The Next Chapter For Jaime Munguia

Most Boxing fans are familiar with the rise a fighter goes through  from prospect, to contender status, to finally a world champion, along the way, also building a fan base. One subject this veteran Boxing scribe has made a point to cover over the many years I have covered the sport as well as other combat sports is a stage that many fans should also be familiar with. It is a stage that this observer has called “The Rebuild" in the past, some may call it a “Fresh Start," but it can also be referred to as "The Next Chapter.”

The latter might be the most appropriate of the aforementioned descriptions because all of the above can easily be used to describe former WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Jaime Munguia. A fighter who was truly dominant and scary as a 154lb. Jr. Middleweight due to his punching power, Munguia chose to vacate his world championship 2019, choosing to seek greener pastures and more world championships, first in the 160lb. Middleweight division and then ultimately as a 168lb. Super-Middleweight. While he remained unbeaten as he moved up in weight, an opportunity to become a two-division world champion eluded him for several years. 

In May of this year, however, Munguia finally got that opportunity to both become a two-division world champion as well as a lucrative opportunity when he challenged then Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez in Las Vegas, NV. Although it was an opportunity Munguia had earned and seemingly chased after for years to face one of the biggest stars in the sport in Alvarez, Munguia was in many ways a background player in the build-up to the biggest fight of his career. This was due to the highly-publicized feud between Munguia’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya and Alvarez. While once Alvarez and Munguia were promotional stablemates fighting under De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, the feud and legitimate dislike between Alvarez and De La Hoya, who had an ugly and public break up during the height of the COVID-19 epidemic, overshadowed what should have been, and frankly was an encounter between two of the biggest stars in the sport.

As for the fight itself, Munguia showed his mettle in getting up from the first knockdown of his career in the fourth round and putting in a “Game" effort in losing a twelve round unanimous decision to Alvarez, the first loss of his career. Now, Munguia looks to get back to his winning ways when he faces undefeated contender and current North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Super-Middleweight champion Erik Bazinyan On Friday, September 20th at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ in a fight that can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+.

This fight not only represents a new chapter for Munguia in terms of trying to get back on track inside the ring, but will also be his first fight under a new promoter in the Hall of Famer Bob Arum, whom he recently signed a multi-fight deal with. While there is no indication of a bitter split between Munguia and De La Hoya as there was between the latter and Saul Alvarez, this will likely be an adjustment for Munguia after competing for much of his career fighting under De La Hoya’s banner, but one that is certainly not uncommon to see fighters do throughout their careers in switching promoters depending on both opportunities in the ring as well as the financial aspects that go along with it. 

In Erik Bazinyan, Munguia will face a seasoned professional fighter, who is unbeaten in thirty-three professional fights with thirty-two wins and twenty-two coming via knockout. Bazinyan, who will come into this fight off of a draw in his last bout in May against Shakeel Phinn, is rated highly in the top ten in the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO, with his highest rating being the number two ranking in the WBO Super-Middleweight ratings. While the ratings process is one that is always open to scrutiny and can be confusing to non-aficionados of the sport when one also factors in the various regional, international titles, and interim championship designations, to name a few, which are all designed to elevate a fighter’s position in the world rankings with an eye towards fighting for a world championship, what it means in this context is this is not a mere “Comeback Fight" for Munguia as Bazinyan is nearing mandatory challenger status and in some cases, is now higher rated than Munguia, depending on sanctioning organization per Munguia coming off of a loss in his last fight.

Furthermore, it means the winner of this flight could be in line to challenge for a world championship in their next fight. How will this fight be fought? Bazinyan is a well schooled boxer/puncher, who despite scoring knockouts in twenty-three of his fights registering a near 72% career knockout percentage, he is not viewed as the fighter with punching power here. What he could do is look to try and implement elements of what was successful for Alvarez against Munguia. Alvaraz, as he almost always does in his fights, implemented a tactical approach against Munguia, dictating how the fight was fought, beating him to the punch consistently, and out-working Munguia over twelve rounds. The challenge for Bazinyan will be to try and do something similar, which can be easier said than done due to the pressure Munguia usually applies on his opponents in addition to his punching power.

Although Munguia is certainly capable of ending a fight with either hand at any time if he connects flush, he looks to generally break his opponents down by applying pressure and cutting the ring off from his opponents. Depending on what Bazinyan’s tactics are from the outset, look for Munguia to apply pressure early and try to back Bazinyan up along the ropes. If this will indeed be the approach Munguia will try to implement, it's logical to think that a focus to establish an attack to Bazinyan’s body will be a focal point as he will try to limit his lateral movement while applying pressure.

A fairly high stakes encounter for both fighters with a lot on the line. While this is not the ideal scenario one would think of for a fighter coming off of a loss, it is a testament to the kind of fighter Jaime Munguia is that he has chosen to jump right back into the deep waters of the Super-Middleweight division rather than looking for an opponent that would be viewed as a soft touch to try and build his confidence back. Although there is a risk no matter what path a fighter takes, it is not a given that this chapter in Munguia’s career will begin with a bounce back win. Another loss for Munguia would not necessarily put his career in danger, but if he were to lose this fight, it will likely mean the rebuild process will be a longer one and might require a different approach and perhaps some retooling in terms of what is learned, polished, and refined in the gym as far as strategy and tactics. For now, one should not think too far ahead because what Jamie Mungia will look like coming off of the first loss of his career as well as what happens in this fight will obviously play a factor in what may or may not follow. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Munguia vs. Bazinyan takes place on Friday, September 20th at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 5:45PM ET/2:45PM PT. 

ESPN+ is available through the ESPN app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices and Smart TVs. For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com.

(*Card and Start time Subject to Change.*)

(*Check your local listings internationally.*)

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Dubois-Joshua Preview

 On September 21st, the Boxing world will converge on the legendary Wembley Stadium for a significant event in Boxing’s Heavyweight division. Before we can talk about this event, however, we must briefly go back to the recent history of the sport to the last major event in the Heavyweight division. This observer is referring to the much-anticipated unification bout between undefeated world champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, which took place in Saudi Arabia on May 18th.

A unification bout, which saw Usyk emerge as the Undisputed Heavyweight champion of the world, becoming the first fighter in Boxing history to successfully unify all five major sanctioning organizations to become a fully undisputed champion. As monumental as that moment in history was in seeing the first undisputed champion in the division crowned in twenty-five years, an element of the business of the sport loomed over the occasion. The fact that there was both a mandatory rematch clause as well as a separate mandatory title defense obligation by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), which conflicted with each other. 

Unfortunately, conflict would mean that there would only be one world champion in the division for several months as Usyk would be contractually unable to fulfill his obligation to the IBF due to his upcoming rematch with Fury in December, which resulted in him relinquishing the IBF crown and IBF number one mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois being named the IBF Heavyweight world champion. Dubois, who nearly dethroned Usyk when they fought in August 2023 now prepares to make the first defense of his world title in Wembley Stadium against former two-time Heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua in a showdown that can be seen globally on DAZN Pay-Per-View.

While some have already chosen to discredit this encounter as a legitimate world championship fight, a point of view not shared by yours truly for the obvious reasons of regulations and policies needing to be followed and per those policies, this is a legitimate world championship fight, it does nevertheless bring together two of the division's feared “Knockout Artists." 

For the champion Daniel Dubois, he will enter this title defense having scored two impressive knockout wins in his two bouts since he lost to Usyk against Jarrell Miller in December of last year and Filip Hrgovic in June of this year. Dubois has scored knockouts in twenty of his twenty-one career wins registering a 95% career knockout percentage. The criticism of the champion, however, has been what happened to him in his two losses to Joe Joyce and Usyk where he suffered knockout losses.

 Despite suffering a broken left eye socket in his fight with Joyce in November 2020, and being broken down by Usyk, the perception of some was that Dubois quit under pressure in those fights. Although Dubois has shown the ability to bounce back well from those setbacks, he still has to combat that perception. 

If one is looking for Dubois to be tested under circumstances where the pressure will be high due in part to the “Big Fight Atmosphere," that test will likely come against Anthony Joshua.

By now, the story of Anthony Joshua is well known. A former Olympic Gold medalist and two-time unified Heavyweight world champion who is a future Hall of Famer and has spent most of his career competing in the “Big Fight Atmosphere." Much like Dubois, Joshua has suffered setbacks along the way and has also suffered two losses to Oleksandr Usyk.

Manny Boxing fans will recall that Usyk ended Joshua's second reign as a world champion in September 2021 via decision and then lost a decision in their rematch in August 2022. Since those setbacks, Joshua has rebounded winning his last four fights, three coming via knockout. In his last outing in March, Joshua scored a second round knockout of former UFC Heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou.

While the victory over the novice boxer in Ngannou was not surprising to menu given the significant difference in experience between the boxer Joshua and the MMA star Ngannou, the third consecutive knocked in the span of less than a year showed that Joshua is still a force in the division and will enter this fight rated number three in the IBF ratings. What this fight represents for Joshua is not only an opportunity to regain a version of the World Heavyweight championship, but if he were to be successful, to enter his name into a select group of fighters in the history of the sport to have won the World Heavyweight championship on three separate occasions.

It is logical based on the styles of the two fighters to think of the possibility of a short, but potentially explosive fight given the power each fighter has. The question this observer has is whether the knowledge each fighter has of what the other can do will cause them to take a more tentative approach early on. Both fighters are capable of ending a fight with one punch so the possibility of one or both being gun shy at least early is a real one. An additional thing one should keep in mind is both champion and challenger have been known to fatigue the longer a fight goes on. While that has not always translated into losses for either, it is nevertheless, something to keep an eye on. 

Beyond a version of the World Heavyweight championship being at stake in this fight, what looms ahead also seems obvious for the winner. To put themselves in position to potentially fight the winner of the Usyk-Fury rematch to once again determine one Undisputed Heavyweight champion of the world. So much is at stake for both fighters, not just in terms of the often debated term “Legacy,” but also significant money to be made. We will see who will be able to take a step forward and move himself into the position to potentially fight for “Undisputed.”

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Dubois vs. Joshua takes place on Saturday, September 21st at Wembley Stadium in London, England. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen globally on DAZN Pay-Per-View for $19.99. The broadcast will begin at 10:30AM ET/7:30AM PT with The DAZN Boxing Show previewing the event with the Boxing action beginning at 11:30AM ET/ 8:30AM PT. (*U.S. Start Times Only*)

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, to subscribe, for region specific pricing, and to order this pay-per-view event please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

(*Card and Start Times Subject to Change.*)

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Alvarez Teaches The Lessons To Berlanga In The Ring, Both Teach A Lesson After The Fight

The central question that was asked of the unbeaten WBA number one Super-Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga prior to his challenge of unified WBC/WBA/WBO Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez on September 14th  at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV was whether he was ready for the occasion. To take it a step further, would he freeze under the pressure of the “Big Fight Atmosphere?" 

It is a question that there is not a simple answer. Berlanga did after all enter his challenge of Alvarez with a record of 22-0, with 17 Knockouts, and as this observer pointed out in previewing this fight, the development of a young fighter, specifically when decisions are made by a fighter’s handlers to step up in caliber of opposition is not an exact science and should be viewed on a case by case basis. With his first sixteen fights ending in first round knockouts, however, and with Berlanga remaining unbeaten since that streak came to an end, it was perhaps inevitable that a gamble would be made.

A gamble not towards a notable opponent with name recognition and more experience that could be used as a way to gage whether Berlanga would be ready to fight for a world championship, but rather right to the champion in Alvarez. Despite his undefeated record, Berlanga was viewed as a significant underdog. Not only due to the fact that he was going up against a fighter in Alvarez with considerably more experience, but also due to the champion’s status as one of the top fighters in the sport and a future Hall of Famer. While Berlanga showed no signs of the “Big Fight Atmosphere” getting to him, it did not take long for the significant gap in experience between the challenger and the champion to show itself in the fight.

Alvarez immediately began applying pressure from the outset and forced Berlanga backwards towards the ropes. Although this was the expected strategy that Alvarez usually looks to implement, Berlanga had no answer to keep what became the pattern of the fight from happening round after round. Alvarez coming forward throwing and landing hard punches to the head and body, and pushing Berlanga back. Whether Berlanga thought that he would be able to plant his feet and keep Alvarez from pressing him backwards is a question that only he can answer, but his inability to stay off the ropes and try to turn Alvarez as he pressed forward is what worked against him in this fight. Something else that worked against him was also an inability to avoid the precision timing of Alvarez, something that has been the champion’s trademark. It was that timing of Alvarez that resulted in a knockdown in the third round courtesy of a perfectly timed flush counter left hook to the jaw that sent Berlanga down to the canvas and visibly frustrated as he banged his gloves together seemingly angry with himself for getting caught by one of the best counter punchers in the sport.

Although the pattern of the fight is something that did not change from round one, what was impressive about Berlanga, despite gradually suffering significant punishment throughout, was he did manage to have periodic moments throughout the fight in catching Alvarez with flush hooks to the head as well as managing to land some body shots. What should also not be overlooked is, despite the punishment he was sustaining, which can only be described as a gradual beating, Berlanga never quit and never stopped trying to turn things around til the final bell. 

While nothing is never really certain in combat sports, particularly when it comes to knowing how judges will see things when scorecards become necessary, this was another dominant performance by a true great fighter in Alvarez as well as one where the courage and determination of his challenger was on full display. The wide and convincing unanimous decision for Alvarez was not a surprise, but as Alvarez taught a lesson to his younger and inexperienced opponent, both fighters taught the Boxing world and it’s fans a lesson in class and respect immediately following the final bell as Berlanga and Alvarez grabbed each other and had a lengthy exchange of words for several minutes following the end of the twelfth round where Berlanga expressed his respect for Alvarez, calling him his idol and Alvarez telling his younger opponent that he has great potential and to continue with his career then embracing in a show of mutual respect.

All too often it is tempting for folks to get caught up in pre fight hype, where more often than not, personal attacks are front and center if nothing else, to drum up interest in a fight. Such personal attacks naturally carry over to the realm of social media where those who are not risking their health in competition will throw whatever insults they can to gain attention. Sadly, conduct that one would expect from children, are often shown by grown adults who mistake an opinion for what often goes over the line of what is acceptable in what is supposed to be a largely polite society. Although that is sadly a more broader reflection of where society has gone in present times, both Alvarez and Berlanga taught the Boxing world a lesson in “Class” that hopefully will show those who spend their time looking for attention and only that, that there are still things such as respect and dignity in the world and it costs nothing to show it even if you share a different opinion or if your standing across the ring from an opponent. 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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BKFC And DAZN Announce Multi-Year Worldwide Broadcast Deal

Press Release: September 14, 2024 By DAZN- Philadelphia, PA (September 13, 2024) – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), The World’s Fastest Growing Combat Sports Promotion, today proudly announced a landmark three-year broadcast partnership with DAZN.  As part of this groundbreaking deal, DAZN will become the official home for BKFC, delivering exclusive live shows, pay-per-view events, and a variety of shoulder programming to fans around the world. 

Credit: DAZN

 

The partnership kicks off with BKFC Marbella, Spain emanating from the iconic Marbella Arena in Marbella, Spain, on Saturday, October 12, 2024. This highly anticipated event marks the beginning of an exciting new era for BKFC and DAZN as the partnership is slated to deliver up to 24 exclusive live events annually, solidifying DAZN as the destination for combat sports enthusiasts. 

  

BKFC’s Founder and President, David Feldman, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “Our partnership with DAZN represents a major inflection point in BKFC’s global expansion. This three-year deal allows us to bring the adrenaline-pumping action of BKFC to an even larger, worldwide audience. DAZN shares our vision of elevating the sport of bare-knuckle fighting, and together, we will deliver an unparalleled experience to combat sports fans across the globe.” 

  

The announcement of Conor McGregor joining BKFC as a new owner and partner this past April marked a significant milestone in the promotion’s history. As one of the biggest names in combat sports, McGregor’s involvement has already brought unprecedented attention to BKFC, particularly following his appearance at the BKFC-Marbella, Spain Launch Press Conference in July. McGregor’s involvement is a testament to BKFC’s rise in profile within the combat sports world, particularly as the organization forges ahead with its global broadcast partnership with DAZN. 

  

Jared Kass, SVP North America, DAZN Group, expressed his excitement for the partnership: “We are thrilled to become the exclusive home of BKFC’s premier events. This collaboration speaks to DAZN’s dedication to delivering innovative and unforgettable combat sports experiences. With BKFC now part of our portfolio, fans worldwide will have access to some of the most exciting fights and content in the sport.” 

  

Adding to the excitement, Mario Lopez, a popular television personality, will host select BKFC events, providing his star power to further enhance the BKFC viewing experience. This deal with DAZN offers an exciting opportunity to feature not only the top BKFC fighters but also key brand ambassadors and partners; McGregor and Lopez, amplifying the visibility of BKFC globally. 

 

DAZN’s comprehensive BKFC coverage commences with BKFC Marbella, Spain on October 12 and as part of the ongoing collaboration, DAZN will broadcast a slate of upcoming BKFC premium events in 2024,

 

October 12, 2024 – Marbella, Spain

November 9, 2024 – Billings, Montana

December 14, 2024 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

December 21, 2024 – Hollywood Florida

 

In addition to these live events, DAZN will provide fans with an extensive catalog of exclusive BKFC programming, enhancing the viewing experience with behind-the-scenes content, fighter profiles, and more. The platform will feature: 

 

“Untapped” – A compelling behind-the-scenes series that delves into the lives, training, and personal journeys of BKFC fighters. 

Best of the BKFC Library – An expansive archive of past fights, showcasing some of the most memorable and legendary moments in BKFC history. 

Fighter profiles – Highlighting rising stars, top-tier fighters, and exclusive footage of their careers. 

 

David Tetreault, President of Triller Sports and Chief Business Officer of BKFC, played a pivotal role in securing this partnership drawing on his extensive experience with DAZN from his tenure at Golden Boy where he was the architect of the landmark Canelo Alvarez deal with DAZN. Tetreault emphasized the importance of DAZN’s global reach for the collaboration. “This partnership marks a new era for BKFC,” said Tetreault. “We are forming a steering committee composed of top executives from both DAZN and BKFC to take this partnership to new heights. With our combined expertise in Media and Entertainment, Global Marketing, and Content Distribution, we will redefine combat sports worldwide.”  

 

BKFC Marbella, Spain is headlined by three highly anticipated world title fights, promising a night of thrilling action. The main event features the BKFC Lightweight World Title Clash between Spain's Franco Tenaglia and Tony ‘Loco’ Soto of the United States while the BKFC Middleweight World Title showdown sees reigning champion David Mundell defending his title against top contender Danny Christie of the United Kingdom. In addition, Austin Trout, the reigning BKFC Welterweight World Champion, will put his title on the line for the first time against Rico Franco. Having competed across the globe, Trout is excited to showcase his skills in Spain and aims to make a statement in his title defense, while Franco is eager to stake his claim as the top welterweight in BKFC. 

 

Partnership with Triller and DAZN 

Our ongoing collaboration with Triller and DAZN continues to propel BKFC’s presence in the digital and global arenas. The partnership, which began with the Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz boxing event, utilizes Triller’s suite of innovative tools, including the Triller app and Amplify AI technology, to increase our marketing reach. As we push forward, we are leveraging Triller TV’s streaming service as an alternative pay-per-view provider, ensuring that our events reach the widest audience possible. The upcoming BKFC 67 event will benefit from this enhanced digital strategy, driving storylines and engagement through Triller’s cutting-edge AI tools.  

 

About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) 

 

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is the first promotion allowed to hold a legal, sanctioned, and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. Based in Philadelphia, and headed by President and former professional boxer David Feldman, BKFC is dedicated to preserving the historical legacy of bare knuckle fighting, while utilizing a specifically created rule set that emphasizes fighter safety. BKFC holds all of its bouts in a revolutionary circular four-rope ring, designed to encourage fast-paced and exciting bouts. The patented BKFC “Squared Circle” contains scratch lines, based on the Broughton Rules which governed bare knuckle fighting in the 19th century, and which requires fighters to “Toe the Line”: start every round face to face, and just inches apart.  

 

In BKFC, only those fighters who are established professionals in boxing, MMA, kickboxing, or Muay Thai are allowed to compete. The referees and judges are required to have extensive professional combat sports experience. All fights are held under the auspices and control of an Athletic Commission. Unlike other fighting organizations and combat sports internationally which claim to be “bare knuckle”, but require wraps, tape, and gauze; BKFC is true to its word as fighters are not allowed to wrap their hands to within one inch of the knuckle. This makes BKFC unquestionably the truest form of bare knuckle fighting. BKFC is dedicated to not just creating the safest, most exciting, and highest-level bare-knuckle fighting organization in the world, it’s also leading the way for a new fully recognized professional combat sport. BKFC is truly the sport of the future, which fully respects its remarkable past.  

 

About DAZN   

 

DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA). DAZN is building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading tech, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialize, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance visit dazngroup.com

 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.

Gloves Off: Canelo vs Berlanga Live Now on Prime Video

Press Release: September 10, 2024 By Prime Video-

Credit: Prime Video 

 

All-new editions of Gloves Off explore the backstories of two elite world-class fighters who will be trading punches in a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video at T-Mobile Arena on September 14

NEW YORK—Sept. 9, 2024— Prime Video announced the release of Gloves Off: Canelo vs Berlanga, the fourth edition of the compelling behind-the-scenes presentation, Gloves Off. As momentum builds for an intriguing night of PBC Pay-Per-View action on Prime Video on September 14 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this two-part edition of Gloves Off explores what motivates both main event participants while setting the stage for the latest chapter of the heated ring rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico. Mexican native Canelo Álvarez brings his Super Middleweight World Championship belts into the ring for a showdown with undefeated top-rated challenger, Edgar Berlanga, who is seeking to add another extraordinary accomplishment to the storied legacy of Puerto Rican boxing. Narrated by Barry Pepper, the program takes fans far beyond the ring. The series blends footage and stories of the fighters’ lives, families, training camp team members and training camp activity as the build-up increases for this highly anticipated 168-pound World Championship battle.

 

Having already secured his placed as one of Mexico’s all-time great fighters and destined for the International Boxing Hall of Fame, superstar Canelo Álvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) is putting his unified WBC, WBA and WBO Super Middleweight World Titles on the line against undefeated WBA No. 1-Ranked Mandatory Contender Edgar Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs). The 12-round battle headlines a Mexican Independence Day weekend celebration in a city well-known for memorable athletic achievement.

 

 

Canelo-Berlanga clash marks the latest chapter of the historic and intense ring rivalry of Mexico vs. Puerto Rico

The Canelo-Berlanga pay-per-view event is also available for pre-order for $89.99 through the Prime Video app on Mobile, Tablet, and Connected Streaming Devices/Smart TVs or can also be purchased at the following link: Canelo vs. Berlanga.

Material, Photo, and Trailer Courtesy of: Prime Video and Premier Boxing Champions Used with permission. 

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

Will Edgar Berlanga's Gamble Pay Off Against Alvarez?

The sport of Boxing and by extension combat sports is far from an exact science. While that statement by its nature is one that can cover a lot of ground, for the purposes of this column, the term “Exact Science" will be in regard to the development of a young fighter. To be more specific, when the decision is made to allow the fighter to step up in caliber of competition.

In the case of undefeated Super-Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga, it seems like it was only yesterday that he was a rising prospect, who began his career with a streak of sixteen knockouts. As impressive as that is, what makes it more impressive is all of those knockouts came in the first round. It should not be a surprise based on that statistic that Berlanga, who turned professional in 2016 has moved up the ladder of contention rather quickly, though the first four years of his career resulted in only sixteen rounds inside the ring.

A conundrum that all fighters who have risen through the ranks as Berlanga has is to deal with the label of “Knockout Artist." As much attention as the fighter who earns that label receives for having such an ability as scoring quick and often devastating knockouts, equal attention, perhaps more so, is given when the fighter fails to continue scoring knockouts as frequently as the level of competition increases. Berlanga has not been an exception as following an eight round decision over veteran Demond Nicholson in April 2021, Berlanga has only scored one knockout since his initial string of sixteen consecutive knockouts ended with that decision victory.

While some perhaps unfairly will and have seen this as a reason to criticize the twenty-seven year old native of Brooklyn, NY, his competition level, as it does for all fighters who continue to progress, has increased. Though some may take issue with some of Berlanga’s performances since that run of sixteen knockouts came to an end, what should not be overlooked is he has been given time to get more time in the ring under his belt, has learned how to go the distance and that can only help a fighter in their development. Now, with a record of 22-0, with 17 Knockouts and a number one ranking in the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) Super-Middleweight ratings, Berlanga now prepares to take another step up as he will challenge unified WBO/WBA/WBC Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez on September 14th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. A world championship bout that can be seen on Prime Video Pay-Per-View.

The obvious question going into this fight is whether Berlanga is ready for what is a significant step up. Not only because it's his first opportunity to fight for a world championship, but also, because he is now going to be in the ring with a future Hall of Famer in Alvarez, who until recently, was the longtime undisputed world champion of the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. While the International Boxing Federation's (IBF) decision to strip Alvarez of its world championship for his failure to fulfill his mandatory defense obligation against current number one contender, the unbeaten William Scull, which was due in the rotation of mandatory defenses among the various organizations, whose world titles Alvarez holds, means that this will obviously not be for an undisputed world championship, Berlanga will still be facing the number one fighter in the division. 

Therefore, if Berlanga would emerge victorious in this fight, his path to being an undisputed champion would obviously likely be a short one as he will likely look to make a fight with the winner of the bout between Scull and Vladimir Shishkin, the IBF’s number one and two contenders respectively, who are tentatively set to meet for the vacant IBF world championship later this year. The task of dethroning Alvarez, however, is not likely to be an easy one. 

In his last fight, Berlanga ended a five fight knockout drought, by scoring a sixth round knockout of previously unbeaten former IBO Light-Heavyweight world champion Padraig McCrory in February of this year in Orlando, FL. While that win showed that Berlanga still has the type of punching power that can end fights if given the opportunity, McCrory, despite being a former world champion and undefeated at the time he fought Berlanga, is not considered a household name having fought his previous eighteen bouts in the United Kingdom and Germany. Nevertheless, the knockout win over a former world champion did succeed in getting Berlanga this opportunity to challenge Alvarez,

In contrast to Berlanga, Alvarez is coming off a successful title defense in May in scoring a twelve round unanimous decision over previously undefeated former WBO Jr. Middleweight world champion Jaime Munguia in the same venue in which this fight will take place. Alvarez, though still dominant as the longtime king of the Super-Middleweights has a bit of a streak going as well, in that for the third consecutive fight, Alvarez was able to knock down his opponent in Munguia as he had done to previous opponents Jermell Charlo and John Ryder, but he could not finish either of them. 

Although this is due to the toughness and resilience of all three, some might view Alvarez’ inability to score stoppages/knockouts in those fights as a sign of possible decline. Alvarez is only thirty-four years old, but one must keep in mind that he has had sixty-five professional fights in his career and the possibility of wear and tear from so many fights as well as moving up and down the weight scale winning numerous world championships in multiple divisions along the way, all taking an accumulative toll is real.

This is a case, however, where the onus is not on the champion, who not only has a significant edge in overall experience against top caliber opposition, as well as well over a decade fighting in bouts fought at the highest level of the sport, but it is on the challenger to show he is not only ready, but can compete effectively at this level. In thinking of how this fight might be fought, two things stood out to this observer as logical. 

One, Alvarez is a fighter that is a precision counter puncher and is otherwise very compact in how he sets up and throws his punches. This is something one should expect to see the champion implement in this fight. Given the challenger’s reputation in having scored early knockouts, it is logical to think that Alvarez will be looking to bait Berlanga into making mistakes, perhaps from the opening bell. A tactic that the champion has used at times is to sit on the ropes in a defensive posture and waive his opponent in, inviting them to come forward and throw punches. While this is an obvious tactic to try and bait the opponent into making mistakes, one opponent refused to take that bait when he fought Alvarez.

This observer is referring to unbeaten now unified Light-Heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol. A fighter, who not unlike Berlanga, began his career with a string of early knockouts, was labeled a “Knockout Artist," but over time evolved into a master boxer that can do a little of everything. In his fight with Alvarez, Bivol not only did not allow himself to be baited by Alvarez’ tactics, but executed a near flawless fight plan, which had an emphasis on tactical Boxing. The result was a convincing decision win for Bivol in defense of his Light-Heavyweight championship in being the only fighter to beat Alvarez in over a decade.

Edgar Berlanga has shown that he is a fighter that does not strictly have punching power, but most would say and would be correct that Dmitry Bivol is at another level in terms of being a master boxer. Nevertheless, Berlanga needs to find a way to be tactical in this fight and not rely strictly on his punching power. It is also crucial that he pace himself early on. One needs to keep in mind that Berlanga has never fought at this level before and as such, this is new territory for him. There are countless stories of fighters allowing what is known as “The Big Fight Atmosphere" to get to them in some way. Whether it is being overcome by the atmosphere of the event where they freeze under the pressure of it, or, being influenced by it where they are overly aggressive, the atmosphere of the event can often be as difficult an opponent to combat as the one a fighter has standing across from them in the ring. 

Berlanga needs to approach this fight with caution from start to finish. Even if he is able to find success at points and perhaps hurt Alvarez, he needs to remember who he is in the ring with and everything the champion has shown he is capable of. Equally important, the challenger must maintain his stamina. Alvarez’ fight plan is rooted in his experience and as such, if he does not bait Berlanga into making a mistake that he can capitalize on early, the plan will likely be to extend Berlanga into the middle and late rounds at a pace that the challenger is not used to, to either try and stop him late in the fight or box his way to victory to retain his world championship. 

While this is yet another chapter in the Hall of Fame career of Saul “Canelo" Alvarez, there comes a point in just about every star fighter’s career where one might wonder if the time has come where for lack of a better term the torch will be passed from one great fighter to potentially another who will carry it for a significant period of time. Yours truly cannot say whether we might be approaching one of those moments, but it is certainly a possibility that a fighter, even a great one such as Alvarez, might get old in one fight on one night. Whether Edgar Berlanga ends up being the fighter to make such a scenario occur is a question yet to be answered. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Alvarez vs. Berlanga takes place on Saturday, September 14th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The fight as well as it's full undercard can be seen on Prime Video Pay-Per-View presented by Premier Boxing Champions beginning at 6PM ET/3PM PT with the main card beginning at 8PM ET/6PM PT for $89.95. To order this pay-per-view card download the Prime Video app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/Smart TVs or click the following link to order: Canelo vs. Berlanga. (*Card and Start Time Subject To Change.*) (*Check your local listings internationally.*)

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KEVIN BROWN DEFEATS JOHN BAUZA TO RETAIN WBA SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CONTINENTAL AMERICAS TITLE ON MVP’S MOST VALUABLE PROSPECTS 8

Press Release: September 7, 2024 By Most Valuable Promotions -  Hendri Cedeno, Yoelvis Gomez take home TKO victories, with Carlos Lebron and Luis Quiles battling to majority draw on main card

Photo Credit: Joseph Correa/Most Valuable Promotions

Bree Howling illustrates top contender status with UD win over Beata Dudek, Antraveous Ingram puts on a show with TKO victory against Cruse Stewart

Nat Dove takes UD win over Wendy Villegas in another impressive showing for the up and coming star

ORLANDO, FL – September 6, 2024 – Kevin Brown (6-0, 3 KOs) successfully defended his WBA Super Lightweight Continental Americas title with a thrilling UD victory (96-93, 98-91, 97-92) over John Bauza (18-2, 8 KOs) at MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 8 tonight at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL. The undefeated rising star and WBA’s #14 ranked contender from Camaguey, Cuba, showcased his power and skill, dominating the bout from start to finish. Despite the vast difference in professional experience, Brown controlled the pace with sharp combinations and relentless pressure, knocking Bauza down with a hard body shot late in the first round. As the fight wore on, his confidence and power became more evident as Brown delivered some vicious shots throughout the bout. With this impressive win, Brown maintains his unbeaten record and continues his rise as a formidable force in the super lightweight division. MVP’s fourth installment of the 2024 Most Valuable Prospects series, presented by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, took place at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL, available globally on DAZN subscription with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter.

Dominican prospect Hendri “La Bazuca” Cedeno (14-0, 11 KOs) maintained his unbeaten streak with a decisive TKO win over Enriko “Gudan” Gogokhia (13-2-2, 8 KOs) in their 8-round super lightweight bout on the main card. Cedeno, a 26-year-old rising talent from La Romana, Dominican Republic, displayed impressive speed, footwork, and precise punching against the seasoned Gogokhia. Cedeno remained in control, while Gogokhia showed grit and promise with unorthodox style and well-placed shots. Despite showing intent to continue at the end of the fourth round, Gogokhia suffered a shoulder dislocation, leading to a TKO victory for La Bazuca before the start of the fifth round.

In a main card matchup, 26-year-old Yoelvis “La Joya” Gomez (8-1, 7 KOs) showcased his knockout power with a thrilling TKO victory over Diego Ferreira (11-3-1, 7 KOs) in their 8-round middleweight fight. Gomez, the rising Cuban standout, made his mark from the opening bell with his aggressive style and relentless pressure. As the fight progressed, Gomez continued to find openings, landing a series of massive right hands throughout the fourth round, ultimately wearing down Gomez and leading him to retire at the end of the fourth round.

In the main card opener, Orlando, Florida’s 19-year-old talent Carlos “Pretty Boy” Lebron (3-1-1, 3 KOs) went the distance against Cidra, Puerto Rico’s Luis Quiles (2-0-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bantamweight fight. Lebron, who entered the bout with all his wins by knockout, methodically broke down Quiles with powerful combinations in the opening two rounds. Quiles made a strong showing late in the bout, coming to life in the third round and mounting a steady attack against Lebron’s power and precision through the end of the bout, resulting in a majority draw (39-37, 38-38 x2).

Kissimmee, Florida’s promising prospect Antraveous Ingram (8-0, 3 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact with a fifth-round TKO victory over Cruse “Hitman” Stewart (8-4, 6 KOs) in a super welterweight bout on the preliminary card. Ingram, fighting in front of his enthusiastic home fans, used his speed and footwork to neutralize Stewart’s power from the opening bell. Stewart pressed the action, but Ingram’s defense and heavy counterattacks knocked Stewart down in the fourth round before ultimately landing a vicious body shot at 1:31 in the fifth round, sending Stewart to the mat for good. 

26-year-old Bree “Bam Bam” Howling (8-0, 2 KOs) continued her undefeated streak with a commanding performance, defeating Hungary’s Beata Dudek (4-4, 4 KOs) by unanimous decision (80-72 x3) in an 8-round bantamweight bout on the preliminary card. Howling, ranked in the top 10 by the WBA, proved her future contender potential with technical skill and speed. Despite Dudek’s height and reach advantage, Howling controlled the pace and distance, earning the unanimous victory.

Nat “No Love” Dove (3-0) put on a commanding performance against Wendy Villegas (2-3, 2 KOs) in their four-round bantamweight bout, securing a unanimous decision (40-36 x3) victory. Dove, a training partner to MVP’s own Javon “Wanna” Walton, dominated from the opening bell with superior speed, footwork, and striking power. Throughout all the rounds, Dove's relentless pressure and impressive combinations left Villegas unable to mount a significant offense. The judges awarded Dove a unanimous decision, keeping her perfect record intact and further highlighting her potential as a rising talent in the ring.

In a thrilling 4-round lightweight bout on the preliminary card, Harley “Dennis the Menace” Mederos (7-0, 6 KOs) delivered an impressive TKO win against Russia’s Nikolai Buzolin (9-10-1, 5 KOs). Mederos knocked down Buzolin in the first round with a series of devastating blows to the head and body, and repeated the feat in the second round. In the third round, Mederos unleashed a relentless barrage, knocking Buzolin down three times before the referee stepped in to stop the fight, awarding Mederos a TKO victory. 

In the final fight of the night, Christian Rivera (1-0) defeated Rommel Toran (1-2-1, 1 KO) by unanimous decision in a 4 round welterweight fight

The Most Valuable Prospects series is produced and marketed by MVP with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter and is distributed globally by DAZN. The eighth event in the series continued the commitment from MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian to highlight the world’s best up-and-coming boxing talent. All events within Most Valuable Prospects will take place on Friday nights in 2024. CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, maker of lifestyle energy drink, is the exclusive energy drink sponsor of MVP and the Most Valuable Prospects series. Fansly and Event Ticket Center have joined on to sponsor Most Valuable Prospects as well.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @DAZNBoxing or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @DAZNBoxing.

About MVP

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last five global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Diaz match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN

DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA). We are building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading tech, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app.

For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit: dazngroup.com

Material Courtesy of: Most Valuable Promotions/Photo Courtesy of: Joseph Correa/ Most Valuable Promotions Used with permission. 

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

MVP’S MOST VALUABLE PROSPECTS 9 EXPANDS TO CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11I N PARTNERSHIP WITH AMANDA SERRANO

Press Release: September 7, 2024 By Most Valuable Promotions -  Rivera, Rosado, and Chaparro to feature on main card of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 9 at the Coliseo Roger Mendoza, available globally on DAZN subscription

NEW YORK, NY – September 6, 2024 – Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced its expansion into Puerto Rico for the ninth installment of its Most Valuable Prospects series, set to take place in Caguas, Puerto Rico at the Coliseo Roger Mendoza on Friday, October 11th, available globally on DAZN subscription. Universal Promotions will serve as the official promoter with Boxlab Promotions serving as co-promoter for Most Valuable Prospects 9, presented by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy. Most Valuable Prospects 9 marks a significant milestone for MVP as it brings its up-and-coming talent showcase series to Puerto Rican soil for the first time in partnership with MVP’s boxing trailblazer, the most decorated Puerto Rican champion of all time, Amanda Serrano and her manager Jordan Maldonado. The partnership, first announced in March 2024 at MVP’s marquee event in San Juan, aims to identify, sign, and develop Puerto Rican fighters with MVP. The company now welcomes 23-year-old Puerto Rican National Team star Jan Paul Rivera, 21-year-old sensation Krystal Rosado, and three-time US national boxing champion and high-fashion model Alexis “Chop Chop” Chaparro to the MVP roster. 

Most Valuable Prospects 9 will be headlined by Jan Paul Rivera (10-0, 6 KOs) vs. Andy “Skeletor” Beltran (8-0, 5 KOs) in a 8-round featherweight bout for the WBC Latino regional title. Krystal Rosado (4-0, 2 KOs) and Alexis “Chop Chop” Chaparro will also compete on the main card. The event represents MVP’s expanding ventures in Puerto Rico to spotlight the island’s rich boxing heritage and identify development opportunities with Puerto Rican talent. Tickets for Most Valuable Prospects 9 are on sale now at ticketera.com.

In the main event, Most Valuable Prospects 9 will feature the highly-anticipated return of recent Most Valuable Prospects standout, Jan Paul Rivera (10-0, 6 KOs). Rivera, the 23-year-old featherweight prospect from Salinas, Puerto Rico, was a decorated member of the Puerto Rican national boxing team as an amateur, competing in over 200 bouts. His amateur accolades include winning two straight Puerto Rico Elite National Championships in 2020 and 2021, as well as the Puerto Rico Youth National Championships in 2018 and 2019. He also earned a silver medal at the AIBA Youth World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in 2018. Across his 10-fight professional career to date, Rivera has competed across the USA, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Colombia, furthering his aspirations to become a global star in the sport. He most recently took home a knockout win over then-8-0 Justin Goodson in the main event of MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 7. He now will compete in the main event of Most Valuable Prospects 9 against Andy “Skeletor” Beltran (8-0, 5 KOs) in a 8-round featherweight bout. Beltran comes to the ring from Las Vegas, Nevada ready to test his own undefeated streak and knockout power as they compete for the WBC Latino regional title.

"Signing with Amanda Serrano, Nakisa Bidarian, Jake Paul, and MVP is a great opportunity for me to become a star, and I’m proud to be joining such a dynamic, talented team,” said Jan Paul Rivera. “Most Valuable Prospects 9 is more than just another fight for me—it's a chance to showcase my skills and represent my home in Puerto Rico. I can’t wait to put on a show for my fans at the Coliseo Roger Mendoza."

Also joining the main card will be the 21-year-old sensation Krystal Rosado (4-0, 2 KOs), the first fighter signed by Amanda Serrano. The Carolina, Puerto Rico native made her professional debut on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 2 show in August 2023, stunning fans with a ferocious second-round KO against Tarrethia Dixon. Rosado went on to compete on MVP’s historic Serrano vs. Ramos card in October 2023, earning her decisive second win over Hungary’s Kata Pap, before appearing in front of her home fans at the legendary Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan as part of MVP’s main card in March 2024. In front of her home fans, Rosado put on a ferocious show, displaying her championship potential against Gloria Munguilla. Rosado took home a majority decision win, which she followed with a swift knockout of Russia’s Veronika Dmitriyeva at MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 7 in July 2024. Rosado will now make her formal debut as an MVP fighter in her fifth professional bout on Friday, October 11.

"As the first fighter signed by Amanda Serrano, I want to make my island proud and put on a show every time I step into the ring,” said Krystal Rosado. “Joining MVP is an incredible honor, and I’m excited to grow further now with Nakisa and Jake in my corner. Competing in Caguas is a big moment for me, and I’m ready to show everyone what I’m capable of. This event is an amazing opportunity to highlight the young talent coming out of Puerto Rico, and I’m thrilled to be part of it."

Alexis "Chop Chop" Chaparro (2-0, 2 KOs) also has now signed with Most Valuable Promotions and will make his return to the ring for Most Valuable Prospects 9. The 23-year-old Chaparro, raised in Ridgewood, New York, is a three-time national boxing champion who competed at both the 2020 and 2024 USA Boxing Olympic trials. The gifted Puerto Rican athlete is also a high fashion model, having worked for Versace, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, and Polo Ralph Lauren, among others. Chaparro landed a sensational first-round KO win over Daniel Augare in his pro debut on Most Valuable Prospects 6 in April 2024, before scoring a stunning second round knockout over Kevin Hill on the preliminary card of MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry in July 2024. 

"Signing with both MVP and Amanda Serrano is a big step in my career, and I couldn’t be more excited to represent my Puerto Rican roots on Friday, October 11,” said Alexis "Chop Chop" Chaparro. “Being part of MVP feels like the perfect fit, and I’m looking forward to making my mark in the ring and continuing to advance my career under Nakisa and Jake’s guidance. This is just the beginning, and I’m ready to show the world what I’m made of."

“MVP’s expansion into Puerto Rico in partnership with Amanda Serrano and Jordan Maldonado underscores our commitment to developing and showcasing the wealth of boxing talent from Puerto Rico,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of MVP. “We are proud to formally welcome Jan, Krystal, and Alexis as the newest signees to the MVP family and look forward to featuring these young, exciting stars in front of their home fans at the Coliseo Roger Mendoza on Friday, October 11. We are continuing our mission to expand our talent roster and support fighters with the potential to become global stars at MVP. This event not only represents a new chapter for MVP but also reinforces our dedication to elevating the sport of boxing with top talent from around the world.”

“We’ve worked hard to identify fighters who embody the spirit and dedication of Puerto Rican boxing, and working alongside MVP to elevate fighters like Jan, Krystal, and Alexis is a dream come true,” said Amanda Serrano and Jordan Maldonado. “We know firsthand what it means to have the support of your home fans in the ring, and we’re excited to see the next generation of future champions shine on Friday, October 11. This is just the beginning of something special for MVP and Puerto Rico.”

The Most Valuable Prospects series is produced and marketed by MVP with Universal Promotions serving as the official promoter, co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions, and is distributed globally by DAZN. The ninth event in the series will continue the commitment from MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian to highlight the world’s best up-and-coming boxing talent. All events within Most Valuable Prospects will take place on Friday nights in 2024. CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, maker of lifestyle energy drink, is the exclusive energy drink sponsor of MVP and the Most Valuable Prospects series. The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida is a sponsor of Most Valuable Prospects 9, and Fansly and Event Ticket Center have joined on to sponsor the Most Valuable Prospects series as well.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @DAZNBoxing or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @DAZNBoxing.

About MVP

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last five global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Diaz match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN

DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA). We are building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading tech, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app.

For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit dazngroup.com.

Material Courtesy of: Most Valuable Promotions Used with permission. 

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

Five First Round KO's: Country Box September 3, 2024 Results From Nashville, TN

Undefeated Jr. Welterweight Julian Bridges scored a lopsided six round unanimous decision over Frank Brown on Tuesday night at the Texas Troubadour Theater in Nashville, TN. Bridges brought the fight to Brown from the outset working off his jab to land punches to the body and the head of Brown, who was quite awkward, had some moments in being able to land wide hooks to the head including a hard right hook after the bell at the conclusion of the second round. 

As unorthodox as Brown’s approach and tactics were, however, he spent the vast majority of the fight arguing with the referee and with those in attendance rather than trying to win the fight. This allowed Bridges to out work him over the six rounds to win a convincing unanimous decision. At the conclusion of the fight, Brown oddly took his trunks off in the middle of the ring for several minutes before the decision was announced. Official scores were 60-54 (On all three official scorecards) in favor of Bridges. Julian Bridges advances to 6-0, with 2 Knockouts. Frank Brown falls to 3-6-2, with 1 Knockout.

Also on this card:

Undefeated Jr. Middleweight Dwyke Flemmings kept his perfect record intact by scoring a first round knockout of forty-two year old veteran Lenwood Dozier. From the opening bell Flemmings kept Dozier on the defensive where he was strictly covering up and not trying to throw any punches. What resembled a fighter working a heavy bag in the gym with a constant barrage of body and head punches finally put Dozier on the canvas. Dozier did get up from the knockdown, but when the fight continued and Dozier continued not to throw any punches, it was mercifully stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 2:31 of round one. Dwyke Flemmings advances to 8-0, with 8 Knockouts. Lenwood Dozier falls to 10-38-3, with 5 Knockouts. 

Jr. Welterweight Jordy Gonzalez successfully made his professional debut with a first round stoppage of Jashawn Hunter. The fight started with both fighters standing and trading punches and was halted suddenly when Hunter told the referee that he had hurt his hand. Following consultation with a ringside physician it was determined that Hunter could not continue. Official time of the stoppage was 1:14 of round one. Jordy Gonzalez advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Jashawn Hunter falls to 1-9, with 1 Knockout.

Light-Heavyweight Ryan Diaz successfully made his professional debut by scoring a first round knockout of Darius Taylor. A right hook, left hook, right hook combination to the head sent Taylor down for the ten count in his own corner. Official time of the stoppage was 2:10 of round one. Ryan Diaz advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Darius Taylor falls to 0-4, with 0 Knockouts.

Undefeated Flyweight Tayvien Alpough moved to 3-0 in his young career by scoring a first round knockout of a very “Game" Riley Buck. Alpough dropped Buck with a left hook to the body early in round one. Buck showed his mettle by getting up from the knockdown only to be dropped with a flush right hook to the head seconds later. As he had done the previous time, Buck got up once more and tried to fight back, but it was only seconds before he was sent down for a third and final time forcing a stoppage of the bout. Official time of the stoppage was 2:25 of round one. Tayvien Alpough advances to 3-0, with 3 Knockouts. Riley Buck falls to 0-2, with 0 Knockouts. 

Heavyweight Curtis Harper began the evening by scoring a first round knockout of veteran Antwaun Tubbs, the son of former WBA Heavyweight world champion Tony Tubbs. Despite the lineage Tubbs brought with him into the ring, he put up no resistance in this fight as he spent more time on the canvas seeming to look for a way out than he did trying to compete. The fight was halted after three official knockdowns where it was difficult to tell which punches landed to cause Tubbs to go down. Official time of the stoppage was 2:33 of round one. Curtis Harper advances to 17-11, with 10 Knockouts. Antwaun Tubbs falls to 5-20, with 2 Knockouts.

The twenty-first addition of promoter Jimmy Adams’ Country Box series, which mixes Boxing with live music almost had a rarity in the sport. In addition to live music from Cowboy Calvin on this edition of the series, the Boxing end of the equation nearly produced a first round knockout in every bout on the card, with the exception of the main event. While a total of twelve rounds of Boxing combined in six fights is not something that anyone who puts together a card aims for, it does prove the point that Boxing is truly unpredictable and no matter what things might look like in terms of a fighter’s record coming into a fight, you never know what will happen once a fight starts. It is such unpredictability that is one of the many appeals of the sport of Boxing. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

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

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Inoue Retains Undisputed Championship Via Stoppage Due To Apparent Injury

The next chapter in the career of undefeated four-division world champion Naoya Inoue, a man who also holds the distinction of becoming an undisputed world champion in both the 118lb. Bantamweight and 122lb. Jr. Featherweight divisions was one that some felt was a formality. Despite suffering a scare in his last title defense of the Undisputed Jr. Featherweight crown against former world champion Luis Nery, where he was knocked down for the first time in his career, some thought his opponent in former IBF Jr. Featherweight world champion TJ Doheny would be overmatched due to the often devastating punching power that Inoue has.

What fans including those who were in attendance at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan on September 3rd were treated to, however, was a surprisingly tactical battle where the challenger more than held his own, despite the bleak odds that he faced.  Doheny used frequent faints to disrupt Inoue’s ability to find a rhythm and put forth a consistent attack. This not only kept the pace of the combat at a measured tactical pace where frankly it seemed in spots to favor the challenger. Doheny was also very tactical in how he picked his spots to throw his punches, mixing from the body to the head and only throwing short combinations. While this was an effective strategy for several rounds, Inoue’s punches were harder and more effective when he did land them.

Although Doheny succeeded in keeping the fight at a pace that seemed to nullify the champion’s usual consistent pressure and offensive attack where it was more competitive, after four rounds, Inoue was able to let his hands go more frequently, landing hooks to the body and the head of the challenger. It was one left hook to the body in the latter seconds of the fifth round that seemed to have Doheny hurt. As round six began, Inoue threw a combination that had Doheny on the ropes attempting to use his lateral movement to defend and evade the incoming punches from the champion. It seemed as Doheny was attempting this as he got hit with a body shot, he appeared to turn awkwardly and indicated an injury before limping back to his corner, clearly compromised in some way. The fight was over just sixteen seconds into round six. 

While this fight did not offer the conclusive outcome that most have come to expect whenever Naoya Inoue fights, there is something to be said about how competitive the fight seemed to be before the stoppage and that this followed a bout where Inoue was knocked down for the first time in his career and faced a determined effort from Luis Nery. In that, it was the first time in Inoue’s career that the fighter known to his fans as “The Monster” appeared to show that like the rest of us, he is human. Ultimately, the champion did what he had to do here in this fight and retained his title via stoppage due to an apparent injury to a fighter in TJ Doheny, who had never been stopped previously in his career. As to what extent of the injury and exactly what that injury was is unknown as of this writing, but in defeat, Doheny was not only able to give a good account of himself, but was also able to ask a question that seems to follow what happened to Inoue in his last bout against Nery. After winning world championships in four different divisions in dominant fashion and becoming an undisputed world champion in two of those divisions, has Naoya Inoue hit his ceiling as far as how high he can go at 122lbs. where he will be able to compete at or near his best? 

It goes without saying that no matter how dominant a fighter is regardless of weight class that as time goes on the accumulation of fights as well as the physical toll one endures during training does have an affect and opposition does tend to be able to withstand punches better as a fighter moves up in weight than was the case in lower divisions for the reason that in a lot of cases, those fighters are natural at the given weight where the fight is taking place. Although this does not necessarily mean that Naoya Inoue is necessarily at a point where he might be declining as far as his skills or punching power is concerned, his last two outings have shown that he is indeed human and may likely have a harder time with the competition as a Jr. Featherweight or even if he chooses down the line to test the waters in the 126lb. Featherweight division in an attempt to become one of the rare fighters to have won world championships in five different divisions.

Regardless of what may be ahead for Inoue down the road, clearly we are witnessing a future Hall of Famer that is one of the rare fighters where the term “Generational Talent” is more than appropriate to describe. This observer is looking forward to whatever might be next.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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Pacheco KO's Sulecki In 6 With Liver Punch

With the focus of the Boxing world continuing to be on unified Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez, who will next defend his crown against undefeated Super-Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga on September 14th, unbeaten WBO number one Super-Middleweight contender Dirgo Pacheco chose not to sit on the sidelines and wait patiently for an opportunity to face the winner of that upcoming fight, but instead to take a risk by facing former world title challenger Maciej Sulecki on August 31st at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA.

A battle of youth versus experience, what stood out to this observer was the patience of the twenty-three year old Pacheco as he simply took his time and studied what Sulecki brought with him into the fight. What was also noticeable was Pacheco’s ability to take the punches that Sulecki threw at him, which often came off of faints and were difficult to time. As the fight progressed, however, Pacheco was able to use his seventy-nine inch reach and 6’4 frame to keep the 6’1 Sulecki at distance where he constantly had to figure out a way to get on the inside of Pacheco's reach. 

As difficult of a task as that proved to be with increasing sporadic moments for Sulecki, he also could not find a way to avoid the right hand of Pacheco, who seemingly landed it at will with both straight right hands, and hooks. Pacheco continued to step up his offense and in the sixth round, he brought the fight to a sudden conclusion by throwing a right hand to the head followed by a flush left hook to the liver, which sent the veteran down in significant pain on the canvas. Sulecki, a fighter known for his durability, was unable to get up, the fight was over at fifty-four seconds of round six.

While Pacheco was favored by many prior to this fight, what makes his victory over Sulecki more impressive is the fact that Pacheco became the first fighter to stop Sulecki in thirty-five professional fights and the stoppage was a clear one where Sulecki was knocked down and unable to beat the ten count. If one were looking for a stamp that Pacheco, whom this observer said prior to this fight was at a similar stage as Berlanga, one simply could not find a better way to make a statement than what Pacheco was able to do in this fight.

Simply put, Diego Pacheco did what most want to see out of a young fighter looking for their opportunity at a world championship, to fight and turn in the type of performance that not only creates buzz and keeps both fans and experts alike talking, but also does one important thing as well. It puts his potential next opponents, in this case Saul *Canelo” Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga on notice.

" And That's The Boxing Truth.”

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Is Doheny Catching "The Monster" At The Right Time?

There is little doubt that one of Boxing’s biggest stars in recent years has been the undefeated Naoya Inoue. A fighter known simply to Boxing fans as “The Monster." Inoue has been one of the most dominant fighters of this generation being one of the few fighters to become an undisputed world champion in multiple weight divisions. Currently sitting atop the 122lb. Jr. Featherweight division as its undisputed champion, Inoue has rarely faced an opponent that has been able to withstand his constant pressure and punching power, which has seen him score knockouts in twenty-four of his twenty-seven career wins registering a career knockout percentage of nearly 89%.

As intimidating as that statistic is, there have been a few occasions throughout Inoue’s career where he has been tested. Some may recall Inoue’s first encounter with future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire in November 2019 in the finals of the World Boxing Super Series® ️ Bantamweight tournament. In what was the fight of the year, Donaire was able to engage Inoue in a toe to toe battle that went the twelve round world championship distance. Inoue was not only able to continue to dominate all competition following his victory over Donaire to win that tournament, but was also able to score a brutal knockout of Donaire in their rematch in June 2022.

In his last fight, however, Inoue received a scare in his title defense against former two-division world champion Luis Nery in May of this year, when Nery dropped Inoue hard with a flush left hook to the jaw in the first round. While Inoue was able to recover and stop Nery in the sixth round, some might view what Nery was able to do as a possible sign that there might be a way to combat “The Monster." 

Inoue’s next title defense will come on Tuesday, September 3rd at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan against former IBF Jr. Featherweight world champion TJ Doheny. A fight that can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+. Doheny, a veteran of thirty professional fights, held the IBF world championship in the Jr. Featherweight division from 2018-2019, will come into this fight rated number two in the world in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and number four in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Jr. Featherweight ratings. The challenger will also enter this bout riding a four fight winning streak. 

If one were to look for some additional positives for Doheny coming into this fight, he has twenty knockouts in his twenty-six career wins and has never been stopped in his four career losses. Additionally, Doheny is a world-class boxer and has shown he can go far into fights and go the distance. The question is whether he can do that against a fighter like Inoue.

How can the challenger do this? It is crucial that Doheny establish himself as an elusive target immediately. This is a task that is easier said than done both due to Inoue’s constant pressure as well as his punching power in both hands. Doheny must find a way to offset that pressure and do so for all twelve rounds. An additional challenge will be for him to pick his spots to try and land offense and get back to a safe distance before Inoue can land punches. One approach he could take might be to try and time the champion as he comes forward and take in the role of a counter puncher in looking to counter what Inoue throws. This is how Luis Nery was able to catch Inoue with that left hook in waiting for the champion to drop his hand, which provided a brief opening that he was able to take advantage of. Simply put, Doheny must be tactical and out-think the champion if he wants to become a two-time world champion in this fight.

Although this likely has an appearance of simply the next title defense in what will be a Hall of Fame career for Inoue, it is important to keep in mind that even though he did stop Luis Nery in his last fight and showed that he can deal with adversity, for a fighter with a moniker as “The Monster," it was the first time that Inoue also showed that like every other fighter, he is human. The question that he will have to answer in this bout is whether the knockdown he suffered against Nery was a case of a tactical mistake, which on that night he was able to quickly correct and go on to another victory, or if that brief moment was perhaps a sign that an aura that often follows fighters like Inoue, who are known as " Knockout Artists” might be beginning to fade. If it is the latter, TJ Doheny could be in a scenario where he might be in the right place at the right time to catch Inoue if the champion is starting to slip from his best performances.

"And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Inoue vs. Doheny takes place on Tuesday, September 3rd at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The fight can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 5:45AM ET/2:45AM PT.

ESPN+ is available through the ESPN app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/Smart TVs. For more information on ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com. 

(*Card and Start time Subject to Change.*)

(* U.S. Times Only/Check your local listings Internationally.*)

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