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IBF clarifies Canelo Alvarez stripped of title, champion not vacating

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Canelo Alvarez at presser

World Boxing News has received an email from the International Boxing Federation informing us that Canelo Alvarez has lost his IBF title.

The IBF explained to WBN that Canelo did not relinquish his super middleweight title to face Edgar Berlanga. An IBF spokesman said they stripped Canelo of his title for failing to fulfill his mandatory fight with William Scull.

Speaking to World Boxing News, the IBF said: “Following the recent announcement regarding the upcoming fight between Saul Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga, the IBF would like to clarify the status of the IBF super middleweight title and how the organisation makes decisions in such situations based on its rules.

“The IFN has ordered Saul Alvarez to begin negotiations with number one ranked Willam Scull for a mandatory defense of his IBF super middleweight title on May 13, 2024. Negotiations were to be completed by June 8, 2024.

“On May 22, 2024, the IBF received an email from Hagen Doering requesting an immediate auction on behalf of William Scull. The IBF sent a notice on May 27, 2024 that the auction would take place on June 6, 2024. Subsequently, on June 4, 2024, the IBF received an email from Hagen Doering requesting to postpone the auction from June 6, 2024. Shortly thereafter, Eddie Reynoso, on behalf of Saul Alvarez, provided written consent to postpone said auction.

“On June 18, 2024, the IBF received emails from both parties indicating that an agreement had been reached.”

Canelo vs Scull is leaving

At the time, there was speculation that Scull had agreed to a deal to postpone the fight in order to wait for Canelo until his fall fight in Las Vegas. According to the IBF, that scenario did not occur.

“The IBF has notified that the rescheduled June 18, 2024 prize pool offer has been canceled. However, the terms of the “deal” have not been disclosed to the IBF. On behalf of Saul Alvarez, Tom Brown sent a letter to the IBF on July 5, 2024. Brown requested an exception to participate in an optional defense of the super middleweight title on September 14, 2024 against a fighter to be determined.

“On July 19, 2024, the IBF Board of Directors met via video conference to discuss this matter. The majority of the Directors determined that the application should not proceed under Rule 11.A. IBF Rule 11.A. states in part: “Once the IBF has sent notice of the prize pool tender date or signed a mandatory fight agreement, no application for an exception may be made.”

“On July 25, 2024, the IBF received information that Saul Alvarez would participate in an optional fight against fourth-ranked super middleweight title contender Edgar Berlanga on September 14, 2024. IBF Rule 5.B.2. provides in part:

“All optional defenses and any other fights of the champion must be completed at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of the mandatory defense of the champion and must receive the approval of the Championship Chairman and the President.”

“Saul Alvarez’s mandatory defense of his IBF super middleweight title is overdue. Therefore, the fight scheduled for September 14, 2024 does not comply with the noted rule.”

Canelo Alvarez stripped of IBF title

Furthermore, the IBF stated that it had no choice but to strip Canelo of the title so that Scull could fight for the belt at a later date.

“The IBF places the utmost importance on maintaining the title and appreciates and understands what the undisputed champion status means to a fighter like Saul Alvarez, the sport and the fans. We understand that Saul Alvarez and his team chose the path they felt was right for his career in the fight against Edgar Berlanga.

“Nevertheless, the IBF rules are clear and have been developed to serve all parties involved in such a case. Based on the above, the IBF had no other option but to vacate the IBF super middleweight title.

“Saul Alvarez has had an exceptional career and we sincerely wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” they added.

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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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