United Boxing Promotions: Championing a future where diversity is celebrated, and talent knows no boundaries

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

It is that time again to step into the ring with the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper as we dive into the heart-pounding world of boxing! Thanks to the dynamic partnership of United Boxing Promotions and the Great Canadian Casino Resort, we’re front and center once again, capturing every: jab, hook, and knockout blow.

On Saturday, April 27^th, 2024, Ontario’s boxing scene ignited with power and prestige as Canada’s finest fighters converged at the electrifying Great Canadian Casino arena. Let’s relive the thrill of the night where champions were made, and legacies were forged!

I have a little bit of housekeeping to do first; now, if you are unable to make it to one of United Boxing Promotion fights, fans will be able to follow every second of United Boxing Promotions’ World Championship fight card’s LIVE on pay-per-view at unitedpromotions.tv. This makes it convenient for boxing lovers to cheer on their favourite fighters from the comfort of their own homes. Now let’s get to what you missed.

The last card featured undeniably great fights with undefeated Hamilton product Bradley ‘The Truth’ Wilcox, super welterweight Joshua ‘HellRazor’ Frazer and an all-Ontario undercard matchup between Wasaga Beach’s Dan Almeida and Hamilton’s Drake Olchowecki.

In a contest some have tabbed for fight of the night, former Korean champion Gisu ‘Terminator’ Lee squared off with tough Mexico City product Alexis De La Cruz in a battle of hungry lightweights looking to pick up a signature win. The Terminator exuded raw power and unyielding confidence and was ready to unleash havoc on his opponent. The crowd roared with anticipation as he stepped into the ring, and with each thunderous blow and lightning-fast maneuver, Lee delivered a spectacle worthy of the annals of sporting history. He didn’t just come to fight; he came to dominate, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind that he was the true master of the arena.

Elsewhere on the fight card, powerful Jamaican middleweight Kemahl ‘The Hitman’ Russell returned to action against heavy-handed Croatian Luka Lozo. The Hitman has scored three impressive knockouts since his return to the ring last year. With the ferocity of a predator stalking its prey, Kemahl ‘The Hitman’ Russell prowled into the ring, his eyes fixed on victory. He exuded a quiet intensity that spoke volumes. With precision and poise, Russell executed his game plan flawlessly, every move calculated to perfection. Then, in a thunderous crescendo of power, he unleashed a devastating blow that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas. The crowd erupted in a symphony of cheers as Russell stood triumphant, his dominance undeniable. He didn’t just knock out his opponent; he delivered a masterclass in the sweet science, leaving his fans in awe of his skill and prowess.

The card also featured Orangeville’s Josh ‘The Boss’ Wagner against Argentina’s Geronimo ‘El Caballero’ Vazquez for the vacant IBF International Welterweight Championship. Josh “The Boss” is a rising star in the welterweight division, while Geronimo Vazquez has a strong resume and is backed by Chino Maidana Promotions. The Boss walked away victorious, and instantly joined the world title conversation at 147 lbs.

The fight that everyone came to see was Sara Haghighat-Joo whose main goal was claiming the world title. In just her fourth professional fight Sara Haghighat-Joo defeated reigning WBA World Champion Lupita Bautista via unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 96-94) over 10 rounds. Sara dominated at range and enjoyed the better of most close exchanges throughout the night with Lupita, a now former three-time World Champion who came to Canada with every intention of defending her title.

“It’s very cool to make some history, but I want to make another statement right away — I want those other three belts, and I want to unify,” said a confident Sara following her WBA World Title victory. “I hope that my win shows those that look up to me that, with persistence and consistent effort, you can get where you want to be.”

What I was most impressed with when watching Sara is how well she analyzed her opponent’s movements. You can tell by watching her that she has absorbed her technical training and has found that hunger not only to compete at a high level, but to understand the sport at a high level. They call it a science for a reason. She has mastered the mechanics of boxing, rather than relying on brute strength.

“At times, I got into wars with her and that was my ego,” admitted Sara, who cruised when on the outside with her jab established. “When I got back to the jab (and) used my angles, it worked — we knew she would come forward, so our plan was to take a half-step back, turn and basically have a guaranteed land.”

“Unification, that’s it, let’s go,” she said following the win. “I like to go for it, and I can box, but I love to fight. I want to constantly make statements, so there is more to come!”

United Boxing Promotions stands not just as an elite promotional company in the boxing arena, but also as a paragon of inclusivity and opportunity. Their unwavering commitment to fostering talent irrespective of race, or gender not only elevates the sport, but also sets a profound example for others to emulate.

As they pave the way for women to shine at championship levels, they embody the true spirit of sportsmanship and equality, ensuring that the ring is a place where skill and dedication reign supreme, regardless of who steps between the ropes. United Boxing Promotions isn’t just shaping the future of boxing; they’re championing a future where diversity is celebrated, and talent knows no boundaries.