LAS VEGAS (December 21, 2021) – Former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time’’ Thurman will return to the ring to take on former super lightweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a 12-round welterweight showdown that headlines a jam-packed FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View lineup on Saturday, February 5 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
 
In the co-feature, four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto’’ Santa Cruz will battle Keenan “Bedo’’ Carbajal in a 10-round super featherweight match, while battle-tested all-action welterweights Abel Ramos and Josesito “Riverside Rocky’’ Lopezclash in a 10-round attraction. The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with former two-division champion Luis “Pantera” Nery battling unbeaten Carlos Castro in a 10-round super bantamweight duel.
 
Both Thurman and Barrios will look to rebound from their first career defeats with statement victories on February 5 to put them back on the path toward another world title. Thurman will be returning to the ring after a 30-month absence, which is the longest of his career. Barrios will be testing himself at 147-pounds for the first time in his pro career and against one of the best and most experienced welterweights in the sport.
 
“This is one of the most exciting and intriguing cards from top to bottom that I’ve seen in a long time. Keith Thurman and Mario Barrios will be looking to do whatever they can to get a big win in this fight,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Leo Santa Cruz is also sure to be highly motivated in his ring return and I expect that he will come with added intensity against Keenan Carbajal. In addition to those fights, everyone knows the fireworks that Abel Ramos and Josesito Lopez, plus Luis Nery and undefeated Carlos Castro, bring to the ring. It’s going to be a special night for boxing fans on February 5 live from Las Vegas on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View.’’
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. PT and will be available at axs.com.
 
The 33-year-old Thurman (29-1, 22 KOs) has assembled one of the most impressive resumes among the top welterweights of this generation, having defeated former champions like Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia and Robert Guerrero. The Clearwater, Florida native took the first loss of his career when he dropped a close decision to Manny Pacquaio in a 2019 Fight of the Year in his last outing.
 
Thurman proved that he is must-see TV when his welterweight title unification match against Danny Garcia peaked at 5.1 million viewers in prime time on network television. It was the largest audience to see a live boxing match on prime-time network television since 1998.
 
“It’s been a long time coming for my return to the ring, and I can’t wait to compete again,” said Thurman. “In 2022, I will remind the world of boxing that Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman is a fighter not to forget. I look not to the past nor to the future, I’m back now, and I’m ready to fight. I dream big, and now is the time to make that dream a reality. Get ready, because I’m putting in the work to put on a show against Mario Barrios on February 5 on pay-per-view. It’s begun and my time is now.” 
 
Barrios, 26, will be stepping up to a major challenge when he faces Thurman. The San Antonio native will be going against a seasoned welterweight in Thurman. Barrios will own a three-inch height advantage against Thurman and will look to use that to his advantage in establishing himself at 147 pounds.
 
Barrios lost his super lightweight world championship when he suffered an 11th-round TKO loss to Gervonta Davis in his most recent fight on June 26. The 5-foot-10 Barrios operates in the ring under the tutelage of renowned trainer Virgil Hunter. The pairing has proven to be successful as Hunter helped guide Barrios to the WBA 140-pound title when he scored a unanimous decision over Batyr Akhmedov in 2019.
 
“I’m excited to be making my welterweight debut against a great fighter and former world champion like Keith Thurman,” said Barrios. “A lot of fighters wouldn’t take this fight, but that’s why I wanted it. Both of us like to throw a lot of bombs and I believe this will be an all-out war. The fans know I’m a warrior and that I don’t back down from any challenge, that’s why everyone should order this fight. ‘El Azteca’ is going to make a statement on February 5.”
 
A four-division world champion, Santa Cruz (37-2-1, 19 KOs) has established himself as one of the best Mexican boxers of his generation. The 33-year-old Santa Cruz, who was born in Michoacan, Mexico and now lives in Rosemead, California, cemented his legacy with world championships at 118, 122, 126 and 130 pounds. He’s coming off a loss to Gervonta Davis in a lightweight and super featherweight world title bout on Oct. 31, 2020. Before that the only other blemish on his record was a majority decision loss to Carl Frampton in 2016, which he was able to avenge in the 2017 rematch.
 
“I’m excited to be back after a year out of the ring,” said Santa Cruz. “I’m looking forward to giving the fans a great fight on February 5 in Las Vegas and hopefully everyone will enjoy my fight and a great night of boxing.”
 
The 30-year-old Carbajal (23-2-1, 15 KOs) is the nephew of five-time world champion, Olympic silver medalist and Hall of Famer Michael Carbajal. But Carbajal is making a name for himself in boxing and is looking for a world championship of his own. A victory over Santa Cruz will go a long way toward helping him carve out his own niche in the boxing world. He thrilled the hometown crowd at Footprint Center with an impressive TKO victory over Josean Figueroa-Bonilla in his most recent fight on Nov. 13.
 
“This is my introduction to the world, and like the Phoenix, I will rise to the occasion,” said Carbajal. “I’m preparing to be at my very best and give everything I’ve got against a great champion in Leo Santa Cruz.”
 
Ramos (27-4-2, 21 KOs) is part of a boxing family out of Casa Grande, Arizona, which includes his nephew, rising welterweight undefeated contender Jesus Ramos. The 30-year-old Ramos has built a reputation as a hardnosed boxer who doesn’t back down from a fight and gives as good as he gets. He turned the tables on Omar Figueroa, Jr.  when he went toe-to-toe and forced Figueroa to quit on his stool in his last fight on May 1. He also owns a split decision defeat to welterweight world champion Yordenis Ugas and showed a flair for the dramatic when he scored a TKO victory over Bryant Perrella in the waning seconds of their fight in 2020.
 
“I’m excited to start off the year with a big fight,” said Ramos. “Josesito is a very good fighter and I expect this fight to be a war. This matchup will be action-packed and fight fans will not be disappointed.”
 
Lopez (38-8, 21 KOs) earned the nickname “The Riverside Rocky’’ because of his go-for-broke style in the ring. He has stepped in across from some of the top boxers in the sport, including champions Canelo Alvarez, Marcos Maidana, Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz. The 37-year-old from Riverside, California is always a tough out in the ring as noted by his narrow majority decision loss to then-champion Keith Thurman in 2019. Since that loss Lopez has put together back-to-back victories, defeating John Molina, Jr. and Francisco Santana.
 
“I’m extremely motivated and ready to take on my next assignment,” said Lopez. “I’m expecting a tough challenge from Ramos, but I’m more than ready to display my skills and prove that I’m one of the best fighters in the world.”
 
The 26-year-old Nery (31-1, 24 KOs) suffered the first loss of his career when he was stopped by Brandon Figueroa in a super bantamweight title unification fight on May 15. Before that loss, the Tijuana, Mexico native had blown through two divisions (118 and 122 pounds) with knockouts in 12 of 13 consecutive fights. He scored a unanimous decision victory over Aaron Almeda to pick up the WBC super bantamweight world title in 2020 and will look to move back toward a world title trajectory with a win over Castro.
 
“I am looking to start the year off with a bang in Las Vegas,” said Nery. “I didn’t want any easy fights, and I asked for the best ranked opponent I could get. Castro has a great record and is ranked highly in the super bantamweight division. A win over Castro puts me back in the world title mix and that’s where I’m looking to be.”
 
The undefeated Castro (27-0, 12 KOs) was born in Sonora, Mexico and came to the U.S. as a child, now living in Phoenix, Arizona. Castro has remained unbeaten throughout his career and can move much closer to a world title fight with a triumph over Nery. The 27-year-old took a big step forward in his last fight when he took on Oscar Escandon on Aug. 21, passing that test with flying colors after he knocked out Escandon in the 10^th round.
 
“I’m super excited for this upcoming fight,” said Castro. “It’s a great opportunity to display my skills against a well-known and accomplished fighter like Nery. I’m going to show everyone why I deserve my high-ranking and earn a shot at the world champions.”

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Australian amateur star Skye Nicolson has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make her highly anticipated professional debut at Featherweight in 2022. 
 
The 26-year-old has helped pave the way for female boxing in Australia, winning gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and more recently representing her country at the Tokyo Olympics. 
 
Nicolson narrowly missed out on becoming Australia’s first female boxing medallist since the 1988 Olympics when she lost to Great Britain’s Karriss Artingstall after three tightly contested rounds in July. 
 
Managed by Paul Ready and STN Sports, slick southpaw Nicolson now turns her attention to making her mark in the thriving professional scene at a time when boxing has never been bigger in her homeland. 
 
“It’s a dream come true to be signing with the biggest and best promotional company in the world,” said Nicolson. “I can’t wait to make big waves and show the world what I can do. I’m about to put Australian women’s boxing on notice. I have built an incredible team around me and have all the faith in the world that my career is being guided by the best and I can’t thank STN and Matchroom enough.”
 
“I’m delighted to welcome Skye to the Matchroom Boxing team as we continue our expansion into Australia,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Skye is a special talent who turns professional at the perfect time and we look forward to boxing her all around the world to grow her profile and develop her as a fighter as she chases World Titles and Undisputed Championships.”
 
“Skye is a rare talent inside and outside the ring,” said Director of STN Sports Paul Ready. “She has a fan-friendly slick southpaw style and has the ability to be a global superstar. You will see her wow fans in the U.K, USA & most importantly built back home in Australia.”
 
You can follow Nicolson’s journey on Instagram: skyebnic

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TULSA, OK (Dec. 21, 2021) — The 2022 junior lightweight world title picture will get a bit clearer Saturday, Jan. 29 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
 
The 10-round main event — a WBC title eliminator — will see recent title challenger Robson “O Brabo” Conceição attempt to turn back hard-charging Sacramento native Xavier Martinez at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. 
 
Martinez recently signed a multi-fight pact with Top Rank and will look to shine in his promotional debut. Conceição-Martinez and a co-feature will air live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Tony Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now and can be purchased at tickets.hardrockcasinotulsa.com and at the Box Office at 918-384-ROCK (7625).
 
“This has all the makings of a special, action-packed main event,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Conceição nearly defeated the great Oscar Valdez for the title, while Martinez is a young kid hoping to make a name in the 130-pound division.”
 
Conceição (16-1, 8 KOs), from Bahia, Brazil, captured a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, capping a 400-plus fight amateur career that included wins over the likes of Cuba’s Lazaro Alvarezand a razor-thin defeat to Vasiliy Lomachenko at the 2011 World Championships. After nearly five years as an unbeaten pro, Conceição challenged WBC world champion Valdez in September. Conceição built an early lead, but Valdez rallied late to shade the unanimous decision. 
 
Conceição said, “Nothing can stop me. Nothing can make me lose focus. I remain firm towards my goal of becoming a world champion. My last fight was just a minor setback. I’m going to make sure that all my hard work and sacrifices will not be in vain.
 
“I’m excited for the opportunity to be the main event and to face an undefeated fighter like Xavier Martinez. I’m sure we will give the fans a great show.”
 
Martinez (17-0, 11 KOs) began boxing at the age of 6 in Sacramento and compiled an 85-10 amateur record before turning pro in June 2015. He stepped up in 2019 with knockout wins over Jessie Cris Rosales and John Vincent Moralde and survived a gut check versus former interim world champion Claudio Marrero the following year. Martinez was knocked down twice in the eighth round, but outboxed Marrero in the championship rounds to earn a unanimous decision. He last fought in May and dominated veteran Juan Carlos Burgos over 10 rounds.
 
Martinez said, “It was a dream to get a multi-year promotional deal with Top Rank and a shot to be the main event on ESPN. This is my chance to show the world I’m one of the best in the 130-pound division and work towards my goal of becoming a world champion under the Top Rank banner.”
 
“Xavier is positioned to write his destiny, and the stage is set,” said Rick Mirigian, Martinez’s manager. “He can bring back the sport to Sacramento in a big way and fulfill his dream of becoming a world champion. Thank you to Top Rank for getting this done and believing in Xavier.”

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Although, will this experience be enough to take on Errol Spence, who is currently undefeated in his professional career? 

And what are the differences in betting odds for the Spence-Crawford matchup?

Terence Crawford’s Track Record  

Terence Crawford, or as many refer to him as “Bud,” has been on quite a winning streak, stepping into the professional ring 38 times and continuously coming out on top. 

Only nine of the 38 fights were won by decision; the other 29 were all taken by knockout.  

From 2014 to 2015, he held Ring Magazine’s Lightweight title, as well as the undisputed World Boxing Association (WBA Super), World Boxing Council (WBC), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Light Welterweight titles. 

In August 2017, Bud had another short reign as the undisputed Light Welterweight champion until he moved up to Welterweight. No one, since Kostya Tszyu in 2004, was the undisputed Light Welterweight champion until Crawford came along. 

Holding all four championships (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO) caused Crawford to yet again make it into the history books, as he was the first person since Jermain Taylor in 2005 to accomplish this in the four-belt era.

Despite what some may think, Crawford’s career didn’t cease to impress in the Light Welterweight category. As of November 2021, Crawford is deemed the second-best active boxer pound for pound according to ESPN, fourth by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, and fourth by BoxRec.  

By almost all standards, Crawford has quite a lot to bring to the table.  

Errol Spence’s Track Record

Despite not being in as many fights, Spence has definitely earned his place at the table. With a professional record of 27-0, 21 KOs. That is 27 wins and 0 losses, with 21 of those wins coming via knockout.  

Many people claim the reason for the lack of ring time is due to the car accident that took place in September 2019, where the fighter landed in the hospital and won the fight for his life, after being in the ICU for six days.

Luckily, despite his car being flipped multiple times and being ejected out of the vehicle, he didn’t break any bones and only had lacerations to his face.  

Spence is currently the unified Welterweight champion, having held the IBF title since 2017. As of August 2017, Spence is ranked as the world’s fourth best active boxer, pound for pound, according to BoxRec. Spence is also ranked as the world’s best active Welterweight, according to Ring Magazine. 

When is the fight between Crawford and Spence taking place?  

The simple answer is, it’s not official yet. Currently, there is no date, time, or rumor about when this fight will take place. That being said, this doesn’t mean that you can’t bet on the outcome of the fight. Sportsbooks often allow you to place your bets on matchups that aren’t confirmed (yet).  

Most places currently have a money line on Crawford and Spence, and as you would imagine, the range between the champions is paper thin. 

Currently, Crawford is set to be the top dog, making Spence the underdog. Spence is the slightly better bet, with (+125) meaning you win $125 for betting $100.

Crawford is (+100), meaning betting $100 will win $100; if there happens to be a draw, thanks to scorecards and boxing politics being as unfavorable as they are, the odds are +2200.  

Will this legendary fight be on TV?  

This fight will undoubtedly be televised via pay-per-view. The larger the event, the more details, such as the channel on which it is being streamed, but with Terence Crawford recently parting ways with Top Rank, it could potentially be easier to strike a deal for television rights.

This is technically a 50/50 fight between two undefeated champions who are both ranked in the top 10, pound for pound.

In the end, it might come down to match preparation and thinking on the fly. When this matchup happens, it will be a pivotal fight for both men’s career. Is a fight against Errol Spence Jr. in the future for Terence Crawford? 

The post WHAT’S NEXT FOR TERENCE CRAWFORD (ODDS FOR ERROL SPENCE) appeared first on Round By Round Boxing.

Say what you will about his boxing shows, but Paul is definitely doing something right. There’s nothing like hundreds of thousands of people tuning into your fight–or even attending the fight live and in person–just to see you get humbled.

The worst part about it, for those wishing to see Paul lose, is that “The Problem Child” keeps winning. And more often than not, it’s a vicious knockout that ends his fights.

On Saturday, December 18, 2021, Tyron Woodley became the latest victim of Paul mania. While UFC fighters like Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal watched from ringside, Paul made Woodley a meme in Round 6 with one of the most vicious knockouts in recent memory.

Paul has no chill, so after his big knockout victory over Woodley, he called Masvidal and Diaz.

“Y’all are some bitches for leaving this arena,” said Paul. “I know you don’t want that s***. I’ll take out both of y’all next. Get out of your contracts with daddy Dana. I’mma f*** them up too.”

Masvidal was quick to respond to Paul’s call out, but unlike many other athletes, he’s not interested in facing Paul in a boxing ring.

In a video posted on Instagram, Masvidal invited Paul to come over to UFC for what he called, “man to man shit.” Masvidal continued, saying he he doesn’t want “none of that boxing shit, where I can’t slam you on your spinal cord.”

Masvidal is obviously bothered by Paul–but he’s smart enough to know that beating him in a boxing match would prove tricky. The fact is, Paul has hands.

Of course, you can criticize this brand of boxing, but you can also just sit back and enjoy the show. Jake Paul isn’t fighting Canelo Alvarez, Artur Beterbiev or Tyrson Fury–but feel free to call for him to face a “real boxer in his prime,” until you turn blue.

Paul isn’t going to crack the boxing pound-for-pound list, either. That’s not what this is. It’s a show–one that is traveling and making a lot of money not only for Paul, but also for one of the great’s of women’s boxing in Amanda Serrano.

Regardless of who Paul decides to face next, we know it’ll be a spectacle and there will be tons of people lined up ready to see Paul get humbled.

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Turning 37 in January 2022, Beterbiev entered the ring with aim of dispelling any thoughts of his skills and abilities devolving at his, in terms of professional athletes, advanced age. Despite this, the champion was competing in what was only his 17th professional bout against Browne. And, as surmised by his record, Beterbiev has rarely experienced anything in the ring to impede on his longevity. 

On the other hand, Browne at age 31 has faced his fair share of trials inside and outside of the ring. Following his defeat of then-interim champion, Badou Jack, Browne failed to defend the title against Jean Pascal in a loss that saw him on the canvas several times.

Although displaying strong outside boxing ability in a number of his fights, many pundits viewed the matchup to be less than favorable for Browne against such a devastating power puncher having displayed the propensity of being clipped by big shots.   

To begin the fight, Beterbiev did what he often does, apply forward pressure without much offensive output. Browne, although more active, was made uncomfortable by the constant forward movement by the champion.

Browne had early success, particularly with his jab and left to the body while nullifying the champion’s jab for the first couple of rounds. But, like all of his opponents before, Beterbiev eventually wore his challenger down. 

The real action of the fight commenced in the second half of the third round and into the fourth as both men were cut badly from a clash of heads. Not to be bullied, Browne fired back each time the champion let his hands go. As the bout evolved into a more physical affair, the contender remained composed and confident in his ability to match the firepower of the knockout artist.  

At the beginning of the fifth round, the ringside physician notified the referee that Beterbiev had only one more round due to the severity of the cut. With that added desperation, the champion came out with ferocity. He ended the round swarming the contender on the ropes, letting off a barrage of hard shots. Even so, Browne remained a willing and engaged partner in what was quickly turning into a brutal and bloody meeting. 

Despite this warning from the referee and doctor, the fight continued and Beterbiev experienced growing success against a game challenger as his power shots began to find their home with regularity. 

Finally, culminating with a left hook to the body and a right hand upstairs, Beterbiev sent his adversary to the canvas. Browne returned to his feet, but as he retreated into a defensive shell, it appeared clear the end of the fight was nearing. 

To Browne’s credit, he continued to fight valiantly until he had finally received enough punishment and fell to the canvas for the second and final time. With his opponent hurt and on the ropes, Beterbiev unleashed a devastating attack to the head and body to end a good night’s work. 

In another knockout victory, Beterbiev yet again proved to be one of boxing’s most explosive offensive technicians. In defeat, Browne fought admirably to establish his worth as a top contender. The champion, although aging, proved he still has enough heart, grit and ability to overcome in-ring turbulence and to compete with the best in the world.

 The question now: Who’s next? 

The post BETERBIEV BATTERS BROWNE IN KNOCKOUT VICTORY appeared first on Round By Round Boxing.

(Dec. 17, 2021) — From two continents, a pair of pre-Christmas fight cards will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+. It all kicks off Saturday, Dec. 18 at the Ice Palace in Brovary, Ukraine, as 2012 Olympic silver medalist Denys Berinchyk defends his WBO International lightweight title in a scheduled 12-rounder versus Isa Chaniev (1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT).

Berinchyk (15-0, 9 KOs) has defended the WBO International belt five times, while Chaniev (15-3, 7 KOs), a former world title challenger, has won two in a row since a majority decision defeat to Pavel Malikov.

Also scheduled to appear on the card from Ukraine: Heavyweight knockout artist Vladyslav Sirenko (18-0, 15 KOs) goes for his fourth victory of 2021 in a 10-rounder against Andriy Rudenko (34-5, 20 KOs), and 2016 Olympian Dmytro Mytrofanov (11-0-1, 5 KOs) aims to extend his winning streak to 10 in an eight-round junior middleweight contest against Berikbay Nurymbetov (8-4-1, 3 KOs).

The international action on ESPN+ continues from Sydney, Australia, in the early morning on Tuesday, Aug. 21. Former world champion Andrew “The Monster” Moloney, fresh off his trilogy against Joshua “El Profesor” Franco, makes his homecoming ring return in a 10-round junior bantamweight bout against Froilan Saludar at The Star Event Centre in Sydney.

The Moloney-Saludar card will stream starting at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT. Moloney (21-2, 14 KOs) held the WBA world title briefly before embarking on his trio of fights with Franco. Moloney lost a pair of unanimous decisions to Franco, with a controversial no-contest sandwiched in between. Saludar (32-4-1, 22 KOs), a 32-year-old Filipino, is 4-1 since challenging Sho Kimura for the WBO flyweight world title in July 2018.

In other action from Australia, light heavyweight veteran Renold Quinlan (13-8, 8 KOs), will fight rising prospect Faris Chevalier (12-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder, southpaw heavyweight Jackson Murray (2-0, 2 KOs) looks to make it three first-round KOs in a row versus David Tuliloa (2-3, 2 KOs) in a scheduled six-rounder, and junior lightweight Manuer Matet (3-1, 2 KOs) seeks to extend his winning streak to three versus Jye Lane Taylor (3-1, 1 KO) in a six-rounder.

The post ANDREW MOLONEY-FROILAN SALUDAR & DENYS BERINCHYK-ISA CHANIEV HEADLINE UPCOMING CARDS LIVE AND EXCLUSIVELY ON ESPN+ appeared first on Round By Round Boxing.

Top prospects Raymond Muratalla, Karlos Balderas, Javier Martinez and Antonio Mireles are all scheduled to appear on the card 

Tickets On Sale Monday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. PT 

FRESNO, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2021) — Former unified junior welterweight world champion Jose Ramirez will return in front of a raucous home crowd. Ramirez, the pride of California’s Central Valley, will face former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza in a 12-round junior welterweight battle Saturday, Feb. 5 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

In a six-round heavyweight special feature immediately before the main event, Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr., from the Central Valley town of Tulare, California, will make his long-awaited professional debut.

The entire Ramirez-Pedraza card will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+. Undefeated lightweight prospect Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (13-0, 11 KOs), rising junior lightweight Karlos Balderas (11-1, 10 KOs), middleweight prospect Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (5-0, 2 KOs), and 6’9 heavyweight Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (2-0, 2 KOs) are all slated to appear on the card.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $36 go on sale Monday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

“Jose Ramirez has always demanded the biggest challenges, and he’s back in there with a tough former champion in Jose Pedraza,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “There are few more exciting atmospheres in boxing than when Jose fights in the Central Valley. The fans there love Jose, and he embodies the region’s blue-collar work ethic. I am also delighted that the Central Valley’s next superstar, Richard Torrez Jr., will make his professional debut in front of a sold-out crowd.”

Ramirez (26-1, 17 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since May’s decision defeat to Josh Taylor for the undisputed junior welterweight title. Ramirez had made four title defenses since winning the WBC crown in 2018, and he unified the WBC and WBO world titles the following year with a knockout win over Maurice Hooker. Ramirez has drawn 65,794 fans through five headlining fight nights at Save Mart Center. When he fought Jose “Chon” Zepeda at Save Mart Center in February 2019, 14,034 fans — an attendance record for boxing in the arena — turned up. Pedraza (29-3, 14 KOs), from Cidra, Puerto Rico, is a former junior lightweight and lightweight world champion who has won three in a row since a decision defeat to Zepeda. He is coming off June’s eighth-round knockout over the previously undefeated Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez.

“I am motivated to become world champion once again, and it begins with a tough fight against Pedraza,” Ramirez said. “There are no better fans than the ones who pack the Save Mart Center every time I fight. The Central Valley is my home, and it is always a great honor to perform for my people.”

“This one is personal to Ramírez,” said Rick Mirigian, Ramirez’s manager. “This is the fight that puts him back at the top of the sport and in line for the biggest fights.”

Pedraza said, “The new year will bring a big opportunity to battle against a former world champion like Jose Ramirez. This fight is very important for me because I know this will be the fight that will give me the opportunity to win a world title in a third weight division.

“There is no space for a loss. Not on my record, and much less in my mind. I know that Ramirez is a great fighter and always comes well prepared. He always comes in shape to give the fans a great fight.” 

Torrez made history as the first American Olympian to medal in the Super Heavyweight division since Riddick Bowe in 1988. Last month, he signed a long-term professional contract with Top Rank. Torrez was a U.S. National Championships gold medalist in 2017 and 2018, in addition to capturing three U.S. Youth National titles from 2014-2016. He went 154-10 as an amateur, and after a long international career in the unpaid ranks, he returns home for his pro debut.

“I can think of no better place to turn pro than in front of my Central Valley friends and family,” Torrez said. “They’ve supported me my entire amateur career, and I am thrilled that they will see the start of my professional journey. Let’s show everyone what it means to be valley grown!”

The post FEBRUARY 5: JOSE RAMIREZ-JOSE PEDRAZA JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT SHOWDOWN SET appeared first on Round By Round Boxing.

LAS VEGAS (Dec. 16, 2021) — Irish amateur star Kieran Molloy, a 23-year-old southpaw from Galway, has signed a multi-year professional contract with Top Rank. Molloy, who is managed by Michael and Jamie Conlan’s Conlan Boxing, will make his long-awaited professional debut as a junior middleweight in early 2022.

Molloy is the latest Irish prodigy to ink a deal with Top Rank, a list that includes Tokyo Olympian Kurt Walker and undefeated welterweight prospect Paddy Donovan. He holds amateur wins over the likes of Donovan and undefeated welterweight prospect Quinton Randall.

“Top Rank has a long history of promoting many of the top Irish fighters, and I have the utmost confidence that Kieran Molloy can bring a world title home to Ireland,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

“I’m delighted to be signing with Top Rank, the biggest promotional team in world boxing,” Molloy said. “This opportunity enables me to become a future world champion. I’m excited to showcase my skills on the biggest stage.”

Added Jamie Conlan, “I’m very excited to see Kieran Molloy under the Top Rank banner, and most importantly under the experienced eyes of matchmakers Bruce Trampler and Brad Goodman. Top Rank has certainly found a diamond in the rough. I am looking forward to seeing how they shape Kieran’s career.”

Molloy turns the page to the paid ranks after winning Irish Senior Elite National titles in 2018, 2019 and 2021. Representing the famed Oughterard Boxing Club, he won a total of 11 national titles and fared well outside of his home nation, taking home a bronze medal at the 2018 EU Championships in Valladolid, Spain, and winning a Haringey Box Cup title in 2017. He started boxing at the age of 6, and within a decade, he already had a AIBA World Junior Championships bronze medal to his name.

Molloy closed out his amateur career in October with a unanimous decision over longtime rival Luke Maguire to win his third Irish title in four years.

The post IRISH AMATEUR STAR KIERAN MOLLOY SIGNS PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT WITH TOP RANK appeared first on Round By Round Boxing.

(ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)

    •    Artur Beterbiev 175 lbs vs. Marcus Browne 174.6 lbs 
(Beterbiev’s WBC & IBF Light Heavyweight World Titles — 12 Rounds)

•    Marie-Eve Dicaire 153 lbs vs. Cynthia Lozano 151.2 lbs 
(Vacant IBF Female Junior Middleweight World Title — 10 Rounds)

   •       Steve Rolls 166.8 lbs vs. Christopher Brooker 166.4 lbs
 (Super Middleweight — 10 Rounds)

   •       Yan Pellerin 199 lbs vs. Francisco Rivas 198.2 lbs
 (Vacant NABO Cruiserweight Title — 10 Rounds)

   •     Arthur Biyarslanov 139.6 lbs vs. Alan Ayala Crisosto 138.8 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)
  •        Batyrzhan Jukembayev 150.4 lbs vs. Juan Jose Martinez 158 lbs
 (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

The post WEIGH-IN RESULTS: ARTUR BETERBIEV VS. MARCUS BROWNE appeared first on Round By Round Boxing.