In the 2:28 minute mark of Round 8, Bernard Hopkins fell out of the ring after a series of punches landed coming from Joe Smith.

It was a bizarre scene to end an extraordinary 28 years boxing career that began in 1988. He was stopped for the first time during the final fight of his incredible career.

The 51-year-old Hopkins (55-8-2 32 KOs) was knocked out of the ring.

This happens to boxers who hang around a little bit too long. The sport will push you out of retirement. Well for me the best time for Bernard to actually retire was when he beat Beibut Shumenov. He got a title at that time, he was 49. But well, it was really tempting to have another shot at age 50. I think that was a record also in boxing. He lost to Sergey Kovalev when he was 50.

Watch: @beastsmithjr knocks @THEREALBHOP out of the ring 53 seconds into round 8, ending the fight. #Final1 https://t.co/Pj2svLUlC9

— HBOboxing (@HBOboxing) December 18, 2016

Well, for Hopkins it may look like a "controversial" loss because of what had happened. If he did not fell out of the ring, he could have got up before the count of ten and manage to continue. In fairness, he wasn't unconscious when he landed outside the ring.

But anyway, I hope this result will convince Hopkins not to fight again any more and sticks to retiring. He should not wait to be knockout cold out there. Just like what happened to Roy Jones Jr. in one of his recent fights.

During the build-up a fight you can trash talk to the highest level you want, but after all the punches thrown and done, it's time to show what the word sportsmanship is all about.

Jermall Charlo (25-0, 19 KOs) was booed by the California boxing fans present at the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles, Saturday night after he knockout Julian Williams in Round 5 of their junior middleweight title clash live on Showtime.

Julian Williams (22-1-1, 14 KOs) went to Charlo's corner to show sportsmanship. But Charlo and his corner refused to accept it. It was too late then when they realized that it wasn't the right reaction. Then Charlo went to Williams' corner to extend his gesture of sportsmanship, but this time it was Williams and his team declined. There was a little commotion going on, but it was obvious that Charlo was in the negative end as the California fans booed in unison.

Charlo remained undefeated and successfully defended the junior middleweight title for the fourth time since capturing it in September last year.

It was a chess match early in the fight. Both fighters were too cautious to open up for offense. They were ready to unload heavy counters that could end the fight early. Both men has power to knock each other out. In Round 2, Charlo scored a knockdown. He connected with a solid jab that put down Williams.

In between the fourth and fifth round, Charlo's trainer Ronnie Shields instructed Charlo to double it up.

"Back him up, back him up with the jab don't let him rest. Double it up with the right hand and hook right back," said Shields.

Williams fired a textbook one-two combination from outside that connected to the head of Charlo. But as Williams retracted back his punches, Charlo came back with a huge right uppercut. Williams did not even saw it coming. And boom! Down went Williams.

He managed to get back on his feet, but Charlo was ready to finish him. After the referee signaled to resume the fight, Charlo was all over Williams firing combination at close range and got one clear punch in and that's it. Williams went down again and the referee did not even bother to count. The referee waived the fight off. The official time: 2:06 in Round 5.

"Sorry my emotions took over me at that time. You know what that's not me," Charlo said when Jim Gray ask about his refusal to accept Williams' handshake.

LAS VEGAS (December 8, 2016) - The 10-round main event on December 17 of the final 2016 installment of the popular "Knockout Night at the D" series, featuring undefeated Oscar Cantu and Aston Palcite, is a classic match-up of styles between a boxer and puncher.

"Knockout Night at the D" will air live (7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET) on CBS Sports Network from inside the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center indoor facility, located in the heart of the downtown Las Vegas casino district, one block away from the world-famous Fremont Street (200 S. 3rd St.), and FloBoxing.tv will live stream the Dec. 17th undercard worldwide, starting at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET), in addition to three main card TV bouts - excluding North America - beginning at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET).

The "Knockout Night at the D" series, presented by the D Las Vegasand Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.

Jim "J.R." Ross and Joey Varner will call all the action live from ringside, while Jeff Huston will be the ring announcer and fight-week master of ceremonies.

Cantu vs. Palicte will be contested for two belts as Cantu defends his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super flyweight championship, in addition to the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental super flyweight title.

Rated No. 4 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) as a flyweight, the 25-year-old Cantu (14-0, 1 KO) will face the toughest test of his 4+-years professional career in the heavy-handed Palcite, but he's excited to be headlining this nationally televised show from Las Vegas.

"I feel honored to be headlining a card in Las Vegas," the Texan said. "The opportunity is what every boxer wants because Vegas is the biggest boxing hum in the United States and it has produced great champions in the past. I want to thank Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions for this opportunity.

"A victory can help me open doors to the world title and allow me the show everybody what I stand for, which is being God's humble champion. The outcome of this fight will come down to who wants to win more. I'm sure that adjustments will need to be made throughout the fight. Either way, I am well prepared to get this victory."

Palicte (21-2, 18 KOs) is a dangerous Filipino fighter who is world rated at No. 11 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 15 by the WBO. Now training in Los Angeles, Palicte is looking forward to making his American debut Dec. 17.

"I'm really excited," he remarked. "I've been training o hard, pushing myself to the limit, because I also want to excel as much as the other Filipino fighters. I am grateful for this opportunity to fight in the main event. Knowing he is undefeated, this is going to be an exciting, challenging fight.

"I've always dreamed of fighting for the world title and I'm taking things one step at a time. Through my promoter, RJJ, it was mentioned that there's a big possibility for a world title challenge in 2017 if I win this fight. I've fought some quality fighters and I think I can do what I want in the ring, though I won't say it's going to be easy to control the fight."

Styles made fights and a classic match-up between a consummate boxer (Cantu) and powerful puncher (Palicte) guarantees an intriguing fight that should be highly entertaining and incredibly competitive. Both fighters also respect each other.

"Palicte brings an impressive record and a lot of experience," Cantu noted. "The road to a world title is a tough one, which means no easy opponents. I am really excited about this challenge. This is a classic fight because of our styles and I am sure we won't let the viewing public down. I am ready to become the next great American champion in this weight class."

"Cantu is a smart boxer," Palicte added. "I'd compare him to Ismael Garnica, who I fought in our Showdown at Sands in Macau. (Palicte won by way of a seventh-round TKO.) He (Cantu) is kind of a runner, too, always moving around the ring, but we can never tell one's ability until we've fought.

"This is going to be an exciting fight. I'm really looking forward to getting a hold of those belts. Cantu is also a good boxer but with my experience and power, I think I have much more advantages than him. I know he's also doing his best training, so, it's going to be a really good fight come December 17th."

Unbeaten Chilean junior middleweight champion Angelo Baez (15-0-1, 11 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against Jamaica-native Nathaniel Gallimore (15-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Evanston, Illinois, in the eight-round co-feature.

Los Angeles' Flavio Rodriguez (5-0, 4 KOs) meets Mexican invader Dilan "El Terrible" Loza (5-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round battle of undefeated welterweight prospects to open the televised segment of the evening.

The Las Vegas Big 3 - 21-year-old junior lightweight Randy "El Matador" Moreno (7-0, 6 KOs), 26-year-old welterweight Jeremy "J-Flash" Nichols (7-0, 2 KOs) and 18-year-old bantamweight Max "The Baby-Faced Assassin" Ornelas (6-0, 3 KOs) - will be showcased Dec. 17th.

No mas!

Vasyl Lomachenco (7-1, 5 KOs) retained his 130-pound world title, after Nicholas Walters (26-1-1, 21 KOs) not able to continue after Round 6 of their super featherweight title fight, Saturday night at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, in Las Vegas Nevada.

Vasl Lomachenko just getting started to really dominate in the sixth round. But Nicholas Walters don't want Lomachenco to do just that to him in the succeeding rounds. Instead, Walters decided to pull his own plug and told the referee that he will not continue.

Well it seemed to me that Nicholas Walters really don't wanted to risk a little longer. I mean he lost hope right after the end of Round 6. I don't know if he had an empty tank after the sixth round either. Well, it was clear that Lomachenko won almost every round. But not to the point that Walters really was in the verge of getting stopped.

I mean, Walters was just simply out-boxed, but he landed some too!. It was not like a one-sided beat down. But it seemed Walters had a conclusion in his mind that the fight really go that way at the end -- he will be brutally bruised and battered and might be stopped.

So, instead of thinking to continue and keep swinging for a home-run punch in the next succeeding rounds -- he thought the other way around. He decided to quit and fight another day, which is a valid decision also. well, if he think that he really doesn't have the chance. Then what to do?

But you know, if you are in the hurt business, you are presumed to have that warriors code.

Walters is a big puncher, his record shows. There were some boxing observers think that Walters had no heart of a champion and or a quitter. But well, who are we to judge. We are not the one who absorbed those punches.

Well, of course, it will hurt his stocks. But at least he avoided more damage. But lost also chance to turn the tide if he landed a home-run punch.

But yeah a fighter will always be a fighter. And if you are not. You are not.

On a side note, let me say: Get well soon Nick Blackwell! It was reported earlier that he was rushed to a hospital after he collapse doing sparring eight months after a head surgery for the injury he suffered during his last fight.

The guy really just loves to fight. Get will soon Nick!

It was tough second round for Andre Ward, as he was floored by a powerful right hand from the Krusher. He got up, solidify more of his defense and balance it with effective and accurate offense that saw him winning on all three judges scorecards.

The official scores were 114-113 on all three judges for Ward winning most of the alphabet titles at light heavyweight.

In the first half of the fight, Ward (31-0, 15KOs) was on the receiving end of Sergey Kovalev's powerful jabs and right hand. Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KO) dropped Ward with right hand during the second round of their light heavyweight championship, Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ward got up from the knockdown and held for the rest of round. He clinched as Kovalev rushed in to finish him up early.

Ward slowly but surely adjusted the power and attacks of Kovalev every round after the knockdown. He was maintaining safe distance from Kovalev and tied the Russian champion when he gets closer. He fired counter mostly to the body that got a toll on Kovalev as the fight wore on.

In the second half of the fight, Ward was able to land sneaky jabs that snapped Kovalev's head back and he continued his body work. The fight become more competitive as Ward already adjusted to the style and was able to dictate each engagement in the ring. He fired at angles where Kovalev not in position to counter and force held when Kovalev came close.

However, it's not the usual punch-and-clinch routine for Ward as Kovalev either wrestle to punch in or wrestle to rough up Ward. They employ brilliant techniques every time they tangle up. The referee had an awesome job controlling the fight mostly by his mouth as the fighters were listening to his commands each time they tangle.

It was a controversial close decision, but I don't see it as bad decision either. I have it a draw and I like to see a rematch. But Kovalev had a hard time accepting his first defeat, and believed he clearly won the fight, seven to three rounds on his favor.

"He got maybe few rounds. You know, I agree but not the full fight. I keep control all the fight all rounds. I lost like three rounds of all [entire] fight, says Kovalev.

Kovalev said that he wanted a rematch and he will "kick his ass" referring to Ward.

"Of course I want a rematch and I will kick his ass like that. I just wanted to show boxing not short round you know," answers Kovalev.

What do you think of the decision? Would you want to see an immediate rematch?

It's been ages since I last updated this blog. Wheww... 8-5 job really hampers me from doing the thing I love most. But what to do? At the end of the day, we need to pay the bills. Our day job does that. So at times, I sacrificed my love of writing boxing updates of any sort.

Well, it was a good boxing weekend. We saw Manny Pacquiao became world champion again. He did not just get out of that short retirement but came back and wrote another fate in boxing history books. The first fighting senator of the sport of boxing! What an achievement to add Pacman's unbelievable boxing career.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas

Pacquiao (59-6-2, 38 KO's) won a unanimous decision over 10 years junior Jessie Vargas (27-2, 10 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight championship bout at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. It was an entertaining fight yet lack of explosiveness towards the end.

Although in the second round scored a knockdown, it is obvious that the 37-year-old former congressman and now senator Pacquiao was too cautious. According to Juan Manuel Marquez, in an interview, Pacquiao fought too cautious against Vargas who mastered a counter right hand.

It was a counter right hand from Marquez that put to sleep Pacquaio during their fourth encounter. According to Marquez, Vargas is not a hard puncher. But when Vargas hit Pacquiao with a right hand, the Pacman staggers. The knockout changed the style of Pacquiao who is known to fight relentlessly especially to a less powerful opponents. Vargas came in with only 10 TKO/KO wins on his ledger.

Well, I couldn't agree more with Marquez. Vargas really just missed several powerful counter-right hands. A counter punch that Vargas for sure practiced during training camp hoping to land a Marquez-alike counter that would stop the Pacman.

Well, Pacquiao was very much looking too much attention to that counter right hand. Even during the Bradley fight, I noticed that Pacquiao was very conscious of the right hand throughout the fight. It's not Vargas fired with less accuracy but it was Pacquiao too mindful about the right hand and avoided them effectively.

Apart from Pacquiao being too cautious, I noticed that Pacquiao is still the same vintage Pacquiao. He still has that speed at age 37, still has power with the left hand. He still has that quickness in both hands, fast footwork, and impressive stamina. Pacquiao was able to maintain those even reporting to his day job as senator and training in the evening in the early days of training camp.

In another interview also, Marquez predicted that a Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch will have the same result as the first time. He said that "it would be more of the same," referring to the outcome of the first fight.

"Mayweather boxing, and you saw Manny was more eager, had more power but did nothing, said Marquez.

The scorecards: Glenn Feldman 118-109, Glenn Trowbridge 118-109, Dave Moretti 114-113

Nonito Donaire Jr. vs Jessie Magdaleno

I watched the replay of the fight. I was not able to watch it live because I woke up late. Just woke up just in time with the main event that Sunday morning Kuwait time. Well, I had no doubt that of course Magdaleno (24-0, 17 KOs) won the fight. I thought Magdaleno controlled the fight, dictated the tempo, he chose when to engage and not to engage Donaire. He did make use of the entire ring to find advantage position and angle to fire offense without worrying that the vaunted Donaire counter left hook lands a home run.

But what I don't agree with or am not convinced about is the scoring. I thought that was a close fight than what the official scorecards appeared. I mean, two things you have to weigh-in in that fight; the telling effects of the Donaire's punches or Magdaleno's jab, bodywork, and generalship. Well, I'll give those rounds to Donaire where he was able to connect more than two clean telling punches. Remember that Donaire was the champion and he was the aggressor the whole night. That for me would negate Magdaleno's ring generalship.

But of course, what was the problem with Donaire's performance was his tendency to wait for an opponent's move for so long... looking for counter opportunities. In the process of waiting he was hit first, then reset... then he will be hit again... then reset... till he lands one. But the opponent got him twice or thrice already.

The scorecards: Steve Weisfeld 116-112, Burt A. Clements 116-112, Adalaide Byrd 118-110.

That 118-110 was way too wide a margin for me.

I found the below video on Youtube and embedded it here:

Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao will come out from a short retirement to fight American Jessie Vargas, Saturday night, 5th Nov. at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KOs) announced retirement after his victory over Timothy Bradley Jr. in 9th April to focus his bid for a Philippine senatorial seat, which he successfully won in May elections.

The fighting senator confirmed on 9th Aug. that he will come out of retirement and fight Vargas for the WBO world welterweight title.

"Yes, the fight is on. I have agreed to a Nov. 5 fight with reigning WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas," Pacquiao said in an interview with ESPN.com.

Vargas (27-1, 10 KOs) won his last fight against top young welterweight Sadam Ali in 5th Mar. via knockout in the 9th round, but lost to Bradley, prior to the Ali fight, in a controversial 12-round decision.

The referee mistakenly held Vargas to stop throwing punches to a wobbling Bradley thinking the 12th round was over. Bradley regained footing and was able to finish the fight and won by decision.

The Las Vegas-based Vargas, 27, was the clear underdog against the experienced former congressman who is 10 years senior, but Vargas is confident he can do it.

“A lot of you guys do wish me luck, but in the back of your mind you’re thinking: ‘I don’t think he can do it.’ But I’m here to tell you I can,” said Vargas quoted by telegraph.co.uk.

Pacquiao stands at 5’ 5.5” while Vargas stands 4.5 inches taller at 5’10”. Vargas has a significant height advantage against the former 8-division champion. He also enjoys a 4-inch reach advantage measure from armpit to the fist.

In the undercard, Filipino American Nonito Donaire Jr. faces Jessie Magdaleno for the WBO super bantamweight title.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas is available live on HBO via pay-per-view.

Philadelphia, PA—A pair of cruiserweights hoping to make some noise in the division—Lamont Capers and Garrett Wilson—collide in a six-round fight Friday evening, Dec. 2, at the 2300 Arena in South Philly.
Topping the eight-fight card is a 10-round junior lightweight fight with Tevin Farmer, of North Philadelphia, defending his NABF junior lightweight title against Dardan Zenunaj, of Albania. First fight is 7 pm.

Capers (left), 25, of Hawley, PA, turned more than a few heads earlier this year when he upset Nick Kisner, of Baltimore, MD, over eight rounds in Atlantic City, NJ. Kisner’s record was 16-2-1 at the time, Capers was 5-8.
After following the win over Kisner with another victory, this time in Philadelphia against Pedro Martinez, Hawley goes after the big one when he takes on Wilson, a former top contender and a man considered to be the “policeman” of the cruiserweight division.

“Fighting a big name (like Wilson) is exciting” Capers said. “I am looking forward to testing my skills against someone who has been through it already. I am ready and there is nothing to be afraid of, whether it’s in my backyard, his backyard or anyone else’s backyard. It’s all a mind game to me and if I can overcome it then I will be comfortable.

“A win over Garrett Wilson will boost my career and lead to greater fights. I am not intimidated. I have God on my side and I have not been intimidated by any fighter. Most of the guys I fought had winning records. Those I lost to wouldn’t fight me a second time now that my mindset has changed for the better. I’m getting hyped for this fight just by talking about it. We’ll see who is better, me or him. Not taking anything away from anyone but we will see who has been training the hardest.”

Wilson (right), 34, of South Philadelphia, is an eight-year pro with a 16-11-1 record, 9 K0s. He is a former USBA and NABF cruiserweight champion and is known for fighting the best cruiserweights and, on occasion, heavyweights in the world. Only twice in his 28-fight career has he faced an opponent with a losing record.

Among his victims are Omar Sheika, Andres Taylor and Chuck Mussachio and he gave heavyweight title challenger Czar Glazkov all he could handle in 2013, losing a 10-round decision in a fight Wilson took on 72 hours’ notice.

The only foe common to Capers and Wilson is Pedro Martinez, whom Wilson twice beat, once by decision, once by knockout.

Capers could be catching Wilson at the right time since the Philadelphian is coming off a pair of losses to Keith Tapia and Guillermo Jones.

“Not sure I really lost to Keith Tapia,” Wilson said. “It could have been a draw. I definitely beat Guillermo Jones. Everyone there (Pittsburgh, PA) knew I won the fight and they booed the decision but Jones was with Don King so what can you do.

“That’s all behind me. My goal now is to simply hurt people. I have nothing left to prove; I just want to hurt people. That’s my goal!”

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.