Reagan Dessaix Discusses Controversial Blake Caparello Defeat And Future Plans

Credit: H.M. Murdock

Press Release: February 25, 2019 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Brisbane’s Reagan Dessaix is looking to bounce back immediately after losing a controversial decision last Friday evening to former IBO World Champion Blake Caparello. The 10 round contest saw Dessaix act as the aggressor in the contest, and appeared to be firmly in control from round 3 onwards. Despite this, the contest was awarded to Caparello by the judges at ringside, which didn’t sit too well with boxing fans on social media.

 Dessaix discussed his clash with former Sergey Kovalev foe Blake Caparello. The President’ said, “I felt I controlled the fight as did everyone in attendance and there was an outpour of dismay on social media after the fight, surely everyone can’t be wrong!

‘

“Caparello was just looking for counters then running or holding. You can’t win a fight like that. I forced the fight, throwing and landing more punches. I won the fight and everybody knows that. “I am a Queensland fighter fighting in Victoria. I was always up against it in this fight but I am not downhearted about the result. The world saw who won and I will move on now.”

Discussions amongst boxing fans of an immediate rematch were natural, as those who witnessed want to see who would emerge victorious in a rematch. Dessaix, a big supporter of Everton FC, opened up about his plans going forward. The 22-year-old said, “If the rematch was offered to me I would be interested definitely, however, it would have to be on our terms. I was the true winner so the rematch would have to be on our terms.

 “I have a great manager in Tony Tolj at Dragon Fire Boxing and our plans are to work our way up the world rankings. There are some great champions at the moment and I am only young, and I truly believe I am the heir to the Light Heavyweight thrown. Dessaix continued, “I have time on my side and I’ve already shown I am at the top level at 22. I am only going to get better and I know when the time is right I will become world champion.”

Material Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing/Photo Courtesy of: H.M. Murdock Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. JARRELL ‘BIG BABY’ MILLER - U.K. PRESS CONFERENCE

Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing USA

Press Release: By DAZN/Matchroom Boxing USA –LONDON, Feb. 25, 2019 – In a press conference on Monday afternoon, DAZN and Matchroom USA gathered across the pond in London to formally announce the United States debut of Anthony Joshua who will defend his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO World Heavyweight titles against Brooklyn’s Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller at Madison Square Garden on Saturday June 1, live on DAZN. 

Joseph Markowski – DAZN Executive Vice President, North America

“The level of interest in the fight is quite significant, and as Adam said, AJ and Jarrell spent four days in the U.S. last week speaking to press, and to be honest we could of spent four days doing more – The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, amongst Americas biggest media outlets couldn’t get enough of both fighters because like us, they believe we’re headed towards a truly special night on June 1 at Madison Square Garden. From our perspective it’s a true honor to be the host broadcaster of this event in New York, and very much like DAZN, AJ has ambitions to be a global force – to do so, occasionally you have to take your show on the road, and in this case over the pond. For the first time in his career, AJ will be fighting primetime in the United States, but it’s important to stress he’s not just fighting in America, he’s up against a dangerous opponent in Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller – a man with as much to say as anyone in the game, so it’s going to be a great night. With so many Brits making plans for June 1, we’re just very excited and looking forward to hosting all of you in New York on that night.”

Jarrell Miller  

“UK, what’s up? I’m in a better mood as you can see, I had a cup of tea. I’m just chilling, I already said what I had to say. You already know how I feel about AJ, you all know my back story, know where I come from, and know where we’re going. It’s a blessing to be here, and I just can’t wait for June 1."

“We’re going to do the thing, man. I’ve been hearing from the fans themselves saying AJ is to posh – his nose is up here sometimes. They don’t give two licks about him right now, I’m for the underdogs. For all the underdogs out there, people telling them they’re not good enough, or people telling them they’re too fat, or whatever the discrete is they want discriminate against you, don’t listen to them, just keep pushing through because I’m a proving factor that hard work and dedication, and you know one or two cheeseburgers and a cup tea you can go real far. Let’s go to work, June 1, there will be fireworks, and there will be that saying that I love so much, ‘And the new,’ so tune-in June 1 on DAZN for $9.99, and watch me kick AJ’s butt.”

On what you think it takes to get it done:

“See that’s the problem, you think, I don’t think, I just get it done. That’s my mentality, is set is any task in front of me, I go balls to the walls, there’s no turning back, no if, and, or but’s about it. If I doubted myself one step of the way I would of never made it this far, and we going to continue to go forward and keep working hard, and the game plan is stop behind in seven round – point, blank, period.”

On what would it mean to you to win the title:

“It would mean a whole lot, but we’re going in to win the title, and the title is one step of what we want to accomplish in the future - change lives, change countries, do positive things in the community, and around the world, and be a real model, not a role model where you just put make-up on and pretend to be something I’m not. Yes, winning the title is the goal right now, but we know we’re looking to future to do amazing things around the world and be an ambassador of the human race and that’s what we’re going do.”

Anthony Joshua

“New York was ten out of ten, no lie. There’s nothing like being on UK soil, got my head down, and get back to routine and regimen, and that’s how I like living my lifestyle, on a regimented format and focus on what’s ahead of me and that’s a Jarrell Miller. You know I’m not fighting any of his team members, or anyone that can speak for him, I’m fighting him. There won’t be many words said in the ring except for punches being exchanged. It’s the battle of the fittest, the battle of the smartest,  and the last man will be standing.”

On different mentality last week:

“Oh I loved it, that’s what I live for every day. It’s just another opponent – you need a dancing partner right, and Jarrell is a good dancing partner. I’m only champion till June 1, and that’s when I step on the battlefield to defend my stripes, and June 2 will be irrelevant and I step forward to next task ahead of me. It was a good time in New York, Daniel Jacobs came out, looked after me, and met so many people, radio stations, and went out of New York for a week and had a real good time.”

On opportunities being handed to him:

“You know I come from a great family, my mother raised me well, my father raised me well, my aunts and uncles, my brothers and sisters, we all look after each other. My cousin was fighting at the time, I got banned from where I grew up, got in too much trouble, and moved out of the area. I sat down in boxing because I used to drive my cousin and I was making money, had the car back then, and I used to sit back and think that looks easy. He lent me 35 pounds, about 25 dollars, I went to buy boxing boots and he gave me some shorts. I started training, I got beaten up a bit, I beat a few people up, and from the point forward I realized do I want to smoke and drink? Face the verge of jail or do I want to focus on boxing? If you look at the state of my hands, this isn’t from boxing, this is from street fighting, so I realized I was getting in trouble for fighting in the streets and getting patted on the back for boxing, so I started boxing. Boxing to me isn’t about Jarrell Miller, it’s not about Tyson Fury, Dillian Whyte, it’s about me - what does it make me, as a person. I changed my life style around, my family’s life style around and we’re impacting the community. All my friends over here, we have some great plans for the community, and that’s what impact means to me.

“This is what I know, this what I do, I don’t know no football, no rugby, no NFL, no basketball, no kickboxing. I like knocking people out, I like to beat them up. All this spirit this boy has in him, talking shit, I’m going to strip it from him. Every ounce of spirit he’s got, that’s what I do to people. I’m going to strip him of his soul in that ring. Talk about seven rounds, I will still be there fighting strong, if he’s still in there. Look at his face, I’m going to reconstruct his face on June 1, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

For more information, fans can follow DAZN’s U.S. social channels: @DAZNUSA on Facebook, @DAZN_USA for Twitter, and DAZN_USA for Instagram.

About DAZN:

Globally, DAZN is a live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all the service's sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Italy and the U.S. - where it is a must-have service for sports fans, with a daily show featuring live look-ins to Major League Baseball games beginning in 2019 and more than 100 fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, Golden Boy Promotions, the World Boxing Super Series, and Combate Americas.

Material Courtesy of: DAZN/ Photo Courtesy of: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing USA Used with permission.

To subscribe to DAZN, a list of connected streaming devices, availability internationally, schedules, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Thoughts On Rios-Soto

In previewing the Welterweight battle between longtime contender Brandon Rios and former two-division world champion Humberto Soto, this observer called it the very definition of a “Crossroads Fight.” Two fighters at the stage in their respective careers where both are attempting to rebuild and get back into contention for an opportunity at a world championship.

Readers may have noticed in that preview prior to the fight that yours truly did not spend much time analyzing what each fighter brought into the fight. This was because I felt overall that the story of the encounter was one that was straightforward in terms of the style of the two fighters. A fighter in Rios, who is known as someone who will come forward and attempt to both apply constant pressure and a high offensive output against a boxer/puncher in Soto, who could go toe to toe with his opposition if needed, but was more known for being a tactician in his approach.

When it comes to a straightforward stylistic fight such as this, it will often come down to who is able to dictate the tempo of the combat as I said in previewing this encounter. It did not take long when the two fighters met on February 23^rd at the Municipal Auditorium in Tijuana, MX to find out who that fighter would be. Humberto Soto would make the story of this fight one that would be simple to describe.

For twelve rounds, Soto put on what could best be described as a Boxing lesson. Soto generally was able to get his punches off first and dictate how the fight was fought. What particularly impressed me about Soto’s performance was that he gave Rios angles and timed his offense consistently throughout the fight. This included throwing his punches in short spurts and often in combination. Despite being under consistent pressure by Rios throughput the fight, it was Soto’s timing that would offset that pressure and even at times catch Rios as he was coming forward while Soto was against the ropes.

What was also not touched upon by yours truly in previewing this fight was that this was also an encounter one might argue between two advanced-age fighters. Although some might not think of the age of thirty-two, the age of Brandon Rios, and the age of thirty-eight, the age of Humberto Soto as advanced it is important to remember that both fighters have been through their share of wars throughout their careers. Even in an era where several marquee fighters have been able to compete at the top level of the sport well into their forties, it is still an impressive feat to see a fighter do what Humberto Soto was able to do in this fight as the offense in spurts, effective angles, as well as being able to make the punches Rios threw less effective resulted in a convincing twelve round unanimous decision.

Despite having periodic moments throughout the fight, Rios could not find a way to turn the ebb and flow of the combat in his favor. One aspect of offense that I feel would have served Rios well would have been to attempt to attack Soto’s body more consistently throughout the fight. This theoretically would have had an effect on Soto’s movement as the fight progressed and perhaps would have made him more vulnerable to Rios’s pressure. By being unable to get his punches off first and unable to stop Soto’s offensive spurts, it did not lead to success in this fight for Brandon Rios.

While some might say that the fighter who did not emerge from this encounter with a victory might be heading for retirement I’m not sure. Despite the result of the fight being clear and convincing in favor of Soto, it was still a competitive bout that was entertaining to watch. Even though he came out of this fight on the losing end, Brandon Rios remains a fighter with an entertaining style, who no matter who he fights will provide excitement for Boxing fans. Although this fight was between two fighters on the comeback trail, it is also important to remember that one loss does not always indicate whether a fighter’s comeback was overall a success or failure.

This observer does not believe Brandon Rios is done necessarily as a fighter. I do believe however, that he should take some time to recoup from this fight and reevaluate what did not work in this fight and see if he can adapt in subsequent fights to come.

As for Humberto Soto, he will likely get another opportunity against a top contender in the talent deep Welterweight division. Whether or not Soto, who has previously held world championships in the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight and 135lb. Lightweight divisions will get an opportunity to become a three-division world champion in the 147lb. Welterweight division remains to be seen. If he can continue to win and more specifically win in impressive fashion as he was able to do in this fight against Brandon Rios, Humberto Soto may be the latest in a growing list of notable boxers to prove that for some fighting and competing at a top level at what is seen as an advanced-age can be done and be done successfully.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

Brief Update

We would like to let our readers know that new material discussing the recent Welterweight bout between two-division world champion Humberto Soto and longtime top contender Brandon Rios is currently in the works and will be released here on the website on Monday, February 25th. Stay tuned. "And That's The Boxing Truth."

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

Rios-Soto: A Crossroads Battle

It can at times be a cliché, but there are two central stories that just about any fan of Boxing or by extension all of combat sports are familiar with. The first of course centers on a fighter’s rise through the ranks as they garner attention of fans, develop a following, and hopefully conclude that rise by fighting for and winning a world championship. As common as the story of fighter’s rise is, so too is the second story. A fighter’s attempt to rebuild their career after suffering a setback or setbacks, a stage more commonly referred to as “A Comeback.”

Brandon Rios has been a fighter who has endeared himself to Boxing fans with a crowd pleasing style and his willingness to fight anymore. Rios, who at one time held interim/regular champion status in the World Boxing Association (WBA) ratings as a 135lb. Lightweight, has faced several top fighters throughout his career including Manny Pacquiao, Timothy Bradley, and Danny Garcia just to name a few. Although he has not gone beyond the status of a top contender, Rios’ style is one that always ensures fans of an exciting fight.  After being stopped in February of last year by Danny Garcia, one may have wondered how much Rios had left in him as a fighter.

The longtime contender however, began his rebuilding process in November of last year scoring an impressive ninth round stoppage of veteran Ramon Alvarez. Now Rios looks to continue his comeback as he will face former two-division world champion Humberto Soto on Saturday night at the Municipal Auditorium in Tijuana, MX. The fight, which will main event a card televised by digital streaming network DAZN is the very definition of a “Crossroads fight” between two veterans.

In Soto, Rios will face a veteran of eighty professional fights and a fighter who much like Rios has faced some of the best fighters of his era. Soto has held world championships in both the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight and 135lb. Lightweight divisions. While both fighters have previously fought at lower weights, this bout will be fought in the 147lb. Welterweight division, a weight class where both fighters have spent their recent careers competing in.

Soto is at a similar stage in his career as Rios having won his last three fights since losing a ten round decision to Antonio Orozco in October 2015. Despite scoring two knockouts in those three wins, those three opponents were not well-known and facing a fighter of Rios' caliber is likely to provide Soto with a stern test. Stylistically, this is an interesting fight between a fighter in Rios who is known for applying consistent pressure on his opponents going against a boxer/puncher in Soto. The key to this fight in my eyes will be which fighter can establish the tempo.

This will be an encounter between two fighters who have throughout their careers shown a willingness to go toe to toe with their opposition. Brandon Rios is the type of fighter that looks to apply pressure from the outset and continues to come forward throughout the course of a fight. Although Soto has been more than willing to mix it up in the past, I believe it will be crucial that he attempt to box Rios and not stand and trade. Humberto Soto has also shown he can be very technical in his approach in the past and this observer feels he will need to execute a tactical fight plan in order to be successful in this fight.

What may lie ahead for the winner of this fight is something that will surely be a topic of discussion not just for those who cover the sport like yours truly, but also Boxing fans. Both fighters are capable of getting an opponent out of there should the opportunity arise and that alone should make this an interesting fight to watch. While what the two fighters have left to offer at this stage in their respective careers is also a topic to be discussed, each has the type of name recognition value that the winner will likely be in line for another marquee fight down the line in the crowded and talent deep Welterweight division.

When a “Crossroads Fight” such as this takes place the question of what the fighters have left in them is logical to ask. At this stage in each fighter’s career, as tempting as it might be to analyze what each brings into the ring for what could be seen as a prediction of what may or may not happen come fight time, it may come down to another cliché of simply who wants it more. We’ll find out when Rios and Soto square off Saturday night.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Rios vs. Soto takes place on Saturday, February 23rd at the Municipal Auditorium in Tijuana, MX. The card can be seen in the United States on digital sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 7PM ET/4PM PT. To subscribe to DAZN, a list of connected streaming devices, availability internationally, schedules, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com.  In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the card can be seen on Sky Sports Main Event beginning at Midnight (Sunday, February 24th Local UK time.) For more information about Sky Sports, schedules and availability in your area please visit” www.skysports.com.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

WORLD RATED REAGAN DESSAIX TAKES ON WORLD RATED CAPARELLO FRIDAY IN MELBOURNE

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing

Press Release: February 20, 2019 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Brisbane Light Heavyweight Reagan Dessaix takes a jump up in class as he takes on former IBO World Light Heavyweight Champion Blake Caparello at The Melbourne Pavillion this coming Friday. The pair will contest the WBA Oceania Light Heavyweight title, in what is a real crossroads fight for the Australian duo.  Dessaix discussed his feelings on the former world champion Caparello as he winds down training ahead of the biggest fight of his career.

The 22-year-old said, “Caparello has only had 3 losses in his career against world class fighter in Sergey Kovalev, Isaac Chilemba and Andre Dirrell. That is nothing to be ashamed of.

“I believe I am a top-level fighter, and I’ve been the underdog many times before including my last fight. This is nothing new to me. It’s about me going in there and proving that I am a top-level Light Heavyweight which I believe I am.

“If you want to be the best you have to beat the best. There is no point in cutting corners in this game and I don’t intend on doing that. Blake has been a world champion but it’s time for me to show that there is a new kid on the block on the World Light Heavyweight scene.”

Dessaix is managed alongside the heralded Moloney brothers by Australian Boxing Supremo Tony Tolj. Dessaix discussed life alongside the Moloney’s and under the guidance of Tolj.

The multi-time WBA and IBF regional title holder said, “I got a lot from being around Jason Moloney during the World Boxing Super Series. It was a great learning experience and it gave me a lot of belief in myself that I can reach those heights.

“Since I linked up with Tony I’ve been guided perfectly and I’ve gone from strength to strength. He’s got me the right fights at the right time and I believe he has made a fight that is Australia’s number 1 and 2 Light Heavyweights clashing on Friday night, and I know the result will see me become Australia’s number 1 Light Heavyweight.” 

Material and photo courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. JARRELL ‘BIG BABY’ MILLER PRESS CONFERENCE

Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA

Press Release: By DAZN/Matchroom Boxing USA - NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2019 - Media gathered for the kick off press conference at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Tuesday February 19. DAZN and Matchroom USA formally announced the United States debut of Anthony Joshua to defend his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO WorldHeavyweight titles against Brooklyn’s Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller at Madison Square Garden on Saturday June 1, live on DAZN. 

Anthony Joshua

“He punches like a fairy. Fury knocked him down seven times. He’s the softest puncher in the division. I am going to knock him the f*ck out. He is a drug abuser. He’s a kickboxer. I am going to knock him out. (Miller screams about Anthony’s mother.) Where’s your mother? I am paying her rent with this. She will come here and watch a real champion fight.

“Jarrell Miller is a little b*tch. I am going to throw this jab down his throat. For a guy that is 300 pounds, he punches like a fairy. June 1^st - this is going to be a show. Come out and watch this one New York. I am not up here playing the gangster role. I really knock people out, look at his little hands. This is the first time he will sell out a show and it’s because of me. Of course he spends all day thinking about me and watching my fights, he has to – but it still won’t be good enough.”

Jarrell Miller

“I’m home. I’m ready. You have no idea. I breathe, eat, sleep Anthony Joshua. I have a screen saver of Anthony Joshua. I wake up and think about Anthony Joshua. I see my mother go through some stuff that none of you would survive. I grew up in a third world country. I see my family starving with no shoes on their feet. This is bigger than a fight with Anthony Joshua. It is bigger than me. It is bigger than money.

“There were many years that I didn’t know what I was doing with my life. I’ve always had this anger and drive in my stomach though that would keep me going. I knew that I must be fighting for something. Man, God has a plan for everybody, remember that. It’s bigger than me though, and AJ is just in my way.

“Yeah, he won the Olympics. But that was in his city, they gave it to him. People call me the underdog but that’s alright. I want to be the underdog. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. 

“I want to thank New York City. Thank my mother and my wife. My sister and my trainers. We are from the dirt. From the gutter. We are from under the dirt but I work hard for this. He didn’t want this fight first. He wanted to fight Whyte. That’s fact.

“The more that you understand what boxing is. All that humble, that fake shit – he puts it on. Boxing is not a humble sport. I will leave it with this, we are all going to die one day. I have lost five people this year. That’s what keeps me humble.”

Joseph Markowski – DAZN Executive Vice President, North America

“Watching Anthony Joshua fight in the U.K. is one of the most spectacular experiences that I’ve encountered in boxing. The crowds, the fireworks and the noise are quite remarkable. But like DAZN, AJ has ambitions to be a global superstar and achieving that means taking your show on the road, across the Pond.

"For the first time in his career, Anthony Joshua will be fighting live and in primetime in the United States. And he’s not just fighting in America; he is going right to the hometown of a dangerous Top 10 heavyweight in Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller – a man with as much to say as almost anyone else in the boxing game.

"And for that reason, today is just the beginning of a fantastic fight promotion. The New York Times, ESPN, Sports Illustrated

and many others have invited AJ and Jarrell to their offices this week to discuss the bout. It’s a compelling matchup that is already generating genuine buzz in the US.

"Moreover, it demonstrates DAZN’s continued commitment to our mission goal of delivering amazing value to fight fans. By the time of AJ-Miller, U.S. boxing fans will have already slogged through several expensive pay-per-views in 2019. More than $200 for three fight nights. For that type of money, you could have DAZN for two years and get every boxing and MMA fight on our platform.

"You can see the momentum we’re building in the names we are signing and the types of fights we are making: AJ’s debut in the U.S., Canelo Alvarez vs. Daniel Jacobs for Cinco de Mayo. And there is more to be announced very soon.

"To both fighters, thank you and good luck. And to everyone else, thank you for attending today - we look forward to seeing you on the 1^st of June back here at MSG.”

Eddie Hearn – Matchroom Boxing Managing Director

“We have a seen a rise in the sport with DAZN. They signed Canelo Alvarez, delivered a huge fight between Canelo and Daniel Jacobs on May 4, and now DAZN will feature the biggest heavyweight fight by delivering Anthony Joshua to the United State to face Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller.”

For more information, fans can follow DAZN’s U.S. social channels: @DAZNUSA on Facebook, @DAZN_USA for Twitter, and DAZN_USA for Instagram.

About DAZN:

Globally, DAZN is a live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all the service's sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Italy and the U.S. - where it is a must-have service for sports fans, with a daily show featuring live look-ins to Major League Baseball games beginning in 2019 and more than 100 fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, Golden Boy Promotions, the World Boxing Super Series, and Combate Americas.

Material Courtesy of DAZN/Matchroom Boxing/ Photo Courtesy of Ed Mulholland/ Matchroom Boxing USA Used with permission.

To subscribe to DAZN, a list of connected streaming devices, schedules, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

ANDREW "THE MONSTER" MOLONEY GEARING UP AHEAD OF WBA WORLD TITLE ELIMINATOR IN CHILE

Photo Credit: Steve Dilks

Press Release: By Team Moloney – Rising Australian Super Flyweight star Andrew Moloney is locked into training as he prepares for his March 22 showdown with impressive Chilean Miguel Gonzalez, with the winner putting themselves in line for a crack at the WBA World Super Flyweight title as the official mandatory Challenger. Moloney, who already has a host of titles to his name that includes the Commonwealth title, WBA Oceania title amongst others, opened up on training camp and his opponent on March 22, Miguel Gonzelez.

 The Monster stated, "Training has been going well with my trainer Angelo Hyder. Angelo has trained some of Australia's top talent for years and years, so to learn of Angelo and train alongside the likes of my brother Jason, Billel Dib and Bruno Vifuaviwili is improving me as a fighter every day."  Moloney continued, discussing his South American opposition on March 22 in San Fransico de Mostazal's Gran Arena Monticello.

The current WBA Oceania Champion said, "Gonzelez is a good fighter. He's 29-1 for a reason. He has a great record and his team have a lot of belief in him.  "This fight is really what world title eliminators are about. Two fighters at the top of their game battling it out to see who is number one. Gonzelez is a world level fighter, but I am out to prove I am an elite level fighter on March 22."

 Victoria native Moloney has his sights set on the elite of the Super Flyweight division, which includes Britain's Kal Yafai, Thailand's WBC Champion Wisaksii Wangek and Nicaraguan legend Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez. Moloney elaborated on what he sees him for himself in 2019 and the years to come.

 The Melbourne Super Flyweight said, "I want to be World Champion that is the ultimate goal. Fighting someone like Roman Gonzalez in AAMI Park in Melbourne would be a dream, but my focus in Miguel Gonzalez right now, then onto a big world title clash in 2019."

Material Courtesy of Team Moloney/Photo Courtesy of: Steve Dilks Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

ANTHONY JOSHUA TO FACE JARRELL MILLER IN U.S. DEBUT AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

Press Release: By DAZN/Matchroom Boxing USA – NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2019 - Heavyweight boxing’s biggest star Anthony Joshua OBE will defend his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO World titles against Jarrell Miller in his long-awaited U.S. debut at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, June 1, live on DAZN in the U.S. and Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

Joshua (22-0, 21 KOs), defended his World titles with a devastating knockout of dangerous Russian Alexander Povetkin last time out at Wembley Stadium in September in what was the Olympic Champion’s fourth straight stadium fight in front of over 80,000 fans.

It was a crushing return to the scene of his historical triumph over legendary Champion Wladimir Klitschko in April 2017, where he produced the performance of a lifetime to claim the WBA crown in an unforgettable battle in front of a post war record crowd of 90,000 at England’s National Stadium.

The British sensation blasted Povetkin to the canvas with a brutal assault in the seventh round and then floored the WBA mandatory challenger again to signal a sudden and dramatic ending to his 22^nd professional victory in his home city.

And now sport’s biggest name will follow in the footsteps of Heavyweight greats such as Joe Louis, Joe Frazier, Evander Holyfield and Muhammad Ali when he crosses the Atlantic to silence Brooklyn’s brash ‘Big Baby’ Miller at ‘The Mecca of Boxing’.

“June 1st I am heading to The Big Apple and I plan to embrace the culture and leave with an appetite for more,” said Joshua. “I will be fighting Jarrell Miller at the legendary Madison Square Garden. It has been an honour and a blessing to fight at some of the best venues in the World at home in the UK, not least Wembley Stadium, but the time has come to head across the Atlantic and defend my Heavyweight titles in the USA. I am looking forward to taking on another challenge with a good boxer & a brilliant talker, it will be an exciting fight, I will leave nothing to chance and plan on dismantling Miller in style to make my mark.”

Miller (23-0-1, 20 KOs), has been calling for a British scalp ever since he went face-to-face with Joshua during a heated exchange at the launch of DAZN’s streaming service in the U.S. in July last year, and the undefeated 300lbs giant is promising to turn AJ’s American dream into a living nightmare as he looks to announce himself on the biggest stage of all.

Miller earned his shot at Joshua with successive wins over former World title challengers Gerald Washington, Mariusz Wach, Johann Duhaupas and Tomasz Adamek, crushing the latter inside two rounds on his Matchroom Boxing USA debut at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago in October.

He followed this up with another big stoppage win, this time steamrolling Bogdan Dinu in four rounds to claim the interim NABA Heavyweight title at the Kansas Star Arena, and now Miller returns to his home city to fulfil a lifelong dream of fighting for the World Heavyweight crown.

“AJ is making a huge mistake coming over here to fight me in my own backyard,” said Miller. “He wants to announce himself on the American stage but all he’s doing is delivering me those belts by hand. Its dog eat dog in the ring and this dog has got a bigger bite, he'll be leaving New York empty-handed. This is the fight that I’ve been chasing all my life and on June 1 I’m going to achieve the thing I was born to do and win the Heavyweight Championship of the World. That punk AJ is standing in the way of my dreams and on June 1 he’s getting run the hell over.”

“It’s been an eventful few months but I’m delighted to finally announce that Anthony Joshua will make his American debut at the iconic Madison Square Garden on June 1,” said Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing Managing Director. “AJ has created an incredible ‘Lion’s Den’ atmosphere in the UK and we plan to bring that energy to New York on a card that will be stacked with British vs. American talent. When you look at the Heavyweight greats that have graced the renowned ‘Mecca of Boxing’ the names of Ali, Frazier, Marciano and Tyson stand firm and June 1will be a moment when the World will witness AJ’s turn.

“Jarrell Miller is someone I know well having been involved in his last 4 fights in America. I know how much he wants this fight and I know the belief that him and his team have in beating AJ. He is a mountain of a man with an incredible work rate and he will get the chance to challenge for 4 World Heavyweight belts in his backyard this summer. They went to head to head for all the wrong reasons last summer and next week they will do it again as we get ready for the big build up for a momentous moment on June 1st at MSG.”

“Anthony Joshua is the number one Heavyweight in the World and DAZN is excited to deliver the British star’s much-anticipated U.S. debut at the iconic Madison Square Garden,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN Executive Vice President, North America. “In New York awaits a hometown fighter in Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller who has been quite vocal about his plans to spoil Joshua’s stateside arrival. He poses a real threat to dethrone the Heavyweight king in what will undoubtedly be a major international attraction and we are eager to see what will unfold June 1 on DAZN.”

“A new chapter for our brilliant World King Anthony Joshua as he looks to light up America for the first time against New York’s brash, big hitting Jarrell Miller,” said Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing. “We are delighted to be showing this massive occasion on Sky Sports Box Office and our team will provide every step of an enticing build up between these unbeaten Heavyweights. This sizzling Summer showdown reminds me of when Prince Naseem Hamed conquered Manhattan amidst that thrilling seven knockdown war with Kevin Kelley. Now AJ hits NY and the global adventure begins!”

“The World Heavyweight Championship at Madison Square Garden is unlike any setting in the World and we couldn’t be more thrilled to host Anthony Joshua and Jarrell Miller,” said Joel Fisher, Executive Vice President, MSG Marquee Events. “The legacy of Heavyweights at 'The Mecca of Boxing' that began with the likes of John L. Sullivan, Gene Tunney, 'Jersey' Joe Wolcott, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Joe Louis, Evander Holyfield, Wladimir Klitschko and Lennox Lewis will continue when Joshua and Miller step into the famed Garden ring in front of a packed house on June 1.”

“On June 1 Brooklyn’s Jarrell Miller will fight in the World’s greatest city for boxing’s greatest title — the Heavyweight Championship of the World — on boxing’s biggest stage —  ‘The Mecca of Boxing’ Madison Square Garden,” said Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions. “It is a dream come true for Jarrell, but it is exactly what we envisioned and what I promised him when I began working with Jarrell in his second professional fight. He is on the verge of making history and I am proud to have been there since the beginning.  On June 1 Jarrell follow in the footsteps of Brooklyn Heavyweight greats Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe to bring the Heavyweight World title back to its rightful home NY.”

“It is incredible to be a co-promoter of Jarrell Miller’s World title challenge against Anthony Joshua on June 1st streamed live on DAZN,” said Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions. “The fact that this event is taking place at Madison Square Garden makes it extra special as it’s a home game for Team Miller. I can’t wait to hear Michael Buffer announce, “And the NEW...!”

For more information, fans can follow DAZN’s U.S. social channels: @DAZNUSA on Facebook, @DAZN_USA for Twitter, and DAZN_USA for Instagram.

About DAZN:

Globally, DAZN is a live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all the service's sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Italy and the U.S. - where it is a must-have service for sports fans, with a daily show featuring live look-ins to Major League Baseball games beginning in 2019 and more than 100 fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, Golden Boy Promotions, the World Boxing Super Series, and Combate Americas.

Material Courtesy of: DAZN and Matchroom Boxing USA Used with permission.

To subscribe to DAZN, list of connected streaming devices, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Dib Returns March 30th

Credit: Gary Farmer

Press Release: February 11, 2019 by Dragon Fire Boxing – World rated Super Featherweight Billel “Baby Face” Dib (22 wins – 3 loss) will return to the ring on March 30 at the Seagulls Stadium in Tweeds Heads, NSW Australia. 

Dib is the current WBA Oceania Super Featherweight Champion and World number 10.

“I’m fighting Rey Juntilla (23 wins – 8 loss) from the Philippines. I haven’t really watched much footage on him at this stage. I have faith in my abilities as well as my management team in Tony Tolj and my dad and who they put in front of me. I’ve been told he’s durable and will give me the rounds I need to keep moving up the ranks.” – States Dib

Dib will fight for the second time under World renowned trainer of Champions Angelo “H” Hyder of Australia. Hyder known for being the head trainer of Danny Green and Vic Darchinyan and the chief second of WBA Fighter of the decade Chris “The Dragon” John

“I love every minute of training with Angelo. Not only is he a good man, but his knowledge is unbelievable. He isn’t a trainer, he is a teacher and that’s what is lacking in modern boxing. Im learning more and every day, you can never stop learning in this game and I’m only getting better.”

“Baby Face” has endured a brutal training regime to get his opportunity of boxing immortality by edging close to a World title shot.

Just like my last camp, training has been second to none. Sparring is great, we have great sparring in our team, Moloney twins, (Jason and Andrew Moloney) Bruno Vifuaviwili (Tanzanian) and also our new team mate Furkan who is going to do big things in the sport. I’m working hard day in and day out to become world champion.

It’s an honour to be apart of the WBA, the WBA has been around since the days of Muhammad Ali, when I’m crowned WBA world champion God willing, my name will be up there with the greats”

Dib gives his thoughts on the newly crowned WBA Super Featherweight Champion Andrew Cancio

“Cancio shocked me like he shocked the rest of the world. I think it’s time for Machado to move up a weight division. Cancio looked great but if he wants to keep that belt he needs to stay far away from me.”

Manager Tony Tolj gave his take on the March 30 Promotion and his plans for Dib going forward.  “We have a great card full of WBA title fights that include WBA World #3 Jason “The Smooth” One defending his WBA Oceania Title and “The Captain Kerry Foley contesting WBA & WBC regional titles in our block buster card as well as a stacked undercard as part of our Boxing Mania 5 event. 

“It’s going to be a massive event, and Billel Dib is looking like a new fighter he has elevated in ring knowledge and dedication to new level and I’m confident on him making a statement on March 30 and Andrew Cancio and the WBA Super Featherweight, don’t let the “Baby Face” fool you, this man is ready!”

Tickets available on Monday from megatix.com.au

Material Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing/ Photo Courtesy of: Gary Farmer Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.