Photo by Sumio Yamada  / Article by Joe Koizumi –

40-year-young WBO female bantamweight champ Naoko Fujioka (15-1, 6 KOs), 117.5, impressively kept her belt when she withstood the opening attack of ex-WBC flyweight titlist Go Shindo (16-4, 11 KOs), 117.75, took back the initiative with her furious retaliation and finally pounded out a very unanimous verdict (98-91 twice and 97-92) over ten grueling rounds on Monday in Tokyo, Japan. It must be Fight of Decade, as our people never saw such a furious give-and-take battle in female boxing history in Japan.

The opening session witnessed Shindo almost toppled the defending champ with a vicious right cross twice, and the crowd sensed that the end would come soon with the challenger victorious, but it was Fujioka that displayed desperate retaliations from the second round onward. Piling up points, Fujioka finally caught up with the game and hard-punching Shindo, taller and bigger than the champ, and floored her with a solid right to the face in the closing seconds of the eighth.

Shindo, who had lost a controversial split duke to Mariana Juarez in quest of the WBC 112-pound belt in Los Angeles four years ago, showed her heart with desperate attacks with full power in round nine, but the champ gamely fought back hard with faster and more accurate combinations toe-to-toe in the squared circle. Japan’s Katsuhiko Nakamura finely controlled the hard-fought contest.

In the first WBO title bout, 46-year-young Nao Ikeyama (10-2, only one KO), 100.75, barely kept her 102-pound belt by a split draw (96-94, 94-96, 95-95) with Saemi Hanagata (12-7-2, 6 KOs), 101.77, over ten. Danrex Tapdasan of the Philippines was the third man.

www.philboxing.com/news/story-120038.html

By Tracy Morin at ringside
Photos: Boxing Bob Newman –

In a fierce and bloody war, 9:1 underdog John Molina Jr. (28-6, 23 KOs) outslugged former WBO junior welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs) over twelve rounds on Saturday night at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, NY.

Even in a mostly feeling-out first round, each fighter scored a smattering of clean power punches to the head and body, setting the stage for an action-packed, back-and-forth affair. But from the opening bell of the second, tentativeness dissipated as they started to trade with little concern for defense, Provodnikov perennially pressing forward and Molina unafraid to engage.

Molina tried to work his jab in the fourth while continuing a brutal body attack, and an accidental headbutt opened a Provodnikov cut as the punches on both sides started to land with more conviction–underlined when both fighters smiled at each other at the end of round five and traded until the bell. 

In round six, Molina’s jab helped quelled his opponent’s attack, but Provodnikov landed a stumble-inducing right-left to Molina near the end of the round. Still, Molina gamely returned fire and wisely started to tie up on the ropes and work at a jabbing distance. Provodnikov’s left hooks were also finding their mark; with action heating up, the end of the seventh saw blows traded post-bell.

Provodnikov, bleeding freely by the eighth, refused to step backward and started eating uppercuts in the ninth while at times swinging wildly as Molina continued to work his jab (though he too ate his share of power shots while pressed against the ropes).

The pace slowed significantly in the tenth as Provodnikov attempted some head movement to avoid the jab–and as both perhaps steeled themselves for the championship rounds. With fewer jabs from Molina, Provodnikov started to come on in the eleventh, even uncharacteristically bouncing and moving laterally.

In the final round, both came out firing to close a competitive fight, each willing to give and take for the advantage. The judges were in agreement, however, that Molina had taken the victory, handing in scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 117-111.

“This is the fight we needed. I felt his punching power and he kept coming forward,” Molina said afterward. “I was in great shape. I knew I won that fight. I stuck to the game plan.”

“The decision was right. Molina won the fight; he was better tonight,” Provodnikov admitted. “We expected he would box and move. It wasn’t my night tonight. It just didn’t go for me today. There’s no excuses. I lost the fight tonight. Maybe it was motivation or something else. I’m sorry if I disappointed.”

www.fightnews.com/Boxing/upset-molina-outslugs-provodnikov-341780

Date:   Saturday, June 11, 2016

WBO JR. LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT

Location:   Madison Square Garden Theater, New York, NY, USA

Promoter:   Top Rank / Bob Arum

Supervisor:   Francisco Valcarcel, Esq.

Referee:

Judges:

Results:   The WBO Jr. Lightweight champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez down and counted out in round 5 and Vasyl Lomachenko won the title by KO.

TV:    USA HBO

Photos: Mikey Williams / Top Rank –

In just his seventh pro fight, WBO featherweight world champion Vasyl Lomachenko (6-1, 3 KOs) became a two-weight world champion by dethroning WBO junior lightweight world champion Rocky Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) with spectacular five round KO on Saturday night at the Theater at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Lomachenko demonstrated his superb speed and movement as he dominated Martinez before knocking him out with a left uppercut / right hook combination. Time was 1:09.

www.fightnews.com/Boxing/lomachenko-kos-martinez-in-five-to-win-wbo-super-featherweight-world-title-341781

By Miguel Maravilla
Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Undefeated WBO jr welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (28-0, 20 KOs), of Omaha, Nebraska, will have his toughest test when he takes on undefeated WBC champion “The Ice Man” Viktor Postol (28-0, 12 KOs) of Kiev, Ukraine, in a unification bout on July 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

“It’s going to be big. I’m going in there and putting on a spectacular show and showing everybody that I belong here,” Crawford told Fightnews.com®. “I have to make a statement on July 23rd.”

Crawford will be training for the fight in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska under the watchful eye of his longtime trainer Brian “BoMac” McIntyre.

Coming off a devastating knockout over Hank Lundy this past February in New York City, Crawford was impressive in defending his WBO title for the second time. Last year saw Crawford score knockouts against Thomas Dulorme in April, as he won the vacant WBO super lightweight title. and in October when he stopped Dierry Jean in his first title defense.

Since coming to the United States Postol has been 4-0 with 3 KOs. He won the WBC world title with an impressive tenth round knockout over the tough Lucas Matthysse last October. “I feel Matthysse gave up because he was frustrated. It wasn’t because he hurt him with a punch, it was because Matthysse was tired. Postol was holding, elbowing, his jab was irritating him every time Matthysse would get in. There was more frustration than hurt,” Crawford said.

“Postol’s style is more European,” he continued. “Straight right, jab, clinch, hold, elbows here and there, but there is nothing he’ll be able to do come fight night to keep me from taking that belt. I’ve seen a lot in my time of boxing on this level. I feel I will do real well!”

A win over Postol would open a new chapter in Terance Crawford’s career. “This is just the beginning. It’s my first pay-per-view and I want to put on a great performance. I want to be the next superstar,” Crawford said.

For years Nebraska has been known for its strong college football tradition in Lincoln, Nebraska about 50 miles south of Omaha, for hosting the NCAA College Baseball World Series in Omaha, and the home of American businessman philanthropist Warren Buffet. Since his 2014 homecoming knockout win over previously undefeated Yuriorkis Gamboa, Crawford has become the pride of Omaha, Nebraska.

“When you talk Omaha, you talk Terence Crawford if you aren’t talking Warren Buffet,” Crawford said. “When I fought in Omaha against Gamboa everyone was like, WOW! This is what we have been waiting on!”

Crawford expects a large number of his hometown fans to make the trek to Vegas for the Postol fight. “They will show up and chill out. A lot of people are coming to show their support,” Crawford said.

On July 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, it will be champion vs. champion.

“When I look at this fight, I look at it as #1 vs. #2, the best in the division, two undefeated fighters,” Crawford said. “I’m not thinking of who I want to fight next. Who I got in front of me now is Viktor Postol. Come fight night, we’re waiting for the victory!”

www.fightnews.com/Boxing/terence-crawford-i-want-to-be-the-next-superstar-341097

By Chris Williams:   Top Rank will be sending their light welterweight champions Terence Crawford (28-0, 20 KOs) and Viktor Postol (28-0, 12 KOs) into the ring next month in their first headlining fight on HBO pay-per-view at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Crawford will be defending his WBO title and Postol have his WBC belt on the line for the fight.

You can argue that neither of these fighters is even remotedly popular enough to be headlining a PPV event on HBO. However, there were not available dates on regular HBO for them to fight this year, so Top Rank promoter Bob Arum chose to put the fight on PPV.

Crawford, 28, is hoping to become the next superstar in the sport. The bad news is that Crawford probably won’t able to become a super star in the Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Manny Pacquiao sense if he’s stuck fighting at 140 against the guys he’s been facing in the last two years.

I think it’s going to be very hard for Crawford to become a superstar fighting the likes of Hank Lundy, Dierry Jean and Thomas Dulorme. I think Crawford can become the next Ruslan Provodnikov or Lamont Peterson type star, but not a superstar if he’s limited to fighting lesser fringe level opposition.

“This is just the beginning. It’s my first pay-per-view and I want to put on a great performance. I want to be the next superstar,” Crawford said to fightnews.com.

I wish I could agree with Crawford that the Postol fight was the beginning of him becoming the next superstar. I don’t see that being the reality for Crawford. For him to become the next star in boxing along the lines of Mayweather or even Gennady Golovkin, I think he would need to fight ALL of these fighters and beat them all:

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez
Adrien Broner
Danny Garcia
Keith Thurman
Amir Khan
Shawn Porter
Tim Bradley
Kell Brook
Gennady Golovkin
Jermall Charlo
Jermell Charlo
Erislandy Lara
David Lemieux
Billy Joe Saunders
Lamont Peterson
Liam Smith
Errol Spence

The basic problem Crawford has is he’s probably not going to ever fight any of those guys. I honestly cannot see Crawford ever fighting any of the above mentioned names from my list, and that’s too bad because if Crawford could sweep through that entire list, he would be a star, a huge star. It’s one those things where Crawford would need to beat 17 top fighters before his career finishes up before he can become a star. I do not see Crawford’s promoter Bob Arum being able to negotiate fights with the promoters for those fighters.

Golovkin probably would never agree to fight Crawford in the first place because it would be a stiaution where he would get no credit for beating up in a 140lb fighter that looks as thin as Crawford. But for the sake of argument if a fight did take place between Golovkin and Crawford, I think it would be a pure wipeout with Golovkin destroying Crawford. The same if Crawford got put in with the Charlo brothers. Crawford doesn’t have the blinding hand speed and defensive skills of someone like Mayweather to beat guys in divisions above his natural weight class at 140. So if you throw Crawford in with the Charlo brothers, Canelo or even someone like Lemieux, I think it would end badly for Crawford.

In getting back to my point about Crawford wanting to become the next superstar in the sport, I do not think he’s going to get the chance to make that happen in the present climate in the sport. If all the promoters were willing to work with one another, then maybe Crawford could become a superstar, but only if he beat all the guys on my list.

Do I really think a slender fighter like Crawford can beat the likes Thurman, Canelo, Golovkin, Errol Spence, the Charlo brothers, Lara and Lemiuex? No, I don’t think so. I think Crawford would be beaten by most if not all of them. I think Crawford is a very good fighter at light welterweight, but asking him to beat bigger fighters with a more solid build and superior punching power would be too much to ask. I think Crawford would get destroyed by all of them. We kind of got a hint at Crawford’s limitations in his fights against Yuriorkis Gamboa and Thomas Dulorme. Both fighters were working Crawford over pretty well and even had him hurt. The question you have to ask is how can Crawford become a superstar if he can’t even dominate the likes of Dulorme and Gamboa?

www.boxingnews24.com/2016/06/terence-crawford-vs-viktor-postol-battle-stardom/

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and undefeated lightweight contender Felix “El Diamante” Verdejo both arrived at the hotel in New York City at the same time on Tuesday. WBO #2 rated Verdejo (21-0, 14 KOs) faces Juan Jose ‘Piquet’ Martinez (25-2, 17 KOs) in Saturday’s HBO co-feature in the Theater at Madison Square Garden. Vasyl Lomachenko meets Rocky Martinez for the WBO jr lightweight world title in the main event. Roach trains two-time Olympic gold medalist Zou Shiming of China, who tops the undercard lineup and will be making his U.S. debut.

www.fightnews.com/Boxing/shot-of-the-day-152-341131

By Miguel Maravilla –

Undefeated WBO super middleweight champion Gilberto “El Zurdo” Ramirez (33-0, 24 KOs) of Mazatlan, Mexico is set to make the first defense of his title when he takes on Dominik Britsch (32-1-1, 11 KOs) of Germany on July 23 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on HBO PPV. “I’m happy to be defending my title. I know nothing about my opponent, all I know is that I am training really hard for this fight,” Ramirez told Fightnews.com®.

After winning the title this past April, Ramirez went back to train in his hometown of Mazatlan, then resumed his camp in Southern California working with his longtime team of Jesus and Hector Zapari in preparation for the German challenger.

“I am training here in the area in Long Beach for this fight,” Ramirez said. “This preparation will be like every other. Training really hard to be ready for what my opponent has.”

Britsch, a relative unknown, has only fought twice in the U.S. Winning by TKO over Matt Berkshire in Detroit back in March of 2010 and by knockout over Delray Raines in 2011 in Carson, California. He’s coming off a unanimous decision over Slavisa Simeunovic this past February in Germany.

“It is a hard fight since I know nothing about my opponent. Sometimes those are the most dangerous opponents. You don’t know what to expect from them,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez defeated the hard-punching Arthur Abraham this past April to win the WBO super middleweight title co-headlining the Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley card on what was billed as the “No Trump” Undercard.

“I was so happy to accomplish my life long dream. I beat a solid champion in Arthur Abraham,” Ramirez said. “When I returned home I was greeted by fans and media at the airport. I was very happy and excited, it was the first time I was welcomed at the airport.”

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is no fan of Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has made disparaging remarks toward Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. Arum has promoted many Hispanic fighters over the years who have produced great fights. To show his support for the Latino community, Arum has featured Ramirez on two pay-per-view telecasts and is planning another card for the fall to further send his political message.

Ramirez gave us his thoughts on Trump’s comments and agenda. “We the Mexican people are always working hard and Donald Trump makes some comments that are insulting, but we have proven that we work hard in life to achieve our goals and make a living,” Ramirez said.

Should he get past Britsch as expected, Ramirez is taking aim at the other 168lb champions. “There are other champions in this division. Badou Jack, Felix Sturm, James De Gale, I would definitely want to unify a title with them. Hopefully they are willing to as well,” Ramirez said. A clash with WBA/IBF/WBC middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin is also a possibility.

Ramirez vs. Britsch will be a scheduled 12 round championship bout for Ramirez’s WBO super middleweight title. It will be the co-feature bout to the Terrance Crawford vs. Viktor Postol jr welterweight unification bout.

“We are going to give it and leave it all in the ring to defend this title,” Ramirez vowed.

www.fightnews.com/Boxing/gilberto-ramirez-gearing-up-for-first-title-defense-341168

By Karl Freitag
Photos: Mikey Williams / Top Rank –

WBO junior lightweight world champion Rocky Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) faced off with WBO featherweight world champion Vasyl Lomachenko (5-1, 3 KOs) in advance of their HBO-televised world title showdown on Saturday night in The Theatre at Madison Square Garden, New York City. In the HBO co-feature, WBO #2 rated lightweight champ Felix “El Diamante” Verdejo (21-0, 14 KOs) faces WBC #11 Juan Jose “Piquet” Martinez (25-2, 17 KOs) for the WBO Latino championship. Also, two-time Olympic gold medalist Zou Shiming (7-1, 2 KOs) meets Jozsef Ajtai (15-2, 10 KOs) for the WBO international flyweight chmpionship.

Rocky Martinez: “If you want to beat me, than you have to kill me, but to kill me you have to prepared to be killed in the ring too.”

Vasyl Lomachenko: “I’m ready to put up $300,000 of my purse as long as Rocky Martinez will put up $300,000 if I win.”

Felix Verdejo: “In Muhammad Ali’s honor, I will give a great fight.”

JJ Martinez: “We will take that title to Mexico.”

Bob Arum: “We will probably have a bigger audience in China than all of the HBO fights for the last three years combined. We expect an audience of perhaps as many as 50 million homes will be watching the Chinese star Zou Shiming.”

www.fightnews.com/Boxing/martinez-lomachenko-clash-heats-up-341340

 Vasyl Lomachenko is chasing a world title in a second weight division

The Ukrainian amassed a freakish amateur record of 396-1 before turning professional in 2013 at the age of 25.

Having won the WBO world featherweight title in his third fight in the paid ranks, Lomachenko is moving up to challenge the same governing body’s 130lb champion Martinez (29-2-3-KO17).

 Roman Martinez is the man defending against Lomachenko

If Lomachenko justifies favouritism and seizes the Puerto Rican’s crown in New York, he will have a short timeframe to decide which division he wishes to compete at for the foreseeable future.

In an interview reported on boxingscene.com, his promoters at Top Rank said: “Vasyl Lomachenko is the featherweight champ. He will enter the ring as champ.

“If he is victorious in challenging Rocky Martinez and winning the WBO 130lb title, he’ll have 10 days to decide what weight he will be campaigning at. If he loses or fights to a draw, he’ll return to his featherweight reign.”

Lomachenko, 28, said: “I’ve never had a problem making featherweight. Of course, it wasn’t easy but it also was never an issue. As far as moving to 130, I got tired of waiting for the other champions, none of whom wanted to fight me.

“I’m hopeful that with the move to 130lbs will come better fights, particularly against the other champions so we can make our dream of becoming undisputed champion.”

Besides Martinez, the super-featherweight champions are Panama’s WBA king Jezreel Corrales, Mexico’s WBC holder Francisco Vargas and Puerto Rico’s IBF champion Jose Pedraza, who recently defended his title against Liverpool’s Stephen Smith.

www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10302281/vasyl-lomachenko-can-be-fastest-two-weight-world-champion-by-beating-roman-martinez

Date:   Saturday, June 4, 2016

WBO JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT

Location:   Echo Arena, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom

Promoter:   Queensberry Promotions / Frank Warren

Supervisor:  Dennis Gilmartin

Referee:  Steve Gray

Judges:  Ingo Barrabas, Deon Dwarte, Dave Parris

Results:   The WBO Jr. Middleweight Champion Liam Smith retained the title by KO’d Predrag Radosevic in the second round.

TV:

Beefy took just a minute and a half of the second to successfully defend his light-middleweight title against Predrag Radosevic in front of his home crowd in Liverpool

                                                                                   Over and out:  Smith defeated Radosevic inside two rounds

Liam Smith took a step closer to a dream fight against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez by successfully defending his WBO light-middleweight tonight in front of his home fans in Liverpool.

Smith impressed as he stopped challenger Predrag Radosevic in just two rounds to stretch his unbeaten record to 24 fights.

He put Radosevic down with a left hook to the body and the Montenegrin showed little enthusiasm to get up as he waited for referee Steve Gray to count him out.

It was not the way Smith would have wanted to win and questions will be asked about Radosevic, who showed little appetite for the fight.

Smith will press on and promoter Frank Warren is in talks with Canelo’s camp about a possible fight against the Mexican sensation.

Warren was in negotiations with Golden Boy six months ago only for Canelo to opt to fight Amir Khan instead last month.

Smith, 27, is due a huge fight to give him the limelight he deserves and he is one of the least-heralded of Britain’s 13 world champions.

After the crowd inside the Echo Arena paid tribute to Muhammad Ali, Smith did a number on Radosevic to become the first man after two-weight world champ Felix Sturm to stop the Montenegran.

Smith edged the first round, knocking Radosevic’s head back with a strong jab before clouting him with a stinging right.

His jab rocked Radosevic again in the second, pinning him in the corner and he opened up on the challenger.

He unloaded a flurry of shots before winding Radosevic with a left hook to the ribs.

Radosevic rested on his hunkers, but did not want to rise to his feet as Gray counted to 10 to end the contest one minute and 34 seconds into the second round.

He told his corner he felt like he had broken a rib, such was the venom of Smith’s punch.

Smith will not care and he has recorded the 13th stoppage of his 23 wins as he improves to 23-0-1.

But what is clear is that he needs a better class of opponent to show the world just how good he is.

www.mirror.co.uk/sport/boxing/liam-smith-defends-world-title-8116756

Liam Smith didn’t waste much time in defending his WBO super welterweight title on Saturday.

The champion wasn’t expected to have too many problems dealing with the unheralded Predrag Radosevic (30-2, 11 KOs) at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England.

Sure enough, local lad Smith (22-0-1, 13 KOs) needed only four minutes and 34 seconds to see off the man from Montenegro.

In terms of a homecoming for Smith, who won the belt in nearby Manchester in 2015, it was over before it had barely begun. It was barely worth putting out the bunting.

Still, Bleacher Report has picked out some of the key talking points from the main event as well as the action on the undercard.

Radosevic always seemed to be nothing more than a sacrificial lamb.

The challenger had only lost once in his pro career. However, that defeat, against Felix Sturm in 2013, saw Radosevic dismantled inside four rounds.

Taking a leaf out of Sturm’s book, Smith broke down his rival by targeting the body early and often. When the first blow thudded into the Montenegrin, it quickly became obvious he was way, way out of his depth.

A left hook, landing just under the ribs, produced an early finish:

Smith has now won eight on the spin inside the distance. He has become accustomed to breaking down opponents who, quite frankly, are beneath him.

The reason why opponents eventually buckle is his relentless work to the body. Allow him to get in close and you better be prepared to suffer.

Former fighter Matthew Hatton and newly crowned WBC cruiserweightworld champion Tony Bellew pointed out as much on Twitter:

Another impressive performance from Liam Smith last night. What a superb inside fighter he’s become. Tremendous variety on the inside 

Tony Bellew ✔@TonyBellew

@LiamBeefySmith showing again last night how vicious he can be! A brilliant box fighter an a serious body puncher! Well done champ #AndStill

Now Smith needs to find out if the same tactics can work on a higher calibre of fighter.

Speaking of which…

Smith needs to face a big name. That is stating the obvious.

He’s had 24 bouts as a pro, but now, as a world champion, he is desperate to make every fight count. This is his time to not only create a legacy but also cash in on his status.

His post-fight interview with BoxNation was actually more entertaining than the bout itself.

Smith has made no secret of wanting to take on a recognised opponent. He spoke of his desire to go up against any of the notable boxers at 154 pounds—including Saul Alvarez and Miguel Cotto.

However, there was another intriguing proposition talked about at length during the televised chat.

Frank Warren—Smith’s promoter—certainly had a lot to say on the topic of a potential all-English showdown against Kell Brook:

BoxNation ✔@boxnationtv

“We are going to make a big fight for him in the Autumn.” – Frank Warren talks Beefy and reveals Kell Brook offer

BoxNation ✔@boxnationtv

“He’s in the top 3 Super Welters in the world & I believe by the end of the year he will be the best” – Frank Warren

Brook, of course, is currently campaigning down at welterweight.

The reigning IBF champion is almost certain to face WBO holder Jessie Vargas in a unification bout next, according to Isaac Robinson of SkySports.com.

However, Brook could opt to step up a division in the future. He was obviously paying attention to the televised comments from the Echo Arena, judging by his activity on Twitter:

Kell Brook ✔@SpecialKBrook

be careful what you wish for lad! #chocolatebrownie 

Smith has other options: Jermell and Jermall Charlo hold the WBC and IBF titles, respectively. Erislandy Lara, meanwhile, has the WBA belt in his possession.

Any of the names—and I mean any of the names—mentioned above would be welcome challenges for Smith.

What is clear is that he doesn’t need to be wasting his time on many more opponents at the level of Radosevic.

www.bleachrreport.com/articles/2644413-liam-smith-plays-the-name-game-as-zolani-tete-impresses-again-in-liverpool

  WBO junior middleweight titlist Liam Smith claims that he’s been offered a fight with Canelo Alvarez although he’s fully focused on this Saturday’s fight with Predrag Radosevic.

WBO junior middleweight champion Liam Smith is geared up for this Saturday’s title defense where he’ll take on Predrag Radosevic in Liverpool. Smith hopes to put on a show in front of his hometown fans in this fight although he expects a somewhat rough and tumble affair from Radosevic — something that the oddsmakers apparently don’t with Radosevic being installed as a heavy 14-1 underdog. Here’s what Smith had to say on the topic to RingTV.com.

“I think odds in boxing are terrible and it shouldn’t be like that,” fired the 27-year-old Englishman. “It is what it is, though. People see a foreign name and presume you’re in for a walkover when it’s not. That’s boxing for you.”

Smith then goes on to reveal that he’s received an offer to face Canelo Alvarez, a fight that would have him put his belt on the line against the popular Mexican fighter who recently conceded his WBC middleweight title to Gennady Golovkin.

“I’ve been offered the Canelo fight but I haven’t been told too much about it,” he said. “It would be for my title because he has given up his (WBC) belt at 160 and would be moving back down to 154 pounds.

“My team is keeping things quiet right now because it’s important that my mind is on the job that’s in front of me. I don’t like talking about future fights and we’re just being professional.”

Obviously Smith being offered a Canelo Alvarez fight is even more evidence that the much anticipated fight between Canelo and Gennady Golovkin is no closer to being realized, and that it pretty clearly won’t be happening next at the very least.

Smith also mentions the likes of Miguel Cotto as a possible fight for him when pressed about the options out there for him. Smith does admit, though, that he hasn’t received an official offer from Cotto nor an order from the WBO ordering the bout. He does, however, expect the WBO to order him to make a mandatory title defense in the near future.

www.badlefthook.com/2016/6/2/11838404/liam-smith-ready-for-predrag-radosevic-says-hes-been-offered-canelo

Liverpool’s WBO Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith came face-to-face with Montenegro’s Predrag Radosevic at today’s press conference at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool. Undefeated Smith, 22-0-1 12 KO’s, makes the second defence of his world title against WBO European Champion Radosevic this Saturday at Liverpool’s Echo Arena, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Scouse hero Smith knows he will have to be at his very best if he is to avoid any slip-ups against a rough and ready Radosevic. Smith’s promoter Frank Warren has hinted at a potentially huge fight for Smith in September should he overcome Radosevic. However, the Merseyside maverick says there’s no danger of him overlooking his latest challenger.

“I’m buzzing to get back in the ring on Saturday. I’ve been out of the ring since December and I’ve had a good rest. I’ve been linked with some big names but none of those fights can happen if I don’t win this weekend. I’m fully focused on Predrag Radosevic; he’s a dangerous opponent and has my full attention. I’m from too good a family and too good a gym to overlook anyone,” said Smith.

He added: “I want to put on a good performance back in my home city. I won the title in Manchester and defended it in Manchester but there’s no place like home. I’m going to put on a show for everyone at the Echo Arena and watching at home on BoxNation”.

Radosevic, who is ranked number 11 with the World Boxing Organization, is on a red-hot three-fight winning streak since losing his unbeaten record at the hands of controversial WBA Super-Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm in July 2013 and insists he isn’t in Liverpool to make up the numbers.

He said: “It’s a great honour to be here and fighting on a Frank Warren promotion. On Saturday night I’ll be taking that belt home with me; I’m not here as a tourist. I believe I have what it takes to beat Liam and become the new world champion.”

Ellesmere Port star Paul Butler finds himself within striking distance of another shot at becoming a two-weight world champion. Standing in his way of making history is Thai terror Petchbarngborn Kokietgym who boxes out of Bangkok. Former IBF Bantamweight World Champion Butler is excited to show off his new skills against Kokietgym.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday night. Obviously I’ve got a new trainer and I’m buzzing to show everyone what I’ve been up to in the gym. I’ve got a good opponent but we’ve been putting the hours in in the gym and you’ll see a new Paul Butler this weekend,” said Butler.

EBU European Bantamweight Champion Ryan Farrag makes the first defence of his belt against Karim Guerfi. The Everton Red Triangle man is confident of getting a knockout win over the tricky man from Manosque in France.

He said: “Karim is a good opponent. He’s the type of opponent I want to be in there fighting but I believe I’ve got the beating of him. He’s going to be in for a rough night; I’m looking forward to punching him in the face and keeping hold of my belt!”

Lastly, Tom Stalker looks to make it third time lucky when he challenges Portugal’s Antonio Joao Bento for the Vacant European Lightweight Championship. ‘The Captain’ is confident there are big fights ahead of him should he claim the European crown on Saturday.

Stalker said: “In the past year I’ve had three draws a win and a loss. Frank Warren has stood by me and got me another great opportunity. It’s about time I repaid their faith in me. I’m going to put in a great performance on Saturday and finally get my hands on that belt.”

www.boxingnews24.com/2016/06/liam-smith-promises-win/

By Scott Gilfoid: WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas (27-1, 10 KOs) has signed his contract for a unification match against IBF 147lb belt holder Kell Brook (36-0, 25 KOs) for a contest that will be taking place in September in the UK. There’s a possibility the fight could take place on August 27, according to Dan Rafael.

If not, then September 3. The fight will be in Brook’s home city of Sheffield at Bramall Lane. The fight is going to be at a large football stadium. Brook and his promoter Eddie Hearn have spoken about wanting to fight in a large football stadium in the summer, but I never thought this would be the fight.

I mean, I don’t see Vargas as being a stadium worthy opponent. I’m just saying. I know Brook wants a big name, but Vargas is not a big name. I don’t be the bearer of bad news for Brook and Hearn, but Vargas is not a big name in the U.S at least.

I don’t know. Maybe Vargas is a huge star in the UK? If so, then more power to Brook for getting him as his opponent. Brook wants to collect welterweight titles. I guess it’s some kind of thing that will validate him. I don’t think so. If Brook wins the WBO title off Vargas, he’ll still be a paper champion in my eyes because he still will not have faced Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia or Errol Spence. Beating Vargas is small time stuff in my view. Brook needs to face Spence, Thurman, Garcia and he needs a rematch against Shawn Porter.

Vargas will be getting a career high payday of $1.7 million. That’s pretty good money for a fighter that arguably no better than ninth best fighter in the 147lb division. Vargas is a decent fighter, but I rate many welterweights ahead of him including Brook. It’s good that Vargas is getting a nice payday but I can’t see him beating Brook.

“It’s really exciting,” manager Cameron Dunkin said to ESPN.com. “It’s a great opportunity for Jessie. It’s a fight think he can win. I love his attitude. He’s so positive. He’s training like a madman. He’s really serious about getting this win. It’s not just the payday. He wants to win the fight. I love the attitude. Win, lose, whatever, he’s so confident in himself. I’m really proud of him.”

Nah, I don’t agree with Dunkin. I think Vargas is a good basic fighter, but I do not see him beating Brook, especially with the fight taking place in Sheffield. Vargas is going to need to be looking for a KO because I can’t see him winning a decision.

If I was to give Vargas in how to prepare for the Brook fight, I would tell him to work on fighting out of a clinch because Brook may resort to holding all night long if he doesn’t like the sting from Vargas’ shots. Brook was clinching all night long against Porter and getting away with it by not losing points. Vargas needs to train in how to keep throwing punches while being held in a clinch because he may need these tools to help him get Brook to let go of him.

Vargas is a step up for Brook for who he’s been fighting lately. In Brook’s last three fights, he’s beaten Kevin Bizier, Jo Jo Dan and Frankie Gavin.

www.boxingnews24.com/2016/06/jessie-vargas-signs-contract-kell-brook-fight/

  By Scott Gilfoid: –

In a very disappointing bit of news, WBO lightweight champion Terry Flanagan (30-0, 12, KOs) will be defending his title next month against 42-year-old former two-time IBF lightweight champion Mzonke Fana (38-9, 16 KOs) in the co-feature bout on the July 9 Tyson Fury vs. Wladimir Klitschko card at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, UK. While the Flanagan-Fana fight announcement has been mostly been greeted by positive reactions, I don’t see it as a good fight. Fana, #12 WBO, is no longer a major player in the lightweight division, and he’s been getting regularly as of late.

A fight between Flanagan and Fana would have made sense eight years ago when Fana was still in his prime, but the guy is no longer a top level fighter. Fana is heading towards journeyman with the way he’s getting beaten.

It’s not just the fact that Fana is getting beaten. It’s the guys that he’s losing to. Fana is getting beaten by 2nd tier guys now at this point in his career and losing over and over again. I honestly don’t know how or why the World Boxing Organization has Fana ranked #12, when he was beaten two times in 2015 by non-top 15 ranked fighters. In other words, Fana was beaten by 2nd tier fighters twice last year in defeats to Hedi Slimani and Xolisani Ndongeni. Fana was also beaten by Edis Tatli in 2013.

“Fana is a two time world champion at super-featherweight, he’s highly experienced, tough and has a very good jab. He will be coming over here looking to take my title but it’s not going to happen,” said Flaangan.

Flanagan says Fana won’t get his WBO title. You think. What a mismatch. I don’t even know why Flanagan is bothering to make a comment on the outcome of this fight, because it’s painfully obvious that he’s going to win. When you get an old timer as your opponent with two recent losses to fodder opposition, then yeah, I think you’re going to win. But why in the heck if Flanagan fighting a near bottom ranked guy like Fana rather than someone ranked higher and doing better in their careers? I’m just saying.

Flanagan needs to step it up a level and face the cream of the lightweight crop rather than facing guys that left their best years behind them eight years ago. I mean, I’m for champions fighting voluntary defenses from time to time, but at least they should face guys that are actually winning and doing well rather than fighters that have taken two recent losses to 2nd tier opposition like Fana.

I think Flanagan is a good fighter, but he’s capable of beating better contenders than 42-year-old Fana. That’s just soft match-making if you ask me. They might as well have selected Fana’s opponent from the retirement ranks because selecting an older fighter that is getting beaten repeatedly by 2nd tier fighters the way Fana is just isn’t sporting in my view. I do not understand that kind of match-making.

Instead of Flanagan being matched against the struggling Fana, why wasn’t he put in with #1 WBO, Jose Zepeda, #2 WBO Felix Verdejo, #3 WBO Michael Perez, #4 WBO Jose Felix Jr., #5 WBO Daud Yordan, #6 Sharif Bogere, #7 Saul Rodriguez, #8 Petr Petrov, #9 Liam Walsh, #10 Juan Martin Elorde or #11 Fernando David Saucedo? At least those guys would have made a fight out of it. I think Flanagan would lose to Verdejo, which I guess is why we’re not seeing him get the fight.

www.boxingnews24.com/2016/06/terry-flanagan-vs-mzonke-fana-july-9/#more-211187

Photos: Mikey Williams/Top Rank –

WBO super middleweight world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and two-time Mexican Olympian and undefeated #1 featherweight contender Oscar Valdez will headline the HBO-PPV undercard topped by the junior welterweight world title unification battle between undefeated world champions Terence “Bud” Crawford and “the Iceman” Viktor Postol on July 23 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Ramirez will be making the first defense of his championship crown against Dominik Britsch. Valdez will face undefeated #2 world-rated contender Matías “La Cobrita” Rueda, possibly for the vacant WBO featherweight world title. The pay-per-view telecast will open with former interim world champion Jose Benavidez, Jr. risking his undefeated record and Top-10 world-rating in a 10-round welterweight battle against Francisco “Chia” Santana.

www.fightnews.com/Boxing/crawford-postol-ppv-undercard-announcement-339808

On June 4, SES Boxing will return to the open air floating stage at Elbauenpark in Magdeburg, Germany with not one, but two clashes between unbeaten heavyweights. 

Headlining will be WBO Youth heavyweight champion Tom Schwarz (16-0, 11 KOs) in his second defense against Dennis Lewandowski (9-0, 4 KOs). 

In the co-feature, heavyweight Agit Kabayel (14-0, 11 KOs) meets Christian Lewandowski (9-0, 9 KOs), brother of main eventer Dennis Lewandowski.

Date:   Saturday, May 28, 2016

WBO JR. FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT

Location:   University of St. La Salle Coliseum, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines

Promoter:   ALA Promotions / Michael D. Aldeguer

Supervisor:

Referee:

Judges:

Results:  The WBO Jr. Flyweight Champion Donnie Nietes retained the title against Raul Garcia by KO in the fifth round.

TV:

 Donnie Nietes after his fifth round TKO win. PHOTO BY ROY LUARC

BACOLOD CITY—It was Donnie “Ahas” Nietes at his finest Saturday night, forcing Mexican Raul Garcia to quit on his stool after five rounds and retaining his World Boxing Organization light flyweight crown in the headliner of Pinoy Pride 36 at University of St. La Salle Coliseum here.

Living up to his promise to put up a sterling performance before his provincemates, Nietes proved to be too skillful and powerful for Garcia, who became the Filipino’s 15th Mexican victim, including his twin brother Ramon Garcia Hirales at the same venue in 2011.

Typifying his dominance, Nietes dropped Garcia twice in the third round, first with a left straight to the head followed by another left to the body. Garcia was up in no time only to be sent down anew with a right to the body by the pride of nearby Murcia town.

“I knew I had him from the first round,” said Nietes in Filipino. “I found no need to hurry up as his body is already hurting.

According to Nietes, the fight turned out to be just what he and trainer Edmund Villamor prepared for, finding his range and penetrating the Mexican’s defenses.

The 34-year-old Nietes, the longest reigning Filipino world champion at eight years, raised his record to 38-1-4 with 21 knockouts while pulling down Jimenez, the former International Boxing Federation and WBO minimum weight titlist, to 36-4-1, 22 KOs.

Unable to withstand Nietes’ barrage and pinpoint punches, Garcia did not answer the sixth round bell.

“I’m verry, very happy,” said Nietes, who thanked the capacity crowd that included his parents and townmates.

www.sports.inquirer.net/213344/nietes-stops-garcia-in-5-rounds-to-retain-crown

Albert Pagara is set to leave for his US training on Monday night.   Photo by:  Jerome Ascano

UNBEATEN Albert Pagara faces the toughest test of his young and promising career as he takes on durable Mexican Cesar Juarez in the main event of the ‘Pinoy Pride’ US edition this coming July.

The 22-year-old pride of Maasin, Leyte is well aware of the task at hand that he’ll be leaving for Los Angeles on Monday night to start training and get in shape for the 12-round super-bantamweight fight set on July 9 at the San Mateo Event Center in California.

Juarez is a familiar name for Filipino fight fans, having stretched Filipino Nonito Donaire Jr. to 12 grueling rounds before losing by unanimous decision in their World Boxing Organization (WBO) championship match last December in Puerto Rico.

But Pagara said he doesn’t fear his 24-year-old foe from Mexico City, who sports a 17-5 record, including 13 by KOs.

“Hindi ako takot sa kanya. Bakit naman tayo matatakot,” said the rising fighter from the ALA Promotions stable when he faced media men on Monday over lunch, just hours prior to his U.S. departure.

“Kaya natin yan,” added Pagara, whose unbeaten in 26 fights, 18 of which by KOs.

ALA Sports Promotions International Inc. president and CEO Michael Aldeguer is aware Juarez is a dangerous opponent for Pagara.

“This is the biggest test for Albert. We knew it would be a dangerous fight and a risk to his WBO No. 2 world ranking,” said Aldeguer in a statement.

“But again, just like (Mark) Magsayo, we need to find out if he has what it takes to be a world champion. Juarez gave Nonito Donaire one of the toughest fights in his career, so this should be another exciting fight. This will be a make or break for Albert.”

The younger of the two Pagara fighting brothers will be leaving for Los Angeles together with trainer Michael Domingo. They will be joined later by chief cornerman Edito Villamor shortly after Donnie Nietes’ defense of his WBO minimumweight title against Raul Garcia at La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City on May 28.

It will be the first time Pagara will be in the US by his lonesome.

“Medyo malungkot kasi mag isa lang tayo,” said Pagara, who was joined by brother Albert, Nietes, and Magsayo during his first ever stint in America last October.

“Pero para naman sa pamilya natin ito, para sa bayan. kaya konting tiis lang.”
www.spin.ph/boxing/news/unbeaten-albert-pagara-ready-to-face-toughest-challenge-as-he-battles-durable-mexican-cesar-juarez#yJ6GB1etSP91ZADY.99

 Donnie Nietes vows not to disappoint provincemates in his defense of his WBO title against Mexican Raul Garcia. Photo by:  Gerry Ramos

BACOLOD CITY – Donnie Nietes sees twin brothers Raul and Ramon Garcia as almost the same fighters. And it goes without saying he expects the same result for him when he stakes his World Boxing Organization (WBO) light-flyweight crown on the line.

The beloved son of Negros Occidental vowed not to disappoint against the cocky Raul Garcia in their 12-round title match at the La Salle Coliseum on Saturday night, almost five years since he beat the Mexican challenger’s sibling via a unanimous decision in exactly the same fight venue.

And unlike that 2011 championship bout in which Nietes, now 33, came close to going down in the last few rounds after losing steam in the stretch, he said the same won’t happen to him this time around.

“Grabe ang strength and conditioning na ginawa namin,” admitted Nietes after some carbo oading following the official weigh-in on Friday afternoon for Pinoy Pride 36: A Legend in the Making at the Robinson’s Place here.

“Dati kinakapos ang stamina ko. Before parang five or six rounds lang tayo. Ngayon, pinag-aralan talaga namin paano makaabot ng 12 rounds (yung stamina ko),” said the longest reigning Filipino world champion of all time, who tipped the scale at exactly 108-lbs.

That’s exactly what happened to him against Ramon Garcia Hirales, when he had to rely on heart and sheer will to survive the late onslaught by the Mexican to win his second world title which he holds until today.

Raul was at ringside that same night, and believes his brother did enough to win the fight.

“He remembers the fight very well. It was a very close fight, and he believes his brother should have won by one or two points, but the judges gave it to Nietes,” said one of Raul’s cornermen.

“Revenge is very much on his mind. Revenge for the honor of his brother and the honor of the country,” he added of the challenger, who also came in at 108 lbs for the main event of the boxing card put up by ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports.

Raul trained almost five months for a shot at another world title in a second weight division, establishing his camp in a desert near Mexico City located 3,000 miles above sea level.

In all, the former WBO minimumweight champion (36-3-1, 22 KOs) worked 160 rounds of sparring to prepare for the bout.

“There’s no one who’s got balls than the Mexican fighters. if Donnie stays in the middle and fights like a man, he’s gonna knock him out,” said Garcia’s interpreter. “But Donnie will fight and run. So he’s ready for both, whether he runs or he stays in front of me.”

Nietes said fighting style wise, Raul and Ramon are just the same.

“I think same lang sila, lookalike and style,” said the champion (37-1-4, 21 KOs), who’s making the ninth defense of his title.

The pride of the municipality of Murcia, said he’ll be very patient this time unlike during his fight with Ramon Garcia before.

“Ang mind-set ko talaga huwag mag-madali, relax lang tayo. Maging patient and maghanap ng paraan paano tayo manalo,” he said.

Once inside the ring, though, Raul said Nietes will realize he’s a different animal than his brother.

“My style and my brother is different,” said Garcia. “I’m very confident I’m gonna come out the winner.”

In the main undercard, Arthur Villanueva and Mexican Juan Jimenez both made weight for their WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight championship fight. Villanueva tipped in at 117.5 lbs., while Jimenez was at 118 lbs.

Milan Melindo however, came in four lbs. over the weight limit for his flyweight match against another Mexican in Maximino Flores. The native of Cagayan de Oro City weighed 114 lbs. to the 110 of Flores, although camps of both fighters agreed to go on with the fight using bigger gloves, and possibly, a corresponding fine on Melindo.
www.spin.ph/boxing/news/donnie-nietes-sees-nothing-different-between-raul-garcia-and-twin-brother-ramon-predicts-to-retain-wbo-title#H5zbEdhwBFgwJI2b.99

May 27, 2016

Krzysztof Glowacki c/o Leon Margules, Warriors Boxings

Oleksandr Usyk c/o Alexander Krassyuk, K2 Promotions Ukraine

RE:      PURSE BID – WBO JR. HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT

             KRZYSTOF GLOWACKI vs. OLEKSANDR USYK

Gentlemen:

As per Section 11 through 13 (enclosed) of the WBO Regulations for World Championship Contest (www.wboboxing.com), please be advised that a purse bid will be held at 11:00 AM ET on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at the:

Affinia Hotel-Manhattan NYC

371 7^th Ave.

New York, NY 10001

Ph.: +1 212 563-1800

The minimum acceptable bid for the Junior Heavyweight Division is $300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Dollars).

Any additional information, please visit our website at www.wboboxing.com or contact the WBO main office.

Yours truly,

Luis Batista Salas, Esq.

cc  Francisco Valcarcel, Esq.

TO:                  ALL BONA FIDE PROMOTERS

FROM:            LUIS BATISTA SALAS, ESQ.

 DATE: MAY 27, 2016

 RE:                  WBO JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT PURSE BID –

                           KRZYSTOF GLOWACKI vs. OLEKSANDR USYK