Boxing
Andreas Katzourakis wins by decision over Kudratillo Abdukakhorov, Robert Terry rules out Estevan Villalobos
Published
7 months agoon
By
J. HumzaAndreas Katzourakis’ 154-pound debut was successful.
Katzourakis defeated Kudratillo Abdukakhorov by majority decision on Friday night at the Red Owl Boxing Arena in his hometown of Houston, Texas. One judge scored the fight 95-95, while the other two judges scored the fight 98-92 and 96-94 for Katzourakis, who improved his score to 13-0, 10 by knockout.
Both fighters decided to stay in the pocket from the beginning, exchanging punches and combinations. Midway through the second round, a hefty right hand almost knocked Abdukakhorov to the canvas. Moments later, a counter left hook to the head almost dropped Katzourakis.
In the third round, Abdukakhorov was again able to land, landing a right hand that snapped Katzourakis’ head back. For most of the fight, Abdukakhorov switched between a conventional stance and a southpaw stance. This tactic allowed Abdukakhorov to connect and land on Katzourakis’ body, especially in the middle rounds.
Abdukakhorov may have been the more effective fighter in the beginning, but Katzourakis mostly dominated in the second half of the fight. Abdukakhorov could have been busier, but Katzourakis scored better in several rallies.
During the final two rounds, Katzourakis took Abdukakhorov to the ground, pinning him against the ropes. Abdukakhorov was able to counterattack at points, but Katzourakis continued to land more precise punches until the final bell sounded.
The 26-year-old Katzourakis, born in Greece and coached by David McWater, last fought on January 20, defeating journeyman Corey Caad in the third round. His best win to date was an eighth-round knockout win over Raphael Igbokwe on August 25, his first victory under the OTX Boxing banner.
Abdukakhorov, who resides in Andijan, Uzbekistan, drops to 20-3, 12 KOs. The 30-year-old has won his last two fights and has long been a mandatory challenger to Errol Spence’s IBF welterweight world title. Abdukakhorov suffered the first defeat of his career in December 2021, losing by decision to challenger Cody Crowley.
Katzourakis advanced to the semifinals of the OTX Boxing junior middleweight tournament. In the co-main event, he will face Robert Terry, who defeated Estevan Villalobos by unanimous decision. The scores were 100-90, 100-90 and 98-92 for Terry, who improved to 12-0-1, 4 KOs.
Villalobos was the aggressor from the first round, trying to get Terry against the ropes. Terry took a side step and successfully countered to the head, followed by more punches and combinations to the head.
As the fight progressed, Villalobos’ punching power decreased, but he was still in the game. Terry initiated exchanges by stringing together combinations of two punches to the head. Terry was the aggressor towards the end of the fight, looking to score a knockdown or knockout, but Villalobos was able to grit his teeth or fight without danger.
Terry, 30, of Jersey City, Up-to-date Jersey, has won his last three fights since drawing with Raul Garcia on April 7 last year by split decision.
Villalobos, who now lives in Mount Vernon, Washington and trains with undefeated David Benavidez, drops to 16-3-1, 12 KOs. The 32-year-old lost his last two fights.
In the junior welterweight division, Giovanni Marquez from Houston won by split decision over Jason Limon from San Antonio (8-2-1, 2 KO). The fight was originally declared a draw after a split decision (77-75 Limon, 77-76, Marquez and 76-76), but OTX boxing rules require an additional round to determine the winner.
After the bonus round, the fight was again declared a split decision draw (86-85 Marquez, 86-85 Limon and 86-86). The Texas Combative Sports Program then announced that there was a miscalculation on the scorecards, and the correct scorecards showed Marquez winning 86-85 on the two judges’ scorecards.
Marquez improved to 10-0, 5 KOs. The 23-year-old is the son of former junior middleweight world champion and 1992 American Olympian Raul Marquez.
Junior welterweight Breyon Gorham of nearby Baytown improved to 17-0, 14 KOs by defeating Mexican Luis Baltazar in the third round.
Gorham dominated Baltazar’s (12-2-1, 5 KO) match from the first bell, landing hooks and crosses at will. At the end of the third round, a combination of right and left hooks sent Baltazar to the canvas. Baltazar defeated the count and got out of the round, but Baltazar’s corner told referee John Schorle to stop the fight.
In the junior lightweight division, Alexander Espinoza of Managua, Nicaragua defeated Gustavo Rivera of Mexico (9-1, 7 KO) en route to a split decision victory. One judge scored the fight 76-74 for Rivera, while the other two judges scored the fight 76-74 for Espinoza, who improved to 22-6-2, 8 KOs.
Espinoza had a point deducted in the fight for repeated low blows.
In featherweight action, LeAnna Cruz of Allentown, Pennsylvania defeated former strawweight world champion Nancy Franco (19-21-2, 5 KO) by decision. All three judges scored the fight 60-54 in favor of Cruz, who gave the score 9-0.
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Boxing
Manny Pacquiao remains the favorite to win the title against Mario Barrios
Published
4 days agoon
January 6, 2025WBN understands that despite alternative options emerging, it is more likely that Manny Pacquiao will face Mario Barrios next.
Bob Santos, coach of WBC welterweight champion Barrios, told World Boxing News that he is currently in contact with Pacquiao’s team. Asked by WBN if he had spoken to Pacquiao or representatives of any other challenger, Santos replied: “Yes, Pacquiao’s promoter, Sean Gibbons.” Pressed on whether Barrios vs Pacquiao might happen next, he added: “It’s challenging to say. We’ll have to see how this plays out.”
WBN contacted Santos after Conor Benn emerged as a potential alternative to Barrios. The British fighter, who recently returned from a suspension following two positive drug tests, is keen to return to competition.
Benn showed favor with the World Boxing Council at the recent WBC Convention, the WBC Evaluation Committee and during an interview with the sanctioning body over the weekend. “The Destroyer” is ranked second in the rankings at 147 pounds, despite less than solid opponents during his time in exile, during which Benn competed twice in the United States while his career in the United Kingdom was in doubt.
As he battled to clear his name and with the British Anti-Doping Authority finding no evidence that Benn had intentionally taken ostarine, the 28-year-old’s career took a pointed nosedive. Despite this, he remains highly rated and at least one step away from fighting for an eliminator or one of the remaining championship titles.
However, Pacquiao remains Barrios’ favorite. Now it’s up to the boxing legend and Hall of Famer who got the first votes to secure his shot. WBN believes a July date – most likely at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas – is the most realistic date for a Nevada swan song.
Pacquiao could extend his record as the oldest welterweight champion by six years if he can secure a huge victory over the 29-year-old world champion. At 46 years antique, such a scenario remains unlikely, but he can never be compared to one of the greatest players of this generation.
Unlike heavier boxers and his training regiment, Pacquiao looks in great shape despite his advanced age. Everything is set for a massive return to the boxing capital of the world, provided Pacquiao and his team can manage his political ambitions, which are expected to run from this month until May. After that time, Pacquiao could find himself in the summer finals and become the all-time champion, regardless of the result.
Barrios is based in the city, where he trained with Santos, and would be the perfect opponent to see out the career of one of the greatest fighters in history.
Boxing
A report about Deontay Wilder retiring at the age of 39 has been confirmed as false
Published
1 week agoon
January 2, 2025Deontay Wilder has not retired from boxing at the age of 39, and the former WBC heavyweight champion has not issued any official statement.
World Boxing News can confirm that reports circulating on social media are false and originated from a imitation account on Up-to-date Year’s Day. As of January 2, 2025, WBN has had no word from Wilder that he plans to hang up his gloves.
As usual, WBN also asked Shelly Finkel for comment. However, Finkel has repeatedly said in the past that Wilder is not retiring. This case seems to be no different.
The last time Wilder spoke publicly was while promoting a mental health app, the Brown Bomber was unveiling plans to return to the sport.
He said: “The push-up protocol has been disabled. Strengthen your body and train your mind; no paid subscription required! It’s not about money. It’s about a mission to strengthen mindsets and improve mental health for all.
To everyone: operate your services and achieve greatness.
“There will be people who tell you, ‘No, you can’t.’ [No] People trying to stop you or putting up stop signs. [No] People who want to bring you down and keep you down. But you can’t give up.
“No matter how many times you fall, no matter how many times you get knocked down, it’s a resilient mind, a confident mind, a powerful mind that gets back up and keeps moving forward to achieve your greatness.
“Apply your service. Achieve your greatness,” he added.
Deontay Wilder could announce his retirement tomorrow if he changed his mind, but at the time of the report, there was no truth to it.
When Zhilei Zhang knocked him out on June 1 in Saudi Arabia, the formidable top-flight contender needed time to assess his situation. WBN understands that Wilder has received offers, including contact from Francis Ngannou, regarding a possible boxing match with the MMA star.
The Wilder vs. Ngannou fight only makes sense for an American his age. Many voluntary positions [of which Wilder is WBC number 13] are occupied by threatening opponents who would start each clash as favorites.
Meanwhile, the Ngannou fight is winnable with less risk and more rewards, meaning Wilder can still earn a significant payday before hanging up his gloves for good.
Boxing
Paddy Donovan is looking forward to his clash with Lewis Crocker on March 1
Published
1 week agoon
December 30, 2024Rising Irish boxing star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, 11 KO), the current World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight continental champion, had to withdraw from his scheduled December “stay busy” fight due to a minor injury but now is preparing to fight his biggest rival in what may be the most anticipated Irish boxing match in history.
The All-Ireland fight between Donovan, who fights in Limerick and trains in Dublin, and Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (20-0, 11 KO) of Belfast, Northern Ireland, is scheduled for March 1. “Point of Pride” will headline the Matchroom Boxing card, which will be broadcast live on DAZN from the SES Arena as part of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) world title eliminator. Just two fights away, Donovan could win a world title if he defeats Crocker as the IBF mandatory challenger.
“There is something different about a good Irish fighter and I believe I will be next,” Donovan declared. “I think turning pro at 19 and now 25 has required a lot of life changes since I turned pro. What matters most is what I learned in the gym, because it was the ups and downs in life – being a husband and father, losing loved ones – that helped me improve. I improved as a person, which helped me become a better fighter.”
A true fighter from the past, Donovan is currently rated by three of the four major sanctioning bodies: WBA No. 5, IBF No. 6 and World Boxing Council No. 14. He has dreamed of being a world champion since he was seven years senior.
“I’m in an amazing position, so I thank God for that and my team, Andy Lee (head coach/co-manager) and (Up-to-date York lawyer) Keith Sullivan (co-manager),” Donovan noted. “It’s great to be ranked so highly at this stage of my career, but I’m where I need to be. To be ranked so high on three major sanctioning bodies is great. I know I won’t stop until I become world champion.
“I’m always at the gym thinking about the next challenge. I say it’s time. I love what I do. I am very grateful to God for being in this situation. I believe in God’s plan for me to become world champion.”
“It’s definitely going to be an explosive fight,” commented Up-to-date York attorney Keith Sullivan, who co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, who is also Paddy’s head trainer. “Two tough, resilient Irishmen who have a lot to prove to the world. We were worried about the injury, but we are sure it will not be a problem during the March 1 battle. Paddy is locked down and training difficult under the watchful eye of coach Andy Lee.
Donovan has dedicated several of his recent fights to Pieta, using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity, which provides mental health services across Ireland. Paddy lost two relatives to suicide. The Pietra Crisis Helpline, at 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, as well as support for those grieving as a result of suicide.
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