Anthony Joshua -Jake Paul Set For December 19 In Miami On Netflix

Credit: Netflix/Most Valuable Promotions 

Press Release: November 17, 2025 By Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix- Jake Paul faces the most dangerous and defining fight of his career against Britain’s two-time unified heavyweight world champion and Olympic Gold medalist Anthony Joshua in a professional heavyweight megafight scheduled for 8, three-minute rounds with 10oz gloves

Jake vs. Joshua Kickoff Press Conference will take place Friday, November 21 at 1pm at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, hosted by renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani. All media interested in being credentialed to cover the press conference must apply here.

Tickets for Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day go on sale Friday, November 21 at 12pm ET at Ticketmaster.com and fans can sign up for pre-sale now at jakevsjoshua.com 

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix today announced Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day, a colossal global showdown between boxing’s biggest disruptor, international superstar and WBA #14-ranked cruiserweight Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) and two-time unified WBO, WBA, and IBF heavyweight world champion, Olympic gold medalist and knockout machine Anthony “AJ” Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs). Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day will be a sanctioned, professional heavyweight bout contested over 8, three-minute rounds with 10oz gloves. The fight is set to take place on Friday, December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, and will stream live globally, only on Netflix at no additional cost to its 300+ million members. 

Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day represents the most dangerous test of Jake Paul’s nascent career. The matchup unites Paul, the sport’s most-watched fighter whose showmanship has redefined modern boxing and shattered records at every turn, with Joshua, one of boxing’s most accomplished, respected, and feared punchers, a global icon who twice unified the heavyweight division, and has headlined sold-out stadiums across the UK and beyond. This will be Paul’s second live event on Netflix in just over a year following his record-breaking victory over Mike Tyson in November 2024. Tickets for Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day will go on sale Friday, November 21 at 12pm ET at Ticketmaster.com, and fans can sign up for presale now at jakevsjoshua.com. The event will also feature MVP’s exclusive VIP experiences, including the MVP Owner’s Experience.

Paul and Joshua will meet face-to-face for the Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day Kickoff Press Conference on Friday, November 21 at 1pm ET at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida and will be free and open to the public on a first come first served basis. The press conference will be hosted by renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani and will stream live on MVP’s YouTube Channel and Netflix Sports’ YouTube Channel. All media interested in being credentialed to cover the press conference must apply HERE.

The American pride of Puerto Rico, Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul has shown tremendous growth as a boxer on his path to becoming a world champion, and now will look to prove he has what it takes against one of the most feared punchers in boxing and greatest pound-for-pound heavyweights in the world, Anthony Joshua. 

"This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day,” said Jake Paul. “A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime. When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears, and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title. To all my haters, this is what you wanted. To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry. On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep. I KNOWWWW YOU GOT EM PICKED HAHAHHA"

Ahead of his showdown with Jake Paul, Anthony “AJ” Joshua enters the ring as one of the most accomplished heavyweights of his era. The 2012 Olympic gold medalist and two-time unified world champion has headlined stadiums across the globe, battled legends like Wladimir Klitschko and Oleksandr Usyk, and most recently delivered a devastating knockout of Francis Ngannou before facing IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.

“Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy,” said Anthony Joshua OBE. “I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show. It’s a big opportunity for me. Whether you like it or not, I’m here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected. Mark my words, you’ll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.” 

“Everyone laughed when Jake Paul said in March that he wanted to fight AJ in 2026,” said Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions. “Well, plans changed, and in under two weeks, MVP and Netflix have made one of the biggest fights of all time. Now, as only Jake Paul could and would do, he’s fighting one of the most fearsome boxers in the world. Joshua has every advantage in this fight, except one - the delusional confidence of Jake Paul, and if anyone can shock the world, it’s him. This is a global clash between two of the most recognizable figures in the sport, Jake, the face of boxing’s new era, and Joshua, the King of UK boxing."

“Anthony Joshua is one of the most formidable and decorated heavyweights in the world – the ultimate test for any fighter,” said Gabe Spitzer, Vice President, Sports, Netflix. “We have immense respect for Jake Paul's decision to take this challenge; it demonstrates the fearless ambition he has for his career. This is exactly why Netflix is in the live business: we love taking big swings and delivering the biggest, must-watch cultural spectacles.”

"They say be careful what you wish for, kind of feel like that’s all I need to say,” said Eddie Hearn, Chairman Matchroom. “Two of the biggest names in the sport will collide on Dec 19. Whilst I admire Jake’s balls, he’s going to find out the hard way in Miami.” 

Additional information, including undercard bouts and co-main event details, will be announced in the coming weeks.”

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @Netflix, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @Netflix, or on Netflix’s Tudum.

Jake vs. Joshua will be the latest large scale live event to air on Netflix. This past September, over 41 million people watched Terrence Crawford defeat Canelo Álvarez for the super middleweight championship. With WWE Raw continuing to air every week globally, upcoming live events include NFL Christmas Gameday returning to Netflix with two matchups on Christmas Day: the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings. 

About Jake Paul

The American pride of Puerto Rico, Jake “El Gallo de Dorado” Paul has shown tremendous growth as a boxer on his path to becoming a world champion, and now will look to prove he has what it takes against one of the most feared punchers in boxing and greatest pound-for-pound heavyweights in the world, Anthony Joshua. In just five years since turning pro, Paul has made his impact in the ring, earning high-profile victories over names like Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz. His viral knockouts and headline-grabbing performances have breathed new life into boxing, drawing millions of fans and setting records. In November 2024, Jake Paul defeated the Baddest Man on the Planet, Mike Tyson in a heavyweight bout in the first-ever live professional sporting event on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Paul most recently returned to the ring in June 2025 to face former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., earning a unanimous decision victory and entering the WBA cruiserweight rankings at #14 with the win. Paul has collected multiple accolades for his commitment to the sport of boxing, including ESPNRingside’s 2021 Knockout of the Year, Sports Illustrated’s 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year, ESPNRingside’s 2022 Viral Moment of the Year, and was the cover of Sports Illustrated’s “The 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports” issue, awarded specifically for his groundbreaking work to revolutionize the sport through equitable pay, providing a platform for young fighters, and his support of female boxers. Paul also partnered with USA Boxing ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, continuing his mission to elevate the sport and its future champions. 

About Anthony Joshua

Anthony “AJ” Joshua claimed Olympic gold for Team Great Britain at London 2012 before becoming one of the biggest heavyweight stars in the world. In April 2016, he destroyed then-IBF titleholder Charles Martin to win his first world title, successfully defending it twice before defeating legend Wladimir Klitschko in an unforgettable battle in front of 90,000 at England’s national stadium in April 2017 to unify the division and earn the WBA title. He unified the division again in March 2018 by defeating Joseph Parker to become the WBO, IBF and WBA world champion, successfully defending the belts against Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium in September 2018. In his American debut at Madison Square Garden, he lost his unbeaten record to Andy Ruiz Jr, but avenged the loss in Saudi Arabia in December 2019 to become a two-time unified WBO, IBF, and WBA heavyweight champion. The now-36-year-old followed that up with a KO victory over mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena a year later before testing himself on two occasions against pound-for-pound powerhouse Oleksandr Usyk. Still hungry, Joshua moved to Dallas, Texas to work under new trainer Derrick James before returning to the UK to fight Jermaine Franklin at the O2 in April 2023, earning his 25th career victory with a wide points decision in his first fight back at the dome since 2016. AJ then fought Robert Helenius on short notice, earning a devastating knockout of the year contender in the seventh round, then landed a headline slot in Saudi Arabia in December 2023 against Otto Wallin, who retired on his stool at the end of the fifth round. In March 2024, Joshua delivered a devastating second-round Knockout of the Year against MMA star Francis Ngannou. In pursuit of becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion, Joshua most recently took on then-IBF title holder, fellow Brit and former sparring partner Daniel Dubois in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.

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 has produced Jake Paul’s last seven global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Chavez Jr. 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, earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix. MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson streamed live globally on Netflix and shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. MVP followed that up by Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3 in July 2024 the first all women’s boxing card to be featured on Netflix.  Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About Netflix 

Netflix is one of the world's leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films, live events and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause, and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time. 

Material and Photo  Courtesy of: Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix Used with permission.

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

Will DAZN's New "Ultimate" Approach Win Over Both Current And Former Subscribers Tired Of Paying Pay-Per-View Prices?

Credit: DAZN

The most consistent topic of Boxing coverage penned by yours truly over the last several years, particularly here on The 

Boxing Truth® ️ has been on the sport’s reliance, despite consistent evidence of decline, on the pay-per-view model and the subsequent need to move away from said model, especially with the rise of digital subscription-based streaming. Without doing a complete refresher as by this point there have been many columns written by this observer that serve as an accurate chronicle of how we have gotten to the present time and topic. What is the topic of this writing the reader might ask? the revamp of sorts for digital subscription-based streaming network DAZN.

As some may recall the network, which launched in 2016 internationally, made a significant expansion into the United States in 2018, which coincided with what turned out to be a significant shift not just in Boxing, but for sports overall as shortly before DAZN entered the United States, ESPN, a major presence in the country as a sports network across cable and satellite television, launched its first attempt at a direct to consumer streaming network ESPN+, (Now ESPN Unlimited) while before the end of 2018, the former network of champions HBO, the one time power broker in Boxing and a major player in pay-per-view, exited the sport after forty-five years.

Upon its entry into the U.S. market and essentially positioning itself as the network that would assume the position that HBO was vacating in the sport, DAZN made a bold claim that it would end the pay-per-view model by going with a strictly subscription-based approach that was more consumer-friendly than the aforementioned model. A strategy that this observer was openly supportive of. Not because I had any vested interest in DAZN, but as one who has covered Boxing and other combat sports dating back to the mid-1990’s and had been familiar with pay-per-view as a child, I saw a model that went from occasional use for legitimate major events in the sport that were at an affordable price point, gradually devolve into a model that was over used and frankly abused and lost its value where you would routinely see pay-per-view offerings only showing a fraction of a full card being priced at upwards of between $60-$80 or even higher for some events. The fact that some promoters would simply say “Well, those are the price points in the U.S.” was the type of example that led to the problem the sport is still dealing with in 2025 as more networks have left the sport, due largely to the insistence of some promoters and even fighters of the use of pay-per-view.

It was on that basis, however, where DAZN not only stood against an outdated model that no longer served a positive for the sport, or consumers, making Boxing as well as other sports it carries on its platform more accessible, and the fact that every fight on a card would be shown rather than three or four out of a full card of for example, eight to ten bouts, I felt was refreshing and thus was vocal in my support of a subscription-based model, which I still stand by. As most know, despite its pledge to offer “Pay-Per-View quality Boxing without the pain of Pay-Per-View!,” the network ultimately went back on that promise and while they insisted their dipping their toes into pay-per-view would be occasional and on a selective basis, which appeared understandable in the aftermath of the global COVID-19 epidemic, which had severe financial implications for many sports and sports networks both traditional and streaming worldwide including DAZN, it seemed also to be used as a means of bringing fighters and promoters insistent on pay-per-view to the negotiating table, even as the model has continued to decline as it was prior to the impacts of COVID-19.

The decision to even dip their toes into the model on an occasional basis has resulted in DAZN walking a tightrope. In that they still have their subscription model, but risk alienating subscribers by taking fights that would/should be included with the subscription and putting it behind a pay-per-view paywall. Adding further insult to that, doing so often at the same inflated price points that turns off many fans and led to the exits of HBO, Showtime, Fox Sports, and most recently, ESPN from Boxing.

It should also not be overlooked that in an attempt to try and counter the obvious decline of pay-per-view, DAZN attempted to sell two pay-per-view cards on back to back days as part of a bundle price in May of this year with the first Boxing card to be held in Times Square in New York City, followed by a card headlined by an Undisputed Super-Middleweight world championship bout between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and William Scull in Saudi Arabia. While yours truly does not have access to official numbers, it did interest me as to whether subscribers or non-subscribers bit on the bundle offer at $89.99 (Not including tax) for both events versus how those cards did as individual offerings at $59.99 each. 

Word then began circulating over the summer that a new subscription approach would be introduced seemingly at the behest of H.E. Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Saudi Entertainment Authority who proclaimed that his promoted events under either the Riyadh Season or Ring Magazine banners (A publication which he now also owns) would no longer be offered as pay-per-view, but would be included with a DAZN subscription stating that pay-per-view has hurt the sport and that he stands with the Boxing fans. 

Although I was vocal in saying on social media that common sense had returned to the equation upon hearing such a statement that was subsequently backed up by the network, I was not vocal in the sense of thinking that this would be a complete revert back to DAZN’s original strategy, but likely an approach that would ultimately serve as a way to phase out pay-per-view over time while still offering it for those who prefer it. While Al-Sheikh stated that he intended this new subscription approach to begin with his upcoming Ring IV event in Saudi Arabia on November 22, there was some backlash as it was revealed that both that event and tomorrow's (At the time of this writing) Eubank Jr.-Benn rematch would be available as standalone pay-per-view offerings at $59.99 each or $119.98 combined. This changed slightly, however, with the announcement on November 7th by DAZN with the introduction of DAZN Ultimate. An upgraded Tier subscription that would include not only those two events, but a claimed 12+ pay-per-view events per year. 

The cost for this new subscription (United States and Canada) is $44.99 a month or $449.99 per year on an annual subscription. Full disclosure with the reader, even though I have covered the sport of Boxing for thirty years as of this writing, I do not receive payment or compensation in any form from any promoter or network whose events I regularly cover. Upon hearing this new subscription had launched, I immediately upgraded my existing subscription as a means of limiting my own expenses as, despite what some might believe those of us in media often pay the same price as the average consumer for things like pay-per-view or subscriptions and only so many journalists covering the sport have the opportunity to travel for multiple events that occur during a calendar year, which for yours truly due to physical limitations, is also difficult as I am disabled. With my disclosure in all truth and honesty with the reader having been stated clearly, I will move forward. 

Despite the backlash this announcement received particularly online and from some fellow members of the media, I chose to sit back for a few days and for lack of a better term, feel the room, or in this case, the temperature of those of us in the industry and the fan before I commented further. What I feel needs to be stated clearly, which was not done in my view by the network, is this new “Ultimate Plan” or tier for existing subscribers is an upgrade of an existing subscription rather than paying for two separate subscriptions under one banner, similar in scope to what Prime Video subscribers have the option of doing by potentially subscribing to multiple streaming networks and sports packages like NBA League 

Pass for example under one banner and access it in one app. This rather seems more in line with some streaming subscriptions that offer a less costly plan with adverts or a higher priced option for an ad-free experience or similar to Netflix that offers plans including ads, ad-free, and ad-free with 4K streaming capabilities and multiple streams for different members of a household. While this “Ultimate Plan” gives me a similar impression, there are a few questions that need to be answered here, which while I cannot answer outright, I will try to provide some clarity beyond what I already have in terms of distinguishing what is an upgraded subscription for existing subscribers or a potential option for non-subscribers from a situation where you have a subscription plus an add-on. 

The first among those questions is a guarantee of 12+ pay-per-view events per year? When I first saw that statement, the cynic in me as a born and bred New Yorker began to go off in my mind with the first thought being “Are there really 12 Boxing events per calendar year that are truly major events?” Despite that thought, I immediately thought of other content, which DAZN has also offered on pay-per-view through its platform that will likely be used to fill that schedule including Glory Kickboxing events, select events from the sport of MMA, and select events from the Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) Bareknuckle Boxing promotion, who also have their own subscription streaming network. While traditional Boxing is the obvious selling point here, I believe this “Ultimate Plan” will likely evolve over time to essentially be the premium option for DAZN, similar to Netflix's 4K streaming plan that will encompass everything the network has to offer including what should now be referred to as Premium Live Events (PLE) as compared to pay-per-view. 

Question number two that needs to be asked is having seen that the pay-per-view model was not a successful strategy and has not been one for some time regardless of network/platform, will DAZN hold firm and stick with this subscription approach even if they face pressure from promoters and perhaps fighters? This is a difficult question because again, I'm viewing things from the outside as a journalist and not a network executive.  I will say, however, is I do not believe for one second and would testify in court under oath that this “Ultimate Plan” would have been introduced had pay-per-view whether it be Boxing traditional or Bareknuckle, MMA, or Kickboxing were overwhelmingly successful in drawing millions of buys per event regardless of region and price points, which here in America, I've often compared to a compulsive eater in terms of being out of control and not knowing when enough is enough. 

What I will say in viewing things with an industry wide perspective, promoters and there are many of them worldwide, should understand that things need to change with clear evidence that pay-per-view has not worked for many years with the rare exception of a single fight or event that will draw a significantly high paid audience than is typically the norm. Those rare exceptions, however, are often spaced out by years and thus while they may have been successful individually, do not serve as an accurate indicator of the viability of a model, especially one that has only increased in price and does not hold much value for consumers, this holds especially true when one considers that the biggest event in the sport of Boxing in 2025, the Undisputed Super-Middleweight world championship clash between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence Crawford, a highly anticipated encounter that in some ways brought back memories for yours truly of major fights in the 1980’s and 1990’s in terms of anticipation, would have been a guarantee for pay-per-view in previous eras, but did not air on pay-per-view, but instead aired on Netflix, who over the last year, has entered the sport and seems primarily focused on securing those type of “Pay-Per-View Quality” events for their subscribers. In terms of viewership, the Alvarez-Crawford event drew over thirty-six million live viewers including here in the United States as well as globally. A figure that has increased over time with on demand viewing. Numbers one would never see with a pay-per-view model, even when it was considered viable and consumer-friendly. This only reinforced the viability of a subscription-based approach at reasonable prices rather than using an outdated model that consumers continue to reject.

If one is looking for further evidence, they need look no further than the recently announced deal between the UFC MMA promotion and Paramount in a $7.7 billion broadcast deal that will see the promotion’s scheduled events move from ESPN to Paramount+. A key part of that deal is the promotion, who had been one of the few content providers keeping pay-per-view afloat, will be moving those events to be included with a Paramount+ subscription. No doubt in response to both its own declining numbers for pay-per-view events, which until January 2026, continue to be sold through ESPN Unlimited, but also the success of WWE, who over a decade ago as of this writing went with a digital subscription streaming network strategy that moved it away from pay-per-view. Now under the same corporate banner as the UFC, TKO Group Holdings, which also has its own digital subscription streaming network that houses the full UFC library as well as content throughout combat sports, UFC Fight Pass, WWE has moved away from its network being a direct to consumer product, which in addition to its PLE schedule, includes its vast library of previous events and additional programming, and towards a licensing strategy, which has seen its network first become available on Peacock, but most recently moving to ESPN Unlimited here in the United States and Netflix internationally. Furthermore, Paramount+ will also be home to TKO’s upcoming Boxing promotion Zuffa Boxing, which is slated to begin in 2026, with all events being included with a Paramount+ subscription.

When one takes all of that into account, it should not be difficult for a Boxing promoter or network like DAZN to see and comprehend that pay-per-view is not a winning strategy in 2025 and beyond. This is also underscored by the fact that InDemand previously known for many years as Viewer's Choice prior to 2000, the leading pay-per-view distributor across cable in North America will be ceasing operations at the end of this year after over forty years in service, while its streaming platform PPV.com, will continue to exist for a time. How long is debatable given both the decline of the model as a whole, but also events that would normally be on pay-per-view now generally being aimed for subscription-based streaming primarily because that is the preferred choice of consumers.

As for fighters, it is understandable that fighters will want to make the most money for their efforts, as they should because ultimately, it is fighters who are risking their lives each and every time they compete. While understandable, the pay-per-view model even in a predominantly streaming era has relied on a revenue split structure, often cable/satellite providers, pay-per-view distributors, now streaming platforms, the promoter, network, and finally the fighters as the last entity to profit from such a split and often, the lesser of whatever revenue is generated. When one considers that a significant portion of cards have been taking place either in the Middle East or elsewhere outside of the United States, where time differences can also negatively affect viewership, in addition to the price points for pay-per-view more often than not alienating consumers, one should wonder just how much revenue fighters receive from pay-per-view particularly as buys have continued to decline. Part of the issue is fighters have been preconditioned in a sense to expect that pay-per-view is the only way to make additional money beyond their purse for a given fight.

This is one reason why this observer has strongly advocated for advertising, and sponsorships to become part of the strategy in Boxing. Not only have other sports used those sources of revenue to great success in addition to respective broadcast agreements for various sports leagues, but it also allows those athletes to gain additional revenues beyond their contracts by endorsement deals. All while making the sports in question more accessible and within consumer reach. Boxing is and has been long overdue to adopt a similar approach, which would be more beneficial for fighters in the long-term as well as the sport as a whole than pay-per-view has proven to be. It's a matter of getting promoters, some of whom were saying the pay-per-view model needed to be put out of its misery upon DAZN’s entry into Boxing, but in recent years have backtracked, notably Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, to come to that realization that there are other avenues to gain revenue, that pay-per-view has proven to hurt the sport more than help it and they are only shooting themselves in the foot by not adapting.

Poll Conducted On X (Seen Above) Asking DAZN Subscribers If They Intend To Upgrade To Ultimate Plan Credit: Beau Denison 

Finally, the last question that should be asked here is whether or not this “Ultimate Plan” or tier will be able to not only maintain DAZN’s existing subscribers, but also grow it and potentially win back some subscribers who felt lied to when they went into pay-per-view rather than being the alternative it promised to be? It will likely come down to what fights and other content is offered on this “Ultimate Plan” that will determine whether it will be successful. While it is understandable to see incremental price increases over time, what should be a priority is to ensure the subscription plan remains affordable. This in addition to a bit of increased competition from networks that are in the general entertainment genre in the streaming space should keep DAZN on their toes along with the knowledge that folks can be fickle and as my late father instilled in me as a child, you are only as good as your word. Even during a period where there aren't as many networks involved in Boxing including at least for the time being the proclaimed “Total Sports Network” ESPN, and promoters like Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. continue to look for new broadcast deals, DAZN will have to prove both to its current subscriber base as well as any potential new or returning customers that this is the approach from here on while still making some cards available as standalone pay-per-view offerings for those who may be reluctant to upgrade knowing the past history of broken promises and lack of accountability of promoters who could have prevented the move to dip into pay-per-view to begin with. At some point the line of “Well, The Market Changed.” does not hold water and is merely an excuse. For all the good DAZN has done for Boxing over the last seven years, they should look at the list of all the networks that were involved in Boxing, in some cases for decades, both here in the United States and internationally that are no longer in the sport. Unfortunately, it is a long list, and while Boxing’s detractors will claim it's because the sport is dying, it is more a case of bad business decisions, which often included pay-per-view as the culprit that led to those networks exiting the sport. 

As one who does not see as many options to watch the sport I have loved my whole life and have been involved in for most of it, I sincerely hope DAZN will not join that long list. To think, however, that this new “Ultimate Plan” is a cure all for a sport that desperately needs to embrace not only subscription-based streaming, but also methods of revenue generation that will help grow Boxing  by making it more accessible for consumers, may be wishful thinking, but hopefully it is a step in the right direction that others outside of DAZN who still have a pay-per-view mentality will take notice.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TV’s, availability around the world, to subscribe and learn more about DAZN’ Ultimate subscription plan please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

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

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Marquis Taylor Targets Orlando Showdown Against Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams in March

Press Release: December 22,  2024 By Lee McLaughlan - 

·       Taylor’s manager Harrison holds talks with Matchroom’s Rooney in Orlando

·       Williams confirmed to headline card in Orlando on March 15

22, December 2024, Houston, TX: Houston’s Marquis ‘0 Snatcher’ Taylor has set his sights on Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams following his second successful defence of the NABF middleweight belt.

Taylor (18-1-2, 3KOs) secured a unanimous decision over Ivan Pandzic following their 10-round tussle in Houston on Friday (December 13th) and immediately announced he wanted to take on Williams (17-1-0, 12KOs).

Fresh from the Houston fight, Taylor and his manager Bobby Harrison have already begun to sound out Williams’ team at this week’s WBA Conference in Orlando after Matchroom announced ‘Ammo’ would headline a card in Orlando on March 15th, 2025.

No opponent was announced for Williams and both Taylor and Harrison, CEO of BiYu Promotions, have met Matchroom’s head of fighter development Kevin Rooney while in Orlando to push their claims.

Taylor has been eager to take on Williams, who is ranked inside the world’s top 10 with the WBC and WBA, only to be knocked back on two occasions. The latest occasion was in November when Williams snubbed Taylor to fight Gian Garrido.

However, with the ‘0 Snatcher’ expected to rise up the rankings of both the WBC and WBA on the back of his sixth successive win, there is optimism a deal can be done with Williams and Matchroom.

Harrison said: “Marquis said after his win that he wanted to fight Austin Williams. I’ve spoken with Kevin Rooney as has Marquis as he wants to be headlining that March 15th card against Williams. We’ve had a couple of occasions where they might have got in the ring but it never happened. This time, we’re not looking for a last minute opportunity but one that’s acceptable to both parties.

“The timing is right to make it happen. This is the fight we want so we’re ready to talk and do business.”

Taylor is due to return to training in four to six weeks after he sustained a cut over his right eye during the win over Pandzic.

Harrison also confirmed that Taylor will continue to train with two-time world welterweight champion Shawn Porter.

Material Courtesy of: Lee McLaughlan Used with permission.

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

Edwards-Yafai Headline Thanksgiving Weekend In Boxing

Boxing’s 112lb. Flyweight division takes center stage this Thanksgiving weekend as an intriguing battle will occur at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England as former IBF Flyweight world champion Sunny Edwards will face undefeated top contender Galal Yafai. An encounter that will determine Interim/Regular champion status in the World Boxing Council (WBC) Flyweight ratings, which can be seen worldwide on digital subscription streaming network DAZN.

While Boxing’s lower weight divisions do not always receive consistent exposure here in the United States, it is often the lower weight classes that offer battles often fought at a high pace and no shortage of action. This fight figures to follow in that tradition. In this case, this particular bout has an interesting contrast in a former world champion looking to get back into position to fight for a world championship going against a young, unbeaten contender, who some might feel has yet to be tested. 

 Edwards is looking to continue momentum after scoring a technical decision win in his last fight in June of this year over Adrian Curiel in a bout that was halted in the ninth round. Now going into his second bout since losing his IBF crown in December of last year in a unification bout with WBO world champion Jesse Rodriguez, a fight where Edwards stopped in nine rounds, the former champion faces what could be a significant threat in the heavy handed Galal Yafai.

Yafai, who is unbeaten in eight professional fights, has scored knockouts in six of those bouts registering a career knockout percentage of 75%. The former 2016 Olympian is coming off of a third round stoppage of Sergio Oliva in September of this year. Although Yafai has shown the ability to score quick knockouts thus far as a professional, he has only been made to go a ten round distance twice in his career and this could be crucial in a scenario where he will not only be facing a former world champion for the first time in his career, but will also be facing an opponent in Edwards, who has significant experience, particularly at the world championship level.

Edwards only has four knockouts in his twenty-one wins, but what he brings with him into this fight is not only more total experience as a professional than Yafai, not only more experience at or near the top of the sport, but more specifically, he is experienced in going the distance. The strategy for the former world champion would therefore appear obvious. To try and avoid Yafai’s power and try to extend him into the deep waters of the fight, the later rounds.

Yafai has shown he can go ten rounds twice in his career. The question will be whether Edwards will be able to control the tempo of the combat from very early in the fight where the pace could put Yafai to the test. It could be a task that may well be easier said than done if Yafai can find a way to limit Edwards’ movement and land his power punches more than periodically. Yafai has shown power in both hands and one of the strategies to combat a tactical boxer that uses significant lateral movement is to not only try to cut the ring off to limit that fighter’s ability to move, but to also try and implement a consistent attack to the body, which could slow the opponent down as the fight progresses.

What will be the goal for the winner of this fight is also obvious. The winner will become the official mandatory challenger for current WBC world champion Kenshiro Teraji. While nothing is set in stone as of this writing, one could assume that a fight between the winner of this fight and Taraji could be aimed for sometime in early 2025. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Edwards vs.Yafai takes place on Saturday, November 30th at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 2PM ET/11AM 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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The Homecoming For Jaron Ennis: A Dangerous Test?

There has been much attention recently surrounding undefeated IBF Welterweight world champion Jaron Ennis, known to Boxing fans as “Boots." Ennis, who is unbeaten in thirty-one professional fights, was the last signee to the now-defunct Showtime Sports and made a name for himself competing in fights promoted under the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters. With Showtime’s exit from Boxing at the end of last year as part of a significant restructuring of its parent company Paramount Global and a decision by Ennis to not continue fighting under the PBC banner, in stepped promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing and thus the beginning of a new chapter in Ennis’ career. A chapter that not only begins with him signing with a new promoter but also a world championship after recently being elevated to world champion by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) from being it's top contender following former Undisputed Welterweight world champion Terrence Crawford choosing to test the waters in the Jr. Middleweight division for his next fight.

While Crawford is moving up to the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division, his exit from the 147lb. Welterweight division has signaled a period of transition, which is very similar to what has been going on recently in the Jr. Welterweight and Lightweight divisions, the two weight classes directly below the Welterweight division. With the recent theme continuing to be “Transition," the obvious question is whether Ennis will be able to make a strong argument for himself as being the new central figure in the Welterweight division.

The first defense for Ennis of his IBF crown will come at the Wells Fargo Center in the champion’s hometown of Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, July 13th, which will also mark his debut on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN. As there always seems to be in Boxing, things are not always simple and straightforward. Ennis was originally scheduled to face contender Cody Crowley in this title defense, but Crowley was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a failed eye exam. In steps former European Welterweight champion and recent world title challenger David Avanesyan on short notice for his second attempt at a world title.

Some may argue that Avanesyan stepping in makes this fight a more dangerous assignment for the newly crowned world champion. In addition to being a former European Welterweight champion, Avanesyan is a longtime top contender, who also had Interim/Regular champion status in the WBA’s Welterweight ratings at one point in his career. Avanesyan has only been stopped twice in his thirty-five fight professional career. Many will remember his last loss, which came at the hands of Terence Crawford in December 2022. It was a fight that was competitive until Crawford landed a fight-ending uppercut in the sixth round. 

While a one-punch knockout will always be a one-punch knockout and as such will always make heads turn, it is important to keep in mind that just because a fighter may be knocked out by a single punch, it does not necessarily mean that said fighter is susceptible to being caught. More simplistically, sometimes fights that end in the manner in which Avanesyan’s title shot against Crawford did, should be viewed on a case-by-case basis. It also goes without saying that Terence Crawford has proven throughout his career to be a rare generational fighter in terms of talent and overall skillset. The question here is whether Jaron Ennis has similar traits.

Although one should not look to Crawford’s knockout of Avanesyan as a baseline to compare what Ennis might be able to do, there is nevertheless some who might expect a similar outcome here based on Ennis’ punching power in having scored knockouts in twenty-eight of his thirty-one professional fights. What one should keep in mind, however, is David Avanesyan is a world-class boxer, who can do a little of everything and has shown the ability to be very crafty throughout his career as well. The challenger has been back in the ring once since his loss to Crawford in scoring a third round stoppage of Serge Ambomo in December of last year. 

While the circumstances of this bout are not ideal for either fighter, the challenge for Avanesyan will be not only stepping into his second world title shot on short notice, but also doing so in the champion’s hometown before what will likely be a partisan crowd. Whether Avanesyan will be able to use his experience to withstand what might be an early storm by Ennis in terms of throwing power punches in an attempt to look impressive in front of his hometown crowd remains to be seen. 

Nonetheless, the new chapter for Ennis will begin with what should be an interesting fight. With Crawford now moving on from Welterweight, the angling for position among the top fighters in the division, those who are world champions, top contenders, and would be world champions has begun. Can Jaron Ennis emerge as the new central figure in the Welterweight division? We will find out on Saturday, July 13th.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Ennis vs. Avanesyan takes place on Saturday, July 13th at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT.

(*U.S. Times Only*) 

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

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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Galal Yafai vs. Tommy Frank Takes Centerstage August 19th

Originally, August 19th in the world of Boxing was to be spotlighted by the highly anticipated World Light-Heavyweight championship fight between undefeated champion Artur Beterbiev and former Super-Middleweight world champion Callum Smith. As some know, the bout between Beterbiev and Smith has been postponed to January 2024 due to Beterbiev needing time to recover from recent dental surgery. While that fight was initially one of the highlights of the month of August 2023, a bout that could be described by some as under the radar could prove to be interesting. This observer is referring to the Flyweight bout between undefeated Flyweight contender Galal Yafai and former British Flyweight champion Tommy Frank, which will take place at the Birmingham Arena in Birmingham, England that can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN. 

While the 112lb. Flyweight division does not always get much exposure, particularly here in the United States, one thing that makes this fight interesting is that it offers a chance for a higher ranking in the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) for the WBC International championship. Although a regional championship may not seem significant to some fans, what makes it significant beyond the reality of a higher position in the WBC rankings is the quick pace in which Yafai has gotten to this fight. Galal, the third in the line of the fighting Yafai brothers following Kal and Gamal, will be going into only his fifth professional fight when he faces Tommy Frank. After a decorated amateur career in which he represented Great Britain in both the 2016 and the delayed 2020 Olympics, winning the Gold medal in the 2020 tournament in the Flyweight division, Yafai turned pro in February of last year and won the WBC International title with a fifth round knockout of Carlos Bautista. Yafai being able to enter a regional championship fight in his professional debut is representative of his Olympic pedigree and though a fighter entering that type of fight out of the box as a professional is certainly a roll of the dice, Yafai has thus far proven to be someone who, despite his limited experience as a pro, is on the verge of challenging for a world title in stopping three of his four opponents prior to this fight. 

Going into this fight, Yafai is rated number fourteen in the WBC’s Flyweight ratings and obviously the longer he is able to hold onto the international title, the more likely his ranking will be elevated sooner than later. It should not have to be pointed out however, that there is a risk with each fight and if Yafai should lose, obviously the expedited pace in which he has entered the WBC ratings will be halted. 

In Tommy Frank, Yafai will be facing a veteran of nineteen fights with a record of 15-3-1, with 3 Knockouts. While Frank does not, or at least has not, up to this point shown much punching power in only scoring three knockouts in his fifteen career wins, what he does have that could be an asset is experience in being able to go rounds and it is important to keep in, mind that as Yafai has been on the fast track so far in his career, he has yet to be tested. Frank however, is coming into this fight off of a knockout loss to Jay Harris where he lost the British Flyweight championship being stopped in ten rounds. Perhaps some might see that as a red flag against Frank, or to be more specific, his capability in being able to provide Yafai with a stern test, but it is something that will only be found out once the bell rings.

This fight will headline a card promoted by Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing's NXTGEN series. While obviously that series, which prior to the COVID-19 epidemic was a fixture on Matchroom's schedule in showcasing some of the young, up and coming talent in the Matchroom stable, obviously it has been a few years since the series has been in circulation. A fight like this however, featuring an Olympic Gold medalist, who seems to be racing towards a shot at a world championship perhaps within the first ten fights of his career, going against a former British champion looking to bounce back, seems like a perfect vehicle to reintroduce the series. 

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

Matchroom Boxing NXTGEN: Yafai vs. Frank takes place on Saturday, August 19th at the Birmingham Arena in Birmingham, England. The fight as well as it's full undercard can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 11:45AM ET/8:45AM PT with Before The Bell, which will feature preliminary bouts. This will be followed by the main card, which will begin at 2PM ET/11AM PT.

(*U.S. Times Only.*)

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

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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BREAKING: Joshua-Whyte Rematch Cancelled

It has been announced that the scheduled August 12th rematch between former two-time Heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua and former world title challenger Dillian Whyte has been cancelled. The bout, which was to take place at the O2 Arena in London, England was cancelled earlier today by promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing after Whyte had what was being described as a quote "Adverse Finding" in random pre-fight testing conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) of which both fighters are enrolled according to a statement released on the promotional company's respective social media platforms. 

As of this writing, there is no word on whether there will be an attempt to reschedule the bout, which was to headline a Boxing card broadcast by digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN and DAZN Pay-Per-View in select countries. Matchroom Boxing has gone onto say that in addition to the cancellation, a full investigation will be forthcoming. As to whom will be conducting the investigation is not known at this time, but it may be likely that the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) who were sanctioning the bout as it was to take place under their jurisdiction will be the regulatory body conducting the investigation and possibly handing down disciplinary actions depending on what the findings of the investigation might be.

We will keep readers updated on wny developments as they become available. Stay tuned.

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

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The Pacheco Brothers And The Benefits Of The Body Attack

Originally, the days that followed the fourth of July holiday here in the United States in the sport of Boxing was to shine a spotlight on the 147lb. Welterweight division, a division which later this month will crown it's first undisputed world champion since the 1980's when undefeated world champions Errol Spence and Terrence Crawford put their records and portions of the World Welterweight championship on the line. There was however, supposed to be an encounter of significance in the division on July 8th as undefeated contender Vergil Ortiz was to meet top contender Eimantas Stanionis in San Antonio, TX, which would have determined a mandatory challenger for the winner of the upcoming Spence-Crawford clash. 

Unfortunately, Ortiz, who has seen his fast-rising career stall due to dealing with medical issues that had previously caused postponement of this bout earlier this year, was forced to withdraw again just days before the fight when he fainted while training for the bout. The subsequent hospitalization that followed resulted in Ortiz being medically disqualified by doctors and thus forced him to withdraw from the bout.

The bout, which was to be the highlight of the post-July 4th weekend being cancelled although likely a disappointment for those who were looking forward to the encounter, an interesting dynamic would instead highlight the weekend on July 7th in Monterrey, Mexico where two brothers, each unbeaten, bookended a card promoted by Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing. 

In the main event, rising Super-Middleweight contender Diego Pacheco faced what some considered to be a significant test in the form of veteran Manuel Gallegos. From the opening bell, Gallegos attempted to put constant pressure on Pacheco and tried to walk him down in what was a relatively small ring. Although this may seem at least on the surface to be a wise strategy in trying to cut off the ring and establish the tempo of combat by theoretically making an opponent uncomfortable, Gallegos took significant punishment as he came forward, particularly from hooks to the head.

It is often said that one of the best assets a fighter in any combat sport can have is a good chin, otherwise known as having the ability to take a good punch or strike and keep coming forward. Gallegos did indeed have this quality even as he was taking shots from Pacheco that made yours truly shake his head in disbelief. The ability to absorb such significant amounts of punishment is truly something that is God given. For fighters blessed with such an ability, if one wants to call being able to walk through punches to one's head a blessing, it can at times expose a vulnerability. A vulnerability that many fighters over past decades, one of the most notable among them being Hall of Famer Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr., were able to make careers out of breaking down and exposing. The body.

After three rounds of landing everything he could throw at Gallegos' head as well as taking the best of what his opponent could dish out, Pacheco would find the answer that would bring Gallegos down in round four when he landed a left hooks to the body that sent the "Game" Gallegos down. Although Gallegos would get to his feet, a follow-up barrage from Pacheco would end the fight giving the twenty-two year old Pacheco his nineteenth victory as a professional and his sixteenth knockout. While there is not much to say beyond this being an illustration of a fighter being broken down, what it also demonstrates is the benefit of executing a body attack.

 As one Pacheco ended the evening with a knockout win, another Pacheco began the evening by doing the same. This observer is referring to Diego's younger brother and unbeaten Heavyweight Federico Pacheco. Federico, who stands 6'5 and weighed in over 250lbs. for his bout on the undercard faced a fighter named Oscar Heredia. In what was his fourth fight as a professional, the nineteen year old Pacheco focused on working behind a consistent jab and mixing in hooks to the body. It would be a left hook to the body that would send Heredia down in his own corner in the closing seconds of the second round. Heredia was able to beat the count, but the fight was stopped after the round by his corner.

This was my first time having an opportunity to see Federico Pacheco compete and similar to what his brother was able to do later in the evening, there is not much to say or much one can analyze. What can be said however, with regard to why the element of a consistent attack to an opponent's body is beneficial is that it takes an opponent's ability to move and evade punches away gradually because it effects the opponent's legs. This can also prove to be a useful approach in circumstances where an opponent is able to avoid and defend against punches to the head, which can prove beneficial as a fight progresses in terms of being able to open opportunities to the head. There is also the obvious additional benefit of the possibility of landing a punch in the right spot on an opponent's midsection that can bring a fight to an end suddenly because it often can have a paralyzing effect where an opponent has no choice, but to go down and try to catch their wind, which more often than not, results in said fighter being counted out because it is extremely difficult to move once struck in an area of the body that paralyzes you where you have trouble breathing, whether it be to the liver, ribcage, or solar plexus.

Although the elements of the benefits of a body attack is something that has been proven countless times throughout Boxing history and, despite the midsection being an obvious sensitive area of the human anatomy, it is a form of offense that many fighters today on every level of the sport for whatever reason seem to neglect. Nevertheless, the Pacheco Brothers were able to show in their respective bouts, what the benefits of the body attack could be when executed properly. As for what's next for both, it is difficult to say where Federico Pacheco is in terms of his development with only four professional fights, three of which have come by knockout against limited competition as he is obviously in the beginning stages of his career.

For older brother Diego, he appears to be nearing world championship contention and given his alignment with promoter Eddie Hearn and Hearn also now promoting fellow undefeated Super-Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga, it appears obvious that their paths are likely to cross, especially if the goal for both men is an eventful challenge of current India Super-Middleweight world champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. The question might be whether or not either fighter's respective teams or perhaps even Hearn are willing to roll the dice and make that fight in the immediate future given both fighters similar standing current, each's growing fan bases, and both being potential challengers for Alvarez down the line.

"And That's The Boxing Truth.

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Joshua -Whyte To Meet In Highly Appreciated Rematch August 12th In London, England On DAZN

Press Release: July 6,, 2023 By DAZN - British Heavyweight rivals Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte will meet in an explosive rematch at The O2 in London on Saturday August 12, shown exclusively live on DAZN around the world and on DAZN PPV in the UK and Ireland.

Credit: DAZN 

 

Two-time unified Heavyweight World Champion Joshua (25-3, 22 KOs) and former World Title challenger Whyte (29-3, 19 KOs) lock horns again nearly eight years on from their wild British Title clash in Greenwich, which Joshua won by a huge seventh-round stoppage to end a thrilling war. 

 

Brixton’s Whyte has a long-running rivalry with Joshua, having beaten the Watford man on points as an amateur back in 2009 before Joshua won an Olympic gold medal at London 2012 which kick-started his meteoric rise to global stardom. 

 

‘AJ’ went on to unify the Heavyweight division, winning the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO crowns as he became one of the biggest athletes on the planet with a string of wins against the likes on Charles Martin, Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Alexander Povetkin, Andy Ruiz and Kubrat Pulev. 

 

The 33-year-old convincingly outpointed Jermaine Franklin at The O2 earlier this year as he returned to winning ways under new trainer Derrick James following back-to-back defeats to Ukrainian pound-for-pound great Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022.

 

Whyte, whose last win also came via a points decision against the USA’s Franklin last year, fell short in his record-breaking World Title challenge against undefeated WBC ruler Tyson Fury at Wembley Stadium in April 2022, succumbing to a sixth-round TKO loss.

 

The Jamaican-born warrior, 36, has aspirations of fighting for another World Title and knows that a win over his old foe Joshua next month will put him in prime position for another mega-fight against one of the division’s other glamour names later this year. 

 

In the UK and Ireland the PPV will cost £26.99 via DAZN.com. Prices may vary on other providers.

 

“I’ve been clear that my plan is to be active this year," said Joshua. "August 12 is the date, I’ll be ready to fight. I look forward to dealing with business."

 

“I’m looking forward to returning to the London O2 on August 12 and going to war,” said Whyte. “It's 1-1 so this is the decider!”

 

"I can’t quite believe this fight is happening and there was absolutely no stopping either man," said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. "The rivalry runs deep and there is something about these two where they will never back down from each other. At times it may have looked like a game of bluff but now we are set and with everything that’s on the line this is an absolute must win for both. Just like the first time at The O2, get ready for fireworks August 12 and a huge night of boxing live on DAZN."

 

“It is great to have Anthony Joshua back fighting on the platform so soon after his fight in April," said Joseph Markowski, CEO North America, DAZN Group. "We want ‘AJ’ in the biggest fights and in Dillian Whyte this is a massive one - reigniting a feud that has bubbled away for well over a decade. August 12 promises to be fireworks. Watch a night of all out action, live and exclusive on DAZN around the world and on DAZN PPV in the UK and Ireland.”

 

Tickets for Joshua vs. Whyte 2 are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300, £400 and £800 (VIP).

Tickets are available to O2 and Virgin Media customers via Priority from 10.00am on Friday July 7. 

Tickets are available via The O2 venue presale and AXS presale from 10.00am on Saturday July 8.

Matchroom Fight Pass members will also be able to purchase tickets from 10.00am on Saturday July 8. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members ahead of the on-sale time. 

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and AXS from 9.00am on Monday July 10.

 

About DAZN Group 

  

DAZN is a leading sports streaming service in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, the US and UK.  Its wide range of content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, J.League, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world - Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.   DAZN is the only place for fans around the world to watch every NFL match outside North America.   

  

DAZN is building the ultimate sports entertainment business where fans from across the globe can 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 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. 

What Berlanga Can Take Away From Victory Over Quigley

The storyline prior to rising unbeaten Super-Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga 's fight against former Middleweight world title challenger Jason Quigley on June 24th at The Theater in Madison Square Garden was whether or not Berlanga, who holds the North American Boxing Organization (NABO) championship in the Super-Middleweight division, could produce a performance that would serve as a strong argument for him as being a potential challenger for current undisputed champion of the division Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. As most know however, a slight wrinkle emerged two days before the bout when it was revealed that Alvarez had signed a three-fight deal with the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters, which moves Alvarez at least for the time being away from digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN and at least for now to United States premium cable network Showtime, which for Berlanga, who recently signed with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, who had promoted several of Alvarez' recent fights, now finding himself without what seemed like an obvious path towards facing Alvarez.

While this could obviously change given not only the state of the PBC's deal with Showtime, and the network's merger this  week with parent company's Paramount  and it's digital subscription streaming network Paramount+ as part of a major corporate restructuring, which leaves the future of Boxing programming on the soon to be renamed Paramount+ with Showtime up in the air, for the immediate, the news regarding Alvarez had to at minimum cause a distraction for Berlanga prior to what should have been viewed as a step up in his career. The elements of the business end of the sport notwithstanding, the bout between Berlanga and Quigley was one of youth versus experience.

It was the experience of Quigley that stood out early as he implemented a strategy with an emphasis on movement, giving angles, and trying to counter Berlanga as he came forward. Though such an approach is not always appreciated, particularly amongst fans that prefer more toe to toe action, it did establish, despite the belief based on his knockout loss to Demetrius Andrade in November 2021, that Quigley was not interested in cooperating with the stance of some that he was an opponent designed to give the young unbeaten rising contender Berlanga a showcase win and potentially a quick knockout after being forced to go the distance in his previous four fights. What was also noticeable about Quigley's strategy was his willingness to try to catch Berlanga in between the punches he was throwing, which seemed to be effective in spots throughout this fight.

Beelanga's pressure and harder punches when he was able to connect however, gave him an edge. Despite how effective Quigley's tactics appeared to be, what turned out to work against him were four knockdowns throughout the course of the fight. In rounds three, five, and two knockdowns in the twelfth and final round, Beelanga's punching power and pressure were able to get to Quigley and put him on the canvas. Although the knockdowns in rounds three and five appeared to be what are often referred to as "Flash Knockdowns" where Quigley did not appear to be significantly hurt, those knockdowns prove more often than not to be detrimental in terms of scoring for the fighter that is knocked down because it creates a deficit in points that without being able to score knockdowns of your own, can prove to be difficult to overcome. In this case, the knockdowns could give a false sense that this fight was one-sided in Berlanga's favor simply because they created a significant deficit in terms of scoring that Quigley could not overcome in losing a unanimous decision.

In actuality, Quigley's approach throughout this fight succeeded in keeping Berlanga from being able to dictate how it was being fought, unable at times to get into a consistent offensive rhythm, and at times appearing to make Berlanga look discouraged. While with the exception of the four knockdowns he was able to score, this probably was not the type performance Berlanga was looking for in terms of trying to make a statement as a potential challenger for Saul Alvarez down the line, sometimes a win is a win and his victory was still convincing albeit without the knockout that most were probably looking for or expecting.

Although this victory over Jason Quigley marked the fifth time Berlanga has had to go the distance after starting his career with sixteen straight knockouts, this observer does not necessarily see that as a negative. It is indeed true that if a fighter scores knockouts and can do so in devastating fashion that said fighter will almost always move up the ladder of contention quicker, receive more attention, and likely get an opportunity to fight for a world championship quicker than those who take a more measured approach. The potential drawback for those fighters who are able to carve out reputations as "Knockout Artists" is they do not necessarily get the chance to fully develop their skills, nor do they get the experience needed to learn how to adapt as a fight progresses into the middle and late rounds against fighters of varying styles, who will not always cooperate with the desired scenario of a rising star or his/her team of a quick knockout. While going the distance on a string of several fights may be seen as a red flag in the eyes of some, it is to be expected when a prospect turned contender steps up in the caliber of competition as they approach challenging for a world championship. Criticism no matter what a fighter might do or how they perform is something that will unfortunately also come with the territory, but the experience fighters gain at these stages is invaluable and no doubt will benefit Edgar Berlanga as he continues to move forward in his career.

"And That's The Boxing Truth."

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Can Berlanga Convince The Boxing World He's Ready For Alvarez?

The main goal of just about every fighter that competes in and around the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division is to secure a fight with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Not only is Alvarez one of the superstars in the sport of Boxing, which obviously means whomever he fights is most likely assured a career high payday, but in regard to the Super-Middleweight division, he remains the undisputed champion of the world. As such whenever a fight occurs in the division that does not directly involve Alvarez, the obvious question that surrounds it is whether those participating in a fight can make a convincing argument as being a potential opponent for him either in the near future or perhaps further down the road.

Undefeated Super-Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga is one fighter that is trying to make that argument. Unbeaten in twenty professional fights with sixteen knockouts, Berlanga has quickly developed not only a fan following, but also buzz due to his punching power and ability to score knockouts almost as quickly as a fight begins, having scored all sixteen of his knockouts in the first round. Naturally, as a fighter moves up the ladder of contention, the level of opposition theoretically is supposed to get tougher for young prospects turned would be contenders.

While Berlanga had successfully worked his way to being the North American Boxing Organization (NABO), champion in the Super-Middleweight division, the streak of knockouts which began his career would ultimately come to an end in April 2021 when he scored an eight round unanimous decision over Demond Nicholson. This would begin a different streak as in his last four fights, Berlanga has been forced to go the distance.

Following his last outing in June of last year, where he scored a ten round unanimous decision over Alexis Angulo in his first fight as a main event attraction, which was broadcast on ESPN  and it's streaming network ESPN+ from Madison Square Garden's Theater in Berlanga 's home of New York, the fighter came to a  mutual agreement with his promoter Bob Arum to part ways. It is not uncommon for fighters to try and break away from promoters who help develop them as they try to progress for a hoped for shot at a world championship. Usually, such splits between fighter and promoter usually come as a result of the promoter's failure to secure a fight that would either move the fighter closer or directly to the goal of challenging for a world championship.

In essence, that appears to be what led to the split between Berlanga and Arum as the promoter described the split as a difference in opinion as to the direction of Berlanga 's career. Now one year removed from his last fight Berlanga, who is rated in the top ten in both the World Boxing Organization (WBO) per his holding the affiliated NABO and the World Boxing Council (WBC) in the Super-Middleweight division, prepares to return the the ring on Saturday, June 24th at The Theater in Madison Square Garden as he faces former world title challenger Jason Quigley in a scheduled twelve round bout that can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN. 

This fight not only represents Berlanga 's debut on a new network after fighting the majority of his career up to this point competing on ESPN/ESPN+, but more specifically and perhaps importantly, this will be his first fight under new promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. What makes that significant is for the last several years, Hearn has promoted and developed what has so far been a successful relationship with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Berlanga 's decision to sign with Hearn should be viewed as the obvious path for him to try to get a shot at Alvarez.

In Jason Quigley, Berlanga will face a fighter who has challenged for a world title for the first time in his career in a fight that is one further step up. There are two questions that come to this observer's mind as this fight approaches.

Number one, what kind of Berlanga will we see in this fight? As some may recall, despite getting the victory over Alexis Angulo in his last fight, he was criticized for his performance with some fans even stating that they felt Angulo won the fight. Whether his performance was in part affected by nerves in main eventing a Boxing card for the first time and doing so in Madison Square Garden, and/or what turned out to be a pending split with his then promoter Bob Arum and his promotional company Top Rank Inc., is something that only Berlanga can answer for himself. At this stage of his career after turning professional in 2016, Berlanga should know that he is at least in theory approaching competing at the top level of the sport and therefore, should expect the competition level to increase. The second question that surrounds this fight is whether or not Jason Quigley will be able to provide resistance and be able to test Berlanga?

Despite a respectable record of 20-2, with 14 Knockouts coming into this fight and being a former North American Boxing Federation (NABF) as a 160lb. Middleweight, Quigley is most known for having been knocked out by then WBO Middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade in two rounds in November 2021. While Quigley seemed to be caught cold by the highly skilled and dangerous Andrade before he could have an opportunity to get into a rhythm, perhaps what some might see as a possible red flag is that Quigley has been stopped in both of his career losses. The loss to Andrade led to a near two year layoff for Quigley before getting back to the ring in April of this year in scoring a ten round unanimous decision over veteran Garbor Gorbics in what was his Super-Middleweight debut.

Quigley can rely on his experience or at least try to in this fight against Berlanga, but zt thirty-two there might be some who question what he might have left as perhaps some are questioning whether the twenty-six year old Berlanga is ready to potentially challenge for a world title or at least face another top contender should he win this fight. Perhaps some might take it a step further by saying that the difference in opinion as to the direction of his career, which led to his split with Bob Arum might have been rooted in Arum possibly feeling that Berlanga needs more time to develop rather than trying to get into position to challenge Alvarez in the near future.

Whatever the case might be, Berlanga knows that Quigley has been caught cold before and it would not surprise me, despite going the distance in his previous four fights, to see him try to jump on Quigley early and attempt to end the fight quickly. If that is indeed the case, Quigley's main objective at least for the first couple of rounds should be to try and weather the storm of Berlanga's punching power and try to gradually work his way into the fight as it progresses. Quigley must however, try to be as warmed up and ready to go as possible because he will likely be pressured from the outset and Berlanga is a fighter that can hurt you with either hand. If Quigley is not ready for the pressure and attack that Berlanga will likely apply, this could indeed be a short evening.

There were some fans particularly on social media that have been critical of Berlanga and Eddie Hearn for the selection of Quigley as the opponent for this fight. Such criticism is likely based on what happened to Quigley against Andrade. Sometimes however, especially in the present time we are all living in, no matter what a fighter and promoter might do, the fan can be fickle and hard to please. Regardless of what happens when Berlanga and Quigley square off in the ring, the fan regardless of what their level of knowledge of the sport and the development of a possible future world title challenger might be, fights like this are necessary for a fighter's continued progression and if Edgar Berlanga gets through Jason Quigley and does so impressively, his next fight will likely be against a top contender, if not what would likely be considered a long shot at least at this point to get a shot at Alvarez. It is up to Edgar Berlanga to make the best argument he can that he is indeed ready for that challenge. Whether he can do that in this fight might be debatable, but nevertheless, remains to be seen.

"And That's The Boxing Truth." 

Berlanga vs. Quigley takes place on Saturday, June 24th at The Theater in Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. The card can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 5:45PM ET/2:45PM PT with Before The Bell featuring preliminary bouts. This will be followed by the main card beginning at 8PM ET/5PM 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. 

(*Card and start times subject to change.*)

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

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