BOXING NEWS

Canadian Super Middleweight Champion John-Michael Bianco to make first title defense

HAMILTON, Ontario, Canada – The next generation of Ontario boxers will be showcased March 29th on an event presented by Three Lions Promotion at Collective Arts Centre in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Canadian Super Middleweight Champion John-Michael “J-Money” Bianco (8-1, 4 KOs), of Mississauga, Ontario, will make his first title defense of the crown he captured September 30, 2023, when he stopped Samuel Moses (7-0, 6 KOs) in the seventh round.

A celebrated Canadian amateur boxer, the 31-year-old Bianco faces Brett Beaton (6-2, 4 KOs), fighting out of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia), in the eight-round main event.

“It’s great to see two Canadians competing for their country’s hardware,” promoter Daniel Otter (Three Lions Promotions) said. “It’s a great fight and may the better man win.”

Two of Canada’s leading prospects, middleweight Triston Brookes (9-0, 9 KOs) and lightweight Eric Basran (7-0, 3 KOs), will also be in action. Both will fight opponents to be determined in six-round matches.

Brookes, 31, has stopped each of his nine opponents as a pro. Also fighting out of Mississauga, Brookes was an outstanding amateur who won a gold medal at the 2019 Canadian Amateur Championships, in addition to securing silver medals at the 2018 Ontario Silver Gloves and Ontario Golden Gloves.

The 26-year-old Basran, who lived in Surrey, British Columbia, was a bronze medalist in the 2018 Gold Coast Tournament who represented Canada in the prestigious AIBA World Championships in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

Also fighting on the undercard in six-round matches are Mexican lightweight Meillyn “Cachis” Martinez (3-0, 1 KO), a two-time national amateur champion now living in Toronto, versus Silvia Duran (4-3, 3 KOs), while welterweight Dylan Taylor (3-0, 2 KOs) squares off against Dylan Rushton (3-14).

The card is subject to change.

STAR BOXING RESCHEDULES ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 50 SAT, MARCH 22ND

Huntington, New York – Boxing has announced the postponement of their highly anticipated Rockin’ Fights 50th Anniversary Event from Thursday, February 13 to Saturday, March 22, 2025, at The Paramount NY.

“Unfortunately, Joe Smith Jr. has the flu which has progressed to pneumonia so we have rescheduled the date of the event” said Joe DeGuardia, President and CEO of Star Boxing. “We wish him a full and quick recovery and look forward to his main event fight against Devonte Williams on the rescheduled date, for our Rockin’ Fights 50th Anniversary Event. The rest of the card remains intact for the new date of March 22nd.”

In an ironic twist, February 13 is a date that brings déjà vu to Joe Smith Jr. Joe’s world championship title fight against Maxim Vlasov, which was originally set for February 13, 2021, at the MGM in Las Vegas. Vlasov was diagnosed with covid thus postponing the matchup days before the fight. The fight was rescheduled for two months later, and Joe Smith Jr. captured the coveted Light Heavyweight World Championship defeating Vlasov in a memorable match on ESPN. So, while February 13 hasn’t been that good for the former world champ, it did lead to him becoming champion of the world, which is what Joe seeks now in the cruiserweight division.

The entire undercard will also be moved to the new March 22, 2025 date. In addition to Joe Smith Jr vs Devonte Williams, the March 22 show will feature an exciting undercard, including undefeated Micky Scala vs Victor Toney, KO ‘King’ David Malul vs Shaquille Rushing, Undefeated Yan Carlos Perez vs Sean Brewer, and GI Joe Elzey vs Jordy Gonzalez in a battle of undefeated prospects.

Photo by James Guirao

Stanford’s Dante Kirkman Returns to the Ring on March 8 at Thunder Valley Casino Resort

PALO ALTO, CA – Rising middleweight prospect and Stanford University senior, Dante “The Inferno” Kirkman (3-0, 1 KO), is set to make his 2025 debut on March 8 in a four-round bout against Jose Cruz of El Monte, CA. The fight will take place at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, CA, as part of the “Thunder Showdown II” event promoted by Nasser Niavaroni of Uppercut Boxing Promotions.

Fighting in Northern California, where his family, friends, and a strong Stanford contingent will be in attendance, is something Kirkman is embracing wholeheartedly. “It’s always special fighting close to home,” said Kirkman. “I know the Bay Area fans are going to come out strong for this one, and I can’t wait to put on a show for them. My goal is to end this fight early and march toward a busy 2025.”

Kirkman has also made waves at Stanford University, where he stands out as the only professional boxer in its history, balancing academics and athletics at an elite level. “There’s not another pro boxer walking around Stanford, or any other top college as far as I know, and I like to show kids that they can go far in life as a great student as well as a great fighter.”

A win over Cruz on March 8 would further solidify Kirkman’s status as a rising prospect in the middleweight division. “Every win matters at this stage of my career,” he concluded. “I need to keep stacking victories, improving, and making a name for myself in the sport. I want to fight at least five times this year. I’m looking to gain experience, keep building my record, and make my presence felt in the division.”

CHAMPION RETURNS: JANIBEK ALIMKHANULY TO DEFEND IBF & WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLES IN HISTORIC HOMECOMING EVENT

Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs) will defend his IBF & WBO Middleweight World Titles against unbeaten Anauel Ngamissengue (14-0, 9 KOs) on Saturday 5th April 2025, from Barys Arena, Astana, Kazakhstan.
The historic home-coming event, brought to you by newly founded Nomad Promotions in association with Top Rank, will be the first time a Kazakh Unified World Champion has defended their World Titles at home.

ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN – Undefeated Unified Middleweight World Champion, Janibek Alimkhanuly (16-0, 11 KOs), is set to make history in his homeland as he becomes the first Kazakh Unified World Champion to defend his titles on home soil. This monumental night of boxing will take place on Saturday, 5th April 2025, in the heart of Astana, Kazakhstan. The event will be staged by Nomad Promotions, a brand-new promotions company making an unprecedented debut with this landmark occasion.

Billed as “Homecoming,” the event represents a defining moment for Kazakhstan, blending the country’s rich boxing heritage with the rise of a global star. Fans and fighters of Kazakhstan have been deprived of seeing their World Champions in the flesh. Stars such as Gennady Golovkin, and in his career to date Janibek Alimkhalnuly, have won and defended their titles predominantly in the US. This marquee event, created by Nomad Promotions, signifies a changing in the tide as fans across the region and around the world will now witness a champion’s return as Alimkhanuly defends his IBF and WBO Middleweight World Titles against the formidable Anauel Ngamissengue (14-0, 9 KOs).

Defending World Champion, Janibek Alimkhanuly, said: “Kazakh Style’ is finally coming home. April 5 will be a memorable night as I defend my WBO and IBF world titles against a top opponent. Many fighters turned down this opportunity, so I credit Anauel for accepting the challenge. My goal is to become the undisputed champion, and Anauel in my way. The fans in Kazakhstan and everyone watching worldwide will see something special.”

Kazakhstan boasts a proud tradition in boxing, with over 23 Olympic medalists and global legends such as Gennady Golovkin, Serik Sapiyev, and Vassiliy Jirov. However, this will mark the first-ever world title defense in modern history to take place in the country, showcasing Kazakhstan’s emergence as a force on the global boxing stage.

This groundbreaking event will be the debut promotion for Nomad Promotions, an ambitious company with a mission to elevate Kazakh boxing to new heights. Making history from day one, the event represents a bold statement of intent to bring world-class boxing to local fans.

Promoter, Scott Murray, of Nomad Promotions, said: “This is everything fight fans dream of. Two undefeated fighters, two world titles on the line, and one historic night. Organizing this historic night has been a labor of love for our team. We are committed to developing the sport of boxing in Kazakhstan, and there’s no better way to do that than by hosting a world title fight featuring our very own Janibek Alimkhanuly. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we are honored to be part of this milestone. It is going to be a great, historic moment for both the sport and the country and the first of many events we bring to Kazakhstan.”

Top Rank Chairman, Bob Arum, said: “Janibek is a supreme talent and the very best middleweight in the world,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He has tremendous support in Kazakhstan, and we are pleased that he’ll have the opportunity to defend his world titles in front of his adoring home fans. Anauel is a tough opponent, but Janibek is in a class of his own.”

French-Congolese Challenger, Anuel Ngamissengue, looks to follow in the footsteps of Ilanga Makabu by bringing the World Titles back to the Congo. The fierce punching middleweight brings an immense amount of confidence to the ring along with his unblemished record.

Undefeated Challenger, Anuel Ngamissengue, said: “Thank you for this long-awaited opportunity—after almost a year of fighting for a chance, this is the most important moment of my career. I know I’m going into the lion’s den, but I thrive in situations like this. I respect Janibek and everything he’s achieved, but I’m coming to Kazakhstan to crash the party and show the world that I belong at the top. See you on April 5.”

With his unbeaten record and growing legacy, Janibek Alimkhanuly continues to inspire as he leads Kazakh boxing into a new era. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event in April 2025, where sport and national pride will collide in an unforgettable spectacle.

In addition to the highly anticipated main event, fans can expect a stacked undercard featuring rising stars and local talent, as well as a showcase of the grassroots initiatives designed to inspire the next generation of Kazakh boxers. Further details, including the full fight card and ticketing information, will be announced soon.

(L-R) – Al Valenti & John Brown

The (Not so) Over-The-Hill-Gang – John Brown & Al Valenti Directing blue-chip prospect Marco “El Tiburón” Romero to top

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (January 27, 2025) – John Brown, 77, and 74-year-old Al Valenti are boxing lifers with 104 combined years of invaluable experience. They have teamed for one last time to direct the professional boxing career of blue-chip prospect Marco “El Tiburón” Romero (4-0, 3 KOs), the 19-year-old super middleweight sensation from Olathe, Kansas.

Brown is a living legend in boxing from the Great Plains, who during his 65 years in boxing has trained an overwhelming 18,000 students, managed and trained Tommy “The Duke” Morrison to the world heavyweight title in 1993, and also created equipment-altering Ringside Boxing.

Valenti is a third-generation boxing promoter following in the footsteps of his grandfather Rip, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012, and his father, Freddy. Rip started promoting shows at the Boxing Garden in the 1930’s and staged the early pro fights for Hall of Famers Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Tony DeMarco and Freddie Roach among many others. Al has promoted approximately 200 pro and amateur events around the world.

Brown and Valenti got into boxing for completely different reasons: Brown got into trouble with the police as a teenager because he was born in South Saint Louis with a cleft palate and lip, which resulted in neighborhood kids making fun of him because of his appearance and speech impediment. Lots of fights, to say the least, but John fell in love with boxing once he stepped into the gym, where he watched a boxer training and walking around, Sonny Liston.

“I was in awe of Sonny Liston and by then boxing was my life,” Brown explained. “Once I learned how to box there weren’t many fights because I got respect, which changed my life because I was going in the wrong way. I fought in the Golden Gloves in four open fights, but I realized these other guys were really good, which would put my plastic surgery repaired face at risk. I quickly found out I got hit a lot less coaching. I stopped boxing after my third (of seven total) operation.

“I started coaching the boxing team at St. Benedict’s College in Kansas and later moved to Kansas City following my future wife and was asked if I’d like to coach boxing at a gym, Tomahawk Boxing Club, which was located on a golf course. It was small and in the basement of a school, where it was successful. I had a sales job that I didn’t like and in 1971, I became a juvenile court probation officer, which gave me the opportunity to take the kids to the gym.”

Valenti, on the other hand, never really had a chance. Boxing ran through his blood and as Al says, the apple really didn’t fall far from the tree.

“I wanted to be a sportswriter and worked weekends at the Boston Herald,” Valenti remembered, “but I navigated to Boston Garden Pizza. The first amateur show I promoted was in 1985 at Hormel Stadium (in Medford, MA). I was an usher at the 1974 AAY Boxing Championships when I first saw Hagler fight, and not long after that I decided to get into (selling) Closed Circuit pay-per-view. I did very well with that (he still does), especially at racetracks all over New England. By the time Micky Ward fought John Rafuse (1986) at Lowell Auditorium, I was totally immersed in boxing.”

Valenti promoted shows that featured Ward, Robbie Sims and Dana Rosenblatt, in addition to being involved promoting major events like Mike McCallum vs. Steve Collins at Hynes Convention Center, and Ricky Hatton vs. Luis Collazo at Boston Garden.

Romero was a phenom, a 23-time national amateur champion who Brown has already trained for a decade. The only other fighter John has trained who turned pro was Morrison (48-3-1, 42 KOs) from his amateur days through his first 39 pro fights, 1988 to 1993. Brown served as Morrison’s manager/trainer and his role is the same with Romero, only this ride is significantly more enjoyable for him.

But why are these two septuagenarians still in boxing?

“I love the sport of boxing,” Browned answered. “Today, I own the largest, most successful gym in America (Turner Boxing Academy in Kansas City, KS), and I wanted to create another great fighter. I told Marco that I’d be involved with him as a professional only if I could make him wealthy and keep him healthy. So, unlike Tommy Morrison he needs to have good defense, be a good kid, and internally motivated. After he won his 10th national title, I believed he could be the one, and he has continued his success.

“I remember seeing (former KC Royals player) Pete Lacock visiting a children’s hospital to make patients happy. I ’ve been there in that hospital room with no hope and I’ve never forgotten that. I think a star can also be a hero by making people forget the nightmare they’re living. What a great gift! It’s my dream to create a star/hero and I see that in Marco. I know he’s from a classic Mexican family who has been disciplined and raised him to understand what’s right and wrong. He has those traits to make and keep him a star. Marco had a very successful amateur career, and indications so far are the same as a pro. I always tell him he needs to be obsessed with success. I had to promote myself when I owned Ringside Boxing because I was so obsessed with being successful. I’m teaching Marco what it takes to be obsessed with in boxing.”

Brown and Valenti have been close finds and associates for more than 30 years and once Brown decided to turn Romero pro, he contacted Valenti to join him on what would likely be their final journey in the Sweet Science.

“I know who Al is and I think he’s the best promoter I’ve ever worked with,” Brown said. “He has great connections in boxing and to know Al is to like him. Look what he did with Hagler, Ward, Ruiz, and others. Our success with Marco will be as a team. It’ll be more fun with Al, and this is more of a priority because of our ages. Neither Al nor I need this project to feed ourselves. Any decision we make will be in Marco’s best interest, not how much money we can make. We’re along for the ride.”

The respect Brown and Valenti have for each other is so rare in boxing, which often is back-stabbing, even among friends. Because he hadn’t reached the mandatory age of 18, compounded by his weight class (super middleweight) wasn’t included in 2024 Olympic boxing, Romero never seriously considered waiting for a shot at making the U.S. Olympic Team. Instead, his immediate vision was to embark on his professional career. Brown and Valenti first met approximately three years ago with Marco’s parents to build a plan and so far, it’s right on target.

The Romero Plan never included The Olympics, so the key was capturing gold medals in his last two elite tournaments, the USA Boxing National Championships and National Golden Gloves. Not only did he accomplish that, but he was also named Most Outstanding Boxer (Golden Boy Award) at The Golden Gloves.

“I’m involved with Marco as an adviser because I believe in John as a person,” Valenti remarked, “especially his sincerity and approach. John is a wonderful human being and great to be around. I believe in what he sees, so we are cultivating this kid. Look at how many fighters John has trained. He is the quintessential boxing trainer. John is a genius. His credentials speak for themselves. He’s won everything. We built a framework, and the last two years couldn’t have been scripted any better. This is the essence of my life’s work. I think Marco is like Oscar de la Hoya as a fighter and marketing-wise. ‘Canelo’ (Alvarez) has captivated everybody like Oscar. Who’s next? Marco can be The Guy! And he’s only 19.

“This is a fascinating time for us. It’s a challenge. Our plan in 2025 is for him to fight four or five times, including at least once in Kansas City, where he already is very marketable. By the end of the year, he should be close to double-digit wins with more recognition within the industry. There are only so many stars and there will be a lot of changes by the end of 2025, early 2026, when we will likely decide about signing with a promoter. John and I understand each other and that makes us understand what Marco has to do to get to the top.”

Other integral members of Romero’s corner include assistant coaches Sergio Flores and Marco’s father, Salvador Romero, who encouraged his son to become a boxer at the tender age of seven.

“I first met John in 2016 when I came to his gym from another,” Romero remembered. “He welcomed me, and he took a liking to me after watching me train. I decided to stay with him for my future and he’s been guiding me in boxing ever since. John’s much more than my trainer, he is like another father-figure for me, and I’m so blessed to have him in my corner. Al has really been helping us as I get used to the pro scene that’s new to me. He’s like my fun uncle in boxing.

“In this sport you need confidence in your team, or you won’t get anywhere, and I’m very confident in our team. I’ve known John for years and now Al has joined us to help. It’s good to know that they see the potential in me. They keep putting things together to get me where I want to be. It’s also important because everybody on the team knows their role. I work hard to get ready for every fight. I’m very happy with everything that’s happened on my way to get on the big stage.”