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amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing, women's boxing

USA Boxing Women’s Championships in Ohio to be delivered in association with World Boxing

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The inaugural USA Boxing Women’s Championships in Toledo, Ohio, July 22-29, 2023, will be delivered in association with World Boxing.

The eight-day invitational event is open to novice (beginner) and open (experienced) boxers of all ages from pee wee (aged 8-10) to masters (35 and over) and aims to create opportunities for women of all ages and abilities to compete.

More than 200 boxers from eight National Federations across four continents are currently registered to take part.

The President of USA Boxing and a member of World Boxing’s Interim Executive Board, Tyson Lee, said: “USA Boxing is extremely proud to be able to host this event in association with World Boxing.  The Championships aim to celebrate women and create valuable competition opportunities for female boxers of all standards and ages. 

“Working with USA Boxing to deliver this event is a sign of World Boxing’s support for boxers at every level, from the grassroots to the elite, and its commitment to creating competitive opportunities that will enable all boxers to flourish.”

World Boxing was launched in April 2023.  It will hold its inaugural Congress in November and plans to publish details of its competition strategy, tournament calendar and the bidding process for staging events in the latter part of 2023.

amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

USA Boxing Alumni Association to Host Northeast Ohio Celebration at National Qualifier

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Ohio alumni banner.jpg
COLORADO SPRINGS, Col. (March 10, 2023) — The USA Boxing Alumni Association will host two events during the 2022 National Qualifier in Cleveland, Ohio, to honor Northeast Ohio Olympians, World Champions, legendary coaches and officials, and others who have helped shape history of amateur Olympic-style boxing in the region. 

The weekend celebration will begin with a meet and greet gathering on Saturday, April 23 at Masthead Brewing Company. This will be open to all USA Boxing Alumni Association members to gather ahead of the weeklong national tournament. The event, which will be free entry, will run from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The events will continue on Sunday, April 24 at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom for the Northeast Ohio Alumni Celebration Banquet. Two-time welterweight champion and Northeast Ohio native “Showtime” Shawn Porter will serve as Master of Ceremonies of the event that is expected to include Ohio greats like Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Raynell Williams, Charles Conwell, Terrell Gausha, Delante Johnson, Oshae Jones, Mickey Bey, Kelly Pavlik, and many more.

“I’m excited about Cleveland hosting this major National USA Boxing tournament,” said former IBF and WBC welterweight champion, Shawn Porter. “We were like a family growing up through the amateur system. I can’t wait to MC this Alumni Association banquet and have fun just like old times.”

The USA Boxing Alumni Association will also be awarding Lifetime Achievement Awards at the event.

The event, which will be from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., will be a ticketed event. Tickets will be $65.00 and will include dinner. Limited tickets will be available for purchase here. There will be no tickets sold at the door, so be sure to get them while they last.

“The USA Boxing Alumni Association is extremely excited to honor Northeast Ohio legends to kick off the National Qualifier,” said Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Director. “This weekend will bridge the past with the present. By celebrating the accomplishments of these great champions, coaches, and officials, we hope to inspire the next generation of champions on their road to the 2024 Olympics.”

For more information, please contact alumni@usaboxing.org.
 
USA Boxing Alumni Association
Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches, and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain, and e-wallet.

INFORMATION:
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing, USABoxingAlumni
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

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.
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Don King Returns to Ohio to Present WBC Cruiserweight Champion Fight on Saturday, Jan. 29 Pitting Makabu & Mchunu

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Dkp
DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (November 26, 2021)—Homecoming At Last! The fight for the forgotten people (the homeless, poor, and downtrodden people) will benefit from this championship doubleheader.
 
The world’s greatest boxing promoter, Don King, will return to his home state of Ohio on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, as he presents another blockbuster for the forgotten people, who won’t be forgotten any more, world championship fight pitting WBC Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Junior Makabu and the number one challenger, WBC Silver Champion Thabiso Mchunu.
 
The WBC world championship fight for the love of the people, will be held at the W.D. Packard Music Hall in Warren, OH.  In addition to Makabus-Mchunu, a special 10-round heavyweight sensational attraction will pit undefeated Jonathan Guidry (18-0-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, Louisiana risking his perfect record against Alonzo Butler (34-3-2, 25 KOs) of Chattanooga, TN.
 
King, who represents Makabu, came to an agreement with Mchunu’s representatives on the 12-round world championship fight, and the winner will advance to fight Mexico’s great champion Canelo Alvarez in the month of May.
 
Alvarez will be ringside in Warren, OH to see who his next opponent will be.
 
“This is going to be one action packed WBC world championship fight with a very big fight on the horizon for the winner,” said King.  “They are both warriors and this war for the recognition of the homeless will start the new year in grand style, recognizing the homeless, and helping others.” 
 
Makabu (28-2 with 25 KOs) is from the Democratic Republic of The Congo, defended his championship in his hometown of Kinshasa as he stopped Nigeria’s Olanrewaju Durodola with two solid left hooks in the seventh round last December. 
 
Makabu, who has won his last nine decisions, won the vacant title on Jan. 31, 2020 in winning a unanimous decision against Michael Cieslak.
 
Thabiso (23-5, 13 KOs), who hails from South Africa and is nicknamed “The Rock”, became the WBC Silver Titlist with a unanimous decision over Denis Lebedev on Dec. 21, 2019.  He last defended his title and scored another unanimous victory over Evgeny Tishchenko on March 27, 2021.  Thabiso has won his last four fights.
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Beamon to Face Saludar and Crowley to Face Mansouri on Stacked Night of Boxing at Wolstein Center in Cleveland and Live on CBS Sports

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On Saturday, June 22, at CSU’s Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio, Bigger Than Life Entertainment and Mo Entertainment, in partnership with six-time World Champion Miguel Cotto’s Miguel Cotto Promotions will present “Making A Champion,” the first in a series of shows that will feature top prospects in their toughest challenges.


The six-fight night of world-class boxing features dual main events that will be televised live on CBS Sports (11:00 pm ET/8:00 pm PT) and the exciting undercard will be streamed live on www.fite.tv (7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT).


In the first televised main event, Goldsboro, North Carolina’s Dewayne “Mr. Stop Running” Beamon (16-1-1, 11 KOs) will face former world title challenger Froilan “The Sniper” Saludar (30-3-1, 21 KOs) from the Philippines in a 12-round showdown for the WBC United States (USNBC) Super Flyweight Championship.


In the second televised main event, Canada’s undefeated Cody “The Crippler” Crowley (17-0, 9 KOs) will take on the United Kingdom’s Navid “Nav” Mansouri (19-2-2, 6 KOs) in a 12-round battle for the WBC United States (USNBC) Super Welterweight Championship.


In other intriguing match-ups, Cleveland’s own Miguel Angel “Silky Smooth” Gonzalez(24-4, 16 KOs) will fight eight lightweight rounds against Africa’s Albinius “Danny Boy Albino” Felesianu (18-2-1, 7 KOs); and in a six-round super lightweight scrap undefeated Montana “Too Pretty” Love (11-0-1, 5 KOs) will face Africa’s also undefeated Tshibangu “Bebe Rico” Kayembe (9-0-3, 3 KOs).


Tickets for “Making A Champion” are priced at $30, $40, $65 and Ringside $150 and are on sale now at wolsteincenter.com or Wolstein Center Box Office on CSU campus.


33-year-old Dewayne Beamon has won several regional championships in his four-year professional career, including the UBF World Featherweight, IBO International Super Flyweight, UBF World Super Flyweight, IBO Inter-Continental Super Flyweight and UBF World Super Flyweight Championship.


33-year-old Froilan Saludar hails from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental in The Philippines. He challenged former champ Sho Kimura for the World Boxing Organisation World Flyweight belt in July 2018 and, in his 10-year career, has previously held the WBO Asia Pacific Youth Flyweight, WBO Asia Pacific Youth Flyweight, WBO Youth Flyweight, WBO Asia Pacific Flyweight, WBO Oriental Flyweight and WBO Inter-Continental Flyweight Championships.


26-year-old Cody Crowley is an undefeated southpaw from Peterborough, Ontario. He is the current Canada Professional Boxing Council International Super Welterweight and Canada Professional Boxing Council National Super Welterweight Champion. He was last seen in February of this year, pitching a shutout in defense of his titles against former champion Stuart McClellan.


30-year-old Navid Mansouri hails from Rotherham, Yorkshire, United Kingdom, but is currently living in Los Angeles and training at the legendary Wild Card Gym. He won the BBofC English Super Welterweight Title in 2013 and successfully defended it three times.


33-year-old Miguel Angel Gonzalez is a comebacking southpaw with victories over several top contenders in his 11-year professional boxing career. The Cleveland native previously held the WBF International Super Lightweight Championship. This will be his first fight in nearly four years.


Albinius Felesianu hails from Swakopmund, Namibia. In his 12-year career, he has held the IBF Youth Featherweight, WBF Intercontinental Lightweight and IBF Continental Africa Lightweight Championships.


24-year-old Montana Love is a southpaw from Cleveland. In July of last year, he impressively fought to a draw in a fight for the vacant World Boxing Council Youth Silver Super Lightweight Title with 12-1 Kenneth Sims Jr at the WinnaVegas Casino & Resort, in Sloan, Iowa, and live on ShoBox: The New Generation. Love was also the star of a widely viewed viral video of an infamous sparring session where he allegedly dominated WBA Super World Super Featherweight Champion Gervonta Davis.


24-year-old Tshibangu Kayembe hails from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of The Congo. He is a nine-year professional and former Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) International Super Lightweight Champion.


“Working with former champ Miguel Cotto and his promotions team is a great honor,” said E Jay Mathews, CEO of Bigger Than Life Entertainment. “I am very excited to present this terrific event to the fans in Cleveland and around the world on CBS Sports and fite.tv. Each of the match-ups is of high quality. It’s going to be a great night of boxing,” Mathews added.


Ray Leonard Jr., son of six-time world champion, Sugar Ray Leonard, along with actor and television host, Chris Spencer will provide the CBS Sports commentary. World renowned clothing designer, Karl Kani will be providing outfits for the ring girls.


The Wolstein Center is located at 2000 Prospect Avenue in Cleveland. On fight night, the doors open at 7:00 pm and the action starts at 7:30 pm. Making A Champion is sponsored by B&M BBQ.


###


About Bigger Than Life Entertainment


BTLE is a full-service entertainment company specializing in Boxing Promotions, Public Relations and Artist Management. They place Sports and Entertainment celebrities at major events worldwide and offer sports tickets and packages in Las Vegas, across the U.S., and internationally.


About Miguel Cotto Promotions


MCP stems from the vision and passion of Miguel Angel Cotto Vazquez with the premise of giving the boxer what boxing gave his family. Emerging in 2005, MCP has since established a great rapport with the community with over 13 years in the industry solidifying its spot as one of the leading sporting firms in Puerto Rico. 
amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

Otha Jones III competing at Summer Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018

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Straight outta Toledo….
 
 
Oct. 6-18 in Argentina

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (October 4, 2018) – Two-time USA National Champion Otha Jones III is heading to Argentina tomorrow to make a statement at the Summer Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires, October 6-18 in Parque Polidesportivo Roca.

 

 

 

Jones is from the new home of amateur boxing champions, Toledo, Ohio, where the 18-year-old Jones is also making a difference in his community, especially after his brother was shot and killed a few weeks ago while he was riding a bike.

 

 

 

Otha first got interested in boxing after watching a YouTube boxing sensation. “I thought that was cool,” light welterweight Jones explained, “so I asked my father to take me to a gym. I soon learned that I was good at it, worked hard, and now I’m heading to the Youth Olympics.

 

 

 

“Fighters at all the gyms in Toledo help each other out. (2017 USA Nationals heavyweight champion) Jared Anderson is my best friend. The first year we trained at the same gym, but I never sparred with him (laughing), because he’s too big for me. We’re at different gyms now. Six Toledo boxers, five of my teammates, are in the USA Boxing program, including my sister, (welterweight) Oshae Jones, who is on the women’s Elite team competing right now in Spain. We all push each other to the limit.”

 

 

 

In addition to capturing gold at the last two USA National Championships, he also won top honors at the 2018 Youth Continental Championships, plus a silver medal at the 2018 Emil Jechev Memorial Tournament.

 

 

 

Self-described as an unorthodox boxer-puncher, Jones says he, “Throws punches from all angles. I can box well or sit and fight if I have to.”

 

 

 

Jones, who has a 267-11 amateur record, has already traveled and competed in Bulgaria, Hungary and Russia. He’s looking forward to experiencing Argentina, where he will live and train for two weeks in an Olympic village atmosphere.

 

 

 

“Making it this far to the Youth Olympic, so far, is the highlight of my career,” he said. “I love traveling to different countries to experience and learn about new cultures. My goal is to fight at the 2020 Olympics in Japan and win a gold medal. I need to improve my skills; punch harder and place my punches better.

 

 

 

“After the Olympics, I plan to turn pro. I want to move my family out of the ghetto and get better clothes and meals for everyone.

 

 

 

“I own the Soul City Gym with my brother and dad. A lot of kids in Toledo have nothing to do. We go on social media to tell these kids to come by the gym to get in shape. We are part of a program that feeds these kids. We feel that, the less time on the street, we can help stop the violence, like my brother being killed. We’re trying to get kids off the streets and in the gym.”

 

 

Otha Jones III (blue)

 

 

 

 

Jones also noted that he really enjoys training in Colorado Springs, not only because of the outstanding facilities and coaching, but for his peace of mind.

 

 

 

“I thought I was in top shape training in Toledo,” Jones added, “but you come here, and the air is different. After training at sea level, you get tired training here. I love it here. There are so many nice buildings and facilities, it’s like a small city, only without crime. I can be myself here.”

 

 

 

Otha Jones, III is making an impact in and out of the ring, whether he’s at home in Toledo, training in Colorado Springs, or competing around the world.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

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National Golden Gloves champion Roney Hines to make pro debut this Friday in Sloan, Iowa

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Cleveland, Ohio (July 16, 2018) – This Friday night at the WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa, 2018 National Golden Gloves champion, heavyweight Roney Hines will make his pro debut when he takes on David Becker in a four-round bout that will precede a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader.

 

 

 

Hines, 23 years-old, of Cleveland, Ohio won the National Golden Gloves in May in Omaha, Nebraska, which is just an 90 minute drive from Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

“I am ready to get this out of the way, and put my name on the map.  I want to show people what I have,” said Hines.

 

 

 

Hines, who describes himself as a boxer-puncher, has the physical attributes of the modern day heavyweight by standing almost 6-foot-7 and weighing close to 240 pounds.

 

 

 

Hines, who recently signed with GH3 Promotions explained he is with the New Jersey based promotion due to past success moving young fighters along.

 

 

 

“I am very comfortable with GH3.  With Vito Mielnicki, it’s a family type of atmosphere. I plan to fight every month if I can.  Whenever Vito says he can get me in the ring, then I will fight.  I just want to take this 1 step at a time.  I know what I bring as a fighter, and I am looking forward to showing my skills.”

 

 

 

In Becker, Hines is facing an opponent who is 1-1 with 1 knockout from St. Joseph, Missouri.

 

 

 

“I do not know anything about him.  He just needs to know who I am, and if he doesn’t, I will show him on Friday.”

 

 

 

“I am going to work hard, and take this one step at a time.  I will be a factor in the heavyweight division before too long.”

 

 

 

Hines is promoted by GH3 Promotions and is co-managed by Chances Aurelius and former NFL star Ray Edwards.  Hines is trained by Push Davis.

 

 

 

Mielnicki said, “I am looking for Roney to have around 15 fights before the end of 2019.”

 

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 UNBEATEN COLOMBIAN POWER-PUNCHER TALKS RADZHAB BUTAEV SHOWDOWN AND FIRST FIGHT IN AMERICA

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GILROY, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2017) – Unbeaten Colombian power-puncher Janer Gonzalez (19-0-1, 15 KOs) takes a major step up in competition when he faces unbeaten Russian prospect Radzhab Butaev (7-0, 6 KOs; WSOB: 9-1) this Friday, Nov. 10, at the Masonic at Templelive Cleveland in downtown Cleveland.  The scheduled eight-round welterweight bout will be telecast on the popular ShoBox: The New Generation series LIVE on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

Gonzalez, who is coached by Ruben Guerrero Sr., recently shared his training camp experience as his showdown with Butaev nears.  Gonzalez, who is making his United States and SHOWTIME debut, last fought in September of this year.

 

Here is what Gonzalez had to say ahead of Friday night’s fight.

 

On his recent training camp with Ruben Guerrero Sr.:

 

“My good friend Oscar Escandon introduced me to Mr. Guerrero about a month ago.  I came to California to start training with Ruben shortly after.  It’s been a great transition and training camp has been very productive.  I’ve been sparring every other day since I got here.  I’m in good shape and I’m ready to perform at my best this Friday.”

 

On facing undefeated Russian prospect Radzhab Butaev:

 

“I know I have a tough fight ahead of me, but I’m ready for the challenge.  Butaev had a tremendous amateur career, but so did I.  I have over 300 amateur fights under my belt and there is nothing Butaev will bring to the ring that I haven’t already seen.  We equally have a lot of power, so the fans can expect to see some big shots being thrown by both of us.  I’m going to leave everything in the ring come fight night.”

 

On making his U.S. debut and what a victory on Showtime will do for his career:

 

“Fighting on SHOWTIME is a tremendous blessing for me.  This is my first fight in America and I going to make it special.  The exposure I will get can take my career to the next level, especially if I come out victorious.  A win will garner me some big fights and some big paydays.  I’m fighting for my family and my countrymen in Colombia.  My motivation is at an all-time high and the boxing world will know my name after this fight.”

 

# # #

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. TheShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 72 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

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JANER GONZALEZ CAMP NOTES AND PHOTOS

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Photos by Brett Ostrowski – Team Gonzalez
GILROY, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2017) – Unbeaten Colombian power-puncher Janer Gonzalez (19-0-1, 15 KOs) takes a major step up in competition when he faces unbeaten Russian prospect Radzhab Butaev (7-0, 6 KOs; WSOB: 9-1) this Friday, Nov. 10, at the Masonic at Templelive Cleveland in downtown Cleveland.  The scheduled eight-round welterweight bout will be telecast on the popular ShoBox: The New Generation series LIVE on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
Gonzalez, who is coached by Ruben Guerrero Sr., recently shared his training camp experience as his showdown with Butaev nears.  Gonzalez, who is making his United States and SHOWTIME debut, last fought in September of this year.
Here is what Gonzalez had to say ahead of Friday night’s fight.
On his recent training camp with Ruben Guerrero Sr.:
“My good friend Oscar Escandon introduced me to Mr. Guerrero about a month ago.  I came to California to start training with Ruben shortly after.  It’s been a great transition and training camp has been very productive.  I’ve been sparring every other day since I got here.  I’m in good shape and I’m ready to perform at my best this Friday.”
On facing undefeated Russian prospect Radzhab Butaev:
“I know I have a tough fight ahead of me, but I’m ready for the challenge.  Butaev had a tremendous amateur career, but so did I.  I have over 300 amateur fights under my belt and there is nothing Butaev will bring to the ring that I haven’t already seen.  We equally have a lot of power, so the fans can expect to see some big shots being thrown by both of us.  I’m going to leave everything in the ring come fight night.”
On making his U.S. debut and what a victory on Showtime will do for his career:
“Fighting on SHOWTIME is a tremendous blessing for me.  This is my first fight in America and I going to make it special.  The exposure I will get can take my career to the next level, especially if I come out victorious.  A win will garner me some big fights and some big paydays.  I’m fighting for my family and my countrymen in Colombia.  My motivation is at an all-time high and the boxing world will know my name after this fight.
boxing

Introducing undefeated welterweight prospect Boubacar Sylla

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New York (July 19, 2017) –Boubacar Sylla is attempting to be the next in a long line of fighters from Cincinnati, Ohio to become world champion.

The 22 year-old Sylla, who is managed by Split-T Management, and has established himself as a prospect to watch as he has raced out to a record of 7-0 with six knockouts.

Sylla started boxing at the age of 14 as his grandfather was a boxer, and Sylla decided that’s what he wanted to pursue.

At first it was tough convincing everyone in the family that boxing should be an occupation.

“My mom at first did not want to see me get hurt,” said Sylla.   “But now, she supports me fully.”

After an amateur career that saw Sylla go 64-15, Sylla turned professional on February 13, 2016 with a 2nd round stoppage over Shannon Kelly in Chester, West Virginia.

Since then he racked up six more wins, and Sylla continues to grow as a fighter.

“I am a boxer/puncher.  I use the ring and technique.  I am working on a lot, and I feel that I am getting better with each camp.”

When Sylla goes to camp, he gets good work with local boxers Jamel Herring, Jamontay Clark, Chris Pearson and IBF Lightweight champion Robert Easter.

Sylla has championship pedigree in his corner as he is trained by Tim Singleton, Terrell Nixon and former world bantamweight champion Tim Austin.

Sylla, who has fights scheduled for August 27, and September 30th, wants to stay active and continue his development.

” I am looking for six or seven fights this year, and then see where I am at.  I trust my manager, and I will be ready for when the competition gets tougher.  I want to continue to go to these camps and get better.”

Hard work that is combined with dedication and a positive outlook has Sylla very optimistic about his future.

“I stay to myself, and I am not into large crowds or going out to clubs and such.  I just stay positive and have positive people like my family around me.  I see myself as being undefeated and being around a positive environment, and continue to work in the gym.  I am outgoing and always in a good mood, and with that outlook, I feel that I will go far in the sport.”

“Sylla is developing nicely as a second year pro. He’s showing a lot of speed and power in all of his fights. He is a good body puncher, who has excellent size at over 6-foot and his most impressive weapon is a long, blistering, fast jab,” said Tim VanNewhouse of Split-T Management.
“He’s a good and humble kid to work with, and we’re glad to have him apart of the growing Split-T family of fighters. We see good things on the horizon for him.”
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Top Bantamweight Antonio Nieves Scorches Hungary’s Szilveszter Ajtai and Sets Sights on Showdown with WBA Champ Warren

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Last Saturday (November 26), Cleveland, Ohio-based bantamweight Antonio “Carita” Nieves stayed busy and kept himself in line for a cross-state showdown with Cincinnati-based WBA Bantamweight Champion Rau’shee Warren by stopping Hungary’s Szilveszter Ajtai with a single body shot.
Fighting at the Firebird Athletic Center in Bedford, Ohio, WBO #5-rated Nieves (17-0-2, 9 KOs) planted a single left hook to the Hungarian’s body at :46 seconds of round two to earn his 17th professional victory. Watch the video of the knockout HERE.
The impressive victory keeps alive Nieves’ dream of facing cross-state rival Warren in an all-Ohio bantamweight championship fight.
“The goal has always been to become a world champion,” said Nieves, post-fight. “I’d love to fight for the WBO championship and bring that belt back to the United States. The dream fight would be a unification fight with Rau’shee Warren. I would love an all American, all Ohio match up with a great fighter like Rau’shee. We fought once in the amateurs back in 2011 when I had about four hours’ notice. He won that fight by decision in Cincinnati. While we have always respected him, the next time we meet, there will be a different result and a different winner.”
Nieves’ promoter, Dmitry Salita of Salita Promotions, says he’s happy with his fighter’s performance.

“Antonio did what he’s supposed to do as one of the world’s best 118-lb fighters,” said Salita. “That body shot he landed was one that few fighters could withstand. He’s in perfect shape and ready for his world title shot, which we are working to secure for him in the near future. I’m not sure I want Rau’shee Warren’s people to watch the video though. They may  not give us the fight we really want.”