BOXING NEWS

WHITTAKER FACES ‘AFRICAN KING’ ARENYEKA FOR WBA GOLD TITLE ON JUNE 15TH AT SELHURST PARK

Ben Whittaker faces Ezra Arenyeka for the WBA Gold Light Heavyweight Title on Saturday, June 15th at Selhurst Park

LONDON, UK (May 1, 2024) – Ben Whittaker will look to silence press conference crasher Ezra Arenyeka when the unbeaten fighters clash for the WBA Gold Light Heavyweight Title as part of a blockbuster night of boxing on Saturday, June 15th at South London’s historic Selhurst Park stadium, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Known as the ‘African King’, Arenyeka, who is 12-0 as a professional with 10 knockout wins, had to be held back by security after making a surprise appearance at a press conference ahead of Whittaker’s fight with Leon Willings last month.

The 28-year-old from Nigeria stormed the stage to demand a fight with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver medallist and has since vowed to punish Whittaker for what he perceives to be disrespectful behaviour towards his opponents in the ring.

Whittaker has become a viral sensation as a result of his flamboyant showboating, amassing a huge following online and wowing audiences across the country with his fan friendly performances.

Whittaker recently returned from the USA where he has already built a huge fan base. The 28-year-old from the West Midlands can now continue his journey to superstardom as he takes on undefeated rival Arenyeka for the WBA Gold strap.

MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS CONFIRMS JAKE PAUL VS. MIKE TYSON HAS BEEN SANCTIONED AS A PROFESSIONAL FIGHT, STREAMING LIVE EXCLUSIVELY ON NETFLIX ON SATURDAY, JULY 20

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Holden Boxing today confirmed that the heavyweight boxing mega-event between The Problem Child, Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) vs. the Baddest Man on the Planet, Mike Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) will officially be a sanctioned, professional fight by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR). The heavyweight matchup will be contested over 8, 2-minute rounds with 14oz. gloves.

In the co-main event, undisputed super lightweight world champion Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs), will step back in the ring for the most anticipated rematch in women’s boxing history against boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs). The event will stream live globally, exclusively on Netflix on Saturday, July 20, 2024 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.

“Mike Tyson and Jake Paul signed on to fight each other with the desire to do so in a sanctioned professional fight that would have a definitive outcome,” said Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. “Over the past six weeks MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) to sanction Paul Vs Tyson and we are grateful that we have gotten to this point. MVP has championed fighter choice since its inception, including advocating for women’s boxing to be contested with 2 or 3 minute rounds based on the particular fight matchup. Paul vs Tyson and Taylor vs Serrano 2 will both be contested with 2 minute rounds and each mega-fight will have its winner. Thank you to the TDLR and Holden Boxing for their efforts throughout this process to date and we look forward to working closely with them as we approach fight night.”

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.

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.”

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.

Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions to Return to Turning Stone for International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend – Headline Event is a World Championship Fight Between Undefeated Oscar Collazo and Gerardo Zapata, Broadcast on DAZN

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (April 5, 2024) –Turning Stone Resort Casino announced today Oscar De La Hoya and his Golden Boy Promotions will return to Upstate New York during Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend to host an epic World Championship fight on Friday, June 7. The card is headlined by a 12-round battle between undefeated Oscar Collazo (9-0; 7 KOs) and Gerardo Zapata (14-1-1), as they compete for the WBO Minimumweight World Title. The fight will be broadcast around the world on DAZN.

Boxing’s biggest event of the year, Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, will be held from June 6 – 9, 2024, with non-stop events hosted in both Madison and Oneida Counties. The iconic weekend attracts thousands of die-hard boxing fans, Hall of Famers, boxing legends and media to Upstate New York every year.

“Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend brings thousands of boxing fans and boxing legends to Central New York every June, and this year once again we will be the center of the boxing universe,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO. “Between the boxing festivities as part of International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend and Oscar De La Hoya joining us for what will be an amazing night of boxing, our guests are guaranteed to have an unforgettable weekend.”

“With events spanning two counties, an incredible induction class, and boxing legends like Oscar De La Hoya traveling to Central New York for the occasion, this year’s Hall of Fame Induction Weekend is one fans will not want to miss,” said Edward Brophy, Boxing Hall of Fame Executive Director. “It is an honor to continue our partnership with the Oneida Indian Nation to host some of our events at Turning Stone.”

Induction Weekend in Central New York gives boxing fans from around the country an opportunity to meet and mingle with the biggest names in boxing. The Class of 2024 Hall of Fame inductees include:

● Ricky Hatton ● Michael Moorer ● Ivan Calderon ● Diego Corrales ● Jane Couch ● Ana Maria Torres

Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend: Schedule of Events at Turning Stone

The four-day weekend of non-stop boxing action and events feature several events hosted at Turning Stone Resort Casino.

Kickoff Event: Celebratory event to kick off Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend and welcome boxing fans and Hall of Famers to Central New York.

Friday, June 7: World Title Fight: Presented in partnership with Golden Boy Promotions and broadcast around the world on DAZN, the card features Oscar Collazo and Gerardo Zapata as they compete for the WBO Minimumweight World title. Additional details about the June 7th card will be released soon.

The undefeated Oscar Collazo said, “I feel honored to fight in New York where the boxing world has its eye and in a great week for Puerto Ricans, I will be in anticipation of the induction of Diego Corlares, Ricky Hatton and especially Ivan Calderon. It is an honor and I will continue working to one day be able to be together with great immortals like Miguel Cotto, Felix Trinidad and the great Muhammed Ali. I feel very good but we will make our third defense against Zapata, a good fighter who will bring out the best in me. Very well prepared as usual, focused on proving once again that we are the best in my category. We hope you meet at the Turning Stone, Verona. My fans from upstate New York and all my New York City come together for a great night”

For more information: www.TurningStone.com