Monday, February 10, 2025

QUEENSBERRY AND DAZN ANNOUNCE HUGE OPENING SCHEDULE

Press Release: February 10, 2025 By DAZN-  

 


Dillian Whyte takes on Joe Joyce, while Lawrence Okolie and Richard Riakporhe look to settle their rivalry, in a huge British Heavyweight fight night at the Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday, April 5.


Anthony Cacace will square off against former Featherweight world champion Leigh Wood at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on Saturday, May 10.

New Queensberry signing and former undisputed Super Lightweight world champion Josh Taylor faces Ekow Essuman in Glasgow in May.



From 1 April 2025, DAZN will be the exclusive global broadcast partner of Queensberry Promotions, bringing its elite boxing events to fans worldwide for the first time.

 


LONDON, 10 FEBRUARY 2025 – Queensberry Promotions (“Queensberry”), a leading boxing promotion company founded by Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren, can proudly reveal its bumper opening schedule with DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, with the action starting with a heavyweight spectacular at the Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday, April 5.


 


The new Co-op Live will rock to the beat of the heavyweights when the popular former world title challenger Dillian Whyte (31-3, 28KOs) goes up against the “Juggernaut”, former interim WBO world title holder, Joe Joyce (16-3, 15KOs).


 


In the co-main event, two-weight world champion and now WBC Silver heavyweight champion Lawrence Okolie (21-1, 16KOs) will take on his big London rival and world cruiserweight title challenger Richard Riakporhe (17-1, 13KOs).


 


The heavyweight headline matchups are completed by English champion David Adeleye (13-1, 12KOs) facing Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva (8-1, 5KOs) and Olympian Delicious Orie, who will be making his professional debut.


 


From Manchester, the Queensberry fight train will head to the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on Saturday, May 10 and then Glasgow later in May.


 


A month later in Nottingham, Anthony Cacace (23-1, 8KOs) will defend his IBO super featherweight world championship against local hero and former featherweight world champion Leigh Wood (28-3, 17KOs). Another Nottingham favourite, WBC International light heavyweight champion Ezra Taylor (10-0, 7 KOs), will be on the card.


 


Then later in May in  Glasgow, new Queensberry signing and former undisputed super lightweight world champion Josh Taylor (19-2, 13KOs) makes a move up to welterweight, as he takes on former British champion and current WBO European title holder Ekow Essuman (21-1, 8KOs). Also on the card, Edinburgh’s WBC International champion Lee McGregor (15-1-1, 11KOs) will face fellow Scot Nathaniel Collins (15-0).


 


 


This trio of boxing events will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN, available to fans globally, as part of DAZN’s multi-year media rights deal with Queensberry.


 


“We’ve assembled a bumper lineup of cracking fights to celebrate the start of our relationship with DAZN,” said Queensberry Promotions Founder and Chairman, Frank Warren.


 


“We are starting as we mean to go on and, as you might expect, the heavyweights will play a big, big part in 2025 and beyond. Then Nottingham is the place to be the following month for a real banger of a fight between Anto Cacace and Leigh Wood. It is the sort of domestic blockbuster we will be seeing plenty of across the partnership between Queensberry and DAZN.


 


I am also so much looking forward to returning to Scotland with the nation’s biggest star and our latest signing, Josh Taylor, headlining and rebooting his career at welterweight, where I believe he can again do big things, but he will be up against it with Ekow Essuman in the opposite corner.”


 


Michael Ridout, EVP New Business at DAZN, said: “This schedule of fights will showcase the best of boxing talent across weight classes. As the global home of boxing, DAZN is committed to bringing the most exciting and nail-biting fights like these to fans around the world who love the sport. This is only the start of DAZN’s landmark partnership with Queensberry, and we look for forward to delivering more high-calibre bouts, while providing an unparalleled viewing experience.”



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 


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



























Saturday, February 8, 2025

Statement From Most Valuable Promotions Regarding Saul "Canelo" Alvarez-Jake Paul

Moet Valuable Promotions released the following statement on Friday regarding the falling through of a potential fight between Jake Paul and current unified Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez. The statement can be read below. 

Credit: Most Valuable Promotions 



Photo Courtesy of: Most Valuable Promotions Used with permission.


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

Jude Grant On His First International Opponent And Potential WBC Grand Prix Inclusion

Press Release: February 8, 2025 By Dragon Fire Boxing-  “I'm fully confident I can hang with anyone”

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

On March 14, DragonFire Promotions hosts their first event of 2025 at the Metro City Night Club. The headliner features the return of the undefeated Jude Grant, who takes on his first international opponent Shi Hong Jun.


 


After capping off a successful 2024 campaign by winning all three of his fights, Perth’s Jude Grant looks to pick up where he left off when he fights in his second main event in a row.


 


When asked about his positioning on the card, Grant expressed his love for being in the spotlight.


 


“I really enjoyed being under the bright lights” Grant said, “I'm feeling confident and I thought I learnt a lot from the first time I had the status as the main event. 


 


“I'm looking to take that experience into the next fight.”


 


In his first main event contest, Grant faced Fano Kori. Despite winning by unanimous decision, Kori had success in the pocket, as his brawler approach gave Grant problems which he had to overcome.


 


Looking back, Grant said that he felt the adversity was good for his growth as a fighter.


 


“I think as a fighter it's important to have tests” Grant admitted “it's important to see what you're made of.


 


“I think it sort of removed a lot of doubt for me, I know that I can hang with that upper echelon, especially in WA boxing.


 


“I'm fully confident I can hang with anyone.”


 


Grant was originally scheduled to face China’s number one ranked Junior Middleweight Cheng Su, who has a lot of experience on a bigger stage, having fought multiple times for Asia-Pacific and International titles.


 


However this past Wednesday, It was announced that Su had pulled out of the fight with a broken foot and is now being replaced by his countryman Shi Hong Jun.


 


Although the last-minute alteration is unfortunate, Jun will definitely pose a challenge to the Aussie given he has nothing to lose.


 


Should Grant come out of this fight victorious, it would set him up perfectly for what could potentially be a fast track to the big time. 


Grant’s manager Tony Tolj has nominated him along with his teammate Joel Lewis to potentially take part in the WBC Riyad Season Grand Prix which looks to “discover the next generation of boxing stars.”


 


The tournament is said to only feature fighters under the age of 26 with no more than 15 professional fights, with the included weight classes being Featherweight, Super Lightweight, Middleweight and Heavyweight.


 


As 128 boxers in total are fighting for glory, the grand prix will be divided into five events throughout the year. With the quarter finals and finals being scheduled for eight and ten rounds respectively.


 


When asked about potentially competing in the tournament, Grant had high praise for Riyad Season and their innovations in the sport.


 


“I think the [grand prix] concept's amazing” Jude commented, “I think what Riyadh Season are doing is incredible for the game, they’re really changing the whole landscape of boxing. 


 


“I'd be super excited to get on a card like that in Saudi Arabia. It would just be such a great experience. 


 


“I think if I were to win that tournament it would mean that I announced myself on the international stage, but I'm not looking past my next fight at all. 


 


“I think that is my first step to really announce myself. If I was to win the tournament, which I fully believe I've got the capabilities to do, it would mean everything.”


 


With the exciting prospect of Saudi fights potentially on the horizon for the Perth fighter, the future looks bright for Jude Grant. However, he cannot overlook the challenge that lies ahead on March 14.


 


Jude Grant fights Shi Hong Jun at the Metro City Night Club on March 14, you can watch the full event on LiveCombatSports.com.au.



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


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



























Thursday, February 6, 2025

Belated Weekend Thoughts: Benavidez, Shields Shine In Separate Main Events

The first weekend of February 2025 featured what proved to be a grudge match between two unbeaten Light-Heavyweight contenders as both were looking to take the next and supposed final step towards challenging for a world championship, and was followed by a new chapter of Boxing history being written as a future Hall of Famer added another accolade to her already stellar legacy.


First, it was the Light-Heavyweight battle between undefeated former WBC Super-Middleweight world champion David Benavidez and unbeaten top Light-Heavyweight contender David Morrell, which took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The main event of the latest Prime Video pay-per-view card promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions group of promoters did not disappoint as what appeared to be a dislike between the two fighters in the lead up to the encounter, which more often than not and for better or worse, is used as a way to promote fights, manifested into a grueling back and forth battle between two fighters who are not only labeled as “Knockout Artists," but arguably two of the most avoided fighters in and around the Light-Heavyweight division after both spent the bulk of their careers in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division.


Despite the high pace in which this fight was fought, there was one consistent pattern. Benavidez coming forward throwing a consistently high volume of punches where Morrell’s only tactic was to try and catch Benavidez as he was throwing, between his punches. While David Morrell did have success periodically in catching Benavidez, at times solidly, the pattern of the fight never changed. There was, however, one exception when Benavidez was caught off balance by a right hand to the head that sent him down in the eleventh round. Though the knockdown was clear due to Benavidez’ gloves touching the canvas, he did not appear to be hurt and was able to hang on for a wide and convincing twelve round unanimous decision. Before discussing where both David Benavidez and David Morrell will go moving forward coming out of this fight, which will come at the conclusion of this column, another significant fight took place during the first weekend of February that to sum in one word was “Historic." 


This observer is referring to the encounter that took place on February 2nd at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, MI, where undefeated four-division world champion Claressa Shields defended her unified WBC/WBF World Heavyweight championship against undefeated top contender Danielle Perkins. Beyond it being a title defense for Shields, the vacant crowns of the IBF, WBA, and WBO were also at stake making this the first fight in Boxing history to determine an Undisputed Women's Heavyweight champion of the world.


Despite being at a significant height disadvantage, Shields added another accolade to her Hall of Fame resume by dominating a determined opponent in Perkins over ten rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory. As has been the case throughout her career, Shields did this with a combination of hand speed, timing, and combination punching, which was highlighted by scoring a knockdown of Perkins in the final round.


While some might be critical of the various sanctioning organizations choosing to fill their vacancies in this fight and thus allowing the winner, in this case Shields, to become an undisputed world champion, it is important to remember that, despite the significant growth of Women's Boxing over the last decade, there are still some weight divisions are still growing as well and as the sport for female fighters continues to grow, the depth of those weight classes that may not have much competition currently will continue to grow as well. Determining a recognized champion of a division is a necessary step in that growth. For Shields, becoming the first Woman's Undisputed Heavyweight champion of the world frankly is the pinnacle of what can be accomplished in a career. The question now is whether she will stay at Heavyweight and continue to defend her crown, her third undisputed title in her career, whether she will move back down in weight, which is common in Women's Boxing to see fighters move up and down in weight depending on what fights and opportunities might be available, or if she will shift her primary focus to the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, where she has a record of 3-1. Although I do not think Shields should consider retirement from combat sports at this point, one has to wonder what she has left to accomplish after her latest accolade.


Getting back to David Benavidez and David Morrell, for the moment, Benavidez is now the mandatory challenger for the winner of the upcoming World Light-Heavyweight championship rematch between Undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev and former champion Dmitry Bivol. As we have seen pretty much from the beginning of the sport, however, earning a mandatory position to challenge for a world championship is rarely set in stone. This is especially true when world titles are unified and in this case, where an undisputed championship is involved. We will have to simply wait to see what happens when Beterbiev and Bivol meet again on February 22nd in Saudi Arabia. For David Morrell, he is still a top contender in the Light-Heavyweight division and depending on what happens after the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch could be right back in line as a potential challenger. With the ongoing possibility that current unified Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo" Alvarez might choose to move back up to Light-Heavyweight and use his clout as one of the sport’s top draws to possibly challenge Beterbiev or seek a rematch with Bivol, who defeated him in 2022. The Light-Heavyweight division will remain a focal point of the sport as 2025 moves along.


“And That's The Boxing Truth." 


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Tuesday, February 4, 2025

MERIT TV™ ANNOUNCES GLOBAL MEDIA PARTNERSHIP WITH TEAM COMBAT LEAGUE

Press Release: January 30, 2025 By Merit TV- MERIT TV™ ANNOUNCES GLOBAL MEDIA PARTNERSHIP WITH TEAM COMBAT LEAGUE


Dr. Phil McGraw’s Network to Exclusively Distribute First-Ever Team-Based Professional Boxing League Across Multiple Platforms


DALLAS (Feb. 3, 2025) — Merit TV™, the multiplatform TV network founded by Dr. Phil McGraw, has announced an exclusive global media partnership with Team Combat League (TCL), the first and only professional boxing league with a team-based ownership model.


Beginning April 4, 2025, Merit TV will air nine hours of TCL programming each weekend, featuring live bouts between 12 teams representing major U.S. markets. Merit TV will also manage complementary distribution partnerships both in the U.S. and worldwide.


TCL’s 2025 season—its third—will launch in Boston and feature teams composed of rising male and female talent alongside seasoned veterans. Competitors will face off across 12 different weight classes in 24 action-packed, three-minute rounds, with team performance determining the overall winner. Merit TV’s coverage will begin April 4 at 9 p.m. ET across broadcast, cable, streaming, FAST platforms, and the network’s free app, Merit+.


“TCL’s fast-paced team boxing format is revolutionizing one of the world’s oldest and most universal sports,” said Ken Solomon, Merit TV’s director and senior advisor and former Tennis Channel CEO. “With three days of national coverage across our linear and digital platforms, TCL will electrify die-hard fans and attract millions of new ones. Its high-energy, three-minute matchups—where trained former pros team up with real-life ‘Rocky Balboas’—will captivate both boxing purists and newcomers alike.”


“We have waited to find the perfect media partner with a shared vision to take TCL to the next level,” said Kevin Cassidy, CEO of TCL. “Having the experienced team at Merit TV working with us in our third season to expand the league’s media presence, national broadcast and digital reach, and overall presentation is a game-changing partnership.”


In addition to live broadcasts, Merit TV is developing original content from — broadcast to digital to social — across all platforms including social media that takes viewers behind the scenes into the lives of TCL fighters—many of whom are police officers, firefighters, teachers, construction workers, and former Olympic athletes. This initiative aligns with Merit TV’s mission to tell stories that reflect the diversity and resilience of everyday Americans.


About Dr. Phil’s Merit TV

Launched in April 2024 under the Merit Street Media banner, Dr. Phil’s Merit TV is a premier multi-platform television network spearheaded by Dr. Phil McGraw, the esteemed best-selling author and award-winning television host.


Merit TV creates and distributes compelling content across diverse platforms, reaching audiences nationwide. This fully distributed, cable, satellite, streaming, FAST, and free over-the-air broadcast media brand extends its reach to over 200 million homes.   


Using zip codes, viewers can access the prominently featured channel-finder link by entering zip codes at www.MeritTV.com. The broad multiplatform scaled distribution partnerships – with a mix of broadcast, basic cable, national satellites, and FAST channels (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) – also includes the free streaming app, Merit+, available to download via iPhone & Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku. 


The network boasts a rich tapestry of original and acquired programming, anchored by the nightly talk show, "Dr. Phil Primetime." Situated in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, the expansive Merit studios span 5 acres and serve as the dynamic hub for the brand. Here, daily morning and evening live news broadcasts unfold, as well as live breaking news, embodying Merit TV’s commitment to delivering engaging and informative content. Visit www.MeritTV.com


About Team Combat League

Team Combat League matches feature 24 three-minute rounds of non-stop action. Competitors compete in one round matches and are categorized into eight weight classes, consisting of six male weight classes 126lbs., 135lbs., 147lbs., 160lbs., 175lbs., and 201lbs.+ and two female weight classes, 126lbs., and 147lbs. Sixteen fighters or two fighters per weight class per team appear in each match. Each match is broken up into three periods. The first 8 rounds are the Launch Rounds, rounds 9-16 are the Middle Rounds and rounds 17-24 are the Money Rounds.


TCL employs an exclusive point scoring system, and each round is scored individually. Judging is carried out by a panel of three judges which are licensed by a State Athletic Boxing Commission. A round is scored 10-9 for the winner of a decision based on points. If a knockdown occurs, the scoring is 10-8, and in the case of two knockdowns or a stoppage, the round is scored 10-7.


The scoring process is straightforward: all the individual round scores are added up and the team with the highest total score at the end of all 24 rounds wins! For more information, please visit: https://teamcombatleague.com.

 

Material Courtesy of: Merit TV Used with permission.


For more information about Merit TV please visit: www.MeritTV.com 


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Thursday, January 30, 2025

Shields To Defend Unified World Heavyweight Crown In Homecoming

When the history of Boxing is written, one fighter who will be able to take credit for elevating the sport for female fighters to levels previously unthought of by many is undefeated five-division world champion Claressa Shields. If there is one word to describe Shields’ career up to this point in Boxing it would be “Dominant." First emerging on the mainstream scene as the only fighter in United States Boxing history female or male to have won two Olympic Gold medals in two consecutive Olympic Games in 2012 and 2016. Since turning pro late in 2016, she has continued to defeat all challengers compiling a record of 15-0, with 3 Knockouts and becoming an undisputed world champion as a Middleweight and Super-Middleweight, just part of an already Hall of 

Fame career that has thus far seen her win world titles in five weight divisions from Jr. Middleweight to Heavyweight.


It was in her last fight in July of last year where Shields became the unified World Heavyweight champion in scoring a second round knockout of WBC world champion Vanessa Joanisse in a fight where both the WBC and WBF World Heavyweight titles were on the line as well as the vacant WBO Light-Heavyweight world championship, giving Shields the added distinction of being only the second fighter behind the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard to have won world titles in multiple weight divisions in a single fight. An accomplishment that Leonard achieved in November 1988 when he scored a thrilling ninth round knockout of WBC Light-Heavyweight world champion Donny Lalonde, where the then newly created WBC Super-Middleweight championship in what was then a new division in the sport, was also on the line in what turned out to be regarded as one of the greatest fights of the 1980’s. While Shields’ accomplishment may not get the attention it should from some, primarily because, despite Women's Boxing having been active since the 1960’s, the sport is still very much growing and due largely to Shields’ stature throughout the entire sport, has finally been able to gain long overdue exposure and acceptance, which has in turn allowed for delayed growth with the introduction of new weight classes for female fighters.


While Shields has also ventured into the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) where she has compiled a record of 2-1, with 1 Knockout, her legacy in Boxing has continued as the subject of the recently released film The Fire Inside, which tells her life story. Shields’ story, however, will continue as she returns to her hometown of Flint, MI on Sunday, February 2nd to defend her unified World Heavyweight championship against undefeated contender Danielle Perkins at the Dort Financial Center. A fight that can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN.


While this has the appearance of and frankly is a homecoming for the champion, there is an element of the unknown here that Shields will have to contend with in not only facing a taller and physically bigger opponent in the 6’0 Perkins, but also the question of whether Shields, who began her career in the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division, will be able to take the punch of a Heavyweight. Although Shields was not tested in that regard when she won the unified Heavyweight crown in her last fight and frankly overwhelmed Vanessa Joanisse, at some point whether female or male, fighters who are not natural Heavyweights eventually hit a ceiling in terms of both how high or low they can go in weight as well as whether they can do so and continue to compete effectively. Though there is a significant difference between Women's and Men's Boxing in that female fighters tend to move up or down in weight more frequently due both to the sport still growing as well as for opportunities at different weight classes to fight for world titles as well as for financial incentives, much like their male counterparts, there comes a point where female fighters hit that ceiling. 


The champion will have an edge in experience over Danielle Perkins, who will enter this fight, her first challenge for a world championship, unbeaten with a record of 5-0, with 1 Knockout. Perkins turned pro during the global COVID-19 epidemic in the summer of 2020, but will be fighting for only the third time since a three year layoff began in 2021. A question the challenger will have to answer here, despite having the physical advantage over the 5’8 champion, is whether both a limited resume against relatively unknown opposition as well as only competing two times since her hiatus will be enough preparation to succeed against a fighter of Shields’ caliber. It will also be interesting to see how Perkins will deal with the combination punching of the champion, which often comes in volume and has proven challenging for previous opponents to combat even though Shields is not known for her punching power. The bottom line is Claressa Shields knows how to win rounds and with the majority of women's bouts still fought under rounds that are two minutes in length, Perkins will have to find a way to disrupt Shields and keep her from finding a rhythm if she wants to be successful in this fight.


Although there is not much more to say to build this fight up for the reader, it is the next chapter in the story of a great fighter, who through her achievements has been able to elevate her sport to new levels globally where fights featuring female combatants are not only featured regularly on Boxing cards here in the United States and around the world, but are now regularly featured in the main events on cards also featuring men's bouts. While the United States was late to the party in that regard as women's bouts had regularly main evented cards internationally for several years prior to Shields’ success in the Olympics as well as her professional achievements, the progress for women in the sport should not be ignored and this fight is another example of that progression for Women's Boxing.


“And That's The Boxing Truth." 


(* UPDATE: As this column was being prepared for publishing, it was learned that the vacant IBF, WBO, and WBA Women's World Heavyweight championships will also be on the line in addition to the WBC and WBF world titles currently held by Shields making the winner of this fight the first Undisputed Women's World Heavyweight champion in Boxing history.*)


Shields vs. Perkins takes place on Sunday, February 2nd at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, MI. The fight can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 7:30PM ET/4:30PM PT (U.S. 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, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com



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DAZN TO BROADCAST HISTORIC “THE LAST CRESCENDO” BOXING EVENT LIVE WORLDWIDE

Press Release: January 30, 2025 By DAZN- 



Light Heavyweight Rematch Between

Beterbiev and Bivol Headlines an Unmissable Night on Saturday, 22 February 2025 



 



LONDON – January 29, 2025 – DAZN, the global home of boxing, can announce that

 it will broadcast The Last Crescendo, 

the fight card of the century, live on Saturday, 22 February 2025 worldwide. The PPV is available for purchase now

 from DAZN.com/boxing

 


 


This monumental event, part of Riyadh Season, will take place at the ANB Arena in Saudi Arabia and features a stellar line-up of championship bouts, headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight World Championship. 



 


Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs), the reigning champion and one of boxing’s most impressive fights, is set to defend his perfect record in a rematch against Bivol (21-1, 11 KOs), who is determined to avenge his 2024 loss in what was one of the greatest bouts of the modern era. This headline fight promises to be another unforgettable chapter in boxing history. 



 



Also on the card, IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois will defend his title against former WBO champion Joseph Parker, in what many expect to be an equally exciting clash. Dubois,

 who shocked the boxing world with a stunning knockout victory over Anthony Joshua last September, looks to continue his meteoric rise. Meanwhile, Parker aims to reclaim championship glory. 



 



The night will feature an exciting slate of

additional bouts, including: 



 



·        

A WBC middleweight title showdown between

Carlos Adames and Hamzah Sheeraz, with

Sheeraz coming off a standout 2024. 



·        

Zhilei Zhang

 facing Agit Kabayel for the WBC interim heavyweight title after Zhang’s emphatic knockout of Deontay Wilder last year. 



·        

A super welterweight interim title clash between

Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Israil

Madrimov. 



·        

Shakur Stevenson defending his lightweight title against

Floyd Schofield. 



·        

British stars

Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith battling for the interim WBO light heavyweight title. 



 



The card also highlights local talent with Saudi fighters Ziyad

Almaayouf and Mohammed Alaqel, whose opponents will be announced soon. 



 



“This is a night that truly encapsulates the spirit of boxing – the best fighting the best on a global stage,” said Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets at DAZN. “We are proud to bring

 this extraordinary event to fight fans worldwide, as Riyadh once again proves itself as the premier destination for world-class sports and entertainment. From the blockbuster

Beterbiev-Bivol rematch to Dubois defending his crown,

The Last Crescendo promises to be a spectacle unlike any other. Fans will be able to watch every moment of the action on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing”. 


Material 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, to subscribe and order this pay-per-view event and for specific pricing in your region of the world please visit: www.DAZN.com


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Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Benavidez-Morrell: Will The Winner Get A Shot At Alvarez?

As 2025 has now begun, Boxing’s 168lb. Super-Middleweight division is still dominated by one fighter, the once and perhaps future Undisputed king of the division Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, who still reigns as the division’s unified world champion, despite having relinquished the IBF world championship due to his decision to face top contender Edgar Berlanga last September, rather than the International Boxing Federation’s top contender William Schull, who was due in the rotation of mandatory challengers that subsequently made up the Undisputed Super-Middleweight championship of the world. Schull went on to win the IBF crown and could still face Alvarez at some point this year in what would be a rarity in Boxing, a reunification bout involving a title that was given up by one of the champions involved due to circumstances that can only be summed up as the politics that be in the sport of Boxing.


Two fighters, however, that have been angling for a shot at Alvarez for some time will instead turn their attention to each other in what is being billed as an elimination bout in the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division are undefeated former WBC Super-Middleweight world champion David Benavidez and unbeaten top Light-Heavyweight contender David Morrell. A scheduled twelve round bout that will take place on Saturday, February 1st at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV, which can be seen on Prime Video Pay-Per-View. Some might question why two fighters, whom for the moment have moved out of the Super-Middleweight division, would still be in the discussion as a potential challenger for Alvarez, especially given that the winner of this fight, in theory will be in a position to face the winner of the upcoming Undisputed Light-Heavyweight championship rematch between undefeated champion  Artur Beterbiev and former unified world champion Dmitry Bivol.


The simple answer is Alvarez, who also briefly held a portion of the World Light-Heavyweight championship in his career, is for lack of a better term, one of the sport’s cash cows and has gotten to a point in his career where he chooses his fights based more on opportunity and finances rather than legacy. While Alvarez is certainly not the first fighter to take advantage of such a status once acquired, the fact is that while both Benavidez and Morrell were Super-Middleweights, neither had the type of market appeal or drawing power that was able to convince Alvarez to fight either fighter in what would have been a high risk, low reward scenario based on both Benavidez’ and Morrell’s styles. It is also worth noting that in regard to the issue of drawing power, Benavidez was positioned in the main event of the final pay-per-view card produced by the now-defunct Showtime Sports against former two-division world champion Demitrius Andrade in November 2023 only produced 60,000 buys at a $74.99 price point. This followed a similar low drawing buyrate for Benavidez against former IBF Super-Middleweight world champion Caleb Plant in March of that year.


Although more of a reflection of an outdated pay-per-view model that this observer has been highly critical of and will continue to be so until such time as things change for the betterment of the sport, the reality of the matter is with low buyrates, which are also affected by piracy, an elephant in the room that no one in the sport likes to take about and folks who cover the sport like yours truly do not like to write about due to the obvious negative aspects attached to it, which can be directly attributed to the overuse of pay-per-view as well as the price points, which whether promoters and networks want to admit it or not, are continually rejected by consumers, there was little incentive for Alvarez to take the risk against Benavidez  as the perception was that in a promotional sense, Benavidez and his promoter the Premier Boxing Champions group of promoters needed Alvarez, more than Alvarez needed them, despite it being a fascinating fight on paper in terms of style and a dangerous one for Alvarez. Given the state of the pay-per-view model and the fact that InDemand the leading pay-per-view distributor on cable and satellite outside of satellite provider DirecTV here in the United States will be ceasing operations before the end of 2025, Benavidez is in a bit of an unfair conundrum being labeled as not a pay-per-view draw when the fact is, the whole pay-per-view concept and model is one that is severely outdated and affects every Boxing card that is placed on pay-per-view.


With the majority of Boxing events either tapped for subscription-based streaming or offered via pay-per-view via apps as this one will be through Prime Video, it remains to be seen how long the model will last with one of the biggest distributors preparing to cease operations, which would not be the case if the pay-per-view model were viable and successful now in the year 2025. Whether this fight will be any more successful than previous Benavidez/PBC pay-per-view attempts  also remains to be seen.


In terms of style, both Benavidez and Morrell are come forward pressure fighters that each have power and put forth consistent offensive output. On paper, this has all the appearance of potentially an all-action fight that will likely end within the twelve round distance. The reasoning behind this is both fighters have career knockout percentages of over 80%. What also makes this fight interesting is that because both fighters have been so dominant in facing other opposition up to this point, some might contend that neither has faced a fighter with the type of punching power that they will now be facing by facing each other.


Perhaps the question that should be asked here in regard to this encounter is whether we will see a shootout from the opening bell where they both come out with the intention of going toe to toe with the goal to try and end the fight as quickly as possible, or if one of the fighters will attempt to take a more tactical approach with the knowledge of what their opponent can do? The possibility certainly exists that, despite the styles of both Benavidez and Morrell, that both fighters will have a healthy respect for the other and therefore, be more passive in their approach at least in the early rounds. 


As one who has covered thousands of fights over the last three decades between fighters who are labeled as “Knockout Artists," this is an instance where this observer cannot give an educated guess as to what might happen. This appears to be an evenly matched fight where, despite my experience and a lifetime as a proud Boxing lifer, I cannot see a way where things might lean in terms of who has a theoretical advantage. Although a mandatory position, at least in theory in the WBC’s Light-Heavyweight ratings is on the line, whether it be the Beterbiev-Bivol winner that will be next for the winner of this fight, or if Saul Alvarez will use his clout to interject himself into the equation either for the winner here between Benavidez and Morrell or the winner of the rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol, which can all be talked about after this fight, this is one occasion that I am very much looking forward to the opening bell between Benavidez and Morrell. It is too early to use the selling point of "Fight of the Year Candidate," but I would not dismiss the possibility.


“And That's The Boxing Truth." 


Benavidez vs. Morrell takes place on Saturday, February 1st at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The fight as well as it's undercard can be seen on digital entertainment and sports streaming platform Prime Video on a pay-per-view basis for $79.99. The card will begin at 6PM ET/3PM PT with preliminary bouts followed by the pay-per-view card, which will begin at 8PM ET/5PM PT. For more information about Prime Video please visit: www.PrimeVideo.com for information on how to download the Prime Video app on mobile, tablet, and connected streaming devices/Smart TVs. To order this pay-per-view event search Benavidez vs. Morrell within the Prime Video app or Click Here.


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Sunday, January 26, 2025

Benavidez-Morrell PPV Card Now Available For Preorder On Prime Video

Credit: Prime Video 


The upcoming pay-per-view card headlined by a WBC Light-Heavyweight elimination bout between undefeated former WBC Super-Middleweight world champion David Benavidez and undefeated top Light-Heavyweight contender David Morrell is now available for preorder on Prime Video. The card, which will take place on Saturday, February 1st at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV is being promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters for $79.99. To order this pay-per-view event on Prime Video Click Here. We will have a preview of Benavidez-Morrell released here on The Boxing Truth®️ on Wednesday, January 29th. Stay tuned.


“And That's The Boxing Truth." 



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Friday, January 24, 2025

Inoue KO's Kim In 4

Undefeated Undisputed Jr. Featherweight world champion Naoya Inoue scored a fourth round knockout of WBO number eleven rated Jr. Featherweight contender Ye Joon Kim on Friday night at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Despite Kim taking the fight on eleven days notice, over 15,000 spectators filled the Ariake Arena, a site that has hosted several of Inoue’s previous fights. A testament to the star power of Inoue in his native Japan where he has become in many observer’s opinions as among the best fighters pound for pound in the world.


This fight also presented a little of a different challenge for the four-division world champion in having to adjust to a change of opponent after original opponent, IBF mandatory challenger Sam Goodman was forced to pull out of the fight twice, first on the original date on Christmas Eve of last year and then having to pull out of the rescheduled date of January 24th due to the cut that he suffered in training prior to the original postponement. Kim appeared to be a capable opponent who stepped in to take the assignment in his first opportunity to fight for a world championship.


The fight began with Kim initially pressing forward and slightly moving Inoue backward fighting out of the southpaw stance. This set up an interesting tactical battle as the two fighters prodded for position with each attempting to attack the other in short bursts of offense with the champion gradually taking over the position as the fighter applying consistent pressure on the challenger. Despite consistently pushing Kim back against the ropes and periodically cornering him, the fight remained very close with Kim being able to periodically land combinations to the head throughout the first three rounds.


As the fight moved into the fourth round, it appeared as though it would be more of the same. The subtle work Inoue was able to do to Kim’s body, however, that was mostly non-descript up to that point, began to create openings to the challenger’s head. Inoue connected with a combination to the head, which had Kim waving him in seemingly inviting the champion, a fighter with a 90% career knockout percentage to throw more at him. This would prove to be a serious mistake as moments later a straight right hand down the middle landed flush on the challenger’s chin and sent him down to the canvas where he was unable to beat the count. At 2:25 of round four, the fight was over in a way that so many of Inoue’s fights have ended throughout his Hall of Fame career, in a sudden and brutal fashion. 


While many expected this type of outcome for Inoue in his latest title defense given the circumstances in which the fight came to fruition, this observer feels that Inoue was not only impressive in his latest performance in his tenth consecutive knockout victory, but he also showed the ability to adapt to a change in opponent on limited notice and even conceded that due to the limited time, he did not study as much film on Kim as he would like. Given the circumstances and the champion’s candor in admitting having limited time to study his opponent before getting in the ring, his ability to seemingly adjust to what was in front of him was impressive.


Perhaps the most interesting development to come out of this fight for the champion, however, is that his co-promoter Hall of Famer Bob Arum announced to the crowd in attendance that Inoue will be returning to the United States for the first time in nearly four years for his next fight in the spring in Las Vegas, which was followed by Inoue telling the crowd that he also intends to fight in Saudi Arabia this year, which has rapidly become a hot spot in the sport as well. 


Frankly, Inoue is one of the few fighters in the sport who could stay where he is comfortable competing, which is in Japan and not only draw massive crowds wherever he fights in the country, but also per his dominance in the sport and that ability to be a massive draw both as a ticket seller and as a fighter that will draw ratings both in Japan and internationally where his fights air in the early morning hours here in the United States via streaming networks, to convince fighters from around the world to travel to Japan to face him where at least financially there is no incentive to go elsewhere. To his credit, however, Naoya Inoue realizes that Boxing is a true global entity and his wanting to not only return to the United States, but also take part in the sport’s global expansion where he will no doubt help open Boxing to new eyes should be seen as a positive both for his legacy and the sport overall. 


“And That's The Boxing Truth." 


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Thursday, January 23, 2025

Inoue-Kim Weights From Tokyo, Japan

The official weigh-in for Friday's Undisputed Jr. Featherweight world championship fight between undefeated champion Naoya Inoue and challenger Ye Joon Kim took place earlier today in Tokyo, Japan. The fight, which can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ will headline a card of Boxing held at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena. Both champion Inoue and Kim weighed in identically just under the 122lb. Jr. Featherweight limit at 121 ¾ lbs. The bout is scheduled for twelve rounds.  As of this writing, there is no word regarding what other bouts on the card, which includes four additional bouts, will be included on the ESPN+ broadcast.



Inoue vs. Kim takes place on Friday, January 24th 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 4:15AM ET/1:15AM PT and will be available for on demand viewing immediately following the live broadcast. 


(*Card and Start Time Subject to Change*)


(*Check your local listings internationally.*)


For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com


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Monday, January 20, 2025

Can Inoue Adjust To A Change On Short Notice?

There is little doubt that one of the biggest stars to emerge in the sport of Boxing over the last several years, not just in the lower weight divisions, but in the entire sport has been Nayoa Inoue. If a fighter with a near 90% career knockout percentage is not enough to earn one star status in the sport on its own, Inoue is a four-division world champion, who has this far won world titles from the Jr. Flyweight to the Jr. Featherweight divisions becoming an undisputed champion in both the Bantamweight and Jr. Featherweight divisions along the way. 


A fighter that has truly carved a Hall of Fame career in just twenty-eight professional fights having fought a who's who along the way, dominating all opposition and emerging still unbeaten. While the question that typically follows a fighter like Inoue who has gone through multiple weight divisions with relative ease is how high up the weight scale before they hit the ceiling, not just in terms of how high they can go, but also doing so while still remaining competitive, Inoue is preparing to do something we have not seen him faced with before on a big stage. The Undisputed Jr. Featherweight champion of the world will defend his crown on Friday, January 24th in a familiar site, the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, site of many of his fights throughout his career. 


Inoue, however, will not be facing WBO number one Jr. Featherweight contender Sam Goodman, whom he was scheduled to face on Christmas Eve 2024 before it was postponed due to Goodman suffering a cut while in training. Despite the flight being moved to January 24th, Goodman would suffer a second cut after resuming training forcing him to withdraw for a second time. Rather than postpone a scheduled bout for a second time, Inoue will still defend his title on January 24th. In steps WBO number eleven Jr. Featherweight contender Ye Joon Kim to challenge Inoue for the Undisputed Jr. Featherweight crown in a fight that can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+.


Although this presents a challenge for Inoue in facing an opponent change with only a few weeks notice, just who is Ye Joon Kim? A veteran of twenty-five professional fights, he has a respectable record of 21-2-2, with 13 Knockouts with a career knockout percentage just over 61%. While this suggests Kim has punching power, he is a boxer/puncher who will enter this fight having won four of his last five bouts via stoppage. The challenger, who is a native of Seoul, South Korea, who goes by the nickname “The Troublemaker," has never been stopped in his career, which in of itself is interesting given Inoue’s reputation as a "Knockout Artist” having knocked out twenty-five of his previous twenty-eight opponents.


The question for "The Troublemaker” here will be whether he will be able to deal with not only the occasion of fighting on the big stage of the sport for the first time, but also the non-stop pressure and attack of the champion known to his fans worldwide as "The Monster." While “The Troublemaker vs. The Monster" is certainly a clever promotional tagline that by circumstance fell into the promoters of this fight’s hands, it is important to keep in mind that there have been few fighters that have been able to last against Inoue and it has proven to be a difficult task to achieve in going the distance with him, let alone come close to scoring a victory over him. 


Perhaps what Kim has in his favor going into this fight beyond coming in on short notice, which is as much an adjustment for the fighter taking the bout as it is for the fighter who had a scheduled opponent fall out, is a bit of the unknown as far as what he will pose in terms of a challenge once he and the champion Inoue are in the ring. There are likely some who are expecting Inoue to for lack of a better term, steamroll through a largely unknown opponent. If Kim and his team are expecting the champion to come out with intentions of ending the fight quickly, it could work to his advantage if he is prepared to show from the outset that he will be dictating how this fight is fought and not the champion. 


Some may say that Kim needs to land someone significant early in order to get the champion's respect, but if this is a rare circumstance where Inoue is not as prepared as he normally is due to a postponement and his scheduled opponent withdrawing twice, if Kim can make things uncomfortable for the champion simply by controlling the pace and making Inoue fight at a pace that favors him more, it could indicate where his chances are to pull what would be considered an upset, especially if Inoue is not prepared to go the twelve round distance on short notice. 


Boxing is certainly a sport of opportunity and as one fighter’s opportunity has for the moment been delayed again due to injury, it now provides another with what could be the ideal opportunity to seize the day and potentially score the first upset of 2025. Whether Kim can do that remains to be seen. 


“And That's The Boxing Truth." 


Inoue vs. Kim takes place on Friday, January 24th 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 4:15AM ET/1:15AM PT and will be available for on demand viewing immediately following the live broadcast. 


(*Card and Start Time Subject to Change*)


(*Check your local listings internationally.*)


For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com


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Sunday, January 19, 2025

BKFC Fight Night Pechanga January 18, 2025 Results From Pechanga, CA


Welterweight Evgenii Kurdanov scored a five round unanimous decision over former Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) World Welterweight champion Elvin Brito on Saturday night at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Pechanga, CA. A very tactical fight from the opening bell that saw both fighters trying to find openings and looking to counter each other in what were five very closely fought rounds, it was ultimately, Kurdanov’s better timing, combination punching in close, and ring generalship that ultimately proved to be the difference as Kurdanov scored the unanimous decision victory over the currently rated number five rated BKFC Welterweight contender in Brito.  Official scores were: 50-45 (On two scorecards) and 49-46 for Kurdanov. Evgenii Kurdanov advances to 5-2, with 0 Knockouts. Elvin Brito falls to 6-6, with 2 Knockouts.


Also on this card:


Lightweight Robbie Peralta scored a five round unanimous decision over Jordan Christensen. Peralta controlled the tempo of the combat early throwing jabs to the body and following it up with right hands to the head. As the fight progressed Christensen had periodic success, but was unable to break the rhythm and Peralta was able to secure the unanimous decision. Official scores were: 50-45 (On two scorecards) and 49-46 in favor of Peralta. Robbie Peralta advances to 4-2, with 0 Knockouts. Jordan Christensen falls to 3-6, with 2 Knockouts.


In a battle of unbeaten Welterweights, Ryan Petersen scored a five round decision over previously unbeaten Matt Sochlotiuk. Peterson dominated the first three rounds of this fight with combinations to the body and head as well as opening a cut under the right eye of Sochlotiuk. Sochlotiuk was able to turn the momentum slightly in rounds four and five by forcing the fight in close, which saw several heated exchanges, but he was unable to turn things in his favor.Official scores were: 49-46 (On two scorecards) and 50-45 all for Petersen. Ryan Petersen advances to 2-0 with 1 Knockout. Matt Sochlotiuk falls to 2-1, with 2 Knockouts.


Also in the Welterweight division,  Rodney Thomas scored a five round unanimous decision over Art Driscoll. Thomas scored a knockdown with a double left hook to the head in round two and floored Driscoll for a second time with a flush left hook the the jaw in round three that appeared for a moment to end the fight, but Driscoll was able to get up and made it to the final bell. Official scores were: 49-44 (On two scorecards), and 48-45 all in favor of Thomas. Rodney Thomas advances to 1-2, with 0 Knockouts. Art Driscoll falls to 0-3, with 0 Knockouts.


Lightweight Mike Andaya scored a second round knockout in his Barekuckle debut of Dan Godoy. A slow tactical first round where neither fighter stood out suddenly came to an end in the second round when Godoy was dropped by a jab to the eye that seemed to cause a delayed reaction and Godoy could not continue. Official time of the stoppage was :45 of round two. Mike Andaya advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Dan Godoy falls to 0-3, with 0 Knockouts. 


Heavyweight Caleb Avila scored the first win of his Bareknuckle career with a third round stoppage of Tylor Sijohn. Avila dropped Sijohn for the first time with a counter right hand in the first round, this would be followed by both fighters going down in the second round in what was ruled a slip. Despite landing wide overhand rights of his own that periodically stunned Avila, Sijohn would be sent down for the second time in round two by a right hook, left hook combination. At this point in the fight, Sijohn looked utterly exhausted by the pace of the fight and the punishment he sustained. Three more knockdowns of Sijohn that seemed in part due to his exhaustion followed in round three before the fight was stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 1:25 of round three. Caleb Avila advances to 1-1, with 1 Knockout. Tylor Sijohn falls to 0-2, with 0 Knockuts.


Also in the Heavyweight division, Iman Williams, son of former Heavyweight contender Jeremy Williams made his Bareknuckle professional debut with a first round knockout of Gabriel Mota. A jab opened a cut on the bridge of the nose of Mota and a left hook to the body caused Mota to go down in a delayed reaction for the count of ten.  Official time of the stoppage was 1:54 of round one.Iman Williams advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Gabriel Mota falls to 1-3, with 1 Knockout. 


Middleweight Jeremy Sauceda scored a first round knockout of Luis Villasenor. Sauceda scored a knockdown with a counter right hand early in the first round and then dropped Villasenor for a second time with an uppercut. Villasensor took the ten count indicating an ankle injury. Official time of the stoppage was :38 of round one. Jeremy Sauceda advances to 2-2, with 2 Knockouts. Luis Villasenor falls to 1-2 with 1 Knockout. 


Flyweights Justyn Martinez and Alexander Gutierrez began the evening in a fight that saw two clinches where Martinez jumped on Gutierrez similar to an MMA grapple. On the second occasion, Gutierrez claimed a back injury and the bout was stopped with Martinez being declared the winner via technical knockout. Gutierrez was livid and contended that Martinez should have been disqualified. Official time of the stoppage was 1:05 of round one. Justyn Martinez advances to 1-4-1NC, with 1 Knockout. Alexander Gutierrez falls to 1-1, with 0 Knockouts. 


The first event for the BKFC for 2025 took place in the midst of the ongoing situation involving the wildfire disaster that has severely impacted the state of California. While sports is gradually starting to resume in the state the BKFC is among the first to offer a much-needed diviersion for those who have been impacted by the disaster. 


In terms of what took place inside the BKFC squared circle ring, we saw elements of a sport that is still very much growing under the modernized Bareknuckle format, which has seen several Bareknuckle-based promoters emerge as players in the Bareknuckle end of the sport of Boxing. For Evgenii Kurdanov, it will be interesting to see where he emerges in the upcoming BKFC Welterweight rankings, having defeated not only a former world champion, but one who was rated in the top five currently in the Welterweight division in Elvin Brito. How this will factor into the future plans of recently crowned BKFC World Welterweight champion Austin Trout, who has an undefeated record in Bareknuckle bouts since moving from traditional pro Boxing remains to be seen. Trout, who won the championship in October of last year with a unanimous decision over Ricardo Franco, currently has no bouts formerly announced to defend his title. With a Bareknuckle record of 3-0, with 1 Knockout, however, Trout will likely face at least one of the current top contenders in the BKFC Welterweight division at some point this year. Although the also unbeaten Carlos Trinidad (6-0, with 4 Knockouts) is the current BKFC number one Welterweight contender at the time of this writing, it will be interesting to see if Evgenii Kurdanov has made a strong enough argument to potentially get a shot at Trout next, or at minimum, possibly face the winner of a fight between Trout and Trinidad. He has certainly earned a place in the discussion of likely future challengers.  With the first event on the 2024 calendar in the books for the BKFC, as the promotion headed by promoter David Feldman prepares to travel to Philadelphia, PA for it’s Knucklemania 5 card on January 25th, which will be broadcast globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN, the goings of Evgenii Kurdanov, Iman Williams, and several other fighters who appeared on the first card of 2025, will be a likely topic of discussion throughout the sport as 2025 progresses.


“And That’s The Boxing Truth. “



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Saturday, January 18, 2025

Gloves Off: Benavidez vs. Morrell Now Available On Prime Video

Press Release: January 18, 2025 By Prime Video -

The fifth Installment of Gloves Off will explore the backstories of the two world-class fighters trading punches in a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video at T-Mobile Arena on February 1


 

Photo Credit: Prime Video 


 NEW YORK—January 18, 2025—Today, Prime Video announced a Saturday, January 18 premiere date for Gloves Off: David Benavidez vs David Morrell, the fifth installment of the compelling docuseries. As momentum builds for an epic night of PBC Pay-Per-View action on Prime Video on Feb. 1 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this two-part edition explores the motivations behind the main event fighters in a highly anticipated, 12-round light heavyweight championship clash between undefeated stars.


 


A former two-time Super Middleweight champion, David “El Monstro” Benavidez sports a record of 29-0, 24 KOs, while David Morrell Jr. boasts a mark of 11-0, 9 KOs. They will meet for Benavidez’s Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title and Morrell’s WBA Light Heavyweight Title in the main event of the stacked PBC Pay-Per-View card on Prime Video.


 


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 intensifies for this can’t miss 175-pound encounter.


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Trinidad Scores Decision Win Over Plania

Undefeated WBC Continental Americas Featherweight champion and number two rated WBC Featherweight contender  Omar Trinidad scored a workmanlike ten round unanimous decision over veteran Mike Plania on Friday night at the Commerce Casino and Hotel in Commerce, CA. While not a notable fight in terms of highlights, Trinidad simply went through his paces, worked behind a consistent jab, managed distance and outworked the always “Game” Plania to the point of frustration for the veteran over ten lopsided rounds to earn a convincing unanimous decision victory. Official scores were: 100-90 (On two scorecards) and 99-91 in favor of Trinidad. Omar Trinidad advances to 18-0-1, with 13 Knockouts. Mike Plania falls to 31-5, with 18 Knockouts.


Also on this card: 


Undefeated Women’s WBO Jr. Bantamweight world champion Mizuki Hiruta scored an eight round technical unanimous decision over former WBA Jr. Bantamweight world champion  Maribel Ramirez. Hiruta’s footwork and ability to attack Ramirez at angles were the story of this fight. After Ramirez went down twice in the first round in what were ruled as slips, Hiruta was credited a knockdown in the second round in a very similar scenario. A combination of punches opened a deep cut over the left eye of Ramirez, which bled significantly throughout the remainder of the fight. Despite the flow of blood being unable to control by Ramirez corner, the fight continued. It was an accidental clash of heads, however, in the eighth round that clearly disabled the former world champion and due to her being disoriented the fight was stopped and went to the scorecards for a technical decision. Official scores were: 80-71 (On two scorecards), and 79-72 in favor of Hiruta. Mizuki Hiruta advances to 7-0, with 2 Knockouts. Maribel Ramirez falls to 15-11-4, with 3 Knockouts. 


Super-Middleweight contender Ali Akhmedov scored a second round stoppage of Malcolm Jones Akhmedov brought an end to things in round two with a barrage of punches that started with a hook to the head and continued to several body shots, which forced Referee Thomas Taylor to stop the fight while Jones was seemingly defenseless on the ropes before a knockdown occurred. Official time of the stoppage was 1:17 of round two. Ali Akhmedov advances to 23-1, with 17 Knockouts. Malcolm Jones falls to 17-5-1, with 10 Knockouts. 


Women’s Jr. Lightweight Roxy Verduzco scored a third round stoppage of Lindsey Ellis to move to 3-0 in her young career. Verduzco was in control from the opening bell and bloodied the nose of Ellis with a right hand and just continued to dish out punishment until the fight was stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 1:34 of round three. Roxy Verduzco advances to 3-0, with 1 Knockout. Lindsey Ellis falls to 2-2, with 2 Knockouts. 


Unbeaten Jr. Featherweight Adan Palma scored a close six round split decision over a veteran in Sharone Carter, who was competing for the final time in his career. Carter was crafty and made it difficult throughout for Palma, but ultimately, Palma’s consistent aggression was enough to convince two of the three official judges to earn the split decision victory.   Official scores were: 59-55 (Palma) 58-56 (Carter) and 58-56 for the winner Adan Palma. Adan Palma advances to 11-0, with 6 Knockouts. Sharone Carter falls to 14-9-1, with 3 Knockouts.


Women’s Jr. Flyweights Gloria Munguilla and Brook Sibrian went toe to toe in eight rounds of near non-stop action where neither fighter took a backward step and fought to the final bell. After eight hard-fought rounds, the three official judges rendered a unanimous decision for Munguilla. Official scores were: 77-75 (On two scorecards) and 77-73 in favor of Munguilla. Gloria Munguilla advances to 7-2, with 9 Knockouts, Brook Sibrian falls to 5-2, with 2 Knockouts.


Unbeaten Jr. Middleweight Kevin Anton outworked veteran Cameron Krael over six rounds of constant volume punching to win a six round unanimous decision in Anton’s first fight where he was made to go the distance. Official scores were: 60-54 (On all three scorecards) for Kevin Anton. Kevin Anton advances to 9-0, with 8 Knockouts. Cameron Krael falls to 21-34-3, with 7 Knockouts. 


 Bantamweight Alexander Gueche moved to 7-0 in his young career by scoring  a six round unanimous decision over Lito Dante. Gueche scored knockdowns in rounds one and fight both as a result of the swarming offense from Gueche. Official scores were 60-52 (On all three scorecards) for Gauche. Alexander Gueche advances to 7-0, with 5 Knockouts. Lito Dante falls to 21-14-4, with 12 Knockouts. 


Undefeated Lightweight Tayden Beltran scored a third round stoppage of veteran Eugene Lagos. A fight that saw several exchanges and seemed even between the two fighters through three rounds was stopped shortly after the bell to begin the fourth round rang when Lagos was ruled unable to continue due to a shoulder injury. Tayden Beltran advances to 10-0-1, with 5 Knockouts. Eugene Lagos falls to 16-9-3, with 11 Knockouts.


This card, which was promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions, was the first Boxing card to take place in the state of California since the ongoing wildfire crisis. A card that was broadcast in combination on digital combat sports streaming network UFC Fight Pass as well as the network’s YouTube Channel with a portion of the undercard being streamed, provided plenty of action and a much-needed diversion for those who have been affected by the tragic circumstances, which unfortunately remain ongoing in the state of California. For Omar Trinidad, he appears poised to be the latest in a long line of fighters from Los Angeles to fight and potentially win a world championship in the near future. Whether that comes later in 2025 remains to be seen.


“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”



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Saturday, January 11, 2025

Simpson Retains British and Commonwealth Middleweight Championships By Stopping Woodall In 2

Undefeated British and Commonwealth Middleweight champion Callum Simpson scored a second round stoppage of Steed Woodall to retain his championships on Saturday night at the   Park Community Arena in Sheffield, England. After an uneventful first round, Simpson dropped Woodall with a double left hook, right uppercut combination to the head in the second round. Woodall got up on unsteady legs and was put on the ropes after getting up at the count of nine only for Referee Mark Bates to seemingly step in at a questionable moment and stop the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 1:56 of round two. Callum Simpson advances to 16-0, with 11 Knockouts. Steed Woodall falls to 19-3-1, with 12


Also on this card:


WBC Women’s World Lightweight champion Caroline Dubois retained her world title via a three-round technical draw with two-time world title challenger Jessica Carmara. Dubois was in control from the opening bell and dropped Carmara with a one, two combination to the head in the opening round, Carmara’s right eye became severely swollen due to trying to block the onslaught of offense from the champion, but an accidental clash of heads opened a bad cut over Carmara’s left eye and the bout was not allowed to continue after the second round, but will go into the record books as a three round technical draw due to the referee calling time at the beginning of the round to have Carmara examined by the ringside physician, who would not allow Carmara to continue. Caroline Dubois advances to 10-0-1, with 5 Knockouts. Jessica Carmara advances to 14-4-1, with 3 Knockouts.


Undefeated Cruiserweight Scott Forrest scored an impressive second round knockout of Deevorn Miller. Forrest scored a knockdown in the first round with a perfectly timed counter right hand to the head as Miller was pressing the action. In round two, Forrest countered Miller again with a left uppercut, right hook, left hook combination to the head that sent Miller down for a second time and the bout was stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 1:49 of round two. Scott Forrest advances to 7-0, with 4 Knockouts. Deevorn Miller falls to 8-3, with 6 Knockouts. 


Middleweight Sam Hickey scored the second win of his young career by scoring a first round knockout of Lewis Howles. Three knockdowns were scored, all as a result of left hooks to the body with the corner of Howles mercifully throwing the towel in following the third knockdown in the closing seconds of round one. Official time of the stoppage was 2:59 of round one. Sam Hickey advances to 2-0, with 1 Knockout. Lewis Howles falls to 3-2, with 1 Knockout. 


Off-Air Preliminary bouts on this card: (Times and official scores not available as of this writing.)


Lightweight Elis Price (2-0, 1 Knockout) scored a first round stoppage of Liam Fitzmaurice* (0-1, 0 Knockouts) *Pro Debut for Fitzmaurice.*


Light-Heavyweight Billy Deniz (13-0, 5 Knockouts scored an eight round decision over Mickey Ellison (15-8, 5 Knockouts)


Middleweight Mauro Silva (7-0, 3 Knockouts scored a six round decision over Emmanuel Zion (6-3, 3 Knockouts)



Boxing is very much coming out of the holidays and this card promoted by Ben Shalom’s Boxxer and broadcast here in the United States on digital subscription entertainment network Peacock was ultimately short and sweet with four televised bouts producing a total of six rounds of action. While not the best for those looking for competitive action, sometimes styles and how fighters execute with those styles produce short nights at the office for lack of a better term. 


Nevertheless, Callum Simpson is establishing himself as a fighter to watch in the 160lb. Middleweight division as he looks to continue progressing towards the world rankings in what was an impressive performance, in spite of what at worst was a questionable stoppage in when the decision was made to stop the fight and not so much on if the fight would have been stopped. 


Caroline Dubois, like her brother, current IBF Heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois was in his defense against Anthony Joshua in September of last year, was successful in her first defense as WBC Women’s World Lightweight champion. While she did not get a victory in a fight that was stopped due to an accidental clash of heads, she was impressive and appeared to be on the verge of getting that win via stoppage before the accident occurred.  


Meanwhile, the two rising prospects that competed on this card Sam Hickey and Scott Forrest  turned in impressive performances of their own in separate bouts and frankly showed skillsets in scoring knockout wins that seem to be advanced for the level that they are currently competing at. Whether that means both will be moved up to potentially more difficult competition as 2025 moves along, remains to be seen, but for now, they have emerged as fighters to keep an eye on moving forward. 


“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”


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Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Opetaia Brutally KO's Nyika In 4 To Retain IBF World Cruiserweight Championship

Undefeated IBF World Cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia scored a brutal fourth round knockout of previously undefeated IBF number ten rated Cruiserweight contender David Nyika on Wednesday night at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Queensland, Australia. Opetaia, who has quickly established himself as a “Knockout Artist" faced what should be considered a stern test in the form of a determined David Nyika, who showed no hesitation in being willing to engage with the champion.


What resulted was a give and take, toe to toe battle through most of the fight. When one fighter would land solidly with their punches, the other would respond almost immediately with punches of their own. Frankly, through much of the flight, there was not much to separate the two fighters. This began to change ever so slightly in round three when Opetaia began to vary his attack to the body and head of the challenger.


It would be in round four where the champion would find his opening. Opetaia started to slightly get some separation between himself and Nyika, was able to land a short left uppercut that popped the challenger’s head back and moments later in an exchange of punches in close range, Opetaia dropped Nyika hard to the canvas with another short uppercut to the head. Nyika, who entered the fight unbeaten in ten professional fights, showed his mettle by getting up from the knockdown on very unsteady legs. Opetaia, however, knew his opponent was in trouble and pressed forward looking for the finish. The champion would land a brutal follow-up barrage of punches to the head of Nyika sending him down hard a second time and appearing to knock him out cold as the fight was immediately stopped without a count. Official time of the stoppage was 2:17 of round four. Jai Opetaia advances to 27-0, with 21 Knockouts. David Nyila falls to 10-1, with 9 Knockouts.


The first world championship bout in the sport of Boxing in 2025 proved to be short, explosive, and devastating in how it ended. Jai Opetaia, who became a world champion in winning the IBF Cruiserweight world championship in July 2022 frankly has all the tools that one looks for in a rising star. Explosive power in either hand that can end a fight at any time, and a willingness to mix it up with his opponents. Such traits often mean that the fighter will draw significant attention whenever they compete because Boxing fans tend to favor action. Something that in his twenty-seven professional fights Opetaia has demonstrated in spades.


While there is a possibility that Opetaia might seek to unify the Cruiserweight division, something that only Evander Holyfield and Oleksandr Usyk have done in becoming the only fighters to fully unify the division before setting their sights on the Heavyweight division in two Hall of Fame careers, the issue for the Cruiserweight division, also known as the Jr. Heavyweight division in years gone by, is it has never been a career destination for most fighters.


In that it has never enjoyed the type of marquee value that is enjoyed by other divisions both below it and in the Heavyweight division. As such, it has been viewed by many as, for lack of a better term, “Stepping Stone" for fighters deemed too big for the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division, to test the waters against bigger opposition before embarking on competing as a Heavyweight. Therefore, the Cruiserweights are often deemed as a bridge for fighters moving up to Heavyweight or for fighters who have had trouble competing effectively as a Heavyweight, but who cannot get down in weight to the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division. A perception that was only increased by the fact that for many years, Evander Holyfield was viewed as the only marquee fighter to come out of the Cruiserweight division, even though his stay in it was a relatively short four year period from 1984-1988 where he became a world champion, went on to become undisputed champion, then went on to Heavyweight. Although there have been many great former Cruiserweights that have tried their luck as Heavyweights, not many were viewed as marquee stars and the fact is in addition to Holyfield and Usyk, only one other former Cruiserweight world champion, David Haye, went on to win a portion of the World Heavyweight championship.


Now, the division is faced with what could be the same scenario. A fighter who has the makings of a potential superstar, much like Holyfield, Haye, and Usyk that could elevate the Cruiserweight division by staying in it and potentially trying to become an undisputed world champion of it, but who also clearly has the potential of a future World Heavyweight champion as well. Promoters, managers, and yes, even fighters can boast about how they see the Cruiserweight division as a commodity, but with limited marquee value in the division, despite being populated by several world-class and talented fighters, a move to Heavyweight for most is seen as almost inevitable. For now, Jai Opetaia is firmly established as the top Cruiserweight in the world even without the status as an undisputed world champion. One should ask, however, if he will turn his attention to the Heavyweight division before the end of 2025. In this observer’s view, unless he has a path to become undisputed champion that is both straightforward and lucrative, the discussion of Opitaia as a potential future World Heavyweight champion as he enters the field of contenders should commence. 



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