Press Release: February 6, 2023 – By DAZN – DAZN AND MATCHROOM ANNOUNCE FIRST 2023 SHOWS INCLUDING TAYLOR V SERRANO II MAY 20 IN DUBLIN
Former two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua returns to our screens to face Jermaine Franklin live from The O2 on April 1
Taylor v Serrano II, Callum Smith, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Joe Cordina all return to the ring
More blockbuster fight nights to be added soon alongside a full roster of great sporting entertainment for US subscribers
New York, 6 February – Former two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua will return to our screens on April 1 live from The O2, fighting American powerhouse Jermaine Franklin, in an all-eyes-on epic showdown. This fight will be the first in Joshua’s new five-year partnership with DAZN to be streamed live, exclusive and worldwide on the digital sports entertainment platform, which is fast becoming the undisputed Global Home of Boxing.
Following his defeat to Oleksandr Uysk in August 2022, Joshua has reset and refocused. Now, with a single-minded and burning ambition to reclaim his World Champion title, he is on a mission to defy his critics. The eyes of the UK and the world will be on DAZN as the nation’s biggest boxing superstar returns to the ring in an unmissable comeback showdown.
“I am looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1st at the O2 Arena London.” said Joshua. “Mentally and physically i feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style & great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”
“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”
“I am looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1st at The O2 London.” said Joshua. “Mentally and physically i feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style & great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”
“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”
"What an incredible year Matchroom and DAZN have in store for fight fans around the world - and this is just the beginning," said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. "The UK's biggest boxing star Anthony Joshua returns to our screens on April 1 as he looks to reclaim his spot as the number one Heavyweight on the plant. 'AJ' has reset and refocused and he is on a mission to defy his critics as he kicks off his exciting new partnership with DAZN. Modern legends Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano run it back for all of the marbles at Lightweight in what will be one of the most iconic sporting events that Ireland has ever seen on May 20 in Dublin. Their first meeting at MSG last year was one of the very best night's I've experienced in boxing and the rematch promises to be even bigger and better.
"Callum Smith is within touching distance of a shot at unified Light-Heavyweight ruler Artur Beterbiev and can't avoid any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien on his Liverpool homecoming on March 11 and boxing's youngest World Champion Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez attempts to create even more history on April 8 when he goes for gold at 112lbs against Cristian Gonzalez 'The Welsh Wizard' Joe Cordina attempts to recapture his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff on April 22 and the young guns are out to impress in our first NXTGEN event of the year in Newcastle on March 18 - not forgetting the small matter of Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara in just under two weeks’ time in Nottingham. It is without a doubt the best schedule in boxing and there's still so much more to come. Watch it all live on DAZN."
“We have worked with Anthony Joshua for 5 years, and we are incredibly excited to be kicking off our new UK relationship with him on April 1’, said Joseph Markowski, CEO North America, DAZN Group. ‘Being ringside for Taylor vs Serrano at a sold out MSG was one of the great sporting moments of my life; what an incredible atmosphere and fight. Alongside this blockbuster, the schedule we have curated so far features some of our best talent, Jesse Rodriguez, Callum Smith and Joe Cordina. All live and exclusive on DAZN.”
Freddie Cunningham, Managing Director, 258 Management said, “This is the start of a hugely important phase for AJ and it is exciting to be kicking it off exclusively on DAZN and at the O2 arena in London a place he has had many memorable nights.”
A picture containing text, screen, sport
ANTHONY JOSHUA RETURNS TO FIGHT JERMAINE FRANKLIN APRIL 1
IN BLOCKBUSTER BOUT TO BE INCLUDED IN DAZN SUBSCRIPTION
DAZN AND MATCHROOM ANNOUNCE FIRST 2023 SHOWS INCLUDING TAYLOR V SERRANO II MAY 20 IN DUBLIN
Former two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua returns to our screens to face Jermaine Franklin live from The O2 on April 1
Taylor v Serrano II, Callum Smith, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Joe Cordina all return to the ring
More blockbuster fight nights to be added soon alongside a full roster of great sporting entertainment for US subscribers
New York, 6 February – Former two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua will return to our screens on April 1 live from The O2, fighting American powerhouse Jermaine Franklin, in an all-eyes-on epic showdown. This fight will be the first in Joshua’s new five-year partnership with DAZN to be streamed live, exclusive and worldwide on the digital sports entertainment platform, which is fast becoming the undisputed Global Home of Boxing.
Following his defeat to Oleksandr Uysk in August 2022, Joshua has reset and refocused. Now, with a single-minded and burning ambition to reclaim his World Champion title, he is on a mission to defy his critics. The eyes of the UK and the world will be on DAZN as the nation’s biggest boxing superstar returns to the ring in an unmissable comeback showdown.
“I am looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1st at the O2 Arena London.” said Joshua. “Mentally and physically i feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style & great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”
“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”
“I am looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1st at The O2 London.” said Joshua. “Mentally and physically i feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style & great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”
“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”
"What an incredible year Matchroom and DAZN have in store for fight fans around the world - and this is just the beginning," said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. "The UK's biggest boxing star Anthony Joshua returns to our screens on April 1 as he looks to reclaim his spot as the number one Heavyweight on the plant. 'AJ' has reset and refocused and he is on a mission to defy his critics as he kicks off his exciting new partnership with DAZN. Modern legends Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano run it back for all of the marbles at Lightweight in what will be one of the most iconic sporting events that Ireland has ever seen on May 20 in Dublin. Their first meeting at MSG last year was one of the very best night's I've experienced in boxing and the rematch promises to be even bigger and better.
"Callum Smith is within touching distance of a shot at unified Light-Heavyweight ruler Artur Beterbiev and can't avoid any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien on his Liverpool homecoming on March 11 and boxing's youngest World Champion Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez attempts to create even more history on April 8 when he goes for gold at 112lbs against Cristian Gonzalez 'The Welsh Wizard' Joe Cordina attempts to recapture his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff on April 22 and the young guns are out to impress in our first NXTGEN event of the year in Newcastle on March 18 - not forgetting the small matter of Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara in just under two weeks’ time in Nottingham. It is without a doubt the best schedule in boxing and there's still so much more to come. Watch it all live on DAZN."
“We have worked with Anthony Joshua for 5 years, and we are incredibly excited to be kicking off our new UK relationship with him on April 1’, said Joseph Markowski, CEO North America, DAZN Group. ‘Being ringside for Taylor vs Serrano at a sold out MSG was one of the great sporting moments of my life; what an incredible atmosphere and fight. Alongside this blockbuster, the schedule we have curated so far features some of our best talent, Jesse Rodriguez, Callum Smith and Joe Cordina. All live and exclusive on DAZN.”
Freddie Cunningham, Managing Director, 258 Management said, “This is the start of a hugely important phase for AJ and it is exciting to be kicking it off exclusively on DAZN and at the O2 arena in London a place he has had many memorable nights.”
Alongside Joshua vs Franklin, DAZN and Matchroom have announced its largest ever schedule of content for the first half of 2023 that will see even more iconic and emerging boxing talent, including five other premium fights, on its platform alongside an ever-greater roster of other sporting entertainment.
The following shows will be shown live and exclusive on DAZN with further fights and full undercard details to be announced shortly:
Saturday, February 18: Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara
Hometown hero Leigh Wood (26-2, 16 KOs) puts his WBA Featherweight World Title on the line against big-punching Mexican Mauricio Lara (25-2-1, 18 KOs) as Matchroom’s 2023 schedule in the UK begins with a bang. ‘Leigh-thal’ memorably stopped Michael Conlan in the 12th and final round of his epic first defence of the WBA 126lbs title back in March 2022, knocking the Irishman out of the ring in brutal fashion to end their Fight of the Year stunner. ‘Bronco’ has been waiting patiently for his shot at Wood after their eagerly anticipated September 24 fight was postponed following a torn bicep suffered by Wood in sparring, but the Featherweight KO artist finally gets his dream World Title opportunity this month in what promises to be an epic battle between two knockout artists.
Saturday, March 11: Callum Smith vs. Pawel Stepien
The WBC’s No.1 ranked Light-Heavyweight contender Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) returns home to face undefeated Pole Pawel Stepien (18-0-1, 12 KOs) at the M&S Bank Arena as he looks to secure a showdown with unified WBC, WBO and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev later in the year. A stacked undercard sees Australia’s WBO Global Super-Lightweight Champion Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) put his title on the line against local favourite Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first-round KO win over fellow Aussie Brock Jarvis last October. One of the hottest prospects in America Diego Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs) fights in the UK for the first time as faces another step up against Little Lever’s all-action Super-Middleweight Jack Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs). Full undercard details to follow.
Saturday, March 18: Cyrus Pattinson vs. Chris Jenkins
Matchroom’s first NXTGEN card of the year at the Utilita Arena Newcastle features some of the very best prospects in the North East looking to take the next steps in their promising careers. Former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson (5-0, 3 KOs) faces his toughest test so far in the professional ranks against Wales’ former British Welterweight Champion Chris Jenkins (23-6-3, 8 KOs) while Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist turned Welterweight prospect Pat McCormack (3-0, 2 KOs) looks to wow his home crowd against Italy’s Dario Socci (15-7-2, 6 KOs) in his first scheduled eight-round contest. Also on the card, Birmingham’s Solomon Dacres (5-0, 1 KO) squares off with Newcastle’s Robert Ismay (11-0, 4 KOs) for the English Heavyweight Title.
Saturday, April 8: Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs. Cristian Gonzalez
Boxing’s youngest World Champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez (17-0, 11 KOs) attempts to become a two-weight ruler when he clashes with Cristian ‘El Chicharito’ Gonzalez (15-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBO 112lbs at the Boeing Center at Tech Port, San Antonio. The 23-year-old sensation from San Antonio, Texas enjoyed a stellar 2022, becoming boxing’s youngest active World Champion in February, stepping in late to meet Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC Super-Flyweight strap in Phoenix and then putting on a stunning display in his first defence, stopping Thai star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on his San Antonio home turf in June inside eight rounds. He was named the Fighter of the Year by ESPN in their midyear awards for 2022 before outpointing Israel Gonzalez on the ‘Canelo’ vs. ‘GGG’ undercard in September.
Saturday, April 22: Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs. Joe Cordina
Unbeaten Welshman Joe Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs) attempts to win his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title back against current belt-holder Shavkatdzhon Rakhmiov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) at the Cardiff International Arena. ‘The Welsh Wizard’ captured the famous red and gold belt with a stunning one-punch knockout of Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa on a memorable night at the arena last June. Cordina was scheduled to make the first defence of his World Title against Rakhimov in Abu Dhabi last November but suffered a hand injury that required surgery and was subsequently stripped of his title by the IBF. Rakhimov won the vacant title by stopping Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett in nine rounds on the undercard of Dmitry Bivol vs. Gilberto Ramirez.
Saturday, May 20: Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2
Irish legend Katie Taylor (22-0, 6 KOs) fights in Ireland for the first time in her professional career, putting her Undisputed Lightweight World Title on the line once more against Puerto Rican star Amanda Serrano (44-2-1, 30 KOs) in an unmissable rematch. Taylor cemented herself as the greatest female fighter on the planet by edging out Serrano in an epic fight for the ages on an iconic night at a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York last April. The global superstar retained her belts after a Fight of the Year contender with multi-division World Champion Serrano – the first women’s boxing bout to headline the famous MSG in its 140-year history, attracting an unprecedented audience of 1.5 million tuning in globally on DAZN.
About DAZN Group
DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US and the UK. Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, JLeague, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world - Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC. DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with UEFA Women’s Champions League and Finetwork Liga F. DAZN is adding more and more sport to its platform to create a destination for sports fans.
DAZN is reimagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialise, and buy tickets, NFTs and merchandise. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.
DAZN is available on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles. DAZN can be accessed on Samsung, LG, Sony and Panasonic Smart TVs and on Games Consoles including Playstation and Xbox. Subscribers also have access to DAZN on their Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and Apple TV and find the app on their iPhone, iPad, android and mobile.
DAZN is a global, privately-owned company with employees in over 25 countries. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit www.dazngroup.com.
About Matchroom Boxing
Matchroom Boxing is the world’s leading boxing promotional outfit putting on major stadium and arena shows across the globe. Headed up by boxing supremo Eddie Hearn, Matchroom has been among the world leaders in major boxing promotion and production for over a quarter of a century since its launch in 1987. With an unrivalled stable of world-class fighters, Matchroom’s unique expertise in promotion, staging and television productions cements its position as the No.1 promoter in the sport.
Material and Photos 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.
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