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World Boxing approves applications

World Boxing approves applications from National Federations in China, Turkey, Sudan, Greece, Montenegro and Slovakia to increase membership to 84 countries LAUSANNE, Switzerland (March 12, 2025) — The Executive Board of World Boxing has approved six more applications from boxing National Federations, bringing the organization’s membership to 84 countries. The six new members are the Chinese Boxing Federation, the Turkish Boxing Federation, the Sudan Boxing Federation, the Boxing Association of Montenegro, the Slovak Boxing Federation, and the Hellenic Boxing Federation (Greece). The applications’ approval follows the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recent announcement on 25 February 2025 to grant provisional Olympic recognition to World Boxing. The new National Federations have completed a rigorous application process to join World Boxing. They are deemed to be in good standing and, through their statutes and operating processes, able to demonstrate a transparent and open election process, the existence and operation of WADA-recognized anti-doping policies and processes, evidence of independent, structured, dispute resolution and appeals processes, formal recognition by either their National Olympic Committee (NOC) or Ministry for Sport and a solid national and international boxing program. The addition of China and Turkey increases the number of World Boxing members whose men and women won medals at the 2024 Olympics. China finished second in the boxing medal table with three golds and two silvers, while Turkey came joint eighth with three medals. The President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, said: “It is my pleasure to welcome our latest members, who further increase World Boxing’s global reach across all five Continents as we continue to grow and go from strength to strength. “The addition of six more members to our ever-increasing membership is further evidence of the widespread support that exists across our sport for the work that World Boxing is doing to deliver a better future for boxers and ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic Movement.” A full list of the 84 National Federations that are members of World Boxing can be viewed at https://worldboxing.org/membership/. World Boxing was launched in April 2023 with the mission of ensuring that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement. It held its first formal meeting with the IOC in May 2024, and on February 25, 2025, the IOC granted it provisional recognition as the International Federation (IF) within the Olympic Movement governing the sport of boxing at the world level.

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Heavy hands, short night for undefeated Brooklyn Heavyweight Prospect Pryce Taylor Scored devastating 2nd round TKO in Flint

PRESS RELEASES / James

Brooklyn Heavyweight Prospect Pryce Taylor Scored devastating 2nd round TKO in Flint NEW YORK CITY (February 5, 2025) – Last Sunday, the boxing maturation process continued for developing Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (6-0, 3 KOs) who fought on the high-profile Claressa Shields (16-0, 3 KOs)-Danielle Perkins (5-1, 2 KOs) card in Flint, Michigan. Taylor, 28, blasted late replacement Jerell Nettles (4-11-1, 1 KO), of Denver, who could not get out of the second round against the heavy-handed Taylor. “The beat goes on…….literally,” Taylor said after the fight. “I hit him with a right hand, and he almost landed outside of the ropes. He tried to hold on to me, but his legs couldn’t keep him up, and he flopped down on the canvas.” Unfortunately, due to the late replacement, Taylor fought in the opening bout of the evening in front of only a handful of fans. “There weren’t many people there for my fight,” Taylor explained, “because I was supposed to fight somebody else who got hurt. But I got to watch the other fights and see the crowd. It felt electric there. I’ve been to some other big fights like Wilder vs. Washington, but sitting in the first row for these fights felt exciting. I wish I had fought on television, but it will come. All I can do is keep putting on a show. “As we entered the arena, my manager, Keith Sullivan, said, ‘Look around and take it in because one day you will be the headliner.’ I am motivated to get to that point in my career.” “I was hoping he would get more rounds this time out in his first six-rounder,” Sullivan added. “Trust me, he is just getting started. He spars with all of the tri-state area heavyweights and handles them like a seasoned pro. When he lands, it’s like a cinder block getting dropped on you. I plan on getting him back in the ring in a few weeks.” A boxing lawyer as well as a former Deputy Commissioner for the NYS Athletic Commission, Sullivan also manages 3-time, 2-division World Champion, IBF No. 1 rated Miyo Yoshida (18-5) and undefeated Bronx NYPD Officer Nisa Rodriguez (3-0, 1 KO), the WBA No. 3 rated welterweight, in addition to co-managing world-rated (WBA #5, IBF #6, WBC #13) welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, 11 KOs), the reigning WBA Continental Champion from Limerick, Ireland. Sullivan co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, Donovan’s head trainer. SULLIVAN MANAGEMENT -30-

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Granite Chin Promotions bringing pro boxing back to Bridgewater

PRESS RELEASES / James

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Kingsley Ibeh wins 10th straight,

PRESS RELEASES / James

Kingsley Ibeh registers second consecutive first-round KO at Emerald Queen (picture courtesy of Toro Promotions, Inc) Kingsley Ibeh wins 10th straight, Austin Brooks defends WBA title TACOMA, Wash. (January 11, 2025) – Underrated heavyweight Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (15-2-1, 13 KOs) won his 10th fight in a row in last night’s latest installment of “EQC Fight Night,” presented by Toro Promotions, Inc. and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, in the EQC Event Center at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington. Ibeh, 31, hasn’t lost since 2021. The former Canadian pro football player used his 70-pound advantage over Scott Alexander (17-7-2, 9 KOs) in the main event, trapping his opponent on the ropes and causing a pair of knockdowns. The latter closed the show at 2:36 of the first round for his second straight opening-round stoppage, both at Emerald Queen. Ibeh, a native of Nigeria who lives in Phoenix, entered the ring as the WBC Latino Silver Heavyweight Champion and left with the vacant WBC Latino title. WBA Continental Super Featherweight Champion Austin Brooks (13-0-1, 6 KOs) successfully defended his title with an eighth-round stoppage of Rosalindo Morales (10-2, 2 KOs) in the co-featured event. The WBA No. 15 rated Brooks, fighting out of San Diego, controlled the pace from the opening bell, and he hurt Morales with a vicious left hook to the body. Morales took a knee and beat the referee’s count until another body shot ended the fight at 1:04 of round eight. Celebrated amateur Dedrick Crocklem (1-0, 1 KO) turned in an auspicious pro debut in front of his hometown fans in Tacoma, knocking out Nesly Trezile (1-2, 0 KOs) at the 52-second mark of the second round. Super lightweight Crocklem, who recently signed a promotional contract with Top Rank, blasted Trezile through the ropes in the first round. He closed the show in the second with a flurry of effective punches that left Trezile unable to continue fighting. Among his amateur accomplishments, Crocklem was the 2022 USA Nationals champion, in addition to his 2020 and 2021 USA Youth Nationals gold medal performances. New Mexico welterweight Rolyn Nez (5-0, 3 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact with a four-round unanimous decision (39-37 X 3) over Cruz Becerro Monteon (1-1, 1 KO) in an exciting, competitive match. Also fighting on the undercard was Washington (Federal Way) super featherweight Alexis De La Cerda (5-0, 3 KOs), who also kept his pro record unbeaten with a dominant four-round decision over his Nicaraguan foe, Nelson Guerrero (2-1-1, 2 KOs). In the evening’s opening bout, Renton (WA) featherweight Joel Hernandez (1-0) was impressive in his pro debut, pitching a complete “shutout” (40-36 X 3) for a four-round unanimous decision over Julio Lanzas Carollo (0-1). OFFICIAL RESULTS MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC LATINO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP Kingsley Ibeh (15-2-1, 12 KOs), Phoenix, AZ by way Nigeria WKO1 (2:36) Scott Alexander (17-9-2, 9 KOs), Los Angeles, CA (Ibeh won WBC Latino title) CO-FEATURE – WBA CONTINENTAL SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS Austin Brooks (13-0-1, 6 KOs), San Diego, CA WKO8 (1:04) Rosalindo Morales (10-2, 2 KOs), Ellwood City, PA (Brooks retained the WBA Continental title) WELTERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS Rolyn Nez (5-0, 3 KOs), Bloomfield, NM WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 39-37) Cruz Becerro Monteon (1-1, 1 KO), Madera, CA SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS Derick Crocklem (1-0, 1 KO), Tacoma, WA WKO2 (0:52) Nesley Trezile (1-2, 0 KOs), Inglewood, CA by way of Haiti SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS Alexis De La Cerda (5-0, 3 KOs), Federal Way, WA WDEC4 (40-36, 40-26, 40-36) Nelson Guerrero (2-1-1, 2 KOs), Coachella, CA by way of Nicaragua FEATHERWEIGHTS Joel Hernandez (1-0, 0 KOs), Renton, WA WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Julio Lanzas Carillo (0-1), Colorado Springs, CO Team Brooks celebrates his title-defending knockout victory (photo by Clifton Harrington)

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“Scrappy” Ramirez preparing for Career-defining 2025

PRESS RELEASES / James

World Super Flyweight Contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez preparing for Career-defining 2025 LOS ANGELES (January 9, 2025) – Super flyweight contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez (14-1, 9 KOs) avenged his only career loss as a professional on December 14th, taking a 10-round unanimous decision from previously undefeated Ephraim Bui (10-1, 8 KOs) at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. The fast-rising, then-No. 1 ranked Ramirez was coming off a loss in Brooklyn by way of a 12-round decision to veteran Fernando David Jimenez (16-1, 5-1, 11 KOs) last April 20th for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim Super Flyweight Championship. In retrospect, “Scrappy” gained invaluable experience versus Jimenez to become even more of a threat in the super flyweight division, and he is taking things one fight at a time until he gets another world title fight. “It felt good to be back in the ring,” the charismatic Ramirez said. “It had been a while since I’d been in the bright lights, and I enjoyed every second of my walkout looking at the crowd. The fight went according to the game plan and I’m happy I executed it, using my jab to go to the body in the early rounds and later bringing my punches up. I didn’t stay stationary on the ropes; I was told always to use my feet on defense. “2025 is going to be a big year for me. I had a chance to showcase my skills in this fight. I think it was best for me to go 10 rounds for my experience. As I left the ring, I asked Eric Gomez (President of Golden Boy Promotions) to keep me busy in 2025 because I need a big year to keep this momentum going and capitalize on that with a world title. I did feel some ring rust, but now that’s gone. I’m taking it one fight at a time, and the opportunity will come for my world title.” Despite a limited amateur career and fighting a former 2018 USA Nationals gold medalist in Bui, “Scrappy” boxed his way to victory as all three judges scored the bout in his favor, each having a 97-93 score. “Everybody needs to keep changing,” 26-year-old Ramirez explained a change in his style. “I’m still growing as a fighter and human being, in and out of the ring. I’d like a rematch (with Jimenez) because it would feel good to avenge my only loss but, if he isn’t interested, I’d fight any of the other World Champions (WBC Jesse ‘Bam Bam’ Rodriguez, WBO Phumelele Cafu, WBA Fernando Martinez and the IBF is vacant).” “Scrappy” is world-ranked at No. 2 by the WBA, behind only future Hall of Famer Roman Gonzalez (52-4, 42 KOs) and No. 15 by the WBC. “Scrappy” Ramirez is a charter member of 3 Point Management (3 PM), which has a growing stable of gifted boxers, including WBA & WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs), WBA No. 5-rated super middleweight Darius “DFG” Fulgham (13-0, 11 KOs), former WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs), and German junior welterweight Simon “Saucy” Vollmer (6-0, 2 KOs).

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Rising Irish welterweight star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan

PRESS RELEASES / James

Rising Irish welterweight star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan Preparing for Lewis Crocker showdown on March 1 NEW YORK (December 30, 2024) – Rising Irish boxing star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, 11 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Welterweight Champion, had to withdraw from a planned “stay busy” fight in December due to a minor injury. Still, he’s preparing to fight his arch-rival in arguably the most anticipated Irish boxing match in history. An All-Irish showdown between Donovan, who fights out of Limerick and trains in Dublin, and Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (20-0, 11 KOs), of Belfast, Northern Ireland, is set for March 1st. “Point of Pride” will headline a Matchroom Boxing card to be streamed live on DAZN from SES Arena in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) world title eliminator. As soon as two fights away, Donovan could get his world title shot if he defeats Crocker as the IBF mandatory challenger. “There’s something different about a good Irish fighter, and I believe I’m the next,” Donovan proclaimed. “I think having turned pro at 19 and now 25, it took many life changes since turning pro. There’s so much that I’ve learned in the gym that counts the most, as it is the ups and downs of life – becoming a husband and father, losing loved ones – that helped me to improve. I’ve improved as a person, and that has helped me become a better fighter.” A true throwback fighter, Donovan is currently rated in three major sanctioning bodies: WBA #5, IBF #6, and World Boxing Council #14. He has dreamed of being a world champion since he was seven. “I am in an amazing position, so I thank God for that and my team, Andy Lee (head trainer/co-manager) and (NYC-based attorney) Keith Sullivan (co-manager),” Donovan noted. “It’s great to be ranked so highly at this stage of my career, but I am ranked where I am supposed to be. To be ranked so high in three major sanctioning bodies is brilliant. I know I will not stop until I’m world champion. “I am always in the gym and thinking about my next challenge. I’m saying it’s time. I love what I do. I’m very grateful to God for being in this position. I believe in God’s plan for me to become a world champion.” “It is going to be an explosive fight for sure,” commented NYC attorney Keith Sullivan, who co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, Paddy’s head trainer. “Two tough, rugged Irishmen with much to prove to the world. We were concerned about the injury but feel confident it won’t pose an issue for the March 1st battle. Paddy is locked in and training hard under the ever-watchful guidance of trainer Andy Lee.” Donovan has dedicated his last few fights to Pieta, using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity that provides mental health services throughout Ireland. Paddy lost two relatives to suicide. The Pietra Crisis Helpline, 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm and also supports those bereaved through suicide. **************************************************** Paddy Donovan (Irish boxer) Wiki more on The Boxing Exchange

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Male Bantam and Intermediate divisions crowned

PRESS RELEASES / James

Two Divisions Finalized During Thursday’s Action at 2024 USA Boxing National Championships RICHMOND,VA (December 20, 2024) – Male Bantam and Intermediate divisions crowned a combined 23 champions during Thursday’s competition at the 2024 USA Boxing National Championships inside the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Va. Thursday’s action included two sessions to tie a bow on day four of the event. Day four consisted of 148 bouts across its two sessions, with 23 of those serving as championship showdowns. Of those title bouts, 10 were contested within the male Bantam division, while the remaining 13 were Intermediate showdowns. A complete list of Thursday’s champions can be found below. Day five of the competition begins at noon ET on Friday, Dec. 20, with the lone session being the lone bout. Thursday’s complete results, Friday’s bout schedules, and all other event information are on the 2024 USA Boxing National Championships event page, available HERE. Tickets for the remaining two days of action are available at will call. Daily passes are $10, while weekly passes are $50. Fans can also purchase passes for Saturday’s championship bouts for $25. Each remaining bout of the 2024 USA Boxing National Championships will be streamed live on USABoxing.org, courtesy of Parkway Productions. 2024 USA Boxing Male Bantam Champions: 55 lbs: Joshua Ortega – Dale, Texas 60 lbs: Derek Zempoaltecatl – Brooklyn, N.Y. 65 lbs: Brayzen Tadaki-Kapuwai – Kailua, Hawai’i 70 lbs: Caleb Avila – Austin, Texas 75 lbs: Rae’sean Houston – Chicago, Ill. 80 lbs: Antonio Bell – Redford, Mich. 85 lbs: Jai’air Peterson – Cleveland, Ohio 90 lbs: Austin Sanchez – Las Cruces, N.M. 95 lbs: Hasan Ibn Myers – Hampton, Ga. 101 lbs: Isaiah Rodriguez – Richmond, Va. 2024 USA Boxing Male Intermediate Champions: 65 lbs: Jayvyn Sofa-Vergara – Waianae, Hawai’i 70 lbs: Edgar Zempoaltecatl – Brooklyn, N.Y. 75 lbs: Jayden Aparicio-Denton – El Monte, Calif. 80 lbs: Micah Diaz – Kihei, Hawai’i 85 lbs: Victor Castillo – Houston, Texas 90 lbs: Ahlon Lewis – Stockbridge, Ga. 95 lbs: Armando Cruz – Houston, Texas 101 lbs: Maclin Whiting – Atlanta, Ga. 106 lbs: Juan Estrada – Delhi, Calif. 110 lbs: Giovanni Serrato – Elverta, Calif. 114 lbs: Damien Cook – Baltimore, Md. 125 lbs: Terriel Cooke – Hillcrest Heights, Md. 132 lbs: Juan Garcia – Grand Prairie, Texas About USA Boxing USA Boxing was established to promote and grow Olympic-style boxing in the United States and to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence. Additionally, USA Boxing endeavors to teach all participants the character, confidence and focus they need to become resilient and diverse champions, both in and out of the ring. USA Boxing is one team, one nation, going for gold! -30-

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Ring 8 NY HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES FOR EVENT MARCH 23rd 2025

PRESS RELEASES / James

RING 8 NY HALL OF FAMES INDUCTEES FOR SUNDAY MARCH 23rd, 2025 The event to be held at Russo’s On The Bay Howard Beach, NY LIVING BOXERS Sadam Ali Chris Algieri Alicia Ashley Danny Giovanelli Sonya Lamonakis Cindy Serrano, Adolf Viruet, Mitch Green LIVING NON BOXERS Pat Russo Wally Matthews Willie Dunne Kathy Clancy Burke Julio Albino Salinas Andre Rozier Billy Giles Eddie Claudio POSTHUMOUS BOXERS Corporal Izzy Schwartz Pedro Montanez Tony Janiro Gino Geramino Joe Glick Carmine Fiore DECEASED NON BOXERS Jimmy O’Farrow Mike Marley Jack Singer Lew Burston HALL OF FAME NOMINATING COMMITTEE Tommy Gallagher 1959 NY Daily News Golden Gloves Champion 50+ years as a Trainer, Manager, Promoter, & Gym Owner. Worked with many Champions. Don Majeski 50+ years in all aspects of the game. Boxing Agent, worked for Arum, Ling, Warren, Hearn, and Sauerland. Top Historian in Boxing. Jose Corpas Boxing Historian, Author, NYC Greatest Boxers, Black Ink. New York Boxing Authority. Tony Paolillo NY Metros Chief of Officials 1993-1997 Empire State Games Boxing Coordinator 1992-2004 Lost Battalion Hall Boxing Coach 1997-2012 NYSAC Boxing Judge 1996-Present Andre Rozier 30+ years of training fighters and making Champions James Monteverde Boxing Historian, Web Site Content creator. Runs True Fan Boxing Bulletin Board on theboxingexchange.net Many years dedicated to the sport of boxing. Jose Toledo Boxing Trainer, Gym Owner, Liberty NY Jose has been running and training fighters at his untouchable Boxing Gym since 1986. Designs his own brand of Boxing Equipment. Gym is located at 25 Sullivan St, Liberty NY. A real student of the sport. *************************************************************

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Kansas super middleweight prospect

PRESS RELEASES / James

Kansas super middleweight prospect 19-year-old Marco “El Tiburón” Romero Capped incredible 12-month boxing stretch KANSAS CITY, Kan. (November 26, 2024) — Kansas super middleweight prospect Marco “El Tiburón” Romero’s (4-0, 3 KOs) recent victory in Portland, Maine, capped an incredible 12-month stretch in which he was 13-0 overall in the ring, combining nine amateur matches and four pro bouts. A promotional free agent, Romero destroyed Orlando “El Marro” Salgado (3-6, 2 KOs), blasting his way to sensational knockout – displaying the best left hook to the body in New England boxing since “Irish” Micky Ward – at the 1:21 mark of the opening round on a November 9th card promoted by Bobby Russo’s Portland Boxing Club at Exposition Building. “I’ve always had that power, especially that left hook to the body,” Romero commented. “I knew it was over when I hit him with that body shot and he grunted. I’ve worked a lot on that left hook to the head and body. I haven’t met Micky Ward, yet, but I watched the movie, and it was a great story.” Because he hadn’t reached the mandatory age of 18, and his weight class (super middleweight) wasn’t included in 2024 Olympic boxing, Romero never seriously considered waiting for a shot at making the U.S. Olympic Team. Instead, his eyes were firmly focused on only one prize: to become a professional fighter. Last December, Romero captured back-to-back champion honors at two of the most prestigious U.S. amateur events, USA Boxing National Championships and 2024 National Golden Gloves Tournament. All told, in the last 12 months, he was 9-0 in amateur competition, including three at The Nationals and five at The Golden Gloves, in addition to his four pro wins to date for a combined 13-0 record, which includes four as a pro and eight in elite national amateur competition (and a win in one non-national event). The Romero Plan never included The Olympics, primarily because of his age (he didn’t turn 19 until this past Thursday) and that his weight class wasn’t sanctioned at the Paris games. Not only did Marco close out his 12-months of extraordinary boxing with triumphs at The Nationals and The National Golden Gloves, but he was also named Most Outstanding Boxer (Golden Boy Award) at the latter competition. His 12-month long, prearranged schedule called for a break from fighting during the holidays and he’s gearing up for Thanksgiving, Christmas and an expected life-changing 2025. He is tentatively scheduled to return to the ring during the first quarter of next year. “Hey, we’re Mexicans. and we love food,” Romero remarked. “I’m going to enjoy the holidays with my family, but I’ll continue working hard to get better, even during the holidays.” In Romero’s corner is a legendary 77-year-old John Brown, who is Marco’s head trainer and manager, the same role he played for world heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison (48-3-1, 42 KOs) from his amateur days through his first 39 pro fights, 1988 to 1993. “I liked the fact Marco fought in front of a lot of people. 3,000 rabid fans,” Brown noted. “It was an exciting environment and down the road, he’s going to be in big fights, and it was good for him to get experience like he did in his last fight. He has a great left hook like so many Mexican fighters. I like that he’s going to have some time off after the last 12 months. We need to find him some durable sparring because that’s lacking in this area. I want him in real sparring sessions, not holding back, to know when to let it go. I don’t worry about his time off over the holidays because he’s always in the gym and he’s only 19.” Other integral members of Romero’s corner are assistant coaches Sergio Flores and Marco’s father, Salvador Romero, who encouraged his son to become a boxer at the tender age of seven. BULLETIN BOARD BUY NOW AT AMAZON

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TEVIN FARMER REFLECTS ON THRILLING BATTLE

PRESS RELEASES / James

Photo Credits: Golden Boy / Cris Esqueda TEVIN FARMER REFLECTS ON THRILLING BATTLE AGAINST WILLIAM ZEPEDA THAT PROVED HE IS AN ELITE CONTENDER NEW YORK (November 26, 2024) — Refreshed and back in the United States following a well-deserved post-fight vacation in Zanzibar, Tevin Farmer has plenty of thoughts and reflections in the aftermath of his strong performance against William Zepeda in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In a display of heart, skill, and unrelenting determination, the former world champion pushed his undefeated adversary—the #1 lightweight contender across all four major sanctioning bodies—to the brink in a razor-thin split decision loss on the undercard of Golden Boy Promotions’ Riyadh Season: Latino Night, broadcast live on DAZN. With the WBC interim lightweight world title at stake, Farmer fell just one point shy of victory on the scorecards, in a gritty, impressive effort that solidified his standing as one of the elite fighters at 135 pounds. “I loved fighting in Saudi Arabia. It was my second time fighting abroad. Everyone treated me well. Yes, I thought I won, but overall it was an amazing experience,” said Farmer, the former IBF junior lightweight world champion, who is a great-great nephew of boxing legend Joe Gans. “I’m always in the gym, but I spent 10 weeks in training camp preparing for this fight. Zepeda’s team expected me to be a boxer, so I switched it up. Zepeda is an aggressive volume puncher and you can’t let fighters like that apply the pressure. You have to be the bully, the one pressing forward and initiating the action. I’m a helluva fighter on the inside, I just never had to bring it out like that before.” Farmer scored the fight’s lone knockdown with a perfectly timed straight left in the fourth frame, showcasing his trademark accuracy and ring IQ. Zepeda was visibly rattled but managed to recover. “This was the fifth fight of my comeback, which began last June. Four of my last five opponents have hit the canvas and that now includes the #1 contender at lightweight. I fought a guy that was 31-0, with 27 knockouts, and he gets dropped by a fighter supposedly with no power,” Farmer continued. “I saw that Zepeda was throwing a lazy jab. I tried to counter it early on, but Zepeda was watching me. Timing is key. In round four, I threw a combination and the second he came back with that lazy jab, I reacted with my straight left.” Judges Predrag Aleksic, Jun Bae Lim, and Fernando Villarreal each scored the bout 95-94, with two tallies in favor of Zepeda and one for Farmer. All three unanimously awarded Farmer rounds 4, 5, 8, and 10, with Lim’s additional nod in round one making the difference on her card. “Zepeda was the favorite and a Golden Boy fighter, so I knew I had to finish strong and dominate the last round. His punch output was crazy, but he was standing right in front of me and was there to be hit. Watch the fight and you’ll see I hurt him several times throughout the bout,” said Farmer. “When I heard the decision, I was dejected, but I knew in my heart that I won. Losing a close decision under those circumstances is an unfortunate part of the sport, but the world saw what I can do.” “Put respect on Tevin Farmer’s name,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, on social media, in the wake of the thrilling contest. “Thought Tevin shaded it, but it was close. Tevin stands with the top of the division! He has proved that like a G and a warrior in his last two fights. That was universal #1 Zepeda in there; the knockdown should have decided it!” Four months earlier in Las Vegas, Farmer put forth a valiant challenge against 20-0 rising contender Raymond Muratalla in July, another bout many observers felt Farmer arguably won. The back-to-back clashes against two of the best lightweights have left no doubt about Farmer’s world-class caliber. “I already knew it mentally, but the Muratalla fight showed me that I physically still have it and can beat these young boys,” said Farmer. “Tevin Farmer is a man’s man, an underdog, a champion, and a professional,” DiBella asserted. “Tev will return and will win a big fight again.” Respected boxing analyst Dan Rafael echoed those sentiments, stating on Big Fight Weekend podcast: “Tevin Farmer is still a very solid, very credible world-class level fighter. He stood his ground, fought intelligently, and clipped Zepeda with a beautiful shot for the knockdown. He’s proven he belongs among the top at 135 pounds.” The call for Farmer to receive another significant opportunity is growing louder. Doug Fischer, Editor-in-Chief of The Ring Magazine, was direct: “I think Zepeda owes Farmer a rematch.” Chris Mannix, of DAZN, added, “Farmer deserves another real fight,” while BoxingScene’s Francisco Salazar lauded his courage: “Few fighters today would take on Zepeda and Muratalla back-to-back. Farmer is one of the few, and he’s still a top contender.” “I do want the rematch, an immediate rematch if I had my way. If not Zepeda, let’s do another big fight,” Farmer emphasized. “My performance showed the world that Tevin Farmer is a top fighter and he’s dangerous. I’m ready to take on anyone.” Tevin Farmer has proven time and again that he is a fighter’s fighter—fearless, skilled, and capable of competing at the highest level. Now, he deserves the stage to continue demonstrating why he’s one of boxing’s elite. Photo Credit: Golden Boy / Cris Esqueda

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