Tag: Sebastian Fundora

Fight Week: Gennadiy Golovkin, Ryan Garcia in action on busy Saturday

Fight Week: Gennadiy Golovkin and Ryan Garcia are in action on a busy Saturday.

FIGHT WEEK

Gennadiy Golovkin will take on Ryota Murata, Ryan Garcia will make his return, and Erickson Lubin and Sebastian Fundora will face off on a busy weekend.

Gennadiy Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs) vs. Ryota Murata (16-2, 13 KOs)

  • When: Saturday, April 9
  • Time: 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT
  • Where: Super Arena, Saitama, Japan
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Middleweight
  • Rounds: 12
  • At stake: Golovkin’s IBF and Murata’s WBA titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: Golovkin No. 9
  • Odds: Golovkin 5-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Shuichiro Yoshino vs. Masayuki Ito, lightweights; Junto Nakatani vs. Ryota Yamauchi, flyweights (for Nakatani’s WBO title)
  • Prediction: Golovkin KO 8
  • Background: Golovkin turns 40 on the day before he meets Murata but remains a major player in the sport. The showdown on Murata’s home turf will unify two of the four major middleweight titles. And if Triple-G wins, as he’s expected to do, a third bout with rival Canelo Alvarez could come on September 17. Golovkin began this, his second reign as a 160-pound champion by outpointing Sergey Derevyanchenko for the vacant title in October 2019 and successfully defended it by stopping Kamil Szeremeta in December 2020, his most-recent fight. Alvarez is scheduled to challenge light heavyweight titleholder Dmitry Bivol on May 7. The outcome of that fight might not have a bearing on whether the Mexican star faces Golovkin next. Triple-G and Alvarez fought to a disputed draw in their first fight (2017) and Alvarez won a close decision in the rematch (2018). Of course, if Murata wins on Saturday, he would join the long list of potential opponents for Alvarez. The 2012 Olympic gold medalist was elevated to WBA “super” champion after Alvarez vacated the title. He last fought in December 2019, when he stopped Steven Butler in five rounds. He will have been out of the ring for more than two years.

 

Ryan Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) vs. Emmanuel Tagoe (32-1, 15 KOs)

  • When: Saturday, April 9
  • Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
  • Where: Alamodome, San Antonio
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Lightweight
  • Rounds: 12
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Garcia 11½-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Marlen Esparza vs. Naoko Fujioka, flyweights (for Esparza’s WBC and Fujioka’s WBA titles: Gabriel Rosado vs. Shane Mosley Jr., super middleweights; George Rincon vs. Alejandro Frias, junior welterweights
  • Prediction: Garcia KO 5
  • Background: The gifted, hard-punching Garcia is coming off his most sensational performance, one in which he got up from a knockdown to stop former Olympic champion Luke Campbell with a single body shot in the seventh round 15 months ago. He then teased potential fights against some of the biggest names in the sport only to take time off to tend to his mental health. Assuming he wins on Saturday – and he’s a significant favorite – one of the sport’s brightest young stars will be in a strong position to face undisputed champion George Kambosos or one of the other top lightweights next. He left trainer Eddy Reynoso and joined forces with Joe Goossen during his hiatus. Tagoe is a solid, experienced opponent. The Ghanaian lost his pro debut but has won every fight since, including a majority decision over Mason Menard in November 2020. That was his most-recent fight, meaning he will have been inactive a few months longer than Garcia. This will be the native of Accra’s third fight in the United States.

 

Erickson Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) vs. Sebastian Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs)

  • When: Saturday, April 9
  • Time: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
  • Where: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Las Vegas
  • TV/Stream: Showtime
  • Division: Junior middleweight
  • Rounds: 12
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Even (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Tony Harrison vs. Sergio Garcia, junior middleweights; Kevin Salgado vs. Bryant Perrella, junior middleweights
  • Prediction: Lubin UD
  • Background: The stakes are high in this fight, as the winner will have a good chance to face the winner of the May 14 Jermell Charlo-Brian Castano rematch for the undisputed championship. Lubin was stopped by Charlo in one round in 2017 but the talented Floridian has won six consecutive fights since to re-establish himself as one of the best in the division. That run includes victories over Ishe Smith, Nathaniel Gallimore, Terrell Gausha and, last June, former titleholder Jeison Rosario. Fundora is one of the sport’s most-noted oddities – he’s a 6-foot-6 154-pounder – but he has demonstrated repeatedly that he can fight, which is why he’s nearing a title shot. The Southern Californian is 5-0 since drawing with capable Jamontay Clark in August 2019, including victories over Gallimore and Sergio Garcia. The Garcia fight took place this past December.

 

Mikaela Mayer (16-0, 5 KOs) vs. Jennifer Han (18-4-1, 1 KOs)

  • When: Saturday, April 9
  • Time: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
  • Where: The Hangar, Costa Mesa, California
  • TV/Stream: ESPN, ESPN+
  • Division: Junior lightweight
  • Rounds: 10 (two-minute rounds)
  • At stake: Mayer’s IBF and WBO titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Mayer 3½-1 favorite
  • Also on the card: Giovani Santillan vs. Jeovanis Barraza, welterweights; Jason Maloney vs. Francisco Pedroza, bantamweights; Andrew Moloney vs. Gilberto Mendoza, junior bantamweights
  • Prediction: Mayer UD
  • Background: Mayer, a 2016 U.S. Olympian, has established herself as one of the top female fighters in the world. She won the vacant WBO title by nearly shutting out Ewa Brodnicka in October 2020, successfully defended it by outpointing Erica Farias eight months later and then adding the IBF belt to her collection by decisioning Maiva Hamadouche in a taxing brawl this past November. If Mayer beats Han, she’ll have in her sights the winner of a tentative bout between fellow titleholders Terri Harper (WBC) and Hyun Mi Choi (WBA) for all-four major belts. Mayer is also a candidate to face the winner of the April 30 showdown between lightweight titleholder Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. Han is coming off a shutout loss to Taylor in September, her first setback since 2014. The 38-year-old Texan had been fighting at 126 before moving up to 135 for her last two fights. She’ll now move back down to 130, a weight at which she fought early in her career.

Also fighting this week:

FRIDAY, APRIL 8

  • Damian Sosa vs Jesus Vegas, junior middleweights, Tijuana Mexico (FITE).
  • Wilfredo Mendez Kenny Cano, junior flyweights, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (Shuan Boxing YouTube).

SATURDAY, APRIL 9

  • Dina Thorslund Niorkis Carreno, bantamweights (for Thorslund’s WBO title) (No U.S. TV).

 

Erickson Lubin used KO loss to Jermell Charlo as fuel to soar

Erickson Lubin has used his knockout loss to Jermell Charlo as fuel to soar to new heights.

Could a one-punch, first-round knockout loss be a good thing for a fighter? In Erickson Lubin’s case, maybe so.

Lubin had just turned 22 years old when he lasted only 2 minutes, 41 seconds against 154-pound titleholder Jermell Charlo in October 2017, the result of a crushing right hand from which he couldn’t recover.

Four-plus years later he’s not only a step away from his second opportunity to fight for a major belt – perhaps against the winner of Charlo-Brian Castano II – but he also has earned added respect for his ability to bounce back from disaster.

“I’m the poster child for all the young guys facing adversity, how to come back from a loss,” said Lubin, who is scheduled to face Sebastian Fundora in a title eliminator on April 9 in Las Vegas (Showtime).

Erickson Lubin faces Sebastian Fundora on April 9 for the right to fight for a 154-pound world title. Team Lubin / MJS Entertainment

Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) said the loss had no impact on his confidence in spite of its brutal nature. “Never,” he said when asked whether his belief in himself wavered.

The setback also hardened his focus on his boxing career, he said. He understood better than ever the sacrifices he would have to make to become a world champion. That included moving his camp from his native Orlando to West Palm Beach, Florida, where trainer Kevin Cunningham has refined his all-around game.

The results make that clear. He’s 6-0 since the loss, including impressive victories over big-time opponents Ishe Smith, Nathaniel Gallimore, Terrell Gausha and, most recently, former titleholder Jeison Rosario.

That’s why the worst night of his career might’ve been a boon in the long run.

“Honestly, it might’ve been a blessing in disguise,” he said. “People have told me that. And it’s growing on him a little bit. It was a lesson learned that changed my life. … It made me change things up. To be the best, you gotta make sacrifices. That’s what I did.

“I moved away from my hometown, got a new trainer. That’s why I’m here today, No. 1 in the WBC and basically No. 1 in the division.”

Of course, some observers with long memories will continue to doubt Lubin.

Once a fighter suffers the fate he did against Charlo many wonder whether it will happen again. Lubin recognizes that. All he can do is continue to win and ultimately get that title belt wrapped around his waist, which is all that matters.

“Certain people still got things to say, still doubt me,” he said. “I’m going to continue to prove myself inside the ring. If they doubt me, so be it. I believe in what I have going on. My job is to go in the ring and take care of business every time out.

“Once you prove yourself, you have to prove yourself again and again and again. That’s how boxing works.”

Erickson Lubin used KO loss to Jermell Charlo as fuel to soar

Erickson Lubin has used his knockout loss to Jermell Charlo as fuel to soar to new heights.

Could a one-punch, first-round knockout loss be a good thing for a fighter? In Erickson Lubin’s case, maybe so.

Lubin had just turned 22 years old when he lasted only 2 minutes, 41 seconds against 154-pound titleholder Jermell Charlo in October 2017, the result of a crushing right hand from which he couldn’t recover.

Four-plus years later he’s not only a step away from his second opportunity to fight for a major belt – perhaps against the winner of Charlo-Brian Castano II – but he also has earned added respect for his ability to bounce back from disaster.

“I’m the poster child for all the young guys facing adversity, how to come back from a loss,” said Lubin, who is scheduled to face Sebastian Fundora in a title eliminator on April 9 in Las Vegas (Showtime).

Erickson Lubin faces Sebastian Fundora on April 9 for the right to fight for a 154-pound world title. Team Lubin / MJS Entertainment

Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) said the loss had no impact on his confidence in spite of its brutal nature. “Never,” he said when asked whether his belief in himself wavered.

The setback also hardened his focus on his boxing career, he said. He understood better than ever the sacrifices he would have to make to become a world champion. That included moving his camp from his native Orlando to West Palm Beach, Florida, where trainer Kevin Cunningham has refined his all-around game.

The results make that clear. He’s 6-0 since the loss, including impressive victories over big-time opponents Ishe Smith, Nathaniel Gallimore, Terrell Gausha and, most recently, former titleholder Jeison Rosario.

That’s why the worst night of his career might’ve been a boon in the long run.

“Honestly, it might’ve been a blessing in disguise,” he said. “People have told me that. And it’s growing on him a little bit. It was a lesson learned that changed my life. … It made me change things up. To be the best, you gotta make sacrifices. That’s what I did.

“I moved away from my hometown, got a new trainer. That’s why I’m here today, No. 1 in the WBC and basically No. 1 in the division.”

Of course, some observers with long memories will continue to doubt Lubin.

Once a fighter suffers the fate he did against Charlo many wonder whether it will happen again. Lubin recognizes that. All he can do is continue to win and ultimately get that title belt wrapped around his waist, which is all that matters.

“Certain people still got things to say, still doubt me,” he said. “I’m going to continue to prove myself inside the ring. If they doubt me, so be it. I believe in what I have going on. My job is to go in the ring and take care of business every time out.

“Once you prove yourself, you have to prove yourself again and again and again. That’s how boxing works.”

Sebastian Fundora calm, collected, ready for Erickson Lubin

Sebastian Fundora is on the precipice of something huge after only 19 professional fights. And that was the plan. The 6-foot-6 junior middleweight contender is scheduled to face Erickson Lubin on April 9 in Los Angeles (Showtime), with the winner …

Sebastian Fundora is on the precipice of something huge after only 19 professional fights. And that was the plan.

The 6-foot-6 junior middleweight contender is scheduled to face Erickson Lubin on April 9 in Los Angeles (Showtime), with the winner becoming the WBC’s mandatory challenger. A showdown for the undisputed championship against the winner of the May 14 Jermell Charlo-Brian Castano rematch could come next.

“We’re at the right place at the right time,” Fundora, 24, told Boxing Junkie. “I felt like that my whole career. In my 10th fight, I would be fighting on TV. In my 15th fight, I would be in the rankings. And around my 20th fight, this is where I thought I’d be.

“My dad [and trainer] would say I’d be 24, 25 [years old] when I’d be fighting for a title.”

That doesn’t mean Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs) is unusually excited going into the biggest fight of his career. At least he doesn’t show it.

He was asked whether it’s fair to call his fight against Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) the biggest test of his young career and he responded, “I suppose.” That’s as demonstrative as he gets.

He has already fought on nationwide television multiple times, including his unanimous-decision victory over Sergio Garcia on the Dec. 5 Gervonta Davis-Isaac Cruz pay-per-view card in Los Angeles.

To him, the fight with No. 1-ranked Lubin feels like more of the same. He’s No. 2.

“I feel good about this just like the rest of them,” he said. “No pressure. I take each fight as they come, step by step. Each step is planned and everything. We take it as we go. … These last places I fought, Staples Center and Cowboys Stadium, those were just as exciting. I wasn’t fighting for a title but they were eliminators as well.

“It’s always exciting but this is my life. I know what comes with it.”

Not even provocative comments from Lubin’s trainer, Kevin Cunningham, could get Fundora worked up.

Cunningham said he saw weaknesses in Fundora’s defense that his fighter could exploit. And Cunningham compared the matchup to the classic Marvin Hagler-Thomas Hearns fight, suggesting that the fans will most likely see a knockout.

“He can say whatever he wants,” Fundora said. “I can see a knockout … maybe not in their direction. We’ll see how the fight plays out. Not every fight is a knockout, but we’ll win this fight.”

If he does, he hopes it will lead directly to a showdown with the Charlo-Castano winner for all four major 154-pound belts.

Fundora and Co. didn’t exactly plan to become an undisputed champion in his 21st fight – which would instantaneously make him one of the most-significant stars in the sport – but he’d happily take it.

Of course, he takes even that prospect in stride.

“I really hope so,” he said in a matter-of-face tone. “I’ve been going [up] the rankings. The last one was No. 2. Now I’m fighting No. 1. And I’ll be champion after that. Whoever wins [the Charlo-Castano] fight, hopefully I’ll get him next.”

Sebastian Fundora calm, collected, ready for Erickson Lubin

Sebastian Fundora is on the precipice of something huge after only 19 professional fights. And that was the plan. The 6-foot-6 junior middleweight contender is scheduled to face Erickson Lubin on April 9 in Los Angeles (Showtime), with the winner …

Sebastian Fundora is on the precipice of something huge after only 19 professional fights. And that was the plan.

The 6-foot-6 junior middleweight contender is scheduled to face Erickson Lubin on April 9 in Los Angeles (Showtime), with the winner becoming the WBC’s mandatory challenger. A showdown for the undisputed championship against the winner of the May 14 Jermell Charlo-Brian Castano rematch could come next.

“We’re at the right place at the right time,” Fundora, 24, told Boxing Junkie. “I felt like that my whole career. In my 10th fight, I would be fighting on TV. In my 15th fight, I would be in the rankings. And around my 20th fight, this is where I thought I’d be.

“My dad [and trainer] would say I’d be 24, 25 [years old] when I’d be fighting for a title.”

That doesn’t mean Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs) is unusually excited going into the biggest fight of his career. At least he doesn’t show it.

He was asked whether it’s fair to call his fight against Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) the biggest test of his young career and he responded, “I suppose.” That’s as demonstrative as he gets.

He has already fought on nationwide television multiple times, including his unanimous-decision victory over Sergio Garcia on the Dec. 5 Gervonta Davis-Isaac Cruz pay-per-view card in Los Angeles.

To him, the fight with No. 1-ranked Lubin feels like more of the same. He’s No. 2.

“I feel good about this just like the rest of them,” he said. “No pressure. I take each fight as they come, step by step. Each step is planned and everything. We take it as we go. … These last places I fought, Staples Center and Cowboys Stadium, those were just as exciting. I wasn’t fighting for a title but they were eliminators as well.

“It’s always exciting but this is my life. I know what comes with it.”

Not even provocative comments from Lubin’s trainer, Kevin Cunningham, could get Fundora worked up.

Cunningham said he saw weaknesses in Fundora’s defense that his fighter could exploit. And Cunningham compared the matchup to the classic Marvin Hagler-Thomas Hearns fight, suggesting that the fans will most likely see a knockout.

“He can say whatever he wants,” Fundora said. “I can see a knockout … maybe not in their direction. We’ll see how the fight plays out. Not every fight is a knockout, but we’ll win this fight.”

If he does, he hopes it will lead directly to a showdown with the Charlo-Castano winner for all four major 154-pound belts.

Fundora and Co. didn’t exactly plan to become an undisputed champion in his 21st fight – which would instantaneously make him one of the most-significant stars in the sport – but he’d happily take it.

Of course, he takes even that prospect in stride.

“I really hope so,” he said in a matter-of-face tone. “I’ve been going [up] the rankings. The last one was No. 2. Now I’m fighting No. 1. And I’ll be champion after that. Whoever wins [the Charlo-Castano] fight, hopefully I’ll get him next.”

Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas, Jermell Charlo-Brian Castano II highlight Showtime/PBC schedule

Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas and Jermell Charlo-Brian Castano II highlight the Showtime/PBC spring and summer schedule.

Showtime and Premier Boxing Champions announced its spring and summer schedule today.

It features nine events spread over five months, including two title-unification main events and 21 undefeated fighters.

Here are the nine cards:

Tim Tszyu vs. Terrell Gausha
Date: March 26 / Minneapolis
Division: Junior middleweight
At stake: No major titles
Background: Tszyu, the son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, will be making his U.S. debut against the 2012 U.S Olympian in a battle of junior middleweight contenders. Tszyu (20-0, 15 KOs) is on the cusp of becoming a star. Gausha (22-2-1, 11 KOs), who has fallen short in his biggest fights, is in a do-or-die situation.
Also fighting: Michel Rivera vs. Joseph Adorno, lightweights; Elvis Rodriguez vs. Juan Jose Velasco, junior welterweight (142 pounds).

Erickson Lubin vs. Sebastian Fundora
Date / location: April 9 / Las Vegas
Division: Junior middleweight
At stake: No major titles
Background: Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) has surged back to prominence by winning six in a row since he was stopped by Jermell Charlo in 2017. Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs), a 6-foot-6 154-pounder who loves to fight inside, faces his biggest test in this fight. The winner should fight for a title next.
Also fighting: Tony Harrison vs. Sergio Garcia, junior middleweights; Kevin Salgado vs. Bryant Perrella, junior middleweights.

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugas
Date / location: April 16 / Arlington, Texas
At stake: Spence’s IBF and WBC, and Ugas’ WBA titles
Background: This matchup with unify three of the four major 147-pound titles. Spence (27-0, 21 KOs) bounced back from his car accident to outpoint Danny Garcia in December 2020 only to then suffer a detached retina. He says he’s 100% now. Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs) retired Manny Pacquiao by decision last August.
Also fighting: Radzhab Butaev vs. Eimantas Stanionis, welterweights; Brandun Lee vs. Zachary Ochoa, junior welterweights.

Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castano II
Date / location: May 14 / Los Angeles
Division: Junior middleweight
At stake: Charlo’s IBF, WBA and WBC, and Castano’s WBO titles
Background: Charlo (34-1-1, 18 KOs) and Castano (17-0-2, 12 KOs) will be attending to unfinished business after fighting to a spirited draw this past July in San Antonio. Most observers see this as a 50-50 fight between arguably the two best 154-pounders, which is appropriate because it’s for the undisputed championship.
Also fighting: Jaron Ennis vs. Custio Clayton, welterweights.

David Benavidez vs. David Lemieux
Date / location: May 21 / Phoenix
Division: Super middleweight
At stake: No major titles
Background: Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs), a two-time titleholder, will be a significant favorite in this battle between two of the biggest punchers pound-for-pound in the sport. They have a combined 58 knockouts in 68 victories. Lemieux (43-4, 36 KOs) will be fighting to remain an elite fighter.
Also fighting: Yoelvis Gomez vs. Jorge Cota, junior middleweight.

Gervonta Davis vs. Rolando Romero
Date / location: May 28 / Brooklyn, New York
Division: Lightweight
At stake: No major titles
Background: Davis (26-0, 24 KOs) was supposed to have fought Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) last December but was pulled from the card amid sexual assault allegations, for which he ultimately wasn’t charged. Davis survived a scare in a close decision over Romero’s replacement Isaac Cruz. Romero KO’d Anthony Yigit in July.

Stephen Fulton Jr. vs. Danny Roman
Date / location:
Division: Junior lightweight
At stake: Fulton’s WBC and WBO titles
Background: This is a matchup of two outstanding technicians. Fulton (20-0, 8 KOs) eked out a majority decision over brawler Brandon Figueroa in November. Roman (29-3-1, 10 KOs) bounced back from a disputed split-decision loss to titleholder Murodjon Akhmadalive by outpointing Juan Carlos Payano and Ricardo Espinoza Franco.
Also fighting: David Morrell vs. Kalvin Henderson, super middleweights.

Jermall Charlo vs. Maciej Sulecki
Date / location: June 18 / Houston
Division: Middleweight
At stake: Charlo’s WBC title
Background: Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) was in talks to face Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia but neither fight materialized, leaving him with Sulecki (30-2, 11 KOs). Charlo is coming off a unanimous-decision victory over Juan Macias Montiel in June. Sulecki, a Pole, has won twice since he was shutout by Demetrius Andrade in 2019.

Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas
Date / location: July 9 / San Antonio
Division: Featherweight
At stake: Magsayo’s WBC title
Background: Magsayo (24-0, 16 KOs) won his belt by defeating long-reigning champion Gary Russell Jr. by a majority decision in January. Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs) is a former junior featherweight titleholder who will be fighting for his first 126-pound title.

Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas, Jermell Charlo-Brian Castano II highlight Showtime/PBC schedule

Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas and Jermell Charlo-Brian Castano II highlight the Showtime/PBC spring and summer schedule.

Showtime and Premier Boxing Champions announced its spring and summer schedule today.

It features nine events spread over five months, including two title-unification main events and 21 undefeated fighters.

Here are the nine cards:

Tim Tszyu vs. Terrell Gausha
Date: March 26 / Minneapolis
Division: Junior middleweight
At stake: No major titles
Background: Tszyu, the son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, will be making his U.S. debut against the 2012 U.S Olympian in a battle of junior middleweight contenders. Tszyu (20-0, 15 KOs) is on the cusp of becoming a star. Gausha (22-2-1, 11 KOs), who has fallen short in his biggest fights, is in a do-or-die situation.
Also fighting: Michel Rivera vs. Joseph Adorno, lightweights; Elvis Rodriguez vs. Juan Jose Velasco, junior welterweight (142 pounds).

Erickson Lubin vs. Sebastian Fundora
Date / location: April 9 / Las Vegas
Division: Junior middleweight
At stake: No major titles
Background: Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) has surged back to prominence by winning six in a row since he was stopped by Jermell Charlo in 2017. Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs), a 6-foot-6 154-pounder who loves to fight inside, faces his biggest test in this fight. The winner should fight for a title next.
Also fighting: Tony Harrison vs. Sergio Garcia, junior middleweights; Kevin Salgado vs. Bryant Perrella, junior middleweights.

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugas
Date / location: April 16 / Arlington, Texas
At stake: Spence’s IBF and WBC, and Ugas’ WBA titles
Background: This matchup with unify three of the four major 147-pound titles. Spence (27-0, 21 KOs) bounced back from his car accident to outpoint Danny Garcia in December 2020 only to then suffer a detached retina. He says he’s 100% now. Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs) retired Manny Pacquiao by decision last August.
Also fighting: Radzhab Butaev vs. Eimantas Stanionis, welterweights; Brandun Lee vs. Zachary Ochoa, junior welterweights.

Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castano II
Date / location: May 14 / Los Angeles
Division: Junior middleweight
At stake: Charlo’s IBF, WBA and WBC, and Castano’s WBO titles
Background: Charlo (34-1-1, 18 KOs) and Castano (17-0-2, 12 KOs) will be attending to unfinished business after fighting to a spirited draw this past July in San Antonio. Most observers see this as a 50-50 fight between arguably the two best 154-pounders, which is appropriate because it’s for the undisputed championship.
Also fighting: Jaron Ennis vs. Custio Clayton, welterweights.

David Benavidez vs. David Lemieux
Date / location: May 21 / Phoenix
Division: Super middleweight
At stake: No major titles
Background: Benavidez (25-0, 22 KOs), a two-time titleholder, will be a significant favorite in this battle between two of the biggest punchers pound-for-pound in the sport. They have a combined 58 knockouts in 68 victories. Lemieux (43-4, 36 KOs) will be fighting to remain an elite fighter.
Also fighting: Yoelvis Gomez vs. Jorge Cota, junior middleweight.

Gervonta Davis vs. Rolando Romero
Date / location: May 28 / Brooklyn, New York
Division: Lightweight
At stake: No major titles
Background: Davis (26-0, 24 KOs) was supposed to have fought Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) last December but was pulled from the card amid sexual assault allegations, for which he ultimately wasn’t charged. Davis survived a scare in a close decision over Romero’s replacement Isaac Cruz. Romero KO’d Anthony Yigit in July.

Stephen Fulton Jr. vs. Danny Roman
Date / location:
Division: Junior lightweight
At stake: Fulton’s WBC and WBO titles
Background: This is a matchup of two outstanding technicians. Fulton (20-0, 8 KOs) eked out a majority decision over brawler Brandon Figueroa in November. Roman (29-3-1, 10 KOs) bounced back from a disputed split-decision loss to titleholder Murodjon Akhmadalive by outpointing Juan Carlos Payano and Ricardo Espinoza Franco.
Also fighting: David Morrell vs. Kalvin Henderson, super middleweights.

Jermall Charlo vs. Maciej Sulecki
Date / location: June 18 / Houston
Division: Middleweight
At stake: Charlo’s WBC title
Background: Charlo (32-0, 22 KOs) was in talks to face Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia but neither fight materialized, leaving him with Sulecki (30-2, 11 KOs). Charlo is coming off a unanimous-decision victory over Juan Macias Montiel in June. Sulecki, a Pole, has won twice since he was shutout by Demetrius Andrade in 2019.

Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas
Date / location: July 9 / San Antonio
Division: Featherweight
At stake: Magsayo’s WBC title
Background: Magsayo (24-0, 16 KOs) won his belt by defeating long-reigning champion Gary Russell Jr. by a majority decision in January. Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs) is a former junior featherweight titleholder who will be fighting for his first 126-pound title.

Good, bad, worse: Gervonta Davis, Isaac Cruz both emerge as winners

Good, bad, worse: Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz both emerged as winners after their fight on Sunday.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz delivered a competitive, entertaining fight on Sunday. That shouldn’t be lost in any post-fight wrangling over the decision or anything else. And both fighters should be proud of their efforts.

Davis was face to face with a rough character, one who has been aptly described as a mini Mike Tyson. “Tank” withstood Cruz’s relentless pressure, outboxed the Mexican and emerged with a close, but unanimous decision at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

And the southpaw evidently did it with an injured left hand, which he said began to give him problems midway through the fight. His trainer said he suffered the injury in training.

If that’s the case, if he was hampered by a compromised power hand against a beast like Cruz, and still had his hand raised in the end, kudos to him. He deserves credit for a hard-earned victory, which allowed him to maintain his perfect record.

In terms of perception, Davis was a victim of his own success, including knockouts in his previous 16 fights. Falling short of expectations – everyone expected another stoppage – can have the feel of a setback but it shouldn’t.

Davis (26-0, 24 KOs) told me a few days before the fight that he knew he wouldn’t stop every opponent going forward. The goal is to win, however that looks. That’s what he did on Sunday.

“I got the job done,” he said. “We’ll move on.”

What’s next for him? Davis fights in one of the deepest divisions in the sport, led by newly crowned undisputed champion George Kambosos, Devin Haney, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Ryan Garcia and others.

Indeed, Davis has many options. For now, he’ll allow his hand time to heal, commiserate with his handlers and then take the next step. And you can bet he’ll be a better fighter after the stiff test he endured on Sunday.

“I’m happy to be in the position I’m in right now,” he said. “But I feel as though I have a lot more to improve. I feel as though if I keep doing it, there’s no limit.”

 

BAD

Isaac Cruz had reason to smile after his loss on Sunday. Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions

Cruz thought he did enough to get the decision but he didn’t seem to be too disheartened after the fight Sunday.

He fell short on the cards – 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 – but scored points in the hearts of fans, who had to be impressed by his ability to fight on even terms with an opponent who seemed untouchable going into the event.

The 23-year-old Mexican fought in a similar way to Tyson, plowing forward and winging knockout-caliber punches to the head and body that got the attention of Davis and those watching.

Plus, he also was difficult to hit cleanly, which added to the challenge Davis faced. And, when Tank was able to connect, Cruz was never hurt. That’s saying something given the fact Davis is one of the biggest punchers in the sport.

In the end, Cruz walked away with his second loss but the fans saw what they saw, a thrilling brawler who almost took down the lightweight boogeyman on a big, pay-per-view stage. As a result, he went from a fringe figure to a major player in the division over night.

“The eyes of the world were … on this fight,” he said through a translator, “from Europe, to Latin America, to the United States. I showed that this Mexican warrior is here to stay. I showed what people love.

“And even better, [big] things are coming up next.”

Indeed they are.

 

WORSE

Doctors said Teofimo Lopez was lucky he was killed in his fight with George Kambosos. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing

Teofimo Lopez’s examination results after his loss to George Kambosos on Nov. 27 in New York was about as disturbing as it gets.

Doctors told ESPN that the fighter was lucky to have stepped out of the ring alive given the condition in which he stepped into it. He was determined to be suffering from pneumomediastinum, a condition in which air is present between his chest and lungs.

“He could have died, for sure,” said Dr. Linda Dahl, who believes the air might’ve come from a small tear in his esophagus. “How he breathed, I can’t even explain to you. It’s like somebody tied a 300-pound set of weights around his chest … like his neck and chest were in a vise. That’s how he fought.”

Said Dr. Peter Constantino: “He’s lucky he’s not dead. I mean, really lucky.”

Lopez knew something was wrong the day before the fight, when he experienced shortness of breath and swelling in his neck. His father suggested he see a doctor but, concerned that the fight might be canceled, he refused.

“I thought it was just my asthma,” said Lopez, who kept mum during his pre-fight checkup on Friday. “I fought through asthma before. If I told everybody, they would’ve canceled the fight. But I chose not to, because of the amount of pressure I was under. I didn’t want to hear people say, ‘Oh, another postponement.'”

I don’t know whether officials could’ve done anything to prevent Lopez from entering the ring based on what they knew. And I believe Lopez when he said he thought asthma was causing his discomfort.

I would just hope that fighters would put their well being ahead of boxing. There will be other fights. I also would hope that diligent officials worldwide will take a good look at the facts surrounding Lopez’s condition to determine whether the situation could’ve been avoided.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Floyd Mayweather’s rant about bad judges and ignorant boxing writers after Davis’ victory over Cruz was just more of the same from a fighter-turned-promoter who has always enjoyed fine whine. He covered a lot of bases, though. That included a shot at consensus pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez, who Mayweather defeated by a majority decision in 2013. “I’m going to tell you the truth about Canelo … that m—–f—– was easy, a cake walk. Easy. Y’all are praising this dude. This dude was nothing. I was almost 40 years old when I cooked that dude easy.” Indeed he did. Judge C.J. Ross turned in one of the most disgraceful cards in boxing history, 114-114, but Craig Metcalfe and Dave Moretti had it 117-111 and 116-112 for Mayweather, which I thought was generous to Alvarez. I had it 120-108, a shutout. In fairness to Alvarez, he was only 23 at the time and is a much better fighter today. … It appears that Sergiy Derevyanchenko (13-4, 10 KOs) might finish his career as a guy who couldn’t get over the hump. The talented, rugged Ukrainian gave strong efforts against Daniel Jacobs, Gennadiy Golovkin, Jermall Charlo and now Carlos Adames (21-1, 16 KOs) on the Davis-Cruz card but fell just short each time. The 37-year-old Ukrainian is highly respected but he’s 1-4 in his last five fights and hasn’t had his hand raised in 2½ years. Perhaps he’ll get one more shot but the clock is ticking. Meanwhile, Adames’ break-through victory makes him a player at middleweight or possibly junior middleweight. The Dominican looked on Sunday like a threat to anyone…

Sebastian Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs) continues to roll even when it isn’t pretty. The 6-foot-6 junior middleweight contender had a tough time against aggressive Sergio Garcia (33-1, 14 KOs) in their 12-rounder on the Davis-Cruz card but ultimately outboxed and outworked the Spaniard to win a unanimous decision. I’m not sure how far “The Towering Inferno” will go but he finds ways to gain advantages over his opponents. I won’t be shocked if he produces an upset or two in the near future. … I don’t have much good to say about YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul beyond his undeniable ability to market himself. However, I have to acknowledge his chutzpah for agreeing to face Tyron Woodley a second time after Tommy Fury pulled out of their Dec. 18 fight because of health issues. Paul almost lost to Woodley in the first fight yet was willing to do it again. Good for him.

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Good, bad, worse: Gervonta Davis, Isaac Cruz both emerge as winners

Good, bad, worse: Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz both emerged as winners after their fight on Sunday.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz delivered a competitive, entertaining fight on Sunday. That shouldn’t be lost in any post-fight wrangling over the decision or anything else. And both fighters should be proud of their efforts.

Davis was face to face with a rough character, one who has been aptly described as a mini Mike Tyson. “Tank” withstood Cruz’s relentless pressure, outboxed the Mexican and emerged with a close, but unanimous decision at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

And the southpaw evidently did it with an injured left hand, which he said began to give him problems midway through the fight. His trainer said he suffered the injury in training.

If that’s the case, if he was hampered by a compromised power hand against a beast like Cruz, and still had his hand raised in the end, kudos to him. He deserves credit for a hard-earned victory, which allowed him to maintain his perfect record.

In terms of perception, Davis was a victim of his own success, including knockouts in his previous 16 fights. Falling short of expectations – everyone expected another stoppage – can have the feel of a setback but it shouldn’t.

Davis (26-0, 24 KOs) told me a few days before the fight that he knew he wouldn’t stop every opponent going forward. The goal is to win, however that looks. That’s what he did on Sunday.

“I got the job done,” he said. “We’ll move on.”

What’s next for him? Davis fights in one of the deepest divisions in the sport, led by newly crowned undisputed champion George Kambosos, Devin Haney, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Ryan Garcia and others.

Indeed, Davis has many options. For now, he’ll allow his hand time to heal, commiserate with his handlers and then take the next step. And you can bet he’ll be a better fighter after the stiff test he endured on Sunday.

“I’m happy to be in the position I’m in right now,” he said. “But I feel as though I have a lot more to improve. I feel as though if I keep doing it, there’s no limit.”

 

BAD

Isaac Cruz had reason to smile after his loss on Sunday. Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions

Cruz thought he did enough to get the decision but he didn’t seem to be too disheartened after the fight Sunday.

He fell short on the cards – 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 – but scored points in the hearts of fans, who had to be impressed by his ability to fight on even terms with an opponent who seemed untouchable going into the event.

The 23-year-old Mexican fought in a similar way to Tyson, plowing forward and winging knockout-caliber punches to the head and body that got the attention of Davis and those watching.

Plus, he also was difficult to hit cleanly, which added to the challenge Davis faced. And, when Tank was able to connect, Cruz was never hurt. That’s saying something given the fact Davis is one of the biggest punchers in the sport.

In the end, Cruz walked away with his second loss but the fans saw what they saw, a thrilling brawler who almost took down the lightweight boogeyman on a big, pay-per-view stage. As a result, he went from a fringe figure to a major player in the division over night.

“The eyes of the world were … on this fight,” he said through a translator, “from Europe, to Latin America, to the United States. I showed that this Mexican warrior is here to stay. I showed what people love.

“And even better, [big] things are coming up next.”

Indeed they are.

 

WORSE

Doctors said Teofimo Lopez was lucky he was killed in his fight with George Kambosos. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing

Teofimo Lopez’s examination results after his loss to George Kambosos on Nov. 27 in New York was about as disturbing as it gets.

Doctors told ESPN that the fighter was lucky to have stepped out of the ring alive given the condition in which he stepped into it. He was determined to be suffering from pneumomediastinum, a condition in which air is present between his chest and lungs.

“He could have died, for sure,” said Dr. Linda Dahl, who believes the air might’ve come from a small tear in his esophagus. “How he breathed, I can’t even explain to you. It’s like somebody tied a 300-pound set of weights around his chest … like his neck and chest were in a vise. That’s how he fought.”

Said Dr. Peter Constantino: “He’s lucky he’s not dead. I mean, really lucky.”

Lopez knew something was wrong the day before the fight, when he experienced shortness of breath and swelling in his neck. His father suggested he see a doctor but, concerned that the fight might be canceled, he refused.

“I thought it was just my asthma,” said Lopez, who kept mum during his pre-fight checkup on Friday. “I fought through asthma before. If I told everybody, they would’ve canceled the fight. But I chose not to, because of the amount of pressure I was under. I didn’t want to hear people say, ‘Oh, another postponement.'”

I don’t know whether officials could’ve done anything to prevent Lopez from entering the ring based on what they knew. And I believe Lopez when he said he thought asthma was causing his discomfort.

I would just hope that fighters would put their well being ahead of boxing. There will be other fights. I also would hope that diligent officials worldwide will take a good look at the facts surrounding Lopez’s condition to determine whether the situation could’ve been avoided.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Floyd Mayweather’s rant about bad judges and ignorant boxing writers after Davis’ victory over Cruz was just more of the same from a fighter-turned-promoter who has always enjoyed fine whine. He covered a lot of bases, though. That included a shot at consensus pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez, who Mayweather defeated by a majority decision in 2013. “I’m going to tell you the truth about Canelo … that m—–f—– was easy, a cake walk. Easy. Y’all are praising this dude. This dude was nothing. I was almost 40 years old when I cooked that dude easy.” Indeed he did. Judge C.J. Ross turned in one of the most disgraceful cards in boxing history, 114-114, but Craig Metcalfe and Dave Moretti had it 117-111 and 116-112 for Mayweather, which I thought was generous to Alvarez. I had it 120-108, a shutout. In fairness to Alvarez, he was only 23 at the time and is a much better fighter today. … It appears that Sergiy Derevyanchenko (13-4, 10 KOs) might finish his career as a guy who couldn’t get over the hump. The talented, rugged Ukrainian gave strong efforts against Daniel Jacobs, Gennadiy Golovkin, Jermall Charlo and now Carlos Adames (21-1, 16 KOs) on the Davis-Cruz card but fell just short each time. The 37-year-old Ukrainian is highly respected but he’s 1-4 in his last five fights and hasn’t had his hand raised in 2½ years. Perhaps he’ll get one more shot but the clock is ticking. Meanwhile, Adames’ break-through victory makes him a player at middleweight or possibly junior middleweight. The Dominican looked on Sunday like a threat to anyone…

Sebastian Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs) continues to roll even when it isn’t pretty. The 6-foot-6 junior middleweight contender had a tough time against aggressive Sergio Garcia (33-1, 14 KOs) in their 12-rounder on the Davis-Cruz card but ultimately outboxed and outworked the Spaniard to win a unanimous decision. I’m not sure how far “The Towering Inferno” will go but he finds ways to gain advantages over his opponents. I won’t be shocked if he produces an upset or two in the near future. … I don’t have much good to say about YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul beyond his undeniable ability to market himself. However, I have to acknowledge his chutzpah for agreeing to face Tyron Woodley a second time after Tommy Fury pulled out of their Dec. 18 fight because of health issues. Paul almost lost to Woodley in the first fight yet was willing to do it again. Good for him.

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Sebastian Fundora outworks, outpoints Sergio Garcia

Sebastian Fundora outpointed Sergio Garcia on Saturday in Los Angeles

Sebastian Fundora took his biggest step yet toward a shot at a 154-pound belt.

The 6-foot-6 contender outworked Spaniard Sergio Garcia to win a unanimous decision in a 12-round WBC title eliminator on the Gervonta Davis-Isaac Cruz card Saturday at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs) had trouble in the first half of the fight, as Garcia (33-1, 14 KOs) stayed on his opponent’s chest and banged away.

However, by the middle rounds, Fundora created space by using his jab, catching Garcia coming in and sometimes simply stepping back before unloading his shots.

Garcia maintained a good pace throughout but couldn’t land as consistently he had in the early rounds.

The judges scored it 118-110, 117-111 and 115-113, all for Fundora. Boxing Junkie scored it 116-112 for Fundora.

Garcia and Fundora were ranked Nos. 2 and 4 by the WBC, respectively. Jermell Charlo is the sanctioning body’s champion, Erickson Lubin is No. 1 and Tim Tszyu is No. 3.

It’s not clear where Fundora will land after his victory but he’s obviously closer to his goal of winning a major championship.