Both in the verge to be taken out by each other. Whewww!

Well, the Thurman-Porter fight really had an impressive viewership on free-TV on PBConCBS Saturday night.

It will be a challenge to boxing promoter out there to produce fights like this quality to happen. I really hate marinating match-ups. It is not necessary really to build superstars. All boxing fans need is quality fights with regards to action and fireworks inside the ring. Maybe we can lure fans to watch a well-hyped and marinated bout. But end of the day if it will not deliver the qualities of a good fight, well there will be repercussions. Mayweather-Pacquiao really did not worth more than a decade of marination. Oppps! I should have moved on from this. Like a lover boy left behind by his girl for already more than a year now. Time will heal. But oh still thinking of the $99.

The GGG-Canelo should be made. But anyway if the marination process would involve GGG versus Chris Eubank Jr. then so be it. So Tom Loeffler, start putting on soy sauce to the marination process because for sure Eubank Jr. is the chili that will really add the spice of the marination. Just make sure it will not end up Canelo-Eubank in the end.

Joe Smith Jr. impresses in the home crowd of massive favorite Andrzej Fonfara scoring a huge upset in the very first round.

Part time construction worker, Joe Smith Jr. (22-1, 18 KOs) scored a counter overhand right when Andrzej Fonfara (28-4, 16 KOs) was on offensive, and Smith ultimately stopped the crowd favorite Fonfara of their light heavyweight title on PBC on NBC UIC Pavilion, Chicago, in Illinois.

Smith's overhand right landed clean on the chin and sent Fonfara hard to the floor. Fonfara was obviously hurt and looked shock by the power of Smith.

Smith Jr, 26, an excellent finisher, waited nothing and immediately jumped to finished the work at hand. He unleashed power shots that sent again Fonfara hard to the floor in the corner of the ring. Referee Hector Afu waived off the fight as he saw Fonfara not in the position to continue.

The official time of the stoppage 2:32 in Round 1.

Smith Jr. said after the fight that he hopes to be a full time boxer now. Smith said that he work also as a construction worker. He planned to take several days off have some barbecue and get back to training preparing for expected bigger fights ahead of his massive upset on Fonfara.

In the previous fight Fonfara set the record for the number of punches thrown at the 175-pound division. Fonfara threw more than 1,400 punches in his previous fight against Nathan Cleverly of which he won by decision.

Tonight, Fonfara thrown 56 punches and landed 21, while Smith thrown 67 and landed 22.

Erickson Lubin (16-0, 12 KOs) knocks out Daniel Sandoval (38-4, 35 KOs) in Round 3, Saturday at the UIC Pavilion, Chicago, in Illinois on PBC on NBC.

Lubin was able to overwhelm Sandoval with a barrage of hammers towards the ropes.

Sandoval looked hurt but still on his feet as he absorbed combinations from Lubin. Referee Mark Nelson had seen enough and jumped in to save Sandoval for more hammers from Lubin who's still there to unload more.

The official time of the stoppage was 2:37 in Round 3.

It's not always about Saul Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin. Well, there's even bigger! The much-anticipated fight between both undefeated fighters Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev is set for November 19, 2016, at the T-Mobile Arena.

"The Kovalev-Ward fight, which was signed long ago but is contingent on each remaining undefeated through interim bouts, will take place Nov. 19 (HBO PPV) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas," per Dan Rafael of ESPN.com

This is by far the biggest fight of both fighters who were listed inside the top 10 on anyone's pound-pound list. Ward is undefeated in 29 bouts, 15 wins inside the distance, while Kovalev is undefeated with 29 wins,  a draw, but with a mind-boggling 26 stoppages, that's 87 KO percentage.

Ward, 32, was the former middleweight champion and will move up to light heavyweight to fight Kovalev, 33, who held titles at the LH division.

Both men are expected to have one bout prior to their 19th Nov. fight. They have to win accordingly in order to make them happen and to make the fight even bigger. I hope there's no spoiler here. Kovalev is scheduled to face Isaac Chilemba on July 11, while Ward may fight on Aug. 6 in California.

Golden Boy Promotion got a "favorable" decision over All-Star Boxing with regards to contract issue with Mexican Star Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.

However Canelo was ordered to pay $8.5 million to All-Star Boxing for an amount determined as "unjust enrichment."

Below is the full statement from Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo's boxing promoter.

"We are extremely pleased that not only did the jury find that no contract ever existed between Canelo and All-Star Boxing, but issued a judgment against All-Star Boxing and ordered them to pay Golden Boy's substantial legal fees.

Over the last five-plus years, many questioned why we wouldn't just settle the case before trial. The answer is simple: We would not be extorted. It was clear from the beginning that neither Canelo Alvarez nor Golden Boy Promotions had acted inappropriately in any way. We are grateful that the jury was able to see that.

However, it is absurd to think that All-Star Boxing provided anywhere near that amount of value that the jury awarded under a separate claim. We will appeal this part of the decision, and are confident we will win, just as we did on the contract dispute."

Outside of appealing the financial damages, we now look forward to putting this episode behind us and working with Canelo Alvarez to continue his meteoric rise though the boxing ranks."