Lomachenko-Luke Campbell to stream Saturday LIVE on ESPN+ at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT

LONDON (Aug. 29, 2019) – The press conference dais told the story. Four title bouts were laid out, symbols of Vasiliy Lomachenko’s current and long-standing status as one of boxing’s elites.

Unified WBO Lightweight Champion Lomachenko (13-1, 10 KOs) will defend his titles against fellow 2012 Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell (20-2, 16 KOs) Saturday evening at The O2 (5 p.m. ET, ESPN+). The vacant WBC lightweight world title will also be at stake, leaving the victor one belt shy of becoming the division’s undisputed champion.

Two days before a sold-out crowd of more than 18,000 packs The O2, this is what the fighters and their promoters had to say.

Vasiliy Lomachenko

“I’m excited. I can’t wait to come to the ring and show my boxing skills for British fans and fans around the world.”

“Maybe it will be a harder fight, but I can’t answer that until after the fight. Luke Campbell is not an easy fighter. He’s a top fighter. He’s a smart fighter. He’s a technical fighter, so it will be an interesting and technical fight.”

“Of course I’m ready. That’s why I came to the UK.”

Bob Arum

“Now, {Lomachenko} comes over to the UK, which really is the country that is most passionate and knowledgable about the sport of boxing, to exhibit his talents before the UK audience. On behalf of Vasiliy Lomachenko and {Lomachenko’s manager} Egis Klimas, we are grateful for the opportunity to be over here, to be fighting in this championship match, particularly against a world-class fighter like Luke Campbell.”

Luke Campbell

“I’ve been through a lot having the experience of the London Olympics, the crowds, the pressure of going out there, getting a medal and winning. And, obviously, my professional career, coming to America to fight {Jorge} Linares for a world title. I’ve learned from my experiences, and boy, do I love a challenge. I’ve said for years being in boxing, to be the best, you have to beat the best. And this is certainly one of those challenges.”

“There are no better fans than the UK fans. They just give the best atmosphere. I’m excited to bring this fight, be part of this fight here in the UK. I want to perform and entertain and give the fans a great night.”

Eddie Hearn

“This is a huge opportunity for British boxing and a huge opportunity to Luke Campbell to produce a performance that will stun the world and become the unified lightweight world champion.”

ESPN+, 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Luke Campbell, 12 rounds, Lomachenko’s WBO/WBA and vacant WBC lightweight world titles

Photo via Top Rank

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Lomachenko-Campbell to stream Saturday LIVE on ESPN+ at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT

Entire Undercard to stream on ESPN+ starting at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.

Vasiliy Lomachenko made his return to London’s historic York Hall, roughly six years since he fought there as part of the World Series of Boxing. Shortly thereafter, he turned pro and has been making history ever since.

Lomachenko, the Unified WBO lightweight world champion, will make his long-awaited United Kingdom return Saturday evening against Luke Campbell at The O2 (5 p.m. ET, ESPN+).

York Hall was packed Wednesday evening, this time to watch Lomachenko and Campbell as they participated in a media workout. Three days before the biggest night on the British boxing calendar, this is what they had to say.

Vasiliy Lomachenko

On the challenges Campbell presents

“Luke Campbell is a tall southpaw with a strong boxing IQ. I know I can’t look past a fighter with his skills. He won an Olympic gold medal and has had a lot of success as a pro.”

On making his UK debut as a pro

“I have wanted to fight in London ever since I turned pro. The fans appreciate my boxing style, and every time I’ve come here, they make me feel appreciated. Campbell is from the UK, but I feel very comfortable.”

On potentially unifying three of the lightweight world titles

“This brings me one step closer to my main goal of having all the belts. I want to ‘unificate’ all of the titles. That is my next goal in boxing. I have won titles in three weight categories, but I never won all four belts in a division. So, for me, Campbell is a very important name as I write my boxing history.”

“I want to make history. That’s the most important thing for me. When I turned pro, I wanted to win a world title right away, and I tied a record by winning a world title in my third fight. Now, I want to make a different {type of} history. Very few fighters have won all four titles. It would mean a lot for me to accomplish this.”

On training at home in Ukraine for this fight

“I trained at the Olympic Sports Centre in Kiev, and it was nice to train at home. We did not change much with my preparation, but I feel very good physically. The weather was good, and I am 100 percent ready for whatever Luke Campbell brings.”

Luke Campbell

“I’m feeling great at the minute. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me. I’ve got the best team around me and we’re all confident.”

“It doesn’t matter how I do it {as long as} I get the win.”

ESPN+, 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Luke Campbell, 12 rounds, Lomachenko’s WBO/WBA and vacant WBC lightweight world titles

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Top Russian Contenders Back in Action on September 19 in Grozny!

An explosive trio of Salita Promotions fighters will be back in action Thursday, September 19, in Grozny, Russia, as Umar Salamov and Apti Davtaev will all be featured in WBO important title fights.

In the night’s main event, Grozny’s own WBO #4-rated Salamov (24-1, 18 KOs) will attempt to make the third defense of WBO International Light Heavyweight Championship in a 10-round battle against WBO #5-rated Roamer Alexis Angulo (24-1, 21 KOs) of El Bordo, Colombia.

In the co-main event, Idigov (16-0, 7 KOs), also of Grozny, will look to make the first defense of his WBO European Super Middleweight Championship in a 10-round showdown with Robert Racz (21-1, 19 KOs) of Galanta, Slovenia.

Incredibly, the 25-year-old Salamov has already held the WBO Youth, WBO European, IBO World, IBF East/West Europe, WBO International, IBF International, IBF North American
EBP and IBO Youth Light Heavyweight Championships. He was last seen in April of this year in Grozny, defending his WBO International belt by stopping Poland’s Norbert Dabrowski in nine rounds.

“I am really happy to fight at home in Grozny,” said Salamov. “I get stronger fighting in front of my hometown. This is a very important fight against an experienced and brave boxer, but I will be looking for the knockout only. I don’t want there to be any doubts about it and no judges’ decisions. I will defend my title and step even closer to world title fight.”

23-year-old Idigov won the WBO and IBF European Super Middleweight Championships in April by winning a 12-round majority decision over Spain’s Ronny Landaeta. Idigov also won the IBO Youth Super Middleweight Title in December 2016 with a unanimous decision over countryman Igor Selivanov.

“For me it doesn’t matter whether I fight at home or abroad, but it always good to receive support of my people and to make them happy,” said Idigov. “For me to fight a power puncher like Robert Racz, who has more wins than I have is a big challenge, but I will knock him out. And by doing so, I will defend my title and collect another. I need fights against these kinds of opponents, who are hungry and dangerous and come to win.”

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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.

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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.”

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WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs) survived a rough eighth round to come back to stop mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde (18-1, 17 KOs) in the 11th round on Saturday night at the Traktor Sport Palace, in Chelyabinsk, Russia. Referee Luis Pabon stopped the fight officially at 2:04 of round 11.

Yarde came close to pulling off a major upset in the eighth round in this drama-filled bout. After being out-boxed in the first seven rounds, Yarde hurt Kovalev and had him on the brink of defeat. It wasn’t to be though. Yarde depleted his gas tank after eight rounds, and Kovalev took over the fight in the ninth and cruised to victory.

In the 11th, Kovalev nailed Yarde with a hard jab to knock him out. By this time in the fight, Yarde was exhausted and hurt from the punishment he’d absorbed in the 10th round. The 28-year-old Yarde had nothing left after round eight. That was the round in which he had hurt Kovalev.

By Barry Holbrook / boxingnews24.com
https://www.boxingnews24.com/2019/08/boxing-results-kovalev-vs-yarde-undercard/

Photo Mikey Williams / Top Rank

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Filipino Interim WBO Bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero (24-4, 18 KO’s) and taller Mexican challenger Cesar “Perico” Ramirez (18-3, 11 KO’s) successfully made weight ahead of their title battle this Saturday, August 24, at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.

The battle will air live on ABS CBN S+A channel 23 starting at 7:00 PM.

The challenger from Colonia Los Fresnos in Tepic, Nayarit, easily made 117.6 pounds in his first try.

Casimero, 30, had to go to extra two hours of sweating to make the limit of the bantamweight division, 118 pounds.

According to WBO fight supervisor Leon Panoncillo, the winner of the clash is mandated to battle WBO regular bantamweight world champion Zolani Tete (28-3, 21 KO’s).

“I am going to win. I have dreamed about being a world champion this for too long. This is my golden door and I am walking in,” said the 31 year-old Ramirez, in his second war in a foreign land.

Three years ago Ramirez battled then Ryan Burnett (20-1, 10 KO’s) in Leeds, England, losing by points. This time he is gunning for the gold.

Via news.abs-cbn.com

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However much longer Kosei Tanaka chooses to remain at flyweight, he can officially look forward to at least one more title defense.

The unbeaten three-division and reigning 112-pound titlist made weight for Saturday’s mandatory title fight versus Puerto Rico’s Jonathan ‘Bomba’ Gonzalez. Both boxers came in right at the 112-pound limit for the bout, which takes place at Takeda Teva Ocean Arena in Tanaka’s hometown of Nagoya, Japan.

Tanaka (13-0, 7KOs) will attempt the second defense of the flyweight crown he claimed in this very venue 11 months ago. The former strawweight and junior flyweight titlist prevailed in a scorching 12-round win over Sho Kimura last September, which was rightly hailed by BoxingScene.com and several other outlets as the 2018 Fight of the Year.

It also placed the 24-year old rising star in the record books. The three-division title heist in just 12 pro bouts matched the record-establishing feat by WBO Unified Champion Vasiliy Lomachenko just five months prior, although there remains room to potentially one-up the Ukrainian wunderkind.

Saturday’s bout versus Gonzalez (22-2-1, 13KOs) could be his last as a flyweight, as rumors have swirled of Tanaka eventually moving up in weight.

Catching his eye is a mouth-watering in-country clash with future Hall of Fame four-division titlist Kazuto Ioka, who is currently negotiating terms for a 115-pound mandatory title defense versus unbeaten Puerto Rico-bred contender Jeyvier Cintron.

Before that plays out, both have significant business in front of them.

Gonzalez travels to Japan for the first time in his career, along with gunning for his first major title. The 28-year old southpaw enters riding a four-fight win streak, including a 10-round win over Julian Yedras—whom Tanaka defeated for his first major title at strawweight more than four years ago.

The bout will air live on CBC and TBS in Japan. External markets can watch via livestream on RingTV.com, beginning at 2:00am ET/11:00pm PT with a scheduled 10-round flyweight bout between Tanaka stablemate Kento Hatakana (9-0, 9KOs) and Philippines’ Jaysever Abcede (19-8, 12KOs).

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

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WBO junior featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete (28-1, 24 KOs) will face WBO #2 Juan Miguel Elorde (28-1, 15 KOs) September 14 on the card headlined by the heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Otto Wallin at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. ESPN, which will air the card on the ESPN+ platform, made the announcement on their website.

Navarrete is returning just four weeks after stopping Francisco De Vaca in three rounds. The 32-year-old Elorde is the grandson of former legendary WBC/WBA super featherweight world champion and Boxing Hall of Famer Gabriel “Flash” Elorde.

Photo by Mikey Williams

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ANTHONY YARDE will take on WBO World Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey Kovalev on Saturday night in Chelyabinsk, Russia live on BT Sport 2 and ESPN+ will stream LIVE from Russia beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT

Yarde (18-0, 17KOs) met Kovalev (33-3-1, 28KOs) for the first time today at their fight week press conference.

Here are a selection of quotes from the Kovalev vs. Yarde media event ahead of Saturday night’s show.

Anthony Yarde
“I’m just here to do a job… and enjoy myself.”

“I haven’t done no trash talking. And, I don’t do trash talking. I posted pictures, to me they are good pictures. I am a fighter, that’s what I’m meant to visualize. I’m meant to see these things in my mind, the same way Kovalev probably sees things in his mind. As fighters we want to do the best we can so we visualize what we want to happen. I posted a picture that a fan made, when I saw this picture I re-posted it as that’s what’s going to happen.” (In reference to a journalist’s question on an Anthony Yarde social media post)

“I believe that right now I’m mentally very strong and I believe what happens on the night is what matters.”

“I’m just going to literally go in the ring and be myself. I’m going to focus on myself, be the best that I can be and get the knockout victory because that’s what I feel like I need to do to win the fight.”

“I don’t know which round. I’m not a psychic… but that’s my plan. In boxing you can’t predict rounds. I’ve just got to go in there with a goal in my head and produce.”

Yarde says he’s hungry
“This is my first time in Russia. I’m enjoying myself, I’ve been treated well and I’m enjoying the country but I’m not nervous. This is why I’m smiling so much. Because where I’ve come from, I’ve rose very quickly to be here, so I’m happy to be at this level and I’m going to make the most of it.”

“No disrespect to Kovalev, he’s been a champ for a long time, he’s unified, he’s been there and done it. I’m very ambitious and I’m literally just hungry and I want to get to that stage and change my life. I’m sure he wanted to change his life when he started so I’m at that stage now and I’m just aggressive with my approach and how hungry I am.”

“Life is about challenges and you don’t know if you can do something until you try. I’m here to do a job. It don’t matter who the crowd is rooting for, Kovalev would probably say the same… once you get in the ring, it’s you and your opponent and that’s all that matters.”

Sergey Kovalev
“I am indeed very pleased to be home. We have a big fight ahead of us. We’ll try to do our best to come out happy and very pleased after the fight.”

“My career and my schedule doesn’t really let me live here. I try to be as far as possible from home so I can work harder and not lose energy.”

“We did have an offer (from Canelo Alvarez) but we can talk about that after Saturday night. Official agreements were already made with Antony Yarde. My primary task is to defend the title. If the fight is still interesting for Canelo afterwards then OK.”

“I understand Anthony Yarde’s ambitions. He calls himself a lion but to me he is a cub. He is so young. I will have to get rid of all that baby fur off his skin so he will run away back home. It is clear he comes here and he wants to be like that. I have this experience. Now is my time.”

“The plans are to have all the belts and become an absolute champion. I think there should be only one champion. We have four in our weight division, it’s not quite clear who is strongest. It would be great to decide amongst us who is strongest.”

“He thinks that he will knock me out but Saturday will show everybody what will be exactly. He has had a lot of fights and he’s won them by KO but Saturday will show.”

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After 20 hours in transit, Vic Saludar finally arrived in Puerto Rico from the Philippines. He was ready to stretch his legs out and move around, but not particularly tired.

“I slept on the airplane,” said Saludar, the reigning WBO strawweight titleholder.

Saludar didn’t make the trip for leisure, but rather to make a mandatory title defense against Wilfredo Mendez this Saturday at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan.

The fight will be the second defense of the belt he won in July of 2018, and will be his third straight fight abroad.

“It will be hard since the fight against them is here,” said Saludar (19-3, 10 knockouts) of Polomolok, Philippines. “But I will do everything I can.”

If Saludar suggests the dilemma of fighting abroad, head trainer Michael Palacios removes any pretense of ambiguity.

“We always have the best camp but this time Vic is more focused and dedicated because he know his situation…That we might get robbed,” said Palacios.

“That is why I keep on telling him, ‘we are the challenger here, we need to dominate every single round.’”

Saludar won’t have the benefit of having Palacios in his corner since his full time coach didn’t get approved for a visa. Instead he’ll have Bobby Villaver, a Hawaii based Filipino American who had previously been the head trainer of Vic’s older brother Froilan Saludar, and had worked with Vic when he was still an amateur.

More than just having the ability to travel feely throughout the U.S. and its territories, Villaver brings a level of familiarity with the training style of Palacios, whom he mentored while working alongside him as a trainer in Thailand at the famed Kokietgym. Villaver will also double as the cutman and is bringing Kawelo Alcos, a 2-0-1 pro, along from Hawaii to work as an assistant.

“They have the same training style,” said Saludar, who is rated no. 3 by The Ring at 105 pounds, behind WBA titleholder Knockout CP Freshmart and WBC titleholder Wanheng Menayothin.

Few things should rattle Villaver, who was the head trainer of Somsak Sithchatchawal when the Thai upset Mahyar Monshipour to win the WBA junior featherweight title in what was named Fight of the Year for 2006 by The Ring and the Boxing Writers Association of America.

Saludar describes Mendez as a boxer who likes to punch and hold, preferring to go the distance and win the fight on scorecards. Mendez (13-1, 5 KOs), a southpaw, got to this point by defeating Janiel Rivera by split decision this past May in a title eliminator. At 22, Mendez is six years younger than Saludar.

“All we can do is our best, we have no problem with his style with the left hand,” said Villaver.

Palacios says he feels Masataka Taniguchi, whom Saludar defeated in his previous fight, is a more dangerous and complete fighter than Mendez, and that Saludar should end the fight within the distance.

“ I believe Vic is much stronger now. [The] knockout will just come eventually,” said Palacios.

Via Ryan Songalia / Ringtv.com

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Mexican Cesar Ramirez landed in Manila and immediately dropped by Plaza Mexico, a public square that commemorates the historic Galleon Trade involving Manila and Acapulco that spanned centuries.

Ramirez battles Filipino champion John Riel Casimero for the interim WBO bantamweight title on Aug. 24 at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate. The Casimero-Ramirez duel is being presented by Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions in coordination with Sean Gibbons. Manila mayor Isko Moreno has been invited by MP Promotions to attend the official weigh in and fight itself.

By Nick Giongco / fightnews.com

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Puerto Rican Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez, the mandatory challenger against WBO flyweight titlist Kosei Tanaka, arrived in Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday, when there were many press people and cameramen welcoming the southpaw challenger.

Our first impression was his size with a 5’2” height, which might mean his speed and agility since he had acquired some important world youth championship medals prior to his entry into the paid ranks. Bomba (22-2-1-1NC, 13 KOs), 28, is the son of his father/manager/trainer and formerly two-time Golden Glove flyweight winner, Luis Gonzalez.

Bomba confidently said upon his arrival at the airport, “I believe I’m faster than Tanaka. I will outspeed him and wrest his WBO belt to bring it back to Puerto Rico without doubt.”

Their highly expected confrontation will take place next Saturday at the Takeda Teva Ocean Arena, Nagoya, where Kosei, during his reign as WBO 108-pound champ, defeated previously unbeaten Puerto Rican challenger Angel Acosta on a unanimous decision by decking the unblemished KO artist in May, 2017. Acosta is now the WBO junior flyweight titleholder.

The promoter Kiyoshi Hatanaka, former WBC 122-pound titlist, smiled at Bomba’s great confidence and eloquence as well. We look forward to watching very fast eye-catching rallies of the speedsters.

Report, Photo by Joe Koizumi / fightnews.com

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WBO junior middleweight champion Jaime Munguia (33-0, 26 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, and his new trainer Erik Morales hosted a press conference today at the Golden Boy Headquarters in Los Angeles, Calif. ahead of Munguia’s title defense against Patrick Allotey (40-3, 30 KOs). The event will take place on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Erik Morales: “I’m very grateful to be working with Munguia. He’s a great fighter and a young fighter with a lot of desire to show. It reminds me of when I was younger. He has been improving over our last two months of working together. I assure you that the Munguia you know will be different, but will also deliver the same explosive style he has. We are showing him and guiding him.”

Jaime Munguia: “I feel very happy to be the main event for this Mexican Independence Day fight. It’s going to be a great day for boxing and a great day for Mexico. My desire on September 14th is to demonstrate everything I’ve been learning with my new trainer Erik Morales. I have a great fighter in front of me and we are going to show it in the ring.”

“We know that Allotey is strong, fast and has a lot of knockouts. We will have to be very careful about that. But, I’ll be looking to give a great show, and I’ll look for the knockout on September 14.”

Munguia’s promoter Fernando Beltran, President of Zanfer Promotions: “I have lots memories on this podium by being here with Erik Morales. Munguia is a special fighter and he will prove that he belongs on the top and fighting the best fighters out there, such as Canelo and Golovkin. I know everyone will enjoy this fight on Mexican Independence Day.”

Oscar de la Hoya: “As always we will have a very stacked undercard for this fight. We are excited to host this fight at one of the most exciting venues in California. Dignity Health Sports Park brings out the best in every fighter, so we can’t wait for the fans to experience this fight. This fight will also include a Mexican fiesta featuring bands and activations from Tecate and Orange Crush. The event will be streamed live on DAZN, where we are committed to making the best fights and giving fans and affordable price to watch. Our partners at DAZN have been instrumental in bringing affordable boxing to the masses and on a global scale.”

“We are truly excited to be showcasing Munguia on an important day for boxing, especially now that he has a new trainer. We strongly feel this new trainer will bring out the best in Munguia. Munguia is willing to jump around into different divisions and every punch he throws is with bad intentions. He’s a hard worker and he’s disciplined and dedicated. He’s also a real pleasure outside of the ring.”

Photo by Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos/Golden Boy

via fightnews.com

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WBO light heavyweight championship showdown to stream LIVE from Russia beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT

WBO light heavyweight champion and future Hall of Famer Sergey Kovalev will face off against his hard-hitting mandatory challenger, Anthony Yarde, in a highly anticipated showdown Saturday, Aug. 24 from Traktor Arena in Kovalev’s hometown of Chelyabinsk, Russia.

Kovalev-Yarde will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT. The stream will also showcase the co-feature bout between unbeaten cruiserweight contender Aleksei Papin (11-0, 10 KOs) and former world title challenger Ilunga Makabu (25-2, 24 KOs). Fans in the U.S. can sign up at www.ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App.

“I am thrilled to fight for the first time in my hometown of Chelyabinsk,” Kovalev said. “It is a dream to defend my WBO title in front of all my friends and family back home. I am also thankful ESPN+ will show the fight to my fans in the U.S. Thank you to Igor Altushkin, Egis Klimas, Main Events and Top Rank for making this dream a reality, and thank you to Anthony Yarde for agreeing to fight in my home.”

“Sergey has done just about everything a professional fighter can do, other than fight in his own hometown,” said promoter Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events. “One of the sport’s greatest road warriors, Sergey will finally get the chance to salute his legion of fans in Chelyabinsk, where he grew up. It will be an exciting, long overdue homecoming for Sergey. And I am so happy to confirm that Sergey’s many fans in the U.S. will be able to watch this great event only on ESPN+. I wish to thank Igor Altushkin, German Titov and everyone at RCC for making this all possible. I also wish to thank Bob Arum and Top Rank for their continued support.”

Kovalev (33-3-1, 28 KOs) is a veteran of 15 world title bouts and has won the light heavyweight world title on three occasions. A former unified champion, he revived his career in February by scoring a wide points win over Eleider Alvarez, the man who’d knocked him out less than six months prior. One of this generation’s most decorated champions, Kovalev holds victories over Jean Pascal, Nathan Cleverly and living legend Bernard Hopkins. In Yarde (18-0, 17 KOs), he faces a London native with a giant hand who is taking a giant step up in competition. Yarde has won his last 16 bouts by knockout, most recently stopping Travis Reeves in five rounds in a bout that streamed on ESPN+. This will be only his second pro bout outside of England.

For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtag #KovalevYarde to join the conversation on social media.

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Undefeated WBO Super-Middleweight World Champion Billy Joe Saunders has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, with his next fight to be announced next week.

Saunders (28-0, 13 KOs) became a two-weight World Champion with a shutout points win over Shefat Isufi in Stevenage earlier this year, outclassing his Serbian opponent over 12 rounds to land the WBO 168lbs title.

The Hatfield southpaw’s first World title came against Irish fight legend Andy Lee at Manchester Arena in December 2015 when he floored the former Champion twice in the third round on route to a majority decision to claim the WBO Middleweight crown.

Successful defences followed against Artur Akavov, Willie Monroe Jr and, most notably, a career-best performance against David Lemieux on away soil in Canada where the 29-year-old star dismantled former IBF ruler Lemieux over 12 masterful rounds.

A former Southern Area, Commonwealth, British, WBO International and European Champion at Middleweight, Saunders is confident that his move to Matchroom Boxing will secure megafighs with new stablemates Callum Smith and Demetrius Andrade, as well as DAZN fighters Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.

“This move is going to benefit me massively,” said Saunders. “Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing can put me right out on the branch for those big fights. I’m on Golovkin and Canelo’s turf. I’ve made this move to make them fights because I’m sick of hearing their bullsh*t excuses. Those fights make financial sense and they make sense because we’re on the same network.

“I will go where the big fights are and I can fluctuate between Middle and Super-Middle. If the big fights are at Middleweight then I’ll have them at Middle. If they’re at Super-Middleweight then I’ll have them at Super. I’m a World Champion at Super-Middle so if anyone wants to come and try to win a belt then I’ve got one of the most recognised belts out there and I’m open to big offers.

“I’m going to bring a lot of excitement to Sky Sports and DAZN. I’m a good talker but I can also walk the walk. Matchroom are going to give me more publicity and more exposure for these big fights and that’s what I need. Once people see me and they see what I’m about they’ll want to see me in those big fights.

“I can’t wait to be involved in those big nights that I’ve seen Matchroom put on over the years. If that means fighting at 168lbs or 8lbs lighter then that’s no problem. I’m ready to go and I’m hoping to be out at the end of October or early November.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “Welcome to the big league Billy Joe! This is a huge signing for us and the perfect place for Billy to be. Everyone in boxing knows how good Billy is and now he is going to get the chance to prove it against the elite.

“He holds a World title at 168 but can also make 160 comfortably and when you look at the fighters we work with across our platforms, this was an obvious link up. Fighters need to be motivated with regular dates and solid deliverable plans – now Billy finally has that you will see him shine on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said, “I’m absolutely delighted that Billy Joe Saunders has been announced as Eddie Hearn’s latest signing for Matchroom Boxing.

“Billy Joe is a huge talent, with mouthwatering fights available at Middleweight and Super-Middleweight, including Canelo, GGG, Demetrius Andrade, Danny Jacobs and that big domestic clash with Callum Smith.

“We’re very excited to have him on Sky Sports and look forward to seeing Billy Joe involved in some massive fights in the near future.”

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The World Boxing Organization (WBO), chaired by the Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, Esq. celebrated a special event to recognize Puerto Rican boxers Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo, and Yankiel “Doctorcito” Rivera, for their achievements in the recently wrapped Pan American Games in Lima, Perú.

Collazo won a gold medal in the 49 kilograms category, while Rivera won a bronze medal in 52 kg.

During the event, the WBO gave to both medalists new boxing equipment, an elegant WBO commemorative belt, and cash donations. Coaches Carlos Espada and Roland Valcárcel were also given training equipment.

“This is an important moment for us to listen to these two heroes. Two boxers went to Lima and both returned with medals. We want to help them in some way, since they had some expenses to be in these competitions. We know about their sacrifice of their families, coaches and everybody, so they can be here. It is necessary, not only words and recognition, but to help them in some way and we deliver our contribution. The day they decide to make their jump to professionals, I understand that they have very good opportunities to compete for world titles and it depends on them to achieve it”, said WBO President Valcárcel.

Bronze medalist Rivera said: “Thanks to Paco for all this. As he says, the difficult part is training and what one goes through, because at the moment, what most people see is when we get in the ring. It’s only nine minutes of combat and well, it’s hard to leave the family, train, dieting, and that is the difficulty of this sport. Thanks to all who have been following my career, to my father, my mother, and my coaches. Stay tuned because there is ‘Doctorcito’ for a long time and I still have more goals to fulfill”.

Gold medalist Collazo: “For me, it means a lot that the press and fans have taken from their time to be here with us. Thanks to Paco for the donation. I know that the WBO is always checking in and always supporting us. I thank my family, who have always supported me, my coaches Joe Santiago, Carlos Espada, and Freddy. Thanks to them, I’m here. They always give the push that one needs and those words that one needs to hear. Always very grateful to all of Puerto Rico for their support. This has been a dream that, thanks to God, was achieved”.

The president of the Puerto Rico Amateur Boxing Federation, José Laureano, echoed the expressions of the medalists. “Thanks to the WBO for always supporting sports in general, not just boxing, and that is what we need, for people who have hope in the sport. Collazo and Rivera have been sacrificing with their families for years. Their parents make sacrifices for them. Boxing is one family and thanks to the WBO for supporting youth”.

“To all those trained in the neighborhoods, you are the fundamental key to the development of the athlete and the human being in them”, Laureano added.

Present in the event were the WBO NABO Mini-Flyweight Champion and #1 ranked Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez, WBO Latino Flyweight champion McWilliams Arroyo, former two-division world champion José Pedraza, WBO International Jr. Bantamweight champion Jeyvier Cintrón, and WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight champion Yomar Álamo. Other boxers who present were Víctor Santillán, Jean M. Rivera, Patrick Cora, Krystal Rosado, and Natasha Cantero.

For the WBO, Treasurer Adolfo Flores, Vice-Chairman of the Championship Enrique Mendoza, Esq., Ratings Committee Chairman Edgardo López Sasso, Esq., legal advisor Gustavo Olivieri, Esq., and Secretary Alberto Rodriguez, Esq.

Photos and Video by Victor Planas

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Jaime Munguia will defend his WBO junior middleweight title against Patrick Allotey, Golden Boy Promotions announced Saturday morning.

The 12-round bout will take place at Dignity Health Sports Park (formerly known as the Stubhub Center) in Carson, California. Also on the card, unbeaten lightweight Ryan Garcia will finally return to the ring, squaring off against Avery Sparrow.

Both fights will stream live on DAZN.

Munguia (33-0, 26 knockouts), who resides in Tijuana, Mexico, last fought on Apr. 13 in Monterrey, Mexico, defeating mandatory challenger Dennis Hogan of Australia in a fight many thought Hogan did enough to win. Before Allotey was finalized as an opponent for Munguia, there were several reports last week Munguia would face former world titleholder Jessie Vargas, but negotiations reportedly fell through between representatives of both fighters.

The 22-year-old Munguia will be making his fifth defense of the WBO title he won on May 12 of last year by knocking out Sadam Ali. The world-title defense will also be in conjunction with Mexican Independence Day weekend celebrations throughout Southern California.

“I feel very happy for the opportunity of headlining a card on Sept. 14,” said Munguia, who is trained by Robert Alcazar. ”That’s the best date for boxing in the entire year. It’s a great date for Mexico because that’s when we celebrate Mexican Independence Day. I’m proud and honored to be representing Mexico in the festivals for my country. I’ll give my best and I’ll try to deliver a great fight for all the people and for those who will see us.”

Munguia is co-promoted by Golden Boy and Zanfer Promotions. He is ranked No. 4 by The Ring.

Allotey (40-3, 30 KOs), who resides in Accra, Ghana, defeated Sharif Kasongo by unanimous decision in his last bout on Dec. 24. The 28-year-old Allotey, who is ranked No. 11 by the WBO, has won his last six bouts since losing to unbeaten Kanat Islam by unanimous decision in October of 2016.

“I respect Munguia,” said Allotey. “He is a great fighter, but I’m an African warrior, so you know I’ll be coming to cause a big surprise.”

Sept. 14 will mark Allotey’s second fight in the United States. Allotey was knocked out by contender Patrick Teixeira in April of 2015 in Verona, New York.

Via Francisco Salazar / BoxingScene.com

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On Friday, September 13th, record-breaking seven-weight World champion Amanda Serrano challenges WBO World Featherweight champion Heather Hardy in an all-Brooklyn affair, brought to you by DiBella Entertainment in association with Matchroom Boxing USA at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Serrano (36-1-1 27 KOs) conquered her seventh weight class at the Hulu Theater in title in January when the Puerto Rican destroyed Eva Voraberger inside the opening round to claim the vacant WBO Jr. Bantamweight title.

Serrano held the WBO Featherweight strap in 2016 before vacating it then her sister Cindy picked it up later that year. Hardy (22-0 4 KOs) was next in line to win the vacant title in October in a rematch against Shelley Vincent in the Hulu Theater. Hardy put boxing on hold to return to MMA in June with an outing at Bellator 222 at Madison Square Garden but returns to boxing to go head-to-head with her fellow Brooklynite.

“We found out in February that as a super-champion Amanda could call out any champion in any weight division and she would be the next defense — and she chose me. I didn’t get this far in the boxing game to not know how it works, they’re hyping up a big fight between her and Katie Taylor and this is the second of Amanda’s three-fight deal.

“It will be my first time competing as an underdog even as the current world champion but I’m excited as hell. Everyone knows I have the balls for it. I grew up with a tough mamma, trust me – nobody scares me.”

“I’m very excited to be back in the ring and excited to be fighting Heather Hardy,” said Serrano. “Heather is 22-0 for a reason, she always finds a way to win. We’ve sparred in the past and I’ve never had an easy day with her.

“So many of the other champions vacated their belts to avoid fighting me but Heather is a true world champion who will not give up her belt.

“We know each other well and I’m honored to fight her for her World title. It’s nothing personal, just business for two girls from Brooklyn in the ring.”

“On Friday, September 13, seven-division world champion Amanda ‘The Real Deal’ Serrano will attempt to wrest the WBO Featherweight title from undefeated champion Heather ‘The Heat’ Hardy in what promises to be an explosive matchup,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

“Neither Hardy nor Serrano have ever been in a bad fight, both Brooklynites have passionate fan bases and are tremendous ambassadors for women’s boxing. This is a must-win fight for both boxers and will steal the show.”

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Undisputed WBO Middleweight world champion Claressa Shields’ attempt at history has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 5 live on SHOWTIME. Shields will aim to make history as the fastest fighter in boxing, male or female, to become a three-division world champion when she takes on former world champion Ivana Habazin for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight Title on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT) from Dort Federal Event Center in Flint, Mich.

The homecoming fight was initially scheduled for August 17 and postponed in June after Shields suffered a minor injury to her right knee while doing roadwork.

Claressa Shields vs. Ivana Habazin ticket information
Shields vs. Habazin is promoted by Salita Promotions. Tickets for the live event go on sale today/Tuesday, August 6 at 2 p.m. ET and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Dort Center box office.

The 24-year-old Shields (9-0, 2 KOs) is a two-division titlist who became the undisputed middleweight champion with a near-shutout victory over Christina Hammer in April on SHOWTIME. In doing so, she 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).

Now, the Flint star seeks 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, who accomplished the feat in 12 fights.

“I’m more excited than ever. I’m 100 percent recovered, and I can’t wait to get back in the ring and fight in front of my hometown fans in Flint as undisputed champion of the world,” said Shields. “Having the opportunity to become world champion in a third weight division faster than any man or woman in boxing history will make October 5 a night I will cherish forever. It’s another big step in history, and giant step forward in lifting women’s boxing on the road to equality.”

Ivana Habazin pleased to be fighting in U.S

Habazin (20-3, 7 KOs), of Zagreb, Croatia, is ranked No. 1 by the WBO at 154 pounds. The 29-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.

“It’s an honor and a dream to fight in the U.S. on national television,” Habazin said. “A lot of fighters never get this opportunity in their careers so I know I need to make the most of it. I’ve been training for this fight since June and the postponement has only given me more time to get ready. I intend to put my best effort forward to impress the fans and show that I am for real.

“And, I am not just coming to fight for a world title, I am fighting for my life and my career. I believe I am the best and now I got the chance to prove that, and there is no better opponent for that than Claressa Shields.”

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.

Showtime executive producer Gordon Hall comments on Claressa Shields
“From Christy Martin and Laila Ali to Cris Cyborg and Ronda Rousey, and now Claressa Shields, SHOWTIME has long been the pioneer in women’s combat sports,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION. “Without question, Claressa Shields is the face of women’s boxing and we’re excited to present yet another historic milestone in her career as she looks to capture a third division championship in record time. This is Claressa’s sixth appearance on SHOWTIME and yet another test as she continues her personal quest to become the greatest of all time.”

“With the new date, this fight is going to be even more significant,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Claressa has had time to get 100 percent healthy and in the best shape of her life as she goes down in weight to fight for another historic accomplishment. On the other hand, Ivana has used this extra time to prepare for Claressa both mentally and physically. She has remained in camp throughout the summer as she prepares to come to America to upset Claressa and fulfill what she feels is her destiny. It’s going to be two fighters at the top of their games.”

“October 5 will be a magnificent event for Claressa Shields, for women’s boxing, and for Claressa’s hometown city of Flint,” said Mark Taffet, manager of Claressa Shields. “Claressa continues to shine a beacon of light on the sport, making history in each and every fight and reaching levels previously unimaginable. She is a once in a lifetime athlete and young woman, and if she is victorious on October 5 she will become the fastest man or woman in boxing history to win a world title in a third weight division.”

Steve Farhood, Raul Marquez and Barry Tompkins to Shields-Habazin fight for Showtime
Barry Tompkins will call the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The undercard for the telecast will be announced in the coming weeks.

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WORLD BOXING ORGANIZATION

Luis Batista Salas, Esq.

Chairman WBO Championship Committee

August 6th 2019

BOB ARUM – TOP RANK PROMOTIONS

ERIC GOMEZ – GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS

Re: Vacant WBO Featherweight Championship Contest Shakur Stevenson vs. Joet Gonzalez

Gentlemen:

Please be advised the parties have thirty (30) days upon receipt of this letter to negotiate and reach an agreement regarding the Vacant WBO Featherweight Championship Contest between Shakur Stevenson and Joet Gonzalez. If an accord is not reached within the time frame set forth herein, a Purse Bid will be ordered pursuant with the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.

The minimum acceptable bid for the WBO Featherweight Division is $150,000.00 (One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars). Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid procedure at any time during the negotiation process.

Yours truly,

 

 

Luis Batista Salas, Esq.

Cc: Francisco Valcárcel, Esq.
President Carl Moretti/Top Rank

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#EliminatorRematch Congrats to the new WBO International Jr. Bantamweight Champion and ranked #3 Jeyvier Cintrón (11-0, 5 KOs), who defeated WBO ranked #2 Koki Eto (24-5-1, 19 KOs) by unanimous decision at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. Scorecards: 99-90 (3x)

Cintrón sent Eto to the canvas in the second round and went on to win 99-90 on all judges.

On May 25, these boxers had met in the same city with a result of no contest, after Cintron was knocked out in a round, but by a headbutt from Eto.

WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight Champion and #10 ranked 🇵🇷 Yomar Álamo (17-0, 12 KOs) outpointed 🇲🇽 Salvador Briceño (15-5, 9 KOs) by unanimous decision at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. Scorecards: 98-92 (x2) & 96-94.

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WBO Jr. Featherweight champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (27-1, 23 KOs) is training hard in Tijuana for his August 17 world title defense against Francisco De Vaca (20-0, 6 KOs), to take place at the new Bank of California Stadium in Los Ángeles. Navarrete’s performance, endurance are impressive and his weight is even lower than expected ten days away from the official weigh-in.

“I feel very strong with a lot of lung capacity,” said Navarrete. “We’re willing to fight at full pace for 12 rounds. My opponent is a young fighter, undefeated, with a lot of hunger to win. He’ll be dangerous, but we’ll climb into the ring with full focus and preparation to keep the championship.”

Via: https://fightnews.com/navarrete-poised-to-retain-wbo-super-bantam-title/51063

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New Zealand’s reigning WBO light heavyweight world champion Geovana Perez will make the first defence of her title against Canada’s Claire Hafner on Friday, October 4 at SKY CITY in Auckland.

The hard-hitting Canadian is ranked the No. 2 female heavyweight on the planet by respected independent website Boxrec – and will drop down a division to contest the WBO strap.

“This is a massive challenge for me but it is one I am 100 per cent ready for,” Peres said. “It was an incredible experience to win a world title but it won’t mean much if I can’t defend it. I’m determined to make sure this fight is just another step on the road to even bigger and better things.”

Peres marked the fight announcement by conducting a training session on the Auckland Sky Tower’s SkyWalk. After a nervous start, she was soon into the swing of things, hitting the pads with trainer Terrence Batchelor on a narrow strip of the causeway over 100m in the air.

“I have to say it was terrifying, but I did what I had to do,” said Peres, who conquered a long standing fear of heights in the process.

“In the ring I am in my element. Out there I wasn’t. I was pretty scared actually. But I faced a really huge fear that I had and that for sure will help me in the ring – because I will fear no-one.”

Hafner, who fights out of Ontario, Canada, is coming off an impressive victory over veteran American Carlette Ewell in North Carolina in June. Ewell, a former IBA light heavyweight champion who has also contested the WBC and IBO heavyweight titles, was comfortably out-pointed by Hafner over eight rounds.

That victory set up Hafner for a shot at Peres’ WBO strap.

“The chance to be able to fight for a world title is something that doesn’t come along every day,” Hafner said. “The opportunity to be a part of women’s boxing on the world stage is long overdue and I can’t wait to bring that belt home to Canada.”

“For too long women have been overlooked in the boxing ring. On October 4th we will once again show the world that we deserve our spot in this sport and put on one of the best fights the WBO has ever seen.”

Perez, a naturalised Kiwi who hails originally from Brazil, captured her title with a thrilling 10-round points victory over fellow Kiwi Lani Daniels in March at a sold-out SKY CITY Convention Centre.

“That contest was rated by veteran ring announcer Lt Dan Hennessey as one of the finest he has ever witnessed – and Dan has seen some fights – but this fight could well top it,” Steve Deane of promoter Rival Sports NZ said.

“Geovana is the type of boxer who never takes a backward step so with a big, tough international heavyweight coming her way it is sure to be an explosive contest.

“With Joseph Parker now fighting off-shore, this WBO world title fight is the biggest event on the Kiwi boxing calendar this year.”

There is a lot on the line for Peres. A victory over a highly-rated international opponent would set up the possibility of a title defence on a major international card.

“We’ll certainly be talking to our friends at Duco and Matchroom about the potential for Geovana to defend her world title on co-billing with Joseph Parker at some point,” Deane said.

“But first she needs to beat Claire Hafner.”

The October 4 date for Peres’ title defence is two days before Kiwi UFC interim middleweight champion Israel Adesanya takes on Australian Robert Whittaker in a blockbuster trans-Tasman showdown for the undisputed UFC middleweight title.

“Kiwi combat sports fans are sure in for a heck of a weekend,” Deane said.

The full undercard for Peres v Hafner and broadcast details will be confirmed in coming weeks.

Article by www.nzherald.co.nz

Photo Credit Calden Scott Jamieson / newzealandfighter.co.nz

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