2 IEDs explode at a boxing event in Leyte, Philippines, 27 injured

Hilongos, Leyte -- Two improvised explosive devices (IED) reportedly exploded at a boxing event in Hilongos, Leyte on Wednesday night, 28 Dec in a plaza.

The victims were treated at a local hospital according to Dennis Maliwanag of Inquirer on his Twitter post.

The authorities were still investigating the blast site.

Blast victims are being treated at a local hospital in Hilongos, Leyte. pic.twitter.com/3GiryXnhPg

— Dennis Maliwanag (@DMaliwanagINQ) December 28, 2016

New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2017

NEW YORK (December 26, 2016) - The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF), sponsored by Ring 8, has announced its 15-member Class of 2017. The sixth annual NYSBHOF induction dinner will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 30, at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

"Once again, "said NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy, "we're honoring New York's finest in our sport. This is all about recognizing great fighters, as well as others involved in boxing, from the state of New York. We're expecting another knockout night."

Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include Manhattan welterweight Gaspar "El Indio" Ortega (131-39-6, 69 KOs), Yonkers' world heavyweight title challenger Renaldo "Mr." Snipes (39-8-1, 22 KOs), Yonkers middleweight Doug "Cobra' Dewitt (33-8-5, 19 KOs), and "The Bronx Bomber," world middleweight title challenger Alex Ramos (39-10-2, 24 KOs)

Posthumous participants being inducted are Queens' former middleweight and light heavyweight world champion Dick Tiger (60-19-3, 27 KOs), Brooklyn/Manhattan light heavyeight world champion Jose "Chegui" Torres (41-3-1, 29 KOs), and "The Nonpareil", Williamsburg middleweight world champion Jack Dempsey (51-4-11, 23 KOs).

Non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are Queens' International agent Don Majeski, Long Island matchmaker Ron Katz, Manhattan manager Stan Hoffman and past Ring 8 president/NYSAC judge Bobby Bartels.

Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn boxing historian Hank Kaplan, Long Island cut-man Al Gavin, Bronx referee Arthur Donovan and New York City columnist Dan Parker.

Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.

The 2017 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero and Neil Terens.

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.

Smith stops 51 year-old Hopkins

In the 2:28 minute mark of Round 8, Bernard Hopkins fell out of the ring after a series of punches landed coming from Joe Smith.

It was a bizarre scene to end an extraordinary 28 years boxing career that began in 1988. He was stopped for the first time during the final fight of his incredible career.

The 51-year-old Hopkins (55-8-2 32 KOs) was knocked out of the ring.

This happens to boxers who hang around a little bit too long. The sport will push you out of retirement. Well for me the best time for Bernard to actually retire was when he beat Beibut Shumenov. He got a title at that time, he was 49. But well, it was really tempting to have another shot at age 50. I think that was a record also in boxing. He lost to Sergey Kovalev when he was 50.

Watch: @beastsmithjr knocks @THEREALBHOP out of the ring 53 seconds into round 8, ending the fight. #Final1 https://t.co/Pj2svLUlC9

— HBOboxing (@HBOboxing) December 18, 2016

Well, for Hopkins it may look like a "controversial" loss because of what had happened. If he did not fell out of the ring, he could have got up before the count of ten and manage to continue. In fairness, he wasn't unconscious when he landed outside the ring.

But anyway, I hope this result will convince Hopkins not to fight again any more and sticks to retiring. He should not wait to be knockout cold out there. Just like what happened to Roy Jones Jr. in one of his recent fights.

Jermall Charlo earns more haters than fans with TKO win over Julian Williams

During the build-up a fight you can trash talk to the highest level you want, but after all the punches thrown and done, it's time to show what the word sportsmanship is all about.

Jermall Charlo (25-0, 19 KOs) was booed by the California boxing fans present at the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles, Saturday night after he knockout Julian Williams in Round 5 of their junior middleweight title clash live on Showtime.

Julian Williams (22-1-1, 14 KOs) went to Charlo's corner to show sportsmanship. But Charlo and his corner refused to accept it. It was too late then when they realized that it wasn't the right reaction. Then Charlo went to Williams' corner to extend his gesture of sportsmanship, but this time it was Williams and his team declined. There was a little commotion going on, but it was obvious that Charlo was in the negative end as the California fans booed in unison.

Charlo remained undefeated and successfully defended the junior middleweight title for the fourth time since capturing it in September last year.

It was a chess match early in the fight. Both fighters were too cautious to open up for offense. They were ready to unload heavy counters that could end the fight early. Both men has power to knock each other out. In Round 2, Charlo scored a knockdown. He connected with a solid jab that put down Williams.

In between the fourth and fifth round, Charlo's trainer Ronnie Shields instructed Charlo to double it up.

"Back him up, back him up with the jab don't let him rest. Double it up with the right hand and hook right back," said Shields.

Williams fired a textbook one-two combination from outside that connected to the head of Charlo. But as Williams retracted back his punches, Charlo came back with a huge right uppercut. Williams did not even saw it coming. And boom! Down went Williams.

He managed to get back on his feet, but Charlo was ready to finish him. After the referee signaled to resume the fight, Charlo was all over Williams firing combination at close range and got one clear punch in and that's it. Williams went down again and the referee did not even bother to count. The referee waived the fight off. The official time: 2:06 in Round 5.

"Sorry my emotions took over me at that time. You know what that's not me," Charlo said when Jim Gray ask about his refusal to accept Williams' handshake.

Classic Boxer-Puncher match-up Oscar Cantu vs. Aston Palicte

LAS VEGAS (December 8, 2016) - The 10-round main event on December 17 of the final 2016 installment of the popular "Knockout Night at the D" series, featuring undefeated Oscar Cantu and Aston Palcite, is a classic match-up of styles between a boxer and puncher.

"Knockout Night at the D" will air live (7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET) on CBS Sports Network from inside the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center indoor facility, located in the heart of the downtown Las Vegas casino district, one block away from the world-famous Fremont Street (200 S. 3rd St.), and FloBoxing.tv will live stream the Dec. 17th undercard worldwide, starting at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET), in addition to three main card TV bouts - excluding North America - beginning at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET).

The "Knockout Night at the D" series, presented by the D Las Vegasand Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.

Jim "J.R." Ross and Joey Varner will call all the action live from ringside, while Jeff Huston will be the ring announcer and fight-week master of ceremonies.

Cantu vs. Palicte will be contested for two belts as Cantu defends his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super flyweight championship, in addition to the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental super flyweight title.

Rated No. 4 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) as a flyweight, the 25-year-old Cantu (14-0, 1 KO) will face the toughest test of his 4+-years professional career in the heavy-handed Palcite, but he's excited to be headlining this nationally televised show from Las Vegas.

"I feel honored to be headlining a card in Las Vegas," the Texan said. "The opportunity is what every boxer wants because Vegas is the biggest boxing hum in the United States and it has produced great champions in the past. I want to thank Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions for this opportunity.

"A victory can help me open doors to the world title and allow me the show everybody what I stand for, which is being God's humble champion. The outcome of this fight will come down to who wants to win more. I'm sure that adjustments will need to be made throughout the fight. Either way, I am well prepared to get this victory."

Palicte (21-2, 18 KOs) is a dangerous Filipino fighter who is world rated at No. 11 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 15 by the WBO. Now training in Los Angeles, Palicte is looking forward to making his American debut Dec. 17.

"I'm really excited," he remarked. "I've been training o hard, pushing myself to the limit, because I also want to excel as much as the other Filipino fighters. I am grateful for this opportunity to fight in the main event. Knowing he is undefeated, this is going to be an exciting, challenging fight.

"I've always dreamed of fighting for the world title and I'm taking things one step at a time. Through my promoter, RJJ, it was mentioned that there's a big possibility for a world title challenge in 2017 if I win this fight. I've fought some quality fighters and I think I can do what I want in the ring, though I won't say it's going to be easy to control the fight."

Styles made fights and a classic match-up between a consummate boxer (Cantu) and powerful puncher (Palicte) guarantees an intriguing fight that should be highly entertaining and incredibly competitive. Both fighters also respect each other.

"Palicte brings an impressive record and a lot of experience," Cantu noted. "The road to a world title is a tough one, which means no easy opponents. I am really excited about this challenge. This is a classic fight because of our styles and I am sure we won't let the viewing public down. I am ready to become the next great American champion in this weight class."

"Cantu is a smart boxer," Palicte added. "I'd compare him to Ismael Garnica, who I fought in our Showdown at Sands in Macau. (Palicte won by way of a seventh-round TKO.) He (Cantu) is kind of a runner, too, always moving around the ring, but we can never tell one's ability until we've fought.

"This is going to be an exciting fight. I'm really looking forward to getting a hold of those belts. Cantu is also a good boxer but with my experience and power, I think I have much more advantages than him. I know he's also doing his best training, so, it's going to be a really good fight come December 17th."

Unbeaten Chilean junior middleweight champion Angelo Baez (15-0-1, 11 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against Jamaica-native Nathaniel Gallimore (15-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Evanston, Illinois, in the eight-round co-feature.

Los Angeles' Flavio Rodriguez (5-0, 4 KOs) meets Mexican invader Dilan "El Terrible" Loza (5-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round battle of undefeated welterweight prospects to open the televised segment of the evening.

The Las Vegas Big 3 - 21-year-old junior lightweight Randy "El Matador" Moreno (7-0, 6 KOs), 26-year-old welterweight Jeremy "J-Flash" Nichols (7-0, 2 KOs) and 18-year-old bantamweight Max "The Baby-Faced Assassin" Ornelas (6-0, 3 KOs) - will be showcased Dec. 17th.

Vasyl Lomachenko forces Nicholas Walters to quit after Round 6

No mas!

Vasyl Lomachenco (7-1, 5 KOs) retained his 130-pound world title, after Nicholas Walters (26-1-1, 21 KOs) not able to continue after Round 6 of their super featherweight title fight, Saturday night at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, in Las Vegas Nevada.

Vasl Lomachenko just getting started to really dominate in the sixth round. But Nicholas Walters don't want Lomachenco to do just that to him in the succeeding rounds. Instead, Walters decided to pull his own plug and told the referee that he will not continue.

Well it seemed to me that Nicholas Walters really don't wanted to risk a little longer. I mean he lost hope right after the end of Round 6. I don't know if he had an empty tank after the sixth round either. Well, it was clear that Lomachenko won almost every round. But not to the point that Walters really was in the verge of getting stopped.

I mean, Walters was just simply out-boxed, but he landed some too!. It was not like a one-sided beat down. But it seemed Walters had a conclusion in his mind that the fight really go that way at the end -- he will be brutally bruised and battered and might be stopped.

So, instead of thinking to continue and keep swinging for a home-run punch in the next succeeding rounds -- he thought the other way around. He decided to quit and fight another day, which is a valid decision also. well, if he think that he really doesn't have the chance. Then what to do?

But you know, if you are in the hurt business, you are presumed to have that warriors code.

Walters is a big puncher, his record shows. There were some boxing observers think that Walters had no heart of a champion and or a quitter. But well, who are we to judge. We are not the one who absorbed those punches.

Well, of course, it will hurt his stocks. But at least he avoided more damage. But lost also chance to turn the tide if he landed a home-run punch.

But yeah a fighter will always be a fighter. And if you are not. You are not.

On a side note, let me say: Get well soon Nick Blackwell! It was reported earlier that he was rushed to a hospital after he collapse doing sparring eight months after a head surgery for the injury he suffered during his last fight.

The guy really just loves to fight. Get will soon Nick!

Andre Ward gets up from knockdown, wins unanimous decision

It was tough second round for Andre Ward, as he was floored by a powerful right hand from the Krusher. He got up, solidify more of his defense and balance it with effective and accurate offense that saw him winning on all three judges scorecards.

The official scores were 114-113 on all three judges for Ward winning most of the alphabet titles at light heavyweight.

In the first half of the fight, Ward (31-0, 15KOs) was on the receiving end of Sergey Kovalev's powerful jabs and right hand. Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KO) dropped Ward with right hand during the second round of their light heavyweight championship, Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ward got up from the knockdown and held for the rest of round. He clinched as Kovalev rushed in to finish him up early.

Ward slowly but surely adjusted the power and attacks of Kovalev every round after the knockdown. He was maintaining safe distance from Kovalev and tied the Russian champion when he gets closer. He fired counter mostly to the body that got a toll on Kovalev as the fight wore on.

In the second half of the fight, Ward was able to land sneaky jabs that snapped Kovalev's head back and he continued his body work. The fight become more competitive as Ward already adjusted to the style and was able to dictate each engagement in the ring. He fired at angles where Kovalev not in position to counter and force held when Kovalev came close.

However, it's not the usual punch-and-clinch routine for Ward as Kovalev either wrestle to punch in or wrestle to rough up Ward. They employ brilliant techniques every time they tangle up. The referee had an awesome job controlling the fight mostly by his mouth as the fighters were listening to his commands each time they tangle.

It was a controversial close decision, but I don't see it as bad decision either. I have it a draw and I like to see a rematch. But Kovalev had a hard time accepting his first defeat, and believed he clearly won the fight, seven to three rounds on his favor.

"He got maybe few rounds. You know, I agree but not the full fight. I keep control all the fight all rounds. I lost like three rounds of all [entire] fight, says Kovalev.

Kovalev said that he wanted a rematch and he will "kick his ass" referring to Ward.

"Of course I want a rematch and I will kick his ass like that. I just wanted to show boxing not short round you know," answers Kovalev.

What do you think of the decision? Would you want to see an immediate rematch?

Last week's boxing review

It's been ages since I last updated this blog. Wheww... 8-5 job really hampers me from doing the thing I love most. But what to do? At the end of the day, we need to pay the bills. Our day job does that. So at times, I sacrificed my love of writing boxing updates of any sort.

Well, it was a good boxing weekend. We saw Manny Pacquiao became world champion again. He did not just get out of that short retirement but came back and wrote another fate in boxing history books. The first fighting senator of the sport of boxing! What an achievement to add Pacman's unbelievable boxing career.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas

Pacquiao (59-6-2, 38 KO's) won a unanimous decision over 10 years junior Jessie Vargas (27-2, 10 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight championship bout at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. It was an entertaining fight yet lack of explosiveness towards the end.

Although in the second round scored a knockdown, it is obvious that the 37-year-old former congressman and now senator Pacquiao was too cautious. According to Juan Manuel Marquez, in an interview, Pacquiao fought too cautious against Vargas who mastered a counter right hand.

It was a counter right hand from Marquez that put to sleep Pacquaio during their fourth encounter. According to Marquez, Vargas is not a hard puncher. But when Vargas hit Pacquiao with a right hand, the Pacman staggers. The knockout changed the style of Pacquiao who is known to fight relentlessly especially to a less powerful opponents. Vargas came in with only 10 TKO/KO wins on his ledger.

Well, I couldn't agree more with Marquez. Vargas really just missed several powerful counter-right hands. A counter punch that Vargas for sure practiced during training camp hoping to land a Marquez-alike counter that would stop the Pacman.

Well, Pacquiao was very much looking too much attention to that counter right hand. Even during the Bradley fight, I noticed that Pacquiao was very conscious of the right hand throughout the fight. It's not Vargas fired with less accuracy but it was Pacquiao too mindful about the right hand and avoided them effectively.

Apart from Pacquiao being too cautious, I noticed that Pacquiao is still the same vintage Pacquiao. He still has that speed at age 37, still has power with the left hand. He still has that quickness in both hands, fast footwork, and impressive stamina. Pacquiao was able to maintain those even reporting to his day job as senator and training in the evening in the early days of training camp.

In another interview also, Marquez predicted that a Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch will have the same result as the first time. He said that "it would be more of the same," referring to the outcome of the first fight.

"Mayweather boxing, and you saw Manny was more eager, had more power but did nothing, said Marquez.

The scorecards: Glenn Feldman 118-109, Glenn Trowbridge 118-109, Dave Moretti 114-113

Nonito Donaire Jr. vs Jessie Magdaleno

I watched the replay of the fight. I was not able to watch it live because I woke up late. Just woke up just in time with the main event that Sunday morning Kuwait time. Well, I had no doubt that of course Magdaleno (24-0, 17 KOs) won the fight. I thought Magdaleno controlled the fight, dictated the tempo, he chose when to engage and not to engage Donaire. He did make use of the entire ring to find advantage position and angle to fire offense without worrying that the vaunted Donaire counter left hook lands a home run.

But what I don't agree with or am not convinced about is the scoring. I thought that was a close fight than what the official scorecards appeared. I mean, two things you have to weigh-in in that fight; the telling effects of the Donaire's punches or Magdaleno's jab, bodywork, and generalship. Well, I'll give those rounds to Donaire where he was able to connect more than two clean telling punches. Remember that Donaire was the champion and he was the aggressor the whole night. That for me would negate Magdaleno's ring generalship.

But of course, what was the problem with Donaire's performance was his tendency to wait for an opponent's move for so long... looking for counter opportunities. In the process of waiting he was hit first, then reset... then he will be hit again... then reset... till he lands one. But the opponent got him twice or thrice already.

The scorecards: Steve Weisfeld 116-112, Burt A. Clements 116-112, Adalaide Byrd 118-110.

That 118-110 was way too wide a margin for me.

I found the below video on Youtube and embedded it here:

Manny Pacquiao vs Jessie Vargas preview

Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao will come out from a short retirement to fight American Jessie Vargas, Saturday night, 5th Nov. at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KOs) announced retirement after his victory over Timothy Bradley Jr. in 9th April to focus his bid for a Philippine senatorial seat, which he successfully won in May elections.

The fighting senator confirmed on 9th Aug. that he will come out of retirement and fight Vargas for the WBO world welterweight title.

"Yes, the fight is on. I have agreed to a Nov. 5 fight with reigning WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas," Pacquiao said in an interview with ESPN.com.

Vargas (27-1, 10 KOs) won his last fight against top young welterweight Sadam Ali in 5th Mar. via knockout in the 9th round, but lost to Bradley, prior to the Ali fight, in a controversial 12-round decision.

The referee mistakenly held Vargas to stop throwing punches to a wobbling Bradley thinking the 12th round was over. Bradley regained footing and was able to finish the fight and won by decision.

The Las Vegas-based Vargas, 27, was the clear underdog against the experienced former congressman who is 10 years senior, but Vargas is confident he can do it.

“A lot of you guys do wish me luck, but in the back of your mind you’re thinking: ‘I don’t think he can do it.’ But I’m here to tell you I can,” said Vargas quoted by telegraph.co.uk.

Pacquiao stands at 5’ 5.5” while Vargas stands 4.5 inches taller at 5’10”. Vargas has a significant height advantage against the former 8-division champion. He also enjoys a 4-inch reach advantage measure from armpit to the fist.

In the undercard, Filipino American Nonito Donaire Jr. faces Jessie Magdaleno for the WBO super bantamweight title.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas is available live on HBO via pay-per-view.

LAMONT CAPERS HEADING TO PHILLY TO UPSET GARRETT WILSON

Philadelphia, PA—A pair of cruiserweights hoping to make some noise in the division—Lamont Capers and Garrett Wilson—collide in a six-round fight Friday evening, Dec. 2, at the 2300 Arena in South Philly.
Topping the eight-fight card is a 10-round junior lightweight fight with Tevin Farmer, of North Philadelphia, defending his NABF junior lightweight title against Dardan Zenunaj, of Albania. First fight is 7 pm.

Capers (left), 25, of Hawley, PA, turned more than a few heads earlier this year when he upset Nick Kisner, of Baltimore, MD, over eight rounds in Atlantic City, NJ. Kisner’s record was 16-2-1 at the time, Capers was 5-8.
After following the win over Kisner with another victory, this time in Philadelphia against Pedro Martinez, Hawley goes after the big one when he takes on Wilson, a former top contender and a man considered to be the “policeman” of the cruiserweight division.

“Fighting a big name (like Wilson) is exciting” Capers said. “I am looking forward to testing my skills against someone who has been through it already. I am ready and there is nothing to be afraid of, whether it’s in my backyard, his backyard or anyone else’s backyard. It’s all a mind game to me and if I can overcome it then I will be comfortable.

“A win over Garrett Wilson will boost my career and lead to greater fights. I am not intimidated. I have God on my side and I have not been intimidated by any fighter. Most of the guys I fought had winning records. Those I lost to wouldn’t fight me a second time now that my mindset has changed for the better. I’m getting hyped for this fight just by talking about it. We’ll see who is better, me or him. Not taking anything away from anyone but we will see who has been training the hardest.”

Wilson (right), 34, of South Philadelphia, is an eight-year pro with a 16-11-1 record, 9 K0s. He is a former USBA and NABF cruiserweight champion and is known for fighting the best cruiserweights and, on occasion, heavyweights in the world. Only twice in his 28-fight career has he faced an opponent with a losing record.

Among his victims are Omar Sheika, Andres Taylor and Chuck Mussachio and he gave heavyweight title challenger Czar Glazkov all he could handle in 2013, losing a 10-round decision in a fight Wilson took on 72 hours’ notice.

The only foe common to Capers and Wilson is Pedro Martinez, whom Wilson twice beat, once by decision, once by knockout.

Capers could be catching Wilson at the right time since the Philadelphian is coming off a pair of losses to Keith Tapia and Guillermo Jones.

“Not sure I really lost to Keith Tapia,” Wilson said. “It could have been a draw. I definitely beat Guillermo Jones. Everyone there (Pittsburgh, PA) knew I won the fight and they booed the decision but Jones was with Don King so what can you do.

“That’s all behind me. My goal now is to simply hurt people. I have nothing left to prove; I just want to hurt people. That’s my goal!”

HOPKINS vs SMITH LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LOS ANGELES (October 24, 2016) - Former Two-Division World Champion and Future Hall of FamerBernard "The Executioner" Hopkins(55-7-2, 32 KOs) and Light Heavyweight Contender Joe Smith Jr. (22-1, 18 KOs) today hosted a Los Angeles press conference to discuss their 12-round battle set for December 17 at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. and to be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®. Also, in attendance for this press conference was Los Angeles-based undefeated Vyacheslav "Lionheart Chingonskyy" Shabranskyy (17-0, 14 KOs) as he takes on Cuban standout Sullivan Barrera (17-1, 12 KOs) for a 10-round bout for Shabranskyy's WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight title on HBO Latino® Boxing on Friday, December 16 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Also rounding out the HBO Latino® Boxing card, was Former WBC Silver featherweight titlist Ronny Rios (26-1, 11 KOs) against Roy "Pitbull" Tapia (12-1-2, 6 KOs).

Below is what the fighters, their trainers, managers and promoter had to say at today's press conference:

BERNARD HOPKINS, Former Two-Division World Champion and Future Hall of Famer:

"This is history, we have been here many times where history has been made. This is obviously different than everything I have ever done, because it is the Final 1. To be able to have the Final 1 in LA, where the city of stars are trying to be stars, however you cut it, it couldn't have been better with the history placed in the DNA that the Forum has produced.

"It is fitting that the end of a twenty-nine year career, since 1988 is in a historic place at the Forum in Inglewood, CA. This is something that came as an opportunity to be here. I couldn't tell you that it would be in this arena-it just happened, and here I am against an incredible opponent.

"I don't want anyone to say Joe Smith Jr. gave me anything-give me an opportunity and give me a door and I'll open it myself. I don't' have to convince anyone of anything. This is not emotional. What I am going to do is show you why I have been named three different names in boxing from "The Executioner" to "B-Hop" to "The Alien" they all exist in me.

"On December 17th you will see "The Executioner," it will all come full circle. This press conference is just a warm up. Win, lose or draw, there is no excuse-Final 1."

JOE SMITH JR., Light Heavyweight Contender:

"I'm so glad I was chosen to fight Bernard Hopkins in his final fight on December 17th at the Forum. I'm going to train very hard for this fight and take full advantage of it. I'm looking forward to putting on a great show for everyone."

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

"As you know, we are calling this the "Final 1," and Bernard has expressed this is the final one. We are really excited to be putting together this card. We want to thank HBO for putting this card together.

"December 17th will be historical. I want to say coming out party, but it will be the last hoorah, as a champion goes out in his terms, in his way. Only legends can do that and superstars who transcend the sport.

"What excited me about this fight is that Bernard is not fighting someone who is a walk in the park, he is fighting a difficult fight, and this gentleman has every opportunity in the book to win and win a world title. This is Hopkins, this is who Hopkins chose. Joe Smith Jr. has an amazing record and an outstanding knockout percentage that is unheard of in his division.

"Hopkins will be an athlete that will transcend the sport, not just for what he has accomplished in the ring, but for outside of it, and that is huge. I am very excited and happy that this fight will be taking place in an arena where I began my professional career. It is an honor for me and thank you for giving Los Angeles and Angelenos an opportunity to watch this fight.

"Leading up to the event, we have some great events coming up. The annual Oscar De La Hoya Foundation Toy Giveaway will be taking place the day of the fight. We want to get the community involved, not only because yours truly is from here and I began my career here-but because we are celebrating a legend, such as Bernard in a way he should be honored.

"Part of the festivities leading up to the December 17th fight will be a card on December 16th on HBO Latino at one of the best casinos in California, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino,

"At Golden Boy, we are very proud to grow our young fighters. Rios vs. Tapia wasn't an easy fight to make, because we have developed these fighters, but you have to make great fights for the fans and this will be an exciting fight to watch

"On December 16th, I think it is best to promote one of the best divisions in boxing today, the middleweight division. I acknowledge Jason Quigley, who is here today as an undefeated middleweight fighter.

"The main event fight on December 16th has a potential to be a Fight of the Year candidate, in a very hot division-light heavyweight division. Ever since I saw Shabranskyy, who I nicknamed 'Chingonskyy' I have seen something in him, with his finesse in the ring. He is a very special fighter and he is facing an experienced, durable fighter in Sullivan Barrera.

"Thank you to our sponsor, Tecate. I am proud to announce that Tecate will be sponsoring boxing in a whole new way in 2017, everyone will be blown away by how they will bring boxing to the next level.

"What makes Bernard Hopkins is that he doesn't stop, he keeps going and surprises people. He would continue until he was 60 if he could, that's what a legend is, he takes care of himself and keeps going.

JOE DEGUARDIA, President and CEO of Star Boxing:

"It is certainly great to be here in LA at the Forum where so much history has been made. This fight was really easy to male, and that is a testament to Bernard Hopkins, because most fighters would shy away from a puncher like Joe Smith Jr. It is an honor and I thank Bernard and Oscar for taking this fight."

TONY WALKER, Director of HBO Sports:

"December 17th is our last broadcast of the year, and it is very special because it is the last time we will see Bernard Hopkins in the ring. This fight will be Bernard's twenty-third fight on HBO, tying him with Lennox Lewis in appearances. Hopkins will join all of the boxing greats you can name. His traits of tenacity and endurance have been with him and we are going to celebrate Bernard with this Final 1 fight."

JOSE "PEPE" SULAIMAN, JR., CEO of the WBC's Los Angeles Office:

"With greatness comes great responsibility, Bernard Hopkins has taken this to very high levels. He is an ambassador for peace, and is an example in and outside the ring. He has a wonderful relationship with the WBC, and was a very great friend to my father.

"At the WBC, we are very proud to be a part of this fight. This is not another fight, this is not a farewell fight, this a real fight. We are very enthusiastic to be a part of this. Great champions fight great fights and great fighters. There will be two belts. One for the winner and one to celebrate a great champion."

ANDY FOSTER, Executive Director of the California State Athletic Commission:

"One thing I can tell you, the California Commission does not care who wins, we want both fighters to go home safe. We look forward to a safe and successful event."

NICK SPAMPANATO, Senior Vice President West Coast and General Manager of the Forum and MSG:

"The people up here are the best in the business. At The Forum, we are extremely excited to host this fight and have the historic Forum be the host. December 17th will be a great night of fights and we look forward to seeing everyone there."

CHRIS LAVOIE, Public Relations Manager of Fantasy Springs Resort Casino:

"Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is proud to be hosting a great weekend in boxing, it will be broadcast live on HBO Latino. We are proud of our longtime relationship with Oscar and Golden Boy Promotions. Golden Boy boxing brings about ten to twelve shows a year to Fantasy Springs and Shabranskyy vs. Barrera will be an exciting fight on December 16th."
VYACHESLAV SHABRANSKYY, WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight Champion:

"My next fight is December 16th on HBO Latino, and I am very excited to fight. This is a good opportunity for me and for the fans to witness a great fight. I will be ready"
RONNY RIOS, Former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion:

"First and foremost, thank you to HBO and Golden Boy for this great opportunity. December 16th and 17th will be a great night for boxing, as a legend says good bye to the sport. I never underestimate any opponent or fight, so Roy let's put on a great show for everyone to see why Golden Boy is the best promoter in the sport."
ROY TAPIA, Featherweight Prospect:

"What can I say, December 16th will be a great fight. I want to thank my manager and Golden Boy. It has been anything but a smooth path to get here, but on December 16th you will see who I am and what I can do. Like Bernard Hopkins just said up here, give me a door and I will knock it down."

Hopkins vs. Smith is a 12-round light heavyweight battle presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will be televised live on HBO's flagship series beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

LEMIEUX, BALLARD EARN VICTORIES AT BELL CENTRE IN MONTREAL

MONTREAL (October 22, 2016)-In an all-out slugfest, hard-hitting Middleweight contender David Lemieux (36-3, 32 KOs) delivered a solid victory in front of his hometown crowd in Montreal, earning a unanimous 10-round decision over, Argentinian fighter Christian Fabian Rios (21-8-3, 6 KOs)

"With this win, David Lemieux has once again demonstrated himself to be a dynamic and resilient fighter," said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "This additional victory will open new doors for Lemieux, and we can't wait to see what the next chapter in his boxing career will bring."

In the opening bout at the Bell Center, rising Super Middleweight prospect D'mitrius Ballard (15-0, 11 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact, dominating Gergo Harvath (9-2-1, 5 KOs) throughout the early moments of the fight. In the second round, the Maryland-born Ballard knocked Harvath down three times before the referee waved off the fight.

Juan Francisco Estrada dominates Raymund Tabugon in action-packed 10 round bout

Juan Francisco Estrada was in a full workout Saturday night as Filipino boxer Raymund Tabugon fight it out till the final bell of their 10-round non-title fight at Estrada's home turf at the Estadio Francisco León García, in Sonora, Mexico.

The 26 years old Mexican showed no problem or whatsoever with his right hand that underwent an operation. Estrada's right hand was injured during his fight against Hernan Marquez last year.

Estrada was sidelined for more than one year before his fight with Tabugon Saturday night. But he showed no ring-rust dominating the 25 years old from General Santos City, Philippines.

The official scores were 100-90 on all three judges' scorecards in favor of Estrada.

With the win, Estrada could be facing the pound-for-pound best fighter in boxing today Nicaragua's Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez in a rematch.

Philippine boxing observers praised Tabugon's gallant performance against the massive favorite and experienced Estrada.

"Tabugon's consolation was his gallant effort against the much experienced more durable Mexican," writes Maloney L. Samaco of Philboxing.com.

Raymond Tabugon faces toughest test in Juan Francisco Estrada

General Santos City's Raymond Tabugon (18-5-1, 8KOs) will face Sonora Mexico's Juan Francisco Estrada for a 10-round non-title match at the Estadio Francisco León García, in Sonora, Mexico on Saturday night.

Tabugon traveled to Mexico for the second time hoping for a win this time after being knocked out in the fifth round against  Juan Hernandez Navarrete during his 2015 trip to Mexico. A fight with Estrada is a huge step-up in competition for Tabugon. He's the obvious underdog against the experienced and former flyweight champion Estrada.

Estrada (33-2, 24KO’s) resume includes notable wins against top boxers like Brian Viloria, Milan Melindo, Giovani Segura, and Hernan Marquez. He also once faced but lost to the number one pound-for-pound boxer Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez of Nicaragua.

Sanman Promotions CEO Jim Claude ‘JC’ Manangquil who handled Tabugon said that he "expects Tabugon to fight hard like he always does."

Although Estrada has the experience and crowd on his side, for sure he'll be experiencing some ring rust as he was sidelined for almost 13 months because of an injury to his right hand. He got the injury during his fight against fellow Mexican Tyson Marquez. Estrada needed an operation and it remains to be seen tonight how good his right hand.

DIEGO MAGDALENO DEFEATS ART HOVANISSYAN VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION IN FRONT OF SOLD OUT SHOW AT THE BELASCO THEATER

LOS ANGELES (October 7, 2016) - All eyes were glued to the ring during tonight's
sold out LA FIGHT CLUB performances at the Belasco Theater as Diego Magdaleno left victorious against Art Hovanissyan via unanimous decision victory. Special guests for the night included Golden Boy Promotions' Partner and Future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, Playboy Playmate of the Year Eugena Washington, WBA-NABA super featherweight Champion Carlos "The Solution" Morales, Jason "El Animal" Quigley,
Jesus "Renuente" Soto Karass, Ivan "Striker" Delgado, Tenochtitlan "T-Dog" Nava, Rafael "El Aiklin" Gramajo, Emilio Sanchez, Pablo "The Shark" Rubio Jr, Luis Coria, Oscar Duarte, and Roy "Pitbull" Tapia.

The main event of the night left the fight fans on the edge of their seats, as Glendale native Art Hovhannisyan (17-3-3, 9 KOs) battled against former WBO International lightweight title holder Diego Magdaleno (29-2, 12 KOs) in a complete slugfest. The bout showcased both of the fighter's relentlessness in the ring, as both exchanged a series of punches from start to finish. During the fourth round, Magdaleno received a head butt, resulting in a cut over his eye, but that didn't stop him from winning the fight via unanimous decision with the judges all scoring it 99-91.

"Entering the ring, every boxer has a chance to get the knockout-and that's what I came for. However, I'm satisfied with the unanimous decision that I received tonight," said Magdaleno. "Hovhannisyan was a tough opponent, but I was able to outbox him. The energy at LA FIGHT CLUB was one I have never seen before, and that definitely propelled me to put my all in to this fight, especially after taking a year off. I'm more ready than ever, and I'm looking forward to the new opportunities after winning this fight."

"I knew what to expect from my opponent, but I feel like I didn't fight as well as I should have. However, I did fight with my whole heart," said Hovhannisyan. "Going forward, I'll be looking over the tape with my coach to go over my mistakes and what I should work on. I want to thank Golden Boy for tonight's event and this opportunity. The next steps are getting rest and healing my hand which was hurt in the fight."

The evening's co-main event broadcast on the Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar featured tough Philadelphia fighter Damon "No Smiling'" Allen Jr. (11-0-1, 4 KOs) facing experienced Mexican fighter Luis Arceo (28-15-5, 18 KOs) in a fight going the distance. Throughout the bout, each fighter attempted to gain the upper hand going up against one another with exchanges of hits and blocks-resulting in a draw with all three judges scoring it 76-76.

"I knew it was going to be a tough fight because Arceo had a ton of experience under his belt," spoke Damon Allen. "I made the fight harder than it had to be. It was a learning experience, and we are definitely going back to the drawing board after this. I want a rematch."

"I honestly feel like I was robbed," said Luis Arceo. "Each time I would unleash my punches, he would run away. I was the tougher fighter, and I am glad that the judges saw that. I entered the ring as the underdog, and with this draw I feel like I was vindicated."

Opening the Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar telecast, Maricela "La Diva" Cornejo (4-2, 2 KOs) battled against Eliza Olson (9-6-3, 2 KOs) in a scheduled six round super middleweight fight. As the second female fight ever to take place at the Belasco Theater's LA FIGHT CLUB, both female fighters brought their A-game as they exchanged hits and blocks in a bout resulting in Cornejo taking home a unanimous decision victory.

"I used my jab, and kept my distance because Olson is known as an unpredictable fighter," said Maricela Cornejo. "I wasn't pleased with the outcome-we all want to win via knock out-but I love the fact that I got to demonstrate good footwork and skills that will continue to empower women's boxing. I'm excited to be a part of LA FIGHT CLUB, and I know that I'll be back."

It was an all-out brawl as Joseph "Diamante" Aguirre (15-0, 9 KOs) won via knockout in the fifth round in a scheduled six-round super welterweight fight against Roberto Carlos "Magnifico" Rivera (6-3, 5 KOs). It was a bloody exchange, and in the second round, Rivera began bleeding through the nose due to the relentless jabs from Aguirre. Finally in the fifth round, Aguirre landed a powerful right hand body shot at 1:45 dropping Rivera to the mat.

"He had a tough punch, and his uppercuts were a wall that kept me from going in," said Aguirre after his knock-out win. "I wanted to finish him off earlier, and I knew that I had to work him by starting with the body and working myself up. It was a tough match, but I got the knock out for being the better fighter."

LA FIGHT CLUB fan favorite and Santa Monica local, David Mijares (4-0, 3 KOs) won in a four-round super lightweight match up against Tijuana's Jason Gavino (3-4, 2 KOs). Mijares entered the ring cautious, and after a couple of heated exchanges exerted his control of the ring. It was a cross-over body shot from Mijares that initially hurt Gavino, and finished off the job with three consecutive uppercuts that caused Gavino to go down during the first round at 2:42, landing Mijares the knock out.

"I knew entering the ring I had to take him seriously, especially after one of his jabs to my lead hand," said David Mijares. "I knew that my punch to the body had hurt him because I felt him shake. I am excited to go eat some food, and then hit the gym again to train."

Opening up the night, Mexico City's Marvin Cabrera (1-0, 1 KO) won his first fight in afour-round welterweight bout against Jose Caro (0-4) of Tuscon, AZ with a left hook to the face leaving Caro unstable and leading the referee to stop the fight at 1:17 within the first round, landing Cabrera the technical knockout of the fight.

"It feels great to get my first win here at the Belasco," spoke Cabrera. "I have made many sacrifices, especially leaving my entire family in Mexico, and this first win has proven it is worth it, and those sacrifices are paying off. It's only the beginning."

Watch: Canelo-Smith full weigh-in video

Watch: Gennady Golovkin vs Kell Brook full fight

Golovkin vs Brook results: Callum Smith stops Norbert Nemesapati

Callum Smith retained his undefeated record and improved to 21 wins against 16 stoppages, stopping Hungary's Norbert Nemesapati in round 7 of their super middleweight fight at the under-card of Golovkin-Brook middleweight match, Saturday night, at the O2 Arena, in London, England.

It looks like a very bright future ahead for Smith who maintained an unblemished record after 12 fights, winning all of them, 16 out of which were inside the distance. As per Boxrec.com, Smith has a date already against an opponent yet to be identified. The next fight is scheduled for 15th October at the Echo Arena, Liverpool, in Merseyside, England.

It was a one-sided bout all throughout as Nemesapati was outclassed by a much superior boxer Callum Smith.

Golovkin vs Brook results: Jhonriel Casimero knocks out Charlie Edwards, retains title

Filipino boxer Jhonriel Casimero (23-3, 15 KO's) successfully defended his world flyweight title against the then-undefeated young challenger Charlie Edwards (8-1, 3 KO's) at the under-card of the much-anticipated middleweight clash between Gennady Golovkin and British welterweight titleholder Kell Brook at the O2 Arena, in London, England.

In Round 1, the challenger from Surrey started a very calm and composed game plan. Edwards used the entire ring with his brilliant footwork against the champion who wanted to build an impression early. Casimero started aggressively and landed a big right hand from over the top. His overhand right made it like three times, but most of his power shots missed.

In the succeeding two rounds, Edwards was able to evade the pressure of the incumbent titleholder with his footwork and jabs.

In Round 4,  a solid right uppercut from Ormoc, Philippines native staggered Edwards. Casimero tried to vary his shots as most of his left and right hooks were ducked low by the leaning forward challenger. So when he throws a left uppercut, it finds its home and staggered Edwards.

Meanwhile, Casimero's left eye was bleeding due to a cut caused by an accidental head clash.

In Round 6, Casimero landed body shots, but off the mark with his power shots while Edwards still got his ring movement. Looks like Casimero started to feel frustrated and he stepped up his offense that prompted Edwards to clinch.

In Round 7, Casimero on the attack, unleashing uppercuts that really hit the target as Edward was leaning forward. But the young challenger took all the shots and showed toughness.

In Round 8, Casimero started strong and wanted to finish the now seemed vulnerable challenger with pretty hard body shots. A big right hand from Casimero landed to the head of Edwards cleanly but absorbed it well. But of course, it took Edward's confidence. Edwards looked to be in the survival mood, just moving around and throwing his jab that did no significant damage to the Filipino champion.

In Round 9, painful body shots from Casimero landed at will and pinned Edwards to ropes. This forced Edwards to held Casimero. This time also, Casimero threw more left hooks as the challenger has been moving to his right more often to escape pressure.

In Round 10, Edwards was re-invigorated and seemed to have a pair of fresh legs, actively moving to his left and right. But a well-timed counter left hook from Casimero caught Edwards that sent him down to the floor at the 1:25 mark. Edwards was able to continue after the mandatory count from the referee. But Casimero, a tremendous finisher unloaded several unanswered shots to an almost defenseless challenger. The referee rightfully stopped the fight to avoid more punishment for the young challenger.

Golovkin vs Brook results: Martin Joseph Ward stops Andy Townend in Round 8

Martin Joseph Ward (15-0-2, 8 KO's) captured the vacant British super featherweight title putting on a master class performance against Andy Townend (16-4, 11 KO's) on Saturday night at the under-card of Gennady Golovkin-Kell Brook middleweight clash at the O2 Arena in London.

From the get-go, Ward showed superior accuracy as he tagged Townend with counter-right shots to the head and body. He was able to beat the "KO Kid" to punch. And in fact, in round 6, Ward was unloading tons of heavy shots that almost opted the referee to stop the contest. However, Townend managed to finish the round.

The referee gave Townend a chance by allowing him to continue for another round. But there's nothing significant Townend showed during the seventh round. Maybe just enough to finish the round. In the eighth, Ward stepped up his offense and unloaded several unanswered shots that prompted the referee to stop the contest.

Jerwin Ancajas decisions McJoe Arroyo to win world super flyweight title

Jerwin Ancajas is the newest boxing champion from the Philippines handing McJoe Arroyo the first defeat of his career via a wide unanimous decision from two judges; 118-109 and 117-110 but close from the other judge; 115-112.

Ancajas (25-1-1, 16 KOs) will take a small share of the price to face McJoe Arroyo (17-1, 8 KOs) for the sake of having a shot of the world title. He will receive a little over 10 percent share of the $25,000.

Ancajas said that money is not important. What's important to him is the championship, and he did win it tonight in front of his home crowd at the Jurado Hall of the Philippine Marine Corp, Barangay Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, in Manila.

The first five rounds were very competitive. But the 6th round was huge for Ancajas. Arroyo was stunned and went down but no knockdown was called by the referee.

Towards the end of round 7, Ancajas hurt Arroyo with a body shot. In round 8, a one-two combination to the body momentarily froze Arroyo. Ancajas followed up to the head that sent Arroyo out from the ring. Arroyo managed to get back inside the ring and the referee took the mandatory count. Arroyo continued but barely survive and was saved by the bell.

In round 9, Arroyo tried to mount a comeback, but Ancajas was able to sustain and connected even more. Ancajas' body punches were very effective.

With the win, Ancajas joins Jhonriel Casimero and Donnie Nietes to the ranks of Filipino world boxing champions.

Ancajas was able to avenge also the loss of then-undefeated compatriot Arthur Villanueva whom Arroyo defeated in 2015 in the US.

 

The fighting senator of the Philippines Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao!

The Pacquiao-Bradley III promotion revolved around the idea that this would be the last fight of the great Manny Pacquiao.

Well, the fight itself wasn't the craving of boxing fans to happen. They wanted Pacquiao to fight the young up and comer in the 140 to the 147-pound division. These include Terrence Crawford, Keith Thurman, Jessie Vargas, and even Adrien Broner.

It was actually a useless rubber match. Pacquiao had nothing to prove against Bradley. He beat the guy up twice, although on the paper it was actually even at that time. Bradley won the first bout in a controversial decision. Pacquiao clearly beat Bradley in the rematch. But according to his promoter, Bob Arum, it's the best option Pacquiao had at that time -- business-wise.

The promotion believed the fight will sell by pushing that this will be the final fight of Pacquiao. Who would of course miss the final fight of one of the greatest boxing in this generation? There's an upcoming Philippine election also during that time, wherein Pacquiao planned to run as a senator. Pacquiao said that he will retire if he will win and focus on his job as a senator. He eventually won last May 2016 as one of the senators of the Philippine Republic. While as a congressman prior to being elected as senator, Pacquiao was heavily criticized at home for so many absences in congress.

I voted Manny Pacquiao for senator. Thinking that he will retire in boxing if he won the May election in the Philippines. He won. But the retirement was short-lived. Pacquiao reportedly taking on Jessie Vargas next. I said what? Manny really wanted to be called the "first in everything". The "first fighting congressman," the "first fighting senator," and who knows the "first fighting president." Such a fate! But isn't it ridiculous?

There's no question that Pacquiao is a generous man.

He wanted to help his countrymen. I voted for him because I wanted him to continue his service to the country. If he retired and had no tools to continue to help the people, then it's hard. He can't give his own personal resources all the time while retired in boxing. Boxing is his major source of income. Being a senator, he can continue to help and serve his people.

Well the millions of Filipinos that voted for him might be thinking the same, that's why he won the elections. But yet he un-retires! I don't know for what reasons why he wants to fight again?

Let me speculate, maybe because his entire boxing team is still intact, and he needs to finance their payroll? It's outright corruption if he funds the salaries of the entire boxing team from his senate funds. Mr. Duterte will not be happy. Well, sounds unfair for the Pacman if this is one of the reasons to fight again. I hope not. My unsolicited advice is that: he better streamlines his boxing team and terminates unnecessary services, and focuses on his team in the senate.

Watch: Wilder vs. Arreola highlights

Deontay Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) remained undefeated stopping Chris Arreola (36-5-1, 31 KOs) on Saturday at the Legacy Arena, Birmingham, in Alabama.

Wilder dropped Arreola in the 4th round with series of unanswered combinations. Prior to that, Wilder had a good time entertaining the crowd by circling his hip while Arreola punching the side of his body. Wilder then created a space between them and landed a crisp uppercut.

With the win, Wilder called out the Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua for a unification bout.

"Of course I want the Furys, of course I want the Joshuas, but the question is, do they want me? My goal is to unify the division. I'm one of the baddest, hardest-hitting heavyweights in the business, so whoever's got those belts, that's who I want," said Wilder.

Review: Pinoy Pride 37 Albert Pagara vs Cesar Juarez

On an ecstatic Saturday night, few days removed from the 4th July celebration, the Filipino-American crowd at the San Mateo Event Center in California was silenced by a thundering punch combination from tough and rugged Mexican Cezar Juarez that sent "Prince" Albert Pagara down to the canvas for good. A painful first career loss of a promising Filipino prospect is often tagged as the next big thing in Philippine boxing.

Pagara (26-1, 18 KOs) was in control early in the fight. He scored the first knockdown of the fight in the very first round. Pagara landed a counter left hook that betrayed Juarez his knees.

But I know Juarez very well. He will get up.

Juarez (18-5, 14 KOs) found notoriety when got up several times from the floor and mounted a spirited rally in the second half of the fight against Fil-Am Nonito Donaire when they fought in Puerto Rico. Donaire survived Juarez's rally and won on three scorecards.

The knockdown boasted Pagara's confidence. But Pagara went to the neutral corner obviously aware of how tough Juarez is, and expecting Juarez to continue. As expected, Juarez got up and ready to continue but the bell sounded signaling the end of the first round.

In the second round, Pagara is still in control. He landed clear counters, as Juarez continued pressing forward.

In the succeeding rounds, Juarez was able to pin Pagara to the ropes and landed power shots to Pagara's head and body. Although Pagara connected a few good counters too, those counters didn't have enough power to deterred Juarez's attacks. It seemed Juarez's body punches took the steam out from Pagara's punches.

In the 7th round, Juarez mounted an all-out attack that pinned Pagara to the corner. Juarez poured power shots that Pagara tried to block but few landed. Pagara managed to escape from the corner to his left, but he was caught with a solid punch escaping out. He was stunned!

He was cornered again to the ropes and fighting using the famed rope-a-dope technique, but obviously, he didn't have enough toughness to withstand more power shots from Juarez. He managed to escape again and landed few counters that momentarily stopped Juarez on his track. But Juarez came back strong and finished the round having Pagara again pinned to the ropes, landing power shots.

In the eighth round, Juarez came out smoking. Pagara, obviously, still trying to recover from the rough seventh round, was greeted by a combination of power shots that sent Pagara crashing to the floor. He tried to get up, but he was not able to make it.

A gruesome scene followed. Pagara was taken out of the ring through a stretcher and was sent to a nearby hospital. He was later cleared from any life-threatening injuries. But Pagara was advised to take a two-month break from boxing.

“Naunahan lang po ako! (He just got me first.)”, said Pagara of his 8th round knockout defeat against Juarez.

One thing I noticed on Pagara throughout the course of the fight. He was actually battling distraction throughout the fight. I noticed from Round 1 that he kept on clearing his hair with his right hand. The Justin Bieber-inspired haircut didn't do good on Pagara while battling the toughest opponent of his career. His hair draped down to his eyes distracting his focus. Instead of finding an opportunity to land a counter right hand--instead, he's using the right hand to clear his hair that obstructed his vision.

A loss may not define a boxing career. But on how a devastating first loss is being taken. If the young Pagara takes it positively and moves on from there. I'm sure he'll come back stronger and better than his last win.

Juarez, on the other hand, could be well in place to secure a rematch with Donaire. Donaire was also at ringside serving as a commentator for Philippine broadcast media.

Dodong Donaire, father, and trainer of Nonito told Boxingscene.com that ABS-CBN is willing to broadcast a rematch between Donaire and Juarez.

Jhon Riel Casimero to face UK's Charlie Edwards

World flyweight titlist Jhon Riel Casimero (22-3, 14 KOs) will face decorated amateur and English flyweight champion Charlie Edwards (7-0, 3 KOs) for Casimero's flyweight title at the O2 Arena (Millenium Dome), in London.

In a Twitter post, promoter Eddie Hearn announced the fight on Monday. The fight will be on Sept. 10.

Casimero regained his title back from Thailand's Amnat Ruenroeng in a rematch last May. He lost to Ruenroeng in an ugly first bout.

Meanwhile, Edwards' undefeated in seven pro-bouts. He was also a former European bronze medalist. Prior to the Casimero fight, Edwards will have to get past one scheduled fight against an opponent yet to be identified. The scheduled fight will happen on Saturday at the Max Schmeling Halle, Prenzlauer Berg, in Berlin.

Review: Keith Thurman vs Shawn Porter

Keith Thurman vs Shawn Porter Full Fight Boxing... by usamasterman

You know what? Blogging boxing at times can be very tough. I mean you should take a considerable amount of time dedicated to update, read and watch fights. Well, watching would be the easy thing to do as this is what I like. I like to watch boxing matches. I'm a lifelong boxing fan. But, of course, putting your two cents into writing is the tough part. Well to be honest, the toughest actually is to keep this blog with up-to-date content. That's why if you are a boxing fan and you wanted to say something about anything boxing. Shoot me an email at rey.tecson@theboxingdiary.com I'll have it published here.

Well, last week, I wasn't able to post any fight recaps. But it doesn't mean though that there were no significant fights last week. Last week, instead, there were good quality fights. Just like the above bout between Keith Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) and Shawn Porter (26-2-1, 16 KOs) fight last Saturday night on PBConCBS at the Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, New York. But because of those things that I've been going through with life nowadays; tough time at day job, family and relationships, you know, just at times too harsh to juggle.

Anyway whatever it was, it will never rocked my love of the sport of boxing. I mean, this sport really just ran through my veins like blood. I may die without it.

Enough with the dramatic intro. Well, the above fight was really one of the best match-ups in boxing I've seen. Thurman-Porter was not just relentless action throughout the whole 36-minute slug-fest. The bout showed interesting style match-up and ring IQ. Although style makes fights, and the one that would tweak his style keeping in mind finding way to eke out game plan to edge the style presented by the opponent.

With the above said, that's why Thurman won upon the eyes of the three judges at ringside who scored it 115-113 across the board. And I agree with the verdict. I have it too close but of course Thurman winning. Thurman was able to find a way in every engagement with Porter to land effective clean counters. Thurman was able to tweak his style. He thought of defense first, because he knows that the style of Porter will initiate and engage in exchanging leather from start to end.

Porter on the other hand really stuck to his style, which is all out aggression using his physical strength. Although at times he was successful especially when he was able to plant his head on the chest of Thurman, and pinned Thurman to the ropes. And then firing combinations with all his might. But most of the time the aggression were not enough to warrant an effective aggression to win rounds in those close competitive stanzas.

Thurman was able to smothered some of those punches, ducked and come back with left and right counter hooks upstairs -- few of them rocked Porter and momentarily stopped from his track.

As a boxing fan, I can say that: I'm, at times, at the edge of my couch watching the fight. Many already considered the bout a strong "Fight of the Year" contender. Well, it should be considered. The fight never lack the action a fight fan would love to see. But of course we love knockdowns or knockouts. The absence of  KO and KDs of the Thurman-Porter fight will not drop from being considered as serious contender for this year's Fight of the Year honors.

But hey! If I will watch side-by-side the Thurman-Porter fight with the Magsayo-Avalos fight last April---of course I'll be incline to give the Magsayo-Avalos fight of the year trophy. Magsayo and Avalos exchanged knockdowns. Both in the verge to be taken out by each other. Whewww!

Well, the Thurman-Porter fight really had an impressive viewership on free-TV on PBConCBS Saturday night.

It will be a challenge to boxing promoter out there to produce fights like this quality to happen. I really hate marinating match-ups. It is not necessary really to build superstars. All boxing fans need is quality fights with regards to action and fireworks inside the ring. Maybe we can lure fans to watch a well-hyped and marinated bout. But end of the day if it will not deliver the qualities of a good fight, well there will be repercussions. Mayweather-Pacquiao really did not worth more than a decade of marination. Oppps! I should have moved on from this. Like a lover boy left behind by his girl for already more than a year now. Time will heal. But oh still thinking of the $99.

The GGG-Canelo should be made. But anyway if the marination process would involve GGG versus Chris Eubank Jr. then so be it. So Tom Loeffler, start putting on soy sauce to the marination process because for sure Eubank Jr. is the chili that will really add the spice of the marination. Just make sure it will not end up Canelo-Eubank in the end.

Joe Smith Jr. knocks out Andrzej Fonfara in a massive upset

Joe Smith Jr. impresses in the home crowd of massive favorite Andrzej Fonfara scoring a huge upset in the very first round.

Part time construction worker, Joe Smith Jr. (22-1, 18 KOs) scored a counter overhand right when Andrzej Fonfara (28-4, 16 KOs) was on offensive, and Smith ultimately stopped the crowd favorite Fonfara of their light heavyweight title on PBC on NBC UIC Pavilion, Chicago, in Illinois.

Smith's overhand right landed clean on the chin and sent Fonfara hard to the floor. Fonfara was obviously hurt and looked shock by the power of Smith.

Smith Jr, 26, an excellent finisher, waited nothing and immediately jumped to finished the work at hand. He unleashed power shots that sent again Fonfara hard to the floor in the corner of the ring. Referee Hector Afu waived off the fight as he saw Fonfara not in the position to continue.

The official time of the stoppage 2:32 in Round 1.

Smith Jr. said after the fight that he hopes to be a full time boxer now. Smith said that he work also as a construction worker. He planned to take several days off have some barbecue and get back to training preparing for expected bigger fights ahead of his massive upset on Fonfara.

In the previous fight Fonfara set the record for the number of punches thrown at the 175-pound division. Fonfara threw more than 1,400 punches in his previous fight against Nathan Cleverly of which he won by decision.

Tonight, Fonfara thrown 56 punches and landed 21, while Smith thrown 67 and landed 22.

Erickson Lubin stops Daniel Sandoval, stays unbeaten

Erickson Lubin (16-0, 12 KOs) knocks out Daniel Sandoval (38-4, 35 KOs) in Round 3, Saturday at the UIC Pavilion, Chicago, in Illinois on PBC on NBC.

Lubin was able to overwhelm Sandoval with a barrage of hammers towards the ropes.

Sandoval looked hurt but still on his feet as he absorbed combinations from Lubin. Referee Mark Nelson had seen enough and jumped in to save Sandoval for more hammers from Lubin who's still there to unload more.

The official time of the stoppage was 2:37 in Round 3.

Andre Ward vs Sergey Kovalev set for Nov. 19

It's not always about Saul Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin. Well, there's even bigger! The much-anticipated fight between both undefeated fighters Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev is set for November 19, 2016, at the T-Mobile Arena.

"The Kovalev-Ward fight, which was signed long ago but is contingent on each remaining undefeated through interim bouts, will take place Nov. 19 (HBO PPV) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas," per Dan Rafael of ESPN.com

This is by far the biggest fight of both fighters who were listed inside the top 10 on anyone's pound-pound list. Ward is undefeated in 29 bouts, 15 wins inside the distance, while Kovalev is undefeated with 29 wins,  a draw, but with a mind-boggling 26 stoppages, that's 87 KO percentage.

Ward, 32, was the former middleweight champion and will move up to light heavyweight to fight Kovalev, 33, who held titles at the LH division.

Both men are expected to have one bout prior to their 19th Nov. fight. They have to win accordingly in order to make them happen and to make the fight even bigger. I hope there's no spoiler here. Kovalev is scheduled to face Isaac Chilemba on July 11, while Ward may fight on Aug. 6 in California.

Golden Boy Promotions' statement on jury decision over All-Star Boxing

Golden Boy Promotion got a "favorable" decision over All-Star Boxing with regards to contract issue with Mexican Star Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.

However Canelo was ordered to pay $8.5 million to All-Star Boxing for an amount determined as "unjust enrichment."

Below is the full statement from Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo's boxing promoter.

"We are extremely pleased that not only did the jury find that no contract ever existed between Canelo and All-Star Boxing, but issued a judgment against All-Star Boxing and ordered them to pay Golden Boy's substantial legal fees.

Over the last five-plus years, many questioned why we wouldn't just settle the case before trial. The answer is simple: We would not be extorted. It was clear from the beginning that neither Canelo Alvarez nor Golden Boy Promotions had acted inappropriately in any way. We are grateful that the jury was able to see that.

However, it is absurd to think that All-Star Boxing provided anywhere near that amount of value that the jury awarded under a separate claim. We will appeal this part of the decision, and are confident we will win, just as we did on the contract dispute."

Outside of appealing the financial damages, we now look forward to putting this episode behind us and working with Canelo Alvarez to continue his meteoric rise though the boxing ranks."

John Molina Jr. defeats Ruslan Provodnikov by UD

John Molina Jr. was able to outbox Ruslan Provodnikov and won via unanimous decision. But it was not easy for Molina as he took the best shots of the hard-hitting Russian.

After the fight, Molina's face tells everything that happened inside the ring against Ruslan Provodnikov for the 140-pound title eliminator on Showtime's main card, Saturday night at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, New York. Bruised and bloodied.

The same can be said on Provodnikov. Provodnikov (25-5, 18 KOs) now a resident of Los Angeles, California was cut over his left eye and bloodied.

With the style of Molina, I didn't expect an all-out slugfest. I expect Molina to engage and disengage creating favorable punching room to connect on points. Indeed Molina outmaneuvered Provodnikov and was able to land clean that impressed the judges. He maintained composure and punches back.

I likened the performance of Molina (29-6, 23 KOs) to that of Mike Alvarado when Alvarado defeated Rios on points during the second fight. Molina was not completely lured to a brawl. Instead, he brawled for a while then maneuvered to punch back without getting hit that much.

Molina employed also more jabs from the outside that would derail Provodnikov's track forcing Provo to reset.

Provodnikov pointed out, during the post-fight interview, that it was the right decision, and that he wasn't as hungry as he used to be.

With the victory, Molina is back to the 14o-pound contention.

Watch: Muhammad Ali Funeral

Watch live it live on the above embedded video the funeral of boxing legend and "the Greatest" Muhammad Ali at his hometown in of Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

Watch: Janazah (Jenazah) Muslim Prayer Service for Muhammad Ali

Watch the Muslim Prayer service for Muhammad Ali in his hometown in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

Thousand of people trooped to hear the prayer service of a great man inside and out of the boxing ring.

The full funeral service of Muhammad Ali's remains will take place tomorrow, Friday 10th June 2016 at 11:00 AM PT. Prominent boxing personalities are expected to come for tomorrow's funeral to pay their last respect of boxing legend, the one and only Mohammad Ali.

Manny Pacquiao spent PHP 66 million, no donations

Senator-elect Manny Pacquiao spent PHP 66,428,468.88 during the senatorial campaign according to Statement of Contributions and Expendtures (SOCE) submitted to the Comission on Elections (Comelec).

Pacquiao, a boxer turned legislator, did not receive any cash and in-kind contributions from any sources or from his political party.

With no donations, "Pacman" can function his duties, agree to a bill he wanted to support, and create his own bill without taking any consideration the vested interest of donors. Pacquaio being known to his constituent in Sarangani where he serves as congressman for two terms in providing services funded from his own pocket.

According to the law, the salary of a Philippine senator is PHP 90,000 per month. This is equivalent to PHP 6,480,000 total salary in the 6-year term.

Philippine president-elect Rodrigo Duterte vowed to end corruption in government once he assumes office in the afternoon of 30th June 2016. He said that he will use PDAP (also known as pork barrel fund or discretionary funds) to increase the salaries of the police force and military.

Congressmen and Senators were provided with millions of funds coming from PDAP for the improvement of their constituents but the said funds have been misused.

According to Merriam Defensor Santiago, senators earn as much as PHP 5 million monthly from other senate funds. This is not included the "discretionary funds under the control of a senator could also range from P2.7 million to P4.5 million," according to Santiago.

Goodbye Muhammad Ali, your memory will stay forever

It's time to say goodbye! But your memory will never be forgotten.

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali, also known as "the Greatest", died late Friday at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 74 years old.

He had been confined in the hospital early this week from a respiratory illness. He's also been suffering from Parkinson's disease.

Ali not only showed greatness inside the ring but also out of it. He defied the US government over the Vietnam war. He refused to join the armed forces and lost the heavyweight championship and went to jail for three years.

Ali was a three-time heavyweight champion as a professional boxer.  He also competed at the Rome Olympics in 1960 and was the light heavyweight gold medalist.

He has been an inspiration for many people inside and outside the sport of boxing.

Man.

Boxer.

Determination.

Inspiration.

Humanity.

Great.

All-time.

Goodbye, the only Muhammad Ali!

 

Francisco Vargas vs Orlando Vargas weigh-in live stream

Francisco Vargas and Orlando Salido will meet at Carson Double Tree Hotel, The Champagne Ballroom for the official weigh-in for their anticipated fight on Saturday night at the StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

Francisco "El Bandido" Vargas (23-0-1, 17 KOs) vs Orlando "Siri" Salido (43-13-3, 30 KOs) will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark.

Salido said during the media workout that they are both "warriors" and the winner will be the fans come Saturday night.

“I’m a warrior and Vargas is a warrior. The ones who will win will be the fans,” Salido said.

Watch the weigh-in to gauge how ready the combatants on fight night.

Salido: I'm a warrior and Vargas is a warrior

Former world champion Orlando Salido stated during media workout that the winners will be the fans, when he meets undefeated Francisco Vargas for their world super featherweight title fight, Saturday, at the StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

Salido (43-13-3, 30 KOs) is a warrior, a spoiler, and a very exciting fighter to watch. He’s a heckler who harasses an opponent using only both hands. He's the underdog most of his fight, but he's not a walk in a park when paired with any favorite fighters.

He spoiled the soaring career of a supposed Puerto Rico's 'next big thing' in boxing Juan Manuel Lopez. He took the precious 'O' in the record of Vasyl Lomachenko and took a vacant title, throwing out the window Loma's chance to become a world titlist in his second pro-fight.

"I'm a warrior and Vargas is a warrior. The ones who will win will be the fans,” Salido said.

Salido, 35, without question, has a heart of a lion.

Phoenix, Arizona resident went down thrice and got back up thrice and continued an epic battle with Terdsak Kokietgym. Expect Salido rolling on the floor, but never count him out soon.

"When you get into boxing, you are mentally prepared to get knocked down. Every time I've been knocked down, I just get back up again and fight. I like to prove everyone wrong and that's what I plan to do when I go in and fight this young undefeated fighter," said Salido.

With Francisco Vargas in the opposite corner of Salido an all-out war is expected as both men are warriors.

Vargas (23-0-1, 17 KOs) said that he’s a “technical fighter” but it will come down to his “intelligence”.

"The only thing on my mind is to win this fight on Saturday. It's up to the fans to decide if I'm number one. I'm a technical fighter but it will come down to my intelligence. This will be a very difficult fight on Saturday."

David Avanesyan out-hustles Shane Mosley

David Avanesyan out-pointed veteran fighter Shane Mosley, retained the welterweight title at the Gila River Arena, in Glendale, Arizona in his US debut.

David Avanesyan (22-1-1. 11KOs) had to give in the first two rounds in order to adjust his own offense towards a faster, agile but older Shane Mosley. Avanesyan struggled to close the gap as he wanted to fight from inside, while Mosley was effective sharp shooting from the outside.

In the third, Avanesyan was able to time the jabs of Mosley and counter it with hard rights over the top. With Avanesyan's obvious offense adjustment, Mosley fired a shot to the body, a technique he's known for at lightweight, but went too low. The referee gave Avanesyan time to recover the pain caused by the low blow.

In the succeeding rounds, Shane Mosley (49-10-1, 41 KOs) was still at it defensively, but he was unable to squeeze the trigger or adjust the lever to automatic, to fire enough shots to win rounds. Mosley, 44, is 17 years older than the Russian-born Avanesyan. Even with the new trainer, Roberto Duran, I think, Mosley no longer has it to tangle against young top-tier contenders. I think it's best for him to retire for good in boxing and assist the career of Mosley Jr. who still needs a lot of work to do.

The official scores were: 114-113, 117-110, and 117-110. Raul Caiz Sr. 114-113 score was odd compared to the other two judges.

With the win, Avanesyan earned a shot against the winner of Keith Thurman vs Shawn Porter for the welterweight world title.

Meanwhile, in the undercard, Shane Mosley Jr. was able to pull a majority decision win over Roberto Yong. The younger Mosley stepped up in the final round sealing the win. It was a close fight. The last round seemed the defining round.

Mosley Jr. landed a solid overhand right that buckled Yong towards the ropes. He followed up with another right to the head. It looked like a knockdown, but what the referee did was separate the fighters. It was obvious that it was the ropes that prevented Yong from getting down.

It was a good ring experience of the younger Mosley who showed obvious flaws in his craft.

Donnie Nietes defends title in his hometown against Raul Garcia

Donnie Nietes, the man they called "Ahas" will showcase his poisonous sting in front of friendlies against Raul Garcia at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum, in Bacolod City, Philippines.

Nietes (37-1-4, 21 KOs) is the longest Filipino world champion is seeking to continue his winning streak in the quest for global recognition he long deserved. Although a champion since 2007, the Bacolod native is still unrecognized on the international stage. In fact, Nietes, 34, had a debut fight in the US only in his last fight on 17th October 2015 at the StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

If Nietes get past Garcia, a possible US fight could happen next. His handlers are gunning for a flyweight world championship match against Roman Gonzalez. He's been at a 108-pound division for a long time. A move at flyweight is too good for him. And why not move and fight the best in the division, the best pound-for-pound. He's not getting any younger.

Well, that of course if he gets past Raul Garcia.

Raul Garcia (38-3-1, 23 KOs) is a man on a mission. He came all the way to Mexico to Nietes' home turf to exact revenge. Nietes defeated Raul's twin brother Ramon Garcia in 2011.

However, according to Nietes, Raul has an identical style with his twin brother.

“His style of fighting is the same as his twin. They have the same offense. The movement of Raul Garcia is the same as Ramon Garcia also. That’s why it’s very familiar to me,” says Nietes as per Ryan Songalia of Rappler.

Nietes won via unanimous decision against Ramon. But it is exciting to see how much improvement Raul would incorporate in his game plan against Nietes with the help of his twin brother.

The fight can be seen on ABS-CBN's Sky Cable, Philippines, pay-per-view, and Live Stream on TFC.tv through subscription.

This will be tonight folks, Saturday, May 28 starting at 6 a.m. E.T. (6 p.m. Manila time).

Gabriel Rosado returns to the ring against Antonio Gutierrez

Top middleweight contender Gabriel Rosado to headline the International Broadcast and Ring TV Live stream against Mexican contender Antonio Gutierrez on the undercard of Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido

LOS ANGELES (May 25, 2016) - Golden Boy Promotions is taking it up a notch for the Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido fight night with the addition of fan favorite contender and prospect boxing stars for the June 4 undercard at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.. Headlining the Ring TV Live stream and the international broadcast, Creed film star and boxing top contender "King" Gabriel Rosado (22-9, 13 KOs) of Philadelphia, is set to take on Tijuana's Antonio "Tony" Gutierrez (20-1-1, 9 KOs) in a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico 10-round middleweight showdown.

Also featured on the live stream, undefeated knockout artist Christian "Chimpa" Gonzalez (13-0, 12 KOs) of Buena Park, Calif. will face Jhon "Baki The Disaster" Gemino (12-6-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round fight for the WBC Youth Super Featherweight Title, and Los Angeles fan favorite Nick Arce (7-0, 6 KOs) will take on Francisco Dominguez (8-9, 2 KOs) of Cuidad Juarez, Mexico in a six-round super featherweight event. Opening up the live stream, East Los Angeles native Jonathan "Thunder" Navarro (5-0, 4 KOs) will take on McAllen, Texas's pride Marc Torres in a six-round super lightweight battle.

In the non-televised action, Santa Ana, Calif.'s Alexis Rocha (2-0, 2 KOs) will face Anthony Woods (0-4) from Americus, Georgia. Also, San Diego, Calif.'s Genaro "El Conde" Gamez (1-0, 1 KO) will make the second appearance of his professional career in a four-round lightweight bout against Juan Bryand (1-3,) of Laredo, Texas., while stable mate Oscar Duarte of Parral, Mexico will engage in an four round lightweight fight. Finally opening up the night, newly signed Golden Boy Promotions fighter Cesar Diaz of Palmdale, Calif. will make his professional debut in a four-round super bantamweight fight. Opponents will be announced shortly.

The main event of the night will feature Francisco "El Bandido" Vargas (23-0-1, 17 KOs), fresh from his Fight of the Year victory over Takashi Miura, defending his WBC Super Featherweight World Title for the first time against fellow Mexican warrior and former three-time world champion Orlando "Siri" Salido (43-13-3, 30 KOs, 1 NC) in a 12-round Fight of the Year candidate televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®.

Since making his film debut in last year's Creed,the latest installment of the internationally recognized Rocky franchise, "King" Gabe Rosado is fresh off of an exciting victory over Joshua "Grand Master" Clottey this past December 2015. Looking to keep the momentum going, Rosado will be looking for another exciting victory over the tough Antonio "Tony" Gutierrez of Tijuana, Mexico. Rosado has established himself as one of the most entertaining fighters to watch in the sport taking on some of the toughest and elite fighters in the middleweight division. Having held titles such as USA Pennsylvania State middleweight title and WBO Intercontinental light middleweight title, one thing is for certain-Rosado never disappoints in the ring.

Antonio Gutierrez is coming in to his middleweight match against Rosado high off of a victory against past double wins over Alejandro "Iron Man" Alonso. A true Tijuana fighter, Gutierrez's relentless spirit has shown with his nearly perfect record, including a knockout over Mexican knockout artist Gilberto "Gil" Flores Hernandez. With 20 wins under his belt, Gutierrez can't wait to get back into the ring and prove he has what it takes to move up to become a top contender in the middleweight division when he faces "King" Gabriel Rosado on June 4.

Boxing's next big thing, Buena Park's Christian "Chimpa" Gonzalez won his first seven bouts in Mexico by first-round knockout. Since then, he has defeated his past four opponents in the U.S. by way of knockout, including seasoned fighters David Rodela, Alejandro Ochoa, and Luis Ruiz Lizarraga Jr. Come Saturday, June 4, "Chimpa" will have his fans on edge as he fights for his first title against Recky "The Terror" Dulay for the WBC Youth World Super Featherweight Title.

Filipino featherweight all-star and GAB Super Bantamweight Title holder Jhon "Baki the Disaster" Gemino of Batangas, Phillipines is ready to add another bantamweight to his collection when he faces Christian Gonzalez for a fight over the WBC Youth Super Featherweight title. Having fought almost all of his fights in the Phillipines, Gemino has been training hard to make his boxing debut in America.

Having established quite the growing fan base among Southern California boxing enthusiasts, Nick Arce has impressed every step of the way with an impressive 85 percent career knockout rate. Fighting out of Westside Boxing Club in Los Angeles, Arce will be fighting for the second time this year and the second time at the StubHub Center in what is to be a fantastic show in front of his home town crowd.

Hailing from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Francisco "Panchito" Dominguez will be fighting for the first time in over a year. Having been a professional boxer for ten years, "Panchito" has so far taken on the likes of Alex "El Diablo" Becerra and the undefeated Roberto Marroquin showing that he isn't afraid to challenge anyone in the ring.

Jonathan "Thunder" Navarro representing East Los Angeles has lived up to his nickname thus far, as the 19-year-old has ended three of his four wins by knockout. Loyal to LA FIGHT CLUB and having fought all professional bouts at The Belasco Theater, this fan favorite is hungry to make a name for himself in the East L.A. boxing scene by fighting on the Vargas vs. Salido undercard at The StubHub Center. As the nephew of former boxing Olympian Jose Navarro, "Thunder" has boxing his in his blood and hopes to keep up the family tradition of big victories and sensational knockouts on June 4 when he faces Marc Torres.

Coming back from a killer knockout over opponent Mark Rojas this year, McAllen, Texas fighter Marc Torres can't wait to have an action-packed year of boxing as he fights for the first time in SoCal after a series of South Texas bouts. After becoming a professional boxer four years ago, the 22-year-old is sure to light up the super lightweight division when he faces rising knockout artist Jonathan "Thunder" Navarro.

The youngest fighter to ever take home the gold from the Junior Olympics in 2012, Alexis Rocha has been the talk of the boxing world as he continued on to become a six-time national champion during his amateur career. As the younger brother of current WBC Silver Featherweight Champion, Ronny Rios, this six-time national champion signed a promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions at the start of this year and has so far ended both of his professional bouts by knockout.

Anthony Woods of Americus, Georgia has fought all over the United States from the Lifestyle Pavilion in Columbus, Ohio to the Grand Ballroom in Atlanta, Georgia. This welterweight fighter fears no one and has built up his experience in the ring by taking on the likes of undefeated, rising stars Nathan Howard and Leandre "Blue" White. Come June 4, Woods is ready to go to war against Alexis Rocha in the 4-round welterweight division.

After leaving behind a highly decorated amateur career, including being ranked as the number one lightweight in the United States, Genaro "El Conde" Gamez has quickly become of boxing's top prospects. A 2014 USA Boxing National Champion, San Diego's Gamez is currently coached by renowned former world champion Robert Garcia. Since breaking into his professional career with a catastrophic first round knockout over Archie Weah, Gamez is sure to do the same to his soon to be named opponent in a 4-round lightweight bout.

Laredo's boxing pride Juan Bryand will be giving The StubHub Center a big Texas welcome when he fights for the first time in Southern California in the lightweight division. Since turning professional two years ago, this 31 year-old fighter began his career with a bang with he won by unanimous decision against Daniel Sanchez.

Oscar Duarte of Parral, Mexico is eager to become a big name in the sport of boxing. In his U.S. debut, Duarte defeated Alejandro Salinas in August 2015, landing himself a promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions. Currently co-managed by Latin star Gabriel Soto and Guillermo Roacha, Duarte was last seen at LA FIGHT CLUB this February defeating Archie Weah via unanimous decision. Duarte has shown that he has the power to outbox any opponent and will look to do so on Saturday, June 4 when he makes his debut at The StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

Opening the Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido undercard and ready to take on anyone willing to step up in the ring, Cesar Diaz is set to make his exciting professional debut as a new member of the Golden Boy Promotions stable in a 4-round super bantamweight bout.

Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido is a 12-round battle for the WBC Super Featherweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD, Casa Mexico Tequila and HANDS OF STONE: The True Story of Roberto Duran, in theaters this August. The HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. The RingTvLive.com live stream begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT

Tickets for Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges will are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.

Casimero stops Ruenroeng in Round 4

Former light flyweight champion John Riel Casimero exacted revenge on tough rival defending titlist Amnat Ruenroeng on their 12-round flyweight rematch at the Diamond Court, in Beijing, China.

Casimero (22 3, 14 KOs) suffered a foul-filled first match last year. Casimero scored a knockdown in Round 4 with a devastating counter left hook landed on the head of Ruenroeng.

Ruenroeng (17 1, 5 KOs) was able to get up back and continued the action but another left hook to the body forced the titlist to his knees. Ruenroeng was not able to get back to onto his feet, and referee Tony Weeks stopped the contest.

The official time of the stoppage 2:10 of the fourth round. And the new.... flyweight titlist was declared!

Ruenroeng, Casimero weigh over the 112-pound flyweight limit

Boxers tend to outgrow their weight divisions as they go on with their respective careers. It is just a matter of time.

This could be the case with Amnat Ruenroeng and John Riel Casimero. Both fighters came in above the flyweight limit when they hit the scales, Tuesday, for their title rematch on Wednesday at the Diamond Court, in Beijing, China.

Ruenroeng weighed 117.75 pounds, while Casimero registered 113.25 pounds on the scales.

Casimero might be able to shed the excess 1.25 pounds easily in two hours and still illegible for the title. But it would be next to impossible for Ruenroeng to shed 5.75 pounds in two hours.

It is still yet to determine if the fight will push through and on what terms. I will try to update this post with possible updates.

Casimero (21-3, 13 KOs) looking to exact revenge from his foul-filled defeat at the hands of Thailand's Ruenroeng. The Filipino road warrior lost a unanimous decision at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium, in Bangkok, Thailand in June last year. He chose not to fight--not to risk his mandatory challenger status.

Undefeated Ruenroeng (17-0, 5 KOs) fought once and won over Myung Ho Lee in Thailand.

Albert Pagara steps up level of competition

There were pretenders and over-hypes. Those were fighters that look good in the early going of their careers, because they're well-promoted.

I'm very excited to know that Albert Pagara (26-0, 18 KOs) demanded his handlers to get Cesar Juarez of Mexico in the opposite corner when he climbs back into the ring on 9th July 2016, at the San Mateo Event Center, in San Mateo, California.

Cesar Juarez

Cesar Juarez (17-5, 13 KOs) is a tough opponent who gave Nonito Donaire the fight of his life. Tasted the deck twice in Round 4, he came with all might in the final two rounds of their 12-round title match in December 2015 at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Donaire survived the most dangerous championship round of his career and won a hard-earned decision.

Pagara, 22, facing Juarez next is a real step up in competition. A corrosive acid test of his career.

I really started to feel worried about how Pagara was being matched earlier. I felt that two or three nights ago, he should have fought opponents of the same caliber as Juarez. At this point of his career, he should have stepped up already with regards to the quality of opponents.

Pagara is still young, but another young prospect Mark Magsayo gets past world title challenger Chris Avalos in his 14th pro fight. With 26 fights, Pagara is still not able to face a Chris Avalos caliber fighter.

Now is the time

Enough has been established. Pagara has power in both hands. He can slug it out or box around if he needed to. He has the patience of a veteran and sound offensive/defensive skills. But there were still questions that remain unanswered. How Pagara handles things if he's fighting with adversity? Can he absorb clean shots from a puncher? Can he maintain calmness and composure from the pressure and roughhousing tactics of an opponent?

Facing Juarez, Pagara will be forced to answer these questions outside his home turf. And then, we can find out what are his chances to the elites of the 122-pound division. As a boxing fan, I'm happy for Pagara. I'm excited about this fight!