BKFC “KnuckleMania” Weights

 

The official weigh-in for Friday’s Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) “KnuckleMania “ Bareknuckle Boxing event took place earlier today in Florida. Official weights for the entire card, which can be seen on the BKFC’s own digital subscription streaming network Bareknuckle.TV, and on digital pay-per-view via FITE.TV are as follows .

 

Main Event: Women’s Featherweight – 5Rds.

 

Paige Van Zant 126lbs. vs. Britain Hart 124 1/4lbs.

 

Heavyweight – 5Rds.

 

Haim Gozali 204lbs. vs. John McAllister 201 3/4lbs.

 

Heavyweight – 5Rds.

 

Chris Leben 204 1/2lbs. vs. Quentin Henry 205 1/2lbs.

 

Light-Heavyweight 5Rds.

 

Jeff Bailey 186 3/4lbs. vs. Andrew Lipton 183 1/2lbs.

 

Heavyweight – 5Rds.

 

Lorenzo Hunt 206 3/4lbs. vs. Robert Morrow 204 1/4lbs.

 

Heavyweight – 5Rds.

 

Chris Jensen 262 3/4lbs. vs. Dillon Clecker 248lbs.

 

Women’s Featherweight – 5Rds.

 

Taylor Starling 125 1/2lbs. vs. Charisa Sigala 122 3/4lbs.

 

Lightweight – 5Rds.

 

Jarod Grant 134 1/2lbs. vs. Brandon Lambert 137lbs.

 

Lightweight – 5Rds. 

Travis Thompson 135 1/4lbs. vs. David Morgan 135 3/4lbs.

 

Lightweight – 5Rds. 

 

Dat Nguyen 134lbs. vs. Johnny Bedford 133 3/4lbs.

 

Jr. Middleweight – 5Rds.

 

Martin Brown 155 1/4lbs. vs. Zachary Zane 155 1/2lbs.

 

Jr. Welterweight – 5Rds. 

 

John Chalbeck 144 3/4lbs. vs. Greg Bono 144 1/2lbs.

 

BKFC: “KnuckleMania “ takes place tomorrow night (Friday, February 5^th) at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, FL. The entire card can be seen globally on the BKFC’s digital subscription streaming network BKTV, on mobile, PC, connected streaming devices, and Smart TVs beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT (U.S. Time.). For more information about BKTV please visit: https://watch.bareknuckle.tv/. This card can also be viewed globally as a standalone digital pay-per-view event on FITE.TV on mobile, PC, connected streaming devices, and Smart TVs for $39.99. For ordering information download the FITE app or visit: https://www.fite.tv/watch/bkfc-knuckle-mania/2p8o8/.

 

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

 

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Where Does Caleb Plant Fit Into The Equation?

 

It is really not an arguable point that one of if not the biggest story in the sport of Boxing as 2021 begins continues to be the career plans of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the current unified WBA/WBC Super Middleweight world champion. As most know, Alvarez scored a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten WBA world champion Callum Smith in December and along with winning the WBA crown also earned unified world champion status as the vacated WBC crown was also at stake.

As Alvarez continues to ply his craft under a new promotional agreement with promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing at least in terms of the immediate future and remains in a continuing working relationship with digital subscription-based sports streaming network DAZN, one fighter who has been left out of the equation for the time being is undefeated IBF Super-Middleweight world champion Caleb Plant.

Plant, who entered his bout on January 30th against former IBF Super-Middleweight world champion Caleb Truax unbeaten in twenty professional bouts, appeared as though he might have been a candidate to face Alvarez following the latter’s well-publicized split from longtime promoter Oscar De La Hoya and for time from DAZN. Alvarez of course, opted to begin a promotional pact with Eddie Hearn, which resulted in his recent championship win over Callum Smith and also has been able to maintain his relationship with DAZN in the process.

This has for the time being left Caleb Plant on the outside, looking in and quite possibly missing out on some of the more lucrative opportunities that may be available to him. Why is Plant on the outside, looking in? In this observer’s view it has to do with the fact that Plant currently competes under the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) promotional banner, a banner consisting of a group of promoters that have not always been eager to make fights happen with promoters outside of those promoters that are involved with the PBC.

The undefeated native of Nashville, TN Plant however, is still one of the best fighters in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division and is one of the rising stars in the sport. Perhaps the best way for a fighter who is on the outside, looking in to provide a strong argument as being a candidate for an opponent of Alvarez’ marquee status is to put forth convincing performances and to do so in front of a sizable audience.

Plant did exactly that when he faced Caleb Truax at the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles, CA. For twelve rounds, Caleb Plant displayed a full arsenal of Boxing skill in masterfully out boxing the former world champion to successfully defend his IBF world championship for the third time. From start to finish, Plant used his height, reach, and timing to dictate the tempo of the combat. What was particularly impressive in my eyes was how measured Plant was in his approach in that he was able to more or less pick his spots and did not at any point in the bout become overly aggressive, nor did he leave his challenger with many openings to execute his offense consistently. While some may argue that the best way for an unbeaten world champion such as Plant to provide a strong argument for a potential fight with a fighter such as Saul Alvarez would have been to score a knockout, there is something that is perhaps more impressive depending on one’s perspective about a fighter who is able to be in complete command of a twelve round world championship bout from start to finish, which was in some ways not all that unlike the performance that Alvarez was able to put forth against Callum Smith in that Plant was able to win all twelve rounds on all three official judges scorecards.

What does a victory over Caleb Truax do for Caleb Plant in the long run? Well, the victory did allow Plant to resume competition after being sidelined for over a year due to the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic. Perhaps more beneficial however, is Plant’s victory over Truax, which took place behind closed doors due to the ongoing epidemic, was seen by over two million viewers in the main event of a four hour Boxing card televised nationally here in the United States on the national Fox network.

While yours truly has long been critical of those promoters who continue to insist on an outdated and overpriced model of pay-per-view in the sport of Boxing even in the midst of a global crisis as well as the steady shift of consumers toward over the top (OTT) digital streaming options over traditional cable and satellite television distribution, a steady shift that has only accelerated due to COVID-19, any Boxing card that draws over two million viewers on free television should serve as an indicator to those holdouts that have resisted adapting away from the pay-per-view model that it is time to shift focus. Plant’s performance in front of a large viewing audience, which was more sizable in scope than many recent cards that have been presented strictly on pay-per-view should not only drum up interest toward a potential encounter with Alvarez down the line, but also should show promoters that there is an audience for the sport of Boxing. It just may not be an audience that is willing to pay an inflated fee to watch 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

 

 

Thoughts On Stiverne-Bryan

As the Boxing world continues to cope with the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, the first month of 2021 has largely been a quiet one for the sport in terms of action inside the ring. Sometimes however, what takes place outside the ring can be just as intriguing as watching two fighters engage in combat. A story that took up a significant amount of attention during the month of January concerned the scheduled Heavyweight encounter between top contender and former world title challenger Manuel Charr and unbeaten contender Trevor Bryan, which was scheduled to take place on January 29^th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL.

 

Like many fights in the recent history of the sport, the encounter between Charr, who held interim/regular champion status in the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) ratings and Bryan, a fighter that also held an interim designation in the organization’s Heavyweight rankings, was delayed by the ongoing epidemic and subsequent pause the sport experienced last year. The weeks leading up to the what was rescheduled bout can be best described as “A Saga “ with as many twists and turns as one would find in a scripted television drama series. While frankly such events were difficult to follow on a daily basis, which for the sake of the reader I will attempt to summarize the circumstances that included, but was not limited to accusations of the Charr camp towards promoter Don King, the promoter of the event of not wanting stage the event, issues regarding whether Charr would be allowed to travel to the United States from Germany where he is based due to the ongoing epidemic, medical testing protocols, visa issues, and finally an issue regarding the contract for the fight that evidently was unsigned, this ultimately resulted in Charr being removed from the fight and former WBC Heavyweight world champion Bermane Stiverne, who was to have fought on the undercard stepping in to face Bryan on a little more than forty-eight hours notice.

 

Only adding to the complicated puzzle that frankly had this observer befuddled and wondering daily in the days prior to the card as to whether or not any fights at all would take place in what was a King independently produced pay-per-view broadcast on the promoter’s websites www.DonKing.com, www.DonKingTV.com, www.DKPBoxing.com, and finally also carried on digital combat sports network and pay-per-view platform www.FITE.TV, the WBA opted on the day of the fight to sanction the now Stiverne-Bryan bout as having an interim/regular champion status designation, while also designating Charr as “Champion in recess” and mandating that the winner would have to face Charr within a 120-day window after this fight took place.

 

With the plethora of issues, which yours truly has hopefully, done as good a job of explaining in as simple terms as possible for the reader, it was finally time to focus on a fight no one expected to take place on January 29^th.  When any fight on any level of combat sports is made on such short notice, the only logical question one can really ask is what type of fight can one expect to see.

 

In this case, one fighter Bryan, who entered unbeaten in twenty professional fights had been inactive since August 2018 when he knocked out BJ Flores to earn his interim designation in the WBA rotation behind current unified IBF/WBA/WBO/IBO Heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua. While his inactivity was significantly increased by the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic as well aa circumstances of the on again, off again bout with Manuel Charr, it was logical to wonder what impact nearly three years of inactivity would have on him.  Despite his status as a former world champion, Bernane Stiverne had not won a fight since a 2015 ten round unanimous decision over Derric Rossy, so it was also logical to question what he would bring into this fight in addition to taking the bout on short notice. 

 

Although one might assume that they should not have expected much given the narrow window of time that this bout was made, what took place when the two 267lb. Heavyweights got in the ring was a surprisingly competitive fight under the circumstances. The one constant that stood out in this fight in my eyes was how effective Bryan was in being able to execute his jab in usually being the one to initiate the combat as well as mixing in short combinations to the body and head from time to time. Stiverne meanwhile seemed to be most effective either when he was able to land looping right hands to the head of Bryan and held his own in some heated exchanges of offense between the two fighters.

 

Trevor Bryan’s consistency however, stood out more as the fight progressed and as the bout entered the middle and late rounds, it became a question of whether Bryan would be content to box his way to victory or if he would try to get an increasingly fatigued Stiverne out of there if the opportunity presented itself. Despite the ebb and flow increasing in Bryan’s favor, Stiverne remained dangerous and appeared to stun Bryan with a few of the right hands he was able to land. 

 

In round eleven, Bryan connected with a flush right hand to the head behind several jabs that set off a barrage of punches that sent Stiverne down. After sending Stiverne down for a second time with another right hand to the head, the former world champion did manage to beat the count, but it was clear that he had nothing left to give in this fight and after a brief follow-up barrage by Bryan, the fight was stopped by Referee Frank Gentile.

 

The win for Trevor Bryan does in theory set the stage for the long delayed encounter between himself and Manuel Charr to take place later this year. This obviously will depend on both the ongoing COVID-19 global epidemic as well as a potential legal battle between Charr, promoter Don King, and the WBA. Developments, which we all will have to wait and see what will happen next.

 

As for promoter Don King, this card also marked his return to promoting after not promoting a Boxing card as a lead promoter since 2018. For the eighty-nine year old Hall of Fame promoter, this card also marked the debut of his foray into the digital streaming realm both through his own websites as well as FITE.TV. With three additional events targeted for later this year through King’s streaming platform, one can only hope that subsequent events will not have the same type of day to day drama preceding what will hopefully take place in the Boxing ring. Hopefully, COVID-19 will also not stand in the way of an opportunity for fighters who have been sidelined largely due to the ongoing global crisis to re-enter competition. While this observer cannot say what will happen next, the Boxing world will certainly be watching. 

 

“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

CHUA CALLS OUT DIB-MACKENZIE WINNER

 Press Release: February 2, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – A domestic 3 way dance is in the works down under with an all-Australian grudge match between former world champion Billy Dib and Kye MacKenzie looming in March with Australias most avoided fighter Francis Chua. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Their fight could feature on the undercard of Tim Tszyu’s bout against Dennis Hogan on March 31, and may even be for an interim world title at lightweight.

Billy Dib (47-6) fresh off a round 7 TKO victory over Joey Baylon has been called out by WBA Oceania Lightweight Champion Mackenzie 21-2

"All respect to Billy Dib (2x World champion) on the challenge! 

I’m the young warrior in this clash & I’m burning to take the crown & make a statement to the World"

Waiting in the wings is "The Removalist" Francis Chua (7-1-1), his lone loss being a highly controversial points decision to Australian boxer Kye MacKenzie.

Chua had previously upset MacKenzie’s tilt at a world title shot against Vasyl Lomachenko when he beat the WBO #2 in front of a 40,000 crowd as the undercard to a Jeff Horn bout in Brisbane. That November 2018’s clash with Kye Mackenzie was the Australasian “Upset of the Year”

Chua will first have to contend with undefeated prospect Kazeem Soyoye February 26 at the World famous Thunderdome at Metro City in Perth. It will be the Main Event for the WBA Oceania Super Featherweight Championship

Chua is Australia's boogeyman of the Super Featherweight and Lightweight divisions, the only man willing to face him is undefeated prospect Kazeem "The African Dream"

Chua discuss his upcoming title clash and his future plans.

"I just feel so lucky in this crazy time of covid we are able to do these things. Western australia is a truly blessed place. Nothing brings hope and community better than sport, we can fight and get through this. Dont give up". 

"I feel the fight is going to be action packed and will really test both of us. I'm so happy Tony was able to make it a WBA OceanI interim title meaning we both deserve this shot. I'm expecting fireworks the whole fight. It's a huge opportunity for both of us."

"My priority is Kazeem, but I'm definitely keeping an eye on Mackenzie and Dib. I want the winner. I know in my heart and from all the fans I won both fights with Kye (MacKenzie) no one gave me a chance but my manager (Tony Tolj) and my trainer (Jay Gray) and whoever wins with Dib and Mackenzie, I want it to be known I'm ready for the winner. The Australian Boogey man is coming to get you both!

 

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.

JASON MOLONEY: READY FOR GABALLO RODRIGUEZ WINNER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

 

Press Release: February 1, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Australias Jason "Mayhem" Moloney 21-2 was last in the ring on Halloween night against Japan's Naoya Inoue the Pound for Pound King. The fight earned the pair the (JBC) Japanese Boxing Commision fight of year. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Moloney was taking a second shot at the WBA and IBF world titles after losing by a very controversial split decision to Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodriguez in 2018, his only previous career defeat.

Naoya Inoue gave his thoughts on fighting the tough Australian.

“As you go through fights, you learn things from previous fights and I think I’m getting wiser and better.”

“Moloney has a great defence and it was very difficult to get through, he is one of the best boxers I have ever faced” the champion said."

Moloney is ready to get straight back into the title hunt possibly with a familiar foe. 

Moloney gave his thoughts on Rodriguez Gaballo and his fight prediction on their WBC ordered interim title rematch

"Rodriguez v Gaballo was a decent fight but I thought Rodriguez won the fight fairly comfortably. Gaballo was the more aggressive fighter but I don’t think he was landing any effective shots. Perhaps Rodriguez should have done more at times and made it a little more convincing but I still thought he’d certainly done enough to win".

"I think Rodriguez should win the rematch. I think he’s the better boxer and will know coming into this rematch that he needs to do more and win more convincingly this time round."

"I would love the opportunity to fight the winner. It’s my goal and dream to become World Champion in 2021 and I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen. 
I’m very confident that I beat both Gaballo and Rodriguez."

"I’ve improved massively since my split decision loss to Rodriguez in 2018 and I would love the chance to prove that, get my revenge and earn myself a chance at another World Title." 

"I'm ready make this fight happen as soon as possible."

 

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 Tarimo Cracks WBA's Top Ten, Inches Closer To Title Shot

 Press Release: January 30, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – 25-year-old Australian-based Tanzanian Bruno "The Terminator" Tarimo, has cracked the WBA's top 10 world rankings. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Tarimo has an impressive record (25-2-2) and is on a mega hot streak, since coming to Australia he has won the IBF Pan Pacific, IBF International title and WBA Oceania title and his last four opponents have a combined record of 101 wins and 9 losses. They were all former world rated boxers and he beat them convincingly in their backyards.

Tarimo is the chief sparring partner for the Moloney twins, Jason and Andrew.

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

“I would like to thank president (WBA) Gilberto Mendoza, WBA Oceania President Francisco Martinez, who was very sick and I dedicated my last fight to, and I am happy to say he is recovering very well and thank you so much to my manager 'The Boss' Tony Tolj for believing in me and making everything possible he has changed me and my family life. 

All my team everyone is like new family for me. I am so lucky God blessed me with such a good team,” Tarimo stated.

"I am now IBF #10, WBA #10 and WBC World rated and I will fight any world champion from 122lbs to 130lbs but I prefer my natural weight 122 and I'll take all the Super Bantamweight World Champions WBA-IBF Super Champion, Murodjon Akhmadaliev, WBA World Champion: Brandon Figueroa,
WBA Gold Champion: Ronny Rios, WBC: Luis Nery, WBO: Stephen Fulton and WBA Interim Champion, Raeese Aleem

I am only 25-years-old and learning every day with coach. I've had 29 professional fights but I learned more in my time in Australia because I was lucky enough to be part of the Team Moloney 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. 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.

HOMETOWN THROWDOWN: VERGIL ORTIZ JR. AND MAURICE ‘MIGHTY MO’ HOOKER TO FIGHT IN HUGE MATCHUP BETWEEN DALLAS, TEXAS NATIVES

Press Release: By DAZN – DALLAS, TEXAS (Jan. 27, 2021): A hometown battle between two Dallas, Texas natives will take place on March 20 as Vergil Ortiz Jr. (16-0, 16 KOs) and former world champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (27-1-3, 19 KOs) clash in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO International Welterweight Title. The bout will headline a card that includes the Unites States debut of heavyweight monster Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov and a world title clash between Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz and Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada. 

Credit: DAZN 

 

Information regarding the venue will be announced shortly as it is pending commission approval. The fights will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, including the U.S., Mexico and Russia.

 

“On his rapid ascent from prospect to contender, Vergil has absolutely blown away everyone we have put in front of him, including a former world champion,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “But with a win over Maurice Hooker, just one fight removed from a significant title reign, on March 20, Vergil can stamp his ticket to a world championship fight.”

 

Since debuting as a professional in 2016, Ortiz Jr. has knocked out every single person who has stepped into the ring with him. The native of Grand Prairie, Texas, who has roots in Michoacan, Mexico, has scored stoppage wins against the likes of Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera, Antonio “Relentless” Orozco, Brad “King” Solomon and Samuel Vargas. The 22-year-old contender has been wanting to fight Hooker for some time, and he’s eager to demonstrate his abilities against a former world champion.

 

“First and foremost, I’m really grateful to be fighting back at home again,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr. “Not only that, but I’ll be fighting another Dallas native in Maurice Hooker. I’ve known Hooker since back in the amateur days. I know we’re going to give the fans back at home a fight to remember.”

 

Hooker is a 31-year-old former world champion who traveled to United Kingdom to defeat Terry “Turbo” Flanagan and capture the 140-pound WBO title. Then, Hooker scored big wins against undefeated contenders Mikkel “Slikk Mikk”LesPierre and Alex “El Cholo” Saucedo before suffering his first loss in an epic unification fight against Jose Carlos Ramirez. Now at welterweight, Hooker plans to derail Ortiz’s meteoric rise by putting an end to their long-standing rivalry.  

 

"I've never been one to shy away from a fight,” said Maurice Hooker. “The decision to fight Ortiz was an easy one as it allows me to prove to the world something that I already know—that

I'm one of the best welterweights in the world. I have a new team around me who has taken my game to a whole new level, and I feel amazing at this weight class. I can't wait to put on a show for all the fans on March 20. Dallas, get ready!"

 

In the co-main event, Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov (11-0, 11 KOs) will make his highly anticipated United States debut in a 10-round defense of his NABF heavyweight title in a bout presented by Golden Boy and Eye of the Tiger Management. The 31-year-old Russian is on the fast track to a world title, and he already has his eyes set on the biggest names of the division.

 

Two-division champion Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (31-3, 4 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico and former flyweight champion Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada (19-0, 8 KOs) of East Los Angeles, California will meet in an epic 10-round fight for Ortiz’s WBA Minimumweight World Title. Ortiz is eager to make a statement in her United States debut, while Estrada looks to accomplish her dream of becoming a world champion in more than one division.

 

Luis “Matador” Hernandez (21-0, 19 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico will participate in a 10-round super lightweight battle against Alex Martin (15-3, 6 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois.

 

George Rincon (10-0, 7 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will return in an eight-round super lightweight fight.

 

Hector Valdez (13-0, 8 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will face Alberto Torres (11-3-3, 4 KOs) of Sacramento, California in an eight-round super bantamweight battle.

 

Oscar Acevedo (7-0) of Garden City, Kansas and James “Crunch Time” Willkins (9-1-0, 6 KOs) of Staten Island, New York will meet in an eight-round super featherweight bout between two Golden Boy prospects.

 

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #OrtizHooker

 

Material and Photo 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. 

Martinez-Arroyo Added To Alvarez-Yildirim Undercard

 

Press Release: January 26, 2021 By DAZN – Julio Cesar Martinez will defend his WBC World Flyweight title against McWilliams Arroyo as the chief support to Canelo Alvarez’s defense of his WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight titles on Saturday February 27 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, live worldwide on DAZN (except Mexico). 

Credit:DAZN 

 

  TICKETS GO ON PRE-SALE TODAY (TUESDAY JAN. 26) FROM 2PM ET VIA TICKETMASTER AND ON GENERAL SALE FROM 2PM ET ON WEDNESDAY JAN. 27 – TICKETS START AT $55 (PLUS FEES) – FANS CAN VISIT WWW.HARDROCKSTADIUM.COM/BOXING FOR MORE DETAILS

 

Martinez (17-1 13 KOs) puts his title on the line for the third time since landing the belt in December 2019 in a thrilling stoppage win over Cristofer Rosales, outpointing Jay Harris in Dallas in February and blasting away Moises Calleros in two rounds in Mexico City in October.

 

The all-action Mexican is raring to finally face his mandatory challenger Arroyo after having to pull out of a proposed clash with the Puerto Rican through illness in August. It is a huge night for the all-action champion, who turns 26 on Wednesday, as he finally gets to fight as the chief support to his stablemate Alvarez, whom he also shares a trainer and manager in Eddy Reynoso, after illness ruled him out of fighting on his card in December in San Antonio.

 

“I am so happy to be back in the ring again and I promise you a war with Arroyo in Miami,” said Martinez. “With the unification fights ahead of me, it is important to take care of my mandatory challengers and I expect a tough fight with Arroyo. I believe that 2021 will see me unify the division and become undisputed and I can’t wait put a smile back on boxing fans faces.”

 

Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs) has been ready to pounce on his shot at the title and win a World strap at the third time of asking. The decorated Puerto Rican amateur was edged out via split decision by IBF champion Amnat Ruenroeng in September 2014 and then fell to pound-for-pound star Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in April 2016 for the WBC and Ring Magazine crowns in California.

 

The 34 year old ranked at number one in the WBC enters the bout on the back of three wins in 2019 having returned to Flyweight from a brief stint at Super-Fly, and the former World Amateur Champion is determined to end the talented Mexican’s reign in Miami.

 

“Finally, the fight is near, and I am sure the fans will enjoy another classic between Mexico and Puerto Rico,” said Arroyo.

 

“This will be another great classic between Puerto Rico and Mexico,” said Arroyo’s co-promoter, Miguel Cotto. “I am sure they will provide the fans a great fight and McWilliams will be prepared to rip that title away and bring it back to Puerto Rico.”

 

A stacked undercard in support of Alvarez also sees Chinese Heavyweight star Zhilei Zhang make a quick return to action over ten rounds against Jerry Forrest.

 

Zhang (22-0 17 KOs) is back in the sunshine state after stopping Devin Vargas in four rounds in their clash in Hollywood, Fl. in November, and the 37 year old giant will look to take another step towards securing a huge fight in the glamour division with victory over Forrest (26-4 20 KOs), who took Carlos Takam the distance in his last outing in July.

 

“I’m very excited about this fight,” said Zhang. “February 27 is the highest profile card of the first quarter of 2021, and it will be an honor to be part of it. I can’t wait to get in the ring and wish the best of luck to my opponent Jerry Forrest. I am training full force. I will be ready.”

 

“Zhang is a good fighter with great size and technique, but I’ll be ready for this fight,” said Forrest. “2021 is a new beginning for me. Covid has made training difficult with many gyms shut down, but I’ve stayed in shape since my last fight. I’m now up at my manager’s gym in Ashburn, Virginia, and my trainers have been creating a game plan while bringing in sparring partners to match Zhang’s size and style. I’m excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to ending Zhang’s unbeaten streak.”

 

A host of young talents get the chance to shine on the card, led by Diego Pacheco. The rangy teen has raced to 10-0 with eight wins inside the distance, and the Super-Middleweight sensation will look to add another impressive win when he takes on Rodolfo Gomez Jr (14-4-1 10KOs) over eight rounds.

 

“I am excited to be back under the bright lights,” said Pacheco. “2021, it’s time to show everyone I’m here and I’m a problem for anyone at 168lbs.”

 

Alexis Espino (6-0 4 KOs) had a frustrating end to 2020 after losing out on two fights, but the 21 year old is ready to put that behind him and get 2021 off to a flier against Ashton Sykes (5-3 KOs)

 

“I am more than ready to fight on this amazing card and show what I been working on aside from the time I spent away,” said Espino. “it was a frustrating time for me at the end of 2020, but I am itching to finally show how much work I have been putting into this since I haven’t been in the ring due to recent cancellations.”

 

Former amateur sensation Marc Castro got his pro career off to the perfect start on Canelo’s undercard in San Antonio with a KO win, and the Fresno star goes again in Miami against Lester Brown (4-2-3 1 KO).

 

“I am ready to get back in the ring and I want thank God and my team for making it possible for being a part of the pound-for-pound king Canelo’s undercard once again,” said Castro.

 

Another successful amateur making his second appearance in the paid ranks is Miami’s own Aaron Aponte. The 19 year old won via stoppage on debut in October, and Aponte will showcase the his talents on a huge platform in his hometown.

 

“I’m super excited to be fighting at the Hard Rock Stadium on February 27 on the undercard of boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez” said Aponte. “It’s an honor to fight on such a massive event in my hometown and I’m very grateful to Matchroom and DAZN along with my manager Peter Kahn and the Fight Game Advisors Team for this opportunity. Stay tuned for the rise of Aaron 'Alien King' Aponte!!”

 

“This is a stacked undercard in support of the pound-for-pound king,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Julio Cesar Martinez is fast becoming a must-see attraction in the sport and an impressive win here will take him to another level – but McWilliams Arroyo is up for the challenge and is a dangerman.

 

“Zhilei Zhang can stake his claim for a massive fight at Heavyweight later in the year with victory over Jerry Forrest, and it is fantastic for the young talents on the card to be able to perform on this huge stage.”

 

 

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

 

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BRUNO TARIMO: ALEEM & FULTON GOOD WIN BUT THE TERIMINATOR IS COMING FOR EVERYONE

 

Press Release: January 26, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Raeese Aleem fresh off a World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim Super Bantamweight title victory already has been called out by Australian based Tanzanian Bruno "The Teriminator" Tarimo. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Aleem won via knocking out Vic Pasillas in 11 rounds during a masterful performance at the Mohegan Sun Casino, in Uncasville, Connecticut, this Saturday night.

Stephen Fulton was also victorious with decision victory over Angelo Leo to win a 122-pound title. Very impressive performance from the New Champion.

IBF, WBA & WBC World rated Tarimo discusses his future plans

"Aleem you had a very good fight, Congratulations on your victory but make no mistake I'm ready for this fight, I'm ready to become World Champion.

Fulton and Leo was an excellent fight, I have respect for every champion, I train every day with Jason and Andrew Moloney we are the future of the Super Flyweight, Bantamweight and Super Bantamweight divison.

My manager (Tony Tolj) already start contacting Tom Brown for a fight with the Champions. I come from nothing, my whole life I have nothing, I know this is part of God plan. My lord and saviour make me hungry give me eye of the tiger and I'm coming for every champion Aleem, Stephen Fulton, Nery, Brandon Figueroa, Murodjam Akhmadaliev. Remember the Terminator will never stop until I'm the world champion."

 

 

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

 

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

FRANCIS CHUA READY FOR WBA OCEANIA SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT MAIN EVENT FIGHT FEB 26 IN PERTH

 

Press Release: January 26, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – February 26th will marks the return of an Australian institution, The THUNDERDOME boxing series based out of Metro City in Perth, Western Australia. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

The Main Event will be The WBA Oceania Super Featherweight Championship contest featuring two workhorses, Kazeem "The African Dream" Sosoye and "The Removalist" Francis Chua is a mouth watering Gatti v Ward action packed toe to toe style fight.

The “Removalist” Francis Chua (7-1-1) boasts an record of 7 wins from 8 fights, his lone loss being a highly controversial points decision to Australian boxer Kye MacKenzie.

Chua had previously upset MacKenzie’s tilt at a world title shot against Vasyl Lomachenko when he beat the WBO #2 in front of a 40,000 crowd as the undercard to a Jeff Horn bout in Brisbane. That November 2018’s clash with Kye Mackenzie was the Australasian “Upset of the Year”

Chua is Australia's boogeyman of the Super Featherweight and Lightweight divisions, the only man willing to face him is prospect Kazeem "The African Dream"
Chua gave his thoughts on the upcoming title clash

"I just feel so lucky in this crazy time of covid we are able to do these things. Western australia is a truly blessed place. Nothing brings hope and community better than sport, we can fight and get through this. Dont give up. I feel the fight is going to be action packed and will really test both of us. I'm so happy Tony was able to make it a WBA OceanI interim title meaning we both deserve this shot. I'm expecting fireworks the whole fight. It's a huge opportunity for both of us. 

Training is going smoothly. Same as always it's hard. And every time i get ready for a fight I learn a little bit more bout myself. Super coach Jay Gray is one of a kind and I truly respect his approach on all matters of the fight game. My team mates steve jackson billy are always there making sure i get the work done. Ill be ready for anything.

My message to my opponent is train hard and bring the best version of yourself. You deserve this opportunity and I'm going to make sure you work for it. 

This is such a great opportunity to support your local sports event in such a time that no where else in the world is able to do this with crowds. I promise that this will be an action packed night and hopefully one day you can say I watched that world champion real life in my home town. This Will be one for the history books."

 

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

 

For more information about 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.