Winning the PFL 2021 Season Heavyweight Championship was a “Career-Changer” for Brazil’s Bruno Cappelozza

The Professional Fighters League’s 2022 Regular Season resumed on Thursday, featuring fights in the heavyweight and featherweight divisions. Headlining the 10-bout card was the defending 2021 PFL Heavyweight Champion Bruno Cappelozza.

Cappelozza, along with the other champions that include two-time PFL Women’s Featherweight Champion and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Kayla Harrison, each won a grand prize of $1 million dollars.

Winning the PFL season title last year proved to be a “Career-Changer” for Cappelozza, who lost his father just days before his championship win over Ante Delija in the finale. Cappelozza, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil, was just another MMA heavyweight looking to put food on the table for his family. Capplozza began his professional career with two losses and at 10-5, he’d already been KO’d twice, submitted twice, and submitted once. His most recognizable fight was a first-round loss in Rizin (2018) to UFC top-contender Jiri Prochazka, who will challenge Glover Texiera for the UFC World Light-Heavyweight Championship in June.

Cappelozza was just another fighter looking to “make it,” but the Professional Fighters League (PFL) saw something bigger. The PFL saw potential talent, a worthy-risk, and an opportunity to further build their brand. Adding Cappelozza into the World Grand Prix Tournament boosted the PFL’s credibility as a serious MMA promotion with a World Grand Prix Tournament format that rivals BELLATOR MMA’s.

Cappelozza, during his rise to the PFL Heavyweight Championship and $1 million grand prize, displayed a variety of improved skills, power, defense, strategy, and impressive performances.

Cappelozza (15-5), winner of his previous five bouts, four via stoppage, challenged Britain’s Stuart Austin (15-8) in their PFL 2022 Regular Season Heavyweight tournament debut. The 34 year-old, 6’3,” 246-lb. contender, Austin recorded 12 career stoppages, and posed a threat to the champion. However, Cappelozza proved to be more seasoned with greater skills and experience. Cappelozza pressured Austin behind feints and leg-kicks, before attempting a takedown with Austin pressed against the cage. Cappelozza brought Austin down to the mat, but Austin quickly returned to his feet before absorbing a hard left from Cappelozza.  

Cappelozza landed a hard-right to the head that rolled Austin onto the floor. While in a fully-mounted position, Cappelozza ended the fight using a “ground-and-pound” at 4:24 seconds of round one.   

The PFL Regular Season tournament in each weight-division consists of 10 fighters competing in a point-system. A victory is worth three-points. However, a first-round stoppage will garner 3 bonus points (6 total), a second-round victory is worth 2 bonus points (5 total), and a third-round stoppage is only worth one bonus point (4 total). A draw is worth only one-point. Losses result in zero points.

The four fighters in each weight-class with the highest point totals will be seeded #1 through #4; advancing into the single-elimination tournament. The winners of the semifinal #1 vs. 4, #2 vs. #3 bouts will compete in the championship finale for the $1 million-dollar grand prize.     

PFL Press Release: Professional Fighters League 2022 Regular Season Continues with 2021 Champion Bruno Cappelozza Victory  

Cappelozza TKO’s Stuart Austin in Main Event

Wade, Loughnane, Ferreira, Goltsov, Delija, Jenkins, Abreu, Moraes, Flores Earn Victories at PFL 2

PFL 3 Takes Place on Friday, May 6 in Primetime Across ESPN Networks and Streaming Platforms

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – April 28, 2022 – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) continued its 2022 Regular Season tonight at Esports Stadium Arlington, in Arlington, TX. The ten-fight event featured the Heavyweight and Featherweight divisions, with impressive finishes from Heavyweights Denis Goltsov, Renan Ferreira and 2021 PFL Champion Bruno Cappelozza.

The night’s main event saw Cappelozza defeat Stuart Austin by first round TKO. Cappelozza continued his winning ways with his fifth consecutive victory, with four of his last five wins coming by way of knockout. Cappelozza earned six points in the Heavyweight standings and took his first step towards a return to the PFL Playoffs. 

In the evening’s co-main event, Chris Wade, 2021 PFL Featherweight Runner-Up, matched up with two-time PFL Champion Lance Palmer. Wade, who enters his 4th PFL season, defeated Palmer via unanimous decision in a hard-fought contest. Wade earned three points in the Featherweight standings and improved his career record to 21-7-0.

Renan Ferreira entered the PFL SmartCage on a mission, and defeated Jamelle Jones by 1st round KO in 25 seconds, marking the fastest knockout in PFL Heavyweight history. Ferreira broke the previous record of 31 seconds, which he set last season. “Problema”, the tallest fighter in the PFL at 6’8, was impressive and currently sits atop the Heavyweight standings, after his 7th career knockout.

“The PFL continues to deliver the best action in MMA to fans around the world,” said Peter Murray, CEO of the PFL. “PFL’s unique season format makes each fight a must win contest and brings out the best in our world-class athletes. Next week, at PFL 3, we move to the midway point of the season with one of the biggest cards our sport has ever seen.”

“Tonight at PFL 2 the Heavyweights and Featherweights brought action and intensity to the SmartCage,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations of the PFL. “MMA fans around the world saw thrilling tactical fights as well as highlight reel knockouts, action that is consistently on display from PFL’s world-class athletes.”

2021 PFL Featherweight Semifinalist Brendan Loughnane made his 2022 season debut in a contest with Ryoji Kudo. The bout was stopped at the 3:00 mark of the 3rd round due to an accidental headbutt, with Loughnane earning the victory by technical decision. Loughnane, who fights out of Manchester, England, moved his career record to 22-4-0.

To begin the main card, Denis Goltsov wasted no time and took home a quick six points in the Heavyweight standings, defeating Cody Goodale by 1st round TKO. Goltsov, a two-time PFL Semifinalist, earned his 13th career knockout, with 23 of his 28 career wins coming by way of stoppage.

Further action saw 2021 PFL Heavyweight runner-up, Ante Delija, take on Matheus Scheffel. Delija, the protégé of MMA legend Mirko Cro Cop, defeated Scheffel by 2nd round TKO, and earned five points in the Heavyweight standings. Delija earned his 9th career knockout and bumped his career record to 20-5-0.

Bubba “Bad Man” Jenkins returned to the PFL SmartCage in a matchup against Kyle Bochniak. Jenkins, a 2021 PFL Featherweight Semifinalist, took the unanimous decision. The result improved his career to 17-5-0, earning him three points in the standings.

Leading off the action in the Heavyweight division, Klidson Abreu squared off with Adam Keresh. The contest went the three-round distance, with Abreu defeating Keresh by unanimous decision. Abreu earned three points in the division and handed Keresh his first pro loss.

Continued action saw Sheymon Moraes face off with Boston Salmon, PFL Challenger Series week 4 contract winner. Moraes took the fight to Salmon, and came out victorious via unanimous decision, and earned 3 points in the Featherweight division. Moraes is on a three fight win streak in the PFL.

Kicking off the card on ESPN+, Alejandro Flores matched up with Saba Bolaghi in the first Featherweight bout of the night. Flores earned his fourth straight victory defeating Bolaghi by unanimous decision. The result moved his career record to 21-3-0, and earned 3 points in the competitive division.

PFL action returns to Esports Stadium Arlington on Friday night, May 6, with Women’s Lightweight and Welterweight division matchups. Two-time PFL Women’s Lightweight Champion Kayla Harrison will make her highly anticipated return against PFL newcomer Marina Mokhnatkina. Two-time PFL Welterweight Champion Ray Cooper III will take on Magomed Umalatov.

All PFL 2022 Season events are live in primetime on ESPN, ESPN2/ESPN+ and ESPN3 (Spanish), as well as on a wide and diverse group of premier global distribution partner platforms reaching 160 countries around the world.

Featherweight Division

PFL 2022 Regular Season – Featherweight Rankings

Heavyweight Division 

PFL 2022 Regular Season – Featherweight Rankings
 

PFL Release: 2022 Season Heavyweight & Featherweight Debuts Live Tonight!!!

PFL 2: HEAVYWEIGHTS AND FEATHERWEIGHTS LIVE ON ESPN2 AND ESPN+ THURSDAY, APRIL 28
2021 PFL World Heavyweight Champion Bruno Cappelozza headlines against the United Kingdom’s Stuart Austin
Two-time PFL World Champion Lance Palmer squares off with 2021 Featherweight finalist Chris Wade
PFL 2 airs live on Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ (English and Spanish) and the action continues on ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET

The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, is set for its second Regular Season event of 2022 this Thursday, April 28 on ESPN2 and ESPN+. Fighters across the heavyweight and featherweight divisions will look to make a strong first impression and earn valuable points in their divisional standings.
PFL 2 begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ (English and Spanish) then the action continues on ESPN2 and will be simulcast on ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET.

Bruno Cappelozza capped a Cinderella season with his fourth consecutive win, a Fight of the Year candidate with fellow slugger Ante Delija, to secure the 2021 PFL Heavyweight World Championship. The fight put an exclamation point on a year that saw the Brazilian score three straight KO wins en route to the title fight. He’ll look to harness that same fistic energy as he squares off with Stuart Austin in the main event of PFL 2. Austin hopes to slow down the Cappelozza train as he makes his season debut. The London-based heavyweight holds a Judo blackbelt and is known for his heavy hands as well. He has notched eight of his 15 victories by knockout.

Two-time PFL Featherweight World Champion Lance Palmer is out to prove 2021 was an anomaly. After dominating his way to a pair of titles in his first two seasons Palmer found himself winless in his two bouts last year. The talented wrestler came up short against fellow wrestlers Bubba Jenkins and eventual champ Movlid Khaybulaev, both by decision. A reinvigorated Palmer is set to show the MMA world why he has been considered one of the sport’s top 145-pounders. He’ll match up with Long Island’s Chris Wade who has made a playoff appearance in each of his three PFL seasons. Last year Wade ended Jenkins run in the semifinals before also falling to Khaybulaev by decision in the Championship.

Brendan Loughnane had a great run in the PFL in 2021 but he came up just short, losing by split-decision in the semifinal bout against Khaybulaev. Prior to that, the Manchester native put up a highlight reel knockout of Sheymon Moraes and an amazing back-and-forth slugfest with Tyler Diamond to cement his position as one of the top featherweights in the world. He’ll face PFL newcomer Ryoji Kudo who sports a 10-2-1 record and will be making his North American debut. The Japanese import has won seven of his last eight bouts.

Renan Ferreira came up just short of making the Playoffs last season and is motivated to bank points in his first-round matchup with knockout artist Jamelle Jones. Ferreira felt he should have clinched a spot in 2021 but came up just short after his fight with MMA legend Fabricio Werdum was changed from a win to a no-contest by the New Jersey commission. He’ll look to right that wrong when he duels with 2021 semifinalist Jamelle Jones. Jones snuck into the playoffs ahead of Ferreira on the strength of a first-round stoppage over Klidson Abreu.

Two-time PFL Heavyweight semifinalist Denis Goltsov returns for his third season in the SmartCage and will take on U.S. Army veteran Cody Goodale to kick off the main card. Goodale has won four of his last five fights and the matchup should bring the fireworks between the two bruisers.

Calling the live action will be play-by-play announcer and former world champion, Sean O’Connell. He’ll be joined by Hall-of-Famer and MMA legend Randy Couture and one of the most popular MMA personalities today, Kenny Florian.

ESPN2 Card (simulcast on ESPN+)
Bruno Cappelozza vs. Stuart Austin
Lance Palmer vs. Chris Wade
Brendan Loughnane vs. Ryoji Kudo
Renan Ferreira vs. Jamelle Jones
Denis Goltsov vs. Cody Goodale

ESPN+ Card
Ante Delija vs. Matheus Scheffel
Bubba Jenkins vs. Kyle Bochniak
Klidson Abreu vs. Adam Keresh
Sheymon Moraes vs. Boston Salmon
Alejandro Flores vs. Saba Bolaghi

About Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league. PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship.
PFL is primetime in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and was broadcast and streamed live worldwide last year to 160 countries with partners including RMC Sport, FPT, Sky Sport, and more. The PFL roster is world-class, with 25% of PFL fighters independently ranked in the top 25 in the world. The PFL proprietary SmartCage data and analytics platform powers real-time betting and provides next-gen viewing experience.

PFL has over two-dozen blue-chip brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, IBM, GEICO, DraftKings, Bose, Socios.com, Air Force Reserve, US Marine Corps, and more. PFL is backed by major investors including Ares Capital, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Swan Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and several NBA, MLB, and NHL team owners.
MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams.
PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)

Matchroom Boxing Release – Liam Smith aims to send Jessie Vargas into politics with a defeat in NY

Liam Smith is aiming to prove he can become a two-time World champion and send Jessie Vargas into a new career in politics with a career-ending defeat when they clash at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN. TICKETS FOR TAYLOR VS. SERRANO ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER.COM  Smith and Vargas meet in a must-win fight that will determine the next chapters of both careers. The winner will close in on a shot at the title, while the loser will face questions over their future in the sport.   ‘Beefy’ has been the more active of the two, with a KO win over local Liverpool rival Anthony Fowler in October following a harsh points defeat in Russia last May to Magomed Kurbanov, while Vargas has been out of the ring since tasting defeat for the third time in his career against Mikey Garcia in Texas in February 2020.   Saturday’s fight has been on the cards for some time now, long before it was postponed in February after Vargas caught COVID, and there’s been plenty of back and forth between the former World rulers. Vargas has been sparring in the political sphere too, launching a campaign to running to represent Nevada’s 4th U.S. Congressional District, and while he believes he’ll be the man to challenge for World honors once again, Smith feels the Las Vegas man is already looking at his next career and will pay the price in the Big Apple.   “You question if he wants to be here,” said Smith. “I have this thing in my mind; he’s running for Congress, he hasn’t boxed for two years, he’s only got one fight left on his contract, so is this his last hurrah? Give me one more payday and I’ll move into politics?   “He’s very good technically, he’s got that typical Mexican American style and he likes to fight, meaning, he’s more of a boxer but he doesn’t shy away from a fight.   “I know he’s a nice guy but for some reason, there’s a bit of needle there. I boxed Sam Eggington in March 2019, and Eddie mentioned Jessie’s name in the ring, and I thought, ‘yeah, you promote him, I’d like that’. We jumped on it, he fought Garcia which was cool — but that was two years ago, and he could have fought me in those two years.   “I met Jessie at MSG at the Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz fight when Callum was on the card, and we shook hands on the fight, so it just did my head in a bit not because I was chasing him and he’s a big money fight or a World title fight, I was after him because neither of us were going to get a title shot and it’s a very good fight.   “When I look at the landscape of the 154lb division, I believe I can be World champion again. If I didn’t, I would retire because I’m happy, I’ve got two lovely daughters, I’ve ruled the world – so I could retire a happy man. People would bite your hand off for the career I’ve had, but I am realistic when I look at the champions and contenders and think ‘I can beat him, him and him’ so I am not done yet, I still have that fire in me.   “He’s only lost to Manny Pacquiao, Timothy Bradley, Mikey Garcia and soon, to Liam Smith. We’re in boxing to be in good fights and he’s one that I want to get rid of.   “Ultimately, I’m going to be too big and too strong for him. I’m a fully-fledged 154lber, I’ve been there my whole career and he’s gone from Light-Welter to Welter and now Super-Welter. If you can make 147lbs you are not a proper 154lber just yet and I think that’s going to play a part.   “Jessie – make sure you are ready. If this is your last hurrah, let’s give the fans a great fight and one they can talk about. I do think that you are going to get that, I’m not just saying that, I like to be in good fights, I don’t come to hold, I don’t come to make it a bore fest or awkward; I come to fight and I think he’s got that in him too, so I think you are going to get a good fight but a Liam Smith win.”   Smith and Vargas clash on an historic night of action in New York, topped by Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano becoming the first female boxers to headline the famous arena with Taylor’s undisputed Lightweight championship on the line.   There’s more undisputed action on the card as Crews-Dezurn and Cederroos decide who is the top dog at 168lbs. Olympic Gold medal star Galal Yafai makes his American debut and defends his WBC International Flyweight Title against Miguel Cartagena in his second pro fight, Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams is in a tough test with fellow unbeaten Middleweight Chordale Booker.   Reshat Mati is always popular in his home city and the ‘Albanian Bear’ meets Joe Eli Hernandez over eight rounds, Australia’s Skye Nicolson fights for the second time as a pro against Shanecqua Paisley Davis over six rounds and Light-Heavyweight talent Khalil Coe makes the short trip from Jersey City to face William Langston over six.

Masterclass: Cris Cyborg defeats Arlene Blencowe in an exciting rematch

BELLATOR MMA Women’s World Featherweight Champion Cris Cyborg (26-2) retained her title for the fourth time following a masterclass performance during a rematch against Arlene Blencowe (15-9). BELLATOR 279: CYBORG vs. BLENCOWE II was a rematch from October 2020 when Cyborg stopped Blencowe in two rounds.

It’s never easy, every fight is never easy,” Cyborg said. “I’ve been working on a lot of patience, seeing everything, and the opportunity to fight. Arlene, congrats for her on a on a real good fight. She showed she’s really tough. It was a great fight.”

In the opening round, Cyborg was aggressive against an improved Blencowe, winner of five of her previous six fights. Cyborg used leg-kicks against Blencowe’s inner and outer-thigh. Cyborg also moved forward behind her left-jabs and combination punching that kept Blencowe at a distance. Cyborg then used her grappling ability to drive Blencowe against the cage. Cyborg landed knees to Blencowe’s thighs and midsection.

Blencowe showed toughness and resistance, landing a solid shot that caught Cyborg. However, Cyborg landed a perfect right-hand floored Blencowe flat on her back. Cyborg went for what would have been a brutal finish, but after wrapping herself around Blencowe’s back, Cyborg landed an inadvertent knee to Blencowe’s face while she was down.

Cyborg was docked one point for an accidental foul.  

“It was supposed to be by the shoulder and it [went] to her head,” Cyborg said. “That was a mistake.”

Cyborg immediately went for the takedown and almost submitted Blencowe toward the end of a dominant first-round.

In round two, Cyborg’s leg kicks were on full display. Cyborg continued kicking away at Blencowe’s inner and outer-thigh. Cyborg also landed kicks across Blencowe’s stomach. Then she landed kicks against Blencowe’s shoulders and back. Blencowe swung wildly and missed, but when she did land, Cyborg was more than willing to exchange punches with Blenwcowe.

At the end of round two, Cyborg cut Blencowe with a nasty left-elbow against the cage. Cyborg too was bleeding from behind her right ear before the start of round three.

Cyborg continued landing kicks up the middle against Blencowe’s face, midsection, and legs. Blencowe was too determined to quit, she absorbed a lot of punishment. However, in round four, Blencowe knocked Cyborg backward with a kick to the body. Cyborg immediately charged, grabbed, and suplexed Blencowe hard onto the mat. Cybord continued to dominate Blencowe on the ground using side control; landing legal knee and elbow strikes.

After five rounds of non-stop action, all three judges each scored the bout 49-45 for the champion.    

“I was ready for five rounds,” Cyborg said. “If I had the opportunity to take her down, I’d take her down. I take her down a couple times, but I was having fun. There was a lot of patience too.”  

Cyborg, the only fighter to win world championships in four separate organizations, improved to 15-1, 1NC in career title fights. Cyborg won the BELLATOR MMA World Featherweight Championship in her debut for the organization in January 2020. Cyborg stopped inaugural champion Julia Budd in four rounds.

Clearly, Cyborg is performing at the highest level of her entire MMA career. Cyborg does more than just blast girls out with spectacular KO power. Cyborg is using a varied skillset to bring the fight to these girls each timeout. In each fight in BELLATOR, Cyborg, is still the same devastating puncher she’s always been, but we are seeing that power mixed with wrestling, ju-jitsu, grappling, leg-kicks, as well as, an improved defense. Cyborg is using more feints, moving away from punches using both her feet and head movement. Cyborg is also using body slams, leg-trips, and spears to drag girls down on the mat. Cyborg’s elbows have become an increasingly lethal weapon in her fights.

So what is next for Cyborg? At age 36, Cyborg is performing at such an incredibly high-level and evolved into perhaps the most diverse fighter in all of Women’s MMA. Perhaps Cat Zingano may be next for Cyborg. The two should have long ago fought while Cyborg made the jump to the UFC.

Amanda Nunes, as decorated a fighter Cyborg is, that loss still hurts. Yes, Cyborg has moved on having left the UFC, won a world title for another organization, and has been champion for almost 2 ½ years,  but the defeat to Nunes was so devastating, Cyborg would love to have another shot. Sadly, that fight may never happen for obvious reasons…

And of course, Kayla Harrison, the two-time defending PFL Women’s Featherweight Champion. After months of teasing everyone about potentially resigning with BELLATOR MMA, many began to discuss the possibility of a Cyborg-Harrison showdown. However, Harrison, who is also a two-time winner of the PFL’s seasonal tournament’s $1 million-dollar grand prize, resigned with the organization.

“I don’t know who’s going to be next that BELLATOR puts in front of me,” Cyborg said. “I don’t know. People calling me about Cat Zingano, asking about Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harrison. I don’t know. I’d like to be in the big shows for my fans; enjoying every time.”

Cyborg may possibly transition into having one boxing match. Cyborg stated: “My next fight, I’d like to do a boxing fight. This is one of my dreams.” BELLATOR MMA President/CEO Scott Coker stated that there is room in Cyborg’s contract to have one boxing match.

Cyborg reportedly has one-fight left on her deal with BELLATOR MMA. Cyborg and Coker’s relationship dates back to the old days of STRIKEFORCE MMA on CBS/SHOWTIME. Cyborg’s biggest victories and career-best performances were under Coker’s watch, which doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon.    

“I really love my job,” Cyborg continued. “In the beginning, I felt I never really planned anything. I was just doing my best; disciplined training every day. I’m just very thankful for every opportunity I have – to be a Grand Slam Champion and an example for the other girls coming up. If I did it, then other girls can do it too. I just want to continue to work and if God keeps putting fire in my heart, I’m going to continue doing it.”

For additional information on BELLATOR 278 & 279 results and upcoming events, please visit http://www.bellator.com

After waiting 1,630+ days, Dillian Whyte KO’d by ‘Gypsy King’ in WBC heavyweight title fight

After waiting 1,630+ days, Dillian Whyte finally had his chance to challenge unbeaten, two-time heavyweight titlist Tyson Fury for the WBC championship.

“Dillan Whyte is a warrior,” Fury stated. “And I believe that Dillian will be a world champion. But tonight, he met a great in the sport. I’m one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. And unfortunately for Dillian Whyte, he had to face me here tonight.”

A sold-out crowd of 94,000 were in attendance packed Wembley Stadium in London, England, as Whyte (28-3, 19 KOs) was KO’d by Fury (32-0-1, 23 KOs), who remains unbeaten during his near 14-year career.  

The end came at 2:59 seconds of the sixth-round when Fury landed a right-uppercut that ricocheted off the side of Whyte’s head. Whyte, badly hurt, awkwardly returned to his feet, and was unable to follow the referee’s instructions.

“As a professional, it was an uppercut,” Fury said. “I think Lennox Lewis could even be proud of the right uppercut tonight.”

FURY vs. WHYTE: THE WBC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP, was broadcast on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View ($69.99) and BT Sport ($29.99) in the U.K. It was the second consecutive title defense for Fury, who improved 4-0 in career championship fights.

In 2021, Fury completed an amazing WBC heavyweight championship trilogy against Deontay Wilder. Fury fought Wilder to a draw in 2018 before scoring repeat KOs against Wilder in each of the previous two fights. Fury actually survived a knockdown to KO Wilder during what was a wild heavyweight title fight last year.

Against Whyte, who waited more than five years for this particular bout, Fury had no problems controlling the pace. Fury carefully picked his shots, jabbing behind a massive 6’ 9,” 264-lb. body. Fury buried Whyte with combinations to the body that quickly sapped the breath from out of Whyte’s lungs. Whyte, at 6’ 4,” 253-lbs. with a 78-inch reach, simply could not reach past Fury’s size and incredible 86-inch reach.

Fury, fighting backwards, allowed Whyte to move forward; lunging punches, missing the mark, and unable to lay a scratch against the defending champion. Whyte even resorted to rough-house tactics that involved, holding and hitting. An accidental headbutt left a cut above Whyte’s right eye that ate a lot of Fury jabs.

Whyte had nothing for Fury, who easily set-up his fight-winning knockout blow with relative ease.

“There’s no disgrace,” Fury added. “He’s a tough, game man. He’s as strong as a bull. He’s got the heart of a lion. But you’re not messing with a mediocre heavyweight. You’re messing with the best man on the planet. And you saw that tonight with what happened.”

Immediately following the fight, speculation about Fury nearing the end, and closing-in on retirement loomed.

“I promised my lovely wife Paris of 14 years that after the Wilder 3 fight, that would be it,” Fury concluded. “And I meant it. We had a war. It was a great trilogy. And I meant that. But I got offered to fight at Wembley at home, and I believe that I deserved—that I owed it to the fans, I owed it to every person in the United Kingdom to come here and fight at Wembley. Now it’s all done. And I have to be a man of my word. And I think this is it. This might be the final curtain for the Gypsy King. And what a way to go out! A big thank you to the United Kingdom!”  

After 1,630+ days, Dillian Whyte finally gets his WBC heavyweight championship fight!!!

It has been more than 1,630 days since Dillian Whyte was named the WBC #1-ranked contender. Come Saturday, more than 1,630 days will have passed when Dillian Whyte (28-2, 19 KOs), in front of an expected 90,000+ fans at Wembley Stadium in London, England, challenges unbeaten two-time heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury (31-0-1, 22 KOs) for the WBC heavyweight championship.

FURY vs. WHYTE: THE WBC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONHSIP will be televised live in the U.S. on ESPN Pay-Per-View beginning at 2 PM/ET.

This is the heavyweight title fight Dillian Whyte has waited so long and patiently for. This is his dream, a chance of a lifetime, an opportunity that may (or may not) cement his place in the annals of heavyweight boxing history. The chance to fight for the WBC heavyweight title is an opportunity Dillian Whyte dreamt of tirelessly, but has eluded him his entire career.

“It means everything to me to be fighting in my home country, and especially because it’s for the world title at Wembley,” said Dillian Whyte. “It’s not too far from where I’m from. It means everything. It’s massive. It’s a moment I’ve been waiting for. It’s a big fight. Like Tyson said, we didn’t expect to be here. But I’m here, but I’ve taken risks time and time again. I’ve had a couple slipups along the way, but I’m here and I’m ready to go. You won’t hear any bullsh*t from me. I’m ready to go.”

Dillian Whyte has had to constantly prove himself against highly-ranked heavyweights just to force his way into a heavyweight title landscape that was once dominated by both Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder. Dillian Whyte’s road toward the World Heavyweight Championship started from scratch once he’d lost to Joshua in a highly-anticipated heavyweight fight between two unbeaten contenders more than six years ago. Joshua went to win the IBF heavyweight title from Charles Martin in 2016, as Dillian Whyte reignited a slow climb up the heavyweight ranks that took years off his career.

For whatever reason, Joshua and Wilder signed no contract to fight Dillian Whyte. As Joshua and Wilder were both universally recognized as the #1 and #2 heavyweights on the planet, Dillian Whyte was always lurking and working for this title following one incredible performance after another.

Things changed once Tyson Fury beat Wilder in a rematch to win the WBC title in February 2020. Following another war during the conclusion of his classic World Heavyweight Championship trilogy with Wilder, Fury, at long last, agreed to fight Dillian Whyte after promoter Frank Warren won a record $41 million purse-bid.

Dillian Whyte’s journey toward Saturday, a 1,630+ day hike, included fights with former heavyweight champions Alexander Povetkin, Joseph Parker, Lucas Browne, as well as, title challengers: Derrick Chisora (twice), Robert Helenius, Marius Wach, and an unbeaten Oscar Rivas during a six-year. Whyte has had to come off the floor, come from behind, and rebound from losses to secure his first (and perhaps last) world title opportunity.

Dillian Whyte was momentarily derailed from his title chase when he shockingly lost to Alexander Povetkin, a former WBA heavyweight champion and Olympic Gold medalist in 2020. Dillian Whyte was unmercifully beating Povetkin to a pulp in round, before Dillian Whyte dropped his guard in the fifth-round. Dillian Whyte was looking as sharp as he’d ever had before the fight was stopped.  

Thankfully Dillian Whyte has Eddie Hearn as his promoter. Hearn was able to negotiate an immediate rematch and Dillian Whyte wasted no time taking care of Povetkin in four rounds in 2021.

And here we are. Saturday awaits the biggest fight of Dillian Whyte’s career. The long-awaited boyhood dream that Dillian Whyte chased in the shadows of Joshua and Wilder throughout his entire career could be within his grasp. Defeating Tyson Fury will be a mountainous task. The 6’ 9,” 264-lb. champion, who has an 86-inch reach, is not only undefeated, but has rarely lost rounds throughout his career. Tyson Fury is coming off an amazing trilogy with Wilder and is 6-0-1, 4 KOs since return in June 2018.

Whyte has great size and power at 6’ 4,” 250+ lbs., and promises to bring the fury against one Tyson Fury.   

“This is one of those fights where I’ve been working on being adaptable,” Whyte added. “I’m going to have to adapt, make smart decisions, when I need to do what and how I need to do it, and how I need to approach what I’m doing. So that’s it. There’s no strategy here. That’s it. I just need to go in there and do my thing.”

Fury-Whyte isn’t the fight everyone anticipated, but it’s a fight that was destined to happen since Whyte has waited patiently for so long for his one chance; maybe his only chance to cease boxing’s most coveted prize.

Top Rank/ESPN Release – No Whyte, No Problem: Tyson Fury Entertains at Open Workout

No Whyte, No Problem: Tyson Fury Entertains at Open Workout

Fury-Whyte goes down SATURDAY at Wembley Stadium (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT) LIVE on ESPN+ PPV

ESPN+ PPV on Sale NOW

LONDON (April 19, 2022) —WBC/Lineal/Ring Magazine heavyweight world champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury is comfortable as a solo artist. After Dillian Whyte did not show up to Tuesday’s open workout in London, Fury thrilled the home fans on his own. Fury, who will battle Whyte on ESPN+ PPV this Saturday at Wembley Stadium (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT), turned southpaw and went through the fight week paces with his head trainer, SugarHill Steward.

A crowd of more than 94,000 is expected for this all-UK showdown, which would be one of the largest audiences in combat sports history.

Without Whyte to share the spotlight, this is some of what Fury had to say.
 
“Frank Warren and the boys have done a fantastic job. It’s been a great promotion. Looking forward to a fantastic event.”

“I think it’s gonna be real for {Whyte}. If not today or tomorrow or this week, then as soon as I hit him in the mouth on Saturday night. Then, he knows it’s real!”

“I’ve been boxing quite a bit as a southpaw in camp. We’ll see. Whatever works. If that don’t work, we’ll switch off to orthodox. If that don’t work, we’ll switch back up. I might just go square on!”

On Whyte not showing up to the workout

“That’s Dillian’s concern. That’s none of my business. Dillian Whyte, I’m sure he’s got his reasons why he’s not here today. Whatever they are, good luck to him, and I’ll see him on the fight night.”

“I’ve said this is my last fight, and it will be.”

“I’m overwhelmed with the support I’ve had over the years. It’s been fantastic. 94,000 people, it’s unbelievable, it’s amazing stuff.”

UPCOMING FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE
Wednesday, April 20: Fury vs. Whyte Main Event Press Conference
2:30 p.m. UK/9:30 a.m. ET/6:30 a.m. PT

Streaming on the ESPN APP and Top Rank’s YouTube and Twitter pages

Thursday, April 21: Fury vs. Whyte Undercard Press Conference
12:30 p.m. UK/7:30 a.m. ET/4:30 a.m. PT

Streaming on Top Rank’s YouTube and Twitter pages

Friday, April 22: Fury vs. Whyte Weigh-In
2:30 p.m. UK/9:30 a.m. ET/6:30 a.m. PT
Live on ESPN2 and Top Rank’s YouTube and Twitter pages

Saturday, April 23: Fury vs. Whyte Fight Day
PPV Broadcast
2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT
CLICK HERE for ESPN+ Event Order Page

Fury vs. Whyte, 12 rounds, Fury’s WBC/Lineal/Ring Magazine Heavyweight titles

Anthony Cacace vs. Jonathan Romero, 10 rounds, Vacant WBO International Junior Lightweight title

Isaac Lowe vs. Nick Ball, 12 rounds, Vacant WBC Silver Featherweight title

David Adeleye vs. Chris Healey, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Tommy Fury vs. Daniel Bocianski, 6 rounds, light heavyweight

 # # #

Like father, like son? Antonio Tarver, Jr. is amongst the latest to follow dad’s legacy

Throughout boxing history, many fighters have protected the privacy of their children by simply keeping them away from the media, and out of the public light. Many fighters don’t even make mention of their children (at least publically) when speaking to the media.

To be honest, we don’t even know who these kids are unless it is to the fighter’s convenience of using their name, their career, their persona, and equity accumulated through time into giving their child a push onto the mainstream.

Just because a boxing legend decides to use their name to help their kid become fighters doesn’t mean their kid is going to be any good.

Sometimes things work out.

Laila Ali carried the legacy of her late father, ‘The Greatest’ Muhammad Ali. Laila, who turned professional in 1999, had a successful eight-year career that included a WBC super-middleweight championship.

Muhammad’s legendary rival, Joe Frazier had a daughter, Jacqueline Frazier-Lyde, who also turned professional. Lyde was successful enough to secure a fight with Laila. Promoters dubbed the event ALI-FRAZIER IV.

Then again, sometimes things doesn’t work out at all. Look at Marvis Frazier, for example. Joe Frazier had a monster left-hook and tried desperately to teach his son how to ‘throw it like dad.’

Marvis Frazier was mauled by the legendary Larry Holmes (TKO 1), but was left unconscious in just 30 seconds by Mike Tyson.

George Foreman, one of the hardest-punching heavyweights of all time, had one of the most successful careers in boxing history. His daughter Freeda Foreman was 5-1, 3 KOs before retiring in 2003. She was ok, but nothing exciting to watch. Foreman left boxing and achieved levels of personal success before she unexpectedly died three years ago at the age of 42.

In recent years, Evander Holyfield’s son, Evan, turned professional. Chris Eubank, Jr., led his son Eubank, Jr. to an IBO super-middleweight world title, and Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Walsh is an unbeaten 21-year-old boxer at 4-0, 3 KOs.

Antonio Tarver built his own legacy and had a very worthy career: A classic trilogy against the legendary Roy Jones, Jr., two fights with Glen Johnson, and bouts Bernard Hopkins, Clinton Woods, Danny Green, Montell Griffin, Steve Cunningham, Eric Harding were amongst his biggest.   

Tarver ended his career having went unbeaten in his last six fights that included a brief stint between heavyweight and cruiserweight (2010-15).  

Today, at the present time, Antonio Tarver, former 1996 Olympic Bronze medalist, unified light-heavyweight, and cruiserweight champion, is utilizing his time, resources, and equity based on his name, reputation, and storied success he’s accumulated through the years, to lead his son Antonio Tarver, Jr. into the professional ranks.

Tarver doesn’t have the same amateur pedigree as Tarver, Sr. In fact, Tarver, Jr. had less than a dozen amateur fights before beginning his professional career eight years ago. Tarver, Jr., now 34 fighting out of Florida, has been fighting off-on since and is under no pressure keep fighting.

However, following a two-year absence prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it appears Tarver, Jr. is set to make a consistent run deep into the pro-ranks. Trained by his father Antonio, Sr., Tarver, Jr. has relaunched his boxing career under T2/Tarver Promotions.

Tarver, Jr. fought twice last summer before scoring a second-round TKO victory in the main event of Tarver Promotions’ “Fight Night in Tampa” on April 9th.

Time will tell just how the Antonio Tarver, Jr. will develop, but he certainly off to a great start at 9-0, 6 KOs.

Conor Benn dismantles Van Heerden, Alycia Baumgardner retains WBO/IBO 130-lb. titles

Conor Benn (21-0, 14 KOs), the son of the famed former WBO middleweight and WBC super-middleweight champion Nigel Benn, is in pursuit of securing is first world title opportunity.

The 25-year-old from London, kept his undefeated record intact following a brutal second-round stoppage of 34-year-old Chris Van Heerden (28-3-1, 12 KOs) of South Africa.  

Manchester, UK: Conor Benn v Chris Van Heerden, WBA Continental Welterweight Title. 16 April 2022 Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Benn vs. Heerden was the main event of a Matchroom Boxing event live from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. DAZN streamed the event live worldwide.

After the two fearlessly engaged with one another in the opening round, Benn landed a huge right-hand that dropped Heerden onto the canvas. It didn’t take long for the referee to stop the fight at 59 seconds of round two. The performance was short, but much like his entire career, Benn has impressed his followers with his unique combination of speed and power.

“Anyone they put in front of me,” Benn said, “I deal with. I out-box them and then I knock them out, it’s just the way I am.”

Benn is on the rise at 147-lbs. and will soon need to step-up his level of opposition. While fights against fellow British fighters Amir Khan and Kell Brook, Benn’s true test will come against guys like Jaron Ennis, Keith Thurman, Da n ny Garcia, Vergil Ortiz, and David Avanesyan – guys Conor actually must beat to earn a world title shot.  

“The most important thing next for Conor Benn is a big, big fight, and a big step up,” Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn said. “The test tonight was the experience and the southpaw (style) of Chris van Heerden. It took one round for him to get used to that before he absolutely demolished him.”

Manchester, UK: Alycia Baumgardner vs Edith Matthysse, WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight Titles 16 April 2022 Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Also on the card, newly crowned WBC/IBO super-featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner (12-1, 7 KOs) defeated former unified world champion Edith Soledad Matthysse (16-12-1, 1 KO). It was Baumgardner’s first appearance since her “2021 Female Knockout of the Year” against Terri Harper to win the unified 130-lbs. titles in England last November.

Although Baumgardner did not follow with a repeat KO of the year candidate, she most importantly, displayed the boxing skills that led her to the world championship. Once again, Baumgardner returned to the U.K. to impress everyone on the world stage. Baumgarnder commanded the ring from the opening bell using jabs, feints, movement, speed, and power to control every moment of the ten, two-minute rounds.

Matthysse, whose brother is former world champion Lucas Matthysse, was determined and truly challenged Baumgardner’s conditioning and durability.  However, Baumgardner put the world on notice that she is truly the complete package and one of the very best fighters in Women’s Boxing.  

For more information on this event and upcoming Matchroom Boxing events, visit www.matchroomboxing.com  

SHOWTIME Release: Errol Spence pounds Yordenis Ugas (TKO 10), unifies WBC/WBA & IBF welterweight championships

ERROL SPENCE JR. POUNDS YORDENIS UGÁS FOR TENTH-ROUND STOPPAGE IN THREE-BELT WELTERWEIGHT TITLE UNIFICATION BLOCKBUSTER LIVE ON SHOWTIME PPV^® SATURDAY NIGHT HEADLINING A PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT FROM AT&T STADIUM FROM ARLINGTON, TEXAS

Isaac Cruz Drops Former Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa Four Times in Dominant Co-Main Event Performance

José Valenzuela Crushes Former Champion Francisco Vargas With Highlight-Reel First-Round Knockout

Cody Crowley Wears Down, Decisions Tough Veteran Contender

Josesito López in Action-Packed Telecast Opener

The SHOWTIME PPV will re-air on Saturday, April 23 at

9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME^®

ARLINGTON, TX. – April 16, 2022 – The Big Fish successfully navigated treacherous waters on Saturday night to pick up a third welterweight title. IBF and WBC welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. showed his greatness against WBA champion Yordenis Ugás, battling back from early adversity to stop Ugás in the tenth round on SHOWTIME PPV live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event before an announced crowd of 39,946. Click HERE to watch the Spence victory announcement. 

The remaining welterweight title not in Spence’s possession belongs to WBO titleholder Terence Crawford, who was an interested observer on Saturday, Tweeting his reaction to the Spence victory. Spence made clear his preference for his next opponent.  

“Everybody knows who I want next,” Spence said. “I want Terence Crawford. That’s the fight that I want. That’s the fight everybody else wants. Like I said, I’m going to get these straps then go over there and take his too. Terence I’m coming for that belt!”

Spence had to overcome some harsh conditions courtesy of Ugás to get to this point. After Ugás hurt Spence in the sixth, knocking his mouthpiece out with an uppercut, Spence of DeSoto, Texas, stormed back to hurt Ugás repeatedly to the body and eye. By the tenth round,Ugás’ right eye was completely shut when referee Laurence Cole stopped the contest for the second time to allow the ringside physician to inspect the damage.

Unlike earlier, the doctor advised Cole to stop the bout at 1:44 of the tenth round, giving Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) a resounding victory, a third welterweight belt, and perhaps the greatest triumph of his still accumulating career following a 17-month layoff after corrective surgery to his left eye forced him to pull out of a mega-fight with Manny Pacquiao. Ugás stepped in for Spence on late notice, beating and retiring Pacquiao last summer, setting the stage for Saturday’s welterweight unification contest, just the 12^th in the division’s history.

“I believe that you’re going to go through trials and tribulations,” Spence said. “I went through a lot of trials. I got tested and I passed the tests due to my upbringing. My mother and my father always telling me not to quit and not to give up and just believing in myself and my family. I wanted to prove them wrong, and I knew that I could come back. Why would I quit now?”

Ugás’ size and skill appeared to confound Spence early on. The Cuban Olympic bronze medalist hurt Spence with a right uppercut and a right hand that had Spence falling back into the ropes and sent his mouthpiece flying in the sixth. The referee interrupted the action with 1:32 left in the frame to allow trainer Derrick James to replace the mouthpiece. Following the break, Spence returned fire, banging to Ugás’ body to end the frame on a high note.

The referee again interrupted the action with 53 seconds left in the eighth to have the doctor examine Ugás’ right eye, which was nearly shut, the result of Spence timing Ugas with hard right hands. Spence jumped on him moments later, nailing Ugás (27-5, 12 KOs) to the body, sensing the end may be near.

Ugás appeared to hurt Spence to the body with a right hand in the ninth and again with a left to the body, for which he was warned by the referee for veering a little low.

Spence came back and hurt Ugás with a right to the body in the tenth that had him retreating, covering up, clearly in pain. The referee again had the doctor check on Ugas’ right eye, this time deciding he had sustained enough punishment. Ugas screamed in dismay, clearly wanting to continue, while Spence shouted to the rafters in pure joy and stomped his feet on the canvas.

“I feel sad,” Ugás said. “I trained really hard for this fight. All my respect to Errol Spence. He’s a great champion. I’m just sad about what happened tonight. The referee stopped the fight, but I wanted to keep going to the end. I definitely had a chance to win the fight in the sixth round, but he recuperated well. Congratulations to him and his team.”

Lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz proved his impressive performance against three-division champion Gervonta Davis last December wasn’t a fluke. In a dominant, knockdown-filled performance, Cruz dropped the proud former unified featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa four times en route to a dominant fifth-round stoppage of Gamboa in the co-main event. Click HERE to watch the stoppage.

A monster left-right hand combination from Cruz sent Gamboa careening into the ropes, causing the referee to wave the bout off at 1:32 of the round of the scheduled 10-round lightweight bout. Cruz threw 36 power punches per round landing an average of 11 per round.

“I’m here to defeat and dethrone anyone that gets in my way while putting on a show for the fans,” Cruz said. “I wanted to send a clear message to the division that I’m here to be a world champion no matter what. Mexico, just wait until we arrive. We have something special planned for you when we come back to celebrate.” 

Cruz (23-2-1, 16 knockouts) hurt Gamboa with a big left hook early in the first round. Gamboa stumbled back against the ropes, his balance off, legs wobbly and held on to survive the remainder of the round.

Cruz dropped Gamboa (30-5, 18 knockouts) with a right-left combo with seconds left in the second round that buckled Gamboa’s legs and caused him to touch the canvas.

Cruz jumped him to start the third, knocking him down again seconds into the frame with a left hook. But again, Gamboa danced his way out of trouble again to make it to the fourth. In the fourth, Cruz dropped Gamboa again with a left hand toward the end of the round.

José Valenzuela (12-0, 8 knockouts) made a startling statement about his punching power and future in the lightweight division in his bout with former champion Francisco Vargas. Valenzuela landed a looping left hand that sent Vargas crashing to the canvas, prompting the referee to immediately stop the scheduled 10-round lightweight bout at 1:25 of the first round in Saturday’s second pay-per-view bout. Click HERE for the knockout.

A stablemate of unbeaten two-time world champion David Benavidez, Valenzuela, 22, stepped back to avoid the 37-year-old Vargas’ jab and launched forward with a windup left that landed clean. Vargas (27-4-2, 19 KOs), who won a 130-pound title in 2015, dropped his second straight while Valenzuela has now stopped seven of his last eight opponents.

“I worked hard for this and stayed calm, and I stayed patient and went for it when I saw the opening,” said Valenzuela, who referenced the support of Benavidez, standing in the ring next to him. “Working alongside this guy right here, David Benavidez, he has shown me a lot of things in and out. I look to see what he does and what he goes through. He tells me to be patient and that’s what I did. I was expecting (Vargas) to get up but when I took a look back, I knew. It was a good knockout.”

Canada’s Cody Crowley remained undefeated with a tough, punishing unanimous decision victory against veteran contender Josesito López in a 10-round contest of all-action welterweights that kicked off the PPV telecast. The scores were 98-91, 98-91, 99-90 for Crowley.

Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) sent Lopez to the canvas with a cuffing right hand that seemed to graze the back of Lopez’s head and was deemed a knockdown by the referee. Though Lopez (38-9, 21 KOs) wasn’t hurt in that sequence, he was wobbled throughout by heavy shots, his left eye nearly shut, and his legs unsteady in the later rounds.

Still, as he has done against Canelo Alvarez, Marcos Maidana, Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz, the “Riverside Rocky” soldiered on, refusing to let his corner stop the fight even though he was offering little resistance. Crowley, who, according to CompuBox landed 41% of his power punches and 53 of 440 jabs, was back in action following a sterling SHOWTIME debut in December 2021 when he topped previously unbeatenKudratillo Abdukakhorov by unanimous decision. 

“I want to bring a world title back to Canada,” Crowley said. “Canada supports so much. You see what happens when the Raptors win a championship. The Toronto Maple Leafs hardly make it to the playoffs, and they sell out every single game. Canada just needs a horse to ride behind and I’m that horse. I guarantee we’ll sell out every arena when you bring Cody Crowley.”

The event was promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions.

The SHOWTIME PPV will re-air on Saturday, April 23 at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME. All ACCESS: SPENCE VS. UGAS – EPILOGUE will follow the SHOWTIME PPV replay.

EIMANTAS STANIONIS BULLIES RADZHAB BUTAEV IN SPLIT DECISION WIN TO CAPTURE WBA WELTERWEIGHT TITLE IN SPECIAL EDITION OF SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® IN EVENT PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS SATURDAY NIGHT FROM AT&T STADIUM IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS

Rising Star Brandun Lee Decisions Zachary Ochoa in Co-Main Event

ARLINGTON, TX. – April 16, 2022 – Eimantas Stanionis moved a step closer to establishing himself as one of the sport’s best welterweights with an action-filled split decision win against the rugged Radzhab Butaev, lifting his WBA title in the main event of a special edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING that preceded the four-fight Spence vs. Ugas SHOWTIME PPV^® from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. 

In a bout fought at close range, Stanionis landed the crisper, more eye-catching shots, repeatedly rocking the sturdy Butaev with hard rights and a reliable jab in the most complete performance of his career. He won by judges’ scores of 116-111, 117-110 and 113-114, improving to 14-0 with 9 knockouts, while Butaev, who had a point deducted in the 11^th for holding and hitting, suffered the first defeat of his career, dropping to 14-1 with 11 knockouts.

“I still can’t believe it,” Stanionis said afterward. “It was a dream come true to hear ‘and the new.’ When I was a kid, I visualized what this would look like and how it would feel to become a champion. It’s because of the hard work, dedication, belief in myself and my team to get me to this big stage. I just want to tell everybody that dreams do come true. If you believe in it and give your everything, it will happen.

Displaying a granite chin and impressive punch selection, Stanionis, a 27-year-old former Olympian from Lithuania, made his case for securing a fight with the winner of Saturday’s main event between IBF/WBC welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. and WBA champion Yordenis Ugas. 

Though Butaev threw 146 more punches than Stanionis, Stanionis landed at a 37% connect rate while Butaev’s connect rate was 19%, according to CompuBox. Stanionis almost quadrupled Butaev in jabs landed 80-21 with Stanionis also landing 42% of his power punches while Butaev landed 29%.

“The fight went like this because the referee allowed Stanionis to fight with his head down the entire time,” Butaev said. “What can I do if the guy is leading with his head down all the time? I don’t know why he took away a point from me. They should have taken the point away from him because he was diving in the whole time.”

Butaev tried to mix up his attack, switching from southpaw to orthodox, but Stanionis had little trouble solving these different looks.

Stanionis landed a looping overhand right that landed flush in the tenth. But Butaev appeared to buckle Stanionis in the 11^th and bloody his nose with a series of blows.

However, moments later Butaev was deducted a point for pushing Stanionis’ head down in a clinch and punching, blunting his momentum.

Butaev made a stand in the last two rounds, pushing Stanionis back with punishing shots but it was Stanionis who, seemingly tiring, answered with two sweeping right hands in the final minute, as the crowd cheered on the action.

The match ended with both men falling to the canvas, winging shots, an appropriate coda to an entertaining brawl. 

In the telecast opener, rising star Brandun Lee didn’t stop his opponent, but he did remain undefeated, beating a very defensive Zachary Ochoa in a super lightweight bout via unanimous decision to move to 25-0 with 22 knockouts.

Entering the bout, Lee had stopped his previous 15 straight opponents, demonstrating the concussive power that has made him one of the most talked about young fighters in the sport.

The 22-year-old Lee never landed a fight-ending bomb against Ochoa, but he did push the action and land the more telling punches against an opponent who moved backward for most of the bout and was determined not to get knocked out.

Lee, who was Ring Magazine’s Prospect of the Year in 2021, went 10 rounds for the first time in his career, winning by scores of 99-91, 99-91 and 98-92, and going the distance for the first time since 2018 in a performance that Lee will surely learn from moving forward.

“I think that only two rounds were close, the seventh and maybe the ninth,” Lee said. “It was exactly what I expected. Perhaps I could have performed better, my combinations been a bit sharper, but it was a good fight overall. Fighting at AT&T Stadium was a blessing. Wow, what an experience. It motivates me even more to come back here and be a headliner one day. I want to be a world champion at 140, unify titles, become undisputed and then become a world champ at 147.”

Lee of La Quinta, Calif., landed 31% of his power punches and 18% of his total punches, according to CompuBox. Lee pinned Ochoa (21-3, 7 KOs) against the ropes in the third and rained down rights and lefts as Ochoa did his best to avoid any fight-ending blows. Ochoa landed a nice left-right combination in the fourth, but Lee closed the round well, landing uppercuts and rights to push Ochoa back.

Lee bloodied Ochoa’s nose in the fifth with a right uppercut as Ochoa continued to move backwards but the action was sparce after that. Lee showed his frustration as the seventh closed, looking at Ochoa with annoyance as he walked back to the corner.

At the urging of his trainer, Brooklyn’s Ochoa stopped moving and started to trade shots on the inside with Lee in the ninth. Lee capitalized, landing a series of nice uppercuts and an overhand right, showcasing impressive hand speed. Ochoa’s face showed the results with swelling under his left eye. Ochoa’s finest moment came in the tenth when he landed a clean overhand right, but Lee took it well and fired back with his own shots.

“Brandun Lee is a really good fighter, a strong fighter,” Ochoa said. “I feel I was doing really well. He caught me a little bit, but I kept my confidence, my poise and when it was time to step it up the last three rounds, I started putting the pressure on him and we went at it. I went all out. He’s never had it like that. I only got hurt one time, maybe at the end of the seventh. I know I buzzed him too.”

The event was promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader will re-air on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME^®.

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell and former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez serving as expert analysts. The producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING was Richard Gaughan with Rick Phillips directing.