Teofimo Lopez is the new Sheriff in town

It was shocking the way Teofimo Lopez defeated the pound-for-pound kingpin Vasyl Lomachenko in their lightweight unification world title fight at the Bubble, MGM Grand, Las Vegas on Saturday night.

If it is for Lopez (16-0-0, 12 KOs) to win that fight it should have been not like that. Most boxing experts were not able to somehow predict the manner he would win.

Lopez was fighting Lomachenko as if he was the one having the experience advantage. I mean, he was there very calm, not overreacting to the feinting, side to side head movement, up and down lead right-hand movement of Lomachenko.

Every time Loma tries to set-up and throw punches, even before he can execute it, Lopez simply distracting him with jabs or a textbook one-two combo --- a stiff left jab and a right straight to the body.

One move from Lopez caught my attention too. It was a quick pivot to his left every time Loma attacks and pivot to his left. Lopez's counter move was to duck a little bit and pivot to his left at the same place.

Rigo was not able to figure that out that kind move to counter Loma's lead right foot to his side. Southpaw vs Orthodox must establish the lead foot outside the lead foot of his opponent to get that firing angle wherein it’s very difficult for the opponent to counter. Left-handed mostly execute this move with ease because they are used to it. Just like Pacman. The right-hander wound practice this move when fighting a lefty. Lopez was just excellent at that.

Lopez was really not doing anything against the extra activities of Loma as I mentioned above. He just gets ahead with his jab and body shots whenever Loma tries to set-up.

The first-half giveaway of Loma to Lopez did not pay so much in the later rounds as Lopez did not give enough info to digest. Loma is a slow starter that figures out his opponent in the first half of the fight by showing some extra movements in there as I mentioned above (feinting, side to side head movement, up and down lead right-hand movement, lead right foot tapping side to side) and if an opponent overreacts to it showing tendencies of possible openings, Loma would remember those information and the second time you’ll react to it you will receive a surprise from him.

One more thing to note, Lopez's natural or bigger frame at lightweight really was a big factor too. Loma might consider moving back down to 130 or even at 126. He can do more ass-kicking there.

Well congratulations to Lopez, he really walks the talk regarding the boxing skills he told about behind his knockout victories. A new sheriff has just been installed. A 23-year-old Sheriff.

Manny Pacquiao's MP Promotions partners with Paradigm Sports

Senator Manny Pacquiao announced on his Facebook fan page the official partnership between MP Promotions and Paradigm Sports on Monday, 12 October 2020.

"Excited to have officially partnered with Paradigm Sports Management. Grateful for the support of my family, team, and fans as I continue my boxing journey. Big things coming! Stay tuned!" according to his post.

Excited to have officially partnered with Paradigm Sports Management 🥊👊🏼Grateful for the support of my family, team, and fans as I continue my professional boxing journey. Big things coming! Stay tuned!

Paradigm Sports is a leading global sports management, business, and media agency. Their core business: professional sports management and consulting.

Pro-boxing allowed to resume under MGCQ areas

There's a light of hope for Professional Boxing to restart in the Philippines.

Pro-boxing was now included by IATF to restart, subject to re-opening protocols being drafted, for the Department of Health (DOH) approval. Then, a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) between the Philippine Sports Commission (SC), Games and Amusement Board (GAB), and the Department of Health (DOH) will be signed to make it official.

GAB Chair Baham Mitra said that fights may be allowed only under MGCQ areas starting in August 2020.

MGCQ which means Modified General Community Quarantine is a low-risk classification.

CES Boxing offers Mike Tyson $1M to fight Juiseppe Angelo Cusumano

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 28, 2020) --- Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), founded and operated by veteran boxing promoter Jimmy Burchfield, Sr., is offering "Iron" Mike Tyson $1,000,000 to square-off with Juiseppe Angelo Cusumano, plus a percentage of closed circuit receipts to be negotiated, as well a $200,000 donation to whatever charity Tyson's wife prefers.

Jimmy Burchfield, Sr., known as "The Hardest Working Promoter in Combat Sports"
"If Mike Tyson is serious about making a comeback," Burchfield said, "we're prepared to make him a legitimate offer to fight Cusumano in a 6 or 8-round fight, whichever Mike chooses. After three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, boxing fans are hungry to watch real fights, not exhibitions. Tyson is a boxer and a damn good one at that! He's not a bare-knuckle fighter or wrestler. A real boxing match is what we're interested in promoting!"

Tyson (50-6, 49 KOs) hasn't officially fought since June 11, 2005.

The 6' 4" Cusumano (18-3, 16 KOs) is an Italian heavyweight who fights out of Carini, Sicily.

CES needs to make sure that Tyson is medically cleared before proceeding. His complete medical exam results are required by CES to be submitted with a June 25, 2020 deadline. The date and venue for Tyson vs. Cusumano is to be determined, but open to negotiations once CES has spoken to Tyson or his representatives.

"Cusumano will be a true gauge for Tyson's first fight in 15 years," Burchfield added. "This is a fight boxing fans want to see, not an exhibition, because it will let everyone know exactly where he's at today and whether or not he can truly challenge a (Tyson) Fury, (Anthony) Joshua, or (Deontay) Wilder. We're ready to negotiate in good faith right now."

CES has been promoting boxing events for nearly 30 years and its stable of fighters has included 5-time world champion Vinny Paz, who was a very close teammate of Tyson's when they were amateurs, 3-time world titlist Chad Dawson, Peter Manfredo, Jr., Ray Olivieria, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Gary "Tiger" Balletto, and Matt Remillard, among the more notables.

Naoya Inoue vs John Riel Casimero fight update

Which boxing match you're eager to watch but was canceled due to COVID-19?

If you're going to ask me, my answer is Naoya Inoue vs. John Riel Casimero. Why? Because for me it's an excellent matchup between two exciting combatants at their physical prime.

Although this is not a fight between two undefeated rivals, but man... I just love the firepower to be displayed in this fight.

Casimero is not an undefeated boxer.  If you look at his record, he has been defeated four times. He has a record of 29 wins, 4 losses, 20 wins by stoppages. But this guy is definitely a warrior with power on both hands.

Casimero always came up as the winner in situations that many consider he has no chance. But at times though came out losing on a match he's highly considered to win e.g. against Jonas Sultan. One thing I'm sure about Casimero, he's a battle-tested road warrior. Sa Bisaya pa, dili ni siya balay-balayon.

I don't want to say so much about Naoya Inoue, just look at his record at Boxrec. Well, Inoue has an undefeated record of 19 wins out of which; 16 of his wins by stoppage.

Naoya is skilled, talented, tough, young, powerful on both hands, and explosive finisher. To back-up, all my adjectives to this guy from Japan, just watch Inoue vs Donaire. Man... believe me I watch it 100 times. No. Maybe 5 times now. And I want to watch again every time I have the chance.

Inoue did not stop Donaire though. Because Donaire is Donaire. Donaire was the COVID test (usually we say acid test) of Inoue actually. Inoue passed the test.



Because of my disappointment why this fight is canceled (obviously because of the pandemic) and my excitement to find an update of this fight---I searched to google for update and Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports answered my question. I caught Kevin doing live on his Instagram. I asked him about the Inoue-Casimero fight update.

Kevin said, quoting MP Promotion head Sean Gibbons that "John Riel Casimero was in Las Vegas training." On Inoue, he said that Inoue can get into the US Embassy in Japan once it is open. Once you hear the US Embassy in Japan has re-open then it is just a matter of time before Inoue has their fight scheduled.

 

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NY Boxing HOF Class of 2020 Induction Ceremony Postponed until September 20

The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) announced today that its ninth annual induction dinner has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic from April 19th to September 20th at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

Money already collected for tickets and journal ads may be used for the Sept. 20th event or returned in full upon request at point of purchase.

"Because of new city mandates and the uncertainty of the coronavirus," NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy announced, "we have postponed our event until September 20. It would not have been fair to the honorees, their friends and guests, and general public to wait any longer. I must commend the ownership and management at Russo's On The Bay for working with us during this crisis to give us a date that will hopefully work for us all.

"I'd like to thank everyone for their patience, advise and insight into making this decision. With the extra time I'm confident that we can make this award dinner our best ever."

Other living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include three-time World light heavyweight title challenger Jorge Ahumada (42-8-2, 22 KOs), of Woodside, Queens by way of Argentina; (1975-78) WBC super featherweight World Champion Alfredo "El Salsero" Escalera (53-14-3, 31 KOs), of New York City by way of Puerto Rico; WBC super featherweight World title challenger Freddie "The Pitbull" Liberatore (20-4-1, 11 KOs), of Bayside, Queens; WBC middleweight World Champion and four-time New York Golden Gloves winner Dennis "The Magician" Milton (16-5-1, 5 KOs), of Bronx; World heavyweight title challenger and two-time New York Golden Gloves winner Lou Savarese (46-7, 38 KOs), of Greenwood Lake; and WBA super middleweight title World title challenger Merqui "El Corombo" Sosa (34-9-2, 27 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of the Dominican Republic.

Posthumous participants being inducted are Brooklyn welterweight Soldier Bartfield (51-29-8, 33 KOs), who fought a reported 55 world champions; Bronx middleweight Steve Belloise (95-13-3, 59 KOs); NYSAC and World lightweight champion (1925) Jimmy Goodrich (85-34-21 (12 KOs), of Buffalo; World heavyweight title challenger Tami Mauriello (82-13-1, 60 KOs), of Bronx; WBA light middleweight World champion (1982-83) and four-consecutive New York Golden Gloves titlist Davey "Sensational" Moore (18-5, 14 KOs), of Bronx; and World lightweight champion Freddie "The Welsh Wizard" Welch (74-5-7, 34 KOs), of New York City by way of Wales.

Living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are Wantagh journalist/producer Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Oneida judge Don Ackerman, Buffalo manager Rick Glaser, Rockaway Beach journalist Jack Hirsch, Bronx boxing broadcaster Max Kellerman, Ardsley ringside physician/NY Medical Director Dr. William Lathan, Orangeburg judge Julie Lederman, Hyde Park referee Ron Lipton, and Staten Island/Catskill trainer Kevin Rooney.

Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn's Ring Magazine editor Lester Bromberg, New York City sportswriter Dan Daniel, Brooklyn's Gleason's Gym founder Bobby Gleason, Sunnyside, Queens boxing writer Flash Gordan, Manhattan journalist A.J. Liebling, Long Island City's NYSBHOF co-founder Tony Mazzarella and New York City manager Dan Morgan.

Sergey Kovalev vs Sullivan Barrera cancelled due to COVID-19

In compliance with Riverside County’s ordinance banning large public gatherings due to concerns regarding COVID-19, the April 25 Kovalev vs. Barrera card at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino has been cancelled.

“Whether it’s in Riverside County or Los Angeles County, it is clear that we must take every precaution to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman, and CEO of Golden Boy. “We lament the hardship this has caused for our fighters, partners, employees and state officials, and we look forward to providing better news in the coming weeks.”

“The health of our guests and Golden Boy’s athletes is our top priority,” Paul Ryan, General Manager of Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. “This week we’ve seen professional sports leagues err on the side of caution, from the NBA and college basketball to the PGA and Major League Baseball, and we’re doing the same. It’s the right thing to do, and we look forward to having another stellar Golden Boy card here in the future.”

A new date for Golden Boy Boxing at Fantasy Springs will be announced as soon as it is reasonably possible.

Roger Mayweather passes away, he was 58

Floyd Mayweather Jr's uncle and trainer Roger Mayweather passed away at 58.

Roger played a crucial role in shaping the undefeated career of Floyd Mayweather Jr.  As a boxer, he held a world title at 130 pounds in 1983. He started his professional boxing career at age 20 and accumulated a record of 59 wins, out of which; 35 of those wins came from inside the distance, 13 losses, and no draw.

Roger's first pro fight was in 1981 against Andrew Ruiz, which he won by TKO. His last fight was in 1999 against Javier Francisco Mendez, which he won via majority decision.

Roger has deteriorating health for years and in 2015 Floyd talk about it.

"My uncle Roger Mayweather has lost a lot of memory from the sport of boxing," Floyd said ... "He's only in his 50s, but it seems like he's an old man in his 80s." [TMZ]

According to TMZ, they were told that Floyd was deeply emotional about Roger's passing.

Earlier also Floyd's ex-girlfriend and mother of his three kids, Josie Harris was found dead Tuesday in a car parked in Valencia, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner confirmed Wednesday.

What's next for Wilder after loss over Fury?

It takes humility to be great especially in defeat. Some may have a hard time accepting defeat and would end up excuses.

Deontay Wilder's corner threw the towel in Round 7. To save him from more damaging punishment from Tyson Fury. A tough judgment call by his corner.

Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KOs) lost the rematch via technical knockout against Fury on Saturday at the MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas. It was his first career loss, which he's not taking graciously.

Wilder initially questioned the decision of co-trainer Mark Breland. And then later on blamed entrance costume for his loss to Fury. Wilder was upset with Breland. And hinted Breland may no longer part of the team anymore.

I am upset with Mark for the simple fact that we’ve talked about this many times and it’s not emotional. It is not an emotional thing, it’s a principal thing. We’ve talked about this situation many, many years before this even happened. I said as a warrior, as a champion, as a leader, as a ruler, I want to go out on my shield. If I’m talking about going in and killing a man, I respect the same way. I abide by the same principal of receiving," Wilder said in a phone interview with Yahoo Sport's Kevin Iole.

Then Wilder blamed the costume which is too heavy for him.

“He didn’t hurt me at all, but the simple fact is ... that my uniform was way too heavy for me,” Wilder said. “I didn’t have no legs from the beginning of the fight.

Well, I think all these excuses will just, you know, emotionally heavy for Wilder to do the explaining about this and that.

I mean, accepting defeat would open more discussions about his future moving forward.

Well, it is damn easy for you and me, you know, to talk about accepting defeat because we're not the one in that ring and losing that "O" in the record.

But what I'm saying is instead of throwing excuses here and there, why not talk about how greater or greatest your opponent is because that will make you great.

So what's next for Wilder? I'd love to see him fight Andy Ruiz Jr as the undercard of Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua.

The main event was the winners of the rematch against the undercard. The undercard was the losers of the rematch against the main event.

I'm not saying the above will happen soon as Wilder seemed inclined to exercise the rematch clause.

Oscar De La Hoya on Alejandra Jimenez testing positive for banned substances

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 24, 2020): "It is extremely unfortunate to learn that WBC and WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Alejandra Jimenez (13-0-1, 9 KOs) has tested positive for banned substances after her title fight with Franchon Crews-Dezurn (6-2, 2 KOs) on January 11," said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman, and CEO of Golden Boy. "As Franchon's promoter, we are incredibly disappointed for her as she worked incredibly hard to defend her titles.

However, our job is to ensure the safety of our fighters both inside and outside of the ring. Thus, we have always insisted on and supported testing through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) for all of our world championship fights.

Jimenez's fight against Franchon Crews-Dezurn is no exception. Now our job is to find justice for Franchon by working closely with the WBC and the WBO in order to reinstate her as a world champion."

Jaime Munguia defeats Gary 'Spike' O'Sullivan to capture middleweight title

SAN ANTONIO (Jan. 11, 2020): Jaime Munguia (35-0, 28 KOs) made a successful 160-pound debut by defeating Gary "Spike" O'Sullivan (30-4, 21 KOs) via 11th-round stoppage to capture the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title at The Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. The event was streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

 

"This was a new division for me," said Jaime Munguia. "I felt stronger and with more conditioning, I just needed to adjust my speed to feel fully comfortable. I would give my performance a 7 or 8 because I needed to do a few more things, but we will get there fight by fight."

 

"I was confused about whether to attack or not to attack. Sometimes I thought I had to attack, but I didn't. But thanks to my corner and Erick Morales I was able to get him. On the last rounds, I was more attentive, even though I still got punched a few times."

 

"I would like to fight the best of this division: Canelo, Golovkin, or the Charlos. I know they have more experience, but I look forward to those fights. I want to thank everyone in San Antonio and Viva Mexico."

 

"I feel disappointed," said Gary O'Sullivan. "I was hoping I could win, but I guess I wasn't good enough to take him down. I just want to go home, spend time with my family and rest. I've been away for too long and I think it's time for me to go and enjoy some time with them. I have made a great sacrifice for this fight, but it's OK."

 

In the co-main event, Alejandra "La Tigre" Jimenez (13-0-1, 9 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico captured the WBC and WBO Super Middleweight World Titles against Franchon "The Heavy-Hitting Diva" Crews-Dezurn (6-2, 2 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland via majority decision in a 10-round fight. Jimenez won with scores of 97-93 and 98-92, while one judge scored 97-93 in favor of Crews-Dezurn.

 

"I feel great! This is amazing," said Alejandra Jimenez. "I've accomplished one of my biggest dreams. I've been away from my family for a long time. This win is for them, my team, and my country, particularly my Cancun that I love so much."

 

"I'm heartbroken, but I've been here before," said Franchon Crews-Dezurn.

 

"This is a learning experience; I have to go back and regroup with my team because I don't think a decision on my favor was that far. This was a tough fight for me. This was my 8th fight, but I'm still learning and growing in the ring.

 

I thank Golden Boy for the opportunity to show my skills in front of a Hispanic crowd and new people that haven't met me before. I'm glad they were entertained. This wasn't the outcome I wanted for my first fight of the year, but I will be back."

 

Hector "El Finito" Tanajara Jr. (19-0, 5 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas beat Juan Carlos Burgos (33-4-2, 21 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico to defend his USNBC Lightweight Title in a 10-round fight. Tanajara won with scores of 99-91, 97-92 and 97-92.

 

"The atmosphere here in San Antonio is amazing," said Hector Tanajara. "It feels greats to be home. This was my first pro fight here, and I felt like I gave my people a good fight. I started the fight boxing but finished it giving it my all. That's the Mexican blood in me."

 

Joshua "El Profesor" Franco (16-1-2, 8 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas defeated Jose Burgos (17-3, 14 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico via technical knockout in the ninth round of a super flyweight fight originally scheduled for 10 rounds. Franco won with time of 2:13 of the aforementioned round.

 

"I feel incredible winning at my hometown," said Joshua Franco. "It is my first time fighting here, and I performed well. Words can't describe how I feel right now; I feel really happy to see my friends and family in the crowd tonight."

 

Tristan "Sweet T" Kalkreuth (4-0, 3 KOs) of Duncanville, Texas beat Blake Lacaze (4-8-1, 2 KOs) of Monroe, Louisiana via knockout in the first round in a four-round cruiserweight fight. Kalkreuth won time of 1:50 of the aforementioned round.

 

"There is not a lot to say since it was a first-round knockout," said Tristan Kalkreuth. "All glory to God and gracias to San Antonio. I'm very happy I am in this position where I can inspire other kids."

 

Travell "Black Magic" Mazion (17-0, 13 KOs) of Austin, Texas stopped Fernando Castaneda (26-14-1, 17 KOs) of Aguascalientes, Mexico via first-round, body shot knockout to capture the NABF Super Welterweight Title. Mazion won with time of 2:13.

 

"I'm highly blessed," said Travell Mazion. "All glory to God. If it wasn't for God, I wouldn't be standing here right now. I feel amazing. I didn't really expect it to end it that fast. I was ready to cry on the ring because I'm a champ! I am a champ! I did it! All glory to God."

 

George Rincon (10-0, 7 KOs) of Carolton, Texas defeated Diego Perez (13-10-1, 11 KOs) of Buenos Aires, Argentina via knockout in the first round in a welterweight bout originally scheduled for six rounds. Rincon won with a time of 2:53 of the aforementioned round."I'm feeling OK. I took my time," said George Rincon.

 

"When I was punching him, I could feel a K.O. was coming soon. I didn't want to finish fast, so that's why I took my time. I threw a jab and when I landed a left punch, that was it."

 

Hector Valdez (12-0, 8 KOs) of Dallas, Texas stopped Luis Rios (25-6-1, 17 KOs) of Felipillo, Panama in the third round via knockout in a super bantamweight fight originally scheduled for eight rounds. Valdez won with time of 2:59 of the aforementioned round.

 

"I stuck to the game plan. I wanted to get some rounds in, so we started a little slower, but overall, I stuck to my game plan and came out victorious," said Hector Valdez. "Today is a good day."

 

"My opponent was tough; he is a hell of a fighter, but I knew that. These are the type of fights that I need because it boosts my ego."

 

James "Crunch Time" Wilkins (9-1, 6 KOs) of Staten Island, New York defeated James Early (4-6) of Seat Pleasant, Maryland via unanimous decision in a six-round super featherweight bout. Wilkins won with scores of 58-56, 60-54 and 60-54. I'm happy to start my journey with Golden Boy," said James Wilkins."

 

"This is the first of many good fights that will happen. I have so much to learn and grow. As a young fighter, I know that there is so much more to the journey. Each fight is going to make me grow and learn more."

 

Alex Martin (15-3, 6 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois beat Angel Fierro (16-1-1, 12 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico via majority decision in an eight-round super lightweight fight. Martin won with scores 77-75 and 79-73, while one judge had it a 76-76 draw."My opponent was as tough as I thought he was going to be," said Alex Martin. "He got a lot of boxing and a lot of heart. He put up a good fight, and congratulations to him and his team too."