The Boxing Truth®

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

CANELO ALVAREZ AND DANIEL 'MIRACLE MAN' JACOBS LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Credit: Amanda Westcott/DAZN USA

Press Release: By DAZN - LOS ANGELES (March 5, 2019): Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs), WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion, and Daniel "Miracle Man" Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs), IBF Middleweight World Champion, completed the final stop of their three-city press tour with a spectacular press event at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live.The 12-round unification fight will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Saturday May 4 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Below is what today's participants had to say at the event:

CANELO ALVAREZ, WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion:

"I know Jacobs is a tough opponent and it's going to be work, but I've always believed to be the best you must beat the best. I love challenges. I want people to experience a good fight when they come watch my fights. I may lose, but my heart is a winning heart and I want to give the fans a spectacular finish and I'm going to put up a good fight."

DANIEL JACOBS, IBF Middleweight World Champion:

"I have the will and desire to go inside to go in that ring and be victorious and I see myself with my hand raised by the end of night. I know the odds are stacked against me and Canelo's resume speaks for itself, but he's never faced a tall, fast and big guy all at once and that's what I'm going to give him. We're going to give you what you're looking for and the fans going to get a great fight come May 4."

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer and Manager of Canelo Alvarez:

"Our objective this year is win all the belts and become the first Mexican to win the all the world championships."

JOSE "CHEPO" REYNOSO, Trainer and Manager of Canelo Alvarez:

"The moment he set foot in the gym we knew he was something special, the day he debuted he was great, but the day he retires the world will know how great of a fighter he is."

ANDRE ROZIER, Trainer of Danny Jacobs:

"Jacobs is the best middleweight walking on this planet, his capabilities, skillset and gentleman ship will be what wins the fight on May 4."

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

"I guarantee this is going to be the fight of the year. You have two fighters who don't have a quit in their game, this is a fight for the ages. The fact that Jacobs and Canelo both want to be great, there's no other way than to make this one great for the fans, they will get their money's worth come May 4."

FRANK SMITH, CEO of Matchroom Boxing:

"We believe Jacobs will unify all of those belts and he'll take on Canelo and win that fight."

JOSEPH MARKOWSKI, Executive Vice President, DAZN North America:

"We're deeply honored and proud to be exclusively showing this champion versus champion fight in the U.S."

RICHARD STURM, President of Las Vegas Sports & Entertainment

"We are tremendously excited to bring the Canelo versus Jacobs fight to Las Vegas; it's going to be a great event."

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event is sponsored by Tecate, "THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING" and Hennessy "Never Stop. Never Settle." The event will take place Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Jacobs are one sale now and are priced at $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305, $205 and $105, not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of 10 per person at the $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, and $305 price levels with a limit of two (2) per person at the $205 and $105 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,

http://www.matchroomboxing.com, and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchRoomBoxing, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez,

www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/.

Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchroomBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloJacobs.

Material Courtesy of DAZN/Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/ DAZN USA Used with permission.

To subscribe to DAZN, a list of connected streaming devices, availability internationally, schedules, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com.

Monday, March 4, 2019

Rungvisai vs. Estrada & Roman vs. Doheny Press Conference Quotes

Press Release: By DAZN – LOS ANGELES, MARCH 4, 2019: In a press conference on Monday afternoon at Beauty and Essex in Hollywood, California, the media gathered to preview the stacked double-header on April 26 at The Forum, featuring the rematch for the WBC and Ring Magazine Super Flyweight titles between Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Juan Francisco Estrada, as well as the Super Bantamweight unification between WBA champion Daniel Roman and IBF Titlist TJ Doheny. The undercard fights will feature former World Champion Jessie Vargas moving up to the 154-pound division and the 2019 debut of former World Champion Scott Quigg in separate bouts. The fighters discussed their preparations for the fight before heading to training camp.

Juan Francisco Estrada

“I’m extremely excited for this rematch. I know a lot of fans were asking for it. I’m getting ready to bring the title back to Mexico. I’m confident that I’m going to win the fight, but I’m also very excited to watch some of the undercard fights. I think it’s a stacked card, I like a lot of these fighters, so it will be a good card for everybody.”

Daniel Roman

“I’m excited to be back home and excited that TJ’s here. This is a fight you want to see. The best against the best, champion against champion. I’ve been asking for this fight since I won the world title, and finally it’s here. It’s going to be a great card, but I feel we’re going to steal the show that night.”

TJ Doheny

“This is the kind of fight I want to be involved in. It’s a dream of mine - as soon as I got my world title that’s all I’ve been pushing for is a unification. I want to thank Daniel Roman for taking the fight and wanting to unify the division. In my opinion this is probably the best two 122 fighters in the world going off right now. There’s a lot of respect between myself and Danny… a fight of this magnitude does not need that kind of stuff. Come April 26 when that first bell goes, the respect will be gone out the window, and the fans can expect fireworks.”

Jessie Vargas

“I’ve had a couple of changes in this training camp. First and foremost, I brought in Freddie Roach, and I’m glad he was able to include me in his training camp. It’s been a great journey so far. It’s my first time leaving Las Vegas for a training camp, and it’s become a great outcome. I definitely feel a big difference - I’m 100% focused on the task at hand making my 154 debut, and I look forward to becoming a three-division world champion. Follow me on this quest! I’m looking forward to a brighter, greater future, where I think that you still have the best to see of me. I’m excited to be fighting at The Forum. It’s a great venue - every seat is a good seat inside The Forum. We have a great night of boxing.”

Scott Quigg

“Coming off my last fight in October last year in Boston, back to winning ways, I moved up to Super Featherweight. This year now it’s about going on again and becoming a two-weight world champion. I believe I’ve got the capabilities and I’m still improving as a fighter. Working with Freddie now, I’ve been with him since 2017 and still feel like I’m getting better. This year is about progressing.”

For more information, fans can follow DAZN’s U.S. social channels: @DAZNUSA on Facebook, @DAZN_USA for Twitter, and DAZN_USA for Instagram.

About DAZN:

Globally, DAZN is a live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all the service's sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Italy and the U.S. - where it is a must-have service for sports fans, with a daily show featuring live look-ins to Major League Baseball games beginning in 2019 and more than 100 fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, Golden Boy Promotions, the World Boxing Super Series, and Combate Americas.

Material Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

To subscribe to DAZN, a list of connected streaming devices, availability internationally, schedules, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com.

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Gill Stops Dominguez In 3

Undefeated British Featherweight prospect Jordan Gill scored a dominant third round stoppage of former Mexican Jr. Featherweight champion Emmanuel Dominguez on Saturday night at the East of England Arena in Peterborough, England. It was clear from the opening bell that Gill’s sharper punches and overall skill level were simply too much for the “Game”, but over matched Dominguez.

In round two Gill staggered Dominguez several times throughout the round with sharp, crisp combination punching to Dominguez’ head. Gill finished Dominguez off in round three dropping the veteran twice before the fight was stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 1:55 of round three.

Jordan Gill advances to 23-0, with 7 Knockouts. Emmanuel Dominguez falls to 24-8-2, with 16 Knockouts.

Also in the Featherweight division on this card, in a battle for the vacant Commonwealth Featherweight championship, prospect Leigh Wood scored a second round knockout of Abraham Bonsu. A consistent attack to the body of Bonsu resulted in two knockdowns, the second of which Bonsu was unable to beat the count. Official time of the stoppage was 2:45 of round two.

Leigh Wood advances to 21-1, with 11 Knockouts. Abraham Bonsu falls to 13-4-1, with 11 Knockouts.

In the Jr. Middleweight division, undefeated prospect Joe Steed scored a four round decision over veteran Miguel Aguilar. Joe Steed advances to 5-0, with 0 Knockouts. Miguel Aguilar falls to 11-55-1, with 5 Knockouts.

In the Light-Heavyweight division, undefeated American prospect Anthony Sims scored a sixth round stoppage of Mateo Veron. Sims controlled the action for the first five rounds before an overhand right dropped Veron in round six. Sims was able to a second knockdown of Veron with a double jab, right hand combination before the fight was stopped. Official time of the stoppage was 1:54 of round six.

Anthony Sims advances to 18-0, with 17 Knockouts. Mateo Veron falls to 28-22-3, with 8 Knockouts.

In the Cruiserweight division, undefeated prospect Richard Riakporhe scored a fourth round stoppage of Tommy McCarthy. Riakporhe scored a knockdown of McCarthy in the fourth round and was able to get the stoppage as McCarthy was on unsteady legs and unable to defend from Riakporhe’s follow up barrage. Official time of the stoppage was 2:45 of round four.

Richard Riakporhe advances to 9-0, with 8 Knockouts. Tommy McCarthy falls to 13-2, with 6 Knockouts.

Overall this card provided a look at some of the up and coming talent on the UK Boxing scene. In the case of undefeated fighters Jordan Gill and Richard Riakporhe, who each won international titles as recognized by the World Boxing Association (WBA), each will likely be pitted against someone rated in the top twenty of the WBA rankings in their next fights. In terms of the Featherweight division where Gill currently competes, it will also be interesting to see what will be next for new Commonwealth champion Leigh Wood. It is certainly not out of the realm of possibility that Wood could fight for a championship on the British or European level before setting his sights on the world rankings. For Anthony Sims, this observer would like to see him fight for a regional championship in the near future. The Light-Heavyweight division is one that is full of talent at the top of it, but it will be interesting to see where Sims will fit into the equation as 2019 continues and into 2020. If he can continue to win and do so as the level of competition increases, Sims might be in the hunt for a world championship in the not too distant future.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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

Monday, February 25, 2019

Reagan Dessaix Discusses Controversial Blake Caparello Defeat And Future Plans

Credit: H.M. Murdock

Press Release: February 25, 2019 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Brisbane’s Reagan Dessaix is looking to bounce back immediately after losing a controversial decision last Friday evening to former IBO World Champion Blake Caparello. The 10 round contest saw Dessaix act as the aggressor in the contest, and appeared to be firmly in control from round 3 onwards. Despite this, the contest was awarded to Caparello by the judges at ringside, which didn’t sit too well with boxing fans on social media.

Dessaix discussed his clash with former Sergey Kovalev foe Blake Caparello. The President’ said, “I felt I controlled the fight as did everyone in attendance and there was an outpour of dismay on social media after the fight, surely everyone can’t be wrong!

‘

“Caparello was just looking for counters then running or holding. You can’t win a fight like that. I forced the fight, throwing and landing more punches. I won the fight and everybody knows that. “I am a Queensland fighter fighting in Victoria. I was always up against it in this fight but I am not downhearted about the result. The world saw who won and I will move on now.”

Discussions amongst boxing fans of an immediate rematch were natural, as those who witnessed want to see who would emerge victorious in a rematch. Dessaix, a big supporter of Everton FC, opened up about his plans going forward. The 22-year-old said, “If the rematch was offered to me I would be interested definitely, however, it would have to be on our terms. I was the true winner so the rematch would have to be on our terms.

“I have a great manager in Tony Tolj at Dragon Fire Boxing and our plans are to work our way up the world rankings. There are some great champions at the moment and I am only young, and I truly believe I am the heir to the Light Heavyweight thrown. Dessaix continued, “I have time on my side and I’ve already shown I am at the top level at 22. I am only going to get better and I know when the time is right I will become world champion.”

Material Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing/Photo Courtesy of: H.M. Murdock Used with permission.

ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. JARRELL ‘BIG BABY’ MILLER - U.K. PRESS CONFERENCE

Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing USA

Press Release: By DAZN/Matchroom Boxing USA –LONDON, Feb. 25, 2019 – In a press conference on Monday afternoon, DAZN and Matchroom USA gathered across the pond in London to formally announce the United States debut of Anthony Joshua who will defend his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO World Heavyweight titles against Brooklyn’s Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller at Madison Square Garden on Saturday June 1, live on DAZN.

Joseph Markowski – DAZN Executive Vice President, North America

“The level of interest in the fight is quite significant, and as Adam said, AJ and Jarrell spent four days in the U.S. last week speaking to press, and to be honest we could of spent four days doing more – The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, amongst Americas biggest media outlets couldn’t get enough of both fighters because like us, they believe we’re headed towards a truly special night on June 1 at Madison Square Garden. From our perspective it’s a true honor to be the host broadcaster of this event in New York, and very much like DAZN, AJ has ambitions to be a global force – to do so, occasionally you have to take your show on the road, and in this case over the pond. For the first time in his career, AJ will be fighting primetime in the United States, but it’s important to stress he’s not just fighting in America, he’s up against a dangerous opponent in Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller – a man with as much to say as anyone in the game, so it’s going to be a great night. With so many Brits making plans for June 1, we’re just very excited and looking forward to hosting all of you in New York on that night.”

Jarrell Miller

“UK, what’s up? I’m in a better mood as you can see, I had a cup of tea. I’m just chilling, I already said what I had to say. You already know how I feel about AJ, you all know my back story, know where I come from, and know where we’re going. It’s a blessing to be here, and I just can’t wait for June 1."

“We’re going to do the thing, man. I’ve been hearing from the fans themselves saying AJ is to posh – his nose is up here sometimes. They don’t give two licks about him right now, I’m for the underdogs. For all the underdogs out there, people telling them they’re not good enough, or people telling them they’re too fat, or whatever the discrete is they want discriminate against you, don’t listen to them, just keep pushing through because I’m a proving factor that hard work and dedication, and you know one or two cheeseburgers and a cup tea you can go real far. Let’s go to work, June 1, there will be fireworks, and there will be that saying that I love so much, ‘And the new,’ so tune-in June 1 on DAZN for $9.99, and watch me kick AJ’s butt.”

On what you think it takes to get it done:

“See that’s the problem, you think, I don’t think, I just get it done. That’s my mentality, is set is any task in front of me, I go balls to the walls, there’s no turning back, no if, and, or but’s about it. If I doubted myself one step of the way I would of never made it this far, and we going to continue to go forward and keep working hard, and the game plan is stop behind in seven round – point, blank, period.”

On what would it mean to you to win the title:

“It would mean a whole lot, but we’re going in to win the title, and the title is one step of what we want to accomplish in the future - change lives, change countries, do positive things in the community, and around the world, and be a real model, not a role model where you just put make-up on and pretend to be something I’m not. Yes, winning the title is the goal right now, but we know we’re looking to future to do amazing things around the world and be an ambassador of the human race and that’s what we’re going do.”

Anthony Joshua

“New York was ten out of ten, no lie. There’s nothing like being on UK soil, got my head down, and get back to routine and regimen, and that’s how I like living my lifestyle, on a regimented format and focus on what’s ahead of me and that’s a Jarrell Miller. You know I’m not fighting any of his team members, or anyone that can speak for him, I’m fighting him. There won’t be many words said in the ring except for punches being exchanged. It’s the battle of the fittest, the battle of the smartest, and the last man will be standing.”

On different mentality last week:

“Oh I loved it, that’s what I live for every day. It’s just another opponent – you need a dancing partner right, and Jarrell is a good dancing partner. I’m only champion till June 1, and that’s when I step on the battlefield to defend my stripes, and June 2 will be irrelevant and I step forward to next task ahead of me. It was a good time in New York, Daniel Jacobs came out, looked after me, and met so many people, radio stations, and went out of New York for a week and had a real good time.”

On opportunities being handed to him:

“You know I come from a great family, my mother raised me well, my father raised me well, my aunts and uncles, my brothers and sisters, we all look after each other. My cousin was fighting at the time, I got banned from where I grew up, got in too much trouble, and moved out of the area. I sat down in boxing because I used to drive my cousin and I was making money, had the car back then, and I used to sit back and think that looks easy. He lent me 35 pounds, about 25 dollars, I went to buy boxing boots and he gave me some shorts. I started training, I got beaten up a bit, I beat a few people up, and from the point forward I realized do I want to smoke and drink? Face the verge of jail or do I want to focus on boxing? If you look at the state of my hands, this isn’t from boxing, this is from street fighting, so I realized I was getting in trouble for fighting in the streets and getting patted on the back for boxing, so I started boxing. Boxing to me isn’t about Jarrell Miller, it’s not about Tyson Fury, Dillian Whyte, it’s about me - what does it make me, as a person. I changed my life style around, my family’s life style around and we’re impacting the community. All my friends over here, we have some great plans for the community, and that’s what impact means to me.

“This is what I know, this what I do, I don’t know no football, no rugby, no NFL, no basketball, no kickboxing. I like knocking people out, I like to beat them up. All this spirit this boy has in him, talking shit, I’m going to strip it from him. Every ounce of spirit he’s got, that’s what I do to people. I’m going to strip him of his soul in that ring. Talk about seven rounds, I will still be there fighting strong, if he’s still in there. Look at his face, I’m going to reconstruct his face on June 1, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

For more information, fans can follow DAZN’s U.S. social channels: @DAZNUSA on Facebook, @DAZN_USA for Twitter, and DAZN_USA for Instagram.

About DAZN:

Material Courtesy of: DAZN/ Photo Courtesy of: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing USA Used with permission.

To subscribe to DAZN, a list of connected streaming devices, availability internationally, schedules, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com.

Thoughts On Rios-Soto

In previewing the Welterweight battle between longtime contender Brandon Rios and former two-division world champion Humberto Soto, this observer called it the very definition of a “Crossroads Fight.” Two fighters at the stage in their respective careers where both are attempting to rebuild and get back into contention for an opportunity at a world championship.

Readers may have noticed in that preview prior to the fight that yours truly did not spend much time analyzing what each fighter brought into the fight. This was because I felt overall that the story of the encounter was one that was straightforward in terms of the style of the two fighters. A fighter in Rios, who is known as someone who will come forward and attempt to both apply constant pressure and a high offensive output against a boxer/puncher in Soto, who could go toe to toe with his opposition if needed, but was more known for being a tactician in his approach.

When it comes to a straightforward stylistic fight such as this, it will often come down to who is able to dictate the tempo of the combat as I said in previewing this encounter. It did not take long when the two fighters met on February 23^rd at the Municipal Auditorium in Tijuana, MX to find out who that fighter would be. Humberto Soto would make the story of this fight one that would be simple to describe.

For twelve rounds, Soto put on what could best be described as a Boxing lesson. Soto generally was able to get his punches off first and dictate how the fight was fought. What particularly impressed me about Soto’s performance was that he gave Rios angles and timed his offense consistently throughout the fight. This included throwing his punches in short spurts and often in combination. Despite being under consistent pressure by Rios throughput the fight, it was Soto’s timing that would offset that pressure and even at times catch Rios as he was coming forward while Soto was against the ropes.

What was also not touched upon by yours truly in previewing this fight was that this was also an encounter one might argue between two advanced-age fighters. Although some might not think of the age of thirty-two, the age of Brandon Rios, and the age of thirty-eight, the age of Humberto Soto as advanced it is important to remember that both fighters have been through their share of wars throughout their careers. Even in an era where several marquee fighters have been able to compete at the top level of the sport well into their forties, it is still an impressive feat to see a fighter do what Humberto Soto was able to do in this fight as the offense in spurts, effective angles, as well as being able to make the punches Rios threw less effective resulted in a convincing twelve round unanimous decision.

Despite having periodic moments throughout the fight, Rios could not find a way to turn the ebb and flow of the combat in his favor. One aspect of offense that I feel would have served Rios well would have been to attempt to attack Soto’s body more consistently throughout the fight. This theoretically would have had an effect on Soto’s movement as the fight progressed and perhaps would have made him more vulnerable to Rios’s pressure. By being unable to get his punches off first and unable to stop Soto’s offensive spurts, it did not lead to success in this fight for Brandon Rios.

While some might say that the fighter who did not emerge from this encounter with a victory might be heading for retirement I’m not sure. Despite the result of the fight being clear and convincing in favor of Soto, it was still a competitive bout that was entertaining to watch. Even though he came out of this fight on the losing end, Brandon Rios remains a fighter with an entertaining style, who no matter who he fights will provide excitement for Boxing fans. Although this fight was between two fighters on the comeback trail, it is also important to remember that one loss does not always indicate whether a fighter’s comeback was overall a success or failure.

This observer does not believe Brandon Rios is done necessarily as a fighter. I do believe however, that he should take some time to recoup from this fight and reevaluate what did not work in this fight and see if he can adapt in subsequent fights to come.

As for Humberto Soto, he will likely get another opportunity against a top contender in the talent deep Welterweight division. Whether or not Soto, who has previously held world championships in the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight and 135lb. Lightweight divisions will get an opportunity to become a three-division world champion in the 147lb. Welterweight division remains to be seen. If he can continue to win and more specifically win in impressive fashion as he was able to do in this fight against Brandon Rios, Humberto Soto may be the latest in a growing list of notable boxers to prove that for some fighting and competing at a top level at what is seen as an advanced-age can be done and be done successfully.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Brief Update

We would like to let our readers know that new material discussing the recent Welterweight bout between two-division world champion Humberto Soto and longtime top contender Brandon Rios is currently in the works and will be released here on the website on Monday, February 25th. Stay tuned. "And That's The Boxing Truth."

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

Friday, February 22, 2019

Rios-Soto: A Crossroads Battle

It can at times be a cliché, but there are two central stories that just about any fan of Boxing or by extension all of combat sports are familiar with. The first of course centers on a fighter’s rise through the ranks as they garner attention of fans, develop a following, and hopefully conclude that rise by fighting for and winning a world championship. As common as the story of fighter’s rise is, so too is the second story. A fighter’s attempt to rebuild their career after suffering a setback or setbacks, a stage more commonly referred to as “A Comeback.”

Brandon Rios has been a fighter who has endeared himself to Boxing fans with a crowd pleasing style and his willingness to fight anymore. Rios, who at one time held interim/regular champion status in the World Boxing Association (WBA) ratings as a 135lb. Lightweight, has faced several top fighters throughout his career including Manny Pacquiao, Timothy Bradley, and Danny Garcia just to name a few. Although he has not gone beyond the status of a top contender, Rios’ style is one that always ensures fans of an exciting fight. After being stopped in February of last year by Danny Garcia, one may have wondered how much Rios had left in him as a fighter.

The longtime contender however, began his rebuilding process in November of last year scoring an impressive ninth round stoppage of veteran Ramon Alvarez. Now Rios looks to continue his comeback as he will face former two-division world champion Humberto Soto on Saturday night at the Municipal Auditorium in Tijuana, MX. The fight, which will main event a card televised by digital streaming network DAZN is the very definition of a “Crossroads fight” between two veterans.

In Soto, Rios will face a veteran of eighty professional fights and a fighter who much like Rios has faced some of the best fighters of his era. Soto has held world championships in both the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight and 135lb. Lightweight divisions. While both fighters have previously fought at lower weights, this bout will be fought in the 147lb. Welterweight division, a weight class where both fighters have spent their recent careers competing in.

Soto is at a similar stage in his career as Rios having won his last three fights since losing a ten round decision to Antonio Orozco in October 2015. Despite scoring two knockouts in those three wins, those three opponents were not well-known and facing a fighter of Rios' caliber is likely to provide Soto with a stern test. Stylistically, this is an interesting fight between a fighter in Rios who is known for applying consistent pressure on his opponents going against a boxer/puncher in Soto. The key to this fight in my eyes will be which fighter can establish the tempo.

This will be an encounter between two fighters who have throughout their careers shown a willingness to go toe to toe with their opposition. Brandon Rios is the type of fighter that looks to apply pressure from the outset and continues to come forward throughout the course of a fight. Although Soto has been more than willing to mix it up in the past, I believe it will be crucial that he attempt to box Rios and not stand and trade. Humberto Soto has also shown he can be very technical in his approach in the past and this observer feels he will need to execute a tactical fight plan in order to be successful in this fight.

What may lie ahead for the winner of this fight is something that will surely be a topic of discussion not just for those who cover the sport like yours truly, but also Boxing fans. Both fighters are capable of getting an opponent out of there should the opportunity arise and that alone should make this an interesting fight to watch. While what the two fighters have left to offer at this stage in their respective careers is also a topic to be discussed, each has the type of name recognition value that the winner will likely be in line for another marquee fight down the line in the crowded and talent deep Welterweight division.

When a “Crossroads Fight” such as this takes place the question of what the fighters have left in them is logical to ask. At this stage in each fighter’s career, as tempting as it might be to analyze what each brings into the ring for what could be seen as a prediction of what may or may not happen come fight time, it may come down to another cliché of simply who wants it more. We’ll find out when Rios and Soto square off Saturday night.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Rios vs. Soto takes place on Saturday, February 23rd at the Municipal Auditorium in Tijuana, MX. The card can be seen in the United States on digital sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 7PM ET/4PM PT. To subscribe to DAZN, a list of connected streaming devices, availability internationally, schedules, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the card can be seen on Sky Sports Main Event beginning at Midnight (Sunday, February 24th Local UK time.) For more information about Sky Sports, schedules and availability in your area please visit” www.skysports.com.

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

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

WORLD RATED REAGAN DESSAIX TAKES ON WORLD RATED CAPARELLO FRIDAY IN MELBOURNE

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing

Press Release: February 20, 2019 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Brisbane Light Heavyweight Reagan Dessaix takes a jump up in class as he takes on former IBO World Light Heavyweight Champion Blake Caparello at The Melbourne Pavillion this coming Friday. The pair will contest the WBA Oceania Light Heavyweight title, in what is a real crossroads fight for the Australian duo. Dessaix discussed his feelings on the former world champion Caparello as he winds down training ahead of the biggest fight of his career.

The 22-year-old said, “Caparello has only had 3 losses in his career against world class fighter in Sergey Kovalev, Isaac Chilemba and Andre Dirrell. That is nothing to be ashamed of.

“I believe I am a top-level fighter, and I’ve been the underdog many times before including my last fight. This is nothing new to me. It’s about me going in there and proving that I am a top-level Light Heavyweight which I believe I am.

“If you want to be the best you have to beat the best. There is no point in cutting corners in this game and I don’t intend on doing that. Blake has been a world champion but it’s time for me to show that there is a new kid on the block on the World Light Heavyweight scene.”

Dessaix is managed alongside the heralded Moloney brothers by Australian Boxing Supremo Tony Tolj. Dessaix discussed life alongside the Moloney’s and under the guidance of Tolj.

The multi-time WBA and IBF regional title holder said, “I got a lot from being around Jason Moloney during the World Boxing Super Series. It was a great learning experience and it gave me a lot of belief in myself that I can reach those heights.

“Since I linked up with Tony I’ve been guided perfectly and I’ve gone from strength to strength. He’s got me the right fights at the right time and I believe he has made a fight that is Australia’s number 1 and 2 Light Heavyweights clashing on Friday night, and I know the result will see me become Australia’s number 1 Light Heavyweight.”

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

ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. JARRELL ‘BIG BABY’ MILLER PRESS CONFERENCE

Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA

Press Release: By DAZN/Matchroom Boxing USA - NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2019 - Media gathered for the kick off press conference at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Tuesday February 19. DAZN and Matchroom USA formally announced the United States debut of Anthony Joshua to defend his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO WorldHeavyweight titles against Brooklyn’s Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller at Madison Square Garden on Saturday June 1, live on DAZN.

Anthony Joshua

“He punches like a fairy. Fury knocked him down seven times. He’s the softest puncher in the division. I am going to knock him the f*ck out. He is a drug abuser. He’s a kickboxer. I am going to knock him out. (Miller screams about Anthony’s mother.) Where’s your mother? I am paying her rent with this. She will come here and watch a real champion fight.

“Jarrell Miller is a little b*tch. I am going to throw this jab down his throat. For a guy that is 300 pounds, he punches like a fairy. June 1^st - this is going to be a show. Come out and watch this one New York. I am not up here playing the gangster role. I really knock people out, look at his little hands. This is the first time he will sell out a show and it’s because of me. Of course he spends all day thinking about me and watching my fights, he has to – but it still won’t be good enough.”

Jarrell Miller

“I’m home. I’m ready. You have no idea. I breathe, eat, sleep Anthony Joshua. I have a screen saver of Anthony Joshua. I wake up and think about Anthony Joshua. I see my mother go through some stuff that none of you would survive. I grew up in a third world country. I see my family starving with no shoes on their feet. This is bigger than a fight with Anthony Joshua. It is bigger than me. It is bigger than money.

“There were many years that I didn’t know what I was doing with my life. I’ve always had this anger and drive in my stomach though that would keep me going. I knew that I must be fighting for something. Man, God has a plan for everybody, remember that. It’s bigger than me though, and AJ is just in my way.

“Yeah, he won the Olympics. But that was in his city, they gave it to him. People call me the underdog but that’s alright. I want to be the underdog. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon.

“I want to thank New York City. Thank my mother and my wife. My sister and my trainers. We are from the dirt. From the gutter. We are from under the dirt but I work hard for this. He didn’t want this fight first. He wanted to fight Whyte. That’s fact.

“The more that you understand what boxing is. All that humble, that fake shit – he puts it on. Boxing is not a humble sport. I will leave it with this, we are all going to die one day. I have lost five people this year. That’s what keeps me humble.”

Joseph Markowski – DAZN Executive Vice President, North America

“Watching Anthony Joshua fight in the U.K. is one of the most spectacular experiences that I’ve encountered in boxing. The crowds, the fireworks and the noise are quite remarkable. But like DAZN, AJ has ambitions to be a global superstar and achieving that means taking your show on the road, across the Pond.

"For the first time in his career, Anthony Joshua will be fighting live and in primetime in the United States. And he’s not just fighting in America; he is going right to the hometown of a dangerous Top 10 heavyweight in Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller – a man with as much to say as almost anyone else in the boxing game.

"And for that reason, today is just the beginning of a fantastic fight promotion. The New York Times, ESPN, Sports Illustrated

and many others have invited AJ and Jarrell to their offices this week to discuss the bout. It’s a compelling matchup that is already generating genuine buzz in the US.

"Moreover, it demonstrates DAZN’s continued commitment to our mission goal of delivering amazing value to fight fans. By the time of AJ-Miller, U.S. boxing fans will have already slogged through several expensive pay-per-views in 2019. More than $200 for three fight nights. For that type of money, you could have DAZN for two years and get every boxing and MMA fight on our platform.

"You can see the momentum we’re building in the names we are signing and the types of fights we are making: AJ’s debut in the U.S., Canelo Alvarez vs. Daniel Jacobs for Cinco de Mayo. And there is more to be announced very soon.

"To both fighters, thank you and good luck. And to everyone else, thank you for attending today - we look forward to seeing you on the 1^st of June back here at MSG.”

Eddie Hearn – Matchroom Boxing Managing Director

“We have a seen a rise in the sport with DAZN. They signed Canelo Alvarez, delivered a huge fight between Canelo and Daniel Jacobs on May 4, and now DAZN will feature the biggest heavyweight fight by delivering Anthony Joshua to the United State to face Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller.”

For more information, fans can follow DAZN’s U.S. social channels: @DAZNUSA on Facebook, @DAZN_USA for Twitter, and DAZN_USA for Instagram.

About DAZN:

Material Courtesy of DAZN/Matchroom Boxing/ Photo Courtesy of Ed Mulholland/ Matchroom Boxing USA Used with permission.

To subscribe to DAZN, a list of connected streaming devices, schedules, and to start your free 30-day trial please visit: www.DAZN.com.

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