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Tuesday, August 30, 2022

DAZN & MISFITS BOXING ANNOUNCE MF & DAZN: X SERIES 002 For October 15TH In Sheffield, England

 

Press Release: August 30, 2022 By DAZN – Following a series premiere this past weekend that saw tremendous viewership around the globe, DAZN Group, the global sports entertainment company, today unveils the second installment of its groundbreaking crossover MF & DAZN: X SERIES in partnership with social media megastar KSI and his promotional company Misfits Boxing, and in association with the Sauerland brothers, Wasserman Boxing and Proper Loud.

Credit: DAZN

 

 

 

MF & DAZN: X SERIES 002, powered by Misfits Boxing, will take place on 15 October at Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England, and feature a thrilling main event between Hasim Rahman and Vitor Belfort with the co-main event freaturing British YouTuber Jamie Michael “Jay” Swingler and American actor and YouTuber Cherdleys. 

 

 

 

The 15 October fight night will be available both live and on demand to all subscribers around the world on DAZN. Tickets details will be released soon. Visit MisfitsBoxing.com for more info. 

 

 

 

Rahman Jr. started his professional debut in 2017. Hasim Rahman Jr has gone on to compete in over 100 amateur fights. After a blistering start to his professional career, producing TKO’s and not losing for four straight years, he set his eyes on Jake Paul. Now, he takes on a proven dangerman in combat sports and will look to produce a statement win. The son of the former two-time heavyweight champion, Hasim Rahman, who unified the IBF, IBO, WBC and lineal titles before reclaiming his WBC World Heavyweight title five years later. After the disappointment from not being able to compete on a previous card, there will be no doubt that “Gold Blooded” Rahman Jr will be coming to shock the world and show his worth in the fight game.

 

Belfort is the former Brazilian MMA star who held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship whilst producing stunning highlight-reel finishes throughout 20 years in the organisation. Alongside his reputation as a finisher, that saw 18 out of 26 wins come via stoppage, he is also undefeated as a professional boxer. He returned to the ring in September 2021 when he stopped Evander Holyfield in the first round of their exhibition fight. Having fought at both Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight, Belfort has beaten some of MMA’s greatest athletes including Randy Couture, Michael Bisping, Wanderlei Silva, Dan Henderson and Luke Rockhold. He sits amongst some of the greatest finishers the UFC has seen with his 12 knockout wins. 

 

 

Swingler first made his boxing debut on the undercard of KSI vs. Logal Paul in 2018, where he battled against AnEsonGib inside a sold-out Manchester Arena. On 15 October, he is determined to walk away with his first pro win and proof that his future in boxing remains bright. Outside of the ring, Swingler is known for making challenge, comedy, and prank videos on the channel TGFbro with Uncle Romell, as well as his own eponymous channel, collectively reaching 8 million subscribers worldwide across the two. He began his YouTube career when he was just 12-years-old, and while he briefly attended Halesowen College to study photography and film, he ultimately quit to pursue his cretaor career full-time.

 

 

 

Cherdleys is a professional funny-man who has worked with the likes of Comedy Central, Funny Or Die, and Adult swim. In his own words, “His own mother might be ashamed of him, but Cherdleys doesn’t care” – no topic is off limits, and he’s had success bringing the comedy heat. Now, he’s ready to put it all on the line to stand up for two things: America and Mustaches. When he steps into the ring against Jay Swingler, he’s going to bring the heat in another way. He thinks Swingler doesn’t stand a chance against Cherdley’s A-game.  And even if he did, Cherdleys is going to bring his A, B, C and D …but mostly his C game…because he’s Cherdleys.

 

“We are thrilled to announce the second installment in the MF & DAZN: X Series; this series has spectacular growth potential in a thriving new category in the sport, and has already kicked off with a premiere event this past weekend featuring KSI in a doubleheader that well exceeded live worldwide viewership expectations on DAZN,” said Joseph Markowski, EVP at DAZN Group. “We are ready to further excite and entice a growing new generation of fight fans with the premium live sports action and best-in-class production synonymous with DAZN. This is a long-term and limitless endeavor with our partners that’s only just begun.”

 

 

 

Rahman said: “I’m really looking forward to fighting Mr.Belfort on Oct 15th. I’m extremely grateful to Misfits Boxing for giving me the opportunity and I look to make the most of it. I’m 100% focused on making a lasting impression on all the fans in England and those watching at home. Now the world gets to see why Fake Paul and his sister want absolutely nothing to do with getting in a ring with me!”

 

 

 

Belfort said: “I’m excited to showcase my skills on October 15 in Sheffield, live on DAZN! I have been waiting for a fight for a while, and now is my time. I’m always in the gym staying ready. Rahman is a perfect opponent for me, so expect fireworks in the return of the Phenom.”

 

 

 

President of Misfits Boxing and CEO of Proper Loud, Mams Taylor said: “We couldn’t have dreamed of a better start to proceedings than that huge event in the capital. It sets us up for another massive night, where the world will be watching Vitor Belfort and Hasim Rahman go at it. Misfits Boxing has landed, and we’re here to keep giving the fans what they deserve.”

 

 

 

“I’ve had the pleasure of promoting some huge fight nights, but our premiere event at the for Misfits Boxing was absolutely mind-blowing at the sold out O2,” said Kalle Sauerland, Head of Global Boxing at Wasserman Boxing. “We’re not standing still, we’re not stopping, we go again. We have a former UFC champion going up against a man who has boxing running through his veins. Belfort vs. Rahman Jr, plus another unbelievably stacked card heading your way; expect fireworks in Sheffield people!” 

 

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of DAZN Used with permission.

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Bivol-Ramirez Set For November 5TH ON DAZN

 

Press Release: August 30, 2022 By DAZN – Dmitry Bivol will defend his WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title against Mandatory Challenger Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5, live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN (excluding South Korea and MENA).

Credit: DAZN

 

Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs) is coming off a huge upset win over Mexican pound-for-pound superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in May, where he retained his 175lbs World Title via a unanimous decision to make it 20 wins from 20 fights.

 

The 31-year-old handed Alvarez only the second loss of his career, nine years on from his first at the hands of modern great Floyd Mayweather, and in doing so further cemented himself as one of the very best Light-Heavyweights on the planet.

 

Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs) is a former WBO Super-Middleweight World Champion who has won all five of his fights at Light-Heavyweight inside the distance in impressive fashion since moving up in weight in 2019.

 

The heavy-handed Mexican southpaw emerged as the Mandatory Challenger to long-reigning champion Bivol, after a fourth-round knockout of Dominic Boesel in their May 14 title eliminator in Ontario, California.

 

“The fight with Zurdo has been brewing for some time, many things have been said,” said Bivol. “Now we have the chance to take care of things with our actions in the ring, and not our words outside of the ring.”

 

“I’m happy that the fight is finally happening despite all the challenges,” said Ramirez. “It’s been a long time coming and I look forward to a great night come November 5. I would fight Bivol anywhere - including Mars, but I know we’ll put on a great show in Abu Dhabi. I’m happy overall and very thankful to the WBA, Mr. Gilberto Mendoza and the Golden Boy family for being on this journey with me.”

 

“Dmitry Bivol has now secured himself with pound-for-pound status after his victory over Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in May and looks to make a hugely important defence against Mandatory Challenger and former World Champion Gilberto Ramirez. The card will be stacked with World Championship fights and is set to be one of the biggest nights of boxing in 2022,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “I’m delighted to bring this huge World Title fight to Abu Dhabi and would like to thank Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for all of their help in making this world-class event become a reality. Roll on November 5 for a huge night of World Championship boxing live on DAZN.”

 

“With this fight finally materialising we look forward to a great night of boxing to remember and another exceptional performance by Dmitry Bivol,” said Bivol’s manager Vadim Kornilov. “We are very excited to be in Abu Dhabi, which is on the way to be the modern top sports attraction of the world."

 

"Dmitry Bivol vs. Gilberto Ramirez will be a great fight, many fans have been waiting for this fight to happen and it will finally materialise," added President of World of Boxing, Andrei Ryabinskiy.

 

“We are headed to Abu Dhabi and Zurdo will prove he is the best Light-Heavyweight when he fights Bivol on November 5,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya.

 

“We are thrilled to host this spectacular boxing event in Abu Dhabi - partnering with reputable partner Matchroom Boxing adds yet another dimension to our exciting calendar,” said HE Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism, at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi,  “Once again, the eyes of the world will be on Abu Dhabi on November 5 as we continue to strengthen our position as a top destination for world-class sport. As the host city, we are eager to share our warm Emirati hospitality to visiting fans and offer them memorable, exciting experiences to enjoy at their own pace.”

 

“Thank you to our brilliant partners Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy for delivering another blockbuster fight to the platform,” said Joseph Markowski, EVP, DAZN Group. “We can’t wait to see Dmitry Bivol back in the ring after he pulled off the upset of the year against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in May, and in the unbeaten Zurdo Ramirez, he will face one of his toughest opponents yet. We have a potential classic on our hands. Watch it live and worldwide on DAZN.”

 

An announcement on tickets will follow in due course.

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of DAZN Used with permission.

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Ruiz-Ortiz Preview

 

  

As the Boxing calendar moves in the month of September, Labor Day weekend here in the United States will be headlined by what some might call a “Crossroads Battle” in Boxing’s Heavyweight division. This observer is referring to the battle between former unified IBF/WBA/WBO/IBO Heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz and longtime Heavyweight contender and two-time Heavyweight world title challenger Luis Ortiz. A battle that will take place on Sunday, September 4th  at the historic Boxing venue in Los Angeles, CA now known as Crypto. Com Arena in the main event of a Fox Sports Pay-Per-View card here in the United States. 

 

It is a fight that takes place in the immediate aftermath of current undefeated unified Heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk’s successful first title defense of the unified portion of the World Heavyweight championship Ruiz briefly held, in his rematch with former two-time Heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia two nearly two weeks to the day of this encounter. Although Usyk by all accounts might be heading towards a unification bout with undefeated two-time Heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, current holder of the WBC world championship in the division, for what would be an Undisputed world championship bout, any bout that takes place in the division could amount to an audition of sorts to fight either champion either by facing the winner of the potential bout between Fury and Usyk or as a possible next opponent for either in the event that negotiations between the two hit a snag. The circumstances in which the division finds itself has added more importance to what would be an intriguing Heavyweight fight on its own. 

 

Time can at times move faster than it appears and it was not too long ago where Andy Ruiz was on top of the Boxing world after stopping Anthony Joshua in New York’s Madison Square Garden to win the Heavyweight championship in a fight he took on short notice. Some may say after winning the biggest fight of his life, Ruiz failed to take full advantage of his new found position as champion 

 

Before discussing Andy Ruiz in more detail, we will begin by looking at his opponent Luis Ortiz. Ortiz as some will recall challenged for the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) version of the World Heavyweight championship twice in being stopped by then champion Deontay Wilder in both fights in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Those setbacks for Ortiz however, were arguably two of his best performances as he was seemingly in control of both fights before Wilder was able to catch him with power punches that lead to those defeats. 

 

Since his second loss to Wilder, Ortiz has gotten back into the ring twice and has scored knockout wins in both of those fights. It was his last outing against former IBF Heavyweight world champion Charles Martin on New Year's Day of this year that should have been a bit concerning if you are a fan of Luis Ortiz. 

 

For five rounds, the taller and longer Martin was able to use angles to not only evade much of what Ortiz had thrown, but to also throw punches at odd angles, which took advantage of an apparent difficulty Ortiz had in maintaining his balance, which in turn also resulted in Martin being able to score two knockdowns of Ortiz with a short left hook to the head in the first round and a perfectly timed jab in round four. 

 

While both knockdowns were what is often referred to as “Flash Knockdowns“ due to the suddenness in which they occurred a s Ortiz did not appear to be hurt by either knockdown, it did nevertheless create a scenario where he was at a significant deficit on the scorecards. Although for a significant portion of that fight Luis Ortiz did not appear to be his normal self, to his credit, he did respond in round six by scoring his own knockdown of Martin, but his knockdown came as a result of a flush left hook to the head. After Martin got up from that knockdown, Ortiz pressed forward with what can be described as an all-out assault of punches before sending Martin down to the canvas for a second time to force a stoppage of the bout. 

 

Although Luis Ortiz was ultimately able to pull off a come from behind knockout win, most objective observers would likely say that it was not one of his better performances. Some may go as far as to say that even though he got the victory, it was a fight that left more questions than answers. 

 

Coincidentally, Ortiz’ opponent on September 4th is also coming off of what some might call a so, so performance. After stopping Anthony Joshua in June 2019, a badly overweight and seemingly under prepared Ruiz was out boxed by Joshua in their December 2019 rematch in Saudi Arabia. In a span of six months Andy Ruiz had gone from being a world champion to former world champion. 

 

Following the loss of his title, Ruiz hired former trainer of the year Eddy Reynoso, dropped nearly thirty pounds from the 286lbs. he entered his rematch against Joshua carrying, into a bout against longtime Heavyweight contender Chris Arreola in March of last year. An entertaining bout from the opening bell, Ruiz was not given what some would associate as a typical “Comeback Fight” in his first bout since losing his title. Although the improvement in his conditioning was obvious under the guidance of Eddy Reynoso, Arreola was not interested in cooperating in the role of opponent for the former champion. 

 

Not only did Arreola knock Ruiz down with a flush hook to the head in the second round of that fight, he also forced the fight on Ruiz in what turned out to be a more competitive fight than perhaps some expected. In addition to the knockdown, Arreola was able to hurt Ruiz periodically throughout the fight and forced Ruiz to change tactics midway through the bout and implement a more tactical Boxing approach to earn a hard fought twelve round unanimous decision. While Ruiz did get the victory in that fight, it was not one of his best performances and that can perhaps be attributed to three factors. One he was inactive for over a year going into that fight, two, the addition of Eddy Reynoso in his corner, which there is almost always an adjustment period whenever a new trainer begins working with a seasoned fighter, and finally, three the significant drop in weight from when he lost the title back to Joshua over a year earlier. 

 

Although the issue regarding Ruiz’ inactivity can be explained in part by the circumstances of the global COVID-19 epidemic as much of the year 2020 was one that saw many notable fighters sitting on the sidelines for both health as well as financial reasons as much of the events that took place during that year were held behind closed doors in fanless environments, which in turn meat that some fighters would make less money to compete under those conditions than others, an argument could be made that while he was able to get himself in good shape going into the Arreola fight, the inactivity did hurt Ruiz. What can also not be overlooked is Ruiz has not fought since he defeated Arreola and while that could be viewed as a good thing from the standpoint of allowing him to continue to improve his physical conditioning, as well as continuing to gel with Eddy Reynoso, the issue of his activity or lack thereof will once again be an issue going into this fight against Luis Ortiz. 

 

What this fight boils down to in my eyes is what versions of the respective fighters will show up in this fight. At his best, Luis Ortiz is a devastating puncher that is capable of ending a fight with one punch or as was the case against Charles Martin, a brutal sudden barrage of punches. Ortiz is however forty-two years old, and it appeared obvious at least to this observer’s eyes that he was somewhat compromised by issues with balance against Martin. Whether or not that was a result of injuries or the result of wear and tear starting to catch up with a veteran of the sport remains to be seen. 

 

While Ortiz likely has the edge in terms of punching power going into this fight, Ruiz has the edge in hand speed and is capable of catching opponents with quick combinations in the midst of exchanges of punches that the opponent will not be prepared for as they are thrown. Even though this worked to great effect for him against Chris Arreola, particularly when he made the decision to box later in the fight, Ruiz must also keep in mind that though he has shown he can hold his own going toe to toe with opponents, he was also caught more than occasionally by Arreola throughout the fight and was knocked down. Luis Ortiz could well hit harder than Arreola and with that in mind, Ruiz should proceed with caution even if it may appear that he is having success early in the fight and may even be dominating the combat. 

 

Although neither Ruiz or Ortiz would appear to be in a position to secure another shot at a world title no matter the outcome of this fight, anything can happen in the sport of Boxing and that is especially true in regard to the Heavyweight division. One should also keep in mind as this fight approaches that the division is extremely competitive and even with a loss, neither fighter will likely be dismissed as a potential challenger. With other contenders including the soon to return former WBC world champion Deontay Wilder all looking to provide the best argument possible as to why they should get a shot at either Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury, we will see what argument Andy Ruiz and Luis Ortiz are able to make as they face each other. 

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.” 

 

Ruiz vs. Ortiz takes place on Sunday, September 4th at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. The fight can be seen on a pay-per-view basis in the United States on Fox Sports Pay-Per-View for $74.99 beginning at 9PMET/6PM PT. The bout as well as it’s undercard will be available through traditional cable/satellite providers as well as through streaming by the Fox Sports streaming app across mobile, tablet, and connect streaming devices/Smart TVs, as well as through digital combat sports streaming network and pay-per-view platform FITE.  

 

Contact your cable/satellite provider for ordering information.  

 

To order and stream via the Fox Sports app visit the Fox Sports app on your device of choice or visit: www.FoxSports.com/PPV to order. 

 

To order and stream on FITE visit the FITE app on your device of choice, visit: www.FITE.TV for ordering information or Click Here. 

 

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

 

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