Usyk stuns Joshua to win WBA, WBO, IBF, & IBO heavyweight titles

Oleksander Usyk’s (19-0, 13 KOs) remarkable performance against Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) to lift the unified WBA/WBO and IBF/IBO heavyweight titles away in front of a stunned Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England yesterday is another reminder of how difficult it is for a fighter to perform at their highest level fighting just once per-year.

I’m not saying Joshua lost because of inactivity because, Usyk performed better, did more, was more assertive, and was the tougher boxer and deserved to have won the biggest fight of his career on the largest stage with more than 60,000 in attendance with millions watching at home.

The problem I’m talking about is when fighters get into a mode of competing once per-year, it may appear that these guys are constantly training and remain in top form. However, a lingering injury may have occurred and a fighter, or athlete may have had a minor surgery to repair an ailment. Maybe a fighter simply is just waiting around for a fight date, or at home doing nothing. Most often, we honestly don’t know what these guys are doing, or not doing) while they are away. One thing is certain, inactivity, especially for an older athlete that’s expected to perform at the highest levels, can affect their performance regardless of they win, or lose.

Joshua was arguably the #1 heavyweight on the planet, but a stunning defeat to Andy Ruiz in the summer of 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York enabled Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion, and Deontay Wilder, the former champ of more than five years to close within reach of the top spot.

Credit to Joshua for regaining the unified titles at the time in December 2019, but to the disappointment of many, Joshua was hesitant, content, and complacent with controlling Ruiz with his power and reach toward an uneventful unanimous-decision.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone and everything on a global scale. The boxing industry, as well as many other practices in the health care, education, law, finance, entertainment, produce, agriculture, manufacturing, and even government were all hampered.

Joshua didn’t return to the ring following the rematch with Ruiz until December 2020, exactly one while year until he fought Kurbat Pulev, the IBF mandatory challenger. Joshua appeared, trimmed, fast, and strong. He was ready for Pulev’s antics, as he knocked the rough, rugged, and unpredictable Pulev out.

Although successful, it was difficult to access where exactly Joshua was as a fighter following the two fight with Ruiz in 2019 because, Pulev was a dramatic step down in terms of quality of opposition in comparison to Ruiz.

Throughout 2021, there was a reported deal agreed to between Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn and Top Rank’s Bob Arum to stage JOSHUA vs. FURY in Saudi Arabia. Each fighter stood to make a reported $100 a piece, but an injunction filed by Wilder blocked the potentially lucrative fight because, an Arbitrator ruled in Wilder’s favor that a third fight between Fury and himself must happen instead.

Hearn immediately began negotiations with Usyk, the WBO mandatory, who has been training and waiting for his career opportunity for a very long time.

The point it, by the time Joshua entered into the ring with Usyk, Joshua has already been out of the ring for more than nine months. Usyk was the most compelling and toughest test – the only test – Joshua would have since he fought Ruiz in 21 months – nearly two years!

Was the expectation that Joshua, without having competed in a competitive fight in almost two years, would be as stellar and recognizable as the Joshua that defeated Carlos Takam, Dominic Breazeale, Carlos Molina, Charles Martin, Dillian Whyte, Joseph Parker, and Wladimir Klitschko more than two years ago?  

The Joshua was saw that unified the heavyweight championships was tough, strong, athletic, and an outright beast who happened to be undefeated. The Joshua that saw compete against Usyk, was uncomfortable, slim, confused, hesitant, and lacked the killer instinct that made him a champion.

Joshua did not have the same passion, fire and desire that led him to the Klitschko fight – one of the Greatest World Heavyweight Championship fights we’ve seen in years in front of 90,000 in Wembley Stadium – almost 4 ½ years ago.    

Credit to Uysk, of course, as he boxed the match of his career. Usyk brought the fight straight to Joshua and was comfortable asserting himself as the next world heavyweight champion from start to finish. Usyk’s head movement from side-to-side was sharp and difficult to time. Usyk, as a southpaw (left-handed) boxer, was so unbothered by Joshua’s right-hand, the challenger kept moving to the left and couldn’t miss with his straight left that almost closed Joshua’s right eye.

Usyk was digging away at Joshua’s noticeably thin waistline. Usyk, the smaller fighter, had hands heavy enough to dig away at Joshua’s body, driving him backward on many occasions. When Usyk decided to ‘let his hands go,’ he drove Joshua backwards either against the ropes, or an uncomfortable space every time.

Usyk had Joshua wobbled on several occasions during the fight, as he nearly KO’d Joshua in the twelfth and final round to cement his own legacy in boxing.

Usyk, like Joshua, is a former Olympic Gold champion. Usyk was an undefeated WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO and Ring Magazine champion and cruiserweight before moving up to heavyweight for his chance to defeat Joshua.

And just like that, over the course of time, the once mouthwatering JOSHUA vs. WILDER fight blew-up in smoke, as guys like Ruiz, Fury, and now Usyk have broken the windows, busted down the doors, and have name for themselves by simply beating up the once universally recognized #1 & #2 heavyweights on the planet.   

As Joshua will figure things out whether he wants to do a rematch with Usyk, all eyes will point toward FURY vs. WILDER III on October 9, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Vertex Promotions Release: Irish Thomas O’Toole set for pro-debut, ‘Fight Night on the Charles at Mosley’s II & III,’ Sept. 24 & 25

BOSTON – Irish amateur star Thomas O’Toole will make his long anticipated professional debut this Friday night on the “Fight Night at Mosley’s  On The Charles II” card at Moseley’s on the Charles, located in the Boston suburb of Dedham, Massachusetts.

Vertex Promotions, which will promoted “Fight Night On The Charles II” on Friday night, Sept. 24, also presents  “Fight Night On The Charles at Moseley’s III,” as well as the USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur card, 2021 New England Championships, Saturday afternoon, all at “Mosley’s On The Charles.”

The 23-year-old O’Toole captured top honors at the 2019 Irish Elite Championships. Last year, the Irish southpaw upset pre-tournament favorite Tony Browne in semifinals of the Irish Elite Championships, and he lost by split decision in the final to Emmet Brennan, who is representing Ireland in Tokyo at the Olympics.

O’Toole, who is matched against veteran Francisco Ariri Neto (1-14, 1 KO) in a 4-round bout, is following in the footsteps of Irish boxers who’ve traveled to the Boston area as a base for their professional careers, including WBO World Super Middleweight Champion Stevie “Celtic Warrior” Collins (36-3, 21 KOs – 1986-97), WBA World light middleweight title challenger Sean Mannion (42-14-1, 13 KOs) – 1979-93), and heavyweight Kevin “The Clones Colossus” McBride (35-10-1 (29 KOs) – 1992-2011), best known as the man who knocked “Iron” Mike Tyson into retirement.

“I can’t wait,” an excited O’Toole said about his pro debut. “I’ve been training all during the Covid pandemic and have stepped it up the last three months. I’ve heard back from friends and family that there is a lot of talk about me coming over. So, I’m going to make sure my name is mentioned with the likes of Collins, McBride and Mannion. The kid is going to bring fireworks!”

Undefeated ABF American West and NBA Continental champion, 23-year-old Albany (NY) welterweight RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (13-0, 10 KOs) headlines Friday’s show in the 8-round lightweight match versus Uganda-native Philip “The Hunter” Adyaka (7-15, 4 KOs), who is fighting out of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Undefeated welterweight prospect Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (7-0, 7 KOs) puts his perfect pro record on the line in a 6-round co-featured event versus Rakim Johnson (6-13-1, 5 KOs). Representing Weymouth, MA, Hogan is the reigning New Hampshire super welterweight champion, as well as a 2019 New England Golden Gloves gold medalist.

Two-time New England Golden Gloves champion Bryan Daniels, a Worcester, MA heavyweight, 2-time New England Golden Gloves champion, meets Larry “Hit Man” Pryor (14-24, 8 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

Providence (RI) middleweight Anthony Conception (7-0-1, 6 KOs) meets Lenwood “Mr. Composure” Dozier (10-26-3, 5 KOs) in a 6-rounder, while Malden, MA light heavyweight Alex Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) faces Tomi Archambault (1-13, 1 KO), in a 4-round bout.

Also slated to be in action in a 4-round fight is New Bedford, MA middleweight Drew “Tomahawk” Dwelly (2-2-0, 2 KOs) versus Lashawn Alcocks (1-10).

Saturday night’s card will be headlined by undefeated welterweight prospect Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (11-0, 9 KOs) of Lawrence (MA), in an 8-round bout against Danny “Venado” Flores (15-24-1, 8 KOs).

Cards are subject to change.

Tickets for both shows are on sale for $95.00 (row 1), $85.00 (2^nd row), $65.00 (3^rd row), $55.00 (general admission) and $45.00 (standing room). Contact any of the competing fighters to purchase tickets, limited availability at the door.

Doors will open at 7 pm. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on both evenings.

Saturday afternoon’s (2-5 p.m. ET.)  amateur show will require a separate admission ($20.00 general admission only) on sale at the door. Fifteen matches are scheduled featuring the top N.E. amateurs.

“Fight Night on the Charles at Moseley’s II” FACT SHEET     This Friday in Dedham, MA



WHAT: “Fight Night on the Charles at Moseley’s II” professional boxing   WHO: MAIN EVENT – LIGHTWEIGHTS (8) RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (13-0, 10 KOs), Albany, NY vs. Philip “The Hunter” Adyaka (7-15, 4 KOs), Saint Paul, MN by way of Uganda   CO-FEATURE –  MIDDLEWEIGHTS (6) Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (7-0, 7 KOs), Weymouth, MA vs. Rakim Johnson (6-13-1, 5 KOs), Indianapolis, IN   HEAVYWEIGHTS (6) Bryan Daniels (6-1, 4 KOs), Worcester, MA vs. Larry “Hit Man” Pryor (14-24, 8 KOs), Frederick, MD   MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4) Anthony Conception (7-0-1, 6 KOs), Providence, RI vs. Lenwood “Mr. Composure” Dozier (10-26-3, 5 KOs), Belcamp, MD   LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (4) Alex Rivera (1-0, 1 KO), Malden, MA vs. Tomi Archambault (1-13, 1 KO), Bismarck, ND   MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4) Drew “Tomahawk” Dwelly (2-0-2, New Bedford, MA vs. David Rohn (0-8-1), Villa Park, IL   (card subject to change) _________________________________________________________________________   WHERE:                    Moseley’s On The Charles, Dedham, MA   WHEN:                      Friday, Sept. 24, 2021   PROMOTER:            Vertex Promotions   RING ANNOUNCER:  John Vena   AMATEUR CARD: Saturday afternoon’s (2-5 p.m. ET.) 2021 New England Championships amateur show will require a separate admission ($20.00 general admission only) on sale at the door. Fifteen matches are scheduled featuring the top N.E. amateurs.   TICKETS:  Tickets are priced at $95.00 (row 1), $85.00 (2nd row), $65.00 (3rd row), $55.00 (general admission) and $45.00 (standing room). Contact any of the competing fighters to purchase tickets, limited availability at the door.   Doors will open at 7 pm. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET.





Peltz Boxing Release: J Russell Peltz releases Boxing Memoir, ‘Thirty Dollars And A Cut Eye’

PHILADELPHIA, PA — In 2019, J Russell Peltz celebrated 50 years as a boxing promoter.  Beginning this week, 50 years of boxing stories from the Hall of Famer are revealed in Peltz’ memoir, Thirty Dollars and a Cut Eye. The book is available for purchase via Peltz’ website (peltzboxing.com) and major book retaile

The 404-page book chronicles Peltz’s first time watching fights on television at the age of 12 in 1959, to his first experience at a live boxing event at 14, and takes readers through his half century in the business.  Peltz promoted over 1,000 boxing events, and more than 40 world championship fights.

Peltz’ savant-like ability to remember details of fights that took place half a century ago, what happened every round, every conversation, every travesty, and every scandal, makes Thirty Dollars and a Cut Eye a must-read for boxing fans.  A lifetime collector, Peltz saved every contract he ever signed, all the fight programs, posters, videos, along with the profit-and-loss statements from each promotion. 

From his days directing the career of middleweight legend Bennie Briscoe, through his hot-and-cold relationship with ill-fated junior lightweight Tyrone Everett and the controversial title fight with Alfredo Escalera, the five bouts he promoted with Marvelous Marvin Hagler (including Hagler’s first two defeats), the matches he featured with Emile Griffith, Thomas Hearns and Aaron Pryor, his years with Joltin’ Jeff Chandler, the time his office building was fire-bombed, and through his silent interest in the career of Arturo Gatti–you don’t want to miss it. Peltz has promoted cards at every major venue in Philadelphia as well as nearly every casino in Atlantic City, and his business has taken him around the world, from Argentina to France, and from Italy to Beijing.

There are 60 photos in the book, many of which have never been published.

“The book contains it all,” said Peltz.  “The facts, the figures, and the finances.  Nothing was off limits. I’ve spoken with over 30 men who boxed for me. Some of them had nice things to say–others, not so much, but it’s all in there.  I’m as proud of this book as I am of anything I’ve ever done in boxing.”

To celebrate the debut of Thirty Dollars and a Cut Eye, Peltz will host a book launch party on Oct. 21 at 7 pm. at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.  The event will be open to the public, and, in addition to signing copies of the book for those in attendance, Peltz will be screening some of the most memorable Philly-area fights from the past 50 years.

Readers can purchase the book at the book launch and at peltzboxing.com, or through Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Readers who purchase the book via peltzboxing.com will have the opportunity to have the book inscribed.  

After a lengthy wait, JOSHUA vs. USYK finally happens Saturday

Unified WBA/WBO and IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) returns this Saturday in defense of his titles against WBO mandatory, Oleksander Usyk (18-0, 13 KOs), the former unbeaten World Cruiserweight Champion.

‘JOSHUA vs. USYK: THE PERFECT STORM’ can be streamed live on DAZN from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England where more than 60,000 are expected in attendance. Coverage begins at 1PM/ET with an approximate main event start time of 5 PM/ET.

Joshua will be making only his second appearance since regaining his unified crowns in a rematch against Andy Ruiz in Saudi Arabia almost two years ago. Joshua had lost the titles to Ruiz in a stunning upset at Madison Square Garden in June 2019 in New York.  In his only fight during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Joshua starched Kubat Pulev, the IBF mandatory last year December.

So after more than two years following his first professional defeat, the question remains whether Joshua is still the best heavyweight boxing champion on the planet? Many, many may disagree because, Tyson Fury, in February 2020, reemerged from the unknown to handedly snatch away previously unbeaten WBC heavyweight champion of more than five years Deontay Wilder in an epic rematch from a 2018 title fight.

Nether fighter has fought since, but both Fury and Wilder will finally have their rubber match on Saturday, October 9, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

It’s very difficult to assess where exactly Fury, Joshua, and maybe even Wilder are in their respective careers since they’ve been widely inactive. However, on Saturday, we can better assess Joshua since we’ve seen more of him compared to Fury and Wilder in recent years.

Fury, an unbeaten two-time heavyweight titlist, has yet to record a single defense as champion. Wilder has posted numerous videos on social media hitting the mitts with trainer Malik Scott and hasn’t fought since Fury defeated him. Wilder replaced his longtime trainer Mark Breland, a former world champion and Olympic gold medalist with a former opponent Wilder knocked out years ago.

We are just waiting and waiting, waiting and waiting, waiting and waiting for something to happen. Finally, Wilder and Fury will face off in a couple of weeks, but not before this Saturday’s intriguing heavyweight title clash.

This Saturday, something will happen and it’s quite simple. Joshua will defend his unified championships against Usyk, who like Joshua, is an Olympic gold medalist. Similar to Joshua, Usyk unified the cruiserweight division and he did it in style by defeating everyone, in addition to winning the World Boxing Classic’s Muhammad Ali tournament trophy.

Since moving up to heavyweight, Usyk has defeated both Chazz Witherspoon and Derek Chisora; two very solid performances. Usyk was very technical and dominant, but not convincing enough to give anyone the impression that he will defeat Joshua on Saturday.

Is Usyk capable? Absolutely. Usyk has skills, experience, and a more decorated amateur boxing pedigree than Joshua, although they’re both Olympic gold medalists. The difference is Joshua’s speed, power, and athleticism. Yes. Usyk is strong, athletic, and fast for a cruiserweight boxing champion. He’s undefeated for a reason and has risen to the occasion each and every time he has stepped inside the ring. However, Joshua is just on another level. Joshua is truly a beast and has the capability to defeat any heavyweight on the planet, including the 6’ 9,” 265-lb. mammoth Tyson Fury, who in turn, is capable of giving any heavyweight on the planet fits.

The prospect of JOSHUA vs. USYK is extremely interesting. Joshua, as expected, can win, but may not look like the #1 heavyweight in boxing. Joshua ad Usyk may engage in a tactical, highly-skilled boxing match with Joshua’s power and athleticism carrying him to a decisive victory late.    

Otherwise, if Joshua is not ready, or simply not performing at high level, then Usyk will win on Saturday.

After more than 50 pro fights, Anthony Smith remains a relevant in a stacked UFC light-heavyweight division

UFC Fight Night – Post Fight Presser

Former light-heavyweight title challenger, #6-ranked Anthony Smith’s pursuit of UFC gold remained intact following another impressive outing last Saturday at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. Appearing in the main event of UFC Fight Night, Smith (36-16) simply broke down and took apart a very game and dangerous #11. Ryan Spann (19-7), via rear-naked choke at 3:47 seconds of the first round.

The victory was Smith’s third-straight finish in the very first-round dating back to last year.  

Following the fight, Smith almost got into a melee with Spann, whom he just choked out before going off during his post-fight interview with former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping.

“Who do I [have] to beat?,’ Smith asked. “What do I have to do? That’s an honest question. Who do I [have] to beat? I beat the old guys and people said ‘they were too old.’ Now I beat young guys, ‘they’re not ranked high enough.’ What the fuck do you want me to do?”

Smith continued: “At this point, I don’t give a fuck anymore. I’m doing what I can do. I’m fighting the guys in front of me. I’m fucking over it. I’m done worrying about it. I cared because, I want people to recognize my sacrifice. I just want respect.”

If Ryan Spann didn’t respect Smith, he certainly does now. Smith was technically better with his movement and strikes. Smith wobbled Spann with a couple of jabs before sending Spann to the floor behind a solid counter-right. Smith followed his attack behind elbows and hammer-fists.  

The victory was Smith third consecutive following back-to-back losses to Glover Teixeira and Aleksander Rakic in 2020. In addition to Spann, The 33- year-old Smith has also beaten Devin Clark and Jimmy Crute. Currently ranked #6 in the UFC 205-lb. division, Smith called out Rakic, the last man to have defeated him one year ago.

Throughout his career, Smith fought or UFC gold once – a unanimous-decision loss to Jon Jones for the light-heavyweight championship in March 2019. Jones vacated his title for a potential move to heavyweight that hasn’t happened as of yet.

The journey back toward the UFC 205-lb. championship is just as difficult today, as it was when Jones was champion.

Jan Blachowicz defeated Dominic Reyes to capture the vacant title one year ago in Abu Dhabi and has since successfully defended against UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya last March. Blachowicz will return to Abu Dhabi in defense of his title to face #1 contender Glover Teixeira on Halloween weekend.

#2-ranked Jiří Procházka, winner of his last 12 fights (11 finishes), is one of the hottest fighters in MMA overall. The former RIZEN light-heavyweight champion hasn’t lost in nearly nine years.

For more information, checkout www.ufc.com

UFC 268: Gaethje vs. Chandler, expect fireworks in this one

https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/9/15/22676545/michael-chandler-responds-to-justin-gaethje-clarifies-anti-vaxxer-narrative-ufc-268

The undercard to the highly-anticipated UFC 268: USMAN vs. COVINGTON 2, live from Madison Square Garden in New York is stacked with awesome fights from top to bottom.

One of the most anticipated fights on the card, one that may actually steal the show, or at least earn ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses is the lightweight battle between Justin Gaethje (22-3) and Michael Chandler (22-6).

The UFC could not have made a better pairing than matching these two against one another inside the Octagon. The timing couldn’t have been better, as both fighters are coming off a loss and each would like to have the quickest route possible toward the UFC lightweight championship.

Both Gaethje and Chandler are coming off defeats in lightweight title fights. Gaethje lost to Khabib Nurmagomendov in Abu Dhabi last year.

Following a successful UFC debut against Dan Hooker in January, Chandler, in only his second UFC fight, challenged Charlie Olivera for the vacant UFC lightweight title in May. Chandler was dominant in the first-round, but got caught off his guard and stopped in round two of an insane and wild fight.

Insane and wild are the two appropriate adjectives to describe the Gaethje’s UFC journey and Chandler’s path to the UFC.

Chandler, a former NCAA Division I Championship-level wrestler, is a three-time Bellator MMA World Lightweight Champion. He’s fought and defeated some of the best fighters on the Bellator roster. Although he has lost his share of fights, three straight at one point, two via split-decision, Chandler has always returned even stronger from adversity, injuries, and close defeats.

Chandler is one of the most exciting, technical, gifted, and intelligent fighter in the world. There is a relentlessness and determination to win at all costs, regardless of circumstance. Chandler can do it all inside the cage, but beating Gaethje will be no easy walk in the park.

Justin Gaethje has brought the fire each and every time he steps foot inside the UFC Octagon. Although he has lost to Khabib, Dustin Poirier, and Eddie Alvarez in recent years, Gaethje’s last nine victories have occurred by knockout, Tony Ferguson, Cowboy Cerrone, Edison Barboza, and others were all stopped by Gaethje.

Gaethje, a former interim UFC lightweight and World Series of Fighting champion, is going to push Chandler to his limit this fall. The face-to-face, virtual banter has been entertaining, but these guys are going to be all about business come November 6th. So expect massive fireworks in this fight.

UFC 268 announced, Kamaru Usman set to Rematch Colby Covington at MSG

https://www.si.com/mma/2021/08/31/dana-white-ufc-268-the-ultimate-surfer

https://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/ufc-268-fight-card-nyc-msg-1.42734035

This is the rematch that everyone has been waiting for so long.

The long-awaited rematch between UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman (19-1) vs. Colby Covington will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday, November 6th.

UFC 268: USMAN vs. COVINGTON 2 will be distributed live on ESPN Pay-Per-View beginning at 10 PM/ET and will also feature a stacked undercard that will include Justin Gaethje (22-3) vs. Michael Chandler (22-6) in a scheduled three-round lightweight war. Also, Rose Namajumas (10-4) defends her UFC women’s strawweight championship in an immediate rematch with previous titlist Zhang Welli (21-2) in the co-feature.

Kamaru Usman has been on an amazing run as world welterweight champion. Since defeating Tyson Woodley for the championship in March 2019, Usman has successfully defended the title against Covington, Gilbert Burns, and has twice beaten Jorge Masvidal – once by decision in Abu Dhabi (2020) and again, via knockout last April.

Between his striking, takedown defense, and ground game, Usman has, perhaps, proven to be one of the most complete fighters in recent UFC history. Usman has taken his game to new heights; beating the most dangerous and highly-skillful MMA fighters on the planet in consecutive fights. Usman has often been compared to UFC Hall of Famer, George St. Pierre, perhaps the greatest welterweight champion in UFC history.

If there was someone out there that can possibly defeat Usman, or at the very least, give the current welterweight kingpin a run for his money, it would be Colby Covington.

Covington has striking, determination, and unbelievable cardiovascular conditioning. He used all of his skillsets to challenge Usman until the champion broke his jaw and finished him in the final round of a highly competitive and dramatic fight.

Since then, Usman has remained active. However, Covington has sort of fallen off the mat following his triumphant win over Woodley during the pandemic last September. Covington has called out for a rematch with Usman. He appears to only want to fight Usman at this point.

Covington, who hasn’t fought in one year, has finally gotten his rematch, so let’s see what happens.

Has Covington improved since their first meeting? Will Covington push Usman past his limit when they meet again in front of a raucous Garden crowd? Will Usman appear overconfident in fighting someone whose jaw he already broke and knocked out late in their first fight? Will Covington, an avid ‘Trump Supporter’ have the Garden crowd behind him once the bell sounds inside the Octagon?

It’s no secret both fighters in the main event really doesn’t care much for one another.    

Triller Press Release: Vitor Belfort, Anderson Silva, & David Haye emerge victorious

VITOR BELFORT, ANDERSON SILVA, DAVID HAYE AND JONO CARROLL SCORE HUGE WINS AT TRILLER FIGHT CLUB EVENT ON SATURDAY NIGHT

It was a bad night for Evander as soon as the bell sounded. Vitor Belfort was ready to beat Holyfield down from the start.

 Fort Lauderdale, FL (September 11, 2021) In front of a standing-room only crowd on Saturday night at the Hard Rock LIVE at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Fort Lauderdale, FL, TRILLER FIGHT CLUB presented an outstanding, action packed evening of boxing and music.

With the 45th President of the United States, DONALD J. TRUMP commentating on the FITE.TV Pay-Per-View and phenomenal music from ANITTA, LUNAY and GENTE DE ZONA, fans were treated to an extraordinary evening of entertainment.

Headlining the event, former UFC Heavyweight World Champion VITOR ‘THE PHENOM’ BELFORT, (2-0, 2 KOs), stopped former Undisputed Cruiserweight and Heavyweight World Champion EVANDER ‘THE REAL DEAL’ HOLYFIELD, (44-11-2, 29 KOs), in the first round. Dropping Holyfield twice in the opening stanza, the bout was stopped at 1:49 of the round as the heavy-handed Belfort proved too much for the Hall of Famer.

“It was a legendary moment for me to fight tonight. I’m very blessed. It was a great environment here, great fights and competition,” said Belfort. “We can all learn from the sport of boxing about how to adapt. We should be more caring for each other in this great country of America.”

“You never judge how many victories you have, you judge by the quality of your opponents. When you fight someone, the two warriors gain immediate respect for each other. For me to be able to compete with Holyfield is a dream.”

Continued Belfort, “Yes, I challenge Jake Paul to a thirty-million-dollar winner take all fight, he cannot say no to me, he needs a real fight.”

Said Holyfield, “I wasn’t able to bounce back like I used to. I let him get too close. But he’s strong and he pushed me but I wasn’t hurt. I’m not hurt at all. Yes, I’m still interested in fighting Mike Tyson.”

Co-featured, ANDERSON ‘THE SPIDER’ SILVA, (3-1, 2 KOs), knocked out  ‘THE HUNTINGTON BEACH BAD BOY’ TITO ORTIZ, (0-1), with a stunning overhand right to the head dropping Ortiz to the canvas. With Ortiz unable to beat the count the fight was stopped at 1:21 of the round.

Tito Ortiz fought Anderson Silva and was violently put to sleep in round one.

“I’m so happy, my team and I worked so hard,” said Silva. “I just try to enjoy every single moment inside the ring. Thanks to God for giving me one more time to do my job.”

“The training is tough and that makes me feel ready for everything inside the ring. The entire team pushes me every day. I prepare my body and my mind for war and tonight I won. I’m not sure what’s next, just to go home and be with my family.”

In a battle of former friends, Former Unified Cruiserweight World Champion and Former Heavyweight World Champion DAVID ‘THE HAYEMAKER’ HAYE, (29-4, 26 KOs), solidly defeated JOE ‘THE BILLIONAIRE’ FOURNIER, (9-1, 9 KOs), in their eight-round clash. Scores were 80-71 and 79-72 (twice) as Haye flashed moments of brilliance throughout the fight against the outgunned Fournier.

David Haye returned to box for one night only and won.

“It felt really good to be back in the ring,” said the victorious Haye. “I haven’t hit a bag in three years, no sparring but I had four weeks of preparation for this and I got in there and felt fresh. I felt sharp, my timing was good. I wanted to give eight rounds of good entertainment and that’s what I did.”

“Now I feel like I’m ready to do some big things. I went out there and did exactly what I was going to do. Tyson Fury has been in my mind for a long time since 2013 when we were scheduled to fight. I’ve always wanted that fight and I’ve seen him getting better and better. I know I can beat him, I know his style, I know what he does well. My attributes don’t work for his style and he and his team know that.”

In a thrilling ten-round junior lightweight battle, Ireland’s JONO “KING KONG’ CARROLL, (22-6, 5 KOs), was victorious over ANDY ‘EL TIBURON’ VENCES, (23-3-1, 12 KOs), by way of majority decision. Scores were 95-95 and 97-93 twice. An even fight in the first half, the southpaw Carroll would pull away in the latter half of the fight with damaging combinations against the valiant Vences.

Said Carroll, “It’s fantastic to get this big win, it’s been a very tough year. But they say you have to sacrifice to really succeed in life. It’s never been a matter of if, only when I’m going to accomplish these goals. And now in 2022 I’m set up to fight for a world title and become a world champion. When I become a world champion I can build on the next chapter in my life. A win like tonight and it all becomes worth it.”

In a preliminary bout, ANTHONY CHAVEZ, (9-1-1, 3 KOs), and DIUHL OLGUIN, (15-19-5, 10 KOs) fought to a majority draw in their junior lightweight bout. Scores were 58-56 for Chavez and 57-57, twice.

Also, ELIEZER SILVA, (1-0), made a successful pro debut against TERRY ROSCOE, (2-6), in their four round middleweight fight. Scores were 39-36 on all three scorecards for Silva.

Bellator MMA Release: Phil Davis challenges Yoel Romero next Saturday in San Jose

For Immediate Release:

September 10, 2021

FORMER BELLATOR LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION PHIL DAVIS CHALLENGES OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALIST YOEL ROMERO IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MMA 266 INSIDE THE SAP CENTER AT SAN JOSE NEXT SATURDAY, SEPT. 18

FINALIZED BOUT LISTING AND BROADCAST DETAILS BELOW

LOS ANGELES – A pair of elite mixed martial artists meet in the main event of BELLATOR MMA 266 next Saturday, Sept. 18 inside the SAP Center at San Jose when former 205-pound champion and No. 3 ranked Phil Davis (22-6) welcomes MMA superstar Yoel Romero (13-5) to the BELLATOR promotion. The main card of BELLATOR MMA 266: Davis vs. Romero airs live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT.

In addition, the evening features a welterweight co-main event pitting No. 4 ranked Neiman Gracie (10-2) against Mark Lemminger (12-3) and a women’s flyweight contest between former title challenger #5-Alejandra Lara (9-4) and DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1).

Two additional main card fights have been added with a lightweight fight featuring Georgi Karakhanyan (31-11-1, 1 NC) versus Saul Rogers (14-4) and a light heavyweight tilt between No. 10 ranked Christian Edwards (4-0) against Ben Parrish (4-1) kicking off the action.

Nine action-packed preliminary fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT. Complete bout listing available below.

Tickets for the event are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Sept. 18 // BELLATOR 266: Davis vs. Romero //SAP Center // San Jose, CA

Fri. Oct. 1 // BELLATOR 267: Lima vs. MVP 2 //The SSE Arena, Wembley // London, England

Sat. Oct. 16 // BELLATOR 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals // Footprint Center // Phoenix, AZ

Sat. Oct. 23 // BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia

Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

****

BELLATOR MMA 266: Davis vs. Romero Main Card:

Saturday, September 18 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT

Light Heavyweight Main Event: #3-Phil Davis (22-6) vs. Yoel Romero (13-5)

Welterweight Bout: #4-Neiman Gracie (10-2) vs. Mark Lemminger (12-3)

Flyweight Bout: #5-Alejandra Lara (9-4) vs. DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1)

Lightweight Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (31-11-1, 1 NC) vs. Saul Rogers (14-4)

Light Heavyweight Bout: #10-Christian Edwards (4-0) vs. Ben Parrish (4-1)

Preliminary Card:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube Channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel | Pluto TV

7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT

Light Heavyweight Bout: #7-Grant Neal (6-0) vs. Alex Polizzi (8-1)

Middleweight Bout: Khalid Murtazaliev (15-2) vs. Anthony Adams (8-2)

175-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Abraham Vaesau (5-3, 1 NC) vs. Albert Gonzales (2-2)

Bantamweight Bout: Socrates Hernandez (Pro Debut) vs. Pedro Juarez (Pro Debut)

Bantamweight Bout: Bobby Seronio III (Pro Debut) vs. Erin Hunter (Pro Debut)

Welterweight Bout: Rhalan Gracie (0-2) vs. Shane Keefe (1-0)

160-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Eddie Abasolo (Pro Debut) vs. Art Hernandez (4-5, 1 NC)

Flyweight Bout: Edwin De Los Santos (Pro Debut) vs. Jon Adams (0-1-1)

130-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Jesse Delgado (Pro Debut) vs. Joshua Dillon (1-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

David Haye returns for one night only to fight close friend

On Saturday, September 11, from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL, Triller Fight Club will present a very intriguing night of boxing action featuring Evander Holyfield vs. Vitor Belfort in the main event and UFC legends Anderson Silva vs. Tito Ortiz in a professional boxing match. If that’s not enough, former U.S. President Donald Trump will provide commentary during the main event.

In addition to the two highly-anticipated fights on the main card, along with the appearance of Trump, David Haye, the former unified cruiserweight champion and winner of the WBA heavyweight crown, makes his return to the ring for one night only.

TRILLER FIGHT CLUB LEGENDS II: HOLYFIELD vs. BELFORT can be viewed live on Pay-Per-View beginning at 7PM/ET and streamed on fite.tv

Haye (28-4, 26 KOs), at age 40, returns to face unbeaten heavyweight Joe Fournier (9-0, 9 KOs, 1 NC), a wealthy businessman and friend. Initially this fight was supposed to have been an exhibition at the STAPLES Center on the undercard of Oscar De La Hoya vs. Vitor Belfort in California. However, after De La Hoya was pulled due to testing positive for COVID-19, the entire event was switched from California to Florida where Haye will fight his friend in a sanctioned heavyweight contest that will count toward their professional records.

“There’s going to be a ring on Saturday night and us standing in it and you’re going to get punched in the head,” Haye told his friend Fournier. “Once the bell rings, know that I’m there to win. Even with all that money you have you can’t buy the feeling that true fighters have. And you’re going to realize that when the first bell rings.”

Fournier says that he would have never thought of fighting Haye 10 years ago. However, but after years of suffering from various injuries and inactivity, Fournier believes that he’d beat Haye today.   

“David’s ego is too big, he would never accept the fact that I can beat him and I will beat him on Saturday night,” Fournier said. “I see for myself why elegance beats brute power… He’s a decreasing asset and I see that. Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have been in the ring with him but now absolutely.”

David Haye was a unified WBC/WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion in 2007-08, before moving to win the WBA heavyweight title in 2009

David Haye has had one of the most colorful careers in boxing. After having competed in nearly 100 amateur fights, Haye breezed through the cruiserweight ranks; winning the unified WBC/WBA and Ring Magazine titles from Jean-Marc Mormeck before capturing the WBO title from Enzo Maccarinelli.

Eventually, Haye won the WBA championship following a majority-decision win over 7’ 3,” Nikkolai Valev before losing it to then IBF/WBO and IBO champion Wladikmir Klitschko in a title unification bout.  

Haye had explosive hand-speed and power. That was specifically on display when he fought Derek Chisora in a nasty grudge match in 2012. Haye, however, retired after having suffered through multiple injuries, but returned to boxing in 2016.   

After two explosive KOs, Haye secured a fight with Tony Bellew in 2017. Haye tore his right Achilles tendon early in the fight, but boxed awkwardly in pair several rounds. Haye was knocked out of the ring in the eleventh-round before the fight was stopped. In the rematch with Bellew the following year, Haye appeared to have injured his right ankle and was dropped three times before the fight was stopped in round five.

Haye officially retired in June 2018. Haye ending his retirement in 2021 for a supposed one fight, is looking to prove to his friend that can still box at a high level regardless of his extensive injury history.