LOS ANGELES, CA (March 22, 2023) – Team Combat League today unveiled rosters for the Atlanta Attack, coached by Sam Arnold Sr. and Mustafa Meekins and the Dallas Enforcers coached by AC Bryant. Both teams will do battle at the inaugural opening night of Team Combat League on March 29, 2023 at the Mohegan Sun Expo Center.
Each team carries a roster of 18 fighters across 6 weight classes.
Dallas EnforcersTeam Roster
Atlanta AttackTeam Roster
Female Featherweight 126lbsJennifer Miranda Anna Maria Verbeek Destiny Jean Rivercomb Male Lightweight 135lbsRandy CanadayClay Burns
Male Welterweight 147lbsAJ GrahamMalik SamarAndre Ewell Male Middleweight 160lbsKhalid JohnsonKeandrea LeatherwoodQanderis Arnold
Male Light Heavyweight 175lbsKenneth PeoplesJordan Frederick Male Heavyweight 201+lbsAdrian TaylorMontoya Andres GarciaWaylon Allen Bailey
Male Lightweight 135lbsMarcell DavidsonMichael DawsonJosh Johnson Male Welterweight 147lbsAustin DulayJavonn DavisMarcus Davidson Male Middleweight 160lbsMauricio Javon KingDayan DepestreMalik Donovan Reid
Male Light Heavyweight 175lbsDevonte WilliamsNehemiah JonesFrankie Solomon Male Heavyweight 201+lbsDevon YoungDemetrius DemeritteMichael Nelson
A possible explosive clash looms between two of the highest regarded females in the league, WBA Intercontinental Featherweight Champion and Actress “Money Heist” Jennifer Miranda (8-0) and Danielle Bennet (7-1) representing Atlanta. Another volatile matchup that fans are monitoring is undefeated Devon Young versus Errol Spence sparring partner Adrian Taylor (13-1) of Dallas. There is also an intriguing battle between Javonn Davis (7-0) of Atlanta vs. AJ Graham (10-0) of Dallas, in a battle of undefeated warriors.
Coaches play an outsized role in Team Combat League matchups, pre-approved by boxing commissions, which are determined on the fly. Coaches alternate selecting one of three fighters rostered in each respective weight class to send in against an fighter already proposed by the opposing coach. Viewers are left in the dark as to which fighter each team will do battle with one another until the decision is made by coaches in real time. This uncertainty, combined with the fast paced three-minute round in boxing rules format, will provide constant action where spectators will be left on the edge of their seats to see what comes next.
“We are honored to be taking part in the first ever match of the Team Combat League,” coach Arnold of the Attack remarked. “We intend to have the Atlanta Attack ready to live up to its name by coming out as aggressors against the Dallas Enforcers.”
“We do not feel the Enforcers can match up to our grit, determination and talent and expect for that to be on display on Wednesday, March 29.” coach Mustafa Meekins added.“We are excited about finally putting all our training on display for all fans to see,” AC Bryant of the Dallas Enforcers said. “We have a great tradition in Dallas of sports teams that excite the local fan base, and we hope and expect to continue in the tradition of other great Dallas sports teams. Dismantling the Atlanta Attack will be the first step towards establishing a winning tradition in Dallas.”
About Team Combat League:Team Combat League competitions employ a unique and exclusive point scoring system. Each match contains 24 three-minute rounds of nonstop action with a 10-minute halftime after round 12. Teams compete across six weight categories, five male and one female. Each round is scored individually with additional points added for knockouts and knockdowns. There are 3 judges appointed by a licensed boxing commission. 3 points are awarded for unanimous decisions while a split decision would be 2 points for the winner of the round’s team and 1 point to the loser. Additional points are awarded for each judged knockdown with a maximum of 6 points for a round stoppage. It’s not rocket science, at the conclusion of the 24 rounds, the team with the most points wins!
Baltimore, Maryland (March 20, 2023)–Jeter Promotions has announced the signing of undefeated junior welterweight Ahmad Muhammad Jones to a promotional contract.
Jones, 23 years-old of Baltimore, Maryland is 4-0 with two knockouts. All four of Jones’ wins have come on Jeter Promotions cards, and the signing makes it official that he will be with Jeter Promotions going forward.
“Tony Jeter is doing an amazing job, and he is keeping fighters active and doing great things. He is staying busy by doing shows in different areas. I could see myself fighting in the different spots that Tony Promotes such as Atlanta, Pennsylvania and Maryland,” said Jones.
Jones started boxing at the age of 13, and had 35 amateur fights. He considers himself a boxer-puncher. Jones turned professional on December 3, 2021 with a first-round stoppage over Joshua Zimmerman in Philadelphia. Jones has a win over Kani Burnside. In his latest outing, Jones won a four-round unanimous decision over Michael Crain on February 18th in Hanover, Maryland.
“I am working on building my record and hopefully get on TV and fight for any belt that is available. Tony can bring me to be a champion and I believe in him:”
Jones is trained by Marvin McDowell Photos by Daniel Cork
Devaun Lee Shocks Kiante Irving Joey Turk Remains Undefeated
Pittsburgh, PA (March 20, 2023) -Super Bantamweight contender Oleh Dovhun inched closer to a world title opportunity by making the second defense of the WBA NABA title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Juan Centeno in a fight that headlined a five-bout card at The Priory Grand Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The card was promoted by Integrity Fighter Management and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
Despite being cut on his left eyelid due to an accidental clash of head, Dovhun showed his class throughout the bout by boxing his way behind a consistent work-rate. Centeno hung in there, but Dovhun showed why he is a world-ranked contender and took the fight by scores of 100-90 on all cards.
Dovhun of Pittsburgh via Ukraine ups his perfect mark to 15-0. Centeno of Miami us 8-7-3.
Dovhun is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and managed by Integrity Fighter Management.
In the co-feature, Devaun Lee sent shockwaves by stopping previously undefeated hometown fighter Kiante Irving in round four of their six-round super middleweight bout.
Lee was able to withstand an early rush by Irving. Irving may have punched himself out as Lee started to take over in the second and third rounds. Lee started tagging Irving with flush shots until the bout was stopped at 2:03 of round four.
Lee of Queens, NY is 11-8-1 with six knockouts. Irving of Beaver Falls, PA falls to 11-1-1.
Joe Turk remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Isaiah Margheim in a heavyweight bout.
Turk of Pittsburgh is now 3-0-1. Margehim of Sandusky, Ohio is 1-3. Jordan Zlacki took a four-round split decision over Eric Palmer in a welterweight battle.
Zlacki of Springdale, PA is now 3-5. Palmer of Uniontown, PA is 14-17-5.
The opening bout saw Devon Siegfried stop Matteo Gardner in a scheduled four-round fight featuring debuting cruiserweights. In round three, Siegfried dropped Gardner with a right hook for the 10-count at 1:05.
LAVAL, Quebec, Canada (March 16, 2023) — Montreal’s Kim Clavel (16-0-1, 3KO) will step back into the ring to take on Naomi “La Chapita” Arellano Reyes (9-2-0, 5KO), of Los Angeles, for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) International Flyweight Championship on April 28, at Place Bell in Laval. The vacant WBC international flyweight title will be on the line as confirmed by the WBC. We have also requested sanctions for the division’s IBF Inter-Continental and WBO Inter-Continental titles as well. Verbal confirmation has been obtained and we expect to receive the required sanctions confirmation within the next few hours.
This will be the first fight for Clavel, 32, since the incredible clash this past of January 13 against World Boxing Association (WBA) world champion Yesica Nery Plata (29-2-0, 3KO), which the popular Canadian lost by decision in her first WBC title defense.
April 28th will mark the start of Clavel’s “RECONQUEST”, who intends to prove herself again by positioning her for a rematch with Plata as quickly as possible. She is presently ranked as the WBC #1, WBO #3 and IBF #4 contender.
Clavel is more motivated than ever, saying: “I want to regain my world title, but I will take it one fight at a time. We will reposition ourselves in the rankings. I’m going to need all of Quebec behind me. I’m confident with my team, my perseverance and all of you that, by the end of the year, we’ll get more than just a world champion belt! Thank you for your eternal support.”
Originally from Nayarit, Mexico, Reyes now lives and trains in Los Angeles, California. The 28-year-old Reyes is renowned for her power as evidenced by her 5 knockout victories to date. Her most notable win was versus former multiple time world champion Carina Moreno (25-7-0, 6KO) in 2020. In her last outing last October, Reyes lost by decision against Gabriela Fundura (8-0-0, 4KO) for the WBC Latino flyweight title in a PBC event broadcast on Showtime.
Clavel and Reyes were supposed to face each other in August 2021 at the IGA Stadium, but the latter had to withdraw due to health restrictions to enter Canada, and she was replaced by Maria Vargas (14-4-1, 1KO).
“It is with great enthusiasm and confidence that we are relaunching Kim with the ultimate goal of allowing her to avenge her defeat and regain her world title,” said GYM President Yvon Michel. “We remember the great intense and passionate fight between the two champions last January. Besides, the latter is still in the running for the 2023 Fight of the Year! The 4,000 spectators at Place Bell are still excited. To return to the world championship, Kim must prove herself again and these international titles will allow her to become a must challenger for the champion.”
Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, who are still active in the company, the most prolific in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its foundation, GYM has promoted 165 events in Quebec, all televised in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, as well as participated in 38 international events outside Quebec. Eight GYM boxers have become world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (twice), Oscar Rivas and Kim Clavel. Nineteen boxers from the organization have delivered 54 world championship fights, maintaining an excellent record of 30 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization.
Deerfield Beach, FL (March 16, 2023) – Four-time World Champion superstar and Bad Boy of Boxing, Adrien Broner, has teamed up with “Hall of Famer” and the people’s greatest promoter Don King, to bring excitement back into boxing’s forefront.
The super lightweight, welterweight (140-147 pounds) Broner, who hails from the great buckeye state, Cincinnati, Ohio, has been out of the ring since he fought on February 20, 2021, and won a unanimous decision against Jovanie Santiago at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.
This momentous signing by the great hall of famer, “my magic lies in my people ties” boxing promoter Don King, with “superstar, exciting bad boy of boxing, Adrien Broner marks the first time the two have teamed up together. “Fantastic boxing excitement is already permeating the boxing atmosphere,” said King.
Broner was once the youngest fighter at the age of 24 to win four world titles at 130, 135, 140 and 147 pounds.
“This phenomenal team-up of superstar “exciting” bad boy of boxing Adrien Broner and the world’s greatest boxing promoter, will give the people what they want–the best of boxing, and the best boxing excitement… capturing the imagination, the heart, and the mind, stimulating the boxing imagination’s begging the all-important question, when is the next event?,” said King.
“Adrien is ready and excited to show his championship skills once again for the delight of the great boxing fans,” said King.
“I have a fantastic camp with Kevin Cunningham, and I can hardly wait to get back into the ring again,” said Broner. “Winning a world title and constantly defending or unifying the titles is what I am aiming to do.”
“As his proud promoter drops the gauntlet to all the other promoters and challenges them to bring forth their best fighters to (meet) fight super star bad boy of boxing Adrien Broner. Bob Arum, Frank Warren, Al Haymon, Eddie Hearn, and any other promoter with a hot commodity champion, we welcome them all,” said King.
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 13, 2023) – Many of the most promising boxing prospects in Florida, including several promising Cuban boxers, will be showcased on the “Night of Redemption” card, on Saturday night, April 1, at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.
“Night of Redemption,” co-promoted by Orlando Boxing Promotions and Boxlab Promotions, will be streamed live on pay-per-view from Orlando on www.boxtv.com
“Caribe Royale is looking forward to hosting ‘Night of Redemption’ on April 1st,” said Amaury Piedra, Managing Director, Caribe Royale Resort. “This joint promotion between Boxlab Promotions and Orlando Boxing Promotions will feature a mix of a current regional champion in Idalberto Umara defends his Fedecaribe title, along with up-and-coming prospects such as Orlando’s Adrian Pinheiro, Jeovanny Estela, Joshua Lebron, and others. We’re always proud to have activities at The Resort like this boxing card, which brings in visitors and locals alike. This should be a great night allowing our local young talent to showcase their skills in Central Florida’s home of Boxing, the Caribe Royale Resort.”
“I’m super excited to be promoting my first show in Orlando where I live,” remarked Orlando Boxing Promotions president Tony Blanco, who lived and promoted shows in Connecticut. “To be promoting this show with Boxlab, which is a big boxing company here in Central Florida, and its crew at a beautiful venue like Caribe Royale Resort is amazing.”
Unbeaten Polish cruiserweight Adrian “Pretty Boy” Pinheiro (10-0-1, 9 KOs), fighting out of Orlando, will headline in the 8-round main event against Demetrius Banks (5 KOs), of Detroit. The 25-year-old Pinheiro is coming off his lone non-victory as a professional this past February 25, fighting Isaiah Thompson to a 6-round split draw. Bank is best known for ruining the professional debut of Antwaun Tubbs, the son of former world heavyweight champion Tony Tubbs, by way of a 4-round technical knockout in 2014.
“Adrian is seeking redemption after he fought to a draw in his last fight (Feb. 25th vs. Isaiah Thompson),” added Blanco, who trains Pinhiero. “He’s stepping up to fight his first scheduled 8-round bout and his first main event. He’s coming off a draw but he’s looking at it as a loss. He wants to put that fight behind and move forward. Not only did he want to go 8 rounds, but he also wanted to fight a tough, durable opponent. Most fighters coming off a draw, they’d want a tune-up fight to build back their confidence, but Adrian is ready for what’s coming next for him in his career.”
The 6-round co-featured event undefeated 22-year-old Jeovanny Estela, 10-0, 3 KOs) will put his perfect pro record on the line against Saul “Navajo” Corrall (23-20, 13 KOs), of Mexico. Corrall, who is a former WBC FECARBOX welterweight champion, clearly represents the toughest test of Estela’s young pro boxing career. Battle-tested Corrall has been in the ring with world champions such as Sadam Ali and Victor Ortiz, as well as several contenders, and hot prospects like Estella.
Cuban Idalberto Umara (9-1, 6 KOs), fighting out of Miami, will make his first title defense of the WBA Fedecaribe Lightweight crown in a 10-round title fight versus a challenger to be announced. Umara captured his Fedecarbie championship belt in his last fight by way of a second-round technical knockout of Deivi Julio this past February 25th at Caribe Royale in Orlando.
Two other Cuban boxers are scheduled to be in action. Miami-based Damian Lascaille (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA in a 4-rounder, while Las Vegas heavyweight Henrich Ruiz Cordoba (1-0, 1 KO) is matched in a 6-round bout against veteran Mexican fighter Jose “Olympico” Humberto Corrall (20-32, 12 KOs).
Orlando cruiserweight Daine Smikle (1-0), who was a member of the Jamaican National Boxing Team, is a former Connecticut resident (New Haven) like Blanco who has also resettled in Orlando. Smikle is in a 4-round match vs. TBA.
Also fighting in the undercard is 4-rounders are Orlando super welterweight Ramiro De Jesus (2-0, 1 KO) vs. pro-debuting Bryan Duran, of Miami; Orlando cruiserweight A’Mire “Devine” Lewis (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. TBA, Orlando lightweight and Puerto Rico native Jonathan Cortes (1-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA; and Orlando’s super bantamweight Joshua Lebron (5-0-1, 4 KOs) vs. TBA.
Located just minutes from the Walt Disney World® Resort in the nation’s number one convention and tourist destination, Caribe Royale Orlando is the only AAA Four Diamond all-suite meetings resort in Orlando. A TripAdvisor 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award winner – among just 10 percent of hotels worldwide to receive the distinction – the upscale Caribe Royale is emerging from a $140 million renovation that includes fully remodeling all of its one-bedroom suites, an all-new 50,000-square-foot grand ballroom (bringing the total meeting space to 220,000 square feet), and an inviting new lobby. Being privately-owned, Caribe Royale offers meeting planners faster approval cycles and more flexibility to create stand-out events. To learn more or to book a visit, event or meeting, visit www.cariberoyale.com. Follow the all-suite convention hotel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (@cariberoyale), and LinkedIn. #cariberoyaleorlando
QUINCY, Mass. (February 27, 2023) – Styles make fights and a potential instant classic is on tap March 11th in the “Springfield Championship Boxing 2” main event, when undefeated Kenny “Lionheart” Larson (6-0, 5 KOs) challenges defending card Massachusetts State Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (10-0, 6 KOs) in the 8-round headliner, at MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.
“Springfield Championship Boxing 2”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com.
“This fight has all the makings to be one of those local fights that people talk about for years,” GCP president Chris Traietti commented. “You have a hyper aggressive guy like Kenny going up against a slick counterpuncher like Denzel. Both guys are undefeated and there’s a state title on the line. Kudos to both guys for taking this fight, one that nobody will want to miss.”
Larson, 33, is an ultra-aggressive fighter who constantly applies pressure on his opponent; Whitley’s an intelligent counterpuncher that breaks down the other guy in the ring. It figures to be an exciting showdown to determine who fights his fight. It’s so rare for a pair of undefeated prospects to fight each other so early in their professional careers.
“We are looking to showcase that we are both serious,” Larson explained. We both want to make statements! As long as I do what I’m supposed to do, fighting like I do in the gym, it doesn’t matter that I’m fighting him in his neck of the woods. (Whitley is from Holyoke, which is only 8 miles from the Springfield venue.) One night a fan said to me, ‘You fight with the heart of a lion.’ I couldn’t think of a better nickname for me. He (Whitley) beat Kris Jacobs (WMDEC8) in his last fight (to capture the vacant Mass. welterweight title) and I knocked out a guy (Ryan Clark) in the first round who defeated Jacobs.
“We’ll see what happens when the kitchen starts getting heated up (vs. Whitley). Everybody has a plan going into a fight. Anyone who knows me knows my assets and what I have for him. I’ve watched him (Whitley) on tape and saw a few things that interested me. I was kind of amused by what he had to say. Let the cards lay where they may and we’ll see what it comes down to. I’ll have people there for me. I’ve always had a huge crowd behind me since I was an amateur because of my fan-friendly style.”
Larson was a hockey player who didn’t pick up boxing until he was in high school. He started at a gym that wasn’t, as he described, super serious about boxing, more for fitness, and one day a friend suggested that he go to train at the Somerville Boxing Club., where he changed his life, both in and out of the ring.
“Everything there was serious,” Larson reported. “Things clicked and I had focus and direction. I had a substance abuse problem, drinking, but I changed addictions from drinking to boxing for the last 10 years. Today, I have no days off from boxing.”
Larson now trains out of Broadway Boxing in Everett (MA) with Joe Riccardi as his head trainer.
A native of Salem (MA), Larson was a 3-time Central New England Golden Gloves runner-up, as well as a 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion in the novice division.
The O must go for either Larson or Whitley. Fans will be the biggest winner!
The Cruz brothers, lightweight Isaiah (5-0, 3 KOs) and super lightweight Calixto (1-0), fighting out of Springfield, will both be in action in front of fans, family, and friends. In the 6-round co-featured event, Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz will face Akeem “Action Action” Jackson (6-5, 5 KOs) in the 6-round co-featured event, while Calixto meets Luis “Broccoli” Gerardo Avila (8-22-3, 5 KOs) in a 4-round bout.
Also schedule to be in action are unbeaten Dominican welterweight Carlos Castillo (6-0, 4 KOs), of Holyoke (MA); Puerto Rican super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (2-0-1, 1 KO), of Springfield; Springfield super featherweight Carlos Gonzalez (4-0, 4 KOs), and Springfield super lightweight Liz Humphries (0-1-1)
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 27, 2023) — Rahim Gonzales (Las Vegas, Nev.) picked up his third straight international gold medal yesterday on the final day of boxing at the 2023 Stranjda Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Gonzales took all five judges’ cards over Hambardzum Hakobyan of Armenia during today’s light heavyweight championship bout. All five judges scored the bout 30-27 to give Gonzales Team USA’s lone gold medal of the tournament and sixth medal overall.
The 2021 Elite Men’s World Champion path to gold included victories over Kristian Nikolov of Bulgaria (4-0), Kein Boakye Schumann of Germany (4-1) and Jasurbek Yuldoshev of Uzbekistan (5-0).
At the conclusion of the event Gonzales was also announced as the winner of the Runner-up Boxer of the Tournament award.
Gonzales gold resulted in six Team USA medals, as the team earned five bronze medals during Saturday’s semi-final bouts.
This marked the 74th edition of the Strandja Tournament and Team USA’s first time competing in the event since 2020. USA Boxing Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.) is leading the team at the tournament, along with Christine Lopez (Rowlett, Texas), Timothy Nolan (Rochester, N.Y.), Jose Polanco (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Richard Stephenson (Middletown, N.Y.) and Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colo.). This year’s event featured over 375 boxers from around the world.
Finals Results
80 kg: Rahim Gonzales, Las Vegas, Nev./USA, dec. over Hambardzum Hakobyan/ARM, 5-0
Minneapolis-Native Jamal James and Super Lightweight Contender Elvis Rodriguez Score Victories in Televised Undercard of Premier Boxing Champions Event
MINNEAPOLIS – February 26, 2023 – Power-punching Subriel Matias showed why he’s become one of boxing’s most vaunted knockout artists as he stopped the previously unbeaten Jeremias Ponce after five rounds to win the vacant IBF 140-pound World Championship Saturday night live on SHOWTIME from The Armory in Minneapolis headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.
Puerto Rico’s Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) captured the title in an electric firefight that saw the two top-ranked 140-pounders throw over 800 combined punches in five rounds according to CompuBox. For Matias, the victory culminated a long journey that had him away from his family for nearly a year as he trained in Mexico for his first title opportunity.
“I’m on cloud nine right now,” said Matias. “I don’t think I’ve woken up from this dream. Maybe I can tell you how it feels tomorrow, but right now, it’s a dream come true. I wanted to work him from the first round on, because I knew he wouldn’t have the same power as me as the fight went on.”
Ponce (30-1, 20 KOs) came out extremely aggressive and looked to swarm Matias early as he threw 96 punches in round one, out landing Matias 28 to 11. Matias adjusted in round two, closing the distance and smothering Ponce to dull some of his attack while also finding spots for his own short power punches.
“I thought it was an even fight, but one punch can change everything and that’s what happened,” said Ponce. “Subriel is a tough, strong fighter and I knew what he was capable of.”
After landing a powerful left hand that hurt Ponce late in round four, Matias returned determined and sharp in round five, landing 47% of his power punches over the three minutes. In the waning moments of the round, Matias landed the decisive blows, a series of head and body shots that badly hurt Matias and put him on the mat.
Ponce was able to make it to his stool, but his corner had seen enough and suggested that the fight be stopped, with the official result coming as a TKO at the end of round five.
“I’m fine now,” said Ponce. “My team knows me, and they made the decision that they had to make. It hurts, but the most important thing is that I’m healthy.”
“I wasn’t really surprised,” said Matias. “Once I saw how his corner reacted. I saw that [Ponce] was hurt. I thought that I was patient in the first four rounds, so I came out with a different approach and mindset in the fifth.”
After the fight, with his IBF belt in tow, Matias set his sights on a unification showdown against WBC 140-pound World Champion Regis Prograis.
“Regis Prograis, I’m coming for you,” said Matias. “I’m the world champion now. I promise that I’m coming to hurt you. Prograis likes to talk the talk, but I have that same mentality. Let’s see who prevails. I want him to see that there are people crazier than him in this sport.”
In the co-main event, Minneapolis-native and welterweight contender Jamal “Shango” James (28-2, 12 KOs) returned from a 16-month layoff to thrill a sold-out hometown crowd and earn a unanimous decision victory after 10-rounds against Argentine Olympian Alberto Palmetta (18-2, 13 KOs).
“I’m pretty sure everybody can see that layoff affected me,” said James. “I had a lot of rust in me. My legs weren’t sharp, my punches weren’t sharp, but I’m glad I was able to get in there. I liked that because it’s pushing me mentally and it made me step up to the occasion.”
“I thought it was an even fight,” said Palmetta. “I was the aggressor throughout against a former world champion, a taller opponent with longer reach than me.”
In his first action since losing his WBA Welterweight Title to Radzhab Butaev in October 2021, James picked up his fifth career victory at the friendly confines of The Armory. Using his considerable height and reach advantage, James was able to control much of the action and contest the bout on his terms.
“I was trying to adapt,” said James. “I definitely felt like I won the fight but I believe I could’ve done much better. I know that I’m a lot sharper. I know that my endurance is a lot stronger. I just had a lot of time off and my body is still getting back in shape. I’ll be back for sure.”
“I also like to counter, but I ratcheted up the pressure in the second half of the fight,” said Palmetta. “Maybe it looked like Jamal James was superior in the first half because he kept being conservative and countering.”
Palmetta had success countering James but was unable to put together enough combinations or hurt James during the action. James’ edge was reflected on the scorecards, as he out landed Palmetta 193 to 111, including a 153 to 102 edge in power punches.
James was also able to use a sharp body attack to keep Palmetta at bay, landing 68 throughout the fight, compared to just 20 from Palmetta. In round nine, a sharp right uppercut caused Palmetta to stumble and let to a raucous exchange that stirred James’ hometown fans.
The crowd again rose to their feet as James and Palmetta whipped power punches throughout the final moments of round 10. James kept his perfect record at The Armory intact by wide scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice.
“I know I can be a champion again because I was a champion before,” said James. “I have to stay focused. Stay in the gym and back and study this fight – actually, my last two fights – and step it up. Thanks to everybody in Minneapolis for coming and showing me love.”
In the telecast opener, super lightweight contender Elvis Rodriguez (14-1-1,12 KOs) overcame a slow start to earn a hard-fought majority decision over the hard-hitting Joseph Adorno (17-2-2, 14 KOs) after 10 rounds.
“Ring rust was definitely a factor,” said Rodriguez. “Maybe the struggle was more mental than physical in a way, but the important thing is that I overcame it.”
After a couple of rounds feeling each other out, Adorno was the first to have success, showing a varied attack with hooks to the body and head. He punctuated a strong fourth round with several counter hooks right before the closing bell.
In round five the action began to heat up, with Rodriguez starting to find a home for his offense as well, while still taking consistent return fire from Adorno. Rodriguez would eventually take control of the fight in the seventh round, landing a perfect right hook that badly hurt Adorno. Rodriguez followed up quickly and forced Adorno to the canvas to score the knockdown, although Adorno was able to stay in the fight and make it through the round.
“I thought I had him once I landed that right hook, but he got up,” said Rodriguez. “He’s a warrior and a good fighter… The seventh round was huge, that’s when I truly started to win this fight. I have to give credit to Adorno for being savvy and knowing how to keep his distance before then.”
Rodriguez rode that momentum through the rest of the fight, out landing Adorno 52 to 33 across rounds seven through 10. The Freddie Roach-trained contender punctuated his victory in the final frame, landing a left that referee Jon Schorle ruled a knockdown, despite the objection from Adorno, who felt he was tripped during the exchange.
After the 10rounds Rodriguez emerged victorious on the judges’ cards, as one score of 94-94 was overruled by tallies of 95-93 and 97-91. Post-fight, Adorno expressed his belief that his early success was enough for him to earn a better result, while Rodriguez set his sights on the new 140-pound champion Matias.
“I thought the judges were blind,” said Adorno. “I can’t get a win with these judges. I don’t know how you see the fight 97-91. I thought I won every round except the ones he dropped me. He never out worked me at all. I had the jab in his face and was snapping him to the body. He couldn’t do anything. No way he won seven rounds. I thought 94-94 was okay because of the two knockdowns.”
“Like I said yesterday at the weigh-in, bring on the winner of the main event,” said Rodriguez. “And to my people in the Dominican Republic, just know that I’ll be back even bolder and even better next time.”
Prior to the telecast, the SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show streamed live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and was topped by a welterweight matchup that saw Minneapolis-native Ve’Shawn Owens (14-3, 12 KOs) score a unanimous decision over Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (18-2, 10 KOs) after 10-rounds. The judges’ scores were 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93.
Streaming action also featured the Ronnie Shields-trained Willie Jones (9-2, 6 KOs) delivering a vicious first-round knockout over the previously unbeaten Derrick Jackson (10-1, 5 KOs) just 1:22 into their welterweight clash, plus sensational super lightweight prospect Mickel Spencer (3-0, 2 KOs), with his older brother and unbeaten contender Joey Spencer watching ringside, dismantled Margarito Hernandez (3-5-1) to earn a first-round TKO 2:18 into the fight.
Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGtelecast will replay Sunday, February 26 at 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and Monday, February 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME®.
Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handled blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers rounded out the telecast team – Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. and boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer. The executive producer was four-time Emmy Award winner David Dinkins, Jr., with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing. Former junior middleweight world champion and SHOBOX: The New Generation® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna served as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).
The SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show was hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk-show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, who also serves as an expert analyst on the popular SHOBOX® series.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 14, 2022) – Georgia flyweight Sa’Rai “Warrior Princess” Brown-El is on a sensational run as she prepares to compete in the upcoming Youth World Championships, November 14-26, in La Nucia, Spain.
The 17-year-old from Marietta is a three-time National Junior Olympic champion (2017-19) who has also captured gold medals at the 2021 USA Boxing Youth National Championships, 2020 USA Boxing Junior National Championships, 2019 Junior Open and 2019 National PAL, among the many titles she owns.
She got into boxing at the age of 8 in Albany, New York, where her family was visiting, eventually leading them all to her uncle’s gym. Her father originally wanted her brothers to box, but Sa’Rai also wanted to get involved in combat sports. It was a natural transition for her, who is a legacy boxer because her father, mother and brothers have all boxed.
“Me and my mom went to find a pair of gloves after we were told there weren’t any left. I started hitting the bag and then I did mitts with my uncle. That’s where I fell in love with the sport and discovered I was naturally born to do this.”
She has excelled in every area on her remarkable roll, which she will attempt to extend at the Youth World Championships over the next two weeks.
“I am super pumped and ready to go to Spain for the Youth Worlds,” the ultra-confident Sa’Rai said. “My mindset is on gold. My manifestation and hard work will put me in top by the last day with the gold medal around my neck on that number one podium. It’s truly a blessing to be representing the USA.
“My biggest challenge is probably myself; boxing is 90-percent mental, meaning I have to have a mindset that nothing can be hard enough to stop me from reaching my goals. My short-range goals, right now, are to win the Youth Worlds and finish out the year making the Youth High Performance Team. Long range, I’d say, is to fight in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Being world champ, looked up to as an inspiration to all and, most importantly, having proven to be the most feared female boxer.”
Brown-El believes USA Boxing has helped in terms of working against other styles at tournaments, in addition to benefiting from training with her elite stablemates, and under the guidance of world-class coaches, at the state-of-the-art United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
“I can show my skills and have learned many other skills and drills there (training center) to become a universal boxer,” she noted. “I’ve been able to go against every style there is in international fighting and be able to dominate every time. USA Boxing has taught me very valuable lessons: to be professional, disciplined and dedicated, because there are a lot of obstacles that come with it. For me, being professional is the only way to have a career in this sport.”
Winning at the 2021 National to be part of the 2022 Youth High Performance Team, thus far, are the highlights of her relatively young boxing career. To win that gold medal, Sa’Rai explained, she needed to push through injuries that nearly forced her to pull out of the tournament.
Brown-El has a high ring IQ. Basically, the sweet science is about hitting the opponent without getting hit, especially in Olympic style boxing. Her ring IQ is advanced beyond her years, using angles, constantly moving, and confusing her opponent with her evasiveness. And, Brown-El quickly adds, that doesn’t mean she won’t bang if needed.
“I love representing my country,” she concluded. “I want to show the world we are the greatest. Team USA will come out on top at the Youth Worlds. My message for U.S. boxing fans is to keep watching. The future of boxing is coming in hot!”
ABOUT USA BOXING: The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also to oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.
