Category: Latest News

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 [...]

Undefeated Super Flyweight Champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez Finally gets his WBA eliminator fight

LOS ANGELES (September 11, 2023) – Ten months after accepting a World Boxing Association (WBA) offer to fight in a title eliminator, electrifying super flyweight contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez  (12-0, 9 KOs) will finally get his opportunity October 7th in Las Vegas against Panamanian boxer Ronal Batista (15-3, 9 KOs). The winner of the 12-round fight between No. 2-rated Ramirez and No. 7 Batista will become the No. 1, mandatory challenger for new WBA Super Flyweight World Champion Kazuto Ioka (30-2-1, 15 KOs), of Japan, who dethroned defending world champion Joshua Franco this past June by scores of 116-112 twice and 115-113. Ramirez vs. Batista will be fighting in the co-featured event on a Golden Boy-promoted card to be headlined by his friend and mentor, former world super Read more [...]

 MMA legends UFC Heavyweight Champions Junior Dos Santos and Fabricio Werdum went head-to-head in the main event

JACKSONVILLE, FL. – September 9, 2023 – MMA legends and former UFC Heavyweight Champions Junior “Cigano” Dos Santos (22-10) and Fabricio “Vai Cavalo” Werdum (24-10) went head-to-head in the main event of Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA event Friday night from VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. In a duel between two extremely experienced mixed martial artists, Dos Santos was able to do enough to best Werdum by split decision. “I’m feeling awesome tonight,” exclaimed Dos Santos in victory. “I feel like it was an amazing fight.” Near the end of the first round, Dos Santos cut Werdum over his right eye, causing it to bleed considerably. The second round featured a lot of stand-up action with Werdum attempting to lure Dos Santos Read more [...]

Super Welterweight Sensation Ramos Battles  Top Contender Lubin in Canelo vs. Charlo

CASA GRANDE, AZ. – September 7, 2023 – Undefeated super welterweight sensation Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. discussed the increased intensity in his training camp and much more as he looks to earn a world title shot with a victory over top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin on Saturday, September 30 in the SHOWTIME PPV co-main event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions will present the Premier Boxing Champions Pay-Per-View. “This camp has been more intense than my previous camps,” said Ramos (20-0, 16 KOs), who is trained by his father Jesus Ramos Sr. at the Ramos Boxing Academy in Casa Grande, AZ. “My strength and conditioning coach Jamie Belt has really stepped it up. We’re going through it and I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life right now. That’s Read more [...]

Undefeated Jordanian lightweight prospect Bader “The Master” Samreen New headliner against Jose Paez Gonzalez

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (September 5, 2023) – Due to a training camp injury suffered by Moussa Gholam, undefeated Jordanian lightweight prospect Bader “The Master” Samreen (8-0, 7 KOs) has been elevated to the 10-round main event for this Saturday’s launch of the Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) series, the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Samreen will face veteran Mexican fighter Jose “Cuate” Paez Gonzales (16-2-2, 12 KOs) in the milestone event, promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and sponsored by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), steaming live on DAZN from Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arena. It is sanctioned by the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission. The first professional Read more [...]

Top Trainers Preview Canelo Álvarez vs. Jermell Charlo Undisputed Super Middleweight Title Clash

LAS VEGAS – September 6, 2023 – Four of the top trainers in the sport, Ronnie Shields, Bob Santos, Calvin Ford and Robert Garcia, offered their insights and analysis of the upcoming historic showdown between Undisputed Super Middleweight World Champion Canelo Álvarez and Undisputed Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermell Charlo during a virtual media roundtable on Wednesday. Canelo vs. Charlo headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, September 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions will present the Premier Boxing Champions Pay-Per-View. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com. Here is what the trainers had to say Wednesday, including their predictions for the super fight: RONNIE Read more [...]

Pueblo is gearing up for the start of the 2023 Last Chance Qualifier next week

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (September 5, 2023) -- The 2023 Last Chance Qualifier marks the boxers' final chance to secure their spot at December’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Lafayette, La. Pueblo is poised to welcome nearly 400 boxers from various corners of the nation, with the event scheduled to start Monday, Sept. 11 at the Pueblo Convention Center. “We look forward to having USA Boxing back at the Pueblo Convention Center to host elite amateur athletes from around the country for the Last Chance Qualifier tournament,” said Pueblo Convention Center General Manager, Kevin Ortiz. “We feel fortunate that USA Boxing has picked us for this great event.  The relationship Pueblo has built with USA Boxing has been fantastic and we always love the opportunity to work with them.  We are Read more [...]

Natural growth major reason for Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez moving up to cruiserweight division

LAS VEGAS (August 31, 2023) –- At the age of 32 and coupled with 14 years as a professional boxer, natural growth has forced former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) to move up in weight to the cruiserweight division from light heavyweight. “Zurdo” will make his cruiserweight debut on October 7th versus former world light heavyweight champion Joe “The Common Man” Smith, Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) at a 190-pound catchweight, headlining a Golden Boy Promotions event to be streamed live on DAZN from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Ramirez, fighting out of Mazatlán, Mexico, has simply outgrown the 175-pound weight class. In several of his most recent fights, “Zurdo” has entered the ring nearing just shy of 200-pounds, Read more [...]

More than 40 candidates will compete in elections for Executive positions at World Boxing’s inaugural Congress in November 2023

World Boxing, the new international federation established to keep boxing at the heart of the Olympic Movement, has received more than 40 nominations for Executive positions when elections take place at its inaugural Congress in November 2023. The nominations, which include 11 female candidates, cover a range of offices including President, Vice President (VP) and places on World Boxing’s Executive Board along with the Chairs of the Sport and Competition Committee, the Medical and Anti-Doping Committee and the Finance and Audit Committee. The nominations come from 18 countries spread across four continents and mean that every Executive position and role as Committee Chair will be contested when members vote in November. In line with the processes set-out in World Boxing’s Statutes, Rules Read more [...]

Undefeated Prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum Fighting in LA for first time in initial 8-rounder

LOS ANGELES (August 30, 2023) – Undefeated prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (6-0, 6 KOs) will experience a few firsts on September 16th in his toughest test to date during his young professional career versus veteran Mexican fighter Ricardo Adrian “Tyson” Luna (25-10-2, 16 KOs) at Commerce Casino and Hotel in Los Angeles. The 26-year-old Fulghum, who is a promotional free agent, will be fighting in L.A. for the first time in his first scheduled eight-round bout. “I’m excited to be fighting on a good card on DAZN,” Fulghum commented. “I’ve built a good network there (in LA at Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood) and I’ll have a lot of people coming from home (Texas), too. “Nothing really changes in training (preparing for his first eight-rounder at a lighter Read more [...]