Lossis Archives: women’s boxing

Reminder: 3-Time World Champion Miyo Yoshida is tired of playing boxing’s dreaded waiting game

NEW YORK CITY (Lub Xya hli ntuj 15, 2025)  Three-time, two-division World ChampionMiyo Yoshida (18-5) is tired of waiting for her mandated International Boxing Federation (IBF) Bantamweight world title shot as its No. 1-rated mandatory challenger.

Yoshida won the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Flyweight title in 2019 thiab 2021. On December 9, 2022, she fought in San Francisco as a late replacement on only two weeksnotice, impressively defeating IBF Bantamweight World titleholderEbanie Bridges (9-1) by unanimous decision over 10 muab suav (99-91, 99-91, 97-93).

Last October, Yoshida lost her IBF title in a controversial 10-round decision toShurretta Metcalf (14-5-1, 2 KOs). Last Friday night, Metcalf lost the IBF belt toCherneka Johnson (18-2, 7 KOs), the WBA Bantamweight World Champion, on theKatie Taylor-Amanda Serrano III undercard at Madison Square Garden. With the win, Johnson also scooped up the vacated World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) world titles.

When Metcalf defeated Yoshida, it was with highly questionable tallies of 99-91, 97-93, thiab 96-94. Her manager, Attorney Keith Sullivan, appealed the result to the IBF, arguing that Yoshida’s accurate jabs and higher punch connection rate should have earned her the win. Sullivan’s appeal was strongly supported by COMPUBOX statistics: Yoshida out-landed Metcalf in eight of the 10 rounds by a margin of 96 mus 64 in total connects, including a 49-17 edge in jabs and 30 mus 16 in punches landed to the body. Yoshida’s defensive skills were also on display, with Metcalf landing just nine percent of her overall punches thrown.

The IBF ruled in January that Yoshida was its No. 1 mandatory challenger, requiring the titleholder to defend against Miyo by this October.

Yoshida’s promoterLou DiBella, got her back into the win column against a tough opponent on February 1, when she defeatedBeata Dudek via 10-round unanimous decision (99-91, 97-93, 96-94).

“Miyo is a three-time world champ and a trailblazing symbol for Japanese women as an athlete and single mom. I applaud the IBF for recognizing that Yoshida deserves the opportunity to regain her belt. We will continue to push for Miyo to get her title shot as soon as possible, and I am confident that we can work out a deal with MVP. They are in the business of making the best fights in women’s boxing. Undisputed Champ Cherneka Johnson vs. Miyo is a terrific match,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

“Lou has done a great job keeping Miyo active and creating great opportunities for her. The time is here for Miyo’s title match to finally get scheduled. Fortunately, Jake and Nakisa are helping to change the landscape for women in boxing under their MVP banner,” stated Miyo’s manager, Keith Sullivan. “Congratulations to Cherneka, who fought a great fight and made history. The styles of Miyo and Johnson will make for an exciting, fan-friendly fight. We have two promoters who firmly support women’s boxing, so I am confident we will get that title fight scheduled as soon as possible,” concluded Sullivan.

From ringside Friday night, Miyo said, “Johnson had the perfect fight plan. I respect her, but we’ll have a more intense fistfight. So, let’s finally get my mandatory title fight scheduled. We’ll see in the ring who deserves to raise the belt as the IBF bantamweight champion.”

Miyo Yoshida, known as theFighting Single Motherin Japan, is a respected role model and was the recipient ofNtiv nplhaib Magazine‘s “Most Inspirational Female Fighter” award in 2023. She is among just 23 female world champions from Japan and only the sixth to hold world titles in multiple weight classes.

Sullivan, a former New York State Athletic Commission Deputy Commissioner, also manages undefeated Brooklyn heavyweightPryce Taylor (8-0, 6 KOs) and Bronx NYPD officerNisa Rodriguez (3-1, 1 KO). Sullivan co-manages IBF Welterweight World title challengerPaddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-1, 11 KOs) and his cousin, pro-debuting middleweightJim Donovan, alongside coach and ex-world championAndy Lee.

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Salita Promotions Announced Two Supporting Bouts to Shields, Lub Xya hli ntuj 26 Event at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit

Undefeated Rising Star Samantha Worthington to Square Off Against Victoire Piteau for the WBA Jr. Welterweight Women’s Interim World Title

Reigning WBC International Titlist Caroline Veyre to Face Licia Boudersa for the WBC Women’s Silver Featherweight Championship and World Title Eliminator

Shields to Defend Her Undisputed Crown Against Reigning Light Heavyweight World Champ Lani Daniels in Main Event, Hnub vas xaum, Lub Xya hli ntuj 26 at Detroit’s Premier Sports Arena

Live on DAZN

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DETROIT(Tej zaum 23, 2025) Salita Promotionstoday announced two high-level supporting bouts forClaressa Shields’ Undisputed Heavyweight World Championshipevent taking place onHnub vas xaum, Lub Xya hli ntuj 26 tomLittle Caesars Arenain Detroit, airing live on DAZN, the global home of boxing. UndefeatedSamantha Worthingtonand France’sCaroline Veyre, both rising world title contenders have been added to the card in separate and significant bouts.

The GWOATClaressa Shields (16-0, 3 KOs), will return home when she puts her undefeated record and Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship on the line in the main event against the reigning IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion from New ZealandLani Daniels (11-2-2, 1 KO).

Worthington (11-0, 7 KOs), who is co-promoted by Shields’T-Rex Promotionsand Salita Promotions, looks to take one step closer to achieving her world title dream when she collides with France’sVictoire Piteau (14-2, 2 KOs) for theWBA Jr. Welterweight Women’s Interim World Title. An undeniable rising star under the Salita Promotions banner, Kentucky’s Worthington has passed every test in the ring impressively. Stringing together three statement victories in the past year, Worthington has earned the interim title opportunity in a division that features superstarsKatie TaylorthiabAmanda Serrano.

Opposite Worthington, Piteau competes for a spot atop the star-studded 140-pound division. On the strength of five straight victories, Piteau will fight for the first time in the U.S. in a pivotal matchup against Worthington on July 26. The winner of this bout will be in line to face the winner of Taylor vs. Serrano III taking place earlier that month.

“I believe with all my heart that Jesus created me for this very moment,” said Worthington. “Stepping into the ring to fight for the WBA Interim World Championship isn’t just a career milestone—it’s part of my purpose and an opportunity I am extremely grateful for. I feel so confident that I’m more than ready to make a statement at this level, and that statement will be made in the ring July 26, at Little Caesar’s Arena. The super lightweight division isn’t ready for ‘The Heat’ and I’m about to show exactly why I belong at the top.”

“My ambition is to conquer the most prestigious fights and win the most iconic titles in the world of boxing,” said Piteau. “To get there, I will give everything—my strength, my courage, and my unwavering determination. I can’t wait to fight in the United States against Samantha Worthington. From now on, I continue writing my story in the United States, ready to win with heart, fierce determination, and the utmost respect for this sport.”

“Samantha Worthington is one of the most exciting junior welterweights in the world today,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “With a decorated amateur pedigree, an undefeated professional record, and the backing of co-promoter Claressa Shields, she represents the next wave of American boxing talent. From rising through the ranks of USA Boxing to now competing for her first title on one of the year’s biggest stages—Samantha is on a fast track to greatness. It’s only a matter of time before she follows in Claressa’s footsteps and becomes an undisputed world champion.”

The reigning WBC International Women’s Featherweight championCaroline Veyre (9-1), who fights out of Montreal, steps into the ring for the second time this year when she faces France’sLicia Boudersa (23-3-2, 4 KOs) in a WBC Women’s Featherweight World Title Eliminator. Signing with Salita Promotions in 2024, Veyre has proven to be one of the most dangerous contenders in the featherweight division. On the heels of two dominant unanimous decision victories in back-to-back fights, Veyre prepares to take the next step towards WBC gold against the battle-tested Boudersa. Tus 32 year old makes her promotional debut for Salita following a closely contested loss to Beatriz Ferreira for the IBF Lightweight World Title last year. Boasting championship experience, Boudersa stands as a stiff test for the surging Veyre.

“Caroline Veyre is, without question, one of the most technically brilliant boxers in women’s boxing today,” said Salita. “Her smooth, textbook style and exceptional ring IQ make watching her a true showcase of the sport at its highest level. I have no doubt she’s on the path to becoming a world champion and a fixture on the pound-for-pound list.”

Tickets for the event at Little Caesars Arena are on sale now and can be purchased online at313Presents.com thiabTicketmaster.com or in person at The XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena.

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ABOUTSALITAPROMOTIONS

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, Ntsia hlau loj 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.

SALITA PROMOTIONS PRESENTS: UNDISPUTED HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. LANI DANIELS SATURDAY, JULY 26 * LITTLE CAESARS ARENA

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

TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, MAY 9 tom 10 am ET

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DETROIT(Tej zaum 8, 2025)– The GWOATClaressa Shields (16-0, 3 KOs), will return home onHnub vas xaum, Lub Xya hli ntuj 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 ZealandLani Daniels (11-2-2, 1 KO). Shields vs. Daniels will air live on the global home of boxing, DAZN.

Shields, 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. With the win, 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 opponent, 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 witnessherstoryon July 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. Today, 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, Tej zaum 9 and can be purchased online at313Presents.com thiabTicketmaster.com or 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,” saidDmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Now, she stands atop the mountain, defending the undisputed women’s heavyweight world title for the first time. Over a century agoJack Johnsontraveled to Australia to become the first African American heavyweight champion of the world. On July 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, includingThomas “Hitman” HearnsFloyd Mayweather Jr. thiabJames “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 ShieldsArdreal Holmes Jr.,and rising Michigan starsJoshua James PaganthiabJoseph 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, Ntsia hlau loj 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. 

SALITA PROMOTIONS ADDS TWO MORE ELITE WORLD CHAMPIONS TO STAR-STUDDED ROSTER

Reigning IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Lani Daniels and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Che Kenneally Join Reigning, Undisputed World Champion Claressa Shields and Super Middleweight Champ Franchón Crews-Dezurn as Leading Ladies of Salita Promotions
DETROIT (Tim 24, 2025) – Salita Promotions today announced the signing of reigning IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Lani Daniels (11-2-2, 1 KO) and WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Che Kenneally (5-0, 2 KOs) as the latest additions to an elite group of female boxers on the roster. Joining the most decorated female fighter of all time, and one of the most decorated male or female fighters in history, Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion Claressa Shields, and newly signed Unified Super Middleweight World Champion Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Salita Promotions continues to build the strongest women’s roster in boxing.

“We are deeply committed to advancing equality in boxing by creating real opportunities for women to compete, succeed, and inspire on the world stage,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Signing elite champions like Lani Daniels and Che Kenneally reflects our belief that women’s boxing deserves the same investment, visibility, and respect as the men’s game. We are proud to support their journey and help shape a future where talent and determination define success.”

Coined “The Smiling Assassin,” Daniels began her professional boxing career in 2017. Securing the ANBF Australasian Heavyweight title in 2023, Daniels earned a world title opportunity against Alrie Meleisea that same year for the IBF Heavyweight World title and won. After defending the belt once against South Africa’s Razel Mohammed, Daniels challenged for the IBF Light Heavyweight title against Desley Robinson. Winning the title bout via majority decision, Daniels made history by becoming the first New Zealand born fighter to win two world titles, as well as win two world titles in different weight divisions. Currently 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. Championing the importance of mental health, Daniels has become an inspiration for her home country as she continues to set records.

Following a masterclass performance in front of her hometown of the Gold Coast to win the vacant WBA Light Heavyweight title, the 6’0” tall Kenneally, 30, continues to shine and now joins Salita Promotions’ impressive slate of women’s champions. Making her professional debut in 2023, Kenneally trains out of Fiteklub Gold Coast alongside world-rated fighters including Demsey Mckean, Troy Pilcher, Brumo Tarimo and Alexander Devyatov. Salita Promotions and Fidel Tukel’s FK Events Australia will co-promote Che Kenneally’s bouts.

Boasting a roster that additionally includes undefeated world #1-ranked super lightweight Samantha Worthington, world #2-ranked featherweight Caroline Veyre, thiab #1 super bantamweight prospect and first woman to represent Puerto Rico in the Olympics Ashleyann Lozada, Daniels and Kenneally join Salita Promotions at a time when Promoter Dmitriy Salita increases his investment in women’s boxing.

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, Ntsia hlau loj 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.

3-Time, 2-Division World Champion Miyo Yoshida fighting for her boxing legacy at home in Japan

Yoshida to defend her IBF Bantamweight World title Oct. 23 vs. Shurretta Metcalf on ProBoxTV live from The Theater at Madison Square Garden
NEW YORK CITY (October 14, 2024) – Three-time, two-division World Champion Miyo Yoshida (17-4, 0 KOs) will out her developing boxing legacy in Japan on the line October 23lawm, when she makes the first defense of her International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight crown against No. 1 contender Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (13-4-1, 2 KOs), at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Yoshida vs. Metcalf will headline the “Heroes on the Hudson 2” card, presented by DiBella Entertainment and broadcast live on ProBoxTV, in the 10-round (2-minutes each) main event to celebrate and support heroic veterans of the United States Armed Forces in advance of Veterans Day in the latest addition of the popular Broadway Boxing Series.

One of only 23 female world champions from Japan, The 35-year-old Yoshida is only the sixth from her country to capture world titles in two or more divisions. She captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Flyweight crown twice in 2019 thiab 2021.

Japan is a powerbase in men’s professional boxing with contemporary superstars such as Undisputed Junior Featherweight World Champion Naoya “The Monster” Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) and World Boxing Council (WBC) Bantamweight World Champion Junto Nakatani (29-0, 22 KOs). However, in women’s boxing today, Yoshida is arguably the best from Japan, as well as one of the greatest female prizefighters of all-time from the Land of the Rising Son, behind only retired Japanese fighters Naoko Fujioka (19-3-1, 7 KOs), Japan’s only five-weight class female world champion, and possibly Emiko Raika (24-8-1, 10 KOs).

A single mother of daughter Mina, Miyo is known as the “Fighting Single Mother” in Japan, where she is a revered role model. Yoshida received the 2023 Most Inspirational Female Fighter award from The Ring magazine.

“I hope to further shape the way that was created by our predecessors into a better one for the next generation,” Yoshida said.

To cement her legacy, Yoshida must first get past Metcalf in their rematch, avenging Miyo’s loss by way of 10-round decision a year ago, and advance in the Great 8 Tournament to determine the undisputed women’s bantamweight world champion. Fortunately, all of the world bantamweight champions – WBC/WBO & The Ring Champion Dina Thorslund (22-0, 9 KOs) of Denmark, IBF Ellie Scotney (9-0, 0 KOs) from the United Kingdom, and the Yoshida vs. Metcalf winner (their fight technically launches the tournament) – will compete in the Great 8 along with some of the leading contenders such as Cherneka Johnson (16-2, 6 KOs), Yulihan “La Cobritas” Luna Avila (27-4-1, 4 KOs), and Segolene “Majestic” Lefebure (18-1, 1 KO).

“Right now,” Yoshida noted, “I’m only thinking of defending my title belt. I had been hoping for unification fights since I was able to become world champion again. I was impatient with this interval between matches because it is the last chapter due to my age. If I couldn’t compete in boxing, I thought about returning to kickboxing or MMA. I didn’t want to be in between fights, and I thought it would be better for me and for women’s boxing if I became well known.”

“Japan’s boxing scene carries a rich history with a strong cultural connection to its people,” Miyo’s manager Keith Sullivan commented. “Japanese boxers honor a tradition of competitive excellence and outstanding sportsmanship. Miyo embodies these qualities as she fights for the pride of Japan. She is an exemplary champion for her native country.”

Sullivan is a former Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Athletic Commission, who manages IBF and WBA #6 rated welterweight Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (4-0, 2 KOs), and WBC #9 rated super middleweight Nisa Rodriguez (2-0, 0 KOs), amongst several other professional fighters.

Tickets priced between $200 thiab $55, are available for purchase at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/3B00613413292E16?did=yoshida

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IBF Bantamweight World Champion Miyo Yoshida to have 4-time World Champion Jorge Linares in her corner

IBF Bantamweight World Champion Miyo Yoshida to have 4-time World Champion Jorge Linares in her corner

Oct. 23 vs. Shurretta Metcalf Theater at Madison Square Garden
(L-R) – Miyo Yoshida & Jorge Linares NEW YORK CITY (October 7, 2024) – Three-time, two-division World Champion Reigning Miyo Yoshida (17-4, 0 KOs) will add a special addition to her corner on October 23lawm, when she makes the initial defense of her International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight title against No. 1 contender Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (13-4-1, 2 KOs), at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Yoshida vs. Metcalf will headline in a 10-round (2-minutes each) main event on the “Heroes on the Hudson 2” card, presented by DiBella Entertainment, which will celebrate and support heroic veterans of the United States Armed Forces in advance of Veterans Day in the latest addition of the popular Broadway Boxing Series.

Future Hall of Famer Jorge “El Nino de Oro Golden Boy” Linares (47-9, 29 KOs), the four-time, three-division world champion from his native Venezuela, will be making the trip from his home in Tokyo to the Big Apple, where he fought twice during his 21-year pro boxing career.
“My senior, Jorge Linares, will be joining me as my second this time,” through a translator Yoshida explained the difference between her first fight with her Oct. 23lawm challenger. “It is reassuring to have someone who can give me instructions in Japanese for spur-of-the-moment decisions during this fight. The members of Team Sosa (Jimmy Sosa is her head trainer) are also learning Japanese. The team is united.

“Although I am struggling with the English language, I am very happy to have come to New York City. I am grateful to Lou DiBella (her promoter, DiBella Entertainment) for giving me the opportunity. The condition from him was for me and my daughter to immigrate here. I am very thankful to my manager, Keith Sullivan, for handling the business side and guiding me. Even though I don’t speak English, I have met many friends who saw what I was doing and supported me.”

Linares moved to Japan at the age of 17 because he wanted to turn pro and would have had to wait until he was 18 if he had remained in Venezuela. He was 10-4 in world title fights, defeating six world champions: Hugo Rafael Soto, Oscar Larios, Gamaliel Diaz, Jesus Chavez and Anthony Crolla (twice).

Yoshida, 35, captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Flyweight crowns twice in 2019 thiab 2021. She is one of 23 female world champions from Japan, only the sixth to capture world titles in two or more divisions.

In her last fight, Metcalf defeated Yoshida by way of a 10-round unanimous decision for the International Boxing Federation (IBF), ironically, on the original “Heroes of the Hudson” last November 7 also at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Last December in her most recent fight, Yoshida put on a boxing clinic in San Francisco, replacing injured Avril Mathie on less than two weeks’ notice to defeat defending IBF bantamweight title-holder Ebanie Bridges (9-1) by way of a dominant 10-round unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91, 97-93).

A single mother of daughter her, Mina, Miyo is known as the “Fighting Single Mother” in Japan, where she is a revered role model back, and for that reason as well as her success in the ring, Yoshida received the 2023 Most Inspirational Female Fighter award from The Ring magazine.

Yoshida vs. Metcalf launches the beginning of the Great 8 Tournament to determine the undisputed women’s bantamweight world champion
“Miyo is a 3-time World Champion, she has proven she knows what it takes to win. Outside the ring she is an amazing single mother raising her beautiful daughter in a foreign country. Few have made the sacrifices to create opportunities for her and her daughter the way Miyo has. It is an honor to be working with such a dynamic and exciting world champion”, said Miyo’s manager New York City-based lawyer Keith Sullivan.

Sullivan is a former Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Athletic Commission, who manages IBF and WBA #6 rated welterweight Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (4-0, 2 KOs), and WBC #9 rated super middleweight Nisa Rodriguez (2-0, 0 KOs), amongst several other professional fighters.

Tickets priced between $200 thiab $55, are available for purchase at
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/3B00613413292E16?did=yoshida

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Gionta Management brings Pittsburgh area its first women’s world title fight Mary Casamassa preparing to become only the second women’s world boxing champion from Western Pennsylvania @ “Brawl at the Hall” this Saturday in Harmony, PAJ

main event poster march 2024.jpg

PITTSBURGH (Lub peb hlis ntuj 26, 2022) – Gionta Management will present the first women’s world boxing championship match in Western Pennsylvania history this Saturday night (Lub peb hlis ntuj 30) as Mary Casamassa battles Olivia Gerula in the 10-round main event for the vacant Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) Super Middleweight World title at Steamfitters 449 Union Hall in Harmony, Pennsylvania.

“Brawl at the Hall,” presented by Gionta Management, yuav tsum streamed live rauwww.CombatSportsNow.com for $19.99.

“I’m excited to hold a fight of this magnitude here in Pittsburgh for the first time,” promoter Derek Gionta said. “Female boxing is gaining popularity and there are a number of phenomenal female fighters out there to thank for that.

“Olivia Gerula is battle tested and she recently went eight rounds with a very solid boxer, Olivia Curry. Mary will be at her best and we expect the same from Olivia.”

Casamassa (4-0, 1 KO), a 24-year-old southpaw from Pittsburgh, plans to join Jill Emery as the only female world boxing champions in Pittsburgh’s rich boxing history. Emery captured the International Boxing Association (IBA) Welterweight World Championship on June 12, 2008, with a dominant 10-round decision over Angelica Martinez at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

“I am very excited to be headlining this card, and I am looking forward to the challenge of fighting someone with as much experience as Olivia,” Casamassa commented. “It’s a great opportunity for me and I can’t wait.”

Gerula (19-20-3, 3 KOs) is a veteran Canadian boxer who is a former World Boxing Council Super Featherweight World Champion. She has fought in nine world championship matches and her opponents’ list is a virtual Who’s Who of women’s boxing: Amanda Serrano, Mia. Me nyuam. John, Kathy Collins, Jaime Clampitt, Jennifer Han, Maureen Shea, and Jelena Mrdjenovich, who Gerula defeated to capture her world title.

“Training camp is running smoothly,” Gerula noted. “I am focused on fighting a southpaw for the first time in my 26+ xyoo. I’m so excited for this fight. I moved from Winnipeg to Las Vegas in 2020 with the singular goal of winning my next World Title – March 30th is THE DAY! All talk aside, I will let my hands do the talking from the first bell to the very last.”

Past WIBA world champions include Laila Ali, Holly Holm, Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Ann Wolfe, Sumya Anani, Chevelle Hallback, Melida Cooper, Jeannine Garside and Mary Jo Sanders.

In the co-featured event, Pittsburgh’s unbeaten, popular super middleweight “Pretty” Richie Cantolina (7-0-1, 3 KOs) faces Jonathan Ryan Burrs (4-8-1, 1 KO) in a six-round bout.

Another undefeated local fighter, Aliquippa (PAJ) super welterweight Paul Palombo (6-0, 1 KO), throws-down with Devonte Jones (3-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts is West Virginia super middleweight Tyler Aincough (2-1, 1 KO) vs. TBDPittsburgh featherweight Michaelangelo Turner (0-5) vs. Tyquan Johnson (0-1), and Ambridge. PA junior middleweight Tre Craycraft (6-0, 1 KO) vs. TBD.

Card subject to change.

Priced at $50.00 (kev pub), $75.00 (reserved) thiab $125.00 (ringside), tickets are available to purchase online atwww.eventbrite.com (“Brawl at the Hall”) or by calling 1.412.759.0407.

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /DerekGionta

Twitter:  @DGionta

Instagram: @d_p_g1

LinkedIn: DerekGionta-GiontaManagement

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

The inaugural USA Boxing Women’s Championships in Toledo, Ohio, Lub Xya hli ntuj 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, Hais: “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.

Kathy “Wildcat” Collins to become first female boxer inducted into New York State Boxing Hall of Fame on April 30th Induction Dinner

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NEW YORK (Lub peb hlis ntuj 22, 2023) – Multiple world champion Kathy “Wildcat” Collins (14-2-4, 3 KOs) will become the first female boxer inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF).

Collins, of Plainview, is one of a 22-member Class of 2022 being inducted at the 11th NYSBHOF induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, rauSunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. LI), Tim 30, nyob Russo lub ntawm lub Bay hauv Howard Beach, New York.

”It’s a tremendous honor to be inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Collins (married name Globuschutz). “This is my fourth induction into Halls of Fame, which is special to me since I also held four world titles. But this is even more special since it is finally here in New York, the Mecca of Boxing, and where it all started for me.

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“In 1995, I was part of the first class of women ever allowed to box in the fabled Daily News Golden Gloves. A year later, the first women’s fight televised on the USA Tuesday night boxing series from the Paramount at Madison Square Garden, which culminated in the highest female purses at the time from Madison Square Garden as a co-featured bout on a major pay-per-view for Don King. These were major accomplishments in women’s boxing. It helped paved the way for women today, some coming out of the Olympics, selling out The Garden and working towards equal pay with seven-figure pay days.”

Collins’ second professional fight was a six-round decision over Andrea DeShong in 1996, which brought pro women’s boxing to the famed Madison Square Garden and regular cable television.

Nyob rau hauv 1997, Kathy captured the IFBA welterweight title and added the IWBF junior welterweight crown later that same year, then, she dropped down to the lightweight division to successfully challenge for the IWBF championship. Collins became the first fighter to simultaneously own world titles in the WIBF, IFBA, and IWBF.

Kathy Collins is a true pioneer in women’s boxing. Now, she’ll be honored at home in New York by her induction into the NYSBHOF.

“In 30 xyoo,” she concluded, “we’ve come a long way baby! It is truly an honor to be recognized by the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame and to be recognized and included in in a tremendously talented, successful class of inductees, and being around so many of my friends and colleagues that helped me break ceilings along the way.”

“Kathy Collins is a great asset for the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame as our first female boxer inductee,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy commented. “Her induction into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame is an extension of her career as a pioneer of women’s boxing. We are proud to be inducting her.”

Other living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF are Brooklyn’s 2-division (welterweight & lub teeb welterweight), 6-time World Champion “Super” Zab Judah (44-10, 30 KOs), Brooklyn’s 2-divbision World Champion (welterweight and light welterweight) Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi (36-8, 7 KOs), Troy welterweight Kevin “Mr. Excitement” Pompey (32-18-3, 12 KOs), and Brooklyn World Super Lightweight World title challenger Dmitry “Star of David” Salita (35-2-1, 18 KOs).  

Posthumous participants being inducted are Poughkeepsie’s world lightweight challenger Johnny Busso (36-12-1, 15 KOs), Bronx middleweight Eugene “Silent” Hairston (45-13-5, 24 KOs), New York City’s NYSAC Featherweight World Champion Tony “Jimmy Pell” Pellone (51-19-6, 10 KOs), Bronx featherweight Mike “The Bronx Spider” Belloise (91-28-12, 21 KOs), New York City’s World Colored Heavyweight Champion Harry “Black Panther” Wills (70-9-3, 56 KOs), and Hempstead’s World Light Heavyweight World title challenger Eddie “Wildcat” Davis (34-6-1, 20 KOs).  

Living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are Brooklyn trainer Hector Rocha, Brooklynn ring announcer Dave Diamante, Bronx commentator/producer/radio show host Tony Paige, Latham journalist Bob Mladinich, Brooklyn neurologist Barry Jordan, Brooklyn judge Robin Taylor, and Buffalo journalist Bob Caico.

Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn manager Izzy Zwerling, Manhattan manager Dave Wolf, Brooklyn trainer George Washington, and New York City manager/promoter Irving Cohen.

Each attending inductee (or direct descendant of) will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.

Tus 2022 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF Nominating Committee membersChairperson Jack Hirsch, Randy GordonHenry HascupDon MajeskiRon McNairJim Monteverde, Neil Terens, Jose Corpas, Bobby Cassidy, and Bob Duffy.

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.

Tickets are priced at $160.00 per adult, $60.00 for children (under 16), and includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 p.m. LI, as well as a 7-course dinner (prime rib, fish, or poultry) and open bar throughout the event. Tickets are available to purchase by contacting NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304 los sisdepcomish@aol.com. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $80.00 mus $200.00, by contacting Duffy. Go online atwww.nyboxinghof.org los siswww.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the York State Boxing Hall of Fame New.

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                                                                                        NYSBHOF

CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

CLASS OF 2014:  Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giamba, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon, and Al Weill.

CLASS OF 2016Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein, and Jimmy Jacobs.

CLASS OF 2017Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug Dewitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan, and Dan Parker.

CLASS OF 2018:  Lou Del Valle, Jake Rodriguez, Terrence Alli, Joe Mesi, Kid Chocolate, James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, Jack McAuliffe, Billy Costello, Melio Bettina Ralph “Tiger” Jones, Charley Norkus, Dave Anderson, Pete Brodsky, Herb Goldman, Bobby Goodman, Melvina Lathan, Ron Scott Stevens, Johnnie Addie, Johnny Bos, Murray Goodman, Bert Randolph Sugar, and Sam Taub.

No class of 2019 due to COVID-19 restrictions

CLASS OF 2020: Jorge Ahumada, Alfredo Escalera, Freddie LiberatoreDennis Milton; Lou Savarese and Merqui Sosa, Soldier Bartfield, Steve BelloiseJimmy GoodrichTami Mauriello, Davey Moore, Freddie Welch, Don Ackerman, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Rick Glaser, Jack Hirsch, Max Kellerman, Dr. William Lathan, Julie Lederman, Ron Lipton, Kevin Rooney, Dan Daniel, Bobby Gleason, Flash Gordan, A.J. Liebling, Tony Mazzarellaand manager Dan Morgan.

CLASS OF 2021:   Michael Bentt, Shannon Briggs, Verno Phillips, Donny Lalonde Johnny” Verderosa, Larry Barnes, Johnny Turner, Al Singer, Kid Norfolk, Patsy Giovanelli, Eddie Martin,  Battling Siki, Solly Krieger, Herbie Kronowitz, Tommy Paul, Lou Salica, Ron McNair, Don Elbaum, Ed Schuyler, Bill Verigan, Tom Hauser, Mike Silver, and Jill Diamond, Lou Stillman,  Bill Cayton, James Walker, John Condon, Irving Rudd, Richard K. Hma liab, and trainer Victor Valle.

HAIS TXOG LUB NPLHAIB 8: Ua rau 1954 yog tus ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ntiv nplhaib 8 los ua tus eighth subsidiary txog dab tsi yog ces hu ua lub teb chaws qub tub rog Boxers Association – li no, NTIV NPLHAIB8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers pab Boxers.

NTIV NPLHAIB 8 koom txoos siab yuav txhawb cov neeg tsis muaj hmoo hauv zos boxing uas tej zaum yuav tau kev pab ntawd them nqi tsev xauj, nqi kho mob, los xijpeem tiag yuav tsum.

Thov online ntawmwww.Ring8ny.com Yog xav paub ntxiv txog lub NPLHAIB 8, cov pab pawg neeg coob thiaj nyob rau tebchaws Meskas muaj ntau tshaj 350 neeg. Annual membership dues are only $30.00, thiab ib tug yog cai mus ib hmo tom lub NPLHAIB buffet 8 cov rooj sib tham txhua hli, lub Xya hli ntuj excluding thiab lub yim hli ntuj. Txhua yam boxers, amateur thiab kev, muaj txoj cai tau ib ntiv nplhaib tawm complimentary 8 xyoo ua tswv cuab. Qhua ntawm lub nplhaib 8 cov neeg tau txais tos ntawm ib nqi xwb $7.00 ib tug neeg twg.

INFORMATION:

www.nyboxinghof.org

www.Ring8ny.com

“THE RECONQUEST” KIM CLAVEL VS. NAOMI REYES on April 28 at Place Bell in Laval, Canada

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LAVAL, Quebec, Canada (Lub peb hlis ntuj 16, 2023) — Montreal’s Kim Clavel (16-0-1, 3KO) will step back into the ring to take on NaomiLa ChapitaArellano Reyes (9-2-0, 5KO), of Los Angeles, for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) International Flyweight Championship on April 28, at Place Bell in Laval. The vacant WBC international flyweight title will be on the line as confirmed by the WBC. We have also requested sanctions for the division’s IBF Inter-Continental and WBO Inter-Continental titles as well. Verbal confirmation has been obtained and we expect to receive the required sanctions confirmation within the next few hours.

This will be the first fight for Clavel, 32, since the incredible clash this past of January 13 against World Boxing Association (WBA) world champion Yesica Nery Plata (29-2-0, 3KO), which the popular Canadian lost by decision in her first WBC title defense.

April 28th will mark the start of Clavel’s “RECONQUEST”, who intends to prove herself again by positioning her for a rematch with Plata as quickly as possible. She is presently ranked as the WBC #1, WBO #3 and IBF #4 contender.

Clavel is more motivated than ever, saying: “I want to regain my world title, but I will take it one fight at a time. We will reposition ourselves in the rankings. I’m going to need all of Quebec behind me. I’m confident with my team, my perseverance and all of you that, by the end of the year, we’ll get more than just a world champion belt! Thank you for your eternal support.”

Originally from Nayarit, Mexico, Reyes now lives and trains in Los Angeles, California. The 28-year-old Reyes is renowned for her power as evidenced by her 5 knockout victories to date. Her most notable win was versus former multiple time world champion Carina Moreno (25-7-0, 6KO) nyob rau hauv 2020. In her last outing last October,  Reyes lost by decision against Gabriela Fundura (8-0-0, 4KO) for the WBC Latino flyweight title in a PBC event broadcast on Showtime.

Clavel and Reyes were supposed to face each other in August 2021 at the IGA Stadium, but the latter had to withdraw due to health restrictions to enter Canada, and she was replaced by Maria Vargas (14-4-1, 1KO).

“It is with great enthusiasm and confidence that we are relaunching Kim with the ultimate goal of allowing her to avenge her defeat and regain her world title,” said GYM President Yvon Michel. “We remember the great intense and passionate fight between the two champions last January. Besides, the latter is still in the running for the 2023 Fight of the Year! Tus 4,000 spectators at Place Bell are still excited. To return to the world championship, Kim must prove herself again and these international titles will allow her to become a must challenger for the champion.”

Tickets will go on sale this evening (Hnub plaub, Lub peb hlis ntuj 16) tom 9:00 p.m. ET onwww.evenko.ca and directly at GYM atinfo@groupeyvonmichel.ca.

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ABOUT YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM):  

Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, who are still active in the company, the most prolific in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its foundation, GYM has promoted 165 events in Quebec, all televised in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, as well as participated in 38 international events outside Quebec. Eight GYM boxers have become world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (twice), Oscar Rivas and Kim Clavel. Nineteen boxers from the organization have delivered 54 world championship fights, maintaining an excellent record of 30 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization.