BOX moves fast and it's hard to keep up with everything that's happening. Here's a rundown of some of the fight announcements, signings and other bits that may have passed you by.
Leonard Ellerbe steps down; Richard Schaefer enters
The overhaul of Floyd Mayweather's team continues, as it has been announced that Leonard Ellerbe, the longtime CEO of Mayweather Promotions, will be leaving the Las Vegas outfit.
Officially stepping down from his role, it coincided with the difficulty of Floyd vs. As Gervonta grows, Ellerbe will be replaced by a familiar face in Richard Schaefer.
An integral part of the defunct Probellum franchise, Schaefer was best known for his work alongside Oscar De La Hoya in Golden Boy and has been associated with boxing ever since.
In a social media statement, Mayweather Promotions thanked Leonard Ellerbe for his efforts: “Mayweather Promotions would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Leonard Ellerbe for his incredible leadership and unwavering dedication over the years.
“Leonard has been an important part of our team, he has been involved in many business endeavors that have played a vital role in the success of Mayweather Promotions.”
The hard-working Rubalcava is Matchroom's constructive signing
Leonardo Rubalcava (7-0, 3 KOs) has signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom. Trained by Robert Garcia, Rubalcava will fight on June 29 Estrada vs. Rodriguez undercard.
“I am motivated to show my skills on this amazing night and proudly represent Teocaltiche, Jalisco, Mexico to the whole world,” said Rubalcava.
“Lo is one of the hardest workers in my gym, and he works with his father who owns a construction company,” praised Robert Garcia.
“He can be seen in the gym on his lunch break and he plays with other top boxers like Vergil Ortiz, Brandun Lee and Raymond Muratalla. When the sparring is over, it's back to work. “
WBO champion Espinoza has signed a contract with Top Rank
As he closes his first title defense against Sergio Chirino Sanchez on June 21, Rafael Espinoza has signed a promotional deal with Top Rank and Zanfer Promotions.
Espinoza caused a shock in late 2023 when he defeated Robeisy Ramirez to win the WBO featherweight title in a thrilling 12-round decision.
“I promise to continue doing everything possible to win the hearts of all the fans. I am also excited about my main event fight in Las Vegas. I will show that this title will stay with me for a long time,” asserted Espinoza (24-0, 20 KOs).
Promoter Bob Arum added: “Rafael Espinoza is a legend who gives fans joy every time he crosses the ropes. He has all the tools to be one of the greatest Mexican champions of his era.”
A ferocious Venado makes another title defense down the road
Continuing with the Top Rank theme, Luis Alberto Lopez, aka 'Venado', continues his impressive career by putting his IBF featherweight title on the line once again.
Former WBO super-bantamweight champion Angelo Leo (who lost that title to Stephen Fulton in 2021) will be his opponent on August 10. The fight will take place in Leo's hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico (Angelo has moved to Las Vegas).
“On August 10, I will put my finger on who is the featherweight king. It will be the fourth defense of my world title, and I am preparing for a big fight with a former world champion like Angelo Leo,” said the road warrior Lopez who took him to Belfast in 2023 to blow up Michael Conlan. .
Luis Alberto Lopez knocked out Michael Conlan in the fifth round
Opponent Angelo Leo responded: “I know Lopez is one of the top champions in my division, and a win over him would be huge for me and my city. I am at the peak of my career and I can't wait to show the world that I have become a hero since I won my first world title in 2020.”
Super-lightweight Lindolfo Delgado takes on Bryan Flores over 10 rounds in the co-feature. Richard Torrez, Alan Garcia, Vito Mielnicki Jr and Top Rank debutant Arnold Khegai are also there.
“It's a real flashback to a place where a lot of old battles have been fought,” Bob Arum gushed about the return to New Mexico.
Anthony Yigit retires from sports
Former European champion Anthony Yigit has retired at the age of 32. The Swedish portider is putting things together with an impressive record of 29-4-1. 10 KO's show that he was a better person than a keeper.
Coming off a 2017 win over Sandor Martin, who looks better with each passing year, Yigit always gave a good account of himself but lost when he moved up in class.
Rolando Romero, Denys Berinchyk, Ivan Baranchyk and Keyshawn Davis all contributed to his loss column. Passing this news on social media, Yigit explained how he found out that boxing is something he no longer wants to do.
Pinder the champion dies
Former WBA and WBC bantamweight world champion Enrique Pinder passed away last week at the age of 76.
'Maravilla' retired from the sport with a record of 35-7-2 (13 KOs), fighting Rafael Herrera, Chucho Castillo, and Romeo Anaya during his seven-year career. Pinder's son, Ricardo, announced his death to the national media.
Arslanbek returns to fight Vianello where the rivals collide
In a battle of heavyweights on the verge of falling to the top, Arslanbek Makhmudov will face Guido Vianello over 10 rounds in Quebec City.
The fight takes place on August 17 under the Mbilli-Derevyanchenko card. Both men can definitely win a statement in this tournament.
Makhmudov returned to his usual style of putting on an Eye of the Tiger show, finishing Miljan Rovcanin with a big right hand in the second round.
Arslanbek's loss to Agit Kabayel was concerning as the neck-shaking monster crumbled under Kabayel's relentless body attacks. It was later reported that he suffered an injury to his hand, which obviously did not help him at all.
Riydah, Saudi Arabia: Arslanbek Makhmudov v Agit Kabayel, Heavyweight Contest. 23 December 2023. Photo by Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing.
“Vianello is a tough fighter but he's also a top-class fighter, as we saw in his last fight,” said Makhmudov. “This is an important step for me. I want to show that I am a top competitor and to get closer to my goal, I have to show that I am better than this guy.”
The two have previously fought in the World Series of Boxing. Makhmudov won that event almost 10 years ago. Vianello's professional career has been uneventful since then, although last week's split decision loss to Efe Ajagba was as controversial as the cards suggest.
“I am ready to compete with the top heavyweights in the world. This is just the beginning of my journey,” said Vianello.
“The fight with Arslanbek is exactly what I was looking for right now in my career, and I'm looking forward to a great fight on August 17 in Quebec City.”
A strong undercard also features Osleys Iglesias, Wilkens Mathieu, Leïla Beaudoin, Thomas Chabot, Abdullah Mason and Jahi Tucker.
Source link
