YouTube personalities Logan Paul and KSI meet in a highly anticipated rematch on Saturday, Nov. 9, from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, live and exclusively on DAZN.
Their first fight, deemed the "biggest amateur boxing match history," at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, went to majority draw, with two judges scoring it 57–57 and the other 58–57 in favor of KSI. The fight was streamed on YouTube’s pay-per-view service and generated over 1 million viewers to become the largest non-professional boxing match of all time in terms of paying viewers. This time around, KSI-Logan Paul 2 will be competing professionally.
KSI, whose real name of Olajide William Olatunji, is a British internet personality. He has over 20 million subscribers on YouTube and nearly 5 billion views on the platform.
“Finally, after over a year since our rematch, I get to enter the ring once again to fight Logan Paul,” KSI said in a press release. “If I’m being honest, I didn’t fight well at all in the first fight, and even then, I still managed to draw against him.
“This time I won’t make it so close, especially now that it’s a pro fight, no head guards and 10-ounce gloves hahahaha, the time to end him is nearing. I can’t wait to see the memes of him slumped on the ground after I’ve repeatedly beaten the life out of him. He’s facing a different animal this time.”
The 24-year-old Paul has just under 20 million subscribers and 4.6 billion views on his YouTube channel. Paul became famous on the app Vine, where users uploaded six-second videos.
“I’m excited to ruin JJ's face and I want to thank DAZN for giving me the platform to do so,” Paul said. “Last fight, KSI couldn’t beat me with only three months of training under my belt. For the past year, while JJ has been wasting his time trying to become a rapper, I’ve been training every single day. I’m finally getting what I wanted from the beginning — no headgear, 10-ounce gloves, and the opportunity to dismantle JJ’s repugnant face in Los Angeles, my home city.”
No one knows what to expect from Paul and KSI, but the undercard is strong with two world title fights, with Billy Joe Saunders facing Marcelo Coceres and Devin Haney facing Alfredo Santiago. Here's a complete guide to the Logan Paul vs. KSI 2 fight.
The action for the Logan Paul vs. KSI 2 fight night gets started at 7 p.m. ET with the undercard. The main card begins at 9 p.m. ET and features rising star and WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney facing Alfredo Santiago along with Billy Joe Saunders defending the WBO super middleweight title against Marcelo Coceres.
It's all part of the build up to Paul vs. KSI in the main event. The fighters are expected to take their ring walks about 11:15 p.m. ET, depending on the length of the earlier fights.
]]>You may not recognize Andy Ruiz Jr. when he steps into the ring against Anthony Joshua on Dec. 7 in Saudi Arabia.
Ruiz said Saturday he hopes to be eight pounds lighter for the rematch of his stunning June win.
"The point wasn't to drop a lot of weight," Ruiz said on DAZN during the lead-up to the Canelo Alvarez vs. Andrey Kovalev bout. "The main thing was just to stay in the gym, stay active, eat right ... so I still feel strong, I still feel fast."
The 30-year-old already looks slimmer than he did June 7, when he became unified world heavyweight champion by TKO.
Michael Hunter ll@MichaelHunterII
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Ruiz said he expects Joshua to "box [him] around."
"I wanted to be a little lighter, a little faster throwing combinations," Ruiz said. "I don't think he's going to — how can I say this — go head-to-head to me. If he does that, even better. But we've been working on different styles."
Their first fight lasted into the seventh round before the referee stopped the fight following Ruiz's fourth knockdown of Joshua.
Both boxers' game plans could be significantly different for the rematch, though, Ruiz said.
And despite his increased prominence in the boxing world as a result of his win, Ruiz said he hasn't lost his fire.
"I still [have] a lot more to prove. A lot of people are saying that it was just a lucky shot, but no way, man," Ruiz said. "I've been working so hard for this opportunity."
]]>In the co-main event, Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (21-2, 17 KOs) will officially make his debut at 135 pounds after losing his WBA super featherweight world title against Andrew “El Chango” Cancio. Machado will look to make a campaign for a world title in this new division.
Also, super middleweight Erik Bazinyan (23-0, 17 KOs) will defend his NABA world title in a 10-round clash. Opponents for Machado and Bazinyan will be announced shortly.
In other action, Alexis “Lex” Rocha (14-0, 9 KOs) will defend his WBC Continental Americas welterweight title in a 10-round bout against Michael “The Artist” Perez (25-3-1, 11 KOs).
Luis Feliciano (13-0, 8 KOs) will defend his NABF super lightweight title against Herbert “Ace” Acevedo (16-2-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round fight.
Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (9-1, 6 KOs) will open the night in an eight-round lightweight clash.
]]>‘Miracle Man’ makes 168lb debut against Mexican star on December 20, 2019.
Daniel Jacobs and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will clash in a Super-Middleweight showdown at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday December 20, live on DAZN!
Jacobs (35-3 29 KOs) makes the move up to 168lbs following his Middleweight unification showdown with Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas in May, putting his IBF crown on the line against the pound-for-pound Mexican king and WBC and WBA ruler who edged out Jacobs on the cards.
The two-time ruler at 160lbs will make the first steps to becoming a two-weight World champion in Phoenix and does so against Mexican fan-favorite Chavez Jr (51-3-1 33 KOs). It’s a special night for the former WBC 160lb champion Chavez Jr. as he takes on the ‘Miracle Man’ at the same venue his legendary father closed the curtain on his incredible career in 2005.
Chavez Jr. ruled the roost at Middleweight in at the turn of the decade with a record at 160lbs reading as a who’s who of the best at the weight in recent history. The 33 year old returned to action in August with a first round KO win in his 56th pro outing following his own clash with Canelo back in May 2017, and like Jacobs, he sees the Phoenix clash as the first step in adding World titles at 168lbs to his Middleweight crown.
“I am thrilled to be making my debut at Super-Middleweight on December 20 against Julio Cesar Chavez,” said Jacobs. “I’ve achieved a dream of becoming a World champion at Middleweight and now I am seeking to secure my legacy by becoming a two-weight World champion. There are some great fighters and champions at 168lbs and I believe that I will be a different beast up at Super-Middleweight. Facing Julio is a great test for my first fight, he’s a former Middleweight champion like me and he has the same goal as I do – Julio is always in great fight and I am sure that our styles will gel to be a thriller for the fans, and I plan to announce my arrival at 168lbs in style.”
“Going against Daniel Jacobs is the perfect fight for me because there is so much on the line,” said Chavez Jr. “A victory gets me one step closer to a world championship and I’m not going to let anyone stand in my way.
“I know that Daniel Jacobs is a former world champion and is a strong fighter with very good boxing skills. Those are the kind of boxers that bring out the best in me. I’ve been working hard in the gym and can’t wait to let everyone see what I’ve been working on. I’m very motivated to get the win and at the end of the night I will have my hand raised in victory. I ask my fans to believe in me. I will deliver.”
"As DAZN's fight season continues, we are thrilled to bring boxing fans a huge super middleweight fight to close out teh calendar year," said Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America. "Both Daniel Jacobs and Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. are in a position to prove themselves as title contenders on Dec. 20 and the winner will position themselves for a career-defining fight in 2020."
]]>DAZN
10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Featherweight World Title Bout: Julia Budd (13-2) vs. Cris “Cyborg” (21-2, 1 NC)
Featherweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal Bout: Darrion Caldwell (14-3) vs. Adam Borics (14-0)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Henry Corrales (17-4) vs. Juan Archuleta (23-2)
Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Sergio Pettis (18-5) vs. Alfred Khashakyan (11-4)
Welterweight Main Card Bout: Raymond Daniels (1-1) vs. Jason King (8-5, 1 NC)
Strawweight Main Card Bout: Ava Knight (1-0) vs. Emilee King (3-3)
Preliminary Card:
DAZN, Bellator.com & the Bellator Mobile App
7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Aaron Pico (4-3) vs. Daniel Carey (7-3)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: AJ Agazarm (3-0) vs. Adel Altamimi (8-6)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jay-Jay Wilson (4-0) vs. Mario Navarro (4-5)
Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Miguel Jacob (3-0) vs. David Pacheco (1-0)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Anthony Taylor (5-5) vs. Chris Avila (6-8)
180-Pound Contract Weight Preliminary Bout: Curtis Millender (17-5) vs. Moses Murrietta (8-3)
160-Pound Contract Weight Preliminary Bout: Brandon Bender (12-1) vs. Joshua Jones (9-5)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Ricardo Seixas (8-2) vs. Dominic Clark (14-9)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Tony Bartovich (Pro Debut) vs. Jarrett Connor (Pro Debut)
*Card subject to change.
]]>7:30 pm ET | 4:30 pm PT
PRELIMS
Fri. Mar 13
10:00 pm ET | 7:00 pm PT
MAIN CARD
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Three world rulers put their belts on the Line in Mexico City on October 23
on Friday, October 23 at Azteca Studios in Mexico City with a World title triple-header led by champions Juan Francisco Estrada, Román ‘Chocolatito’ González and Julio Cesar Martinez, live onDAZN in the U.S. and on TV Azteca in Mexico, on a huge fight night brought to you by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing with Zanfer Promotions.
Juan Francisco Estrada (40-3, 27 KOs) will defend his WBC and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles in a rematch with Carlos Cuadras. Estrada makes the second defense of the belts having stopped Dewayne Beamon in nine rounds of action in Hermosillo in Mexico in August 2019, four months after ripping the belts from Srisaket Sor Rungvisai with a brilliant performance in their rematch in Los Angeles.
Victory in Mexico City for both Estrada and Chocolatito could lead to a rematch between the pair eight years after Chocolatito won their first meeting, but Cuadras has other ideas.
Estrada and Cuadras tangled for the first time in September 2017 in an ultra-competitive showdown, where an 11th round knockdown by Estrada proved decisive in all three judges awarding him the fight by a solitary point. Cuadras (39-3-1, 27 KOs) enters the bout with three wins on the spin and the 32-year-old will be putting it all on the line to become a two-time WBC champion at Super-Flyweight.
“I am excited to return to the ring,” said Estrada. “It has been tough months for the whole world and we want to give a great show to all the fans of this sport.
“The first fight against Cuadras was a good fight, without a doubt this will be too. Also, we are going to share the show Chocolatito and I and if everything goes well, we hope to see each other again soon.”
“I am going to correct the mistakes that were made in the first fight against Gallo to go out with my hand up in this new opportunity that is being presented to me,” said Cuadras. “I want to show that I am one of the best in this division.”
Chocolatito (49-2, 41 KOs) is back at the summit of the sport after rolling back the years with a vintage win over Kal Yafai in February. The Nicaraguan ace stopped the unbeaten Briton in the ninth round in Dallas to become a World Super-Flyweight champion for the second time, and the four weight World ruler will defend the WBA belt he ripped from Yafai and aim to set up another clash with Estrada against a former Yafai victim, Israel Gonzalez.
Gonzalez (25-3, 11 KOs) ran Yafai close for the WBA crown in Monte Carlo in November 2018 and his clash with Chocolatito will be his third World title shot, having challenged Jerwin Ancajas for the IBF strap in February 2018.
“I want to thank God for giving me the strength to endure the sport I love and defend my World title,” said Chocolatito. “I want to thank Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing as well as my family of Teiken. I also want to thank all my fans, especially my Mexican friends and Zanfer promotions for giving me this great opportunity. It is truly a blessing to fight in Mexico and I am ready to give my all on October 23.”
“It’s a goal of mine beating Chocolatito especially when the fight is in Mexico,” said Gonzalez. “I feel the compromise of giving a great fight for the fans and for every Mexican fighter that have fought for a World title.”
The third World title fight on the bill sees a welcome return to the ring for one of boxing’s most exciting rising stars as Julio Cesar Martinez puts his WBC World Flyweight strap on the line against IBO champion Maximino Flores.
Martinez (16-1, 12 KOs) is becoming a must-see attraction in the sport with his all-action style and ferocious power, and the 25-year-old Mexican puts his belt on the line for the second time since beating Cristofer Rosales inside nine rounds in December, and seeing off the spirited challenge of Jay Harris in Dallas in February.
Flores (25-4-2, 17 KOs) landed the vacant IBO crown in August with victory on hostile territory over Carlo Penalosa in the Philippines, and the 29-year-old can add another title straight away with victory in this all-Mexican bout.
“I’ve been preparing very well here with my trainer Mauricio Aceves,” said Martinez. “We’re having a very strong camp. Thank God that I’ve still been able to work out throughout the pandemic. Either my trainer comes to my house or I go to his. Either way I haven’t lost my conditioning.
“Thank God I haven’t been directly affected by the pandemic. I’ve been able to remain active with running and practical skills with the help of Mauricio. We’re just here putting the final touches on my training but I’m very confident that my trainer has me in the best shape for this upcoming fight.”
“The whole world will know my name when I beat Martinez,” said Flores. “It is a unique opportunity in my career, and I have to take advantage of it. All my life I have prepared for this moment”.
Three of Eddie Hearn’s young tyros make their return to action on the bill, with Diego Pacheco (9-0 7 KOs) boxing for the tenth time in the paid ranks, Austin Williams (5-0 4 KOs) making a second foray outside the States in his sixth pro fight and Otha Jones III (5-0 2 KOs) also boxing for the sixth time as a pro.
“I can’t wait for our return to Mexico with this triple-header of World title action,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Three of the very best World champions are in action and in real tests for their crowns.
“A rematch between Juan Francisco Estrada and Chocolatito is a done deal for the first quarter of 2021 but they both have hard fights ahead. Estrada’s first fight with Carlos Cuadras was nip and tuck war, and Carlos is full of confidence that he’ll get a big victory this time.
“Chocolatito was outstanding in beating Brit Kal Yafai in Dallas, and the former pound-for-pound king has a new lease of life as he chases more belts – but must be at his best against his Mexican namesake aiming for third time lucky in his hunt for a World title.
“Julio Cesar Martinez is one of the most thrilling World champions out there right now and I can’t wait to see him back in action. The firecracker Mexican guarantees excitement, and with Maximino Flores having a high KO percentage himself and coming in after landing the IBO belt, this will catch fire straight away.
“Three incredibly talented youngsters are back in the ring on the night in Diego, Ammo and OJIII – it’s a stacked night of action and one not to be missed!”
“We are going to give the fans a high-quality card as they always deserve it,” said Fernando Beltran from Zanfer Promotions. “Very interesting fights with great sports idols who always leave everything in the ring.”
]]>
FRIDAY, OCT. 30 AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO AND STREAMED LIVE ON DAZN
INDIO, CALIF. (Sept. 22, 2020) – Mexico’s rising middleweight star Jaime Munguia (35-0, 28 KOs) will return to the ring to defend his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship against Tureano Johnson (21-2-1, 15 KOs) in a 12-round battle on Friday, October 30 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. The fight will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.
Additional information for this card will be announced shortly. The event will be closed to the public and media.
“Jaime Munguia has all the qualities to become Mexico’s biggest boxing superstar,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “He’s tough, charismatic and has the physique to win world titles at both middleweight and super middleweight after a successful reign at 154 pounds. However, Tureano Johnson is coming off an impressive knockout win against Jason Quigley in which he handed him his first loss, something he definitely wants to do against Munguia as well. This is a veritable crossroads fight, and the winner will cement his case for a world title opportunity and be a threat to any of the champions.”
Munguia is a 23-year-old contender of Tijuana, Mexico who catapulted to the highest levels of the 154-pound division by knocking out Sadam "World Kid" Ali in May to capture the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title. Munguia then defended his title against Liam "Beefy" Smith, Brandon "Bad Boy" Cook, Takeshi Inoue, Dennis Hogan and Patrick Allotey. After five defenses at junior middleweight, Munguia moved up to 160 pounds to capture the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title against Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan. Now, he’ll face his toughest test to date against a battle-tested warrior Johnson.
“It’s a great honor to be returning during these tough times,” said Jaime Munguia. “I hope to deliver excitement and entertainment to the fans as the world begins to slowly make its return to normalcy. At the same time, I have been training and improving my skills with my team at the Ceremonial Center in Otomi [Mexico], and I will show everyone that Jaime Munguia is ready for the best in the division.”
“I am very happy and excited,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions. “With so many issues that are taking place on a global level, it is an honor to have the most charismatic boxer in Mexico in Jaime Munguia returning to the ring.”
Johnson is a 36-year-old contender who hopes to fight for a world title despite some setbacks in his career. Johnson's only losses were against Curtis "The Cerebral Assassin" Stevens and Sergiy "The Technician" Derevyanchenko. After a very tough battle against Fernando "El Huracan" Castaneda in February, the native of Nassau, Bahamas bounced back by handing Jason Quigley his first loss and capturing the NABF Middleweight Title. Johnson is eager to show everyone that he is world championship caliber.
“I am excited about the opportunity to fight Jaime Munguia,” said Tureano Johnson. “The setbacks I have had in my career have only made me stronger. Munguia is a tough undefeated fighter, but I will hand him his first defeat as I pursue my quest to be the middleweight champion of the world.”
Munguia vs. Johnson is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Hennessy "Never Stop. Never Settle" and “BetOnline - Your Online Sportsbook Experts." The fight will take place on Friday, October 30 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN
]]>Jacobs and Rosado have built up a rivalry over the last year and now that comes to a head three weeks after Haney vs. Gamboa.
Jacobs (36-3, 30 KOs) made the first steps on his target of becoming a two-weight World champion with victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in Phoenix, Arizona in December. That was the “Miracle Man’s” first foray into the 168-lbs. scene after the two-time World Middleweight king moved up from 160 lbs. after his unification clash with Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas in May 2019.
Rosado (25-12-1, 14 KOs) appeared on the undercard in Phoenix and clashed with Jacobs ahead of the weigh-in. The Philly ace recorded a ten round points win that night to return to winning ways following his thrilling back-and-forth battle with Maciej Sulecki on home turf in March 2019, and the 34-year-old will be out to fire himself into contention for the World title clash that Jacobs seeks.
“Gabe talked his way into this fight and now it’s time to see if he can back it up,” said Jacobs. “He’s got a big mouth and he’s been bringing up my name constantly for over a year – but on Nov. 27 the talking stops and I can’t wait to shut him up. My aim is to become a two-weight division World champion in 2021 and that starts with a big win in Florida. After that, I’m ready to step up and fight one of the World champions at 168 pounds.”
“I’m really excited for the fight,” said Rosado. “There’s been a lot of back and forth between me and Jacobs, and for the fight to finally happen, I’m more than ready. I’ve started training camp with Freddie Roach in LA at Wild Card Boxing, and I’m just looking to put on one hell of a show for the fans. I’m definitely going to bring the fight to Danny and it’s going to be great.”
Marc Castro will make his pro debut on the undercard of Jacobs vs. Rosado. The Fresno talent was slated to make his bow in the paid ranks in Tulsa, Oklahoma in August, but he tested positive for COVID-19. Now the amateur sensation finally laces them up and is joined on the undercard by fellow amateur rulers in Olympic gold medalist Daniyar Yeleussinov (9-0, 5 KOs), three-time World amateur champion Magomedrasul Majidov (2-0, 2 KOs), and young talents Nikita Ababiy (9-0, 6 KOs) and Alexis Espino (6-0, 4 KOs).
]]>Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) recaptured his belts and position as the Unified Heavyweight World Champion with a masterful unanimous decision victory over Andy Ruiz Jr at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia on an historical night in December that saw the Heavyweight World Titles contested for the very first time in the Middle East.
December 12 will be ‘AJ’s’ first fight on UK soil in over two years, since he defended his crowns with a devastating seventh round knockout of Russia’s Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium, and the former Finchley ABC man will be aiming to deal with Pulev in style to set up an Undisputed showdown against WBC Champion and fellow Brit Tyson Fury in 2021.
Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs), the IBF’s No.1-ranked Heavyweight Mandatory Challenger, gets his second shot at World honours after his defeat to modern legend Wladimir Klitschko in 2014 – the only loss of his 29-fight professional career. He has won eight fights in a row since then, including victories over Derek Chisora and an IBF Eliminator win over Hughie Fury in 2018.
The Bulgarian superstar was set to challenge Joshua at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in October 2017 but was forced to withdraw through an injury and will now get his opportunity to ruin the champion’s plans to face Fury in an all-British blockbuster showdown in the future.
]]>Gennadiy Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KOs) is putting his IBF and IBO belts up for grabs against Kamil Szeremeta (21-0, five KOs) on December 18 on DAZN. GGG will be searching for a record-breaking 21st title defense as Szeremeta looks to remain undefeated in his professional career.
The bout is being held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Szeremeta was set to challenge Golovkin back in February but an injury delayed the event. The rescheduled date in March was later scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Golovkin last defeated Sergiy Derevyanchenko via unanimous decision to secure the IBF and IBO middleweight titles. It was the continuation of a new win streak for GGG, who knocked out Steve Rolls in four rounds nine months after losing his WBA and WBC middleweight titles to Canelo Alvarez in September 2018.
The majority decision for Alvarez marked the first loss of Golovkin's career after 38 professional bouts. Golovkin previously battled Alvarez to a split-decision draw in their first matchup a year earlier.
A victory against Szeremeta could trigger a trilogy fight between Alvarez and Golovkin, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi.
]]>Alvarez (53-1-2 36 KOs) is back in action for the first time since knocking out Sergey Kovalev in November 2019 in Las Vegas, ripping the WBO World Light-Heavyweight title from the Russian to become a four-weight World ruler.
The Mexican superstar beat Smith’s old foe and fellow Liverpool fighter Rocky Fielding in December 2018 to win the WBA regular belt at 168lbs – his third weight to rule at – and will be gunning to follow his domination at Middleweight up to Super-Middle.
Smith (27-0 19 KOs) has landed the huge fight he has craved, and the powerful Brit will be out to cement his position as top dog at 168lbs. ‘Mundo’ landed the WBA and Ring belts he puts on the line with a clinical stoppage win over fellow countryman George Groves in the seventh round of final of the inaugural World Boxing Super Series in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in September 2018.
The 30 year old has defended the titles twice since, stopping Hassan N’Dam in New York in June 2019 and then outpointing John Ryder in his Liverpool hometown five months later. Smith will also be out for family revenge when he steps through the ropes, with Canelo having beaten Smith’s brother Liam in Texas in September 2016.
I TRULY BELIEVE I BEAT HIM AND WILL PROVE THAT 168LBS IS MY DIVISION.
- CALLUM SMITH
“I’m very happy to return to the ring and continue to make history,” said Canelo. “I am motivated to continue to be the best, and I look forward to fighting Callum Smith, who is one of the best at 168lbs.”
“We are very happy to return to the ring and close out the year with one more victory to continue demonstrating that Canelo is the best boxer on this planet,” said Eddy Reynoso, Sport and Talent director at Canelo Promotions and Canelo’s trainer.
“I’ve been wanting a big fight since becoming World champion, so I’m so pleased that during these challenging times we can deliver to the fans a fight between the very best in the division,” said Smith. “I truly believe I beat him and will prove that 168lbs is my division.”
]]>Ryan Garcia meets Luke Campbell in a fight to be shown on DAZN in the U.K. and Ireland as the service launches globally.
The lightweight pair have talked up a potential clash for months but now face each other with the victor likely to face WBC regular lightweight champion Devin Haney.
At 33, Campbell (20-3, 16 KOs) has a disappointing track record at the top of the division — losing in 2017 to Jorge Linares for the WBA title and then to Vasiliy Lomachenko in August 2019 — but has vastly more experience than the young Californian.
The 22-year-old American told Sky Sports that he was totally confident of victory, and could end his opponent’s career.
"This is his last chance, but I’m going to have to put the nail on the coffin now,” he said.
“I’m going to have to do that to him. He got a lot of quick chances. He got fast-tracked because he won the gold medal [in the 2012 Olympics].”
Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs) then played down his rival’s chances of knocking him down, suggesting he does not have the strength to challenge him.
"I’m still the young gun coming up. I keep hearing that he’s going to knock me out.
“You couldn’t even knock out a 126-pounder in Loma. He’s not going to beat me.
"That’s just the facts of the matter. He’s talking a big game, but he’s going to learn real quick that I hit a lot harder than Loma."
Campbell believes that his experience puts him at an advantage when it comes to the relatively green Garcia.
"Garcia has speed and power and a lot of social media fame but he also looks like he could take a good beating,” Campbell claimed.
“I still feel like a fresh up-and-comer but I am also ready to be the boogieman for these new kids on the block, I feel I am the toughest fight for all of these guys."
Garcia vs. Campbell was originally scheduled for Dec. 5, but following the news of Campbell's positive COVID-19 test, the fight was pushed back to Jan. 2. The card will start at 22.00 GMT, with Garcia and Campbell expected to make their ring walks about 23.00 GMT.
]]>BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTS “KNUCKLEMANIA”
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5th 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.
PAIGE VAN ZANT VS. BRITAIN HART
JOHNNY BEDFORD VS. DAT NGUYEN
CHRIS LEBEN VS. QUENTIN HENRY
LIVE ON PAY-PER VIEW!!
Headlining “KNUCKLEMANIA” is the Highly Anticipated Debut of Combat Sports Superstar Paige Van Zant facing Britain Hart in the featherweight division. Co-featured ‘Brutal’ Johnny Bedford clashes with Dat ‘Be Dat’ Nguyen for the BKFC Bantamweight World Title. In a special attraction fight Chris ‘The Crippler’ Leben battles Quentin ‘The Hero’ Henry in the 205lb. division.
“Since we signed Paige Van Zant in August it’s been the talk of the combat sports world,” said Dave Feldman, President of BKFC. “We’re very excited to announce her BKFC debut against a very tough fighter, Britain Hart, headlining our biggest event of the year, “KNUCKLEMANIA”, on February 5 in Lakeland, FL, two nights before the Super Bowl in nearby Tampa.”
“Our BKFC Bantamweight World Championship fight between Johnny Bedford and Dat Nguyen promises fireworks from the opening bell and our 205lb. battle between Chris Leben and Quentin Henry is a true ‘Don’t’ Blink’ fight as hard and fast as both guys hit with bigger fights on the horizon for the victor. Additionally, we’re putting together an action-packed undercard that our fans have come to expect, it’s going to be a tremendous night for those in attendance in Lakeland and watching on Pay-Per-View. This is our third event in the Tampa area and we are incredibly thankful for the great support and enthusiasm from the local fans.”
“We are very excited that BKFC have chosen the RP Funding Center to host their “KNUCKLEMANIA” event on February 5th. “We will be socially distancing and following COVID protocols to ensure patrons a safe and comfortable experience in which to enjoy all the action”, said Scott Sloman, RP Funding Center Assistant Director.
Starting in 2014, the 26-year-old Paige Van Zant was one of the biggest stars in UFC. Known for her heavy hands and armed with a vast international social media following, she has been training for the last five months at the renowned American Top Team facility in Coconut Creek, FL.
Fighting out of Bedford, VA, the thirty-year-old Britain Hart is coming off a show-stopping fourth round knockout of Randine Elkholm at BKFC-14 on November 13, 2020 in Miami, FL. Following the fight, Hart called Van Zant into the ring and emphatically stated ‘You’re Next’ as they faced off for the crowd and cameras.
Sporting a BKFC record of 5-0 with three knockouts, fan favorite Johnny Bedford won the BKFC Lightweight Tournament with a unanimous decision over Reggie Barnett, Jr. on June 22, 2019. Following up, Bedford stopped Charles Bennett in the second round on November 16, 2019 at BKFC-9, his last fight. Prior to fighting in BKFC, Bedford held a record of 23-14 with ten knockouts in MMA competition including fights in UFC and Bellator.
Born in Bien Hoa, Vietnam and currently residing in Vero Beach, FL, Dat Nguyen compiled a record of 20-3 with seven knockouts as a world ranked professional boxer. Transitioning to BKFC last year, the heavy-handed Nguyen is 2-0, his most recent knockout coming in the first round against Abdiel Velazquez at BKFC-10 on February 15, 2020 in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
A native of Oahu, Hawaii, Chris Leben was a highly accomplished mixed martial arts fighter compiling a record of 22-11 while competing in the UFC over a 15-year period including a first-round knockout of Wanderlei Silva. He kicked off his bare-knuckle campaign with first round knockouts of Phil Baroni and Justin Baesman before losing a very hotly contested decision to Dakota Cochrane at BKFC-6 on June 22, 2019 in Tampa, FL.
The all-action Quentin Henry of West Monroe, LA makes a quick return to the squared circle following an electrifying first round knockout of Jason Fann on December 11, 2020 at BKFC-15 in Biloxi, MS in his first BKFC fight, Henry also knocked out Bubba Malbrough in the first round on August 10, 2019 at the company’s seventh event.
Further details for additional bouts at “KNUCKLEMANIA” will be announced shortly.
]]>CANELO DEFENDS SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLES AGAINST YILDIRIM IN MIAMI
Mexican pound-for-pound king meets WBC mandatory on Feb 27, 2021
Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez will defend his WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight titles against Avni Yildirim on Saturday February 27 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, live on DAZN.
Canelo (54-1-2 36 KOs) cemented himself as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world and the top dog in the 168lb division with a dominant win over previously unbeaten Briton Callum Smith in San Antonio, Texas in December with the WBA, vacant WBC and Ring Magazine belts on the line in front of a sold-out socially distanced crowd in the Lone Star state.
The Mexican star declared after the fight his desire to become the undisputed champion at Super-Middleweight, but before targeting the remaining belts, the four weight World ruler must deal with his dangerous WBC mandatory Yildirim at the home of the Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes.
“Avni Yildirim is a good boxer and I know we will put on an exciting fight,” said Canelo. “I’m very glad that we are able to bring this event to Miami, a short distance from where my hero, Muhammad Ali, trained. February 27 will be a great night for the sport.”
“On February 27, we take the next step in our journey to unify the Super-Middleweight division,” said Eddy Reynoso, Sport and Talent director at Canelo Promotions and Canelo’s trainer. “We will be facing our WBC mandatory opponent, Avni Yildirim. We are very happy with the alliance we have with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom to put on this bout together, especially in a new venue for us.”
Yildirim (21-2 12 KOs) has been biding his time to fight for the WBC title once again, having been frustrated in his last outing when his clash for the vacant crown with Anthony Dirrell in Minnesota in February 2019, with the clash ending in a technical decision win for Dirrell after he suffered a cut over his eye.
The 29 year old challenger will be aiming to shock the world two years on from that disappointment and does so in his third fight in the States and second in Miami, having beaten the ‘Road Warrior’ Glen Johnson in August 2015, and the Turkish star returns to the Sunshine State for the biggest night of his career.
“I am honored as a mandatory to fight again for the big green belt - thank you to everyone who is involved,” said Yildirim. “I always give my all – and everybody should be ready to see a war. I am coming to make my country proud – I am representing the whole of Turkey.”
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Triple-header of World title action
Jessica McCaskill and Cecelia Brækhus will rematch for the undisputed World Welterweight title on a stacked card on March 13 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, live on DAZN globally, on a stacked card topped by the rematch between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez.
McCaskill (9-2 3 KOs) ripped the belts from the Norwegian star on the streets of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma in August, snapping the long-standing unbeaten via majority decision and becoming a two-weight World champion in just her 11th pro fight in the process.
Brækhus (36-1 9 KOs) was denied a record-breaking night with McCaskill preventing her from recording her 25th consecutive successful World title defense, but she activated the rematch clause and will now go for revenge in the Lone Star state against the Chicagoan – but the champion was succinct in her belief that the belts will remain hers.
“I interrupted her career in the first fight,” said McCaskill. “I will end her career in the rematch."
“I’m very focused on regaining all of my undisputed belts on March 13 in the rematch against Jessica,” said Brækhus. “It will be a very special night in Dallas for my supporters and for all of my worldwide fans who can watch the fight on the DAZN.”
On a huge triple-header of World title action, Hiroto Kyoguchi will defend his WBA and Ring Magazine World Light-Flyweight titles against Axel Vega.
Kyoguchi (14-0 9 KOs) makes his third defense of the WBA crown having stopped Heikke Budler for the strap in December 2018 to become a two-weight World ruler and then seeing off the challenges of Tanawat Nakoon and Tetsuya Hisada in June and October of 2019. In December, Matchroom announced a multi-fight promotional deal with the Japanese star, working with Canelo Promotions and manager Eddy Reynoso, and that relationship kicks off with his clash with Vega.
Kyoguchi fights for the first time in the States against the 20 year old Mexican (14-3-1 8 KOs) who gunning for a World title in his second attempt having challenged for the WBO Minimumweight strap in October 2019.
“I am honored to fight for the first time in America on such a great card,” said Kyoguchi. “I want to thank my team for making this happen. Axel is a great young fighter, and it will be an exciting fight. I cannot wait to put on a show for the American fans and show that I am ready to unify the division in 2021.”
“I’m very happy to receive this world title shot,” said Vega. “Kyoguchi is a great champion but I’m a hungry young contender and will conquer the championship on March 13. I want to thank my promoter Tuto Zabala Jr (All Star Boxing) for turning around so quickly, one week after signing and here is my chance, also to my manager Joe Gonzalez and to Eddie Hearn.”
“With a brilliant main event in the rematch between Estrada and Chocolatito and plenty of young talents to be added to the card, this is an unmissable feast of fights for the fans in Dallas and on DAZN.”
]]>BELLATOR MMA makes its highly anticipated debut on SHOWTIME, as the greatest fighter in BELLATOR history and reigning two-division champion, Patricio “Pitbull” (31-4), defends his featherweight title in a rematch against the gritty Emmanuel “El Matador” Sanchez (20-4) in the semifinals of the BELLATOR MMA Featherweight World Grand Prix. The winner moves on to face undefeated AJ “Mercenary” McKee (17-0) in the tournament finals with a shot to take home BELLATOR gold and the $1 million grand prize. Live from Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT.
]]>The BELLATOR MMA Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix kicks off, as heavyweight champ Ryan “Darth” Bader (27-6, 1 NC) begins his quest to claim a second BELLATOR championship when he meets former titleholder Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida (26-10) in a rematch nearly nine years in the making. Plus, perennial top contender Corey “Overtime” Anderson (14-5) faces BELLATOR newcomer Dovletdzhan “Wolfhound” Yagshimuradov (18-5-1) in a second thrilling quarterfinal matchup. Live from Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT.
]]>The BELLATOR MMA Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix continues with current light heavyweight champ Vadim Nemkov (12-2) set to defend his belt in a rematch against former titleholder Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis (22-5, 1 NC) in the main event. Plus, the highly anticipated debuts of Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (22-6) and Yoel “Soldier of God” Romero (13-5), as they step inside the BELLATOR cage for the very first time in another explosive quarterfinal matchup. Live from Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT.
]]>BELLATOR MMA Bantamweight Champion Juan Archuleta defends his title against Sergio Pettis.
BELLATOR MMA 258: Archuleta vs. Pettis Main Card:
Friday, May 7 – live on SHOWTIME
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Bantamweight Title Bout: c-Juan Archuleta (25-2) vs. #1-Sergio Pettis (20-5)
Light Heavyweight WGP Quarterfinal Bout: Anthony Johnson (22-6) vs. Jose “Gugu” Augusto (7-2, 1 NC)
Lightweight Bout: #2-Patricky Pitbull (23-9) vs. Peter Queally (12-5-1)
175-Pound Contract Weight Bout: #2-Michael Page (18-1) vs. #6-Derek Anderson (17-3, 1 NC)
Preliminary Card:
BELLATOR MMA YouTube Channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel | Pluto TV
5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT
Bantamweight Bout: #7-Josh Hill (20-3) vs. #4-Raufeon Stots (15-1)
Middleweight Bout: Lorenz Larkin (22-7, 1 NC) vs. Rafael Carvalho (16-5)
Bantamweight Bout: #2-Patchy Mix (13-1) vs. Albert Morales (10-6-1)
Welterweight Bout: #5-Logan Storley (11-1) vs. Omar Hussein (8-2)
Middleweight Bout: #6-Johnny Eblen (7-0) vs. Daniel Madrid (18-6)
Bantamweight Bout: Henry Corrales (18-5) vs. Johnny Campbell (20-13, 1 NC)
Featherweight Bout: Weber Almeida (5-0) vs. Johnny Soto (3-1)
Bantamweight Bout: Erik Perez (19-8) vs. Blaine Shutt (8-4)
*Card subject to change.
]]>Canelo Alvarez is not wasting any time in solidifying his position as the world's best super-middleweight. After successfully overcoming the threat of Callum Smith in December 2020, Canelo tackles another Brit as he aims to add to his belt collection by taking on WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders.
After a stellar run at 160lbs where he defeated solid opponents such as Chris Eubank Jr., Andy Lee, and David Lemieux, Saunders is desperate to prove himself in a second weight class. After already claiming a world title at 12st, the 2008 Olympian now faces one of the most daunting tasks in boxing as he takes on Mexico's Pound4Pound superstar.
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BELLATOR MMA is back on SHOWTIME with an explosive main event as the greatest women’s mixed martial artist of all-time and BELLATOR Featherweight Champion Cris “Cyborg” (23-2, 1 NC) defends her world title in a rematch against top contender Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (12-8-1). “Cyborg” is undefeated since joining BELLATOR’s elite women’s 145-pound division in 2019, while Smith is determined to end that streak and put gold around her waist. Live from Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT.
]]>With lightweight currently boxing's most stacked division with the likes of Teofimo Lopez, Ryan Garcia, Gervonta Davis in the mix, Haney will be aiming to impress. For Linares, it's a chance to revisit former glories and gatecrash the hectic scene that exists in a weight class he used to rule.
]]>BELLATOR MMA's Welterweight World Champion Douglas Lima (32-8) will defend his 170-pound title against the undefeated and top-ranked Yaroslav Amosov (25-0) in the main event of BELLATOR MMA 260 on Friday, June 11 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The event will be televised live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
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BELLATOR MMA's Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Tim Johnson (15-6) will meet Valentin Moldavsky (10-1) for the interim heavyweight crown at BELLATOR MMA 261. Event will be broadcast live from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.on SHOWTIME. The bout will be the first interim title fight in promotional history.
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