WBO Jr. Featherweight Championship: Navarrete-Horta announced for Dec 7

It’s official. WBO Jr. Featherweight world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, one of the most exciting fighters in boxing, will be making his third defense in five months on December 7 at the 10,000+ seat Auditorio GNP Seguros in the city of Puebla (about two hours east of Mexico City). Navarrete (29-1, 25 KOs) will defend against WBO #13 rated Francisco “Panchito” Horta (20-3-1, 10 KOs).

Both fighters attended a kick-off press conference today.

Emanuel Navarrete: I always go for the knockout, I think it’s best to win by knockout and on December 7 the people of Puebla will see a great fight!”

Francisco Horta: ”On December 7th people will know me. Expect a war, we are going for the championship of the world!”

Zanfer Promotions also announced that on the same evening, female flyweight stars Gabriela “Bonita” Sanchez (6-3) and Silvia “Guerrerita” Torres (20-1-2, 7 KOs) will clash in an interesting fight as both are coming off world title fights.

ESPN+ is expected to show Navarrete-Horta in the USA, while Azteca 7, la Casa del Boxeo, will air the fight in Mexico.

Via https://fightnews.com/navarrete-horta-announced-for-dec-7/60688

Saunders will put his WBO Super Middleweight title on the line for the first time against Esteban Coceres on the undercard of KSI-Logan Paul 2 at the Staples Center in the early hours of Sunday morning, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The 30-year-old, who previously held the WBO middleweight belt, is aiming to impress on his US debut against undefeated Argentine Coceres (28-0-1, KOs 15) in a bid to force a showdown with the stars of the 168lb division.

“I need to showcase some skills in America, no one really knows me here but you will do after Saturday night,” said Saunders (28-0, KOs 13) during Thursday’s press conference.

“No disrespect to my opponent, I’m here to put a showcase on to show how levels are made.

“I’m after Canelo, Golovkin, all the big names, they’ve been hiding too long. I’m a two-weight champion and I’m really hoping to put on good performance for the American crowd.

via Peter Gilbert Skysports.com

Saul Canelo Alvarez (53-1-2, 36 KOs) captured his 4th division world title in an outstanding fashion in knocking out WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey ‘Krusher’ Kovalev (34-4-1, 29 KOs) in the 11th round on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In a fight that looked to be even going into the 11th, Canelo caught Kovalev with a big left hook that badly hurt him. Canelo then followed up with a hard right hand that flattened him. The referee Russell Mora immediately stopped the contest. The official time of the stoppage was at 2:15 of round 11.

At the time of the stoppage, Canelo was ahead on the scorecards by the following scores: 96-94, 96-94, and 95-95. Boxing News 24 had it even at 95-95. Canelo was largely getting out-boxed by Kovalev, and eating a lot of jabs. Although Canelo started landing a handful of power shots in the second half of the fight, he was still getting hit a lot more by Kovalev’s jabs.

Unbeaten lightweight Ryan Garcia (19-0, 16 KOs) made quick work of #4 WBO Romero Duno (21-2, 16 KOs) in destroying him by a 1st round knockout in the co-feature bout for Duno’s WVBO NABO Belt.

Garcia, 21, caught Duno with a left hook that dropped him hard. Referee Tony Weeks then quickly stopped the fight after seeing how badly hurt Duno was. The official time of the stoppage was at 1:38 of round one. Duno was not going to be able to make it back to his feet to to continue fighting given how hurt he was.

Early on in the round, Garcia measured the shorter 5’7″ Duno by holding out his left hand and putting holding it on his head for two or three seconds. Referee Tony Weeks didn’t warn Garcia about this illegal move, as fighters aren’t supposed to be able to do that. Garcia was able to land a couple of hard right hands using this tactic.

More on https://www.boxingnews24.com/2019/11/canelo-alvarez-vs-sergey-kovalev-live-results/

Sergey Kovalev made weight at 175 pounds on his second weigh-in attempt for his title defense of his WBO light heavyweight title against Saul Canelo Alvarez on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Initially, Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs) weighed in one-quarter pound over the limit at 175.25 lbs. He stripped naked in a failed attempt to make weight on the spot, but it was no use. After quickly going back to his dressing room, Kovalev returned moments later and successfully weighed in at 175 lbs. For his part, the 29-year-old Canelo Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 KOs) weighed in at 174.5 lbs. Canelo looked good at the weight. He obviously isn’t going to pack on too much more weight overnight before the secondary weigh-in on Saturday morning.

Via boxingnews24.com

Saul Canelo Alvarez (52-1-2, 35 KOs) and Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs) made their grand arrivals today at the MGM Grand Resort and Casino in Las Vegas ahead of their 12-round fight for Kovalev’s WBO Light Heavyweight World Title. The event will take place on Saturday, Nov 2, 2019 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s grand arrivals:

Canelo Alvarez, WBC Franchise, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion:

“As always, I’m very grateful that everybody is here, I’m very honored and I’m ready. This is very important for myself, for my career, for my history, for my family, for my team. To be a world champion in four different weight classes would be another chapter of my story.”

“Everything has been different, the weight, the training, and I can’t wait to see how it goes on Nov 2. I’ll do my best.”

Does the fan support ever get old? “No, it’s very motivating. This motivates me and I’m ready for triumph.”

Sergey Kovalev, WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion:
“I feel great. I’m here for my glory. For my story. For my history. A couple fights ago, when I started to work with my new team Buddy McGirt and Teddy Cruz, they gave me back my belief in myself. With this team I can do more. You can see, with my last fights, a little bit of change to my technique and style. I’m ready to fight 12 rounds.”

“It’s not the goal to knock someone out, I just need to follow my instructions from the corner, from my coach, and everything will be fine.”

Is Canelo going from 160 to 175 a mistake? “You know, I respect his steps and his risks. This is boxing, but in boxing, only real men try to prove themselves, that they’re a real fighter, and Canelo is that. But this is my division, I have been in this division since my first fight, and I want to make my history, my story. He’s just trying. Right now, 175 has a lot of good fights right now, a lot of good fighters right now, even Canelo has come to 175.”

On all the boos from Canelo fans: “I want to disappoint a lot of people on Saturday. In England, everybody was going against me, but after the fight, everyone was asking for my autograph. Your boo is good!”

Wilfredo ‘Bimbito’ Mendez remains Puerto Rico’s lone male titlist, hanging on to that status by the skin of his teeth—and of his challenger.

The defending WBO Mini-Flyweight title claimant lodged his first successful defense in a technical split decision win over Axel Aragon this past Saturday at Cancha Ruben Zayas Montanez in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico.

Aragon prevailed by 67-66 on the dissenting card that was trumped by scores of 67-66 and 68-65 in favor of Mendez in their cut-shortened rematch.

Mendez had every advantage heading into the night—height, reach, home region and a landside win over his opponent, a late replacement for Colombia’s Gabriel Mendoza who was unable to travel due to visa issues.

In came Aragon, a squat Mexican slugger who took the fight on less than a week’s notice. He put his three fight win streak on the line, all of which has followed his 10-round loss to Mendez in this very venue last September. Their previous affair was far more lopsided, with Mendez claiming a wide points victory en route to eventually going on to the title stage.

Things were far more competitive this time around, although Mendez enjoyed early success offering lateral movement and connect with left hands from the outside. Aragon, who at 5’0” is often at a height disadvantage no matter whom he faces, struggled to work his way inside the defending champion, although that dynamic changed dramatically late in round four.

A right hand across the chin briefly froze Mendez, setting him up for a left hook and looping right hand to send him crashing to the canvas for the bout’s lone knockdown. Mendez recovered in time to make it to the bell, before taking over in round five.

The local favorite continued his attack in round six, but not before a clash of heads provided what would be the beginning of the end. Mendez sought to land left hands to the body, but his forehead clashed with Aragon’s face, leaving his challenger with a deep gash over his left eye.

Time was called to review the wound before action was permitted to continue. Aragon bravely soldiered on, though by round seven was no longer in a position to continue. The referee called time at the start of the round to once again have the cut examined. This time around, it was decided that he was done for the night.

Because the bell sounded to start the round, the partial frame was scored. With the fight having been extended past four rounds, a No-Contest was avoided and Mendez’s title reign kept intact.

The win advances the southpaw to 14-1 (6KOs), having now won four straight including a 12-round decision over Vic Saludar this past August in San Juan.

Aragon snaps a three-fight win streak, falling to 13-3-1 (8KOs).

With the win, Mendez is now just one of two Boricuas to officially hold a major title—with seven-division titlist Amanda Serrano being the other.

Saturday’s show streamed live on the Puerto Rico Best Boxing Promotions’ legal website.

By Jake Donovan / BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox

INDIO, CALIF.: Soto vs. Heno was a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Flyweight World Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions.

Elwin “La Pulga” Soto (16-1, 11 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico made the first successful defense of his WBO Jr. Flyweight World Title against Filipino contender Edward “The Heneral Fighting” Heno (14-1-5, 5 KOs) via 12-round unanimous decision in the main event of the Oct. 24 edition Thursday Night Fights at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif. Soto won with scores of 114-113, 115-112 and 115-112. The event was streamed live on DAZN, RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page. The series is also available on regional sports networks around the nation.

“I felt I need to throw more punches,” said Elwin Soto. “I won the early rounds, and I won the later rounds. But there were some rounds in the middle where he beat me. Either way, I won the fight, and I’m ready for anyone. I just want to keep fighting, no matter who it is.”

“I’m happy that I did well,” said Edward Heno.“But I won this fight. My whole team knows I won this fight. We’re ready for anything these throw at us, but I want a rematch.”

In the co-main event, Angel “Tito” Acosta (21-2, 21 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico made his debut at 112 pounds via fifth-round knockout against Raymond Tabugon (22-11-1, 11 KOs) of General Santos, Philippines for the vacant WBO International Flyweight Title. The fight was stopped at 1:02 of the aforementioned fifth round of a scheduled 10-round bout.

“I felt strong in my first fight at 112 pounds,” said Angel Acosta. “I now want to fight against the best fighters in this new weight class. With this title, I’m now ranked in the top five, so I want any of the top fighters.”

VIA www.fightbookmma.com

WBO Jr. Featherweight World Champion Emanuel Navarrete honored at 22nd WBO Golf Tournament

GUAYAMA, Puerto Rico – Current Junior Featherweight Champion Emanuel ‘El Vaquero’ Navarrete was recognized by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) today, during the 22nd Annual WBO Golf Tournament at ‘El Legado Golf Club’ in Guayama. This edition of the annual golf competition serves as preamble to the Thirty-Second Annual WBO Convention, which will be held in the city of Tokyo, Japan, from December 2 until Thursday, December 5, 2019.

Navarrete, who has successfully defended his title three times this year, winning all by knockout said, “I’m very happy to be here in Puerto Rico with the WBO. I will continue working hard to continue defending the title and I hope to continue climbing divisions. I hope to continue fighting for the WBO as they were the first to give me the opportunity to be world champion.”

“When I mentioned on social media that Navarrete is the best 122 pounds in the world, many criticized me but now time proved me right,” said WBO president Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel Mulero. “Navarrete has the punch of Wilfredo Gómez when he was at 122 pounds and we know he will continue to give much to talk about. The sky is the limit for him.”

Winners of the Golf tournament:

Five-time World Champion Miguel Cotto won second place in the Net category and Gino Rodriguez, WBO Vice President won ‘The Straightest Shot’.

Meanwhile, in the ‘Gross’ category, Jonathan Rodriguez won first place, Angel Woods took second place and Francisco Martinez took third place.

In addition, the Sportsmanship Award went to Andrew Horn, Esq.

WBO executive officers, promoters, managers, boxers and other boxing personalities worldwide participated in the tournament.

The event was to benefit the successful global program ‘WBO Kids Drug Free’.

WBO Kids Drug Free is an international program aimed at children and young people in order to carry a message of drug prevention and motivate them to continue studying, using sports as a tool to stay on the right path, as well that support causes directed to those in need in order to ensure a better quality of life.

This Saturday, October 26, ‘WBO Champions Tournament’ continues at Rubén Zayas Coliseum in the city of Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, where WBO Mini-Flyweight World Champion Wilfredo Méndez will make his first title defense against Mexican Axel Aragon.

In other WBO bouts, 2008 Beijing Olympic Games gold medal Felix Diaz (20-3, 10 KOs), of Dominican Republic, will face Mexican Darío Fermán (18-6, 15 KOs ) for the vacant WBO Latino Welterweight title.

Dominican Yenifel Vicente (35-4-2, 27 KOs) faces Mexican Rodolfo Hernández (30-7-1, 28 kos) for the WBO Latino Jr. Featherweight title, and Dominican Frency Fortunato (7-0, 6 kos) faces Mexican Marcos Muñiz (14-0, 11 kos) for the WBO Youth Jr. Featherweight belt.

For more information related to the WBO Convention, access: www.wboboxing.com

A DEFENDER SU TÍTULO “BIMBITO” MÉNDEZ EN EL CARTEL “TORNEO DE CAMPEONES OMB” CON NUTRIDO PROGRAMA Y OTRAS CORREAS EN JUEGO ESTE SÁBADO EN TRUJILLO ALTO, PUERTO RICO

El puertorriqueño Wilfredo Bimbito Méndez defenderá su cetro de las 105 libras de la OMB por primera vez este sábado, 26 de octubre, en el cartel “Torneo de Campeones OMB”, que contará con otras tres peleas titulares y cobrará en el Coliseo Rubén Zayas Montañez de Trujillo Alto en una presentación de PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) en asociación con Spartan Boxing, que será trasmitida por WAPA Deportes después del partido de la Serie Mundial del Béisbol de las Grandes Ligas.

El evento “Torneo de Campeones OMB”, que es parte de varios programas en los que se disputarán correas de la OMB como preámbulo a la Convención Anual de la entidad que se efectuará en Japón en diciembre, tendrá púgiles de Puerto Rico, México, República Dominicana, Argentina y Estados Unidos combatiendo.

La pelea principal de la noche la protagonizará Bimbito Méndez (14-1, 5 kos) en la primera defensa de su título de las 105 libras de la OMB frente al mexicano Áxel Aragón (13-2-1, 8 kos). El boricua de 22 años se coronó mundialmente el pasado 24 de agosto al derrotar al filipino Vic Saludar por decisión unánime.

La pelea coestelar de la noche es una que presentará a dos jóvenes invictos de San Juan enfrentándose por subir un escalón más en sus carreras. En ella, el invicto Patrick Cora (8-0, 6 kos) se medirá al también imbatido Luis Midyael Sánchez (8-0, 6 kos) a ocho asaltos y en las 154 libras.

Mientras, en otra coestelar y por el cetro Latino de la OMB en las 147 libras, el medallista de oro de los Juegos Olímpicos de Pekín 2008, el dominicano Félix Díaz (20-3, 10 kos), se enfrentará al mexicano Darío Fermán (18-6, 15 kos) a 10 asaltos.

En otros pleitos titulares, el también dominicano Yenifel Vicente (35-4-2, 27 kos) combatirá ante el mexicano Rodolfo Hernández (30-7-1, 28 kos) por el título Latino de la OMB en 122 libras, mientras que el dominicano Frency Fortunato (7-0, 6 kos) se enfrentará al mexicano Marcos Muñiz (14-0, 11 kos) por el cetro Juvenil de la OMB en las 122 libras a ocho rounds.

Tras la conferencia de prensa, Méndez se dejó cortar el cabello a nombre de la Fundación Rayito de Esperanza, una organización sin fines de lucro que trabaja con niños y jóvenes pacientes y sobrevivientes de cáncer en Puerto Rico.

La trasmisión del cartel será por Wapa Deportes inmediatamente después del cuarto partido de la Serie Mundial del Béisbol de Grandes Ligas entre los Nationals de Washington y los Astros de Houston.

Fotos por Victor M. Planas

El ex-campeón mundial Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta (20-2, 20KOs) está de regreso el jueves 24 de octubre y se medirá al filipino Raymond Tabugón (22-10-1, 11KOs) en un combate a 10 asaltos en su primera pelea en la división mosca por el campeonato vacante Internacional OMB. El orgullo del Barrio Obrero en San Juan Puerto Rico mostró hoy en un aparte para los medios de comunicación parte de su arsenal junto a su nuevo equipo de trabajo compuesto por el veterano entrenador mexicano Juan Muciño.

Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta:
“Me siento muy bien he trabajado bien fuerte en este campamento para obtener una gran victoria, con mi entrenador Juan Muciño ha traído otras enseñanzas”.

“Estoy a 2 libras del peso y me siento muy bien, nunca habia estado tan cerca del peso en esta estapa, me siento fuerte”.

“Aprendí mucho de mi pelea con Elwin Soto, nunca subestimo a nadie pero llegó una mano buena para Soto y ya saben el resultado y creeme que he aprendido mucho”.

Juan Muciño – Entrenador
“Tito es un gran peleador el cuál hemos desarrollado una buena química y se verá la noche de la pelea. Entiendo que esta nueva división le va venir bien a Tito. Hemos trabajado en varios detalles nuestra meta es obtener una victoria sólida”.

Tito vs.Tabugón será parte del respaldo de Elwin Soto vs. Edward Heno es un duelo a 12 episodios por el cinturón mundial minimosca de la OMB presentado por Golden Boy en asociación con Promociones Zanfer. El evento es patrocinado por Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” La función se efectuará el jueves 24 de octubre de 2019 en el Fantasy Springs Resort Casino de Indio, California. Los combates serán transmitidos en vivo en RingTV.com y en Facebook Watch a través de la Pagina de Golden Boy Fight Night iniciando a las 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

NEW YORK CITY — Boxing’s pound-for-pound boogeyman is ready to battle the machine.

Terence “Bud” Crawford will defend his WBO welterweight world title against undefeated mandatory challenger Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas Saturday, December 14 at Madison Square Garden as part of a special ESPN-televised tripleheader that will immediately follow the 2019 Heisman Trophy Presentation (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). ESPN Deportes will provide the Spanish-language telecast.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment and MTK Global, tickets priced at $506, $306, $206, $106 and $56 (not including applicable fees) go on sale Friday, October 18 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

“This is the best fight card of the year, and Madison Square Garden is a fitting venue for what will be a special night,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Terence Crawford is a generational talent, but he’ll have his hands full against the ‘Mean Machine.’ Teofimo Lopez is taking a giant step up against Commey, and it will be a tremendous fight. Mick Conlan has been asking for Nikitin since the day he signed with Top Rank. He finally gets his wish, and I know he wants to correct the tremendous injustice of the Rio Olympics.”

“Egidijus Kavaliauskas is a two-time Olympian and I can’t take him lightly,” Crawford said. “He’s got everything to gain and nothing to lose and that makes him dangerous. I never overlook any opponent, and this will be no exception. I’ll be ready for anything and everything he brings on December 14 when I return to my second home, Madison Square Garden, and live on ESPN.”

“I have prepared my whole boxing career for a fight of this magnitude,” Kavaliauskas said. “Terence Crawford is an excellent fighter, but I fear no man. Nobody has seen the best of the ‘Mean Machine’ yet. I am going to shock a lot of people on December 14, but it won’t be a surprise to me. I earned this title shot. It is my time.”

Crawford (35-0, 26 KOs), the pride of Omaha, Nebraska, has been impeccable since turning professional, winning world titles in three weight classes and unifying all four major world titles at super lightweight. He is 13-0 with 10 knockouts in world title bouts and has knocked out his last six opponents, including Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz, bitter rival Jose Benavidez Jr. and Manny Pacquiao conqueror Jeff “The Hornet” Horn. In his last bout, April 20 at Madison Square Garden, Crawford neutralized former unified super lightweight world champion Amir “King” Khan en route to a sixth-round TKO after Khan could not continue following a low blow. Kavaliauskas (21-0-1, 17 KOs) will be the fourth undefeated fighter Crawford has faced in his last five bouts.

A native of Kaunas, Lithuania, Kavaliauskas represented his homeland at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, rising the professional ranks with convincing victories over perennial contenders Juan Carlos Abreu and Roberto Arriaza. Kavaliauskas has a February 2018 TKO win over David Avanesyan, who is now the current European welterweight champion. He has never been knocked down as a pro or amateur and trains out of the famed Boxing Laboratory in Oxnard, California.

(KSM) Rafael López Santos, representante de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo en México, recibió el grado de Doctor Honoris Causa por parte del Claustro Doctoral Iberoamericano, en virtud de su esmerada labor en beneficio de la educación, su liderazgo en el servicio social, los valores y el desarrollo sustentable a favor de la patria y la humanidad.

El Claustro Doctoral es la junta de líderes de nuestra sociedad, integrado por diversas universidades y Asociaciones Civiles que, a través de sus Consejo, busca reconocer a los hombres y mujeres líderes que, por su trabajo profesional, sus logros académicos y sus proyectos sociales, contribuyen a la mejora de la humanidad.

La ceremonia fue encabezada por el Dr. Arturo Cruz Cabrera, Presidente del Claustro Doctoral Iberoamericano y Presidente de la Fundación Liderazgo Hoy A.C.

“Por su destacada labor en la docencia por 9 años, y posteriormente su labor dentro del Instituto Politécnico Nacional y con más de 50 años dentro de la docencia, además de formar parte de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo apoyando a figuras como Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Márquez y Canelo Álvarez, además de su apoyo a diversas casas hogares como “La Divina Providencia” y del “Padre Chinchachoma”, por su desarrollo profesional, calidad humana, liderazgo y aportación al crecimiento de nuestro país, Rafael López Santos se hace acreedor al reconocimiento Doctor Honoris Causa”, se dijo en el pleno.

La investidura Doctor Honoris Causa destaca a los hombres y mujeres qué con su contribución humanística, fundamentada en los valores humanos, han apoyado al progreso de su país. Históricamente recibe el mismo tratamiento y los mismos privilegios que aquellos que obtienen su doctorado académico de forma convencional.

El evento tuvo lugar en el Auditorio del AAPAUNAM en la Ciudad Universitaria, al sur de la Ciudad de México.

Fotos: Pablo Lozano

Alamo-Moran: WBO Tournament of Champions

Unbeaten WBO #8 Jr welterweight contender Yomar “The Magic” Alamo(17-0 12 KO’s) of Aguas Buenas faces Mexican City’s Antonio “Toño” Moran Escobar(24-4 17 KO’s) 10 Rounds for the WBO/NABO title. The bout will take place on Friday, October 4 at the Osceola Heritage Park Events Center in Kissimmee, Florida. TV: Boxeo Telemundo

This championship fight will kick off a series of events billed “Tournament Of Champions” were the WBO is offering a platform with special guest to their champions ahead of the convention that will take place December 2-6 in Tokyo Japan.

“It is an honor for me to be the headliner in this great WBO event” continued Alamo “Friday night will be a big day for Puerto Rico to celebrate both Amanda Serrano and my 2nd title defense.” Yomar Alamo NABO Champion

This is a special night for the people of Puerto Rico, as Kissimmee is a second home to many outside the Island,” Zabala continued “We look forward to another great night of boxing with a main event that promises fireworks.” Felix “Tutico” Zabala President Of All Star Boxing, Inc

7 more bouts scheduled, doors open at 7pm, first fight 8pm. Tickets still available on ticketmaster.com or visiting the box office at Osceola Heritage Park.

WBO Jr. Lightweight Female Champion Ewa Brodnicka (17-0, 2KO) will face former unified champion Edith Soledad Matthysse (16-10-1, 1KO).

This contest will take place on October 4 in Hala Sportowa, Czestochowa, Poland.

The 35-year old fighter from Poland is one of the reasons the division is exciting. She will be making her fourth title defense since winning the belt in 2018. She was elevated to full champion when German Ramona Kuehne vacated the title in 2018 to make the move to lightweight.

The all-action aggressive style of the champion will undoubtedly make this a very good fight to watch.

Matthysse, age 38, is a very tough competitor with a deceiving record. She brings an overwhelming amount of experience to the table.

The tough Argentinian has shared the ring with some of the best in the business. That list features Jackie Nava, Marcela Eliana Acuna, Yazmin Rivas and Jelena Mrdjenovich. This experience should prove valuable going into a fight against a challenger coming of a two fight win streak.

INTERESTING FACTS

Brodnicka has never fought outside of Poland. Also, she was part of the support team for Tomas Adamek when he fought Jarrell Miller back in 2018.

Matthysse, is the sister to former WBA “regular” welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse. Additionally, her claim to fame was when she defeated Mrdjenovich in 2015 by a highly unlikely unanimous decision to become the unified Jr. Lightweight champion. She would go on to lose the immediate rematch.

This has the makings of an exciting fight, as both women have that aggressive, come-forward style and finish every combination with a body shot.

This women division is deep with mouth watering unification match-up possibilities.

Hopefully, as the year closes, we will see at least one take place to provide some clarity.

Via https://3kingsboxing.com/brodnicka-vs-matthysse-set/

Elwin “La Pulga” Soto (15-1, 11 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBO Jr. Flyweight World Title against Edward “The Heneral Fighting” Heno (14-0-5, 5 KOs) of Paranaque City, Philippines in a 12-round main event of the Oct. 24 edition Golden Boy DAZN Thursday Night Fights at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif. The fights will be streamed live on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will be available on regional sports network around the nation.

Soto is a 22-year-old boxer who was virtually unknown until his upset victory over Angel Acosta to become a world champion. Though it was a controversial win, the native of Mexicali, Mexico demonstrated his power and explosiveness against one of the best fighters in his division. Now, Soto is preparing to make the first defense of his world title against a tough, undefeated challenger.

“This fight will be just like my last one,” said Elwin Soto. “I will train to the best of my abilities because I never underestimate anyone. I want to work hard to be the best in my division.”

Heno is a 26-year-old contender who began his career with a lackluster record of zero wins and three draws. Then, after over a year of inactivity, Heno returned to develop a winning record that includes several wins in his native country of the Philippines as well as victories in Japan. Heno is grateful for the opportunity as he completely turned his career into a world title opportunity.

“I have worked my whole life for this opportunity to get a world title shot,” said Edward Heno. “My life changed from the moment I started working with my manager Marty Elorde and signed with Senator Manny Pacquiao of MP Promotions, which headed by Sean Gibbons. And now I have a chance to fight world champion Elwin Soto. My life could got get any better. Mexico vs. Philippines is the greatest rivalry in boxing. I look forward to Oct. 24 and hearing my name being called as the new WBO champion of the world.”

Additionally, former heavyweight world champion Tim Witherspoon will be the special VIP Guest for this world championship event. Witherspoon will be in attendance to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

In the co-main event, former WBO World Champion Angel “Tito” Acosta (20-2, 20 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico will return in a 10-round flyweight fight.

It will also mark the British boxer’s American debut.

Eddie Hearn promised that legitimate boxers would be on the KSI-Logan Paul 2 card on Nov. 9. Well, the Matchroom Boxing president just delivered.

Hearn announced Friday that Billy Joe Saunders is set to defend his WBO Super Middleweight title in his American debut as part of the card on DAZN. Saunders’ opponent is slated to be announced next week.

Billy Joe is coming! @bjsaunders_ will make his American debut Nov 9 @STAPLESCenter defending his @WorldBoxingOrg World title live on @DAZN_USA – opponent announced prior to next wednesdays open work out 👌🏼🇬🇧🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/sLo7A633Tr

— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) September 20, 2019

Saunders scored a unanimous decision over Shefat Isufi in May to be crowned the WBO super middleweight champ, making Nov. 9 his first title defense. Perhaps the internet-driven KSI-Logan Paul 2 audience will warm up to Saunders, considering the 30-year-old has one of the most colorful personalities in boxing.

The next big question: who will Saunders be facing?

vIA https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/boxing/billy-joe-saunders-to-defend-wbo-super-middleweight-title-on-ksi-logan-paul-2-card/1qr7rgbfwducv19k9g8ksrh698

WBO Jr. Featherweight champion Emanuel ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete 29-1 (25) successfully defended his world title with a fourth-round TKO of game but outgunned Juan Miguel Elorde 28-2 (15) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night.

The fight was the main support bout to the heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Otto Wallin.

The Philippines Elorde, 32, start well and showed no fear of the big-punching Mexican champion, ripping in shots to the body in the opening round.

But Navarrete came roaring back in the second stanza, landing some hard shots on the challenger.

The left hook was the money punch for Navarrete, knocking down Elorde in round three before finishing him off in the fourth.

The time of the stoppage was 0:26.

“I’m happy because I think I put on a great performance,” said the 24-year-old Navarrete.

“Fortunately, my opponent is OK, and I came out here to put on a show. I hope the fans enjoyed it on my very first Las Vegas show on Mexican Independence Day Weekend. ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete is here to stay.

“The most important thing here was that it was a good performance for me. I think the referee did the right thing. He’s going to go home to his family, and everything is going to be OK.

“It was a good performance on my behalf and he gave what he could. At the end of the day, I came away with the hard-fought victory.”

Via https://www.ringnews24.com/2019/09/16/emanuel-navarrete-impresses-in-four-round-war-against-juan-miguel-elorde/

Photo Mikey Williams Top Rank

Seven-division titleholder Amanda Serrano dominated over 10 rounds tonight, taking the WBO featherweight title from fellow Brooklyn fighter Heather Hardy on scores of 98-91, 98-91, and 98-92.

Serrano (37-1-1, 27 KO) had Hardy (22-1, 4 KO) hurt pretty badly in the opening round, and if women fought three minute rounds instead of two, it’s doubtful that Hardy would have made it out of the opening frame, as she was reeling badly by the end of those two minutes.

Serrano put a further beating on Hardy in the second, battering her to the body, but Hardy is as tough as advertised, and she stayed in the fight, going the distance even without a whole lot of success. Serrano did slow down some from her blistering early pace, but Hardy was never any real threat to beat her, as she just didn’t have the skill or power. Style-wise, it wound up a terrible matchup for Hardy, who has been successful largely on grit and toughness over her career. A superior boxer with better power was a nightmare for her, which was no real surprise, but expecting it and seeing it are two different things.

Amanda Serrano (37-1-1) UD-10 over a tough as nails Heather Hardy (22-1) to win the battle of Brooklyn & the WBC & WBO featherweight titles. Official scores 98-91 x2 & 98-92 #HaneyAbdullaev #DAZN pic.twitter.com/Bpmt0NwOAo

— Tim – Boxeo Boxen бокс 拳闘 Boksing มวย Boks 拳击 (@Hock1717) September 14, 2019

“I think it was a great performance,” Serrano said after. “Heather is as tough as they come, she became a champion for a reason. She came to fight, but I just was the better girl tonight. There’s level to boxing and she’s just not on my level.”

There has been a lot of talk of Serrano, who has bounced around weight divisions through her career — her last three fights have been at 140, 115, and 126, for instance — going to 135 for a fight with undisputed titleholder Katie Taylor, the Irish star.

Serrano isn’t sure she’ll get the fight, but she wants it.

“I say let’s go, but Katie Taylor’s going up to 140 so let’s she what she wants to do,” Serrano said. “No matter where it’s at or what weight, I’m gonna win.”

via https://www.badlefthook.com/2019/9/13/20865351/hardy-vs-serrano-results-amanda-dominates-heather-win-wbo-title-scores-decision-dazn-boxing-news

Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2, 34 KOs), the face of boxing and the king of the middleweight division, will take on a new challenge as he moves into the 175-pound weight class in a 12-round bout against champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (34-3-1, 28 KOs) for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title. The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 2 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be streamed exclusively live on DAZN in all of its nine markets, including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Japan.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Kovalev are priced at $1,754, $1,254, $854, $654, $404 and $204, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.axs.com.

“We promised to make this fight happen, and now we are delivering it,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Historic fights have been a hallmark of this company, and we are pleased to once again live up to the high expectations we’ve set for our fans. The best pound-for-pound fighter is also boxing’s biggest star. Few fighters in boxing’s history can claim to be both like Canelo Alvarez. Now, he’ll look to become a four-division world champion against one of the most dangerous fighters of recent years, and I’m certain that he will stop him. There’s no better home for this than on the DAZN platform or live at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.”

Canelo, the 29-year-old native of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, became the face of boxing by taking on some of the biggest names in the sport. At 154 pounds, Canelo captured several world titles and defeated the likes of A ustin “No Doubt” Trout, Sugar Shane Mosley, Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara and Liam “Beefy” Smith.

At 160 pounds, Canelo defeated Gennady “GGG” Golovkin and Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs to establish himself as the king of the middleweight division. And, shortly after signing a groundbreaking partnership with global sports streaming giant DAZN, Canelo moved into the 168-pound division by stopping Rocky Fielding in three rounds to become the WBA Super Middleweight World Champion.

Canelo will now look to make history once again by becoming the second Mexican boxer to hold a world title in the light heavyweight division, a feat only done by Julio Cesar Gonzalez in 2003. The pound-for-pound king will at the same time join an elite group of four-division world champions from Mexico.

“The second phase of my career is continuing just as we had planned, and that’s why we are continuing to make great fights to enter into the history books of boxing,” said Canelo Alvarez. “That’s also why I’ve decided to jump two weight classes against one of the most feared champions of recent years. Kovalev is a dangerous puncher, and he’s naturally the bigger man, but that’s the kind of challenges and risks that I like to face.”

On November 2nd, Kovalev, 36, will participate in his 17th consecutive world title bout and the most lucrative fight of his career against the biggest star in boxing. A Russian knockout artist and three-time light heavyweight world champion, “Krusher” is no stranger to fighting in hostile territory. He captured the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title in 2013 when he traveled to Wales and scored a stunning knockout of Nathan Cleverly. Kovalev traveled to Atlantic City to meet future Hall of Famer Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins near his Philadelphia home to unify the WBO, WBA and IBF titles with a lopsided unanimous decision victory in 2014. As unified champion, “Krusher” successfully defended his titles twice against current WBA Interim Light Heavyweight titleholder Jean Pascal in Pascal’s hometown of Montreal, scoring a stoppage victory both times.

Kovalev suffered two controversial losses to former Olympic Gold medalist Andre Ward (in 2016 and 2017) and a surprise upset to Eleider Alvarez last year, but quickly regained his WBO Light Heavyweight Title each time. In August, the road warrior finally got the chance to fight in his own hometown of Chelyabinsk, Russia, stopping undefeated mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde in a sold-out arena.

When asked about this fight, Kovalev said, “In order to be the best you have to beat the best. I have always tried to fight the toughest opponents in my division, but many have ducked me throughout my career. Canelo wanted to fight me; to step up to higher weight and challenge for my belt. I will be ready on November 2nd. Thank you, Main Events, Kathy Duva, Egis Klimas, DAZN and Canelo for making this fight happen.”

“Canelo is to be praised for asking to challenge Sergey Kovalev,” added Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva. “Win or lose, he will make history and Sergey is extremely pleased to get the chance to test his mettle against another future Hall of Famer.” She continued, “Anyone who cares at all about the Sweet Science should circle November 2nd on their calendar. I have a feeling that this will be one for the ages.”

“Canelo vs. Kovalev is a fascinating matchup between champions that will highlight our entire season of premium fights on DAZN over the next several months,” said DAZN Group Executive Chairman John Skipper. “Simply stated, this is the best schedule in boxing history.”

Richard Sturm, President of Las Vegas Live Entertainment and Sports, said, “We look forward to hosting this tremendous matchup between Canelo and Kovalev at MGM Grand in November. These two great fighters always put on a fantastic show and we are confident they will, once again, provide boxing fans worldwide a thrilling fight when they return to Las Vegas.”

Canelo vs. Kovalev is a 12-round fight for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title presented by Golden Boy, Main Events and Krusher Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and Brand-New Grapefruit Crush, Knockout Flavor. The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.MainEvents.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @Main_Events, @KrusherKovalev and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/thekrusher/, www.facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing and www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @Canelo, @Main_Events, @SergeyKrusherKovalev, and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloKovalev.

Emanuel Navarrete will make the third defense of this WBO junior featherweight title against Juan Miguel Elorde, grandson of the late Filipino boxing icon “Flash” Elorde. Navarrete last fought August 17, knocking out Francisco De Vaca in the third round.

Former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza will make his 140-pound debut against former world title challenger Jose Zepeda in a 10-rounder, former super flyweight world champion Carlos Cuadras will battle the upset-minded Jose Maria Cardenas, and 19-year-old lightweight sensation Gabriel Flores Jr. will face Miguel Angel Aispuro in a bout scheduled for eight or six rounds.

This is what the fighters had to say.

Bob Arum

On Navarrete

“If you’re a fighter, you want to fight as much as possible. This kid here, if he could, {if it wasn’t for} injuries and so forth, would fight eight times a year and be happy.”

Emanuel Navarrete

“I was very surprised {to get the offer to fight on short notice}, but I knew it was a great opportunity so we took it. My mentality was I had to train harder and not take a long break because we knew the opportunity that was in front of us.”

“I want to thank Bob Arum. He gave me the opportunity to fight for the title against {Isaac} Dogboe, then the rematch, then De Vaca. Now I’m here, a big card. I just want to tell {Bob}, if he lets me, I want to fight in December, too. I will give it my all and show everyone I’m doing things the right way.”

“I want to do my best at 122 {pounds}, and the biggest thing in the division is to unify titles. If my body permits it, I’m going to stay here and unify titles. But if not, I am going to move up, and I have a great career in front of me.”

Juan Miguel Elorde

“It’s a big opportunity, a great experience for me. I’d like to thank everyone for giving me this chance.”

On taking the fight on short notice

“We’re ready because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When they called, we accepted the challenge because every boxer wants to be a world champion.”

“This is my dream, to become a world champion. I think it’s coming to reality. Thank you, Mr. Bob Arum.”

Jaime Munguia (33-0, 26 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico and African warrior Patrick Allotey (40-3, 30 KOs) hosted their media workout today at Azteca Boxing Club ahead of their 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title. This battle will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Below is what some of today’s participants had to say at the event.

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight Champion:
“It’s very important to me that I’m headlining on this special day. It’s a big responsibility but it’s very exciting and I promise to do a good job for all my fans. My trainer, Erik Morales, gets more out of me. I’m training harder and running harder. I’m going to give the best and I hope I can deliver the best to the fans. As a Mexican, I’m representing my country and it’s a huge responsibility but I’m happy to be taking it on. Patrick Allotey is coming ready to fight me and of course, I want to win by knockout. I felt really good during training camp and I hope to give a spectacular show.”

PATRICK ALLOTEY, Junior Middleweight Contender:
“I’m happy to fight because it’s an opportunity to showcase myself. I love Mexico, I love Mexican fighters. I don’t feel worried to be fighting in a card that is so important for Mexican boxing because when I’m fighting with a Mexican, I’m Mexican too. And when the fans are shouting for my opponent, they are shouting to me too. I can’t define my style, because that is something that you decide at the ring. In boxing you don’t need style, you need to think. I’m a well-rounded fighter. I’m ready.”

The @WorldBoxingOrg Super Welterweight Champion @jaimemunguia15 arrives to his media workout excited & determined to headline on Mexican Independence Day 🇲🇽 @dignityhealthsp

Watch Live on @DAZN_USA 🥊💥 Arriva México pic.twitter.com/54iXxWpAEb

— Golden Boy (@GoldenBoyBoxing) September 12, 2019

Munguia vs. Allotey is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and Orange Crush. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Munguia vs. Allotey ticket information
Tickets for Munguia vs. Allotey are on sale and are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, https://www.axs.com/, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at Dignity Health Sports Park Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.

All smiles until Saturday Night when @jaimemunguia15 33-0 (26 KOs) looks to retain his @WorldBoxingOrg Super Welterweight title #MunguiaAllotey

Watch all the action Live on @DAZN_USA pic.twitter.com/ygZU0o7pGo

— Golden Boy (@GoldenBoyBoxing) September 11, 2019

Photo by Tom Hogan

Being a world champion is a dream that Emanuel Navarrete has already fulfilled. But this Saturday, he will fulfill another.

“I always wanted to fight in Las Vegas, as a world champion, on a national weekend. Thank God, I will be given this opportunity n Saturday,” Navarrete said shortly before closing his preparation in Tijuana.

The “Cowboy” Navarrete (28-1-0, 24 KOs) will defend for the third time his WBO super bantamweight world championship, against Filipino contender Juan Miguel Elorde (28-1, 15 KOs), in the fabulous T-Mobile Arena of Las Vegas.

Navarrete travels to Las Vegas motivated and with the illusion of giving the Mexican fans a great show, and of course, a memorable victory.

“I am facing a very strong opponent, from a boxing family like Elorde, and he has a lot of quality, but we have done a great preparation and we are going to bring the belt back home,” Navarrete said.

Although the show is headlined by undefeated heavyweights Tyson Fury (28-0-1, 20 KO’s) and Otto Wallin (20-0, 13 KO’s), Navarrete is aware that the Mexican fans’ eyes will be on their countrymen.

“It is a great motivation and it is very special at this time in my career that I am considered to present Mexico in showcased fight in Las Vegas, it is a dream come true,” said the boxer born in San Juan Zitlaltepec.

By Rafael Soto / BoxingScene.com

Somehow, Jaime Munguia will find a way to make 154 pounds at least one more time.

That was the mentality within his camp and particularly of the unbeaten super welterweight titlist when the opportunity arose to headline a Mexican Independence Day-themed card. Munguia will face Ghana’s Patrick Allotey in the main event of a DAZN-streamed card on Sept. 14 live from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

“It’s such a tremendous honor to represent Mexico, represent our people,” Munguia (33-0, 26KOs) told BoxingScene.com of being selected to headline the card. “To be able to do it in California means even more. I’ve never fought there before.

“I know we have a lot of fans there who now get to see me fight that wouldn’t have been able to travel to Las Vegas, or Mexico or anywhere else. So now I get to fight in California for the first time and on such a big (weekend) for our heritage.”

The assignment went to the 22-year old from Tijuana, Mexico after World middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez was unable to keep the date. The plan was for Alvarez—who has commanded Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day-centric cards for each of the past three years—to headline a Sept. 14 show in Las Vegas.

However, Golden Boy Promotions was forced to seek an alternate route once it became clear the sport’s biggest draw was going to have to push back his timetable in order to secure his next opponent.

That brought the conversation to Munguia, whom has emerged as a rising star in the sport. The next bout will mark his sixth in just 16 months, all in title fights dating back to his one-sided 4th round stoppage of Sadam Ali to win the crown last May.

Concerns arose of his fleeing the division following a disputed points win over Dennis Hogan this past April in Monterrey, Mex., as it has become increasingly difficult to squeeze his 6’0”—and still maturing—frame into a 154-pound uniform.

It’s a sacrifice he’s willing to make for at least one more fight, it if means commanding the spotlight in honor of his nation’s most celebrated holiday. So far, training camp is going as planned to where he could consider sticking around at the weight for the right opportunity.

“We’ll see how we feel but so far camp is going really well and I’m not really thinking about moving up in weight yet,” Munguia insisted. “We haven’t really made any changes. Maybe just eating less, definitely no more tacos until after the fight.

“Once we get past (Allotey), then we can celebrate the right way. This weekend is too important for Mexicans, I want to handle the honor responsibly.”

Article by Jake Donovan / BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox

After his convincing victory over Filipino Vic Saludar last Saturday, Puerto Rican Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez officially received his WBO World Mini-Flyweight Championship this afternoon in an event held at the Mayor’s House of Trujillo Alto.

“I’m still super excited. When I saw the video (of the fight) it gave me an unreal feeling. None of this wasn’t possible if it wasn’t for my brother (boxer Bernard Lebron). I saw him trying to lose weight, I said I wanted to follow him, I became a champion, but behind me there is a humility that recognizes those who gave me the opportunity. I became a champion at the perfect time. I will continue to work hard and it will be my turn to keep myself,” said Méndez.

WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel,Esq. said that “now it is going to be difficult for you because you have to keep and defend the title. You are an example for children to be a good citizen. That is the responsibility you assume today. Anyone can be a world champion, but not everyone holds himself as long-term champions.”

Bimbito Méndez (14-1, 5 KOs) beat Saludar (19-4, 10 KOs) by unanimous decision to become the third Puerto Rican to win a 105-pound title in history joining Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderón and Álex “El Nene “Sánchez, besides being the only Puerto Rican (male) with a world title at the moment.

Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez became the new WBO champion at 105 pounds and ended the world monarch drought on the Island by beating the Filipino Vic Salute by unanimous decision at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in another edition of the series “Casino Metro Boxing Nights”, presented by PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) in association with Spartan Boxing.

Bimbito Méndez (14-1, 5 kos), is also the third Puerto Rican to be crowned at 105 pounds worldwide (the others were Alex “El Nene” Sánchez and Iván “Iron Boy” Calderón) by the WBO.

The Puerto Rican used a good boxing for the 12 rounds to frustrate an aggressive Salute (19-4, 10 kos), who made his second title defense. The oriental knocked down Mendez with a left hook, but without serious consequences in round five. After the 12 rounds, the judges handed out cards of 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112 for Méndez.

“This is a dream come true; after all this we work and now I am a world champion, the only one that has Puerto Rico in men’s right now,” said Méndez, 22, after his victory. “We follow all the time the fight plan we worked on and we were able to take the victory against a good opponent like Saludar.”