Leonard 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.
Luis Alberto Lopez eliminated Michael Conlan in round five
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.
Riydah, Saudi Arabia: Arslanbek Makhmudov v Agit Kabayel, heavyweight contest. December 23, 2023 Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing.
“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.
