BOXING moves fast and it’s hard to keep up with all the comings and goings. Here’s a wrap-up of some of the fight announcements, signings and other bits and pieces that might’ve passed you by.
King Ry falls further from the throne
As if failing two drug tests wasn’t enough for Ryan Garcia. The erratic star has now been arrested for causing damage at a hotel. Still struggling with substance issues after shocking the world by defeating Devin Haney in April, Ryan suffered a huge personal blow when he revealed that his mother, Lisa Garcia, had received a breast cancer diagnosis earlier in the month of May.
The Garcia story is eerily similar to that of his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, although the decline for Ryan is on a two-speed setting. Garcia also complained that he had not been paid for beating Haney. Oscar forcefully responded to the claim and the post was later deleted.
Ryan Garcia (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Hot property Hackett hooks up with Hearn
Matchroom continues making moves in America by snapping up Jalil Major Hackett. This comes after Jaron Ennis linked up with the promotional outfit as the PBC roster continues to shrink.
Hackett, 21, was a talented amateur and has already made moves as a pro, amassing an 8-0 (7 KOs) record. Hearn described his new signing as “a fantastic young talent.” Hackett will fight Peter Dobson on the ‘Boots’ Ennis July 13 undercard in Philadelphia.
Mosley Jr return for ex-champ Jacobs
Former middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs will end a two-and-a-half-year ring hiatus by fighting Shane Mosley Jr on July 6. It’s hard to believe that Jacobs’ loss in London to John Ryder was so long ago. The split decision defeat sent Jacobs into semi-retirement while springboarding Ryder to eventual shots at Canelo and Jaime Munguia.
The Anaheim 10-rounder against Mosley Jr will be promoted by Jorge Masvidal. Mosley Jr is on a four-fight winning streak since losing to Jason Quigley in 2021. The bout will be contested at super-middleweight.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson heavyweight fight gets new date
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will now fight on November 15. The pair were originally set to meet in Texas on July 20, but Tyson fell ill on a flight, and the date was shelved.
The highly anticipated rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano has been moved to the new date along with the main event.
It’s getting real: Jake Paul and Mike Tyson
Top Rank keeps busy with a trio of new signings
Following the capture of Argentine puncher Gustavo Lemos, Top Rank announced three more new signings over several days.
Super-welterweight contender Vito Mielnicki Jr, who fought on the Canelo vs. Munguia undercard in May, has linked up with Bob Arum. ‘White Magic’ has rebounded well from a sole career loss to cement a top-five WBA ranking.
“I’m excited to continue to grow and blossom as a fighter. I’m looking forward to staying active and continuing to build on the foundation I’ve created in the beginning years of my career,” stated Mielnicki (18-1, 12 KOs).
Joining Mielnicki under the TR wing is welterweight prospect Art Barrera Jr (5-0, 4 KOs). Training with veteran coach Robert Garcia, the 18-year-old Californian boxes on the July 13 undercard of Janibek Alimkhanuly’s double-title defence against Andrei Mikhailovich in Las Vegas.
“Art Barrera Jr is one of the best young prospects I have had in recent memory,” said Robert Garcia.
Following a stint with the PBC, super-lightweight Elvis Rodriguez has returned to Top Rank on a long-term promotional deal.
Rodriguez will box in a 10-rounder on Saturday, June 29, on the Teofimo Lopez-Steve Claggett undercard in Florida.
“Top Rank made me a star, and they will make me a champion. Elvis will finally be back in the building!” joked Rodriguez (15-1-1, 13 KOs), who is trained by Freddie Roach.