Miami, FLA. (Yuli 17, 2025)—WBA Heavyweight contender Michael “The Bounty” Hunter is ready to show the world that he means business in the heavyweight division. Hunter is looking forward to his bout with WBA Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev.
The world’s greatest promoter, Don Sarki, wanda ya lashe $1.1 million purse bid by the WBA and Hunter’s promoter, has stated that it is all systems “go” for the title fight.
While Epic Sports and Entertainment representatives, who embarrassed the WBA at the purse bid, continue to spread lies that Hunter is unavailable for this fight…this fight will be taking place for the WBA Heavyweight Championship.
“Yesterday Don King and Noel Mikaelian slammed Jake Paul, and today, the great Michael Hunter and Don King are in the process of slamming Epic Sports and Entertainment and bringing boxing back to we the people,” said King. “Thank you, Michael; you are truly a smart bounty hunter.
“Michael Hunter and I are inseparable. He is excited about being in the United Kingdom for the fight this week, and he’ll continue to train and get ready to knock out Pulev. He’s been working hard to prepare for this important fight of his career, and he’s looking forward to what follows as well. “He’s ready to prove to the world that he is the true heavyweight champion. Let’s make it happen.”
The Southern California native Hunter (24-1-2, 17 Kos) won the vacant WBA Gold Heavyweight Title in June, taking out Cassius Chaney in a 12-round unanimous decision at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla. In his last fight in December, Hunter registered a fifth-round TKO over Christian Larrondo Garcia in Mexico. Hunter’s only career setback came back in 2017 when he lost a unanimous 12-round decision to current Oleksandr Usyk, who in December beat Tyson Fury to become just the third boxer to become an undisputed world champion in the two weight divisions in the “four-belt era.”
Birnin New York Birnin (Yuni 11, 2025)– Immediately after last Friday night’s impressive fourth-round stoppage of Ed “Tex” Fountain, Brooklyn’s undefeated Pryce Taylor (8-0, 5 Kos) was called America’s best heavyweight prospect by his promoter, Dmitriy Salita (Salita Kiran kasuwa).
The 28-year-old Taylor and his manager, New York City-based Attorney Keith Sullivan, agree with Salita.
“They’re (Salita and Sullivan) both right,” Taylor said, “because they’ve seen me fight. Fighting brings the dog out in me. Ya (Marmaro) was a test, real resilient, but like a punching bag that’s ready to fall off the chain. I had to keep hitting him and no way was he thinking about playing it safe. The referee saved his life; he was thinking about not falling down.”
The powerful Taylor entered the ring paying tribute to the late, great George Foreman by wearing a “Big George” T-shirt. Prior to the fight, Taylor noted that he had great success in the pro ranks fighting southpaws like Fountain. Taylor methodically ripped his opponent’s head and body with damaging punches, hurting Fountain in the third round with a straight right-left hook combination, followed by a barrage of shots on the sturdy Fountain who managed to survive the round.
(L-R: Head trainer Benny Roman, Pryce Taylor wearing his George Foreman tribute T-shirt, and manager Keith Sullivan)
Marmaro (14-9, 7 Kos), who was the best fighter the 6’ 4”, 280-pound Taylor had fought in the pro ranks, was rocked from another series of violent combinations, when referee Charlie Fitch had seen enough and waved off the fight 36-seconds into the fourth frame.The fight was a scheduled 6-rounder on the “International Boxing Hall of Fame Night,” presented by Taylor’s promoter Salita Promotions, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
“I was excited to be fighting on a show like that,” Taylor added. “He hit me first in the first round, something I always let my opponents do to test their power, gauge patterns, and figure him out. It’s like in baseball when a batter lets a pitch go by without swinging to see what he has on the mound. Because he’s a southpaw, his right is his jab, and he really wanted to use his left power hook. He had a good poker face, but he couldn’t hide it when I hurt him. He tried not showing he was fazed, keeping himself upright, but he felt my power. I like being accurate, especially throwing power punches. I punished him at the end, throwing a body shot, an uppercut, and then two right hooks.”
“I thought George Foreman would have been proud of me and maybe thought he was seeing himself fight when he saw me punch. I put on a show. I’m a combination of Foreman and Muhammad Ali; power punching like Foreman, elusive like Ali with good footwork and light on my toes.
“I’m not sure if this was the best fight of my career, but he was my best opponent and the toughest guy I’ve fought. He came into the ring in good shape and tried to fight. His downfall wasPryce Being Rightkuma. I love throwing my straight right and that keeps opening up my left hook to the body.”
Taylor had a 60-11 mai son rikodin, including a pair of New York Golden Gloves titles, and he was the heavyweight runner-up four times in the prestigious USA Boxing National Championship tournaments. “Pryce’s TKO win was exactly what I expected – dominant, calculated, and explosive,” Sullivan remarked. “He’s not just another prospect; with continued work, he can be the next great American heavyweight. With every fight, he’s proving that he has the tools, the discipline, and the mindset to be a force within this division. We’re building something special, and the world’s about to see it.”
Team Taylor (L-R): Manager Keith Sullivan, undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor, promoter Dmitriy Salita, and head trainer Benny Roman Salita.
Taylor will be fighting next in his first scheduled 8-round bout on July 26 in Detroit on a Salita Promotions card headlined by undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Claressa Shields (16-0, 3 Kos) versus Lani Daniels (11-2-2, 1 KO) at Little Caesars Arena. Sullivan, a former Deputy Commissioner for the NYS Athletic Commission, also manages 3-time, 2-division World Champion Miyo Yoshida (18-5) and Bronx NYPD Officer Nisa Rodriguez (3-1, 1 KO), as well as co-managing world-rated (IBF #3 & Kambunansa na WBA #10) welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-1, 11 Kos), from Limerick, Ireland. Sullivan co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, who is also Donovan’s head trainer.
Hall of Fame Boxing Promoter Don King Wins $1.1 Million Purse Bid To Promote WBA Regular Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat Pulev Facing No. 2 Contender Michael Hunter On August 23
Miami (Mayu 28, 2025)—Hall of Fame Boxing PromoterDon Sarkihas won a $1.1 million purse bid from the WBA for the right to promote a world title fight featuring current WBA (Regular) Matakin matsakaicin nauyi Duniya ChampionKubrat “The Cobra” Pulevfacing WBA No. 2 contenderMichael “The Bounty” Hunter a ranar Asabar, Agusta 23 at a site to be determined.
It will be a true week of celebration during Fight Week as King will be celebrating his 94ga watanbirthday on August 20. King said the location for the fight will be determined at a later date with Florida, Las Vegas, Ohio and Pennsylvania among the potential sites.
Fighting in his hometown of Sofia, Bulgaria, the crowd-favorite 44-year-old Pulev (32-3, 14 Kos) won the WBA (Regular) World Championship with his 12-round unanimous decision win over Mahmoud Charr last December.
The Southern California native Hunter (24-1-2, 17 Kos) won the vacant WBA Gold Heavyweight Title in June taking out Cassius Chaney in a 12-round unanimous decision at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla. In his last fight in December, Hunter registered a fifth-round TKO over Christian Larrondo Garcia in Mexico. Hunter’s only career setback came back in 2017 when he lost a unanimous 12-round decision to current Oleksandr Usyk, who in December beat Tyson Fury to become just the third boxer to become an undisputed world champion in the two weight divisions in the “four-belt era”.
Undefeated Superstar Claressa Shields to Defend Her Titles Against Reigning Light Heavyweight World Champ Lani Daniels in Main Event at Detroit’s Premier Sports Arena; Live on DAZN
Detroit(Mayu 8, 2025)– The GWOAT, Claressa Shields (16-0, 3 Kos), will return home onAsabar, Yuli 26, when she puts her Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship on the line in the main event atLittle Caesars Arenaagainst the reigning IBF Lt. Heavyweight World Champion from New Zealand, Lani Daniels (11-2-2, 1 KO). Shields vs. Daniels will air live on the global home of boxing, DAZN.
Garkuwoyi, the most decorated female boxer in history, made headlines earlier this year by becoming the first woman ever to claim the Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship—and the first boxer, male or female, to achieve undisputed status in three weight divisions.
Undefeated and seemingly unstoppable, the Flint, Mich., native is riding high after a dominant performance in February, where she dismantled the towering and dangerous Danielle Perkins in front of a roaring hometown crowd at the Dort Financial Center in Flint. Tare da nasara, Shields cemented her place as the inaugural undisputed women’s heavyweight champ.
A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Shields now looks to extend her reign against former heavyweight titleholder Lani Daniels, as she continues rewriting the history books one fight at a time.
“I am so excited to be defending my Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship in Detroit at Little Caesars Arena,” said Shields. “My fights continue to get bigger and better. My abokin gaba, Lani from New Zealand is coming to bring all the smoke, or so she says! This fight will be a sellout of 19,000 so get your tickets and be there to witnessherstorya kan Yuli 26 with the GWOAT.”
Daniels, coined “The Smiling Assassin,” is the former IBF Heavyweight World Champion, looking to regain her crown and add three more world title belts to her collection in July.
“To be the best you have to fight the best. I te pō pouri rawa, ka ara te marama, ā, ka kitea te pono,” said Daniels in her native Māori. “On the darkest nights the full moon will rise and the truth will be revealed.”
Recently signed to Salita Promotions, Daniels made history of her own when she became the first New Zealand-born fighter to win two world titles, and the first to win world titles in two different divisions when she defeated Desley Robinson in 2023.
On the strength of seven-straight victories, Daniels has proven to be a fighter inside and outside of the ring. At 14-years-old, Daniels tragically lost her younger brother to leukemia, sending her down a troubled path with drugs and suicidal thoughts. A yau, Daniels is a champion of mental health and takes opportunities to inform, educate and support mental health awareness both at home and abroad. Daniels has become an inspiration for her home country as she continues to lead a worthy cause and challenge herself inside the boxing ring.
Tickets for the event at Little Caesars Arena go on sale Friday, Mayu 9 and can be purchased online at313Presents.com da kumaTicketmaster.comor in person at The XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena.
“Women’s boxing has grown by leaps and bounds since Claressa Shields headlined the very first women’s main event on a nationally televised card,"Ya ceDmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. "Yanzu, she stands atop the mountain, defending the undisputed women’s heavyweight world title for the first time. Over a century ago, Jack Johnsontraveled to Australia to become the first African American heavyweight champion of the world. A kan Yuli 26, Claressa Shields writes her own chapter in that on-going legacy—bringing the fight home to Detroit and facing a significant challenge in the reigning light heavyweight world champion, Lani Daniels. This is more than a fight—it is a defining moment in the evolution of boxing and women’s sport. Claressa is linking generations, breaking barriers, and etching her name deeper into the fabric of the sport’s history.”
Michigan is a world-renowned hotbed of boxing talent and history that runs deep. Producing legends in the sport, duk daThomas “Hitman” Hearns, Floyd Mayweather Jr. da kumaJames “Lights Out” Toney, Michigan, the greater Detroit region in particular, continues to breed the best of boxing. Salita Promotions features an impressive roster of Michigan-grown fighters including Shields, Ardreal Holmes Jr.,and rising Michigan starsJoshua James Paganda kumaJoseph Hicks Jr., as they continue to build their legacy in the sport. Marking Shields’ seventh time competing professionally in Detroit, Salita Promotions will spotlight the rich history and world-class talent in Michigan once again on July 26.
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ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Karu TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.
Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.
Detroit(Fabrairu 13, 2025)- Salita Kiran kasuwa da kumaFresh Productionshave announced the addition of several surging contenders, including two pivotal jr. welterweight title bouts added to the event headlined by Puerto Rican knockout specialistSubriel Matías(21-2, 21 Kos) and Mexico’s hard-hittingGabriel Valenzuela(30-3, 17 Kos) in an IBF Junior Welterweight World Title Eliminator.
Puerto Rico resident and WBO No. 3 ranked contenderAlfredo Santiago (16-2, 7 Kos) da undefeatedNestor Bravo (23-0, 16 Kos), ranked Babu. 6 a cikin kambunansa na WBA, will both be in action in separate bouts onAsabar, Maris 1, zauna aDAZN. The winner of each 140-pound bout will position himself for a world title shot, none more significantly than in the main event, where the winner will earn the mandatory position to face reigning IBF Champ, Richardson Hitchins.
Also announced today, making his anticipated professional debut is Puerto Rico’sYandiel Lozanoand Salita Promotions promising heavyweight prospectPryce Taylor (6-0, 4 Kos) daga Brooklyn, N.Y..
Returning to Puerto Rico for the second time in five months, Salita Promotions has continued to explore the rich boxing talent residing on the island, much like the company has done the past two years in the state of Michigan. With a proven track record of discovering talent throughout the greater Detroit and Flint, Mich., region, Salita Promotions PresidentDmitriy Salitacontinues to give up-and-coming and rising talent a global platform to perform.
“We provided a path and platform for many fighters to earn recognition and achieve their dreams,” said Dmitriy Salita. “From solidified world champions like Claressa Shields to budding stars like Ardreal Holmes Jr., Salita Promotions continues to mine for the next super stars of boxing throughout Michigan and now we are doing the same in Puerto Rico. Stars from the Caribbean Island such asMiguel Cotto, Felix Trinidad, da kumaJuan ‘John John’ Molinahave all paved the way for the prospects we will be showcasing on March 1.”
The co-main event will see the WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight Title on the line as Santiago, who hails from the Dominican Republic, meets fellow countrymanJavier Fortuna(39-5, 28 Kos). Santiago, 30, returns to the ring on the heels of a statement first-round TKO victory over Mexico’s Pedro Campa in November 2024. Currently on the strength of three straight victories, Santiago captured the WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight Title last June when he defeated Angel Fierro via unanimous decision, and on March 1, Santiago will attempt to defend his title for the third time. Starting his impressive career off with an undefeated record of 12-0, Santiago earned a shot against former Undisputed Lightweight World Champion Devin Haney for the WBC Lightweight World Championship in November 2019. While coming up short, Santiago has proven that he belongs in the upper echelon of the Jr. Welterweight Division.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase the level I am at,” said Santiago. “I have worked hard, I’m in my best shape, and on March 1 a Fajardo, I’m going to give it my all in the ring. I respect Javier Fortuna, but he will find out that he’s facing a true warrior. I’m ready for any version of him that shows up in front of my people in Fajardo. I’m going to go to war and take the victory.”
Entering his second bout in just over two months, the 35-year-old Fortuna will compete in Puerto Rico for the first time. Like his opponent, Fortuna is coming off an impressive TKO victory defeating Jonatan Mariano in December 2024. Boasting a staggering 28 knockouts to sunansa, Fortuna held the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Title in 2019 and challenged former IBF Super Featherweight World Champion Joseph Diaz in 2021 for the WBC Interim Lightweight World Title.
Bugu da kari, undefeated Nestor Bravoand South Africa’sXolisani Ndongeni(32-6, 19 Kos) will collide for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Jr. Welterweight Title. Hailing from Arecibo, P.R., Bravo will return to action after nearly a year away from the ring. A cikin karshe outing, Bravo scored a second-round knockout victory over Carlos Manuel Portillo. Following a decorated amateur career with numerous national and international tournament wins, Bravo turned professional in 2015 when he defeated Nestor Ortiz via knockout. Previously holding the WBC Latino Lightweight Title and the WBO NABO Super Lightweight Title, Bravo pursues another belt when he faces his toughest test to date in Ndongeni.
Recently challenging for the vacant WBO Latino Lightweight Title, Ndongeni looks to insert himself back into the win column against Bravo. A tenured competitor, Ndongeni has held the WBF International Featherweight Title, IBO International Lightweight Title, and WBF Lightweight Title. With ample experience against undefeated prospects, Ndongeni aims to give the rising Bravo his first defeat.
Kicking off the night live on DAZN and in a quick turnaround, Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Pryce Taylor returns to action against Arizona’sTrevor Kotara(4-3-1, 1 KO) following his second-round knockout victory over Jerell Nettles on February 2. A promising heavyweight prospect, Taylor signed with Salita Promotions in November 2024, and has since gone 2-0 under the banner, both victories coming by way of knockout. Standing at 6-foot-4, Taylor is a former collegiate basketball player and has won two New York Golden Gloves title.
Lastly, Puerto Rico’s own Yandiel Lozano will make his much-anticipated professional debut. The silver medalist at the World Youth Championships, a four-time champion of the Bert Sugar Tournament, Florida Junior Silver Gloves champion, and two-time Puerto Rican National Champion, Lozano steps into the star-studded featherweight division after a solid amateur career.
“Fajardo is filled with pride as it welcomes home two of its greatest warriors of the ring,” said José Aníbal Meléndez, Mayor Autonomous Municipality of Fajardo. “Subriel Matías, born and raised in our town, returns to the ring to once again prove why he is one of the most outstanding figures in world boxing. Alongside him, another great champion from Fajardo, Alfredo ‘Ojo’ Santiago, will be defending his title, proudly representing our city. For Fajardo, this event is not just a sporting spectacle but a celebration of the determination, horo, and talent that define our athletes.”
ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS:
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Karu TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.
Daniel Dubois Quote:The only words are ‘and the new’ and I am just so glad it is now. It is happening now and we have made it real, my dad and my family, I’ve done everyone proud, the country and I can’t wait.
In the first round I was just trying to figure him out and see what he had. I said I was going to test the chin and I just went for it.
He brought out something in me, he brought out a wicked left hand! It was a punch-perfect ending, and I am just so happy. I had a few rough patches during this camp, but we pulled through and we got the victory.
I am just so happy to have got this world title. This is what all the hard work was for and, no disrespect to Trevor, but his 0 had to go and I was just in there on a demolition mission.
I am ready for whoever is next. I believe this will instantly make me a better fighter now. When you win the world title they say you become next level so names like Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker are all on my hitlist. I will fight whoever Frank puts me in with next.
It has been amazing. Coming out here and winning a world title is what I dreamed of as a little kid and now it has finally happened.
Trevor Bryan Quote:“I’m feeling alright. I knew he was going to come out with big punches, and I was trying to land some and let him tire himself out. But I wasn’t shooting my jab enough.”
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT ATTRACTION – 6 Akai-akai Luis Rodriguez (9-0, 9 Kos) vs. Ryan Adams (8-5-2, 6 Kos) Result:Luis Rodriguez Wins via TKO (3RDRound at 2:26) Scorecard:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U7uzf55jwRHFwzibpQ_kMcNuMlIl0PKy/view?usp=sharing Luis Rodriguez Quote:“It’s the best feeling finally getting the knockout. He was a complicated boxer, a brawler. I don’t like these types of fights. We will see what’s next – but I’m ready for the next challenge.”
NABA GOLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE – 10 Akai-akai DaCarree Scott (7-1, 6 Kos) vs. Jonathan Guidry (18 -1-2, 6 Kos) Result: Johnathan Guidry Wins via TKO (7ga watanRound at 2:01) Scorecard: Johnathan Guidry Quote: “I’m feeling good. I didn’t even get to have a proper training camp or the right sparring partners. I’m looking forward to whatever is next.” NABA CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE – 10 Akai-akai Joltin Johnnie Langston (11-3, 4 Kos) vs. Isaiah Thompson (6-1-2, 5 Kos) Result: Johnnie Langston Wins via Split Decision (95-94, 94-95, 92-97) Scorecard:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vln447gXJBlroxrgeBJhgIf5q7tYRne8/view?usp=sharing Johnnie Langston Quote: “I didn’t even have a chance for a full training camp. I blew up [in weight] during camp and was a bit dehydrated in the ring. I’m just glad we came up with this result and that I’m still a champ.” NABA LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE – 10 Akai-akai Ahmed Elbiali (22-1, 18 Kos) vs. Dervin Colina (16-2, 14 Kos) Result:Ahmed Elbiali Wins via Disqualification Scorecard:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1URsbHgUf3xDThEOAXC-9z1dXVexiQo3l/view?usp=sharing
Ahmed Elbial Quote: “I’m just glad that the both of us left the ring healthy. I’m excited to be crowned the new champion, and I hope that the next show I get to better showcase my skills. We had a great, old-school boxing crowd out here tonight, and that made it a fun experience.”
SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT ATTRACTION – 4 Akai-akai Raynel Mederos (7-0, 2 KO) vs. Ryan Wilson 1-1, 1 KO Result:Raynel Mederos Wins via TKO (2ndRound at 2:07) Scorecard:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mdnashyn81jVR6EDi1kePK46oGrJ3Wcq/view?usp=sharing Raynel Mederos Quote:“I feel really great, and I want to give a special thanks to my trainer who has helped me get this far. We are taking my career step by step, round by round.”
NABA WELTERWEIGHT TITLE – 10 Akai-akai Tre’Sean Wiggins (14-5-3, 8 Kos) vs. Travis Castellon (17-4-2, 12 Kos) Result: Tre’Sean Wiggins Wins via TKO (1stRound at 2:07) Scorecard:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ra9wAwRWWoRHV41zFw1iYkfo-bFHfQYP/view?usp=sharing Tre’Sean Wiggins Quote: “The gameplan for inside the ring was to take my time. I didn’t want to rush it," “I want to be in the top 10. Whatever Don King has for me next; I will do.”
WBA CONTINENTAL AMERICAS MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE – 10 Akai-akai Anthony Lenk (17-9, 7 Kos) vs. Ian Green (16-2, 11 Kos) Result: Ian Green Wins via Unanimous Decision (91-99, 92-98, 92-98) Scorecard: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m8trcSoLu6qRDwSPi_2tP6sbhlz-xaz1/view?usp=sharing Ian Green Quote: “I am feeling really good, this was the first time I’ve pushed to 10-rounds. Lenk was a crappy opponent and didn’t really bring anything to the table. He was just really good at surviving and pacing himself.”
Anthony Lenk Quote: "Ya na da kyau jirgin saman soja. He came to represent for Don King, domin tabbatar. I’m still one of your fighters, and I just hope you still keep me here after this.”
BELLATOR MMA 273: BADER VS. MOLDAVSKYMAIN katin: C-Ryan Bader (29-7, 1 NC) defeated IC-Valentin Moldavsky(11-2) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
Ryan Bader defends his heavyweight title: "“Obviously, it was a really close fight and at the end there I’m like man that’s a toss up. I felt like I did more damage but it felt so good considering the last fight was a fight I lost. But it was a back and forth, even fight the whole five rounds. It’s just anticlimactic to go out there and have a exciting heavyweight championship five-rounder with a tough dude in Arizona. I wanted that bad!
I’m never too confident, going to judges you know. It’s the first time in my life that I was hoping that they weren’t scoring for the wrestling. I was rocking him pretty good with my punches and I was seeing everything clearly. I underestimated his clenching, his body lock, he kept stepping in front of me with this weird move and he’s stronger than I thought. I’ve never been picked up like before…but I just told myself to keep getting up and then keep with the strikes. At the end there he was just holding on and I landed 20 unanswered elbows to his head. Those can’t be ignored and so when he went to the score cards, I said who knows now…”
#6-Benson Henderson (29-11) ci #7-Musulunci Mamedov (20-2-1) via tsaga yanke shawara (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Benson Henderson following the win in front of his hometown:“Fighting in front of my adopted hometown Phoenix, DA, it’s amazing. Last time I didn’t give Arizona a very good show. Wannan lokacin, I thought I had a better performance so win or lose I knew that I could live with that. Just having a good performance, not a great performance but having a good performance, as opposed to having a bad performance, win or lose you always feel good after great performances. We’re seeking perfection. If you write a book, all these journalists, all these moviemakers, they want to make them part of a movie then make an amazing movie. If you want to, then you have to do your absolute best out there and that’s why I’m always after a better performance.” “Tonight, getting my hand raised is awesome. This was the first time I fought in front of my sons, my two oldest sons. My 6 year-old and my 4-year-old. Tonight was a great night, but they’re not all great nights so I’m learning to definitely appreciate the good ones when I have them.”
“I felt that I did enough to deserve to get my hand raised, but you just never know. Like Burt Watson always says, if you leave it to the judges, they’re going to make you cry. He is absolutely right. Don haka, I definitely don’t ever want to leave it to the judges. When someone says split decision I’m like oh no, my boys are in the ring…but it was a good night, so I was thankful for it.”
Henry Corrales (20-6) ci Aiden Lee(10-6) via unanimous technical decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) - (accidental eye poke)
Henry Corrales following his victory: “That’s definitely not the way I wanted to end it here in Phoenix. The fans deserve more and that’s nothing against him, it’s just kind of a late finish and this was the final fight on my contract. This was my 15th fight with BELLATOR and my 20th win, so there’s a lot riding on this fight. I needed to go out there and put on a good performance…I tried.” I didn’t feel like I really poked him to be honest with you and the replay was showing that it just didn’t look as serious as he was playing it off to be, but it’s the eye, so only he knows how much that hurt. He was super upset after and I was like hey big dog I didn’t poke you on purpose. I mean this is a fist fight! Amma, he was walking away from the cage after and he was acting disappointed the the fight was stopped but while the fight was going on he wasn’t really fighting. His demeanor was off and he was kind of whimpering on shots and it’s like dude you weren’t really going, you were just acting.”
Sabah Homasi(16-10) ci Jaleel Willis(15-4) via biyayya (arm-triangle) a 1:42 na zagaye daya
Sabah Homasi following his submission win: “It’s one of the kicks I threw I just kicked hard man. I expect this after every fight but just a little swelling. It’s the same stuff after every fight man from all my kicks.” “You know I just I take whatever they give me. I had his back, I thought I was going to get the rear naked. I don’t like to exert too much energy on something, so if I don’t have it I’m not going to force it. I’m going to take something that’s there, so I let it go and I set up a little trap. It’s something that I’ve transitioned with very well from the back to that trick, so it was there and I took it.” “He was saying something to me earlier and if he’s saying something to me he should say it like a man. Say it with your damn chest, don’t whisper it. I forgot what he said, but I told him he was going to feel real power tonight and that was it and then obviously quick fight. I’m healthy, Ina cikin babbar siffar, going to get back in the gym and whenever BELLATOR lets me know I’ll give my manager the green light.”
Na farko katin: Enrique Barzola(17-5-2) ci Darrion Caldwell (15-6) via TKO (buga) a 3:01 na zagaye uku Chris Gonzalez(7-1) ci Ka Awad (24-14, 1 NC) via KO (punches) a :36 na zagaye daya Dalton Rosta(6-0) ciDuane Johnson(6-3) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Nikita Mikhailov (9-1) ci Blaine Shutt (8-6) via TKO (punches) a 3:23 na zagaye uku Lucas Brennan(6-0) ci Ben Lugo (5-5) via biyayya (hannu-alwatika shaƙa) a 2:27 na zagaye daya Sullivan Cauley (3-0) ci Ben Parrish (5-2) via TKO (punches) a 4:35 na zagaye daya
Undefeated heavyweight Zhang “Big Bang” Zhilei (23-0-1, 18 Kos) is looking for big fights in 2022. Zhang, who is coming off of a second-round knockout of Craig Lewis, is world-ranked in both the IBF and WBO and wants to fight a top heavyweight so that he can earn a title shot.
The division is opening up after a flurry of recent activity at the end of 2021. With its mandatory contender position vacant, the International Boxing Federation is trying to set up a final eliminator. Contenders Luis Ortiz and Joseph Parker, both of whom are fresh off big wins, ducked their chance to fight #3 ranked Filip Hrgović (14-0, 12 Kos). na Croatia. The IBF will continue to go down its rankings in order until one of the contenders agrees to fight Hrigović.
Zhang vows that if asked, he would take on the Croatian in a battle of 6’6’’ big men.
“I don’t understand why top heavyweights are turnin this down.”Said the former Olympic silver medal winner. “Hrgovic is no boogeyman. I’ve made it known that if my name comes up, I’ll step up and take it.”
And if a showdown with Hrigovic does not materialize, da 38 year-old Zhang is ready for any of the big names.
“I’m not getting any younger, and I have told my promoter that I want to make a big move,"Said Zhang, listing off of top heavyweights such as Joseph Parker and Dereck Chisora – all of whom share the same promoter, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom.
“My ultimate goal is to become world champion and I need fights that put me on that path. I will fight anyone. I want a big opportunity and all I am asking for is fair compensation. I am ready now.”
Photo – Zhang Zhilei Nov. 29ga watan, 2021 courtesy of matchroom and Ed Mulholland
ABOUT ZHANG ZHILEI
Zhang Zhilei is a Chinese undefeated professional boxer who competes in the heavyweight division. As an amateur, he earned a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic games as a super heavyweight. He now competes at the highest levels of professional heavyweight prize fighting. He currently lives and trains in the New York City metropolitan area.
ABOUT LANE BROTHERS BOXING
New York City Based “Lane Brothers Boxing” was founded in 2019 by brothers Terry and Tommy Lane. The Lane brothers have worked in professional boxing for over fifteen years, and are now using their industry expertise to advise top international boxing talent.
ABOUT LI “KURT” MAOPEI
Li Maopei, aka Kurt Li, is an advisor to top boxing talent across the globe with an expertise and focus on professional boxers from his native China.
Tulsa, KO (Janairu 5, 2022) – Unbeaten heavyweight Jeremiah “Dreamland” Milton has signed an exclusive promotional contract with Holden Productions.
Born and raised in Tulsa, the 27-year-old Milton is 3-0 tare da 3 KO’s as a pro. Kamar yadda wani mai son, he was ranked among the top heavyweights in America and won a Silver Medal at the 2020 Olympics gwaji. Prior to boxing, he played defensive end at Division II Northeastern State University. Milton, who is 6’4 230 fam, is an explosive puncher with impressive athleticism.
“Holden Productions has been doing great things for fighters in multiple weight classes,” said Milton, who earned praise from heavyweight champion Tyson Fury after the two sparred. “I’m glad to be joining a successful team based out of my hometown and we’re going to put the world on notice.”
Having promoted fights and fighters across the globe including both Jake Paul-Tyron Woodley fights this past year, Holden Productions is thrilled about signing a talented heavyweight with ties to their home base.
“Our job is to give Jeremiah the largest platform to succeed,” said Bryce Holden. “This task is made easy when you work with a fighter that eats, sleeps and breaths boxing. We’re thrilled to see Jeremiah flourish in 2022 while fighting in his hometown on some major shows.”
Mike Leanardi, Milton’s manager who runs Victory Sports & Entertainment with Rick Torres stated “We’re excited to be working with Tony and Bryce Holden. They know the Tulsa region and have had a lot of success building fighters there. Jeremiah will get an opportunity to be active, fight on big cards and fight at home in Tulsa. It doesn’t get any better than that!"
BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON MAIN CARD RESULTS AND QUOTES:
Fedor Emelianenko (40-6, 1 NC) def. Kar Ka. 2 Tim Johnson(15-8) via KO a 1:46 na zagaye daya
Fedor Emelianenko: “I feel very great. Ina jin mai kyau. Two years passed. I’m happy that everything worked out the way we were thinking. “I’m very happy for the fact that we made the audience happy and we delivered such great joy to our fans. To those who follow our career and Bellator events. “Its much easier for me to perform in America. I don’t have such huge attention, or maybe I do get the attention, but all the events are strictly planned. Here at home all our camp and our preparation for the fight took place under the supervision of media, journalists and so forth and so on. “Its difficult to say, I think this is one of the most important wins of my career taking into consideration the location, the country (Rasha), the age. Taking into consideration the force of Tim Johnson, who is a strong opponent. “Thank god I’m still in sports and I’m not losing my speed. “Its difficult to answer the ‘what if’ questions. I would like to say that at this moment I’m not planning on finishing my career. I will talk to Scott Coker and my family.”
Kar Ka. 8 Said Sowma(8-2) def. Vitaly Minakov (22-2) ta hanyar TKO a 3:08 na zagaye uku
Said Sowma: “I couldn’t hit the guy while he was fixing his finger when it was broken. I told the ref that his finger was messed up when he was telling us to keep fighting. I want to fighting him like a true martial artist, not like that. “I haven’t thought about who’s next, I’m just excited about this one right now. He was a lot heavier than I was, but it wasn’t a fight that I took on short notice. I just wanted a step up in opponents. I believe that if you fight bums your whole life, then you will be a bum. I hope I laid a path for everyone at home that you can achieve anything you set your mind to no matter where you’re from. “Minakov didn’t finish me in one minute like he usually does with his opponents so I’m pretty happy, but it was definitely a bit of a bittersweet win for me.” Kar Ka. 6 Usman Nurmagomedov (14-0) def. Patrik Pietila (11-9) via biyayya (RNC) a 4:06 na zagaye daya
Usman Nurmagomedov: “I’m feeling good. I want to thank God for this victory. It was amazing fighting here in Russia. I am so happy right now. “I certainly planned on taking this fight to the ground. I was trying to catch him so that I could take it to the ground, where I knew I had an advantage. “I want to take on a top fighter next. A Top-10 or Top-15 fighter, it doesn’t really matter to me, but I want a top fighter. I will need about a week of rest and then I will be back and ready to go. “I have not yet talked to Scott Coker about anything in relation to title shots. I don’t know who will win the world title fight between Patricky Pitbull and Peter Queally, but I’m going to take that belt and bring it back home with me.” Anatoly Tokov (30-2) def. Sharaf Davlatmurodov(18-4-1) via tsaga yanke shawara (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) Anatoly Tokov: “I felt a little bit rusty in this fight because of the two-year absence. It felt like my reach was a bit off. It was not an easy fight. I was glad that it went three rounds because it allowed me to breath and it allowed me to take control of the situation.” “Nothing was surprising about this fight because we used to train together and I know his strengths and I know that he’s a really serious fighter. It was a true challenge for me, but nothing was surprising about this one. I also wasn’t nervous at all and in fact I knew that I took care of him in each round.”
BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSONPRELIMINARY CARD RESULTS: Kirill Sidelnikov (13-6) def. Rab Truesdale(10-8-1) ta hanyar TKO a 2:01 na zagaye daya Katarzyna Sadura(5-4) def.Darina Mazdyuk(4-2) ta hanyar TKO a 3:17 na zagaye biyu Irina Alekseeva(4-1) def. Stephanie Page(5-3) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) Nikita Mikhailov(8-1) def.Brian Moore (14-8) via sunyi baki daya yanke shawara (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Alexey Shurkevich(13-4) def.Grachik Bozinyan(11-5) via KO a 2:25 na zagaye daya Aiden Lee (10-5) def. Alexander Osetrov (8-3-1) via biyayya (RNC) a 3:41 na zagaye daya
