Month: February 2023

Orlando, FL. – In the main-event of the evening Nestor Bravo from Arecibo, Puerto Rico way of Orlando, Florida held on to his WBO-NABO Super Lightweight Title last night in the main event against Jair Valtierra from Guanajuato, Mexico. In a sold-out crowd at the Caribe Royal in Orlando Presented by BoxLab Promotions live on CBS Sports Network. Bravo suffered a cut unintentional head butt that stopped the action at 1:55 seconds in round four, Bravo told the doctor that he could not see – the doctor reaffirmed his comment and Bravo said “yes I can’t see” then Bravo asked the doctor if the bout is stopped does it go to the scorecards? The doctor said “I don’t know”The fight was ruled a no decision.

Tonight’s co-main event Antonio Vargas from Orlando, Florida becomes the WBA Continental Americas Super Bantamweight Championship by stopping a rugged Michell Banquez from Caracas, Ven. Who certainly came to fight tonight getting into big exchanges against Vargas who showed a beard tonight by taking Banquez power shots well, Vargas settled in got off fast hard shots that started to slow Banquez down until his corner have seen enough jumping up to the ropes and saving there fighter. The time of the stoppage was 2:38 seconds of round six by TKO victory for Vargas.

Welterweight Elijah Flores from Redland, California returned to Orlando, Florida with an outstanding performance by scoring a six round unanimous decision victory against a very tough customer Juan Aguirre Herrera from Yucatán, Mexico. 

The judges official scores were 59-55, 60-54 (2x).

The WBA Federcaribe Lightweight Champion Idalberto Umara from Miami, Florida way of Cuba defended his title tonight by scoring a second round TKO victory at the official time 1:40 seconds against Deivi “El Cabo” Julio from Monteria, Col.

In a hard fought Cruiserweight battle Adrian “AP” Pinheiro from Orlando, Florida and Isaiah Thompson from Plantation, Florida slugged it out in a six round majority draw.

Judges official scores were 58-56, 58-56, 57-57.

Welterweight Darrius “Hawk” Jackson from Orlando, Florida scores a six round unanimous decision win against 

Judges scorecards were 60-54 across the board for Jackson.

Super Welterweight Yoanis Tellez from Santiago De Cuba stepped on the gas quickly destroying Chukwauka Willis from Atlanta, GA. at the official time 0:38 seconds of round two by KO stoppage.

Welterweight Freudis Rojas from Las Vegas, NV. displayed good hand speed by quickly taking out Gilbert Venegas from Devenport, IA. in a six round affair that ended at the official time 2:11 round one by way of TKO victory for Rojas.

Super Middleweight Jamar Pemberton from House Spring, MO. struck lightning by taking out Justin Johnson from West Virginia, VA. with a one-two step and hard body shot that dropped Johnson in the opening stanza at the official time 0:21 seconds of round one by KO victory for Pemberton.

Junior Welterweight puncher Otha Jones from Toledo, Ohio goes the distance by out working Raymond Chacon in tonight’s opener at the Caribe Royal in Orlando Florida scoring a four round unanimous decision 60-54 on all three judges cards.

Tampa, Florida – Terrence Williams a young brilliant boxer-puncher who is finally receiving his due by making the crossover to the professional ranks.

Williams certainly demonstrates he has the ingredients for one day superstar status in the sport of boxing.

Williams has the muscle to perform in competitive matches in my view.

Williams has the opportunity to break into the major league with his extraordinary talent, a humble young man that fights out of New Port Richey, Florida. 

Certain young athletes come a long in the sport that don’t need to be reminded to keep their chin down when facing someone.

Williams always in magnificent shape for each contest he’s fought in the young championship ranks, He’s a aggressive fighter who uses his strength and stamina to crowd opponents, weakening them with an incessant body attack, overwhelming them with his volume of blows. He’s certainly fun to watch, stay tune as Williams gets set to make his professional debut on March 18th in Tampa, Florida.

Guillermo “El Chacal “

Rigondeaux 118.8 vs. Jesus “Sargento”Martinez 119.6

10 rounds, Bantamweights

Ariel Perez De La Torre 122.2 vs. Yonfrez Parejo 122 lbs

8 rounds, Junior Featherweights

Jorge Romero vs. Edwin Rodriguez, 10 rounds, Junior Featherweights

Damian Lescaille 153.4 vs. Lucas McDonald 149.8

6 rounds, Welterweights

Yoanki Urrutia 160.8 vs. Luis Eduardo Florez 161.6 8 rounds, Middleweights

Carlos Fromenta Romero 203.6 vs. Armondo Reeves 206.6

6 rounds, Cruiserweights

Jose Brayan Fonteboa 138.8 vs. Ashton Royal 139.6

4 rounds, Welterweights

Adlay Rodriguez 144.2 vs. Ryan Schwartzberg 139.6

4 rounds, Welterweights

Gustavo Trujillo 235.8 vs. Jawaski Bethly 244.4

4 rounds, Heavyweights

Francisco Rodriguez 144.8 vs. Brodyx Gilman 149.8

4 Rounds, Super Lightweights

WARRIORS BOXING & BOX-LAB PROMOTIONS in association with HIALEAH CASINO

PRESENTS

“UNA GRAN NOCHE DE BOXEO CUBANO”

HIALEAH PARK CASINO

100 E 32 Street, Hialeah, FL 33013

🥊February 24

EDGAR BERLANGA SIGNS MULTI-FIGHT DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
 Unbeaten Super-Middleweight sensation pens deal with Eddie Hearn

Edgar Berlanga has signed a multi-fight deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom.

Berlanga (20-0 16 KOs) shot to fame when his blistering speed and devastating power led to an astonishing run of 16 first round KOs from his debut in June 2016 to December 2020, and he landed his first pro title in October 2021 picking up the vacant WBO NABO Super-Middleweight belt, decisioning Marcelo Coceres in Las Vegas.

The 25 year old Brooklyn star has been a huge hit in the Big Apple, packing the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden with his loyal hometown and Puerto Rican support in his most recent battles with Steve Rolls and Alexis Angulo. On those nights in March and June, Berlanga defended his WBO NABO title with unanimous decision wins over ten rounds to cement his lofty World rankings.

‘The Chosen One’ sits at #4 with the WBO and IBF and at #6 with the WBA and will return to the ring this summer as Berlanga, his trainer and father Edgar Sr., Hearn and manager Keith Connolly plot his route to World title glory and the fight he craves with undisputed Super-Middleweight ruler Canelo Alvarez.

“I’m excited to start my new journey with the best promoter in the world, the legend Eddie Hearn,” said Berlanga. “I’m looking to build my legacy in the sport of boxing. I want to thank my manager Keith Connolly and my father Edgar Berlanga Sr. who were instrumental in guiding me towards this amazing opportunity.

“I’m looking for the big fights and I know signing with Matchroom was the right choice to get me to where I want to go. I’m humbled by this opportunity, and I will dedicate myself into becoming the best 168 pounder in the world. My main goal is to the land the Canelo fight and renew the greatest rivalry in boxing – Mexico vs Puerto Rico.”

“I am delighted to have won the race for Edgar’s signature,” said Hearn. “It is no surprise that everyone wanted to snap him up – he has a great fanbase, he is a real character and most importantly, he can do the business in spectacular fashion in the ring.

“Edgar wants to be a World champion and the fight he wants is Canelo Alvarez. We are plotting a route for him to land that showdown with Canelo, and Edgar is ready to take on the best of the 168lbs division to prove he is ready to meet the undisputed champion in classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico blockbuster.”

ORANGE, CA. – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thompson Boxing Promotions CEO, Ken Thompson, a beloved boxing promoter who dedicated 23 years of his life to promoting the sport in Southern California. Throughout his career, Kenny was known for his passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sport of boxing, and his fighters.

Born in Lubbock, Texas, Kenny had a love for boxing from an early age. He started his boxing promotion career in the early 2000’s and quickly established himself as a leading figure in the industry. His ability to spot young talent and give them a platform to showcase their skills made him one of the most respected individuals in the sport. Ken was a true advocate for the boxers and always worked tirelessly to ensure that their careers were as successful as possible.

Kenny’s passion for boxing was contagious, and he inspired countless people to become involved in the sport, both as boxers and fans. He was known for his energetic and enthusiastic approach to promoting boxing events, and his shows always had a special energy that was palpable from the moment the first bell rang.

Throughout his career, Kenny was dedicated to giving back to the community. He was a strong supporter of local charities and was always looking for ways to help those in need. He will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, and his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

Kenny’s impact on the sport of boxing in Southern California will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered as a champion of the sport, a true promoter of the art of boxing, and a shining example of what it means to be a true visionary. His legacy will live on, inspiring future generations of boxing enthusiasts to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world.

Rest in peace, Kenny Thompson, and thank you for all that you did to make the world of boxing a better place. Your memory will live on, and you will always be remembered as a true champion of the sport.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Kenny’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project. https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Forthcoming information about a celebration of life event in memory of Kenny will be announced soon. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Kenny’s family during this difficult time.

Amanda Serrano 125.4 vs. Erika Cruz 125.4

(undisputed female featherweight title)

Alycia Baumgardner 129 vs. Elhem Mekhaled 129 (undisputed female super featherweight title)

Richardson Hitchins 139.6 vs. John Bauza 139

Yankiel Rivera 111.4 vs. Fernando Diaz 111.8

Skye Nicolson 125.6 vs. Tania Alvarez 124.8

Ramla Ali 121.4 vs. Avril Mathie 121.4

Shadasia Green 167.2 vs. Elin Cederroos 167.4

Harley Mederos 134.2 vs. Julio Madera 133.6

Aaron Aponte 138.6 vs. Joshua David Rivera 138.8

Photo credits: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom or Melina Pizano/Matchroom

Orlando, FL – World class championship boxing returns to the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida as local favorite Nestor Bravo defends his WBO NABO junior welterweight title against Jair Valtierra.

The ten-round bout will headline “Night of Champions II,” promoted by Boxlab Promotions and televised by the CBS Sports Network on February 26 starting at 10:30 pm et.

Bravo (21-0, 15 KO’s), who is a native of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, will be making his first appearance in his adopted hometown in nearly five years as he faces the determined Valtierra (16-2, 8 KO’s) of Leon, Mexico.

This past October, Bravo became the WBO NABO champion with a seventh round stoppage of Adrian Yung in Puerto Rico.

“Once again Caribe Royale is proud to host its Championship Boxing series. For the second straight event, multiple titles from the WBA and the WBO are on the line featuring the WBO’s 12^th ranked junior welterweight contender Nestor Bravo. It’s great to have Central Florida’s fans back at Caribe Royale for another action packed event, says Caribe Royale Managing Director, Amaury Piedra. “We look forward once again to working with CBSSN and Boxlab Promotions on this event.”

In the co-featured bout, 2016 US Olympian Antonio Vargas (15-1, 8 KO’s) of Kissimmee, Fla. Squares off against Michell Banquez (20-2, 14 KO’s) of Fort Lauderdale by way of Caracas, Venezuela in a ten-round fight for the WBA Continental Americas bantamweight title.

A winner of his last five fights, four by knockout, Vargas is taking a significant step up in competition. The 32-year-old Banquez has impressive victories over Hector Betancourt (11-1), William Riera (9-0-1), Prince Patel (19-0-1) and Joahnys Argilagos (8-0).

Opening the CBS Sports Network telecast is Cuban standout Idalberto Umara (8-1, 5 KO’s) against heavy-handed Colombian Devi Julio (24-12, 15 KO’s). Scheduled for ten rounds, Umara’s making the first defense of his WBA Fedecaribe lightweight title. 

The undercard features local favorites and rising prospects including Adrian Pinheiro, Jeovanny Estela, Darious “Hawk” Jackson, Elijah Flores, Yoenis Tellez, Freudis Rojas and the debuting Shamara Woods.

Doors open at 6 pm and the first bout begins at 7.

Weigh-In Results: Emanuel Navarrete vs. Liam Wilson

TOMORROW at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+

Desert Diamond Arena (Glendale, Arizona)
Emanuel Navarrete 129.2 lbs. vs. Liam Wilson 126.3 lbs
(Vacant WBO Junior Lightweight Title — 12 Rounds)

• Arnold Barboza Jr. 139.2 lbs vs. Jose Pedraza 138.7 lbs
(Barboza’s WBO Intercontinental Title — 10 Rounds)

• Richard Torrez Jr. 222.2 lbs vs. James Bryant 253.4 lbs
  (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT)

• Andres Cortes 131.2 lbs vs. Luis Melendez 130.6 lbs
  (Junior Lightweight— 10 Rounds)
• Nico Ali Walsh 159.8 lbs vs. Eduardo Ayala 160.9 lbs
  (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)
• Lindolfo Delgado 142.1 lbs vs. Clarence Booth 142.4 lbs
  (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)
• Emiliano Fernando Vargas 133.4 lbs vs. Francisco Duque 135.4 lbs
  (Lightweight — 4 Rounds)
  📸 Mikey Williams @toprank