MATCHROOM BOXING AND DAZN ANNOUNCE ACTION-PACKED START TO UK 2021 SCHEDULE

 

Press Release: January 16, 2020 By DAZN – Eddie Hearn and Matchroom are delighted to announce details of their upcoming UK schedule following the British Boxing Board of Control’s confirmation earlier this week that Boxing tournaments under its jurisdiction will resume in the middle of February. All of the action will be shown live on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories and Sky Sports in the UK. Alexander Povetkin vs. Dillian Whyte 2 will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all other markets excluding the UK and Ireland.

Credit: DAZN 

 

Matchroom’s 2021 schedule launches with a bang on Saturday February 13 as undefeated Josh Warrington (30-0, 7 KOs) faces Mexico’s Mauricio Lara (21-2, 14 KOs) as he waits for a huge fight later in the year, Manchester Super-Featherweight contender Zelfa Barrett (24-1, 15 KOs) defends his IBF Intercontinental Title against Spain’s former Super-Bantamweight World Champion Kiko Martinez (41-9-2, 29 KOs) in the chief support bout, Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (23-2, 13 KOs) clashes with unbeaten Doncaster man Reece Mould (13-0, 6 KOs) for the vacant British Featherweight Title, fast-rising Sheffield Super-Lightweight talent Dalton Smith (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Rotherham’s Lee Appleyard (16-5-1, 5 KOs) and Leeds Featherweight Hopey Price (3-0, 1 KO) looks to build on his win over Jonny Phillips at Fight Camp last summer. 

 

Credit: DAZN 

 

 

Russia’s European Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited Title defence against Josh Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs) at the top of the bill the following week on Saturday February 20, undefeated Welterweights Florian Marku (7-0-1, 5 KOs) and Rylan Charlton (6-0-1, 3 KOs) meet in what promises to be an explosive ten-round battle, Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (13-1, 10 KOs) returns against Spain's Jorge Fortea (21-2-1, 7 KOs) following his win over Adam Harper at Fight Camp, Amy Timlin (4-0-1) and Carly Skelly (3-0-1) rematch for the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title after their split draw on the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora undercard last October and explosive Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher makes his highly anticipated professional debut. 

 

 

Credit: DAZN 

Alexander Povetkin’s (36-2-1, 25 KOs) blockbuster Heavyweight rematch with Dillian Whyte (27-2, 18 KOs) lands on Saturday March 6, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all other markets excluding the UK and Ireland, with details of the chief support bout to be announced shortly, Bermondsey's Ted Cheeseman (16-2-1, 9 KOs) meets Liverpool's James Metcalf (21-0, 13 KOs) for the vacant British Super-Welterweight Title, Ipswich Heavyweight talent Fabio Wardley (10-0, 9 KOs) steps-up again against USA’s former World Title challenger Eric Molina (27-6, 19 KOs), Manchester Super-Featherweight Campbell Hatton – son of British fight legend Ricky Hatton – makes his professional debut and Wembley Super-Featherweight Youssef Khoumari ( 11-0-1, 4 KOs) faces Birmingham’s Kane Baker (14-7).

 

 

Credit: DAZN 

Hackney Cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie (15-0, 12 KOs) attempts to become Britain’s next World Champion in just his sixteenth fight when he clashes with Krzysztof Glowacki for the vacant WBO crown on Saturday March 20, Northampton’s Chantelle Cameron (13-0, 7 KOs) makes the first defence of her WBC Super-Lightweight Word Title against Puerto Rico’s Melissa Hernandez (23-7-3, 7 KOs), Bournemouth’s Commonwealth Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith (11-1, 10 KOs) takes on Chelsea’s English Champion Deion Jumah (13-0, 7 KOs) for the vacant British Title, Somali-British prospect Ramla Ali (1-0) steps through the ropes for a second time as a pro and Birmingham's former Team GB standout Solomon Dacres makes his professional debut.

 

Credit: DAZN 

 

 

On Saturday April 10 rising Welterweight star Conor Benn (17-0, 11 KOs) defends his WBA Continental Title against Samuel Vargas (31-6-2, 14 KOs) following his career-best performance last time out against Sebastian Formella. ‘The Destroyer’ dominated Germany’s Formella over ten rounds, impressively outfighting and outboxing the former IBO World Champion to remain undefeated in the red hot 147lbs division. Vargas has shared the ring with current WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr, two-weight World Champion Danny Garcia and former Unified Super-Lightweight World Champion Amir Khan. Also on the card, Aldridge's Rachel Ball (7-1) and Watford's Shannon Courtenay (6-1, 3 KOs) rematch with the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title on the line, Hartlepool's Savannah Marshall (9-0, 7 KOs) makes the first defence of her WBO Super-Middleweight World Title after her emphatic win over Hannah Rankin in October, Commonwealth Middleweight Champion Felix Cash (13-0, 9 KOs) fights for the first time since his win over Jason Welborn and Glasgow Bantamweight Kash Farooq (14-1, 6 KOs) returns after his masterclass win over Angel Aviles

 

 

Matchroom Sport Managing Director Eddie Hearn said: "Even in a pandemic I feel like this is the strongest start to a year Matchroom have had in a long time. It's going to be a rough ride over the next couple of months but with plenty of drama and excitement along the way. We have some thrilling main events and stacked cards that feature some of the biggest names in British boxing returning to action as we look to make a real statement in 2021."

 

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development for Sky Sports, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with our strongest start to a New Year as we bring you more of the biggest names in British boxing. The hugely popular Josh Warrington kicks off our first live show on Sky Sports, in a World Title defence against Mauricio Lara, with a unification clash in touching distance.

 

“Josh Kelly settles his long-running rivalry with David Avanesyan, while Amy Timlin and Carly Skelly share the ring again on the same bill after battling to a draw. Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin delivered one of the most dramatic Heavyweight fights of last year and we’re expecting more fireworks in their rematch, with Campbell Hatton also making his pro debut, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

 

“Lawrence Okolie finally receives his World Title fight against Krzysztof Glowacki on another exciting night that features Ramla Ali’s return and Chantelle Cameron’s first defence of her WBC belt. It’s then Conor Benn’s turn to take centre stage in a crucial showdown with Samuel Vargas. Boxing is back in 2021, so get ready for more epic fights on Sky Sports.”

 

DAZN EVP Joseph Markowski said: “From a Heavyweight rematch to championship fights to a highly anticipated pro debut, the early 2021 schedule from Matchroom has a little bit of everything and we look forward to delivering these events to fans around the world on DAZN."

 

Material and Photos Courtesy of DAZN Used with permission.

 

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

 

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

 

A Boxing Wishlist For 2021

As is tradition at the beginning of a new year here at The Boxing Truth®️, the time has come once again for this observer to share his “Boxing Wishlist “ for the year to come. While it has become customary over the years for me to discuss what I would like to see both in terms of fights that could be made as well as things that I feel need improvement on the business end of the sport, this year I feel it is appropriate to discuss the dominant subject that overshadowed the world as a whole and not just the world of sports in 2020. The ongoing COVID-19 epidemic.

 

Although Boxing has been able to make strides going into what is now 2021 with some of the sport’s biggest stars returning to action in the latter months of 2020, the true impacts of what unfortunately remains an ongoing global crisis remain unknown. As such, the first addition to this year’s “Boxing Wishlist” is to hopefully see all levels of the sport return to some semblance of normalcy. To be more specific, to see promoters on the regional levels of the sport worldwide be able to hopefully resume staging events at some point in 2021. 

 

While there are several promoters throughout the sport that have been able to resume staging events, most of which have taken place behind closed doors without spectators beyond essential personnel thanks to having the financial resources to do so as well as contracts with both traditional television and digital streaming networks, there are countless other promoters that have been unable to stage events and along with that many fighters have been sidelined due to being unable to compete on cards on a localized and regional level that can both provide a source of income as well as potentially lead to opportunities at higher levels of the sport. Of course, the ultimate factor that will determine whether Boxing on a regional level will be able to return will be determined by if the circumstances of COVID-19 can legitimately improve where those events can be held regularly akin to how the sport operates in its normal state and specifically if it can be done safely. For the good of the sport,  the fighters who compete in it, and the countless others that are involved in the sport however, hopefully progress towards a return to normalcy can be made this year.

 

One aspect of Boxing that somehow managed to exist in 2020, despite the ongoing epidemic was the decision of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters as well as television networks Showtime and Fox Sports choose to stage cards via pay-per-view distribution in the latter stages of 2020. While it should be no secret to longtime readers as to this observer’s recurring theme regarding how the pay-per-view model has become overpriced and undervalued as time has gone on, the decision to do pay-per-view cards during the ongoing circumstances at inflated price points did not prove to be a wise decision as several of those events failed to exceed 200,000 buys per card. The one exception to this was a Boxing event that was not affiliated with the PBC that took place during the month of November. I am speaking of course of the highly publicized exhibition between Mike Tyson and Roy Jones that generated over one million buys between digital pay-per-view via FITE.TV and cable/satellite pay-per-view providers.

 

Although any pay-per-view event generating over one million buys should be viewed as a success especially in a climate where cable and satellite providers are seeing more subscribers opt for digital streaming options over traditional pay-TV service, it is important to remember that the Tyson-Jones exhibition was a curiosity rather than two legends of the sport using it as a platform to officially re-enter competition at an advanced age. As such, it would not be accurate for one to point to that figure as reflective of a distribution model that is still viable as 2021 begins. In comparison to pay-per-view, the PBC, which was originally marketed as a platform to see Boxing return to free over the air television networks on a consistent basis has seen higher viewership on occasions where cards have been broadcast on either free television in the form of the national Fox network here in the United States, its national sports network Fox Sports 1, which is available on cable, satellite, and live TV streaming providers, as well as premium cable network Showtime.

An illustration of this can be seen in the ratings for the recent PBC Boxing event that took place on December 26^ththat was televised on the national Fox network, which did over a million viewers. While part of the problem is that promoters who still rely on the pay-per-view model have a certain number of dates strictly for pay-per-view distribution as part of their contracts with respective networks, regardless of which fighters might be featured on those cards, the other sticking point that has contributed greatly to the decline of the pay-per-view model beyond only a fraction of the a full Boxing card being offered to consumers are the prices. Although many digital streaming pay-per-view platforms like FITE TV have offered cards at varying price points that are more often than not are reasonably priced, the fact that most pay-per-view Boxing attractions that are made available via cable/satellite distribution often come with a price point that begins between the $60-$70 range should be a red flag to any objective observer. This along with the rise of the digital subscription streaming model spearheaded by digital subscription sports streaming networks DAZN and ESPN+, which each offer considerably more content per card for subscribers while offering said content for either reasonably priced monthly or annual subscription options has only accelerated the continued decline of the pay-per-view model. 

 

While it should not be overlooked that both of DAZN’s recent marquee events, the December 19^th bout between Callum Smith and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez as well as the January second bout between Ryan Garcia and Luke Campbell were simulcast on pay-per-view on select cable/satellite providers, this has been a strategy aimed at targeting non-subscribers as a way to market DAZN’s network. Though it remains to be seen as to how successful those cards were in terms of attracting non-subscribers via the declining medium of pay-per-view, as 2021 begins, I would like to see those promoters who have been resistant to change look for ways to adapt. In thinking of how promoters could make up revenues that theoretically come from pay-per-view distribution, I immediately thought of advertising.

 

Advertising revenue has been a major part of sports since the inception of television and many who are of a certain age likely remember when Boxing aired regularly on free over the air television here in the United States in decades past, many of those events, particularly those that aired during the prime time evening hours saw regular segments aimed at advertising a slate of sponsors. Even today, we still see a regular advertising presence on cards broadcast by DAZN, ESPN/ESPN+ as well as those events broadcast on the national Fox network and its cable sports networks carrying the Fox Sports branding.  Although some may view the idea of advertising revenue as a way to replace pay-per-view revenue for those promoters that have resisted entering the digital subscription streaming realm as something that cannot be done, it is also worth noting that video websites/apps such as YouTube have served as a platform for several Boxing promoters globally while also being used to generate advertising revenue while also making their events available to significantly more viewers globally than would normally be the case on traditional television platforms or pay-per-view, which often is aimed at a centralized market. 

 

While it is not something that should not be approached as something that would be a “Quick Fix” or something that should not be approached with a strategic mindset, if the circumstances of the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic has shown anything it is the need to adapt to the changing environment, which unfortunately is no closer to returning to normal as 2021 begins than it was at the conclusion of 2020. Keeping in mind the one success on pay-per-view for the sport in 2020, it should also serve as a wake up call to those promoters and networks who have continued to rely on the pay-per-view model that something needs to change as consumers are likely to continue to not support the idea of paying an inflated fee to watch Boxing on a consistent basis in the midst of times that remain uncertain and with more reasonable options available, which offer more content for the price. Hopefully, 2021 will be a year where those who have resisted adapting will at least test the waters.

 

Although a regular addition on my annual “Boxing Wishlist” remains reserved for wanting to see interim/regular champion designations done away with that while well-intentioned as a way of ensuring fighters who earn opportunities at a world championship eventually get their opportunity, continues to create confusion and more issues than it has solved, one subject that emerged in 2020 that I have remained quiet about until now was the attempt by the World Boxing Council (WBC) to introduce what would be an eighteenth professional weight class into the sport “Bridgerweight.”

 

When I first heard of the “Bridgerweight” concept, I honestly scratched my head and was confused. In short, this proposed weight class would be between Boxing’s Cruiserweight division, which is for fighters weighing between 190lbs. and 200lbs. and Heavyweight, which in the modern era of the sport has been for fighters weighing 200lbs. and up. The “Bridgerweight” concept would be for fighters between 200lbs.-224lbs. It is important to keep in mind that Boxing’s Cruiserweight division, which is still regarded by some as the Jr. Heavyweight weight class has always struggled for mainstream recognition particularly here in the United States as it has always been viewed as a stepping stone for those fighters who might be too big to reach the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight limit to more or less test the waters at a higher weight without going directly into the Heavyweight division. The most prominent example of this was the legendary Evander Holyfield, who initially put the Cruiserweight/Jr. Heavyweight division on the map becoming the division’s first undisputed world champion in the 1980’s before embarking on greater success in the Heavyweight division where he added four additional reigns as a Heavyweight world champion before ultimately retiring as a five-time/two-division world champion in a Hall of Fame career.

 

Despite the notoriety Holyfield was able to bring the Cruiserweight/Jr. Heavyweight division, the division as a whole has never been able to obtain the status of other weight classes as some Light-Heavyweights have chosen to bypass the division all together to enter the Heavyweight division or those who have won world championships in the Cruiserweight division and have become unified or undisputed world champions have continued to seek further glory and lucrative opportunities as Heavyweights. While there has not been much support for the “Bridgerweight” concept throughout the sport and understandably so, much like the implementation of interim/regular champion designations used by some of the sport’s sanctioning organizations, I do believe the idea by the WBC was well-intended. For a sport with seventeen weight classes already and constant questions/confusion regarding its rankings and overall structure however, this is indeed “A Bridge Too Far” by the WBC and it is my hope/wish that the sanctioning organization just regard this as a bad idea and focus more attention on other issues that need to be addressed for Boxing to progress forward and grow.

 

Although this year’s “Boxing Wishlist “ differs from previous years, these are the things I wish for in 2021. Above all however, the main priority for all involved in the sport should be to hopefully see the circumstances of COVID-19 improve significantly even if it were to mean that Boxing along with other sports might have to pause for a period of time as was the case in 2020 in order for things to get back to some semblance of normalcy. With the frustration that was 2020 behind us, we now embark on 2021. Hopefully, by year’s end we will all be talking about the great success Boxing was able to have and the progress the sport has made. This observer certainly hopes so. 

 

“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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRUNO "THE TERMINATOR" TARIMO CRACKS TOP 10: WONT STOP TILL I’M WORLD CHAMPION

 Press Release: January 14, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – 25-year-old Australian based Tanzanian Bruno "The Terminator" Tarimo, has cracked the IBF Top 10 World Rankings. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Tarimo has an impressive record (25-2-2) and is on a mega hot streak since signing with powerhouse Manager Tony Tolj, winning, the IBF Pan Pacific, IBF International Title and his last 4 opponents have a combined record of 101 wins and 9 loss all former World rated boxers and winning convingly in their backyards.

Tarimo is the chief sparring partner for former WBA World Champion Andrew and 2 Time World Championship Challenger JasonMoloney.

The man known as “The Terminator” opened up about entering the IBF’s top 10 and his thoughts moving forward.

“I would like to thank president (IBF) Daryl Peoples… & my manager “The Boss” Tony Tolj for believing in me and making everything possible he has changed me and my family life.

 

Earl Wingman, coach, Benji, Nadine everyone is like new family for me and I am so lucky God bless me with such a good team” Tarimo stated. 

 

I am now IBF #10, WBA #13 and I will fight any World Champion from 122lbs to 130lbs

I am only 25 years old and learning every day with coach, Ive had 29 professional fights but I learned more in my time in Australia because I was lucky enough to be part of Team Moloneys training team. It was really an honor to see the professionalism of Jason and Andrew Moloney once I came to Australia, I know I must improve every step of the way.

Our team is very strong and we are getting better every day. We have Andrew Moloney who should be World champion, what happened to him is not good for boxing and Jason Moloney I have no doubt he will be World Champion together all us

I am very lucky to be in such a good country as Australia, and I promise I will win the World title for my people in Tanzania and my new family in Australia.

Never underestimate the Terminator, I will not stop until I become the World Champion and make my family proud.”

 

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.

Manyo Plange Tipped For World Title By Yoofi Boham And Tony Tolj

 Press Release: January 14, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing And Sammy Heywood Okine – Experience boxing consultant, Yoofi Boham has tipped Ghanaian boxer Jessie Manyo Plange for a world title very soon after he moved up to the second spot on the latest World Boxing Association (WBA) ratings. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

 

He said with the support of his manager, Tony Tojl who is based in Australia, they are managing affairs well to get the boxers in top shape before he cracks at the title held by experienced champion Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux or Gary Antonio Russel, one of the fine boxers in the division and currently situated at #1.

 

Since Plange, 32 moved up to number 2 in the latest World Boxing Association (WBA) ratings, his confidence has soured and he has stepped up his training.

 

He has won all his 20 fights with a contraversial draw which he feels he won against Michael Dasmarinas at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore.

 

Plange, ex captain of the national amateur boxing team, the Black Bombers is one of the most loved boxers and many Ghanaians believe he can become a world champion.

 

According to Boham they are going to make him one of the legends of Ghana Boxing. He thanked Dr. Arthur, John Marfo and others who have supported the budding champion.

 

In an exclusive chat with West AustralianTony Tolj, he said Plange is on the list of 60 boxers whom they are managing and promoting to become world champions.

 

Jessie Manyo Plange won silver at the 2007 All-Africa Games and participated at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

 

He was recently voted best Boxer in Ghana for 2020.

 

Material Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing and Sammy Heywood Okine/ 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.

 

 

 

CHILEAN PRODIGY JUNIOR "LA JOYA CRUZAT RETURNS FEB 26 FOR 1ST TITLE FIGHT

 Press Release: January 9, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – The fighting pride of Chile, teenage prodigy Junior "La Joya" Cruzat 8-0 has announced his return to action. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

The event will take place at the Municipality of Llanquihue on February 26, of the lake city in Chile. Home town hero Cruzat has acquired a cult following in the region and takes his first steps towards championship glory challenging for the vacant WBA Fedebol Featherweight Championship.

The undefeated Llanquihue native Junior “La Joya” Cruzat is scheduled to take on 43 fight veteran Argentine Fabián Oscar Orosco, who was an Argentine National champion and an International Boxing Federation and the World Boxing Organization Latino Champion.

Orosco discussed the upcoming fight.
"I'm the veteran, I've been in there with the best, I have experience, the wisdom. The young pup will know what to do when I take him to deep water. Feb 26th I'm taking the WBA Fedebol Championship back to Argentina."

Junior Cruzat is the No. 1 featherweight in Chile and possesses an immaculate record of 8 wins, with 5 wins by the way KO. 

Cruzat last fought November 13 of last year against countryman Juan Jiminez in his home town of the Municipality of Llanquihue.

The wonderkid known as "La Joya" gave his thoughts on his impending title clash.

"Firstly, I want to thank my team for making this all possible, the WBA, President Mendoza, Chilean Boxing president Luis Venezuela, my father, my promoter Nico Martínez (Dragon Fire Latino), my manager Tony Tolj and of course the Municipality of Llanquihue. I live, sleep, boxing and I will not stop until I become the 1st Chilean World Champion. Diamonds are forever and so is "La Joya" Cruzat, February 26 I take my first step towards the World title."

 

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. 

“A Boxing Wishlist For 2021” Feature Update

 

We would like to let our readers know that we are still in between rounds. While it remains unknown as of now as to when exactly the usual weekly schedule of pre-fight features, Boxing card, coverage, and additional feature columns will resume as normal due to a set schedule of events not being established as of yet, Beau Denison’s annual “Boxing Wishlist” feature column, which normally begins our calendar schedule, will be released here on the website on Friday, January 15^th. As always, any additional content that is sent to us for release will be made available for readers as normal. 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

Andres Campos Targets WBO & WBA Flyweight World Champions Nakatani and Dalakian For 2021 Showdown

 

Press Release: January 6, 2020 By Dragon Fire Boxing – WBO #9 & WBA #15 Flyweight Andres Campos (9-0) is looking to make a push for Championship honours in 2021, The Chilean ‘Super Star’ is targeting Japanese WBO Champion Junto Nakatani and WBA Champion Artem Dalakian. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

On November 6th the 22 year-old Japanese wonder kid, Junto Nakatani (21-0) secured his first World Championship by defeating Giemel Magramo (24-2) for vacant WBO Flyweight title via an 8th round KO at the World famous Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, Campos has not seen any action since the 14th of March fighting in his homeland of Santiago, Chile with "The Crocodile" soundly defeating Ecuadorian Pedro Villegas 21-1.

Despite global upheaval Campos has not stopped honing his craft having taken part in training camps in the United States with the World Famous Australian Moloney Twins Andrew and Jason.

"I'm ready for any fight my team puts in front of me. I have full faith in my promoter Nico (Nicholas Martinez) Dragon Fire Boxing Latino and my manager, The Big Bossman Tony (Tolj). Its tough here in Chile with Covid I haven't fought for a while and I can't wait to get back in the ring. I would like the WBO Champion Nakatani or the WBA Champion Artem Dalakian. Im 25 years old so I have some time and I will be patient.” Said Campos regarding his plans for the upcoming year.

Manager Tony Tolj went on to discuss the strategy for the Chilean flyweight ahead of 2021.

"I have personally been on the ground floor since Andres’ 3rd fight, he just gets better and better. He is a genuine ‘Rock Star’ in Chile and I'm proud he has remained very humble, especially during these difficult times with the pandemic. He hasn't fought for a little while, but he has probably done a couple of hundred rounds with Andrew and Jason (Moloney) in the States for their respective training camps.

“Andres has also done some rounds with former world champion, DJ Kriel, Aussie prospect Vegas Larfield and Puerto Rican Jonathan Rodriguez to name a few.

“I know he is doing everything possible to earn himself a world title shot with Nakatani and Artem Dalakian. Andres holds both WBO and WBA Regional Titles. We have big plans for Andres in 2021 and with the birth of our Dragon Fire Boxong Latino promotions we will do whatever it takes to bring a champion to South America. One thing is for certain! 2021 its going to be the feeding time for "The Crocodile" Andres Campos."

 

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.

Bruno 'The Terminator' Tarimo Puts Hand Up For Impatient Xu Can With No Clear Date For Josh Warrington

 

Press Release: January 6, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – China’s only World Champion WBA World Featherweight Champion Xu Can, is growing frustrated with the uncertainty of an upcoming unification clash with Josh Warrington. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

The boxer from the Fuzhou, Jiangxi province, has been out of the ring since retaining the WBA's World featherweight championship by winning a unanimous decision over Manny Robles in November 2019.

Xu (18-2, 3 KOs) has been waiting for a long time to get in the ring with International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight champion Josh Warrington (30-0, 7 KOs) and with the recent covid issues in the UK it doesn't look like happening anytime soon

"I'm tired of waiting; I want to be a fighting champion. Many professional fighters I know have retired and become coaches because there is really no competition during these times. Some even changed careers and got other jobs. But I have to fight. It's my job. After all, I have waited for a year for the chance to face Warrington. My next goal is a unification war."

One fighter offering his services to the impatient Xu Can is WBA and IBF World rated Bruno "The Termintor" Tarimo 25-2

Tarimo, The Australian based Tanzanian is the chief sparring partner of Australia's greatest export The Fighting Moloney Twins Andrew and Jason.

Bruno discussed a potential WBA World Featherweight Clash with Can.

"Xu Can, I know your frustration I went over 1 year before my last fight. If there is no Warrington, I'm ready to fight you in Australia, In China, or if your lounge room. For me it's anyone, anywhere, anytime.

I would do anything to fight for the World title. I live in Australia, because of the pandemic I have not seen my wife or kids in over a year and I know with this World Championship opportunity it will change my families life.

Xu Can you throw a million punches, but you cannot stop the Terminator. My mission is to get the World title and I will not stop until I get my World Championship. Any one that gets in my way, Hasta La Vista baby!"

Should there be no Warrington fight in the immediate future, no doubt Can v Tarimo would deliver a fight of the year candidate.

 

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

 

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

Ronald Chacon Wants IBF Jnr Fly Champion Felix Alvarado

  Press Release: January 5, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Felix "El Gemelo" Alvarado improved his record to 36-2 on Saturday, January 2^nd stopping a very game former World Champion in South Africa Deejay Kriel at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas Texas. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

The #3 rated IBF World Jnr Flyweight contender Kriel was relentless throwing 954 punches but was not enough eventually being stopped in the 10th stanza.

Alavarado put the Jnr Flyweight division on notice and further cements himself to be the man in the divison.

One invested fight observer was IBF #9 rated contender Ronald "El Criollo" Chacon. 

The Venezuelan opened up about a potential title challenge.

"Alvarado I have great respect for, he is a savage, he doesn't stop. Roger Gutierrez fought on the same show beating his twin brother Rene Alvarado for the WBA Super Featherweight title. 

Gutierrez has inspired me to challenge Alvarado and I know I can beat him. If they have a rematch I want to fight Felix and Roger fights Rene. I'm confident Venezuala makes its 2-0 over Nicaragua.

I have worked my whole career and with my team behind me, Fundacio Talento Activos Orangel Ramos and my International Promoter Tony Tolj (Dragon Fire Boxing we will make this fight happen sooner than later), 2020 was a bad year for everyone but 2021 is the year of Venezuela."

 

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.

 

New Zealands Mose Auimatagi 14-2 vs Australia's Blake Caparello 30-3 In The Works

 

Press Release: January 5, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – The match is shaping up to take place on March 13th Bendigo Stadium in Bendigo, Victoria Australia. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

The venue made famous when Australia's last World Champion Andrew Moloney stopped current WBA World Flyweight interim Champion Panama's Luis "El Nica" Concepcion in September of 2018

Caparello is the current WBA Oceania Light Heavyweight Champion and World rated (WBA #3, WBO #9 and WBC #10).

El Capo has not seen in ring action since taking on Reece Papuni on August 9th 2019, the longest career lay-off since Caparello turned to the pro ranks in 2009. 

Auimatagi most recently took on WBO #6 David Light on the 19th of December. The fight saw Auimatagi come off the canvas and grind out a 10 round loss. The fight was originally scheduled to take place on the Joseph Parker v Junior Fa clash but due to Fas injury the bout was quickly rescheduled.

Interestingly enough Auimatagi moved up from Super Middle to Cruiserweight for the clash, the fight with Caparello is scheduled at Light Heavyweight and for the WBA Oceania title.

Auimatagi discussed the proposed fight;
"I just love to fight, anyone, anywhere, anytime, I'm old school like that. I haven't got any contract yet but my manager Tony Tolj is working all that out and it should be sorted this week. I'm definitely looking forward to moving back down and having the fight at Light Heavyweight, Cruiserweight was too much for me and I felt slow and sluggish. Im still glad I took the fight, you have to dare to be great and got in some good rounds and kept active when some fighters have not been fighting at all. March 13th you will see the real Iron Mose Auimatagi back in action."

 

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.

Ryan Garcia Passes The Test

 The year 2021 is one that has a sense of hope both for the sport of Boxing and the world as a whole that is still dealing with the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic. In previous years, it has not been uncommon to see a slight pause in the Boxing schedule through the Christmas and New Year’s holidays only to gradually pick up the schedule in mid or late January. Due largely to the circumstances of COVID-19, the sport of Boxing began its 2021 calendar year on January 2^nd in Dallas, TX where the Boxing world and 6,000 spectators observing COVID-19 guidelines focused its attention on the American Airlines Center for an intriguing Lightweight clash of youth versus experience. This observer is referring to the showdown between undefeated Lightweight contender and rising star Ryan Garcia and former two-time world title challenger and former Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell. A showdown that was initially targeted to be amongst an active close to the 2020 Boxing schedule during the month of December, but was unfortunately delayed one month due to Campbell testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.

 

With Campbell cleared to compete it was simply time for the two fighters to do battle. In previewing this bout, this observer stated that while there was no denying that Ryan Garcia is a fighter who’s star is on the rise, the inevitable question of when he would face a legitimate test followed him into this encounter, similar to virtually all rising prospects turned contenders. Although Garcia had made heads turn in his most recent fights against Romero Duno and Francisco Fonseca, two fighters he was able to knockout in the first round, I did not believe we would see a similar circumstance in this bout. This was due largely to Campbell’s high caliber and his overall edge in experience.

 

It did not take long for Campbell to use that experience to ask some of the questions of Garcia that some have been waiting to be answered. After an uneventful opening round where neither fighter really stood out from the other, Campbell dropped Garcia hard with a perfectly timed left hook to the head. The sudden knockdown immediately brought an element of suspense to this fight as not only was Garcia knocked down for the first time in his career, but he was also clearly hurt for the first time as well. Sometimes in Boxing and by extension all combat sports, questions that are asked of fighters prior to bouts can be answered quickly.

 

Despite being knocked down and staggered, Garcia immediately got back to his feet and the fight continued. While a fighter jumping up so quickly can be a psychological tactic to convince an opponent as well as spectators that they really are not hurt, it did show a little of Garcia’s inexperience particularly against top caliber opposition by his getting up so quickly and not taking a few seconds to make sure he had his head clear. For those who questioned Garcia’s legitimacy as a fighter due largely to his significant following he has generated on social media platforms however, Garcia would show he is indeed a fighter.  The twenty-two year old Garcia showed calm under pressure and by the end of the second round was exchanging offense with the thirty-three year old Campbell.

 

Garcia was able to show not only an ability to get up from the kind of punch that may have ended the night for some fighters, not only show a tactical approach upon getting up from the knockdown, but as the fight progressed was also able to turn things around in his favor. In the latter stages of round five Garcia connected with a left hook to the temple of Campbell that effected his equilibrium and had him staggered. Fortunately for the longtime top contender, this occurred shortly before the bell rang to end the fifth round and to his credit, Campbell was able to display his own ability to adapt under pressure.

 

It would be in round seven however, that the fight would be brought to a sudden conclusion. With the ebb and flow of the combat appearing to shift in his favor, Garcia connected with a brutal left hook to the body that after a momentary delayed reaction sent Campbell down to the canvas on his knees and unable to beat the ten count. The victory for Garcia, the twenty-first of his professional career did indeed prove to be the toughest test for him thus far. 

 

While there may continue to be skeptics and critics in regard to just how good Ryan Garcia is, the fact is he passed the test and one might argue that this type of victory, one where he was legitimately knocked down, hurt, and in trouble for the first time in his career will do more for him in the long-term than had he been able to score a quick knockout without having to face much resistance. By scoring a victory in getting up off the canvas to ultimately knockout an opponent in Luke Campbell, who had never been stopped in his twenty-three previous professional fights, but also doing it after having to adapt to Campbell’s movement and hand speed was certainly impressive.  What went on in this fight will serve as a learning experience in Garcia’s ongoing development. It should also not be overlooked that Garcia, who made an elaborate entrance to the ring for the bout by being literally carried to the ring in the style of a king showed his class by embracing Campbell after the fight, telling his opponent that he had never been knocked down before and saying thank you as he learned a lot in the bout.

 

In a world that can be fickle at times where folks will focus only on negative aspects of just about everything, in a sport where it is not uncommon to see fighters air their frustrations and/or play down instances like what Ryan Garcia experienced in this fight, it is refreshing to see two fighters displaying only respect for each other. As the sport has now entered 2021, one can only hope that others follow the example Ryan Garcia and Luke Campbell showed.

 

“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

 

 

 

 

Happy 2021

 

We would like to wish our readers a very happy and safe 2021. Unlike in years past where there has been an initial down period at the beginning of the year due to a pause in the Boxing schedule, a post- feature regarding the January 2^ndLightweight encounter between undefeated contender Ryan Garcia and former world title challenger Luke Campbell will be released on Monday, January 4^th. We here at The Boxing Truth® look forward to continuing to provide readers with features, weigh-in results, special previews, fight card recaps, and other content also being released as events approach throughout the sport of Boxing.  The Boxing Truth® welcomes the opportunity to continue to provide our readers with accurate information, in-depth analysis, and objective opinions regarding the sport of Boxing as well as the participants and issues that surround it.  We thank all our readers for your continued support and we look forward to hearing from you throughout 2021 and beyond.

 

An additional announcement regarding when the schedule will resume beyond the January 4^th Garcia-Campbell post-feature as well as when Beau Denison’s annual “Boxing Wishlist” feature, which normally begins our schedule every year, will be released, will be announced on Friday, January 8^th. In the interim, any additional content that is sent in to us for release will continue to be made available to our readers as normal. 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