Boxing
The Beast returns after 50-50, Venado faces Leo and Ellerbe leaves
Published
5 months agoon
By
J. HumzaLeonard Ellerbe steps down; Enter Richard Schaefer
The makeover of Floyd Mayweather’s team continues as it was announced that Leonard Ellerbe, longtime CEO of Mayweather Promotions, will be leaving the Las Vegas-based team.
Officially stepping down from his role, coincidentally as difficulties escalate in the Floyd vs. Gervonta relationship, Ellerbe will be replaced by a familiar face in Richard Schaefer.
Schaefer, a key member of the now-defunct Probellum promotional unit, was best known for his work alongside Oscar De La Hoya in Golden Boy and has remained associated with boxing ever since.
In a statement on social media, Mayweather Promotions thanked Leonard Ellerbe for his efforts: “Mayweather Promotions would like to express our deepest gratitude to Leonard Ellerbe for his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication over the years.
“Leonard has been an integral part of our team, contributing to many business ventures that have been instrumental in the success of Mayweather Promotions.”
The hard-working Rubalcava is a constructive signing for Matchroom
Leonardo Rubalcava (7-0, 3 KO) signed a multi-fight contract with Matchroom. Trained by Robert Garcia, Rubalcava will fight on June 29 on the Estrada vs. undercard. Rodriguez.
“I am motivated to showcase my skills on this great night and proudly represent Teocaltiche, Jalisco, Mexico, around the world,” Rubalcava said.
“Leo is one of the hardest workers at my gym and also works for his father who owns a construction company,” Robert Garcia praised.
“He shows up at the gym on his lunch break and spars with some of boxing’s top fighters like Vergil Ortiz, Brandun Lee and Raymond Muratalla. After sparring, he goes straight back to work.
WBO champion Espinoza signed a top-ranking contract
As he approaches his maiden title defense against Sergio Chirino Sanchez on June 21, Rafael Espinoza has signed a co-promotional deal with Top Rank along with Zanfer Promotions.
Espinoza pulled off a shocker in overdue 2023 when he defeated Robeisy Ramirez to win the WBO featherweight title by a thrilling 12-round majority.
“I promise that I will continue to do my best to win the hearts of all fans. I’m also excited about my fight tonight in Las Vegas. I will show that this title will stay with me for a long time,” assured Espinoza (24-0, 20 KO).
Promoter Bob Arum added: “Rafael Espinoza is a fighter who thrills fans every time he steps through the ropes. He has all the tools to become one of the greatest Mexican champions of his era.
Vicious Venado once again defends the title away
Continuing with the top-ranking theme, Luis Alberto Lopez, aka “Venado,” continues his commendable run of form by once again putting his IBF Featherweight title on the line in enemy territory.
Former WBO super bantamweight champion Angelo Leo (who lost that title to Stephen Fulton in 2021) will be the challenger on August 10. The fight will take place in Leo’s hometown of Albuquerque, Fresh Mexico (Angelo has now moved to Las Vegas).
“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 substantial battle against a former world champion like Angelo Leo,” said road warrior Lopez, whose globe-trotting exploits took him to Belfast in 2023 to crush Michael Conlan.
Challenger Angelo Leo replied: “I know Lopez is one of the top champions in my division 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.”
Prospective super lightweight Lindolfo Delgado fights Bryan Flores for 10 rounds in this co-fight. Richard Torrez, Alan Garcia, Top Rank newcomer Vito Mielnicki Jr and Arnold Khegai will also appear.
“It’s a real throwback to the place where so many classic fights took place,” buzzed Bob Arum about returning to Fresh Mexico.
Anthony Yigit is leaving the sport
Former European champion Anthony Yigit retired at the age of 32. The Swedish portsider wraps up his career with a commendable record of 29-4-1. 10 KO shows that it was more moving than the banger.
After a victory over Sandor Martin in 2017, which looks better every year, Yigit always performed well, but lost as he improved his class.
Rolando Romero, Denys Berinchyk, Ivan Baranchyk and Keyshawn Davis contributed to his loss column. Breaking the news via social media, Yigit explained how he realized that boxing was something he no longer wanted to do.
Former champion Pinder is dead
Former WBA and WBC bantamweight world champion Enrique Pinder died last week at the age of 76. Pinder boxed from 1966 to 1973 and was a national icon in Panama.
“Maravilla” retired from the sport with a record of 35-7-2 (13 KOs), fighting against Rafael Herrera, Chucho Castillo and Romeo Anaya during his seven-year career. Pinder’s son, Ricardo, announced the death in the national media.
Arslanbek returns to face Vianello in a contenders clash
In a heavyweight fight that will soon fade in importance, Arslanbek Makhmudov faces Guido Vianello over 10 rounds in Quebec City.
The fight will take place on August 17 under the Mbilli-Derevyanchenko card. Both men could really apply a decisive win in this fight together.
Makhmudov returned to his usual knockout ways on the recent Eye of the Tiger show, finishing Miljan Rovcanin with a substantial right hand in the second round.
Arslanbek’s loss to Agit Kabayel was disturbing as the twitching necked beast crumbled under Kabayel’s constant body attack. It was later reported that he suffered a hand injury, which obviously didn’t assist his case.
“Vianello is a tough fighter, but also a very good fighter, as we saw in his last fight,” Makhmudov said. “This is an significant step for me. I want to show that I’m a top contender and to get closer to my goal, I need to prove that I’m better than this guy.
The pair have fought in the World Series of Boxing before. Makhmudov won on this occasion almost 10 years ago. Since then, Vianello’s professional career hasn’t gone to plan, although a split decision loss to Efe Ajagba in his last match was a close one, as the scorecards suggest.
“I am ready to compete with the top heavyweights in the world. This is just the beginning of my journey,” said Vianello.
“The Arslanbek fight is exactly what I wanted at this point in my career and I’m looking forward to a great fight on August 17 in Quebec City.”
The forceful card also features Osleys Iglesias, Wilkens Mathieu, Leïla Beaudoin, Thomas Chabot, Abdullah Mason and Jahi Tucker.
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Boxing
The fight between Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel will take place on December 14 at the Toyota Arena
Published
17 hours agoon
November 23, 2024In 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.
Boxing
George Kambosos moves up to 140, adds Eddie Hearn to team
Published
1 day agoon
November 23, 2024Former 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.
Boxing
Mike Tyson had absolutely no chance of knocking out Jake Paul
Published
3 days agoon
November 21, 2024One 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.
‘MIKE TYSON WON’T FIGHT EVER AGAIN!’ – Gareth A Davies
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