WBO Jr. Featherweight World Champion Navarrete KOs Dogboe in Rematch

Congrats to the WBO Jr. Featherweight World Champion Emanuel Navarrete (27-1, 23 KOs), who defeated Isaac Dogboe (20-2, 14 KOs) via 12th-round TKO at the Tucson Arena (Tucson, Arizona) LIVE on ESPN/ESPN Deportes.

Emanuel Navarrete did it again. The WBO Junior Featherweight world champion defended his title against the man he beat five months prior, Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe, via 12th-round TKO. Navarrete won a unanimous decision versus Dogboe (20-2, 14 KOs) in their first meeting last Dec. 8 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, and the rematch was more of the same.

#HayTiro 🥊

¡No me digas que te perdiste la función de #BoxAzteca! 😥

No te preocupes, @elzarcaguilar, @RodVargasMX y @lamazon_oficial te dicen como revivir lo mejor de las peleas del "Vaquero" Navarrete 🤠 y el "Alacrán" Berchelt 🦂

Dale clic aquí 👇https://t.co/f4BUHLP3tn

— Box Azteca (@BoxAzteca7) May 12, 2019

At the time of the stoppage, two of the judges had Navarrete ahead 109-99, with the third judge scoring it 109-98.

Navarrete (27-1, 23 KOs) scored knockdowns in the sixth and 12th rounds. Following the knockdown in the 12th, Dogboe’s father and trainer, Paul Dogboe, threw in the towel.

“It really surprised me that he took so many hard shots, but at the same time, he continued to throw strong punches,” Navarrete said. “I want to thank Dogboe because he gave me the opportunity to become a world champion, and now in this second fight, he gave me the opportunity to demonstrate that my first triumph wasn’t by accident and that there is a reason why I have the title. And to all the fighters at122 pounds, I tell them that if they want my title, then they can come and try and take it. ‘El Vaquero’ is here!”

“It’s not over until the final bell. Hats off to Navarrete. He did a great job,” Dogboe said. “Making super bantamweight is getting too difficult. My next fight, I will be moving up to {featherweight}. I will be much more comfortable there.”

The CompuBox stats told the story of the bout. Navarrete landed 314 punches, 215 of which were power shots. Meanwhile, Dogboe landed only 121 of 523 punches.

Photo by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

#California Congrats to the new WBO International Featherweight Champion Ruben Villa (16-0, 5 KOs), who defeated former WBO International Champion Luis Alberto Lopez (17-2, 8 KOs) by unanimous decision at the Omega Products Events Center in Corona as the main event showdown on ShoBox: The New Generation. Scorecards: 96-94, 98-92, 97-93.

Villa has also held the WBO Youth Featherweight Title

.@ruben_villa4 showcasing his skills early. #VillaLopez | #ShoBox pic.twitter.com/9P9XsVIooW

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) May 11, 2019

.@ruben_villa4 hammers Lopez in Round 9.#VillaLopez | #ShoBox pic.twitter.com/01rtU4A9E5

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) May 11, 2019

World ranked Jean Carlos “Lobo” Torres and Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez will defend their regional WBO belts in the next edition of the series “A Puño Limpio”, which will be held on Friday, May 24, at the Coliseum Rubén Zayas Montañez of Trujillo Alto in a presentation of PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) in association with Spartan Boxing and Miguel Cotto Promotions.

“For the second time this year, Lobo (Torres) and Bimbito (Mendez) will feature at the Coliseo Rubén Zayas Montañez in another big show of the series A Puño Limpio defending their titles against good rivals like Julio Laguna and Janiel Rivera in front of their fans in Trujillo Alto,” said promoter Iván Rivera, president of PRBBP. “As always we will have other good fights in our house, Trujillo Alto.”

In one of the main bouts, Lobo Torres (15-0, 11 kos), ranked #6 by the WBO at Jr. Welterweight, will defend his WBO Latino title against Nicaraguan Julio Laguna (15-1, 11 kos) at 10 rounds.

Torres returns to the Coliseo Rubén Zayas Montañez, where he has four straight wins before the limit (over Travis Castellón, Luis Joel Gonzalez, Franklin Mamani and Joseph Laryea) between 2018 and 2019.

Meanwhile, Trujillo Alto native, Bimbito Méndez (12-1, 5 kos) will defend his WBO NABO crown at 105 pounds against his countryman Janiel “Pototo” Rivera (18-3-3, 11 kos), a former world title challenger, also at 10 rounds. Méndez comes from a KO win victory on March 8 over Mexican Armando “Chiquita” Vázquez.

Méndez is ranked #4 by the WBO at 105 pounds and Rivera is ranked #7 by this entity. This new betting software is quite nice. Have a look

Six other bouts which will be announced soon, will complete this card, to be broadcast live through www.facebook.com/PRBestBoxing and by Wapa Deportes later.

RENO, Nev. (May 9, 2019) — Boxing’s preeminent action superhero, Oscar Valdez, will make the sixth defense of his WBO featherweight world title Saturday, June 8 against the upset-minded Jason “El Alacrancito” Sanchez at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Valdez-Sanchez and the 10-round light heavyweight showdown between title-hungry contenders Sullivan Barrera and Michael Seals will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. Gabriel Flores Jr. (13-0, 6 KOs), fresh off his third-round knockout over Eduardo Pereira Reis in front of more than 10,000 fans in his hometown of Stockton, California, will see action on the undercard.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Let’s Get It On Promotions and Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, tickets for this world championship event priced at $103, $68 and $43 (including facility fees) are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com or in person at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa gift shop.

“Jason Sanchez is the real ‘Cinderella Man,’” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He is young, hungry and capable of pulling off a major upset. It should be an exciting battle.”

“I’m excited to be back in the ring for the sixth defense of my world title. I know there is a big target on my back because I’m the champion, but nobody is going to take this title away from me,” Valdez said. “This will be my second fight training with Eddy Reynoso. Training with Eddy, I feel the best I’ve ever felt. I felt great in the ring during my first fight with Eddy in my corner. I know that I will look even better this time out. The fans in Reno and watching on ESPN and ESPN Deportes can expect a great showing from me on June 8.”

“I am truly honored and blessed to have an opportunity like this,” Sanchez said. “Coming from Albuquerque, New Mexico, I knew I had to work extra hard to be noticed and to get where I’m at right now. I will be bringing this belt home to Albuquerque, to my family, my supporters, and most of all, my late brother Alan Sanchez. I believe he guided me down this road and that my journey is only beginning.”

Valdez (25-0, 20 KOs), Mexico’s first two-time Olympian, has thrilled boxing fans with his go-for-broke style. He won the WBO featherweight title in July 2016 and proved his mettle with a trio of 12-round bloodbaths against Miguel Marriaga, Genesis Servania and Scott Quigg in consecutive bouts. Valdez outlasted an over-the-weight Quigg last March by unanimous decision despite fighting more than half the bout with a severely broken jaw. Following the Quigg bout, Valdez took nearly a year off, returning Feb. 2 in Frisco, Texas, to knock out then-unbeaten Italian challenger Carmine Tommasone in the seventh round.

The 24-year-old Sanchez (14-0, 7 KOs) enters this championship fight as one of the featherweight division’s fastest-rising young guns. Last October, he stunned then-unbeaten Jean Carlos Rivera via unanimous decision in Panama City, Panama. Following the Rivera victory, Sanchez signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank. He impressed in his Top Rank debut Feb. 2 in Frisco, Texas, knocking out Daniel Olea in the second round. Sanchez hopes to become only the fifth men’s boxer from New Mexico to win a world title.

Barrera (22-2, 14 KOs), a former Cuban amateur standout, defected to the United States in 2009 and turned pro later that year. The Miami-based bruiser won the first 17 bouts of his career before dropping a decision to pound-for-pound great Andre Ward. A perennial contender, Barrera holds victories over Joe Smith Jr., Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, Karo Murat and former super middleweight world champion Jeff Lacy. He challenged Dmitry Bivol for a light heavyweight world title last year and fought valiantly before being stopped in the 12th and final round.

Seals (22-2, 16 KOs), a former linebacker for Alabama A&M University, traded in his cleats for trunks and turned pro after a five-fight amateur career. He was 19-0 when he clashed with Edwin Rodriguez in November 2015. In a seesaw battle that included five knockdowns, Rodriguez knocked out Seals in the third round of a Fight of the Year contender. Seals is 3-1 since the Rodriguez battle, the lone loss coming via disqualification after he hit his opponent while he was on the ground. The winner of this can’t-miss action fight will be in line for a potential world title opportunity.

“I am very excited to have signed with Top Rank, a world-class organization with the best light heavyweights in the world,” Barrera said. “I am excited about the future, but the first step is to handle business June 8 and then I can look forward to a shot at a world title. My ultimate goal is Sergey Kovalev. I’ve been chasing him my whole career. Hopefully, we can finally fight this year.”

“This means everything to me. I had a great opportunity with Edwin Rodriguez, but I went into that fight with a torn rotator cuff. I was basically fighting with just my right hand,” Seals said. “Now, I am 100 percent healthy. This is my time. Barrera had his time. I feel good. I feel sharp. I feel young. I have sacrificed so much and have had a lot of time to reflect on the decisions I’ve made and all of the hardships I’ve gone through. On June 8, I’m going to unleash all of my frustration on Barrera. I don’t want to take anything away from Barrera. He’s a world-class fighter, but I am as well.”

All-action rematches headline special Top Rank on ESPN card SATURDAY at Tucson Arena beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Two world title rematches and four blood-and-guts warriors are coming to Tucson Arena Saturday evening for “Twice as Nice,” one of the year’s most highly anticipated cards (ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m ET/7 p.m. PT).

Emanuel Navarrete (26-1, 22 KOs) will defend his WBO junior featherweight world title against Isaac Dogboe (20-1, 14 KOs), the man he defeated by unanimous decision to win the title back on Dec. 8.

After working out for the media Wednesday at Southwest Boxing Gym, this is what the fighters had to say.

Emanuel Navarrete

On the first Dogboe fight

“It was a surreal moment when they announced me as the new champion. I was very happy to meet my goal, and now I am ready to defend the title successfully. It motivates me to know that the first fight was so good that everyone wants an immediate rematch.”

“This is a very attractive card. Many good fighters will be in action and you can’t ask for anything better than two world title rematches. I’m going to try and give the fans a big knockout win.”

Isaac Dogboe

“Navarrete couldn’t knock me out when I was at my worst, and now am I at my best. I am a much more fit boxer this time around, and it is my mission to become world champion once again. The ‘Royal Storm’ is back.”

“I have fought in Arizona before (first-round KO over Hidenori Otake in Glendale), and the fans there are tremendous. I know a lot of Mexican fans will be in attendance to see Navarrete, but I am coming for my title. He’s a nice guy and a great champion, but this is about redemption for me. I am ready to go to war.”

“I don’t see this as a distance fight. I am came coming for the knockout and to regain my title in spectacular fashion.”

ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Miguel Berchelt (champion) vs. Francisco Vargas (challenger), 12 rounds, Berchelt’s WBC super featherweight world title, MAIN EVENT

Emanuel Navarrete (champion) vs. Isaac Dogboe (challenger), 12 rounds, Navarrete’s WBO junior featherweight world title, CO-FEATURE

Demetrius Andrade will defend his WBO World Middleweight title against Maciej Sulecki on Saturday June 29 at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Rhode Island, Providence live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Andrade (27-0 17 KOs) defends his title for the second time in his first ever hometown show having seen off the challenge of Artur Akavov with a final round stoppage in New York in January, having become a two-weight World ruler in October in Boston, landing the vacant strap with a wide points win over rugged South African Walter Kautondokwa.

Sulecki (28-1 11 KOs) enters the bout on the back of a thrilling encounter with Gabriel Rosado in Philadelphia in March, edging out the local favorite in a back-and-forth classic for the WBO International title. The Pole, ranked number three with the WBO, fights for a World title for the first time in his career, but has already served notice of his threat level having taken IBF king Daniel Jacobs the distance when they met in April 2018.

Andrade announced the fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas as Jacobs and Canelo Alvarez meet in a unification blockbuster live on DAZN.

“After tonight, there will be one guy with three of the belts, and I’ve got the fourth,” said Andrade. “Both guys (Alvarez and Jacobs) have been very vocal about wanting to unify after this fight, so let’s make it happen.

“We all feel that we are the best in the division, and there is only one way to find that out. I wish both Canelo and Danny well tonight, but they better know I’m there watching with a purpose.

“Sulecki is one of the top guys in the division, and his only loss is to Danny, in a fight where he gave Danny problems. You can’t overlook this guy. He has earned this shot, and I am expecting him to bring it. That being said, I am the best 160-pounder in the sport, and I plan on showing every single aspect of that come June 29. This is my time.”

“Last Thursday I turned 30, so to fight for a World title is the best birthday gift for me,” said Sulecki. “I am in the most important moment of my career. I believe I can win and all the best is ahead of me. I think next five years can be the best in my boxing life so I must grasp it.”

“Demetrius is in the most golden position ever,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “You are the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle for the undisputed title. So just keep winning. Sulecki will give him a chance to look good, in my opinion. He needs a fighter that comes to fight.

“Hopefully, we can fill up the Dunkin Donuts Center and make it a big deal, and he can start getting some credibility and profile and say, ‘I’m not just a B-side. I’m the link to the undisputed title.’”

An announcement on ticket sales will be made next week.

Chris Algieri and Tommy Coyle will clash in a crossroads showdown on Saturday June 1 at Madison Square Garden, New York, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports Box Office.

Algieri (23-3 8 KOs) puts the WBO International Junior Welterweight title on the line that he landed in January with a hard fought win over Daniel Gonzalez at the Theater at MSG. The former WBO World ruler made his return to the ring on his Huntington, NY home patch in November following two and a half years out of the ring, beating Angel Hernandez over ten rounds before moving on to land the strap he defends.

Coyle (25-4 12 KOs) is fresh from his exciting US debut in Boston in October, sharing ten now trademark back-and-forth rounds with Ryan Kielczweski to win on points over ten. ‘Boom Boom’ moves up from Lightweight where he was Commonwealth king in April 2018 after stopping Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd in Liverpool inside six.

Algieri and Coyle lock horns on the undercard of Heavyweight kingpin Anthony Joshua’s USA debut against Andy Ruiz knowing that the winner will be in the frame for a potential World title shot against WBO champion and Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN star Maurice Hooker – and both men know that the stakes are high for their respective careers.

“I’m very excited to be fighting once again at The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden on June 1,” said Algieri. “I know that Tommy Coyle is another tough test for me and that a victory will bring me one step closer to another World title fight.

“I’d like to thank my entire team for making this possible and for their total support of my quest to once again become a World champion.”

“I’m absolutely delighted to be boxing on such a huge event at Madison Square Garden,” said Coyle. “It’s a dream come true. Fighting in America is one thing, but fighting at the mecca of boxing against a former World Champion in Chris Algieri is just unbelievable and I’m so up for it.

“I’m expecting a Gatti vs. Ward style fight, I really am. I know how tough Chris is, you’ve only got to watch him in the Provodnikov fight, I’m not sure if he broke his eye socket or not but he just gritted his teeth and battled on. I think we’re both cut from the same cloth. It can only go one way and I think that’s a war.

“I honestly believe that this fight has come at the perfect time for me. It’s like I’m having a rebirth in my career and I’m probably performing the best I’ve ever performed in the gym. If I come through this fight successfully there could be a World title shot on the horizon for me.”

Algieri and Coyle clash on a huge night of action at Madison Square Garden where Joshua’s World title defense against Ruiz is supported by Irish sensation Katie Taylor clashing with Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Women’s World Lightweight championship – with more undercard fights to be announced shortly.

Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.

Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034.

Press Conference: WBO International Jr. Lightweight Champion Lamont Roach Jr. (18-0-1, 7 KOs) Vs. WBO NABO Jr. Lightweight Champion Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (30-5, 19 KOs) on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN as part of #CaneloJacobs

Lamont Roach Jr., WBO International Champion:

“The time is now for those who haven’t seen me. This is the type of opponent that we’ve been waiting for, for a long time. This is where we are going to capitalize and show that we are ready for a world title in the 130-pound division. This is not the first time I’ve faced a veteran and probably not the last time. We trained our asses off in camp, we had good sparring, good strength and conditioning camp, trained mentally, and I’m just ready to be a world titlist and it starts with Saturday night.”

Jonathan Oquendo, NABO Champion:

“This will be a unification fight because I have the NABO Super Featherweight belt while Lamont Roach has the WBO International Super Featherweight belt. The whole world knows all the hard work I put in for this Saturday. We know the quality of fighter that he is, we know the capabilities he has. But I like challenge. He likes to fight, I like to fight, and we’re going to make sure we have a great battle and a victory for Puerto Rico.”

Photo by Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions

Caught up with super featherweight Lamont Roach Jr. (@OneOf1x).

The 23-year-old from D.C. opens up the DAZN telecast against Puerto Rican veteran Jonathan Oquendo, who hasn’t lost since 2015.

He also suggests boxing fans keep an eye out for his little brother, Jordan Roach. pic.twitter.com/PVUB1RzF2e

— Jake Gould (@jakegould10) May 2, 2019

"Es una bendición, creo en Dios, esta es mi segunda oportunidad de ganar un título mundial y estoy aquí por esa razón, yo creo que saldre de aqui como campeón mundial" – Jonathan "Polvo" Oquendo #OquendoRoach | En vivo x @DAZN_USA | #Mayo4@GoldenBoyBoxing @realmiguelacotto pic.twitter.com/HXwnLGFeTI

— Cotto Promotions LLC (@CottoPromotions) May 2, 2019

Andy Ruiz Jr. has landed a dream World title shot at Heavyweight king Anthony Joshua OBE on Saturday June 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

Ruiz (32-1 21 KOs) can become the first ever Mexican Heavyweight World champion when he meets AJ at the vaunted Manhattan boxing mecca and comes into the bout in fine form. The 29 year old recorded his 21st KO win on his 32 fight ledger when he forced the retirement of Alexander Dimitrenko after five rounds of their clash in Carson, California ten days ago.

The Californian-based Mexican is in his second World title tilt having pushed Joseph Parker to the limit for the WBO crown in the Kiwi’s Auckland hometown in December 2016, being edged out by the finest of margins via majority decision.

WBO Unified Champion Joshua (22-0 21 KOs) defends his crowns for the second time, as his eighth World title fight lands on his hotly-anticipated American debut after KOing Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium, London in September. That was the second dramatic KO win for the Londoner in the national stadium of his hometown, with today’s announcement coming two years and one day after his epic victory over former undisputed World ruler Wladimir Klitschko.

Ruiz has a golden opportunity to stop Joshua’s own quest to become the undisputed king dead in it’s tracks, and the challenger believes it is his destiny to stun Joshua and become Heavyweight World champion in the Big Apple.

“The chills – I’m really excited for this fight,” said Ruiz. “There’s nervousness in me, but they’re happy nerves. This is my chance to make history, I want to be one of those greats like Chavez, Tyson, Holyfield, Lennox Lewis. I want to be in that category. Thanks to God for everything that he put in me, I just can’t wait.

“I think the fight is going toe-to-toe, two guys smashing each other’s faces. I’m going in there to throw combinations like I’ve never done before, to improve my speed. A lot of people underestimated me, and I’m used to that. My whole life people underrated me so I’m just going in there to take all. I’m not going in there scared and I’m not going in there nervous, I’m going to go in there mad and to take what’s mine.

“I think being so tall he fights like a big robot. I think with my style, my speed, my movement, I don’t think he’s fought anybody like me. It’s going to be a whole different ball game. All the guys that he’s fought, they usually run around from him. I don’t think he’s good going back. I’m going to bring the pressure, the speed, and the combinations to him.

“When I do pull out this win, everything is going to change. I’m going to bring the titles back to Mexico, it’s going to mean everything. I’m going to be able to change my whole family’s lives; my life and all my kids. It’s a win-win situation right now, but the main thing is to win the fight and make history.”

“Ruiz is a different kind of challenge but one I embrace,” said Joshua. “We have worked in the boxing gym week on week and whomever is put in front of me at Madison Square Garden on June 1 will be dispatched in style. The rent will be collected.”

“After a tricky week I am delighted to announce Andy Ruiz Jr. as AJ’s opponent for his US debut at MSG on June 1,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “People talk about fighting AJ, some even have to fill their bodies with PEDs to try and beat him up, but very few genuine fighters step up and take the challenge.

“When we selected the opponent, I wanted someone with fire in their heart, someone who genuinely believed that they can win and become World Heavyweight champion. Andy showed that desire.

“In my opinion, this is a tougher test than Jarrell Miller. Andy punches harder and is much faster – this is going to be a war. Andy brings Mexican heart but he will meet the best Heavyweight in the world on June head on at the Garden. Do not blink!”

“Credit to Andy Ruiz Jr. for taking on this challenge. He said he wanted to fight for the World Heavyweight championship in 2019 and immediately backed up his words when given the opportunity,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN Executive Vice President, North America.

“We’re also very happy to be working with a true champion like AJ, who told us he would fight anyone put in front of him – even on short notice. Clearly, he is a man of character who is committed to his craft, as well as his partners and the legions of fans traveling in from the UK to watch his US debut.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “Andy Ruiz Jr. has snatched the golden ticket for a clash with Britain’s unified champion Anthony Joshua and he’ll bring fast hands, World Heavyweight championship experience – and a more proven pedigree than Jarrell Miller.

“When I saw Anthony in camp last week his message was clear, ‘Line them all up!’ He really wants to dominate the division and Ruiz Jr is the first man in his way.

“It will be an absolutely thrilling night on Sky Sports Box Office as AJ makes his US debut in the iconic Madison Square Garden – and the incredible Katie Taylor bids to become the undisputed world Lightweight champion!”

Joshua and Ruiz clash on a huge night of action at Madison Square Garden with Irish sensation Katie Taylor clashing with Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Women’s World Lightweight championship – with more undercard fights to be announced shortly.

Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.

Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034.

WBO CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE’S RESOLUTION ON THE INDEPENDENT JUDGES REVIEW OF THE JAIME MUNGUIA VS. DENNIS HOGAN CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT ON APRIL 13, 2019

WHEREAS, the purpose of the Jaime Munguia vs. Dennis Hogan review was to ascertain the winner of the bout even though the WBO does not have the power to reverse the Judges’ decision based on discretion, as the decision can only be revoked when fraud or a violation of the Law occurs.; and,

WHEREAS, the day of the bout the Judges’ scorecards were 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114; and,

WHEREAS, these three judges’ scores were tabulated to ascertain the rounds each fighter won in the three scorecards (100 per cent) or in two of the three (66 per cent), with Munguia winning rounds 3, 5, 6 and 12 In all scorecards (100 per cent), and rounds 1, 7 and 9 in two of the three scorecards (66 per cent), and with Hogan winning rounds 8 and 10 in all scorecards (100 per cent) and rounds 2, 4 and 11 in two of the three scorecards (66 per cent); and,

WHEREAS, the WBO appointed five (5) anonymous, competent Judges from different countries (excluding Mexico and Australia), to watch the bout without audible distractions; and,

WHEREAS, the results of these five (5) independent Judges’ scores were tabulated to clearly ascertain the rounds each fighter won using an average scale based on 60, 80 and 100 per cent; and,

WHEREAS, this means that 3 of the 5 officials have to agree to determine which fighter won the round; and,
WHEREAS, the findings of the (5) stated that Munguia won the 3rd, the 5th and 6th by 100%; the 12th round by 80%; the 2nd, 7th and 9th rounds by 60%; and,

WHEREAS, on the other hand, Hogan won the 1st, 8th,10th and 11th by 100%; none in the 80%; the 4th round by 60; and,

WHEREAS, it can be established from the Judges’ scorecards that on the date of the bout Munguia won 7 rounds while Hogan won 5 rounds; and,

WHEREAS, on the (5) independent Judges’ panel, Munguia also won 7 to 5; and,

WHEREAS, the next step of the analysis was to combine the scores of the Independent Judges with the bout Judges to find the percentage agreement by round; and,

WHEREAS, upon doing this analysis, the combined scores of the Judges stated that Munguia won the 3rd, 5th and 6th by 100%; the 12th round by 87.5%; no rounds by 75%; the 7th and the 9th rounds by 62.5%, while the 2nd round was even; and,

WHEREAS, on the other hand, the Judges combined scores stated that Hogan won the 8th and 10th by 100%; the 11th round by 87.5%; the 1st round by 75%, the 4th by 62.5% while the 2nd round was even; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the WBO World Championship Committee that given all of the above, it can be established that the results favor Jaime Munguia. Taking these findings into consideration, the complaint presented by Team Hogan on April 16, 2019 is hereby DENIED.

This is a final decision of the WBO World Championship Committee. The decision may be appealed to the Complaint and Grievance Committee, pursuant to WBO World Championship Section 34, which as per Rule 3(e) of the WBO Appeals Regulation, must be submitted in writing to the WBO President within fourteen (14) days of the date of this decision as its sole and exclusive remedy.

Dated in San Juan, Puerto Rico on this 26th of April 2019.

By: Luis Batista-Salas, Esq. – Chairman
WBO CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE

🇯🇵 Saeki and 🇲🇽️ López make weight for WBO World title clash

Tomorrow in Japan fans will be able to see the talented and unbeaten Kasumi Saeki (3-0, 2) [佐伯霞] go for a world title in her 4th professional bout, as she faces Elizabeth Lopez (6-1-4, 1) for the WBO female Mini-Flyweight title.

Today the two fighters took part in their weigh in and both fighters comfortably made the 105lbs limit.

On the scales Saeki, who only made her debut last May, was 103lbs, well under the Minimumweight limit and only 1lb over the Atomweight limit. Despite coming in so light she looked in great condition, really relaxed and with the full belief of her promoter.

The promoter for the Japanese youngster is Masato Yamashhita, who spoke glowingly of Saeki “I am delighted that the gym will be able to perform a women’s show for the second time, following last December. From now on, I think Saeki will be a driver of women ’s boxing in Japan. I will practice well, so I hope to win well tomorrow. ”

Lopez, who looked the more physically powerful fighter, was much heavier, coming in at ​104.5lbs. She looked strong, but she will clearly be the under-dog for the bout.

Interestingly Saeki chose to fight with red gloves whilst Lopez will be fighting in blue gloves, with both selecting Winning gloves.

via http://www.asianboxing.info/

(Image courtesy of boxmob.jp)

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (April 25, 2019)— Masayuki Ito won the WBO junior lightweight title last July in Kissimmee, Florida. For title defense number two, he’s returning to the city of his greatest triumph.

Ito, who recently signed a long-term co-promotional contract with Top Rank, will defend his title against 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team captain and U.S Marine Corps veteran Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring Saturday, May 25 at Osceola Heritage Park. Ito-Herring will headline a special Memorial Day weekend edition of Top Rank on ESPN beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, former two-division world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza looks to get back in the win column against Antonio Lozada Jr.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing and Teiken Promotions, tickets to this world championship event go on sale Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m. ET. Priced at $100 (ringside) and $50 (general admission), including all taxes and facility fees, tickets may be purchased online via ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or in person Osceola Heritage Park box office (open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. — 4 p.m. and on event days). For more information: www.ohpark.com.

“I am excited to return to the United States to defend my world title,” Ito said. “I will be at my best, as I know Herring is a tough and experienced fighter. While I ultimately want to unify the 130-pound division, Herring is the task at hand. There is no sense in talking about the future until I take care of business on May 25.”

“I need to thank my management team and Top Rank for this opportunity,” Herring said. “Not only is this fight landing on Memorial Day weekend, but May 25 would’ve been my daughter Ariyanah’s 10th birthday. She passed away from sudden infant death syndrome, and I am dedicating this fight to her.

“I have tremendous respect for Ito, but I plan on being his most difficult challenge. I don’t want to release too much of the game plan, but I won’t be bullied like his last two opponents once the bell rings.”

Ito (25-1-1, 13 KOs) claimed the vacant WBO junior lightweight title with an upset decision win over Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz at the Kissimmee Civic Center. The Diaz fight marked Ito’s United States debut and the first time he’d fought away from his native Japan. He returned home for his first title defense on Dec. 30, scoring a seventh-round TKO over Evgeny Chuprakov.

Herring (19-2, 10 KOs), who served two tours of duty in Iraq as a field electrician, turned pro in December 2012 and won the first 15 bouts of his career. He lost a pair of fights as a lightweight, including a razor-thin decision to Ladarius Miler in August 2017. Following the Miller defeat, Herring signed on with Top Rank, hired trainer/manager Brian McIntyre and moved down to 130 pounds. Since then, he is 3-0, including an ESPN-televised decision victory over John Vincent Moralde last September on the Jose Ramirez-Antonio Orozco card in Fresno, California. In his last bout, Dec. 14 in Corpus Christi, Texas, he notched a clear points decision over Adeilson Dos Santos.

Pedraza (25-2, 12 KOs) won the IBF junior lightweight title in 2015 and made a pair of title defenses. Following a 2017 TKO loss to Gervonta Davis, he moved up to the lightweight division. In his third bout at lightweight, he won a unanimous decision over Ray Beltran to claim the WBO title. Less than four months later, he faced off against WBA champion Vasiliy Lomachenko to unify world titles. He was competitive, but Lomachenko scored a pair of 11th-round knockdowns to secure the unanimous decision. Lozada (40-2-1, 34 KOs) burst onto the world stage last March, knocking out highly touted prospect Felix Verdejo in the 10th and final round. Since then, he is 1-0-1, including a disputed draw versus Hector Ambriz.

“I feel very happy because on May 25 I will be fighting in a big world championship event where I will be facing a great Mexican warrior like Antonio ‘Cañitas’ Lozada in front of my people in Kissimmee,” Pedraza said. “I know I will get all that affection and support of all the Puerto Rican fans. They can’t miss this great card. I want them to enjoy it and leave the venue happy.

“I’m more than ready to get back in the picture for a world championship opportunity.”

The entire undercard will stream live in the United States exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT and will showcase a host of prospects in competitive matchups.

Jeyvier Cintron (10-0, 5 KOs), one of the sport’s fastest-rising 115-pound prospects, will face his toughest test to date against former interim flyweight world champion and one-time super flyweight world title challenger Koki Eto (24-4-1, 19 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Cintron represented his native Puerto Rico at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, becoming the first two-time boxing Olympian in his nation’s history.

NABO junior welterweight champion Yomar “The Magic” Alamo (16-0, 12 KOs) will defend his belt in a 10-rounder against an opponent to be determined.

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

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

About ESPN+
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Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC, Top Rank boxing and PFL fights and events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.

Christina Linardatou and all of Greece may still be basking in the celebration of the first world boxing championship performance on Greek land, but Team Empire Management and Perseas Promotions are rolling along with more championship action.

Linardatou (11-1, 6 KOs) is now set to make that first championship defense on June 7th against Australian Deanha Hobbs (8-0, 5 KOs), who currently holds the WBO Asia-Pacific Super Featherweight belt. The event is presented by Perseas Empire Promotions and will be hosted at Olympic Hall Galatsi in Athens.

The 31 year old Linardatou became Greece’s queen after crushing formerly unbeaten Kandi Wyatt for the 6th Round TKO less than a month ago.

Hobbs collected the vacant WBO junior belt with a Unanimous Decision win over Baby Nansen in December.

“Black Mamba” and “Medusa” Linardatou has a knack for dealing opponents their first defeats. She has dealt first defeats to UK Prospect Sam Smith, former WBC International Super Featherweight champion Alicia Baumgardner, in addition to Wyatt. Will Hobbs be the next one?

via http://www.womenofboxing.com/fresh-off-of-historic-wbo-championship-win-christina-linardatou-to-make-first-super-lightweight-defense-on-june-7-vs-deanha-hobbs/

Dina Thorslund (13-0, 6 KOs) will defend her WBO Female World Jr. Featherweight title against mandatory challenger April ‘Armageddon’ Adams (11-1-1, 4 KOs) on June 22 at the Forum Horsens in Denmark.

The Danish star returns to action following a bloody battle with Alesia Graf on January 19 at the Struer Energi Park, which saw Thorslund retain her WBO title via unanimous decision despite suffering a nasty cut above her left eye.

9 weeks until Denmark's only World Champion Dina Thorslund headlines at the Forum Horsens and she looks to inflict more sickening body shots and defend her belt 🤢

⚫️ #TeamSauerland ⚫️ pic.twitter.com/Zedu3GeVJu

— Team Sauerland (@TeamSauerland) April 20, 2019

Following in the footsteps of countryman Mikkel Kessler, Thorslund is currently Denmark’s only reigning World Champion, the first since the ‘Viking Warrior’ captured his fifth World title in 2012, and only the second female boxer in Danish history to have claimed World honours after Anita Christensen.

The 25 year-old must now put her title on the line against her mandatory challenger Adams, the WBO Asia Pacific Champion from Queensland, as World Championship boxing returns to Horsens for the first time since 2007.

“I’m looking forward to fighting in Horsens,” said Thorslund. “I know it’s a city with lots of boxing history, so I’m sure people are going to ready for some world class boxing on June 22. There will be a lot of fans travelling from my home town Struer to support me, and together with the local fans, I’m sure they’re going to create an amazing atmosphere.

“Adams is a strong boxer, who’s in good shape, so I think it will be a very physical battle. She’s tough as nails, but not tougher than me. I will be 100% prepared for this fight, and will show the best version of me in front of the fans at the Forum Horsens. I will show why I’m World Champion, and Adams isn’t.”

Adams has earned her shot at the WBO crown with a impressive run of seven straight victories, and travels to Denmark full of confidence as she looks to dethrone Thorslund and realise her ambition of becoming World Champion.

“This is an opportunity that every fighter aspires towards yet very few get,” said Adams. “It has been a goal of mine from before I even started boxing. I have always wanted to be World Champion, and I feel very privileged to get the chance to see that goal unfold.

“I think Thorslund is a very strong fighter. She is a World Champion for a reason, but I back myself. I back the sacrifices I’ve made and the hard work I have put in. I owe it to my team and supporters, who have been behind me on this journey, to win this fight, and on June 22, the belt will have a new home.”

“We’re delighted to be bringing World Championship boxing back to Horsens,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “On June 22, fans can look forward to a spectacular night of boxing headlined by the WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title showdown between Dina Thorslund and April Adams.

“Dina will need to be at her best to defend her title as she continues to build her reputation as one of the most feared female boxers on the planet. Adams is a serious contender, who having earned her shot at the World glory, will do everything in her power to bring the belt back to Australia.

“As always, we will have an action packed undercard supporting our main event, which will be announced in the coming weeks, featuring the very best of Danish boxing including local talent from Horsens.”

Tickets for Thunder From Down Under: Dina Thorslund vs. April Adams for the WBO Female World Super Bantamweight Championship are on sale now and available online via http://www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling 70 15 65 65.

South Africa’s WBO World champion Zolani Tete (28-3, 21 KOs) is in a ‘good place’ and thanks Floyd Mayweather Sr. ahead of facing the WBC Diamond and WBA World champion, American-Philippine Nonito Donaire (39-5, 25 KOs), in the 118lb WBSS semi-final on April 27 at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA, USA.

“Preparations have been excellent for the fight,” said Tete before sending praise to legendary trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., the father, and former trainer, of undefeated five-division champ Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“I’ve been out in Las Vegas and it’s been very enjoyable. Mayweather Sr. has been the x-factor which has psychologically uplift us to another level, he’s the last piece of the puzzle we needed for this fight.”

The task in front of him in Lafayette, Louisiana is a former multiple-time world champion in four weight classes and current WBC Diamond and WBA Super World champion. 36-year-old Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire is undoubtedly a legend in the game and says the tournament has made him 20 years younger.

Tete has respect for Donaire’s level, but feels confident ahead of the semi-final.

“I’m expecting a very good challenge from Nonito Donaire,” said Tete. “He may be coming to the end of his career but he is still a dangerous fighter operating at a high level, but it will be me who will come out on top in the fight. I’m in a really good place right now, feeling fit, feeling powerful and I can’t wait for the fight.”

Like Donaire, Tete also has his share of fame to claim. For example, when he defended his WBO title for the first time on November 2017, knocking out his countryman Siboniso Gonya with a right hook after 11 seconds, it was the quickest world title fight in history.

31-year-old Tete grew up in the Mdantsane township in South Africa and had a rough childhood that could have turned into a tough future if it wasn’t for boxing.

“I started boxing at the age of eight,” told Tete. “I believe training has kept me away from committing a crime. Some of my friends … they way they look now is terrible. I dedicate my boxing life to my mother, my kids, and my fiancée and want to make sure that they get a proper upbringing and a good future. I should assist them by not getting hit. From where I was I would never believe I would be here representing my country, representing my family and soon to be a unified champion.

“All the guys in the tournament are tough, but it depends when they meet me, if they are gonna bring their toughness, because there is one thing I know about myself and about my team. We can break you into pieces! Who ever stands in my way is staying in the rail way and the train will come … and take him out.”

In the other WBSS semi-final at the Cajumdome in Lafayette American Regis Prograis (23-0, 19 KOs), the WBC Diamond Super Lightweight champion, will be battling Belarus’ WBA title-holder Kiryl Relikh (23-2, 19 KOs).

Tickets starting at $25 for the WBSS Super-Lightweight and Bantamweight Semi-Finals on April 27 at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA are available from TicketMaster here.

Fans in the U.S. and Canada can watch all the Ali Trophy semi-finals LIVE, exclusively on DAZN.

The pound-for-pound king, Terence “Bud” Crawford, will not need to relinquish his throne. Crawford (35-0, 26 KOs) scored an unusual sixth-round TKO over Amir “King” Khan in front of 14,091 fans at Madison Square Garden to defend his WBO Welterweight title for the second time.

Crawford landed an accidental low blow and was ruled the victor after Khan said he was unable to continue.

Khan, a 2004 Olympic silver medalist and former unified super lightweight world champion, suffered his first defeat as a welterweight.

On the inaugural Top Rank on ESPN Pay-Per-View broadcast, Crawford proved, once again, to be without peer. Now that Khan is out of the way, Crawford is set to prove himself against the world’s best.

“The fight I want next is Errol Spence,” Crawford said. “Whenever he is ready he can come and get it.”

Said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum: “We want to fight Errol Spence. Everyone wants the fight. There is one guy stopping it, and that is Al Haymon.”

Crawford nearly knocked out Khan (33-5, 20 KOs) out in the opening, knocking him down with a crisp overhand right that was followed by a left hook.

Khan regained his composure but was never in the fight, as Crawford switched from orthodox to southpaw.

Then, the low blow happened, and it was over.

“I now know why Terence is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world,” Khan said.

WBO NABO Featherweight Champion Shakur Stevenson put forth the best performance of his young career, befuddling and outboxing former world title challenger Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz over 10 one-sided rounds (100-90, 99-91 and 98-92).

Stevenson, a 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist, saw his two-fight knockout streak come to an end, but Diaz (24-2, 16 KOs) represented the toughest test of his career.

At no point did Diaz threaten Stevenson (11-0, 6 KOs), whose southpaw movement was too much for the Puerto Rican pressure fighter.

“I take nothing away from Christopher Diaz,” Stevenson said. “He’s a great fighter, but I came in there to outbox him, and that’s exactly what I did.”

#Video Así fue la victoria del crédito de Newark, Shakur Stevenson (tiene 21 años), sobre Cristopher Díaz por fallo unánime de los jurados en el Madison Square Garden. https://t.co/lvvNwOkwAj

— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) April 21, 2019

#ESPNPPV #MSG #NY Dominican Carlos Adames (17-0, 14 KOs) moved one step closer to a 154-pound world title shot, stopping Frank “Notorious” Galarza (20-3-2, 12 KOs) in the fourth round of a scheduled 10-rounder to claim the WBO NABO Jr. Middleweight Title. Adames floored Galarza with a left hook early in the fourth and unloaded on him until Benjy Esteves stepped in to halt the carnage.

“This was a message to all of the 154-pounders,” Adames said. “I want to face all the best. I’m coming hungry, and I’m determined to fight for a world title by the end of the year. I don’t care who has a title. I want it.”

Absolutely relentless, great finish by Carlos Adames 👊#CrawfordKhan pic.twitter.com/clMH1AgDhL

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) April 21, 2019

Photo by Mikey Williams Top Rank

WBO Bouts Weigh-In Results: Crawford vs. Khan
ESPN PPV (9 p.m. EST) @ Madison Square Garden, New York

This face-off was intense 😮 #CrawfordKhan@terencecrawford @amirkingkhan pic.twitter.com/FSjF1Q80mu

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) April 19, 2019

Terence Crawford 146.4 lbs vs. Amir Khan 146.6 lbs
(Crawford’s WBO Welterweight world title – 12 Rounds)

WBO Unified champion Katie Taylor will face WBC Champion Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Lightweight championship of the World on Saturday June 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

Taylor (13-0 6KOs) added the WBO title in March, stopping Rose Volante in the ninth round in Philadelphia, a sixth win inside the distance for the Irish sensation after the former amateur star won her first World title in just her seventh pro outing.

The 32 year old takes on Persoon on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s IBF, WBA and WBO World Heavyweight title defense against Jarrell Miller in the Big Apple, making it the third time Taylor has boxed on the same bill as her fellow London 2012 Olympic gold medal winner Joshua.

Along with the WBA, IBF, WBO and WBC titles, Taylor and Persoon will battle for the Ring magazine belt – the first time the title has been on the line at Lightweight for women, another landmark moment for both fighters and the sport.

Persoon (43-1 18KOs) has held the WBC strap for five years with nine defenses in that reign and the Belgian star fights outside of Europe for the first time in her career as she joins Taylor in aiming to cement her spot as the number one 135lbs lady on the planet.

“It’s great that she has finally signed for the fight and I’m delighted that Eddie has been able to make it,” said Taylor. “After my fight last month I went back home for a week but then it was straight back to Connecticut to start the hard work in training camp for this fight.

“When I turned professional my first goal was to win a World title but then my next priority was to become undisputed champion so obviously this fight gives me the opportunity to do that so it’s massive for my career.

“Women’s boxing is in such great place right now and these are the kind of super fights that will really take it to new heights. Persoon is recognized as one of the best in the world pound for pound and has been the WBC champ now for over five years so it’s the best against the best. Madison Square Garden seems like the perfect setting for a fight of this magnitude.”

“This is a very unique opportunity for me and I’m thankful we’ve got the fight made,” said Persoon. “I did not have the opportunity to participate in the Olympic Games and now I get the chance to compete with the Olympic champion in Katie Taylor.

“I expect this will be a very tough and honest fight, and that the best boxer may win this title fight – and I expect that to be me.”

“This is it – this is everything, the absolute pinnacle of the sport,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The dream is on, the undisputed championship and I can’t wait to see this fight on June 1.

“This is the toughest test of Katie’s amateur and pro career, two pound-for-pound greats putting it all on the line at the mecca of boxing – the atmosphere is going to be something else.”

Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.

Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034

ATLANTIC CITY – Claressa Shields backed up virtually every provocative word Saturday night.

The brash, unbeaten women’s middleweight champion proved her superiority in what was supposed to be the most difficult fight of her two-year pro career. Shields’ speed, power, aggression and defense earned her a convincing victory over long-reigning middleweight champ Christina Hammer at Boardwalk Hall’s Adrian Phillips Theater.

All three judges – Lynne Carter, Guido Cavalleri and Robin Taylor – scored eight of the 10 rounds for Shields in the main event of a Showtime tripleheader. Shields (9-0, 2 KOs) nearly knocked out Hammer in the eighth round, but she settled for a unanimous-decision win in what was promoted as the biggest fight in women’s boxing history.

Cavalleri and Taylor scored the one-sided eighth round 10-8 for Shields, and thus had it 98-91 for her. Carter scored Shields a 98-92 winner.

“Well, first of all, I can say I am the greatest woman of all time,” Shields told Showtime’s Steve Farhood in the ring. “Give me that! Give me that! Y’all told me I couldn’t do it. Y’all said she was 24-0, 11 knockouts. Ain’t no way Claressa will beat her. She 8-0, two knockouts. Claressa’s gonna get knocked out. Claressa don’t hit hard. Come on.”

Shields defended her IBF, WBA and WBC middleweight titles and won the WBO championship from Hammer. Germany’s Hammer had owned the WBO 160-pound title since October 2010, approximately 22 months before Shields won the first of two gold medals at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Shields, of Flint, Michigan, also joined welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus as the only woman to own the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO titles at the same time.

Hammer, of Dortmund, Germany, lost for the first time as a pro (24-1, 11 KOs, 1 NC).

More on https://www.boxingscene.com/claressa-shields-beats-up-christina-hammer-results–137944

If nothing else, Jaime Munguia managed to get a mandatory challenge out of the way and can now start thinking about his future—one that could very well come six pounds north.

The unbeaten rising star from Tijuana, Mexico lodged the fourth defense of his super welterweight title, albeit in a controversial majority decision over Dennis Hogan in their 12-round affair Saturday evening at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico.

Scores were 114-114 even, 115-113 and 116-112 in favor of Munguia in their DAZN-streamed main event.

“Honestly, once the fight ended I thought it was going to end in a draw,” Munguia said after what was easily the toughest fight of his still young career.

Photo by Tom Hogan / Golden Boy Promotions

More on https://www.boxingscene.com/jaime-munguia-decision-hogan-results–137945

Vasiliy Lomachenko once again staked his claim as the pound-for-pound king, knocking out mandatory challenger Anthony Crolla in four rounds to retain his WBA/WBO/Ring Magazine lightweight titles.

Crolla, the former WBA lightweight champion, was game but never threatened Lomachenko. After tough battles against Jorge Linares and Jose Pedraza in 2018, he had an easier night at the office to begin his 2019 campaign.

“I want to fight with Mikey Garcia, but we’ll see. I don’t know,” Lomachenko said. “I stay at 135 as long as it’s possible, and I want to unify all {the} titles.”

Lomachenko (13-1, 10 KOs) scored a knockdown at the end of the third round when referee Pat Russell ruled the ropes held Crolla up.

In the fourth, Loma came out on the attack, knocking Crolla (34-7-3, 13 KOs) back to the ropes. Then, it happened. A right hook to the top of Crolla’s head put him down and out.

Photo Mikey Williams

Undefeated middleweight champions Claressa Shields and WBO World Champion Christina Hammer went face-to-face one final time during a tension-filled official weigh-in for the most significant event in women’s boxing history. Both fighters made weight as the two champions aim to become the undisputed middleweight champion tomorrow in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION live on SHOWTIME (9:10 p.m. ET/PT) from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

For all the belts. #ShieldsHammer TOMORROW 9:10PM ET/PT on @Showtime. pic.twitter.com/wFXIrT8iUL

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) April 12, 2019

Top American heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin will take on former No. 1-ranked U.S. amateur Rydell Booker in the 10-round co-featured bout while undefeated Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin will battle highly decorated amateur Nick Kisner in a 10-round clash that will open the tripleheader.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are priced at $150, $100, $55 and $35 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster and at boardwalkhall.com.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO Middleweight World Championship – 10 Rounds

Claressa Shields: 159 ½ pounds

Christina Hammer: 159 pounds

Referee: Sparkle Lee; Judges: Lynne Carter (Pa.), Guido Cavalleri (Italy), Ruben Taylor (Ariz.)

FINAL QUOTES:

Claressa Shields

“I’m very relaxed. When I feel this relaxed, I know it’s going to be a good fight. I don’t even feel like there’s a fight; I feel very calm and I always fight better when I feel this way. I’ve checked all the boxes for this fight. The conditioning, the nutrition, the training, everything. I am entirely focused on the fight.

“I’ve played this fight in my head many times. The first round is a very important round. She’ll find out just how strong I am in the first round and I’m going to let her know she’s in with a fighter. I’m going to let her know she won’t control this fight in any aspect. I can outbox Hammer. I’m way faster and I have great head movement. I came to fight. I want to see where her heart is and how strong she is. If she’s not as strong as she says she is, she’s going to want to get out of there.

READ Claressa Shields, Christina Hammer, Jermaine Franklin Interview Transcript
“Every time I box, I feel like I need to go out there and perform so that women’s boxing isn’t in the position we’re in now. I want the little girls coming up not to have to go through what I’ve gone through in terms of equal pay and trying to get on TV. I was able to box my way up to get here and it shouldn’t be as hard for other women to do the same. This fight is bigger than me.”

Christina Hammer

“I’ve worked really hard for this. I’ve sacrificed everything for this fight and it’s time to show who’s the real champion and who Christina Hammer is. I feel like I’m the stronger one, mentally. I showed her at the stare down that I’m not scared. Every fight, there’s a mental battle and I think I won the mental battle for this fight.

“I have to stick to my game plan and not worry about hers. Shields is beatable. Hanna Gabriels showed that. I have to make her pay for every mistake. We’ve analyzed her a lot and I’ve known for a long time that I would one day fight her.

“I’m not scared of her one bit. Why would I be scared of her? I worked really hard for this opportunity and now it’s the point where I have to show it. I have to focus in every single round. This will be a tough fight and I know my opponent also wants to win but on Saturday night, I will be the undisputed champion of the world.

“I hope that a lot of women will be inspired by this fight. I want women to know that if they work hard, they can make it to whatever level they aspire to be in whatever sport it is they do.”

(Photo credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME)