BATESON AND MASOUD FIRE WARNING SHOTS AS BIG FIGHT NEARS

 

 

Press Release: By Probellum – SHEFFIELD, NOVEMBER  9 – Jack Bateson and Shabaz Masoud have fired warning shots at each other ahead of their barnstorming battle of top British prospects. 

Credit: Probellum

 

Bateson and Masoud clash in a sizzling super bantamweight showdown at Probellum Sheffield on Friday night – and both men have rubbished big claims from their rival.

 

Leeds hero Bateson has poured scorn on Masoud being the betting favourite and insists ‘Maverick’ has heaped pressure on himself with his pre-fight confidence.

 

Stoke’s Masoud is certain of “comfortably” beating Bateson and says he sees plenty of weaknesses in the former medal-winning Great Britain amateur star.

 

Bateson and Masoud come head-to-head at today’s press conference in the Steel City and the tension between the pair is simmering as fight night nears.

 

Jack Bateson (17-0) said: “I’m not sure why Shabaz is the favourite with the bookies, but it’s a mistake, that’s for sure!

 

“And he’s going to be in for a shock if he thinks he wins comfortably.  If he’s taking me lightly, then let him.  I can’t wait to leave him in shock.

 

“He’s a good fighter but I believe I am better; a better boxer, a better fighter and whatever he brings on the night, I believe I will do it better.  He’s obviously full of himself, he’s confident but so am I, and this means it’s going to be a great fight.”

 

Shabaz Masoud (10-0) said: “In all departments, I am the better fighter and on Friday night I am going to show that.

 

“He’s got a lot of strengths, but he’s got a lot of weaknesses too.

 

“If you’re making loads of mistakes, we are going to capitalise – and I think he is making loads of mistakes, but we’ll see on Friday.

 

“I can beat him comfortably.  If I can be better than someone in every department, then why can’t I beat him comfortably?!  I think I’ve got a better boxing brain; I think I’m stronger, sharper and the better fighter.”

 

Boxing fans have given their seal of approval to the Bateson vs Masoud scrap and applauded two of the country’s most promising fighters for agreeing to meet.

 

Bateson’s WBA Intercontinental belt is on the line at the Utilita Arena, but the fight is also a final eliminator for the British super bantam strap.

 

Bateson added: “He is putting all the pressure on himself because, apparently, it’s going to be an easy night’s work.  He’s the favourite with the bookies, he’s talking himself up to have this easy night on Friday, while I’ve been staying quiet.

 

“I’ve dealt with pressure and come through it.  This is a big night for him, and he’ll be nervous.  For me, it’s just another night.”

 

Masoud said: “I want to put respect on my name and after this fight I will truly get appreciation.  That is what I’m here for, I don’t care about anything else, I’m here for the respect.  People are going to value me and think ‘woah!’.

 

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

 

For more information about Probellum please visit: www.Probellum.com

 

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

 

 

SUNNY EDWARDS INSISTS MARTINEZ SHOULD HAVE WBC BELT TAKEN OFF HIM

Press Release: By Probellum – SHEFFIELD, NOVEMBER  7 – Sunny Edwards insists Julio Cesar Martinez deserved to be stripped of his WBC title the second he walked away from their unification fight. 

Credit: Probellum 

Edwards and Martinez were deep into negotiations to stage a blockbuster fight in Mexico last month, for the IBF and WBC world flyweight titles. 

Britain’s Edwards had been pushing to make the fight happen for months, but Martinez turned his back on the showdown and, instead, agreed to face his mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo in December. 

Edwards had to quickly put the disappointment of Martinez’s withdrawal behind him and, on Friday, night at Probellum Sheffield, the man known as ‘Showtime’ defends his belt against the extremely dangerous Felix Alvarado. 

But the 26-year-old is adamant there should be more than his IBF crown on the line at the Utilita Arena this week. 

“Martinez is not a rival of mine, he’s a muppet,” said Edwards, in scathing attack on the Mexican.   

“I saw him as easy work, but I was trying to sell it as being my hardest fight to date. 

“The WBC title should be vacant, and it should be on the line for me and Alvarado on November 11.  Martinez was paying step-aside money, to an overdue mandatory challenger, and then pulled out of the fight. 

“Whoever is advising Martinez has told him to stay a million miles away from Sunny Edwards.  He has avoided me like the plague. 

“And, for me, Martinez is done in the division now.” 

Edwards wants to land a big-time fight with Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez in 2023 and had invited the US star to be at ringside in Sheffield this week. 

But the charismatic champion knows he cannot afford to overlook the hard-hitting Alvarado, who was previously an IBF title holder at light flyweight. 

“I have become one of the most avoided fighters in world boxing, but Felix Alvarado has the courage to face me on November 11, and that makes him an extremely dangerous opponent,” Edwards said. 

“I have grand plans to become the undisputed flyweight world champion, and then move through the weights, and I am totally confident that will happen - but there is no room for error against a fighter of Alvarado’s calibre, that’s for sure.” 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

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

WINNER OF BATESON VS MASOUD TO BE HONOURED WITH ALI TAZEEM TROPHY

Press Release: By Probellum – LONDON, OCTOBER 21 – The memory of the outstanding British boxing prospect Ali Tazeem will live on in a new award that carries his name. 

Credit: Probellum 

Tazeem, 18, was about to begin an exciting journey as a professional fighter when, in April, he tragically lost his life in a road accident. 

The hugely popular teenager from Wolverhampton had already been dubbed the ‘New Amir Khan’ and was set to take the pro ranks by storm before his untimely passing, which left his family and friends devastated and the boxing community shaken. 

But Probellum, who had signed Tazeem on a promotional contract just weeks earlier, can today announce the creation of the Ali Tazeem Trophy, an annual award that will be presented to the winner of a carefully chosen domestic fight between two young fighters that embody the skills, dedication and values of Tazeem. 

The trophy will be presented for the first time to the winner of one of British boxing’s most highly anticipated fights when super bantamweight stars Jack Bateson and Shabaz Masoud, who both knew Ali, clash at Probellum Sheffield, on November 11, in a British title eliminator. 

Sam Jones, Head of Talent Relations at Probellum, said: “There is not a day that goes by when I do not think of Ali.  He was a brilliantly talented and wonderful young man, with his whole life, both inside and outside of ring, ahead of him.

“Ali has an amazing family and Probellum wanted to make sure this special fighter is always at the forefront of our minds, and so we have created the Ali Tazeem Trophy.

“Even as an amateur, Ali represented excellence, excitement, skills and so much potential; he was one of this country’s most outstanding prospects, and we want this Trophy to be awarded to rising UK stars who do something extra special.

“The winner of Jack vs Shabaz on November 11 will do just that.  They are two of the country’s best young fighters, they are putting it all on the line and this will be a breakout night for one of them. I can’t think of a better fight, anywhere in the UK, for the inaugural Ali Tazeem Trophy to be presented.” 

Toheed Tazeem, Ali’s father, said: “I’m lost for words, this means the world to me and my family.  Thank-you to Sam, and Probellum, for keeping my son’s legacy alive.” 

To keep up to date with the latest news on Probellum Sheffield sign up to our newsletter or follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.     

You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.  

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

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

NAOYA INOUE VS PAUL BUTLER IN DECEMBER FOR UNDISPUTED BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE

Press Release: October 13, 2022 By Probellum – LONDON, OCTOBER 13 – Paul Butler goes in search of boxing immortality in December when he faces Naoya Inoue for the undisputed world bantamweight title. 

Credit: Probellum 

The WBO champion tackles Japanese hero Inoue, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, on Tuesday, December 13 on a historic night for the sport, promoted by Ohashi Promotion and Teiken Promotions in association with Probellum.Inoue holds the IBF, WBA and WBC belts and wants to clean up the division before moving up in weight – but two-time world champion Butler holds the missing piece of the puzzle.

And the fighter from Ellesmere Port, in the UK, heads to the Land of the Rising Sun, fully intent on becoming boxing’s first undisputed bantamweight champion in half a century and scoring one of the biggest away wins by a British fighter ever.Paul Butler said: “I’ve been boxing for over 20 years and all the successes and set-backs have led me here, to the biggest fight of my career, with the biggest prize in the sport on offer.

“I am under no illusions as to the size of the task that faces me, but I have been going to bed dreaming of becoming the undisputed bantamweight champion of the world. Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum, said: “It does not get any bigger than this, but Paul Butler is ready to carve out history, cause a seismic upset and return home as the undisputed world bantamweight champion.

“We all appreciate how good Naoya Inoue is, we have seen it repeatedly, but the people who really know Paul, know what he is made of and the greater the challenge, the greater his performance will be.”

To keep up to date with the latest news on Butler vs Inoue sign up to our newsletter or follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.    

You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter. 

“Inoue is a phenomenal fighter but not one person should be underestimating me, my skills, or my resolve. I am going to Japan to write my name into the history of our sport.”

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

For more information about Probellum please visit: www.probellum.com.

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

Hebert Conceição's Pro Debut To Stream Live And Free

Press Release: By Probellum –  LONDON, AUGUST 12 - Olympic hero Hebert Conceição makes his professional debut on Saturday – and you can watch it live and for free. 

Credit: Probellum 

The middleweight gold medallist from the Tokyo Games enters the paid ranks this weekend in Uzbekistan and this historic moment will be streamed at Probellum.com. 

Conceição faces Danny Mendoza over six rounds at the Humo Arena in Tashkent as part of a LIFT Promotions event, which also includes fellow Olympic champions Faziliddin Gaibnazarov and Shakhobidin Zoirov, who struck gold at Rio 2016. 

The live stream is also set to feature Cuba’s fast-rising super featherweight Jadier Herrera as well as Uzbek favourites, heavyweight Laziz Mullajonov and super bantamweight Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov. 

Saturday’s main card is due to start at 8:30pm local time. 

Conceição won his gold medal last summer when dramatically knocking out Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak in the final round but now he is focused on winning titles in the pro ranks. 

Watch Hebert Conceição’s pro debut LIVE and for FREE at Probellum.com on Saturday. 

To keep up to date with the latest news on Conceição, sign up to our newsletter or follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.     

You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.  

About Probellum   

Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown.

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Material and Photo Courtesy of Probellum Used with permission. 

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

OLYMPIC HERO HEBERT CONCEICAO MAKES PRO DEBUT ON UZBEK CARD

Press Release: August 11, 2022 By Probellum – LONDON, AUGUST 11 - Olympic gold medallist Hebert Conceição will be unleashed into the professional ranks this weekend. The Brazilian hero, who claimed gold in spectacular fashion in Tokyo last summer, makes his professional debut on Saturday night in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on a show staged by LIFT Promotions.   Credit: Probellum  Probellum fighter Conceicao dramatically knocked out Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak in the final round of their middleweight showdown at the Olympics and ever since that win, the 24-year-old has been working diligently behind closed doors to prepare for life as a pro. Conceição faces Nicaragua’s Danny Mendoza over six rounds at the Humo Arena, on a card that features two other Olympic champions. “My professional debut will come just over a year since I won my Olympic gold medal in that unforgettable final,” Conceição said. “I have spent the past year working hard in gyms around the world with my coach Luiz Dorea, to make sure I am ready to make a statement as a professional. “Give me 18 months and I believe I will be ready for big fights and titles and so August 13, in Uzbekistan, is the beginning of a beautiful journey that will culminate in me bringing world titles back to Brazil.” Conceição was due to make his pro bow in mid-June in Dubai but a last-minute withdrawal by his opponent, citing an injury, meant the Olympic star had to bide his time. But the wait is now over with Conceição joining Fazliddin Gaibnazarov and Shakhobidin Zoirov, gold medallists from Rio 2016, on the show. To keep up to date with the latest news on Conceicao’s pro debut sign up to our newsletter or follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.     You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.  About Probellum    Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport. Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle. The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown. Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund. But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella. Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission. The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

PETER MCGRAIL TARGETING TITLE FIGHT AFTER SUNDERLAND CONTEST

 Press Release: By Probellum –  LONDON, JUNE 27 – Peter McGrail aims to pick up an army of new fans as he fights in Sunderland next month before a potential homecoming title shot. 

Credit: Probellum

The brilliant Liverpool puncher has a fifth professional fight at the Stadium of Light, on Sunday July 17 as part of a Phil Jeffries promotion. 

McGrail has been in dazzling form since progressing from the amateur ranks and says after he comes through his Sunderland assignment, he will be ready for the first title fight of his pro career, which he hopes will be in front of his home fans in Liverpool. 

'NOBODY IN BRITAIN FIGHTS LIKE ME' - MCGRAIL

The buzz around the super bantamweight is growing with each fight and McGrail wants to have more fans on board by the time he has left the North East.

“It’s great to be fighting in a new city and I’m going to use the opportunity to win a few more fans,” McGrail said. 

“I’ll be using this fight in Sunderland as a warm-up for a return to Liverpool later in the year and I am pushing for that to be a title fight. 

“I’m 26 and there is no point in waiting around.  I did pretty much all I could do in the amateur game and so far in the pros, I am beating my opponents comfortably.  So, it is time to push on and hopefully I can set up that title fight landing another KO, at the Stadium of Light.” 

 

About Probellum   
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown.

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).     

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

 

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

 

THOMAS PATRICK WARD HAS FIGHT CONFIRMED AND TALKS 'OUTRAGEOUS' TITLE ISSUE

 

Press Release: By Probellum - LONDON, JUNE 23 – Thomas Patrick Ward wants to finally shake off his contender status and fight for a world title this year. 

Credit: Probellum

 

The featherweight returns to action on July 17, at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, headlining a Phil Jeffries promotion, looking to preserve his status at the WBA’s No1 ranked fighter.

 

Ward says he was in “cruise control” when defeating Alexis Kabore over 10 rounds at Probellum Throwdown in March and has repeated that he is ready for world title opportunities.

 

The 28-year-old, unbeaten in 33 fights, believes he will be world champion for a “long time” and says it is “outrageous” that there is a logjam at the top of the WBA featherweight division, delaying his chance.

 

Ward said: “I am ranked No1 by the WBA and hopefully the right thing happens, and that’s me being made mandatory and then getting the title shot.

 

“I was No1 contender with the WBO at super bantamweight for a period but the fight with Emanuel Navarette never happened.  I always seem to be there of there abouts and never get the opportunity.

 

“But hopefully that changes soon and I believe when I become world champion, I will reign for a long time.  I look at other fighters who have had that opportunity and they have not been good enough.”

 

England’s Leigh Wood – a target for another Probellum featherweight, Jazza Dickens – is the WBA ‘regular’ champion, while Leo Santa Cruz holds the ‘Super’ world title.

 

Ward, the leading contender in the division, can’t understand why he’s still waiting for this shot.

 

“Leo Santa Cruz hasn’t defended his title since 2018 and he’s still champion,” he said.

 

“It’s outrageous and you’ve got people like me waiting for an opportunity, it doesn’t make any sense.  But whether it be Santa Cruz or Leigh Wood, both good fighters, I just believe that my chance will come.

 

“I’ve been in cruise control in my last few fights but when I’m facing these top fighters, then you will see the very best of me.”

About Probellum   

Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

 

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

 

The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown.

 

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.

 

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

 

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).    

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

 

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

 

 

IVAN DYCHKO NEXT FIGHT CONFIRMED

Press Release: By Probellum - LOS ANGELES, JUNE 20 – Ivan Dychko takes his 100% KO record to Argentina this week as the giant Kazak returns to the ring. 

Credit: Probellum

 
The hammer-fisted Dychko will be looking to secure a 12th knockout from as many pro fights in Buenos Aires on Thursday (June 23) when he locks horns with local favorite Kevin Espindola. 
 
The 10 round heavyweight clash takes place on the WBA’s KO Drugs Boxing Festival and will see 6’9” Dychko fight for the first time under the Probellum banner, having signed with the global promoters earlier this year. 
 
MEET DYCHKO AS HE TALKS FURY, WILDER AND JOSHUA VS USYK 
 
Dychko, a former sparring partner of Wladimir Klitschko, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wider, says that once he has dealt with Espindola, he will only be looking for “big fights”. 
 
Dychko, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, said: “I am ready for big fights and very soon, I will be ready to fight the world champions in the heavyweight division. 
 
“I had a great amateur career and now I have picked up a lot of KOs in the pros.  Everybody knows I have good technical ability, but my 11 knockouts show that I punch very hard. 
 
“I know my heavyweight rivals are watching me.” 
 
To keep updated on Dychko’s fight this week, sign up to our newsletter or follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.     
 
You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.   

 

 

 

 

 

About Probellum    
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport. 
 
Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle. 
 
The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown. 
 
Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund. 
 
But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella. 
 
Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).        

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.  

 

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