Daxx Khan
Grachev: “I hope Dawson is as ready as I am!”
Dawson, Grachev aim for championship gold Friday Former two-time champ returns to the venue where he made his first title defense 12 years ago
Hartford, CT (October 7, 2019) – More than 11 years have passed since promoter Jimmy Burchfield brought live championship boxing to the Connecticut Convention Center.
The drought ends Friday with one of the state’s most successful fighters looking to add another title to his collection.
CES Boxing hosts its first event at the Convention Center since 2008 on Friday night live on UFC Fight Pass® with former two-time world champion “Bad” Chad Dawson of New Haven facing hard-hitting Russian challenger Denis Grachev (19-8-1, 10 KOs) for the vacant WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight Title in the eight-round main event.
The card features nine action-packed fights, an eclectic mix of longtime fight veterans and young up-and-comers, some of whom will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the world’s largest streaming platform. The fight week festivities kick off today with a special pre-fight press conference at 5 p.m. at Armazem Fusion Fitness, 45 NE Industrial Rd., Branford, CT 06405. The press conference is free and open to the public.
Bringing boxing to UFC Fight Pass® was only a matter of time for CES Boxing, whose MMA division debuted with the streaming platform in January. Dawson’s return to the ring headlines the promotion’s first event in Hartford since fellow Connecticut boxer Matt Remillard captured the WBC Youth World Featherweight Title with a win over Jose Megallon.
Dawson last fought in Hartford in November of 2009 when he defended his WBC and IBO light heavyweight titles against Glen Johnson. Friday is his just his second appearance at the Connecticut Convention Center; his first also happened to be his first world title defense, a knockout victory over Jesus Ruiz in 2007 to retain the WBC championship.
Starring in the co-feature, unbeaten New London, CT, heavyweight Cassius Chaney (16-0, 10 KOs) battles former world champion and Colombian veteran Santander Silgado (28-7, 22 KOs) in an eight-round bout co-promoted by CES Boxing and Main Events.
Also returning to the ring, New Haven super welterweight Jimmy Williams (16-3-1, 5 KOs) faces Tilton, NH, veteran Jose Medina (18-17-1, 7 KOs) in an intriguing six-round all-New England showdown while up-and-comer Sharad Collier (2-0-1, 2 KOs) of Hartford battles Ohio’s Glenn Mitchell (3-3, 3 KOs) in a six-round lightweight bout.
The undercard also features two undefeated Connecticut prospects making their firster appearance in Hartford in separate four-round bouts. Super bantamweight Nathan Martinez (5-0, 2 KOs) of New Britain faces Steve Garagarza (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Laredo, TX, and featherweight Jacob Marrero (4-0, 3 KOs) puts his perfect record on the line against Hartford veteran Mike Oliver (26-10-1, 8 KOs) in a special all-Connecticut attraction.
Super welterweight Jalen Renaud (1-0) of Springfield, MA, makes his promotional debut in a four-round intrastate showdown against Roxbury’s Maceo Crowder (2-2, 1 KO); former New York Golden Gloves champion Jahvel Joseph (0-0) of the Bronx makes his professional debut in a four-round bout against Leandro Silva (1-2) of Boca Raton, FL, and New Haven super lightweight Carlos Perez Ojeda (0-0) also debuts in a four-round bout against an opponent to be determined.
FIGHT WEEK QUOTES:
Dawson: “It’s a pleasure for me to be fighting for another title in front of my friends, family and supporters. I’ve trained hard to make sure I’m 100-percent ready for the task at hand. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show on October 11. Thanks to Mr. [Burchfield] for putting such a great show together. It’s great to be back home where it all started.”
Grachev: “I’ve fought world-class opponents before, so being in the ring with a guy like Chad Dawson is nothing new to me. I’ve been working hard with my team in San Diego to bring the belt back to the west coast. I hope Chad Dawson is as ready as I am. The fans will enjoy this fight.”
Chaney: “Thank you to my promoter, Main Events, and, of course, Jimmy Burchfield, promoter of CES, for allowing me to showcase my talents on this entertaining card. I believe Santander will provide me an opportunity to gain more experience. I’ve been taking him seriously and I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills back home in Connecticut. Thank you to all my family, friends and fans who are supporting me. I can’t thank you enough.”
Williams: “I’m truly thankful to be back in the ring October 11. Jose Medina is a tough opponent. This is a great fight for me. If you take a look at my career, I’ve never taken an easy fight. Come October 11, I’m ready to put on a great performance.
Oliver: “I’m happy to fight in my hometown of Hartford, Connecticut. I am dedicating this fight to [manager] Sammy Vega, who lost his daughter to cancer. She, too, was part of my team. Like I said, I’m happy to fight in my hometown and I’m coming to win. You don’t want to miss this fight!”
Canelo-Kovalev Stacked Undercard at MGM on Nov. 2
 Ryan Garcia to Face “Ruthless” Romero Duno in
Co-Main Event of Canelo vs. Kovalev
Bakhram Murtazaliev to Battle Jorge Fortea in Eliminator Bout for IBF Jr. Middleweight World Title
Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada and Marlen Esparza to Settle Rivalry for Vacant WBA Interim Flyweight Title
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LAS VEGAS (October 8, 2019) – The Canelo vs. Kovalev undercard will be brimming with action as it features the returns of Ryan Garcia, Bakhram Murtazaliev, Seniesa Estrada, Marlen Esparza and many others. The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively as one of the most anticipated events this fight season on DAZN. “We have put a lot of thought into this long-awaited night, and we’re eager to deliver one of the best undercards of the year,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “This event will feature some of our brightest talents taking on the toughest fights of their careers. With Ryan Garcia, we have a huge star in the making, but he’ll need to get past a tough, hard-hitting contender in Romero Duno to secure his path for a world title. We also have Seniesa Estrada and Marlen Esparza, who will look to final end their rivalry in a fight for the Interim WBA Flyweight Title. So, whether in person or live on DAZN, a new chapter in boxing’s history will unfold on November 2.” As announced previously, rising superstar Ryan Garcia (18-0, 15 KOs) of Victorville, Calif. will look to unify the vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Championship with NABO Lightweight Champion “Ruthless” Romero Duno (21-1, 16 KOs) of Cotabato City, Philippines in the 12-round co-main event to Canelo vs. Kovalev. This will be a fight between two of the hardest-hitting lightweights in the Golden Boy stable. “This is a big moment for me,” said Ryan Garcia. “These opportunities don’t come often. It’s my chance to show what I’m capable of on the biggest stage in boxing. I’m not going to let this opportunity slip. I’m fighting against Romero Duno, the opponent I wanted since the beginning, so I’m going show that I’ve reached another level on Nov. 2.” “This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for,” said Romero Duno. “I’m so excited to be part of a such a big night as the co-main event of Canelo vs. Kovalev. This fight has been building up for some time. I’ve had my eye on Ryan Garcia for a while now. I promise to do everything it takes to beat him on Nov. 2 and take home a big victory for the Philippines!”
Undefeated Russian prospect Bakhram Murtazaliev (16-0, 13 KOs) will face the biggest test of his young career in a 12-round elimination bout with Jorge Fortea (20-1-1, 6 KOs) of Valencia, Spain for the mandatory position in the IBF Junior Middleweight Division. Murtazaliev was originally supposed to fight Jeison Rosario on September 21 for the #1 position but Rosario pulled out due to an injury. This exciting bout will be co-promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with Sampson Boxing.
“I have been waiting a long time for this opportunity. I am excited for my first fight with my new trainer, Virgil Hunter. We will be ready on November 2nd to face Fortea and become mandatory challenger. Thank you to my team Main Events, Krusher Promotions, Kathy Duva, Sergey Kovalev, my manager, Egis Klimas and Virgil Hunter for making my dream a reality.” According to Fortea, “It’s a moment I have been waiting for whole my life, to be part of the undercard of Canelo vs Kovalev for my US debut is like a dream. I trained 15 years for this. I want to thank Sampson Lewkowicz for making it true, Main Events and Golden Boy for hosting the eliminator. Murtazaliev is indeed a strong and dangerous boxer but I will be ready for that and my skills will prevail. I won’t waste the opportunity to fight for a world title” “Bakhram is a terrific fighter and we are so pleased to be able to give him this great opportunity on such an auspicious night,” said Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva. “With any luck, Main Events and Krusher promotions will have another world champion soon.” Two of the most exciting and popular female boxers in the sport today will finally settle their heated rivalry as Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada (17-0, 7 KOs) of East Los Angeles, Calif. and Marlen Esparza (7-0, 1 KOs) of Houston, Texas battle for the vacant Interim WBA Flyweight Title. This clash has been building up for over two years as both fighters have been exchanging words over social media and various interviews. “Thank you to my promoter Golden Boy, especially Roberto Diaz for making this fight possible,” said Seniesa Estrada. “I’m happy to give the fans the fight they’ve been wanting to see. I’m looking forward to representing women’s boxing in a positive way. I’m going to put on a great show and demonstrate my skills, showing things that people have not yet seen from me. Thank you to all the people who continue to support me.” “My team and I have been pushing for this fight,” said Marlen Esparza. “I know this is what the fans want. Now I’m forcing her to back up everything she has ever said. She knows it’s going to be a long night for her.” Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (12-0-1, 8 KOs), a fan-favorite native of Philadelphia, will fight for the vacant NABF Welterweight Title against Carlos Ortiz (11-4, 11 KOs) of Torreon, Mexico. Cobbs is an exciting, unconventional fighter who has taken the undefeated records of Ferdinand “Lucky Boy” Kerobyan and most recently against Steve “Manos de Oro” Villalobos. Rising 17-year-old prospect Tristan Kalkreuth (2-0, 2 KOs) of Duncanville, Texas will return in a four-round cruiserweight fight. Meiirim Nursultanov (12-0, 8 KOs) of Merki, Kazakhstan will fight in a 10-roumd middleweight battle against Cristian Olivas (16-5, 13 KOs) of San Ysidro, California for the WBC – USNBC Middleweight Title. Nursultanov is a top prospect in the hot middleweight division and is current ranked #10 in the IBF. Olivas hits hard with power in both hands and has never been stopped. This should be an explosive match-up. Evan Holyfield, the son of legendary Hall of Famer Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield, will make his much-anticipated professional debut in a four-round junior middleweight fight against Nick Winstead (0-1) of Abita Springs, La. |
IBHOF Ballots Released To Voting Panel For 2020 Election
CANASTOTA, NY – OCTOBER 1, 2019 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame released the 2020 election ballots to an international panel of voters today. Inductees will be named in the following categories: Modern, Old-Timer, Pioneer, Non-Participant and Observer; and, for the first time, Women’s Modern and Trailblazer.
In addition to the newly created women’s boxing categories, the Hall of Fame previously announced that modern-era boxers now require a three-year retirement period.
Members of the Boxing Writers Association of America and an international panel of boxing historians cast votes. Voters from Japan, England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the United States are among those who will participate in the election process.
“The October 1st ballot mailing is a special time for the sport of boxing,” said Executive Director Edward Brophy. “The anticipation of the vote is palpable as the Hall of Fame and the worldwide boxing community anxiously awaits the results to determine who will join the list of boxing immortals.”
Boxers added to the men’s modern ballot for 2020 include Jorge Arce, Timothy Bradley, Vuyani Bungu, Joel Casamayor, Diego Corrales, Carl Froch, Bernard Hopkins, Sergio Martinez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Antonio Tarver and Israel Vazquez.
Boxers comprising the first ever women’s modern ballot include Laila Ali, Sumya Anani, Regina Halmich, Holly Holm, Susi Kentikian, Christy Martin, Lucia Rijker, Jisselle Salandy, Mary Jo Sanders, Laura Serrano, Ana Maria Torres and Ann Wolfe.
Ballots are distributed on October 1st and a news conference will be held in early December to announce results of the voting.
The 2020 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will be held June 11-14 in Canastota, NY.
Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield Set to Make Professional Debut on Canelo-Kovalev Undercard
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Las Vegas, NV: On November 2, before thousands of fans in attendance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV are treated to the most-anticipated fight of the year, the live audience will witness the professional debut of Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield. The 21-year-old son of Hall-of-Famer and five-time world heavyweight champion, Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield, will face Nick Winstead of Abita Springs, Louisiana in a 4-round junior middleweight matchup on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs. Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev. Evan is the middle child of the 11 Holyfield children and older brother of Carolina Panthers running back Elijah Holyfield. As an amateur, Holyfield amassed over 80 fights including the Semi-Finals for the US Team. Standing 6’1.5″, Evan is extremely athletic, a boxer-puncher with lightning fast speed and hard-hitting power. When asked about debuting on the biggest fight card of the year, Evan said, “There is no added pressure. I have fought on the top level before as an amateur. All this really isn’t too much of a big deal. I am just here to do my job.” He continued, “I know I am ready. My trainers have been switching things up a bit and making things more difficult to ensure I am ready. I would like to tell everyone who has helped me get here that I appreciate all the support and I love y’all.”
Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, said, “Heading into our 42nd year in business, it’s just wonderful to be able to debut Evan Holyfield on the biggest fight card of the year. His father, Evander, made his pro debut with Main Events on November 15, 1984 – almost exactly 35 years ago. I’m thrilled to have two generations from this family of incredible athletes under the Main Events’ banner.” Evan has assembled a top-notch team fighting out of the Fighter Nation Boxing Gym in Houston, Texas. His trainer/manager is Maurice “Termite” Watkins (61-5-2, 42 KOs) and his strength and conditioning coach is Tim Hallmark, who has over 40 years of experience and is best-known for working with Evander Holyfield throughout his professional career. “I know people called Evander ‘Real Deal’ but Evan is the real deal,” said Watkins. “There is pressure on him for this big card and because he has the Holyfield name, but that is part of the game. To be a great world champion you must be able to handle the pressure. You got to handle whatever circumstances are thrown at you.” He explained, “Evan’s conditioning is incredible, but he is also amazingly talented with speed and power in both hands. We are training him to be skillful. We are going to look for him to hit and move.” “We are prepared for a fight,” added Watkins. “We are ready to show our stuff and we are excited about being part of the Main Events team with Kathy Duva.” Holyfield’s strength and conditioning coach, Tim Hallmark, said “We are constantly challenging Evan in different ways, and he is always up to those challenges. We are challenging him physically and mentally to keep him out of a rut. We are just trying to stay on the cutting edge and constantly looking at a better way to reach our end result.” He continued, “We are excited about this opportunity. Evan has come a long way and he is a hard worker. He is mentally strong and very intelligent. He is a pleasure to work with. We will be ready for November 2nd.” According to Main Events’ Matchmaker, Jolene Mizzone, “I am excited and honored to work with Evan and his entire team to get him to that championship level one day. I am going to fly the plane (make the fights) but he is the one who going to have to land it (win the fights). I have complete faith in him, his abilities and his team, Termite and Tim.” Canelo vs. Kovalev is a 12-round fight for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title presented by Golden Boy, Main Events and Krusher Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and Brand-New Grapefruit Crush, Knockout Flavor. The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.
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THANDERZ LANDS DREAM WORLD TITLE FIGHT ON NOVEMBER 16 IN OSLO
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BARAOU MAKES UK DEBUT ON WBSS UNDERCARD IN LONDON
Baraou makes a quick return to the ring following an emphatic second round TKO victory in Dubai over Abdelghani Saber in September, and will be aiming for victory number eight in London as he defends his WBC International title against the in-form former Commonwealth and British champion O’Donnell, who enters the ring on the back of nine straight victories.
“I’m looking forward to boxing in London after just making my international debut in Dubai,” said Baraou. “Boxing is huge in England and I’m looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere in The 02.
“I am always looking for new challenges and my promoter Team Sauerland make that possible again and again. Since my last fight I’ve gone straight back into camp and there’s nothing in the way of me becoming victorious and defending my title!”
O’Donnell, an experienced contender, who got his first taste of international action on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather’s battle with Oscar De La Hoya at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, believes the time has come too soon for Baraou.
“You can’t buy experience. When I boxed in Vegas it was probably a bit too early for me, I think Abass will experience this against me.
“The fans are in for a great fight and I’m absolutely buzzing. I would like to thank MTK, Eddie Hearn, WBSS and Team Sauerland for the opportunity.”
“Fighting on the World Boxing Super Series undercard and on TV worldwide is another opportunity for Abass to showcase his talent,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “The British fight fans are some of the best in the world and they will love Abass, he’s slick, quick and has an all action aggressive style.
“We believe he’s going to reach the very top of the sport. He has already beaten two former World Champions and we aren’t too far from targeting the current World Champions.”
World Boxing Super Series super lightweight finalists Regis Prograis (24-0, 20 KOs) and Josh Taylor (15-0, 12 KOs) headline the huge show at The 02 Arena as both fighters compete for the Ali Trophy, IBF and WBA World titles, WBC Diamond title and the prestigious Ring magazine strap.
London favourite Dereck Chisora (31-9, 22 KOs) takes on former World champion Joseph Parker (26-2, 20 KOs) in a hotly anticipated heavyweight duel, while fellow Londoner Lawrence Okolie (13-0, 10 KOs) looks to add another belt to his collection as he challenges Yves Ngabu (20-0, 14 KOs) for the Belgian’s European Cruiserweight title.
Former World Champions Ricky Burns (43-7-1, 16 KOs) and Lee Selby (27-2, 9 KOs) meet in an intriguing lightweight clash, whilst young talent Conor Benn (15-0, 10 KOs) continues his education in the paid ranks.
IRISH AMATEUR STAR “MIGHTY” JOE WARD MAKES HIS PRO DEBUT on GOLOVKIN-DEREVYANCHENKO UNDERCARD
New York, NY (October 1, 2019) Popular Irish amateur boxing star “Mighty” Joe Ward will make his professional debut in a six-round light heavyweight clash against Marco Delgado (5-1, 4 KOs), of Anaheim, CA, this Saturday, October 5, at Madison Square Garden in New York City in a featured undercard bout to the IBF Middleweight World Championship battle between Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin and Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko.
Promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Murphys Boxing, managed by Times Square Boxing Co., and fighting out of Westmeath, Ireland, the 25-year-old Ward has arrived in New York City from his training camp in Los Angeles with Hall-of-Famer Buddy McGirt. Following a public workout outside Madison Square Garden, he spoke about Saturday night.
“I loved it in Los Angeles. The weather was perfect for training and my conditioning,” said Ward. “I learned so much in just my first camp with Buddy and can’t wait to get started again after this fight.”
“Buddy is a great coach. He’s a Hall-of-Famer. He’s been a world champion himself so he knows the game inside out. Personally, I think there’s loads of room for improvement. I had a very successful amateur career, but we have to transition into being a top-class professional now.”
“I don’t know much about Delgado, but he has a very good record and I’m sure he will be there to try to knock me out.”
“Fighting at Madison Square Garden, especially for my professional debut, is very special and a huge opportunity, second to none. My team did a great job making this happen.”
“If all goes well on Saturday night, I want to stay busy and continue to learn under Buddy. I’m looking to put on a show and entertain the fans on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden,” continued Ward, who will march toward the ring to the popular sounds of “The Irish Rover”.
A member of Ireland’s 2016 Olympic team, Ward is joined by undisputed world champion Katie Taylor as the only Irish boxers to win more than one European Elite gold medal. His acclaimed amateur career includes 15 Irish National Championships, three gold medals at the European Amateur Championships (2017, 2015, 2011), a gold medal at the World Youth Championships (2010), and a gold medal at the World Junior Championships (2009). Ward also earned the silver medal at the 2017 World Amateur Championships in Hamburg, Germany. Competing for the British Lionhearts in the World Series of Boxing, Ward compiled a record of 8-1 with a 2018 ranking ahead of Cuba’s two-time Olympic champion Julio La Cruz. Having his first fight at 11 years old, Ward ended his amateur career with a record of 290-15.
Misael Lopez looks to Shine on Lions Only card
Hard charging super featherweight prospect Misael Lopez (11-0) is looking to close out 2019 with a bang.
The 23 year old returns to action tomorrow in Houston, Texas against Nestor Robledo on the first card promoted by Jermall and Jermell Charlo’s Lions Only Promotions in which neither of the twins is fighting on the card.
Lopez is very excited for having the opportunity to put his skills on display in a boxing town like Houston.
“It is amazing to be fighting out there. This is the type of exposure that you want as a boxer to showcase your skills. I am the ‘A’ side and this will be a chance for me to show my skills against a tough Mexican fighter who will be coming forward so I am excited to put on a show. It should be a great atmosphere,” Lopez stated.
His last fight took place in March when he blew out Richard Flores in 1 round. He is planning on this fight ending in similar fashion.
“That would be nice. I know that Ryan Garcia’s brother Sean Garcia couldn’t knock him out so that’s the goal. He fought him last and he couldn’t get him out so we are definitely looking for a knockout,” revealed Lopez.
If everything goes well Lopez hopes to have a quick turn around and get right back in action. Now that he is aligned with Oscar Vazquez and Sugar’s Boxing he expects to be much more active.
“I was supposed to fight in late September so I have been ready for a while. I can’t wait to show what I can do. Now that I have a new team and new coaches like (Mark) ‘Too Sharp’ (Johnson) everything is going in the right direction. We are hoping if everything goes right that we will get a TV fight on a PBC card later this year. That is the goal,” Lopez stated.
The 11 fight card is topped by super lightweight prospect Darwin Price taking on veteran Breidis Prescott in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds.
Spence unifies IBF and WBC welterweight titles in thriller against Porter
A unification contest between two champions in their prime doesn’t take place often, when those fights do take place they rarely live up to public expectations. On Saturday night September 28th 2019 when IBF welterweight title holder Errol Spence Jr faced off against WBC welterweight title holder Shawn Porter boxing not only had a fight between prime champions but it lived up to expectations.
It was an action packed bout from the start, as always Shawn Porter set the pace with his high energy and Errol Spence landed the more accurate harder punches especially at a distance. We would see for the first time how Spence reacted when a fighter came right at him and Shawn Porter demonstrate his elusiveness by spinning off the ropes or ducking under Spence punches and land counters.
What we didn’t see is either fighter having total control for any extended stretch of time, there would be so many reversals of momentum neither man was afforded the luxury to strategize except between rounds. It was a testimony of the skillset and determination both men brought into the ring. Only one clear decisive moment took pace and it was in round eleven when Spence caught Porter with a hook that sent him to the canvas.
Once referee Jack Reiss started to administer the count Shawn Porter stood up, dusted his gloves then went right back at Spence with fire. When the final bell sounded as the two fighters raised their hands in celebration of a great contest,fans in attendance live and even some watching on television stood in appreciation.
When final scores were announced judges Rey Danseco and Steve Weisfeld seen it 116-111 for Errol Spence Jr while judge Larry Hazzard jr seen it 115-112 for Shawn Porter.
With the win Errol Spence Jr now the unified IBF and WBC champion improved to 26-0(21) while Shawn Porter now stands at 30-3-1(17).
In the co-feature Anthony Dirrell took on David Benavidez in defense of his WBC Super Middleweight championship. It started slowly with both men trying to gauge the other, action started to pick up in round three as Dirrell boxed well while moving on the outside and Benavidez applied pressure.
There would be a cut suffered by Dirrell in the sixth that allowed Benavidez to take control of the momentum, despite valiant efforts from Dirrell as his vision became impaired he began absorbing the brunt of every punch his challenger threw.
In the ninth bloodied and beaten Anthony Dirrell would finally be saved by his corner before knocked out by Benavidez at the 1:39 mark. With his second world title win David Benavidez improved to 22-0 (19) while Anthony Dirrell now stands at 31-2-1 (24).
In undercard action
Super Lightweight-Mario Barrios 25-0(16) def. Batyr Akhmedov 7-1(6) via UD 12
Welterweight– Robert Guerrero 36-6-1(20) def. Gerald Thomas 14-2-1(8) via UD 10
Welterweight-Josesito Lopez 37-8(20) def. John Molina Jr 30-9(24) via TKO 8
Welterweight-Lindolfo Delgado 11-0(11) def. Jesus Zazueta Anaya 6-5-1(4) via KO 6
Welterweight-Fabian Andres Maidana 17-1(13) def. Ramses Agaton 21-11-3(11) via KO 1
Welterweight– Alfonso Olvera 12-6-3(4) def. Amon Rashidi 7-1(5) via UD 8.
Middleweight– Misael Rodriguez 10-1(5) def. Brandon Maddox 7-3-1(5) via KO 3
Featherweight– Juan Antonio Lopez 15-7(6) def. Fernando Garcia 12-2(7) via. UD 8
Middleweight– Leon Lawson III 12-0(5) def. Alan Zavala 15-6(13) via KO 2
Super Featherweight-Jose Valenzuela 5-0(1) def. Charles Clark 2-5-1(1) via. KO 1
Light Heavyweight– Burley Brooks 4-0(4) def. Fabian Valdez 3-6() via. KO 1
Middleweight-Joey Spencer 9-0(7) def. Travis Gambardella 5-1-2(2) via KO 3.