BROOKLYN, NY – After months of enduring ridicule and scorn from so-called experts who gave who him no shot at victory, Ryan “Kingry” Garcia(25-1, 20 KOs) shocked the world Saturday nightin Brooklyn, flooring Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-1, 15 KOs) three times en route to a majority decision victory, capping an action-packed Golden Boy Promotions card at the Barclay’s Center.
Garcia of Victorville, Calif. rocked Haney in the middle of the first round with a left hook and rolled through the back of the half of the fight to secure the decision by scores of 115-109, 114-110 and 112-112.
“I shouldn’t have put too much pressure on myself to stop him, because every time I hurt him, I went crazy and I couldn’t stop him,” said Ryan Garcia. “I think the ref should’ve stopped the fight. He (Haney) was really hurt. I felt bad, I even looked at Bill to stop the fight. [Regarding the point being deducted in seventh round] The guy was holding me for dear life, and I felt the opportunity to keep swinging while my hands were free. I should’ve knocked him out that seventh round. They stole that from me. I’m surprised he has so much heart and recovery. He got wobbled bad in the first round. I thought it was over. He even hurt me with a hook. At the end of the day, I’m going to fight him, win or lose.”
“Ryan just shocked the world and proved once and for all that he is the face of boxing and a pound-for-pound athlete in our sport,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman Oscar De La Hoya. “Despite all of the talk from armchair psychologists and so-called boxing pundits, Ryan clearly had a plan and executed it.”
In a co-main event for the WBO Intercontinental Super Lightweight Title, Arnold Barboza, Jr. (30-0, 11 KOs) defeated Sean ‘The Public Nuisance’ McComb (18-2, 5 KOs) via split decision in a back and forth 10-round fight that went the distance. McComb fought off his back foot the whole night as Barboza Jr. slowly tried to get in. Ultimately the fight ended in Barboza’s favor with the judges scoring the fight 96-94 and 97-93 in Barboza’s favor and 92-98 in McComb’s favor.
“I felt good. It was a very tricky fight,” said Arnold Barboza Jr., “He was a lefty, tall and he moved a lot. He gave me a lot of trouble, but it was a learning experience. I’ll be back better. We’re going to talk to Oscar and see what’s next.”
Retaining his WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight Title, Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (14-1, 10 KOs) went to war with Frenchman Pierre Dibombe (22-1-1, 12 KOs) in a fight scheduled for 10-rounds. The nonstop action left both fighers cut with battle scars; the corner doctor stopping the fight due to a deep gash over Melikuziev’s eye caused by an accidental headbutt. The judges went to the scorecards, awarding the “Bully” the technical decision victory with scores of 79-73, 78-74 and 79-73.
“He was a good opponent. Unfortunately, the fight was stopped,” said Bektemir Melikuziev. “During the fight he kept coming forward with his head. There was nothing I could do. I just needed another minute or two in the ring to finish the fight. I slowed down a bit because I felt that my opponent was getting tired.”
David “Medallita” Jimenez (16-1, 11KOs) of Cartago, Costa Rica pulled off an upset win against fan favorite John “Scrappy” Ramirez (13-1, 9 KOs) of Los Angeles, Calif. claiming the WBA Interim Super Featherweight Title via unanimous decision in a 12-round grudge match. Jimenez won with scores of 111-117, 112-116 and 111-117 all in his favor.
“I am very happy to become a champion again. I want to thank Golden Boy for the opportunity,” said David Jimenez. “I am ready to plan for what’s next. I felt great in the ring, and I felt like I was controlling the fight from the second round. Scrappy has a good punch and is a good boxer. Like all fighters, I want to become undisputed.”
Charles “Bad News” Conwell (19-0, 14 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio opened the DAZN PPV card in spectacular fashion as he stopped Nathanial Gallimore (22-8-1, 17 KOs) of Des Plaines, Illinois in the sixth round via TKO in a super welterweight fight originally scheduled for 10 rounds. Conwell won the fight with a time of 0:52 of the aforementioned round.
“I feel good,” said Charles Conwell. “It was the coming back party. I thought he was a tough-game fighter. He came with a lot of experience, but I did what no other fighter has done. I stopped him in the sixth round. I don’t think any other fighter has beat him as bad as I did. He was a tough fighter and I appreciate him for taking the fight. We’re looking to get back in the ring asap, sometime in July or August. I’m back in the gym getting better. The ring rust is off. We’re ready for what’s next.”
On the preliminary card, Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (15-5, 10 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York defeated Vaughn Alexander(18-11-1, 11 KOs) of St. Louis, Missouri via unanimous decision in a 10-round Super Middleweight bout. Derevyanchenko won with scores of 100-89 by all three judges. Darius “DFG” Fulghum (11-0, 10 KOs) of Houston, Texas successfully defended his WBA Continental Super Middleweight Title against Cristian Olivas(22-11, 19 KOs) of Baja California, Mexico stopping him in the fourth round via TKO in a fight originally scheduled for eight-rounds. Fulghum won with a time of 0:50 of the aforementioned round.
Also a part of the preliminaries, Jonathan “Sugar Cane” Canas(4-0, 2 KOs) of Houston, Texas beat Markus Bowes (2-6, 2 KOs) of Roxboro, North Carolina via unanimous decision in a 4-round Super Lightweight bout. Canas won with scores of 40-36 by all three judges. Amari Jones (12-0, 11 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada beat Armel Mbumba-Yassa (10-2, 7 KOs) of Remscheid, Germany via TKO in the sixth round of an 8-round Super Middleweight fight. Jones won with a time of 0:39 in the aforementioned round. In a dazzling KO, Kevin Newman II (16-3-1, 1 KO) of Las Vegas, Nevada stopped Eric Robles (9-4, 8 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico via TKO in the fourth round of an 8-round Cruiserweight fight. Newman II won with a time of 1:53 in the aforementioned round. Opening fight night, Shamar Canal (8-0, 4 KOs) of Albany, New York defeated Pedro Borgaro (7-2, 4 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico via unanimous decision in a six-round super lightweight bout with scores of 60-53.
Miami, Florida; All Star Boxing, Inc President and CEO Felix “Tuto” Zabala Jr has announced a revamped Multi-year Promotional Agreement with Los Angeles based world ranked Flyweight contender WBA #4 WBO #2 Anthony “Princesa” Olascuaga (6-1 4 KO’s). Olascuaga recently dispatched former WBO Global Champion #5th Giemel Magramao on the telecast of Prime Video 5 from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
“Im exited to continue the great working relationship with All Star Boxing, Inc stated contender Anthony Olascuaga.
We feel reenergize in the new weight class and stronger, We are ready to challenge the top contenders in this new division.”
Anthony Olascuaga made his debut in 2020 on Zabala’s longtime running platform of Boxeo Telemundo during the covid period in a fast 6 round start.
“We felt confident in Tony’s ability from the beginning with his trainer Rudy Hernandez stated Tuto Zabala Jr. “The plan was always to fast track him to a world title shot.
He quickly worked his way into a WBA Regional belt on the KO of Drugs show from Panama City, Panama, in his third fight claiming the WBA Fedelatin Flyweight title. He later made two successful defenses on the belt from Seneca Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls, NY. It lead to his own headlining act in his 5th pro fight.
Olascuaga later stepped in for the unified WBA/WBC Jr Flyweight titles against Kenshiro Terraji, replacing stablemate and WBO reining titlist Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez who drew ill with Micro-plasm.He put up a valiant effort through 9 round of back and forth action.
His determination in the world title match left a good standing with the organizations, leaving him Top 5 as he is in search for a 2nd world title opportunity now at a new weight class.
Anthony Olascuaga look to return to action sometime this summer with All Star Boxing, Inc in a Co-Promotion with Teiken Promotions lead by Akihiko Honda.
Don Wooooooooo King!! • BLAIR “THE FLAIR” COBBS READY
TO PUT “THE FLAIR” BACK IN HIS GAME;
COBBS SIGNS WITH PROMOTER DON KING
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – Blair “The Flair” Cobbs @blairtheflair wanted to put “The Flair” back in his boxing game and what better way to do this than to sign with the greatest boxing promoter in the world in Don King.
The 34-year-old Cobbs was hungry to get back into the ring. The Philadelphia, PA born welterweight, who sports a 16-1-1 record with 10 KOs, continues to hold the WBC-NABF welterweight title.
“I’m ready to return to action,” said Cobbs. “And what better way to further my career than to be with the best promoter in the game, Don King. I’m also tired of listening to all the talk out of Adrien Broner. Broner’s talk is cheap. Broner seems to be more comfortable fighting on social media than he is in the ring. There’s no reason not to get in the ring together and I’ll show him who is the boss.
“I’m looking for bigger and more exciting fights. I’m going to make boxing great again. Real fighters and real boxing. Me and Broner will be the comeback of real boxing. Entertainment at its best. Whooo!”
“I’m looking forward to working with Blair and his manager, Greg Hannley,” said King. “He’s determined to add to his NABF title and we’ll get the “flair” back in his fight game.”
Cobbs showed his stuff in his last fight, Aug. 6, 2022, when he won a 10-round unanimous decision against former world champion Maurice Hooker, who had only one loss in 32 fights.
Cobbs suffered the first loss of his career on March 19, 2022 to Alexis Rocha, a fight that he took with just one week’s notice. With his popularity, Cobbs still sold out the arena.
Cobbs won the North American Boxing Federation Junior Welterweight championship by winning a unanimous decision over Ferdinand Kerobyan on March 21, 2019. He has defended his title three times with two knockouts and one decision.
NEVADA BOXING HALL OF FAME RETURNS WITH GALA INDUCTION WEEKEND AUGUST 9-102023-24 INDUCTION CLASSES TO BE HONORED AT ORLEANS HOTEL IN LAS VEGAS
The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is proud to announce its 2023-2024 Inductees who will take their place alongside the boxing immortals from the Hall’s first ten years. The NVBHOF will honor a diverse list marked by greats in and out of the ring, both recent vintage and past, male and female, and includes the first Native-American inductee.
NVBHOF President Michelle Corrales-Lewis said “I’m always excited to welcome the new classes of inductees into our Hall. Celebrating their accomplishments is something very near and dear to my heart. All of these great boxing figures have made strong contributions to the Silver State’s reputation as ‘Boxing Capitol’ of the World. The NVBHOF will continue its history of sharing the Induction festivities with different venues throughout Las Vegas. The weekend spectacular, featuring a full two days of activities will take place August 9-10 at The Orleans Hotel.
NVBHOF Vice-President Anthony Randolph stated “Holding our gala at The Orleans is a natural. It has a boxing history, having held several cards in the past. We have watched with great interest and admiration how The Orleans has successfully hosted the Induction events of the Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame and the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame.”
Tickets for the August 10 Induction Dinner/Gala and the other weekend events go on sale Wednesday morning March 13 and are available on the Hall’s website: nvbhof.com
2023 INDUCTEES BOXERS:
ZAB JUDAH
MARVIN CAMEL
KOSTYA TSZYU
JORGE ARCE
RAFAEL MARQUEZ
MICHAEL MOORER
DONALD CURRY
LAMON BREWSTER
GENARO HERNANDEZ (PH)
EMILE GRIFFITH (PH)
NON-BOXERS:
JACOB “STICH” DURAN
JESSE REID
MITCH HALPERN (PH)
2024 INDUCTEES
Shawn Porter
Ishé Smith
Layla McCarter
Jay Nady
Mike Martino
Career Details NVBHOF Class of 2023 Inductees:
Nevada Resident Boxers:
Zab Judah (44-10, 30 KOs) Las Vegas resident Zab Judah enjoyed an illustrious boxing career as he competed against some of the very best names that boxing had to offer. Fighting the likes of Micky Ward, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Demarcus Corley, Lucas Matthysse, and Amir Khan as he racked up numerous world titles. Judah’s professional boxing career spanned more than 22 years from 1996 to 2019. He competed in a total of 19 world championship fights, winning seven world titles, with seven successful defenses. Zab captured the WBA, WBC, IBF and Ring welterweight titles by defeating Cory Spinks via 9th round TKO.
Marvin Camel (45-13-4, 21 KOs) Boxing’s first Native American world champion from the Flathead Indian Nation, Marvin Camel is one of the most decorated athletes to come from Montana. In 1980 he defeated Mate Parlov in Las Vegas for the WBC cruiserweight belt. After a very controversial draw against Parlov in 1979, Camel’s win in 1980 made him the inaugural WBC cruiserweight champion of the world. Over his career, Marvin fought twenty-one times in Las Vegas and won twenty-one times. Camel was a house fighter of sorts at the Silver Slipper compiling a 14-0 record. Camel went on to become the inaugural IBF cruiserweight champion in 1983 with a win over Roddy MacDonald.
Non-Nevada Resident Boxers:
Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley (33-2-1, 13 KOs) Timothy Bradley Jr. is a Coachella Valley native who won five world boxing titles in two weight classes. Bradley won his first world title in 2008 with a win over Junior Witter, then successfully defended his title seven times before moving up to welterweight to face Manny Pacquiao. With the win over Pacquiao at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Bradley captured the WBO welterweight title. In his career Bradley has wins over the likes of Ruslan Provodnikov, Juan Manuel Marquez, Jessie Vargas, Joel Casamayor and Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios.
Kostya Tszyu (31-2, 25 KOs) In a professional career that spanned 13 years from 1992 to 2005, Kostya Tszyu held multiple light- welterweight world titles, including the lineal and undisputed titles from 2001 to 2005. In only his fourth professional fight, Tszyu defeated former WBC champion Juan Laporte winning a 10-round decision. By 1995 Tszyu would win his first world title by knocking out Jake Rodriguez in the sixth round at the MGM in Las Vegas. Tszyu would eventually also win the WBC title by stopping Miguel Angel Gonzalez in 10 rounds in August 1999. He would defend that title eight times, with a stretch of victories that helped him capture the Ring, IBF and WBA titles on his way to becoming the undisputed 140-pound champion. His during this period included knockouts of Julio Cesar Chavez, Sharmba Mitchell (twice), Zab Judah and Jesse James Leija.
Jorge “Travieso” Arce (64-8-2, 49 KOs) Known as the lollipop cowboy, Jorge Arce was born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico and was as tough as they come. Arce turned pro at age 16 and would win the WBO junior flyweight title at the age of 19 after defeating Argentina’s Juan Domingo Cordoba. That win would be the beginning of a long and distinguished career in which Arce became only the second boxer from Mexico to win titles in four weight classes winning world titles at 108, 115, 118 and the historic 122-pound championship against Wilfredo Vasquez Jr at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Jorge Arce became a regular attraction in big Las Vegas pay-per-view cards including his spectacular 10th-round KO of Hussein-Hussein in 2005 at Mandalay Bay, a Fight of the Year candidate.
Ann Wolfe (24-1, 16 KOs) A 5’9” middleweight Ann “Brown Sugar” Wolfe began professional boxing in 1998 after competing in the USA National Championships as an amateur. Considered one of the hardest punchers in the history of women’s boxing, Ann won titles in three different weight classes: super welterweight, super middleweight and the light heavyweight divisions. Wolfe, who is regarded as a pioneer in women’s boxing, scored one of the greatest one-punch knockouts in the history of boxing, when she dropped the 6 foot 6 Vonda Ward with a vicious right hand in May of 2004. After her boxing career Wolfe became a world-class boxing trainer and a familiar face in the corner of many fights in Las Vegas including the November 2008 bout at the MGM when she guided James Kirkland to an 8th-round TKO stoppage over Brian Vera.
Rafael Marquez (41-9, 37 KOs) Mexican great Rafael Marquez, the bother of 2019 NVBHOF inductee Juan Manuel Marquez, wrote his own ticket to greatness. The power punching Marquez reigned as champion in two weight divisions from 2003 to 2007 but made his reputation even before winning his first title. Marquez had two victories against Hall of Famer Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, a split decision against him in their first fight in 2001 and then a knockout victoryin the eighth round of their immediate rematch at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas in 2002. Marquez would go on to knock out then-undefeated and bantamweight champion Tim Austin at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in the eighth round of their bout and made seven defenses against opponents such as former champions Mauricio Pastrana, Heriberto Ruiz and two against then-unbeaten Silence Mabuza. Rafael is best known for his epic four-fight series with Israel Vazquez which produced two fights of the year. Marquez vs Vasquez is considered one of Boxings “All Time Great” rivalries.
Michael Moorer (52-4-1, 40 KOs) After knocking out his first eleven opponents Michael Moorer quickly caught the eye of the boxing world by defeating Ramzi Hassan for the inaugural WBO light heavyweight title. Moorer defended his title nine times over the next two years and would be named “Boxing’s Most Violent Man.” before eventually moving up to heavyweight in 1991. After six heavyweight fights, he beat Bert Cooper for the vacant WBO belt to become the first southpaw heavyweight champion, as well as one of only four men, alongside Bob Fitzsimmons, Michael Spinks and Roy Jones Jr. to have won light heavyweight and heavyweight titles. In the spring of 1994, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, Moorer won a majority decision against unified heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield and captured the IBF and WBA titles. In his first defense against George Foreman at the MGM in Las Vegas, Moorer, way ahead on points, would lose by a shocking knockout that made Foreman the oldest fighter to win the world heavyweight title at the age of 45. In June of 1996, Moorer reclaimed the IBF heavyweight title after beating Axel Schulz.
Donald Curry (34-6, 25 KOs) An excellent boxer with brilliant Ring generalship, Donald Curry was also an exceptional technical fighter, who had enough power to knock his opponents out with either hand. He captured titles in two divisions. Known as the “Lone Star Cobra” for his lightning-quick reflexes and hand speed, he won the WBA welterweight belt from Jun-Suk Hwang in just his 16th Fight. In 1984 he won the inaugural IBF title belt against Marlon Starling and then a year later became the unified 147-pound Welterweight champion after defeating the WBC champion Milton McCrory by second-round knockout at the Las Vegas Hilton. In 1988 Curry would become a two-division champion and take home the WBC title with a 9th round TKO over Gianfranco Rosi.
Lamon Brewster (35-6, 30 KOs) The man known as “Relentless” Lamon Brewster was one of the most vicious punchers in the history of the heavyweight division and his 53-second knockout of Andrew Golota is still the fastest KO in the history of heavyweight title fights. Brewster became the WBO Heavyweight Champion at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas in 2004 with his astounding knockout victory over Wladimir Klitschko. For eleven years, Brewster remained the last boxer to defeat Klitschko in the ring until Tyson Fury defeated Klitschko in 2015.
Non-Boxers:
Jacob “Stitch” Duran Being one of the most prominent figures in boxing and really in all of combat sports Las Vegas resident Jacob “Stitch” Duran is the most recognizable and arguably the best Cutman in the industry and has worked in the corner of hundreds of championship fights at nearly every arena in “Sin City”. His work in the sport opened the door for many opportunities to play himself on Hollywood silver screens, notably in the “Rocky Balboa” film and in the “Creed” movies. The legendary Cutman has treated the cuts, scrapes and bruises on some of the most famed fighters in boxing, From Tyson Fury to the Klitschkos to Andre Ward and many more. In 1997 at the Thomas and Mack Center, Duran helped Raul Marquez, capture the IBF super-welterweight title in his fight with Keith Mullings. Raul had five cuts and needed 70 stitches after the fight. Marquez had a huge laceration on each eyebrow, one on the nose, and one on each cheek, but with the help of “Stitch” the doctor never stopped the fight.
Jesse Reid Legendary Las Vegas trainer Jesse Reid has worked with twenty-nine world champions during an illustrious career dating back to the 70’s. Fighters that include names like Lamon Brewster, Johnny Tapia and Roger Mayweather to name a few. The first fighter Reid trained was Rodolfo Gonzalez, who with only twelve fights under the tutelage of Reid, would challenge and defeat Chango Carmona for the WBC lightweight world title. Other future champions that Reid helped develop include middleweight Frank Tate, featherweight Calvin Grove, and the Canizales brothers, Gaby and Orlando the younger of the brothers, who entered the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009 and hold the bantamweight record for successful title defenses with 15.
Posthumous: Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez (38-2-1, 17 KOs) Posthumous Fighting out of the streets of south Los Angeles in the 1980s Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez was a fan favorite, two-time junior lightweight champion whose crowning achievement came in 1991, when he traveled to France and stopped Frenchman Daniel Londas in the ninth round to win the vacant WBA 130-pound title. He also captured the WBC Super Featherweight title and made eleven defenses over both reigns. Chicanito had a great 14-year career with victories over the likes of Azumah Nelson, Carlos Hernandez and Jorge Paez. Genaro suffered only two defeats; once at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to Oscar De La Hoya and losing his championship in his last fight, at the Las Vegas Hilton to then 21-year- old Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Emile Griffith (85-24-3, 23 KOs) Posthumous In the 1960s, Emile Griffith was a boxing star, known for his speed and punching power. He was a prodigy from the moment he stepped into Hall of Fame trainer Gil Clancy’s gym in Queens and ascended the welterweight ranks and earned a welterweight title shot against Benny “The Kid” Paret in 1961. Griffith won the championship with a 13th-round knockout at the Garden before losing the belt back to Paret in a rematch five months later. Griffith would fight Paret for a third time and tragedy would strike in the ring as Griffith would win the title once again. Griffith would continue to box and capture the unified WBC and WBA World Welterweight titles on December 8, 1962, at the Convention Center in Las Vegas. He also would go on to win the middleweight title after dropping and beating the undefeated Dick Tiger. In his career, Griffith met 10 world champions and boxed 339 title fight rounds.
Mitch Halpern (Posthumous) Trained as referee under the guidance of Richard Steele, Las Vegas resident Mitch Halpern was not only one of the most respected boxing refs in the business but a very respected person to friends and the boxing community. Halpern worked 87 world title fights and was assigned many of the highest-profile fights in Nevada, including the first Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield heavyweight championship fight in 1996 at the MGM Grand Garden, the Lennox Lewis-Holyfield championship fight in 1999 at the Thomas & Mack Center and the Oscar De La Hoya-Felix Trinidad welterweight championship fight in 1999 at Mandalay Bay. Died tragically at the age of 33 while at the top of his game.
Career Details of 2024 NVBHOF Inductees Shawn Porter: (31-4-1, 17KOs) The relentless pressure fighting style of Shawn Porter resulted in his reputation as one of the most exciting and popular fighters of the 21st Century. The Las Vegas resident was a pro from 2008 to 2021, but surprisingly fought only twice in Las Vegas, his highly talked about win over Adrian Broner, and the last fight of his career in 2021 against Terence Crawford. Porter held the IBF 147lb title in 2013-’14 and WBC Crown 2018-19. Along the way, he defeated the likes of Danny Garcia, Andre Berto, Julio Diaz, Yordenis Ugas and Paulie Malignaggi. Since his retirement as an active fighter, Porter has become a much sought-after TV boxing commentator and hosts his podcast. Shawn was honored previously by NVBHOF when he was named Nevada Fighter of the Year in 2017.
Layla McCarter: (44-13-5, 11KOs) Fought 21 times in Nevada, including 9 bouts at this year’s NVBHOF Host Hotel, The Orleans. Layla was well-traveled throughout the state, appearing at 12 different venues in Las Vegas, three different venues in Reno, and once in Laughlin. Nicknamed “Amazing” for good reason, she won multiple world titles across five weight divisions. Went undefeated in her last 22 bouts from 2007-’22. and was regularly listed prominently on Women’s pound-for-pound lists in that time. Her awesome resume is filled with several world champions she defeated, and in 2016 Ring Magazine named Layla the 10th best female fighter of all time. McCarter has been named NVBHOF Nevada Female Fighter of the Year three times.
Ishe Smith: (29-11, 19 KOs) Fought 20 times in Nevada, exactly half of his pro bouts, all of them in Las Vegas, but at 8 different venues. He was a regular figure at the 2024 NVBHOF Induction Hotel, The Orleans, fighting there 8 consecutive times from 2000-2002. A lifelong Vegas resident, Ishe became the first-ever Las Vegas-born fighter to win a world title in 2013 when he captured the IBF 154lb crown with a victory over Cornelius “K9” Bundradge. For that first-ever accomplishment, Smith was honored at the 2013 Inaugural NVBHOF with a Special Achievement Award.
Mike Martino One of the most respected Nevada boxing executives in Northern Nevada history. Mike was the longtime head boxing coach at the University of Nevada, Reno. Developed several national champions and led UNR to 2015 National Collegiate Boxing Championship. Mike was Nevada State Athletic Commission Inspector, Former Executive Director, USA Boxing and headed up the U.S.A. Olympic Boxing efforts in 2016. He is still actively coordinating Nevada Boxing University cards, college boxing regional and national tournaments and other amateur events. Martino was honored with NVBHOF President’s Award 2016.
Jay Nady The long road to refereeing many of the biggest fights in Nevada’s boxing history began as a collegiate boxer at the University of Nevada. While living in Reno, Jay began officiating amateur bouts in 1970 and professional bouts in 1972. From then until his retirement in 2019, Nady refereed close to 2500 bouts. He took three years out of his reffing duties to serve on the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and then returned to his inside-the-ring duties. Jay was assigned many prominent fights, such as Jones Jr.-Tarver, Barrrera-Morales, Trinidad-Wright, Trinidad-Vargas, Mayweather-Baldomir, Holyfield-Tyson, De la Hoya- Mayorga and the controversial Tszyu-Judah match. For his exploits in college boxing and football, Nady was inducted into the UNR Hall of Fame in 1986.
MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS RETURNS TO ORLANDO ON APRIL 26 FOR MOST VALUABLE PROSPECTS VI, HEADLINED BY TOP WBA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT YOENIS TELLEZ VS. JOSEPH JACKSON
Yoenis Tellez, the top-ten ranked WBA super welterweight in the world, returns to Most Valuable Prospects to face fellow undefeated knockout star Joseph Jackson in 10-round defense of WBA Latin America Continental Title
Benigno Aguilar vs. Alexander Rios rematch as co-main, following contentious split-decision victory between the pair on Serrano vs. Ramos & Most Valuable Prospects III undercard in October 2023
Former Puerto Rican National Team star Jan Paul Rivera vs. David Perez to face off in 6-round featherweight bout
NEW YORK, NY – Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced that its Most Valuable Prospects series will return with its sixth installment on Friday, April 26th at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL available globally on DAZN subscription. Most Valuable Prospects VI will be headlined by #10-ranked WBA super welterweight Yoenis Tellez (7-0, 6 KOs) vs. Joseph Jackson(19-0, 15 KOs) for the WBA Latin America Continental Championship and will be presented by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy. The co-main event will feature Benigno Aguilar (11-0-1, 4 KOs) vs. Alexander Rios (8-1, 3 KOs) in a rematch of their undercard thriller on MVP’s historic Serrano vs. Ramos and Most Valuable Prospects III card. Tickets will go on sale on Monday, March 11th at 10am ET on Ticketmaster.com.
Making his second appearance on the Most Valuable Prospects series is the 23-year-old star prospect Yoenis Tellez (7-0, 6 KOs), who will take on the more experienced and fellow undefeated knockout machine Joseph Jackson in a highly-anticipated 10-round super welterweight headliner in defense of the WBA Continental Latin Americas title. Tellez, from Stafford, Texas by way of Santiago, Cuba, initially made a name for himself in the opening PPV bout of the Terrence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. welterweight championship unification showdown, in which Tellez took on the far more experienced Sergio Ramos and dealt Ramos a brutal 3rd round knockout, the seasoned Garcia’s third loss in 37 professional matches – and his first loss by TKO. Tellez spent most of his youth in Cuba as an amateur boxer, winning national youth titles in 2017 and 2018 before moving to Russia in 2020 to make his pro debut. Tellez eventually moved to Texas in 2022 to begin training with Ronnie Shields. In his most recent appearance in the ring on the Jake Paul vs. Andre August & Most Valuable Prospects IV main card, Tellez secured the WBA Continental Latin Americas title with his jaw-dropping knockout of Livan Navarro in the 10th round. He is promoted by BoxLab Promotions and Warrior’s Boxing.
Joseph Jackson(19-0, 15 KOs), Tellez’s 35-year-old challenger for the WBA Continental Latin Americas title, comes to the ring by way of Greensboro, North Carolina off three straight knockout wins, adding to his already impressive undefeated resume. Jackson’s biggest win to date was over Derrick Colemon Jr., which resulted in a unanimous decision for Jackson as he handed Colemon his first and only loss to date on Showtime’s Shobox series in February 2020.
In the co-main feature on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects VI will be the thrilling 8-round lightweight rematch of Mexico vs. Puerto Rico between fan favorites Benigno Aguilar (11-0-1, 4 KOs) vs. Alexander Rios (8-1, 3 KOs). Each fighter is making their third appearance on Most Valuable Prospects following top-performance moments in the series, including Rios’s first round knockout of Javier Ailla on Most Valuable Prospects II. In their last matchup on the historic card of Amanda Serrano vs. Danila Ramos and Most Valuable Prospects III in October 2023, the two each put their undefeated records on the line, with Aguilar fighting to a nail-biting split decision victory over Rios. Aguilar solidified his victory as he scored a major knockdown of Rios down in the fifth round as the two traded a thundering series of body and face shots across the bout. Rios most recently notched another win in March, and now seeks to settle the score against Aguilar.
Also on the main card will be a 6-round battle between featherweights Jan Paul Rivera (8-0, 5 KOs) and David Perez(9-0, 2 KOs). Rivera, the 22-year-old prospect from Salinas, Puerto Rico, was a decorated member of the Puerto Rican national boxing team as an amateur, competing in over 200 bouts. His amateur accolades include winning two straight Puerto Rico Elite National Championships in 2020 and 2021, as well as the Puerto Rico Youth National Championships in 2018 and 2019. He also earned a silver medal at the AIBA Youth World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in 2018. Across his 8-fight professional career to date, Rivera has competed across the USA, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Colombia, furthering his aspirations to become a global star in the sport. David Perez, the 26-year-old talent from Tulsa, Oklahoma, recently bested then-6-0 William Green in September 2023, and looks to take his first major step up in competition to test his undefeated record against Rivera on Friday, April 26.
“Coming off MVP’s latest record-breaking event in Puerto Rico, we are excited to return to Orlando for our next Most Valuable Prospects event on Friday, April 26,” said MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul. “Continuing to shine the spotlight on boxing’s best young talents is a core tenant of MVP, and we look forward to welcoming back Yoenis Tellez, Benigno Aguilar, and Alexander Rios to the series’ sixth installment following their sensational performances on previous Most Valuable Prospects iterations over the last year. Thank you to DAZN, CELSIUS, Boxlab Promotions, and Caribe Royale for their ongoing partnership to make this series the best up-and-coming talent feature in boxing.”
“On behalf of Caribe Royale and Boxlab Promotions we’re excited to be partnering with MVP on another dynamic boxing card. The card is stacked with fast rising prospects in various weight classes,” said Amaury Piedra, Managing Director of Caribe Royale Resort and President of Boxlab Promotions. “This is just another example of how the team has made Orlando the focal point for boxing in Florida. These action packed events give both Caribe Royale guests and locals another reason to visit Orlando’s only 4 diamond all suite resort.”
Additional bouts for Most Valuable Prospects VI will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Most Valuable Prospects series is produced and marketed by MVP with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter and is distributed globally by DAZN. The sixth event in the series will continue the commitment from MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian to highlight the world’s best up-and-coming boxing talent. All events within Most Valuable Prospects will take place on Friday nights in 2024. CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, maker of lifestyle energy drink, is the exclusive energy drink sponsor of Most Valuable Promotions and the Most Valuable Prospects series.
Tampa, Florida- 52-year-old female welterweight Chevelle Hallback (34-9-2, 13 KOs) became the NBA Female Welterweight World Champion scoring a ten round unanimous decision over Yamila Reynoso (13-16-3, 8 KOs) on Saturday night at the Downtown Hilton in Tampa, Florida. Close fight with Hallback claiming the NBA world title by scores of 97-93, 98-92, 96-94.
Rashield Williams (11-2, 9 KO’s) from Nassau, Bahamas became the NBA Welterweight World Champion tonight stopping Andres Viera at 1:03 seconds of round two by TKO victory.
In the opening bout of the night Jerome Deberry (1-1) from Port Charlotte, Florida stops Ivan Reyes (0-6) from Clearwater, Florida at the official time 2:05 seconds of round three by TKO victory.
Lightweight Felix Santana, Jr. (7-1, 3 KO’s) from Ocala, Florida goes the distance winning a four round unanimous decision over Carlos Aguilera Martinez (13-21, 6 KO’s) from Chiapas, Mexico. All three judges had it 40-36 for Santana, Jr.
Super Welterweight Orlenis Licea (1-2-1) from Tampa, Florida wasn’t going to be denied tonight putting together a hard display of body shots and combinations in route to a four round unanimous decision win over Tyeshawan Wilson (2-1) from St. Petersburg, Florida.
Judges scores 39-37 40-36 (2x).
Lightweight Alex “El Mole” Rios Vargas (8-1, 3 KO’s) from Saint Cloud, Florida scores a six round unanimous decision over Marcello Williams (4-22-1, 3 KO’s) from Orlando, Florida.
Judges score 59-55 60-55 (2x).
Steven Ray, Jr. (7-0, 6 KO’s) from Lauderhill, Florida waisted no time jumping on Joseph Walker (1-1) from Forest City, Arizona finishing him off at 2:50 seconds of the opening round by TKO victory.
Ty McLeod (11-1, 9 KO’s) from Bradenton, Florida. scores a unanimous decision win over Dustin Long (7-5-2, 4 KO’s) from Johnson City, TN.
Judges official scores
58-55, 59-54 2x
Super Welterweight Carlos Lebron (2-1, 2 KO’s) from Claremont, Florida finishes off Jeno Tonte (10-16, 9 KO’s) at the official time 0:29 seconds of round three by TKO victory.
Middleweight Chris Rodriguez (5-0, 4 KO’s) from Tampa, Florida took a good shot got up from the canvas battling a very tough Julian Valerio (3-10, 2 KO’s) from Green Cove Spring, Florida. catching him with a explosive shot in the exchange ending his night at 2:34 seconds of round four by way of TKO victory.
Heavyweight Drake Banks (3-0, 3 KO’s) from Homosassa, Florida showed devastating power dropping Darryl Clark (3-5, 2 KO’s) from Houston, TX.
three times referee waves it off at 1:13 seconds of round two by way of KO victory.
Mike Misa (7-0, 4 KO’s) from Clearwater, Florida destroyed Anthony Blake Lacaze (6-13-2, 4 KO’s) from Monroe, LA. Dropping him at 1:27 seconds of round number five by KO victory.
Saturday, March 2, 2024 at
Downtown Hilton in Tampa, Florida.
Presented by the Legendary Alessi Promotions and sanctioned by the Florida Athletic Commission.
Plant City, Florida – Featherweight Angelo “El Chinito” Leo from Las Vegas, NV. defends his WBA Continental North America Featherweight title by crashing Mike Plania from General Santos City, Cotabato del Sur, Philippines. with a devastating hard shot to the body referee Michael DeJesus waved the fight at 2:27 seconds of round three by KO stoppage.
Lightweight
Romero Duno from Miami, FL. vs. Antonio “Toño” Moran from Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico.
Lightweight Antonio Moran (30-6-1, 21 KOs) impressively knocked out Romero Duno (26-4, 20 KOs) in round six at the official time 1:25 seconds by TKO victory. Moran dropped Duno in round five and put him down for the count with a left hook in round six.
Dominated the battle against the durable Duno.
Super Middleweight
Christopher Pearson from Selma, Texas
Super Middleweight
Trevor McCumby (28-0, 21 KO’s) from Glendale, Arizona battled Christopher Pearson (17-4-1, 12 KO’s) from Selma, Texas. in a ten round unanimous decision victory. Judges scorecards were 90-100, 93-97, 91-99.
Super Featherweight Mykell Gamble from Cincinnati, Ohio.
scored a six round unanimous decision win over a very tough Damian “El Duro” Alcala from Chula Vista, Californ
Judges scores 60-54
Middleweight
Ryan “Main Event” Maine from Orlando, Florida dominated Jorge Rodrigo Sosa from Asuncion, Paraguay. The official time was 2:48 seconds of round two referee Gene Del Bianco stops the contest.
Super Lightweight
Tristan Gallichan from Auburndale, Florida. wins a four round unanimous decision over Erion Johnson from Denver, Colorado.
All three Judges had it 40-36 for Gallichan
Welterweight
Enzo “The Bandito” Herrera from Tampa, Florida finished off Lordgod Pannell from Gretna, Virginia.
at the official time 2:56 of the 1st round by way of TKO victory.
Live at the Whitesands Events Center, Plant City, Florida. Presented by ProBox Promotions
TOPPENISH, WASHINGTON (January 23, 2023) — Roy Jones Jr., legendary world champion boxer and now trainer and promoter, will have two of his prized fighters headline an action-packed fight card at Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington on January 25, 2024. The fight card will be promoted by Roy Jones Jr Boxing and streamed live on DAZN, beginning at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT.
In the main event, hometown favorite, undefeated Yakima born Andrew Murphy will fight in an eight-round bout defending his National Boxing Association (NBA) Super Middleweight Americas title. In the co-main event Mandeep Jangra, former Commonwealth Games and Asian Games Silver Medalist, will fight for the NBA vacant Intercontinental Super Featherweight title in a ten-round bout.
Both train at Roy Jones Jr.’s camp on his farm in Pensacola. “It’s like a family thing, said Murphy, who has been training there since the beginning of the pandemic. “When we are not in the gym, we’re out on the farm helping with the animals. It’s like a zoo – horses, sheep, goats, chickens, deer, and alligators in the pond.”
Andrew Murphy (7-0, 5 KOs) was born in nearby Yakima, Washington an d January 25 will be the twenty-three-year-old’s third fight at Legends Casino. His opponent will be local talent Devontae McDonald (5-3, 1 KO” from nearby Wenatchee, Washington.
Regarding having Jones as a trainer, Murphy stated, “He’s the OG in the game. He’s done it all and he has an answer for every question that I have. He teaches me some of the things that he did and some can see that when I fight. Any way we can implement his moves into my game is a plus. But more importantly, he trains me to be the best version of myself, as he does with all of his guys his guys, to be the best version of themselves. On Thursday, my plan is to go dominate. By any means. Whatever he tries to do we have a plan for. I know it’s going to be an entertaining fight that’s for sure.”
Mandeep Jangra (6-0, 4 KOs), born and raised in Kharian, India, had a wonderful amateur career highlighted by winning Silver Medals at the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships and the Commonwealth Games. This will be Mandeep’s fourth bout under Jones’ tutelage. He will fight a scheduled ten-rounds against Tacoma Washington’s finest, Gerardo Esqivel (5-3-1, 1 KO)
“I am very excited because this is my first title fight and it’s my first fight that is live on DAZN,” said Jangra. “I am good with my weight. I am good with my training. I am right at 130. I’ve been working with Roy for eleven months. Roy works on my skills. I had some skills, but he polished them – so now I fight like a pro boxer. I’ve been working on how I use my feet to get the most out of my hook and my power. I have changed my boxing style some and improved a lot. Before I didn’t throw many combinations, maybe three or four punches at most and in my last fight I threw a thirteen-punch combination, and I couldn’t believe it myself.”
Promoted by Roy Jones Jr. Boxing, tickets, priced at $60, $50 and $40, are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the Legends Casino Gift Shop or on-line at Ticketmaster HERE
Doors open at 6 pmand first bell will be at 7 pm PT.
“I am very happy to be promoting again back at Legends Casino with my good friend Greg Fritz and the rest of the fine people that work there. Legends provides me and my fighters with wonder hospitality,” said Jones. “I will be bringing with me some treats. One of them is Mandeep Jangra. However many rounds Mandeep fight lasts, they will be exciting rounds. The second is Andrew Murphy, who brings power and aggression and is always looking for the knockout. I am really looking forward to January 25.”
The fight card will also include some LOCAL BOXING TALENT. Union Gap Washington’s Carlos Villanueva (5-3, 1 KO) will attempt to knock off Bend, Oregon’s undefeated Alberto Rivas (4-0, 1 KO) in a six-round cruiserweight scrap; in a six-round super welterweight bout, Kamar Bray (3-0) from Deerfield Beach, Florida and trained by Stacy McKinley, will battle Kevin Davila (5-11) from Lakewood, Washington; and in a six-round super clash of undefeateds, Mount Vernon’s Luis Gallegos (5-0, 2 KOs) battles fellow Washingtonian Josue Cadena (3-0, 1 KO). Opening the card will be twolocals making their pro debut in a four-round super welterweight bout, Bryce Wyatt and Gerardo Ceresero.
ROY JONES JR. was world champion at middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight (undisputed) and in 2003 became the first former middleweight world champion to become world heavyweight champion in over 106 years when he beat John Ruiz to win the title. Throughout that stretch he was recognized as the No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
Tampa, Florida – Welterweight Terrace Williams from New Port Richey, FL. Starts off fast putting his combinations together at the right time trapping William Davis from Memphis, Tennessee on the ropes as Davis continues to get nailed by shots referee Massimo Montanini waves it off at the official time 2:29 seconds of the opening round by way of TKO victory for the red hot rising star Williams on Saturday night at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC Auditorium, Tampa, Florida.
IIarraza Puts Out Velazquez In Two
Photo Credits: Brian Batista Media
In a spectacular return to the ring Super Middleweight Angel IIarraza from Ocala, Florida return to the ring since a two year layoff in a big way by finishing off Ariel Velazquez from Managua, Nicaragua as it was easy to predict were he is gonna be, IIarraza beat him to the punch as
Referee Micheal De Jesus jumps in to stop the fight waving it off at the official time 1:48 seconds of round two by TKO victory on Saturday night at the
Bryan Glazer Family JCC Auditorium, Tampa, Florida.
Other Results:
Pro debut Lightweight Nicola Costa Del Rosario win over Christian Reed TKO Rd. 2 @ 2:07
Super Welterweight Tyeshawan Wilson beats Victor Castaneda TKO Rd. 3 @ 1:21
Pro Debut Welterweight Geise Reyes Del Verso wipes out Jerome Deberry TKO Rd. 1 @ 2:39 referee Massimo Montanini waves fight off.
Light Heavyweight Mike Misa and Robert Calvin 6 round Split Draw
Cruiserweight Ty McLeod win over Vincent Miranda 6 round unanimous decision 55-59, 54-60, 55-59
Light Heavyweight Ariel Perez finishes off Quinterious Coker TKO Rd. 2 @ 1:02
Light Heavyweight Imran Haddabah over Ismael Oles TKO Rd. 5 @ 3:00
Tokyo, Japan – Masahiro Suzuki (10-1-1, 7 KO’s) from Tokyo, Japan becomes the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation Lightweight Champion by finishing off Roldan “The Cobra” Aldea (10-10-2, 10’s) from Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines. The fight was waved off at the official time 1:22 seconds of round one by TKO victory for the devastating puncher Suzuki.
Kenji Fujita (6-0, 3 KO’s) from Tokyo, Japan highly regarded young fighter becomes the WBO Asia Pacific Featherweight Champion by scoring a twelve round unanimous decision victory over Joseph “The Scorpion” Ambo (13-4-1, 8 KO’s) from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines.The judges official scores 120-107, 118-109, 120-107.
Light Flyweight contender Shokichi Iwata (12-1, 9 KO’s) from Tokyo, Japan takes out Rene Mark Cuarto (21-5-2, 12 KO’s) from Jose Dalman (Ponot), Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. In round six by way of TKO victory last night at the Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan. Presented by Akihiko Honda’s – Teiken Promotions
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