Tag Archives: WBO

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WBO Kids Drug Free program visits the Sor Isolina Ferré Center in Ponce

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PONCE, Puerto Rico – In an emotional and busy Christmas activity, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and its president Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, accompanied by former world champions, prospects, WBO World Jr. Flyweight Champion Ángel Acosta, regional champions, and other figures of the sport were delivering gifts to children at the Sor Isolina Ferré Center in Ponce, as part of the successful world ‘WBO Kids Drug Free’ program.

An emotional Sister Mildred Vázquez, Spiritual Director of the centers of Puerto Rico, said: “The WBO and Paco Valcárcel have been committed to us for around 20 years.There are many gifts that will be distributed to the other centers that we have in Puerto Rico. Since day one, which was a long time ago, I remember that Paco told us that the WBO was never going to forget us. His deed is very important for all of us. We will never forget the great help you gave us then Hurricane María hit us hard; we are very grateful”.

“Respect for the school, respect for the church, respect for their fathers and mothers, respect for the elderly and respect for their peers. Respect is the most important priority in life said our Savior”, Valcárcel expressed to the large number of children present. “Sister Sor Isolina always knew how to multiply the fish and bread. She was sent from God. They can count on us every year, the commitment will continue, and we love them very much”.

The world champion Ángel “Tito” Acosta said: “Many children left happy with their gifts and bicycles. I always tell the youth that they have to get away from the streets to concentrate on their studies”.

Participating in the activity were Acosta, former professional basketball player Javier “Toñito” Colón, WBO Latino Featherweight Champion Luis”Popeye” Lebrón, WBO Interim Latino Heavyweight Champion Víctor Bisbal, the former world champions Samuel Serrano, Alex “El Nene” Sánchez and Ángel “Cholo” Espada, along with boxers Alfredo “El Salsero” Cruz, Jean M. Rivera, Edwin “Chin” Valentín, and amateur boxer Bryan Rodríguez.

Also in the event were boxing managers Margaro Cruz, coaches Jesús “Tongui” Ortiz, Ángel Vargas, Yoel “Yowy” González, and Félix Pagán Pintor, referees José Hiram Rivera and Ramón Peña; professional boxing judge César Ramos. For the WBO, other than Valcárcel, legal advisor Gustavo Olivieri, WBO Treasurer Adolfo Flores, and WBO Chairman Ratings Committee Edgardo López Sasso were also present.

WBO Kids Drug Free is an international program aimed at children and young people in order to carry a message of prevention to the use of drugs and to motivate them to continue studying, using sports as a tool to stay on good steps, as well supporting causes aimed at those in need in order to contribute to a better quality of life.

About the Sor Isolina Ferré Center:

CSIF has contributed to the well-being, security and socioeconomic development of Puerto Rico since its foundation 49 years ago at the Ponce Beach by Sister Isolina Ferré, MSBT. Its corrective programs and prevention, human development and community development provide solutions to address problems such as school dropout, violence, and unemployment and the economic crisis. The different programs and services are offered in 24 towns of the Island, including regions of Ponce, Guayama, San Juan, and Canóvanas, among others.

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Salamov Defends Championships with Unanimous Decision over Ghana’s Anim in Sochi, Russia

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On Saturday, December 1, at the Galaktika Culture Centre in Sochi, Russia, Umar Salamov will defend his Eurasian Boxing Parliament and WBO International Light Heavyweight Championships when he faces once-beaten Emmanuel “Horse Power” Anim in an explosive 10-round showdown.

 

 

 

Salamov (22-1, 17 KOs), from Alkhan-Kala, Russia, is currently ranked WBC #10, WBA #13, IBF #7 and WBO #10 in the world. Anim (13-1-1, 11 KOs), from Accra, Ghana, is a former Ghanaian Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion. The fight will also be televised live in Russia on Match TV.

 

 

 

“I take every fight seriously,” said Salamov. “My preparations have been excellent for this match. I scored a KO in all my wins this year and I’ll do it again on December 1.”

 

 

 

Salamov caught the boxing public’s eye in North America last June with a brutal one-punch knockout over respectable prospect Brian Howard. With top-10 rankings by every major sanctioning body, it’s a matter of time for the 24-year-old slugger.

 

 

 

“The light heavyweight division is one of the most talent-packed in boxing,” said Salamov’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “Umar is one of the best in the world and with an impressive victory on December 1, he will be one step closer to reaching his goal of becoming a world champion.”

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VACANT WBC 154 POUND SILVER BELT CHAMPIONSHIP MAKES PERFECT SENSE FOR A LIAM SMITH-ROBERTO GARCIA MATCH-UP

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Deerfield Beach, FL (October 31, 2018)—Roberto Garcia wants to reclaim his WBC Silver Belt Championship and what better way than to match him up with England’s Liam Smith for the vacant title.

Garcia (41-4, 24 KOs), who has been in training since losing his Silver belt to Martin Murray in a 12-round unanimous decision on June 23, is ready to take on the durable Smith (26-2-1, 14 KOs) for the belt.

“I saw Smith’s fight against Jaime Munguia for the WBO Super Welterweight title on television,” said Garcia. “It was an all-out war and I feel that the two of us can bring the same type of fight and intensity into the ring for the title. I’m ready to go.”

Smith went the distance in Las Vegas with Munguia and lost his interim WBO Super Welterweight title, which he had won in beating Liam Williams on April 8, 2017 and defended in a rematch with Williams on Nov. 11, 2017 in winning a majority decision.

“Garcia is ready to make the fight with Liam Smith and so is his promoter, Don King,” said manager Lee Holliday. “Both of these fighters are true warriors, so let’s get it on for the title.”

All it takes is a phone call from promoter Frank Warren to Don King and the fight will be on.

 

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Chance of a lifetime for heavyweight prospect Alexander “The Great” Flores

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Hits road to face former world champion
Joseph Parker
Dec. 15 in New Zealand

LAS VEGAS (November 20, 2018) – Former World Boxing Organization (WBO Youth World Heavyweight Champion Alexander “The Great” Flores, promoted by Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing (RJJ), has an opportunity of a lifetime December 15, when the gifted 28-year-old Mexican-American travels halfway around the world to take on former world heavyweight titlist Joseph Parker in New Zealand.

Fighting out of Rowland Heights, California, the heavy-handed Flores (17-1-1, 15 KOs) is confident as he trains at home to face Parker in his backyard.

“There is no way this fight goes 10 rounds,” Flores said. “I’m going to knock him out. A lot of people might not have heard of Alexander ‘The Great’ Flores yet, but they’ll all know who I am after December 15th.”

Flores’ lone loss as a professional came 3 ½ years ago against former world champion Charles Martin for the North American Boxing Association (NABF) crown. Flores, who took the fight with only two weeks’ notice, was stopped in the fourth round.

“Alexander can dramatically change his life by defeating Parker and we’re confident he can go to New Zealand and pull off an upset,” said Keith Veltre, co-promoter of Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing. “Alexander has power in both hands and he will certainly test Parker’s chin. Flores isn’t going over there just for a paycheck, he’s going to send shockwaves throughout the boxing world.”

An impressive victory against Parker, who has lost his last two fights against unified world champion Anthony Joshua and Dillian White, should propel Flores high in the competitive heavyweight division.

“I’m really glad that Alex is coming to New Zealand full of confidence,” remarked Parker, who is training in Las Vegas. “For me, boxing is all about the challenge, and this is another big one. I know what is at stake. I need to win and win well. I need to knock him out and I will knock him out, but I can’t focus on that. I need to focus on getting better each and every time I get in the ring.”

Parker has never been knocked out as a pro and he’ll be fighting at home for the first time in 1 ½ years.

“After a five-year undefeated run that took Joe all the way to the WBO World title, we now find ourselves in very unusual territory, coming off back-to-back loses,” Parker’s head trainer Kevin Barry noted. “Joe has never been in this position before and needs a top performance. Joe finds himself under huge pressure to not only win this fight, but to win big and get his career back on track.

“These guys (Parker and Flores) are the same height (6’ 4”) and both pack a serious punch, so it stacks up as a great contest. This is a dangerous fight, one that Joseph Parker is fighting for his career.”

Parker, however, may be looking past Flores, according to his recent statements in the media. First, Parker called out Tony Bellew, who just lost to undisputed, undefeated world cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, and then the big New Zealander said he’d like to fight the winner of Whyte-Derek Chisora II.

Meanwhile, Flores is training like Rocky to make a major statement, one that promises to surprise a lot of boxing fans.

INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @alexflores919
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, alexander_thegreat_flores

 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RJJBoxing

About Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions:

Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: super bantamweight Joseph Agbeko, super flyweight Aston Francis Palicite, super welterweights John Vera and Daniel Rosario Cruz, super featherweight Randy Moreno, bantamweights Max Ornelas and Tony Lopez, cruiserweight Adrain Taylor and middleweight Shady Gamhour, featherweight Edward Vazquez, super lightweight Kendo Castaneda and heavyweight Alexander Flores.

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Isiah Seldon ready for undefeated middleweight Tyler Howard on November 16th in Oklahoma City

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Atlantic City, NJ (November 1, 2018) – Middleweight Isiah Seldon is getting ready for his biggest fight of his career when he takes on undefeated Tyler Howard in a bout scheduled for eight-round on November 16th at The Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.

 

 

 

The bout, which is promoted by Top Rank, will be streamed live on ESPN+.

 

 

 

The main event will see WBO Junior Welterweight champion Maurice Hooker defending against Alex Saucedo.

 

 

 

Seldon (12-1-1, 4 KOs) has been training in Atlantic City under the watchful eye of Bill Johnson.

 

 

 

“I am looking forward to this great opportunity,” said Seldon.  “I have been longing for an opportunity to take on a fighter such as Howard as a win will take my career to the next level.”

 

 

 

Team Seldon, has been working diligently with longtime manager Jim Kurtz very excited about the opportunity that Seldon has in front of him.

 

 

 

“It doesn’t get any bigger than fighting on a Top Rank show with an explosive main event between Hooker and Saucedo. The staff at Top Rank has been top notch.  I am really excited for Isiah to get this opportunity to display his talents on a big stage.  Myself and co-manager Joe Thompson are convinced Isiah is ready to shine on November 16th and it can’t get here fast enough,” said Kurtz, who has managed Seldon from day one.

 

 

 

Kurtz also managed Seldon’s father, WBA Heavyweight champion, Bruce Seldon.

 

 

 

“Isiah has reunited with his original trainer Bill Johnson and they haven’t skipped a beat.  This is the first time Isiah has had a full fledged training camp.  We haven’t left any stone unturned in preparation for this fight.  Isiah’s conditioning is at a point that I have never seen with him before.  He is getting great sparring and his improvement working with Bill in preparation for this fight has been incredible.  He is ready to show the world a new and improved Isiah Seldon.  He has a large legacy to follow being the son of former WBA Heavyweight Champion Bruce Seldon but Isiah is determined to make his own mark on the sport of boxing.”

 

 

 

“He has always had power in both hands, scoring knockdown in almost every fight, but now he is learning to remain calm and finish guys instead of getting overly excited and letting them off the hook.  He is punching harder than ever before, putting his punches together and his boxing ability has reached a level where he can control the pace of the fight.  We have taken it slow with Isiah considering he didn’t have any amateur fights but we are now at the point where he is ready to make his mark on the Middleweight division.”

 

 

 

“We know Tyler Howard is a good undefeated fighter.  He had a good amateur career, comes from a family with a boxing background, and has a solid management team who have done a great job with him. On November 16th we expect a tough fight with some fireworks but we are confident Isiah will emerge victorious and this will lead us to bigger and better opportunities.”

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WBO ON SAUNDERS-ANDRADE

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World Boxing Organization (WBO) President Francisco Valcárcel Mulero commented today on Billy Joe Saunders inability to defend his World Middleweight Championship, as per contractually agreed, against Demetrius Andrade on October 20th.

 

This after the Massachusetts State Athletic Commission voted today against granting him a boxing license following a failed doping test on August 30th.

 

“It is unfortunate that a boxer as talented as Saunders is facing this controversy and will not be able to defend the title,” said Valcarcel today. “The WBO will examine the situation with due diligence and proceed according to its ‘Rules & Regulations’ decide which is the proper course of action”.

 

Valcárcel, a practizing attorney, added that if Andrade fights the first available contender, the WBO Championship Committee will consider sanctioning the bout.

 

OCTOBER 11th Update:

 

WBO Statement on Billy Joe Saunders

 

WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, Esq reacted on Billy Joe Saunders’ public comments regarding his world title status:

 

“B.J. Saunders has voluntarily vacated the WBO Middleweight Title, and publicly apologized for his violation of the Massachusetts Athletic Commission’s anti-doping regulations”.

 

“Therefore, the clash between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondonkwa scheduled for October 20th will now be for the vacant World Crown”.

 

“Also, I will recommend to the WBO Executive Committee that Saunders receives a six month suspension for his transgression”.

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Russia’s Umar Salamov to Face Germany’s Denis Liebau in Explosive Light Heavyweight Clash on September 5 in Grozny

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On Wednesday, September 5, fearless Russian light heavyweight contender Umar Salamov (21-1, 16 KOs) will risk his IBF #11 and WBO #15 rankings when he takes on treacherous KO puncher Denis Liebau (23-2, 21 KOs) of Frankfurt Germany, for the WBO International Light Heavyweight Championship.

 

 

 

The explosive 10-round showdown will be held in the Amphitheater at the five-star Grozny City Hotel in Salamov’s hometown of Grozny, Russia, and televised live in Russia on Match TV.

 

 

 

Eager for a shot at the world championship, Salamov has lately been honing his craft at the world-famous Kronk Gym in Detroit, while issuing public challenges to dangerous world champions Eleider Alvarez (WBO) and Dmitry Bivol (WBA). He was last seen in the ring in June, winning the IBF North American Championship by scoring an impressive ninth-round knockout over Brian Howard, live on Showtime.

 

 

 

“I love training in Detroit,” said Salamov. “I am excited to be back in the ring fighting for the prestigious WBO International belt. I’ve already held this title and I feel it belongs to me. I am the best light heavyweight in the world and look forward to proving that point in an impressive way on September 5, in front of my hometown fans.

 

 

 

Already known for going right at every hard-punching opponent he faces, Salamov says he’s going to be even more relentless against Liebau.

 

 

 

“I will be looking for another knockout,” he said. “Working with Head Trainer Javan “Sugar” Hill Stewart and my co-trainer Rick Philips has taught me so many new things. I am in incredible shape and I feel like it is impossible to beat me right now.”

 

 

 

“Umar’s world-class experience, skills and now a world class training regimen make him one of the best light heavyweights in the world,” said Salamov’s co-promoter, Dmitriy Salita (along with Kazbek Aslambekov of KA-Promotions). “Umar is facing a real experienced challenger in Denis Liebau, but I know he is poised for an impressive victory. He wants to make a statement and put the names in the division on notice. I know that he will put his skill set on display and will be impressive September 5.”

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AMANDA SERRANO TO FIGHT FOR WORLD TITLE IN A RECORD SIXTH WEIGHT DIVISION SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

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Live Streaming Undercard Coverage From Barclays Center
On SHOWTIME Sports Social Media Platforms Precedes
Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter Welterweight World Championship

NEW YORK – August 9, 2018 – Amanda Serrano will fight for a world title in a sixth weight division on Saturday, September 8 at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. Brooklyn’s Serrano will face Yamila Esther Reynoso for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight World Championship. If successful, Serrano will set a women’s boxing record as a six-division world champion, joining Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya as the only boxers, male or female, to reach the mark.

SHOWTIME Sports will live-stream Serrano vs. Reynoso as part of undercard coverage on the network’s social media platforms. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN begins live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The live stream precedes a three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, SHOWTIME) headlined by Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter for the welterweight world championship.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN, the network’s seventh social media offering of live boxing in 2018, is available to all domestic users with internet access. The livestream is hosted by Ray Flores with Chris Mannix serving as analyst.

Serrano (34-1-1, 26 KOs), who is already the only woman to win titles in five weight classes, is looking to best her personal record. Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico and representing her hometown of Brooklyn, Serrano has won titles from 118 to 135 pounds, earning her the No. 2 ranking on the BWAA’s inaugural women’s pound-for-pound list. The 29-year-old is also the only Puerto Rican – male or female – to capture world titles in five different weight classes and will look to build on that record against Reynoso. She fights for the fifth time in her career at Barclays Center on September 8 with a chance to once again make history again in front of the passionate fan base of Puerto Rican boxing fans in New York.

“I’m super excited to be fighting for a world title in my sixth weight class,” said Serrano. “My opponent is really a welterweight, having defended her Argentinean 147-pound title by knockout in her last fight, and is dropping down one division to face me. I am coming up four divisions for this shot. I’m sure Reynoso will rehydrate back up to her natural weight after the weigh-in, but this is a risk worth taking. She’s never been stopped either, so I know she’s durable. This is a tremendous card to be a part of with Garcia vs. Porter as the main event. My promoter, Lou DiBella, has big things lined up for me, and I am eager to take on all challenges.”

Reynoso (11-4-3, 8 KOs), of Buenos Aires, Argentina, has challenged for world titles at 140 pounds and 154 pounds. The 22-year-old has most recently campaigned at welterweight, where she held the Argentina 147-pound title, and will be moving back down in weight for her third shot at a world title. Reynoso, who will make her U.S. debut on September 8, has recorded all eight of her knockouts inside of five rounds.

“I’m very happy to be training for such a great opportunity for this WBO world title against a terrific champion in Amanda Serrano,” said Reynoso. “I am coming ready to give Serrano a real fight, and I look forward to capturing the title belt.”

“Amanda Serrano is one of the best pound-for-pound female boxers and one of the best boxers in the world, period,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “She is also now a two-sport athlete, embarking on her MMA career earlier this year. In the boxing ring, Serrano is a record-breaker, becoming the only female boxer to win world titles in five weight classes, and on September 8, she will attempt to break her own record, vying for a sixth division championship. I’m thrilled that the world will get to see Serrano make history once again with the bout being a part of the SHOWTIME live stream online.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with DSG Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP

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Confident Lenin Castillo About Taking on Marcus Browne and His Undefeated Record

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photo by Esdel Palermo

 

After winning the WBO NABO Light Heavyweight title in the month of April, former Olympian Lenin Castillo, from the Dominican Republic, will travel to New York, for the fight that will place him at the door of a world title fight.

 

 

 

This Saturday, August 4, WBO ranked 14th Castillo (18-1-1, 13 KOs) will battle 2ndranked Marcus Browne (21-0, 16 KOs), from New York, in a 10-round scheduled bout from NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

 

 

 

Castillo-Browne is a special edition bout of PBC that will air live on FS2 & FOX Deportes at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

“I’ve been following Browne’s career for some time. Facing him was something I was waiting for, and now it’s better because he is number two in the WBO. We were both Olympians, so I know that we will give a great fight to keep the fans talking about our division”, said Castillo, who is stationed in Puerto Rico, under the supervision of veteran trainer Freddy Trinidad, and Yoel ‘Yowy’ González at the Caimito Municipal Gym, located in the capital city of San Juan.

 

 

 

“I feel satisfied with the training in Caimito, I’ve learned from the knowledge of Trinidad and Yowy. On the track, the person in charge is Mr. Bonet, who has worked with great boxers. I hope that all my work will pay off in the fight, and that my performance is to everyone’s liking. This victory is for the Dominican Republic, where we continue to grow in the boxing world”.

 

 

 

Castillo’s manager, Raul Pastrana of Spartan Boxing Club, said: “This fight will define Lenin’s course in the grand stages of boxing. A world title fight is upcoming with a great performance against Browne. We understand that Browne has not faced a quality fighter such as Lenin. Lenin will show that he has the tools and the desire to reach the top. In addition, he is willing to face any opponent, at any place”.

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Antonio Nieves back in action against Christian Esquivel on Saturday night in Columbus, Ohio

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 Antonio Nieves back in action against Christian Esquivel in Columbus, Ohio

 

Nieves (17-2-2, 9 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio will be making his 1st appearance since dropping his last bout to WBO Super Flyweight champion Naoya Inoue on September 9, 2017 in a bout that was broadcast live on HBO.

 

 

 

In Esquivel, Nieves is taking on an a veteran opponent who sports a record of 30-14-1 with 23 knockouts.

 

 

 

This will be a good test for Nieves, as Esquivel is a tough veteran who has fought countless world champions and undefeated fighters.

 

 

 

“I am 110% ready for this fight on Saturday. I am excited to get back in the ring and make my way back to the top. I fought one of the most feared Super Flyweights in the world.  It my first trip to the weight class, and I didn’t get the victory. But being there only made me more hungry, and I’m coming back with a vengeance,” said Nieves.