The Boxing Diary

Saturday, December 2, 2023

GARCIA VS. DUARTE: Official Weights (at welterweight?)

The Boxing Diary Oscar Duarte Jurado , Ryan Garcia

Contrary to what was advertised, Ryan Garcia will return to the ring to face Oscar Duarte Jurado after a knockout loss against Gervonta Davis in April. The fight was officially listed at the welterweight division (advertised as a 140-pound limit fight) for 12 rounds at the Toyota Center in Houston on Saturday night.

So what happened with the weight?

In a press release from Golden Boy Promotions, the fight was officially listed as welterweight and it seemed at a catchweight at 143 pounds? Looked like one of them was not able to get the 140-pound limit or could be both of them. Who knows? It was not announced that there would be weight limit changes. Anyway, the show must go on and the official weights were out.

Garcia's (23-1-0, 19 KOs) official weight was 143 lbs. He was looking strong and ready to go.

Duarte (26-1-1, 21 KOs) weighed 142.8 lbs and was looking ripped and ready to rumble.

The drama behind this weight confusion will definitely surface after the fight.

Well, fight fans have a good Saturday night. Enjoy.

Xander Zayas: "I'm Determined to Position Myself as a Top Contender!"

The Boxing Diary Xander Zayas ,

Zayas will take on Spain's Jorge Fortea in a 10-round battle on Saturday, Dec. 9 at Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Zayas-Fortea will serve as the co-feature in the WBO featherweight world title showdown between reigning champ Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez and unbeaten Mexican contender Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza.

Ramirez-Espinoza and Zayas-Fortea will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Zayas (17-0, 11 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 and has been on the path to superstardom ever since his pro debut in October 2019. In his fifth year as a pro, he is already inching closer to a title shot in the competitive 154-pound division. He notched an eight-round unanimous decision over Ronald Cruz during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend in June and a fifth-round TKO against the hard-hitting Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in September. Fortea (24-3-1, 9 KOs), a 13-year pro from Spain, is riding a three-bout winning streak.

Following a recent training session, this is what Zayas had to say:

"We are counting down the days to fight night! I can't wait for the bell to ring on December 9 in South Florida. I dedicate this fight to all my Boricuas from the 'Island of Enchantment' and the 'Puerto Rican Diaspora' who I know will tune in to my fight that night on ESPN."

"I am determined to close the year with a bang and to continue positioning myself as one of the main contenders at junior middleweight. In the new year, I'm aiming to continuing my climb up the ranks step by step. That is why I push myself to give my all every day in the gym. You will see a better version of me every time I fight."

"I am grateful for the support of the fans. I am also very happy to share the card with a great friend whom I respect a lot like "El Tren" from Cuba, Robeisy Ramírez. We are already close to a sold out venue, and we are ready to bring joy to our people. We're coming to put on a great Latin party between Cubans and Puerto Ricans."

Stevenson becomes 3-weight champ, beats De Los Santos in a snoozer

Rey Tecson Edwin De Los Santos , Shakur Stevenson

There is a difference between fighting scared and fighting the style of hitting without getting hit.

Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) made sure that he would not get hit as much by those punches coming from the hard-hitting Edwin De Los Santos (16-2, 14 KOs) to the point of not hitting as much on De Los Santos either for their lightweight fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday night, resulting to a limited action that failed to tickle fans' excitement.

Although Stevenson tried to press forward in the second half of the fight to somehow ignite excitement in the seemingly disappointed crowd of around 6,703 who attended the event. De Los Santos on the other hand tried to lure Shakur to commit further and somehow fight on the back foot.

It was like a dance of "Cha-Cha" actually. When the other goes forward, the other goes backward.

De Los Santos pressed the action early, but Stevenson did not engage and kept the distance. In the second half, as Stevenson tried to press a little bit forward, De Los Santos was the one keeping the distance luring Stevenson to commit further for possible counters.

The scorecards read 116-112, 115-113, and 116-112 all in favor of Stevenson for the unanimous decision victory.

Stevenson said, "I had a bad performance tonight. That’s all I’m really focused on. I wasn’t feeling too good, so I’ll live with it. It’s okay. I came here and got the victory, and that’s all I wanted to do.

I doubt if the paying fans would agree that "it's okay". Anyway, what he wanted to do was victory. But hey remember that the fans wanted to be entertained.

Well, I expect Stevenson to give boxing fans a more entertaining fight moving on to the next fight as a three-weight class champion. And I'd rather see him fight again at the 126 or 130-pound division as he has the confidence to risk getting hit a little bit in order to hit more in the process.

It's Official, Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk on 17 Feb 2024, KSA

The Boxing Diary Oleksandr Usyk , Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury returns to Saudi Arabia’s capital to fight Usyk to crown the division’s first undisputed champion since 1999.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Nov. 16, 2023) — Boxing’s two heavyweight world champions will finally meet to crown the one and only undisputed champion of the world.

WBC and Lineal Champion Tyson ‘The Gypsy King’ Fury will fight WBO/IBF/WBA unified champ Oleksandr Usyk in a history-making showdown on Saturday, February 17, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The winner will become boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion since Britain’s Lennox Lewis claimed that honor 24 years ago, but this time four belts are on the line.

‘Ring of Fire’, the biggest fight in world boxing, will take place as part of Riyadh Season, one of the world’s largest winter entertainment events organized by Riyadh Season, and will be presented to fans worldwide. Fury kicked off Riyadh Season on Saturday, October 28, when he defeated lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou by split decision.

Ahead of the blockbuster ‘Ring of Fire’ fight, Fury and Usyk came face-to-face at a press conference held in London on Thursday, November 16.

“Usyk, you can run, but The Gypsy King is coming to get you. This is my era, and your time is up. Your undefeated record AND your belts, they will be mine!” Fury said. “Thank you to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for bringing this undisputed title fight to the beautiful Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I had an amazing time here when I fought Ngannou, and I am ready to do it again. This time, The Gypsy King will return to England as the undisputed heavyweight king.”

“I have no goal,” said Usyk. “Only the way. And my way is ‘The Undisputed.’ That is why this was the only fight for me. When that bell rings, I will bring the fire.”

“Since our first Riyadh Season in 2019, the Season has developed a reputation for hosting the biggest events and they do not come much bigger than the undisputed heavyweight title fight,” said His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. “This is history in the making, a fight the world has waited for. Now it is a reality, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is excited to be hosting this era-defining fight. This will be a global spectacle and we will do everything to ensure that everyone has an experience that matches an event of this magnitude.”

“The relationship between Riyadh Season and the sport of boxing will reach unparalleled new levels on February 17, when it stages the first undisputed heavyweight fight for 24 years” said Frank Warren of Queensberry. “Tyson Fury taking on Oleksandr Usyk is simply the biggest fight that can be made in boxing and is what the world wants to see. And we take this opportunity to thank His Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for his blessed vision which is achieving great accomplishments. We also thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season for making it happen.”

“Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are the best heavyweights of their era, and this undisputed battle in the beautiful city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promises to be a sensational fight and a history-making event,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Fury is an all-time great heavyweight champion, but you can never count out Usyk, a former Olympic champion who has already conquered two weight divisions.”

“The world has finally got it!” Usyk’s manager Alex Krassyuk said. “Proud of Usyk, respect to Tyson. Let the best man win and we celebrate Usyk’s second undisputed!”

Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) has been the reigning heavyweight champion since November 2015. Taking a break from boxing due to personal challenges, Fury made an impressive comeback by defeating Deontay Wilder to claim the WBC world title in their rematch and sealing their trilogy with a knockout victory in 2021.

Ukraine’s Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs), an Olympic gold medalist, decided to move up from the cruiserweight division to the heavyweight division after establishing his dominance there. He caused an upset by defeating Anthony Joshua and becoming the unified heavyweight champion. Usyk successfully defended his titles against Joshua in a rematch. Now, he sets his sights on becoming only the second cruiserweight champion ever to achieve undisputed status in the heavyweight division.

Naoya Inoue vs Marlon Tapales Weekly Updates

Rey Tecson Marlon Tapales , Naoya Inoue

All the blog posts leading up to the fight of Naoya Inoue and Marlon Tapales for the undisputed junior featherweight championship fight will be under this thread.

Jose Sanchez vs. Walter Santibañes on Dec 14

Rey Tecson Jose Sanchez , Walter Santibañes

INDIO, CALIF. (November 7, 2023) - In the last scheduled fight of 2023, Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN will close out the year at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino with an action-packed main event featuring local, Cathedral City native and WBC Super Bantamweight Continental Latino Titleholder Jose “Tito” Sanchez (11-0, 7 KOs) participating in a 10-round match against Phoenix, Arizona’s Walter Santibañes (12-2, 2 KOs). The fight night is presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

Tickets for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Sanchez vs. Santibañes go on sale Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 10:00 am PT and are priced at $65, $55, $45, and $35 plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at FantasySpringsResort.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

Media interested in a credential for the fight must fill out a credential application by Monday, December 11. To apply, please visit https://forms.gle/vaSdYpDctQ4cNXRw5.

Hailing from Cathedral City, the undefeated Jose “Tito” Sanchez has been on the fast track to becoming a world champion. Trained by world-renowned coach Joel Diaz in Indio, he was last seen in Puerto Rico securing the WBC Super Bantamweight Continental Latino title via third-round technical knockout against Carlos Caraballo this past July 12.

“I would like to thank my promoter Miguel Cotto and Golden Boy Promotions for another big opportunity that benefits my career. Honestly, it’s been a very long time since I’ve actually fought in my hometown, but I am thrilled,” said Jose “Tito” Sanchez. “It’s an honor to be fighting at Fantasy Springs Casino and a great way to end the year. Now, I’ve seen what my opponent Walter Santibañes does out in that ring, but I also hope he’s seen what I can bring to the table. From what I can tell now, it’s gonna be a great fight and I hope he’s ready for me.”

Walter Santibañes was last seen inside the ring in June, where he put on a dramatic performance and defeated the hometown fighter Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores. Accustomed to his underdog status, he will be looking to steal the crowd yet again against Sanchez.

“Thank you to Golden Boy for this opportunity,” said Walter Santibañes. “The last time I was in the B-corner as the main event, I walked out of the ring with an upset victory. I plan to do it again.”

Pandemonium @ The Palladium II

Rey Tecson

QUINCY, Mass. (October 31, 2023) – Old-time boxing returns Friday night, December 9, in Worcester (MA), as Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) presents “Pandemonium at the Palladium 2,” featuring a roster of legitimate fighters in real fights.

“Pandemonium at the Palladium 2” will be streamed live from the famed Palladium on BXNGTV.com. GCP has also partnered with Project New Hope, a Worcester-based charity that supports veterans and their families.

Undefeated Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (12-0, 7 KOs) and unbeaten Kenny “Lionheart” Larson (7-0-1, 5 KOs) will headline in the 10-round main event for the vacant Junior North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Welterweight Championship in a rebirth of a longtime Bay State rivalry.

Whitley, of Holyoke, represents Western, Massachusetts, Salem’s Larson is from Eastern, Mass. It’s also a fight between a legacy fighter, Whitley, who is trained by his father Derrick and uncle Darrin, who were solid pro fighters during the 1990s into the first decade of the 21st century; Larson is a throwback fighter who only asks who, where and when he’s fighting.

And Whitley and Larson, as rare as it may be among contemporary boxers, are unbeaten prospects fighting each other, which is a sure sign of old-time boxing.

“This is a critical fight for both fighters at this stage in their career,” GCP president Chris Traietti commented. “The winner moves on to legitimate prospect status, while whoever falls short will have to regroup and rebuild a little bit. It is about time these two guys finally get into the ring with each other and give local boxing fans an exciting main event. The styles of each guy contrast perfectly Denzel is more of a boxer, Kenny is a pressure fighter; this is a can’t-miss entertainment with the Junior NABF title on the line.”

Whitley is the reigning Massachusetts and United States Boxing Federation (USBF) Atlantic Welterweight Champion, although neither of his two regional titles will be on the line versus Larson.

Whitley vs. Larson was supposed to happen a few times, but they have not met in the ring yet. They are both anxious to take care of unfinished business on Dec. 9 in Worcester. This showdown will also mark the first scheduled 10-round fight for both combatants.

“I can’t say it (delay) will necessarily help me,” said Whitley, who was known as a notoriously slow starter until his most recent fight (August 18, 2023) at The Palladium, when he needed only 25-seconds to stop Hector Esnar Bobadilla. “I was ready before and now for this fight. It’s my first 10-round fight and I’ve gotten more rounds to be in my best shape. I’m on a belt run and want to add my third title. My style was to get in rounds to get the proper feel and adapt in the ring. My father and uncle have wanted me to start faster, and I did in my last fight.

“I don’t know much about my opponent. He likes to fight, I like that. We do have unfinished business and we’re finally getting that now. I need to get him out of the way and move on to the next fight. He comes forward, an old-fashioned fighter, and that will make for a good fight. When I capture this belt, I hope to move up in the rankings and it helps get me a big shot in a big venue against a big name.”

Larson, who was a 2016 New England Golden Gloves silver medalist, registered the most significant victory of his career last July when he won an eight-round split decision over highly respected Brandon Higgins (10-3). But he came back less than a month later to fight Alfred Raymond, which ended in a six-round split decision.”

“A relief,” Larson expressed his feelings about finally fighting Whitley. “This is what I want and I’m glad to get a chance to prove myself. (The delay) Helped me a little because of the experience I’ve gained. I know I wasn’t at my best, but I had just fought Higgins in the fight of my life. I didn’t get a rest to recover from the fight with Higgins. Since then, though, my mind frame was clear in training camp because I had a vacation after my last fight.

“Denzel has a good record. I’m looking to prove myself against the best. He’s the best…..right now. I’m going to fight my fight at my pace. I don’t care about fighting him in Worcester. My fans travel no matter where I fight. I’m a throwback who is a rough kid who can fight.”

Also fighting on the loaded “Pandemonium at the Palladium 2,” card is undefeated International Boxing Association (IBA) Americas Super Middleweight Champion Steve “The Savage” Sumpter (9-0, 7 KOs), who will face an opponent to be determined in the 10-round co-featured event. Sumpter, fighting out of Pittsfield (MA), is one of the hottest prospects in the Northeast, coming off an impressive performance against previously unbeaten James “Pitbull” Perkins (12-0-1, 9 KOs) by way of an eight-round majority decision in the main event this past August at The Palladium.

Also scheduled to be in action are a pair of Worcester fighters, light heavyweight Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. (21-1-3, 12 KOs) and super welterweight Khiary “Too Sharp” Gray (17-6, 13 KOs). Ball is a former New England Middleweight and WBC USA Super Middleweight Champion, who will be fighting in a 10-rounder for the vacant USBF title. Pitts will be in his first fight in two years.

2023 Santiago Pan American Games Result - Team USA 2-2

Rey Tecson Pan American Games ,

SANTIAGO, Chile -- Team USA went 2-2 yesterday on the final day of boxing at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games to take two gold and two silver medals to go along with their two bronze medals earned during yesterday’s semifinals.

Featherweight Jahmal Harvey (Oxon Hill, Md.) began the day with what shaped up to be another classic United States versus Cuba final.

The 2021 World Champion saw the Cuban, Ivan Horta Rodriguez Del Rey, take a close 3-2 lead after the first round, but came back in the second round to take his own 3-2 decision, resulting in the duo being tied across all five judges’ cards before the final round.

The American rallied during the final three minutes, landing clean jabs to the body and head, as well as combinations to take the round, 5-0, and the overall unanimous decision victory and gold medal.

PAN AMERICAN GAMES GOLD MEDALIST JAHMAL HARVEY (second in from left) (Photo by Getty Images)

Harvey’s gold medal performance adds him to a list of other Team USA greats who won gold in the featherweight division at the Pan American Games, including Kelcie Banks and Bernard Taylor.

Super heavyweight Joshua Edwards (Houston, Texas) added the 2023 Pan American Games gold medalist to his resume with his walkover victory over Brazil’s Abner Teixeira Da Silva. Edwards's gold medal is just the second in USA Boxing history, joining Jason Estrada (2003) as the only two American super heavyweights to take gold at a Pan American Games.

Jennifer Lozano (Laredo, Texas) became the third straight female American to win a silver medal at the Pan American Games in the flyweight division, following in Marlen Esparza and Virginia Fuchs's footsteps, both from Texas as well. Lozano, who punched her ticket to next summer’s Olympic Games yesterday, fell short in capturing the gold medal by way of a unanimous decision against Brazil’s Caroline Barbosa De Almeida.

Morelle McCane (Cleveland, Ohio) was the final member of Team USA to box today, however, fell short in a 5-0 decision against Brazil’s Barbara Maria Dos Santos. McCane became the fifth straight boxer from Cleveland and the first female boxer from the city to qualify for the Olympics during these Games.

Jajaira Gonzalez (Glendora, Calif.) and Roscoe Hill (Spring, Texas) rounded out Team USA’s medal count, as each is leaving Santiago with bronze medals.

To relive all the action from this year’s Pan American Games, including photos, athlete stories, and more, click here.

Finals Results

50 kg: Caroline Barbosa De Almeida/BRA dec. over Jennifer Lozano, Laredo, Texas/USA, 5-0 – silver medal.

57 kg: Jahmal Harvey, Oxon Hill, Md./USA, dec. over Ivan Horta Rodriguez Del Rey/CUB, 5-0 – gold medal.

66 kg: Barbara Maria Dos Santos/BRA dec. over Morelle McCane, Cleveland, Ohio/USA, 5-0 – silver medal.

92+ kg: Joshua Edwards, Houston, Texas/USA wins by walkover over Abner Teixeira Da Silva/BRA, WO – gold medal.

Manny Pacquiao off to Riyadh, KSA

Rey Tecson Manny Pacquiao ,

Screengrab from Manny Pacquiao's Facebook account

Pambansang Kama-o, Manny Pacquiao posted on his Facebook account that he's "off to Saudi Arabia" with the hashtag #RiyadhSeason. Riyadh will be hosting the Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou heavyweight boxing exhibition fight this weekend.

Boxing reporter Kevin Iole tweeted earlier that the Riyadh organizer for the Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou's heavyweight exhibition fight will bring some of boxing's prominent personalities including Pacquiao, Mike Tyson, Duran, Morales, Big George, and several others. Mayweather might go too.

The Saudis have paid Mike Tyson to act as Francis Ngannou’s trainer (very, Very, VERY handsomely, I’m told). They are flying in celeb boxers, including Pacquiao, Duran, Morales, Big George Foreman, MA Barrera, Joe Calzaghe, Tommy Hearns, Frank Bruno. Floyd Mayweather may go too
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) October 24, 2023

Wow! You know what? Riyadh is just 7 hour's drive from where I am based here in Kuwait. Applying visit visa to the kingdom become very easy online nowadays. A multiple-entry visit visa for one year will cost 30 Kuwaiti Dinars, around USD 97.

As a boxing fan, I'm very excited that big boxing match-ups are now being held on this side of the world. It gives me the option to at least watch any of these world title matches.

My last ringside attendance was in 2015 in the Philippines at one of the now-defunct Pinoy-Pride Boxing series. It was headline by Donnie Nietes and Nonito Donaire Jr. fighting separate opponents in The Pinoy Pride 30 dubbed "D-Day".

Giovani Santillan stops Alexis Rocha in Round 6

Rey Tecson Alexis Rocha , Giovani Santillan

INGLEWOOD, CALIF. (October 21, 2023) – In an explosive main event, San Diego’s Giovani “Gallo de Oro” Santillan (32-0, 17 KOs) maintained his undefeated record and took home the NABO Welterweight Title from Santa Ana’s Alexis “Lex” Rocha (23-2, 15 KOs). Scheduled for 12-rounds, Santillan handed Rocha his first career loss via knockout, slowly breaking him down and sending Rocha to the mat twice in the fifth round. It was in the sixth round where Santillan used a flurry of right hooks and left uppercuts that finished the fight at 1:13. The fight night was presented in association with Top Rank, took place at the Kia Forum, and was broadcast on DAZN.

“I feel good. It was the outcome we were looking for. You never know how these types of fights will go,” said Giovani Santillan. “Alexis is a great fighter, and he’s tough. He got up twice and he's never been stopped before! It’s different with all these people here and when you’re the b-side. He brought all his fans and his supporters which makes boxing a great sport. 2024 is going to be a great year for me now with this performance.”

“I am sorry to all my fans,” said Alexis Rocha. “I will be back.”

Special guests for the night included Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya, Partner of Golden Boy Bernard Hopkins, Hall of Fame Trainer Freddie Roach, Current WBA World Champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero, Former four-time World Champion Mikey Garcia, Former World Champion Sergey Lipinets, and a number of current and former Golden Boy fighters including Former World Champion “Zurdo” Ramirez, Eric Priest, Jorge Chavez, Azat Hovhannisyan, John “Sugarcane” Cañas, Gabe Rosado, and Jousce Gonzalez.

In the co-main event, John “Scrappy” Ramirez (13-0, 9 KOs) won via fourth round knockout in a WBA Super Flyweight Title Eliminator against Ronal Batista (15-4, 9 KOs). Scheduled for 12-rounds, “Scrappy” handed out popcorn to his fans as he gave one of the night’s impressive performances. Batista went down in the fourth after a flurry of punches, Ramirez stopping the fight with a left hook to the body in the fourth.

“I was slow cooking him and I wanted to eat him. I eventually gave up and took him out,” said Scrappy Ramirez. “This was a result of staying focused and making the necessary adjustments."

Also on the DAZN broadcast in a 10-round flyweight fight that went the distance, Rialto’s Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (23-2, 16 KOs) secured a tight, unanimous decision victory against Victor Sandoval (37-4, 23 KOs). The toe-to-toe action featured the two flyweights exchanging heavy blows throughout the fight, however, “El Niño” was more effective. The judges scored the bout 97-93, 97-93, and 96-94.

In the night’s championship fight, the Coachella Valley’s Gabriela Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs) maintained her undefeated record and took home the IBF Flyweight Title in a match against Arely “Ametralladora” Muciño (32-4-2, 11 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico. Scheduled for 10-rounds, Fundora used her long reach and jab and sent Muciño down twice in the fifth round. The corner waved the towel after seeing Muciño hurt and unable to keep up with Fundora at 1:18 in the fifth.

Opening the broadcast, Joeshon James (8-0-2, 5 KOs) of Sacramento, California pulled the upset, with a first-round knockout win at 2:52 against David “Dynamite” Stevens (13-1, 9 KOs). Stevens hit the mat twice, the referee calling the fight in the final seconds.

Opening fight night, highly decorated national champion of San Fernando, Iyana “Roxy” Verduzco (1-0) made a successful professional debut in a four-round lightweight fight against Clarice Morales (0-3-1) of Toledo, Ohio. The fight started with high impact action and had the crowd on their feet, Verduzco taking control of the fight from start to finish.

Collazo defends mini flyweight title, retires Diagan in Round 6

Rey Tecson Garen Diagan , Oscar Collazo

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (August 26, 2023) – In a history-making performance in front of a massive showing of thousands of Puerto Ricans in attendance at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Oscar "El Pupilo" Collazo (8-0, 6 KOs) kept his coveted WBO Mini Flyweight World Championship Title in his homeland. Garen "Hellboy" Diagan (10-4, 5 KOs) retired in his corner stool at the conclusion of the sixth round, handing Collazo the technical knockout victory.

“I want to thank God, my team, Miguel Cotto Promotions, Golden Boy, DAZN, and all of Puerto Rico for the support to get to this victory. I knew he was going to break down eventually. We had the strong jab, and the physical, and the mental pressure that got us the victory. Puerto Ricans know how to celebrate, and we will do a lot of it tonight,” said Oscar Collazo.

In a spectacular co-main event, Juan Carlos "El Indio" Camacho Jr. (18-1, 7 KOs) defeated Jorge Luis Orozco (17-4-2, 11 KOs) with a jaw-dropping, first-round knockout. Camacho took home the NABF super flyweight title.

Former world champion Angel 'Tito' Acosta (24-4, 22 KOs) defeated former world title contender Carlos 'El Chocorroncito' Buitrago (37-10-1, 21 KOs) via unanimous decision in a 10-round flyweight fight. The judges scored the bout 99-91, 99-91, 98-92.

Yan Carlos Santana (9-0, 9 KOs) of La Romana, The Dominican Republic stopped Jostin Ortiz (4-1, 3 KOs) of Vega Alta, Puerto Rico at 1:11 in the first round of a scheduled six-round super featherweight fight.

Spence vs Crawford: Views and Opinions

Rey Tecson Errol Spence Jr. , Terence Crawford

I was not able to watch boxing fights on screen as frequently as before. It's difficult to watch boxing when you are in a place where Friday is a holiday or rest day. Out here, Sunday is the first day of a work week. Friday and Saturday is the weekend. Boxing fights usually happen every Saturday night, and that's early Sunday morning here (7 hours ahead). That's when I'm preparing my ass off for work. I'm usually at my work desk when the main event started.

However, for the Spence-Crawford fight, I made sure I'm able to watch it live. I came to work late. I didn't care much that day.

I wanted to write a prediction about this fight but I'm afraid I will not give a thoughtful piece. I wasn't able to follow the careers of both boxers. So, I opted not to and instead, I wanted just to sit back, relax and watch the fight.

I had some expectations prior to the fight though. I thought the fight should be competitive. A chess match where both operators carefully push their wits against each other. But man, I was wrong! As early as Round 2, when Crawford scored a knockdown from a jab, I thought the fight is over.

In Round 1, Crawford (40-0-0, 31 KOs) was accurate with his loaded and committed jab. In Round 2, Crawford scored the first knockdown of the fight with a right jab. It was Errol's first knockdown in his career.

Spence and Crawford posed for photographs during the weigh-in.

In Round 7, Crawford scored two knockdowns. At this point, he got Spence completely figured out. Spence's face was a mess and must have tried every trick on his sleeves but none of it was working.

In the same round, Spence (28-1-0, 22 KOs) landed a hard overhand left that could inflict a staggering impact yet it was he who visited the canvas after being hit with a counter right uppercut from Crawford. Two things: 1. Crawford hits harder and 2. Is physically stronger than Spence. In an interview with Joe Rogan, Crawford said that "big don't mean stronger."

He might be bigger than me,” Crawford said of Spence, “but big don’t mean stronger.” Not that everyone felt that Spence was going to win. “I was favored in Vegas,” Crawford said, “so Vegas must have had it right.

Well, if that was the case, which obviously was, what else Spence could do. Crawford's punches had a devastating impact whereas Spence's hardest shots were absorbed or stifled with well-placed counters. Crawford outclassed and outfoxed Spence, a one-sided beatdown.

Crawford scored a total of three knockdowns; one in Round 2 and twice in Round 7. Going into Round 8, and way behind in the scorecards. The urgency was massive for Errol to score a knockout but instead, he was technically knockout in Round 9 trying.

With the win, Crawford has indicated that he's willing to honor the rematch clause even at a higher weight class. But the question is: Is there a point in a rematch? Well, I expected the same outcome of the rematch if it happens. If it happens. Your thoughts.

Naoya Inoue knocks out Stephen Fulton in Round 8

Rey Tecson Naoya Inoue , Stephen Fulton

Naoya Inoue continued his winning streak knocking out previously undefeated Stephen Fulton to capture another weight class, on Tuesday night at the Ariake Arena, Koto-Ku, Japan for the junior featherweight championship. Naoya is now a champion in four weight divisions.

In Round 8, Inoue landed a two-punch combination, a stiff jab to the body followed by a crushing right straight to the head that hurt Fulton, then followed up by a left hook that sent him to canvas. Fulton (21-1-0, 8KOs) was able to get up and continued to fight. Naoya looking at his hurt prey unleashed power punches that prompted the referee to stop the fight.

From the get-go, it was obvious that the speed and power of Inoue (25-0-0, 22KOs) dictated the fight and it was indeed what was happening in the duration of the fight.

Inoue is now 10-0 against world champions and still undefeated in his fourth weight class. He's champion at 108, 115, 118 (undisputed), and now at the 122-pound division.

Terence Crawford vs Errol Spence Jr. official for July 29

Rey Tecson Errol Spence Jr. , Terence Crawford

The matchup boxing fans have been waiting for is finally official. The Terence Crawford vs Errol Spence Jr. is finally official on Saturday, 29 July 2023 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada in a Showtime pay-per-view.

This fight will be for the undisputed welterweight champion. The Transnational Boxing Rankings Board rated Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford as the top number 1 and 2 respectively.

So far in 2023 boxing fans were in for a treat as the fights we've been craving have been happening. First, we had Garcia vs. Davis and then we had Haney vs. Lomachenko last week.

#SpenceCrawford is official. @ErrolSpenceJr 🆚 @terencecrawford July 29 on SHOWTIME PPV. pic.twitter.com/ComJJ5rVGU
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) May 25, 2023

Devin Haney vs Vasiliy Lomachenko: Fight Highlights

Rey Tecson

Devin Haney routed Vasiliy Lomachenko to scores of 115-113, 115-113, and 116-112 over 12 rounds of boxing masterclass chess match. It's a highly competitive close fight--each fighter could make a good case argument for winning. However, the three judges look to Haney's direction.

Enjoy the below highlights from Top Rank.

FINAL TEN SECONDS.

WHAT A FIGHT. #HaneyLoma pic.twitter.com/o9CliHBkN0
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 21, 2023

LOMA HAS HANEY HURT. #HaneyLoma pic.twitter.com/dKTLb7ot0o
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 21, 2023

THE DREAM continues.

💫 @RealDevinHaney | #AndStill pic.twitter.com/Wb57u0tBp4
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 21, 2023

Ramirez vs. Padilla | Media Workout Quotes

Rey Tecson John Ramirez , Luis Padilla

INDIO, CA (February 21, 2023) - With his highly anticipated Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN main event approaching quickly, one of boxing’s most energetic and fan-friendly fighters, NABA Super Flyweight Titleholder John “Scrappy” Ramirez (10-0, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles hosted a media workout at the Joel Diaz Training Camp in Indio. He will be fighting for the vacant WBA Continental Americas Super Flyweight Title against Luis “Callado” Padilla (15-3-2, 2 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico. The event will take place on Thursday, February 23 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

The first Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN show of the year will also feature a special co-main event as Coachella Valley’s beloved, undefeated local fighter Manuel “Gucci” Flores (14-0, 11 KOs) will measure up against Franklin “El Abuelo” Gonzalez of Los Teques, Venezuela (25-1, 25 KOs). The eight-round bantamweight fight will be guaranteed action, as both fighters have a string of knockout performances.

Also on the card, Lorraine Villalobos (5-4, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles will participate in a six-round minimumweight fight against Katherine Lindenmuth (2-1) of Albuquerque, New Mexico. In another female bout, Stefani “Stefi” Cohen (2-1-1, 1 KO) of Miami, Florida will fight in a four-round bantamweight fight against Leanne Calderon (1-2-1) of Austin, Texas. Opening the DAZN broadcast with a four-round heavyweight match, Zachary Spiller (2-0, 2 KOs) of Houston, Texas will battle Kaleel Carter (3-3, 3 KOs) of Bellflower.

Opening the night, Grant Flores, cousin of Manny “Gucci” Flores and who trains with famed trainer Joel Diaz, will make his pro-debut in a four-round super welterweight fight against Jorge Lopez (0-1) of Queretaro, Mexico.

Here’s what some of the participants had to say from their media workout:

JOHN “SCRAPPY” RAMIREZ, NABA SUPER FLYWEIGHT TITLE HOLDER:
"There are people out there doubting that I can do it. I love it; I love the haters because they give me more motivation to prove them wrong.

"Fans can expect a great show on DAZN from me. I'm on my way up proving that I'm someone to watch."

MANUEL “GUCCI” FLORES, BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHTER:
"On fight night, we are going to come with a bang, baby! We're coming with fireworks, with explosiveness, something you guys haven't seen for a long time. We have a good opponent in front of us, so we're going to show you guys what we can do.

"My opponent is a wild guy - he likes to throw a lot of crazy punches. The first round, we're going to see what he does; if he is going to come forward with that aggressiveness or go backwards."

GRANT FLORES, SUPER WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT:
"It's a great privilege to make my debut on a Golden Boy card, in my hometown, in front of my friends, family and supporters. Fans can expect me to show up and bring fireworks.

"I've been waiting for this opportunity to come - to be able to display my talent and my quality skills that I've been working hard on in the gym. I had a really great and extensive amateur career and the next stop is to become a world champion."

Ryan Garcia's speed, stiff stance

Rey Tecson Javier Fortuna , Ryan Garcia

Ryan Garcia demolished Javier Fortuna with ease at the Crypto.com Arena, LA on Saturday night. Fortuna was perceived to be the toughest test of his career at least on paper. However, Garcia handled the task easily by stopping Fortuna in Round 6. Garcia scored a knockdown in Rounds 4 and 5.

Garcia (23-0-0, 19 KOs) may not be your fighter who has the fancy feet. He will be standing stiff upright in front of his opponent, but the kid has the hand speed. The thing why he's so upright, so tight, so stiff maybe, but it's complementing his height advantage. Garcia is tall most of the boxers at 135 lbs. Maybe not at 140 but, he belongs to the taller side of the pack of superlightweight fighters past and present for sure.

What I observe also while he's standing tall facing his opponent, Ryan is difficult to counter especially those shorter opponents because he's not swinging wild to the left of the right or over-extending his arms when throwing a punch or even if he missed hitting. His punches were like rubber bands that will go back in place in a straight line. Not with his left hoo, off course, which will travel at an angle.

The crazy thing also is that these punches that look uncommitted travel so fast. Most of his opponents were not able to anticipate worse won't see it. Another thing also is that since he's not telegraphing it by moving his body or hips to create more power and leverage for his punches still it has decent power that knocks the opponent down.

Because of Garcia's too upright stance in fighting. I do not see him more often in a close-quarter battle. he loves to fight from the outside. He loves to fight at a distance which makes sense to me because as I said he's a tall fighter in the weight class he's in. Hence, I can conclude that since he's fighting his fight. He still has yet to face an opponent that will not let him fight his fight. I want someone like a Shawn Porter style for Garcia. It could be Tank Davis.

Knockout Reel: Davis stops Romero in Round 6

Rey Tecson Gervonta Davis , Rolando Romero

Gervonta Davis knocks out Rolando Romero in round 6 with a left hand on Saturday night for their world lightweight bout at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Davis remained undefeated and improved his record to 27-0-0, with 25 KO's.

GOODNIGHT BROOKLYN 😴@Gervontaa KOs Romero in round 6 with a POWER left hand 😳#DavisRomero pic.twitter.com/O9KPaxRvHi

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) May 29, 2022

Thurman vs Barrios Preview

Rey Tecson Keith Thurman , Mario Barrios

Keith Thurman will return to the ring against Mario Barrios in a welterweight match at the Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas on Saturday, on FOX Pay-Per-veiw.

Thurman (29-1-0, 22 KOs) has been inactive for two and half years. He lost to Manny Pacquiao via split decision in 2019. Although, I was rooting for Pacquiao at that time, but I was really thinking Thurman could pull a win. He was younger, taller fighter and a natural welter.

This time it will be the other way around. Thurman is the older guy and with his elbow injury keep troubling him in the past fights, I don't know really where he is at physically right now. Both men came from losses. So, it's really bad to get two losses in a row. It is important to each fighter to get a win here if they want to stay relevant at the welterweight division.

So, I think, this is a very interesting fight. We will be able to know if Thurman can still be consider up there at the level where his name at before the Pacquiao fight. He was rated number 6 (below Spence Jr., Crawford, Pacquiao, Porter and Ugas) at the welterweight division by the TBRB in March 2021. and was removed due to inactivity. I supposed. With the Pacquiao he was not to get back to the welterweight. Questions will be answered on Saturday night.

Barrios (26-1-0, 17 KOs) will move up in weight against Thurman. I don't know if he has trouble making weight at 140 lbs. But I don't know if it is the right thing to do --- to move up in weight. He's coming from a loss against a much smaller Davis at 140 and now will face a full-time welter. He was stopped against Davis at 140.

Well, all these questions will be answered on Saturday night. If indeed Barrios will be more comfortable banging at 147 lbs. and Thurman becomes old instead of showing the Thurman version of 2017, I think Barrios could win a split decision in a fight that could go either way.

Casimero vs Butler rescheduled for April 23

Rey Tecson JOHN RIEL CASIMERO ,

The John Riel Casimero vs Paul Butler Bantamweight weight fight was rescheduled for April 23 in Liverpool according to the WBO.

So, this is a good development for Casimero. I thought that he will continue to fight against YouTubers.

According to the WBO, "Casimero has not discharged a mandatory title defense since winning the title against Zolani Tete."

Casimero-Butler was scheduled in Dubai but Casimero pulled out of the fight due to gastritis. There's report saying that he had weight issues at that time. His camp denied about it and showed the cause of why he's not able to depend his title.

Then few weeks after the Dubai card, I was surprised when Casimero was featured in bout against a YouTuber. I was wondering if how that one was even possible. Anyway, below is the Casimero vs Labrador fight.

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