Billy C Boxing

THIS SPECTACULAR FIGHTING EVENT IS DEDICATED TO THE HONOR OF THE LIFE & LEGACY OF THE LATE GREAT JOSE SULAIMAN IN THE SPIRIT OF FIGHTING FOR WORLD PEACE–

BRONER VS. COBBS – MIKAELJAN VS. ROZICKI ON FRIDAY, JUNE 7 AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (April 25, 2024)—Hall of Fame boxing promoter Don King and Kris Lawrence’s The Heavyweight Factory present an exciting evening of first-class boxing featuring Adrien “The Problem” Broner (35-4-1 with 24 KOs) and Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (16-1-1 with 10 KOs) on Friday, June 7th at the beautiful Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

The long anticipated featured fight of the night will see Cincinnati’s Adrien Broner stepping into the ring against former NABF Welterweight Champion Blair Cobbs. This high-stakes matchup marks Cobbs’ return to the ring for the first time in nearly two years, facing off against the highly decorated Broner as they fight for the WBC “People’s Championship”.

On the heels of an impressive knockout victory, newly crowned WBC Cruiserweight Champion Norair “The Dark Horse” Mikaeljan (27-2 with 12 KOs) aims to defend his title for the first time against Canada’s hard-hitting Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1 with 19 KOs).

In addition, Paterson, NJ’s Ian “The Young General” Green (18-2 with 12 KOs) will be defending his WBA Continental USA Middleweight title. The fan-favorite Green enters this bout on the strength of six straight victories.

In addition to the above three championship fights, a heavyweight feature fight is set as

Cassius Chaney (23-1, 16 KOs) of New London, CT takes on Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (22-1-2, 16 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV.

“This spectacular fighting event is dedicated to the honor of the life and legacy of the late great Jose Sulaiman in the spirit of world peace,” said promoter Don King. “Jose was at the forefront of always putting on great fights and we plan to honor him with this great card.”

“I want to thank Mauricio Sulaiman and Don King for this great opportunity for Ryan Rozicki,” said Dan Otter, promoter for Rozicki. “Rozicki won’t disappoint boxing fans in his quest for a title.”

WBA NABA Light Heavyweight Champion Ahmed “The American Pharoah” Elbiali (23-1, 18 KOs) will defend his title and Michael “The Brazilian Rocky” Oliveira (21-2, 16 KOs) of Miami, FL will be featured in a super middleweight attraction. NABA Welterweight Champion Tresean “Trigger” Wiggins (16-5-3, 9 KOs) of Newburgh, New York will defend his title. All opponents are to be announced.

Cruiserweight sensation Yuniel “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (26-2, 24 KOs) from Cuba and young Cuban middleweight rising star Yoenlis Feliciano “Yoyo” Hernandez (3-0) will also be featured on the boxing card.

Rising star, hometown sensation De’von Williams (4-0, 4 KOs) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL will meet Travis Floyd of Douglasville, GA.

Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing Signs Undefeated Super Middleweight Contender Junior Younan

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK (April 26, 2024) –Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing is pleased to announce the signing of undefeated super middleweight Junior Younan to an exclusive promotional contract.

“I am super excited to be part of Star Boxing. As a fighter who was born and raised in New York, I feel like it’s a natural fit. Thank you to Joe DeGuardia for the opportunity and I promise to deliver many special nights of boxing,” said Younan.

“We are very excited about signing Junior, who is extremely talented and blessed with fast hands and boxing aptitude. We are looking forward to having him on our shows and will announce his next fight within the next couple of days. We plan to keep him busy and by the end of the year feel he will be ready for anyone in the division. The fight we would love to make is with Edgar Berlanga, a true ‘Battle of Brooklyn’, it would be a huge attraction here, and a win would have him in the front of the line for Canelo (Alvarez), (David) Morrell, (David) Benavidez, all of the champions at 168,” said Star Boxing President, Joe DeGuardia

Younan, 28 of Brooklyn, New York is 19-0-1 with 11 knockouts.

Younan was a decorated amateur boxer who compiled a 90-5 record before turning professional in 2013 at the age of 18. Once dubbed by The New York Times as “a boxing prodigy” as a 10-year-old, Younan was a two-time National Junior Golden Gloves champion, the 2011 National Junior Olympic championship, and at one point was the No. 1-rated junior boxer in his weight class by USA Boxing.

Younan turned professional on November 9, 2013, with a first-round stoppage over Kenneth Taylor Schmitz in Brooklyn. On his way to his undefeated record, Younan has amassed some quality wins, including defeats over tough seasoned fighters such as Mike Guy and Dauren Yeleinusinov at the Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY). In his last outing, Younan won a unanimous decision over Ramses Agaton on November 24, 2023, in Cancun, Mexico.

Younan’s first bout for Star Boxing will be announced in the coming days.

Sampson Boxing Signs Undefeated Super Bantamweight Bryan Acosta to an Exclusive Multi-Year Promotional Contract

April 23, 2024 – Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of undefeated super bantamweight prospect Bryan “Latino” Acosta to an exclusive multi-year promotional contract.

Acosta (20-0, 8 KOs) is a skilled counterpuncher with a dazzling boxing skill. Hailing from the traditional boxing hotbed of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and raised in the U.S. until he was nine, the 25-year-old Acosta turned professional in 2016 and won his first title, the WBC Continental Americas Featherweight Championship with a tenth-round TKO over fellow Mexican Benito Sanchez Garcia in May of 2022.

Another significant victory for Acosta doesn’t appear on his official record because of the AIBA’s controversial history, however, earlier this month, he dropped and knocked out fellow prospect Alberto “Impacto” Melian of Argentina in the eighth round for their IBA American Championship.

“I knew that knocking out Melian would open doors for me and now I’m signing with Sampson. He will take me on the right path and get me the necessary fights to become world champion,” said Acosta. “I’m looking forward to continuing my march to the top, now with the right team at my side.”

Acosta’s trainer, Alfredo Caballero, says entrusting his fighter’s promising career to Sampson Boxing is a matter of faith.

“I am very happy to work together with Sampson Boxing,” said Caballero. “I had waited for the opportunity, and I know that God’s timing is perfect, and this is the right time to sign.”

“Welcome to the Sampson Boxing family,” said an excited Sampson Lewkowicz. “Bryan Acosta is a future world champion with a fan-friendly style that the audiences will love. I’m happy to be working with him and his team and look forward to helping this young man achieve his goal of becoming a world champion.”

TOP AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT JERMAINE FRANKLIN HEADLINES NEXT INSTALLMENT OF “BIG TIME BOXING USA,” PRESENTED BY SALITA PROMOTIONS

DETROIT – April 25, 2024 – Salita Promotions’ top American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin Jr. (22-2, 14 KOs) returns to his home state of Michigan to take on former US Olympian Devin Vargas (22-10, 9 KOs) from nearby Sylvania, OH, in the 10-round main event of the next installment of the “Big Time Boxing USA” boxing series on Thursday, May 23, from Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit and live on global premier sports platform DAZN (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).

In an intriguing eight-round co-feature, undefeated former national amateur champion Joshua James Pagan (9-0, 4 KOs) of Grand Rapids, MI, will take the biggest step up of his young career in a dangerous test against fellow undefeated prospect Roger Hilley (13-0, 8 KOs) of Chattanooga, TN, for the Junior NABF Super Lightweight Championship.

True to BIG TIME BOXING’s emerging format, several local prospects will appear in the night’s supporting televised bouts, including Detroit’s undefeated “Hitman 2.0” Da’Velle Smith (8-0, 6 KOs), once-beaten Dearborn-based KO artist Husam Al Mashhadi (9-1, 8 KOs), Mount Clemens, Michigan’s undefeated and hard-punching Luis Quintero (7-0, 7 KOs).

Still young for a heavyweight contender, the 30-year-old Franklin got back into the win column with a dominant 10-round unanimous decision (100-90 twice, 99-91) over the previously unbeaten Isaac Munoz Gutierrez last July in Detroit. A native of Saginaw, MI, Franklin was coming off a pair of close and thrilling decision losses to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and top contender Dillian Whyte in his previous two outings.

Against Vargas, Franklin will be coming back after a 10-month layoff and looking to continue working his way back into contention.

“I want to show the world the new Jermaine,” said Franklin during a break in training. “I have some new smoke to show boxing fans. I learned so much after the Joshua fight. I must trust myself and my skills. My team told me, ‘If you want the belt, you have to go for it.’ You will see a new Jermaine. I promise that.”

Franklin says the hometown crowd will be all the fuel he needs for a spectacular performance.

“I’m so hyped to fight in front of my family and friends. I get a chance to come home and give my family a welcome-home knockout. I have been to some great places to fight but nothing comes close to fighting at home in front of family.”

The 2021 U.S. Amateur Welterweight National Champion, 24-year-old Pagan turned pro in January 2022. Showing steady improvement, Pagan was last seen in October, when he scored a unanimous six-round decision over respectable veteran Braulio Rodriguez at Motor City Casino in Detroit.

Reminiscent of the acclaimed ShoBox series, Pagan says taking on fellow undefeated Hilley in a “Someone’s 0 will Go” matchup this early in his career is a significant risk, but also a chance to increase his growing reputation at 140 pounds.

“I’m very excited to be fighting in the co-feature of Big Time Boxing in Detroit. I cannot wait to show the world what Joshua Pagan can do. On May 23, I’m getting a victory and nothing less.”

Known in boxing circles as “The Hitman,” Roger Hilley hails from Chattanooga, Tennessee. The 29-year-old southpaw with power in both hands and sound boxing fundamentals, was last seen winning the American Boxing Federation Inter-Continental Lightweight title with a unanimous decision over rugged gatekeeper Oscar Bravo last May. Before embarking on his now seven-year professional boxing career, Hilley amassed an amateur record of 97-20 and fought in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic trials. He has also worked in camps with Floyd Mayweather Sr. and “Money” Mayweather himself.

“I’ve been blessed with a good team and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to compete and showcase my skills in the Motor City,” said Hilley. “Opportunities like this don’t come very often for me, so believe me I will be taking full advantage. After May 23, fight fans will remember my name!”

The 23-year-old Smith made his pro debut in September 2021, winning the WBC’s inaugural Big Belt Championship by knocking out Ricky Evans in the first round. Smith would follow that triumph with a pair of knockouts in November 2021 and May 2022, before winning a unanimous decision over Devontae McDonald last August. The Kronk Gym-trained middleweight prospect was most recently seen taking a wide unanimous decision over Argentina’s Rolando Wenceslao Mansilla in the inaugural “Big Time Boxing USA” event in February.

While it’s far too early to make binding proclamations, the 6’ 2” Smith has already been generating plenty of online buzz as the next coming of the legendary Detroiter Thomas “Hitman” Hearns. While his opponent, along with Al Mashhadi, and Quintero’s are still TBA, Smith says he’s just focused on the task at hand and not worried about the labels that fans are putting on him.

“I don’t know too much about my next opponent,” admitted Smith. “I just focus on myself and what I’m doing inside and outside of the gym. It’s always been me vs. me, and at this point in my career, things are getting more and more serious. I’m ready to take on bigger challenges and go to the next level. I’m just staying humble through it all and working very hard to prepare myself for those moments.”

CHAMBERLAIN CHALLENGES CIESLAK FOR EUROPEAN CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP ON JUNE 15TH AT SELHURST PARK

Isaac Chamberlain challenges Michal Cieslak for European Cruiserweight Championship on Saturday, June 15th at Selhurst Park in London

Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe top a blockbuster night of boxing as they clash for WBO World Cruiserweight Title

LONDON, UK (April 25, 2024) – Isaac Chamberlain will challenge Polish champion Michal Cieslak for the European Cruiserweight Championship on Saturday, June 15th at Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace F.C, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Cieslak vs Chamberlain is the first in a series of major undercard announcements confirmed for a blockbuster night of boxing celebrating 100 years of Selhurst Park and headlined by the epic all-British world title showdown between Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe for the WBO World Cruiserweight Championship.

Chamberlain (16-2, 8 KOs) was named as mandatory challenger for Cieslak’s European crown following a dominant points victory over London rival Mikael Lawal for the British and Commonwealth Titles at York Hall in October.

The Brixton fighter will make the short trip across South London to Crystal Palace F.C’s Selhurst Park stadium for a second attempt at European glory having previously lost a points decision to Chris Billam-Smith when challenging for the belt in July 2022.

The 30-year-old will face the fierce punching Pole Cieslak (26-2, 20 KOs), a former two-time world title challenger, who captured the European Title with a knockout win over Dylan Bregeon in April 2023 and has since defended the strap with a stoppage victory over former European champion Tommy McCarthy.

Cieslak returns to London following his February 2022 battle with Lawrence Okolie for the WBO World Cruiserweight Title at the O2 Arena and is expected to bring a big Polish fanbase with him to Selhurst Park as he looks to work his way back into world title contention.

Isaac Chamberlain said: “We relinquished the British title to step up to world level. I’m grateful that this is a chance to be European Champion. This will show that I’m world class and destined to be champion of the world. A win over Cieslak puts me top five in all the governing bodies and on the cusp of a world title fight. To get this opportunity on such a big stadium event makes it even sweeter. I’m sure South London is going to turn out and Selhurst Park will be rocking on June 15th when I’m crowned the new European Champion.”

Michal Cieslak said: “My goal is to fight for the world championship again, but I am aware that defending my European title, especially against a dangerous and high rated fighter like Isaac Chamberlain brings me closer to that goal. This is another step for me to reach my dreams. If I want to be world champion, I have to win against rivals like Chamberlain.

“My debut on British soil ended in defeat, so now I will have extra motivation to get even. I’m maturing and making progress with every performance. My last fight ended quicker than I thought it would, so I’m hoping that in the showdown with Chamberlain, I’ll have the opportunity to have fun in the ring a little longer.”

Chris Billam-Smith defends his WBO World Cruiserweight Title against mandatory challenger Richard Riakporhe on Saturday, June 15th at Selhurst Park in London

LONDON, UK (April 23, 2024) – It’s game on for Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe in a historic all-British summer stadium world title showdown for the WBO World Cruiserweight Championship on Saturday June 15th at Selhurst Park, the home of Crystal Palace F.C, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Defending champion Billam-Smith (19-1, 13 KOs) will be looking to avenge his only career defeat when he makes the second defence of his WBO World Title against big punching South Londoner and Crystal Palace fan Riakporhe (17-0, 13 KOs).

‘The Gentleman’ captured the WBO World Title in May 2023 with a memorable win over former stablemate Lawrence Okolie, downing the undefeated champion three times en route to having his hand raised in front of his home fans at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth.

Riakporhe will get his long-awaited shot at world honours in front of his fellow ‘Eagles’ as the Crystal Palace fan fights at South London’s historic Selhurst Park stadium.

‘The Midnight Train’ is the only man to hold a win over Billam-Smith in the professional ranks. The pair first squared off at the O2 Arena in July 2019 for the WBA Intercontinental Title with Riakporhe judged to have got the better of his cruiserweight rival and awarded a split decision win.

Fans attending the huge GAME ON! show will be part of history as boxing returns to Selhurst Park in its centenary year.

The epic Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe clash kick-offs a huge summer of world-class sport with a blockbuster night of world championship boxing and celebrations. Undercard fights will be revealed in the coming days.

A percentage of every ticket sold will be donated to the Palace For Life Foundation, the official charity of Crystal Palace F.C, which has been working with the community for over 25 years, helping young people grow through the power of sport, inspiring them to find a better path in life and to lead a healthier life.

Chris Billam-Smith said: “I’m looking forward to giving the Bournemouth fans an away day to remember with an explosive performance, live on Sky Sports. Richard is a good fighter, but I’ve improved hugely since we last met and he’s going to be in for a terrible night at Selhurst Park. The WBO belt is coming back with me to Bournemouth.”

Richard Riakporhe said: “My time has come. The countdown is on. I’m the runaway ‘Midnight Train’ that you cannot stop and it’s the end of the line for Chris Billam-Smith. I can’t wait to knock Chris out and take his title. I’ve beaten him once and I’m ready to do it again. This time it’s not going to the judges. He’s going to be out cold on the canvas and the world title is going to be staying in South London.

“It’s going to be an incredible feeling to fight at Selhurst Park in front of the Palace fans and to be part of a special moment for the club celebrating 100 years since the stadium opened. I’m proud to be from South London and be affiliated with a club like Crystal Palace. The support of the club and the fans means everything to me. I’m going to repay that support with a devastating performance on June 15th.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’re delighted to be working with Steve Parish and the team at Crystal Palace F.C to deliver a historic night of boxing at Selhurst Park as part of the stadium’s centenary celebrations. We have a huge main event with Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe going toe-to-toe for the WBO World Cruiserweight Title in this summer showdown.

“Chris Billam-Smith has huge support on the south coast, and we expect the AFC Bournemouth faithful to travel in huge numbers to support him as he puts his WBO World Title on the line against the only man to beat him. It’s a dream come true for Richard Riakporhe as he gets his World Title shot in front of his fellow Crystal Palace fans at Selhurst Park. With more big fight announcements to follow, this is the event in British Boxing not to miss this summer.”

Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish said: “We are absolutely delighted that professional boxing is returning to Selhurst Park, with one of south London’s own and big Palace fan, Richard Riakporhe, leading the billing alongside Chris Billam-Smith. Boxxer has put together a fantastic line-up for the occasion, and it already promises to be a spectacular night in SE25 – as well as a fitting tribute to our stadium’s centenary year.”

Photo by: Bxstrs Promotions

Robert Guerrero III Secures Spectacular Victory with First Round Knockout in Tijuana Bout

GILROY, CA (April 22, 2024) – Undefeated super featherweight, Robert Guerrero III, son of former multi-division world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, captivated the crowd at the Auditorio Municipal de Tijuana this past Friday with a stunning victory in his second professional fight. Guerrero III (2-0, 1 KO) faced off against Cristian Velazquez of Tijuana, MX, in a scheduled 4-round bout. The fight, promoted by Bxstrs Promotions, aired live on ESPN Deportes / “ESPN Knockout”.

Guerrero III, age 17, sealed the win with a first-round knockout, delivering a powerful left hook-straight right combo to the body of Velazquez that sent him to the canvas. The referee promptly stopped the bout, solidifying Guerrero III’s dominance in the ring.

“Scoring my first knockout of my career feels incredible,” said Guerrero who by the nickname “El Pistolero”. “I put in a lot of hard work and dedication into my training, and this knockout victory is a moment I’ll never forget.”

Looking ahead, Guerrero III is eager to maintain his momentum and stay active in the boxing world throughout the rest of the year. “I’m already planning my next steps to get back in the ring as soon as possible. I want to stay busy, keep improving, and show the world what I’m capable of. This is just the beginning for me, and I’m ready to make my mark.”

“I very pleased with my son’s performance over the weekend,” said Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. “He showed he has the power to take out a fighter, and it’s clear that he has a bright future ahead of him in the world of boxing. As his father and mentor, I’ll continue to support him every step of the way.”

OSLEYS IGLESIAS TO DEFEND HIS WORLD TITLE ON JUNE 6 AGAINST EVGENY SHVEDENKO

Montreal, Wednesday, April 17, 2024 — While the excitement surrounding the June 6 gala pitting Montrealers Steven ‘Bang Bang’ Butler against Patrice ‘Vicious’ Volny for the WBC Francophone title was already at its peak, Eye of the Tiger is raising the stakes by adding a world championship fight to the evening. After dazzling Quebec boxing fans last March, EOTTM’s Cuban pride, Osleys Iglesias, will make a comeback at the Cabaret du Casino de Montreal to defend his IBO world title against Russian Evgeny Shvedenko in a scheduled 12-round duel presented simultaneously on the Punching Grace and ESPN+ networks.

Osleys Iglesias’s performance (10-0, 9 KOs) in his debut under the Tiger’s banner on March 7th did not go unnoticed among the super-middleweights. It took him less than a round to dispose of the tough Argentine brawler Marcelo Coceres, who had given trouble to some of the biggest names in the division, including Diego Pacheco, Billy Joe Saunders, and Edgar Berlanga, whom he had knocked down. Currently ranked 9th in the world by the WBC and the prestigious Ring Magazine, ‘El Tornado’ aims to continue his rampage on June 6th to climb to the top of the world rankings.

In line with the stakes, the challenge will rise a notch against Evgeny Shvedenko (16-1-1, 7 KOs), who aims to cause the same surprise as in his last outing against world contender Pavel Silyagin, with whom he had a draw. He will also seek revenge against the Cuban boxing school after suffering his only career defeat against William Scull in 2022, in a competitive IBF elimination bout.

Arthur Biyarslanov (14-0, 12 KOs), Leïla Beaudoin (11-1, 1 KO), Luis Santana (11-0, 5 KOs), and Jhon Orobio (7-0, 7 KOs) will also be in action on what promises to be an electrifying evening.