By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Heavyweight: -Zhilei Zhang (20-0): WBO #8 The 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist has signed with Matchroom and could be facing the undefeated Australian champion Demsey McKean (15-0) this Fall. Light Heavyweight: -Meng Fanlong (15-0): IBF #1 Meng won an IBF world title eliminator, on June 1st, against Adam Deines (17-1) and he’s now next in line to challenge Artur Beterbiev (14-0). Super Lightweight: -Apinun Khongsong (15-0): IBF #1 The undefeated Thai fighter stopped former WBO Asia Pacific champion Akihiro Kondo (31-8) with a thunderous uppercut, to become the #1 contender for the IBF World title. Lightweight: -Romero Duno (20-1): WBO #10 The Filipino Golden Boy fighter recently won the WBO NABO title in the States. Super Featherweight: -Joe Noynay (17-2): WBO #6 Noynay TKOed Kosuke Saka (18-5) this past April, to earn the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. His inaugural defense will take place in Japan, on July 12, against Olympic Bronze Medalist Satoshi Shimizu (8-0). Featherweight: -Jhack Tepora (23-0): IBF #4 / WBA #13 The former interim WBA World champion earned a unanimous decision victory over Jose Luis Gallegos (16-7), on June 1st. -Dave Penalosa (15-0): WBO #10 Penalosa stopped Marcos Cardenas (20-7) this past February, to become the new WBO Oriental champion. The Filipino will clash with Lerato Dlamini (12-1), on July 12, for the vacant WBC Silver title. -Mark Magsayo (19-0): WBC #8 The former WBO International champion and #1 contender made a successful in ring return on April 12 against Ery Subiyasno (12-5). Super Bantamweight: -Marlon Tapales (33-2): WBO #1 / IBF #3 The former WBO Bantamweight World champion has 3 stoppage wins since moving up a weight class. -Juan Miguel Elorde (28-1): WBO #2 Elorde has been the WBO Asia Pacific champion since 2015 and has defended it successfully 4 times, most recently against Shohei Kawashima (17-3). -Albert Pagara (31-1): WBO #3 The WBO Intercontinental champion hasn’t been active close to 8 months now. -Jeo Santisima (17-2): WBO #8 The Filipino won the vacant WBO Oriental title this past summer and has defended it only once. Bantamweight: -Arthur Villanueva (32-3): WBO #4 / WBC #15 Villanueva will challenge Nordine Oubaali (15-0), on July 6, for the WBC World title. -Michael Dasmarinas (29-2): IBF #1 / WBC #11 Dasmarinas picked up a unanimous decision over Kenny Demecillo (14-5), on March 23rd, to become the #1 contender for the IBF World title. -Nawaphon Kaikanha (45-1): WBC #4 Kaikanha marked a second defense of his WBC Asia title against former World champion Sonny Boy Jaro (45-15) on May 18. -Tasana Salapat (49-1): WBC #8 / WBA #9 After failing to capture the interim WBC title in December, Salapat returned to the ring on April 24 and became the OPBF Silver champion. -Sukpraserd Ponpitak (23-10): IBF #5 “Sukkasem Kietyongyuth’s” suffered a defeat at the hands of the former IBF Super Bantamweight World champion Yukinori Oguni (21-2) on May 8. He then defeated Anucha Noithong (0-6) a month later. -Kenny Demecillo (14-5): IBF #10 Demecillo lost to Michael Dasmarinas (29-2) in Singapore, as mentioned above. Super Flyweight: -Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (47-5): WBC #1 / WBA #2 The former WBC, The Ring & Lineal champion already finds himself again at the top of the world rankings. -Donnie Nietes (42-1): IBF #4 / WBC #4 The 4 division world champion decided to relinquish his WBO strap. No news on his return yet. -Sirichai Thaiyen (54-4): WBA #4 The former interim WBA Flyweight World champion has been 4-0 since losing to Dalakian. Thaiyen will jump to Super Flyweight and fight Marzon Cabilla (17-18) for the OPBF Silver title, on July 18. -Aston Palicte (25-3): WBO #8 Palicte lost to Kazuto Ioka (24-2) and failed once again to capture the WBO crown. Flyweight: -Wulan Tuolehazi (12-3): WBA #3 / WBO #12 The WBC Silver champion fought Japanese standout Ryota Yamauchi (4-1) in March, to win the vacant WBA International title. He marked his first WBA defense against former OPBF champion Ardin Diale (35-14) on May 26. -Jayson Mama (13-0): IBF #9 / WBO #10 The undefeated Filipino prospect earned a major victory over the former WBA Strawweight World champion Ekkawit Songnui (49-7) on June 9. -Giemel Magramo (23-1): WBO #2 / WBC #4 / IBF #4 / WBA #5 Magramo defeated Wenfeng Ge (11-1) for the WBO International title on January 5th. -Nare Yianleang (70-5): WBA #1 / WBC #7 Since losing to Kazuto Ioka in 2017, Yianleang has won 8 fights in a row. -Komgrich Nantapech (25-5): IBF #3 No news yet on what’s next for the former IBF Pan Pacific champion. Light Flyweight: -Jonathan Taconing (28-3): WBC #1 The WBC International champion Taconing will be challenging the WBC World champion Ken Shiro (15-0) on July 12. -Edward Heno (14-0): WBO #1 / WBC #2 / WBA #2 / IBF #14 Heno made his third successful OPBF title defense, in February, against Koji Itagaki (18-14). There’s a good chance that the Filipino meets the newly crowned WBO World champion Elwin Soto (15-1), possibly in October. -Andika Fredikson Ha'e (16-0): WBA #4 “Sabu” became the WBA Asia champion on April 6. -Randy Petalcorin (30-3): IBF #9 / WBA #13 The former interim WBA World champion beat Thai journeyman Worawatchai Boonjan (14-22) on June 9. -Christian Araneta (17-0): IBF #3 / WBA #7 / WBO #12 / WBC #11 Araneta hasn’t been active since December of last year. -Ivan Soriano (20-2): IBF #10 / WBO #11 Soriano defeated Bonjun Loperez (12-12) this past January. -Sarawut Thawornkham (20-2): WBA #6 Sarawut came up short in his match against Artem Dalakian (19-0) for the WBA World championship on June 15. Strawweight: -Jing Xiang (16-4): WBO #5 Xiang successfully defended his WBC Silver Light Flyweight title against 2 division World champion Suriyan Satorn (60-7), on January 5th, in China. He will make his Strawweight debut on August 17 as he faces Jomar Caindog (9-1) for the inaugural WBO Global championship. -Samuel Salva (17-0): IBF #1 / WBO #2 Salva challenges DeeJay Kriel (15-1) for the IBF World title on August 24. -Lito Dante (16-10): WBC #8 / IBF #12 In a shocking turn of events, Dante managed to TKO top contender Tsubasa Koura (14-1) and not only become the OPBF champion but also place himself in the world rankings. - Rhenrob Andales (10-0): WBA #5 / WBO #13 ”ArAr” captured the vacant WBA Asia title earlier this year and defended it for the first time on April 13 against Cris Ganoza (17-3). -Melvin Jerusalem (14-2): WBC #2 / IBF #7 / WBO #10 Jerusalem got a unanimous decision victory over 2 time world title challenger Toto Landero (10-4) this past November. -Robert Paradero (18-0): WBO #3 / WBA #13 Paradero beat Jonathan Almacen (5-3) on April 5th. -Pedro Taduran (13-2): IBF #3 / WBC #4 / WBO #8 Taduran hasn’t competed since last year. -Rene Mark Cuarto (17-2): IBF #6 Cuarto defeated Mike Kinaadman (6-10) on June 28. -Mark Anthony Barriga (9-1): IBF #8 / WBC #6 / WBO #15 Barriga failed to capture the vacant IBF World Championship in December. -Joey Canoy (14-3): WBO #9 Canoy hasn’t fought since December.
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By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (14-2): WBA #4 The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist will get his chance at revenge on July 12 as he goes up against Rob Brant (25-1) in Osaka for the WBA (Regular) World championship. Super Welterweight: -Takeshi Inoue (13-1): WBO #9 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion unsuccessfully challenged Jaime Munguia (33-0) for the WBO World title this January. He is scheduled to return to the ring on August 3rd Lightweight: -Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #3 / WBC #7 / WBO #14 Longtime OPBF king Nakatani takes on Teofimo Lopez (13-0), on July 19, for a future shot at the IBF World title. Super Featherweight: -Masaru Sueyoshi (19-1): WBO #3 Sueyoshi defended his Japanese championship for the 4th time, against Ken Osato (15-3), on May 4th. -Kenichi Ogawa (23-1): IBF #4 The former Japanese champion returned to ring, after his one year suspension, and defeated Roldan Aldea (12-7) this past February. He will now meet another Filipino journeyman in Glenn Medura (10-5) on July 6. -Masayuki Ito (25-2): WBO #9 / WBC #11 Ito lost his WBO title recently to Jamel Herring (20-2). Featherweight: -Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #10 The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist won the OPBF title back in 2017 and has successfully defended it 4 times. Shimizu will next challenge the WBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight champion Joe Noynay (17-2) on July 12. -Musashi Mori (9-0): WBO #9 Mori defended his WBO Asia Pacific title against the former champion Richard Pumicpic (21-10) on April 14. -Hiroshige Osawa (35-5): WBA #2 / IBF #14 The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016. He fought Indonesian journeyman Ahmad Lahizab (4-8) on April 7. -Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #7 / WBC #10 Abe will square off with Ryo Sagawa (7-1) for the vacant Japanese title, on September 13. Super Bantamweight: -Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3): IBF #1 Iwasa won an IBF title eliminator against Cesar Juarez (24-7), on February 16. -Hiroaki Teshigawara (19-2): IBF #8 Teshigawara will mark his second defense of the OPBF championship against former world title challenger Shohei Omori (20-2) on August 8. -Shingo Wake (26-5): WBC #2 / IBF #4 / WBA #11 The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016. -Yukinori Oguni (21-2): WBA #4 The former IBF World champion defeated Sukpraserd Ponpitak (22-10) on May 8. Bantamweight -Ryo Akaho (34-2): WBO #2 Akaho has been undefeated since 2016, amassing 8 wins. It’s worth noting that the former Japanese & OPBF champion is currently fighting at Featherweight. We aren’t 100% sure if this is a mistake by the WBO or he is intending to go down again at Bantamweight. Super Flyweight: -Akira Yaegashi (28-6): WBO #9 / WBA #11 / WBC #13 Yaegashi moved up to Super Flyweight in 2018 and has since been undefeated in the division with 3 consecutive TKO victories. -Koki Eto (24-4): WBO #2 / WBA #3 / WBC #7 / IBF #8 Eto’s KO win over Jeyvier Cintron (10-0) was called a no contest, due to an accidental headbutt. A rematch has been set for August 2nd. The victor will be next in line for a match with the newly crowned WBO World champion Kazuto Ioka (24-2). -Sho Ishida (28-1): WBO #1 / IBF #5 / WBA #5 / WBC #10 Ishida has been 4-0 since losing to Khalid Yafai (26-0) in 2017. Flyweight: -Junto Nakatani (19-0): WBC #3 / WBO #4 / WBA #8 / IBF #11 Nakatani stopped Naoki Mochizuki (15-4) in February, for the vacant Japanese crown and last fought on June 1st, against Philip Luis Cuerdo (11-7). -Masayuki Kuroda (30-8): IBF #10 / WBC #12 Kuroda went to war with Moruti Mthalane (38-2) for the IBF World title, on May 13, but couldn’t bring the belt back home. Light Flyweight: -Tetsuya Hisada (34-9): WBA #1 / WBO #3 / WBC #3 / IBF #7 Hisada has been on an impressive 13 fight winning streak. The Japanese star could very well be the 1st challenger of the new WBO champion Elwin Soto (15-1). -Kenichi Horikawa (40-15): WBC #5 / IBF #6 Horikawa won the Japanese title, on February 14, for the second time in his career. He made his inaugural defense on May 19 against Masashi Tada (13-6). -Ryoichi Taguchi (27-4): WBC #6 The former WBA & IBF champion failed to win the World championship against the WBO title holder Kosei Tanaka (13-0) on March 16. -Reiya Konishi (17-2): IBF #8 Konishi didn’t manage to capture the IBF title from Felix Alvarado (35-2) when they clashed in Japan. -Sho Kimura (18-3): WBA #8 The former WBO Flyweight World champion lost a unanimous decision to Carlos Canizales (22-0) for the WBA (Regular) World title, this May, in China. Strawweight: -Norihito Tanaka (19-7): IBF #5 / WBO #6 / WBC #7 / WBA #12 Tanaka won the Japanese title, this past January, and defended it on June 13 against Naoya Haruguchi (15-11). -Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-7): WBC #5 The former World champion came up short at his second shot against Chayaphon Moonsri (53-0) for the WBC title on May 31st. -Masataka Taniguchi (11-3): WBO #7 / WBC #15 Taniguchi unsuccessfully challenged the WBO World champion Vic Saludar (19-3) this past February. -Tsubasa Koura (14-1): WBC #10 Koura surprisingly lost his OPBF title to Lito Dante (16-10, this March. By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Strawweight: -Samuel Salva (17-0): IBF #1 / WBO #1 / WBA #7 Salva defeated Rene Mark Cuarto (16-2), on March 23rd, to secure a future IBF world title shot. -Lito Dante (16-10): WBC #10 / IBF #12 In a shocking turn of events, Dante managed to TKO top contender Tsubasa Koura (14-1) and not only become the OPBF champion but also place himself in the world rankings. - Rhenrob Andales (10-0): WBA #5 / WBO #15 ”ArAr” captured the vacant WBA Asia title earlier this year and defended it for the first time on April 13 against Cris Ganoza (17-3). -Melvin Jerusalem (14-2): WBC #2 / IBF #8 / WBO #12 Jerusalem got a unanimous decision victory over 2 time world title challenger Toto Landero (10-4) this past November. -Robert Paradero (18-0): WBO #2 Paradero beat Jonathan Almacen (5-3) on April 5th. -Pedro Taduran (13-2): IBF #4 / WBC #6 / WBO #9 Taduran hasn’t competed since last year. -Rene Mark Cuarto (16-2): IBF #7 As mentioned above, Cuarto lost to Samuel Salva (17-0) in Manila. -Mark Anthony Barriga (9-1): IBF #3 / WBC #8 Barriga failed to capture the vacant IBF World Championship in December. Light Flyweight: -Jonathan Taconing (28-3): WBC #1 / WBA #3 / WBO #3 / IBF #12 The WBC International champion Taconing will be challenging the WBC World champion Ken Shiro (15-0) on July 12. -Tanawat Nakoon (11-0): WBA #10 Muay Thai phenom turned pro boxer, the former Lumpinee & Rajadamnern Stadium champion challenges Hiroto Kyoguchi (12-0) for the WBA Super World championship, on June 19. -Jing Xiang (16-4): WBA #5 / WBC #8 Xiang successfully defended his WBC Silver title against 2 division World champion Suriyan Satorn (60-7), on January 5th, in China. -Edward Heno (14-0): WBO #2 / WBC #2 / WBA #2 Heno made his third successful OPBF title defense, in February, against Koji Itagaki (18-14). -Andika Fredikson Ha'e (16-0): WBA #4 “Sabu” became the WBA Asia champion on April 6. -Randy Petalcorin (29-3): IBF #9 / WBA #15 The former interim WBA World champion will return to the ring, on June 9, as he takes on Worawatchai Boonjan (14-21). -Christian Araneta (17-0): IBF #3 / WBA #7 / WBO #9 / WBC #11 Araneta added 3 more wins to his perfect record, in 2018. -Ivan Soriano (20-2): IBF #10 / WBO #10 Soriano has won twice since losing to Wenfeng Ge (11-1) in 2018. Flyweight: -Sarawut Thawornkham (20-1): WBA #1 Undefeated since September of 2014, Thawornkham will go on to challenge Artem Dalakian (18-0) for the WBA World championship on June 15. -Wulan Tuolehazi (12-3): WBA #4 The WBC Silver champion fought Japanese standout Ryota Yamauchi (4-1) in March, to win the vacant WBA International title. He marked his first WBA defense against former OPBF champion Ardin Diale (35-14) on May 26. -Jayson Mama (13-0): IBF #9 / WBO #10 The undefeated Filipino prospect earned a major victory over the former WBA Strawweight World champion Ekkawit Songnui (49-7) on June 9. -Giemel Magramo (23-1): WBO #2 / WBC #4 / IBF #4 / WBA #7 Magramo defeated Wenfeng Ge (11-1) for the WBO International title on January 5th. -Nare Yianleang (70-5): WBA #2 / WBC #7 Since losing to Kazuto Ioka in 2017, Yianleang has won 8 fights in a row. -Komgrich Nantapech (25-5): IBF #3 No news yet on what’s next for the former IBF Pan Pacific champion. -Sirichai Thaiyen (54-4): WBA #6 / WBC #15 The former WBA interim World champion has been 4-0 since losing to Dalakian. Super Flyweight: -Aston Palicte (25-2): WBO #1 / WBC #7 Palicte stopped Jose Martinez (20-1) on January 31st, in a WBO world title eliminator. He is set to meet Kazuto Ioka (23-2) for the vacant championship, on June 19. -Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (47-5): WBC #1 / WBA #3 The former WBC, The Ring & Lineal champion already finds himself again at the top of the world rankings. -Donnie Nietes (42-1): IBF #4 / WBC #4 The 4 division world champion decided to relinquish his WBO strap. No news on his return yet. Bantamweight: -Arthur Villanueva (32-3): WBO #4 / WBC #15 Villanueva will challenge Nordine Oubaali (15-0), on July 6, for the WBC World title. -Michael Dasmarinas (29-2): IBF #1 / WBC #12 Dasmarinas picked up a unanimous decision over Kenny Demecillo (14-5), on March 23rd, to become the #1 contender for the IBF World title. -Tasana Salapat (49-1): WBC #8 / WBA #8 After failing to capture the interim WBC title in December, Salapat returned to the ring on April 24 and became the OPBF Silver champion. -Reymart Gaballo (21-0): WBA #10 The former interim WBA World champion made short work of Yuya Nakamura (9-3) in February. -Sukpraserd Ponpitak (22-10): IBF #5 “Sukkasem Kietyongyuth’s” suffered a defeat at the hands of the former IBF Super Bantamweight World champion Yukinori Oguni (21-2) on May 8. - Ben Mananquil (17-2): WBO #7 / IBF #9 The Filipino lost the WBO Asia Pacific championship to Yuki Strong Kobayashi (15-8), on May 26. -Kenny Demecillo (14-5): IBF #10 Demecillo lost to Michael Dasmarinas (29-2) in Singapore, as mentioned above. Super Bantamweight: -Juan Miguel Elorde (28-1): WBO #2 Elorde has been the WBO Asia Pacific champion since 2015 and has defended it successfully 4 times, most recently against Shohei Kawashima (17-3). -Marlon Tapales (33-2): IBF #3 / WBO #4 The former WBO Bantamweight World champion has 3 stoppage wins since moving up a weight class. -Albert Pagara (31-1): WBO #1 / IBF #7 The WBO Intercontinental champion hasn’t been active close to 6 months now. -Jeo Santisima (17-2): WBO #9 The Filipino won the vacant WBO Oriental title this past summer and has defended it only once. Featherweight: -Jhack Tepora (23-0): IBF #4 The former interim WBA World champion earned a unanimous decision victory over Jose Luis Gallegos (16-7), on June 1st. -Dave Penalosa (15-0): WBO #10 Penalosa stopped Marcos Cardenas (19-7) this past February, to become the new WBO Oriental champion. Super Featherweight: -Joe Noynay (17-2): WBO #7 Noynay TKOed Kosuke Saka (18-5) this past April, to earn the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. His inaugural defense will take place in Japan, on July 12, against Olympic Bronze Medalist Satoshi Shimizu (8-0). Super Lightweight: -Apinun Khongsong (15-0): IBF #1 The undefeated Thai fighter stopped former WBO Asia Pacific champion Akihiro Kondo (31-8) with a thunderous uppercut, to become the #1 contender for the IBF World title. Light Heavyweight: -Meng Fanlong (15-0): IBF #1 / WBA #12 / WBO #12 Meng won an IBF world title eliminator, on June 1st, against Adam Deines (17-1) and he’s now next in line to challenge Artur Beterbiev (14-0). Heavyweight: -Zhilei Zhang (20-0): WBO #5 The 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist has signed with Matchroom. By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Heavyweight: -Alexander Povetkin (34-2): WBC #7 / WBA #11 The former Olympic & World champion has started training for his next match. (Opponent TBA) -Evgeny Romanov (12-0): WBO #10 Romanov knocked Dillon Carman (14-4) out this past February in order to become the inaugural WBO Global champion. He will now face Ariel Esteban Bracamonte (9-2) on June 16. -Sergey Kuzmin (14-0): WBA #7 / IBF 10 / WBC #15 Kuzmin won the WBA Intercontinental title last year, after he defeated David Price (24-6), and defended it for the first time against LaRon Mitchell (16-2). He marked his second one on March 9 against Joey Dawejko (19-7). Cruiserweight: -Dmitry Kudryashov (23-2): WBC #5 A clash of former WBC Silver champions will take place in Russia, as Kudryashov meets Ilunga Makabu (24-2), on June 16, for the now vacant Silver crown. -Aleksei Egorov (8-0): WBA #7 The 2013 European champion will go head to head with Roman Golovashchenko (20-3) on June 16, for the vacant WBA Gold belt. -Maxim Vlasov (44-3): WBO #8 Vlasov stopped Lenin Castillo (20-3) on May 19. -Yury Kashinsky (17-0): IBF #4 / WBA #4 / WBO #5 / WBC #8 Kashinsky will compete for the vacant IBF Intercontinental title, on June 16, against Olivier Vautrain (14-1). -Ruslan Fayfer (23-1): IBF #7 / WBC #13 Ruslan defeated Serhiy Radchenko (7-4) on May 19. Light Heavyweight: -Umar Salamov (24-1): WBO #4 / WBA #6 Salamov successfully defended the WBO International title against Norbert Dabrowski (22-8) on April 18. -Igor Mikhalkin (22-2): WBC # Mikhalkin returns to the ring after almost an entire year of absence and faces Timur Nikarkhoev (21-2) for the interim IBO title, on July 6. Super Middleweight: -Fedor Chudinov (20-2): WBA #3 / IBF #6 / WBC #6 The former WBA World champion has already fought twice in 2019, earning victories over Wuzhati Nuerlang (11-3) & Rafael Bejaran (26-4), while also winning the vacant WBA Continental title. He is aiming to compete again around July 20-July 22. -Aidos Yerbossynuly (11-0): WBA #8 / WBO #11 The Kazakh defeated Lukas Ndafoluma (16-2) on March 24, to become the WBA International champion. Aidos already holds the WBO Global & WBC Asia Continental titles. -Aslambek Idigov (16-0): WBO #9 Idigov picked up a majority decision victory over Ronny Landaeta (16-2), on April 18, to become the WBO & IBF European champion. -Vladimir Shishkin (8-0): WBC #10 / WBA #15 No news yet on what’s next for the Russian prospect. -Azizbek Abdugofurov (12-0): WBC #4 Abdugofurov won the WBC Silver title last year. Middleweight: -Gennady Golovkin (39-1): WBO #1 / WBA #1 / WBC #1 / IBF #3 Triple G stopped Steve Rolls (19-1) on June 8. -Magomed Madiev (12-0): WBA #6 Madiev remained undefeated in 2018 while also winning the WBA Asia title. Super Welterweight: -Bakhram Murtazaliev (16-0): WBO #4 / IBF #7 Murtazaliev successfully defended his WBC United States championship against Elvin Ayala (29-13) this past February. He then scored a first round finish of Bruno Leonardo Romay (21-7) on April 18. -Aram Amirkhanyan (12-0): WBO #7 / WBA #8 Amirkhanyan earned his biggest victory to date against Khuseyn Baysangurov (14-1), this past December, to become the unified WBO International, WBA Continental & IBF International champion. -Magomed Kurbanov (17-0): IBF #3 / WBA #7 / WBC #11 The former WBO International & Intercontinental champion earned a unanimous decision victory over Damian Ezequiel Bonelli (23-6) on February 22nd. -Israil Madrimov (3-0): WBA #6 Accomplished amateur Uzbek boxer Madrimov knocked Frank Rojas (24-3) out in just 2 rounds, to defend the WBA Intercontinental title this past March. He made his successful Madison Square Garden debut, on June 8, against Norberto Gonzalez (24-13). Welterweight: -Kudratillo Abduqaxorov (16-0): IBF #1 / WBC #4 / WBO #9 The undefeated former WBC Silver champion earned a decision win over the 2 time WBO Asia Pacific champion Keita Obara (20-4), in an IBF world title eliminator, on March 30. -Sergey Lipinets (15-1): WBC #3 / WBO #4 / IBF #7 Lipinets earned a significant victory this March, against 2 division World champion Lamont Peterson (35-5), after he stopped him in the 10th round. He now goes up against John Molina Jr. (30-8) on July 20. -David Avanesyan (24-3): WBC #8 The former interim WBA World title holder TKOed Kerman Lejarraga (27-1), to become the EBU European champion, on March 30. -Alexander Besputin (13-0): WBA #1 / IBF #5 The 2013 European champion defended his USBA title for the second time against Alfredo Blanco (20-8) on April 12. -Radzhab Butaev (11-0): WBA #6 Butaev knocked out 50 plus fight veteran Lanardo Tyner (35-16) on March 8. His latest win took place on May 3rd against Sliverio Ortiz (37-25). -Nursultan Zhangabayev (7-0): WBA #10 Zhangabayev won the vacant WBA Intercontinental championship after defeating Matute (28-2) on March 24. Super Lightweight: -Batyr Akhmedov (7-0): WBA #2 After stopping former interim WBA World Lightweight champion Ismael Barroso (21-3), Akhmedov successfully kicked 2019 off, with victories over Viktor Plotnikov (33-6) as well as Francisco Gabriel Pina (14-15). -Shohjahon Ergashev (16-0): WBA #4 / IBF #7 The former WBA International champion returned to the ring on February 15, defeating Mykal Fox (20-1). -Maxim Dadashev (13-0): IBF #3 / WBC #3 Unbeaten Top Rank fighter Dadashev earned his 11th stoppage win over Ricky Sismundo (35-13) on March 23rd. His next opponent will be fellow undefeated boxer Subriel Matias (13-0) as both collide on July 19. -Georgi Chelokhsaev (16-1): WBO #9 Chelokhsaev won the Eurasian title in 2018. -Eduard Troyanovsky (27-2): WBC #6 The former World champion failed to capture the WBA title last year. Lightweight -Roman Andreev (23-0): WBO #3 / IBF #11 Top Russian contender defeated Jesus Cuadro (17-5) on May 16. -Zaur Abdullaev (11-0): WBC #2 The WBC Silver title holder stopped Humberto Martinez (33-9) on February 22nd. Super Featherweight: -Shavkat Rakhimov (14-0): WBC #5 / IBF #6 Rakhimov marked his 3rd IBO title defense, against Rofhiwa Maemu (18-8), on March 23rd. -Akzhol Sulaimanbek Uulu (14-0): WBA #4 Sulaimanbek stopped Pipat Chaiporn (46-13) in Russia, to defend his WBA Asia championship. -Denis Shafikov (40-4): IBF #9 Shafikov fought Gaybatulla Gadzhialiev (6-2), this past February, to a draw. Featherweight: -Tugstsogt Nyambayar (11-0): WBC #1 / IBF #8 The 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist recently defeated Claudio Marrero (23-3) to earn the vacant IBO belt. Prior to that, Nyambayar stopped 2 division champion Oscar Escandon (25-5). He’s now next in to challenge Gary Russell (30-1) for the WBC title. Super Bantamweight: -Murodjon Akhmadaliev (6-0): WBA #2 The 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist made his pro debut last year and has already amassed 6 victories (5 stoppages) as well as the WBA Intercontinental title. He is now targeting the unified WBA & IBF World champion Daniel Roman (27-2). Bantamweight: -Nikolai Potapov (20-1): WBO #3 / IBF #12 Potapov fought on March 30, scoring another win, this time against Adam Mbega (9-2). (Image courtesy of the WBSS) By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Strawweight: -Norihito Tanaka (18-7): IBF #6 / WBC #7 / WBO #10 / WBA #13 Tanaka won the Japanese title, this past January, and will defend it on June 13 against Naoya Haruguchi (15-10). -Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-7): WBC #4 The former World champion came up short at his second shot against Chayaphon Moonsri (53-0) for the WBC title on May 31st. -Masataka Taniguchi (11-3): WBO #7 Taniguchi unsuccessfully challenged the WBO World champion Vic Saludar (19-3) this past February. Light Flyweight: -Tetsuya Hisada (34-9): WBA #1 / WBO #1 / WBC #3 / IBF #7 Hisada is rumored to be challenging Angel Acosta (19-1) for the WBO title, potentially this Summer. -Kenichi Horikawa (40-18): WBC #5 / IBF #6 Horikawa won the Japanese title, on February 14, for the second time in his career. He made his inaugural defense on May 19 against Masashi Tada (13-6). -Ryoichi Taguchi (27-4): WBC #6 The former WBA & IBF champion failed to win the World championship against the WBO title holder Kosei Tanaka (13-0) on March 16. -Reiya Konishi (17-2): IBF #8 Konishi didn’t manage to capture the IBF title from Felix Alvarado (35-2) when they clashed in Japan. -Sho Kimura (18-3): WBA #8 The former WBO Flyweight World champion lost a unanimous decision to Carlos Canizales (22-0) for the WBA (Regular) World title, this May, in China. Flyweight: -Junto Nakatani (19-0): WBC #3 / WBO #4 / IBF #11 / WBA #14 Nakatani stopped Naoki Mochizuki (15-4) in February, for the vacant Japanese crown and scored a stay busy win on June 1st, against Philip Luis Cuerdo (11-7). -Masayuki Kuroda (30-8): IBF #10 Kuroda went to war with Moruti Mthalane (38-2) for the IBF World title, on May 13, but couldn’t bring the belt back home. Super Flyweight: -Kazuto Ioka (23-2): WBO #2 The 3 division world champion will meet Aston Palicte (25-2) at the Makuhari Messe arena in Japan, for the vacant WBO World championship. -Akira Yaegashi (28-6): WBA #10 / WBO #10 / WBC #14 Yaegashi moved up to Super Flyweight in 2018 and has since been undefeated in the division with 3 consecutive TKO victories. He finally makes it back into the world rankings as he aims to become a 4 division champion. -Koki Eto (24-4): WBO #4 / WBA #7 / IBF #8 Eto’s KO win over Jeyvier Cintron (10-0) on May 25th for the WBO International title got overturned, due to an accidental headbutt. -Sho Ishida (28-1): WBO #3 / IBF #5 / WBA #6 / WBC #10 Since losing to Khalid Yafai (25-0) in 2017, Ishida has earned 4 victories over the likes of Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-10) as well as Ikuro Sadatsune (9-4). Super Bantamweight: -Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3): IBF #1 Iwasa won an IBF title eliminator against Cesar Juarez (23-7), on February 16. -Shingo Wake (26-5): WBC #2 / IBF #3 The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016. -Hiroaki Teshigawara (19-2): IBF #9 / WBO #15 Teshigawara made his Super Bantamweight debut last year, stopping Glenn Suminguit (21-4) to win the OPBF championship. He marked his first successful title defense on February 14, against Yuki Iriguchi (10-3). -Yukinori Oguni (20-2): WBA #4 The former IBF World champion defeated Sukpraserd Ponpitak (22-10) on May 8. Featherweight: -Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #9 The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist won the OPBF title back in 2017 and has successfully defended it 4 times. He will now challenge the WBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight champion Joe Noynay (17-2) on July 12. -Musashi Mori (9-0): WBO #9 Mori defended his WBO Asia Pacific title against the former champion Richard Pumicpic (21-10) on April 14. -Hiroshige Osawa (35-5): WBA #1 / IBF #13 The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016. He fought Indonesian journeyman Ahmad Lahizab (4-8) on April 7. -Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #5 / WBC #13 Abe fought the Japanese champion Taiki Minamoto (16-5), on May 1st, to a draw. Super Featherweight: -Masaru Sueyoshi (19-1): WBO #3 Sueyoshi defended his Japanese championship for the 4th time, against Ken Osato (15-3), on May 4th. -Kenichi Ogawa (23-1): IBF #4 The former Japanese champion returned to ring, after his one year suspension, and defeated Roldan Aldea (12-7) this past February. Ogawa will face the undefeated IBF Intercontinental champion Azinga Fuzile (14-0) in an IBF world title eliminator, on July 6, at the Korakuen Hall in Japan. Lightweight: -Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #3 / WBC #8 / WBO #10 Nakatani marked his 11th successful OPBF title defense this past December, by stopping former WBC International champion Hurricane Futa (25-8). He takes on Teofimo Lopez (13-0), on July 6, for a future shot at the IBF World championship. -Nihito Arakawa (32-7): WBO #8 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion failed to obtain the WBO International title from Denys Berinchyk (11-0) on April 20. Super Welterweight: -Takeshi Inoue (13-1): WBO #9 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion unsuccessfully challenged Jaime Munguia (32-0) for the WBO World title this January. He is scheduled to return to the ring on August 3rd. Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (14-2): WBA #4 The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist will get his chance for revenge on July 12 as he goes up against Rob Brant (25-1) in Osaka for the WBA (Regular) World championship. Heavyweight: -Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #9 / WBA #12 The former K-1 champion has unified the Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight titles. He is now looking for a World championship fight before he retires from the sport. (Image courtesy of boxingnews.jp) By - George Delis (@Delisketo)
Heavyweight: -Alexander Povetkin (34-2): WBC #7 / WBA #10 The former Olympic & World champion may be facing Oleksandr Usyk (16-0), after the Ukranian’s return from injury. -Evgeny Romanov (12-0): WBO #10 Romanov knocked Dillon Carman (14-4) out this past February in order to become the inaugural WBO Global champion. -Sergey Kuzmin (14-0): WBA #7 / IBF #9 / WBC #15 Kuzmin won the WBA Intercontinental title last year, after he defeated David Price (24-6), and defended it for the first time against LaRon Mitchell (16-2). He marked his second one on March 9 against Joey Dawejko (19-7). Cruiserweight: -Aleksei Egorov (8-0): WBA #7 The 2013 European champion added 3 more wins to his record in 2018, including one over former world title challenger Lateef Kayode (21-4). He fought Thomas Oosthuizen (28-3) on March 23rd in Russia. -Dmitry Kudryashov (23-2): WBC #5 The former WBC Silver & WBA International champion is now the mandatory challenger for Yves Ngabu’s (20-0) EBU European title. -Murat Gassiev (26-1): WBC #1 WBA #5 / IBF #6 / WBO #14 The former WBA & IBF World champion, who recently signed with Matchroom, has decided to make the jump to heavyweight. His 1st potential opponent could either be Manuel Charr (31-4), interim WBA World Heavyweight champion Trevor Bryan (20-0) or Adam Kownacki (19-0). -Maxim Vlasov (42-3): WBO #8 Vlasov will compete in his 1st match since losing in the opening round of the WBSS, on May 19, against Lenin Castillo (20-2). -Yury Kashinsky (17-0): IBF #4 / WBA #4 / WBO #5 / WBC #8 Kashinsky continued his undefeated streak in 2018, adding 2 more victories to his record. -Ruslan Fayfer (23-1): IBF #9 / WBC #13 Ruslan will return to the ring on May 19. Light Heavyweight: -Umar Salamov (24-1): WBO #4 / WBA #6 Salamov successfully defended the WBO International title against Norbert Dabrowski (22-8) on April 18. -Igor Mikhalkin (22-2): WBC #2 The former WBO Intencontinental & EBU European champion finds himself back in the world rankings, despite not being active since September of last year. Super Middleweight: -Fedor Chudinov (19-2): WBA #3 / IBF #6 / WBC #6 The former WBA World champion returned after 8 months of inactivity and defeated Wuzhati Nuerlang (11-3) on March 23rd. He will now face Rafael Bejaran (26-3) for the vacant WBA Continental title, on May 16, in Russia. -Aidos Yerbossynuly (11-0): WBA #10 The Kazakh defeated Lukas Ndafoluma (15-2) on March 24, to become the WBA International champion. Aidos already holds the WBO Global & WBC Asia Continental titles. -Azizbek Abdugofurov (12-0): WBC #5 Abdugofurov won the WBC Silver title last year. Middleweight: -Gennady Golovkin (38-1): WBO #1 / WBA #1 / WBC #1 / IBF #3 Triple G’s first fight since losing to Canelo will be against Steve Rolls (19-0) on June 8. -Magomed Madiev (12-0): WBA #5 Madiev remained undefeated in 2018 while also winning the WBA Asia title. Super Welterweight: -Bakhram Murtazaliev (16-0): WBO #4 / IBF #10 Murtazaliev successfully defended his WBC United States championship against Elvin Ayala (29-13) this past February. He then scored a first round finish of Bruno Leonardo Romay (21-7) on April 18. -Aram Amirkhanyan (12-0): WBO #6 / WBA #8 Amirkhanyan earned his biggest victory to date against Khuseyn Baysangurov (14-1), this past December, to become the unified WBO International, WBA Continental & IBF International champion. -Magomed Kurbanov (17-0): IBF #3 / WBA #9 / WBC #10 The former WBO International & Intercontinental champion earned a unanimous decision victory over Damian Ezequiel Bonelli (23-6) on February 22nd. -Israil Madrimov (2-0): WBA #7 One of the most accomplished amateur Uzbek boxers (Asian Games Gold Medalist & World Championships Silver Medalist) made his successful pro debut in 2018. Madrimov’s second fight took place on March 9, where he knocked Frank Rojas (24-3) out in just 2 rounds, with the WBA Intercontinental title on the line. Welterweight: -Kudratillo Abduqaxorov (16-0): IBF #1 / WBC #4 / WBO #9 The undefeated former WBC Silver champion earned a decision win over the 2 time WBO Asia Pacific champion Keita Obara (20-4), in an IBF world title eliminator, on March 30. -Sergey Lipinets (15-1): IBF #7 Lipinets earned a significant victory, on March 24th, against 2 division World champion Lamont Peterson (35-5) after he stopped him in the 10th round. -David Avanesyan (24-3): WBC #8 The former interim WBA World title holder TKOed Kerman Lejarraga (27-1), to become the EBU European champion, on March 30. -Alexander Besputin (13-0): WBA #1 / IBF #5 The 2013 European champion defended his USBA title for the second time against Alfredo Blanco (20-8) on April 12. -Radzhab Butaev (11-0): WBA #6 The accomplished Russian amateur boxer knocked out 50 plus fight veteran Lanardo Tyner (35-15) on March 8. His latest win took place on May 3rd against Sliverio Ortiz (37-25). -Nursultan Zhangabayev (7-0): WBA #10 Zhangabayev won the vacant WBA Intercontinental championship after defeating Matute (28-2) on March 24. Super Lightweight: -Batyr Akhmedov (6-0): WBA #2 After stopping former interim WBA World Lightweight champion Ismael Barroso (21-3), Akhmedov successfully kicked 2019 off, with a victory over Viktor Plotnikov (33-6) back in Russia. -Shohjahon Ergashev (16-0): WBA #4 / IBF #7 The former WBA International champion returned to the ring on February 15, defeating Mykal Fox (19-1). -Maxim Dadashev (13-0): IBF #4 / WBC #5 Unbeaten Top Rank fighter Dadashev earned his 11th stoppage win over Ricky Sismundo (25-13) on March 23rd. -Georgi Chelokhsaev (16-1): WBO #7 Chelokhsaev won the Eurasian title in 2018. -Eduard Troyanovsky (27-2): WBC #7 / WBA #8 The former World champion failed to capture the WBA title last year. Lightweight: -Roman Andreev (22-0): WBO #1 / IBF #11 The undefeated Russian top contender will be fighting former WBO Super Lightweight World champion DeMarcus Corley (51-33) on May 16. -Zaur Abdullaev (11-0): WBC #2 The WBC Silver title holder stopped Humberto Martinez (33-9) on February 22nd. Super Featherweight: -Shavkat Rakhimov (14-0): WBC #5 / IBF #6 Rakhimov marked his 3rd IBO title defense, against Rofhiwa Maemu (18-8), on March 23rd. -Akzhol Sulaimanbek Uulu (14-0): WBA #6 Sulaimanbek stopped Pipat Chaiporn (46-13) in Russia, to defend his WBA Asia championship. -Denis Shafikov (40-4): IBF #9 Shafikov fought Gaybatulla Gadzhialiev (6-1), this past February, to a draw. Featherweight: -Tugstsogt Nyambayar (11-0): WBC #1 / IBF #8 The 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist recently defeated Claudio Marrero (23-3) to earn the vacant IBO belt. Prior to that, Nyambayar stopped 2 division champion Oscar Escandon (25-5). He’s now next in line to face the winner of Gary Russell & Kiko Martinez for the WBC title. Super Bantamweight: -Murodjon Akhmadaliev (6-0): WBA #2 The 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist made his pro debut last year and has already amassed 6 victories (5 stoppages) as well as the WBA Intercontinental title. He is now targeting the unified WBA & IBF World champion Daniel Roman (27-2). Bantamweight: -Nikolai Potapov (20-1): WBO #4 / IBF #11 Potapov fought on March 30, scoring another win, this time against Adam Mbega (9-2). By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Strawweight: -Samuel Salva (17-0): IBF #1 / WBO #1 / WBA #10 Salva scored a major victory over Rene Mark Cuarto (16-2), on March 23rd, to secure a future IBF world title shot. - Rhenrob Andales (9-0): WBA #9 ”ArAr” captured the vacant WBA Asia title earlier this year and defended it for the first time on April 13 against Cris Ganoza (17-3). -Joey Canoy (14-3): WBO #10 Canoy will take on Frans Damur Palue (15-22) on May 11 for the WBA Asia & WBC Asia Silver belts. -Lito Dante (16-10): WBC #10 / IBF #13 In a shocking turn of events, Dante managed to TKO top contender Tsubasa Koura (14-1) and not only become the OPBF champion but also place himself in the world rankings. -Melvin Jerusalem (14-2): WBC #2 / IBF #8 / WBO #11 Jerusalem got a unanimous decision victory over 2 time world title challenger Toto Landero (10-4) this past November. -Robert Paradero (18-0): WBO #2 Paradero’s beat Jonathan Almacen (5-3) on April 5th. -Pedro Taduran (13-2): IBF #5 / WBC #6 / WBO #8 Taduran hasn’t competed since last year. -Rene Mark Cuarto (16-2): IBF #7 As mentioned above, Cuarto lost to Samuel Salva (17-0) in Manila. -Mark Anthony Barriga (9-1): IBF #3 / WBC #8 Barriga failed to capture the vacant IBF World Championship in December. Light Flyweight: -Jonathan Taconing (28-3): WBC #1 / WBA #3 / WBO #3 / IBF #12 The WBC International champion Taconing is expected to be challenging the WBC World champion Ken Shiro (15-0) on July 12, in Japan. -Tanawat Nakoon (11-0): WBA #11 Muay Thai phenom turned pro boxer, the former Lumpinee & Rajadamnern Stadium champion earns his place at the world rankings as he challenges Hiroto Kyoguchi (12-0) for the WBA Super World championship, on June 19. -Jing Xiang (16-4): WBO #8 / WBA #8 / WBC #9 Xiang successfully defended his WBC Silver title against 2 division World champion Suriyan Satorn (59-7), on January 5th, in China. -Edward Heno (14-0): WBO #2 / WBC #2 / WBA #4 Heno made his third successful OPBF title defense, in February, against Koji Itagaki (18-14). -Christian Araneta (17-0): IBF #4 / WBA #9 / WBC #11 / WBO #12 Araneta added 3 more wins to his perfect record, in 2018. -Randy Petalcorin (29-3): IBF #9 / WBA #15 The former interim WBA World champion has been inactive since losing to Felix Alvarado. -Ivan Soriano (20-2): IBF #10 Soriano has won twice since losing to Wenfeng Ge (11-1) in 2018. Flyweight: -Wulan Tuolehazi (11-3): WBA #4 The WBC Silver champion fought Japanese standout Ryota Yamauchi (4-1), on March 30, to win the vacant WBA International title. He will mark his inaugural WBA defense against former OPBF champion Ardin Diale (35-13) on May 26. -Sarawut Thawornkham (20-1): WBA #1 Undefeated since September of 2014, Thawornkham will go on to challenge Artem Dalakian (18-0) for the WBA World championship on June 15. -Giemel Magramo (23-1): WBO #2 / WBC #4 / IBF #5 / WBA #9 Magramo defeated Wenfeng Ge (11-1) for the WBO International title on January 5th. - Jayson Mama (12-0): WBO #10 / IBF #10 The undefeated Filipino prospect earned the biggest win of his young career this past March over the IBF Pan Pacific champion & 2 time world title contender Teeraphong Utaida (38-7). -Nare Yianleang (70-5): WBA #2 / WBC #8 Since losing to Kazuto Ioka in 2017, Yianleang has won 8 fights in a row. -Komgrich Nantapech (25-5): IBF #3 No news yet on what’s next for the former IBF Pan Pacific champion. -Sirichai Thaiyen (53-4): WBA #8 The former WBA interim World champion has been 3-0 since losing to Dalakian. Super Flyweight: -Aston Palicte (25-2): WBO #1 / WBC #7 Palicte stopped Jose Martinez (20-1) on January 31st, in a WBO world title eliminator. He is set to meet Kazuto Ioka (23-2) for the vacant championship, on June 19. -Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (47-5): WBA #3 The former WBC, The Ring & Lineal champion already finds himself again at the top of the world rankings. -Donnie Nietes (42-1): IBF #4 / WBC #5 The 4 division world champion decided to relinquish his WBO strap. No news on his return yet. Bantamweight: -Michael Dasmarinas (29-2): IBF #1 / WBC #11 Tsarinas picked up a unanimous decision win over Kenny Demecillo (14-5), on March 23rd, to become the #1 contender for the IBF World title. -Sukpraserd Ponpitak (22-9): IBF #5 “Sukkasem Kietyongyuth’s” toughest challenge will take place on May 8, as he takes on the former IBF Super Bantamweight World champion Yukinori Oguni (20-2) in Japan. - Ben Mananquil (17-1): WBA #8 / IBF #8 / WBO #10 The Filipino earned a huge win against Japanese star Tenta Kiyoshe (15-3), on February 10, to win the WBO Asia Pacific championship. He will defend it for the first time against Yuki Strong Kobayashi (14-8), on May 26. -Tasana Salapat (49-1): WBC #8 After failing to capture the interim WBC title in December, Salapat returned to the ring on April 24 to defeat Nicky Jordan Nainggolan (6-1) and become the OPBF Silver champion. -Kenny Demecillo (14-5): IBF #9 Demecillo lost to Michael Dasmarinas (29-2) in Singapore, as mentioned above. -Arthur Villanueva (32-3): WBO #6 / WBC #14 Villanueva has one win and one draw in 2018. Super Bantamweight: -Juan Miguel Elorde (28-1): WBO #2 Elorde has won the WBO Asia Pacific championship in 2015 and has defended it successfully 4 times since then, most recently against Shohei Kawashima (17-3). -Nawaphon Kaikanha (44-1): WBC #7 Kaikanha went 5-0 in 2018 and even scored a TKO victory over former IBF World champion Amnat Ruenroeng (20-3). He will make his 1st appearance in 2019, on May 18, as he faces former WBC World champion Sonny Boy Jaro (45-14). -Marlon Tapales (32-2): IBF #4 / WBO #4 The former WBO Bantamweight World champion has been 2-0 since moving up a weight class. -Albert Pagara (31-1): WBO #1 / IBF #7 The WBO Intercontinental champion hasn’t been active close to 6 months now. -Jeo Santisima (17-2): WBO #10 The Filipino won the vacant WBO Oriental title this past summer and has defended it only once. Super Featherweight: -Joe Noynay (17-2): WBO #8 The Filipino rising star TKOed Kosuke Saka (18-5), on April 20, to win the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. Super Lightweight: -Apinun Khongsong (15-0): IBF #1 The undefeated Thai fighter stopped former WBO Asia Pacific champion Akihiro Kondo (31-8) with a thunderous uppercut, to become the #1 contender for the IBF World title. Light Heavyweight: -Meng Fanlong (14-0): IBF #7 / WBA #12 / WBO #12 Meng stopped the former British & Commonwealth champion Frank Buglioni (22-4) in November of 2018, to defend his IBF Intercontinental title for the first time. Heavyweight: -Zhilei Zhang (20-0): WBO #5 The 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist has signed with Matchroom Boxing. By - George Delis (@Delisketo) Strawweight: -Tatsuya Fukuhara (21-6): WBC #4 The former World champion will get another shot at Chayaphon Moonsri (52-0) and the WBC title, May 31st in Thailand. -Masataka Taniguchi (11-3): WBO #6 Taniguchi defeated Joel Lino (10-1), back in November, for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title. He unsuccessfully challenged Vic Saludar (19-3) on February 26 for the WBO World title. - Norihito Tanaka (18-7): WBC #7 / IBF #9 / WBO #9 / WBA #13 Tanaka won the Japanese title, this past January, and will defend it on June 13 against Naoya Haruguchi (15-10). Light Flyweight: -Sho Kimura (18-2): WBA #2 The former WBO Flyweight World champion dominated Thai veteran Wicha Phulaikhao (60-11) on March 30. In a surprising move, Kimura decided to move to the Light Flyweight division and he will now challenge Carlos Canizales (21-0) for the WBA (Regular) World championship on May 26, in the country he became famous China. -Reiya Konishi (17-1): IBF #3 / WBC #6 The WBO Asia Pacific champion will clash with Felix Alvarado (34-2) for the IBF World title, on May 19. -Tetsuya Hisada (34-9): WBA #1 / WBO #1 / WBC #3 / IBF #8 Hisada is rumored to be challenging Angel Acosta (19-1) for the WBO title, potentially this Summer. -Kenichi Horikawa (39-18): WBC #5 / IBF #7 Horikawa won Japanese title, on February 14, for the second time in his career. He will make his inaugural defense on May 19 against Masashi Tada (13-5). Flyweight: -Masayuki Kuroda (30-7): IBF #4 Kuroda, who is currently on a 6 fight winning streak, will meet Moruti Mthalane (37-2) for the IBF World title on May 13. -Junto Nakatani (18-0): WBO #3 / WBC #3 / IBF #12 / WBA #15 Nakatani stopped Naoki Mochizuki (15-4), on February 2nd, for the vacant Japanese crown. He will mark his first defense against Wolf Nakano (6-7) on June 1st. Super Flyweight: -Kazuto Ioka (23-2): WBO #2 / WBC #4 The 3 division world champion will meet Aston Palicte (25-2) at the Makuhari Messe arena in Japan, for the vacant WBO World championship. -Akira Yaegashi (28-6): WBA #9 / WBO #10 Yaegashi moved up to Super Flyweight in 2018 and has since been undefeated in the division with 3 consecutive TKO victories. He finally makes it back in the world rankings as he aims to become a 4 division champion. -Koki Eto (24-4): WBO #4 / WBA #7 / IBF #8 / WBC #9 Eto’s getting closer to the world title again as he faces Jeyvier Cintron (10-0) on May 25th for the right to challenge the winner of Ioka/Palicte. -Sho Ishida (28-1): WBO #3 / IBF #5 / WBA #6 / WBC #11 Since losing to Khalid Yafai (25-0) in 2017, Ishida has earned 4 victories over the likes of Ratchanon Sawangsoda (12-3), Richard Claveras (18-6), world title contender Warlito Parrenas (26-9) as well as Ikuro Sadatsune (9-4). Super Bantamweight: -Ryosuke Iwasa (26-3): IBF #1 Iwasa won an IBF title eliminator against Cesar Juarez (23-7), on February 16. -Shingo Wake (26-5): WBC #2 / IBF #3 The former Japanese & OPBF champion has been on a 6 fight winning streak since losing to Jonathan Guzman (23-1) in 2016. -Hiroaki Teshigawara (19-2): IBF #9 / WBO #15 Teshigawara made his Super Bantamweight debut last year, stopping Glenn Suminguit (21-4) to win the OPBF championship. He marked his first successful title defense on February 14, against Yuki Iriguchi (10-3). -Yukinori Oguni (20-2): WBA #4 The former IBF World champion will compete on May 8, in Japan, as he takes on Sukpraserd Ponpitak (22-9). Featherweight: -Shun Kubo (13-1): WBA #10 The former WBA Super Bantamweight World champion moved up a weight class last year, defeating Hiroshige Osawa on his Featherweight debut. He will now get the opportunity to challenge Can Xu (16-2), in China, for the WBA (Regular) World title on May 26. -Satoshi Shimizu (8-0): IBF #3 The 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist has made 3 successful title defenses of the OPBF crown in 2018, against Kyung Min Kwon (6-5), Shingo Kawamura (16-5) and Takuya Uehara (16-1). -Hiroshige Osawa (35-5): WBA #1 / IBF #13 The former OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion finds himself once again in the world rankings, since losing to WBO World champion Oscar Valdez (24-0) in 2016. He fought Indonesian journeyman Ahmad Lahizab (4-8) on April 7. -Reiya Abe (19-2): IBF #4 / WBC #9 Abe fought the Japanese champion Taiki Minamoto (16-5), on May 1st, to a draw. Super Featherweight: -Masaru Sueyoshi (19-1): WBO #3 Sueyoshi defended his Japanese championship for the 4th time, against Ken Osato (15-3), on May 4th. -Kenichi Ogawa (23-1): IBF #4 The former Japanese champion returned to ring, after his one year suspension, and defeated Roldan Aldea (12-7) on February 2nd. Ogawa is expected to face the undefeated IBF Intercontinental champion Azinga Fuzile (14-0) in an IBF world title eliminator. Lightweight: -Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0): IBF #3 / WBC #8 / WBO #12 Nakatani marked his 11th successful OPBF title defense this past December, by stopping former WBC International champion Hurricane Futa (25-8). He takes on Teofimo Lopez (13-0), on July 19, for a future shot at the IBF World championship. -Nihito Arakawa (32-7): WBO #8 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion failed to obtain the WBO International title from Denys Berinchyk (11-0) on April 20. Super Welterweight: -Takeshi Inoue (13-1): WBO #9 The former Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific champion unsuccessfully challenged Jaime Munguia (32-0) for the WBO World title this January. He is scheduled to return to the ring on August 3rd. Middleweight: -Ryota Murata (14-2): WBA #3 / WBC #5 / WBO #9 The 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist will get his chance for revenge on July 12 as he goes up against Rob Brant (25-1) in Osaka for the WBA (Regular) World championship. Heavyweight: -Kyotaro Fujimoto (20-1): WBO #10 / WBA #11 The former K-1 champion has unified the Japanese, OPBF & WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight titles. He is now looking for a World championship fight before he retires from the sport. By - George Delis (@Delisketo)
Heavyweight: -Alexander Povetkin (34-2): WBC #7/ WBA #9 The former Olympic & World champion will be returning to action on May 18. His goal is to face Deontay Wilder in 2019. -Sergey Kuzmin (14-0): WBA #7 / IBF #11 Kuzmin won the WBA Intercontinental title last year, after he defeated David Price (23-6), and defended it for the first time against LaRon Mitchell (16-2). He marked his second one on March 9 against Joey Dawejko (19-7). Cruiserweight: -Aleksei Egorov (8-0): WBA #7 The 2013 European champion added 3 more wins to his record in 2018, including one over former world title challenger Lateef Kayode (21-4). He fought Thomas Oosthuizen (28-3) on March 23rd in Russia. -Dmitry Kudryashov (23-2): WBC #5 The former WBC Silver & WBA International champion began training for his upcoming fight. Details will be revealed soon. -Murat Gassiev (26-1): WBC #1 WBA #5 / IBF #6 / WBO #7 The former WBA & IBF World champion will travel to the US this month to start training again. He still hasn’t decided on the weight class he will be competing at next. -Yury Kashinsky (17-0): IBF #4 / WBA #4 / WBO #5 / WBC #7 Kashinsky continued his undefeated streak in 2018, adding 2 more victories to his record. -Ruslan Fayfer (23-1): IBF #9 / WBC #12 Ruslan will take on successful amateur boxer Rashid Kodzoev (7-0) on April 20. Light Heavyweight: -Umar Salamov (23-1): WBO #4 / WBA #7 Salamov defends the WBO International title against Norbert Dabrowski (22-7) on April 18. Super Middleweight: -Fedor Chudinov (19-2): WBA #3 / IBF #6 / WBC #6 The former WBA World champion returned after 8 months of inactivity and defeated Wuzhati Nuerlang (11-3) on March 23rd. - Aidos Yerbossynuly (11-0): WBA #10 The Kazakh defeated Lukas Ndafoluma (15-2) on March 24, to become the WBA International champion. Aidos already holds the WBO Global & WBC Asia Continental titles. -Azizbek Abdugofurov (12-0): WBC #5 Abdugofurov won the WBC Silver title last year. Middleweight: -Gennady Golovkin (38-1): WBO #1 / WBA #1 / WBC #1 / IBF #11 GGG recently signed with DAZN. He is expected to fight on June 8 or 14. -Magomed Madiev (12-0): WBA #5 Madiev remained undefeated in 2018 while also winning the WBA Asia title. Super Welterweight: -Bakhram Murtazaliev (15-0): WBO #5 / IBF #10 Murtazaliev successfully defended his WBC United States championship for the first time, on February 2nd, against Elvin Ayala (29-13). -Aram Amirkhanyan (12-0): WBO #7 Amirkhanyan earned his biggest victory to date against Khuseyn Baysangurov (14-1), this past December, to become the unified WBO International, WBA Continental & IBF International champion. -Magomed Kurbanov (17-0): IBF #3 / WBA #9 / WBC #11 The former WBO International & Intercontinental champion earned a unanimous decision victory over Damian Ezequiel Bonelli (23-6) on February 22nd. -Israil Madrimov (2-0): WBA #6 One of the most accomplished amateur Uzbek boxers (Asian Games Gold Medalist & World Championships Silver Medalist) made his successful pro debut in 2018. Madrimov’s second fight took place on March 9, where he knocked Frank Rojas (24-3) out in just 2 rounds, with the WBA Intercontinental title on the line. Welterweight: -Kudratillo Abduqaxorov (16-0): IBF #1 / WBC #5 / WBO #11 The undefeated former WBC Silver champion earned a decision win over the 2 time WBO Asia Pacific champion Keita Obara (20-4), in an IBF world title eliminator, on March 30. -Alexander Besputin (12-0): WBA #1 / IBF #5 The 2013 European champion expanded his winning streak to 12 in 2018 and also gained the USBA title. His next fight will take place on April 12 against Alfredo Blanco (20-7). -Radzhab Butaev (11-0): WBA #5 The accomplished Russian amateur boxer knocked out 50 plus fight veteran Lanardo Tyner (35-15) on March 8. -Nursultan Zhangabayev (7-0): WBA #10 Zhangabayev won the vacant WBA Intercontinental championship after defeating Matute (28-2) on March 24. Super Lightweight: -Batyr Akhmedov (6-0): WBA #2 After stopping former interim WBA World Lightweight champion Ismael Barroso (21-3), Akhmedov successfully opened the new year, with a victory over Viktor Plotnikov (33-6) back in Russia. -Shohjahon Ergashev (16-0): WBA #4 / IBF #7 The WBA International champion returned to the ring on February 15, defeating Mykal Fox (19-1). -Maxim Dadashev (13-0): IBF #4 / WBC #7 Unbeaten Top Rank fighter Dadashev earned his 11th stoppage win over Ricky Sismundo (25-13) on March 23rd. -Georgi Chelokhsaev (16-1): WBO #7 Chelokhsaev won the Eurasian title in 2018. -Eduard Troyanovsky (27-2): WBA #8 / WBC #8 The former World champion failed to capture the WBA title last year. Lightweight: -Roman Andreev (22-0): WBO #1 / IBF #11 The undefeated former WBO European & Intercontinental champion is next in line to face the winner of Lomachenko/Crolla for the WBO title. -Zaur Abdullaev (11-0): WBC #2 The WBC Silver title holder stopped Humberto Martinez (33-9) on February 22nd. Super Featherweight: -Shavkat Rakhimov (14-0): WBC #5 / IBF #6 Rakhimov marked his 3rd IBO title defense, against Rofhiwa Maemu (18-8), on March 23rd. -Akzhol Sulaimanbek Uulu (14-0): WBA #6 Sulaimanbek stopped Pipat Chaiporn (46-13) in Russia, to defend his WBA Asia championship. -Denis Shafikov (40-4): IBF #9 Shafikov fought Gaybatulla Gadzhialiev (6-1), this past February, to a draw. Featherweight: -Tugstsogt Nyambayar (11-0): WBC #1 / IBF #7 The 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist recently defeated Claudio Marrero (23-3) to earn the vacant IBO belt. Prior to that, Nyambayar stopped 2 division champion Oscar Escandon (25-5). He’s now the mandatory challenger for Gary Russell’s WBC title. Super Bantamweight: -Murodjon Akhmadaliev (5-0): WBA #1 The 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist made his pro debut last year and amassed 5 victories (4 stoppages) as well as the WBA Intercontinental championship. Akhmadaliev could be challenging for the World title around Summer. Bantamweight: -Nikolai Potapov (20-1): WBO #5 / IBF #13 Potapov fought on March 30, scoring another win, this time against Adam Mbega (9-2). He’s already scheduled to return on April 27 to face former world title contender Stephon Young (18-1). By - George Delis (@Delisketo)
Strawweight: -Samuel Salva (17-0): IBF #1 / WBO #2 Sava scored a major victory over Rene Mark Cuarto (16-2), on March 23rd, to secure a future IBF world title shot. - Rhenrob Andales (9-0): WBA #10 ”ArAr” captured the vacant WBA Asia title earlier this year. He will defend it for the first time on April 13 against Cris Ganoza (17-2). -Melvin Jerusalem (14-2): WBC #2 / IBF #8 / WBO #13 Jerusalem got a unanimous decision victory over 2 time world title challenger Toto Landero (10-4) this past November. -Robert Paradero (17-0): WBO #1 Paradero’s faces Jonathan Almacen (5-2) on April 5th. -Pedro Taduran (13-2): IBF #5 / WBC #8 Taduran began 2018 very promising as he dropped former world title challenger Jerry Tomogdan (26-10) in the fifth round, but couldn’t capitalize on that momentum in his World championship bout against Chayaphon Moonsri (52-0). He beat Jeffrey Galero (17-6) in December. -Rene Mark Cuarto (16-2): IBF #7 / WBO #8 As mentioned above, Cuarto lost to Samuel Salva (17-0) in Manila. -Mark Anthony Barriga (9-1): IBF #3 / WBC #10 Barriga failed to capture the vacant IBF World Championship in December. Light Flyweight: -Jonathan Taconing (28-3): WBC #1 / WBA #3 / WBO #3 / IBF #6 Taconing defended his WBC International championship, for the second time, this past September against former world title contender Vince Paras (13-2). A match with the WBC World champion Ken Shiro (15-0) seems to be the next step for him. -Edward Heno (14-0): WBO #2 / WBC #2 / WBA #5 Heno made 2 title defenses of the OPBF championship, within 2018, over Jesse Espinas (19-3) as well as former World champion Merlito Sabillo (27-6). His third successful OPBF title defense took place in Japan, against Koji Itagaki (18-14), on February 11. -Jing Xiang (16-4): WBA #9 / WBO #9 / WBC #9 2018 was a quite successful year for Xiang as he, not only captured the vacant WBO Intercontinental title in January, but also earned a huge victory after defeating former World champion Merlito Sabillo (27-6), this past September, to become the WBC Silver champion. 2019 already brought another major test for the Chinese rising star as he successfully defended his WBC Silver title against 2 division World champion Suriyan Satorn (59-7), on January 5th, in China. -Tanawat Nakoon (11-0): WBA #12 Muay Thai phenom turned pro boxer, the former Lumpinee & Rajadamnern Stadium champion earns his place at the world rankings as he challenges Hiroto Kyoguchi (12-0) in June, for the WBA Super World championship. -Christian Araneta (17-0): IBF #3 / WBA #10 / WBC #10 / WBO #12 Araneta added 3 more wins to his perfect record, in 2018, including a stoppage victory over former world title contender Jerry Tomogdan (26-10), in August. -Rey Loreto (24-14): WBC #8 Loreto has only fought once in 2018. -Randy Petalcorin (29-3): IBF #10 / WBA #13 The former interim WBA World champion will return to action on April 6, in Australia. Flyweight: -Giemel Magramo (23-1): WBO #3 / WBC #5 / IBF #5 / WBA #9 The Filipino captured the vacant WBO Oriental title on March of 2018 and successfully defended it in October, against Petchchorhae Kokietgym (17-2). Magramo kicked off 2019 with a bang as he stopped Wenfeng Ge (11-1) for the WBO International title on January 5th, in China. -Wulan Tuolehazi (11-3): WBA #5 The WBC Silver champion fought Japanese standout Ryota Yamauchi (4-1), on March 30, to win the vacant WBA International title. -Sarawut Thawornkham (20-1): WBA #1 Undefeated since September of 2014, Thawornkham will go on to challenge Artem Dalakian (18-0) for the WBA World championship. -Nare Yianleang (69-5): WBA #2 / WBC #9 Since losing to Kazuto Ioka in 2017, Yianleang has won 7 fights in a row. -Komgrich Nantapech (25-5): IBF #3 Nantapech became the IBF Pan Pacific champion in 2018, when he earned a decision win over Naoki Mochizuki (15-3). He was supposed to face Masayuki Kuroda (30-7) in an IBF World title eliminator bout on November 21st, but due to a sudden injury, he wasn’t able to compete. Komgrich later had to vacate his belt but still managed to pick two more victories before the year was over. -Sirichai Thaiyen (52-4): WBA #8 The former WBA interim World champion failed the recapture the crown this summer in Ukraine when he fought Artem Dalakian (18-0). Since then, he has won 2 more fights. Super Flyweight: -Aston Palicte (25-2): WBO #1 / WBC #6 Palicte stopped Jose Martinez (20-1) on January 31st, in a WBO world title eliminator. He is set to meet Kazuto Ioka (23-2) for the vacant championship, on June 19. -Donnie Nietes (42-1): IBF #4 / WBC #5 The 4 division world champion decided to relinquish his WBO strap and enter himself back to the title chase. Bantamweight: -Michael Dasmarinas (29-2): IBF #1 / WBC #13 Tsarinas picked up a unanimous decision win over Kenny Demecillo (14-5), on March 23rd, to become the #1 contender for the IBF World title. - John Casimero (26-4): WBO #6 The former 2 division world champion stopped Kenya Yamashita (13-5) on February 16. Casimero will fight Ricardo Espinoza Franco (23-2) next, on April 20, for the vacant WBO International title. -Sukpraserd Ponpitak (22-9): IBF #5 “Sukkasem Kietyongyuth’s” toughest challenge will take place on May 8, as he takes on the former IBF Super Bantamweight World champion Yukinori Oguni (20-2) in Japan. - Ben Mananquil (17-1): WBA #9 / IBF #10 / WBO #11 The Filipino earned a huge win against Japanese star Tenta Kiyoshe (15-3), on February 10, to win the WBO Asia Pacific championship. He will defend it for the first time against Yuki Strong Kobayashi (14-8), on May 26. -Kenny Demecillo (14-5): IBF #8 Demecillo lost to Michael Dasmarinas (29-2) in Singapore, as mentioned above. -Arthur Villanueva (32-3): WBO #8 / WBC #14 Villanueva has one win and one draw in 2018. Super Bantamweight: -Albert Pagara (31-1): WBO #1 / IBF #6 Pagara stopped Laryea Gabriel Odoi (20-4) this past June, to become the WBO Intercontinental champion. He successfully made his inaugural title defense against George Krampah (14-4) in November. -Juan Miguel Elorde (28-1): WBO #2 Elorde has won the WBO Asia Pacific championship in 2015 and has defended it successfully 4 times since then, most recently against Shohei Kawashima (17-3). -Marlon Tapales (32-2): IBF #4 / WBO #4 The former WBO Bantamweight World champion has been 2-0 since moving up a weight class. -Nawaphon Kaikanha (44-1): WBC #8 Kaikanha went 5-0 in 2018 and even scored a TKO victory over former World champion Amnat Ruenroeng (20-3). -Jeo Santisima (17-2): WBO #10 he Filipino won the vacant WBO Oriental title this past summer and has defended it only once. Super Featherweight: -Joe Noynay (16-2): WBO #10 The Filipino rising star finished 2018 on a 3 fight winning streak. He will now face Kosuke Saka (18-4), on April 20, for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific title in Japan. Lightweight: -Mercito Gesta (32-3): WBO #2 Gesta was knocked out from Juan Antonio Rodriguez (30-7) on March 21st. Super Lightweight: -Apinun Khongsong (15-0): IBF #1 The undefeated Thai fighter stopped former WBO Asia Pacific champion Akihiro Kondo (31-8) with a thunderous uppercut, to become the #1 contender for the IBF World title. Light Heavyweight: -Meng Fanlong (14-0): IBF #7 / WBA #12 / WBO #14 Meng stopped the former British & Commonwealth champion Frank Buglioni (22-4), this past November, to defend his IBF Intercontinental title for the first time. Heavyweight: -Zhilei Zhang (20-0): WBO #6 The undefeated Chinese giant and Olympic Silver Medalist beat Don Haynesworth (15-3) this past September in his first WBO Oriental title defense. |
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