Farmer vs. Ogawa for vacant IBF Jr. Lightweight Title

By Raymundo Dioses

Tevin Farmer and Kenichi Ogawa will face off on December 9, 2017 for the vacant junior lightweight IBF title at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The agreement avoided a purse bid as promoters for both fighters made a deal for the fight for the International Boxing Federation title that became vacant recently when Terence Crawford vacated the belt to move up to a higher weight division.  Crawford had knocked out Julius Indongo in August 2017 for the IBF strap.

Farmer, (25-4-1, 5KO) is from the fighting city of Philadelphia.  Ogawa (22-1, 17KO) resides in Tokyo, Japan.  Both fighters will be contesting for a major world title for the first time.  Farmer, who hasn’t registered a loss since 2012, was recently shot in the right hand at a family event but is recovered and ready for a title shot. 

“This is truly a blessed Thanksgiving for me. From tearing my biceps in the second round against Ivan Redkach on April 29 to thankfully recovering from the gunshot wound to my right hand to now fighting for my first world title, I have so much to be thankful for,” said Farmer.

“I’m excited to spend the holiday with my family. They all want to talk about the fight and many of them will be in Las Vegas.”

Holiday Toy Drive 2017

Members and Friends

Once again the IBF is collecting toys and donations for our annual Holiday Toy Drive. 

This year we will be working with University Hospital in Newark, NJ.  The Family Development Center which we have worked with for several years is in the process of relocating and their new facility is not open yet.  We hope to work with them again next year, but are glad to bring some holiday cheer to the children at University Hospital.

University Hospital admits children to its pediatric unit ranging in age from infants to 18.    Any donation, large or small, would be a great help.  Please help us make this holiday season a great one for the children at University Hospital.

You can choose to donate an item or make a monetary contribution. Please send in donations to the IBF/USBA office to the attention of Jeanette Salazar/Holiday Toy Drive

If you are sending a check please make it payable to IBF.

Donations will be accepted until December 15, 2017.

IBF/USBA 899 Mountain Ave., Suite 2C, Springfield, NJ 07081 973-564-8046

Beterbiev New IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Via TKO

By Raymundo Dioses

Artur Beterbiev used a workman like effort to defeat Enrico Kolling for the vacant IBF light heavyweight title in Fresno, California.

In front of more than 13,000 fans, Beterbiev (12-0, 12KO) had to outshoot a busy Koelling in the outset, yet as Koelling slowed Beterbiev kept up the pressure. Ultimately, Beterbiev’s constant attack felled Koelling twice in the 12th round with referee Lou Moret waiving off the bout with thirty seconds left. 

Beterbiev, who turned professional in 2013 following two stints representing Russia in the Olympics, showed dominance in the power department as well as in total punches thrown with 1,111 puches to Koelling’s 252. 

“He only wanted to survive and I really wanted that KO at the end,” Beterbiev said through a translator. “This is what I have dreamed of my whole life. I am so happy.”

The IBF light heavyweight title became vacant earlier this year when undefeated champion Andre Ward retired.