‘CasKILLA’ handles Alma Ibarra in an all-out assault, retains Undisputed Women’s World Welterweight Championship

June 25, 2022; San Antonio, Texas; Jessica McCaskill celebrates her win over Alma Ibarra after their fight at the Tech Port Arena in San Antonio, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.

Undisputed Women’s Welterweight Champion Jessica McCaskill, “CasKILLA,” has successfully defended her WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO, and Ring Magazine titles for the third time.

McCaskill (12-2, 5 KOs), for the first time in her career, has recorded consecutive knockouts. ‘CasKILLA’ handled Alma Ibarra (10-2, 5 KOs) during what was an all-out assault, en route to a fourth-round TKO on Saturday.  

McCaskill vs. Ibarra was featured on the undercard of WBC super-flyweight champion Jesse Rodriguez’ stunning stoppage’ win against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, in San Antonio, Texas, live on DAZN.

Previously, McCaskill TKO’d Canada’s Kandi Wyatt last December. McCaskill, who defeated longtime Undisputed Welterweight Champion of more than a decade Cecelia Braekhus in consecutive fights (Aug. ’20, Mar. ’21), has won seven consecutive fights, and championships in two divisions (140, 147).  

McCaskill, also known as ‘CasKILLA,’ tried to take Ibarra’s head off from the opening bell. ‘CasKILLA’ was willing to “stand and trade” punches with the younger, taller, and rangier Mexican challenger. ‘CasKILLA’ tried boxing and jabbing, but couldn’t resist that fact that Ibarra was outmatched.

It was as though the Chicago came out of ‘CasKILLA,’ as Jessica McCaskill launched an all-out assault on Ibarra for even taking the fight. Ibarra didn’t move her head, didn’t use her reach, and didn’t maneuver well enough to contest ‘CasKILLA’ competitively. Therefore, ‘CasKILLA’ simply went for the ‘ KILL.’ McCaskill felt she could walk through Ibarra; although Ibarra did land a nice right of her own in the fight. Obviously it wasn’t enough, as ‘CasKILLA’ relentlessly moved forward throwing hard punches.

The punches, the shots thrown, and assault McCaskill unleased was, hard, fast, and accurate. It was as though ‘CasKILLA’ couldn’t miss with her right-hand. Whether it was a right-hook, straight-right, overhand-clubbing right, or a winging-right, you name it, ‘CasKILLA’ threw it was such blunt force that when the punches landed, Ibarra’s face became a punching bag. McCaskill could not miss with her right-hand. Therefore, Ibarra started holding after each exchange. At one point, Ibarra did so much holding, she literally collapsed and rolled on top of McCaskill onto the mat. The referee didn’t dock Ibarra any points, as the 34-year-old title challenger held excessively.

Aside from McCaskill’s killer right, she did show a lot of head-movement when Ibarra tried to trade shots. McCaskill jabbed at Ibarra’s body to close the gap between the 5’ 9,” challenger before unloading with combinations to her head, as well as Ibarra’s body.  

The fight ended just 10 seconds into round four, as Ibarra refused to leave her corner following a tense discussion with her corner.  

Matchroom Boxing/DAZN Press Release: SENSATIONAL RODRIGUEZ STOPS RUNGVISAI IN SAN ANTONIO
 ‘Bam’ lands in the elite in style by blitzing Thai star
Jesse Rodriguez planted himself into the elite level with a stunning stoppage win over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai to defend his WBC World Super-Flyweight title on home soil in San Antonio, Texas, live on DAZN.
 
‘Bam’ was crowned as the youngest World champion in the sport in February when he landed the WBC strap as a late replacement in San Diego against Mexican king Carlos Cuadras and fighting at home for the first time in four years, the stiffest of tests was in front of him in the form of former World ruler Rungvisai.
 
But there was no fear of the heavy-hitting Thai legend from Rodriguez, who was imperious from first bell to his scintillating finish, dominating from the start before turning the screw at the halfway mark.
 
Rungvisai touched down early in the seventh round from a check left hook and Rodriguez sensed something very special, and put the hurt on the Thai, rocking his head and sinking in bodyshots to underline his deep arsenal.
 
The assault continued in the eighth session and once Rodriguez has his man on the ropes, a blistering barrage saw the referee step in and end matters – ‘Bam’ sinking to the canvas with joy after putting on a hometown clinic against one of the great fighters of the modern day.
 
“My skills proved a point tonight,” said Rodriguez. “My team know what I am capable of and what I bring to the table, that’s why we took the fight.
 
“I felt I started to break him down after three rounds, the power wasn’t there from him. I knew I couldn’t stand there but we came in and put on a show. I was using my angles more, Robert kept telling me to do that and I listened.
 
“The Cuadras fight gave me experience and put me here, fighting at home in San Antonio. I will do whatever Robert says, I am a special fighter not an average fighter and I am here to stay.
 
“San Antonio has a superstar on their hands,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Fighters like this come around once in a generation. You are talking about some of the great fighters in Chocolatito, Juan Francisco Estrada – but can you say that Jesse wouldn’t beat them?
 
“San Antonio should be very proud of this kid. A special talent and it’s all down to the speed that Robert and the team want to go. I think he can unify at any division from 108lbs to 115lbs and he’s got all the tools to become a legend of the sport. He’s a baby, he’s still learning, it was a great turnout tonight and we’re going to get bigger and bigger.”
 
Rodriguez’s win topped an action-packed night in Texas, as Murodjon Akhmadaliev dropped and stopped Ronny Rios in the final round of his defense of his WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight titles and Jessica McCaskill blasted away Alma Ibarra in four rounds to remain undisputed at Welterweight.
 
Raymond Ford’s rise continued as he added the IBF North American Featherweight title to his WBA Continental Americas title with a wide ten round points win over Richard MedinaNikita Ababiy was victorious in his second eight round contest against Noe Larios Jr and 17 year old Jesus Martinez Jr shrugged off a first round knockdown to land a second win in the paid ranks against Kevin Monroy.

Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury is on!

Jake Paul has been called many things from “YouTuber” to an “absolute joke,” but from now through Saturday, August 6, live from Madison Square Garden in New York, Jake Paul (5-0, 4 KOs), “The Problem,” can be referred to as “headliner” when he battles unbeaten Tommy Fury (8-0, 4 KO).

Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury will be broadcast live on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 PM/ET. Also, on the card, unified WBC/WBO and IBO women’s featherweight champion Amanda Serrano (42-2-1, 30 KOs) returns to face mandatory challenger Brenda Carbajal (18-5-1, 9 KOs).

A scheduled press conference is set for this upcoming Wednesday and will stream live on the https://www.youtube.com/user/shosports  and https://www.youtube.com/user/JakePaulProductions YouTube channels from Madison Square Garden.

Tickets for the twin bill will go on sale Wednesday, June 29 at 11 a.m. ET and can be purchased at www.msg.com

 Originally, Jake Paul was supposed to have fought Fury last December, but Fury withdrew due to a ‘medical issue.’ Instead, former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley stepped in to fight Jake Paul in a rematch and was knocked out. Cold!

The 2021 Sports Illustrated “Breakout Boxer of the Year,” returns to face Fury, arguably the toughest opponent of Jake Paul’s career, on the biggest stage in sports.


“I wasn’t sure I was going to say yes to another potential matchup against Tommy after he pulled out of our matchup last year,” Paul said. “But ultimately, knocking out a Fury was too appealing to pass up. I’ve proven I am dedicated to boxing in and out of the ring, from promoting fights, championing fighters and fighter pay, to knocking out my opponents. The Furys cannot say the same, they are selfish tossers. On August 6, at the mecca, Madison Square Garden, the world will see why I am on my way to being a world champion. I’m honored to fight under the same lights as some of the greatest professional boxers in history.”

Tommy Fury, the younger brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, began his career in 2018. Winner of four five bouts by stoppage, Tommy Fury has been fighting since he was age 12. As an amateur, Fury won two regional titles and reached the U.K. nationals in 2016.  

“The Paul brothers’ boxing charade is about to come to an end once and for all,” Fury said. “I am a boxer. My opponent plays boxing. Jake Paul has been dressed up to look like a boxer against retirees from other sports. On August 6, I will show the world that he does not belong in the ring. Thank you to my promoter Frank Warren, Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME® for letting me permanently shut up Jake Paul. I look forward to headlining Madison Square Garden and knocking out this clown.”

Tommy Fury is refers to Jake Paul as a clown, but what would happen if Jake Paul actually beats Tommy Fury? What will people say if Tommy Fury were to lose to Jake Paul?

 Having won titles in every division between 115 and 140 pounds, Serrano, a Puerto Rican southpaw from Brooklyn, holds the Guinness World Record for most women’s boxing world championships (7) won in different weight classes. Her narrow split-decision loss to Taylor in a lightweight championship bout at Madison Square Garden drew a raucous, sold-out crowd of 19,187 who observed Serrano nearly finish Taylor off with a barrage of punches in the fifth round.

Amanda Serrano, returning to Madison Square Garden for the first-time since her epic battle against World Lightweight Champion Katie Taylor in April, will fight Brenda Carbajal.

Serrano, who holds the Guinness World Record for most women’s boxing division championships won in different weight classes (7), drew a sold out crowd of more than 19,000 when she fought Taylor. Serrano nearly stopped Taylor in that memorable fifth-round.

“I’m still in shock that I’ll be headlining The World’s Most Famous Arena twice in less than six months,” Serrano said. “Brenda is a very tough opponent and has never been knocked out, so I know I will need to be on my A game to change that. But I promise you, I am not leaving the outcome for the judges to decide. I am looking forward to fighting in front of my hometown crowd again on the biggest stage in the world and giving them the show they deserve.”

Matchroom Release: Rodriguez vs. Rungvisai live from San Antonio, TX live on DAZN this Saturday!

RODRIGUEZ: I WILL LIVE UP TO THE HYPE

 ‘Bam’ not feeling the pressure ahead of first defense against Rungvisai in San Antonio

https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/boxing/what-channel-is-jesse-rodriguez-vs-srisaket-sor-rungvisai-live-stream-info-start-time-how-to-watch-on-dazn/10wgq5ojwou0g1tn4xk69hoox5

Jesse Rodriguez says he will live up to the hype and prove he’s ready to take over the Super-Flyweight division when he comes home to San Antonio and defends his WBC World title against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai at the Tech Port Arena on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.

Tickets starting at $35 (plus fees) are on sale now – click here for more details

Rodriguez (15-0 10 KOs) won the title in stunning fashion, taking on Carlos Cuadras at just six days’ notice and flooring the former ruler in the third round with a devastating upper cut en-route to a wide points win.

Victory saw ‘Bam’ crowned the youngest active World champion in the sport and fans and pundits alike were quick to anoint the 22 year old as the future of the 115lbs division and more; but as Rodriguez prepares to face another massive test in the shape of Thai king Rungvisai, he says he can carry that weight of expectation with ease and will prove he is the read deal.

“A lot of people have eyes on me now and they are looking at me to take over the division,” said Rodriguez. “I’ve seen a lot on social media saying I am the new Choccy and that’s a lot of motivation and I want to live up to the hype.

“Rungvisai has been in with the best and beating him would really boost my confidence and skyrocket my career. I feel a lot stronger than I did against Cuadras. That wasn’t a fluke, I want to show I am the real deal.

“It’s possibly the toughest test you could face in a first defense of my title but like with the Cuadras fight, I had no hesitation because I am here to takeover.

“I want to see how the fight goes. We do have plans to go down to 112lbs and win a World title there, and hopefully unify and become undisputed, and then come back to 115lbs.

“There’s so many good fighters, I’d love to fight Estrada and Chocolatito and then at 112lbs there’s Julio Cesar Martinez, Sunny Edwards, Junto Nakatani; there’s so many great names and I would love to fight them all.”

Rodriguez’s clash with Rungvisai is part of a monster night of World title action in ‘Bam’s’ San Antonio hometown, with three more World title fights also on deck.

Julio Cesar Martinez (18-2 14 KOs) and McWilliams Arroyo (21-4 16 KOs) pick up where they left off from their curtailed firefight for Martinez’s WBC World Flyweight title, IBF and WBA World Super-Bantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev defend his titles against Ronny Rios and undisputed Welterweight ruler Jessica McCaskill (11-2 4 KOs) makes the third defense of all her marbles at 147lbs against Alma Ibarra (10-1, 4 KOs).

Raymond Ford (11-0-1 6 KOs) will face unbeaten local talent Richard Medina (13-0 7 KOs) for his WBA Continental Americas Featherweight strap and the IBF North American belt, Nikita Ababiy (11-0 6 KOs) fights for the first time in 2022 against Noe Larrios Jr (14-1 6 KOs) over eight rounds at Middleweight, Big hitting Light-Heavyweight Khalil Coe (3-0-1 2 KOs) is back in action in his fourth paid outing and takes on unbeaten Dominican Joaquin Berroa Lugo (3-0 2 KOs) over six rounds.

Former WBA heavyweight champion, Lucas Browne is back and he’s not playing games!

Former WBA heavyweight champion Lucas Browne has been on a roller coaster following a near 18-month absence due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.  

In recent years, Lucas Browne has some short, solid victories and suffered a few shocking losses and devastating setbacks that involved having been stripped of his heavyweight title following a failed drug test more than six years ago. However, to his credit, Lucas Browne opted not to give up and chose to keep fighting.  Luckily, boxing is a sport where if someone wants to fight, there are fights available. A boxer just has to find there place, their mark, their niche.

For the first time in a long time, Lucas Browne has found his niche; reestablishing himself as the #1. Heavyweight fighting out of Australia (Joseph Parker is from New Zealand).

Winner of 6 of his previous 8 fights, and 3 of his last 4 bouts, the 43-year-old Australian is riding a two-fight victory streak.

Most recently, Lucas Browne, on June 5, on the undercard of Devin Haney’s World Lightweight Championship victory over George Kambosos, Jr., in front of 40,000 at Marvel Stadium in Australia, Browne KO’d Junior Fa in the first-round. It was Browne’s seventh first-round stoppage as pro fighter.

An overhand-right that put Fa on the canvas just seconds into the fight left him struggling to return to his feet. I was surprised to see the referee allowed Fa to continue, as Lucas Browne continued to club Fa upside his head for a second knockdown that immediately ended the fight.

Lucas Browne is currently ranked #15 by the World Boxing Association (WBA).

Matchroom Boxing announces USYK vs. JOSHUA 2, live from Jeddah on August 20th

One of the most anticipated rematches in recent heavyweight history will happen on Saturday, August 20, in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Oleksander Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs), the unbeaten former Undisputed World Cruiserweight and current unified WBO, WBA, IBF, and IBO heavyweight champion, will fight Anthony Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) in an immediate rematch.

‘Rage on the Red Sea’ will occur at the same Diriyah Arena where Joshua defeated Andy Ruiz to regain the unified heavyweight titles at ‘Clash on the Dunes’ almost three years ago.

Once again, Joshua finds himself in a position where he’s fighting to regain something he maybe shouldn’t have lost – the unified world heavyweight championship.

“What a roller coaster journey, fighting for the Heavyweight Championship of the World for the 12th consecutive time,” said Joshua. “I won the belt, unified the division won another belt, lost the belts, became two-time Unified Heavyweight Champion and now have my date with history set to become three-time Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World. What an opportunity.”

Joshua was referring to the way he defeated Charles Martin, Wladimir Klitschko, and Joseph Parker to become the unified WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO heavyweight champion before losing the belts to Andy Ruiz at Madison Square Garden, New York City in June 2019.

Joshua regained the titles from Ruiz in an immediate rematch before losing the titles to Usyk last year. Although Usyk didn’t KO Joshua (as Ruiz did), Usyk was able to out-box the 6, 6″ 240-lb. Joshua. It was a stunning performance, as Usyk, who nearly stopped Joshua late in the fight, was ahead: 117-112, 116-112, and 115-113.

There are those that believe that the rematch will play out exactly the same manner as did the first encounter.

“Fighting championship level back to back has had its pros and cons,” Usyk said, “but I decide every day to get stronger, to learn from my experiences and grow. A happy fighter is a dangerous fighter and I am the happiest and most motivated I have been.”

Usyk added: “I have a goal, with the help of the Lord I will complete my mission!”

“We are thrilled to get one of the biggest Heavyweight rematches in boxing history made and give Anthony Joshua the chance to reclaim what he lost in London last September,” said Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. “Everything is on the line for this Unified World Heavyweight Championship bout and it could not be a bigger contest. We know Oleksandr Usyk is a great fighter and we saw that last time out, but I know Anthony Joshua is more determined than ever. It was a huge success to host Anthony Joshua’s contest with Andy Ruiz Jr. in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2019 and we are looking forward to working with the country again to stage this historic event. So, no doubt all eyes of the world will be on the ring come Saturday August 20th. This is a story of redemption, and the countdown starts now.”

An announcement on tickets will follow in due course. Sign up HERE for Usyk vs. Joshua 2 bulletins and ticket updates.
 

USYK vs. JOSHUA 2 Press Conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia LIVE TODAY! on Matchroom Boxing YouTube Channel, 3:30 BST

MEDIA ALERT REMINDER: LAUNCH
USYK VS. JOSHUA 2 PRESS CONFERENCE IN JEDDAH TODAY!

Watch live on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel
Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua will come face to face at a launch press conference in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today ahead of their huge rematch in the coastal city on Saturday August 20.

The press conference will begin at 5.30pm local time (3.30pm BST) and will be available to watch live on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel

An announcement on tickets will follow in due course. Sign up HERE for Usyk vs. Joshua 2 bulletins and ticket updates.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7LReVje9aPB4B6XAsXX8WQ

It’s about time we put some respect on Jessica McCaskill’s name

Jessica McCaskill, if it hasn’t happened already, deserves more respect than what she’s been given. Jessica McCaskill evolved into one of the best and most exciting fighters in boxing, but has anyone truly noticed what he’s accomplished?

As the world suffered from the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic that included lockdowns, business closures, school closings, social distancing, deserted streets, senseless riots vaccine mandates, and violence that plagued our environment, Jessica McCaskill made history during the summer of 2020.

McCaskill, fighting out of Chicago, Illinois as an educated investment banker, dethroned longtime, longtime, longtime Undisputed World Welterweight Women’s Champion Cecilia Braekhus, via majority-decision in August 2020.

Braekhus had been champion for over one decade; having beaten everyone throughout her entire career. Braekhus, unbeaten as a professional through 36 fights, was a perfect 26-0 in career world title fights.  

There was no way! No way! No way! Jessica McCaskill, having had less than 1/3 of the professional fights that Braekhus had, would move-up two-weight classes from 135 lbs. to dethrone an unbeaten world champion of more than a decade at 147.  

Jessica McCaskill vs. Cecilia Braekhus I – August 15, 2020

Although McCaskill moved-up in weight to become a unified WBC/WBA super-lightweight world champion having previously lost to Katie Taylor, a former Olympic gold medalist and current Undisputed World Women’s Lightweight Champion, the thought of her beating Braekhus never came to mind.   

Absolutely, positively not!

McCaskill has been overlooked and underestimated, but that all changed when she beat Braekhus. McCaskill showed toughness, resilience, and the fortitude that won her a few Golden Gloves Championships as an amateur boxer, a pair of unified world titles, and the respect that eluded her entire career.

If McCaskill’s initial victory over Braekhus wasn’t convincing enough, she actually had to beat Braekhus in an immediate rematch in March 2021. The difference was McCaskill beat Braekhus unanimously through ten rounds.

Jessica McCaskill vs. Cecilia Braekhus II

Since then, Braekhus hasn’t fought, while McCaskill has accumulated six consecutive victories – all world title fights. McCaskill is among one of the best fighters in the world; a list that includes Claressa Shields, Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Franchon Crews-Dazurn, Mikayla Mayer, Alycia Baumgardner, and Seniesa Estrada.

Jessica McCaskill TKO 7 Kandi Wyatt

Jessica McCaskill – “Everyone is coming for the throne, and it’s my job to protect it.”

Previously, McCaskill, in the first defense of her WBC/WBA/WBO and IBF/IBO titles, engaged Canada’s Kandi Wyatt in a slugfest. McCaskill was a machine in there; throwing, slipping counter shots, and digging uppercuts to Wyatt’s body. McCaskill showed a great chin, as she wasn’t worried about Wyatt’s power at all.  McCaskill couldn’t miss with her right-hand. McCaskill was so fast and accurate with her punches, you’d never thought she was seven years older than Wyatt.

The referee stopped the fight in round seven.

Next up, McCaskill is scheduled to defend her Undisputed World Welterweight Championship titles Saturday, June 25, live on DAZN at the Tech Port Arena in San Antonio, TX.

McCaskill will face Alma Ibarra, whose only loss was to an unbeaten Raquel Miller almost two years ago. It should be another exciting fight for McCaskill and another can’t miss opportunity to witness the best welterweight on the planet compete.

Beterbiev KOs Smith, unifies WBC/WBO & IBF light-heavyweight championships

Arthur Beterbiev may truly be the ‘King’ of the light-heavyweight division after all.

It took Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) just two rounds to defeat Joe Smith (28-4, 22 KOs) to unify the WBC/WBO and IBF 175-lb. titles in the main event of Top Rank Boxing on ESPN; live from the Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York City on Saturday.  

It was an unmerciful, one-sided fight. Smith, making only the second defense of the WBO title he won in April 2021, started off fast. Smith was throwing punches, moving forward, and was willing to engage Beterbiev. However, the unified WBC/IBF champion caught Smith with an overhand-right that dropped Long Island’s “Common Man” at the end of round one.

In round two, it was all Beterbiev.

It was as though every punch Beterbiev landed had hurt Smith – jabs, hooks, overhands, body shots, and uppercuts. Smith had no answer for the brute strength and power Beterbiev had displayed. Beterbiev nearly knocked Smith through the ropes; reminiscent of when Smith knocked Bernard Hopkins through the ropes when they fought over six years ago. The difference was, obviously, Smith didn’t hit the arena floor and didn’t have a referee count to 20 the way Hopkins was.

Instead, Smith fought gallantly returning to his feet only to absorb unbearable uppercuts and hooks that prompted referee Harvey Dock to stop the fight at 2:19 seconds.

Overall, Beterbiev scored three knockdowns.   

“My coach told me it’s not too far until I become a good boxer,” Beterbiev said. “Joe’s a little bit open, and it was easy for me to get him. {Both of us} have a good punch, and both tried to {connect} first. I’m lucky that I was first.”

At ringside, former unbeaten WBO title challenger Anthony Yarde watched what could happen if he opts to fight Beterbiev next. Of course Beterbiev wants to fight WBA champion Dimitry Bivol, who in May defeated Canelo Alvarez, via unanimous-decision.

“Unification fights are more interesting, more motivating,” Beterbiev said. “I prefer unification fight. I want to be undisputed.”

Top Rank Boxing Release (Beterbiev-Smith Undercard results): Ramirez Topples Nova in Featherweight Co-Feature

Cuban southpaw star Robeisy Ramirez (10-1, 6 KOs) announced his presence as a featherweight contender in a big way with an even bigger left hand. Ramirez knocked out the previously unbeaten Abraham Nova (21-1, 15 KOs) in the fifth round to pick up the USBA and WBO Global belts. Ramirez, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, feinted with a right hand to the body and then came over the top with left that separated Nova from his senses.

Ramirez said, “It was all about the strategy. I’m blessed to work with Ismael Salas, who is a genius in my corner. It really was about setting up that shot. If you watch the fight, it was about working, tapping the body until that opening was created. I knew he was dangerous, so I had to be careful, but when I saw my opening, I took it and I finished the fight.”

In other results: Featherweight: Bruce Carrington (4-0, 3 KOs) RTD 5 Adrian Leyva (3-3-1, 1 KO). Carrington, the latest fistic prodigy from Brownsville, Brooklyn, authored a power punching clinic that forced Leyva to remain on his stool following the fifth round. He landed 69 of 121 power shots, including 11 of 17 in the fifth round. Leyva entered the fight riding a four-bout unbeaten streak.

Welterweight: Jahi Tucker (8-0, 5 KOs) TKO 4 D’Andre Smith (11-2, 5 KOs), 2:27. Tucker, from Deer Park, New York, thrilled the home region fans with a relentless offensive display that prompted the commission to advise referee Shawn Clark to stop the fight. Tucker buzzed Smith in the second round, but Smith somehow weathered the storm to survive two more rounds.

Junior Featherweight: Floyd Diaz (5-0, 1 KO) UD 6 Daniil Platonovschi (4-1, 2 KOs). Scores: 60-54 2x and 59-55. Diaz cruised to a clear points win in a battle of unbeaten prospects, and he did so with a heavy heart. Earlier Saturday, Diaz’s grandfather, Juan Demetrio Diaz, passed away at the age of 68. Diaz honored his memory with a boxing tour de force.

Middleweight: Troy Isley (6-0, 4 KOs) TKO 6 Donte Stubbs (6-6, 2 KOs), :38. Isley, a U.S. Olympian, became the first man to stop Stubbs in a one-sided power punching display. Isley knocked down Stubbs at the end of the fourth, then ended the fight with a straight right hand early in the sixth. Stubbs rose to his feet on wobbly legs, and referee Charlie Fitch waved it off.

Junior Middleweight:
 Wendy Toussaint (14-1, 6 KOs) UD 8 Asinia Byfield (15-5-1, 7 KOs). Scores: 79-73 3x.

Junior Middleweight: Jahyae Brown (11-0, 8 KOs) UD 6 Keane McMahon (7-3, 4 KOs). Scores: 60-54 and 58-56 2x.

Artur Beterbiev vs. Joe Smith could be an explosive & memorable ‘Battle of Attrition’

The Unified World Light-Heavyweight Championship will be on the line tonight, as WBC/IBF champion Arthur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs) and WBO champion Joe Smith (28-3, 22 KOs) will pack the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This fight undoubtedly is the biggest fight of the careers for both fighters.

The battle between Beterbiev and Smith could potentially become the “2022 Fight of the Year.” Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.com.

Beterbiev is a former two-time Russian Olympic Champion. Beterbiev’s strength, power, and boxing skills has led him to quality victories over Marcus Browne, Oleksander Gvozdyk, and ‘Hot Rod’ Kalajdzic. With a career-knockout percentage of 100%, Beterbiev is 6-0, 6 KOs in career world title fights dating back to November 2017.

Beterbiev is looking at this fight with Smith as the most important of his career.

“This is a very important fight for me,” Beterbiev said. “With regard to the place, it’s not different for me. I’m more focused on the fight. I’m more focused on my opponent, not on the place. I always ask my boxing coach and my conditioning coach about how I’m doing. I ask them if it’s less than I was doing two years ago. They tell me that I’m doing better than two years ago.”
 
Beterbiev, as always, continues to work hard, thanked his team, and promises a ‘good fight.’

“If we compare it to the last one,” Beterbiev added, “this camp went very well. This camp was better. I want to thank my team, my conditioning coach, my boxing coach, all my team and all my sparring partners who helped me. We had a good camp.”
 
“We are both ready for this fight. I think it’s going to be a good fight. We will see. I can’t predict the future. I’m just a boxer.”

Unlike Beterbiev, Smith, ‘The Common Man,’ knows what it’s like to reinvent himself after suffering a defeat. After earning spectacular victories over Andrej Fonfara and Bernard Hopkins, Smith lost to Sullivan Barrera and Dimitry Bivol, the WBA champion that beat Canelo Alvarez on Cinco de Mayo. Smith rebounded to win his previous four fights including the WBO 175-lb. title in April 2021.

Smith, a Long Island native, is anxious to defend his title at home against one of the best fighters in the world inside the “World’s Most Famous Arena.”

 “This is a huge opportunity,” Smith said. “Beterbiev is a huge name in boxing. Everyone knows who he is at this point. He has two world titles, and I want those belts. I believe this fight is going to be great. You’ve got two big punchers, and I’m just excited to be in there with him. He’s a great name.”
 
Smith added: “I’m fighting at the Garden. Home is not too far from here. All my fans are going to be here to support me or, if not, watch at home. I’m just glad to be here defending my WBO title and unifying two other belts.”

In addition to the main event, two-time Olympic gold champion Robeisy Ramirez (9-1, 5 KOs) will face an unbeaten Abraham ‘El Super’ Nova (21-0, 15 KOs) in the co-feature.

Robeisy Ramirez: “My level increases with the quality of opponent that I have in front of me. So, I think my growth is due to me increasing the level of my opposition and because we’ve been increasing our work, both mentally and physically.”

Abraham Nova: “I’ve been trying to fight for a world title at 130, but I haven’t gotten the opportunity. I felt like there was a lot of political things going on. So, I decided to go down to 126 and see if I could make a run. I wanted the {Emanuel} Navarrete fight, but I guess he didn’t want the fight, so Robeisy was next in line. I feel like a win over him puts me in line for a title shot.”

“I feel like I’m being overlooked. People haven’t seen the best of me. In fights, I do this and I do that, but I always fix them. You guys are going to see a complete ‘Supernova’ on Saturday night. I promise that.”

Plus, featherweight prospect Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (3-0, 2 KO), returns to action. The Brownsville, NY native made his pro debut on the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder III show in October. Previously in March, Carrington scored a highlight-reel knockout over Yeuri Andujar in the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

“It feels great to once again be fighting in this historic arena,” Carrington said. “I’m highly blessed to have back-to-back fights in my hometown as well. This is a great experience for me, and I’m ready to tackle this head-on. As a fighter, you should always get better than your last fight, so giving my folks and fans something new to see is definitely something I plan on doing this Saturday.”

Beterbiev vs. Smith

WBC/IBF & WBO 175-lb. unification bout

Hulu Theater – Madison Square Garden, New York City

Saturday, June 18th
 ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)


Artur Beterbiev vs. Joe Smith Jr., 12 rounds, WBC/IBF/WBO Light Heavyweight World Titles
 
Robeisy Ramirez vs. Abraham Nova, 10 rounds, Vacant USBA & WBO Global Featherweight Titles

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT)
Bruce Carrington vs. Adrian Leyva, 6 rounds, featherweight

Jahi Tucker vs. D’Andre Smith, 6 rounds, welterweight

Floyd Diaz vs. Daniil Platonovschi, 6/4 rounds, junior featherweight

Troy Isley vs. Donte Stubbs, 6 rounds, middleweight

Kieran Molloy vs. Jonathan Ryan Burrs, 4 rounds, junior middleweight

Wendy Toussaint vs. Asinia Byfield, 8 rounds, junior middleweight

Jahyae Brown vs. Keane McMahon, 6 rounds, junior middleweight


Artur Beterbiev vs. Joe Smith: A Battle to unify the WBC/IBF and WBO light-heavyweight titles happens this Saturday

“The Common Man” Joe Smith (28-3, 22 KOs) and “The King” Artur Beterbiev (17-0, 17 KOs) will clash in a World Light-Heavyweight Championship Unification fight live from the Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City this Saturday.

Beterbiev-Smith & Robeisy Ramirez-Abraham Nova featherweight co-feature will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT Plus, Brooklyn-born featherweight sensation Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington to see action on the undercard.

Beterbiev, the unified WBC/IBF champion at 175 and two-time Russian Olympian, has a perfect 100% career-knockout rate. Beterbiev has won each of his professional contests by KO/TKO and is a perfect 7-0, 7 KOs in career world title fights dating back to 2017. Amongst his biggest victories, Beterbiev has overpowered Commonwealth Gold Medalist Callum Johnson, “Hot-Rod” Kalajdzic, and Marcus Browne last December.

“I look forward to the challenge ahead of me. Joe Smith Jr. is a worthy champion, but I am coming to Madison Square Garden to add another world title to my collection,” Beterbiev said. “This fight will get me one step closer to becoming undisputed champion.”

Joe Smith’s path toward his first career world title run was rather lengthy and difficult. As an amateur, Smith won multiple titles that included the New York Golden Gloves, the NY Metros, and a Jr. Olympic Championship before turning professional in October 2009. Smith became a fixture on the NY fight scene having fought at B.B. Kings, the Aviator, the Brooklyn Masonic Temple, the Roseland Ballroom, Resorts World in South Queens, NY, and the Paramount Theatre out in Huntington.

Although Smith has solid victories over Will Rosensky and Andrzej Fonfara, it wasn’t until he knocked the legendary Bernard Hopkins, then 52-year-old, through the ropes in the eighth round when they fought in December 2016. It was the biggest, career-changing win of Smith’s career at that point.  

Since the Hopkins fight, Smith overcame losses to Sullivan Barrera and Dmity Bivol, the WBA light-heavyweight champion who beat Canelo Alvarez in May. Smith, winner of his previous fought fights, defeated Maxim Vlasov for the vacant WBO 175-lb. title in 2021. In his first defense, Smith stopped Steve Geffrard in January.

“I am extremely excited and focused on this task I have ahead,” Smith said. “Facing Beterbiev is huge. It is going to be a fight that fans remember forever, with two of the biggest punches in boxing today facing off. This opportunity is a dream of mine to accomplish. Fighting with three titles on the line is one step closer to becoming undisputed.”

In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez will battle the unbeaten Abraham “El Super” Nova. Beterbiev-Smith and Ramirez-Nova will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

 “Beterbiev versus Smith is one of the very best fights that can be made in boxing, two huge punchers fighting at Madison Square Garden in what will be an electric atmosphere. Whoever comes out on top will be the true king of the light heavyweight division,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Robeisy Ramirez has developed into a sensational pro, and he will have his hands full against a tough, undefeated kid in Abraham Nova. The winner will be in line to fight for a featherweight world title.”

“I am thrilled we were able to put this sensational championship unification fight together,” said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing. “The top two punchers in boxing fighting each other for their three world titles. It has been brewing for a long time and is a potential fight of the year. Joe Smith Jr. is proud of his humble background and hard-working union ‘Common Man’ moniker, but he is also truly special and a real champ.  He could have chosen an easier path, but he wanted the best and toughest out there, the guy everyone is afraid to fight. Credit to both champions, each fighting the toughest, hardest-punching and most dangerous foe the division has. I can’t wait to see this fight!”

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, tickets starting at $56 are on sale, and can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com, or MSG.com.