🗣️ @naoyainoue_410: “I will show the best performance of my career to win Ali Trophy” 👀
Nov.07 Saitama, Japan
Naoya Inoue – Nonito Donaire
The Final of WBSS Bantamweight Tournament
WBA & IBF Bantamweight
#InoueDonaire 🏆 #AliTrophy
Photo credits: Naomi Fukuda
na️@ naoyainoue_410：「アリのトロフィーを獲得するために、私のキャリアの中で最高のパフォーマンスを見せます」👀
11/ 11埼玉県、
In井上直oya-Nonito Donaire Don
WBSSバンタム級トーナメントの決勝
WBA＆IBFバンタム級
#InoueDonaire🏆#AliTrophy
写真提供：福田直美
Stevenson-Gonzalez, Joshua Greer Jr.-Antonio Nieves and Mikaela Mayer Alejandra Zamora to stream Saturday LIVE on ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Undercard to stream on ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
(Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank )
RENO Nev. – The vacant WBO featherweight world title bout between Shakur Stevenson and Joet Gonzalez is boxing’s version of the Hatfields and McCoys, a long-simmering grudge match that will be settled Saturday eveningat the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
Stevenson (12-0, 7 KOs) is looking to become the first 2016 Olympian to win a major world title, while Gonzalez (23-0, 14 KOs) hopes to pull off the upset against his biggest nemesis.
In the 10-round co-feature, bantamweight contender Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer Jr. (21-1-1, 12 KOs) will face former world title challenger Antonio Nieves (19-2-2, 11 KOs). The special feature will see female fighting sensation Mikaela Mayer (11-0, 4 KOs) defend her NABF super featherweight belt in a 10-round showdown against Alejandra Zamora (7-3, 1 KO).
At the final press conference Thursday, this is what the fighters had to say.
Shakur Stevenson
On Bob Arum’s praise and taking the short track to a world title shot
“That means the world {to me}. I feel like that’s the harder route. I feel like you could say whatever you want, but I feel like going pro and fighting a bunch of bums early in your career, I feel like that’s the easy route. I feel like I went to the Olympics and fought the higher level of competition, and that’s the reason I am who I am today.”
To Gonzalez: “I also think in 2012 when he was fighting them bums, I was a freshman in high school at the time, bro. So I understand why you’re mad at me, bro. It’s all good.”
Gonzalez’s response: “Ain’t nobody mad at you. Just show up Saturday and come to fight.”
On Joet’s experience
“I’m not sleeping on him. If I’m being honest, I always said Joet was good. Go look at my Tweets from two, three months ago. I always said he’s a good fighter. He was the one who got up there and said Shakur was overrated. Saturday, he gotta put up everything he said.”
Joet Gonzalez
“I most definitely had the harder road. Like you said, he was an Olympic silver medalist. He got the fast track. He got {a title shot} in two years. It took me seven years. I’ve been pro since 2012, so I’ve had the longer road. I have more experience. I’m older, more mature, and I think that is going to help me out Saturday night.”
“His biggest test, as a pro or an amateur, is obviously for a world title. He’s gonna have to do some crazy thing to beat me because I’m not leaving Saturday without that belt.”
“I’m just anxious because all the hard work, it’s already been done. Now we’re just counting down the days, letting the days go by. Tomorrow will be weigh-ins and Saturday will be fight time.”
On the personal beef with Shakur
“It fuels me because I was never the one to put this out there. The media, the public, they found out because of him. Just running his mouth. And now when they ask him about it, he don’t want to talk about it. So, it’s personal. It’s personal, just the things he’s done, the things he’s said, and he’ll pay for that on Saturday night.”
Shakur’s response: “It’s personal for him. I’m not going in the ring with a personal mindset. I’m going in the ring to win a world title, so that’s what I’m going to do to win this world title.”
Joshua Greer Jr.
On his flashy ring attire and “Night Night” pillow
“Pressure either busts pipes or makes diamonds, and I’m going to continue to shine.”
On his No. 2 ranking the pressure of a high ranking
“I had a great camp. I’m ready. At the end of the day, we’re going to drag him through that fire, and he gonna have on some gasoline boxing trunks so you know he’s burnt up.”
Antonio Nieves
“I’m coming to do what I gotta do. It’s a fight. At the end of the day, it’s a fight. We’re gonna fight. And that’s what we do. I’m here to fight. He’s here to fight. {If} he makes errors, we’re going to capitalize on them. We’re gonna fight him.”
“We’re ready 100 percent for whatever he brings.”
Mikaela Mayer
“I don’t know a lot about {Zamora}. There wasn’t a ton of video on her, but we do study tape. We always come up with a game plan in our camp, so we have plan A, B, or C.”
“There’s been a lot of talk about my style, and I think a lot of people are impressed with how I’ve been going to the body and working on the inside, especially being a female and being tall, you just don’t see a lot of that. I’ve really been working on that and then you see people talking about how I’m tall and long and I should use my reach more and stand on the outside, and I think it’s just been a combination of me wanting to be good at both. My team doesn’t want me to be a one-dimensional fighter. They don’t want there to be a certain way to beat me, and because I’m tall and long, girls are going to want to pressure me, and there’s going to be girls who are going to get me on the inside. So we want to be strong on the inside and box and move, so I’ve just been working on being able to put that all together.”
“I definitely plan on upping my knockout record, and I plan on doing that Saturday.”
“Whatever your reason is, if you think I’m a pretty girl and you want to see me get my ass beat, then tune in! Either way, it’s going to be an exciting fight. I feel like I always put on exciting fights, so this Saturdayis not going to be any different. I’m stronger than ever. We’ve had a great training camp, a long one, and I feel good.”
ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Shakur Stevenson vs. Joet Gonzalez, 12 rounds, vacant WBO featherweight world title
Mikaela Mayer vs. Alejandra Zamora, 10 rounds, Mayer’s NABF super featherweight title
Joshua Greer Jr. vs. Antonio Nieves, 10 rounds, Greer’s WBC Continental Americas and NABO bantamweight titles
ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT
Taylor: I’m feeling the love
Scottish Josh Taylor is feeling the love in London ahead of his headline contest against fellow unbeaten fighter American Regis Prograis ahead of the Ali Trophy final at O2 Arena on Saturday in London.
The pair were put through their paces and displayed their ring skills during a well attended public workout at Old Spitalfields Market in London, and both Taylor and Prograis were given a fantastic reception in England’s capital.
“I can’t wait to get in there now,” said Taylor. “I got a great reception tonight and I can’t wait for Saturday. It feels like a home fight, it really does. It feels like I’m in Scotland. I’m feeling the love. I believe I can do it, 100 per cent. It is the biggest fight of my career to date.
“I’ve been dreaming about this since the tournament came about. It’s all I’ve envisioned and dreamt about since I knew I was coming into this tournament. I’ve envisioned this moment on Saturday a 1,000 times over and I can’t wait to make that dream a reality.”
Regis Prograis came three weeks early for the World Boxing Super Series final in the super-lightweight edition. He doesn’t worry to much about fighting on foreign soil.
“No nerves, I can’t wait. I am excited right now,” said Prograis. “I think he’s a real good fighter, he’s a champion for a reason. I’m expecting the best Josh Taylor.
“For me, I have in my mind that my 24 fights don’t count, his 15 fights don’t count, it’s all about what’s on the line on Saturday night. I’m not even worried about his past performances, I’m not even worried about my past performances, I’m only worried about Saturday night.
“This is a dream fight, I kind of was always praying for this fight to happen and now I have this. Most fighters don’t get this fight in a lifetime.”
On Saturday Prograis enters the ring as WBA ‘Super’ World Champion & WBC Diamond Champion, while Taylor steps into the light as IBF World Champion & WBC Silver titleholder. In addition to the Ali Trophy, the winner of the final will unify world titles and claim the vacant and legendary 140lbs Ring Magazine belt.
The WBSS Super-Lightweight Ali Trophy Final at The O2 in London on October 26 is shown live via Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the U.S.
About the Muhammad Ali Trophy:
Muhammad Ali, The Greatest of All Time, gave his blessings to the WBSS and agreed to give his name to its prize, The Muhammad Ali Trophy. The trophy was created by the late world-renowned artist Silvio Gazzaniga who also designed the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy.
Ali Trophy winners:
2018: Aleksandr Usyk (Cruiserweight), Callum Smith (Super Middleweight).
Photo credits: Matchroom Boxing
Almaty, Kazakhstan – The WBO International Middleweight Champion, Kanat ‘Qazaq’ Islam and Walter Kautondokw, square off in a blockbuster matchup at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace, Almaty, Kazakhstani, Saturday, October 26, in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Kanat and Kautondokva are 160-pound world-class fighters in their prime and will go head to head at a critical time in their respective careers. Both are coming off from spectacular victories and entering the battle for the 160-pound WBO Middleweight title race.
The Champion Kanat Islam (formerly Hanati Silamu) was born in China but is of Kazakhstani descent. He represented China at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, winning bronze in the latter and also taking bronze at 2007 World Championships. Islam (26-0, 21 KOs) has an impressive 81% knockout power and his aggressive style is something that all middleweight has taken notice.
The Kazakhstan native has noticeable victories against then-unbeaten Canadian Brandon Cook, Norberto Gonzalez, and Patrick Allotey. On his last fight in July, he stopped Julio De Jesus in 30 seconds of the first round.
“Just like I have done before, I will make sure to take care of my opponents as quickly as possible,” said Islam. “I fight for my family and my beloved people of Kazakhstan – so I must win!”
“We will fight anyone regardless of the boxing organization they belong too – we want to fight,” said Nelson Lopez, promoter of Kanat. “We will even pay Canelo to come to fight us here in Kazakhstan.”
In October 2018, the 34-year-old, Walter Kautondokwa (18-1, 17 KOs) surprised everyone when in two weeks noticed he faced Demetrius Andrade in Boston, Massachusetts and went to the distance. Andrade had originally been scheduled to face Billy Joe Saunders until the Englishman failed a pair of doping tests.
“This is a now or never moment for me. I have an opportunity and will make sure to take advantage of it,” said Kautondokwa. “I will make sure to win this important fight because it will open doors for me to fight for a world title.”
After his failure to win the title from Andrade, Kautondokwa had his comeback last May when he destroyed Simeon Tcheta in rounds in Zimbabwe. Thanks to his most recent victory and unsuccessful valiant effort, the Namibian is back to the world ranking of the World Boxing Organization where he currently stands at No. 10. Kanat, who is the reigning WBO International Middleweight Champion at 160 pounds, is rated No. 8. This top-10 ranked matchup makes this showdown an exciting and competitive night of boxing in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
The winner of Islam-Kautondokwa will put himselfin a position to challenge any of the top 10 WBO middleweights, including WBO World Middleweight Champion, Demetrius Andrade. Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Qazaq Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through here. The event will be broadcasted worldwide via stream platform QT TV.
Never has there been such an extraordinary start to a World Boxing Council Convention as this fifty seventh SPECTACULAR in the Grand Oasis included laughter, tears, standing ovations, generosity of spirit and unity, incorporating kindness, brotherhood, equality and even the Scholas Occurantes Foundation with Pope Francis.
Significantly Paco Varcarcel who heads the WBO and Gilberto Mendoza who’s Chief of the WBA are guests of honor, extending hands of friendship in the sun kissed resort.
Perhaps an indication of more unification fights and practical cooperation between the Giants and titans of the modern boxing world?
Mexican business magnate genius and multi millionaire altruistic benefactor for charities and good causes Alfredo Harp Helu was presented with the WBC Belt of Honor for his constant and caring contributions to culture, education, health and sports.
Then WBC super lightweight champion Jose Carlos Ramirez came to the podium to touch on recent ring tragedies succinctly mentioning that a ring career is a decision but at the self same time a great responsibility. And opportunities to be able to make a difference for good causes with the help of people.
On that very theme the National Lottery ticket Director General Ernesto Prieto Ortega announced a special WBC ticket draw on October 30th with millions going to good causes.
Golden Boy Sun King Oscar De La Hoya came to deliver a reasoned but also very specific warning about the very real dangers of the International Olympic Committee allowing seasoned fully developed, mature professionals competing against callow youth. In the Tokyo Games next year.
He stressed that at the amateur stage of his career, all of his future dreams of glory would have been shattered if he’d been forced and obliged to compete against men in their thirties.
There was an inspiring wheelchair boxing bout between a female and male competitor, sparring with great skills and competitively. Carefully controlled and supervised, Adaptive Boxing is providing great fitness and inspiration. The display elicited a standing ovation.
The most emotional occasion of the Convention, was Adonis Stevenson walking up on to the stage the Grand Oasis Arena to receive a Champion of Life belt for his extraordinary, valiant fight of his life to overcome a serious traumatic brain injury in the ring, which involved emergency surgery, an induced coma and constant patient therapy to get him back on his feet, battling to regain a fully functioning life.
He credits his Wife Sisi who never left his side during the ordeal, for saving his life thanking her and he. cried tears of loving gratitude, also thanking the WBC for its constant and magnificent help.
Sisi who herself received a WBC Belt for what she did, proving everything which is simply beyond words, said the work goes on every day with the unwavering support of people who care. Supreme moments.
Photo credits: WBC Boxing
The Ali Trophy unveiled as Prograis takes in The O2 in London
Regis Prograis (24-0, 12 KOs) got a first glimpse of the Muhammad Ali trophy when he looked in on The O2 Arena ahead of Saturday’s World Boxing Super Series Super-Lightweight Final against Josh Taylor (15-0, 12 KOs).
The Greatest Prize in Boxing has arrived in England’s capital, and the tournament No. 1 seed saw it up close Tuesday at display at the venue for the exciting conclusion of the 140lbs edition of the WBSS.
“I’ve been looking up to Ali my entire life,” said the 30-year-old American. “I’ve read all of his books and he is a legend both inside and outside of the ring.
“Saturday I will be in the biggest fight of my life with a chance to
win the World Boxing Super Series final and the Muhammad Ali Trophy. It looks amazing and I can’t wait to fight for it here at The O2!”
Prograis is not alone with his desire to take home the Ali Trophy.
“I’ve been visualising lifting that trophy,” Scotland’s Josh Taylor has told. “Posing for the pictures at the end of the fight with the belts and the trophy. I’ve envisioned and visualised this for ages since this tournament came around.”
Tomorrow the coveted trophy will arrive at Highbury, the former home of Arsenal Football Club, as a tribute to Muhammad Ali’s legacy in London.
During his outstanding career, Ali boxed three times in London — at Wembley, Highbury and Earl’s Court — with two of those fights against British hero Henry Cooper.
On Saturday Prograis enters the ring as WBA ‘Super’ World Champion & WBC Diamond Champion, while Taylor steps into the light as IBF World Champion & WBC Silver titleholder. In addition to the Ali Trophy, the winner of the final will unify world titles and claim the vacant and legendary 140lbs Ring Magazine belt.
The WBSS Super-Lightweight Ali Trophy Final at The O2 in London on October 26 is shown live via Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the U.S.
About the Muhammad Ali Trophy:
Muhammad Ali, The Greatest of All Time, gave his blessings to the WBSS and agreed to give his name to its prize, The Muhammad Ali Trophy. The trophy was created by the late world-renowned artist Silvio Gazzaniga who also designed the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy.
Ali Trophy winners:
2018: Aleksandr Usyk (Cruiserweight), Callum Smith (Super Middleweight).
It becomes very difficult to explain away or justify the dangers of boxing at a time like this. This is not a time where edicts or pronouncements are appropriate, or the answers are readily available. It is, however, a time for a call to action. While we don’t have the answers, we certainly know many of the questions, have the means to answer them, and have the opportunity to respond responsibly and accordingly and make boxing safer for all who participate. This is a way we can honor the legacy of Pat Day. Many people live much longer than Patrick’s 27 years, wondering if they made a difference or positively affected their world. This was not the case for Patrick Day when he left us. Rest in peace and power, Pat, with the angels.
Boxeo Telemundo Niagra Falls show SOLD OUT
Niagra Falls, NY: After several years of a professional boxing drought in the Western New York (Buffalo/Niagra Falls region) All Star Boxing’s Tuto Zabala Jr. joined forces with Seneca Niagra Resort and Casino to bring the popular series Boxeo Telemundo to Niagra Falls. Together they have awoken a sleeping giant. Two weeks before this Friday’s October 18 show, the tickets were sold out. For first time in history at least one fighter in every fight on a nationally televised boxing event is from the Buffalo region. From the main event to the 4 round pro debuts.
This Friday, In the main event Emanuel “Pinky” Colon (16-1-1-15 KO’s) originally from Puerto Rico, now residing in Buffalo, NY takes on the slick and savvy Aztec warrior of Monterey, Mexico, Richard “Dinamita” Zamora (19-3-12 KO’s)for 10rds
In the Co-main event, Wilfredo “BravoVega” Flores (7-0-5 KO’s)of Dunkirk, New York, suburb 45 minutes from Buffalo takes on Adrian Martinez (3-2-3 KO’s) of Caguas, Puerto Rico.
“We have worked very hard with our Seneca Niagra Resort and Casino partners to make this New York debut a success. We have become a family and we are excited about what we are going to do next year, 2020. Boxing is back to the Buffalo/Niagra Falls region and is here to stay”.Said Felix “Tuto” Zabala,President/CEO of All Star Boxing, Inc.
Rounding up the undercard are Buffalo’s residents, Gerffred Ngayot taking on Edward Hatler, Alex Castellano v. Alonzo Davis, Charles Garner v. Angel Cotto, Ayanna Tramont v. Ashlee Futrell and Danny De Jesus v. Jonathan Smith
Colon vs. Zamora main event will be televised LIVE on the Telemundo Network, 11:35pm Check your local listings
About Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casinois located just minutes from the world-famous Niagara Falls in Western New York, near the Canadian border. The property is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. Guests can enjoy 147,000 square feet of gaming space with more than 2,500 slot machines and over 80 table games, 10 restaurants, live entertainment and a AAA Four Diamond Award-winning, 26-story hotel with 604 deluxe rooms and suites, a spa and salon, fitness center, indoor pool, and STIR-feature bar with live entertainment, signature cocktails, and a stunning 43-foot high-definition video wall. More information is available by calling 1-877-8-SENECA (1-877-873-6322) or visiting http://www.SenecaCasinos.com. Follow us on Facebook: Seneca Niagara Resort & CasinoTwitter:@SenecaCasinosorInstagram: Instagram.com/SenecaCasinos. #SenecaNiagara Download our mobile app and view us on YouTube.
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino…NOTHING ELSE COMES CLOSE!
Fighters from Puerto Rico, Colombia, Dominican Republic and Mexico will be in action on the “WBO Champions Tournament” show, featuring the world defense of the WBO 105-pound champion, Wilfredo “Bimbito” Mendez, on Saturday, May 26 October, at the Rubén Zayas Montañez Coliseum in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, in a presentation of PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) in association with Spartan Boxing.
“We have almost completed the October 26 event and in addition to the Colombian Gabriel Mendoza, rival of Bimbito Méndez, and the Dominican Olympian Félix Díaz, we will have several Dominican and Mexican fighters, as well as the Puerto Rican prospects who will fight in the card” announced the promoter Iván Rivera, president of PRBBP.
The main fight will be between the Puerto Rican Bimbito Méndez (14-1, 5 kos), in his first defense of the WBO 105-pound belt, against the two-time Colombian world challenger Gabriel Mendoza (30-6-2, 23 kos) .
Meanwhile, Dominican Felix Diaz (20-3, 10 kos), gold medalist at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China, 2008, will face Mexican Darío Fermán (18-6, 15 kos) at 10 rounds and at 147 pounds .
The undefeated Puerto Ricans Patrick Cora (8-0, 6 kos) and Luis Midyael Sánchez (8-0, 6 kos) will face in an eight round bout at 154 pounds, in an interesting fight between unbeaten compatriots.
At 10 rounds, meanwhile, Dominican Yenifel Vicente (35-4-2, 27 kos) will fight against Mexican Victor Ruiz (23-10, 16 kos) at 122 pounds; at six rounds, Puerto Rican John Correa (6-0, 5 kos) will face Mexican Edgardo Velázquez (12-0, 12 kos) at 154 pounds; at eight rounds, Dominican Frency Fortunato (7-0, 6 kos) will face Mexican Marcos Muñiz (14-0, 11 kos) at 122 pounds.
Other fights that will take place in the event will be announced shortly.
Post-2019 Heisman Trophy Presentation telecast (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m PT.) will also feature Richard Commey-Teofimo Lopez lightweight title fight and the highly anticipated Michael Conlan-Vladimir Nikitin featherweight grudge match
Tickets starting at $56 go on sale Friday, October 18 at 12 p.m. ET
NEW YORK CITY – Boxing’s pound-for-pound boogeyman is ready to battle the machine.
Terence “Bud” Crawford will defend his WBO welterweight world title against undefeated mandatory challenger Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas Saturday, December 14 at Madison Square Garden as part of a special ESPN-televised tripleheader that will immediately follow the 2019 Heisman Trophy Presentation (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). ESPN Deportes will provide the Spanish-language telecast.
The triple-header on ESPN and ESPN Deportes will also feature IBF lightweight world champion Richard “RC” Commeydefending his title against human highlight film and Brooklyn native Teofimo Lopez. Additionally, in the 10-round featherweight special attraction, Irish sensation and New York fan favorite Michael “Mick” Conlan will battle unbeaten Russian Vladimir Nikitin in a rematch of their highly controversial 2016 Olympic quarterfinal bout.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment and MTK Global, tickets priced at $506, $306, $206, $106 and $56 (not including applicable fees) go on sale Friday, October 18 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.
The undercard, with fights to be announced in the coming weeks, will stream exclusively on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.
“This is the best fight card of the year, and Madison Square Garden is a fitting venue for what will be a special night,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Terence Crawford is a generational talent, but he’ll have his hands full against the ‘Mean Machine.’ Teofimo Lopez is taking a giant step up against Commey, and it will be a tremendous fight. Mick Conlan has been asking for Nikitin since the day he signed with Top Rank. He finally gets his wish, and I know he wants to correct the tremendous injustice of the Rio Olympics.”
“Egidijus Kavaliauskas is a two-time Olympian and I can’t take him lightly,” Crawford said. “He’s got everything to gain and nothing to lose and that makes him dangerous. I never overlook any opponent, and this will be no exception. I’ll be ready for anything and everything he brings on December 14 when I return to my second home, Madison Square Garden, and live on ESPN.”
“I have prepared my whole boxing career for a fight of this magnitude,” Kavaliauskas said. “Terence Crawford is an excellent fighter, but I fear no man. Nobody has seen the best of the ‘Mean Machine’ yet. I am going to shock a lot of people on December 14, but it won’t be a surprise to me. I earned this title shot. It is my time.”
Crawford (35-0, 26 KOs), the pride of Omaha, Nebraska, has been impeccable since turning professional, winning world titles in three weight classes and unifying all four major world titles at super lightweight. He is 13-0 with 10 knockouts in world title bouts and has knocked out his last six opponents, including Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz, bitter rival Jose Benavidez Jr. and Manny Pacquiao conqueror Jeff “The Hornet” Horn. In his last bout, April 20 at Madison Square Garden, Crawford neutralized former unified super lightweight world champion Amir “King” Khan en route to a sixth-round TKO after Khan could not continue following a low blow. Kavaliauskas (21-0-1, 17 KOs) will be the fourth undefeated fighter Crawford has faced in his last five bouts.
A native of Kaunas, Lithuania, Kavaliauskas represented his homeland at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, rising the professional ranks with convincing victories over perennial contenders Juan Carlos Abreu and Roberto Arriaza. Kavaliauskas has a February 2018 TKO win over David Avanesyan, who is now the current European welterweight champion. He has never been knocked down as a pro or amateur and trains out of the famed Boxing Laboratory in Oxnard, California.
Commey (29-2, 24 KOs) has had a career year, winning the vacant IBF lightweight title February 2 in Frisco, Texas with a devastating second-round TKO over Isa Chaniev. He defended the belt June 29, knocking down former lightweight world champion Ray Beltran down four times before stopping him in the eighth round. A native of, Accra, Ghana, he has won four in a row by knockout.
Lopez (14-0, 11 KOs), at 22 years old, is one of boxing’s budding superstars a big-punching, big-talking fighter who has become the sport’s latest viral sensation. His post-fight Fortnite celebrations and backflips are the exclamation point to his highlight-reel knockouts. He fought last year on the post-Heisman Trophy celebration telecast, knocking out Mason Menard in 44 seconds and then putting on the jersey of Heisman winner Kyler Murray. Lopez is 3-0 in 2019, most recently prevailing via 12-round decision July 19 over Japanese veteran Masayoshi Nakatani in a title eliminator.
“I’m very excited to fight at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden, in my second world title defense against Teofimo Lopez,” Commey said. “My lifelong dream of becoming a world champion became a reality through many years of hard work in my homeland of Ghana through the UK, Europe and finally in the United States. I want to thank everyone on my team for making this possible. On December 14, I will put on another spectacular performance in defending my world title for my fans in the arena and those watching on ESPN and around the world.”
“Richard has fought all over the world for many years to achieve his lifelong dream of not only becoming a true world champion, but also becoming a boxing star, and on December 14 against Teofimo Lopez, I believe that he will successfully defend his title for the second time in spectacular fashion,” said Lou DiBella, Commey’s promoter.
“I’m finally back at Madison Square Garden, the place where I always wanted to win my first world title,” Lopez said. “I believe this fight will shut up all of the critics and prove to everyone that I back up my talking in the ring. I respect Commey as a champion, but when we’re in that ring, it’s going to be lights out for him. Come December 14, I am officially taking over the lightweight division.”
Conlan (12-0, 7 KOs), who is ranked in the top 10 as a featherweight by three of the major sanctioning organizations, is looking to avenge the final, and most controversial loss, of his amateur career. With a semifinal berth — and a guaranteed Olympic medal — on the line, Nikitin was the beneficiary of a decision most experts believe Conlan deserved. The indelible image of the Rio Olympics was Conlan’s double middle-finger salute to the judges. Conlan’s disappointment motivated him for what has been a flawless professional campaign. A proven ticket-seller at Madison Square Garden thanks to his annual St. Patrick’s Day appearances, Conlan is coming off a rousing TKO win over Diego Alberto Ruiz on August 3 in front of 10,000 hometown fans at Belfast’s Falls Park.
Nikitin (3-0, 0 KOs) did not turn pro immediately following the 2016 Olympics, electing to fight as an amateur throughout 2017. He signed a professional contract in 2018 with Top Rank, in large part because he wanted to face Conlan as a pro. Nikitin’s come-forward style has translated to the pro ranks, as he’s won a trio of decisions. He has fought on the same card as Conlan twice as a professional. The message was clear: Conlan and Nikitin were destined to meet again. They were supposed to fight August 3 at Falls Park, but Nikitin suffered a torn biceps in training.
“I’m beyond excited to fight for the sixth time in my favorite venue in the world, the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden,” Conlan said. “The boxing fans in New York City have been incredibly supportive of my career, and I look forward to putting on another great show for them, as well as my Irish fans coming over for this massive holiday event.
“Vladimir Nikitin and I have unfinished business from the 2016 Olympics, and I can’t wait until December 14to set the record straight.”
“Michael Conlan has done a lot of talking about me and our Olympic fight over the last few years. The talking finally ends December 14,” Nikitin said. “He’s bitter over our last fight and can’t accept the result. Well, my hand will be raised once again.”
For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.
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