MORE THAN 1.2 MILLION PEOPLE WATCHED CANELO VS. JACOBS LIVE ON DAZN

Press Release: By DAZN – NEW YORK (May 8, 2019) – As Canelo Alvarez outpointed Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs to unify the WBA, WBC and IBF middleweight world titles on Saturday night, more than 1.2 million people worldwide watched live on DAZN across the company’s eight current markets. In addition to the United States, home to the vast majority of the viewership, the fight was also available to DAZN subscribers in Austria, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and Switzerland.

Company officials deemed the event a success, as it generated significant paid subscriptions – both annual and monthly – to deliver against projected revenue targets. Despite the heavy influx of viewers and new subscribers, the platform produced a reliable stream with no substantial technical or buffering issues.

Canelo vs. Jacobs marks an important moment for DAZN’s U.S. business since it launched in September 2018, dramatically growing its subscriber base ahead of major upcoming events at Madison Square Garden including Anthony Joshua’s U.S. debut on June 1, Gennadiy “GGG”Golovkin’s return on June 8, and Bellator 222: Machida vs. Sonnen on June 14.

About DAZN:

DAZN is the largest global sports streaming platform in the world. Since launching in 2016, DAZN had expanded across four continents with the service available in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan, and soon to debut in Brazil. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just affordable access to all the service's sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. In the U.S., DAZN has made its mark as an attractive alternative to pay-per-view within the combat sports industry. The platform features more than 100 fight nights per year from Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, GGG Promotions, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series and Combate Americas. DAZN also features live MLB action each day of the season with its new daily show, ChangeUp.

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

Material Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

For more information about DAZN, list of connected devices, 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

Brief Update

We would like to let our readers know that new material discussing the recent Middleweight unification bout between Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs will be released here on the website on Friday, May 10th. Stay tuned. "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

DUNO GRINDING HARD FOR RODRIGUEZ FIGHT

Credit: Sanman Promotions 

Press Release: May 7, 2019 By Sanman Promotions – As the date approaches, Filipino lightweight prospect Romero “Ruthless” Duno (W19 KO15 L1 D0) is doing non-stop work at his training camp. Duno will face former world title challenger Juan Antonio Rodriguez (W30 KO26 L7 D0) on May 16 in Fantasy Springs resort casino in California for the WBO NABO LIGHTWEIGHT title.

“I am training like there’s no tomorrow. Winning this will ensure a world title shot for me. I know very well that my opponent is strong and has a granite chin. I also know that he is very hungry for a win. I just want to say that I am the hungrier fighter. I am even more inspired because of newborn daughter. I am training hard to make sure that come fight night, I am the stronger and more prepared warrior. I believe in my training camp. This is so far the most difficult camp I ever had. We are now winding down and is focused on the fight strategy”, Duno stated.

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Sanman Promotions Used with permission.

For more information about Sanman Promotions and to watch the Sanman Live Boxing series please visit Sanman Promotions’ official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SanmanPromotions.

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

Golovkin Names Jonathon Banks As His New Trainer

Press Release: By DAZN – LAS VEGAS, NEV. (May 4, 2019) -- Boxing's pound-for-pound superstar attraction Gennadiy "GGG" Golovkin announced that he has selected Johnathon Banks to be his new trainer.  Banks, who is no stranger to the pressure of working on boxing's biggest stages, has worked the corners of unified heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko and undisputed welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus, just to name a few.  The announcement was made today at a press conference at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, will be bringing his Big Drama Show back to the "Mecca of Boxing" -- Madison Square Garden -- on Saturday, June 8.  He will be taking on undefeated top-10 contender Steve Rolls (19-0, 10 KOs), of Toronto, in a 12-round rumble that will be contested at a maximum weight of 164 lbs. The fight will be streamed live on DAZN.  Golovkin vs. Rolls kicks off the exclusive six-fight, three-year global partnership between GGG Promotions and DAZN, the world's fastest-growing sports streaming platform.

            "I want to build on what I have already achieved and continue to improve as a boxer.  Johnathon is teaching me new skills that will help me reach those goals.  I believe in Johnathon's teaching methods.  We are working hard and I look forward to showing the world something special when I bring the Big Drama Show to Madison Square Garden on June 8," said Golovkin.

            "I have always been a fan of Triple G since I began watching him as an amateur.  I remember him at the Olympics and thought he was a tremendous talent," said Banks.  "When I got the call, of course I was excited to be working with him.  We have one goal and that is to officially return Gennadiy to the world championship throne that he deserves.  The two fights Gennadiy had with Canelo reminded me of the two battles between Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns.  Those fights had the same caliber of high level competition.  I can't wait for Gennaidy to get another shot at him."

            Banks, a former IBO cruiserweight champion and a heavyweight contender, is a disciple of the legendary Emanuel Steward. Upon Steward's death in 2012, Banks, who was 30, was personally selected by heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko to be his new trainer, despite Banks being six years his junior.  It was a boxing Baptism of fire but a challenge Banks was prepared for thanks to the many years he studied under Steward's tutelage at the Kronk Gym, first as a fighter and then as an assistant trainer.  Banks and Klitschko traveled the world together, successfully defending the heavyweight world titles six times, with five of those defenses against undefeated contenders.  Banks has steadily built on his success with Klitschko, earning a reputation as trainer with great insight who instills confidence and success into the fighters he teaches.  Another star pupil of Banks is undisputed world welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus, long considered the best pound for pound female fighter.  The undefeated Braekhus is in the 10th year of her world championship reign.  

            Boasting a resume that includes a record 20 consecutive middleweight title defenses (18 by way of knockout), Golovkin has consistently drawn packed houses to the five previous events he has headlined at The Garden, dating back to 2013.  Rolls, who has stopped four of his last seven opponents, has vowed to ice the middleweight legend with his version of a Canadian cold front.        

            Promoted by GGG Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment, remaining tickets to The Big Apple battle between Golovkin and Rolls are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, and $50, not including fees.  Tickets may be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.msg.com.

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

About DAZN:
DAZN is the largest global sports streaming platform in the world. Since launching in 2016, DAZN had expanded across four continents with the service available in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan, and soon to debut in Brazil. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just affordable access to all the service's sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. In the U.S., DAZN has made its mark as an attractive alternative to pay-per-view within the combat sports industry. The platform features more than 100 fight nights per year from Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, GGG Promotions, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series and Combate Americas. DAZN also features live MLB action each day of the season with its new daily show, ChangeUp.

Material Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

For more information about DAZN, list of connected devices, 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

Alvarez-Jacobs Preview

A recurring theme in the sport of Boxing, particularly among those who cover the sport is the subject of unification of the Boxing’s respective weight classes to determine one world champion per weight class. While that goal remains largely a dream for most with the sport’s best interest at heart for a variety of reasons involving the politics of Boxing, there are times where progress can be made. The 160lb. Middleweight division is one where there has been steady progress made toward determining an Undisputed world champion.

Despite the lengthy reign of former Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin who nearly unified the division during his near historic run as a unified world champion, the division remains fragmented with three fighters each holding a claim to the World Middleweight championship. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the current WBA/IBO/WBC world champion who defeated ended Golovkin’s reign in September of last year in the second of their two fights, Demetrius Andrade, the undefeated WBO champion, who is in search of a lucrative fight, and Daniel Jacobs, the longtime cornerstone of the division who won the vacant IBF world championship in October of last year.

Two of those fighters, Alvarez and Jacobs will collide on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV putting their respective crowns on the line to take one step closer to the full unification of the Middleweight division. For decades a fight of this magnitude would be reserved for “Pay-Per-View”, but the changing times in how the sport is offered to the viewing public have changed that. The Alvarez-Jacobs Middleweight unification bout will not be shown on “Pay-Per-View” and will not have a sizable price tag attached to it, but rather this fight and it’s undercard will be available on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN.

While this column could easily take a tone of putting over the value of the Over The Top (OTT) digital streaming model and more specifically the benefits networks like DAZN and ESPN+ have brought to Boxing and it’s fans as compared to the “Pay-Per-View” model, as has been a frequent topic of discussion of this observer here at The Boxing Truth® over the last year, the fight itself deserves to be discussed first. An encounter between two of the top fighters in the entire sport alone is enough to generate interest, but when it also involves a fighter regarded as perhaps the top star in the sport, interest is accelerated. For Saul Alvarez, who is affectionately known to his legions of fans as simply “Canelo”, this fight represents another step in what will likely be a Hall of Fame career when all is said and done. Although his two bouts with Gennady Golovkin remain a source of contention and debate as to who won both fights, Alvarez has continued his career while the potential of a third fight with the former Middleweight champion exists.

As most Boxing fans know, Alvarez recently signed an eleven fight deal with DAZN worth $365 million. In his last fight and the first under the deal in December of last, Alvarez moved up in weight to the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division where he dominated and stopped top contender Rocky Fielding. Although the win over a “Game”, but over matched Fielding earned Alvarez interim/regular champion status in the WBA’s Super-Middleweight ratings, he did not receive the type of test one might expect in being a fighter that was moving up in weight and facing a naturally bigger opponent. In all honesty, the fight with Fielding was what one would refer to as a “Tune-Up” that allowed Alvarez to test the waters at 168lbs., but not one that was expected to cause him much difficulty.

An interested observer who was in attendance at the Alvarez-Fielding fight was Daniel Jacobs. Jacobs, the longtime top Middleweight contender, who held an interim/regular designation in the WBA Middleweight ratings for nearly three years between August 2014 and March 2017 became a world champion in his last fight in October of last year with a twelve round split decision over previously undefeated contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Prior to that fight in another attempt to become a world champion, Jacobs lost a close, but unanimous decision to Gennady Golovkin in March 2017.

Despite being knocked down by Golovkin in the fourth round of that fight, Jacobs became the first fighter to that point in Golovkin’s career to provide a significant test for a fighter who is known as a “Knockout Artist.” Jacobs also created a close fight that some believe he deserved the decision. Although the knockdown Jacobs suffered in that fight was more or less a flash knockdown, it was that brief knockdown that ended up costing Jacobs the fight on the scorecards in the eyes of this observer.

Now with that setback behind him and having bounced back to win a world championship in his last fight, Jacobs prepares for his first defense of the IBF Middleweight crown against Alvarez. This figures to be a more competitive fight than Alvarez’ previous outing against Rocky Fielding. Much as was the case against Fielding however, Alvarez will be facing a naturally bigger man in Jacobs. Although Jacobs, who will enter the fight with a record of 35-2, with 29 Knockouts is a complete fighter that has shown an ability to box throughout his career, he has also established a near 80% career knockout percentage and is capable of getting an opponent out of there should an opportunity present itself.

Alvarez, who will enter the fight with a record of 51-1-2, with 36 Knockouts is a very compact fighter, who much like Jacobs is a complete package of overall Boxing ability and punching power. With the exception of his fight against Rocky Fielding that was fought above the 160lb. Middleweight limit, Alvarez has not scored a knockout as a Middleweight to date. While this does not appear to be a glaring statistic as Alvarez did dominate and stop Fielding in a fight that was not competitive, it is something that some might still regard as a question for Alvarez to answer against a fighter who is regarded as being a higher caliber of opposition.

In regard to a fight that is as well-matched as this bout appears to be, the question that is often asked is which fighter will dictate the combat. It is crucial in my mind that Jacobs attempt to impose his will on Alvarez early in the fight. While it is logical to expect a tactical fight at least in the early rounds given the skill level of the two fighters, Jacobs is after all the bigger man in this fight and must get Alvarez’ respect early on.

In contrast to Jacobs, Alvarez will likely look to be elusive and pick his spots. While one could expect a tactical approach from both fighters, it will be interesting to see what happens when the two fighters mix it up in exchanges. We do know that Jacobs has shown an ability to recover from being knocked down, but what remains an unknown is what will happen if Alvarez gets hurt or knocked down as has not happened thus far in his career.

As this fight has drawn closer, I have tried to think of a similar style match up to use not necessarily as a comparison, but rather an idea of what this encounter might look like once the opening bell rings. While not a direct link to this bout, the one fight that continued to come to mind was Saul Alvarez’ July 2014 battle with Erislandy Lara. In a fight that was won by Alvarez via twelve round split decision, Lara’s elusiveness and lateral movement did give Alvarez trouble throughout, but it was Alvarez’ overall pressure and body punching that won over two of the three official judges.

While I do not necessarily expect a similar fight to be fought in this bout, I do believe that Alvarez will need to find a way to negate the naturally bigger fighter’s physical advantages and one way to do that would be to get on the inside and focus a portion of his offense on Jacobs’ body. Although Rocky Fielding did not provide Alvarez with much resistance last December, we saw how effective Alvarez can be when he is able to land consistently to an opponent’s body. Whether or not he will be able to get on the inside as quickly against a fighter of Jacobs’ caliber remains to be seen. If Jacobs can control the tempo of combat and keep Alvarez at distance where he will theoretically not be as effective, this could end up being as difficult a fight for Alvarez as was his fight against Lara. It certainly has the look of a fight that will be competitive for however long it lasts.

Now back to the subject of the sport moving away from traditional forms of television, more specifically “Pay-Per-View”, and what this fight means for subscription-based digital streaming networks that have invested heavily in Boxing in recent times. A criticism this observer has heard periodically regarding streaming networks like DAZN and ESPN+ is a perceived lack of cards that are deemed “Pay-Per-View” quality. Although this criticism/opinion came from many who would probably be considered casual fans, it underscores the importance of demonstrating how the OTT subscription-based model differs from a “Pay-Per-View” model where portions of a full card are available on a per card basis for what is often an expensive price tag.

It is also important to keep in mind that regarding digital networks like DAZN and ESPN+, a subscription either on a monthly or annual basis entities subscribers access to a wide range of sports and are not limited to combat sports like Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). As longtime readers know, while this observer does not currently work for either DAZN, ESPN, or any other network. I will always be ready to express my support for things which I feel strongly will be beneficial to Boxing, the fighters that compete in the sport, and the fans that support it in the long-term. In this case, what I am supporting is both opening up the sport on a global level to more people than has ever been the case before while also providing further opportunities for fighters to compete on a more regular basis. Along with this, I am also supportive of a low cost legal alternative for the public as compared to a “Pay-Per-View” model that as I have said repeatedly in recent years has become overpriced and undervalued.

For those who have expressed the criticism with regard to “Pay-Per-View” quality of the cards that have been offered so far, allow me to ask this question. How many times have you ordered a “Pay-Per-View” Boxing or MMA card and felt disappointed with what was offered and to be more specific for the price you were asked to pay?

While Saul Alvarez’ last fight was one that was not competitive, it is worth reminding the reader who might remain skeptical that, that fight on a traditional network platform probably would have been offered to the viewing public on a “Pay-Per-View” basis for a price point that would likely be around $70, which unfortunately has become a standard price point in recent years. Regardless of the method of which the fight was broadcast, the fight itself if fought as it was probably would have resulted in more fans expressing their anger both at the perceived quality of the fight, but more specifically the price they were asked to pay to see it.

Although there will always be a segment of fan who will look for flaws regardless of what fights are made, what fights a promoter wants to make, and what a network platform offers, as someone who has covered more “Pay-Per-View” cards throughout my career covering this sport and by extension multiple combat sports, if given the choice between paying what amounts to an inflated fee for a portion of a full card, or paying a reasonable subscription fee that offers far more content per card as well as other sports, I choose the subscription-based model. What one should also keep in mind is both DAZN and ESPN+ are still relatively new in regard the U.S. market. It takes time for any network platform to build their respective platforms in terms of content, in terms of contracts, and in terms of a subscriber base. While there remains a segment within the sport that continues to rely on the “Pay-Per-View” model, both subscription services have done a great job in terms of content offered for the price of a subscription.

This Middleweight unification bout between world champions Saul Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs is one that prior to the advent of DAZN and ESPN+ would certainly be sold on a “Pay-Per-View” basis. It is a fight that on paper appears to be one that most would call “PPV level”. Unlike other fights/events that have carried that label, but under delivered on expectations, this fight will be part of the future model of television distribution and offered to the public at a reasonable fee. While everyone obviously hopes for a competitive and exciting fight, for the Boxing fan who has often felt disappointed, let down, and angered by what they have paid to see over the years, this is already a victory both for the fan and the sport they support.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Alvarez vs. Jacobs takes place Tonight (Saturday, May 4^th) at T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas, NV. The fight as well as it’s full undercard can be seen on digital streaming network DAZN beginning ay 7:30PM ET/4:30PM PT U.S. Time. DAZN is available in the United States and several international countries. For more information about DAZN, availability around the world, list of connected devices, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the card can be seen on Sky Sports Main Event (Formerly Sky Sports 1 beginning at 1AM (Sunday, May 5^th Local UK Time.) For more information about Sky Sports, channel listings and availability in your area please visit : www.SkySports.com. 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

Canelo-Jacobs Final Press Conference Quotes

Credit: Amanda Westcott/ DAZN USA 

Press Release: By DAZN – LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2019): WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) and IBF Middleweight World Champion Daniel "Miracle Man" Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs) hosted their final press conference today ahead of their 12-round unification fight. The event will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

  

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today's final press conference: 

Canelo Alvarez, WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion

“Look, we’re just ready for Saturday. I’ll repeat to you – I’m ready, I’m ready to continue writing history like I always have.”

“I’m a fighter that’s fought all the styles. What he brings on Saturday night is going to bring the reaction out of me to counter whatever he brings.”

“In boxing, anything can happen. That’s including the knockout. If it’s there, trust me, I’m going to go for the knockout. I don’t care if he’s bigger, stronger, it’s never bothered me. I have the capability. I have the experience to overcome that and more.”

Daniel Jacobs, IBF Middleweight World Champion

“I just feel as if the thirst for this fight is at an all-time high. We are only three days away from a mega fight and it’s such a privilege to be here right before this mega showdown. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for me and I’m mostly excited to get in there to show the world that I am the best middleweight of my generation. I finally have an opportunity to prove it, to go against Canelo Alvarez. You guys are going to see fireworks, masterful boxing, skills, dedication, persistence, and grit, most importantly.”

“I’m gonna talk inside the ring and let my fighting speak for itself. To Canelo – let’s put on a good show my brother.”

What has been tougher – preparing for this fight against Canelo or his fight against GGG? “I think mentally, Golovkin started out as the most devastating power puncher and boogeyman of the division. So mentally, he was tougher. Physically, this is much harder preparation because Canelo is very agile, he’s very fast, his offensive onslaught is at an all-time high. It’s a drastic difference. I thought I won the GGG fight and I assure you I will win this fight without controversy.”

“What will take the win will simply be me being the best version of myself. My physical advantages in itself can win me the fight, but I also have the mental capacity. I’m in my prime. I’m the only fighter Canelo has faced since Floyd Mayweather to be in his prime. I’m super confident and I’m going in there with the ability as well.”

Eddy Reynoso, Co-Trainer and Manager to Canelo Alvarez

“Saturday night we have a great fight in a division that’s given boxing historically great fights, and without a doubt Saturday night you’re going to have one of the greatest fights between two of the best fighters, two great champions. Ever since we began our career in boxing with Canelo, we always knew we’d have to take these types of risks in fights. These are the types of fights that catapult you to the top, to the elite level.”

“We have a tremendous challenge in front of us, a tremendous champion in Daniel Jacobs. But this year, our goal is to sweep the middleweight division and win all four belts, and Daniel Jacobs will not obtain that goal.”

Jose “Chepo” Reynoso, Co-Trainer and Manager to Canelo Alvarez

“I would like to give you a little bit of what happened in camp, all the hard work, all the intense work, the long hours of training. Because intensity is what we expect in the fight. And all this hard work is just what gives us the tranquility and the peace of mind that come Saturday night, when his hand is raised, it will reconfirm to everyone that he is the best middleweight on the planet.”

Andre Rozier, Trainer to Daniel Jacobs

“We had a fantastic camp. I’m just happy that Danny has finally reached his pinnacle. This is the point that he has strived to get to since he first began boxing. And, he is ready. I thank Canelo for accepting the challenge. I expect a fantastic battle but as it was just told – it is my birthday, and my son is going to present me with the best birthday present I could ever get by having his hands raised in victory.”

Keith Connolly, Manager to Daniel Jacobs

“A bunch of people have asked me if I’m excited for the fight. I’m most excited to see how this all turns out - the Daniel Jacobs story. I’ve known him for about 15 years since he was a teenager and it’s been an honor to see him grow from the boy that I first met to the man that he is now. This fight is happening at exactly at the right time. He’s physically mature but more importantly, he’s mentally mature. I expect him to embrace everything Saturday night and come out victorious.”

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy

“This Saturday the #1 and #2 best middleweights on the planet will put everything on the line for one simple reason – to see who is the best. That is boxing at its finest. Indeed, this is the biggest fight in boxing featuring the biggest star in boxing in the biggest place for boxing on the biggest platform for boxing.”

“In life there are challenges that strengthen a person’s character and determine how this person will be remembered. Boxing is no different. The men we have before us today have faced tough challenges that few on the earth can relate too. Outside of the ring these men have already proven what they are made of, but this Saturday, these men will also determine who will be remembered as the best middleweight of their time the only way they know how – with their fists.”

“We are excited to be at the forefront of this new era of boxing with DAZN and look forward to continuing to make boxing more accessible and affordable for fans.”

“Saturday night we expect fireworks, we expect a war, we expect an amazing fight, with two gentlemen who have done an amazing job getting to this point.”

Bernard Hopkins, Golden Boy Partner and Future Hall of Famer

“To Danny Jacobs, I’d like to say this is a historical moment for your team. This is real special. It doesn’t happen in any division but I’m glad it’s happening now. To Canelo, Jacobs, well done. Now let’s take care of business.”

Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Boxing

“We just want three simple things. We want to make sure Daniel Jacobs is victorious on Saturday night and we truly believe from the bottom of our hearts that he will be. We want to make sure we spread the gospel that great fights can be made. You can take risks. It’s fun. It’s called sport. That’s what we have to remember. Why these young men started was about greatness. It was how many belts they could gather. Could they reach the Hall of Fame? Could they create a legacy? And, I want the message of Daniel Jacobs to be spread worldwide. The illness and disease of cancer touches all of us. With Daniel Jacobs, you have a message of complete hope to anybody in suffering. Danie Jacobs was paralyzed. He was told he may never walk again, and certainly never fight again. Right now, I want this story to be spread worldwide to look at this fine young man and realize there is hope. If he can do it, you can do it. And on Saturday, I believe he’ll become victorious and become the unified champion of the world.”

“I know right now that this side has a feeling of excitement and nerves going into this weekend because this is a wonderful fight between two great champions and this is what the sport of boxing is all about.”

On the judges for Saturday: “I believe we have four outstanding officials across this fight who are going to give Daniel Jacobs and Canelo Alvarez a complete blank canvas and mutual respect.”

Joseph Markowski, Executive Vice President of DAZN North America

“To be clear, this fight would be on pay-per-view on any other platform – 80, 90, maybe even 100 bucks. But instead of offering this fight for $100, we’ll offer you an entire year of fights for $100 with our annual pass – incredible value in the next couple of months: Canelo vs. Jacobs on May 4, the World Boxing Super Series on May 18, Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight debut on May 25, Anthony Joshua’s U.S. debut on June 1, Gennady Golovkin’s return on June 8, and premium Bellator MMA. And that’s on top of the rest of our 100+ fight nights a year, including the fact that both Canelo and GGG will be back fighting on DAZN in the fall.”

“This weekend is massive for the middleweight division, a truly electrifying fight. It’s also massive for the DAZN business but most importantly for fight fans. On Sunday morning, instead of fans waking up to a $100 bill, those fight fans will have an entire year of content to look forward to. It’s a transformational moment.”

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. Ortiz vs. Herrera is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy. 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 on sale now and are priced at $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305 and $200, 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, $305 and $200 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 @GoldenBoy, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchroomBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloJacobs.

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

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

Why Sor Rungvisai-Estrada Might Be Boxing’s Next Great Trilogy

A question that gets asked from time to time to yours truly is just what are the ingredients that make a good rematch. Such a question is normally asked by someone with a sporadic/casual interest in Boxing and by extension all combat sports. Although not every circumstance that leads to s rematch are identical, there are a few things as I have said over the years that stand out clearly that warrant a rematch or at least some elements that could lead to an eventual return encounter down the line.

What are those elements that are not always considered by the average person/Boxing fan when they think of what warrants or could lead to an eventual rematch? Elements such as a fighter who has a title shot and loses, but works their way back into world title contention and earns a mandatory title shot at the fighter that defeated them and/or things like a cancellation of another fight could lead to a rematch occurring. While circumstances like this are not always what leads to rematches, it has happened throughout Boxing history.

The elements/ingredients that lead to s rematch that most are familiar with are things like controversial outcomes, which can involve the subject of a referee’s stoppage/officiating or the judges’ scoring of a fight. There are times however, where what leads to w rematch can simply be summed up as Oscar De La Hoya said following his first fight with Shane Mosley in June 2000, “A great fight deserves another great rematch.”

The February 2018 encounter between WBC Jr. Bantamweight world champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Juan Francisco Estrada was one bout that did not have the element of a  controversial stoppage, but did have s healthy difference of opinion as to who won at the conclusion of the twelve round Jr. Bantamweight world championship fight. What was one of the better fights of 2018 was reason enough for a second meeting between the two.

A rematch that took place on April 26^th at the site of their first meeting, The Forum in Inglewood, CA. The primary question that is often asked prior to a rematch is which fighter will be able to improve on their performance from the last fight. A more specific way of asking that question is which fighter will be able to make the tactical adjustments necessary to ensure their success in the rematch.

In large part, that question was answered immediately as the challenger Estrada fought at a higher pace than he had in the first encounter and simply brought the fight to Sor Runvisai. Although he used significant lateral movement in the first fight, Estrada was able to largely avoid being pressured by the champion in this rematch by giving angles and throwing combinations of punches. Estrada was also able to avoid getting hit with much of the champion’s offense throughout the fight.

Despite being more effective fighting out of a southpaw stance, Sor Rungvisai spent much of the second fight fighting out of an orthodox stance. Whether or not this tactical adjustment was an attempt by the champion to present Estrada with a new look perhaps with the mindset that Estrada would be more prepared for a southpaw attack this time as compared to the first encounter, it was not successful as the challenger frequently got the better of the exchanges and controlled the ebb and flow of the combat throughout most of the fight.

Although unlike the first encounter, a majority decision victory for Sor Rungvisai, the second encounter resulted in a unanimous decision by convincing margins for Estrada, it was a highly competitive fight that now leaves the door open for a third installment. While some may say that a convincing unanimous decision would make a third fight unnecessary this observer disagrees.

Throughout Boxing history, many of the great series of fights between two fighters have had varying outcomes. From the second encounter between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, to the second encounter between Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, to the, you guessed it,  second encounter between Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward, all of those bouts had a clear winner, but left a chapter still to be written. The third fight. 

Many within the sport whether they be fighters, trainers, broadcasters, and/or those who cover it like yours truly have said that there are times where the third installment between two fighters can often be the best of the series. Of course, there are the rare exceptions where a series of fights carries on beyond a trilogy, but for most a trilogy settles unfinished business.

With twenty-four completed rounds over two exciting fights between Juan Francisco Estrada and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai with each fighter holding a win over each other, the ingredients for a trilogy are certainly there. Whether or not a third fight between the two takes place in the near future is anyone’s guess, but this observer feels it is important that a third encounter between the two take place.

Why is it important? Beyond the obvious of determining who would win the series of fights between the two assuming that the third encounter would be the final time the two would face each other, it is important that the fight take place in order to continue to shine the spotlight on some of Boxing’s lower weight classes that do not always receive the recognition they deserve much in the same way that legends Michael Carbajal and Humberto Gonzalez were able to elevate the lower weight divisions of the sport during their respective careers and during their trilogy of fights in the 1990’s. As Carbajal and Gonzalez eventually retired, the spotlight for the lower weight classes was not the same. While there still were great fighters in the lower weight divisions, who from time to time would receive valuable television exposure, often fighting on undercards of major pay-per-view attractions it was rare at least as far as the United States is concerned to see those weight classes showcased in a position where they were the main attraction.

Although yours truly has always been of the opinion that the fighters in the lower weight classes from the 105lb. Minimumweight division up the scale through the Light-Flyweight, Flyweight Jr. Bantamweight, and Bantamweight divisions are just as deserving of the television exposure here in the United States as has been enjoyed regularly from the 122lb. Jr. Featherweight division on up the scare through Boxing’s remaining weight classes of seventeen total divisions, it has not always happened. Much like the landscape of how the sport is broadcast is changing, in my eyes for the better, so too does the mindset of promoters and network platforms about only airing fighting in Boxing’s lower weight classes on a sporadic basis need to chang.  While I remain firm in my stance that the pay-per-view medium needs to be done away with for the good of the sport and it’s fans, this observer also believes strongly that in order for true growth for the sport to take place and to draw more interest, all weight classes should receive airtime on a regular basis.

While some may laugh at both of those stances, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Juan Francisco Estrada have served as the latest example of why showcasing the lower weight classes in the sport is important. To not do it beyond an occasional/sporadic basis would be to deny the Boxing fan who supports the sport tirelessly access to see some of the best fighters in the sport below 122lbs. compete. More importantly it denies those fighters a crucial opportunity to not only take advantage of the exposure the television and streaming mediums provide, but more specifically, the opportunity to potentially earn more money, which is a goal of every fighter who steps into the ring. While the sport is moving more towards a subscription-based streaming model over the traditional pay-per-view and traditional television mediums, there also remains room for improvement in other areas of the sport. Why not use some of the finances that have been heavily invested in the sport in recent times to focus more attention on Boxing’s lower weight classes and hopefully in the process develop new stars, which can serve both those who have invested significantly in Boxing like DAZN and ESPN’s ESPN+ digital network, but also the sport long-term as well as the fans that support it?

“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

Update

We would like to let our readers know that a feature discussing the recent Jr. Bantamweight world championship rematch between Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Juan Francisco Estrada is in the works and will be released here on the website on Wednesday, May 1^st. Following this, a preview of the May 4^th Middleweight world championship unification bout between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs will be released on Friday, May 3rd. Stay tuned. “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