Author: wban100@aol.com

Vergil Ortiz, Jr. will make his grand return to the ring in a new division against Lawson

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (November 2, 2023): Undefeated knockout sensation Vergil Ortiz, Jr. (19-0, 19 KOs) of Grand Prairie, Texas will make his grand return to the ring in a new division against Accra, Ghana’s Fredrick "General Okunka" Lawson (30-3, 22 KOs). The super welterweight fight is scheduled for 12-rounds and is set to take place at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on January 6, 2024. The exclusive fight night will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN. With a 100-percent knockout ratio, Vergil Ortiz, Jr. is ready to conquer the super welterweight division. He was last seen in August of 2022 in an entertaining fight in front of a hometown Texan crowd against Michael McKinson that added rounds to his boxing portfolio and a seventh-round KO. The 25-year-old has had an exciting Read more [...]

Denzel Whitley vs. Kenny Larson Marks a return to old-time boxing

QUINCY, Mass. (October 31, 2023) – Old-time boxing returns Friday night, December 9, in Worcester (MA), as Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) presents “Pandemonium at the Palladium 2,” featuring a roster of legitimate fighters in real fights. “Pandemonium at the Palladium 2” will be streamed live from the famed Palladium on BXNGTV.com. GCP has also partnered with Project New Hope, a Worcester-based charity that supports veterans and their families. Undefeated Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (12-0, 7 KOs) and unbeaten Kenny “Lionheart” Larson (7-0-1, 5 KOs) will headline in the 10-round main event for the vacant Junior North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Welterweight Championship in a rebirth of a longtime Bay State rivalry. Whitley, of Holyoke, represents Western, Massachusetts, Read more [...]

USA BOXING: Edwards and Harvey golden on final day of 2023 Santiago Pan American Games; Lozano and McCane take silver

SANTIAGO, Chile (October 28, 2023) -- Team USA went 2-2 yesterday on the final day of boxing at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games to take two gold and two silver medals to go along with their two bronze medals earned during yesterday’s semifinals. Featherweight Jahmal Harvey (Oxon Hill, Md.) began the day with what shaped up to be another classic United States versus Cuba final. The 2021 World Champion saw the Cuban, Ivan Horta Rodriguez Del Rey, take a close 3-2 lead after the first round, but came back in the second round to take his own 3-2 decision, resulting in the duo to be tied across all five judges’ cards before the final round. The American rallied during the final three minutes, landing clean jabs to the body and head, as well as combinations to take the round, Read more [...]

Toro Promotions signs 2020 Ukraine Olympian Heavyweight Tsotne Rogava

LOS ANGELES (October 26, 2023) – Rising LA-based promotional company Toro Promotions has announced the signing of 2020 Ukraine Olympic heavyweight prospect Tsotne Rogava (3-0, 3 KOs) to an exclusive promotional contract. The 6’ 5”, 270-pound Rogava is a combat sports veteran who has successfully transitioned to boxing from his world class Muay Thai and kickboxing career, highlighted by his three-time IFMA World title-winning performances in Muay Thai as an amateur, along with his ACB kickboxing crown. “Toro is excited to sign Tsotne because he’s a former Olympian with a lot of fighting experience,” Toro Promotions promoter Azat Torosan said. “He’s a big, tough, talented fighter. “I am delighted to announce today that I have signed a contract with Toro Promotions,” Rogava Read more [...]

Swerve TV, a category-leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel operator, and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing

LOS ANGELES, CA (October 26, 2023) – Swerve TV, a category-leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel operator, and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, the longest running New York based professional boxing promotion company, announced today that they will televise live the 45th edition of Star Boxing’s critically acclaimed “Rockin’ Fights” series on Saturday, October 28th, featuring a WBA Continental USA Championship doubleheader on Swerve Combat. On more than 20 platforms, Swerve Combat will make Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” 45 available free to virtually every internet-connected TV in the United States. The WBA Continental USA Championship doubleheader main event features Long Island's undefeated super lightweight fan favorite, Alex “El Toro” Read more [...]

Five Title Fights Lined Up for Only in America 92 Celebration

MIAMI, FL (October 23, 2023)—The Only in America 92 Celebration just got bigger as promoter Don King has put together five title fights for the Saturday, Nov. 4 extravaganza at the Casino Miami Jai Alai.  King is going to celebrate his recent 92nd birthday with five championship fights. The Nov. 4th card will have three co-feature title fights headlined by the 12-round battle for the WBC Cruiserweight vacant title as the number one ranked fighter, Mikaelian (26-2, 11 KOs) of Miami, FL via Armenia taking on the number two ranked fighter and former champion Makabu (29-3, 25 KOs) from Johannesburg, South Africa via the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Makabu, who lost his title to Badou Jack as he was stopped in the 12th round, is hoping to regain his belt after Badou Jack relinquished Read more [...]

Giovani Santillan Stops Alexis Rocha in Six; Eyes World Title shot

NEW YORK (October 22, 2023) - Giovani Santillan remained undefeated in capturing the NABO Welterweight title with an empathic six-round beatdown of WBO number-one ranked Alexis Rocha in a bout that headlined a DAZN streamed card at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.  Santillan is managed by Split-T Management. Santillan put a career best performance as he battered and bloodied the highly regarded Rocha from the outset,  Santillan, who began to bloody Rocha as early as round three, scored two knockdowns in round five. The first was set up by an uppercut. By that time the face of Rocha was a mess and Santillan continued to pour it on and the stoppage was inevitable. That came just a round later when Santillan continued his assault that resulted in the third knockdown of the fight Read more [...]

Noble outlasts Adams in Thrilling Fight

Philadelphia, PA (October 22, 2023) -In a much-anticipated fight that featured two young and undefeated junior lightweights, Jabril Noble and Rashan Adams lived up to the billing as Noble eked out a razor-thin split decision in front of a capacity crowd at Harrahs Philadelphia in Chester, PA The eight-bout card was promoted by RDR Promotions. The fight was hotly contested from the outset with Adams working the jab early. Noble got into the fight by landing some solid flurries in the second and third rounds. Adams fought back in round four as he was able to work on the inside. The fifth round proved pivotal as Noble was able to score a knockdown with a hard combination. Adams was hurt but was able to get out of the round as the knockdown came in the final seconds of the round. With the Read more [...]

Granite Chin Promotions Returning to Worcester with Powerhouse card to end 2023

QUINCY, Mass. (October 16, 2023) – Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) has announced its return to Worcester (MA), closing out 2023 with arguably its best top-to-bottom card ever, “Pandemonium at the Palladium 2”, on Friday night, December 9th at The Palladium. GCP has partnered with Project New Hope, a Worcester-based charity that supports veterans and their families. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Project New Hope, which provides basic needs, retreats providing healing opportunities, and its assistance program helps to “connect the dots” for those struggling to navigate current government systems. Undefeated Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (12-0, 7 KOs) and unbeaten Kenny “Lionheart” Larson (7-0-1, 5 KOs) will throw down in the 10-round main event for the Read more [...]

Former amateur boxing star Eric Kelly Acting in new movie, “Day of the Fight”

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (October 11, 2023) – Four-time National amateur boxing champion Eric Kelly is excited about his first acting role in a movie, “Day of the Fight”, which was scheduled to open nationwide last Friday. The 43-year-old Kelly plays an assistant coach and uses his real name. “Day of the Fight”, starring Oscar-winner Joe Pesci, Michael Pitt and Ron Perlman, follows a once renowned boxer (Pitt) as he takes a redemptive journey through his past and present, on the day of his first fight since he left prison. “I’m so excited,” said the USA Boxing Alumni member Kelly. “I’ve been on TV but never in a movie. It’s amazing. I have a good role, a speaking part, not a cameo. Joe Pesci is a legend, but I didn’t directly work with him. I’ve been a longtime Read more [...]

Subject: Toronto’s undefeated light heavyweight Kareem Hackett now No. 14 in WBA ratings

LOS ANGELES (October 12, 2023) – Newly crowned World Boxing Association (WBA) Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem Hackett (12-0, 6 KOs), a first for a Toronto fighter, has cracked the WBA world ratings at No. 14. Hackett was a 4-1 underdog in his most recent fight this past September 20th in Plant City, Florida, against undefeated Australian Clay Waterman (11-0). Toronto native Hackett became the first boxer from his hometown to capture the WBC Intercontinental title, nearly pitching a complete shutout in the process, as  only one judge gave his opponent a single round (100-90, 100-90, 99-91). In a thoroughly dominant performance, Hackett effectively used slick hands, distance and movement for his impressive victory, for which he was rewarded with a new title belt and Read more [...]

“The CallOut” Reality-TV Series Launch was a KO in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI (October 11, 2023) – In a historic event that united boxing enthusiasts and showcased the resolve of two fighters, nearly 1,200 fans converged at the West Warwick Civic Center in Warwick, Rhode Island, for the launch of the groundbreaking "The CallOut" reality television series.  The mastermind behind this innovative boxing-based series is Jarrod Tillinghast, a former professional boxer and the owner of Legendary Boxing gym in North Providence. Ten thrilling boxing exhibitions took center stage, but the showstopper was the rematch between Hector "Macho" Camacho, Jr., and "Furious" Freddy Curiel. All of the fighters were there to settle disputes through the sheer power of boxing. All these gripping matches that unfolded during the "Punching for Peace" card were recorded Read more [...]

From Camden to Paris Dreams: The Inspiring Journey of Jamar Talley’s Olympic Odyssey

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo, (October 2, 2023) -- In the gritty streets of Camden, N.J., where adversity often outweighs opportunity, a young boxer has emerged with a dream that burns brighter than the city lights. Meet Jamar "No Mercy" Talley, a 23-year-old native of Camden, whose journey through the world of boxing has been a tale of resilience, unwavering dedication, and an indomitable spirit. Although, he came up just short in Tokyo 2020, Jamar has had professional offers since 2018, but he has set his sights on an even greater prize: competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Jamar's love affair with boxing began at the age of seven, guided by the unwavering belief and support of his father, Omar Talley. Jamar and his brother, Omar II, would spar each other in the basement of their Uncle Heem’s Read more [...]

Yordenis Ugas and Mario Barrios Las Vegas Media Workout

LAS VEGAS – September 19, 2023 – Former world champions Yordenis Ugas and Mario “El Azteca” Barrios showed off their skills and previewed their upcoming showdown for the Interim WBC Welterweight Title during a media workout in Las Vegas Tuesday before they meet on the Canelo vs. Charlo SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, September 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions will present the Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view. Ugas and Barrios will look to reclaim championship gold in a matchup that will see the former WBA Welterweight Champion Ugas square off against the former 140-pound titlist Barrios. Each fighter is led to the ring by a renowned trainer as Ugas is guided by longtime top trainer Ismael Salas, while Barrios trains under 2022 Ring Magazine Trainer Read more [...]

Zurdo Ramirez does Las Vegas again 7 ½ years since he last fought in the Mecca of Boxing

LAS VEGAS (September 12, 2023) –- When former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) takes on former Light Heavyweight World Champion Joe “The Common Man” Smith, Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) on October 7th, it’ll be 7 ½ years since Ramirez last fought in the modern-day Mecca of Boxing, Las Vegas. Zurdo vs. Smith will headline the Golden Boy Promotions event to be streamed live on DAZN from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan. Both veteran fighters will be making their cruiserweight debuts, albeit  fighting at a 190-pound catchweight. “Zurdo” last fought in Las Vegas on April 9, 2016, when he became the first Mexico native to capture a world super middleweight title, dominating a 12-round unanimous by winning each round on all three judges’ Read more [...]