Media Workout: WBO Welterweight Champion Crawford and Mean Machine Prepare to Headline Saturday’s MSG Extravaganza

Media Workout: WBO Welterweight Champion Crawford and Mean Machine Prepare to Headline Saturday’s MSG Extravaganza
LIVE on ESPN Saturday at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

NEW YORK CITY (Dec. 10, 2019) — Pound-for-pound king and WBO welterweight world champion Terence “Bud” Crawford returns to Madison Square Garden Saturday evening (9 p.m. ET, ESPN) as the headliner for the card of the year, a three-headed monster that will follow the Heisman Trophy ceremony.

Crawford (35-0, 26 KOs) will make the third defense of his welterweight crown against No. 1 contender Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas (21-0-1, 17 KOs), Richard Commey (29-2, 26 KOs) will defend his IBF lightweight world title against unbeaten sensation Teofimo Lopez (14-0, 11 KOs) and WBO Inter-Continental Featherweight Champion Michael Conlan (12-0, 7 KOs) hopes to gain revenge on former 2016 Russian Olympic nemesis Vladimir Nikitin (3-0, 0 KOs).

At Tuesday’s media workout, this is what the fighters had to say.

Terence Crawford

On the pressure of being a top pound-for-pound fighter

“It’s a blessing because it motivates me and adds fuel to the fire. I like proving people wrong. That’s more joy for me.”

“{New York} is one of the big stages. Vegas is a big stage. I do my thing in the ring, and every time I fight, I send a message to all the welterweights out there.”

“Everyone poses a threat. {Kavaliauskas} is a good fighter. He is a two-time Olympian for a reason. He’s undefeated, strong and hungry.”

On his popularity in Omaha now

“It’s the same. I’ve been the around the city since my amateur days. Some people want a picture, others shake my hand and say, ‘What’s up?’

“When I was at 140, everybody criticized me and said I was too big for 140. When I was at 140, everyone said I was too big for 135. If I was to go back down to 140, what would everybody say? I’m picking and bullying people. There you have it.”

On “sides of the street” in boxing

“Well, Deontay Wilder is about to fight Tyson Fury and you never hear about any ‘sides of the street.’ It’s just something people say when it comes to Terence Crawford. You don’t hear ‘wrong side of the street’ with any other fighter but Terence Crawford. Why do all these other fights get made, but when it’s Terence Crawford, it’s about the ‘wrong side of the street?'”

Egidijus Kavaliauskas

“This is a great opportunity for me against the world’s best fighter. When I win, I will be considered one of the world’s best fighters.”

“Terence Crawford is a great fighter, which is why I wanted this fight. I am ranked number one for a reason. I am here for a reason, and I can’t wait for Saturday night.”

“The way to win a title is to fight the best, and Terence is the best welterweight in the world. I want that title, and I will be the first Lithuanian-born boxer ever to win a world title.”

Michael Conlan

Mandatory Credit: Matt Heasley

“It’s nothing personal with Vladimir and I, but I have a job to do on Saturday night, and it’s going to be a demolition job.”

“This fight is a long time coming. We were supposed to fight in August, but Vladimir got injured. I’m excited. We’re ready to rock, and the fans in New York can expect a big performance.”

“Listen, regardless of what I think about the {amateur} judges, I have never officially beaten him. I need to go out there and get my hand raised. I want to right the wrong of what happened in Rio.”

Vladimir Nikitin

Mandatory Credit: Matt Heasley

On the two amateur fights against Conlan

“We fought twice, and I won both times. I know this is the professional game, and I am happy that I have to chance to prove that I am once again the better fighter.”

On the biceps injury he suffered that postponed the original fight date

“I was upset that I had to cancel the fight, but I am ready now. The best man will win, and I am confident it will be me.”

Photos Nikitin and Conlan by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

WBO World Champion Patrick Teixeira honored in his hometown of Santa Catarina

WBO Jr. Middleweight World Champion 🇧🇷 Patrick Teixeira was honored in Santa Catarina! pic.twitter.com/sLiY1kGJbX

— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) December 10, 2019

WBO Jr. Middleweight World Champion Patrick Teixeira was honored in Sombrio, his hometown in the interior of Santa Catarina. The boxer paraded through the streets, headed by Mayor Zênio Cardoso, and received a plaque of honor.

The Brazilian was accompanied by Edson Xuxa do Nascimento (coach), Patrick Nascimento (manager) and José David de Souza (assistant coach).

Sombrio is a municipality located in the extreme south of Santa Catarina, on the coast, seven kilometers from the sea. Distant 240 km from Florianópolis and 230 km from Porto Alegre, it has about 30 thousand inhabitants.

After the Christmas and New Year holidays, Patrick Teixeira is due to begin training for his first belt defense, which will take place in the first half of 2020. Last week, the WBO in their 32nd Convention held in Tokyo, Japan upgraded Teixeira to “full” champion during the ratings portion of its annual convention and made Argentine Brian Castaño the mandatory challenger of Teixeira. The appointment came from a unanimous vote from the WBO committee upon a request from Sean Gibbons, who was on hand to represent Castaño on behalf of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and Tom Brown’s TGB Promotions.

update

Photo via globoesporte.globo.com

One year ago, WBO junior featherweight world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete was a relatively unknown title challenger. He is now one of the world’s premier fighters and boxing’s most active world champion.

Navarrete (30-1, 26 KOs) knocked out Francisco “Panchito” Horta in the fourth round at Auditorio GNP Seguros in Puebla, defending his title for the fourth time in seven months. He has won 25 consecutive fight dating back to 2012.

Horta (20-4-1, 10 KOs) saw his 13-bout unbeaten streak come to an end. Navarrete dethroned Isaac Dogboe to win the title last December and knocked out all four of his opponents in 2019, including in May’s rematch versus Dogboe.

“I feel very happy to have been able to defend my title in front of my people. December 8 will be my one-year anniversary as a world champion, and I can’t be happier with everything I achieved this year. It was a very productive 2019,” Navarrete said. “All the sacrifices I’ve made have been worth it. I have seen the improvement after each fight, and I want to continue improving so 2020 will be even better. That is why I will continue to work hard.”

Sweet revenge was gained for the most bankable heavyweight in the world, who avenged his lone career loss with a sound 12-round decision win over Andy Ruiz in their DAZN-streamed title fight rematch Saturday evening in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.

Scores were 119-109 and 118-110 twice for Joshua, who boxed smartly for 12 rounds in the Middle East after suffering a humbling knockout loss six months ago in midtown New York.

Clash of the Dunes is over..now clash of mandatories will be next..WBO mandatory challenger @usykaa with in 180 days ..@EddieHearn ,@DAZN_USA ,@SkySportsBoxing @ESPNKnockOut ,@danrafaelespn ,@JakeNDaBox ,@LoMejorDelBoxeo

— Paco Valcárcel, Esq. (@PacoValcarcel) December 7, 2019

England’s Joshua, a 2012 Olympic Gold medalist for Great Britain—entered the ring as a beltless challenger for the first time since April 2016, in the moments before his title-snatching 2nd round knockout of Charles Martin. Everything about his appearance was a clear indication of a return to basics and undeniable focus.

The former unified titlist came into the fight nearly 11 pounds lighter, while California’s Ruiz—attempting the first defense of the titles he acquired in his shocking 7th round knockout of Joshua in June—was a beefy 15 pounds heavier than on the night of the historic upset.

Joshua’s approach was also different, patiently boxing from the outside as a clear sign of respect to the power Ruiz possesses. The tactical opening round produced drama in the final moments, as a sharp right hand by Joshua produced a cut outside the left eye of Ruiz.

The favor was returned by the defending titlist in round two. Joshua continued to box and circle, but Ruiz was able to split the difference, shooting a crisp and quick jab which caught the corner of Joshua’s left eye in also producing a cut.

Whereas the third round of the first fight produced three knockdowns and the leading candidate for Round of the Year, the sequel saw a boxing match break out. Joshua jabbed and utilized lateral movement, while Ruiz moved forward but failed to work his way inside.

That changed midway through round four, as Ruiz stood in the pocket and forced Joshua on his bicycle. Joshua continued to box and move, but was forced to absorb a right hand while Ruiz was able to slip counter shots. Joshua fought with more aggression in the final minute, though it was Ruiz who seized momentum in fighting his way out of clinches and remaining active in the moments where Joshua sought to slow down the action.

Joshua adjusted in round five, flicking his jab and following up with a quick left hook. The absence of a jab from Ruiz made it more difficult than necessary for the defending unified titlist to land anything of the fight altering variety. Blood continued to flow from the eyelid of Ruiz, although Joshua’s desire to stick and move created a missed opportunity to exploit the wound.

It was enough, however, to allow him to bank rounds and with Ruiz unable to change that trend.

The second half opened with Joshua sticking with what worked all night, working his stick and remaining a mobile target. The type of disaster which struck in his career in June never came close to happening on this crisp night in the open air arena in the desert. Instead it was Joshua remaining in control and Ruiz struggling to cut off the ring, or land anything of consequence once he managed to fight at close quarters for much of round seven.

Falling well behind, Ruiz opened up his attack for the first time in the bout. Enough right hands landed to keep Joshua moving in reverse, the Brit not boxing as much but instead playing matador defense. The tactic frustrated Ruiz, who wasn’t nearly as active as was the case in the first case, the lack of momentum shifting knockdowns or comparable landed punches undoubtedly playing a huge factor.

After a late surge by Ruiz in round nine, Joshua reestablished desired distance in round ten. Ruiz grew visibly frustrated, to the point of dropping his hands and daring Joshua to stand and fight. It was never going to happen, not when Joshua was determined to reclaim what was his for more than three years.

Ruiz came out for the 12th and final round clearly aware that he needed a knockout to win. Joshua used it to his advantage, planting his face long enough to rake an overhand right across the grill of his lone conqueror. It was just enough to freeze Ruiz in his tracks and allow Joshua to return to constant lateral movement. Ruiz continued to come forward in the final minute, but unable to land the type of blow that would prevent his reign from becoming one-and-done.

Six months of glory came to an end for Ruiz, who falls to 33-2 (22KOs). Both of his career losses have come in title fight, having dropped a competitive 12-round decision to Joseph Parker in their Dec. 2016 vacant title fight in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Joshua improves to 8-1 in title fights and 23-1 (21KOs) overall.

Via Jake Donovan / BoxingScene.com

Scheduled six-fight ESPN+ stream set to begin at 2 pm ET/11 am PT

In a magnificent world title fight South Africa’s Zolani Tete (28-3, 21KOs) risks his WBO bantamweight title against Filipino interim WBO champion John Riel Casimero (28-4, 19KOs) where the winner will be likely to face IBF and WBA title holder Naoya Inoue in 2020.

Liverpool puncher Sam Maxwell (12-0 (10KOs) defends his WBO European super lightweight crown against unbeaten Connor Parker (12-0, 1KO) from Derbyshire.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s press conference

ZOLANI TETE

“I have been out injured because of shoulder tendonitis, but the way I have been training it shouldn’t bother me. I didn’t need surgery, but it took a couple of months to get it right. Mentally and physically I am still there and the injury will not stand in my way. It was frustrating getting injured in the World Boxing Super Series and pulling out, but Casimero is one of the best.

Hopefully after this defence my next fight will be Naoya Inoue. If I beat Casimero that fight is a step closer. It is possible to meet Inoue next year.

My promoter Mr Frank Warren will do his best to make the fight happen. My shoulder will not come off, but you will see punches bouncing off Casimero’s head. He is a good fighter though who can come forward and has power, but we will deal with those things.

JOHN RIEL CASIMERO

“This is a good fight and I will give a good performance. My advantage is power and stamina. My promoter Manny Pacquiao had told me that if I’ve worked hard I can win. This is my second time boxing here and in the first fight Charlie Edwards was beaten. I am a better fighter now. Zolani is a good boxer and tough, but second to me. I will do my best to knock him out.”

SEAN GIBBONS (President, Manny Pacquiao Promotions)

“To have Senator Manny Pacquiao behind you tells you how good Casimero is. The Senator can sign a lot of fighters, but only goes with good ones. Casimero has travelled the world and feels comfortable here. He is one of the top three or four fighters in the Philippines.”

☑️Upcoming WBO World Title Bouts:

💥November 30 – Undisputed WBO Welterweight Female Champion Cecilia Braekhus Vs. Victoria Noelia Bustos @ Casino de Monte Carlo Salle Medecin, Monte Carlo, Monaco.

💥November 30 – WBO Bantamweight World Champion Zolani Tete Vs. John Riel Casimero @ Arena Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom.

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HAIKOU, China (Nov. 21, 2019) — Unified WBO junior welterweight world champion Jose Ramirez, the pride of California’s Central Valley, will cross an ocean to defend his belts. Ramirez will face former WBC world champion Viktor “The Iceman” Postol Saturday, Feb. 1 at Mission Hills Haikou in Haikou, Hainan, China.

Ramirez unified world titles in July with a sixth-round knockout over Maurice Hooker in a Fight of the Year contender. Ramirez-Postol will be the first Top Rank on ESPN event to be contested on Chinese soil.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with SECA and TGB Promotions, Ramirez-Postol and a co-feature will be televised live by ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m ET/7 p.m. PT (Sunday, Feb. 2 local time), with undercard action slated for ESPN+ beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

“Boxing is a global sport, and it is with great pleasure that we bring one of the sport’s great champions, Jose Ramirez, to the beautiful Mission Hills Haikou,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Jose is coming off a career-best victory, but he can’t afford to overlook Postol, who is a tremendous former world champion.”

“I am excited to defend my belts against Viktor Postol to kick off my 2020 schedule,” Ramirez said. “I am a world champion, so it is my honor to defend my titles in front of the great fans in China. It is going to be a great experience, and I am glad that my fans back home will be able to watch me live on ESPN. As a unified champion, I am hungrier than ever.”

“I would like to thank the WBC, WBO, Tom Brown and TGB Promotions, Top Rank and everyone involved for making this fight happen,” Postol said. “It’s a big opportunity for me and a big honor to share the ring with one of the best fighters in my division. I know Ramirez, as we sparred together in the past. I’m looking forward to a great fight in China.”

Ramirez (25-0, 17 KOs), from Avenal, Calif., is one of two unified junior welterweight champions. He won the WBC world title in March 2018, prevailing via 12-round shootout against Amir Imam in New York City. He defended that belt twice at the Save Mart Center in Fresno before stepping up to fight Hooker. His return was slightly delayed, as recovered from surgery on his left hand to repair an ongoing injury. A 2012 U.S. Olympian, Ramirez fought in China in 2015 at Cotai Arena in Macau, improving to 15-0 with a third-round stoppage over Ryusei Yoshida.

Postol (31-2, 12 KOs) has spent the majority of his 12-year career as a super lightweight and nearly a decade at, or near, the top of the division. He stunned the boxing world in October 2015 when he dethroned Lucas Matthysse via 10th-round KO to win the WBC world title. In his next fight, he was blunted over 12 rounds by Terence Crawford in a unification bout. He is 3-1 since the Crawford defeat, dropping a 2018 decision to Josh Taylor, who is now the division’s other unified champion. He earned the WBC’s mandatory shot at Ramirez in April with a unanimous decision over Mohamed Mimoune.

The rising iron-fisted star of the 154-pound division, Carlos “Caballo Bronco” Adames, will lock horns with Patrick Teixeira in a 12-round WBO junior middleweight title eliminator Saturday, Nov. 30 at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Adames-Teixeira will headline the undercard stream (ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m.) before the super featherweight doubleheader featuring former featherweight world Oscar Valdez’s division debut against Andres Gutierrez and Carl Frampton’s showdown against the unbeaten Tyler McCreary (ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

Adames (18-0, 14 KOs), the WBO No. 1 contender, is 5-0 with three knockouts since making his Top Rank debut on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Jorge Linares undercard in May 2018. A native of Elías Piña, Dominican Republic, he is 3-0 in 2019, including a fourth-round KO over Frank Galarza to win the NABO junior middleweight title. He defended that belt June 28 with a unanimous decision over the late Patrick Day.

Teixeira (30-1, 22 KOs), the WBO No. 2 contender, is seeking to become the next world champion from Brazil. He is 4-0 since suffering the lone defeat of his career, a second-round stoppage to Curtis Stevens at middleweight. A southpaw boxer-puncher, he last fought April 13 in Monterrey, Mexico, defending his WBO Latino junior middleweight belt with a majority decision over Mario Alberto Lozano.

Earlier today WBO Flyweight champion Kosei Tanaka (14-0, 8) [田中恒成] held a special press conference to announce that he would fight again this year, making another defense of his WBO world title in December.

The talented and well regarded youngster, who has already beaten Ryoichi Taguchi and Jonathan Gonzalez in 2019, announced that he would be up against in form Chinese fighter Wulan Tuolehazi (13-3-1, 6) [乌兰] on New Year’s Eve at the Ota City Gymnasium. And would be sharing a card with Kazuto Ioka (24-2, 14) [井岡一翔], who defends the WBO Super Flyweight against mandatory challenger Jeyvier Cintron (10-1-0-1, 5) on the same show.

The talented Japanese youngster, who is already a 3 weight world champion, stated that he wanted to win by KO, though it was clear his team were wary about Tuolehazi, who has been a thorn in the side of Japanese boxers recently.

The Chinese challenger has been on a tear since a 2-3 start to his professional career and is 3-0-1 (2) against Japanese fighters, with wins against Takeshi Kaneko, Ryota Yamauchi and Satoshi Tanaka. He’s not the most skilled of fighters out there, but he’s awkward, strong and tough, and also holds a notable win over Jayr Raquinel.

Whilst Tuolehazi has been on a roll this is will be only his second fight outside of China. Interestingly it will also be Tanaka’s first world title bout in Tokyo, ​and sees him fight in the Kanto region for the first time in more than 5 years, having previously won the OPBF title in Tokyo in 2014 against Ryuji Hara.

One other interesting sub story here is the fact Tanaka has previously spoke about facing Ioka in the future, and this show could serve as a launchpad for that potential showdown in 2020, or whenever Tanaka moves up in weight, which is expected to be sooner rather than later.

VIA ASIANBOXING.INFO

The long-awaited showdown between undisputed middleweight world champion Claressa Shields and former champion Ivana Habazin has been rescheduled for Friday, January 10 live on SHOWTIME from Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J. Shields and Habazin will face off for the vacant WBC and WBO 154-pound world titles as Shields attempts to make history as the fastest fighter in boxing, male or female, to become a three-division world champion.

Shields and Habazin were scheduled to fight on October 5 in Flint, Mich. The bout was called off less than 36 hours from the opening bell following an altercation at the official weigh-in that resulted in an injury to Habazin’s trainer, James Ali Bashir. This is the third date for Shields and Habazin. They were first scheduled to meet on August 17 before Shields withdrew due to a minor knee injury.

The January 10 SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature a WBA Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator between Shohjahon Ergashev (17-0, 15 KOs) and Keith Hunter (11-0, 7 KOs). The winner becomes the mandatory challenger for WBA Super Lightweight World Championship currently held by Mario Barrios.

Shields vs. Habazin is promoted by Salita Promotions in association with T-REX BOXING PROMOTIONS. Ergashev vs. Hunter is promoted in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. Ticket information for the live event will be announced next week.

The 24-year-old Shields (9-0, 2 KOs) became the undisputed middleweight champion with a near-shutout victory over previously undefeated world champion Christina Hammer in April on SHOWTIME. In doing so, the two-division titlist joined Terrence Crawford, Jermain Taylor, Bernard Hopkins, Oleksandr Usyk and Cecilia Braekhus as the only fighters to have unified all four major world titles in any weight class (Katie Taylor has since joined the prestigious list). On January 10, Shields will seek to make even more history in her sixth headlining appearance on SHOWTIME. With a win over Habazin, Shields would become a three-division champion in just 10 bouts, breaking the record of Vasiliy Lomachenko and Kosei Tanaka, who both accomplished the feat in 12 fights.

“My goal is to become three-division champ faster than any man or woman in history,” Shields said. “This is a very significant fight for both of us. We have both trained really hard twice and great opportunities await the winner, so hopefully three times is the charm.”

Habazin (20-3, 7 KOs), of Zagreb, Croatia, is ranked No. 1 by the WBO at 154 pounds. The 30-year-old, who will be making her U.S. debut, won the IBF Welterweight Title over Sabrina Giuliani in 2014. In her next fight, Habazin dropped a unanimous decision to Braekhus in a historic unification bout where Braekhus picked up all four major world title belts. Most recently, Habazin avenged one of only three losses in her career to Eva Bajic in Zagreb.

Habazin will train in her native Croatia and has dedicated the fight to Bashir.

“I’ve been thinking about this since October and I have more of an incentive now given what happened,” Habazin said. “I feel like I’m fighting for James Ali Bashir, as well as for my own pride and respect. I’m also fighting for my country. I want to make Croatia proud that I am their daughter, and I feel that I now have their full support. Claressa is just a brief stop on my journey. I have bigger dreams and bigger shoes to fill in my life. I’m on my way to fulfilling my personal legend – being crowned the undisputed women’s junior middleweight champion. This is just another step on that journey. Given my faith, I feel that while what happened in October was incredibly unfortunate, this was God’s plan. And I have faith that my hand will be raised in victory in January.”

Shields was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic gold medals. She turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and headlined the first women’s boxing main event in premium television history in just her second professional fight in 2017. Shields became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight, and a two-division champion in her sixth professional contest. She was crowned the undisputed 160-pound champion in her ninth fight, less than three years after turning professional following the 2016 Olympics.

“January 10 is going to be an important date in boxing history as Claressa continues her unprecedented journey toward greatness,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “A win over Ivana Habazin would make Claressa – in just her tenth fight – the fastest boxer ever to acquire world title belts in three weight categories. But a very determined, skilled and experienced boxer stands in her way, and Ivana is pursuing her own world championship dream. History will be claimed in the ring on January 10 at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City and live on SHOWTIME.”

“With five world titles in just nine professional fights, Claressa Shields has been making women’s boxing history at a record pace,” said manager Mark Taffet. “Now, in her 10th fight on January 10, she seeks to win a world title in a third weight division faster than any man or woman in history, and in remarkable fashion by going down in weight each time. Claressa continues to render the impossible possible. It’s truly Herstory.”

“Ocean is proud to host Shields vs. Habazin inside Ovation Hall this January,” said Michael Donovan, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President, Ocean Casino Resort Atlantic City. “We are excited to bring world class boxing to Atlantic City and look forward to more shows in 2020.”

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

Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, retained his WBO junior lightweight world title with a Veterans Day Weekend unanimous decision (115-113 and 117-111 2X) win over top contender Lamont Roach Jr. in front of 7,412 fans at Chukchansi Park.

Herring controlled the action early, but Roach landed a hellacious right hand at the end of the 11th that nearly sent Herring through the ropes. Roach pressed the action in the 12th, but it was too little, too late, as “The Fighting Marine” made his first successful title defense.

“I won {the title} on Memorial Day Weekend and I defended it on Veterans Day Weekend, so it definitely means a lot to all of our troops out there defending our country and still in harm’s way,” Herring said. “This is for ya’ll. I couldn’t lose it on our weekend. It means a lot to still be a world champion.

“Like I said, Miguel Berchelt is considered number one, the best super featherweight in the world. In order to be the best, you have to keep testing yourself.”

Said Roach: “We knew we had to dig down. When I hurt him, all that was on my mind was finishing him. I’m coming into unchartered territory.”

Jamel Herring Set for Ballpark Title Defense Against Lamont Roach Jr.

Herring to defend WBO junior lightweight title LIVE on ESPN+ Saturday evening (10 p.m. ET) from Fresno, Calif.

Under the bright lights, above where a pitcher’s mound normally stands, Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring will enter the ring for the first time as a champion.

Herring, who makes the first defense of his WBO junior lightweight world title against Lamont Roach Jr. Saturday evening (10 p.m. ET, ESPN+) at Chukchansi Park (home of the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies), is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two tours of duty in Iraq. He won the world title on Memorial Day Weekend earlier this year and, in fitting fashion, will defend his belt on Veterans Day Weekend and the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday.

In the 10-round co-feature, IBF No. 1 heavyweight contender Kubrat Pulev (27-1, 14 KOs), seeking a 2020 world title shot, will face Detroit-based veteran Rydell Booker (26-2, 13 KOs). Pulev is angling for a shot at the winner of the Andy Ruiz Jr.-Anthony Joshua rematch, while the 38-year-old Booker is 4-1 since coming back to the ring following a 12-year prison sentence.

In other action, after the main event takes place, 19-year-old lightweight sensation Gabriel Flores Jr. (15-0, 6 KOs) will face Aelio Mesquita (19-4, 17 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Flores, from nearby Stockton, Calif., will have a rabid cheering section.

At Thursday’s final press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Jamel Herring

On sparring with the likes of Terence Crawford and Maurice Hooker

“Those guys, they really helped. {Super middleweight contender} Steven Nelson being a veteran helped as well. He motivated me and pushed me… camp has been great. It’s probably been one of the best camps that I’ve had.”

On defending his title on the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday

“It’s all about what happens in the ring. All that will go in vain if I don’t play my part and perform to the best of my abilities and handle my business. It’s definitely great to be a Marine and basically be one of the only Marines on this type of platform. Of course, that’s a great feeling.”

Lamont Roach Jr.

“It’s truly a blessing fighting on Veterans Day weekend just to honor my cousin, who was my late trainer. He was in the Army and dedicated his life to boxing. He was an All-Army champ in, I think, 1983, one of those years. Way before I was born. But he learned the game from them, and he gave the game to me. That old Army training is definitely in me. This weekend is a big weekend for all vets, but at the end of the day, it all boils down to one thing to me, and that’s inside the ring. It’s for that belt right there. Julie {Goldsticker, Herring’s publicist}, hold that belt up for me. It’s gonna go home with me, and I am going to go celebrate with the Washington Nationals and the Mystics, who won the WNBA championship.”

“I’m glad that my promotional company moved me the right way. I earned this spot. I wasn’t given this spot. All the hard work that I put in from 9 years old to now is going to show.”

“We know Jamel is a crafty fighter, but we’re gonna bring it to him. I think I can do anything in the ring better than him. I can be a better, taller fighter than him even though I’m shorter than him. I can beat him on the inside, I can beat him all around the ring. So, we’re going to see.”

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

Katie Taylor weighed in heavier than champion Christina Linardatou as she stepped up a weight division to challenge for more gold.

Undisputed lightweight champion Taylor will vie for Linardatou’s WBO super-lightweight belt on Saturday at 7pm in Manchester, live on Sky Sports Action.

Ireland’s Taylor was 9st 13lbs, a pound inside the limit and a pound heavier than Greece’s Linardatou.

It was a comfortable first weigh-in in a new division for Taylor who owns every major title at the 9st 9lbs weight, so is aiming to become a two-weight world champion.

Challenging Linardatou is her first fight since beating fellow world champion Delfine Persoon in New York in June.

Via skysports.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!”

Katie Taylor says she is ready to create more history by becoming a two-weight World Champion when she faces Christina Linardatou for the WBO Junior Welterweight World title at Manchester Arena on Saturday November 2, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Taylor (14-0, 6 KOs) completed her journey for Olympic gold to undisputed Lightweight World Champion with a thrilling points win over Belgium’s Delfine Persoon on the blockbuster Joshua vs. Ruiz card at Madison Square Garden on June 1.

In a landmark moment for women’s professional boxing, Taylor jumps up in weight to 140lbs to headline at the iconic Manchester venue, and the Irish star has her sights set on Matchroom Boxing stablemates Amanda Serrano and Cecilia Brækhus should she come through her latest test.

“This is a huge opportunity for me to become a two-weight World Champion and I’m ready to create more history for myself and my country,” said Taylor. “I’m very aware of the challenge that Christina brings. I do believe that she’s the best 140lbs in the division and I cannot wait for a very exciting and hard fight.

“It’s a new challenge moving up in weight, I’ve worked very hard in the gym to build up. You’ll see the very best of me and I’ll need to be on my game because I think Linardatou is the number one at 140lbs and she’s had some great wins in her career.

“It’s going to be a huge 12 months for me, but I have to get past Christina first. I only take one fight at a time and my focus is completely on this one. She brings a lot to the table and I’m very aware of the challenge. She is an excellent World Champion and it’s going to be a big test for me but one that I’m confident of overcoming.

“There are still so many huge fights out there for me like the Amanda Serrano fight, a rematch with Delfine Persoon and a fight with new Matchroom signing Cecilia Brækhus, but the first goal is November 2nd and winning another World title.”

Felix Cash believes that he is “levels above” Jack Cullen and is determined to prove it when they meet for the Commonwealth Middleweight crown at Manchester Arena on Saturday November 2, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The unbeaten Wokingham talent (11-0, 7 KOs) landed the Commonwealth title in style by taking out Nigeria’s Rasheed Abolaji in the opening round of their clash at The O2 in February earlier this year but hasn’t fought since after an injury ruled him out of his July 6 date with Cullen.

‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ has enjoyed a breakout year, stopping Jack Sellars in eight rounds to win the English title at the Bolton Whites Hotel in May before halting Dillian Whyte protege John Harding Jr on his Sky Sports debut in Liverpool three months later.

Despite his opponent’s recent run of impressive form, Cash insists that he has more than enough in his armoury to deal with Cullen and has predicted that their eagerly-anticipated domestic showdown won’t go the scheduled 12 rounds.

“I’ve been looking forward to this fight for a while and now it’s time to deal with this fella in good fashion,” said Cash. “There are a few weaknesses in his game which I have seen and no disrespect to John Harding Jr but he’s no Felix Cash and if he stands and trades with me then he’s going to be in trouble and he will walk onto one.

“He works hard Cullen, he’s a grafter who throws a lot of shots but that suits me because he is going to be there to be hit, I don’t think that he will see the twelfth round. This is the perfect fight for me to come back and show everybody how good I am.

“He’s tall and he’s awkward but I do believe he has never been in with a man or a fighter like me of my calibre. No disrespect to him but he’s been chinned before and I plan on doing the same. He is a decent fighter but there are levels in boxing and I believe that I am levels above him.

“It doesn’t matter what stage it is or how many fans he has got, it’s only going to be me and him in between them four ropes and I’m going to show him that there are levels.”

Shakur Stevenson is a world champion. The former Olympic medalist displayed all his boxing skills and completely neutralized Joet Gonzalez (his girlfriend’s brother) to conquer the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title in front of 2,828 fans at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Stevenson became the first Team USA male fighter of the 2016 Rio Olympics to conquer a world title.

“This is a great feeling. One of the best feelings of my life,” said Stevenson. “I have a lot of respect for Joet. He is a great fighter. I have nothing against him. If he decides to be cool with me, I’ll be cool with him.”

Stevenson already knows what he wants the next challenge in his career to be.

“Josh Warrington! You are a champion, now I am a champion. Let’s do this! I want to unify titles.”

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

The vacant WBO Featherweight World Title bout between Shakur Stevenson and Joet Gonzalez is boxing’s version of the Hatfields and McCoys, a long-simmering grudge match that will be settled Saturday evening at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Stevenson (12-0, 7 KOs) is looking to become the first 2016 Olympian to win a major world title, while Gonzalez (23-0, 14 KOs) hopes to pull off the upset against his biggest nemesis.

At the final press conference Thursday, this is what the fighters had to say.

Shakur Stevenson

On Bob Arum’s praise and taking the short track to a world title shot

“That means the world {to me}. I feel like that’s the harder route. I feel like you could say whatever you want, but I feel like going pro and fighting a bunch of bums early in your career, I feel like that’s the easy route. I feel like I went to the Olympics and fought the higher level of competition, and that’s the reason I am who I am today.”

To Gonzalez: “I also think in 2012 when he was fighting them bums, I was a freshman in high school at the time, bro. So I understand why you’re mad at me, bro. It’s all good.”

Gonzalez’s response: “Ain’t nobody mad at you. Just show up Saturday and come to fight.”

On Joet’s experience

“I’m not sleeping on him. If I’m being honest, I always said Joet was good. Go look at my Tweets from two, three months ago. I always said he’s a good fighter. He was the one who got up there and said Shakur was overrated. Saturday, he gotta put up everything he said.”

Joet Gonzalez

“I most definitely had the harder road. Like you said, he was an Olympic silver medalist. He got the fast track. He got {a title shot} in two years. It took me seven years. I’ve been pro since 2012, so I’ve had the longer road. I have more experience. I’m older, more mature, and I think that is going to help me out Saturday night.”

“His biggest test, as a pro or an amateur, is obviously for a world title. He’s gonna have to do some crazy thing to beat me because I’m not leaving Saturday without that belt.”

“I’m just anxious because all the hard work, it’s already been done. Now we’re just counting down the days, letting the days go by. Tomorrow will be weigh-ins and Saturday will be fight time.”

Photo by Mikey Williams

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

On Saturday, November 2, Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2, 34 KOs) will take on a new challenge as he moves into the 175-pound weight class in a 12-round fight against Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs) for Kovalev’s WBO Light Heavyweight World Title. This highly anticipated bout and its co-featured fights will be broadcast live from MGM Grand in Las Vegas to big screens across the nation.A full undercard will be shown prior to the main event.

Tickets for “Canelo Alvarez vs Sergey ‘Krusher’ Kovalev” can be purchased online at www.FathomEvents.comor at participating theater box offices now.

The live broadcast of “Canelo Alvarez vs Sergey ‘Krusher’ Kovalev” presented by Fathom Events, Golden Boy, Main Events and Krusher Promotions is set for Saturday, November 2 beginning at beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 8:00 p.m. CT/ 7:00 p.m. MT/ 6:00 p.m. PT/ 5:00 p.m. AK/ 4:00 p.m. HI. Boxing fans throughout the U.S. can watch the event in more than 500 select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). A complete list of theater locations is available on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

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 Austin “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. In the 168-pound division, Canelo became the WBA Super Middleweight World Champion by stopping Rocky Fielding in three rounds.

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

On November 2, 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 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 Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal in Montreal, scoring a stoppage victory both times.

In August of this year, Kovalev finally got the chance to fight in his own hometown of Chelyabinsk, Russia, stopping undefeated mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde in front of a sold-out crowd.

“We are proud to partner again with Golden Boy to bring boxing’s biggest star, Canelo Alvarez back to cinemas nationwide,” said Ray Nutt, Fathom Events CEO. “Fight fans will want to see all the action up on the big screen as Canelo takes on Sergey ‘Krusher’ Kovalev.”

The undercard for this event will feature a full night of action. Rising superstar Ryan Garcia (18-0, 15 KOs) of Victorville, Calif. will face “Ruthless” Romero Duno (21-1, 16 KOs) of Cotabato City, Philippines in the 12-round co-main event..