Estrada-Gonzalez / McCaskill-Braekhus: The Rematches

 

Saturday, March 13, 2021 in the Boxing world will be highlighted by two eagerly anticipated rematches that each have compelling storylines. The two bouts, which will co-headline a six bout card at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX will shine the spotlight of the sport on the 115lb.  Men’s Jr. Bantamweight division as well as the 147lb. Women’s Welterweight division in a card that will be broadcast globally by digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN. This preview will cover both bouts, which this observer believes are of equal importance as to where Boxing as a whole will progress as 2021 continues.

 

In the first rematch, unified WBC/WBA Jr. Bantamweight world champion Juan Francisco Estrada will make the third defense of his crown against former three-division world champion Roman Gonzalez. A rematch that is nearly nine years in the making. The first encounter between the two men took place in November 2012 in Los Angeles, CA. An all-out war from start to finish that saw Gonzalez emerge victorious via twelve round unanimous decision to retain his WBA Jr. Flyweight world championship.  

 

It was simply a give and take battle for all twelve rounds in what was one of the best fights of the last decade not just in Boxing’s lower weight classes, but in the entire sport. As is the case with all great fights that go the distance, there was and remains a healthy debate amongst both Boxing fans and experts alike as to who won the bout.

 

The question I have going into this fight is what type of fight are the Boxing public, whether they be fans or those of us who are involved in the sport and  will be covering it, are likely to see. There are two crucial things one must keep in mind as this fight approaches. One is the fact that this fight will be taking place nearly a decade after the original encounter. Not only will this fight be taking place two divisions above the 108lb. Jr. Flyweight division, but perhaps the more crucial second factor to keep in mind is both Estrada and Gonzalez have been through many wars throughout their respective careers.

 

Their first encounter was fought at what can best be described as an ungodly pace where both fighters threw punches nearly non-stop for three minutes of every round they fought. While both men are offensive-minded warriors, the combination of both time between the first fight and this second meeting as well as the wear and tear a fighter goes through over the course of a long career is something to consider going into this rematch.

 

Although it would frankly be unrealistic for me to say that I honestly expect a fight similar to what occurred in 2012 given the factors stated above, what are we likely to the the second time around? In many ways, the first fight was a scenario of two fights in one. Gonzalez being most effective when he was able to back Estrada up on the ropes, Estrada getting the better of many of the exchanges when he was able to keep the fight in the middle of the ring and offset Gonzalez’ pressure. Both men have suffered setbacks in the years since that memorable battle to one fighter Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. Gonzalez suffered his only two career defeats to Rungvisai. Estrada meanwhile split two memorable fights with him that resulted in Estrada becoming a world champion in their second bout.

 

In thinking of how this second bout between Estrada and Gonzalez might be fought, I immediately thought of the subtle difference that depending on one’s perspective resulted in the first fight going the way it did. Speaking only for myself, this observer felt that Estrada got the better of most of the exchanges in a fight where both men were extremely active and one that was not easy to score. If there was one element that allowed Gonzalez to get the nod in a fight that could have gone either way however, it was Estrada being backed up more than occasionally against the ropes or in corners where Gonzalez was able to land hard thudding body shots and offense to the head.

 

 While Estrada frankly gave as much offense back as he received in those instances where he was backed up, this subtle difference along with Gonzalez’ pressure style can leave an impression on not only those watching a fight, but more importantly the three official judges who are tasked with scoring a fight. This is what I believe led to Gonzalez winning the first encounter.

 

It is crucial in this observer’s view that Estrada now as the champion going into this fight, find a way to avoid getting backed up. He must use his legs and keep Gonzalez from being able to cut off the ring and put himself in positions where he can do damage. Although no one should take away from the thrilling battle these two put forth in their first fight, Estrada needs to be more tactical and if he’s in a position where he is either on the ropes or finds himself cornered, he must find a way to tie Gonzalez up on the inside and get the combat back to where he has the space in order to theoretically have an advantage.

 

A fighter implementing a tactical approach may not always be the most entertaining thing to watch if you’re a fan viewing a fighter from a far, but it is effective when a fighter is able to execute an effective tactical strategy. This is what I believe Juan Francisco Estrada must do in this rematch in order to be successful.

 

Depending on one’s perspective, there might be some who feel that Roman Gonzalez had and still has an edge in terms of punching power going into this fight. There is no disputing that both fighters have shown the ability to get an opponent out of there should the opportunity arise, but the key for Gonzalez this time around in my eyes will be to do what he was able to do in the first fight by applying pressure on Estrada, but to do so where he does not take punishment as he comes forward. One thing that was noticeable in the first fight that can really be said about both fighters, but was particularly true in regard to Gonzalez was his willingness to stand toe to toe and not always implement defense. While it is true that he did emerge from the grueling battle victorious the first time these two men fought, he also took significant punishment in the process and the key here for the former three-division world champion will be whether he can limit the amount of punishment he takes while trying to implement a strategy that proved successful in the first fight.

 

Although it is also true that anything can happen, given the amount of time that has passed between the first fight and this rematch as well as the effects both fighters have to feel both physically and mentally from the wars both men have gone through, this may come down to who has more left in them that may determine who emerges victorious. Styles do however, make fights and this is one bout where no matter what it is likely to be entertaining for however long it lasts.

 

The second rematch that will co-main event this card will be a battle for the Undisputed Women’s Welterweight world championship between newly crowned champion Jessica McCaskill and the woman she took the championship from in Cecilia Braekhus. In their first encounter last August, McCaskill outworked the future Hall of Famer Braekhus over ten very competitive rounds to win the championship via majority decision ending Braekhus’ decade long reign atop the Welterweight division. 

 

Much like the first encounter between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez, the first fight between McCaskill and Braekhus came down to the subtle differences that resulted in McCaskill winning the bout. This included a consistent offensive output and bringing the fight to the champion. In what was a close fight, McCaskill’s overall consistency allowed her to ultimately get the upper hand on one of the all-time greats in the history of the sport.

 

What will happen in this immediate rematch? It is important for McCaskill to remember she is now the champion going into this fight. What made her victory over Braekhus to be viewed as a significant upset the first time around was due to Braekhus’ status as an undisputed world champion as well as her decade of dominance atop the Welterweight division, McCaskill was viewed as a significant underdog going into the first fight. Prior to that encounter, Braekhus was a former world title challenger in the 135lb. Lightweight division and this was also a contributing factor in why she was regarded as an underdog.

 

Now that she has proven to not only be a legitimate challenger to Braekhus, but ultimately emerged from the first fight as the new Undisputed Welterweight champion of the world, the task for McCaskill will be to defend her crown. A task that has proven difficult for some fighters after winning world championships. How can McCaskill succeed in her first title defense? One aspect of McCaskill’s approach in the first fight as a fighter who was at a size disadvantage, as she was moving up in weight to challenge the naturally bigger Braekhus, was she was able to keep her body low as she came forward. This resulted in Braekhus missing some of her offense and also being exposed to looping hooks as McCaskill got on the inside. In the process, McCaskill was able to outwork Braekhus as well as nullify some aspects of the former champion’s offense.

 

What were those aspects? At her best, Cecilia Braekhus likes to work behind a consistent jab and mix in straight right hands. This was something she was never able to get going in the first fight and that can be attributed to the fight plan McCaskill was able to execute. Essentially, McCaskill must implement a similar approach in this rematch in this observer’s view.

 

How can Cecilia Braekhus regain her world championship? Braekhus, who was attempting to surpass Joe Louis’ all-time record for consecutive title defense of twenty-five, the all-time record in the entire sport male or female, in what was her twenty-sixth title defense in the first fight, must give angles. She needs to use her legs and get into an offensive rhythm early, something that she was unable to do in the first encounter. The jab must be a focal point of her offense this time.

 

Although the first fight was competitive, McCaskill was able to make Braekhus fight her type of fight and that is what led to Braekhus’ downfall. Braekhus must maintain distance between herself and the champion this time. Simply put, the former champion needs to box and not be as willing to engage in close. If the champion is able to get on the inside and come forward as consistently as she was able to in the first fight, this rematch might look similar in how it is fought and could have a similar outcome.

 

While much of the discussion going into the first fight centered on how close Braekhus was to retiring, the winner of this rematch could find herself in position for what would be lucrative fights with either undisputed Lightweight world champion Katie Taylor, who holds a victory in defense of her crown over McCaskill, or three-division world champion Claressa Shields, who successfully became an undisputed world champion in a second weight class last week in unifying the Jr. Middleweight division with a unanimous decision victory over Marie-Eve Dicaire.

 

Although there is much at stake for whomever the winners of these two rematches will in terms of what may be in their futures, there is a lot on the line for all four fighters, and the task at hand will be facing their opponent standing across the ring. All eyes will be focused on the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Saturday night.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Estrada vs. Gonzalez II /McCaskill vs. Braekhus II takes place on Saturday, March 13^th at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. The two bouts 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. Time.) For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit:www.DAZN.com.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

SuperWomen: A Win For Boxing

 

The bout between undefeated world champions Claressa Shields and Marie-Eve Dicaire to determine the Undisputed Women’s Jr. Middleweight world championship was more than merely a unification bout to determine an undisputed champion between two great fighters. This fight was a symbol of progress for the women of Boxing as a whole. After all, there are some who will say that the first time they were exposed to Women’s Boxing on television was during the early-mid 1990’s when Christy Martin made a name for herself competing on undercards of major Boxing events, many of which were broadcast on pay-per-view. Although Martin’s legacy as a trailblazer for women in the sport is more than secure after compiling a Hall of Fame career, the sport as a whole continued to struggle for consistent exposure on television particularly here in the United States. 

Credit: FITE 

 

When the decision was made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to sanction Women’s Boxing for the first time in the 2012 Summer Olympics, it opened a new opportunity for Women in the sport. As many know, Claressa Shields not only seized the opportunity, but arguably took the spotlight in both the 2012 and 2016 games by becoming the only Olympic boxer in the history of the United States to win consecutive gold medals. She then was able to benefit from the increased exposure upon turning professional in 2016. Along with the exposure Shields was able to receive came increased exposure for the entire sport of Women’s Boxing.

 

Over her professional career, Shields has built a resume of her own in becoming a three-division world champion in only ten pro bouts and completely unifying the 160lb. Middleweight division in the process. When Shields faced Marie-Eve Dicaire, she was chasing further Boxing history in attempting to become the first fighter male or female in the history of the sport to fully unify two weight classes. While this in itself was historic, it would come on a night where Women’s Boxing took center stage, as the main event of a pay-per-view card of all women’s bouts. 

 

What took place when Shields and Dicaire squared off in the ring at the Dort Financial Center in Shields’ hometown in Flint, MI on March 5^th was essentially what one would expect to see from a great fighter in a high stakes situation. For ten rounds, Shields put on a full demonstration of her Boxing skills. Whether it was her defense, combination punching, or just her overall skillset, this fight as much as any of her previous bouts as a professional or an amateur showed not only why many consider Shields the top Women’s fighter in the world, but also that her skills continue to evolve.

 

In previewing this fight, I stated that stylistically things seemed to favor Shields because of her tendency to be aggressive and apply pressure on her opponents. While this indeed was a key component of her strategy in this fight, what was impressive was how she essentially switched her approach throughout. Switched her approach not because her initial approach of aggression and pressure was unsuccessful, but as an added element that kept Dicaire from being able to find a rhythm. In simple terms, Shields did not do too much of only one aspect, but mixed every aspect together in near perfect execution. When she felt like forcing the fight on Dicaire, she did, when she wanted to primarily use defense and her counter punching to dictate the combat, she did. This strategy was effective to such a degree that Dicaire, a fighter who is most effective when she is able to use angles, lateral movement, and distance to execute her offense, was unable to settle down and let her hands go with consistency. Whether it was nerves in fighting for an undisputed championship for the first time in her career, a healthy respect for Shields’ skillset, Dicaire was not able to implement a similar approach as she has done previously in her career and this ultimately resulted in Shields winning every round on all three judges scorecards, winning a ten round unanimous decision to secure her second undisputed world championship in a second weight class after previously unifying the Middleweight division in her career.

 

Although much of the focus of this card and subsequently of this post-column centers on Claressa Shields and will conclude on the subject of where she goes after completely unifying two weight classes, the all-women’s event SuperWomen also featured three other bouts in the Bantamweight and Heavyweight divisions that also need discussion. The first of these bouts featured Bantamweight contender Marlen Esparza, who scored a six round unanimous decision over Shelly Barnett.

 

Esparza, who is a former world title challenger having suffered her lone career defeat in that challenge to undefeated WBA Flyweight champion Seneisa Estrada in November 2019, has worked her way back into world title contention as she is currently the WBC’s top contender in the Flyweight division. Esparza however, has shown she is a contender in both the 112lb. Flyweight division and the 118lb. Bantamweight division as she outworked veteran Shelly Barnett over the six round distance to win a unanimous decision. While it is not uncommon in Women’s Boxing to see fighters move between weight classes on a per fight basis depending on what opportunities may be available to them, Esparza is the current mandatory challenger for current WBC world champion Ibeth Silva and it is logical barring things like potential injuries or anything related to the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, that Esparza will likely look to challenge Silva in the near future if a potential world championship opportunity in the Bantamweight division is not an option at the present time.

 

The second Bantamweight bout that took place on the SuperWomen event featured undefeated rising contender Jamie Mitchell facing veteran Noemi Bosques. This fight was controlled by Mitchell, who’s harder punches and ring generalship gradually wore a “Game”, but ultimately over matched Bosques before the bout was stopped in the fifth round giving Mitchell her sixth career victory in eight professional bouts.

 

In Mitchell’s eight career bouts, she has fought to two draws. One of those draws came against perhaps her best known opponent thus far Britain Hart in August 2019. Hart as many know recently scored a five round unanimous decision over MMA star Paige VanZant, in a fight fought under Bareknuckle Boxing rules in the Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Much like more opportunities are opening up for women in traditional Boxing, the idea of the women who competed on this card potentially competing in Bareknuckle Boxing should not be dismissed as Bareknuckle Boxing has re-emerged in the last decade in various forms and is seeing continuing growth around the world. Perhaps a potential bout for Mitchell off of her victory over Bosques could be a rematch with Hart fought under either traditional or Bareknuckle rules.

 

As Women’s Boxing has increased in exposure, among the the weight classes that have been able to take advantage of the exposure has been the Heavyweight division. The final preliminary bout that took place prior to Claressa Shields’ bout with Marie-Eve Dicaire was a Heavyweight rematch between undefeated Danielle Perkins and Monika Harrison. A rematch from last August that was fought in the Cruiserweight division, Perkins successfully made her professional debut on that evening by scoring a four round unanimous decision over Harrison. Now in her third bout this time fought at Heavyweight, Perkins saw similar results in her second encounter with Harrison as she experienced in her pro debut. Perkins out worked Harrison over six rounds to earn a convincing unanimous decision victory. If there was a slight difference between this fight and their first meeting last year, it appeared in the second half of this rematch that if Perkins opted to apply more pressure on Harrison, she may have been able to get a stoppage as Harrison appeared to struggle in the latter stages of the bout.

 

It is hard to necessarily say a fighter with only three professional bouts is ready for a potential world title shot. While in most cases this is true when discussing Men’s Boxing, it’s important to keep in mind that Women’s Boxing is still very much a sport that is growing in both the traditional and Bareknuckle forms. As such, it is not hard to envision Perkins possibly getting a shot at a world championship in the Heavyweight division in the near future depending on whether an opportunity for a championship bout exists. One should also consider that Perkins rematch against Harrison was for the Women’s WBC Silver championship in the Heavyweight division. While such championships are not held in high regard throughout the entire sport, in reality, the silver championship grants the holder of it a higher position in the WBC’s rankings in a given weight class. When one also factors into the equation that the WBC’s Women’s world championship in the Heavyweight division is currently vacant, the idea of Perkins fighting for a world championship sooner than later should be viewed as a very real possibility.

 

  While the future for the fighters who were able to shine on the SuperWomen undercard is unknown as of this writing as to potential future bouts, so too are questions regarding what Claressa Shields will do next. Shields, who in recent months made her intentions to venture into the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) clear by signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) MMA promotion revealed after her victory over Marie-Eve Dicaire that she intends to make her MMA debut as well as box again later this year. 

 

Although this may be viewed as a difficult task to accomplish particularly in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, it’s clear that Shields wants to compete and do so often. It should also not be overlooked that for a fighter who has thus far been dominant in her sport, she is challenging herself by testing the waters in a different combat sport while maintaining her position as the focal point in the view of many for Women’s Boxing.

 

In terms of who she might fight in her next bout, a danger with a fighter being able to achieve as much as Shields has in now only eleven fights is the idea of having accomplished everything possible. It is certainly true that after fully unifying two weight divisions and becoming a three-division world champion overall that Shields’ legacy in what will be a Hall of Fame resume is secure. There are still possibilities for her in the sport and one should not view the possibility of her going back up to the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division where she also holds a world championship to attempt to unify a third weight division as unrealistic.

 

While we will have to see what the future holds for Claressa Shields outside of her venture into MMA, which may include facing world champions in lower weight classes, or maybe even venturing into the Bareknuckle realm of the sport, it’s clear that Women’s Boxing has definitely come a long way and the SuperWomen event was a win for Boxing as a whole, but more importantly, a testament to the progress that has been made for Women competing in the sport. Something that has been long overdue.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Promotional poster Courtesy of FITE TV Used with permission.

 

To watch the  SuperWomen Shields vs. Dicaire pay-per-view on demand for $29.99 download the FITE app on mobile, tablet, or connected streaming devices and Smart TVs or visit: https://www.fite.tv/watch/shields-vs-dicaire/2p8qn/ to order. For more information about FITE including schedules and list of compatible streaming devices/platforms, and Smart TVs, please visit: www.FITE.TV.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mercedes-Benz Stadium To Host Triller Fight Club Event Headlined By Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren On FITE

 

Credit: FITE 

Press Release: March 8, 2021 By FITE – Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta To Host Triller Fight Club’s 2021 Kickoff Event on April 17, the PPV Boxing Card Headlined by Jake Paul and Ben Askren

iNDemand is Exclusive North American Cable, Satellite & Telco Pay-Per-View Distributor; FITE to Handle Live Global Digital Streaming and Power TrillerFightClub.com

Atlanta and Los Angeles, March 8, 2021 – Triller Fight Club today announced that Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, will be the home for TFC’s inaugural event of 2021, the April 17 boxing Pay-Per-View card headlined by Jake Paul and Ben Askren. This will be the first-ever fighting event at one of the most dynamic venues in the world, which was the home of Super Bowl LIII.  

Credit: FITE 

iNDemand, the leading transactional video-on-demand and PPV programming provider in North America, will serve as the exclusive U.S. and Canadian cable, satellite, and telco PPV provider for the event. Fans will be able to order the event on PPV through their existing cable, satellite and telco PPV providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, DirecTV, AT&T TV, Dish, Fios, and Optimum (U.S.), as well as Rogers, Bell, Shaw, Videotron, and Sasktel (Canada). FITE, the premier PPV digital platform will handle worldwide live pay-per-view streaming distribution online, and via FITE mobile and Smart TV apps, game controllers and all major OTT devices as well as power TrillerFightClub.com.

The suggested PPV retail price for the event is $49.99 (U.S. & Canada). Fans outside North America can check the FITE link at https://www.fite.tv/watch/jake-paul-vs-ben-askren/2p8y0/ for international pricing.

The four-hour show, which will kick off at 8pm ET with the live PPV main card starting at 9pm ET, will also feature an exciting undercard of fights that will be announced shortly. Triller Fight Club is a partnership between Triller and Snoop Dogg and is spearheaded by Ryan Kavanaugh. 

“Our vision of big fights, big entertainment and world class events can only fit into a world class venue, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium fits that vision,” said Kavanaugh. “April 17th will have an element of surprise and action for everyone, from music fans to the casual and diehard fight fan. The way we will present the night in this state-of-the-art venue will continue to redefine consumer engagement for a global consumer, with world class partners like iNDemand and FITE joining us not just for this event, but for the others we will have in 2021 and beyond.”

“Mercedes-Benz Stadium will continue to be the place where sports and entertainment’s biggest events are held, and we welcome Triller Fight Club for this special event,” said Tim Zulawski, Chief Revenue Officer for AMB Sports and Entertainment. “We look forward to showcasing our stadium to the global audience that Ryan and his team are building, and are proud to be a part of this historic night of boxing and entertainment.”

Mercedes-Benz Stadium serves as the home stadium of the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) and Atlanta United of Major League Soccer (MLS). One of the most acclaimed venues in the world, the Stadium has hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2018, MLS All-Star Game and some of the biggest music and entertainment events in addition to its NFL and MLS tenants. There will be no public sale of tickets for the event. A very limited number of fans and guests will be selected to join in the live event, with details to be announced in the coming weeks, and everything will be subject to stringent local, state and federal protocols due to COVID 19.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Triller again after the incredible success of our Tyson vs. Jones Jr. PPV event last November—it was one of the best-selling PPV events of all time,” said Mark Boccardi, iNDemand’s SVP, Programming & Marketing. “2021 is going to be a great year for the Pay-Per-View event category, and we know that Jake Paul and Ben Askren will put on an exciting main event on April 17th.”

"Triller Fight Club has already reinvented the fight sport presentation genre, and we are excited to be a part of bringing this event to a global audience," said Michael Weber, COO of FITE. "Triller and FITE are the perfect pair to deliver a flawless, no-filler fan experience worthy of this moment."

The April 17th card will be Triller Fight Club’s first in a series of 2021 special events, following the debut record setting Tyson vs. Jones Jr. PPV fight in 2020, which shattered all digital fight PPV records and became the eighth most successful fight PPV in history. This event will feature Jake Paul taking on former Bellator and ONE Championship champion Ben Askren in the headline matchup of the night. Paul, whose boxing debut against former professional athlete Nate Robinson set all kinds of records for fan engagement, will face Askren, who transitions to boxing after an MMA record of nineteen wins and two losses, six knockouts and six submissions. Askren made his professional MMA debut in 2009 against Josh Flowers where he won by TKO in the first round. As a former Bellator Champion, ONE Championship Champion, PAN American Champion in freestyle wrestling, two-time NCAA wrestling champion for Missouri and two-time winner of The Dan Hodge Trophy, Askren joins Triller's Fight Club with a significant amount of experience in the ring.

In addition to being a co-owner, Snoop also provides strategic counsel to Triller Fight Club, helping to select fighters and musical acts for the show-stopping events. An entertainment expert who has successfully maneuvered through a range of projects in a variety of different fields, Snoop secured his spot as a fan favorite during Triller's first sporting event, Tyson vs. Jones.

**HOW TO WATCH THE APRIL 17, 2021, TRILLER FIGHT CLUB PPV EVENT**

TV: Cable, satellite & telco PPV providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, DirecTV, AT&T TV, Dish, Fios, and Optimum (U.S.), as well as Rogers, Bell, Shaw, Videotron, and Sasktel (Canada).

Worldwide Streaming: FITE.TV and all FITE mobile, Smart TV, game controller and OTT apps as well as the event microsite hub: TrillerFightClub.

About Triller:

Triller is an AI-driven music and social media experience bringing together creators, artists, and brands around the world. Powered by the motto "You Do You," Triller allows users to create and share videos in mere seconds, backing them with custom music tracks using Mashtraxx editing technology. Celebrities like Alicia Keys, Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, Marshmello, Roddy Ricch, and Eminem regularly use the app to create their own original music videos, while Triller has attracted brands such as Pepsi, Chipotle, Manscaped, Boost Mobile, and more. Triller recently was acquired by Proxima Media. For more information, visit www.triller.co and follow @triller on Instagram. 

About Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

Opened in August 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a world-class sports and entertainment venue in downtown Atlanta and home to the National Football League’s Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United. The multi-purpose stadium is host to major sports and entertainment events, including the Super Bowl in 2019, College Football Playoff National Championship game in 2018 and is the first professional sports stadium in North America to achieve LEED Platinum Certification by the United States Green Building Council. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is proud to be collaborating with naming rights partner Mercedes-Benz and 11 founding partners, which include Mercedes-Benz, Coca-Cola, Equifax, The Home Depot, Novelis, SCANA Energy, Truist, IBM, Georgia Power and American Family Insurance.

About iNDemand:

iNDemand is an innovative partnership between three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.—Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDemand is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDemand delivers great content to more than 80 million homes and has distribution deals with more than 150 companies. For more information, go to indemand.com.

About FITE:

FITE is the premier global platform for live sports and entertainment offering many of the industry's marquee PPV events and SVOD packages with over 4MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS and Android mobile apps, Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, Amazon Fire TV and Huawei apps. In addition, FITE supports Samsung, LG, Cox Contour, Vizio SmartCast™, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, VEWD, Netgem TV, Comcast's Xfinity 1 and Xfinity Flex as well as 7,000 models of Smart TVs. Available online at www.FITE.tv. Follow FITE on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. If it Happens, it’s on FITE.

 

Material and Photos Courtesy of: FITE Used with permission.

 

For more information about FITE including schedules as well as list of compatible mobile, tablet, connected streaming devices/Smart TVs, and how to download the FITE app please visit: www.FITE.TV.

 

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

Amateur Standout Viviana Ruiz Signs With Tony Tolj

 Press Release: March 8, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Australian marquee manager Tony Tolj has added one of Australia’s hottest women stars to his ever extensive stable.

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

He is delighted to announce that Colombian born Sydney based Viviana Ruiz has signed a long-term managerial contract with the Perth based manager, who has been a key figure in the rise of fighters such as Chris John, Andrew & Jason Moloney, Bruno Tarimo, Andres Campos amongst others.

The charismatic Tolj is a big advocate of womens boxing currently managing the largest stable of women boxers in the pacific rim, World #6 Kylie Hutt, World Title Challenger Kylie Hutt, as well as prospects, Sarah Higginson, Natalie Jenkinson, Sylvia Cinque, Jeanine Brown  amongst others. 

Ruiz has represented Australia at the Womens World Championships in India. She was competing against the best in the country to qualify (which I did) and then against the best in the world. Ruiz has had over 60 fights, 5 x State Champion, 2xAustralian Champion, Gold medallist in Spain at the Boxam event (the best in the world), Silver medallist for the Commonwealth games trials  and Silver medal for the Olympic qualifiers. 

Ruiz discusses her boxing journey, I came from Colombia alone without speaking English so I was getting into drinking too much, smoking and not doing anything about the great opportunities that Australia has to offer. I decided to do something healthy and good for my life and started walking every nigh.  On one of my walks I saw "The fight gym". I went in there, did my first class and had an amazing feeling of happiness , control and anger realease. We Colombians are very passionate and have a lot of anger lol so it helped me lots to adress it another way. The coach said I was good and should have a fight !and 6 months later I was in the ring. I haven't stopped since there.

The Colombian born New South Wales native discussed his link up with manager Tolj.

Ruiz said, “I am delighted to link up with Tony Tolj and Dragon Fire Boxing. I loved boxing in the amateurs but my ambition was always to be a success in the professional ranks, and I felt that this was the right opportunity for me to make that leap into the pro game and I am really excited to get the ball rolling.

“I have seen the job Tony has done with the likes of the Moloney twins and I believe he will be able to do the same job with myself and take me all the way to world title fights. That is what I am in this game for.”

I was so excited to be part of Dragon Fire Boxing because they actually believe in the potential of the boxers, and I can tell from speaking to Tony that he has true belief in me and his own ability to make me a champion. They want give opportunities to those who really want it.

Ruiz continued, opening up about his style and what fight fans can expect from him, “I have an all action style and I can also box when I need too. I enjoy putting on a show for those in attendance and I feel my style is more suited to the pro game. I am learning all the time but I can guarantee excitement from my fights.”  

“I want to become a World Champion. I want to change all the odds of being too old for the sport. I believe because the world has evolved in many ways, you can now have a proper diet, correct strength and conditioning and be on the top of your game for much longer than they used to be able to”. 

The ever busy Tony Tolj gave his take on his latest acquisition, “Viviana Ruiz has been one of the shining lights in Australian amateur boxing for some years so I am delighted to be looking after her going forward. She trains with Ben Sava who is an excellent student of the game. Ruiz is an unbelievable talent and one that I believe will go all the way in the professional game.”

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

 

For more information about Dragon Fire Boxing please visit Dragon Fire Boxing’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DragonFireBoxing.

 

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

SuperWomen: Shields-Dicaire Weights From Flint, MI

 

 

The official weigh-in for Friday night’s SuperWomen: all-women’s Boxing pay-per-view card took place on Thursday in Flint, MI. The weights for the four bout card, which will be headlined by a ten round bout for the Undisputed Women’s Jr. Middleweight world champion between undefeated world champions Claressa Shields and Marie-Eve Dicaire and broadcast globally on digital pay-per-view by the FITE app as well as on www.FITE.TV are as follows. 

Credit: FITE 

 

*Main Event: Undisputed Women’s Jr. Middleweight world championship – 10Rds.

 

Claressa Shields (WBC/WBO world champion) 153 1/2lbs.

 

vs.

 

Marie-Eve Dicaire (IBF world champion) 153 1/2lbs.

 

(* The vacant Women’s WBA Jr. Middleweight world championship will also be on the line making this bout for the Undisputed world championship.)

 

Heavyweight – 8Rds.

 

Danielle Perkins 196 3/4lbs. vs. Monika Harrison 202 3/4lbs.

 

Bantamweight – 6Rds.

 

Marlen Esparza 117 1/4lbs. vs. Shelly Barnett 119lbs.

 

Bantamweight – 6Rds.

 

Jamie Mitchell 120lbs. vs. Noemi Bosques 119 1/2lbs.

 

Promotional Poster Courtesy of: FITE TV Used with permission.

 

 

SuperWomen: Shields vs. Dicaire takes place Tonight (Friday, March 5^th) at the Dort Financial Events Center in Flint, MI. The four bout card can be seen globally on digital pay-per-view on the FITE app across mobile, tablet, connected streaming devices, and Smart TVs beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT for $29.99. (U.S. Time.) Prior to the pay-per-view broadcast, a one hour pre-show will air beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT.For more information about including schedules and compatible streaming devices and Smart TVs please visit: www.FITE.TV. To order Shields vs. Dicaire download the FITE app or click the following link: https://www.fite.tv/watch/shields-vs-dicaire/2p8qn/.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FITE App Will Stream You There On LG Smart TVs

 Popular Global Pay Per View App Added to LG Smart TVs  

Press Release: By FITE – New York, March 4, 2021 - FITE, the premier global platform for sports and entertainment, announced today that its OTT app is now live on LG Smart TVs worldwide (model years 2018-2021)  including its critically acclaimed LG OLED TVs. The FITE app, offers a wide array of premium Pay Per View events, SVOD package options and free programming including the linear channel, FITE 24/7.  

Credit: FITE 

 

LG's webOS Smart TV platform provides access to the most popular streaming content services. The user experience offered by LG’s newest TVs is now more convenient than ever thanks to webOS 6.0 (2021 models), the latest version of the company’s intuitive smart TV platform. Revamped and refined for 2021, the new webOS user interface provides faster access to apps as well as simpler content discovery with finely-tuned personalized recommendations.

 

Louis Lewow, FITE’s VP, Distribution remarked, “We enjoyed working with the LG teams on the launch of FITE on their huge ecosystem of Smart TVs worldwide. FITE offers more than 1,000 events a year so there’s a lot more viewing options.”

 

“The debut of the FITE app on our LG webOS Smart TVs adds access to a wide range of top-flight sports and entertainment programming for our consumers,” said Matt Durgin, LG Electronics USA’s Senior Director of Smart TV Partnerships.  “Big matches call for the biggest and best TVs.  Our LG Smart TVs, especially our LG OLED TVs, and the must-watch content FITE delivers is a winning combination that delivers a front row seat to all of the action from the comfort of your home.”

 

FITE, an international company headquartered in New York, offers PPV programs from Top Rank, PBC, AEW, NWA and was the digital home of Tyson vs. Jones, the biggest PPV event of 2020. FITE kicked off 2021 with shows from Impact Wrestling, Glory and BKFC KnuckleMania. This promises to be the biggest year yet with major global PPV events coming soon via the new LG Smart TV app. This week, FITE offers the March 5^th SuperWomen event featuring Claressa Shields, the world’s greatest female boxer on an all-female fighter card, to a global audience. And LG customers outside the U.S. can purchase the highly anticipated pro wrestling event, AEW Revolution 2021 on March 7^th.  If it Happens, it’s on FITE.

 

Celebrated as the "Best TV" for the seventh straight year at CES® 2021 and recently honored with a Technology & Engineering Emmy Award, LG OLED TVs deliver perfect blacks, more than one billion rich colors and a sense of immersion that allows the consumer to have the best possible experience when watching sports and movies, playing video games and more.  For more information on all of LG’s Smart TVs, visit lg.com.

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About FITE:

FITE is the premium global platform for live sports and entertainment offering many of the industry's marquee PPV events and SVOD packages with 4MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS, Android and Huawei mobile apps, as well as via Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, and Amazon Fire TV OTT streaming apps. In addition, FITE supports LG, Samsung, 

Vizio SmartCast™, Cox Contour and the Contour Streaming Player, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Comcast’s Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, Vewd, Netgem TV, as well as 7,000 models of Smart TVs. Available online at www.FITE.tv.   #WeWillStreamYouThere

    

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Material and Photo Courtesy of: FITE Used with permission.

 

For more information about FITE including schedules and list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, please visit: www.FITE.TV.

 

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