Saturday evening at Madison Square Garden (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET), Terence “Bud” Crawford (35-0, 26 KOs) will defend his WBO Welterweight World title against Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas (21-0-1, 17 KOs).

The ESPN opener will see Irish sensation Michael “Mick” Conlan (12-0, 7 KOs) hoping to turn back amateur nemesis Vladimir Nikitin (3-0, 0 KOs) in a 10-rounder at featherweight. Nikitin defeated Conlan twice as an amateur, including in their 2016 Olympic quarterfinal bout, a decision that sparked international controversy.

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

Terence Crawford

“I’m starting to get used to fighting on these big stages, so it ain’t nothing new to me. This week is going to be a great, spectacular show. I am well-prepared for whatever he brings to the table, and I’m sure they know that as well.”

“Nothing really changed between me and {trainer Brian McIntyre}. We’re a team. Iron sharpens iron. We added some more great fighters to the team. We’re pushing each other each and every day in camp. If I’m tired, {Maurice Hooker} will talk to me, ‘Come on little guy, you tired?’ And that just motivates each and every one of us to go that extra mile. Either we’re running, sparring, hitting the bag. Everything is a competition when we’re in the camp.”

“I’m not focused on no other opponent besides the opponent that’s in front of me. My goal is to make sure I get the victory come this weekend, and that’s the only person I’m focused on now. Anyone else is talk. It goes in one ear and out the other. He’s young, hungry and I’m not taking him lightly.”

Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas

“Crawford was on my mind from the start of training camp in June. So every day was Crawford, Crawford, Crawford. My mindset is good. I’m happy for this fight. When this fight was made officially, I was super happy. I was smiling all day. I want to fight the best, and we’re fighting in the Mecca of Boxing.”

“We started {training} in June, but we started light. Still, all the tactics, everything was about how Crawford fights, which stance {he’ll use}. Sparring, we had lots of different guys, southpaw, orthodox, guys in different stances. And the training camp, [we worked on} speed, power, sparring, technique and tactics, all in this five, six months.”

“Going straight ahead to Crawford is not an option because he’s too smart and he showed in his last fight that he’s smart in the ring. So, yeah, we’ll work on my combinations. We don’t want to go very wild at him.”

Bob Arum On Commey-Lopez

“Some young man who has three of the lightweight titles and is looking to fight for a fourth will be on hand. He’s coming in on Friday to watch this match. Vasiliy Lomachenko will be here. A lot at stake in this Lopez fight with Commey. Both great fighters.”

Photos: Mikey Williams / Top Rank

The World Boxing Organization has announced that a deal was reached for the mandatory fight between WBO junior middleweight champion Jaime Munguia and challenger Dennis Hogan.

Initially, the WBO called for a purse bid – which was scheduled for Monday, March 4th 2019, at 10:00 a.m. ET at the World Boxing Organization’s headquarter offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The minimum Purse Bid amount was $200,000.

But the WBO were informed on Wednesday by both parties, that a deal had been reached – and as a result the purse bid was officially canceled.

Earlier this month, the WBO gave both sides 30 days to reach an agreement.

The sides were in talks to potentially place the bout on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Daniel Jacobs card on May 4th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Munguia (32-0, 26 KOs) fought four times in 2018. He captured the title in May with a demolition of Sadam Ali in four rounds.

He then retained the title with big wins over Liam Smith and Brandon Cook.

Munguia already fought in 2019, when he retained last month and won a tough twelve round unanimous decision over Takeshi Inoue.

He is scheduled to fight again on April 13th at the Arena Monterrey in Mexico. That return was slated to be a voluntary defense before facing Hogan in the fall.

But now it appears that Munguia’s next fight will likely be Hogan.

Hogan (28-1-1, 7 KOs) has won five in a row since losing a twelve round decision to Jack Culcay in December 2015. He saw action twice last year, with two decision wins.

http://scene.com/jaime-munguia-vs-dennis-hogan-deal-reached–136628?print_friendly=1

 Purse Bid Minutes

WBO LIGHTWEIGHT PURSE BID RAYMUNDO BELTRAN vs. ROMAN ANDREEV

Purse Bid was convened for July 3, 2018 at 12:00 Noon, but later changed to 1:30 PM. It was held at:

WBO Headquarters 1056 Muñoz Rivera Avenue Suite 711-714
San Juan, PR 00927-5013

Purse Bid Attendees:

  1. Francisco Valcarcel, President, presiding
  2. Top Rank Vice President, Carl Moretti representing Champion Raymundo Beltran
  3. Nobody representing Challenger Roman Andreev was present nor did they email.
  4. Attorney Gustavo Oliveri Miranda
  5. Media Jose Sanchez

Prior to issuing the Purse Bid Notice on June 26, 2018 for the date of July 3, 2018 to all Bona-Fide Promoters, the parties were given ten (10) days to negotiate an agreement. When no agreement could be reached, Top Rank requested the Purse Bid.

The Purse Bid officially began at 1:30 PM. Mr. Valcarcel greeted those present.

Mr. Moretti representing Raymundo Beltran handed Mr. Valcarcel his first envelope, thus initiating the Purse Bid. The envelope containing a check in the amount of $1,000.00 (One Thousand Dollars) for the Purse Bid Service Fee and proof that they are a bona fide licensed WBO Promoter.

Mr. Valcarcel stated for the record that Top Rank, Inc. is a bona fide promoter.

Mr. Valcarcel explained that Mr. Antonio Gonzalez, who had been contacted by Promoter Vlad Hrunov and would have represented the Challenger Mr. Andreev, had communicated with him via email message on July 2nd regarding the postponement of the Purse Bid for ten (10) Days. However, on the same day, Mr. Valcarcel then advised Mr. Gonzalez via text message that the Purse Bid date could not be changed. Mr. Valcarcel also advised him that Promoter Vlad Hrunov did not have a current WBO license and therefore, was not a Bona Fide Promoter.

Then, Mr. Valcarcel opened the second envelope belonging Top Rank that contained a check in the amount of $25,200.00 (Twenty-Five Thousand Two Hundred Dollars),

representing 10% of the Purse Bid Amount of $252,000.00 (Two Hundred Fifty-Two Thousand Dollars). The proposed site for the bout is Phoenix, AZ with the proposed date of August 25th 2018

The Bid was awarded to Top Rank, Inc.

Mr. Valcarcel then informed Mr. Moretti, winner of the Purse Bid, about Section 11.2.4 of the WBO Regulations for World Championship Contests that states, “…the date of the fight shall not be later than ninety (90) days or earlier than forty-five (45) days from the date of the Purse Bid…”

Finally, Mr. Valcarcel stated the following conditions:

1. Signed Contract must be submitted within 10 days.
2. If the Champion suffers an injury prior to the bout, an Interim Championship will

be held.
3. If the Challenger suffers an injury, the next available contender will be the

Mandatory Challenger.

Mr. Valcarcel then congratulated the winner, Carl Moretti (Top Rank, Inc.), and thanked all present for their participation. The Purse Bid ended at 1:45 PM.

In the 89-year history of THE RING’s Fighter of the Year award, no boxer has ever earned the honor with as few fights under his belt as Vasyl Lomachenko has. Then again, few have achieved as much as the Ukrainian amateur star did after only 11 pro bouts.

Lomachenko (10-1, 8 knockouts) was selected as THE RING’s Prospect of the Year in 2013 after only one fight – his Oct. 12 pro debut against Jose Ramirez. Eight months after that impressive fourth-round KO, the wizardly southpaw won his first world title, the vacant WBO featherweight belt, by taking Gary Russell Jr. to school over 12 rounds. (Lomachenko’s boxing clinic against the highly touted unbeaten U.S. Olympian was performed in his third pro bout, just three months after he received his own education in gritty pro tactics via 12-round split-decision loss to grizzled veteran Orlando Salido.)

Two years and three title defenses later, he won his second world title in a second weight class, the WBO 130-pound belt, with a fifth-round KO of Roman Martinez. His first defense – an embarrassingly one-sided mastery of Nicholas Walters that forced the unbeaten former featherweight titleholder to pull a “No Mas” after seven rounds – was so impressive that he instantly jumped into the top half of most pound-for-pound lists by the end of 2016.

So, what made Lomachenko’s 2017 so special? Why was he selected as THE RING’s Fighter of the Year over worthy candidates such as Terence Crawford, Anthony Joshua, Mikey Garcia and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai?

For starters, he fought more than the other standouts in 2017 – three times – continuing to outclass and bewilder opposition to between-rounds retirements, but he also made large strides toward transitioning from a boxing-world phenom to the kind of general sports standout recognized by casual fans and mainstream media.

Lomachenko (left) tags Jason Sosa. Photo courtesy of HBO

Lomachenko’s humiliating brand of dominance was expected against his first two opponents of 2017, Jason Sosa and Miguel Marriaga, both solid contenders that will give any other world-class featherweight or junior lightweight a grueling night. Lomachenko forced the battle-tested scrappers to remain on their stools after nine and seven rounds, respectively, and he didn’t mind showboating as he gradually picked them apart from every conceivable angle.

Although Lomachenko was favored to beat his third opponent of 2017, fellow two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux, he wasn’t expected to have his way with the counter-punching master.

Rigondeaux, who carried a 17-0 pro record into their anticipated showdown at The Theater inside Madison Square Garden, was the older of the two savvy left-handers (37 to 29) and moving up from the 122-pound division, but the Cuban also brought with him a style that many believed was impossible to dominate or look good against.

Lomachenko did both en route to Rigondeaux’s inglorious retirement after six rounds.

Lomachenko downplayed the victory during his post-fight interviews, basically stating that he did what he was supposed to do, but there can be no downplaying of his boxing ability or his rising stature in the sports world.

Lomachenko appears to be on his way to becoming a bona-fide attraction. It was literally standing room only inside the 5,000-seat Theater (with no space for comps or auxiliary media and tickets rumored to be going for three times face value on the secondary market prior to the ESPN-televised card). Promoter Bob Arum says the two-division titleholder will fight at least three times next year, perhaps once in the “big room” of Madison Square Garden. Lomachenko is clearly done with small venues and fighting in front of limited TV audiences.

Lomachenko (right) took Guillermo Rigondeaux apart. Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Lomachenko-Rigondeaux was watched by 1.73 million on ESPN (twice the number of viewers that tuned into a UFC offering on FS1 that was broadcast during the same time slot). It was ESPN’s highest-rated show on December 9, exceeding viewers for the Heisman Trophy presentation and the MLS Cup.

Lomachenko’s future fights will be televised on Top Rank’s new network partner, ESPN, which contributed to his crossover appeal in 2017 and will undoubtedly enhance his popularity in the U.S. in coming years.

For now, he’s the toast of the boxing world, where hardcore fans use his name as an adjective or verb when expounding on their favorite sport via social media. A talented prospect like Josh Kelly might be described as having “Lomachenko-esque” moves. A fighter who is bewildered into submission might be said to have been “Lomachenko’d.”

Lomachenko’s reputation has been established enough in 2017 that boxing geeks now argue how he would fare in a mythical matchup with a prime Floyd Mayweather Jr. at 130 pounds.

However, Lomachenko isn’t interested in the future hall of famer, but rather one of the standouts of Mayweather Promotions, former IBF 130-pound beltholder Gervonta Davis. His “call out” to Davis, which was directed at Mayweather’s official Twitter account, attracted a lot of attention and eventually pulled Mikey Garcia into the social media conversation.

Lomachenko eventually Tweeted a poll of four potential opponents – Miguel Berchelt, Garcia, Davis and Jorge Linares – which has garnered more than 40,000 votes. Garcia and Davis received the most votes, but if he can get any two of the four in the ring in 2018 he’ll likely be a strong candidate for back-to-back Fighter of the Year honors.

RUNNERS UP:
Anthony Joshua
Terence Crawford
Mikey Garcia
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai

Following “Fighter of the Year” tradition, Vasyl Lomachenko will feature as cover star in the next issue of RING Magazine.

 

Vasyl Lomachenko named 2017 RING Magazine Fighter of the Year

 

 

By Ray Wheatley — World of Boxing

Unbeaten WBO welterweight champion Jeff “The Hornet” Horn (18-0-1, 12 KOs) retained his title with a hard fought eleventh round TKO over #10 rated Gary Corcoran (17-2, 7 KOs) on Wednesday night at the Brisbane Convention Centre in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was a competitive fight early. Horn was cut over the left eye in round six. Corcoran was cut over the left eye in round eight. Horn took over down the stretch and referee Benjy Esteves waved it off at 1:35 the eleventh round due to the condition of Corcoran’s eye.

At the time of the stoppage, Horn was ahead 100-90, 99-91, 99-91. Next up for “The Hornet” is likely #1 rated Terence “Bud” Crawford in the Spring in Las Vegas.

By Miguel Rivera

At the negotiating table is the potential showdown between World Boxing Organization Junior Featherweight champion Jessie Magdaleno and mandatory challenger Cesar ‘Corazón’ Juarez of Mexico, tentatively scheduled for October 31.

Luis Zápari, promoter of Juarez, reveals that an agreement is in place, but some details are missing, such as the television network and the venue, which is why Juárez is already preparing in Mexico City for his second championship fight.

Juarez has previously challenged for a title against Nonito Donaire in Puerto Rico and that resulted in tough defeat for him – in one of the better fights of the year.

Magdaleno (25-0, 18 KO’s), who is managed by Frank Espinoza and promoted by Top Rank, won the WBO Junior Featherweight title from Donaire in an exciting fight that he fought with a touch of intelligence and boxing ability.

“The fight is almost done, we spoke to the promoter, the fighters have agreed and only the signatures are missing. There are details to solve but it seems that the most important thing is already done,” Zápari said to ESPN Deportes. “The fight will take place in the United States, but that’s no problem because Cesar will go anywhere to fight for the championship.”

Magdaleno’s first defense was made in April when he knocked out Adeilson Dos Santos of Brazil at the Stub Hub in Carson, California, in two rounds, and now it is now time for him to satisfy the mandatory fight against the highest ranked challenger as ordered by the WBO.

Juarez, meanwhile, is 20-5 with 15 KOs, and would arrive with a three-win streak after being beaten by Donaire in December 2015 and then by Giovanni Delgado unexpectedly in March 2016.

However, he recovered by knocking out top rated Filipino Albert Pagara.

If a deal is reached, there is a big possibility that the fight will be broadcast on ESPN, thanks to the agreement reached by the legendary promoter Bob Arum and the international sports channel.

www.boxingscene.com/jessie-magdaleno-vs-cesar-juarez-clash-close-october–118775?print_friendly=1

By Miguel Rivera

The postponement of Felix Verdejo’s title fight does not mean that he will leave the gym entirely.

Ricky Marquez, coach and manager of the Puerto Rican pugil, said yesterday that he will not stop his pupil’s training regime and that he will keep abreast of the injury of Terry ‘Turbo’ Flanagan, lightweight champion (135 pounds) of the World Boxing (WBO).

“We continue to work and train to see what comes next,” Marquez told Carlos Gonzalez. “We are going to wait for the WBO to make its protocol according to the situation and if there is a fight that arises, an eliminator or maybe some regional title fight, we will look at it. For me, the important thing is that Felix stays as active as possible.”

Last Monday it was reported that Flanagan suffered a leg injury. The combat, originally scheduled for September 16, however, was postponed for a future date to be determined.

For Márquez, the change is not cause for concern.

“Felix has the focus and concentration to do the job. As every athlete wants to compete,” he said.

He also did not rule out the plan to move to Big Bear, California, to complete part of the training program at the gym of Abel Sánchez, whose main pupil is Gennady Golovkin.

“I would not know at this point because we do not yet have everything to make that decision. If a fight arises soon between August and September, I do not rule out Felix going to California,” said Marquez.

“It all depends on whether they tell us when the fight would be … when they give us a safe date.”

On the other hand, Márquez expressed caution regarding the alleged injury of Flanagan and hopes that the WBO receives the document that certifies the same.

“From what I understand, there was dissatisfaction on the part of Flanagan’s representatives. It is a coincidence that the injury happened so fast. It generates suspicion. I can beieve that it is a genuine injury because Flanagan is a warrior, but from I understand it is purely a matter of business,” said Marquez.

Even Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, president of the WBO, said yesterday that he had not received the medical certificate with details of the Flanagan injury.

“We had problems with the internet service during the past few days, so we have not yet been able to verify if we received it,” Valcárcel concluded.

www.boxingscene.com/verdejo-stay-busy-flanagan-situation-sorted-out–118799?print_friendly=1

MAZATLAN, Mexico – The super middleweight world champion of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, will travel to Los Angeles, on Sunday, where he will continue the training camp for the second defense of his title against undefeated American Jesse ‘Hard Work’ Hart.

The Ramírez vs. Hart showdown will be held on September 22 in Tucson, Arizona. Which leaves a space of two months, enough time for Ramirez to reach the level required for a world championship fight.

“The strongest stage of preparation has already arrived, to travel out to Los Angeles to start [the full camp]. I am very focused on this fight and the truth is I am very motivated by the opponent. I hope give the fans a good spectacle and I hope that Hart comes out to fight, as we are Mexicans.”

Both boxers will stake their undefeated records. The champion marches in with a record of 35 wins with 24 knockouts, while his challenger has 22 wins with 18 knockouts.

From the moment the contest was confirmed, Ramirez and his team went to work and made a game plan focused on what they know and what they have seen from Hart. They want to prevent Hart from using his style of evasive boxing – which they believe he uses to slow down the pace of his fights and avoid any toe to toe contact.

“We have studied him for two years. We have followed him during his trajectory and we have been looking at the progress that he’s had. He is a fighter that stays away a lot from his opponent. He doesn’t box in there – he runs. We already have the plan set down. We’re working on it and the fight is going to be interesting because of the size of both of us… he’s tall, so am I, so he won’t be able to run,” Ramirez said.

www.boxingscene.com/gilberto-ramirez-i-let-jesse-hart-run-i-want-him-fight–118758?print_friendly=1

Two weeks ago, Australian Jeff Horn pulled off a shock welterweight title victory over Manny Pacquiao – but there was a lot of controversy over the scorecards [115-113, 115-113, 117-111] and there were many who felt Pacquiao should have been the victor.

As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, the World Boxing Organization reviewed the fight with five independent judges and they declared Horn the clear winner.

The WBO — which does not have the power to reverse a decision unless fraud or law violations are proven — set up a panel of independent and anonymous judges who were asked to watch the bout without sound and determine who won each round.

The results were tabulated to show clearly the rounds each fighter won using an average scale based on 60, 80 and 100 percent, with three of the five officials needing to be in agreement.

A similar method has been used to review WBO title fights before.

“Upon the analysis, the findings stated that Pacquiao won the 3rd, the 8th and 9th by 100 percent; the 5th round was won by 80 percent; and the 11th round by 60 percent,” the WBO said in a statement.

“Horn won the 1st, 6th and 12th rounds by 100 percent; rounds 2, 4, and 7 by 80 percent; and then, the 10th round by 60 percent. From the results, it can be established that Pacquiao won five rounds while Horn won seven rounds. Based on this analysis, Jeff Horn was the winner of the bout.”

The loss sparked calls in the Philippines for the 38-year-old Pacquiao, a national icon after rising from poverty to be considered one of the greatest fighters of his generation, to retire and concentrate on politics.

Pacquiao briefly quit boxing last year to pursue his long-held political ambitions and was elected senator. But he quickly made a successful comeback against Jessie Vargas in November, saying he still felt like a youngster.

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum said the result of the World Boxing Organization’s review “doesn’t settle anything.”

“First of all they didn’t [rule] that Jeff Horn clearly won the fight. They (WBO) had five judges scoring the fight: three had Horn winning narrowly, one had it at draw, one had Pacquiao winning,” Arum told News To Go in an interview.

“Well it doesn’t settle anything. It was a very close fight. It could have been scored either way. I had Manny winning the fight by one point, but you know when it gets that close, the fight can go either way.”

“Manny has to decide what he wants to do in the future and we’ll take it from there. I will see whether he really wants to do a rematch, whether he wants to continue boxing, or whether because of his senatorial duty, he is unable to continue.”

Photo Credit:  Getty Images

www.boxingscene.com/arum-reacts-wbo-backing-horn-shocker-over-pacquiao–118387?print_friendly=1

Jeff Horn has welcomed a World Boxing Organisation review that has concluded he was the true victor of his welterweight title fight against Manny Pacquiao.

The 29-year-old Australian said it was “super timing” as he prepared to board a flight to the United States, where he is set to meet some of the biggest critics of his contentious points win over Pacquiao at the ESPY Awards on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.

“It gives me evidence behind me that I can just use now. Instead of saying I think I won the fight, now a heap of other people – professionally – think I won the fight,” Horn told reporters at Brisbane Airport on Tuesday morning.

A WBO statement declared that Horn won seven rounds to Pacquiao’s five and was a rightful winner. Five independent judges reviewed the fight, watching without sound, and delivered their decision.

Horn and Filipino veteran Pacquiao squared off in a hyped-up fight at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium last week, with the Australian underdog being named the winner in a points decision after 12 rounds of boxing failed to produce a knockout result. The result from the judges was a unanimous win to Horn — with the scores coming in at 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113 — but many of those watching, including Pacquiao’s camp, were outraged at the result.

The controversy led the WBO to re-score the fight, but once again, Horn has been named the winner after the results were released on Tuesday morning

“The Jeff Horn vs. Manny Pacquiao bout results were controversial causing disputes amongst fans. For this reason, transparency is so important,” the WBO said in a statement on its website.

“The WBO does not have power to reverse the judges’ decision based on discretion as it can only be revoked when fraud or a violation of law has occurred, which is not relevant in this case. Based on this, five anonymous, competent judges from different countries were asked to watch the bout without sound.

“From the results, it can be established that Pacquiao won five rounds while Horn won seven rounds… Based on this analysis, Jeff Horn was the winner of the bout.”

www.boxingscene.com/jeff-horn-applauds-wbo-now-i-evidence-back-my-win–118371?print_friendly=1

Tampa, FL: NABO welterweight Champion “Hurricane” Sammy Valentin and challenger Giovanni “Gallo de Oro” Santillan went face to face at press conference at the Children’s Cancer Center in anticipation of their clash of this Friday, July 7th at the A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa, Florida. Valentin, 22, a Bay Area Title hopeful of puertorrican heritage, is ranked #9 by the WBO and has a record of 12-0-9 KO’s. Santillan, 25, hails from San Diego, California of Mexican roots is a former NABF Champion and spots an unblemished record of 21-0-11 KO’s. This battle between undefeated prospects is schedule for 10 rounds with Valentin’s title at stake. 
 
Also on hand WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel who will supervise the bout, took the opportunity and made a $3,000.00 dollar donation on behalf of the organization to the Children’s Cancer Center for the second year in a row. This years donation was made in memory of former WBO ratings chairman Luis Perez who passed away last December 28 after battling with the disease.
 
In a special attraction local female sensation Noemi “La Rebelde” Bosques will face Sonia Osorio in another classic battle between Puerto Rico and Mexico schedule for 6 rounds in the super flyweight division.
 
5 more fights on the card. Doors open at 7PM, first fight 8:00 PM. The A La Carte Pavilion is located @ 4050 Dana Shore Drive, Tampa, FL. For Information and Tickets call 813-454-7800. Valentin Vs. Santillan is presented by Tuto Zabala’s Jr., All Star Boxing, Inc in association with Thompson Boxing and will be televised live at 11:35 PM by the Telemundo Network.

By Cliff Rold

The road show is nothing new for a star on the wane.

With his numbers down from what they were in the States, if still strong for most fighters, Manny Pacquiao is hitting the road this weekend (Saturday, ESPN, 9 PM PST/6 PM PST). Pacquiao is fighting outside the US and it’s hard to argue with the business results. The Suncorp Stadium in Australia is going to look great on the broadcast.

Will Pacquiao look great too?

Much of that will come down to the question: who is Jeff Horn?

Anonymous to even most hardcore fight followers, Horn didn’t even turn professional until after the fourth fateful battle between Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. There are some recognizable names on his record, faded versions of Randall Bailey and Ali Funeka, but none of them give him recognition yet.

He’ll determine whether he can attain that Saturday night.

Let’s go the report card.

The Ledgers

Manny Pacquiao
Age: 38
Current Titles: WBO Welterweight (2016-Present, 1st Attempted Defense)
Previous Titles: Lineal/WBC World Flyweight (1998-99, 1 Defense); IBF Super Bantamweight) 2001-03, 4 Defenses); Lineal/Ring World Featherweight (2003-05, 2 Defenses); Lineal/Ring/WBC World Jr. Lightweight (2008); WBC Lightweight (2008-09); Lineal/Ring World Jr. Welterweight (2009-10); WBC Light Middleweight (2010); WBO Welterweight, (2009-12, 3 Defenses; 2014-15, 1 Defense); TBRB/Lineal Welterweight (2016; Retired)
Height: 5’5 ½
Weight: 146 lbs.
Hails from: General Santos City, Cotabato del Sur, Philippines
Record: 59-6-2, 38 KO, 3 KOBY
Rankings: #1 (BoxingScene, TBRB, ESPN, Boxing Monthly, BoxRec); #4 (Ring)
Record in Major Title Fights: 20-3-2, 11 KO, 1 KOBY (including Lineal title Fights)
Current/Former World Champions/Titlists Faced: Chatchai Sasakul KO8; Medgoen Singsurat TKO3; Lehlo Ledwaba KO6; Agapito Sanchez Tech. Draw 6; Jorge Eliecer Julio TKO2; Marco Antonio Barrera TKO11, UD12; Juan Manuel Marquez D12, SD12, MD12, KO by 6; Erik Morales L12, TKO10, KO3; Oscar Larios UD12; David Diaz TKO9; Oscar De La Hoya RTD8; Ricky Hatton KO2; Miguel Cotto TKO12; Joshua Clottey UD12; Antonio Margarito UD12; Shane Mosley UD12; Timothy Bradley L12, UD12, UD12; Brandon Rios UD12; Chris Algieri UD12; Floyd Mayweather L12; Jessie Vargas UD12

Vs.

Jeff Horn
Age: 29
Current Titles/Previous Titles: None
Height: 5’9
Weight: 147 lbs.
Hails from: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Record: 16-0-1, 11 KO
Rankings: Unrated
Record in Major Title Fights: 1st Title Opportunity
Current/Former World Champions/Titlists Faced: Randall Bailey RTD7

Grades
Pre-Fight: Speed – Pacquiao A-; Horn B
Pre-Fight: Power – Pacquiao B+; Horn B
Pre-Fight: Defense – Pacquiao B+; Horn B-
Pre-Fight: Intangibles – Pacquiao A; Horn B

If Horn is going to win, his feet and a tricky right hand will be his deliverance. He’s not as fast as Pacquiao, not even this older version. Horn does have canny timing with the right; he throws it straight and as a timed looping lead. The challenger also has a good, hard, straight jab. He can sit down inside but, at least in his last few fights, seems to feel more comfortable using his feet to create space.

He’s going to need space with Pacquiao.

While he throws far less than he did in his prime, sometimes closer to half of what he did against the like of Miguel Cotto or Antonio Margarito many years ago, Pacquiao is still effective in picking spots and stringing together combinations. His feet are also still an asset, allowing him to get in and out and around younger foes.

Along with his talent, there is a reservoir of experience opponents have to overcome. There is a reason all three of Pacquiao’s clean losses since 1999 have been to first ballot Hall of Fame talent.

Both guys can be hit. Horn has decent head movement but against Funeka and Bailey he seemed wide open for the jab at times. Pacquiao, the shorter man, may find an advantage there from his southpaw stance. Horn will have a height edge and could try to muscle Pacquiao when they get in close but he’d be open to the body. Funeka put Horn down with a sharp body shot in their fight.

In terms of intangibles, one guy is Pacquiao and one is a guy fighting a live, world-class talent for the first time. What we’ve seen so far from Horn is promising but he’s fighting someone unlike anything he’s seen to date. To his credit, when he was down he got up and won. He’s handled a cut. Adversity isn’t a stranger.

How much adversity will Pacquiao provide? Is this the night where he finally creeps towards the boxing rocking chair? His performances against Bradley and Vargas last year indicate he’s still got a lot left. It’s up to Horn to prove he can top the efforts of those two more proven foes. 

The Pick

Watching his last three fights, it was hard to shake the thought that Horn wouldn’t even belong in the ring with a prime Manny Pacquiao. This isn’t a prime Pacquiao and still nothing about Horn suggests he’s in league with the last two men Pacquiao defeated. It’s hard to gauge before any fight just what youth, hunger, and a massive hometown crowd can mean but based on talent, Pacquiao would have to be greatly receded from where he was when last we saw him to be defeated here. He’s faster, even at 38, hits harder, and has a far more expansive offensive repertoire. His combination punching should more than offset Horn’s over reliance on the right hand and Pacquiao’s body work will bring his hands down. Horn might last the route on guts but Pacquiao is the pick to win. 

www.boxingscene.com/manny-pacquiao-jeff-horn-pre-fight-report-card–118077?print_friendly=1

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion and the only sitting Senator to capture a world championship belt, will add another first to his burgeoning list of Hall of Fame-caliber accomplishments with his live debut on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (also streaming live on the ESPN app) on Saturday, July 1 at 10:00 p.m. ET. 

The fight will be called ringside by ESPN commentators Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas. 

They will be joined by guest analyst Timothy Bradley, Jr., a former two-division world champion recently trained by Teddy Atlas who has met Pacquiao three times in the ring, winning their first match in a decision. ESPN Deportes will pair Jorge Eduardo Sanchez and Juan Manuel Márquez to call the main event in Spanish, with prefight commentary from Pablo Viruega, Leopoldo Gonzalez, Claudia Trejos and Juan Manuel Márquez.

Pacquiao, the Boxing Writers Association of America’s reigning Fighter of the Decade, will defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown against undefeated No. 1 contender and Brisbane’s favorite son Jeff “The Hornet” Horn at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia. 

This will be the first time Pacquiao has not fought on pay-per-view since Sept. 10, 2005, when he stopped Hector Velazquez in the sixth round — 12 years and four weight divisions ago.

ESPN’s coverage of “The Battle of Brisbane” will begin on Friday, June 30th, and includes live coverage of the Pacquiao and Horn weigh-in at 7 p.m. ET within SportsCenter on ESPN and within Golpe a Golpe on ESPN Deportes.  During the week of June 26, classic Pacquiao fights will also be available on demand and streaming via the ESPN app, on both ESPN and ESPN Deportes, including Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton (5/2/2009), Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Márquez (11/12/11) and Pacquiao vs. Tim Bradley (4/12/14).

The July 1 telecast will also feature Irish Olympic hero Michael Conlan (2-0, 2 KOs), from Belfast, in a six-round featherweight bout against Jarrett “Juarez” Owen (5-4-3, 2 KOs), of Brisbane, and International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight world champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas (24-1-1, 16 KOs), of Cavite City, Philippines, defending his title against top-rated contender Teiru Kinoshita (25-1-1, 8 KOs), of Kobe, Japan.  The live telecast will open with an eight-round middleweight rumble between Shane Mosley, Jr. (10-1, 7 KOs), of Pomona, Calif. and son of former three-division world champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley, and David Toussaint (10-0, 8 KOs), of Canberra, Australia.

     

www.boxingscene.com/photos-pacquiao-horn-go-face-face-final-presser–117975?print_friendly=1

In days, international icon and megastar boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will defend his world welterweight title in his first fight that will not be broadcast on Pay-Per-View [Pay-Per-Event] since 2005.

This Saturday, the ‘Pacman’ will risk his belt against undefeated Australian contender Jeff Horn in a bout that will reach a much wider audience, as it will be televised from coast to coast in the United States at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes in Mexico by Azteca 7, La Casa del Boxing. .

Pacquiao and Horn played the world championship welterweight World Boxing Organization (WBO) in the main event of the historic event ‘Battle of Brisbane’ to be held before a record crowd of over 55,000 fans abarrotarán Suncorp Stadium of city located east of Australia.

“It will be exciting fight before more than 60,000 fans and the hometown of my opponent. That gives me more motivation to focus and get the win,” Pacquiao said.

“I’m not underestimating. I did my job and I trained hard for this fight. If he based his homework at my fights with Marquez, that’s good for me. We will give a good show for the fans,” said the fighter who will go for win No. 60 out of his legendary career.

The senator also the only eight-division world champion in boxing history was extremely pleased with the news that his fight will be televised on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

“I am very happy that this fight will be broadcast live in the United States on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Now everyone can see my fight. That’s good for boxing. ”

Meanwhile, Horn (16-0-1, 11 KOs), of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, will come into this fight having won his last three fights – all in 2016 – before Ali Funkea, Rico Mueller and Randall Bailey, on the fast track. Horn is world ranked No. 2 by the WBO and the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

“I think I have a style which Pacquiao has not faced. I think you’ll have trouble with my style. I’m bigger than him. He may be faster, but I’m pretty fast too. What I can connect with a straight right and nobody knows what can happen, “said the Australian who was inspired by the withering right hand with which the Mexican Juan Manuel” Dinamita “Marquez knocked out Pacquiao.” I’m very excited and I can not wait to to the day of the fight. I’m ready for war. I do not have much more to do. I’m saving energy and nerves for the day that I need, which is the day of the fight. ”

Transmission of July 1 will also present the Irish Olympic hero Michael Conlan (2-0, 2 KOs), of Belfast, in a six-round featherweight bout against Jarrett “Juarez” Owen (5-4-3, 2 KOs) , Brisbane and world champion junior bantamweight IBF [International Boxing Federation (IBF)] Jerwin “Pretty Boy” [Pretty Boy] Ancajas (24-1-1, 16 KOs), of Cavite City, Philippines, defending his title against challenger. Teiru Kinoshita (25-1-1, 8 KOs), of Kobe, Japan. The live broadcast will begin with a middleweight bout over eight rounds Shane Mosley, Jr. (10-1, 7 KOs), of Pomona, California son of world champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley and David Toussaint (10-0, 8 KOs), Canberra, Australia.

www.worldboxingnews.net/2017/06/29/news/pacquiao-horn-ready-to-rumble-in-brisbane

170614 Avtandil Khurtsidze Resolution

 

WORLD BOXING ORGANIZATION

Luis Batista Salas, Esq.

Chairman WBO

RESOLUTION

On June 8th, the World Boxing Organization Championship Committee in accordance with Rule 19 of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests, sent a ‘show cause letter’ to WBO Interim Middleweight Champion Avtandil Khurtsidze through his Promoter, Lou Dibella, Dibella Entertainment, giving him five (5) days from the date of the notice of why the Committee should not recommend to the WBO Executive Committee that Mr. Khurtsidze’s title be vacated. No answer was received.

The Committee having examined all facts concerning the current status of the WBO Interim Middleweight Championship of Avtandil Khurtsidze, having requested that he show cause why his WBO Interim Middleweight Championship should not be vacated, and being fully advised in the Premises, hereby resolves and hereby recommends the following resolution to the WBO Executive Board:

The WBO Executive Board having received the Resolution of the WBO World Championship Committee hereby determines and resolves:

WHEREAS, Avtandil Khurtsidze won the WBO Interim Middleweight Championship on April 22, 2017, and;

WHEREAS, under the terms and conditions of the WBO Interim Middleweight Championship Avtandil Khurtsidze was ordered to fight for the WBO Middleweight Championship with WBO Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders in London, England on July 8, 2017, and;

WHEREAS, Avtandil Khurtsidze is unavailable to complete his responsibilities as WBO Interim Champion to contest the Championship and that sanctioned and scheduled contest was cancelled for reasons unrelated to Avtandil Khurtsidze’s WBO Participation.

Page 1 of 2 Resolution – Avtandil Khurtsidze

NOW THEREFORE, it is resolved that Avtandil Khurtsidze’s WBO Interim Middleweight Championship is hereby vacated.

Avtandil Khurtsidze is notified that this is a final determination of the WBO and under the WBO World Championship Rules that his sole appeal is an appeal to the WBO Complaints and Grievance Committee, which must be commenced by written complaint to the WBO within 10 days of this date, after which it will be final without further recourse.

Dated at San Juan, Puerto Rico this June 14, 2017

Respectfully submitted,

By: Luis Batista Salas, Esq.

Chairman

WBO Championship Committee

170608 Avtandil Khurtsidze Show Cause

WORLD   BOXING ORGANIZATION

Luis Batista Salas, Esq.

Chairman

WBO Championship Committee                

 

June 8, 2017

 

WBO Interim Middleweight Champion Avtandil Khurtsidze

C/o Lou DiBella Dibella Entertainment lou@dbe1.com

 

Re:  Request to WBO Interim Champion Avtandil Khurtsidze to Show Cause why his WBO Interim Middleweight Championship Should NOT be vacated per WBO Rule 19.

 

Dear WBO Interim Champion Khurtsidze:

 

It has come to the attention of the WBO World Championship Committee that you have been charged and arrested in a Federal Prosecution in the Southern District of New York, in the United State of America in a case entitled United States v. Shulaya, et al.  A link to the details of the Charge is:

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/members-and-associates-russian-crime-syndicatearrested-racketeering-extortion-robbery

 

You were obligated by the terms of your Interim Championship attained on April 22, 2017 to contest the WBO Middleweight Championship with WBO Middleweight Champion Billy Joel Saunders,  and this contest was sanctioned by the WBO and scheduled for July 8, 2017 in the Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Hackney Wick, London, England, United Kingdom.

You are reminded that WBO World Championship Rule 19 provides:

              “SECTION 19.  FAILURE OF THE CHAMPION TO COMPLY WITH THE                 TERMS OF A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CONTRACT OR THE WORLD                 CHAMPIONSHIP RULES

                 (a) If a World Champion fails to comply with his contractual obligation to fight in                   a WBO World Championship bout without justifiable cause, or is determined by                   a Host Commission, a licensing commission, or other wise has tested positive for                   an illegal or any performance enhancing drug, or  fails to inform the WBO of                           fails to inform the WBO of any medical condition, impairment or any other                             circumstance which jeopardizes his participation in a WBO World                                             Championship contest, or if a Champion or any of his team members misleads,                     attempts to mislead, or petitions a Local Boxing Commission to illegally or                             incorrectly license said Champion, the Committee may recommend to the WBO                     President and to the Executive Committee that the fighter be stripped of the title                   and that the title be declared vacant.

Your WBO World Championship Committee asks that you show cause, within 5 days of this Notice, why action pursuant to Rule 19 should not be taken based on your unexcused cancellation of your World Championship Contest on July 8, 2017. If your answer is not received within the stipulated timeframe, the WBO Championship Committee will recommend that the WBO Executive Committee strip the title immediately without further ado and with no further recourse.

Please also be advised that the WBO has been contacted by the World press asking for our reaction to reports that you have been charged with serious Federal Crimes.  We gave and no reaction to the accusations in the indictment.  Please be advised, however, that any involvement by a WBO Participant with illegal activities would be considered a much more serious matter to your WBO World Championship Committee, and additional inquiries by the Committee may be required.  

This request to show cause is limited to the report that you cancelled your WBO World Championship July 8, 2017 without good cause in violation of Rule 19.  Please limit your response to that issue.  

Respectfully submitted,

 

WBO World Championship Committee

170608 Avtandil Khurtsidze Show Cause

crawford-indongo

By Tamas Pradarics

It seems the possibility of a Terence Crawford vs Julius Indongo junior-welterweight super fight has got a second wind. The idea of such a match-up was born in the minds of boxing fans when IBF/IBO 140-pound champ Indongo (21-0, 8 KO’s) travelled to Glasgow, Scotland to unifiy with WBA titlist Ricky Burns (41-6-1, 14 KO’s) this last April.

With Crawford having the rest of the titles in the division and all-belt unifications are an absolute rarity in pugilism, at least in the last couple of decades, expectations were through the roof after Namibian Indongo’s masterful performance over the more accomplished Burns in a one-sided twelve-round unanimous decision win.

Unfortunately the International Boxing Federation announced shortly after the bout that Indongo has to face his mandatory, Sergey Lipinets next.

Talks about a potential Crawford-Indongo showdown cooled off by the statement and the match-up was believed a no-go until this last Saturday night. Fans at the legendary Madison Square Garden and in front of television sets watching HBO World Championship Boxing recognized the Namibian fighter in the crowd during WBC/WBO champ Crawford’s recent title defense against Dominican Felix Diaz.

Later in the telecast Jim Lampley, blow-by-blow commentator of HBO did mention Indongo’s name more then once as a possible future opponent for Terence Crawford.

The undefeated Omaha-native himself told during his post-fight interview following his win over Diaz that he is willing to face Indongo next.

BoxingScene.com reached out to the Namibian fighter’s response regarding such a super fight.

”Firstly, I would like to congratulate Crawford for an amazing victory over Diaz. He is a real champion and worthy of my praise. He showed real character and skill and that is what brings out the best in me against any opponent in the ring. My team and I flew 20 hours from Namibia just to come and watch his fight and I am ready to face him,” told Indongo.

Namibian promoter Nestor Tobias, who also serves as the trainer of his world champion protegee, believes that a showdown between Crawford and Indongo is really what the fans want to see.

”We are willing to make [that bout] happen provided the Crawford camp feels the same,” stated Tobias, who added they have a number of plan B’s if negotiations with Top Rank would fall through on Crawford-Indongo.

”Another likely option [for Julius] is Adrien Broner among others, but we will keep our options open and go for the most competitive fight for ourselves and the fans.”

The winner of a potential Crawford-Indongo super fight would only be the third fighter since the founding of the World Boxing Organizations in 1988 to hold all four belts at the same time in any division.

Boxing aficionados all over the world are dreaming about this fight. Let’s hope it comes true.

www.boxingscene.com/julius-indongo-ready-fight-terence-crawford-broner-too–116890?print_friendly=1

golovkin-canelo (3)

By Miguel Rivera

Francisco Valcarcel, president of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), believes Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya picked the perfect moment to finalize the showdown between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs) and Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs).

Canelo will challenge Golovkin for the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC middleweight titles on September 16th, during Mexican Independence Day weekend.

Fans have been asking for this fight for at least two years and the anticipation is sky high. The event is expected by everyone to be the biggest in boxing for 2017 – and the biggest since Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao fought in May 2015.

Canelo is technically still the WBO junior middleweight champion – although the boxer has made it clear that he’s never coming back to 154. His most recent fight, on May 6th, took place at a catch-weight of 164.5-pounds against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

“I think Oscar played it masterfully. He waited for the moment when Golovkin looks like he’s starting to get hit. Canelo is on the way up and was crowned the Mexican star with the victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.,” said Valcarcel to Jose Sanchez.

“It’s the ideal moment for boxing and the ideal economic moment for the fight. I think De La Hoya learned a lot from [his former promoter Bob] Arum and Arum is the master in that, combining the economic aspect and boxing.”

Veteran trainer and cutman Miguel Diaz, however, partially differed from Valcárcel’s opinion. He picks Golovkin to win the contest, but not with a knockout. Diaz expects a twelve round decision win.

“Between Canelo and Golovkin, I favor Golovkin even though he did not look very well in finishing his last fight with Daniel Jacobs,” Diaz said. “Gennady is a complete fighter and very strong. But I do not see a knockout. I see him winning by decision. ”

golovkin-canelo (3)

http://www.boxingscene.com/wbo-prez-de-la-hoya-picked-perfect-moment-canelo-golovkin–116628?print_friendly=1

MIERCOLES 10 DE MAYO
-11:30 AM – ENTRENAMIENTO ABIERTO AL PÚBLICO
EL MAESTRO BOXING GYM
1300 Southern Blvd
Bronx, NY 10459
Contactos:
Juan ‘Toño’ De León
Tel: (716)830-2334
Coto Talavera
Tel: (917) 459-1854
NOCHE DE CAMPEONES DIRECTV “INVICTOS” ACOSTA VS. TANAKA es presentado por Miguel Cotto Promotions, H2 Entertainment.  En asociación con Gasolina Party In A Pouch, Casino Metro, Ahorro Muebles, Ciclón Energy Drink, Restaurant Raíces, Everlast y Periódico La Cordillera. 

THE FUNERAL WILL BE HELD ON MAY 12TH AT 1:00PM:

WHITNEY MURPHY FUNERAL HOME

4800 E INDIAN SCHOOL ROAD

PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85018

PHONE: 602-840-5600

Rudy Juan Paz, 78, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away at 5:03 AM, Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Serene Valley Quality Assisted Living in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was born May 27, 1938 in El Paso, Texas, to Alfredo and Ofelia Paz.

His parents and his older brother Fred Paz predecease Rudy. His wife Terry Quayle Hicks Paz of 15 years survives Rudy.

Rudy is lovingly remembered by his wife Terry; his sister Mary Lou Renteria of McAllen, Texas; half-brother Triny Paz of El Paso, Texas; his son Craig Paz of Snowflake, Arizona, and his children Makara, Kaitlyn, Kassy, Shayley, Kayley, and Wesley; son Mark Paz of Phoenix, Arizona, and his daughter Lily; son Matthew (Christy) Paz of Cornville, Arizona and their children Brady, Brody, Bradley, and Brawley; his three great grandchildren, 3 nieces, and 3 nephews; and stepchildren.

Rudy Graduated from Ysleta High School in 1957 in El Paso, Texas and then went on to attend Texas Western College, now known as the University of Texas in El Paso. After leaving Texas he made his way to Colorado and played for the New York Yankees farm baseball team until an injury put him on the sidelines. He then moved to Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University.

Rudy first worked for the city of Phoenix as their E.E.O.C. Coordinator. He then went on to work at Mountain Bell/U.S. West as the Affirmative Action Coordinator, and then in Human Resources until his retirement. At that time he was also was appointed Commissioner for the Arizona Boxing Commission. After retirement, he worked as a corporate fundraiser for United Way, was a board member and appointed Commissioner traveling the world for the World Boxing Organization (W.B.O.) for more than 20 years, and then served as president of North American W.B.O.

Rudy not only contributed to the community, but was also never one to remain idle and participated within the community by working as a director/board member of Anytown Leadership Camp from the 1980’s through to the mid 1990’s, on hiring boards and committees for several organizations in Arizona, long time member and president of M.A.G.A. (Mexican American Golf Association), he also worked at Mr. Lucky’s and owned and operated Molly Brown’s Restaurant and Disco in the early ’80s, was a member of the Phoenix Jaycee’s, director of Alma de la Gente Fiestas, played a large role in bringing Pope John Paul to Phoenix in 1987, was a member of the Greater Phoenix West Coast Swing Dance Club for more than 35 years and was the first to be inducted into the club’s hall of fame.

WBO LOGO

BENEDETTO MONTELLA

1941 – 2017

LA ORGANIZACIÓN MUNDIAL DE BOXEO EXPRESA SUS MÁS SENTIDAS CONDOLENCIAS POR LA ENORME PERDIDA QUE ATRAVIESA MATTEO Y SU FAMILIA.  NOS UNIMOS EN ORACIÓN PARA QUE RECIBAN LA FORTALEZA NECESARIA PARA SOBRELLEVAR SU DOLOR.

QUE DESCANSE EN PAZ!

 

FRANCISCO VALCARCEL, ESQ.

PRESIDENTE

arum-loma-596x400 Photos: Mikey Williams/Top Rank –

Undefeated champions and 2012 Ukrainian Olympic medalists Vasyl Lomachenko, Oleksandr Usyk and Oleksandr Gvozdyk hosted a media workout at World Boxing Gymnasium in Oxnard, Calif. on Tuesday. All three are in deep training for their title defenses, which will take place Saturday, April 8, at The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD.

Lomachenko (7-1, 5 KOs) will be defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight world title against former World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight world champion Jason “El Canito” Sosa (20-1-4, 15 KOs). 2012 Olympic gold medalist Usyk (11-0, 10 KOs) will be defending his WBO cruiserweight world title against Top-10 contender Mike Hunter (12-0, 8 KOs). 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Gvozdyk (12-0, 10 KOs) will be defending his NABF light heavyweight title against Yuniesky Gonzalez (18-2, 14 KOs). 

Vasyl Lomachenko: “Jason Sosa is very strong, is motivated, wants to win and he can fight all of the twelve rounds. It will be a hard fight. That I know.

“My top 3 pound for pound list is GGG, Kovalev and Crawford. I don’t want to be number one until I deserve it. That means fighting and winning against two or three world champions. After that I may be Number One but for sure not now.

“I like the weight division I am in. I have no problems making weight. I am not that anxious to leave my division and not sure I will ever fight at 140. It’s hard to look ahead but right now I am comfortable in my division where I have plenty of champions to fight against.”

Oleksandr Gvozdyk: “I am going into a serious fight against Yuniesky Gonzalez. He is strong, experienced, puts pressure on you, tries to drive you into the ropes. He’s a tough guy and I have to deal with him. I work hard every single day trying to be the best in my division.”

Alexsandr Usyk: “I have watched video of Michael Hunter and have a good idea of what he is all about. It’s going to be a great fight. As an amateur I was trained by the best – Anatoly Lomachenko – just look at who he has produced as great professional fighters.”

Lomachenko, Usyk and Gvozdyk were joined at their media workout by two-time Lithuanian Olympian “Mean Machine” Egidijus Kavaliauskas, who will be on the April 8 non-televised undercard in a six-round welterweight bout.

“Mean Machine” Egidijus Kavaliauskas: “I do get real mean the moment I leave the locker room, walk up the ring steps and get onto the canvas. And this is going to a big year for me. I am getting closer to my goal, a world title fight.”

The event has been sold out for weeks. Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions, K2 Promotions, K2 Promotions Ukraine, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Kiddar, the three title fights will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

arum-loma22.jpg-nggid0557594-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma01.jpg-nggid0557614-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma05.jpg-nggid0557612-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma06.jpg-nggid0557613-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma08.jpg-nggid0557606-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma09.jpg-nggid0557607-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma10.jpg-nggid0557608-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma11.jpg-nggid0557601-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma12.jpg-nggid0557602-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma15.jpg-nggid0557595-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma16.jpg-nggid0557596-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma17.jpg-nggid0557597-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma18.jpg-nggid0557598-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma19.jpg-nggid0557599-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma20.jpg-nggid0557600-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma21.jpg-nggid0557593-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010  arum-loma02.jpg-nggid0557609-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma04.jpg-nggid0557611-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010 arum-loma03.jpg-nggid0557610-ngg0dyn-180x120x100-00f0w010c011r110f110r010t010

www.fightnews.com/Boxing/lomachenko-usyk-gvozdyk-workout-398592/nggallery/page/2

JS76417270

The World Boxing Organisation today sanctioned the bout between Liam Smith and Liam Williams for the WBO interim super-welterweight world title. Smith and Williams’ showdown will take place at the Manchester Arena on Saturday April 8th, broadcast live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Promoter Frank Warren: “I am delighted to have delivered this opportunity for these two outstanding fighters. This fight has all the ingredients to be a fight the year contender and now, with the added prize of the interim belt, there is more than just pride on the line for both.

“It is well documented that Canelo has plans to step up in weight and that could well see the winner of this becoming a recognized world champion. It’s a great all-domestic clash that I don’t think will go the distance – they are going to come out swinging and it will be exciting while it lasts.”

Liam Smith: “I’m delighted that Frank (Warren) has delivered this opportunity,” said Smith. “I’d like to thank my management team and the WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Varcarcel for keeping faith in me. I said I would be a world champion again in 2017 and this is my opportunity. The winner of this is a world champion in waiting. I don’t think Canelo has any intention of defending the 154lbs world title.

This is a win-win situation for me. If I beat Liam Williams I’ll be in an unbelievable position again. If Canelo decides to defend his belt I think I could do a million times better against him in a rematch. It was well publicized that I had the worst training camp of my career heading into that fight. He’s a world class fighter and I want to test myself against elite fighters. If not, there are huge fights against the likes of Miguel Cotto out there for me. First and foremost I have to beat Liam Williams on April 8th.”

Liam Williams: “This is a massive opportunity for me,” said Williams. “It is a huge fight and a brilliant chance for me to propel my name to the top of the sport. This is going to be a proper fight and I’m delighted that Frank keeps on delivering these opportunities for me. There are some huge fights out there for me if I deliver on April 8th. I was already massively motivated for the Smith fight but this has given me another big boost. I’ve been working towards an opportunity like this all of my career and I’ll be bringing that belt back to Wales with me.

www. fightnews.com/Boxing/smith-williams-now-wbo-interim-jr-middleweight-title-398662#more-398662

WBO Kids Drug Free visits Panama and Colombia

Once again the WBO is proud to have had the opportunity to contribute through the Kids Drug Free program in different countries across the world. This time we visited Panama and Colombia to contribute with exemplary organizations that work every day to make a difference in the lives of many children.

Round 1: San José de Malambo Orphanage

As promised in January of this year, the WBO revisited this past Monday, March 6th, the San José de Malambo Orphanage in Panama, a non-governmental organization that looks out for children and teens in vulnerability conditions, this time with the purpose of donating backpacks that the children need to attend school.

Education is an important tool to keep children away from the streets; we sincerely admire the work done by the Sisters that run this institution and that give children here love, attention, and a chance of a better life.

panama

Photo (left to right): Julio C. Alvarado, Sister Zoila, Boxing Promoter Tutico Zabala, Director Sister Lourdes Reiss, WBO President Francisco Valcárcel and children at the San José de Malambo Orphanage

Round 2: FUNVIVIR

Our next stop on Tuesday, March 7th, was in Cartagena, Colombia, where we were received by the dedicated personnel of FUNVIVIR, a non-profit organization founded in 2006 with the purpose of assisting children battling cancer and their families who have limited resources and many necessities that become more evident when dealing with the illness and undergoing treatment. The WBO had already visited this institution back in March of 2016.

The donation was given at the Bernardo Caraballo Coliseum. This organization was picked in life by our friend and colleague Luis Pérez, who recently passed away victim of cancer; this made the activity much more meaningful for all of us.

All children battling cancer are true fighters, especially when they are faced with limitations and difficult financial realities; the WBO congratulates FUNVIVIR for their wonderful work and joins them in their noble mission to alleviate the immediate needs of these young fighterscolombia

Photo: Boxing Promoter Tutico Zabala (blue shirt), WBO President Francisco Valcárcel (center-black shirt) representatives and children of FUNVIVIR in Cartagena Colombia

WBO Kids Drug Free:

As part of our Social Responsibility Program, the World Boxing Organization takes the Kids Drug Free program to 35 countries around the world, carefully picking institutions and organizations that require different forms of assistance to continue in their job of providing the new generations with opportunities, education, health and love.