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Luis Alberto Lopez will defend his IBF 126-pound belt against Angelo Leo on August 10

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Luis Alberto Lopez celebrates winning the IBF featherweight title. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Mexico’s road warrior soon enters recent enemy territory.

Luis Alberto “Venado” Lopez will put his IBF World Featherweight Championship on the line against Angelo Leo on Saturday, August 10 at Tingley Coliseum in Leo’s hometown of Albuquerque, Recent Mexico.

Lindolfo Delgado and Bryan Flores will face off in an all-Mexico fight in a 10-round junior welterweight bout.

Lopez-Leo and Delgado-Flores will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK and Ireland.

Tickets promoted by Top Rank in partnership with Legacy Boxing Promotions will go on sale on Tuesday, June 18 at 11 a.m. MST on Etix.com.

Lopez (30-2, 17 KO), from Mexicali, Mexico, is ranked No. 1 on The Ring in the featherweight division. The 30-year-old strongman won the IBF featherweight crown when he dethroned Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds, England in December 2022. In his first defense, he once again went to hostile territory, stopping Belfast’s Michael Conlan via fifth-round TKO in May 2023. In September, he returned to the States to defeat division mainstay Joet Gonzalez by unanimous decision. In his last appearance, he knocked out mandatory challenger Reiya Abe in the eighth round, handing the Japanese challenger his first stoppage defeat. Venado is preparing to win his third world title on enemy soil.

“On August 10, I will make it completely clear who is the king of the featherweight division. This will be the fourth defense of my world title and I am preparing for a large battle against a former world champion like Angelo Leo,” Lopez said. “It will be a magical evening for all fans in Recent Mexico. I know he’s a local fighter, but you already know what happens when I enter enemy territory. “Road Warrior is back and I will notify all the division champions.”

Angelo Leo (left) takes him to the Aaron Alameda game itself.

Leo (24-1, 11 KO) has already made history as one of six Recent Mexicans to win the world title. When Leo defeated Tramaine Williams for the vacant WBO junior featherweight belt in 2020, he joined Bob Foster, Johnny Tapia, Danny Romero, Holly Holm and Austin Trout as “Land of Enchantment” boxers to reach the professional peak. He lost the title five months later to Stephen Fulton and spent over two years out of the ring following his 2021 victory over Aaron Alameda. Leo moved up to featherweight and won three fights, including defeating former world title challenger Eduardo Baez in April.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to fight for my second world title, especially in my hometown of Albuquerque. I couldn’t ask for more,” Leo said. “I know Lopez is one of the top champions in my league and a win over him would be huge for me and my city. I’m at the peak of my career and I can’t wait to show the world what I’ve become since winning my first world title in 2020.”

Delgado (20-0, 15 KO), who recently signed a long-term contract extension with Top Rank, was 3-0 in 2023, but entered 2024 with the intention of destroying the world title. In March, he overcame a tough challenge from compatriot Carlos Sanchez, dropping him in the fifth round and knocking him out with a wide swinging right hand in the seventh. Delgado has defeated three undefeated fighters in his career, including a 2022 victory over Omar Aguilar in an eight-round war of attrition.

Delgado, ranked No. 10 on The Ring at 140 pounds, said: “I’m ready to put on another spectacular performance on August 10. I am improving in every fight and I believe that you will all see Lindolfo Delgado who is more ready than ever for a world title. Bryan Flores is a tough, undefeated fighter. He has a lot of experience. And like all Mexicans, he will start a war. I hope this will happen and I will be able to showcase my skills as a boxer again.”

Flores (26-0-1, 15 KO), of Juarez, Mexico, has won 22 straight fights since 2015. He is 2-0 in American fights, which includes a nationally televised split decision over highly touted prospect Shinard Bunch in April 2023. Bunch dropped Flores in the first round, but Flores dominated the second half of the 10-round match to secure the victory. Since Buncha’s triumph, he has won two fights by stoppage in his hometown, most recently knocking out Jorge Abel Bermudez in four rounds.

“This is the fight and opportunity I have been waiting for,” Flores said. “Lindolfo Delgado, like me, is a tough Mexican fighter and we will give the fans a fight worthy of ESPN.”

The undercard broadcast on ESPN+ includes the following fights:

Undefeated flyweights and Albuquerque natives Abraham Perez (10-0, 5 KO) and Matthew Griego (14-0, 10 KO) will face off in a 10-round “Duke City Civil War.”

United States Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (10-0, 10 KO) returns in an eight-round heavyweight fight against Joshua Temple (13-3, 10 KO). He will make his third appearance in 2024 after his most significant victory, a fifth-round stoppage victory over then-undefeated Brandon Moore last month.

In the lightweight division, Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (13-0, 10 KO) will put his undefeated record on the line in an eight-round fight against Donnie Reeves (9-9, 7 KO). Garcia began his 2024 campaign in February by defeating Tomas Ornelas in the first stanza, and the following month he eliminated Gonzalo Fuenzalida in two rounds. Last month he decided Wilfredo Flores in eight rounds.

Junior middleweight fighter Vito Mielnicki Jr. (18-1, 12 KO) will make his debut in the highest weight category in a 10-round fight. Mielnicki has a 10-0 record since his only defeat. In his last appearance, he scored a unilateral, unanimous decision victory over Ronald Cruz in the Canelo Alvarez-Jaime Munguia undercard.

Ukrainian featherweight contender Arnold Khegai (21-1-1, 13 KO) will fight under the Top Rank banner for the first time in a 10-round fight with Belmar Preciado (22-7-1, 15 KO). Khegai, who is ranked No. 1 by the WBO, will be looking to extend his winning streak to six after defeating Jon Martinez via third-round TKO in January.

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Boxing

The fight between Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel will take place on December 14 at the Toyota Arena

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Rocha vs Curiel

In a clash of forces between two world title contenders, NABO welterweight titleholder Alexis “Lex” Rocha (25-2-0, 16 KO) will put his skills to the test against undefeated knockout and NABF welterweight titleholder Raul “El Cugar “. Curiel (15-0, 13 KO).

The 10-round main event will take place on Saturday, December 14, live from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

“‘The best versus the best’ is Golden Boy’s mantra and that’s what fans will see as Rocha and Curiel take on everything that’s on the table,” said President and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Rocha is a veteran whose goal is to win the world title, Curiel is an undefeated blue-chip prospect with huge potential. It’s really a 50/50 fight and I’m looking forward to it.”

Tickets for the Rocha vs. match Curiel will go on sale on Friday, October 11 at 10 a.m. PT and will be priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25, excluding applicable service fees. A confined number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available, including exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades. Standard and VIP tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, Toyota-arena.com, Goldenboy.com or at the Toyota Arena box office from Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 16:00

“I’ve seen Raul Curiel all these years and he never once mentioned my name,” Alexis Rocha said. “After my last defeat, he suddenly became interested in fighting me. If he thinks I’ve lost a step or somehow had an simple fight, he’s in for a rude awakening. I can’t wait to make a statement and show the world what I’m capable of.”

Santa Ana, California Rep. Alexis “Lex” Rocha comes from a struggling family. The younger brother of Ronny Rios, he was the youngest fighter to win a gold medal at the Junior Olympics at the age of 14 in 2012 and caught the attention of the boxing world by becoming a six-time national champion during his amateur career. Rocha signed with Golden Boy in January 2016 and made his professional debut in March 2016, defeating Jordan Rosario at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. Since then, he has amassed an enviable record of powerful knockouts over top contenders and plans to return to world title contention, with his last fight being a victory over undefeated Santiago Dominguez on July 19 last year.

“The fans can expect a war,” said Raul Curiel. “I’m going to prepare well to put on a great show. This will be the most essential fight of my career so far. I know Alexis is a great fighter, a good opponent and will also show up prepared. My focus is on Alexis and if I can beat him, I know it will give me a chance to fight for the world championship.

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George Kambosos moves up to 140, adds Eddie Hearn to team

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George Kambosos beats Teofimo

Former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos approached promoter Eddie Hearn asking for more massive fights.

Kambosos has signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn, under which the Greek-Australian slugger will continue his association with DiBella Entertainment Inc. and his own company, Ferocious Promotions.

The 21-3 star will move up to the super lightweight division of Matchroom Boxing’s lively division. He aims to become a two-weight world champion in early 2025, and as part of the deal, a title fight is promised as long as he continues to win.

Since his stunning victory over Teofimo Lopez, Kambosos has never shied away from competing against the best. Those three losses on his resume came to Devin Haney [twice] and Vasily Lomachenko, all at home and all for world titles.

The 31-year-old is now set to face compatriot Liam Paro after defending his IBF title against Richardson Hitchins in December in Puerto Rico.

“I am thrilled to be working with Matchroom Boxing. I am excited to have signed a three-way promotional cooperation agreement with my long-time promoter DiBella Entertainment Inc. and Ferocious Promotions,” Kambosos said.

“I made great success and history when I moved up the Matchroom shows by winning my UK elimination fight against Lee Selby. The most noteworthy and unforgettable is my victory against Teofimo at Madison Square Garden in Up-to-date York to become the 135-pound world champion.

“I am officially announcing that I will be moving up to 140 pounds and signing with Matchroom will ensure my continued success and the legacy I want to leave in the sport of boxing.”

Hearn, who adds an experienced campaigner to his stable, added: “I am delighted to welcome George to the team. George’s victory over Teofimo tore up the script and showed that George was the man for the massive time. He has proven to be a huge attraction in Australia and one of the real driving forces behind the rapid growth of boxing Down Under.

“The 140-pound division is full of massive names and massive potential fights. Adding George to the mix only elevates the level, and a possible fight with Liam Paro is a truly appetizing prospect. If Liam manages to win in a great fight against Richardson on December 7th [the fight could be on].

Lou DiBella, who has worked with Kambosos for years, said: “I’m glad I was able to make a deal with my antique buddy Eddie to work with George Kambosos Jr. and Ferocious Promotions.

“Throughout his career, George has been a fighter who has never shied away from a challenge, and now he wants to test himself against top junior welterweights.

Matchroom works with top 140-pounders, including George’s compatriot Liam Paro, and, like DiBella Entertainment, is heavily invested in Australia.

“It’s a natural partnership,” added the Up-to-date Yorker.

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Boxing

Mike Tyson had absolutely no chance of knocking out Jake Paul

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Mike Tyson comeback black

One of the hottest topics surrounding Mike Tyson’s return at the age of 58 was the possibility of the boxing legend scoring a knockout of Jake Paul.

WBN has weighed in on this topic several times, questioning the validity of five-second training clips that revealed nothing about Tyson’s abilities at this overdue age. One of the most intriguing observations during the preparations was the opinion of UFC commentator Daniel Cormier.

Speaking on his show “Funky and the Champ,” Cormier reflected on Tyson’s social media videos and offered an informed opinion on the meaning of the clips.

“I understand that [he is in amazing shape at 58]and I understand what he is saying [he feels as though he can compete]– Cormier said. “And I agree that when he hits the pads with Rafael Cordeiro, it looks like there’s still something left in him.

“But then I watch Jake Paul fight Mike Perry. I saw Jake Paul get overwhelmed to the point where he started to feel uncomfortable. It looked like Mike Perry had a chance. But Jake has a reserve tank he can go to and benefit from because he’s 28 years ancient. Then he comes back and finally finishes Mike Perry.

“At the beginning of the fight, Mike Perry gets beaten up and dropped. He looks trained and unmatched. This worries me because what if it looks like a 58-year-old man fighting a 28-year-old man while Mike can’t employ the backup tank to stay and compete with this newborn kid? I think it’s a failure for Jake Paul because if you beat Mike Tyson, everyone will love him.

He added: “What if Mike knocks him out? It’s over. Everything is ready. This would be the backfire of all time. If he gets knocked out, nothing like that has ever happened in the history of the sport.”

Unfortunately for Tyson, this revenge backfired spectacularly, as the former heavyweight champion’s return was the only event that bombed. Tyson had nothing left twenty years after he had nothing left in his tank and no desire to box in his mind.

Paul parlayed this into a money-making scheme that would forever be a success for him and his company, but would be poorly received by the die-hard boxing fraternity.

Cormier’s words resonate, especially after what happened in the ring when Mike Tyson struggled to shift into first gear, warning former fighters thinking about returning after 50.

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