Fundora’s Towering Advantage
Raises Concerns For Tszyu

 Sebastian Fundora, 6’5″, towered over the 5’9″ WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu today during their media workout for their upcoming 12-round headliner clash on March 30th on Prime PPV at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Tszyu (24-0, 17 KOs) may have more problems than boxing fans suspect with the lanky giant Fundora (20-1-1, 13 KOs) for their two-belt unification fight. These two looked like they didn’t belong in the same ring when they stood for the face-off today, Fundora craning his neck to look down on the smallish Tszyu. MORE

Sampson Boxing Signs Welterweight Nicklaus Flaz to a Promotional Contract

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of streaking welterweight prospect Nicklaus “La Bestia” Flaz to a promotional contract.

Since suffering his second career defeat, a shock first-round knockout in October 2020, Flaz (12-2, 8 KOs), from Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, has gone on a tear, scoring three impressive upset victories; knocking out an established durable veteran and taking the undefeated 0 records from two promising up-and-comers along the way.

The 28-year-old Flaz started his remarkable winning streak by scoring a majority eight-round decision over then 13-0 Brian Ceballo in October 2022. Next came another eight-round majority decision over then 10-0 Jahi Tucker in July 2023.

But Flaz really got the boxing world talking last Wednesday (March 13) by becoming the first to knock out capable veteran Luke Santamaria in the co-main event of a globally streamed ProBoxTV event in Plant City, Florida. MORE

David Benavidez: Time To Abandon 168 And
Target Light Heavyweight Glory


By Dan Ambrose

Former two-time WBC super-middleweight champion David Benavidez discovered last week that he’s not in Canelo Alvarez’s plans for his two fights in 2024. What this means is Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs) will need to continue to bide his time by fighting non-stars in lower-paying fights, waiting for an opportunity that may never come to challenge Canelo for his undisputed super middleweight championship.

Certainly, Benavidez can stay at 168 if he wishes, keeping himself in limbo and likely being ignored by the only fighter he’s interested in fighting in the weight class, Canelo Alvarez. Benavidez is kind of like a guy who has been rejected continuously by a girl. But instead of getting the hint, he keeps hounding, hoping she’ll change her mind one day. Instead, she reports him for stalking or goes to HR and informs them of the harassment.

In Benavidez’s case, he needs to get the hint that Canelo is NOT interested in fighting him, and he NEVER will. He needs to understand this and stop thinking that Alvarez will eventually give him the shot he’s been pleading for all these years. If it were meant to be, Canelo would have fought him back in 2018 when he still held the WBC 168-lb title. MORE

Sampson Boxing Signs Unbeaten Brazilian Cruiserweight Lucas Pontes da Silva to a Promotional Contract

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of undefeated Brazilian cruiserweight prospect Lucas Pontes da Silva to a promotional contract, with plans to feature the hard-punching South American on ProBoxTV.

Hailing from Belem, Para, Brazil, Pontes da Silva (7-0, 7 KOs) has close ties to one of his country’s greatest champions, as his father and trainer, Ulisses Pereira, has worked with former WBO lightweight champion Acelino "Popo" Freitas for more than two decades.

“My godfather of boxing is Acelino Freitas,” said Pontes da Silva. “I’ve been training with him and my father my entire life, so I am heavily influenced by him."

After going 53-3 as an amateur, Pontes da Silva turned professional in 2017 and won the Brazilian national title in just his third fight by stopping then 8-1 Fernando Rodrigo Simoes de Almeida in two rounds. He has since added the WBC Feconsur Cruiserweight title by stopping Maximiliano Jorge Gomez in one round last year and, in his last fight, picked up the Universal Boxing Organization World Cruiserweight Championship via first-round knockout over Venezuela’s Reinaldo Gonzalez in July. MORE

PROMOTER SAMPSON LEWKOWICZ GRATEFUL FOR HIS INDUCTION INTO ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz wishes to thank the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame for his induction, as part of the 2024 class of honorees, for his “extensive contributions to the boxing industry.”

A staple of professional boxing for over three decades, the well-liked Lewkowicz has been credited with discovering several of the sport’s breakout superstars, including Manny Pacquiao, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, Sultan Ibragimov, David Benavidez, Jeison Rosario, Jorge Barrios, Chris John, Michael Katsidis, Sebastian and Gabriela Fundora, and many more.

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Lewkowicz, began his career in the fight game as a matchmaker for Murad Muhammad’s M & M Sports and later, in 2008, graduated to his own promotional firm, Sampson Boxing.

The South American visionary has guided the careers of, currently, 39 world champions, done shows all over the world and been an ardent supporter of South American amateur boxing by sponsoring several prestigious annual tournaments in conjunction with Mauricio Sulaiman and the WBC as a sponsor in Mexico. MORE

Sebastian Fundora: I Fell Asleep For A Second
[Against Mendoza] And I Paid For It

By Keith Idec

Sebastian Fundora received a devastating reminder regarding focus last April 8.

The then-undefeated Fundora comfortably outboxed Brian Mendoza during the first six rounds of their fight that night for Fundora’s WBC interim super welterweight title. The 6-foot-6 southpaw shut out Mendoza on the scorecards of judges Lou Moret (60-54) and Zachary Young (60-54) and won five of the first six rounds according to judge Nathan Palmer (59-55).

All it took was a split-second lapse in concentration for the hard-hitting Mendoza to tattoo Fundora with a left hook that abruptly altered the course of their careers. As soon as Fundora stumbled backward, Mendoza quickly followed up with a punishing right-left combination that knocked Fundora flat on his back.

Fundora (20-1-1, 13 KOs) wanted to get up, but his body wouldn’t cooperate. Referee Ray Corona counted him out 39 seconds into the seventh round of a “Showtime Championship Boxing” main event at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. MORE

GABRIELA FUNDORA STOPS CHRISTINA CRUZ

By Diego Morilla

A statement was needed, and a statement was produced.

In the first title fight of the Jaime Munguia-John Ryder undercard, IBF women’s flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora improved to 13-0 (6 KOs) with a stoppage of former amateur star Christina Cruz (now 6-1, 0 KOs) in the tenth and final round of a fight that took place in the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Fundora, rated at No. 3 by The Ring at flyweight, controlled the center of the ring and the pace of the fight since the very beginning, working behind a stiff right jab from her southpaw stance and keeping Cruz at bay. Fundora’s height and wingspan made the difference in the early going, but Cruz managed to break through with some mean-intentioned combinations in the middle rounds.

However, after a few disputed rounds that seemed to give Cruz some hope of building up a surge towards the end of the bout, the final rounds were all Fundora, as the Californian unloaded on her Puerto Rican/Floridian foe with power and precision until a barrage of punches forced Cruz to go into a shell and turn her back to her foe. Referee Chris Flores made the decision to halt the bout when less than a minute of time remained in the fight. MORE

GABRIELA FUNDORA SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS

By Ryan Songalia

IBF female flyweight titleholder Gabriela Fundora has signed a co-promotional deal with Golden Boy Promotions, it was announced Tuesday.

Fundora (12-0, 5 knockouts) of Coachella, Calif. is also promoted by Sampson Boxing, which also handles the career of her brother, junior middleweight contender Sebastian Fundora.
The 21-year-old southpaw Fundora is slated to make the first defense of her belt on Jan. 27 against former amateur star Christina Cruz (6-0) at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz. The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN as part of the Jaime Munguia vs. John Ryder card.

“I am ready and prepared for my first title defense and I feel like nothing can stop me from winning,” said Fundora, who won the title on October 21 with a fifth round KO of Arely Mucino. “Christina Cruz is a good fighter, but I am building my legacy as a champion and no one can stop me." MORE

Sampson Lewkowicz: Zerafa NOT Involved

Regarding an incident on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at the WBA Convention in Orlando that is virally making the rounds on social media, promoter Sampson Lewkowicz wishes to clarify that Australian WBA #1 middleweight Michael Zerafa was in no way involved in the violent altercation captured on video.

After a disagreement over mandatory bouts and interim titles at the convention, Lewkowicz was attacked and humiliatingly spit on by the son of Zerafa's manager, CEO and Founder of Grant Gloves, Elvis Grant Phillips. 

However, recent news reports could be interpreted as linking Zerafa to the melee that ensued and Lewkowicz wants it known that the fighter was not involved in the attack. In fact, Zerafa and his fiancée have since contacted Lewkowicz to offer their concerns for the 72-year-old veteran promoter’s wellbeing.

Lewkowicz has filed battery charges with the Orange County Sherrif’s Office over the cowardly attack.



Benavidez Stops Andrade After Six Rounds, Calls for Fight With Super Middleweight Champ Canelo

By W.G. Ramirez
Photo: AP Photo/John Locher

LAS VEGAS (AP) — David Benavidez retained the interim world super middleweight belt by stopping Demetrius Andrade after the sixth round Saturday night.

In what was billed as clash of styles that could go the distance between unbeaten 168-pounders, Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs) looked more like a clinician with a dominating performance before Andrade’s corner requested the stoppage after the sixth round.

Andrade (32-1) suffered the first loss of his career.

Benavidez is widely recognized as the world’s best super middleweight after Canelo Alvarez. Immediately after his win he called for a match against Alvarez to unify the super middleweight title as an announced gathering of 9,585 fans roared their approval. MORE

 



Michel Rivera Rebounds with Decision Against Sergey Lipinets

Parviz Iskenderov
Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions

Michel Rivera returned to winning ways when he faced Sergey Lipinets on Saturday, November 25 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. The pair battled it out on the top of prelims, leading to David Benavidez vs Demetrius Andrade live on pay-per-view.
T
he 10-round bout went the full distance. The Dominican super lightweight claimed the win, defeting former world champion of Kazakhstan by unanimous decision. The scores were 97-93, 96-94 and 97-93.

With the victory, Michel Rivera improved to 25-1, 14 KOs. Miami-based 25-year-old rebounded from his first career defeat suffered last December by unanimous decision against Frank Martin.

Woodland Hills, California-based 34-year-old former IBF super lightweight champion Sergey Lipinets dropped to 17-3-1, 13 KOs. MORE

 

David Benavidez vs Demetrius Andrade Preview – Winner to Face Canelo Alvarez

Benavidez Defends Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title Against Andrade in Las Vegas

NEWSWIRE

Undefeated David Benavidez and unbeaten Demetrius Andrade battle it out at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, November 25. The scheduled for 12 rounds super middleweight bout is set to determine the next contender to challenge Canelo Alvarez for his undisputed 168-pound crown.

Phoenix, Arizona native David Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) is a former two-time WBC super middleweight champion. Las Vegas-based 26-year-old brings to the ring his interim WBC super middleweight title.

Demetrius Andrade (32-0, 19 KOs) is a former two-division world champion, who held the WBO and WBA super welterweight titles and the WBO middleweight belt. The 35-year-old of Providence, Rhode Island looks to conquer a new division.

The event airs live on Showtime PPV in the United States. International live stream is to be determined.

In the UK and Australia, Benavidez vs Andrade airs live on Sunday, November 26. MORE

Amilcar Vidal Scores Knockout Win in Montevideo

By Francisco Salazar
Published Thu Oct 26, 2023, 11:34 PM EDT

Middleweight Amilcar Vidal Jr. continues to rebound from his lone setback.

Vidal knocked out Victor Pinango with one punch Saturday night at the Club Atletico Stockolmo in Vidal’s hometown of Montevideo, Uruguay.

The 27-year-old Vidal improved to 18-1, 14 knockouts.

From the opening bell, Vidal was the aggressor, throwing and landing combinations behind a steady jab. Pinango was game, staying in the pocket to exchange, but Vidal was connecting with the more effective punches.

About a minute into the first round, Vidal threw and landed a left hook to the body, dropping Pinango to the canvas. Pinango struggled to get to his feet as the impact of the punch prevented him from doing so. Referee Matias Morales counted Pinango out at 1:13.

Vidal suffered his first defeat as a pro at the hands of contender Elijah Garcia on March 4, losing by knockout in the fourth of a competitive fight between unbeaten middleweights. MORE

Gabriela Fundora Stops Arely Mucino, Wins First World Title

Michael Rothstein, ESPN Staff Writer
Oct 22, 2023, 06:55 AM

Gabriela Fundora threw punch after punch, finding the face and body of IBF flyweight champion Arely Mucino over and over again. It was clinical from the opening bell until the fight was stopped less than 10 minutes later.

Fundora (12-0, 5 KO) scored two knockdowns en route to a fifth-round TKO victory over Mucino to win the IBF flyweight belt in her first title fight.

"We just stayed calm," Fundora said in the post-fight interview on DAZN. "We're not going to go rushing into the fight. That's not smart. So, we just stay calm, stay focused and stay on the attack.

"And honestly at the end of the first round, we saw that she was hurt so I knew from there it was going to be a long night."

A long night, at least, for Mucino (32-4-2, 11 KO), who was making the first defense of the title. She had also held the IBF, WBC and WBO flyweight belts earlier in her career. MORE

 

SAN ANTONIO’S RAMON CARDENAS LOOKING TO SMASH OPEN DOORS BY FACING UNDEFEATED RAFAEL PEDROZA IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Exciting Tripleheader to Be Broadcast Live on SHOWTIME® at 9:30 PM ET/PT

September 11, 2023 – San Antonio’s own Ramon “Dinamita” Cardenas is putting the finishing touches on training camp to face undefeated 122-lb Panamanian prospect Rafael Pedroza for the WBA Continental-Latin American Super Bantamweight Championship in the 10-round super bantamweight main event of a SHOBOX: The New Generation telecast on Friday, September 15 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from Boeing Center at Tech Point in San Antonio, Texas.

Previously ranked as high as No. 5 by the WBA, Cardenas has won his last 10 bouts dating back to 2017. He earned a career-best victory at The Alamodome in July 2022, defeating once-beaten Michel Banquez via unanimous decision.

Hard at work with trainer Chato Martinez at Chato’s Boxing Club in San Antonio, 27-year-old Cardenas says it’s all finally coming together for him and his career. With the prospect of winning a nationally televised main event in front of his hometown friends and family, while gaining access to even bigger opportunities after that, Cardenas says he will leave no stone unturned when it comes to his preparations for the big fight. READ MORE

 

NEW WBC BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMP ALEXANDRO SANTIAGO EXPECTS KEEPING THE TITLE WILL BE EVEN HARDER THAN HIS UPHILL CLIMB TO WIN IT

TIJUANA VETERAN TRAINED FOR FIGHT AGAINST DONAIRE LIVING IN A PARTIALLY BURNED HOUSE WITH PARENTS, WIFE AND NEWBORN SON
         
Despite overcoming several pre-fight distractions and challenges in the weeks and months leading up to his title-winning victory over legendary four-weight world champion Nonito Donaire, newly crowned WBC World Bantamweight Champion Alexandro “Peque” Santiago says the truly difficult part of his veteran career starts now.

Fighting on the televised undercard of the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford pay-per-view superfight on Saturday, July 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Santiago (28-3-5, 14 KOs), from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, notched a unanimous decision victory over “The Filipino Flash” Donaire by scores of 115-113, 116-112 and 116-112.

The victory was made even more impressive by the fact that Santiago trained for the fight while also welcoming the birth of his son less than two months earlier, the fight being rescheduled from its original date of July 15 last minute, and his family duplex partially burning down on June 30.

“It was an accident,” explained Santiago. “The top floor of the house, where my relatives were staying, burned down. I live with my parents right now and, thankfully, the firefighters were able to stop the fire before it got to the first floor." MORE

SANTIAGO BEATS DONAIRE FOR WBC BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE

By Jeff Zimmerman at ringside

Bantamweight Alexandro Santiago (28-3-5, 14 KOs) hammered out a twelve round unanimous decision over future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire (42-8, 28 KOs) to claim the vacant WBC bantamweight title formerly held by Naoya Inoue on Saturday night at the sold-out T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In round one, Santiago threw punches while Donaire pressed, showing feints, patiently waiting for the big punch. Santiago established the jab in round two, as Donaire continued to come forward. The action picked up as Santiago landed a body shot to close the round.

In round three, Santiago got Donaire to the ropes and landed a few wild shots, before Donaire countered with a huge left hook that sent Santiago backwards. Both fighters exchanged shots in round four and five as Santiago landed an impressive three shot flurry in round six. From round seven to the final bell, Santiago stepped on the gas and landed three straight combinations to the head and body. Santiago also suffered a cut in the corner of his left eye after the two collided. After a quick check from the doctor, the fight continued. In round eight and nine, Santiago went for the knockout but could not put Donaire away. Santiago teed off again in round eleven with fast combos as Donaire just could not let his hands go enough. He tried valiantly to land his patented left hook he learned from Nicaraguan legend Alexis Arguello, but Santiago was able to take his best shot tonight.

The scores read 115–113, 116-112 twice as Santiago earned the WBC bantamweight title in his second attempt at a world championship. He earned a draw in his first attempt in 2018 versus Jerwin Ancajas.

The question is where does Donaire go from here? He would have become the oldest world champion today at 40 and is no doubt a first ballot hall of famer when he decides to hang up the gloves. He lost to “The Monster” Inoue twice with two wins in between versus Gaballo and Oubaali, so he could still compete at the highest level. He told Jim Gray in the ring post-fight that things were not clicking, but he gave no indication he was retiring. MORE

Sampson Boxing Signs Undefeated Welterweight Powerhouse Freudis Rojas Jr. to a Promotional Contract

Sampson Lewkowicz, President of Sampson Boxing, proudly announces the signing of undefeated Mexican American welterweight prospect Freudis Rojas Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs) to an exclusive promotional contract.

The 24-year-old Rojas, also known as Freddy to his friends, was an accomplished amateur boxer for the United States on the international stage, winning a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships, as well as serving as a 2020 Olympic Alternate. 

Standing 6′ 2″, the powerful Vegas-based southpaw turned professional in January 2021 and hasn’t had to go more than four rounds while amassing his perfect record.

In his most recent outing, he knocked out durable veteran Gilbert Venegas in less than a round in February of this year. Despite having faced a long list of undefeated prospects and contenders, Venegas hadn’t been stopped in six years previous to facing the hammers in Rojas Jr.’s fists. MORE

SAMPSON BOXING AND PROBOXTV JOINING FORCES TO LIVESTREAM MONTHLY ACTION-PACKED BOXING EVENTS FEATURING SOUTH AMERICA’S BEST NEW TALENT

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, a legend in the sport for his ability to recognize emerging talent, is proud to announce he is joining forces with boxing-media visionary and livestreaming broadcast pioneer Garry Jonas, CEO of ProBoxTV, to present a year-long monthly series of world-class boxing events, emanating from South America and featuring the continent’s brightest young fighting stars.

The first event, scheduled for Saturday, July 22 at the majestic Radisson Victoria Plaza Hotel in Montevideo, Uruguay, will feature once-beaten middleweight prospect Amilcar Vidal (16-1, 12 KOs) of Montevideo, taking on Cumana, Venezuela’s Domicio Rondon (17-5, 11 KOs) in the 10 round main event. The 10-round co-featured bout will pit proven power punchers against each other, as undefeated featherweight prospect and former Olympian Mirco Cuello (11-0, 10 KOs) of Santa Fe, Argentina, takes on capable Venezuelan slugger Antonio Guzman (23-3, 19 KOs) for the South American Featherweight Championship.

Having recently celebrated their first year in operation, ProBoxTV has become an overnight sensation to fans of the outstanding action and elite-level production quality of their Wednesday Night Fights bi-weekly series and compelling original programming. The addition of the South American shows will give the upstart platform a third monthly outlet to present outstanding live boxing action.

“We are pleased and proud to announce this outstanding broadcast partnership,” said Garry Jonas. “Sampson Boxing is a very accomplished brand in the sport and, just like ProBoxTV, Sampson is known for putting many of the world’s best young fighters in their most exciting fights. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership. This development demonstrates our commitment to growing the channel by offering even more consistent-quality boxing content to our current and future viewers." MORE

NEW CO-FEATURE ADDED TO EXCITING
SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® TRIPLEHEADER ON FRIDAY, APRIL 7

Undefeated Super Welterweight Prospect Jahyae Brown Takes On Guido Schramm Under SHOBOX® Main Event Featuring Super Lightweights Shinard Bunch and Bryan Flores from Brooks, Calif.

NEW YORK – March 30, 2023 – Undefeated New York super welterweight Jahyae Brown will face intriguing Argentine prospect Guido Schramm in a newly added 10-round co-feature as part of an exciting SHOBOX tripleheader on Friday, April 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME® from Cache Creek Casino in Brooks, Calif.

The bout replaces the super featherweight bout between Neri Romero and Frency Fortunato that fell out due to an injury suffered by Romero. The main event will feature Shinard Bunch (20-1-1, 16 KOs) from Queens, N.Y., taking on Mexico’s Bryan Flores (23-0-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight contest. The telecast opener pits Raul Garcia (12-0, 10 KOs) of the Dominican Republic against Robert Terry (9-0, 3 KOs) of Jersey City, N.J., with both fighters putting their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super welterweight bout.

The 23-year-old Brown (13-0, 9 KOs) is a former FedEx driver who has committed himself full-time in his quest to someday be a world champion. Promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, Brown hails from Schenectady, N.Y., and went 80-4 in the amateurs winning the New York Silver Gloves. In 2015, Brown won the Elite National Silver Gloves Championship and a year later reached the semifinals of the U-19 Nationals. He advanced through the Junior Olympic Trials and competed in the USA National Junior Olympic Tournament. He turned pro in 2019.

The 27-year-old Schramm (15-1-1, 9 KOs) is promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz’s Sampson Boxing. Known as a pressure fighter who comes forward, Schramm started boxing late at 17 and finished his amateur career with a record of 45-4 and won six overall amateur titles in Argentina. For the past three years, Schramm has trained in Los Angeles under Lionel Lara, and at one time trained alongside former world champion Brian Castaño and his team.

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call all the blow-by-blow action alongside former junior middleweight world champion Raul Marquez with another Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining remotely as the unofficial scorer. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Chuck McKean directing.

DAVID BENAVIDEZ OUTSLUGS CALEB PLANT TO
 SCORE EXCITING UNANIMOUS DECISION ON
SHOWTIME PPV® HEADLINING THRILLING NIGHT OF BOXING SATURDAY FROM MGM GRAND GARDEN
 ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

Jesus Ramos, Chris Colbert and Cody Crowley
Earn Victories in Pay-Per-View Undercard

Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/
Premier Boxing Champions

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

LAS VEGAS – March 26, 2023 – Undefeated two-time super middleweight world champion David “The Mexican Monster” Benavidez retained his Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title with a bruising unanimous decision victory over former world champion Caleb Plant in the SHOWTIME PPV main event Saturday night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The judges’ final tallies were 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113.

The highly anticipated showdown between super middleweight rivals turned into the intriguing clash of styles that many predicted it would be, as Plant’s boxing acumen carried the early action until the brute force and high-volume power punching of Benavidez took over. After 12 grueling rounds in front of a sold out arena, the two fighters squashed their years long beef, embracing and expressing their mutual respect.

The main event of Benavidez vs. Plant will replay Saturday, April 1 on SHOWTIME at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT.

“I know there was a lot said between us but in the end we settled this like men,” said Benavidez. “I’m happy we gave the fans the best rivalry of the year or the last five years. I’m just very happy.”

“It’s a big rivalry but that’s what boxing is all about,” said Plant. “We came here and settled it like men. I take nothing from David. We haven’t been the best of friends but we got into the ring and we settled it like men. That’s what you’re supposed to do. He’s a helluva fighter.”

According to CompuBox, Benavidez (27-0, 23 KOs) held a large advantage in power punches landed (180-68) but also out-landed Plant in jabs (30-23). Plant (22-2, 13 KOs) was the busier fighter, throwing 624 to Benavidez’s 551, but was unable to deter the late round onslaught from Benavidez. MORE

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT SHINARD BUNCH TAKES ON UNDEFEATED BRYAN FLORES IN MAIN EVENT ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® IN EXCITING
TRIPLEHEADER FRIDAY, APRIL 7

Neri Romero and Frency Fortunato Set To Battle in Co-Main Event In Popular Prospect Series From Brooks, Calif.

NEW YORK – March 13, 2023 – Nearly two months after O’Shaquie Foster became the 88th SHOBOX: The New Generation alumni to win a world title, two young super lightweight prospects will battle it out on the prospect-oriented series as returnee Shinard Bunch (20-1-1, 16 KOs) from Queens, N.Y., takes on Mexico’s Bryan Flores (23-0-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight contest Friday, April 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME® from Cache Creek Casino in Brooks, Calif.

The SHOBOX® tripleheader pits six fighters with a combined record of 95-2-1 and 62 knockouts.

In the co-main event, Neri Romero (16-0, KOs) of Argentina takes on Frency Fortunato (15-1, 11 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in a 10-round super featherweight bout. The telecast opener pits Raul Garcia (12-0, 10 KOs) of the Dominican Republic against Robert Terry (9-0, 3 KOs) of Jersey City, N.J., with both fighters putting their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super welterweight bout. They all hope to one day follow in the footsteps of Foster, who out-dueled Rey Vargas on February 11 on SHOWTIME to capture the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship after he fought four times on SHOBOX.

The card is promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz and his Sampson Boxing promotion company.

“We are excited to put on our third SHOBOX event over the first four months of the year that will once again feature step-up battles for each fighter,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for SHOBOX: The New Generation. “Our main event is an elevated SHOBOX bout with Shinard Bunch facing Bryan Flores in their toughest test with the winner on the verge of becoming a contender. That’s the essence of SHOBOX – the winner punches their ticket and moves a step closer to becoming a champion while the runner-up gains exposure and a learning experience to grow on and stay in the hunt." MORE

SUPER WELTERWEIGHT SENSATION SEBASTIAN FUNDORA DUELS RISING CONTENDER BRIAN MENDOZA LIVE ON SHOWTIME® SATURDAY, APRIL 8 HEADLINING PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT FROM DIGNITY HEALTH SPORTS PARK IN
CARSON, CALIF.

Unbeaten Super Lightweight Contender Brandun Lee Battles Mexico’s Pedro Campa in Co-Main Event

Plus Undefeated Rising Featherweights Luis Nuñez and Christian Olivo Square Off in Telecast Opener at
10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

CARSON, CALIF. – March 6, 2023 – Undefeated super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will defend his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against rising contender Brian Mendoza on Saturday, April 8 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature undefeated super lightweight contender Brandun Lee taking on Mexico’s Pedro Campa in the 10-round co-main event, plus undefeated featherweights Luis “The Twist” Núñez and Christian Olivo square off in the 10-round telecast opener.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, can be purchased at axs.com.

“Sebastian Fundora has established himself as one of boxing’s must-see attractions, as he brings an all-action demeanor every time he steps into the ring, combined with an ability to end a fight at any time,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Coming off a career-best win, Brian Mendoza will be highly motivated to slow down Fundora’s momentum, which should make for great action at the always electric Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. Adding in another action-fighter in Brandun Lee taking on Pedro Campa, and a pair of unbeaten featherweights in the TV opener, and April 8 lines up to be another memorable night on SHOWTIME." MORE

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT STAR DAVID BENAVIDEZ WELCOMES PROMOTER SAMPSON LEWKOWICZ TO SEATTLE TRAINING CAMP

BENAVIDEZ IN FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR HIGH STAKES SHOWTIME PPV® SHOWDOWN AGAINST CALEB PLANT ON SATURDAY, MARCH 25  IN LAS VEGAS

SEATTLE – March 7, 2023 – Undefeated former two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion David “La Bandera Roja’’ Benavidez welcomed a visit from his longtime trainer, Sampson Lewkowicz, to his Seattle training camp today as he finalizes preparations for a showdown against former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant on Saturday, March 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Benavidez said Lewkowicz was a welcome sight amid the intense work he is putting in for the high-stakes,12-round showdown for the WBC Interim World Super Middleweight championship.

“I’m so happy my promoter came to visit me in camp,” said the 26-year-old budding superstar, who was dubbed “The Mexican Mike Tyson” by Iron Mike himself earlier this week. “Things are going so positively. I’m sparring and I feel so good. It means a lot that he took his time out to come and see me like this.”

Lewkowicz, who has been with Benavidez since nearly the beginning of his impressive career, say he likes what he saw from his young charge.

“La Bandera Roja has a look in his eyes like I’ve never seen before,” said Lewkowicz. “He is coming to not just beat Caleb Plant, but to destroy him.”

Sampson Boxing Signs Undefeated Dominican Prospect Raul Garcia to a Promotional Contract

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of Dominican super welterweight prospect Raul Garcia to a promotional contract.

An excellent puncher with fast hands, 24-year-old Garcia (12-0, 10 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, had over 150 amateur fights before turning professional in May 2021 and quickly rattling off a dozen impressive victories over domestic competition, including taking the undefeated 0 of countryman Francisco Ernesto Sanchez. He was last seen in December 2022, stopping then 22-3 veteran Angel Yomar Mateo in six rounds. Garcia says he began to dream of becoming a world champion after meeting the great Oscar De La Hoya as a young amateur.

“I know that my career will take off with my promoter Sampson and manager Cesar “Manguita” Mercedes in charge of my direction,” said a happy Garcia. “I can’t wait to be in the kind of big fights I used to watch on television as a youngster. I believe I belong with the best in the division.”

Lewkowicz, who is known for discovering hidden talents, has teamed up with Mercedes to introduce several future Dominican world champions, including Javier Fortuna and Jeison Rosario, among others. A keen eye for talent, Lewkowicz says Garcia will quickly become another top fighter he and Manguita are credited for bringing to the world stage. MORE



DAVID BENAVIDEZ VS. CALEB PLANT LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

“On March 25 I guarantee that I’m knocking Caleb Plant out before round six.” – Benavídez

“You don’t have to worry about me showing up on March 25. This isn’t my first big fight. I’ve been here before.”
– Plant

Super Middleweight Stars Benavídez and Plant To Settle War of Words in High Stakes SHOWTIME PPV® Clash on Saturday, March 25 from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Headlining
Premier Boxing Champions Event

Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/
Premier Boxing Champions

LOS ANGELES – February 2, 2023 – Undefeated former two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion David “El Bandera Roja’’ Benavídez and former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant continued their war of words and nearly came to blows at a tense press conference in Los Angeles Thursday before they settle their years-long rivalry in a 12-round showdown that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, March 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Benavídez and Plant met at the Conga Room at L.A. Live less than two months before their long-awaited clash, as the hungry super middleweights look to settle their score in one of boxing’s most anticipated showdowns. Both have had reigns as champions at 168 pounds and both are eager to  ascend to the top of the division as they fight for Benavídez’s Interim WBC Super Middleweight title. As the two exchanged insults on stage and the barbs grew more personal, security twice had to intervene to keep them apart during the proceedings.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased HERE through AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Los Angeles:

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“On March 25, I guarantee that I’m knocking Caleb Plant out before round six.

“This has been a fight in the making for the last five years and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m at my best right now mentally and physically. On March 25, I finally get to put hands on Caleb Plant.

“When you’re on the ground bleeding, you’ll learn how to respect a real fighter. I’m what you want to be. You’re a chump.

“He had a sensational win against Anthony Dirrell and I take nothing away from that. This is the best time this fight could have happened. It was the right move for both of us. I’ve been wanting to fight him for a long time and now the winner of this fight gets to be the mandatory for Canelo Alvarez. I’m super motivated. MORE

Sampson Boxing and Paco Presents Sign Mexican Duo, Salcido and Olivo, to Co-Promotional Agreements

Sampson Lewkowicz (Sampson Boxing) and Paco Damian (Paco Presents) proudly announce the signing of a pair of undefeated 23-year-old Mexican teammates from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, featherweight Christian Olivo Barreda and lightweight Omar “Super” Salcido Gamez, to multi-year, co-promotional contracts.

Trained and managed by Alfredo Leon Lopez, Olivo and Salcido had decorated amateur careers, and both are now confident this move will secure opportunities and big fights in the US with PBC and Showtime.

Olivo (20-0-1, 7 KOs) won the WBC Youth Silver Featherweight Championship by besting then-undefeated (12-0) Adrian Montoya in January 2021. In February 2021, Salcido took out then undefeated Jesus Acosta Ayala (15-0-1) by wide unanimous decision.

Both fighters say the new promotional move bodes well for their boxing fortunes moving forward.

“I am proud to sign with my promoters, who have a long history of providing their fighters with good opportunities,” said Olivo. “I can’t wait to show my skills on a big stage. Thank you to my manager and trainer Alfredo Leon Lopez for all his hard work to make this happen. I will be world champion one day soon.”

MORE

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA VS. CARLOS OCAMPO VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

“I showed the fans what I was made of in my last fight…
I’m serious about becoming world champion,” – Fundora

Fundora fits my style really well. With two Mexican fighters inside the ring, you’re going to see fireworks,” – Ocampo

Super Welterweight Sensation Sebastian Fundora Takes On Rising Contender Carlos Ocampo Live On SHOWTIME® On Saturday, October 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif

CARSON, CALIF. – September 14, 2022 – Unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora and former title challenger Carlos Ocampo previewed their showdown for Fundora’s Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title during a virtual press conference Wednesday before they meet live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, October 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast will see top middleweights Carlos Adames and Juan Macias Montiel square off for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title in the co-main event, while IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Fernando Martinez meets former champion Jerwin Ancajas in a highly-anticipated 12-round rematch to open the telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at axs.com.

READ MORE

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA TRAINING CAMP
QUOTES AND PHOTOS

“Everyone in the division has to watch out. Because I’m coming…Whenever I get that title chance, I’m ready for it.”

Super Welterweight Sensation Sebastian Fundora Takes On Rising Contender Carlos Ocampo Live On SHOWTIME® On Saturday, October 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

Click HERE for Sebastian and Gabriela Fundora Training Photos
from Jose Montañez/Team Fundora

COACHELLA, CALIF. – September 30, 2022 – Unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora offered a clear warning to the rest of the 154-pound division as he prepares to defend his interim WBC title against former title challenger Carlos Ocampo live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, October 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

“Everyone in the division has to watch out,” said Fundora. “Because I’m coming. I’m definitely not overlooking this opponent, but whenever I get that title chance, I’m ready for it.”

Already considered perhaps the most exciting fighter in the sport at just 24-years-old, Fundora explained the mentality that has allowed him to thrill fight fans time and time again.

“A lot of people who come out to these fights are working class and they spend their hard-earned money to go watch a good fight, and that’s what I want to deliver,” said Fundora. “I fight for the fans. Without the fans, boxing is not the same.”

For this fight, Coachella, California’s Fundora will share the stage with his younger sister, 20-year-old rising flyweight Gabriela Fundora, who competes in an undercard bout at Dignity Health Sports Park. Although it will be the first time they share a card, Sebastian is confident that the training from their father Freddy will allow each to focus on their individual tasks. MORE

JOSEPH ADORNO DROPS HUGO ROLDAN, WINS RAZOR THIN DECISION IN SHOBOX HEADLINER

PHOTO FROM SHOWTIME BOXING
BY RYAN SONGALIA

Joseph Adorno was at a make-or-break point in his young career, and the 23-year-old didn’t break.

“Blessed Hands” earned his biggest win to date, outpointing the previously unbeaten Hugo Alberto Roldan by the narrowest of margins, 95-94 on all three cards, on Friday night in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation card from Bally’s Event Center in Atlantic City, N.J.

Adorno (17-1-2, 14 knockouts) jumped out to an early lead and held on to outpoint the aggressive Argentinian Roldan (21-1-1, 7 KOs) over the ten-round distance, with a second round knockdown off a counter left hook being the difference in the bout.

The victory was a much-needed boost for Adorno of Allentown, Pa., who was stepping back up in competition following two easy rehab wins that helped him rebuild following a three-bout stretch between 2020 and this past March that saw him draw with Hector Garcia and Jamaine Ortiz before taking his first defeat to Michel Rivera by unanimous decision. MORE

Edwin De Los Santos upsets Jose Valenzuela by round 3 KO

by Jeremy Herriges

Jose Valenzuela dropped his first boxing loss to Edwin De Los Santos. Valenzuela was the favorite but De Los Santos proved to be too much. 

Jose Valenzuela was expected to notch another victory in his lightweight boxing campaign on Sept. 4, but Edwin De Los Santos flipped the script and handed Valenzuela his first career loss.

Valenzuela (12-1, 8 KOs) entered the Crypto.com Arena in L.A. with all the momentum on his side. The 23-year-old from Renton, Washington, was riding a two-fight KO streak against Austin Dulay and former champion Francisco Vargas, but he ran into a wall in De Los Santos.

De Los Santos (15-1, 14 KOs) came into his bout with Valenzuela with one loss on his record, but he also had a high KO percentage. The 22-year-old from the Dominican Republic made the most of his opportunity in the pay-per-view portion of the Andy Ruiz vs. Luis Ortiz undercard. MORE
 

FUNDORA TO DEFEND AGAINST OCAMPO ON OCTOBER 8

Unbeaten super welterweight Sebastian “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora (19-0-1, 13 KOs) will defend his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against former title challenger Carlos Ocampo (34-1, 22 KOs) live on SHOWTIME® on Saturday, October 8, headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event. Fundora is coming off a Fight of the Year type performance against Erickson Lubin on April 9 in which Fundora punished Lubin to remain undefeated in a back-and-forth thriller. Ocampo, who is ranked No. 13 by the WBC, has won 12 straight and recorded a first-round knockout on June 11.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also feature middleweights Carlos Adames (21-1, 16 KOs) and Juan Macias Montiel (23-5-2, 23 KOs) squaring off for the Interim WBC Middleweight Title in the co-main event, while IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Fernando Martinez (14-0, 8 KOs) meets former champion Jerwin Ancajas (32-2-2, 22 KOs) in a highly-anticipated 12-round rematch to open the telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Sampson Boxing Signs Argentinean Olympian and Undefeated Professional Featherweight Puncher Mirco Cuello to a Promotional Contract

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of undefeated featherweight prospect and former Olympian Mirco Cuello of Santa Fe, Argentina, to a promotional contract.

The most decorated Argentinean amateur boxer of his generation, 21-year-old Cuello, won countless international elite championships during his 105-fight career in the unpaid ranks, before turning professional shortly after competing at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.

As a professional, the power-punching Cuello (8-0, 7 KOs) was last seen picking up the WBA International Featherweight Championship last June by dropping and stopping Venezuela’s Leonardo Padilla in two rounds at the WBAKODrugs event.

“It’s a pleasure for me and my team to sign with Sampson Lewkowicz, a recognized promoter who can help me better develop my boxing and be the next world champion for Argentina,” said a happy Cuello after signing. MORE

KO ARTIST AMILCAR VIDAL DEFENDS WBC LATINO MIDDLEWEIGHT BELT JULY 29 IN URUGUAY

On Friday, July 29, WBC #13-ranked middleweight Amilcar “El Pety” Vidal (15-0. 12 KOs) will return to his hometown of Montevideo, Uruguay, to defend his WBC Latin Middleweight Championship for the second time against Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina’s Gabriel Omar “El Loco” Díaz (12-3-0, 4 KOs).

The 10-round Vidal vs. Diaz battle will headline an extraordinary international evening of professional boxing, presented, without fans in attendance, by Sampson Boxing, Tello Box, Paco Presents and Producciones Sports at Alberto Isabella's American Box Gym in Montevideo and televised live by TyC Sports (Latin America), TV Ciudad (Uruguay) and Estrella TV (United States).

In the night’s potentially explosive 10-round co-main event, three-time world title challenger David “El Severo” Carmona (22-9-5, 9 KOs) of Mexico City and Tijuana’s Alex “El Peque” Santiago (25-3-5, 13 KOs) will meet for the  Mexican Bantamweight Championship, the first time a Mexican national title has been disputed outside its lands.

For his second fight this year, the big-punching 26-year-old Vidal, who now lives in Los Angeles, is training in Uruguay. He was last seen in April of this year, making quick work of transplanted Argentinean Osmar Gustavo Dominguez Chamorro (TKO 2) in his first defense of his WBC Latino belt he won in 2019. A TV favorite in the United States, Vidal is known for his tremendous punching power in both hands. MORE

WBC Interim Champ Sebastian Fundora Enjoying ‘Once in a Lifetime’ Festivities at IBHOF Weekend

WBC Interim World Light Middleweight Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora is currently making the rounds with fans, signing autographs and chumming around with all-time-great champions and other boxing dignitaries and at the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) Induction Weekend in Canastota, New York.  

Because the event was canceled each of the past two years, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the 24-year-old Fundora (19-0-1, 13 KOs), from Coachella, California, says he’s having the time of his life mixing with the esteemed panel of inductees from the three separate classes being honored (2020, 2021 And 2022).  

The southpaw will also be available to meet with fans tonight at the ShoBox: The New Generation telecast (9 p.m. ET) emanating from the nearby Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. MORE

Eduardo Ramirez Edges Luis Melendez
With Tough Majority Decision

BY BOXINGSCENE STAFF

Published Sat May 28, 2022, 10:04 PM EDT

Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York - In a super featherweight contest, Eduardo Ramirez (27-2-3, 12 KOs) won a ten round majority decision over Luis Melendez (17-2, 13 KOs) in a tough fight.

The scores were 95-95, 96-94 and 98-92 for Ramirez.

A close, technical start where both fighters were being calculated and picking their spots. Things heated up in the third round, with Melendez landing several counters, before Ramirez let his hands go a bit in the final thirty seconds.

Melandez started off the fourth with hard punches connecting. Ramirez would start keeping the action close, firing back to the head and body. Ramirez was landing the stiffer shots during exchanges. Ramirez was dominant during the fifth and began to really press the issue in the sixth. Melendez began to rally with punches of his own during the round. 

Both had moments in the seventh, but it was Ramirez landing harder punches and doing more damage.  Ramirez controlled the action in the eight, before they were taking turns landing in the ninth. Ramirez was more aggressive and pushing the pace. In the tenth, Melendez started off by landing several shots. Ramirez would eventually begin landing with several hard shots of his own as the round played out. MORE 

 

DAVID BENAVIDEZ STOPS DAVID LEMIEUX IN DOMINATING THIRD-ROUND TKO TO WIN VACANT INTERIM WBC WORLD TITLE SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM GILA RIVER ARENA IN GLENDALE, ARIZ.

Undefeated Cuban Prospect Yoelvis Gómez Dominates in Shutout Over Jorge Cota in Super Welterweight Co-Main Event; Plus, Unbeaten Featherweight Prospect Luis Núñez Scores Close Unanimous Decision Over Jonathan Fierro in Telecast Opener

Click HERE For Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions

GLENDALE, Ariz. May 21, 2022 – Once again, undefeated David “El Bandera Roja” Benaví dez didn’t disappoint the hometown crowd as the Phoenix native became a super middleweight champion for the third time in dramatic fashion, scoring a third-round TKO against former world champion David Lemieux to win the vacant Interim WBC World Title on Saturday night at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz., on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) beat and battered a gutsy Lemieux (43-5, 36 KOs) from the opening bell knocking him to the canvas for the fifth time in his career midway through the second round on a massive uppercut that nearly sent Lemieux through the ropes. Lemieux somehow survived the onslaught of Benavidez’s power punches and returned to action in the third round. But Benavidez went right to work dishing out more and more punishment as Lemieux’s corner stepped in and signaled surrender to referee Harvey Dock, who waved off the fight with 1:31 remaining in the third round.
(For video highlights, click HERE).

"Mike Tyson gave me the name ‘The Mexican Monster', what do you think I'm gonna do?” Benavidez told Jim Gray after the fight. “I just feel like I'm the strongest 168 pounder. No one can mess with me.”
(For interview video, click HERE)

Benavidez staggered Lemieux in the closing seconds of round one, the big blow a left hook that sent Lemieux into the ropes with Benavidez pouncing with a 10-punch combination of uppercuts, hooks and straight jabs. Dock later said he was about to stop the fight had the bell not rung to end the round. MORE

UNBEATEN TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION AND PHOENIX-NATIVE
DAVID BENAVÍDEZ BATTLES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION DAVID LEMIEUX HEADLINING LIVE ON SHOWTIME® THIS SATURDAY, MAY 21 FROM GILA RIVER ARENA IN GLENDALE, ARIZ. IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT

Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

GLENDALE, AZ. – May 19, 2022 – Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez and former world champion David Lemieux went face-to-face at the final press conference Thursday as they previewed their 12-round showdown for the vacant Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title which headlines live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, May 21 from Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The press conference also featured hard-hitting Cuban prospect Yoelvis Gómez and Mexico’s Jorge Cota, who meet in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event, and unbeaten prospects Luis “The Twist” Núñez and Jonathan Fierro, who duel in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast opener at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com at the link HERE.

LUIS NUNEZ AND JONATHAN FIERRO GET BIG SHOWTIME OPPORTUNITY ON SATURDAY

Dominican featherweight Luis “The Twist” Núñez will battle fellow unbeaten Jonathan Fierro of Mexico in the ten-round Showtime Championship Boxing telecast opener this Saturday, May 21st from Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event. The telecast is headlined by unbeaten former two-time champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez returning to fight in his home state against former IBF middleweight champion David Lemieux for the vacant WBC interim super middleweight title. The telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and also features Cuban junior middleweight Yoelvis Gómez taking on Mexico’s Jorge Cota in a ten-round contest. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com. MORE
 

DAVID BENAVIDEZ - THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM?

BY CLIFF ROLD

Published Thu May 19, 2022, 01:24 AM EDT

Someone had to be the one.

Lots of guys wanted to be next up for Saul Alvarez after the super middleweight king completed his unification of the division in 2020. No matter what he decided to do, we know now it was going to be a multi-fight package.

Among the most popular choices for the first of those fights, there weren’t any bad options for fans and there weren’t any easy options for Alvarez. Dmitry Bivol proved it, retaining his light heavyweight belt with an upset decision over the favored Alvarez two weeks ago.
One of the unchosen begins their return to the ring this week.

Two-time former WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez (25-0, 22 KO) can always wonder if he missed a chance to halt Alvarez’s march to unification at super middleweight. He lost his first WBC title to a failed test for banned recreational drugs. Benavidez lost his second on the scales. MORE

FUNDORA SENDS RESPECT TO LUBIN AFTER UNFORGETTABLE WAR IN VEGAS SATURDAY NIGHT

Photo By: Ryan Hafey (Premier Boxing Champions)

(April 11, 2022) One of the most respectful and personable fighters in boxing, brand new WBC Interim Super Welterweight Champion, Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora, wishes to send his warmest wishes for a quick recovery to brave challenger Erickson “Hammer” Lubin.

In an instant boxing classic, the two 154-lb fighters waged a thrilling, back-and-forth war of attrition Saturday (April 9, 2022) night in The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, as California’s Fundora (19-0-1, 13 KOs) and Florida’s Lubin (now 24-2, 17 KOs) took turns hitting the deck: Lubin was down in round two and Fundora was down in round seven.

Eventually, however, the work rate and inside fighting skills, especially the uppercut, of the 6’ 6” Fundora were able to mash the face of the much shorter Lubin and inflict severe facial swelling and damage. Despite their man being ahead on all three scorecards, Lubin’s corner indicated he had taken enough damage after round nine and requested a stoppage, giving the popular Fundora a career-defining victory in a nationally televised main event.

“That was a very tough fight. I loved it,” said a happy Fundora. “I want to let Erickson Lubin know I respect his heart and toughness very much. I went into the fight thinking Lubin’s chin was suspect, but he took everything I could throw at him and still kept coming. I give him major respect and I hope he heals up quickly. He’s a very brave fighter. Get well soon and let’s do it again!”

The eldest Fundora, father/trainer Freddy, says he’s also extremely happy with his son’s exciting triumph and impressed with Lubin’s toughness. MORE

 

Sebastian Fundora Rises to Stop Erickson Lubin
After Nine Brutal Rounds

Photo By: Ryan Hafey (Premier Boxing Champions)

In a war of attrition, Sebastian Fundora stopped Erickson Lubin after nine brutal rounds at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, NV Saturday night. Sadly the bout had flown under the radar though many, this writer included, anticipated a tremendous fight. It was. The towering Fundora struck first when he wobbled than floored Lubin with an inside right uppercut in the final seconds of round two. Lubin got up on shaky legs. Somehow he made it to the end of the heat. Lubin looked fully recovered in round three. A number of shots bloodied Fundora’s face. His hammer like punches had him winning three of the first four rounds. Fundora was hardly finished. If anything, he seemed to enjoy the back and forth action. MORE

PROMOTER SAMPSON LEWKOWICZ HONORED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO ARGENTINE BOXING BY BUENOS AIRES LEGISLATURE

In an emotional ceremony on Wednesday, March 30, promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing was recognized by the Legislature of Buenos Aires for his great contributions to Argentine boxing and presented with a plaque by Argentine legislators Diego Weck and Rodrigo Morán. Speakers sharing anecdotes about the colorful Lewkowicz included former national deputy Facundo Moyano; Promoter Carlos Tello, President of the Uruguayan Amateur and Professional Boxing Commission Sergio Márquez; Commissioner of the Argentine Boxing Federation Roberto Rilo and TyC Sports journalist Marcelo González. MORE

ERICKSON LUBIN TAKES ON SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
ON SHOWTIME ON APRIL 9

A clash between two of the best junior middleweights is in the works for April 9.
Erickson Lubin and Sebastian Fundora will square off to decide who becomes the WBC mandatory challenger, two sources confirmed to The Ring Thursday afternoon. No venue has been announced but one source said “Las Vegas is the likely destination to host the fight.” The Lubin-Fundora fight, along with another proposed junior middleweight clash between Sergio Garcia and Tony Harrison, will air live on a ‘Showtime Championship Boxing’ telecast. The PBC card will take place on the same day as the Ryan Garcia-Emmanuel Tagoe fight, which will take place in San Antonio, Texas and will stream live on DAZN. The clash between Lubin and Fundora is sure to bring fireworks between two strong junior middleweights, both who throw an abundant amount of power punches. Both Lubin and Fundora are ranked in the top-10 by The Ring. Lubin and Fundora are ranked No. 4 and No. 6, respectively. MORE

A 24-year-old fighter who looks just like Muhammad Ali is challenging one of boxing's most ferocious punchers to a fight

A 24-year-old boxer who looks like Muhammad Ali is challenging one of the sport's most ferocious punchers to a fist-fight. Michel Rivera, renowned for his uncanny looks to "The Greatest," returns to the ring against Joseph Adorno during a Premier Boxing Champions on Showtime event Saturday at the Armory in Minneapolis. Nicknamed "La Zarza Ali," Rivera has returned 14 knockouts from 22 wins in his pro career so far and remains unbeaten.
He's predicting another win this weekend and wants to use the platform to call out thunderous finisher Gervonta Davis, one of American boxing's most popular combatants. MORE

EDWIN DE LOS SANTOS KNOCKS LUIS ACOSTA UNCONSCIOUS IN 2ND ROUND OF ‘SHOBOX’ CO-FEATURE

BY KEITH IDEC

Edwin De Los Santos was determined Friday night to not leave it to the judges again on “ShoBox.”

The Dominican southpaw knocked Luis Acosta unconscious with a left hand early in the second round of their scheduled eight-round lightweight bout in Deadwood, South Dakota. Referee Mark Nelson stopped their fight immediately after De Los Santos’ devastating left hand knocked Acosta cold and left him flat on his back 45 seconds into the second round. MORE

SAMPSON BOXING AND TELLO BOX SIGN A PAIR OF ARGENTINEAN WARRIORS TO CO-PROMOTIONAL CONTRACTS

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing (along with Tello Box), proudly announces a pair of significant co-promotional signings, as super middleweight contender Sebastian Horacio “La Promesa” Papeschi (18-3, 6 KOs) and undefeated super welterweight prospect Leon Gavilan (5-0, 1 KO) have signed long-term agreements.

Papeschi, renewed his current agreement with the two promotional entities for another lengthy term.

The 30-year-old Papeschi, born in Lujan, Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a former National and South American Super Middleweight Champion. A proven contender looking to break into the division’s top 10, Papeschi was last seen winning in his first major international fight in impressive fashion on October 29 of last year in Panama, where he dominated Mexican Héctor Zepeda by unanimous decision after 10 rounds.

Papeschi is currently ranked #38 in the World Boxing Council (WBC) rankings.

Unbeaten super welterweight prospect Gavilan, from Jose C. Paz, Buenos Aires, Argentina, was a highly decorated amateur boxer, finishing with a record of 37-3 and having won several championships. A gifted fighter, 20-year-old Gavilan has already sparred and held his own with such notable stars such as former world champions Brian Castano and Diego Chaves.

“It is a great pride I announce the signing of the talented León Gavilan and a renewal with “La Promesa” Papeschi because we noticed in both of them a great hunger for glory and a desire to reach the top,” said Sampson Lewkowicz, CEO of Sampson Boxing. “We are committed to doing the best for all our fighters and I’m sure that the best is yet to come for both of them.”

BENAVIDEZ PROMOTER SAYS HEARN HAS NO INTEREST IN MAKING ANDRADE FIGHT: 'HE DIDN'T CALL ME UP'

BY SEAN NAM
Published Fri Feb 25, 2022, 07:23 AM EST

Sampson Lewkowicz could not help but roll his eyes when he saw Eddie Hearn making the rounds on social media.

Lewkowicz is the promoter of highly regarded 168-pound contender David Benavidez, who has cropped up in the news for calling out two-division titlist Demetrius Andrade, the slick southpaw promoted by Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, to a showdown sometime in the near future. Andrade, a long-time reigning champion at 160, is looking to make his start at the super middleweight in his next fight, against England's Zach Parker. 

Hearn recently tweeted a video produced by Matchroom in which Benavidez is shown reiterating his desire to fight Andrade, signing off with the words, “Let’s make it happen, Eddie.” Hearn offered his affirmation in the same post, “Yes, please!”

Lewkowicz found Hearn’s tweet wanting and hollow and suggested that if Hearn was serious about that fight, the British impresario would have already called Lewkowicz or one of his colleagues. Lewkowicz is one of a handful of promoters who work closely, if not exclusively, with Al Haymon, the architect behind Premier Boxing Champions, under whose banner Benavidez has fought for the past several years. MORE

DAVID BENAVIDEZ WANTS DEMETRIUS ANDRADE NEXT

David Benavidez says he wants to face Demetrius Andrade next after he first takes on former IBF middleweight champion David Lemieux in a WBC 168-title eliminator.

Benavidez and Demetrius have been in the same boat for much of their careers, ignored by bigger name fighters Canelo Alvarez, Gennadiy Golovkin, and the Charlo brothers.

If the fight with Andrade happens for Benavidez in 2022, the two will be fighting in a title eliminator to decide the WBC/WBO mandatory to Canelo Alvarez.

So if Canelo chooses to swerve the Benavidez vs. Andrade winner, he’ll need to vacate two of his titles rather than just one. MORE

EX-CHAMPS FORTUNA AND ROSARIO CRUSH FOES

Lightweight contender Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (37-3-1, 26 KOs) returned to the ring Sunday night and blew out Rafael Hernandez (32-15-3, 25 KOs) in the first round at the Pabellon de Esgrima, Centro Olimpico, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Fortuna, a former WBA featherweight and super featherweight world champion, dropped Hernandez twice in the one-sided bout. It was Fortuna’s first fight since losing to JoJo Diaz last July.

In the co-feature, former WBC/WBA/IBF super welterweight champion Jeison “Banana” Rosario (22-3-1, 16 KOs) smashed Jesus Perez (12-6-1, 9 KOs) in four rounds. Rosario dropped Perez at the end of round two and got the stoppage in round four.

ARBOLEDA, ROLDAN VICTORIOUS

Lightweight Jaime “Jaimito” Arboleda (18-2, 14 KOs) recovered from two knockdowns to get a ten round majority decision over Nicolas Polanco (20-2-1, 11 KOs) on Friday night in a bout for the WBC Latino silver title at the Vasco Núñez de Balboa Convention Center in the El Panama Hotel in Panama City, Panama. Scores were 95-93, 95-93, 94-94. Super lightweight Hugo Alberto “Nato” Roldan (21-0-1, 7 KOs) recovered from two knockdowns to get a ten round majority decision over German Del Castillo (10-2-2, 7 KOs). Scores were 96-92, 96-92, 94-94. Female flyweight Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (5-0, 2 KOs) dominated Nataly Delgado (8-5-1, 3 KOs) over eight rounds by scores of 80-71 3x. Fundora is the sister of junior middleweight contender Sebastian Fundora. Lightweight Carlos Suarez (9-2, 6 KOs) stopped previously unbeaten Ernesto Marin (9-1, 5 KOs) in round six.

GABRIELA FUNDORA TITLE FIGHT BACK ON AFTER COVID SCARE AT WEIGH-IN YESTERDAY IN PANAMA CITY

Female flyweight prospect Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora’s 10-round fight tonight is back on after a more accurate PCR test she was administered came up negative for Covid today.

Coachella, California’s Fundora (4-0, 2 KOs) was set to face Santiago de Veraguas, Panama’s Nataly Delgado (8-4-1, 3 KOs) in a televised bout for the WBC Latino Flyweight Championship on tonight’s (Friday, January 14, 2022) Box & Roll” event at the Vasco Núñez de Balboa Convention Center in the El Panama Hotel in Panama City, Panama.

However, at yesterday’s weigh-in, the 19-year-old southpaw and former amateur standout was shocked to discover she had tested positive for the virus, according to a rapid test. As per commission procedure, Fundora, who showed no symptoms, was allowed to weigh-in (111.25 lbs.) and was given a more-accurate 24-hour PCR test by the same laboratory to be certain.

The results of that test proved her negative status today. MORE



ARBOLEDA TO FACE POLANCO FOR WBC LATINO SILVER CHAMPIONSHIP IN MAIN EVENT OF ‘BOX & ROLL’ ON FRIDAY, JAN. 14 IN PANAMA CITY AND LIVE ON TYC, AND TV MAX

This Friday, January 14, 2022, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, Carlos Gonzalez of Best Box, Carlos Andres Tello of Tello-Box and Paco Damian of Paco Presents will present “Box & Roll,” the third instalment of a six-card series of professional boxing shows at the Vasco Núñez de Balboa Convention Center in the El Panama Hotel in Panama City, Panama.

Broadcast live internationally on TyC Sports and in Panama on TV Max Channel 9, in the night’s 10-round main event, Curundu, Panama’s Jaime “Jaimito” Arboleda (17-2, 14 KOs) will face Nicolas Polanco (20-1-1, 11 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for the WBC Latino Silver Lightweight Championship.

In the night’s co-main event, La Banda, Santiago del Estero, Argentina’s Hugo Alberto “Nato” Roldan (20-0-1, 7 KOs) will take on Barranquilla, Colombia’s German Del Castillo (10-1-2, 7 KOs) over 10 rounds for the WBC Latino Silver Super Lightweight Championship.

Also in action will be a female fighter on the fast track appearing in a televised showdown, as Coachella, California’s former amateur standout Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (4-0, 2 KOs) will take on Santiago de Veraguas, Panama’s Nataly Delgado (8-4-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round battle for the WBC Latino Flyweight Championship.

And in the opening televised bout, Colon City, Panama’s undefeated Ernesto Marin (9-0, 5 KOs) will face Monteria, Colombia’s Carlos Suarez (8-2, 6 KOs) in a six-round lightweight showcase. MORE

Luis Nunez Stops Carlos Arrieta – Boxing Results

Luis “The Twist” Nuñez looked impressive in his second consecutive ShoBox: The New Generation outing registering a 10th round technical knockout against a game Carlos Arrieta in the super featherweight main event of an action-packed tripleheader featuring six undefeated fighters on SHOWTIME® Friday night at the Caribe Royale Resort.

The Dominican Republic’s Nuñez (16-0, 12 KOs) worked the body effectively all night against Puerto Rico’s Arrieta (14-1, 8 KOs), finally landing a staggering straight right hand that stunned Arrieta in the middle of the final round. Nuñez, 22, then finished off Arrieta with a flurry of punches that ultimately led to the stoppage at 1:41 of the 10th round on a night that saw three undefeated records fall on the popular ShoBox prospect series. MORE

Centeno and Harrington Headline as Salita Promotions Returns with Another Exciting Detroit Brawl Event on Saturday, January 22 in Dearborn, MI

On Saturday, January 22, 2022, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan, Salita Promotions returns for another instalment of their popular “Detroit Brawl” series of professional boxing shows.

Appearing in the night’s 10-round middleweight main event will be WBC #9- and WBO #15-ranked middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr., taking on an opponent to be announced shortly.

Also scheduled to appear in the co-main event is power-punching undefeated Detroit middleweight “prospect to watch” Marlon Harrington (5-0, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder vs. TBA.

Featured in separate eight-round battles, each against opponents to be announced, will be the always-exciting top super-featherweight contender Alejandro “Pork Chop” Guerrero (12-2, 9 KOs) of Irving, Texas; as well as Detroit super middleweight Winfred Harris Jr. (20-1-1, 10 KOs); and undefeated Houston-based welterweight Quinton Randall (8-0, 2 KOs).

And in a very special six-round pro debut will be Salita Promotions’ most recent promotional signee, popular Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Team USA Captain and bonafide amateur star Joseph “Sug” Hicks Jr., who will begin his fast-track route to potential stardom against TBA.

Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $35 (service fees will apply). Order tickets online or call or visit the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center Box Office (ph: 313.943.2354) at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn during Box Office hours: Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm on the day of the event. PLEASE NOTE: tickets ordered online will be mailed up to one week prior to event date. Tickets ordered within a week of event will be placed in will call in the box office for pickup. A limited quantity of VIP tickets are also available by calling Lina at 313.529.7604. MORE



Sampson Boxing’s Fundora and Ramirez Move Into Position for World Championship Challenges With Victories Last Sunday Night on Showtime Pay-Per-View

A pair of Sampson Boxing’s exciting contenders, super welterweight Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and super featherweight Eduardo Ramirez, moved themselves into separate world-title challenges with career-boosting victories on Showtime Pay-Per-View Sunday night.

Fighting on the undercard of Tank Davis’s also-thrilling war with Isaac Cruz at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs) was able to use his amazing physical gifts to outwork Spain’s formerly undefeated Sergio “El Nino” Garcia (33-1, 14 KOs) over 12 rugged rounds; while Mexico’s Eduardo “Zurdito” Ramirez (26-2-3, 12 KOs) continued his surge with a thrilling toe-to-toe 10-round unanimous decision over the always-game Colombian Miguel “The Scorpion” Marriaga (30-5, 26 KOs).

Fighting in the night’s co-main event, a twelve round WBC super welterweight eliminator, the 6’ 5” Fundora’s reach and activity rate were enough to overcome the dangerous Garcia’s attempts to land fight-ending haymakers. Fundora, the WBC #4 contender before the fight, whipped hard lefts and rights to the head and body from a seemingly impossible distance for a 154-lb fighter, as well as wicked uppercuts on the inside. Always in great shape, the entertaining Fundora kept a steady tattoo going on the sometimes befuddled Spaniard. MORE

Benavidez, Lemieux, Jermall Charlo in mix for
WBC interim super middle title

By Boxing Bob Newman

At the recent WBC convention in Mexico City, it was announced the undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez would move up two weight divisions to challenge WBC Cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu in a history-making fight. This prompted another move- to allow for an interim WBC super middleweight title fight between WBC mandatory challenger and former two-time WBC champion, David Benavidez and likely, the #2 ranked David Lemieux. Although Lemieux was not named specifically by the WBC board of directors, it seemed logical due to his #2 ranking. MORE

David Benavidez to Fight for Interim
WBC Super Middleweight Championship Next

With current Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion Canelo Alvarez now confirmed to be facing WBC Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Makabu in his next bout, Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter of undefeated two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez, has received permission from the WBC Board for Benavidez to fight for their Interim Championship in his next bout.

Today at their 59th annual world convention in Mexico City, Alvarez’s trainer Eddy Reynoso petitioned the WBC to allow the future hall-of-famer to challenge Makabu for a chance at another world title in an amazing fifth weight division. Reynoso’s request was granted unanimously.

In response, Lewkowicz immediately requested that Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs), whom many considered at the top of the list of potential next Canelo opponents, be given a chance to hold their world championship for the third time in his undefeated career. The request was also granted.

An opponent for Benavidez’s attempt at a third WBC belt will be announced shortly.

Sampson Boxing Signs Exciting Super Lightweight Prospect Shinard Bunch to a Promotional Contract

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of talented super lightweight prospect Shinard Bunch to a long-term co-promotional contract.

Before turning professional in 2019, Bunch had over 400 amateur fights and was once ranked as high as #3 nationally as a decorated member of the USA National Team, alongside current world champions Errol Spence and Shakur Stevenson. The talented former Brooklynite relocated to Trenton, New Jersey at age 13, and is now trained by Chino Rivas, perhaps best known for his work with former world champions Tevin Farmer and Jason Sosa, at TKO Fitness in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Managed by Philadelphia-based boxing legend J. Russell Peltz and, along with Lewkowicz, co-promoted by Nedal Abuhamoud of Nedal Promotions, the 22-year-old Bunch (17-1-1, 15 KOs) announced himself as a serious threat to anyone in the world on July 23 of this year at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, Nebraska, where the supposed underdog Bunch fought to an impressive split draw with fellow prospect Janelson Figueroa Bocachica in a fight which many had Bunch winning handily. The scores were 97-93, 95-95 and 94-96 and the fight was televised nationally on ShoBox: The New Generation. MORE  

David Benavidez Hopeful that a Fight with Canelo Alvarez Will Happen in 2022

08-Nov-21
by Lem Satterfield
photo by Esther Lin

Now a father of a one-year-old son, Benavidez (24-0, 21 KOs) insists he’s matured in pursuit of his fifth straight knockout on Nov. 13 against Kyrone Davis (16-2-1, 6 KOs) before his hometown crowd at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ.

David Benavidez was once the youngest 168-pound world champion in history, but the unbeaten, 6-foot-2 switch-hitting 24-year-old has twice forfeited the crown -- once due to a positive drug test and again for missing weight.

Now a father of a one-year-old son, Benavidez (24-0, 21 KOs) insists he’s matured in pursuit of his fifth straight knockout on Nov. 13 against Kyrone Davis (16-2-1, 6 KOs) before his hometown crowd at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona in a Premier Boxing Champions event on Showtime (10 p.m. ET).

MORE

PHOENIX NATIVE DAVID BENAVÍDEZ RECEIVES PROCLAMATION FROM OFFICE OF MAYOR KATE GALLEGO DECLARING
NOVEMBER 13 “DAVID BENAVÍDEZ DAY” IN HIS HOMETOWN

Two-Time World Champion Benavídez Gets Honored at
Media Workout Alongside Brother José Benavídez Ahead of Their
Homecoming Bouts Live on SHOWTIME This Saturday Night
 from Footprint Center in Phoenix

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

PHOENIX (November 10, 2021) – Unbeaten two-time world champion and Phoenix native David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez received a proclamation from Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego at his media workout Wednesday, as the Mayor’s office declared this Saturday, November 13 “David Benavídez Day” in his hometown. The 24-year-old Benavidez will take on contender Kyrone Davis this Saturday night live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center in Phoenix.

Benavídez was joined by his older brother José Benavídez, who faces Francisco Emanuel Torres in Saturday’s co-main event, and his father and trainer Jose Benavídez Sr., at Wednesday’s event at Central Boxing Gym.

The event also featured the unveiling of a mural of the Benavídez family outside of the boxing gym in honor of the city’s boxing stars. The Benavídez family were presented the proclamation by Mary Rose Wilcox, the former Chairperson of the Arizona Boxing Commission. Other dignitaries in attendance included Arizona State Representative Cesar Chavez and City of Phoenix Councilperson Laura Pastor.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

MORE

Top Super Welterweight Contender Sebastian Fundora Takes On Fellow Unbeaten Sergio Garcia in WBC Title Eliminator Sunday, December 5 in Gervonta Davis vs. Isaac Cruz SHOWTIME PPV® Co-Main Event from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles

Hard-Hitting Contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames Clash in Middleweight Showdown

Top Featherweight Contender Eduardo Ramirez Faces Former
Title Challenger Miguel Marriaga in Pay-Per-View Opener
at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

LOS ANGELES - November 10, 2021 – Rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will square off against fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event of the Gervonta Davis vs. Isaac Cruz SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also feature hard-hitting middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames squaring off in a 10-round battle. Kicking off the pay-per-view, top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez faces former title challenger Miguel Marriaga for 10 rounds of action.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. MORE

Michel Rivera Boxes Past Matias Romero
For Unanimous Decision Win

BY KEITH IDEC
Published Sat Oct 30, 2021, 10:58 PM EDT

LAS VEGAS – Michel Rivera remained in contention for a lightweight title shot Saturday night by producing a workmanlike, relatively easy points win over Jose Matias Romero.

The Dominican Republic’s Rivera controlled their 10-round junior welterweight bout with his jab and clearly was the more effective fighter in the opener of Showtime’s tripleheader from Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino’s Michelob ULTRA Arena. Judges Max De Luca, Lisa Giampa and David Sutherland all scored each of the 10 rounds for Rivera, 100-90. MORE

Batista Dominates Ramos in Boxeo Caliente

By Héctor Villarreal

Panamanian superfly prospect Ronal “El Gallito” Batista (13-2, 8 KOs) outpointed Mexican Hytan Ramos (40-5-2, 2 KOs) over 8 rounds (78-74, 78-74, 77-75) on the second event of the Boxeo Caliente series promoted by Sampson Boxing on Friday night at Hotel El Panama.
Cuban Pablo Vicente (18-1, 15 KOs) went to the distance with Javier Herrera (17-5-1, 8 KOs) from Argentina, to score a unanimous decision (98-90, 98-90, 99-89) to claim the WBC super feather championship of the Americas.

Jonathan “El Bloque” Torres (3-0, 0 KOs) overcame a knockdown in the 4th and final round to escape with a win by unanimous decision over debutant Alcibiades Ballesteros.
As a late substitute, Venezuelan veteran, based in Panama, Juan “Pequita” Lopez (15-9-1, 14 KOs) demolished Mexican Jesus Guzman (7-5, 5KOs) by impressive KO with his first punch in round 7 of a fight scheduled to 8. This was the second brutal KO given by Lopez in the last 9 days, after stopping Jesus Mojica (7-2, 5 KOs) on October 20, also as an underdog. MORE

David Benavidez to face Kyrone Davis in November 13 Showtime main event; With Jose Uzcategui out, Kyrone Davis has stepped up to the plate

By Scott Christ@scblh1

David Benavidez has a new opponent for his Nov. 13 Showtime main event, as the two-time former titlist will now face Kyrone Davis.

Benavidez had been scheduled to fight Jose Uzcategui, who was pulled from the fight today after failing a drug test.

Davis (16-2-1, 6 KO) is, if we’re being honest, not a very good opponent for Benavidez (24-0, 21 KO), who will be expected to roll over another foe en route to possibly facing the Canelo-Plant winner in early 2022.
The 26-year-old Davis went to a draw with ex-titleholder Anthony Dirrell in February, leading some to wonder if Davis was better than expected or if the then 36-year-old Dirrell had just slipped badly or had an off-night. MORE

A 23-Year-Old Boxer Who Looks Like a Young Muhammad Ali is Aiming For another Spectacular KO on Saturday

The 23-year-old boxer who looks like a young Muhammad Ali hopes to score yet another spectacular knockout when he returns to the ring Saturday.
Michel Rivera is one of boxing's upcoming fighters, possessing a fan-friendly fighting style and an uncanny likeness to one of the sport's greats thanks to his high-fade haircut, slender build, and white shorts with black trim.

In the Dominican boxer's most recent outing three months ago he delivered a spectacular finish against John Fernandez in California.
In that bout, Rivera out-landed his opponent in every round, scored multiple knockdowns, and closed the show in the eighth. MORE

DAVID BENAVÍDEZ AND JOSÉ BENAVIDEZ TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

Posted by Stacy Podelski

Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez and his older brother, longtime contender José Benavídez, previewed their respective showdowns before they enter in the ring in their hometown of Phoenix, Ariz. on Saturday, November 13 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center.
 
David will battle former champion José Uzcátegui in a super middleweight title eliminator bout that headlines the event, while José faces Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in the 10-round co-main event. The Benavídez brothers have their sights set on impressing their hometown fans in long-awaited homecoming bouts November 13, which will mark their first time entering the ring in Phoenix since 2015.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

MORE

‘CUBAN MENACE’ PABLO VICENTE TO FACE ARGENTINA’S JAVIER HERRERA FOR WBC CONTINENTAL AMERICAS SUPER FEATHER TITLE TO HEADLINE ‘BOXEO CALIENTE 2’ ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29 IN PANAMA CITY AND LIVE ON TYC, AND TV MAX

On Friday, October 29, 2021, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, Carlos Gonzalez of Best Box, Carlos Andres Tello of Tello-Box and Paco Damian of Paco Presents will present “Boxeo Caliente 2,” the second instalment of a six-card series of professional boxing shows at the Vasco Núñez de Balboa Convention Center in the El Panama Hotel in Panama City, Panama.

Broadcast live internationally on TyC Sports and in Panama on TV Max, in the night’s 10-round main event, power-punching super featherweight Pablo “The Cuban Menace” Vicente will face dangerous veteran Javier “Johnny” Herrera for the WBC Continental Americas Super Featherweight Championship. MORE



David Benavidez vs Jose Uzcategui rescheduled for
November 13th in Phoenix

By Patrick L. Stumberg

Premier Boxing Champions has announced that David Benavidez vs. Jose Uzcategui, previously slated to take place on August 28th before “El Bandera Rojo” tested positive for COVID, will now go down November 13th. As before, it’ll take place at Footprint Center, formerly known as Phoenix Suns Stadium. While the original Showtime opener between Carlos Castro and Oscar Escandon got moved to last weekend’s Pacquiao-Ugas card, David’s brother Jose (27-1, 18 KO) remains on the show against Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres (17-3, 5 KO). No word yet as to whether it’s still planned as a tripleheader. MORE

Luis Nunez Shuts Out Jayvon Garnett Over Ten Rounds

BY JAKE DONOVAN

Luis Nunez made the most of his 22nd birthday and first career fight in the United States. The unbeaten prospect from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic impressed in a clear-cut, unanimous decision victory over Cincinnati’s Jayvon ‘Jigsaw’ Garnett in their Showtime-televised featherweight contest Friday evening at Central Park Community Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Judges Henry Ellick (100-90), Henry Gueary (100-90) and  David Sutherland (100-90) all scored every round in favor of Nunez in their ShoBox chief support. MORE

Sampson Boxing Signs The Cuban Menace, Pablo Vicente, to a Promotional Contract

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of power-punching Cuban super featherweight Pablo “The Cuban Menace” Vicente to an exclusive promotional contract.

Vicente, currently residing in Panama City, Panama, but originally hailing from Havana, Cuba, is currently ranked #10 in the world by the WBC. A former decorated amateur on the vaunted Cuban National Team, Vicente (17-1, 15 KOs) turned professional in 2016 and has gone on to stop all but three of his professional opponents.

The 28-year-old will make his Sampson Boxing debut on Friday, October 29, at the Centro de Convenciones Vasco Nunez de Balboa, Bella Vista, in his adopted home of Panama City in a 10-round showdown against Argentina’s Javier Herrera (17-4-1, 8 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas Super Featherweight Championship. MORE

Raul Garcia Shines in Boxeo Caliente

By Héctor Villarreal

Dominican superwelter rookie, Raul Garcia (3-0, 2 KOs), who hadn’t fought a full round in either of his two previous fights, scored a clear unanimous 6-round decision over more experienced Colombian prospect Dormedes Potes (12-4-1, 9 KOs) in the first event of the Boxeo Caliente series promoted by Sampson Boxing on Thursday night in Hotel El Panama.

Talented southpaw Potes had his good moments in the fight but was deducted one point by referee Abdiel Barragan for punching of the back of the head. MORE

UNDEFEATED GABRIELA FUNDORA BACK IN ACTION TOMORROW NIGHT IN TIJUANA

Tijuana (August 20, 2021) – 19-year-old female fighting sensation Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (2-0) will return to action tomorrow night in Tijuana, taking on Mexico’s Karol Mazariegos (1-0-1, 1 KOs) in a super flyweight four-rounder to open festivities at the Najera Boxing Promotions’ event at the Round 13 Big Punch Arena.

The younger sister of world-ranked super welterweight contender Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Gabriela Fundora, is a lofty 5’ 9” former amateur standout, trained by her father, Freddy, at his increasingly popular gym in Coachella, California. The skilful southpaw says her busy schedule since turning professional is all part of a larger plan.

“I’m feeling very strong and fast and I’m excited getting back in the ring,” said Fundora, who was last seen in July of this year, taking a unanimous decision from Texas brawler Indeya Smith. “I don't know much about Karol Mazariegos, but we are trying to stay super busy and get as much experience as possible." MORE

WBA NO. 9 SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT JAIME ARBOLEDA TO FACE TWO-TIME CHAMP JONATHAN BARROS IN INAUGURAL INSTALLMENT OF BOXEO CALIENTE ON THURS. AUG 19 IN PANAMA CITY AND LIVE ON TYC, TV MAX

Thanks to the generous support of Mexican gambling-industry giants Caliente, on Thursday, August 19, 2021, promoters Sampson Boxing, Best Box and Paco Presents will host the first of a six-event series of professional boxing shows, entitled “Boxeo Caliente,” to be held at the Vasco Núñez de Balboa Convention Center in the El Panama Hotel in Panama City, Panama, broadcast live internationally on TyC Sports, and in Panama on TV Max.

For the inaugural Boxeo Caliente main event, Panamanian hero and WBA #9 super featherweight Jaime “Jaimito” Arboleda (16-2, 13 KOs) will take on Argentinean two-time world champion Jonathan “Yoni” Barros (43-7-1, 22 KOs) in a “can’t miss” all-action war over 10 rounds for the WBA Fedebol Super Featherweight Championship.

And in the “all southpaw” 10-round co-main event that night, former Argentinean super middleweight champion Sebastian “La Promesa” Papeschi (17-3, 6 KOs) will face fellow left-hander and dangerous Colombian puncher Dormedes Potes (12-3-1, 9 KOs) of Barranquilla. MORE

 

Amilcar Vidal Survives Spirted effort from Immanuwel Aleem to Win Decision

Photo: Amanda Westcott / Showtime
Michael Rosenthal

Middleweight contender Amilcar Vidal is fortunate he’s still undefeated.

The strapping Uruguayan fighter emerged with a majority-decision victory over Immanuwel Aleem on Saturday in San Antonio, but the scoring will have been questioned by many who watched the fight.

Vidal (13-0, 12 KOs) has overwhelmed most of his opponents. However, Aleem (18-3-2, 11 KOs) was able to take his power and dish out plenty of punishment himself.

Aleem started out by fighting behind his jab and moving in the early rounds, when he was stalked by Vidal. However, when Vidal finally closed the distance, Aleem was happy to trade punches inside and got the better of many exchanges in what evolved into an entertaining scrap. MORE

Sebastian Fundora vs. Sergio Garcia Showdown in Play For August

BY MANOUK AKOPYAN

Sebastian Fundora is in line for a quick turnaround fight following his impressive slugfest and fourth-round TKO win over Jorge Cota in May. The undefeated 6’5½” junior middleweight contender is still awaiting a confirmed fight date for his agreed-upon 12-round bout versus Spain’s Sergio Garcia. There has been loose talk of the fight taking place later this summer, with Fundora (17-0-1, 12KOs) informing media members over the weekend of a possible August 7 date set aside for the bout. MORE

 
 

Montiel: I Definitely Earned Another Opportunity; Proved I Belong In Major Leagues Of Boxing

BY KEITH IDEC

Juan Macias Montiel realizes he didn’t come close to beating Jermall Charlo last Saturday night. Montiel still feels that he legitimized himself as a middleweight contender by pushing the unbeaten WBC champion at times during their 12-round title fight. Going the distance was a victory of sorts for the determined Mexican underdog, whom Charlo went off as a 30-1 favorite to defeat in their Showtime Championship Boxing main event at Toyota Center in Houston. MORE

Kevin Cunningham: Erickson Lubin vs. Jeison Rosario
Will Be Fight of The Night!

By Ryan Burton

Gervonta “Tank” Davis will attempt to become a three-division champion on June 26th when he faces WBA world super lightweight champion Mario Barrios in Showtime pay-per-view main event. While the main event should produce fireworks, the co-feature bout looks just as explosive. Former world champion Jeison “Banana” Rosario (20-2-1) will collide with former world title challenger Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin (23-1) in an intriguing super welterweight showdown. Lubin, who is a Orlando, Florida native, will enter the fight riding a five fight winning streak with three of those victories coming by way of knockout. His only loss in the pro ranks came against Jermell Charlo back in 2017. The Dominican Republic’s Rosario lost his IBF and WBA titles in his last fight against Charlo but is only one bout removed from his upset 5th round knockout win over Julian Williams. Kevin Cunningham is expecting to go up against the version of Rosario that fought Williams on fight night. Lubin’s trainer said that his charge has looked great as they hit the midway point of camp. MORE

Sampson to the Rescue of Panamanian Boxing

By Héctor Villarreal

In a press conference headed by international promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, the Director of the Panamanian Sports Institute (Pandeportes) Hector Brands and veteran boxing journalist Juan Carlos Tapia, a project to start the rescue of Panamanian boxing was announced on Monday morning at Intercontinental Hotel in Panama City, Panama. MORE

Two Great Evenings at Carlos Paz on June 10 And 11 By TyC Sports

Alejandro Silva for the final and his title against Ramírez on June 12
On Thursday, June 10 and Friday, June 11, Sampson Boxing and Tello Box will present two national evenings, both at the Eleton Resort and Spa, in Villa Carlos Paz, Córdoba, which will feature the televising of TyC Sports.
It should be noted that, although the corresponding health protocols are designed and that both festivals will be held under a strict bubble system, attentive to the high numbers of those affected by the Coronavirus, everything is subject to national and provincial regulations. MORE

 
 

Charlo-Montiel Press Conference

Unbeaten WBC middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo (31-0, 22 KOs) and challenger Juan Macías Montiel (22-4-1, 22 KOs) previewed their upcoming showdown during a virtual press conference Wednesday. They collide on SHOWTIME June 19 from the Toyota Center in Houston.

“Montiel is going to see on June 19 that Jermall Charlo is for real,” – Charlo

“My record speaks for itself. I am all about the knockout and that’s what I’m coming for on June 19,” – Montiel

In case you don’t know, Montiel’s big claim to fame was his first round KO of James Kirkland last December. All 22 of his wins are by KO. MORE

Gabriela Fundora

GABRIELA FUNDORA WINS PRO DEBUT IN IMPRESSIVE FASHION ON FIGUEROA VS. NERY UNDERCARD ON SATURDAY NIGHT

(May 17, 2021) Last Saturday night, 5’9” super flyweight Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora made her successful professional boxing debut with an exciting unanimous four-round decision over fellow Californian southpaw Jazmin Valverde Medina.

Fighting on the undercard of Brandon Figueroa’s Showtime-televised WBC World and WBA Super World Super Bantamweight Championship-winning KO 7 over former world champion Luis Nery at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, the 19-year-old Fundora (1-0) dropped Medina in round two and cruised to an impressive near-shutout victory (scores: 40-35, 39-36 and 40-35).

The scores, however, are not indicative of the excitement the two women generated in an exciting punchout. The heavy underdog Medina came to fight.

“I felt great!” said Fundora. “I'm glad I was able to showcase my talent on such a great platform on Showtime. I delivered a body shot and followed it up with a right hook that dropped her in the second round and every round after that, we mixed up the punches in bunches." MORE

Sebastian Fundora vs. Sergio Garcia Agreement Reached

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing has announced he has obtained signed contracts from undefeated super welterweight contenders Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Sergio “El Nino” Garcia to face each other.

WBC #5-rated Fundora (17-0-1, 12 KOs) and WBC #2-rated Garcia (33-0, 14 KOs) will meet in an exciting 12-round showdown, to be shown live on Fox TV, date and venue to be announced shortly.

The massive 6′ 6″ Fundora is a 23-year-old southpaw with an incredible 80-inch reach who has been building a respected name for himself among 154-lb fighters with a string of very impressive performances. The Coachella resident was last seen on May 1, scoring an exciting TKO 4 over Mexican perennial contender Jorge Cota on the Ruiz vs. Arreola PPV event at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. MORE

Sebastian Fundora: My Message to Junior Middleweight
- We're Here!

BY BOXINGSCENE STAFF
Published Mon May 03, 2021, 11:44 AM EDT

Carson, California - unbeaten super welterweight Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora (17-0-1, 12 KOs) won a close-quarters war via fourth-round stoppage over Jorge “El Demonio” Cota (30-5, 27 KOs) in their WBC super welterweight title eliminator.

"I'm extremely grateful to fight in front of the fans tonight,” said Fundora. “It was fun to hear the cheers, the boos and everything. I'm honored to be in this position.
"My message to the rest of the division is that we're here. If you’re ready for war, we're ready to take it. Bring it on."

Fundora and Cota stood toe-to-toe from the opening bell, throwing big punches and marking up each other early. Fundora landed 29 and 28 power punches in the first two rounds, with Cota connecting on 15 and 17. MORE

Sampson Boxing and Tello Box Sign Undefeated Argentine Super Lightweight Hugo Roldan to a Co-Promotional Agreement

Promoters Sampson Boxing and Tello Box are pleased to announce the signing of a co-promotional agreement with undefeated Argentinean super lightweight prospect Hugo “El Nato” Roldan.
 
In his four-year career, the 27-year-old Roldan (20-0-1, 7 KOs), has already beaten current South American middleweight champion Lucas Bastida (TKO 3); former Argentinean super lightweight champion Damián Yapur (UD 10); former South American lightweight champion Sergio Gil (KO 1); former Argentine welterweight champion, Chaco Victor Hugo Velázquez (UD 10) and WBC Latino Super Lightweight Champion Emiliano “Cobrita” Domínguez twice (both UD 10).

“My ambition is to reach the top of boxing, said an excited Roldan about the signing, “and with my new team, Sampson and Tello, we can achieve it together. I’ve always worked hard in the gym, but now, with this added motivation, I will do even more.”

A clever boxer who moves in and out of range using his exceptional foot speed, Roldan and his trainer/brother Lorenzo will soon be relocating to Coachella, California, to work with rising trainer Freddy Fundora at his gym.

“We knew about Hugo Roldan's career, but we hadn’t seen him in action,” said Carlos Tello of Tello Box. “It was very impressive what he and his team accomplished with almost no support. Then we learned that he was looking for a promoter to get him off the ground and that is how he came to us. Hugo has the talent and discipline to become a star in boxing." MORE

Ryan Garcia-Javier Fortuna Interim Lightweight Title Bout
Set for July 9

(Apr 13, 2021) By Ben Baby - ESPN Staff Writer

The date for Ryan Garcia bout against Javier Fortuna has been finalized.

Garcia will face Fortuna on July 9, Golden Boy Promotions announced Tuesday. Venue and undercard details have yet to be determined.

Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) is coming off the biggest win of his young career. The 22-year-old recovered after an early knockdown to stop former lightweight title contender Luke Campbell with a seventh-round TKO in January.

"Fortuna is eager and will be ready, but so will I," Garcia said in a statement released by Golden Boy. "No one can beat me in the lightweight division, period. I'm going to show the world who I am." MORE

Sampson Boxing Signs a Pair of Undefeated Dominican Prospects, Edwin De Los Santos and Luis Reynaldo Nunez, to Promotional Contracts

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of a pair of undefeated 21-year-old Dominican prospects, super featherweight Edwin De los Santos and super bantamweight Luis Reynaldo Nunez to promotional agreements.

A crow-pleasing puncher with tremendous will, the southpaw De los Santos (9-0, 8 KOs), from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, started boxing at the age of eight and went on to win numerous national amateur championships in his boxing-rich homeland. At age 14, he joined the Dominican’s prestigious National Boxing Team and, at 18, made the move to professional ranks. De Los Santos has already captured the WBA Fedecaribe and WBC Latino Super Featherweight Championships in his young career.

“It motivated me seeing how so many other great Dominican fighters have reached places they never dreamed of under the guidance of Sampson Boxing,” said De Los Santos of the signing. I am committed to bringing another world championship home to my country, defending it with pride and courage as many times as possible and improving the economic situation of my family." MORE

Last Call Interview with Gabriela Fundora

For Sebastian Fundora, Fighting is a Family Affair

(APR 19, 2021) By Bob Velin
The undefeated rising super welterweight star draws strength from his family as he prepares to face veteran Jorge Cota Saturday, May 1 on the Andy Ruiz-Chris Arreola FOX Sports PPV card.

The Southern California desert town of Coachella has long been known for its popular annual music festival. 

But the festival may soon have to share top billing with a sensational, young and extremely tall rising star and Coachella resident known as “The Towering Inferno” who has been taking the boxing world by storm. 

Welcome to the hometown of the Fundora family, led by Cuban-born father Freddy, his Mexican-born wife Monique, and six kids, all of whom have boxed at one time or another. Yes, even mom.  

“Boxing is a sport that we practice,” says Freddy, the father, trainer and manager of his 23-year-old son Sebastian Fundora, who rises up to a towering 6-feet, 6 inches with a frame so slender it makes many wonder how he can stand up to the punishment dished out in his 154-pound weight class. 

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, who introduced to the sport rejects-turned-champions such as Manny Pacquiao, Sergio Martinez and David Benavidez, initially rejected the request to promote Fundora, based on his seeming fragility. Then he watched him fight. MORE

 
 

David Benavidez vs. Jose Uzcategui On Aug. 28 in WBC 168-Lb Title Eliminator

By Sean Jones
David Benavidez fights former IBF 168-lb champion Jose Uzcategui in a WBC super middleweight title eliminator on August 28th on Showtime. The winner of the Benavidez – Uzcategui fight will be mandatory for WBC champion Canelo Alvarez. MORE

 

GABRIELA FUNDORA, SISTER OF TOWERING INFERNO SEBASTIAN FUNDORA, SIGNS PROMOTIONAL AGREEMENT WITH SAMPSON BOXING; FORMER AMATEUR CHAMPION TO
TURN PROFESSIONAL IN MAY

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of women’s amateur standout Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora to a long-term promotional contract.

18-year-old Fundora, the younger sister of world-ranked super welterweight contender Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Fundora, is a remarkably tall 5’ 9” super flyweight southpaw, trained by her father, Freddy, at his increasingly popular gym in Coachella, California.

From a boxing family where three of her brothers, her father and her mother were once fighters, Fundora started boxing at the age of six and had an extraordinary career in amateur boxing that saw her become the most heavily decorated member of the family while winning countless regional and national championships, including the 2017 USA National Junior Championship, where she was named “Boxer of the Tournament” as well as the Junior Olympics twice, and the 2017 USA Eastern and Western Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. MORE

Michel Rivera

Michel Rivera Stops Anthony Mercado in Eight Rounds

Michel Rivera preserved his perfect record despite fighting two divisions above his most effective weight.

The unbeaten lightweight prospect from Miami by way of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic stopped Puerto Rico’s Anthony Mercado in the eighth round of their FS1-televised headliner Saturday evening at Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

Rivera scored three knockdowns on the night, the last of which prompted an immediate stoppage from referee Edward Collantes at 2:26 of round eight. MORE

Juan Macias Montiel Eager for Jermall Charlo WBC Title Shot

By Miguel Rivera 
Published on Wed Jan 27, 2021, 08:52 PM EST
Mexican middleweight contender Juan Macias Montiel is looking for much bigger opportunities in the new year. This past December, Montiel sensationally knocked out James Kirkland in the first round in Los Angeles. Montiel is now gunning to secure a world title shot at WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo. Charlo, a native of Texas, has a perfect record of 31 wins and 22 knockouts. MORE

PROMOTER LEWKOWICZ WANTS TO DO IMMEDIATE NUNEZ VS. AVAGYAN REMATCH AFTER ACTION-PACKED DRAW IN SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® CO-MAIN EVENT ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT

New York, New York – January 22, 2021 – Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter of undefeated Panamanian super featherweight Jose “Magnifico” Nunez (11-0-2, 4 KOs), says a rematch must happen between his fighter and Armenia’s Aram Avagyan (10-0-2, 4 KOs).

The pair of hard-nosed prospects fought to an action-packed eight-round majority draw this week in the co-main event of Wednesday night’s edition of ShoBox: The New Generation from Mohegan Sun Arena, as Judge Peter Hary had it 77-75 in favor of the Panamanian, but was overruled by Tom Carusone and John McKaie, who both scored the exciting fight 76-76. Showtime’s unofficial scorer Steve Farhood scored it 77-75 in favor of Nunez. MORE

TIMEFRAME FOR DAVID BENAVIDEZ’S RETURN REVEALED

By FIGHT SPORTS

Fight fans haven’t seen David Benavidez in action since August 2020 but the wait is almost over.

In Benavidez’s last fight, he shared the ring with Roamer Alexis Angulo. Benavidez stopped Angulo before the 11th round could begin. This would’ve been a successful WBC Super-Middleweight Title defense for Benavidez, but he missed weight. He ended up being stripped of the gold.

Benavidez’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, told BoxingScene.com that “El Bandera Roja” will be back in action about two months from now.
“He will fight in March. We are working on opponents now, but it will definitely be at super middleweight."

Lewkowicz went on to say that Benavidez is doing what he needs to do to get back in the title picture at super-middleweight. MORE

Sampson Boxing Signs Undefeated IBF #1 Welterweight Kudratillo Abdukakhorov to Multi-Year, Exclusive Promotional Contract

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of undefeated IBF #1, WBO #13 and Ring Magazine #8 welterweight contender Kudratillo “The Punisher” Abdukakhorov to a multi-year, exclusive promotional contract.

Originally from Uzbekistan, but currently training at the Elite Pro Boxing Gym in Santa Fe Springs, California, under trainer Armando Valenzuela, Abdukakhorov (17-0, 9 KOs) has already held the WBC Silver welterweight Championship and is now the IBF mandatory for unified champion Errol Spence Jr.

Abdukakhorov was a four-time national Uzbekistani champion as an amateur, finishing with an impressive record of 170-10. The 27-year-old was originally signed with Bob Arum’s Top Rank and had his first two fights in the US under their banner. In March 2019, he took a unanimous decision over former world title challenger Keita Obara. And then in October 2019, Abdukakhorov became the IBF’s #1 by winning a clear-cut 10-round technical decision over former world champion Luis Collazo. MORE

Juan Macias Montiel Scores Shock Knockout Over James Kirkland in One Round & Unbeaten Jesus Ramos Impresses with Knockout Over Naim Nelson; One Barrientes Brother Wins by Knockout, One Loses by Knockout in Night of Upsets

LOS ANGELES (December 26, 2020) – Fighting in the 10-round middleweight co-main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes from the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles tonight, Los Mochis, Mexico’s hard-punching Juan Macias “Juanito” Montiel (22-4-2, 22 KOs) easily destroyed former top contender James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (34-3, 30 KOs) of Austin, Texas, knocking him down three times and finishing him at just 1:56 of the first round.

Within the first 30 seconds, Montiel dropped Kirkland with a left hook to the temple and sent him down again soon after with a follow-up series of uppercuts and left hands. An unsteady-looking Kirkland rose for the second time, looking to continue fighting, but was sent back to the canvas for the third and final time from a strong barrage culminated by a Montiel right hand. Referee Jerry Cantu didn’t bother to count before waving it off and awarding Montiel the upset victory.

Patrick Cora-Hurshidbek Normatov Tops ShoBox 2021 Season Premiere, Jan. 20 At Mohegan Sun

Twenty years later, Showtime’s ShoBox: The Next Generation series continues to stay true to its roots.

The premium cable outlet will enter the 20th anniversary year of its groundbreaking prospect series with a strong quadrupleheader taking place January 20, live on Showtime from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Headlining the card, Patrick Cora and Hurshidbek Normatov meet in a scheduled 10-round junior middleweight contest.

The eight prospects on the show—who boast a combined record of 93-1-3 (45KOs) are represented by five different promoters: Sampson Boxing, DiBella Entertainment, Paco Boxing, Kings Promotions and Salita Promotions. Both statistics are directly in line with another staple of the long-running series which—in addition to having produced more than 80 major titlists—has long sought out the best rising talent, regardless of politics.

“We are excited to ring in the new year with a ShoBox event that brings together five promoters and features eight fighters with only one loss amongst them,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for ShoBox, which debuted in July 2001. “Each fight presents prospects in both corners in their toughest tests to date with all looking to continue their quest to turn from prospect to contender. MORE

 

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA: 154 IS STACKED -
I'LL BE READY FOR ANYONE!

BOXING SCENE STAFF

Super welterweight sensation Sebastian 'The Towering Inferno' Fundora (16-0-1, 11 KOs) delivered a dominating second round TKO of former title challenger Habib Ahmed (27-2-1, 18 KOs) in their WBA super welterweight title eliminator at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Ahmed, who spent nearly his entire career at 168-pounds, had previously... MORE

 

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA IS BUILT FOR LONG-RANGE BOXING,
BUT WAS BORN TO FIGHT

BY RYAN SONGALIA

The first time Sampson Lewkowicz laid eyes on the 6-foot-6 junior middleweight Sebastian Fundora, the word that immediately popped into his head was “fragile.” The young man’s father, Freddy Fundora, had approached Lewkowicz when the 19-year-old was 4-0 as a pro, and told Lewkowicz that they’d always had him in mind to be the promoter.

Unsure of how durable this rail thin but pugnacious young man could be, Lewkowicz decided to give him a chance. In September of 2017, he matched him with a 5-0 prospect named Victor Toney in Las Vegas. After Fundora won a comfortable unanimous decision, Lewkowicz asked his father’s permission to take Fundora on the road with him. MORE

PROMOTER LEWKOWICZ PETITIONS WBC TO ORDER IMMEDIATE JAVIER FORTUNA VS. DEVIN HANEY FIGHT
FOR WBC LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

This morning, Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter of two-time world champion and WBC #2 lightweight contender Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (36-2-1, 25 KOs), has submitted a formal request to the WBC to order immediate negotiations to begin for Fortuna to face current WBC Lightweight Champion Devin Haney (25-0, 15 KOs).

In his request, Lewkowicz cites the extended series of cancelled and declined fights for his top-rated fighter:

  • After fighting his way to the #1 spot in the WBC ratings last November, Fortuna was supposed to face England’s Luke Campbell in April of this year for the vacant lightweight championship after champion Haney was sidelined by shoulder injury and named a “champion in recess.” However, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the fight from happening and gave Haney adequate time to recover.
  • The WBC then reinstated Haney as champion and granted him a voluntary defense. They further mandated that Fortuna and Campbell meet for the WBC interim lightweight championship and then face the winner of Haney’s voluntary defense immediately after. That arrangement fell through though, when Campbell’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, announced he was planning to step over #1 contender Fortuna to make a fight between Haney and #2 contender Campbell. MORE

UNBEATEN INTERIM WBA SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION CHRIS COLBERT BATTLES HARD-HITTING JAIME ARBOLEDA LIVE ON SHOWTIME® SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 IN AN EVENT PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

Middleweight Contenders Matt Korobov and Ronald Ellis Clash
in Co-Main Event; Rising Super Lightweight Prospect Richardson Hitchins Takes on Former World Champion Argenis Mendez in Telecast Opener

NEW YORK - November 20, 2020 – Two of the top fighters in the 130-pound division will meet when unbeaten interim WBA Super Featherweight Champion Chris “Primetime” Colbert faces the hard-hitting Jaime Arboleda in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Saturday, December 12 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The tripleheader, originally scheduled for November 28, will see middleweight contenders Matt Korobov and Ronald Ellis battle in the 10-round co-main event and rising super lightweight phenom Richardson Hitchins taking on the toughest test of his young career as he faces former world champion Argenis Mendez in a 10-round telecast opener. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing. Hitchins vs. Mendez is co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

Nordine Oubaali vs. Nonito Donaire was originally scheduled to take place on December 12 but was postponed after Oubaali tested positive for COVID-19. MORE

Javier Fortuna-Antonio Lozada Tops PBC on FS1, November 21

Former world champion Javier "El Abejon" Fortuna will take on Mexico's Antonio Lozada in a 10-round lightweight showdown that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, November 21 from Los Angeles.
 
FS1 PBC Fight Night begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will see unbeaten Starling Castillo battle lightweight contender Austin Dulay in the 10-round co-main event. In special features on the telecast, middleweight prospect Raymond Guajardo competes in a four-round attraction and lightweight prospect Armani Alméstica makes his pro debut in a four-round affair. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. MORE

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Long-Time Panamanian Broadcaster Juan Carlos Tapia for Nomination to International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2021

Guinness World-Record Holder Tapia has Been Host of The Best of Boxing for the Past 45 Years

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz sends his sincere congratulations to Panamanian broadcasting legend Juan Carlos Tapia for his third consecutive nomination for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF).

Tapia, nominated in the Observer category for the Class of 2021, is a Guinness World Records holder as the creator and host of “LO MEJOR DEL BOXEO” (The Best of Boxing), the oldest televised sports program in the world still broadcasting with its original host. Beginning with its first broadcast on January 9, 1975, featuring a fight between Colombia’s Antonio Cervantes and Japan’s Shinichi Kadota, Tapia has been the uninterrupted host of The Best of Boxing for the past 45 years, soon to be 46.

The Best of Boxing is seen, free of charge, by millions of faithful fans every week in Latin American countries including Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, all of Central America, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico and has featured such fighting legends as Muhammad Ali, "Sugar" Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Julio César Chavez , Mike Tyson , Evander Holyfield , Oscar de la Hoya , Bernard Hopkins, Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Ricky Hatton, among other well-known boxers. MORE

Rosario Aiming to Disrupt Charlomania

WBA and IBF 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario stated his intention to go toe-to-toe with WBC champion Jermell Charlo when they clash this Saturday on Showtime PPV. “Fight fans are going to get a war on September 26,” said Rosario. “Charlo and I are two of the biggest punchers in the division. We both fight with a lot of pride. We’re two very aggressive fighters who want to fight in the middle of the ring, so we’re going to bring the action and make this an epic war.”

The 25-year-old Rosario has had a smooth training camp for the biggest fight of his career, despite the pandemic, while training in Miami, Fla. with his coach Luis “Chiro” Perez. MORE

Khongsong Camp Poised for Upset

Photo: Team Khongsong
By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

IBF #1 light welterweight Apinun Khongsong (16-0, 13 KOs) is confident of causing an upset victory over IBF, WBA champion Josh Taylor (16-0, 12 KOs) when they clash at BT Sports Studios in London, England on September 26.
Jimmy Chaichotchuang, manager of Apinun Khongsong, told Fightnews.com®, “Apinun Khongsong and trainer Fahsai and I arrived in London on September 9 and are doing the self-isolation for 14 days at the Townhall Hotel. Apinun and his team passed the COVID-19 test before entering into the U.K. All the team is doing the test since day one in the U.K. We’ll do the COVID 19 test again before the fight. Apinun does his training in the room. Physically and mentally he’s in good condition.
MORE

TEAM BENAVIDEZ PETITION WBC TO BE PLACED BACK IN SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RANKINGS; UNDEFEATED FORMER CHAMPION WAS PLACED IN #1 SLOT AT LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter for undefeated two-time WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez, has sent the following letter to the WBC, requesting they reinstate Benavidez into their super middleweight rankings.

After failing to make weight for what would have been his first defense of the WBC strap against Roamer Alexis Angulo on August 15, the WBC graciously installed Benavidez (23-0, 20 KOs) as their #1 contender at light heavyweight.

However, after consulting with physicians in his hometown of Phoenix, Team Benavidez say they’re confident the pandemic played a major role in Benavidez’s weight problems and that 168lbs is still a safe weight to make for the 23-year-old Benavidez. MORE

RISING STAR DAVID BENAVIDEZ REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH DOMINATING STOPPAGE WIN OVER ALEXIS ANGULO SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

Mayweather Promotions’ Rolando Romero Scores Unanimous Decision Over Previously Unbeaten Jackson Maríñez for Interim WBA Lightweight Title; Otto Wallin TKOs Travis Kauffman In Heavyweight Scrap

 

Click HERE For Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
(Photos will be uploaded shortly)

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – August 16, 2020 – David Benavidez kept his unbeaten record intact after 23 fights with a dominating performance against Alexis Angulo in the main event of an exciting night of boxing live on SHOWTIME Saturday night from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
(For highlights, click HERE)

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader card, the 23-year-old Benavídez (23-0, 20 KOs) – who lost his WBC world title belt on the scale on Friday – scored a stoppage victory against the former world title challenger Angulo (26-2, 22 KOs), whose corner threw in the towel after the 10th round.

“I rate myself a solid eight,” Benavidez said. “I could have done some stuff better, but overall it was a great performance. I didn’t want to go too fast and leave myself exposed for some big shots. He’s a heavy puncher. But like I said, I like to do the stuff that nobody has ever done. Nobody has ever stopped him and I’m pretty sure nobody is ever going to make him look like that again. I demolished him from round one to round 10." MORE

Fortuna Eager to Honor Lewkowicz by
Becoming Three-Division Champ

By Jake Donovan 

Javier Fortuna waited months for word of his rescheduled ring assignment, though even that paled in comparison to the best boxing related news he’s heard this year.

The former two-division titlist was among many in the industry overcome with joy upon learning that his promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz was given a clean bill of health following thyroid surgery in late July. News of the successful procedure came as Fortuna prepares for his 12-round lightweight clash versus former three-division titlist Jorge Linares on August 28, live on DAZN from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California… MORE

Jermell Charlo Vs. Jeison Rosario Being Negotiated For September

By Matt Lieberman:

Jermell Charlo is in negotiations for a unification fight against IBF/WBA 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario for September. ESPN is reporting the news on WBC junior middleweight champ Charlo (33-1, 17 KOs) and Rosario (20-1-1, 14 KOs) in talks that are “moving well.”

The IBF has already accepted the Rosario-Charlo unification fight, which will allow Jeison to bypass his mandatory Bakhram Murtazaliev.

On paper, Charlo has to be the favorite in this fight, as he’s someone that showed a steadiness in his performances in the last five years… MORE

David Benavidez prepared to avoid upset against Roamer Alexis Angulo; Benavidez defends his WBC super middleweight crown in Showtime’s Aug. 15 main event

By Scott Christ@scblh1  Aug 6, 2020, 10:00am EDT

WBC super middleweight titlist David Benavidez will return to action in Showtime’s Aug. 15 main event, defending against upset-minded veteran Roamer Alexis Angulo from the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Benavidez, 23, is already a two-time 168-pound titleholder, having first won the WBC title in Sept. 2017, beating Ronald Gavril for the vacant belt. After having to give it up... MORE

Sampson Lewkowicz Cancer Surgery Successful

‘Thank You to All My Boxing Friends and Family for Your Prayers’

Having undergone successful thyroid cancer surgery, promoter Sampson Lewkowicz wishes to thank hundreds of well-wishers and assure them he will be making his comeback very soon.

“God works in mysterious ways,” said the recovering Lewkowicz.

In early June of this year, Lewkowicz says he had a small abrasion on his nose. “My four-year-old granddaughter, Emma, noticed it,” he explains, “she called it a ‘boo boo,’ and she made me promise to go to the doctor for it. I went to the doctor and while he was examining me, he noticed a lump in my neck and ordered me to undergo a biopsy, which revealed I had thyroid cancer and several tumors." MORE

Sampson Boxing Re-Signs Mexican Contenders Eduardo ‘Zurdito’ Ramirez and Jorge ‘Demonio’ Cota to Promotional Contracts

Sampson boxing proudly announces the re-signing of featherweight contender Eduardo “Zurdito” Ramirez and super welterweight contender Jorge “Demonio” Cota, both of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, to exclusive long-term promotional contracts.

Ramirez (23-2-3, 10 KOs) is a 27-year-old, highly skilled southpaw with fast hands and super defense. He was last seen stopping formerly undefeated Cuban Leduan Barthelemy in four impressive rounds last November in Las Vegas. The pair had previously fought to a controversial draw, but this time Ramirez left no doubt.

Cota (30-4, 27 KOs) is a 27-year-old perennial contender with powerful fists and a hard-nosed relentless free-swinging style. Cota was last seen at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia where he scored a TKO 5 over popular contender Thomas LaManna on the undercard of promotional stablemate Jeison Rosario’s title-winning stoppage of Julian Williams in January of this year.

Both fighters are trained by Pedro and Eduardo Montiel and managed by Manuel Montiel Jr., brothers of five-time world champion Fernando Montiel. MORE

Sampson Lewkowicz Re-Signs Dominican Two-Time World Champion Javier Fortuna to a Long-Term Promotional Contract

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the re-signing of two-time former world champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna to a promotional contract.

From La Romana, Dominican Republic, Fortuna (35-2-1, 24 KOs), the former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight Champion, has fought under the Sampson Boxing banner from his pro debut and has gone on to have one of the greatest careers in history for a Dominican boxer.

The 31-year-old is currently the world’s #1 WBC lightweight contender and, upon the end of the pandemic’s halt of professional boxing, will next face England’s Luke Campbell, for the interim lightweight championship.

The winner of that match will go on to face current Regular Champion, Devin Haney. MORE

SAMPSON BOXING SIGNS ARGENTINE MIDDLEWEIGHT PROSPECT WALTER MATTHYSSE JR. TO A CO-PROMOTIONAL CONTRACT

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of promising middleweight prospect Walter Ezequiel Matthysse Jr. to a multi-year co-promotional contract, along with Argentina-based Tello Box.

21-year-old Matthysse is the nephew of hard-punching two-time world champion Lucas Matthysse and the son of former world-title challenger Walter Matthysse Sr. A decorated amateur in his native Argentina, Matthysse started boxing at age 11 and has an outstanding amateur record of 59-3-1 (30 KOs).

Matthysse will turn professional in Argentina at the conclusion of the pandemic with the goal of becoming the latest new star on the live-boxing television series Premier Boxing Champions in the United States.

“I’m very happy and proud that a company like Sampson Boxing has noticed me and I promise to give my best in this new stage of my career," said the young Matthysse. MORE

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz Weighs in on Devin Haney’s WBC Petition to Face Javier Fortuna Immediately Upon Boxing’s Return

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz is issuing the following statement regarding Lightweight Champion in Recess Devin Haney’s WBC petition to face number one contender Javier Fortuna immediately when boxing resumes.

Last December, Haney underwent shoulder surgery, which prompted the WBC to designate him a champion in recess during his recovery and order a fight between their top two contenders, The Dominican Republic’s Javier Fortuna and England’s Luke Campbell, for the vacant lightweight championship.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has halted all boxing and the Fortuna vs. Campbell fight has been postponed indefinitely, which has given Haney adequate time to recover. Haney is now asking the WBC to forego the fight for the vacant championship and instead let him face Fortuna immediately upon boxing’s return.

Lewkowicz, the long-time exclusive promoter of Fortuna, says he prefers to stick with the WBC ruling and have the winner of Fortuna and Campbell move on to face Haney, but is willing to compromise with regard to the championship status of the fight. MORE

Sampson Boxing, Paco Boxing Announce Postponement of Boxing Event on April 24 at The Cannery Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas

Sampson Boxing and Paco Boxing regretfully announce the postponement of their boxing event, originally scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2020 at the Cannery Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas.

“Fight Night at the Cannery” was to have featured Argentina’s Alberto “Beto” Palmetta (13-1, 9 KOs) taking on Tijuana, Mexico’s Jorge Alberto “El Chihuas” Brito (13-1, 8 KOs) in the 10-round welterweight main event, as well as Colombia’s Yeis “El Tigre” Solano (15-0, 10 KOs) facing Dominican Republic’s also undefeated Starling “El Poli” Castillo (11-0, 8 KOs) in the 10-round super lightweight co-main and Montevideo, Uruguay power puncher Amilcar “Pety” Vidal (11-0, 10 KOs) against unbeaten Texan Donald Reed (8-0-1, 5 KOs) in the 10-round middleweight opener.

“Although I am disappointed in this postponement, I am proud to see the boxing community’s responding to the virus in such a unified and responsible way,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “To the Boxing Hall of Fame and all my fellow promoters who have had to postpone or cancel their events in the name of fighter safety, I salute and look forward to many more unforgettable nights of boxing when this is all over.”

Lewkowicz says he will announce a new date when conditions are once again favorable to live events.

Sampson Boxing Signs Venezuela’s Roiman Villa
to a Promotional Contract

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of super lightweight knockout puncher Roiman “Flaco de Oro” Villa to a promotional contract.

26-year-old Villa (21-1, 21 KOs) hails from Baranquita, Venezuela. He started boxing at age six and went on to compile an amateur record of 138-9 and was a five-time national champion.

Villa says he first noticed his sensational power as a youngster.

“In the amateurs in Venezuela, I noticed the different effect my punches had compared to the other fighters. I’m gifted with a lot of power. That’s why I fight going forward all the time. I’m always looking for the knockout opportunity.”

Villa turned professional in 2015 and has been blasting out his South American competition. MORE

Undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David Benavidez Defends Title in Homecoming Fight Against Former Title Challenger Roamer Alexis Angulo

Live on SHOWTIME® Saturday, April 18 In A Premier Boxing Champions Event From Arizona Federal Theatre In Phoenix

Plus! Rising Lightweight Contender Michel Rivera Faces Mexico’s Marcos Villasana Jr. In WBC Title Eliminator & Interim WBA Super Lightweight Titlist Alberto Puello Takes On Two-Division World Champion Rances Barthelemy

Tickets on Sale Now!

PHOENIX - March 9, 2020 - Undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Davíd “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez will defend his title on Saturday, April 18 in his hometown of Phoenix, Ariz. against former world title challenger Roamer Alexis Angulo, live on SHOWTIME from Arizona Federal Theatre headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features rising lightweight prospect Michel Rivera taking on Mexico’s Marcos Villasana Jr. in a WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Interim WBA Super Lightweight titlist Alberto Puello faces two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in the televised opener. MORE

ACEVEDO FUE UNA "MAQUINITA" Y ES EL NUEVO CAMPEÓN ARGENTINO SÚPER PLUMA

El cordobés Kevin “La Maquinita” Acevedo (58,800) se consagró campeón argentino súper pluma al vencer por puntos en diez rounds y en fallo unánime, al catamarqueño Javier Herrera (58,400), en la pelea central de la velada realizada el domingo 8 de marzo en el Club Atlético, Social y Deportivo Camioneros, de Luis Guillón (Buenos Aires), en otra realización de Sampson Boxing y Tello Box, en asociación con Promociones San Miguel.

Acevedo, de 26 años y récord rentado de 20-3-3, 6 KO) dominó a su rival durante gran parte del combate, apoyado en su movimiento de cintura y capacidad para pelear en el cuerpo a cuerpo descontando la ventaja de alcance y estatura de Herrera (27 años y 16-4-1, 8 KO).

Solamente en el primer episodio y en partes del octavo y noveno, el catamarqueño pudo imponer su jab zurdo y golpes rectos, pero en el resto del lance fue Acevedo y su fragor en el “infighting” el que pudo gobernar el desarrollo. Incluso, en ciertos pasajes de la segunda mitad, dominó desde la larga y media distancia con jabs y movilidad.

Las tarjetas del jurado marcaron unánimemente el éxito del nativo de Coronel Moldes de la siguiente manera: 96-94 (para Jesuán Letizia y Héctor Miguel) y 97-94,5 (de acuerdo a Carlos Azzinaro). Arbitró Mario González. MORE

CONGRATULATIONS SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

LEWKOWICZ MEETS WITH PANAMANIAN PRESIDENT CORTIZO TO REJUVENATE COUNTRY’S AMATEUR BOXING PROGRAM

Yesterday, Thursday, February 6 in Panama, Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing accepted an invitation to a meeting with that country’s president, the Honorable Laurentino “Nito” Cortizo Cohen, to discuss a rebirth of their amateur boxing program.

The meeting, held at the Palacio de las Garzas, in Panama City, was also attended by the presidents of the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the International Federation (IBF), the Mexican Mauricio Sulaimán and the American Daryl Peoples, respectively , and the legendary local journalist Juan Carlos Tapia, whose program “The Best of Boxing” has been uninterrupted for 45 years in Panama and is included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest running sports TV broadcast in the world.

Native Uruguayan Lewkowicz, who oversaw the WBC’s “New Dawn of Uruguayan Boxing” program (which  Sulaimán calls "the best amateur program in the universe"), explained the details of the successful plan to Cortizo and outlined how it could be implemented in Panama as well.

Cortizo was enthusiastic about the project and showed great interest in starting it in Panama to “help youth and give them a light in the tunnel with the noble sport of boxing,” he said.

Tapia also showed his desire to support the program hoping it will be “the new dawn of Panamanian boxing.”

“The New Dawn of Panamanian Boxing” (El Nuevo Amanecer Del Boxeo Panameño) program will begin soon with the assistance of Lewkowicz and the Uruguayan Commission of Amateur and Professional Boxing (CUBAP) and its president Sergio Márquez.

SAMPSON SE REUNIÓ EN PANAMÁ CON EL PRESIDENTE CORTIZO EN BUSCA DE UN “NUEVO AMANECER DEL BOXEO PANAMEÑO”

El promotor Sampson Lewkowicz, titular de Sampson Boxing LLC, fue recibido este jueves 6 de febrero en Panamá, por el Honorable Presidente de ese país Laurentino “Nito” Cortizo Cohen, a quien le expuso detalles del exitoso programa de boxeo amateur que impulsó en Uruguay, del cual el primer mandatario se mostró muy interesado.

A la reunión, llevada a cabo en el Palacio de las Garzas, en Ciudad de Panamá, asistieron además los presidentes del Consejo Mundial de Boxeo (WBC) y la Federación Internacional (IBF), el mexicano Mauricio Sulaimán y el estadounidense Daryl Peoples, respectivamente, y el legendario periodista local Juan Carlos Tapia, cuyo programa “Lo Mejor del Boxeo” lleva 45 años ininterrumpidos al aire en Panamá y figura en el libro Guinness de récords mundiales como la emisión de TV deportiva de más duración en el mundo.

Sampson dio detalles del programa “El Nuevo Amanecer del Boxeo Uruguayo” que lleva adelante en el país oriental, el cual fue definido por el titular del WBC Mauricio Sulaimán como “el mejor programa amateur del universo”.

Cortizo se entusiasmó con el proyecto y mostró gran interés para impulsarlo en Panamá para, según dijo, “ayudar a la juventud y darles una luz en el túnel con el noble deporte del boxeo”.

Juan Carlos Tapia también mostró su deseo de darle apoyo al programa esperando sea “el nuevo amanecer del boxeo panameño”, para lo cual, según se supo tras el mitin, el pugilsimo canalero contará con la ayuda y asistencia de Sampson y de la Comisión Uruguaya de Boxeo Amateur y Profesional (CUBAP) y su presidente Sergio Márquez.

Rosario is WBA Fighter of the Month

Dominican Jeison Rosario was named Boxer of the Month by the World Boxing Association (WBA) in January, while Uzbekistan’s Murodjon Akhmadaliev won the honorary mention, thanks to both fighters’ victories. The monthly rankings of the pioneer boxing organization have already been published, and with them the awards of the period. Rosario takes the highest honors thanks to his excellent victory on January 18 against American Julian Williams. The Quisqueyan broke all predictions with a brilliant performance that defined the American by technical knockout in the fifth round. Now, Rosario appears in the discussion to face the super welterweight best fighters to defend his Super Championship. MORE

CONGRATULATIONS JEISON ROSARIO!!!

Sampson Boxing Signs Thailand’s Apinun Khongsong To A
Co-Promotional Contract

Hard-Punching Thai is Mandatory Challenger to Unified Super Lightweight Champion Josh Taylor

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz proudly announces he has signed Bangkok, Thailand, slugger Apinun Khongsong to a co-promotional contract, along with Jimmy Chaichotchuang of Kiat Kreerin Promotions.

23-year-old Khongsong (16-0, 13 KOs) is the mandatory challenger to WBA and IBF Super Lightweight World Champion Josh Taylor of Scotland. Khongsong became the IBF’s mandatory by scoring a fifth-round knockout over Akihiro Kondo this past February.

Co-promoter Chaichotchuang says he and Khongsong were in attendance for Taylor’s World Boxing Super Series unanimous decision victory over Ivan Baranchyk last May and the pair say they see holes in the Scotsman’s game. MORE


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