Category: Championship News

BUATSI VS. DOS SANTOS WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER

by adminChampionship News

17:15 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

4 x 2 mins International Super-Welterweight contest
ELLIS HOPKINS 11st 0lbs 8ozv BORISLAVA GORANOVA 11st 2lbs 10oz
(Leicestershire, England)            (Sofia, Bulgaria)

Followed by

18:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS/DAZN

6 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest
SOLOMON DACRES 15st 12lbs 11ozv MLADEN MANEV 16st 9lbs 0oz
(Birmingham, England)                          (Sofia, Bulgaria)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant English Super-Lightweight Title
DALTON SMITH 9st 13lbs 9oz v LEE APPLEYARD 9st 13lbs 11oz
(Sheffield, England)                     (Rotherham, England)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins European Cruiserweight Title
TOMMY MCCARTHY 14st 3lbs 4oz v ALEXANDRU JUR 14st 2lbs 7oz
(Belfast, Northern Ireland)                 (Oradea, Romania)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins European Super-Bantamweight Title 
GAMAL YAFAI 8st 9lbs 10oz v JASON CUNNINGHAM 8st 9lbs 8oz
(Birmingham, England)             (Doncaster, England)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant European Super-Middleweight Title
LERRONE RICHARDS 11st 12lbs 10oz v GIOVANNI DE CAROLIS 11st 13lbs 4oz
(New Malden, England)                             (Viterbo, Italy)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA International Light-Heavyweight Title
JOSHUA BUATSI 12st 6lbs 0ozv DANIEL BLENDA DOS SANTOS 12st 4lbs 12oz
(Croydon, England)                       (Pont-Sainte-Maxence, France)

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RICHARDS READY TO CONQUER EUROPE

by adminChampionship News
‘Sniper The Boss’ faces De Carolis for vacant crown
Lerrone Richards says he will be able to call himself a genuine world level contender if he captures the vacant European Super-Middleweight Title against former WBA World Champion Giovanni De Carolis at the AO Arena, Manchester this Saturday May 15, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the US and more than 200 countries and territories.
 
The undefeated Dave Coldwell-trained talent (14-0, 3 KOs) has cleaned up at domestic level, outpointing Tommy Langford to claim the Commonwealth and WBO International Titles in April 2019 before decisioning Birmingham’s Lennox Clarke to add the vacant British Title to his growing collection in November 2019. 
 
‘Sniper The Boss’ began life as a Matchroom fighter with a wide points decision over Time Laine at The SSE Arena, Wembley last December, and the slick 28-year-old southpaw is confident he can make an impression on the world scene once he captures the European crown against Italy’s De Carolis. 

“The European Title is a belt that I have always wanted,” said Richards. “I have always wanted to achieve things and do things the traditional way – British, Commonwealth and now European. Once I’ve won this Title then we’ll start looking above, but my main focus in on the European Title. I can’t wait to get in the ring and showcase my skills. 

“I know that Giovanni De Carolis is a former WBA Regular World Champion. He’s strong, he can box a bit and fight a bit. He can punch a little bit. It’s a good test for me. He’s very experienced as well. It’s not an easy fight – it will be a tough fight but it’s a fight that I know I am capable of winning and winning well. 

“I just focus on what I do. Whatever happens on the night, happens. You’ve got to be able to adjust in the ring and I’m very good at doing that. When it comes to fighting opponents, I do what it takes to win the easiest way possible. If I have to walk someone down for 12 rounds, trust me I’ll do that. If I have to box on the back foot, pop and move to make the fight easier, then I’ll do that.

“I’ve just been solely focused on this fight. Winning this Title does bring a lot more opportunities for me. I can officially say I’m a world level contender after this fight. I’ll be in a position for bigger fights, which I’m very excited for. With my career I’ve always believed in stepping up. Stepping up the opposition and stepping up the levels in terms of belts. I’m going to continue doing so until I retire. 

“When it comes to skillset, trust me, I’m on a higher level. You can ask a lot of these world class fighters that I’ve sparred with. They’ll tell you the same thing. With me now, it’s about gaining experience and learning at every level. When I earn my opportunity at the world level, I’ll be able to showcase my abilities and get the win.”

Richards vs. De Carolis is part of a huge night of boxing in Manchester, Joshua Buatsi (13-0, 11 KOs) fights under Virgil Hunter for the first time against unbeaten Frenchman Daniel Blenda Dos Santos (15-0, 8 KOs), three European Title fights feature on the bill with Gamal Yafai (18-1, 10 KOs) defending his Super-Bantamweight Title for the first time against Jason Cunningham (28-6, 6 KOs) and Tommy McCarthy (17-2, 18 KOs) defending his Cruiserweight crown against Romania’s Alexandru Jur (19-4, 7 KOs), Dalton Smith (7-0, 6 KOs) takes on Lee Appleyard (16-5-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant English Super-Lightweight Title, Birmingham Heavyweight Solomon Dacres makes his professional debut and Ellis Hopkins makes history when she becomes the first female from the traveller community to turn professional.
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Hassan Mwakinyo Vs Brendon Denes Title Clash Headlines Rumble in Dar 2 Live on Plus TV/FITE TV May 28th.

by adminChampionship News

Tanzania’s World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental Super Welterweight Champion Hassan Mwakinyo (18-2-0) will be back in Championship action in front of a home crowd on the 28th May 2021, when he faces Zimbabwe’s unbeaten Brendon Dene 8-0-0 for the WBC Africa (African Boxing Union) title at the Next Door Arena in Dar es Salaam on the Global Boxing Stars, The Jackson Group and Epic Sports & Entertainment co-promoted Rumble In Dar Second Edition.

Back in 2018 Mwakinyo shocked the boxing world when he sensationally stopped Great Britain’s highly ranked Sam Eggington in just one minute of the second round on the undercard of the Amir Khan vs Samuel Vargas at the Arena Birmingham.

Mwakinyo’s victory over Eggington made the headlines across the world, as the British fighter was was the reigning IBO Continental Champion.  Despite the loss Eggington went on to become crowned the IBF World Champion the following year.

Since that sensational victory over Eggington Mwakinyo has won six times, four of these wins coming by way of stoppage, and secured Championship honours; The Universal Boxing Union (UBU) International, following a second round stoppage of fellow Tanzanian Joseph Sinkala and more recently the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental crown, with a unanimous points decision over Democratic Republic of Congo’s Bebe Rico Tshibangu.

In November 2020 Mwakinyo successfully defended his WBF crown against Jose Carlos Paz, stopping the Argentinian in four rounds.

“Hassan, has so much potential and is probably one of the biggest secrets In the super welterweight division.

“He destroyed Sam Eggerton in the UK, and should have been a lot more highly rated after that fight. It’s now Hassan’s time and I’m excited to be promoting such a world class talent from Tanzania” said Scott Patrick Farrell, CEO Global Boxing Stars.

Rumble in Dar 2, headlined by Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo (18-2-0) versus Zimbabwe’s Brendon Denes (8-0-0) for the World Boxing Council (WBC) African Boxing Union Super Welterweight Championship.

The co-main event features Nigeria’s Olanrewaju Durodola (34-8-0) versus Tanzania’s Shaban Jongo (8-1-2) for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Africa Boxing Union Cruiserweight Championship.

The stellar undercard features closely matched international fights:

8 Round Heavyweight Contest:  Switzerland based Kenyan Collins Omondi (5-0-0) versus Zimbabwe’s Elvis Moyo (9-6-2)

6 Round Heavyweight Contest: Ukraine’s Ihor Shavadzutskyi (5-0-0) versus Uganda’s Shafik Kiwanuka (3-0-0)

8 Round Lightweight Contest: Tanzania’s Ibrahim Class (25-6-0) versus TBA

8 Round Super Welterweight Contest: Bulgaria’s Yosif Panov (18-3-0) versus Tanzania’s Nicolaus Mdoe (10-5-1)

4 Round Heavyweight Contest: Bulgaria’s Pencho Tsevtkov (4-0-0) versus Zimbabwe’s Simon Madhanire (1-2-1)

8 Round Super Welterweight Contest: Zambia’s Lolita Muzeya (16-0-0) versus TBA

4 Round Lightweight Contest: Bulgaria’s Joana Nwamerue (3-0-0) versus Zimbabwe’s Netsai Vaina Bondayi (2-3-1)

6 Round Heavyweight Contest: South Africa’s Ardi Ndembo (2-0-0) versus Malawi’s Alick Gogodo (4-5-0)

The second edition of the Rumble in Dar series, in association with the Tanzania Tourist Board #VisitTanzania, KCB Bank, Onomo Hotels, Urban Soul Apparel (Botswana) and M Bet, takes place at the Next Door Arena on Friday 28th May 2021 and will be broadcast live across Sub-Saharan Africa exclusively by Plus TV, which is available exclusively on DSTV channel number 294 in more than 30 African countries as well as syndicated globally to linear and digital channels (check local channel listings) and on-line on FITE.

#VisitTanzania

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WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR CANELO VS. SAUNDERS

by adminChampionship News
LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN ON SALE AT SEATGEEK.COM 
First Bell – 4.35pm CT
 
LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL ON THE MATCHROOM YOUTUBE CHANNEL 
 
4 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
 
Kelvin Davis 143.8lbs  vs      Jan Marsalek 140.4lbs
Norfolk, VA                              Pardubice, Czech Republic
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Welterweight contest
 
Christian Alan Gomez Duran 146.4lbs    vs.     Xavier Wilson 147.8lbs
Guadalajara, Mexico                                            San Antonio, TX
 
Followed by
 
6 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
 
Keyshawn Davis 138lbs        vs.     Jose Antonio Meza 138lbs
Norfolk, VA                                        Gomez Palacio, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
6 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
 
Marc Castro 132.4lbs  vs.     Irving Macias Castillo 127.6lbs
Fresno, CA                             Monterrey, Mexico
 
MAIN CARD LIVE ON DAZN FROM 7PM CT
 
10 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
 
Frank Sanchez 237.6lbs        vs. Nagy Aguilera 238.2lbs
Guantanamo, Cuba                       Houston, TX
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title
 
Kieron Conway 154lbs          vs.     Souleymane Cissokho 153.6lbs
Northampton, UK                               Bagnolet, France
 
Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBO World Light-Flyweight title
 
Elwin Soto 107.8lbs     vs.     Katsunari Takayama 107.6lbs
Baja California, Mexico            Osaka, Japan
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBC, WBA Super, WBO and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight unification
 
Canelo Alvarez   167.4lbs    vs.     Billy Joe Saunders 167.8lbs
Guadalajara, Mexico                        Hatfield, UK
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CANELO VS. SAUNDERS – QUOTES FROM FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE

by adminChampionship News
LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN ON SALE AT SEATGEEK.COM 

Canelo Alvarez
 
“I feel really thankful with the response of the people and that boxing is a sport that brings everything back to normal. I’m ready for this fight.”
 
“He’s a great fighter, he has a lot of ability and he’s a southpaw. I’m not the same fighter I was six or seven years ago, this Saturday I will show that.”
 
“I’ve been involved in a lot of big fights and this is just another day at the office. I come to win, like I said boxing is my life and I come here to win.”
 
Eddy Reynoso
 
“It’ll be a great fight, two of the best middleweight fighters in the world in front of 70,000 people – especially after the pandemic. It gives me a lot of joy and honour to be there as a Mexican in the ring.”
 
“He’s a great fighter, he’s a two-time champion for a reason. He has a good trainer, he knows how to defend, he moves around really well. We know it’s going to be a good fight on and off the ring.”
 
Billy Joe Saunders
 
“I’ve been boxing all my life, I’ve been boxing since I was five years old, I’ve dragged up – on the gypsy camps. We can all have the rough, tough talk growing up as kids. I’m here for a reason, there’s no other reasons for me to be here apart from to win. Not about fame or anything else, to win.
 
“I don’t think we’ve had somebody come to win for a very long time. We’ve had a lot of people turn up, collect cheques and fly out but we haven’t had the heart, soul and IQ that I’ll bring to the ring on Saturday night to win.
 
“I can’t talk what he’s done down, he’s done brilliant things for boxing. He’s a good champion but like I said, there’s a time in life where you get tested, sometimes when you forget where come from and forget all those hard things that’s brought you to where you’re at sometimes that can make it difficult on yourself. I think he’s going to be bumping into the wrong man Saturday night to be going home with titles. I’m looking forward to a very good fight but most definitely the win.
 
“I think I’ve been up against the crowds before; I’ve travelled as an amateur to the Olympics game at 18, there’s no bigger pressure on someone’s shoulders when they’re stepping in front of millions of people there.
 
“There’s added pressure coming for both of us for this fight because both of us don’t want to go home the loser. At the end of the day, half the Mexican people like him, half don’t, so hopefully half that don’t like him will be supporting the Gypsy boy, we’ll get it rocking and rolling. This is for all the Gypsies back home, everyone in the UK, plus half the Mexicans, get behind me.”
 
Tom Saunders
 
“He’s been boxing since he was five years old, he’s amateur pedigree is second to none. Everything is there and we’re ready for the job.
 
“This is what we’ve been waiting for, he’s trained all his life for it. We’ve left no stone unturned and on fight night you’re going to see something special. There’s only one winner, that’s Billy Joe Saunders.
 
“I’ve been speaking to a lot of people back home and the UK’s right behind him. There’s a lot of gypsy magic in this fight, there’s a spell been cast so we’ll definitely see something special.”
 
Elwin Soto
 
“I’m very happy for this opportunity, he’s a really good fighter and we’re going to come out here and try to do a good job.”
 
“It’s a great emotion inside, it’s a great opportunity that was given to be and I have to take advantage. I’m very happy inside.”
 
“I want to come out victorious this Saturday and after that maybe think about unify at 108 pounds and continue to move forward.”
 
Katsunari Takayama
 
“First of all, thank you for giving me this great opportunity. On Saturday, I look forward to giving back the title from two different divisions.
 
“Soto is a very angry and aggressive fighter, very strong punches. I’m ready to fight on Saturday.” 
 
Kieron Conway
 
“If I didn’t believe I could win I wouldn’t be here. It’s good to finally be here, it took a long time to get that visa – I didn’t think it was going to happen. If anything, it’s made it better for me, we’re getting the job done, looking to put in a decent performance on Saturday night and really impress.
 
“That’s what it’s all about, taking the opportunity. I’m not nervous yet, this is my job – it’s boxing. I’ve got nothing to be nervous about, this is what dreams are. I came from small hall boxing, making no money when I was fighting, sometimes even losing money to fight.
 
“Now I’m here, there’s no pressure on me, I’m here to put on a real solid performance on and come out with the win. I’m excited and ready to go.
 
“All those guys are looking for the right route, the easy route, the one they think is comfortable. Including Ted with Metcalfe, it is what it is with that fight. I’m here to test myself, Soule is a very good fighter, I’m here to show I’m the best of that division.”
 
Souleymane Cissokho
 
“I’m very excited, I take this fight very serious. I know he’s a good fighter, he’s confident so I’m ready to go.
 
“We had good preparation for this fight, a good camp, the sparring was good. Josh is ready, more than ready for his next fight. I’m ready to go for Saturday and next for Josh.
 
“In front of 70,000 people, that’s amazing. This is a big blessing for me, this is a huge card and I’m very happy to be here. My first international belt on the line, that’s very good for me – I’m more than ready.”
 
Marc Castro
 
“All I can say is, I’ve been blessed. I had a lot of major setbacks in 2020 but to be on my third Canelo card I feel like this is all God’s plan all along.
 
“I feel good with this opponent, it’s a major step up – I feel like we had lost ground from my last fight but I’m happy with this opponent. I work hard every fight so it’s going to show.”
 
Frank Sanchez
 
“Truth is, I’ve come to do my job. I want to show everything but I’m going to do my fight and if the knockout comes, it comes.
 
“I feel really happy with the preparation, everything come out okay and I’m happy with the work we’ve done.
 
“I feel ready to face them whenever that happens, whenever it is, when it happens, I’ll come out, do my job – I feel ready for anything right now.”
 
Nagy Aguilera
 
“It’s a huge opportunity for me, I’ve been training really hard. I was training for another fight, but it got cancelled twice. Three weeks out they call me, and I really liked this fight. I stayed in shape and accepted the fight – I really like this match.
 
“This is a good opportunity, he’s a good fighter – top of the world right now. This will change my whole career and life. I’m been training, I’ve been doing my thing, I’m healthy and I’ll have to do what I have to do.”
 
Keyshawn Davis
 
“I’m glad I’m back here, with DAZN, makes me feel like I’m at home for some reason. I appreciate the love you’ve been showing me and my brother – life is great right now.
 
“I feel like my major statement is going to be this Saturday. I want to show my comfortability in the ring, I want to show that I’m progressing each fight. I’m pretty sure I’m going to show that this Saturday.
 
“I want to start looking like a real professional fighter in there only going six rounds. I want to show these top guys right now that Keyshawn Davis is here, he’s coming and he’s on your heels.
 
“Kelvin’s a great fighter, he’s 1-0 fighting a fighter who’s 8-2. I feel like that speaks a lot about him, I feel like Kelvin is going to shock a lot of people. He’s 6’0, 140, southpaw, lengthy, power, strength, he really has everything I have except from the big opportunities that I had. Now he’s got one this Saturday and I feel like he’s going to show everything he can come to the table with.”
 
Kelvin Davis
 
“This is a really big for me. I’ve been fighting all my life for an opportunity like this, so I’m really blessed for the opportunity. This is my time to showcase my talent and what I can really do.
 
“We competed in any sport we played before we got into boxing. When we got into boxing and fighting, we pushed each other, competed at home, just got each other better – mentally stronger and physically stronger to be able to fight on a stage like this.”
 
Christian Alan Gomez Duran
 
“Truth is, it’s a great opportunity and I want to thank you for allowing me to be on this card. I’m going to give it my all on Saturday, show all the preparation that’s gone in and hopefully have a good result.
 
“The plan for me is to do as much as I can in boxing and if there’s something more than being the champion of the world, we’re going to work towards achieving that as well.”
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CANELO VS. ALVAREZ SET TO SMASH USA INDOOR BOXING RECORD

by adminChampionship News
Few tickets remain to witness the Super-Middleweight unification battle in Dallas
Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders are set to smash the record for the biggest indoor attendance for a boxing event in America as they prepare to meet in a Super-Middleweight unification battle at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday May 8, live worldwide on DAZN and distributed by TV Azteca in Mexico and Latin America.
LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN ON SALE AT SEATGEEK.COM 
Alvarez and Saunders already broke the pre-sale records for their clash on Saturday night and with over 65,000 tickets now sold with limited remaining, their tasty battle is set to overtake the rematch between Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks at the Superdome in New Orleans in 1978 that drew 63,352 fans.
 
Promoter Eddie Hearn has been the driving force behind some of the biggest crowds in British boxing history, starting with Carl Froch and George Groves at Wembley Stadium in London, and then Heavyweight ruler Anthony Joshua OBE filling the same stadium against Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin and also the Principality Stadium in Cardiff against Joseph Parker and Carlos Takam – and Hearn is thrilled to be putting boxing under the best of spotlights on Cinco de Mayo weekend.
 
“It’s one of the biggest events I’ve ever been involved in and this morning, we officially broke the record for the biggest indoor crowd in American boxing history,” said Hearn.
 
“We will have 70,000 people in the AT&T Stadium on Saturday night – I am absolutely buzzing for this, I think this could be the best atmosphere we’ve ever seen.
 
“The numbers for this fight are tracking great, and I think that this is just great for everyone – the biggest live event since the pandemic struck, and boxing has done that. It just shows that when you get it right, we have a monstrous sport on our hands.
 
“Boxing is being showcased on Saturday. We can be as proud as peacocks on the night as everyone around the world will be watching, they will see the atmosphere and say ‘wow, this is boxing!’ People have to tune in to watch this atmosphere and product and say, ‘this is the place to be’. And everyone watching on Saturday will be in awe of it – the event, the fight, the ring walks, everything.  
 
“I’m excited for Billy to be able to go out there and show what he’s said he’s always been able to do, and I am excited for Saul because the atmosphere for him is going to be incredible – so may the best man win.”
 
Alvarez and Saunders clash on a huge night of action in Texas with a stacked undercard in support of the mammoth main event, with Elwin Soto (18-1 12 KOs) defending his WBO World Light-Flyweight title against Katsunari Takayama (32-8 12 KOs).
 
Kieron Conway (16-1-1 3 KOs) defends his WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title against Souleymane Cissokho (12-0 8 KOs), Eddy Reynoso trained Cuban Heavyweight Frank Sanchez (17-0 13 KOs) meets Nagy Aguilera (21-10 14 KOs), Mexican-American talent Marc Castro (2-0 2 KOs) fights on his third Canelo undercard, Castro’s old amateur foe Keyshawn Davis (2-0 2 KOs) faces Jose Antonio Meza (6-4 1 KO) over six rounds and it’s a family affair on the night with Keyshawn’s brother Kelvin Davis (1-0 1 KO) fights for the second time in the paid ranks, with Mexican Welterweight Christian Alan Gomez Duran (19-2-1 17 KOs) celebrating Cinco De Mayo weekend over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.
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THIS FIGHT IS ALL ABOUT BOXING BRAINS SAYS SAUNDERS

by adminChampionship News
Unbeaten Brit has total faith in his skills against Canelo
Billy Joe Saunders says he has the boxing brain to dethrone pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez in their blockbuster Super-Middleweight unification battle on Saturday night (May 8), live worldwide on DAZN and distributed by TV Azteca in Mexico and Latin America.

  LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN ON SALE AT SEATGEEK.COM 

Unbeaten Briton Saunders (30-0 18 KOs) puts his WBO strap on the line for the third time against the Mexican star and is aiming to add the WBC and WBA Super belts held by the Mexican sensation.
 
Saunders has been widely regarded as having the ring smarts to be the man to hand Canelo a first defeat in eight years and be the man to take the next step to being undisputed at 168lbs – and the 31 year old says fighting Canelo on Cinco de Mayo weekend holds no fear.
 
“This fight is all about the brain,” said Saunders. “Not about power, muscle or skill, it’s the brain and the game plan, and being able to execute that game plan.
 
“I brush opinions off because I know what goes through my head and my mind, and what I have done in my career is through the will and want to win, and the day I lose that, I won’t put a pair of gloves on again.
 
“I can only control what I am in control of and that myself, not what is outside the ring. It’s going to be a great fight it’s one I’ve wanted for years and it’s finally landed. There’s a lot at stake for both of us. Would I like my fans there? Yes. Would I like UK media there? Yes. If the fight was moved to the Mexican border I wouldn’t care.
 
“I have my own way of approaching the fight and Canelo will have too, he’s done this nearly 60 times. I’ll get in there as the best that I can be and that’s all I can control.
 
“I’ve been the underdog before, I’ve been the away fighter before, it’s not a new position, but I’m just in with a better opponent this time. 
 
“If I go in there and I win, I’m not going to run and say never again, I’ll fight him again, I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, it doesn’t bother me. It’s good for boxing sometimes when the underdogs come through, and I don’t just mean me here, because it puts the sport on a higher platform to be watched.
 
“I’m at the top of the tree where I’ve done it all as an amateur, I’ve had 30 fights, I’m unbeaten, won every title coming through, two-weight World champion – I can sit back at night and say I’m top of the pile fighting the pound-for-pound king.”
 
Alvarez and Saunders clash on a huge night of action in Texas with a stacked undercard in support of the mammoth main event, with Elwin Soto (18-1 12 KOs) defending his WBO World Light-Flyweight title against Katsunari Takayama (32-8 12 KOs).
 
Kieron Conway (16-1-1 3 KOs) defends his WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title against Souleymane Cissokho (12-0 8 KOs), Eddy Reynoso trained Cuban Heavyweight Frank Sanchez (17-0 13 KOs) meets Nagy Aguilera (21-10 14 KOs), Mexican-American talent Marc Castro (2-0 2 KOs) fights on his third Canelo undercard, Castro’s old amateur foe Keyshawn Davis (2-0 2 KOs) faces Jose Antonio Meza (6-4 1 KO) over six rounds and it’s a family affair on the night with Keyshawn’s brother Kelvin Davis (1-0 1 KO) fights for the second time in the paid ranks, with Mexican Welterweight Christian Alan Gomez Duran (19-2-1 17 KOs) celebrating Cinco De Mayo weekend over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.
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PARKER EDGES PAST CHISORA VIA SPLIT DECISION

by adminChampionship News
Results from Manchester
12 x 3 mins vacant WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title
DEREK CHISORA v JOSEPH PARKER WSD12 (115-113 Chisora, 116-111 Parker, 115-113 Parker)
(Finchley, England)  (Auckland, New Zealand)

Joseph Parker overcame a first-round knockdown to defeat Derek Chisora by split decision following a brutal Heavyweight battle at the AO, Arena Manchester, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all markets excluding the UK, Ireland, China, New Zealand and Samoa.

The New Zealander had a disastrous start, hitting the canvas in the opening seconds, and Parker showed grit along with his classy combinations to secure victory with tallies of 115-113 and 116-111, with Chisora receiving a score of 115-113.

“I am feeling it,” Parker told Matchroom. “Derek landed a lot of shots on me. I’ll probably feel it more tomorrow. The plan was to come out and box smartly and stay focused. I got caught right at the beginning. I think it was round the back of the head, I didn’t see it.

“The plan was to box and move and be smart. With the guidance of Andy I was able to box. We didn’t have the longest time together. I know I needed a lot of work. I need to keep learning from Andy and practicing the things we work on in the gym. “It was a tough fight and I got caught right at the beginning. I just had to dig deep and stay focused and follow the plan that we had in place. Swayed off a bit, but Derek is a very tough opponent. He came forward, put pressure on me from the beginning. Threw big bombs and landed a lot. “The boxing skills won me some rounds towards the end. It was a very close fight. I thought it could go either way, and I’m very thankful and blessed to get the win today. He brought the smoke. If you want to feel it, jump in the ring with him. “It’s very achievable [World Title fight]. I just have to get back to the training. There’s a lot of things I have to work on. I had a good plan in place. There’s still a lot I can show, I just have to keep working with Andy, and more camps ahead. We could do it next fight.”

10 x 2 mins Undisputed Lightweight World Titles
KATIE TAYLOR WUD10 (96-94, 96-95, 96-95) v NATASHA JONAS 
(Bray, Ireland)                                                       (Liverpool, England)

Katie Taylor retained her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles after a unanimous decision victory over Natasha Jonas with scores of 96-94, 96-95 and 96-95.

The Irish star shared another memorable meeting with Jonas, nine years after their London 2012 Olympic Games bout, as Taylor was forced to dig deep for the win.

“Again, it was probably a bit too exciting for my liking,” Taylor told Matchroom. “It was definitely a toe to toe battle in there. I thought I was a bit flat early on, but I dug deep to win the championship rounds. I definitely showed the heart of a champion in there and that’s what won me the fight in the end.

“She showed everything it takes to win a World Title in her last two performances. Tonight was a brilliant showcase for women’s boxing and boxing overall. Every time we fought as amateurs it was that type of fight as well. I’d prepared for a hard ten-round battle tonight and that’s exactly what it was.

“Eddie was saying that fight would have brought the PPV sales up a small bit. That’s obviously a great start. I feel sorry for the main event coming out after that fight. It was a thrilling fight. I’m just delighted to come out of it with the belts and still undefeated. 18-0, onwards and upwards. This is what I’m in the sport for, I want to be involved in the biggest fights. There’s plenty of those fights out there for me.”

4 x 3 mins Lightweight contest 
CAMPBELL HATTON WPTS4 (40-36) v LEVI DUNN
(Manchester, England)                           (Prestwich, England)

Campbell Hatton sealed a shutout points victory over Levi Dunn as he made a winning debut in his hometown of Manchester.The 20-year-old was fighting at the scene of father Ricky’s World Title triumphs after a frantic debut in Gibraltar and he displayed more discipline, sealing a 40-36 verdict following four rounds.“I could tell during the whole build up that I’d be a lot better in this fight,” Hatton told Matchroom. “I’ve just been so much more relaxed. It’s night and day. I’ve not watched it back yet, but I think I did show a lot smarter boxing and a bit more composure. 

“There’s still room for improvement but I’m buzzing with it. I’ve not had probably 10% of what I had to do last time. I’m grateful for it. I think I was hurting him a bit more this time. In a spar, it isn’t about taking them out is it. He was doing a lot of holding. He’s a tough kid and he’s done the job that he was here to do. I think I would have got him out of there if there was a bit less holding.

“My heroes have boxed here, so it’s a box ticked for me. It was weird walking down the ramp with no crowd. I can’t wait to do it again here when it’s packed. It’s not new to me now, I’ve got a bit more used to it. I’ll be straight back in the gym ready to go again. It’s all learning, and by keeping busy, I think I’ll be flying soon.”

10 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
CHRIS EUBANK JR WUD10 (98-92, 98-92, 98-92) v MARCUS MORRISON
(Brighton, England)                                                    (Hattersley, England)

Chris Eubank Jr marked his return to Britain with a punishing points victory over Marcus Morrison to stay on course for a big name fight later this year. 

Eubank Jr ended a lengthy absence from the ring, hurting Morrison on a number of occasions before sealing victory with three scores of 98-92.

The Brighton star had Morrison in trouble as early as the second round, but says he decided to let his opponent recover in order to gain valuable rounds. 

“My last fight lasted two rounds, so really it’s been two years since I had a twelve-round fight,” Eubank Jr told Matchroom. “There was definitely some ring rust, and there was definitely some getting back into the swing of things. I had him hurt bad in the second round. I backed off. I wanted him to recover so that I could be seen again. 

“I’m back on TV, I’m back fighting, this is my home. This is my life; this is what I do. I wanted to go the distance and get those rounds in. I’m happy with the performance. I followed instruction; he was telling me to do things in the corner and I went out there and did it. That’s kind of alien to me. Usually most of my career has been dependent on what I want to do, my instincts and my reaction. But now we have a head coach in Roy Jones Jr and I full trust him. I’m happy to be paired with him.

“This is the beginning of a long and great journey for me. I want to be very active this year, I want to fight at least twice more. This is a good start. Full credit to Marcus. I’ve hit guys with shots like that and they’ve gone. He kept coming. A lot of respect for Marcus. There’s a lot of World Champions in the Middleweight division. There’s a lot of big names out there for me to go and fight. Golovkin is the end goal, and anyone with a World Title. I’m coming, they’re all on the radar.”

12 x 3 mins WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title
DMITRY BIVOL WUD12 (118-110, 115-113, 115-114) v CRAIG RICHARDS 
(Saint Petersburg, Russia)                                            (Crystal Palace, England)

Dmitry Bivol retained his WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title via a unanimous decision despite a spirited performance from South Londoner Craig Richards. 

The unbeaten Russian is recognised as one of the finest fighters in the 175lbs division, but he was made to work for victory over ‘Spider’ Richards with scores of 118-110, 115-113, 115-114.

“I’m not happy but I’m okay,” Bivol told Matchroom. “It was a long rest for me and I went into the ring after one and a half years. It’s fine. My opponent was a good fighter, really good. He’s smart and he thinks. He was thinking for the whole fight.

“It’s okay. I was feeling that I’d won. I gave him a couple of rounds for recovery. I landed more clean punches. I respect him and I respected him before the fight. I think he can make problems for all fighters because of his style.

“He moved a lot. Fighters who move a lot and have good speed are really hard. He is a good fighter, but I have more weapons in my arsenal. I’m glad I have had another defence. Of course, I want unification fights. I still want them. I haven’t had a chance to fight for another belt, this is why I defend my belt.

“I’d like to fight for another belt, it would be a good challenge for me. I believe I can become the Undisputed World Champion one day, this is why I train, that’s why I have a good team. I believe one day I will be if I train hard. Thanks to everyone who supports me and watched this fight.”
 
4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
JOHNNY FISHER TKO3 (1:46) v PHIL WILLIAMS
(Romford, England)                     (Swindon, England)

Johnny Fisher moved to 2-0 as he stopped Swindon’s Phil Williams in the third round with a barrage of hurtful punches. 

‘The Romford Bull’ gave another impressive display of his raw power, forcing the referee to step in after a sustained assault.

“I thought it was brilliant to get out on such short notice,” Fisher told Matchroom. “Credit to Sam Jones and Eddie Hearn for getting the fight there for me. Phil Williams is an awkward and tough opponent; he’s only been stopped four or five times in 30 bouts. Awkward fight, but I got him out of there and I showed I could go three rounds and keep a high pace.

“I’m trying to find the balance between having that killer instinct and sitting behind my boxing. Sometimes in there you probably get caught between the two. As I progress, I’ll be able to use that killer instinct more effectively. It was an awkward fight, but I showed that I’ve got the strength and the power to stop people. I stopped him in the third round. We’ll go against for the next one as soon as we can. 
 
“If you stay ready, you’ll get opportunities, especially at Matchroom and with S-JAM Boxing. I showed I can turn up and get the job done. I’m very grounded. I played rugby for a long time. That teaches you a lot of discipline. I’ve got family and a support network who believe in me. They always tell me the truth as well, and I’ll always be truthful about my own performances.

“It’s all systems go, ready for the next one. I’ve got to get that jab off, because in the gym it’s coming off lovely. When you get under them lights, you can have a bit of eagerness. I’ve only had four amateur senior fights and I’ve got a long way to go in the professional ranks.”

12 x 3 mins vacant IBO Lightweight World Title
JAMES TENNYSON v JOVANNI STRAFFON TKO1 (2:10)
(Belfast, Northern Ireland)  (Mexico City, Mexico)

James Tennyson was dropped and stopped as Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon produced a stunning first-round victory to claim the vacant IBO Lightweight World Title.

The Belfast man was stunned by an early onslaught from Straffon, who dropped Tennyson heavily and then forced referee Michael Alexander to wave the fight off after just two minutes and ten seconds.

“I dreamed about this several years ago,” Straffon told Matchroom. “I know I was up against everything. I knew he was a very strong fighter. He called himself ‘The Assassin’, but he was assassinated. He punches hard, but nothing punches harder than life.

“It has been a very good year for Mexican boxing. There has been lots of surprises and upsets. I’m not really surprised about what happened. I have been well prepared for a year. I knew I was the big underdog but now I’m the winner.

“I would really like the opportunity to work with Eddie Hearn. I would like to thank my manager and promoter. I hope some really good things are coming my way. I believe I just won an opportunity to get some of the tough and big names out there. Don’t give up on anything, always keep on dreaming because dreams do come true.”

8 x 3 mins International Super-Middleweight contest
SCOTT FITZGERALD TKO3 (2:43) v GREGORY TRENEL
(Preston, England)                              (Dainville, France)

Former British Super-Welterweight Champion Scott Fitzgerald ended his lengthy absence from the ring with a third-round stoppage of Frenchman Gregory Trenel in the opening bout of the evening. 

Fitzgerald hadn’t boxed since landing the British Title against Ted Cheeseman back in October 2019, and returned at Super-Middleweight as he continues to work his way back down to 154lbs. 

In his post fight interview, the unbeaten Preston talent reiterated his desire to rematch one of his former opponents Ted Cheeseman or Anthony Fowler by the end of the year. 

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Fitzgerald told Matchroom. “There were times I thought I wouldn’t get back here. To get back in there and come out with a stoppage is a great feeling. I was whacking some shots off his head, and at some points he was smiling. I could see he was tough. At the end he wasn’t looking to throw back and I was hitting him with some big shots. The body shots were hurting him. I think it was the right decision from the ref. 
 
“I’ve already lost a fair bit of weight to get down to 12 stone. If I’m out again in July I can be under eleven and a half stone and ready for a big one then. October time, under eleven stone then. I’ve 100% learnt my lessons. I just keep the right people around me. I’ll keep my eyes on the mission. No messing about.

“I’d like to win the British Title back by the end of 2021. That’s what I’m hoping for. Cheeseman, I’m sure he’d be happy to fight me again as I’ve already beaten him. That’s a way back in for me. I’m going to keep chipping away at this weight and get myself ready. The first fight with Anthony Fowler was a great fight and everyone enjoyed it, the public enjoyed it and I know they all want to see it again. If it’s right to happen before the end of the year, I’m ready for it.”
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CHISORA VS. PARKER WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER

by adminChampionship News
17:00 LIVE ON MATCHROOM BOXING YOUTUBE

8 x 3 mins International Super-Middleweight contest
SCOTT FITZGERALD 12st 1lbs 4oz v GREGORY TRENEL 11st 12lbs 2oz
(Preston, England)                                (Dainville, France)

followed by

18:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS BOX OFFICE/DAZN

12 x 3 mins vacant IBO Lightweight World Title
JAMES TENNYSON 9st 8lbs 7oz v JOVANNI STRAFFON 9st 7lbs 2oz
(Belfast, Northern Ireland)             (Mexico City, Mexico)

followed by

4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
JOHNNY FISHER 17st 7lbs 4oz v PHIL WILLIAMS 19st 2lbs 7oz
(Romford, England)                        (Swindon, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title
DMITRY BIVOL 12st 6lbs 2oz v CRAIG RICHARDS 12st 6lbs 6oz
(Saint Petersburg, Russia)        (Crystal Palace, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
CHRIS EUBANK JR 11st 7lbs 9oz v MARCUS MORRISON 11st 7lbs 8oz
(Brighton, England)                           (Hattersley, England)

followed by

4 x 3 mins Lightweight contest 
CAMPBELL HATTON 9st 9lbs 9oz v LEVI DUNN 9st 8lbs 5oz
(Manchester, England)                      (Prestwich, England)

followed by

10 x 2 mins Undisputed Lightweight World Titles
KATIE TAYLOR 9st 8lbs 8oz v NATASHA JONAS 9st 8lbs 7oz
(Bray, Ireland)                           (Liverpool, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title
DEREK CHISORA 17st 12lbs 8oz v JOSEPH PARKER 17st 3lbs 2oz
(Finchley, England)                         (Auckland, New Zealand)
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MTHALANE vs EDWARDS OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS

by adminChampionship News

Boxing is back live on BT Sport for a second consecutive week, this time boasting a World Title fight. The action kicks off tomorrow night, live on BT Sport 1 HD at 7pm.

In the main event, brilliant South African Moruti Mthalane (39-2, 26 KOs) defends his IBF World Flyweight championship against Croydon’s Sunny Edwards (15-0, 4 KOs).

In a ten rounder Belfast’s WBO number one ranked Super-Bantamweight Michael Conlan (14-0, 8 KOs) faces dangerous Romanian Ionut Balata (14-2, 3 KOs).

Big punching Southampton Super-Featherweight Ryan Garner (9-0, 6 KOs) and Reading Super-Welterweight Joshua Frankham (2-0) are also in action.

Joshua’s cousin, Levi Frankham is one of two debutants alongside Finchley Super-Welterweight Jonathan Kumuteo.

Weigh-in results below:

Sunny Edwards 111lbs 5oz
Moruti Mthalane 111lbs 14oz

Michael Conlan 121lbs 15oz
Ionut Baluta 122lbs

Troy Williamson 153lbs
Kieran Smith 153lbs 7oz

Jordan Ellison 141lbs
Ryan Garner 136lbs 12oz

Naheem Ali 156lbs 3oz
Joshua Frankham 152lbs 15oz

Paul Cummings 155lbs 11oz
Levi Frankham 158lbs 4oz

Dale Arrowsmith 159lbs 10oz
Jonathan Kumuteo 158lbs 5oz

Stephen Jackson 119lbs 12oz
Andrew Cain 121lbs 10oz

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