Boxing
Venado Lopez will defend his title against Angelo Leo on August 10
Published
7 months agoon
By
J. HumzaMexico’s road warrior soon enters up-to-date enemy territory. Venado Lopez will put his IBF World Featherweight Championship on the line against Angelo Leo on Saturday, August 10 at the Tingley Coliseum in Leo’s hometown of Albuquerque, Novel Mexico.
Lindolfo Delgado and Bryan Flores will face off in an all-Mexico fight in a 10-round junior welterweight bout.
Venado-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.
“Albuquerque is a great fight city and we are excited to return with an thrilling matchup pitting fierce world champion Venado Lopez against hometown kid Angelo Leo,” said Top Rank President Bob Arum. “Lindolfo Delgado is one of Mexico’s rising superstars, and his fight against Bryan Flores has all the makings of a Fight of the Year contender. It is a true reminder of the place where so many classic fights took place.”
Venado (30-2, 17 KO) from Mexicali, Mexico, is becoming one of the most decorated champions in his country. 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 the third world title in enemy territory.
“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 massive battle against a former world champion like Angelo Leo,” Lopez said. “It will be a magical evening for all fans in Novel 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.”
Leo (24-1, 11 KO) has already made history as one of six Novel 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 a convincing decision over 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 with Top Rank, is listed in the IBF and WBC world rankings. After a 3-0 victory in 2023, Delgado 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 said: “I am ready to give 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.” Albuquerque has a opulent history of all ABQ fights, the most vital of which is the 1997 junior bantamweight fight between Johnny Tapia and Danny Romero.
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
Manny Pacquiao remains the favorite to win the title against Mario Barrios
Published
5 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
2 weeks 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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