BOXING NEWS

GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS TO HOST INAUGURAL SHOW AT RIYADH SEASON IN SAUDI ARABIA ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16

“LATINO NIGHT” MAIN EVENT CO-PROMOTED BY BOXXER TO FEATURE WBA AND WBO CRUISERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION BATTLE BETWEEN CHAMPIONS GILBERTRO “ZURDO” RAMIREZ AND CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH

RIYADH & LOS ANGELES (September 10, 2024) – Riyadh Season and Golden Boy Promotions, one of the leading boxing promotional companies owned by six-division, 10-time World Champion and Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya, announced today an inaugural show that is part of their overall partnership. The event, “Latino Night,” will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 16 with the main event co-promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and BOXXER.

Scheduled to be one of the biggest celebrations of Latino boxing talent, “Latino Night” will see the history-making WBA Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico in hot pursuit of becoming undisputed in the division. His first step will be challenging WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Chris Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs) of Bournemouth, United Kingdom who is coming off the heels of three straight title defenses. The main event is presented by Golden Boy in co-promotion with BOXXER.

Ramirez left his mark in the sport as the first Mexican to become a super middleweight and cruiserweight world champion and will be looking to take over the cruiserweight division. Chris Billam-Smith is an English professional boxer who has held the World Boxing Organization cruiserweight title since 2023 and has held the European, British, and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles between 2019 and 2022.

The card will feature Golden Boy’s world championship title holders and contenders who are on the cusp of tasting world championship glory. In the co-main event, former U.S. Olympian and Unified Champion Jose Ramirez (29-1, 18 KOs) of Fresno, California will face the dangerous undefeated title contender and currently No.1 WBO-ranked Arnold Barboza Jr. (30-0, 11 KOs) of Los Angeles, California in a 12-round WBO Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator Fight.

Also on the card, the unstoppable knockout machine, William “El Camarón” Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs) of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico will challenge former American IBF World Champion Tevin “2X” Farmer (33-6-1, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in a 10-round lightweight fight. In association with Miguel Cotto Promotions and defending his WBO Minimumweight World Championship for the fourth time, the history-making Puerto Rican Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (10-0, 7 KOs) of Villalba, Puerto Rico will measure up against Queretaro, Mexico’s Edwin “Canito” Hernandez (13-2-1, 4 KOs) in a 12-round world title bout. Opening the historic show with a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight Eliminator fight, Chihuahua, Mexico’s Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte (27-2-1, 22 KOs) will face No.1 WBA-ranked Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. (21-2-1, 8 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois.

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, said: “We are looking forward to staging our first event as part of our partnership with Golden Boy Promotions with Latino Night. This card features some of the best Latino fighters around and continues our drive to deliver top-tier boxing events by giving fans throughout the world the fights they want to see.”

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, said, “His excellency and I have the exact same vision — to match the best versus the best for the fans of our sport. From a world championship unification fight, to battles between former champions and on-the-rise contenders to a stacked undercard of prospects, this show will feature everything great that boxing has to offer.”

Ben Shalom, Founder and CEO of BOXXER, said: “Riyadh Season continues to deliver the very best matches at the top of the sport, and we are delighted to be working with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions to present another epic fight as co-promoters of this huge cruiserweight world title unification battle. Gilberto Ramirez is a great champion but Chris Billam-Smith will be coming full of confidence and ready to unify the division.”

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, WBA Cruiserweight World Champion, said, “I’m excited to make this fight happen with Chris Billam-Smith. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m looking forward to becoming the unified champion in this division. I’ve always said this was my division (Cruiserweight), and I’m happy for the opportunity to showcase my skills at this level on a global stage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It’s truly an honor to be a Mexican warrior and to showcase what true Mexican boxing is all about while bringing my culture to a global audience. Additionally, I hope to be the bridge between Mexico and Saudi Arabia, making both sides proud. I would like to give a special thanks to my team, 3 Point Management, Golden Boy Promotions, Riyadh Season, the WBA, WBO, and everyone else involved in making this happen.”

Turki Alalshikh has also confirmed that Latino Night will be broadcast for free globally. Further details of where you can watch this card will follow.

Michael McKinson faces Tulani Mbenge for the vacant IBO World Welterweight Title on October 19th at the Copper Box Arena in London

LONDON, UK (September 9, 2024) – Michael McKinson faces Tulani Mbenge for the vacant IBO World Welterweight Title on Saturday, October 19th at the Copper Box Arena in London, presented by BOXXER, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

The south coast southpaw takes on South Africa’s Mbenge for the IBO crown as part of a blockbuster night of boxing in East London topped by the explosive super lightweight clash between Adam Azim and Ohara Davies.

McKinson (26-1, 4 KOs) returns to action following a unanimous points win over the previously undefeated Musah Lawson to claim the WBC International Silver Welterweight Championship in December in Bournemouth.

The 30-year-old from Portsmouth will now attempt to add the IBO Welterweight Title to his collection as he looks to establish himself on the world scene.

Mbenge (20-2, 15 KOs) will be fighting to reclaim the IBO strap he held in 2018 as the 33-year-old from Eastern Cape, South Africa returns to the UK for the first time as a professional having claimed bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

Filipino Giant 6’3” Unbeaten Middleweight, Blazen Rocili Set for 2024 Debut on CBN Card September 21 at Thunder Studios in Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA (September 7, 2024) – Blazen Rocili (6-0, 5 KOs), the undefeated 22-year-old Filipino middleweight star on the rise, is ready to make his highly anticipated return to the ring on September 21, 2024, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, CA, on CBN Promotions’ next card. Standing at 6’3”, Rocili, a towering southpaw from Waipahu, Hawaii, has been turning heads with his rare size and power and is now training in Las Vegas under the watchful eye of respected boxing coach Richard Barrientes.

Rocili’s return to the ring marks the end of a year-and-a-half layoff, and fans can expect an electrifying performance from the towering Filipino fighter, who is looking to follow in the steps of his favorite fighter, Manny Pacquiao.

“I’ve been itching to get back in the ring,” said Rocili. “After a long layoff, I feel stronger, more focused, and ready to show everyone the improvements I’ve made. I’m determined to carry the torch for Filipino boxing. Following in the footsteps of legends like Manny Pacquiao is a dream, and I believe I have what it takes to be the next big star. This fight will be worth the wait.”

Having a presence in California is something that Rocili has envisioned since turning professional in 2021. His goal is to build a fanbase with the Filipino community in Los Angeles, and around the world.

“Fighting in California, especially for the first time, is an honor,” concluded Rocili. “I want to personally invite all my Filipino brothers and sisters to come out and support. Having the Filipino community behind me means everything. I’m excited to perform in front of a new crowd and I plan to make them proud. A win here will push me closer to where I need to be. It’s just the beginning of a long journey, and every victory brings me one step closer to my ultimate goal.”

Alex Camponovo, President of CBN Promotions, also sees Rocili’s unique potential. “The Filipino community in Los Angeles should absolutely come out to see this kid fight. It’s rare to see a Filipino boxer of Blazen’s size, and he’s an absolute talent. He’s someone you don’t want to miss.”

Jeamie TKV and Franklin Ignatius collide in an all-British heavyweight battle on October 19th at the Copper Box Arena in London

LONDON, UK (September 6, 2024) – Jeamie TKV and Franklin Ignatius collide in a mouth-watering all-British heavyweight battle on Saturday, October 19th at the Copper Box Arena in London, presented by BOXXER, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

The heavyweight foes, who have previously fought as amateurs, will reignite their rivalry as part of BOXXER’s hotly anticipated ‘High Voltage’ fight night topped by the explosive super lightweight clash between Adam Azim and Ohara Davies.

Tottenham’s TKV (6-1, 3 KOs) returns to the ring following an impressive points victory over Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko last time out at The OVO Arena Wembley in February.

The 30-year-old, who trains alongside heavyweight star Anthony Joshua under the tutelage of renowned coach Ben Davison, will now step up to take on the undefeated Ignatius over ten rounds.

Having recently overcome fellow British heavyweight prospects Steve Robinson and Hosea Stewart, Ignatius (6-0-1, 1 KO) will be aiming to extend his unbeaten run and claim another notable domestic scalp.

The Dagenham boxer is also out for revenge having lost by single point to TKV when they met in the London finals as amateurs in 2019.

Jeamie TKV said: “I’m back and ready for violence. I’ve already beaten Franklin once in the amateurs and now I’m going to do it again in the pros.”

Franklin Ignatius said: “Jeamie beat me by one point in the amateurs. I’m looking to avenge that defeat. I know it will be a tough fight but it’ll be entertaining and I’m confident that I’ll win. I’m thankful to BOXXER and Sky Sports for the opportunity and I plan on taking full advantage of it.”

HIGH VOLTAGE: ADAM AZIM AND OHARA DAVIES SET FOR EXPLOSIVE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CLASH ON OCTOBER 19TH AT THE COPPER BOX ARENA IN LONDON

LONDON, UK (September 5, 2024) – Adam Azim and Ohara Davies are set for an explosive super lightweight clash on Saturday, October 19th at The Copper Box Arena in London, presented by BOXXER, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

The British rivals collide as part of a blockbuster night of action in East London that will see one of boxing’s brightest young stars Azim (11-0, 8 KOs) step up to face Hackney’s hard-punching ‘Two Tanks’ Davies (25-3, 18 KOs).

Having won and defended the European Title in record time, Azim puts his undefeated record on the line as he looks to continue his impressive career trajectory and prove he is ready for the biggest names in the division.

Davies, a former British and Commonwealth Champion, returns to the ring with a point to prove following an unsuccessful attempt at the WBA Interim Super Lightweight crown and the chance to get back into world title contention.

Both men started their boxing journeys at East London’s iconic Peacock Gym with Azim, a prodigious young talent, looking up to Davies who, ten years his senior, was already building a fearsome reputation on the amateur circuit.

Adam Azim said: “I can’t wait to get back in the ring and back to what I do best. It was a great honour to win and defend the European Title but now I’m ready for my next challenge. I’ve known Ohara Davies for many years. I respect him and what he’s achieved in the sport but when we meet in the ring, he’s just another opponent and another step on my journey to the top. He’s a good fighter. I think our styles will make for an exciting fight but there’s only going to be one outcome. I’m ready to make a statement and show everybody that I’m ready for the biggest names in the division.”

Ohara Davies said: “I’m excited for this fight. I like Adam Azim. I’ve known him since he was very young and it’s amazing to see his success so far in boxing. I followed him in the amateurs, and I’ve always respected him. But he isn’t a kid anymore. He’s grown into a man with massive potential. And that’s why it’s a shame that I have to hand him his first defeat. No needle, no hate, I want us to go back to our families happy and healthy after the fight. But this is where it all changes for him. I’m sorry Adam. This is where it ends.”

CHRIS EUBANK JR SIGNS HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP DEAL WITH BOXXER AS MIDDLEWEIGHT STAR TARGETS WORLD TITLE MEGA-FIGHTS AND VOWS TO SILENCE DOMESTIC RIVALS

Chris Eubank Jr and BOXXER have signed a career-defining partnership deal that will see one of the biggest personalities in boxing aim to redefine the global boxing landscape

LAS VEGAS, USA – Chris Eubank Jr and BOXXER have today announced a major partnership deal, with the iconic middleweight star signing with the next generation boxing promoter as he targets mega-fights and vows to silence his domestic rivals ahead of his hotly anticipated ring return.

One of the most recognisable names in world boxing, Eubank Jr has continued his impressive family legacy in a career which has seen the Brighton superstar twice capture IBO Super Middleweight and WBA interim Middleweight World Titles and claim notable wins over James DeGale, Arthur Abraham, Liam Smith, Matvey Korobov, Avni Yildirim and Dmitrii Chudinov.

The top-rated middleweight contender looked at his best last time out when ending his rivalry with Liam Smith with an emphatic tenth-round stoppage win over the former WBO World Champion in front of a capacity crowd at the AO Arena in Manchester in September.

Having joined forces with BOXXER, Eubank Jr has now set his sights on the biggest fights available including mouth watering match ups with pound-for-pound stars Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford and domestic grudge matches with long standing rivals including Conor Benn and Billy Joe Saunders.

Eubank Jr is the latest addition to BOXXER’s star studded stable including WBO World Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith, future boxing superstar Ben Whittaker, Unified Welterweight World Champion Lauren Price, WBO #1 Light Heavyweight contender Joshua Buatsi and fast rising stars Adam Azim, Caroline Dubois, Viddal Riley and Karriss Artingstall.

Chris Eubank Jr said: “I’m very excited to have signed with BOXXER and Ben Shalom. They fit the direction I want to go in. We have big plans over the next 12 to 24 months. There are big fights in the pipeline and these guys can make it happen. This is a partnership. I have the freedom and the leeway to work how I want to work, which is very rare. I’m in a position of power. I’m in a position to really control the direction that I want to go in so I’m excited.

“I’ve been in the game for 12 years now and I’m still hungry. I’m still excited. I’m still in love with the sport of boxing. I’m in a blessed position right now where there are 4 or 5 different names out there that are mega fights that everybody wants to see. Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, Conor Benn, Billy Joe Saunders – and that’s just off the top of my head. There are many more fights out there that can be made, even domestically, so I’m in an exciting position.”

Kaipo Gallegos Signs Co-Promotional Agreement with Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing

LAS VEGAS, NV – Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing announce the signing of a co-promotional agreement with undefeated super featherweight prospect, Kaipo Gallegos (4-0-1, 3 KOs), a southpaw from Las Vegas, Nevada. The two prominent promoters have big plans for Gallegos and plan to keep him busy for the remainder of 2024 and thereafter. His next fight is scheduled for May 31, 2024, live on DAZN from the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, FL.

At only 18 years old, Kaipo Gallegos, who was an 18-time national champion in the amateurs, is already making a name for himself in the super featherweight division. While training in the mecca of boxing, Gallegos is well known for having sparred with some of the best fighters in boxing, which include Shakur Stevenson, Keyshawn Davis, Devin Haney, Alberto Puello, Jorge Linares and Robeisy Ramirez to name a few. His impressive skills have caught the eyes of both fans and experts alike.

Kaipo is trained under the guidance of his father, Jayson Gallegos, who co-manages his son with Marcelino Castillo. With a powerful team supporting him, Kaipo Gallegos, a Filipino-Hawaiian-American, is poised to make a significant impact on the boxing landscape in the years to come.

“I’m incredibly excited to join forces with Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing, who has been with me since I turned professional,” stated Kaipo Gallegos, who is the current WBO Youth Champion. “This is a huge step forward in my career, and I can’t wait to show the world what I’m capable of with their support behind me. I have two of the best promoters working on my behalf, and that makes me feel good.”

With the combined expertise and resources of Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing behind him, Kaipo Gallegos is poised to reach new heights in his boxing career. Fans can look forward to witnessing his continued success and electrifying performances inside the ring as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his journey.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Kaipo Gallegos to a co-promotional agreement with Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “Kaipo is a rare talent with immense potential, and we believe that this partnership will provide him with the platform and opportunities he needs to fulfill his aspirations in the sport. Together with Shuan Boxing, we are going to be strong!”

President of Shuan Boxing Promotions, Bélgica Pena, also expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration. “Kaipo has been part of the Shuan Boxing family since his pro debut. His skills and determination are truly exceptional, and we are committed to supporting him every step of the way as he continues to rise through the ranks of the super featherweight division. We feel blessed to be uniting with Boxlab Promotions to help further Kaipo’s growth and development.”