Author: Bill Calogero

Photo By: Lawrence Lustig/Boxxer
WARDLEY AND CLARKE’S EPIC HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH ATTRACTS MASSIVE TELEVISION AUDIENCE ON SKY SPORTS

LONDON, UK (April 3, 2024) – Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke’s epic heavyweight clash recorded a massive television audience on Sky Sports this Easter Sunday making it one of the platform’s highest rating boxing events in the past decade.

Billed as ‘Bad Blood’, the unbeaten heavyweight rivals could not be separated on the night as they put everything on the line in a thrilling twelve round contest that is already being described as one of the greatest British heavyweight fights of all time.

The BOXXER promoted event, live from London’s O2 Arena, attracted a peak audience of 746,000 for the main event with an average audience of 438,000 tuning in across the four-hour broadcast and a reach of over 1.7million.

These impressive figures make Wardley and Clarke’s battle for the British and Commonwealth Titles the fifth most watched boxing event on Sky Sports in the last 10 years behind only Eubank-Williams, Shields-Marshall, Khan-Vargas and Taylor-Catterall, and the biggest audience for a heavyweight fight.

Fans were treated to first-class shoulder programming from Sky Sports in the build up to the event including a tense face-off hosted by Johnny Nelson in ‘The Gloves Are Off’ and a look behind the scenes into each fighters’ training camp in ‘Behind The Ropes’.

Adding to the excitement on the night, a stacked undercard featured a series of mouth-watering clashes that saw Chris Kongo overcome welterweight rival Florian Marku, Viddal Riley retain his English Cruiserweight Title against Mikael Lawal, Ben Whittaker drop and dominate Leon Wilings, Callum Simspon score a showreel knockout win over Dulla Mbabe, and Alen Babic stop Steve Robinson.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO, said: “What we witnessed on Sunday was one of the greatest British heavyweight fights of all time. At BOXXER we are committed to growing the sport to new audiences and giving our fighters the biggest possible platform to perform. The numbers are incredible. It shows the huge potential and appetite for boxing in the UK and Ireland. We’ve had an amazing start to the year and we look forward to delivering more massive nights with unmissable action in 2024.”

Rob Selmes, Sky Sports Director of Rights, said: “It was great to see such a thrilling fight for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, immense bravery from both fighters and huge numbers tuning in to watch. A compelling card was part of a fantastic weekend of live sport on Sky Sports, with millions of sports fans enjoying our coverage and being taken closer to all the action.”

THE WORLD DOMINATION OF CHRISTIAN MBILLI AND ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV STARTS
IN SHAWINIGAN ON MAY 25

Shawinigan, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 — On May 25th, the global contender and new recruit of Top Rank, Christian “Solid” Mbilli, will attempt to continue his worldwide conquest at the Gervais Auto Center in Shawinigan. Facing him, the powerful British puncher Mark “Kid Dynamite” Heffron will try to slow down the ascent of the Montrealer by venturing into enemy territory to snatch his WBA International and WBC Continental Americas titles. In the co-main event, the man known as the “Lion,” Arslanbek Makhmudov, will risk a return to the arena against the dangerous oceanic giant who defeated him in the amateur ranks, Junior Fa.

This internationally significant event will be presented by the Quebec promoter Eye of the Tiger, in collaboration with the Cataractes and the City of Shawinigan, and will be broadcast live on the Punching Grace and ESPN+ networks starting at 7:00 PM.

“It’s always a source of pride to bring major fights to Mauricie, but this time, I can undoubtedly say we’re reaching another level. These are highly risky international fights we’ll present on May 25th, where there will be no room for error. But, with Mbilli and Arslanbek, we aim for the top, so we must be ready to face real challenges,” says the president of Eye of the Tiger, Camille Estephan.

At the heart of this highly anticipated evening, Christian Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs) hopes to force his competitors in the top 10 worldwide to face him by making more noise within the super-middleweight division. That’s what he does every fight; with his stunning knockout of former #1 light heavyweight contender Nadjib Mohammedi, his epic 8th round against Ecuadorian puncher Carlos Góngora, and most recently, his destruction of Australian world contender Rohan Murdock. Achieved in front of over 10,000 spectators and several hundred thousand American listeners, this latest victory has put Mbilli in the spotlight in the super-middleweight division and throughout the southern border. Having impressed Top Rank and the United States, Mbilli is now heading towards a new conquest against Heffron.

“With Heffron, Christian is completely heading towards another style of opponent, and this fits very well into his learning process. After making a name for himself in the United States and Australia, it’s time for Christian to show the English what he can do,” says Marc Ramsay, coach and director of development at EOTTM.

“No matter where he comes from and who he is, my opponent will have to arrive ready because on May 25th, I will once again demonstrate why I belong with the elite of the super-middleweights. Mark Heffron is just another boxer on my path. I respect him, but I won’t be gentle with him, just like with the others. I am convinced that we will deliver quite a fight in Shawinigan, but victory is the only option for me,” says Christian Mbilli.

Mark Heffron (30-3-1, 24 KOs) will thus cross the Atlantic bringing with him a striking force earning him an 80% knockout ratio. Beyond his powerful rear hand, the orthodox boxer has excellent mobility and a style that can pose problems for the current #2 WBC and WBA, #3 IBF, #4 WBO, and #2 of the prestigious Ring Magazine. All the ingredients are there for an exciting fight, as promised by the former Commonwealth champion himself.

“I am incredibly excited to be coming over to Canada to box Christian Mbilli. I have followed Christian’s career and always thought we would end up boxing each other. We are both two of the most exciting super middleweights out there, so this will be an excellent fight that the fans will love. I am very confident of winning this fight. I wouldn’t be traveling all the way to Canada if I wasn’t sure of the win.” Heffron says without hesitation.

A few months after his first career loss and a double hand fracture, Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-1, 17 KOs) will step back into the ring in Shawinigan to restart his conquest of the heavyweight division. After such a defeat, but especially such an injury, many would have first opted for a tune-up fight, but not the “Lion.” With his hand fully healed, he is determined to prove that it was this injury that caused his loss and therefore, that no heavyweight in the world can defeat him when he is healthy. To send a message to the entire heavyweight division, he will attempt to avenge an old defeat against New Zealander Junior Fa (20-3, 11 KOs).

Makhmudov is thus ready to risk everything upon his return to reconquer the top of the world rankings, where he is currently ranked 10th and 13th by the IBF and WBC.

“Honestly, I am happy. It’s good work on the part of my team to already secure a new big fight, and especially a fight that will be excellent. I’ve already faced him in a very close fight that he won when we were amateurs, so I am more than determined to avenge that defeat,” says Makhmudov.

Junior Fa (20-3, 11 KOs) has also fought on the boxing card presented across the globe, in Riyadh, last December. In that duel, he faced Frank Sanchez for the WBC Continental Americas titles and the WBO title in the heavyweight division. With over 100 rounds of experience in 23 fights and a size just as imposing as that of the “Lion,” Fa has what it takes to compete with the Montreal adoptee. He is determined to replicate the feat and beat Makhmudov again. His track record has proven itself, having fought elite athletes such as Joseph Parker with whom he went through the 12 rounds of a highly competitive fight.

This larger-than-life event will thus crown a 6th presence in 6 years for EOTTM in Mauricie, all made possible through a strong collaboration with the organization of the Shawinigan Cataractes. Each time, it’s an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the sport throughout the province and allow boxing fans to witness world-class cards, as emphasized by Roger Lavergne, president of the Cataractes.

“It is a privilege to once again team up with Eye of The Tiger to bring an internationally significant event to Mauricie. Our great collaboration established since 2018 has offered several great boxing nights, and the one on May 25th promises to be just as exciting. It will allow us to cement Shawinigan’s place as a premier destination in North America for prestigious galas.”

“What a pride for our city to be associated with an event that will resonate across the globe. The Gervais Auto Center and the organization of the Cataractes have proven themselves in terms of event organization. By adding Eye of the Tiger, there is no doubt that this evening will be a success,” adds Shawinigan Mayor Michel Angers.

Andrew Moloney-Pedro Guevara Interim Junior Bantamweight Title Showdown Confirmed as New Co-Feature to Lomachenko-Kambosos Super Fight at RAC Arena in Perth & LIVE on ESPN

PERTH, Western Australia (March 27, 2024) — The opponent has changed, but the stakes are just as high for Australian standout Andrew Moloney. Pedro Guevara will now fight Moloney for the vacant WBC Interim junior bantamweight world title on Sunday, May 12 at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.

Guevara replaces former world champion Carlos Cuadras, who was forced to withdraw from the fight due to a torn Achilles suffered in training. Moloney-Guevara will be the co-feature to the vacant IBF lightweight world title showdown between Vasiliy Lomachenko and George Kambosos Jr. In other world championship action on the bill, WBA bantamweight world champion Nina Hughes looks to turn back the challenge of one-time world champion Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson.

Promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Top Rank, Ferocious Promotions, TEG Sport and Duco Events, Lomachenko-Kambosos, Moloney-Guevara and Hughes-Johnson will be broadcast in prime time in the United States on Saturday, May 11 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+.

“I’m grateful that Top Rank and my team were able to get such a great opponent so quickly and to still be fighting for the WBC Interim world title,” Moloney said. “Guevara has only lost to world champions, and each of his defeats have come by either split or majority decision. I look forward to being the first person to beat him convincingly and making a massive statement.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity. Moloney is a great fighter, but I want the WBC green belt,” Guevara said. “It’s an honor to be part of the Lomachenko-Kambosos event. I’m very grateful to Top Rank, All Star Boxing and Bxstrs Promotions for making this happen. I will not let my Mexican people down.”

Moloney (26-3, 16 KOs) is unbeaten when fighting on Australian soil and looks to continue his climb back up the 115-pound rankings. After suffering a 12th-round stoppage defeat to Junto Nakatani for the vacant WBO junior bantamweight world title last May, he returned in December with a convincing decision over Judy Flores in Melbourne, Australia. Guevara (41-4-1, 22 KOs), from Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, is a former WBC light flyweight world champion who made two world title defenses in 2015. He challenged Kenshiro Teraji for that title in 2017, dropping a majority decision. Guevara saw his 10-fight winning streak end when he lost a split decision to Cuadras last November for the WBC Interim junior bantamweight world title. In February, he outlasted Lamberto Macias via 10-round decision in Mazatlán.

In other undercard action, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, knockout sensation Imam Khataev (6-0, 6 KOs) steps up against Ričards Bolotņiks (20-7-1, 8 KOs). Khataev, who trains in Sydney, Australia, earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. As a professional, he has yet to be pushed past the third round.

Two action-packed heavyweight fights, which will take place after the main event, have been added to the card. Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne (31-5, 27 KOs) returns to Australian soil to face New Zealand’s Hemi Ahio (21-1, 16 KOs) in an eight-rounder. The last time Browne fought in Australia, he shocked Junior Fa with a first-round knockout on the first Kambosos-Devin Haney card in Melbourne.

And, in an all-Australian 10-rounder, Faiga Opelu (16-4-2, 12 KOs) will battle former amateur standout Joe Goodall (10-2-1, 9 KOs). Opelu hopes to notch his second straight win, while Goodall loos to rebound from last November’s stoppage defeat to Nigerian knockout artist Efe Ajagba.

HALL OF FAMER “THE SPINKS JINX” MICHAEL SPINKS TO PARTICIPATE IN 2024 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
Hall of Fame’s 35th Anniversary Celebration set for June 6 – 9

CANASTOTA, NY – MARCH 25, 2024 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum, which is celebrating its 35th Anniversary in 2024, is pleased to announce that Hall of Famer “The Spinks Jinx” Michael Spinks will participate in 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend festivities set for June 6-9 in “Boxing’s Hometown.”

“From the Olympic gold medal to historic reigns as light heavyweight and heavyweight world champion, Michael Spinks did it all in boxing,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We are absolutely thrilled that he will return to Canastota to take part in Hall of Fame Weekend events.”

Spinks captured middleweight gold at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. As a pro, he won the WBA and WBC light heavyweight titles before becoming the first light heavyweight champion to win the heavyweight title when he defeated Larry Holmes (W 15) for the IBF belt in 1985. Spinks retired in 1988 with a pro record of 31-1 (21 KOs) that includes wins over Yaqui Lopez, Marvin Johnson, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Gerry Cooney and Dwight Qawi. In 1994, Spinks was elected into the Hall of Fame.

An impressive list of over 35 boxing greats from the United States and abroad, including “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya, “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” Christy Martin, “Irish” Micky Ward, Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik and Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe among many others, will participate in the Hall of Fame Weekend celebration.

The Class of 2024 to be honored includes boxers Ricky Hatton, Ivan Calderon, Diego Corrales (posthumous), Michael Moorer, Jane Couch, Ana Maria Torres, Luis Angel Firpo (posthumous), Theresa Kibby (posthumous), trainer Kenny Adams, manager Jackie Kallen, publicist Fred Sternburg, journalist Wallace Matthews and broadcaster Nick Charles (posthumous).

The Class of 2024 will be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend on June 6-9, 2024, in “Boxing’s Hometown.” Many events will take place in Canastota and nearby Turning Stone Resort Casino throughout the four-day celebration including ringside talks, fist casting, fight night, 5K race / fun run, boxing autograph card show, banquet, parade and induction ceremony.

Complete event details can be found on www.ibhof.com. For more information on the 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, please call (315) 697-7095.

Website: www.IBHOF.com