“Alacran” Berchelt Seeks To Spotlight

His Lightning KO Power Against “Sombra” Cordoba!

(August 19th) Since losing his WBC super featherweight title, via tenth round KO to Oscar Valdez on February 20th 2021, Miguel “Alacran” Berchelt has determinedly and steadily rebuilt his career one division up, and one step at a time as a lightweight.

Four consecutive victories and he seeks a fifth against sturdy and tough Colombian Juan Manuel “La Sombra” Cordoba on August 29th at the Centro de Usos Multiples, Sonora in Hermosillo. Miguel’s record is 41-3, 37 KO’s, while Juan Manuel’s is a more modest 7-1, 4 KO’s. But aged thirty four there can be no slip up, in Miguel’s ambitious quest to challenge WBC Champion William “El Cameron” Zepeda.

Miguel says that with “Cameron’s” relentless high volume  punching style and his own proven KO power, a clash would be a firm candidate for Fight of the year. Looking fit, lean and trim, Miguel says he’s adjusted well to the lightweight division, retains his explosive power and feels as strong as a lion.

He says for this upcoming bout he’s drawing on and relying upon his ample and diverse experience. He says Sombra has the potential to be dangerous because he too has dreams plus the hands to potentially back them up. That’s why he aims to put Sombra in the shade, by knocking him out.

Miguel praised William Zepeda’s performance against Lamont Roach saying his compatriot is a truly worthy Green and Gold Champion and he’d love the opportunity to challenge him in a test of punching power. A great battle of Mexicans, saying he himself has an eighty five percent KO ratio. A great contest between a knockout artist and a pressure fighter accumulator.  He says his aim is to win the WBC Silver title and then fight for the Absolute Prize.

Ryota Toyoshima Crowned New OPBF

Super Welterweight Champion

After Defeating Tsukuru Midorikawa In Tokyo!

(August 17th) In a thrilling night of boxing at Tokyo’s iconic Korakuen Hall, Japanese fighter Ryota Toyoshima was crowned the new Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super welterweight champion after defeating reigning monarch Tsukuru Midorikawa by unanimous decision.

The bout, presented by Teiken Promotions, carried special significance as a unification clash. Toyoshima put his WBO Asia Pacific title on the line and successfully defended it, exiting the ring as a dual champion in the division.

From the opening bell, Toyoshima dictated the pace of the fight, displaying superior accuracy and distance control against a courageous Midorikawa who did not yield ground easily. However, the challenger’s dominance was clearly reflected on the judges’ scorecards at the end of the scheduled 10 rounds:

Surat Soikrachang: 99-91

Katsuhiko Nakamura: 98-92

Kazutoshi Yoshida: 98-92

Joshua Hamilton served as the referee for the contest, while official title supervision was handled by Tsuyoshi Yasukochi.

With this decisive unanimous decision victory (UD 3-0), Ryota Toyoshima solidifies his position among the elite of Asian boxing at 154 pounds and takes a firm step toward a world title opportunity.

One Year Since The Historic

Third Stage Of The WBC Boxing Grand Prix!

(August 14th) There are projects which change the course of sports forever, and the WBC Boxing Grand Prix is indisputably one of them.

Marking exactly one year since its memorable third stage, the World Boxing Council (WBC) proudly and emotionally looks back at the realization of Don José Sulaimán’s historic dream: a global professional tournament designed to discover, promote, and crown the greatest talents on the planet.

Thanks to the vision, leadership, and extraordinary partnership between HE Turki Alalshikh and the WBC, this ambitious platform exceeded all expectations, becoming an absolute triumph and an unprecedented showcase for international boxing from the majestic stage of Saudi Arabia.

Below, we relive the thrilling victories that highlighted the third round of the tournament across the featherweight, super lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight divisions:

Featherweight

Yoni Valverde vs. Yusuf Adeniji: In a high-intensity battle with a relentless pace across six rounds, France’s Yoni Valverde overcame an early slip and his opponent’s long reach to break through the guard of Nigeria’s Yusuf Adeniji, securing a hard-earned unanimous decision victory.

Bekizizwe Maitse vs. Iman Joshua Lee: Displaying defensive mastery and flawless counterpunching, South Africa’s Bekizizwe Maitse unlocked the speedy American Iman Lee to earn a majority decision after closing with greater clarity in the final rounds.

Muhamet Qamili vs. Troy Nash: In a nail-biting showdown, Italy’s Muhamet Qamili brought constant pressure against American Troy Nash, taking the victory via the innovative Enhanced Scoring System in a thrilling tiebreaker.

Brandon Mejía vs. Ayubkhon Bakhtiyorov: Rocking his opponent from the opening bell with absolute bombs from all angles, Mexico’s Brandon Mejía delivered a masterclass in power punching and footwork to defeat Uzbekistan’s Ayubkhon Bakhtiyorov by unanimous decision, becoming the sole Mexican fighter to punch his ticket to the division’s semifinals.

Super Lightweight

Danylo Lozan vs. Sanatali Toltayev: Ukraine’s Danylo Lozan showcased speed and power over Kazakhstan’s Sanatali Toltayev—sending him to the canvas for the first time in his career—to claim a majority technical decision victory in the fifth round after the bout was halted due to accidental facial cuts.

Carlos Utria vs. Spencer Wilcox: Delivering a star-making performance from start to finish, Colombian prospect Carlos Utria put on a clinic with his jab, body investment, and elusive defense to defeat Canada’s Spencer Wilcox by unanimous decision, cementing his status as a serious title contender.

Mujibillo Tursunov vs. Misael Cabrera: In a high-octane war of inside trading, Uzbekistan’s Mujibillo Tursunov proved more accurate with his combinations to outpoint Mexican warrior Misael Cabrera via unanimous decision.

Ntethelelo Nkosi vs. Fiorenzo Priolo: In a dramatic contest filled with momentum shifts, South Africa’s Ntethelelo Nkosi turned the tide in the fourth round with a thunderous right hand to the jaw that floored Italy’s Fiorenzo Priolo, riding that momentum to a unanimous decision victory.

Middleweight

Derek Pomerleau vs. Dmytro Rybalko: Canadian power-puncher Derek Pomerleau once again showcased his frightening knockout power, stopping Ukraine’s Dmytro Rybalko in just the second round with a devastating four-punch combination.

Dylan Biggs vs. Petro Frolov: Setting the tone early and sending his opponent to the deck in the fifth round, Australia’s Dylan Biggs controlled the gritty Ukrainian Petro Frolov to lock up his spot in the semifinals by unanimous decision.

Carlos Sinisterra vs. Ephrem Bariko: Staging one of the night’s most spectacular comebacks, Colombia’s Carlos Sinisterra weathered the early storm from France’s Ephrem Bariko before unleashing a knockout against the ropes in the third round.

Lancelot Proton de la Chappelle vs. Emiliano Aguillón: After rebounding from a tough start against Mexico’s Emiliano Aguillón, Frenchman Lancelot Proton de la Chappelle made the necessary tactical adjustments down the stretch to snatch the victory via the Enhanced Scoring System.

Heavyweight

Keaton Gomez vs. Devon Young: South Africa’s Keaton Gomez kicked off the heavyweight bracket with pure explosive power, dropping America’s Devon Young and forcing the referee to halt the contest in the very first round to secure an emphatic TKO.

Kevin Ramírez vs. Piotr Lacz: In a grueling, physical battle, Argentina’s Kevin Ramírez rallied late by connecting with precise combinations against the powerful Polish fighter Piotr Lacz, convincing the judges to grant him the win via the Enhanced Scoring System.

Ahmed Krnjic vs. Tsonte Rogava: In a war of attrition defined by pure heart, Bosnia’s Ahmed Krnjic capitalized on Ukraine’s Tsonte Rogava’s fatigue in the final stretch, closing with greater authority to claim a tight majority decision.

Dante Stone vs. Youness Baalla: Showcasing elusive defense and sharp counterpunching, America’s Dante Stone made himself a elusive target for Morocco’s Youness Baalla, securing a clear unanimous decision victory.

The WBC Boxing Grand Prix remains a living testament that when passion, athletic integrity, and a global vision come together, boxing reaches its ultimate expression of greatness.

WBC Clean Boxing Program Warns Against The Risks

Of Excessive Energy Drink Consumption In Boxing!

(August 12th) In recent years, the consumption of energy drinks has surged among athletes at all levels, including professional boxers. While these products are marketed with the promise of boosting performance and stamina, excessive intake carries severe and potentially dangerous health risks—especially within a physically demanding sport like boxing.

Key Concerns for Fighters

Energy drinks typically contain high concentrations of caffeine, sugar, and various stimulants that can negatively affect an athlete’s body:

Cardiac Arrhythmias and High Blood Pressure: Excess caffeine and stimulants can trigger heart palpitations, arrhythmias, and dangerous spikes in blood pressure, posing severe risks during the extreme physical exertion of a fight or training session.

Severe Dehydration: The diuretic effect of energy drinks accelerates fluid loss, worsening dehydration in boxers who are already cutting weight.

Insomnia and Chronic Fatigue: Disrupting sleep cycles directly impairs muscle recovery and overall physical performance.

Anxiety and Impaired Focus: High doses of stimulants can cause nervousness, jitters, and anxiety, ruining the concentration and fine motor control required inside the ring.

Dangerous Drug Interactions: Energy drinks may react adversely when combined with other supplements or medications, multiplying the risk of harmful side effects.

WBC Clean Boxing Program (CBP) Guidelines

As part of its unwavering commitment to athlete health and safety, the WBC Clean Boxing Program issues the following recommendations for all fighters:

Limit Usage and Prioritize Natural Hydration: Reduce or eliminate energy drink consumption, opting instead for water or electrolyte-rich sports drinks.

Supplement Transparency: Full disclosure regarding any supplements or energy drinks used as part of a fighter’s training regimen must be reported to the CBP.

Seek Professional Medical Advice: Always consult with a sports physician or certified nutritionist before taking any stimulant or energy supplement.

Focus on Nutrition and Rest: A balanced diet and adequate sleep remain the true, sustainable foundation for peak performance and long-term health.

The WBC remains dedicated to educating fighters, enforcing strict regulations, and protecting the safety and integrity of professional boxing worldwide.

International Boxing Comes To Sardinia:

WBC International Bridgerweight Title

On The Line In Trinità d’Agultu e Vignola!

The WBC Presents The Historic “Independence Belt”

To Celebrate 250 Years Of The United States

In A Grand Top Rank Event!

(June 15th) The World Boxing Council is proud to announce the creation of an unprecedented work of art in the history of the sport: the “Independence Belt.” This emblematic accolade has been designed with deep respect and admiration to commemorate the historic 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, this coming July 4th.

Through this special edition, the WBC celebrates and pays tribute to the most important nation in the history of world boxing. The United States is, undisputedly, the country that has produced the largest number of world champions, the stage for the most legendary title fights, and the cultural epicenter of global pugilism.

Since the days of the legendary pioneer John L. Sullivan, the rich historical heritage, the spirit of freedom, and the unwavering passion of this country have been forged thanks to an unparalleled lineage of titans of the ring who transformed boxing into an art and a mass phenomenon, among whom the following stand out:

Jack Johnson: The first African-American world heavyweight champion, who broke racial and social barriers with unwavering courage and technical mastery.

Sugar Ray Robinson: Widely considered the greatest pound-for-pound boxer of all time, combining perfect speed, power, and elegance in the ring.

Muhammad Ali: “The Greatest,” a global figure who transcended the sport thanks to his charisma, social activism, and unique boxing style.

Joe Louis: Called the “Detroit Bomber,” he held the heavyweight title for nearly 12 years and achieved 25 consecutive defenses of his world championship, a historical record in said category.

Christy Martin: The great pioneer of modern women’s boxing. With her courage and ferocity, she legitimized women’s pugilism before the masses and opened the doors to major pay-per-view stages worldwide.

Laila Ali: Heiress to her father’s greatness, she dominated the ring with absolute authority and retired undefeated as a world champion, exuding power, elegance, and unparalleled charisma.

Claressa Shields: Two-time Olympic gold medalist and the first female boxer in history, regardless of gender, to become an undisputed champion in two different divisions in the four-belt era.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.: The master of defense and strategy. He retired with a perfect and immaculate record of 50 victories and 0 defeats, crowning himself world champion in five different divisions.

Rocky Marciano: The only heavyweight to retire as an undefeated world champion, accumulating a record of 49-0, with 43 of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Sugar Ray Leonard: One of the greatest figures of boxing’s “Golden Era” in the 1980s, standing out for his speed and brilliance in the ring to conquer titles across multiple divisions.

Henry Armstrong: A unique physical marvel, he was the first and only boxer in history to simultaneously hold three world championships in three different divisions during an era when there were fewer weight categories.

Mike Tyson: Who with his ferocity and devastating power became the youngest heavyweight world champion in history, paralyzing the entire world with each of his appearances.

The “Independence Belt” embodies in its design the glory of these and many other legends who left an indelible mark on human history.

This majestic commemorative belt could not have a better destination. It will be contested in the main event this coming Saturday, July 4th, inside the ring of the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio, in a spectacular boxing gala promoted by the prestigious company Top Rank.

Undefeated American Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington will arrive before his people consolidated among the elite. Carrington became the interim WBC world featherweight champion by categorically defeating Mateus Heita in July 2025, in New York. Subsequently, he conquered the absolute world title by defeating Carlos Castro with a spectacular knockout on January 31st of this year. With an unblemished record of 17 victories, 10 of them by way of knockout, “Shu Shu” will look to defend his Green and Gold belt and claim the historic patriotic trophy.

In front of him will stand the gritty Mexican fighter René Santiago Palacios. With a respectable professional record of 19 victories and 10 wins by KO, Palacios will face the most important opportunity of his career by contesting a WBC title for the first time, seeking to spoil the American celebration and take the belt back to Mexican soil.

The entire world will witness this historic evening within the framework of the July 4th celebrations. The live broadcast for all continents will be handled by the global streaming platform DAZN: dazn.com/wbc

The World Boxing Council, under the leadership of its President Mauricio Sulaimán, invites all fans to be part of this festivity that unites the history, art, and passion of boxing in a night that will be engraved with golden letters.