Hard charging super featherweight prospect Misael Lopez (11-0) is looking to close out 2019 with a bang.
The 23 year old returns to action tomorrow in Houston, Texas against Nestor Robledo on the first card promoted by Jermall and Jermell Charlo's Lions Only Promotions in which neither of the twins is fighting on the card.
Lopez is very excited for having the opportunity to put his skills on display in a boxing town like Houston.
"It is amazing to be fighting out there. This is the type of exposure that you want as a boxer to showcase your skills. I am the 'A' side and this will be a chance for me to show my skills against a tough Mexican fighter who will be coming forward so I am excited to put on a show. It should be a great atmosphere," Lopez stated.
His last fight took place in March when he blew out Richard Flores in 1 round. He is planning on this fight ending in similar fashion.
"That would be nice. I know that Ryan Garcia's brother Sean Garcia couldn't knock him out so that's the goal. He fought him last and he couldn't get him out so we are definitely looking for a knockout," revealed Lopez.
If everything goes well Lopez hopes to have a quick turn around and get right back in action. Now that he is aligned with Oscar Vazquez and Sugar's Boxing he expects to be much more active.
"I was supposed to fight in late September so I have been ready for a while. I can't wait to show what I can do. Now that I have a new team and new coaches like (Mark) 'Too Sharp' (Johnson) everything is going in the right direction. We are hoping if everything goes right that we will get a TV fight on a PBC card later this year. That is the goal," Lopez stated.
The 11 fight card is topped by super lightweight prospect Darwin Price taking on veteran Breidis Prescott in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds.
ZELFA BARRETT is determined to prove he is the top boy among Frank Warren’s talent stacked super-featherweight club.
The Mancunian wants to sock it to stablemates British champion Sam Bowen and WBO European title holder Archie Sharp next week without punching either rival.
Barrett (22-1, 13 KOs) makes the first defence of his Commonwealth crown against Jordan McCorry (18-6-1, 4KOs) at First Direct Arena, Leeds on Saturday October 12, live on BT Sport.
Scot McCorry stepped in at short notice and took Bowen nine rounds in March and four months later he pushed Sharp all the way before losing on points after ten exciting rounds.
Barrett who beat another stablemate, Lyon Woodstock to become Commonwealth title holder in June said: “I’m competitive and I would love to get him out of there quicker than Bowen and look better than Archie did.”
A series of fights involving Barrett, Bowen and Sharp would create big interest over the next 12 months and all three are keen to be the last man standing.
Barrett, 26, would love to get his hands on Bowen first warning: “I would be like Sugar Ray Leonard.
“I don’t underestimate him and I think that Sam is a good fighter, but I have been watching him and I would shine in that fight.
“Everyone goes on about how strong and relentless he is. Let’s see how relentless he is when he keeps getting hit by jabs. I have got the power, speed and timing to knock him out.”
McCorry has been sparring with Sharp ahead of his big assignment against Barrett on the bill topped by Josh Warrington’s IBF featherweight title defence against Sofiane Takoucht.
His choice of sparring partner had baffled Barrett, who added: “I laughed when I heard they would be sparring. That will not help him against me.
“I’m no Archie Sharp. Archie is a good fighter, but styles make fighters and we’re different fighters.”
Before Barrett can tackle his biggest domestic rivals and hopefully move on to world level, he knows McCorry poses a formidable challenge given his great efforts against Bowen and Sharp.
“Jordan is tough, durable and most probably thinks this is his last opportunity so he will be there to win. He will be game and try to beat me,” says Barrett.
“I know he will try and outdo me, believes in himself and has had plenty of notice. He will be in it for every minute of every round.”
The big night of action in Leeds is headed by local hero Josh Warrington (29-0, 6KOs) who makes the third defence of his IBF featherweight championship against France’s Sofiane Takoucht (35-3-1, 13 KOs). Zelfa Barrett (22-1,13KOs) will make the first defence of his Commonwealth super-featherweight title against exciting Scot Jordan McCorry (18-6-1, 4KOs). In a third title clash Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (15-0, 12KOs) faces Ghanaian Emmanuel Anim (14-2-1, 12KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth light-heavyweight crown , in a battle of the big hitters.
Darlington’s Troy Williamson (11-0-1, 8KOs), Mark Heffron (23-1, 17KOs), Shakiel Thompson (4-0, 3KOs), Reece Mould (12-0, 6 KOs), Shabaz Masoud (5-0, 1KO), John Joyce, 1-0), Jack Daniels (4-0, 2 KOs), Callum Simpson (1-0), Evaldas Petrauskas (1-0 1 KO) plus exciting debutant George Davey are all in action.
Katharina Thanderz (12-0, 2 KOs) will have star support from some of Norway’s top boxing talents when she meets Danila Ramos (8-1, 1 KO) for the WBC World Super Featherweight title on November 16th at the Ekeberghallen.
Undefeated cruiserweight contender Kevin Melhus (6-0, 3 KOs) returns to action following a fourth-round TKO win over Swedish rival Marcus Alberts at the Skien Fritidspark to take on tough British boxer Ossie Jervier (6-9, 5 KOs).
“I'm really looking forward to a huge event in Oslo in November," said Melhus. “I can't wait to get back in the ring and put on a show. I think my opponent will come and try to knock me out, but he will have a very hard day at work.”
Alexander Hagen (13-2-1, 6 KOs) can secure his fourteenth professional victory when he meets the battle hardened Emmanuel Feuzeu (10-10-2, 4 KOs) at the Oslo venue that has previously played host to two World title challenges.
“I am looking forward to fighting in Oslo for the third time in my career,” says the 30-year-old light heavyweight. “It is an honour to fight at the Ekeberghallen where both Harald Skog and Svein Erik Paulsen fought for World titles.
“Emmanuel Feuzeu is an opponent who comes to fight. I have to be fully focused on fight night, and I expect it to be a tough fight."
Super featherweight southpaw Bernard Torres (9-0, 4 KO) faces Nicaraguan Yesner Talavera (15-9-1, 4 KOs). The 23-year-old from Gran was last in action on June 22nd in Spain recording a one-sided points win over Alex Mora.
“Fighting in Norway, in front of my fans with Viasat broadcasting the event is something I’m really looking forward to,” he says. “Oslo is not so far from where I live, so I hope a lot of people from my hometown are coming to support me.
“I know my opponent is a tough guy, who has been up against some good boxers, but for me, it doesn’t matter, I am ready for anyone. I just hope he comes to fight so we can put on a good show for the audience.”
With more fights set to be announced, promoter Nisse Sauerland is promising a huge event in the Norwegian capital at the historic Ekeberghallen venue.
"Fight fans can look forward to a spectacular night of action on November 16th," said Sauerland. "A World title fight for Katharina Thanderz, plus a full undercard featuring the best of Norwegian boxing. We're very happy to be working with Norway Box Promotion to give up and coming talent the chance to shine, and we still have some exciting announcements to come."
Atle Walgren for Norway Box Promotion: “We have for a long time wanted to be more involved with professional boxing in Norway. We want to help young talented boxers on the rise and create great sporting experiences for everyone watching. We're immensely thrilled about November 16th. To pull off such a great fight card couldn't have been done without the cooperation we have with Sauerland. The best boxers fighting together under one roof. This is great news for boxing fans in Norway. The future of professional boxing looks bright."
Abass Baraou (7-0, 4 KOs) will make his UK debut on October 26 at The O2 in London as the unbeaten German super welterweight sensation faces John O’Donnell (33-2, 11 KOs) on the World Boxing Super Series undercard, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.
Baraou makes a quick return to the ring following an emphatic second round TKO victory in Dubai over Abdelghani Saber in September, and will be aiming for victory number eight in London as he defends his WBC International title against the in-form former Commonwealth and British champion O’Donnell, who enters the ring on the back of nine straight victories.
“I’m looking forward to boxing in London after just making my international debut in Dubai,” said Baraou. “Boxing is huge in England and I’m looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere in The 02.
“I am always looking for new challenges and my promoter Team Sauerland make that possible again and again. Since my last fight I’ve gone straight back into camp and there’s nothing in the way of me becoming victorious and defending my title!”
O’Donnell, an experienced contender, who got his first taste of international action on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather’s battle with Oscar De La Hoya at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, believes the time has come too soon for Baraou.
“You can’t buy experience. When I boxed in Vegas it was probably a bit too early for me, I think Abass will experience this against me.
“The fans are in for a great fight and I’m absolutely buzzing. I would like to thank MTK, Eddie Hearn, WBSS and Team Sauerland for the opportunity.”
“Fighting on the World Boxing Super Series undercard and on TV worldwide is another opportunity for Abass to showcase his talent,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “The British fight fans are some of the best in the world and they will love Abass, he’s slick, quick and has an all action aggressive style.
“We believe he's going to reach the very top of the sport. He has already beaten two former World Champions and we aren't too far from targeting the current World Champions.”
World Boxing Super Series super lightweight finalists Regis Prograis (24-0, 20 KOs) and Josh Taylor (15-0, 12 KOs) headline the huge show at The 02 Arena as both fighters compete for the Ali Trophy, IBF and WBA World titles, WBC Diamond title and the prestigious Ring magazine strap.
London favourite Dereck Chisora (31-9, 22 KOs) takes on former World champion Joseph Parker (26-2, 20 KOs) in a hotly anticipated heavyweight duel, while fellow Londoner Lawrence Okolie (13-0, 10 KOs) looks to add another belt to his collection as he challenges Yves Ngabu (20-0, 14 KOs) for the Belgian’s European Cruiserweight title.
Former World Champions Ricky Burns (43-7-1, 16 KOs) and Lee Selby (27-2, 9 KOs) meet in an intriguing lightweight clash, whilst young talent Conor Benn (15-0, 10 KOs) continues his education in the paid ranks.