Joshua To Return Against Franklin, DAZN And Matchroom Boxing Announce Start Of 2023 Schedule

Press Release: February 6, 2023 – By DAZN – DAZN AND MATCHROOM ANNOUNCE FIRST 2023 SHOWS INCLUDING TAYLOR V SERRANO II MAY 20 IN DUBLIN

 

Credit: DAZN 

Former two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua returns to our screens to face Jermaine Franklin live from The O2 on April 1

Taylor v Serrano II, Callum Smith, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Joe Cordina all return to the ring

More blockbuster fight nights to be added soon alongside a full roster of great sporting entertainment for US subscribers

New York, 6 February – Former two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua will return to our screens on April 1 live from The O2, fighting American powerhouse Jermaine Franklin, in an all-eyes-on epic showdown. This fight will be the first in Joshua’s new five-year partnership with DAZN to be streamed live, exclusive and worldwide on the digital sports entertainment platform, which is fast becoming the undisputed Global Home of Boxing. 

 

Following his defeat to Oleksandr Uysk in August 2022, Joshua has reset and refocused. Now, with a single-minded and burning ambition to reclaim his World Champion title, he is on a mission to defy his critics. The eyes of the UK and the world will be on DAZN as the nation’s biggest boxing superstar returns to the ring in an unmissable comeback showdown.  

 

“I am looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1st at the O2 Arena London.” said Joshua.  “Mentally and physically i feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style & great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”

 

“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time.  It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”

 

“I am looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1st at The O2 London.” said Joshua.  “Mentally and physically i feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style & great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”

 

“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time.  It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”

 

"What an incredible year Matchroom and DAZN have in store for fight fans around the world - and this is just the beginning," said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. "The UK's biggest boxing star Anthony Joshua returns to our screens on April 1 as he looks to reclaim his spot as the number one Heavyweight on the plant. 'AJ' has reset and refocused and he is on a mission to defy his critics as he kicks off his exciting new partnership with DAZN. Modern legends Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano run it back for all of the marbles at Lightweight in what will be one of the most iconic sporting events that Ireland has ever seen on May 20 in Dublin. Their first meeting at MSG last year was one of the very best night's I've experienced in boxing and the rematch promises to be even bigger and better.

"Callum Smith is within touching distance of a shot at unified Light-Heavyweight ruler Artur Beterbiev and can't avoid any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien on his Liverpool homecoming on March 11 and boxing's youngest World Champion Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez attempts to create even more history on April 8 when he goes for gold at 112lbs against Cristian Gonzalez 'The Welsh Wizard' Joe Cordina attempts to recapture his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff on April 22 and the young guns are out to impress in our first NXTGEN event of the year in Newcastle on March 18 - not forgetting the small matter of Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara in just under two weeks’ time in Nottingham. It is without a doubt the best schedule in boxing and there's still so much more to come. Watch it all live on DAZN." 

 

“We have worked with Anthony Joshua for 5 years, and we are incredibly excited to be kicking off our new UK relationship with him on April 1’, said Joseph Markowski, CEO North America, DAZN Group. ‘Being ringside for Taylor vs Serrano at a sold out MSG was one of the great sporting moments of my life; what an incredible atmosphere and fight. Alongside this blockbuster, the schedule we have curated so far features some of our best talent, Jesse Rodriguez, Callum Smith and Joe Cordina. All live and exclusive on DAZN.”

 

Freddie Cunningham, Managing Director, 258 Management said, “This is the start of a hugely important phase for AJ and it is exciting to be kicking it off exclusively on DAZN and at the O2 arena in London a place he has had many memorable nights.”

A picture containing text, screen, sport

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA RETURNS TO FIGHT JERMAINE FRANKLIN APRIL 1

IN BLOCKBUSTER BOUT TO BE INCLUDED IN DAZN SUBSCRIPTION

 

DAZN AND MATCHROOM ANNOUNCE FIRST 2023 SHOWS INCLUDING TAYLOR V SERRANO II MAY 20 IN DUBLIN

 

Former two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua returns to our screens to face Jermaine Franklin live from The O2 on April 1

Taylor v Serrano II, Callum Smith, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Joe Cordina all return to the ring

More blockbuster fight nights to be added soon alongside a full roster of great sporting entertainment for US subscribers

 

New York, 6 February – Former two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua will return to our screens on April 1 live from The O2, fighting American powerhouse Jermaine Franklin, in an all-eyes-on epic showdown. This fight will be the first in Joshua’s new five-year partnership with DAZN to be streamed live, exclusive and worldwide on the digital sports entertainment platform, which is fast becoming the undisputed Global Home of Boxing. 

 

Following his defeat to Oleksandr Uysk in August 2022, Joshua has reset and refocused. Now, with a single-minded and burning ambition to reclaim his World Champion title, he is on a mission to defy his critics. The eyes of the UK and the world will be on DAZN as the nation’s biggest boxing superstar returns to the ring in an unmissable comeback showdown.  

 

“I am looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1st at the O2 Arena London.” said Joshua.  “Mentally and physically i feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style & great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”

 

“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time.  It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”

 

“I am looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1st at The O2 London.” said Joshua.  “Mentally and physically i feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style & great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”

 

“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time.  It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”

 

"What an incredible year Matchroom and DAZN have in store for fight fans around the world - and this is just the beginning," said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. "The UK's biggest boxing star Anthony Joshua returns to our screens on April 1 as he looks to reclaim his spot as the number one Heavyweight on the plant. 'AJ' has reset and refocused and he is on a mission to defy his critics as he kicks off his exciting new partnership with DAZN. Modern legends Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano run it back for all of the marbles at Lightweight in what will be one of the most iconic sporting events that Ireland has ever seen on May 20 in Dublin. Their first meeting at MSG last year was one of the very best night's I've experienced in boxing and the rematch promises to be even bigger and better.

"Callum Smith is within touching distance of a shot at unified Light-Heavyweight ruler Artur Beterbiev and can't avoid any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien on his Liverpool homecoming on March 11 and boxing's youngest World Champion Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez attempts to create even more history on April 8 when he goes for gold at 112lbs against Cristian Gonzalez 'The Welsh Wizard' Joe Cordina attempts to recapture his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff on April 22 and the young guns are out to impress in our first NXTGEN event of the year in Newcastle on March 18 - not forgetting the small matter of Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara in just under two weeks’ time in Nottingham. It is without a doubt the best schedule in boxing and there's still so much more to come. Watch it all live on DAZN." 

 

“We have worked with Anthony Joshua for 5 years, and we are incredibly excited to be kicking off our new UK relationship with him on April 1’, said Joseph Markowski, CEO North America, DAZN Group. ‘Being ringside for Taylor vs Serrano at a sold out MSG was one of the great sporting moments of my life; what an incredible atmosphere and fight. Alongside this blockbuster, the schedule we have curated so far features some of our best talent, Jesse Rodriguez, Callum Smith and Joe Cordina. All live and exclusive on DAZN.”

 

Freddie Cunningham, Managing Director, 258 Management said, “This is the start of a hugely important phase for AJ and it is exciting to be kicking it off exclusively on DAZN and at the O2 arena in London a place he has had many memorable nights.”

 

Credit: DAZN 

 

Alongside Joshua vs Franklin, DAZN and Matchroom have announced its largest ever schedule of content for the first half of 2023 that will see even more iconic and emerging boxing talent, including five other premium fights, on its platform alongside an ever-greater roster of other sporting entertainment.  

 

The following shows will be shown live and exclusive on DAZN with further fights and full undercard details to be announced shortly:

 

Saturday, February 18: Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara

Hometown hero Leigh Wood (26-2, 16 KOs) puts his WBA Featherweight World Title on the line against big-punching Mexican Mauricio Lara (25-2-1, 18 KOs) as Matchroom’s 2023 schedule in the UK begins with a bang. ‘Leigh-thal’ memorably stopped Michael Conlan in the 12th and final round of his epic first defence of the WBA 126lbs title back in March 2022, knocking the Irishman out of the ring in brutal fashion to end their Fight of the Year stunner. ‘Bronco’ has been waiting patiently for his shot at Wood after their eagerly anticipated September 24 fight was postponed following a torn bicep suffered by Wood in sparring, but the Featherweight KO artist finally gets his dream World Title opportunity this month in what promises to be an epic battle between two knockout artists.

 

Saturday, March 11: Callum Smith vs. Pawel Stepien

The WBC’s No.1 ranked Light-Heavyweight contender Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) returns home to face undefeated Pole Pawel Stepien (18-0-1, 12 KOs) at the M&S Bank Arena as he looks to secure a showdown with unified WBC, WBO and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev later in the year. A stacked undercard sees Australia’s WBO Global Super-Lightweight Champion Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) put his title on the line against local favourite Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first-round KO win over fellow Aussie Brock Jarvis last October. One of the hottest prospects in America Diego Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs) fights in the UK for the first time as faces another step up against Little Lever’s all-action Super-Middleweight Jack Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs). Full undercard details to follow.

 

Saturday, March 18: Cyrus Pattinson vs. Chris Jenkins

Matchroom’s first NXTGEN card of the year at the Utilita Arena Newcastle features some of the very best prospects in the North East looking to take the next steps in their promising careers. Former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson (5-0, 3 KOs) faces his toughest test so far in the professional ranks against Wales’ former British Welterweight Champion Chris Jenkins (23-6-3, 8 KOs) while Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist turned Welterweight prospect Pat McCormack (3-0, 2 KOs) looks to wow his home crowd against Italy’s Dario Socci (15-7-2, 6 KOs) in his first scheduled eight-round contest. Also on the card, Birmingham’s Solomon Dacres (5-0, 1 KO) squares off with Newcastle’s Robert Ismay (11-0, 4 KOs) for the English Heavyweight Title.

 

Saturday, April 8: Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs. Cristian Gonzalez

Boxing’s youngest World Champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez (17-0, 11 KOs) attempts to become a two-weight ruler when he clashes with Cristian ‘El Chicharito’ Gonzalez (15-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBO 112lbs at the Boeing Center at Tech Port, San Antonio. The 23-year-old sensation from San Antonio, Texas enjoyed a stellar 2022, becoming boxing’s youngest active World Champion in February, stepping in late to meet Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC Super-Flyweight strap in Phoenix and then putting on a stunning display in his first defence, stopping Thai star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on his San Antonio home turf in June inside eight rounds. He was named the Fighter of the Year by ESPN in their midyear awards for 2022 before outpointing Israel Gonzalez on the ‘Canelo’ vs. ‘GGG’ undercard in September.

 

Saturday, April 22: Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs. Joe Cordina

Unbeaten Welshman Joe Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs) attempts to win his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title back against current belt-holder Shavkatdzhon Rakhmiov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) at the Cardiff International Arena. ‘The Welsh Wizard’ captured the famous red and gold belt with a stunning one-punch knockout of Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa on a memorable night at the arena last June. Cordina was scheduled to make the first defence of his World Title against Rakhimov in Abu Dhabi last November but suffered a hand injury that required surgery and was subsequently stripped of his title by the IBF. Rakhimov won the vacant title by stopping Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett in nine rounds on the undercard of Dmitry Bivol vs. Gilberto Ramirez.

 

Saturday, May 20: Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2

Irish legend Katie Taylor (22-0, 6 KOs) fights in Ireland for the first time in her professional career, putting her Undisputed Lightweight World Title on the line once more against Puerto Rican star Amanda Serrano (44-2-1, 30 KOs) in an unmissable rematch. Taylor cemented herself as the greatest female fighter on the planet by edging out Serrano in an epic fight for the ages on an iconic night at a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York last April. The global superstar retained her belts after a Fight of the Year contender with multi-division World Champion Serrano – the first women’s boxing bout to headline the famous MSG in its 140-year history, attracting an unprecedented audience of 1.5 million tuning in globally on DAZN.

 

About DAZN Group 

 

DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US and the UK.  Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, JLeague, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world - Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.  DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with UEFA Women’s Champions League and Finetwork Liga F. DAZN is adding more and more sport to its platform to create a destination for sports fans.   

   

DAZN is reimagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialise, and buy tickets, NFTs and merchandise. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.   

 

DAZN is available on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles.  DAZN can be accessed on Samsung, LG, Sony and Panasonic Smart TVs and on Games Consoles including Playstation and Xbox. Subscribers also have access to DAZN on their Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and Apple TV and find the app on their iPhone, iPad, android and mobile. 

    

DAZN is a global, privately-owned company with employees in over 25 countries. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit www.dazngroup.com.    

 

About Matchroom Boxing 

 

Matchroom Boxing is the world’s leading boxing promotional outfit putting on major stadium and arena shows across the globe. Headed up by boxing supremo Eddie Hearn, Matchroom has been among the world leaders in major boxing promotion and production for over a quarter of a century since its launch in 1987. With an unrivalled stable of world-class fighters, Matchroom’s unique expertise in promotion, staging and television productions cements its position as the No.1 promoter in the sport. 

Material and Photos Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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

Alex Winwood Looking To Set Records

Press Release: February 6, 2023 – By Dragon Fire Boxing – Australian light flyweight sensation Alex Winwood is looking to push through the professional gears in rapid fashion, as he challenges former world champion Tibo Monabesa for the WBC International light flyweight title on March 3.

Credit: Mike O'Hara 

Winwood has been punch perfect as a professional and is being moved at good pace by Australian boxing aficionado Tony Tolj, who aims to move his all action charge into the world ratings this coming March.

Winwood discussed his career development, "I'm delighted to be moving fast with my career as I feel I have the ability to do that. I've served my apprentice in the amateurs, I've boxed elite fighters, now it's my time to shine. I want to beat Jeff Fenech's legendary record as Australia's fastest world champion.

"I'm grateful to my manager Tony Tolj who has been moving me at the right pace and I feel this fight is the right step up for me at this stage. I want to establish myself on the world scene and I think this is the right fight in front of my own people in Perth. This is what being a pro is really about for me.

"I've been training alongside Andrew and Jason Moloney, so realistically I'm not getting any better development anywhere even if I tried. I'm with the best in the business, and I have a pathway similar to theirs, so I'm learning first hand on how to navigate the boxing world from a performance perspective." 

Winwood is guided by Tony Tolj, who also oversees the Moloney brothers, and Tolj gave his take on Winwood's fast tracked development.

Tolj stated, "Alex is a great kid, a fast learner and he can really fight. I'm excited about him, and I'm really enjoying working with him. He listens to his coaches, he trusts his team, he's everything you can ask for in a fighter.

"He main events on March 3 in Metro City, Perth, and I fully believe that's the position he should be in. I want to thank the WBC for this opportunity; Alex is up for the job and he's in a real fight against a world rated fighter.

"It's a massive ask to beat Jeff Fenech's record, it's legendary, but I believe out of all the Australian fighters emerging right now, Winwood has the best chance to do it."

Material Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing/Photo Courtesy of: Mike O’Hara  Used with permission. 

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

Navarrete Gets Off The Canvas To Stop Wilson In 9 To Become Three-Division World Champion In A Classic

 

Former two-division world champion Emanuel Navarrete can call himself a three-division world champion after scoring a thrilling come from behind ninth round knockout of Liam Wilson on Friday night at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ to win the vacant WBO Jr. Lightweight world championship. A very competitive fight from the outset, Navarrete as is his custom tried to overwhelm Wilson with high volume punching. What appeared to be setting up to be a close tactical fight suddenly changed in the fourth round when Wilson connected with a flush left hook to the jaw that sent Navarrete down hard in a corner of the ring for the first time in his career. The fighter, who had held world titles in the Jr. Featherweight and Featherweight divisions prior to this fight, appeared to drop his mouthpiece following the knockdown, which bought him crucial extra seconds to try and compose himself. Despite this, Navarrete was clearly hurt and appeared to be out on his feet at this stage of the fight, but somehow managed to pull himself together and survived the round.

 

As the fight progressed the two fighters continued to exchange heavy punches with the relative unknown Wilson, who was challenging for a world championship in only his thirteenth professional fight more than held his own, even as Navarrete eventually regained his composure and resumed throwing punches at a high rate. What had become almost an instant classic had a sudden conclusion in the ninth round when Navarrete connected with a flush right hook in the opening seconds that dropped Wilson. Wilson was able to get up, but had no answer for what become an all-out assault as Navarrete continued to throw punches relentlessly until the Referee Chris Flores stepped in and stopped the fight. Official time of the stoppage was 1:57 of round nine. Emanuel Navarrete advances to 37-1, with 31 Knockouts. Liam Wilson falls to 11-2, with 7 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

Undefeated Jr. Welterweight contender Arnold Barboza scored a hard-fought ten round unanimous decision over former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza. A highly competitive fight, Barboza’s quicker hands, ability to get off first, and forcing the combat proved to be the difference between the two fighters. Barboza was also able to withstand a late rally from the former world champion that saw several heated exchanges of offense between the two fighters. Official scores were: 97-93, and 96-94 (On two scorecards in favor of Barboza. Arnold Barboza advances to 28-0, with 10 Knockouts. Jose Pedraza falls to 29-5-1, with 14 Knockouts.

 

2020 Olympic Silver medalist Heavyweight Richard Torrez moved to 5-0 in his career with a first round knockout of late replacement James Bryant. Torrez immediately put Bryant in survival mode with heavy punches from the opening bell. A flush left uppercut from the southpaw stance put Bryant down in the latter seconds of round one. Following the end of the round, Bryant informed his corner that he had injured his ankle and the bout was stopped. Richard Torrez advances to 5-0, with 5 Knockouts. James Bryant falls to 6-3, with 4 Knockouts.

 

Jr. Lightweight Andres Cortes remained unbeaten in his career by scoring a ten round unanimous decision over Luis Melendez. An at times ugly fight to watch due to dirty tactics and grappling between the two fighters, Cortes outworked and out landed Melendez over the ten round bout. Cortes however, was badly cut in round six over his left eyelid as a result of an accidental clash of heads. Despite the gash over his left eye, Cortes’ corner managed to keep him in the fight and he was able to win the fight by sweeping all three official judges scorecards. Official scores were 100-90. Andres Cortes advances to 18-0, with 10 Knockouts. Luis Melendez falls to 17-3, with 13 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Middleweight Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, remained unbeaten in his career by scoring a six round unanimous decision over a very “Game” Eduardo Ayala. Ayala put Ali Walsh to the test early in this fight as he found a home for his right hand. To Ali Walsh’s credit, he took the shots of Ayala well and responded in the second round by dropping him with a flush right hand to the chin that sent Ayala down and hurt. Ayala showed his mettle by continuing on and, despite taking significant punishment through the remainder of the fight at the hands of Ali Walsh, did make it to the final bell in his hometown. Official scores were: 60-53, and 59-54 (On two scorecards) in favor of Ali Walsh. Nico Ali Walsh advances to 8-0, with 5 Knockouts. Eduardo Ayala falls to 9-3-1, with 3 Knockouts.

 

Rising Jr. Welterweight prospect Lindolfo Delgado scored a lopsided eight round unanimous decision over veteran Clarence Booth. What had all the appearance of a workmanlike performance for Delgado, which was largely highlighted by his movement and timing of his offense, Delgado was able to nearly end the fight in the eighth and final round when he dropped Booth with a short right hand to the temple. Booth was able to get up and, despite being on unsteady legs, was able to make the final bell. Official scores were: 80-72, and 79-71 (On two scorecards) in favor of Delgado. Lindolfo Delgado advances to 17-0, with 13 Knockouts. Clarence Booth falls to 21-7, with 13 Knockouts.

 

Lightweight Emiliano Vargas, the son of former world champion Fernando Vargas began the evening by moving to 3-0 in his young career in scoring a four round unanimous decision over Francisco Duque. Both fighters had no issue engaging each other on the inside for the majority of the fight. This worked to Vargas’ advantage as he frequently ripped left hooks to Duque’s body and generally landed the harder shots in a fight, which was the first time Vargas had to go the distance in order to win. Official scores were: 40-36 (On all three official scorecards) in favor of Vargas. Emiliano Vargas advances to 3-0, with 2 Knockouts. Francisco Duque falls to 1-2, with 0 Knockouts.   

 

While it was expected by some to see Emanuel Navarrete become a three-division world champion and etch his name along with many great world champions who are from Mexico that have won world titles in three weight divisions including Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. Erik Morales, and Marco Antonio Barrera to name a few. What was not expected however, was to see an early candidate for Fight of the Year honors for 2023. Outside of the controversy of a potential long count in the fourth round, this fight between Navarrete and Liam Wilson, who was a replacement for former Jr. Lightweight world champion Oscar Valdez, who had to withdraw from this fight due to injury, turned out to be a classic. A great fight that simply because it turned out to be a great fight, should see a rematch.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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

Bazinyan Defeats Fox To Retain North American Championships In Montreal

Undefeated Super-Middleweight contender Erik Bazinyan scored a hard fought ten round majority decision over longtime contender Alantez Fox to retain his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) and North American Boxing Association (NABA) Super-Middleweight titles on Thursday night at Casino Montreal in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Despite the fight being fought in a small 16X16 ring, which is tailor-made for power punchers, Alantez Fox was able to make the fight competitive using his lateral movement to try and stay in the center of the ring and attempt to use his longer reach to keep Bazinyan at distance. This strategy did appear to work for Fox through several of the early rounds as even though Bazinyan was able to find a home periodically for his power punches, notably his right hand, it appeared as though it was Fox who was dictating the combat. 

As the fight progressed however, the pressure as well as the harder punches of Bazinyan began to wilt Fox’s movement. In round seven, Bazinyan connected with a flush overhand right, followed by a left hook to the jaw that appeared to have Fox in trouble, but he was able to survive the round. By the tenth and final round of the regional championship bout, Fox was fighting the effects of what had been a grueling clash of styles. Bazinyan responded by producing arguably his best round of the fight as he frequently had Fox in trouble and looking to hang on, which he did until the final bell. Official scores were: 95-95 (Even) and 98-92 (On two scorecards) resulting in Bazinyan retaining his North American championships via majority decision. Erik Bazinyan advances to 29-0, with 21 Knockouts. Alantez Fox falls to 28-4-1, with 13 Knockouts. 

Also on this card: 

In a shocker Jr. Welterweight Gabriel Valenzuela scored a first round knockout of former NABF Jr. Welterweight champion Yves Ulysse. A left uppercut to the body dropped Ulysse hard in the middle of the ring. Ulysse was very “Game” and tried to get up, but he could not get his legs under him and the bout was stopped. Official time of the stoppage was :52 of round one. Gabriel Valenzuela advances to 26-3-1, with 16 Knockouts. Yves Ulysse falls to 22-3, with 12 Knockouts. 

Unbeaten Middleweight Alexandre Gaumont scored a first round knockout of Carlos Montijo. Gaumont had a bit of trouble for a time getting through the high defensive guard of Montijo. This changed when he connected with a flush right uppercut to the head that split the guard followed by a left hook to the temple that sent Montijo down. Montijo did get to his feet following the knockdown, but was clearly disoriented and ended up going back down to the canvas resulting in the fight being stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 2:26 of round one. Alexandre Gaumont advances to 7-0, with 5 Knockouts. Carlos Montijo falls to 8-5, with 6 Knockouts.

In a clash of undefeated Welterweights, Christopher Guerrero scored a third round knockout of previously unbeaten Edwin Flores. Guerrero timed his shots from the opening bell and did not face much resistance from Flores. In the third round a double left hook to the body sent Flores down. Following Flores getting up, he attempted to throw a hook at Guerrero, but knocked himself off balance and was dropped by a counter left hook to the head for his trouble. Guerrero would close the show by sending the overmatched Flores down for the third and final time with a barrage of punches to secure the knockout victory. Official time of the stoppage was 2:49 of round three. Christopher Guerrero advances to 6-0, with 2 Knockouts. Edwin Flores falls to 3-1-1, with 3 Knockouts.

Unbeaten Jr. Lightweight Avery Martin-Duval scored a third round stoppage of Eduardo Garcia. Martin Duval spent most of the fight controlling the combat at a distance, ducking under Garcia’s punches, and countering effectively. A counter right hand dropped Garcia midway through the third round. Although Garcia was able to get up, the bout was stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 1:51 of round three. Avery Martin-Duval advances to 9-0-1, with 5 Knockouts. Eduardo Garcia falls to 7-2-1, with 2 Knockouts. 

Super-Middleweight Wilkens Mathie began the evening by making his professional debut in scoring a first round knockout of previously unbeaten Zsolt Birkas. From the start of the bout, Mathie used excellent timing and precision punching to score three knockdowns of Birkas to get the knockout victory. Official time of the stoppage was 2:49 of round one. Wilkens Mathie advances to 1-0, with 1 Knockout. Zsolt Birkas falls to 0-1-1, with 0 Knockouts.

Ultimately, this card, which was promoted by Camille Estephan’s  Eye of the Tiger Management served as a showcase for several of the prospects in the Eye of the Tiger stable, but still also produced an upside in Yves Ulysse falling in the first round to Gabriel Valenzuela, which could well lead to Ulysse retiring from competition as he eluded to prior to the fight. As for Erik Bazinyan, he entered his fight against Alantez Fox rated in the top ten in all five world sanctioning organizations. His victory over Fox will likely move him up the ladder of contention for a world championship. Whether or not after twenty-nine straight wins, Bazinyan is ready to face the top contenders and world champion in the Super-Middleweight division in Undisputed world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez remains to be seen. The time has at least come for him and his team to test the waters.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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

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

CESAR FRANCIS MOVES TO 147, VOWS TO RETURN STRONGER

 Press Release: February 1, 2023 – By ProBox TV – Cesar Francis has announced he will move up to the welterweight division, after the previously world ranked New Yorker dropped a close majority decision to Jesus Saracho. 

Credit: ProBox TV

 

Francis was in control early, and had Saracho visibly shaken in the early rounds, however, Saracho pressed in the later stages of the fight, causing the fight to arguably swing in favor of the Mexican Saracho.

 

Francis opened up about the fight, "I felt it was close, and I felt I landed the cleaner work throughout, however, I should have taken this fight out of the judges hands and I didn't so I only have myself to blame.

 

"I want to thank ProBox TV for continuing to support me and standing by me. I know I should have been more active in the fight, and I'll learn from this and come back stronger.

 

"I'm not a bitter man, boxing is a gentleman's sport, so I want to congratulate Jesus Saracho. I wish him nothing but the best moving forward."

 

Francis now sets his sights on the welterweight division, with the Brooklyn bred stylist having previously dominated Jose Roman at 147 prior to moving down to 140-pounds to fight Mohamed Mimoune.

 

The Rainman discussed moving between 140 and 147-pounds, "Look, I can make 40, if the right fight happens at 40 I'm there everyday of the week. I just think I may be able to get more out of myself at 147, so we're going to find out.

 

"I've taken very little punishment as a pro, I'm still developing. The way I've been matched it's really unlikely that I wasn't going to have one bad night, I've taken real fights, I'm a real fighter, so I'm excited at taking real fights at 147."

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of ProBox TV Used with permission.

For more information about ProBox TV including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, Fight library, and to subscribe please visit: www.ProBoxTV.com.

 

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

Beterbiev-Yarde Thoughts

 The fight between undefeated unified IBF/WBO/WBC Light-Heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev and top Light-Heavyweight contender Anthony Yards was one that brought two of the division’s power punchers together. What made this more intriguing was the fact that the champion Beterbiev had knocked out every previous opponent that he had faced as a professional. Although Yarde had previously fought for a world title and gave a determined effort against then WBO world champion Sergey Kovalev in 2018, he had suffered one setback and avenged it prior to this encounter.

Despite working his way back into world title contention and having scored knockouts in twenty a two of his twenty-three career wins, there were many that considered Yarde to be a significant underdog going into his second opportunity at a world championship. While this in part was likely due to the aura that Beterbiev had established as one of the Light-Heavyweight division’s feared “Knockout Artists,” as well as perhaps the outcome of Yarde’s previous attempt at a world championship against Kovalev, where after a good start where it appeared at times that he might have been on the verge of stopping him, he ultimately fell to fatigue as well as Kovalev’s pressure before being stopped in the eleventh round.

In previewing this world championship bout, this observer stated that it would likely come down to whether or not Anthony Yarde would be able to combat the pressure of Beterbiev and do so for all twelve rounds. When the two fighters met at the legendary Wembley Arena in London England on January 28th, the crowd support was in favor of Yarde as expected and for a time it appeared as though the challenger had a tactical strategy in which to approach Beterbiev. This included using faints as well as varying his attack between the body and the head.

 

For a brief time, it appeared to favor Anthony Yarde. As the fight progressed however, and Artur Beterbiev began to close the distance it turned into a fire fight between two of the Light-Heavyweight division’s feared punchers. While this was the fight that yours truly personally expected to happen at some point as the two fighters engaged, I was impressed by how Anthony Yarde was able to respond to the champion’s power punches and how he was also able to return power shots of his own.

 

One thing that Yarde got away from as the fight progressed was he did not go to Beterbiev’s body consistently and did not at any point try to administer a sustained attack to the body. The concept of a body attack in Boxing and other combat sports is a bit of a lost art as it can be one of the most effective components of a fighter’s offense when executed properly as it can not only take a fighter’s legs away and thus their ability to move and evade an attack, but it also can gradually fatigue a fighter with punching power such as Beterbiev. Thus, it is a lost art that is very underappreciated by many competing in the sport.

 

The challenger, perhaps inspired by the atmosphere of the event with a hometown crowd supporting him, instead neglected what appeared to be a tactical approach early in the fight and chose to fight Beterbiev essentially toe to toe. Although no one can take away from the courage Anthony Yarde showed in this fight, the decision to fight fire with fire proved to be costly as eventually after several heated exchanges that left both fighters hurt and bleeding throughout the fight, Beterbiev would drop Yarde with a flush right hand to the jaw that sent the challenger down on his knees in the eighth round. Yarde showed his mettle by getting up from the knockdown though clearly hurt and fatigued. It would only be moments before the challenger’s corner would step up on the ring apron and ask for the fight to be stopped.

 

The victory for Beterbiev was his nineteenth consecutive victory in his thus far undefeated career and also his nineteenth consecutive knockout. A victory for the champion that will obviously stir more interest in a potential unification bout between Beterbiev and undefeated WBA world champion Dmitry Bivol for the Undisputed Light-Heavyweight championship of the world. It appears unlikely that the potential fight between the two will happen in 2023 due to Bivol likely facing the man he beat last year Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in a rematch that if nothing else is a more lucrative opportunity for him at the present time, despite his dominating Alvarez when they met in May of last year.

 

As for Anthony Yarde, as was the case when he first fought for a world championship in losing via knockout to former longtime Light-Heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev in 2018, he was not disgraced in this fight and showed his mettle in defeat. While some may choose to say that Yarde will no longer be a factor in the Light-Heavyweight division, I don’t necessarily share that point of view. Yarde proved once again why he has been a top contender in the division for several years and I believe it may have been a case of him allowing the atmosphere and emotion of the event before a hometown crowd to get to him and thus he ended up forgoing what appeared to be a tactical strategy to try and combat Beterbiev and chose to go toe to toe. Although that certainly made the fight more entertaining for any fan that may have been watching it, it was the wrong approach to take. Perhaps after some time to reflect on this setback and maybe even make additions to his team, Yarde as he was able to do following his loss to Kovalev, can bounce back and be back in the mix of potential challengers for Beterbiev, Bivol, or whomever holds a world championship in the Light-Heavyweight division at that time.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

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

 

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

Can Yarde Pull Off The Next Light-Heavyweight Upset?

 

Perhaps the biggest story in Boxing in 2022 came in the month of May when undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol scored a dominant twelve round unanimous decision over current Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez to retain his WBA crown. While Bivol was naturally bigger and stronger than Alvarez and has a difficult Boxing style that has proven difficult for opponents to combat, much less solve, most viewed his victory over Alvarez as “An Upset.” This view, which is not shared by this observer, is based largely on the fact that Alvarez is one of the sport’s biggest stars and the expectation of many was that he would defeat Bivol, a fighter not well-known to casual fans on what was his quest to begin the process of trying to fully unify a second division after what he had accomplished in fully unifying the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. While Boxing is truly the theater of the unexpected, Bivol did go against the script that at least some had envisioned prior to that fight.

 

With victories over Alvarez and former Super-Middleweight world champion Gilberto Ramirez in 2022 behind him, Bivol could potentially be nearing either a rematch with Alvarez or a potential unification bout with the only remaining world champion in the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division. Artur Beterbiev. Like Bivol, Beterbiev is an undefeated world champion, currently holding the IBF, WBC, and WBO crowns in the division, which would make a potential encounter with Bivol for the Undisputed Light-Heavyweight championship of the world. Before the Boxing world can begin wetting their collective appetites for that bout, Beterbiev has business to tend to as he will defend his unified portion of the World Light-Heavyweight championship against IBF number three rated contender Anthony Yarde on Saturday, January 28^th at the  Wembley Arena in London, England.

 

The fight, which can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+, has one central question that surrounds it. Can Yarde pull off what would be seen as a significant upset and derail any potential plans for an undisputed clash between Beterbiev and Bivol. This will be Yarde’s second opportunity at a world championship. In August 2019, a then undefeated Yarde put forth a spirited effort against former longtime WBO Light-Heavyweight world champion and division cornerstone Sergey Kovalev before being stopped in the eleventh round. Yarde did appear to have Kovalev in trouble throughout that fight and made a good account of himself in defeat. Since that loss, Yarde has split two fights with Light-Heavyweight contender Lyndon Arthur, losing a twelve round split decision in their first fight in December 2020 and avenging that loss via fourth round knockout in their rematch in December 2021.

 

The London-born Yarde will have significant support from the crowd in attendance at the legendary Wembley Arena, but he does face a difficult task in the champion Beterbiev. In some ways however, this is a similar situation as the one the challenger faced when he fought Kovalev in that like Kovalev, Beterbiev is a “Knockout Artist.”

 

Beterbiev has knocked out all eighteen of his previous opponents as a professional and has the ability to end a fight with either hand. What this will likely come down to is whether or not Yarde will be able to combat the pressure of Beterbiev and do so for all twelve rounds if needed. In his last title defense, Beterbiev destroyed WBO world champion Joe Smith in two rounds. The champion has also shown the ability to overcome adversity during a fight as he showed in his title defense against Marcus Browne in December 2021, where he suffered a deep gash on his forehead early in the fight as a result of an accidental clash of heads, before stopping Browne in the ninth round. In both instances neither Browne or Smith had a way to deal with Beterbiev‘s relentless pressure and could not avoid his punching power.

 

Yarde does have twenty-two knockouts in his twenty-three career wins so he is also capable of ending a fight early should an opportunity arise. Whether or not he will have a tactical approach or will attempt to fight fire with fire and go toe to toe with Beterbiev remains to be seen. Wisdom would suggest that he will need to find a way to dictate the fight from the outset and try to nullify Beterbiev’s pressure if he wants to pull off the upset in front of a hometown crowd, as the champion has only shown one approach in his career, seek and destroy.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Beterbiev vs. Yarde takes place on Saturday, January 29^th at the Wembley Arena in London, England. The card can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 2:30PM ET/11:30AM PT.

 

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

 

*Card and start time subject to change.*

 

*Check your local listings internationally.*

 

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

 

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