Joseph Parker signs with Matchroom.

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing have signed a three-fight promotional contract with New Zealand’s former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker. Josephs opening bout will be on June 29th on the Matchroom USA card in Providence, Rhode Island on the undercard of Demetrius Andrade’s WBO middleweight title defense against Maciej Sulecki.. Parker will more than likely meet former two time world title challenger Eric Molina, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the United Kingdom.. Colourful former advisor David Higgins will remains as part of Joseph Parker’s management team under Matchroom..
Joseph, whom is currently training in Las Vegas alongside Tyson Fury at Kevin Barry’s training HQ, is very serious about relaunching himself with a view to regaining the championship in 2020..
“My six-year promotional contract with Duco Events ended on March 26, It was a wonderfully successful partnership – so much so that David Higgins will always be part of my team, advocating in my best interests in a management capacity.”
Interestingly, the only two men to beat Parker, Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte are the two headline fighters at Matchroom and are now stablemates of the New Zealander..

Deontay Wilder to meet Luis Ortiz next..

WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder stated that he is scheduled to meet Luis Ortiz next in a risky rematch of their risky 2018 war via social media his next fight via social media:

To all my fans,
I want to announce that Luis Ortiz and I have signed for a rematch, with the date and site to be announced shortly. All my controversial fights must get dealt with ASAP!!
#BombZquad

The announcement appears predictable since Luis Ortiz was invited into the ring, following Wilders recent stoppage of Dominic Breazeale only weeks ago. Ortiz entertained a brief interview with Showtime, after a short embrace with Wilder.. The reported 40 year-old Ortiz 31-1 (26 KOs) is ranked at number 3 by the WBC and has rebuilt , with impressive victories over Travis Kauffman, Raz Cojanu and Christian Hammer since his sole defeat by Deontay in March of last year.. The fight is a dangerous one for Wilder where the risk to reward factor pushes the boundaries.. The Event will more than likely appear as a PPV on Showtime in the United States.. Ortiz is reported to have turned down close to $7 Million to face Anthony Joshua in New York as a replacement for the June 1st date.. Its likely that Ortiz will earn considerably less in this bout..

Joe Joyce meets Bryant Jennings in July.

Undefeated former Olympic Super-heavyweight Silver medalist Joe Joyce 9-0 (9 Ko’s) will take the stiffest test of his 10 fight career on July 13th when he takes on former world title challenger Bryant Jennings 24-3 (14 Ko’s) at the O2 in London.. Joyce was muted to meet Daniel Dubois and Agit Kabayel for Domestic and European titles next, but this match up appears to make more sense if Joyce is serious about moving onto the world scene.. Jennings has boxed 8 times since his 2015 world title tilt, winning 6 yet losing twice by knockout to ranked contenders Luis Ortiz and Oscar Rivas.. The Rivas bout was the Philadelphians most recent outing, where Jennings was stopped in the final round of a fight that he was comfortably winning.. Jennings is a well conditioned heavyweight who is often on the floor, even in winning performances, possibly coming to the twilight of his career, he will still pose a few questions for the 33 year old Brit.. Joyce last boxed 10 days ago, knocking out the overhyped Alex Ustinov in 3..

Jamel Herring becomes WBO champion at 33..

33 year old Junior lightweight Jamel Herring (20-2, 10 KOs) grabbed the WBO title with an impressive 12 round unanimous decision over Masayuki Ito (25-2-1, 13 KOs) on Saturday night at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. Herring boxed a very strategic fight and maintained the upper hand throughout.. Ito struggled with the southpaw style of the New Yorker and couldn’t find a foothold into the bout.. Scores were 116-112, 118-110, 118-110.
The former marine rose to the occasion in front of the 3000 in attendance, dedicating the victory to his late daughter Ariyahah, who would have turned 10 on this very night..

Terrell Gausha and Austin Trout fight to an unsatisfactory Split draw.

33 year old former Super Welterweight champion Austin Trout 31-5-1 (17 Ko’s) and former world title challenger Terrell Gausha 21-1-1 (10 Ko’s) fought a lively 10 rounder to a split draw last night at the Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi Mississippi.. The younger man appeared to have more success throughout the bout, but the mixed scoring left both parties less than satisfied with the result.. Cards read 96-94 (Trout) 99-91 (Gausha) and a 95-95 even.. Trout later explained that his long layoff hurt his timing, but he felt that he did better than 99-91, and welcomes the rematch.. Gausha felt that he maintained the upper hand throughout, and really sees no point in a rematch. Terrell lost his father in the lead up to this bout and suffered a cold whilst in camp.. The fight was entertaining but really told us nothing about either man.

Heavyweights Hunter and Hrgovic score Victories in MD.

Sauerland promoted Croatia heavyweight Filip Hrgovic 8-0 (6 Ko’s) demolished the hapless Gregory Corbin 15-2 (9 Ko’s) last night on the Oxon Hill Card, scoring two knockdowns en route to a first round TKO, retaining his WBC International title. Hrgovic landed a stiff right hand early that appeared to bother Corbin, the Texan maintained his composure but moments later walked into the same shot, this time falling to the canvas heavily.. Corbin scuffled to his feet but barely beat referee Brent Bovell’s count and was in bad shape, prompting the halt.. The tall mechanical Hrgovic remains unbeaten and looks a real handful in a lively division, he puts his shots together well and isn’t afraid to take a few chances.. Corbin has no business in this bout, having suffered his first loss in his previous fight against Charles Martin.. Greg would have benefitted from a couple of tune ups before being thrown in at this level.. Gregory unfortunately became a victim of brave management..

On the same show, Las Vegas Heavyweight Michael Hunter 17-1 (11 Ko’s) barely moved out of first gear in scoring a 2nd round TKO over the overmatched Brazilian Fabio Maldonado 26-3 (25 Ko’s) retaining his WBA international title.. Hunter poked for openings, before crashing home a heavy right hand leaving Maldonado completely disorganised.. Hunter kept his foot on the gas, scoring two untidy knockdowns before Harvey Dock called a halt at 1.45 of the 2nd round.. The stoppage was the first of the usually resilient Maldonado’s career, Michael showed impressive focus considering the drop in class of opposition and hopes to appear in better company as soon as July.. Hunter called out Dillian Whytes name following the victory, respectfully suggesting that he wants to fight the best, and he considers Dillian as the best outside of the title holders..

Devin Haney stops Antonio Moran in 7..

Sensational young Las Vegas lightweight Devin Haney 22-0 (14 Ko’s) closed the show in style last night as he headlined the Matchroom Boxing/Devin Haney Promotions card in Oxon Hill Maryland, with a highlight reel 7th round knockout of Mexico City’s Antonio Moran 24-4 (17 Ko’s) to snatch the WBC International and WBO Intercontinental titles and add the vacant WBA International strap to his collection.. Haney boxed exceptionally, landing the more quality shots throughout the contest, leaving the usually competent Moran looking a class beneath him.. In the 5th round, Haney landed a stiff body shot but appeared to trip Moran in the process, referee Kenny Chevalier however ruled the knockdown..
Haney maintained the strategic body work, slamming home a decoy right hand to the midsection in the 7th before unleashing a stealthy overhand right, that caught Moran cold, the Mexican fell lifeless to the canvas whilst Chevalier immediately called a halt at 2.32 of the session..

Robeisy Ramirez turns pro under Top Rank banner.

25 year old Robeisy Ramirez, the former talented Cuban amateur who captured Olympic gold in both 2012 and 2016, has signed an exclusive promotional contract with Top Rank and will make his much anticipated pro debut later on this year. Ramirez left the Cuban national team in 2018 while training in Mexico City, defecting to Florida shortly after. The versatile southpaw is now based in Gulfport, Florida, and is training under the tutelage of Rob Mendez.. Ramirez hopes to turn pro as a featherweight, with one eye open on former amateur foes Mike Conlan and Shakur Stevenson..

“The last two-time gold medalist that we signed out of the amateurs, Vasiliy Lomachenko, has become a big star. We anticipate the same from Robesiy. He is truly a special talent, and he has what it takes to get to the top of the featherweight division in short order.”

Said an ecstatic Bob Arum.

Hughie Lewis Fury eliminates unbeaten Chris Norrad in 2.

Former British champion and world heavyweight title challenger Hughie Fury comfortably moved past the previously unbeaten Christopher Norrad 17-0 (8 Ko’s) with a second round Tko at the Victoria warehouse in Manchester UK tonight.. Norrad provided very little resistance to the obviously talented Fury and found himself in above his head from the opening bell.. Fury hurt the Canadian in the first, but patiently boxed within himself looking for openings.. Norrad found himself backed into the ropes a minute in to the second and allowed Fury to land overhand rights, the second of which landing high in the temple, causing the uncomfortable Norrad to take a knee.. Referee Mark Lyson took up the count whilst the dazed Visitor attempted to rise.. Lyson reached a count of 8 but Norrad did little to convince anybody that he was in any position to continue.. Fury now moves to 22-2 (12 Ko’s) exorcising any demons that remained from the Pulev fight..

Weigh in results from Oxon Hill Maryland.

Despite the collapse of the original scheduled main event between Oleksandr Usyk and Carlos Takam, the Oxon Hill show goes ahead as promised with the original co-feature being elevated to Top billing status.. The weigh in today went ahead as usual with the results as follows..

Devin Haney 134 v Antonio Moran 134
Filip Hrgovic 242 v Gregory Corbin 269
Michael Hunter 215 v Fabio Maldonado 241
Jessica McCaskill 138 v Anahi Sanchez 138
Daniar Yalussinov 150 v Juan Norabuena 149
Lorenzo Simpson 165 v Rafael Garcia 169
Mack Allison IV 133 v Luis Eduardo Perez 136

The Event is hosted by The MGM National Harbor Casino in Oxon Hill, Maryland and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing..
The Card will be streamed in the US via DAZN, and broadcast in the UK by Sky Sports.

Miguel Cotto Promotions presents ‘Making a Champion’

On Saturday June 22nd at Cleveland Ohio’s, CSU’s Wolstein Center, Mo Entertainment, Bigger Than Life Entertainment in conjunction with former World Champion Miguel Cotto’s, Miguel Cotto Promotions presents the first part of ‘Making A Champion’ series, featuring new faces along with top prospects in some superbly matched contests.. 

In its debuting televised main event, North Carolina’s Dewayne Beamon 16-1-1 (11 KOs) will meet Filipino world title challenger Froilan Saludar 30-3-1 (21 KOs) over 12, to contest the WBC United States (USNBC) super flyweight title..

The second TV main event, will see super welterweights Cody Crowley 17-0 (9 KOs) and Nav Mansouri 19-2-2 (6 KOs) battle in a 12-rounder in pursuit of the WBC United States (USNBC) title..

In feature match ups.. Cleveland’s Miguel Angel Gonzalez 24-4 (16 KOs) will box Africa’s Albinius Felesianu 18-2-1 (7 KOs) over 8 rounds at lightweight..

A 6 rounder at super lightweight between undefeated prospects sees Montana Love 11-0-1 (5 KOs) take on Tshibangu Kayembe 9-0-3 (3 KOs).

The Six fight festival of world-class boxing will broadcast its main events live on CBS Sports with the sensational undercard being streamed live on www.fite.tv.

IOC make strides towards a more sexually equal and integral games in Tokyo next year..

The Executive Board of the IOC has announced that boxing will remain on the sports program for the 2020 Olympiad in Tokyo Japan, the total athlete quota for the boxing schedule will be 286, however two of the current male weight categories are to be removed, to be replaced by new female divisions..  

There were ten male boxing events and three female in the two previous games in both Rio and London, however Tokyo 2020 is aiming at eight male events and a rise to five female, all in the interests of gender equality in Olympic sports..
The IOC Board also recommended that the recognition of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) be suspended due to a current lack of faith in the bodies integrity, mostly regarding finance, ethics, refereeing and judging..
These changes are due to be addressed at the June 24 IOC forum session in Lausanne, Switzerland.

In addition, the EB created a special task division, headed by IOC member and FIG President, Morinari Watanabe, with the proposals to:

Ensure the delivery of the following boxing competitions, with a goal of increasing sustainable gender equality in all areas of the sport.
The Qualification events for Tokyo Boxing 2020.
The Boxing tournament at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
Develop a Tokyo 2020 Qualification System for boxing, including the following details to be confirmed not later than the end of June 2019:
Proper Definition of Men’s and Women’s weight categories;
A thorough Review of quota places allocation across the boxing events, with a goal of increasing gender equality;
To properly Set the criteria for the quota places distribution at the qualification events.

The EB also noted that a qualification system for Tokyo 2020 has not been put in place or confirmed by the IOC for boxing and no events have been confirmed by the IOC as Olympic qualification events. The IOC will develop a new calendar schedule for the Olympic qualifiers, which will take place between January and May 2020.
AIBA’s full status and recognition within the olympics will in principle be reviewed after Tokyo 2020. The evolution of AIBA’s situation and progress towards compliance with the Olympic Charter and the IOC Code of Ethics are monitored through a special committee which consists of the senior members of the former Inquiry Committee.

IOC president, Thomas Bach commented..

The decision was taken in the interest of the athletes and the sport of boxing. We want to ensure that the athletes can live their dream and participate in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 while drawing the necessary consequences for AIBA following the recommendations of the Inquiry Committee. At the same time, we offer a pathway back to lifting the suspension, but there needs to be further fundamental change..

The 134th IOC review Forum that will be formally executing the decision regarding AIBA and the sport of boxing at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is scheduled to commence on the 24th of June, proceeding until the 26th in Lausanne, Switzerland.

BJ Flores returns to face Otto Wallin in Seattle.

Former Cruiserweight title challenger and current Las Vegas based heavyweight BJ Flores 34-4-1 (21 Ko’s) returns to action on July 12th, where he takes on Sweden’s undefeated Otto Wallin 20-0 (13 Ko’s) in Seattle Washington.. Flores, now 40 years of age last boxed in August where he was stopped by the rising Don King promoted, Trevor Bryan in a challenger for the vacant interim WBA title.. The Swedish southpaws last outing unfortunately came to a premature conclusion following a clash of heads with Nick Kisner in April.. The bout was announced as a No Contest and Wallins undefeated record remained in tact.. interestingly Flores will be trained by Ibn Cason, the half brother of world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, who has previously worked with former WBC champion Sam Peter and Ranked challenger Kubrat Pulev...

Naoya Inoue instated as Unified champion by WBA.

Following a close revision of the governing bodies regulations, the World Boxing Association (WBA) Championship Committee has recognized Naoya Inoue as the unified bantamweight world champion. The WBA passed the ruling following Inoue’s 2 round knockout of IBF champion Emmanuel Rodriguez last Saturday in Scotland.
The ruling criteria of the WBA clearly states that the position of Inoue as champion remains instate since his May 2018 victory over Jamie McDonnell. Inoue has maintained his 18 fight unblemished resume with 16 of his outings ending via knockout.
The ruling falls under regulation C17, which states that via the Championship Committee under unique circumstances the governing body can recognize a world champion as unified when the individual in question is recognized as the quintessential monarch by one or various sanctioned organizations. The WBA considers that Inoue’s career to this point complies with the criteria..
The unified conditions will not interfere with any of the divisions ongoing activity, and will permit fighters within current rankings to continue with their normal pursuits.. The mandatory defense period is normally 9 months, but under the conditions that Inoue now falls, he will be allowed up to 18 months to make a mandated defense..
It was also determined that any purse bid that Inoue is involved in, the WBA will claim 3% of the gross figure.. Any arising situations that may develop regarding the Japanese fighter will be dealt with by the WBA efficiently..

Hughie Fury returns Saturday in Manchester.

Former British heavyweight champion and former world title challenger Hughie Fury 21-2 (11 KOs) makes his much anticipated return to the ring this Saturday evening when he appears on a Hennessy Sports show at the Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Hughie is returning from his brave effort last October when he was forced to fight an IBF eliminator against Kubrat Pulev in Sofia, despite suffering a terrible cut only weeks prior to the fight.. Fury dropped a decision, having had to battle much of the twelve rounder with the handicap of the reopened cut.. The opponent on this occasion is Canadian Chris Norrad 17-0 (8 KOs) a former lumberjack who really hasn’t mixing in any kind of company to prepare him for this.. The Colourful press release to promote the fight used Norrads occupation eloquently, stating that Norrad expects to Chop Fury down and holler ‘Timber’ over the Huge brits fallen body.. The realism is much different, Fury is expected to get precious rounds with Norrad, but halt the show pretty much when he feels.. Fury’s father-trainer Peter insists that we still haven’t seen the best of his son.. He’s still a baby and has had a priceless apprenticeship, fighting some of the worlds best heavyweights in such a short time.. The best years are to come.

Deontay Wilder demolishes Dominic Breazeale in 1.

World boxing council heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder 41-0-1 (40 KOs) wasted no time in disposing if mandatory challenger Dominic Breazeale 20-2 (18 Ko’s) laying out the huge Californian with a clinical right hand 2 minutes 17 into the opener.. Wilder clipped Breazeale early in the round, but the former Olympian managed to fire back, briefly stunning the champion.. Moments later Dominic allowed Wilder to set him up for an accurately placed right hand that sent Breazeale onto his back.. Initially I was critical of the referees pointless count, as the challenger was obviously stricken, yet Breazeale is claiming that he should have been offered the opportunity to continue having got to his feet at 9.. Wilder was magnanimous following the victory, graciously wishing Dominic and his lovely family the best of health and squashing the pre fight animosity.. Breazeale refused to comment in a post fight interview, obviously disappointed at what looks like his final roll of the dice at world level..
The victory signifies Wilders 9th successful defence of the championship that he won back in 2015.. Wilder made it clear that the fights that the fans deserve (Joshua and Fury) are only a conversation away, and will happen..

Joe Joyce blasts Alex Ustinov in 3.

Unbeaten Olympic Super-Heavyweight Silver medalist Joe Joyce 9-0 (9 KOs) scored a predictable third round stoppage over the huge Alexander Ustinov 34-4 (25 KOs) on the Saunders v Isufi card in Stevenage, UK.. Joyce showed a lot of patience throughout the first couple of rounds, setting up the 42 year old veteran with subtle shots.. Ustinov did land a couple of single right hands, but Joyce was far too driven to be denied by an opponent literally leagues beneath him.. The clumsy Belarusian telegraphed shots throughout and was wide open for the left hook that dropped him in the third.. Coherent and not physically stricken, the giant never seriously attempted to beat the count.. The time was 1:55 of the 3rd.. Joyce wasn’t spectacular, but it’s an important step in the right direction with lucrative fights available at both British and European level.. Ustinov comes off two stoppage losses having be deposed by Olympian Michael Hunter jr a matter of months ago..

Michael Hunter will face Fabio Maldonado on May 25th.

Former world cruiserweight title challenger Michael Hunter 16-1 (11 KOs) will continue on his quest towards the heavyweight championship when step he faces Fabio Maldonado 26-2 (25 KOs) at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on May 25, live on DAZN in United States and on Sky Sports in the UK.
Hunter jr has racked up four impressive wins at heavyweight since moving up and is already in knocking on the door of some major fights, having already been considered in the mix as a potential Anthony Joshua opponent to replace Jarrell Miller for June 1st.. Maldonado has only lost twice in 28 outings and his only defeats have come in step up fights quite recently..
Regardless, Hunter is adamant that he won’t take anything for granted on May 25th, emphasising that there is too much at stake at this point in his career to be complacent.. He’s here to stay as a heavyweight and has intentions on making some major moves very soon..

Following the collapse of the scheduled Main Event between Oleksandr Usyk and Carlos Takam the new feature event will be between undefeated lightweight star Devin Haney, against Antonio Moran on what will be his DAZN debut. In addition, rising heavyweight Filip Hrgovic takes on what I would consider an overmatched Gregory Corbin in the Croatians US debut while WBC female super lightweight champion Jessica McCaskill looks to unify the division against WBA champion Anahi Sanchez.

Smoking Bert Cooper passes, aged 53.

In Sad news, former two time world heavyweight title challenger Bert Cooper passed away on Friday at the age of 53.
Only weeks ago Bert picked up a Briscoe award at the Philadelphia Boxing Hall of fame..
Originally a world ranked Cruiserweight, Cooper made his biggest headlines up at heavyweight.. Bert came in on 8 days notice to challenge a prime Evander Holyfield for his IBF and WBA titles in 1992 after scheduled opponent Francesco Damiani sustained an injury.. The unlikely Cooper rocked the champion in round 3 before falling short 4 rounds later.. The following year Bert fought Michael Moorer for the vacant WBO title, in a war where both men visited the canvas twice before Bert once again came up short via 5th round stoppage.. Bert Cooper faced Carl Williams, Ray Mercer, Riddick Bowe, Michael Moorer, Evander Holyfield, George Foreman, Henry Tillman, Tommy Morrison, Chris Byrd and as recent as 2011 Luis Ortiz.. Bert took on the monicker “Smokin Bert” after one time trainer and father figure Joe Frazier, once sporting a T-shirt with the logo, ‘The Smoke is no Joke’ prior to his 1992 world title challenge.. Bert publicly struggled with substance abuse throughout most of his career, yet always appeared to bring his A game to his biggest fights.. Bert was given the dreadful news that he had Pancreatic cancer about 8 weeks ago.. This weekend Bert’s short brave battle came to an end as the 53 year old passed peacefully..
Bert was one of the good guys who most certainly left his mark..

RIP Bert Cooper.

Julian Williams upsets Jarrett Hurd, wins title at second time of asking.

In a surprise upset, Julian J-Rock Williams 27-1-1 (16 Ko’s) picked up the unified IBO/WBA and IBF Super Welterweight titles with a well earned unanimous decision over unbeaten Jarrett Hurd 23-0 (16 Ko’s) at the Eagle Bank Arena in Fairfax Virginia on Saturday.. Three years ago in a failed attempt for the IBF title, Julian looked a shell of this version of himself, in a 5th round knockout loss to Jermall Charlo, but it was persistence and determination on this occasion that pulled him to undoubtedly his most impressive performance..
Williams utilised the jab to great affect, landing first and making Hurd look disorganised, even on the inside.. In the second Julian had the champion on the floor for the first time in his career from a tremendous left hand..

Hurd responded well by making the middle rounds more competitive, yet in every department the Philadelphia man had the final word, with precise counter punching and intelligent movement.. Hurd attempted to rally late, but it just wasn’t his night.. Williams picks up his first Championship in his 29th pro outing by scores of 116-111 and 115-112 twice..

“I am just overwhelmed,” said Williams “This is such a great feeling, I outclassed him, I am one of the best fighters in the world.. Maybe I wasn’t ready for the title the first time I got the shot. I took the loss. I took it like a man and the whole world doubted me. I went into this fight a five to one underdog.. This is a dream come true.”

“I never got off like I planned to” said a despondent Hurd following the bout. “I can’t call it right now, I was loading up on my shots instead of just letting my hands go, Julian fought a great fight, he was the better fighter tonight..”

May 25th Show in Oxon Hill Maryland goes ahead with Haney v Moran Feature bout..

Following the collapse of Oleksandr Usyk’s Heavyweight debut against Carlos Takam, the scheduled May 25th Co-Feature has now been elevated to Main event as the show at The MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, goes ahead as planned with lightweight sensation Devin Haney 21-0 (13 Ko’s) taking on Antonio Moran 24-3 (17 Ko’s) as the headliner.. Haney, who signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing USA last week, is currently ranked number 3 by the WBC and number 5 by the WBA..
The Chief support bouts will feature Chicago’s WBC female super lightweight champion Jessica McCaskill 6-2 (3 KOs) aiming to add Argentine Anahi Sanchez’ 19-3 WBA belt to her collection.. Huge Croatian Heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic 7-0 (5 KOs) faces Gregory Corbin 15-1 (9 KOs) in a terrible match for the Florida resident, having recently found himself in over his head and beaten by a fighter possibly less threatening than Hrgovic.. Finally, Las Vegas Heavyweight Michael Hunter 16-1 (11 KOs) Looks to continue his winning streak amongst the big men, making an appearance against an opponent not yet verified..

The Maryland Show will be broadcast by DAZN across USA and Europe and by Sky Sports in the Uk..

Manuel Charr v Trevor Bryan purse bids ordered by WBA.

The World Boxing Association Championship Committee has ordered a purse bid for a Championship bout between Manuel Charr and Trevor Bryan for the WBA regular heavyweight title, to take place on Monday 17th May.. The conditions of the bids are that they must exceed $1 Million and are to be distributed 75% for Charr and 25% for Bryan.. The bid process will be held in Panama City and under the direction of Aurelio Fiengo.
Charr 31-4 (17 Ko’s) won the vacant WBA regular title in the November of 2017 by beating Alexander Ustinov but has been inactive throughout the 20 months following..  The German based fighter has remained unbeaten since 2015..
Bryan 20-0 (14 Ko’s) is coming off of a knockout win over BJ Flores last August and although unbeaten, has really never stepped into any level of world class yet.. Trevor’s name was tossed into the mix as a suggested replacement opponent for Jarrell Miller to face unified champion Anthony Joshua, yet this bout appears more of a realistic opportunity.. Manuel Charr will be the most accomplished name on the New Yorkers record by far..

Oleksandr Usyk injured... Heavyweight debut against Carlos Takam postponed.

It appears that unified Cruiserweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk’s first step into the heavyweight picture will have to be rescheduled, as the Ukrainian has suffered an unfortunate bicep injury.. Usyk 16-0 (12 Ko’s) was due to face tough French-Cameroonian, Carlos Takam 36-5-1 (28 Ko’s) at the MGM, National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on May 25th in what would have officially been his debut at the higher division.. The Takam fight wasn’t the easiest selection for such an important step, and hopefully the bout will be rescheduled for a new date in the near future.. Manager Egis Klimas announced the news on social media yesterday, stressing that a new date will be released shortly.. The injury is reported to be only a bicep tear, which won’t require surgery and may be repaired with rest within weeks..
It is not known yet the situation with the scheduled undercard bouts, Matchroom have not yet announced if Devin Haney’s bout with Antonio Moran and Croatian Heavyweight Filip Hrgovic’s bout with Greg Corbin will be switched along with the main event, or to go ahead as scheduled on the 25th..

Relentless Ryder dispatches Akkawy in 3 to pick up WBC interim title.

British Super Middleweight John Ryder 28-4 (16 KOs) picked up the WBA interim title on Saturday night with an impressive third round knockout of previously undefeated Bilal Akkawy 20-0-1 (16 KOs) in a twelve rounder on the Jacobs v Alvarez undercard..
Ryder, Originally scheduled to face former world champion David Lemieux in this Events co-feature before the injured Canadian withdrew, started cautiously against his late replacement, merely taking a good look at Akkawy.. Ryder began to find range at the end of the second but really sprung to life in the third, getting the Australians attention early with a right hand that sent him sprawling to the canvas.. The usually durable Akkawy got to his feet in no noticeable distress, but walked into a relentless volley of accurate punches, before being floored again, this time by left uppercut, right hand two piece that did leave Bilal very disorganised and unsteady.. Akkawy once again beat the count, yet appeared unprepared for the final series of clinical punches that Ryder unleashed upon the disorientated fighter, forcing referee Jay Nady to call a halt at 2:12 of the session.. Ryder hasn’t put a foot wrong since a pair of high profile defeats in 2016 and 2017, beating Patrick Nielsen, Jamie Cox and Andrey Sirotkin in succession prior to this, hopefully this victory will propel the 30 year old southpaw into some more lucrative opportunities in the coming months..

Alvarez unifies with unanimous points win over Jacobs in las. Vegas.

In a surprisingly technical affair, Saul Alvarez 52-1-2 (35 KOs) scored a unanimous decision victory over Daniel Jacobs 35-3 (29 KOs) in front of 20,203 people at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas last night.. The Score totals were 115-113, 115-113, 116-112 All in favour of Canelo, but with so many contentious rounds, this bout could so easily have been scored as a draw...
The win adds Danny’s IBF belt to Saul’s WBA and WBC straps, making Alvarez in the eyes of many, the Undisputed Middleweight King..
Alvarez took the initiative from the start, forcing the fight to Jacobs.. The New Yorker had great early success with the jab, keeping Canelo at long range.. Alvarez struggled to get into a successful rhythm and at times found himself lunging in uncharacteristically, leaving numerous opportunities for Jacobs to exploit.. unfortunately Jacobs let himself down in this area of the fight.. Danny often did the hard work of setting up openings with the jab, then failing to capitalise on the chances that presented themselves. Jacobs did find sporadic success by switching styles, yet over time Alvarez appeared to have adjusted to the switch, especially with counters to the southpaw Jacobs.. Danny landed a huge left hook in the ninth that the rugged Mexican merely shook off.. Jacobs continued to pursue Alvarez into the tenth, finally stamping some authority into the fight.. Canelo weathered the storm to boss the final two sessions, out-landing Jacobs with the jab, setting up a spirited grand finale with clean left hooks and uppercuts.. This wasn’t Alvarez’ finest night by any stretch of the imagination, but many including myself did feel that he’d done enough to grasp victory over an opponent who honestly looked like he could have done more..

Harrison v Charlo 2, set for June 23rd.

On Sunday June 23rd, WBC Super Welterweight Champion, Tony Harrison 28-2 (21 Ko’s) takes on Jermell Charlo 31-1 (15 Ko’s) in a rematch of their first epic meeting just over 6 months ago.. Detroits Harrison took the Championship from Charlo on that occasion handing him his only career loss, in a debatable decision.. Harrison v Charlo is set for The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be broadcast live by PBC on Fox and Fox Deportes.. The Undercard will feature former super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux against action packed brawler Julio Ceja in a final title eliminator..
The action will start 8pm Eastern time / 5pm Pacific..

Pearson and Butler, fortunate to score points wins tonight at the Hard Rock.

Ohio Middleweight Chris Pearson 17-2 (12 KOs) boxed cleverly to subdue WBC’s number 9 ranked Yamaguchi Falcao 16-1 (7 KOs), edging a ten round unanimous decision tonight at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Pearson holds a split decision victory over Falcao from back in 2011 when the pair met as amateurs in the WSB..
Many of tonight’s early rounds were contentious, with many at ringside holding the opinion that the busier Falcao had done enough to steal the majority of the bout.. Pearson came on strong in the last 2 sessions, cutting the Brazilian and visibly shaking Falcao in the last round.. Scores were 97-93, 96-94, 96-94 The Victory earns Pearson the vacant WBC Latino middleweight title.

In a clash for the WBC International middleweight title, Steven Butler 27-1-1 (23 KOs) won a very unpopular ten round split decision over Vitalii Kopylenko 28-2 (16 KOs). Kopylenko dropped Butler in the eighth with a body shot, Butler survived the assault by spitting out the mouthpiece to grab extra seconds.. The Canadian edged two scorecards 96-93, 96-93, while Kopylenko was up 95-94 on the third card.. The scoring was poor in this particular fight, almost everyone Ringside saw the Ukrainian, Kopylenko as the comfortable victor..

Unbeaten super middleweight Erik Bazinyan 23-0 (17 KOs) retained his NABA and NABO titles with a ten round unanimous decision against Alan Campa 17-5 (11 KOs). Scores were 99-90, 97-92, 99-90.

Middleweight Alexis Salazar 22-3 (9 KOs) scored an eight round unanimous decision over Abraham Cordero 13-4-2 (7 KOs).

Super welterweight Richard Acevedo moved to 5-0 (5 KOs) with a first round stoppage of Mario Sosa 3-2 (3 KOs).

Joyce meets Ustinov on May 18th..

A week on Saturday, the 18th May, Olympic Silver medalist Joe Joyce 8-0 (8 Ko’s) meets former WBA title challenger, Alexander Ustinov 34-3 (25 Ko’s) in a Co-Feature at The Lamex Stadium in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, complimenting the headlining Saunders v Isufi, interim WBO middleweight title fight.. The 33 year old Joyce, now based in the Uk, is looking to make some noise in the next 18 months and regardless of his 8 fight pro experience, felt somewhat insulted that his name wasn’t offered in the recent mix as a potential Anthony Joshua replacement for June 1st. The most recent outing where he stopped Bermane Stiverne, should have pushed Joyce’s profile up the rankings, yet only appeared to land him in a British title fight against fellow Brit Daniel Dubois.. A victory over Ustinov May not tell us an awful lot, but it’s a stay busy fight against a man with a live record, whom at the end of the day has to be removed in order to move on. The Gargantuan Ustinov looked terrible in his last outing in November, suffering an exposing stoppage defeat at the hands of former world Cruiserweight title challenger Michael Hunter jr, despite 2 years prior contesting for the world heavyweight championship.. Alexander’s best days are long gone, but a 280 pound man, with an evidently decent record can’t be taken lightly.. A loss to Ustinov is disastrous for a man in Joyce’s position, so with this fight comes pressure.. Look for Joyce to move past Alexander comfortably, yet more than likely swerve the Dubois fight.. In my opinion, Joyce is looking further than a British title..  

The Event will be promoted by Frank Warren and Queensbury boxing and broadcast by BT Sport..