February 5th Pay-Per-View Doubleheader Thoughts

 

Following the month of January, which was one that was largely quiet in terms of beginning 2022 inside the Boxing ring, the month of February began with two well-publicized pay-per-view cards that each took place on the same day. This observer is referring to the two events that occurred on February 5^th in Cardiff, Wales and Las Vegas, NV respectively.

 

First was the event in Cardiff, Wales, which was co-headlined by two Middleweight bouts featuring both the women and men of the sport. First up was undefeated unified WBC/WBA/IBF Women’s World Middleweight champion Claressa Shields, who scored a dominant ten round unanimous decision over a very “Game” previously unbeaten World Boxing Federation (WBF) world champion Ema Kozin. In previewing this bout, this observer stated that I felt that the key to the fight would be whether or not Kozin would be able to get the respect of Shields early.

 

As has been the case in virtually every fight that Claressa Shields has had in her professional career, she brought the fight to her opponent from the opening bell. Applying consistent pressure and mixing hand speed and punching power, which kept Kozin on the defensive, Shields implemented an offensive approach that for a time appeared as though would break Kozin down in the middle and late rounds. Despite suffering significant punishment over the course of the scheduled ten round world championship bout, Kozin showed a lot of heart and was able to go the distance against a fighter in Shields, who is regarded as one of the top fighters in the entire sport.

 

A bigger story emerged following Shields victory over Kozin however, as during a post-fight interview, Shields engaged in a heated argument with undefeated WBO world champion Savannah Marshall, who is the only person to have scored a victory over Shields when the two met several years ago as amateurs. While it is not uncommon to see such arguments occur in the middle of a post-fight interview as it is unfortunately something that is used as a promotional tool by promoters and networks, whether they are willing to admit it or not, it is not a good look not just for women in the sport, but the sport of Boxing as a whole when such arguments occur on television that give an appearance as though it comes from “Reality” television. The view of yours truly on that subject notwithstanding, obviously, the wheels are in motion for a Shields-Marshall unification bout later in 2022. Although it may be true that these two fighters do not like each other, hopefully, those around both of them will remind both that outside of whatever dislike they might have towards each other, they are also representing Boxing and in any promotion for the bout, representing the sport in the best way possible should be a focus.

 

This brings us the second Middleweight bout that took place in Cardiff, Wales as former IBO Super-Middleweight world champion Chris Eubank Jr. squared off against former world title challenger Liam Williams in a twelve round bout. Frankly, this bout turned out to be one between a good fighter in Eubank, who proved to be just a little too quick for a good fighter in Williams, who was very “Game,” but arguably should not have been able to go the distance as he did.

 

Why am I being as direct as I am in saying that? Due to Eubank scoring four knockdowns throughout the bout in rounds one, two, four, and eleven. While two of these knockdowns came as a result of jabs and were the definition of what is referred to as a “Flash Knockdown” where Williams was off balance, knocked off his feet by jabs, and was not visibly hurt, it is rare to see a fight being allowed to go on beyond three knockdowns against one fighter. The lone exception would be under circumstances where both fighters are knocked down during the course of a fight.

 

Despite the clear advantage that Eubank had as the fight progressed in a dominant performance in winning a clear unanimous decision, if there is one criticism that one could point to beyond the fact that Eubank failed to finish Williams and to be more specific failed to force the issue after four knockdowns to get a stoppage, it is that he chose to mock Williams and for lack of a better term play around during the middle and late rounds rather than try to end the fight. Although this could perhaps be attributed to the bad blood between the two fighters prior to the fight, an argument can be made that at times it is just as important in how you win as it is simply getting a win.

 

For a fighter in Eubank, who has a lineage through the accomplishments of his father former multi-division world champion Chris Eubank Sr., who has also gone on to hold a world championship in his own right in his career, if Eubank Jr. wants to secure another opportunity at a world title he needs to win and do so impressively in order to drum up interest and demand for him to challenge one of the current champions in the 160lb. Middleweight division. In this case, though he was impressive and keeping in mind that Williams deserves all the credit for being able to go the distance, the fact that Eubank did not force the issue and chose to mock his opponent rather than trying to finish the fight, is something that will likely turn off some fans and may be viewed by promoters who currently represent one of the world champions in the division as a tough sale. While keeping in mind that Eubank’s approach could have indeed been influenced by whatever issues that may have been between he and Williams going into the fight, he will likely have to explain why he chose not to force the issue and seemed content with going the distance when the possibility of a stoppage was clearly there for him.

 

Whether or not Eubank will be fighting for a world championship at some point later in the year remains to be seen. One should not discount the possibility of his name recognition as a former world champion being enough to at least enter the discussion for a possible challenge. The public being supportive of such a challenge at this point however, might be debatable. For now, Chris Eubank Jr. did do what he had to do in scoring a convincing and wide decision victory.

 

This leads us to the second pay-per-view Boxing event that took place on February 5^th in Las Vegas, NV. A card that featured two former world champions returning to the ring looking to bounce back from losses in separate bouts. First to return to the ring was multi-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz, who returned to action for the first time since Halloween night of 2020 to face Jr. Lightweight contender Keenan Carbajal in a ten round bout.

 

Despite suffering a bad cut over the right eye as a result of an accidental clash of heads in round two, Santa Cruz did not show any ill effects from his knockout loss to Gervonta Davis or more than a year of inactivity. When a fighter suffers the type of knockout that Santa Cruz suffered at the hands of Davis, the primary question whenever that fighter returns to action is not only what effect did the knockout have on them, but also how would that experience influence how they fight going forward.

 

Santa Cruz was able to show early on in this fight that the loss to Davis would not change his approach as he was more than willing to engage with Carbajal from the outset. What stood out in my eyes was not only that Santa Cruz willingness to engage, but more specifically how he established a balanced attack to the body and head of Carbajal. Although Santa Cruz would deal with periodic accidental head clashes throughout the bout, the cut he suffered over the right eye did not seem to slow him down as he outworked Carbajal over the ten rounds to earn a convincing unanimous decision.

 

For Keenan Carbajal, this was his first taste of fighting on a significant stage and to his credit, he held his own throughout and seemed to deal with an injured left arm in the latter stages of the fight. Despite the loss to Santa Cruz, Carbajal was able to make a solid showing in defeat and he will likely get another opportunity against a notable opponent down the line. This was simply a case of one fighter being about to outwork the other and Carbajal being unable to slow Santa Cruz’ offensive output in that whenever Santa Cruz threw punches, they were in combination and when a fighter is able to do that, it become very challenging for the opposing fighter to combat. Nevertheless, for what was a significant step up in class for Carbajal, he did perform well and did try his best to match Santa Cruz offensively.

 

As for Leo Santa Cruz, the question becomes what will he do coming out of this fight. Santa Cruz does still hold recognition as the WBA Featherweight world champion in the 126lb. Featherweight division, despite not defending that title since winning it in November 2019. Whether or not he chooses to stay in the 130lb. Jr. Lightweight division remains to be seen. What this fight did accomplish for Santa Cruz was it should boost his confidence after suffering a setback. He was able to produce a convincing performance where he showed the skills that has made him a future Hall of Famer.

 

The main event of the pay-per-view card in Las Vegas saw former WBA Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman return to the ring for the first time in over two years to face Jr. Welterweight contender Mario Barrios in a twelve round Welterweight bout. In what can be described as a tactical Boxing match, Thurman, who was competing for the first time since losing his WBA championship to Manny Pacquiao in July 2019, displayed a measured approach as he often was the fighter that dictated how the combat was fought. He did this by controlling distance and using lateral movement to keep Barrios from being able to plant his feet and throw offense in situations where it may have been favorable for him.

 

There were several exchanges of offense between the two fighters however, and Barrios, who was moving up from the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division for this fight in the 147lb. Welterweight division, was able to take the punches Thurman landed well, despite suffering a bad cut over the left eye in the middle rounds of the bout. The difference in punching power was nevertheless evident as Thurman seemed to have more behind his shots. What was also noticeable in addition to Thurman’s ability to dictate the combat as well as the aforementioned attributes including timing, was in most instances he was the fighter throwing first, which while Barrios was able to have his share of moments, generally left the impression that Thurman was getting the better of the action.

 

Barrios’ best moment of the bout came late in the eight round when he connected with a right hand to Thurman’s body that forced the former world champion to retreat and catch his breath. While Barrios had sporadic success whenever he went to the body of Thurman, he simply was not consistent enough in focusing his attack to the body, which may have been able to limit Thurman’s movement as the fight progressed. Despite putting forth a very “Game” effort in his Welterweight debut, Barrios was unable to turn the ebb and flow of the combat in his favor, which allowed Keith Thurman to box his way to a convincing twelve round unanimous decision.

 

In the interest of honesty with the reader, while there may be some who will choose to be critical of Thurman for perhaps not pressing the issue more especially after he was able to cut Barrios in the middle rounds where he may have been able to get a stoppage, after two and a half years out of action, this was the type of performance that Thurman needed. Not only to shake off what is known as “Ring Rust” from inactivity, but also much like Leo Santa Cruz, as a confidence booster after losing his world championship in his previous fight.

 

As for where Thurman will go coming out of this victory over Mario Barrios, the World Boxing Council (WBC) had the Thurman-Barrios bout as an elimination bout in it’s Welterweight rankings. This could mean that Thurman might be in line to face the winner of the recently announced upcoming unification bout between undefeated IBF/WBC Welterweight world champion Errol Spence and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas, which will take place at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX in the month of April in what will likely be another pay-per-view offering. While it is indisputable that Keith Thurman is still one of the best fighters that the Welterweight division has to offer, this observer feels that it might be best if he takes another fight before potentially challenging the winner of Spence-Ugas.

 

Although these two pay-per-view cards did provide a lot of action and a full day of Boxing for those who opted to purchase both events, obviously how successful both ultimately prove to be is unknown as of this writing. It is my hope however, as someone who has been critical of the pay-per-view model due to among other things inflated price points and the fact that more often than not, not every bout on a Boxing card that is sold as a pay-per-view is made available to the buying consumer with purchase resulting in either some fights being blacked out or, portions of the undercard being sprinkled between either streaming or traditional television platforms, that those promoters who continue to insist on such a model, will at least make the price points economically reasonable for the consumer. While this may be easier said than done for a variety of reasons, the success of digital subscription streaming is something that should not be ignored and if the pay-per-view model is to continue, despite obvious evidence of needing to adapt, those “Hold Outs” as I often refer to them, need to come up with concepts of comparable value for the consumer if they want their events to be successful on a consistent basis.

 

As always, it is important for me to point out that my criticism of the pay-per-view model and those promoters that continue to insist on such a model is not, nor has ever been aimed at any of the fighters involved as I have always had the view long before I began covering the sport that boxers should be able to make as much money as they can while they can due to the obvious dangers of the sport, the fact that fighters risk their lives every time they compete, and that a career can end just as quickly as one begins. With the pay-per-view model however, no longer being the revenue generator that it once was for networks, promoters, and the fighters, who are promised percentages of such revenue, the fighters should be asking themselves how much money could be left on the table by not adapting, could revenues that promoters look to pay-per-view for, be replaced by advertising sponsorships and other forms of revenue, which would allow the Boxing fan to be able to access the sport regardless of whether they may or may not be able to afford prices that more often than not begin above $60, as well as the obvious opportunity that comes from exposing the sport to new eyes.

 

While it remains to be seen how successful these particular events were in terms of pay-per-view buys, it was an interesting and at times entertaining day of Boxing and for those who truly love the sport and have its best interests at heart, this is something that should not go unnoticed. Even as the need for the sport as a whole to embrace adapting in the subscription-based streaming era becomes more apparent.

 

“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

 

HIGHLY RATED HEAVYWEIGHT DYCHKO JOINS PROBELLUM

 

Press Release: By Probellum – LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 7, 2022 - Global boxing promoter Probellum, in association with Bulldog Boxing Promotions, is delighted to announce the co-promotional signing of top heavyweight prospect Ivan Dychko. 

Credit: Probellum

 

Dychko (11-0, 11 knockouts), from Kazakhstan, has caught the eye with a host of impressive performances following his professional debut in 2017, most recently against Russia’s Aleksandr Ustinov in December. He is yet to experience defeat.

 

His form in the professional ranks will come as no surprise to those who followed Dychko’s amateur career, during which time he won bronze medals at the Olympic Games in both 2012 and 2016, while also going up against a number of fighters who have gone on to become big names in the sport, including Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce and recent Probellum signing, Bakhodir Jalolov. 

 

Speaking about his signing, Dychko said: "I’m delighted to be working together with Bulldog Boxing and Probellum. I am 100% sure that they will help me become world champion. 

 

“I am grateful in their trust of me and together we will make history.”

 

“We are obviously very pleased to announce the co-promotional signing of Ivan Dychko, a very talented boxer with a bright future ahead of him,” added Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. 

 

“The fact Ivan is undefeated since turning professional, winning all 11 of his fights via knockout, speaks volumes about the skills and attributes he possesses. 

 

“This is yet another big signing for Probellum and we now look forward to watching Ivan develop and flourish under our guidance.” 

 

Gino Limeri, Bulldog Boxing Promotions, President, added: 

 

“I am beyond excited that we were able to sign Ivan in partnership with Probellum. His combination of size, power, boxing IQ and amateur pedigree as a two-time Olympic medalist will undoubtedly result in Ivan becoming a household name in the very near future. 

 

"Partnering with Probellum gives us the opportunity to take his great talents across the world and we can’t wait to get started.”

 

Dychko becomes the latest addition to a high-quality stable which boasts a combination of exciting young stars and experienced fighters, including Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Troy Williamson, Dina Thorslund, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Will Cawley, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack.  

 

Probellum will hold its first event of 2022 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium over two consecutive nights, on March 18 and 19, with a host of brilliant boxers already confirmed to compete, including Sunny Edwards, Muhammad Waseem, Regis Prograis, Tyrone McKenna, Jono Carroll and Estelle Mossely. More names will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

A week later, on March 25, Probellum heads to Newcastle’s Utilita Arena for a show featuring some of British boxing’s most talented stars such as Troy Williamson, Lewis Ritson, Thomas Patrick Ward, Pat McCormack and Ben Rees.

 

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

 

About Probellum

Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

 

Probellum’s elite stable includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Troy Williamson, Dina Thorslund, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Will Cawley, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack.

 

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).

 

Probellum hosted its inaugural event at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena in December 2021.

 

Material and Photo courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

 

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

Ballard Changes Lifestyle in Preparation for Ring Return

Press Release: February 6. 2022 By Brandon Countee – In preparation for his return to the ring in 2022, light heavyweight boxer James Ballard has embraced a vegan lifestyle to better maintain weight and improve his health. Ballard whose weight in between fights tops 195 pounds feels that he needs to adjust his total lifestyle in order to perform at his best.

Credit: Brandon Countee

 

"It's the right thing to do for my body. Eating all this pre-processed stuff is just abusing my body. I've seen how Floyd Mayweather, AJ, and a few other guys have really changed what they eat to maintain their performance. If it works it's worth it." Ballard says. "I want my body to be right and 100% if I want to compete at my highest level."

 

Ballard's intent is to return to the ring in March or April to showcase his new style and physical conditioning with hopes to get his career back on track with a big fight. "James, his trainer, and I talked about what needs to be done for 2022 and we agreed that he has to be at his physical and mental best." Says Brandon Countee, Ballards Manager. "We decided to work together in 2022, but it would only work if he was in his best place mentally and physically. When he told me he was going vegan I commended him on being true to trying to be in his best physical place."

 

Ballard admits that he is only embracing a vegan lifestyle to improve his boxing performance and that the door is still open to eating meat again. "I love my steak, chicken, and hamburgers. I definitely will eat those things again. Maybe I'll feel so good ill just go to the impossible meats I don't know. I know I just have to do the best I can for 2022."

 

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of Brandon Countee Used with permission

 

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

Saturday February 5th Pay-Per-View Doubleheader Weights From Cardiff, Wales And Las Vegas, NV

 The official weigh-ins for Saturday’s two Boxing pay-per-view cards took place earlier today in Cardiff, Wales and Las Vegas, NV respectively. Below are available weights for both events as well as legal broadcast information for each card.

 

Eubank vs, Williams/ Shields vs. Kozin – Motorpoint Arena – Cardiff, Wales – FITE Pay-Per-View (Streaming) Select cable/satellite providers

 

Co-Mian Event: Unified WBC/WBA/IBF/WBF Women’s Middleweight world championship – 10Rds.

 

Claressa Shields (WBC/WBA/IBF world champion) 159lbs. vs. Ema Kozin (WBF world champion) 154 1/4lbs.

 

Co-Main Event: Middleweight – 10Rds.

 

Chris Eubank Jr. 160lbs. vs. Liam Williams 159lbs.

 

British English Welterweight championship – 10Rds.

 

Samuel Antwi (Champion) 146 1/4lbs. vs. Conah Walker (Challenger) 146lbs.

 

Heavyweight – 8Rds.

 

Otto Wallin 253 1/4lbs. vs. Kamil Sokolowski 234 1/4lbs.

 

 

 

Eubank vs, Williams/ Shields vs. Kozin takes place tomorrow (Saturday, February 5^th at Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales. This pay-per-view event can be seen in the United States and several international countries on digital combat sports streaming network and pay-per-view platform FITE beginning at 3PM ET/12PM PT (U.S. Time) for $29.99. For more information about FITE including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs and information on how to download the FITE app please visit: www.FITE.TV. To order this pay-per-view event on FITE, download the FITE app, or Click Here.  This card will also be available on select cable/satellite providers throughout the United States, contact your cable/satellite provider for ordering information. Check your local listings or FITE for availability internationally.

 

 

Thurman vs. Barrios – Mandalay Bay Events Center – Las Vegas, NV – Fox Sports Pay-Per-View Cable/Satellite FITE Pay-Per-View (Streaming)

 

Main Event: Welterweight – 12Rds.

 

Keith Thurman 145 1/2lbs. vs. Mario Barrios 146 1/2lbs.

 

*Jr. Lightweight – 10Rds.

 

Leo Santa Cruz 128 3/4lbs. vs. Keenan Carbajal 129lbs.

 

(*Originally scheduled as a Featherweight bout, both fighters over the 126lb. Featherweight limit. Bout will go on as a 130lb. Jr. Lightweight bout.)

 

Welterweight – 10Rds.

 

Abel Ramos 145 3/4lbs. vs. Lucas Santamaria 145 1/2lbs.

 

Jr. Featherweight – 10Rds.

 

Luis Nery 121 3/4lbs. vs. Carlos Castro 121 1/2lbs.

 

Thurman vs. Barrios takes place tomorrow (Saturday, February 5^th) at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV. This pay-per-view event can be seen in the United States on Fox Sports Pay-Per-View across cable/satellite providers and on digital combat sports streaming network and pay-per-view platform FITE beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT for $74.99. Contact your cable/satellite provider for ordering information. For more information about FITE including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, event availability in your country, and for instructions on how to download the FITE app please visit: www.FITE.TV. To order this event on FITE download the FITE app or Click Here. Check your local listings or visit www.FITE.TV for event availability internationally.

 

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

 

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

Previewing A Pay-Per-View Doubleheader February 5th

 The ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic has caused and continues to cause several issues throughout day-to-day life as well as in the world of sports. It was one such complication that has led to something somewhat unique in the current landscape in which we are in, in the sport of Boxing. Two well-publicized pay-per-view Boxing cards taking place on the same day. 

 

Those who have followed the work of this observer over the years know that I have long been a critic of the pay-per-view model. To be more specific, I am critical of inflated price points as well as more often than not, only a fraction of a full Boxing card being made available to the consumer for what are often price points that begin at $60 or above. On February 5^th, there will be two different price points that will be interesting to see what attracts consumers more as one is reasonably priced, while the other is in line with what has unfortunately become the industry's standard for pay-per-view events.  First, the card which has led to this unique double offering of Boxing cards is one that was rescheduled from it’s original January 29^th date due to the British Boxing Board of Control choosing to suspend all combat sports events in the United Kingdom and Ireland during the month of January due to the surge in COVID-19 cases caused by the latest Omicron variant of the virus.  This observer is referring to the pay-per-view card that will take place in Cardiff, Wales where undefeated multi-division world champion Claressa Shields will defend her unified WBC/IBF/WBA Middleweight world championship against undefeated top contender Ema Kozin in a scheduled ten round bout.

 

The bout, which will co-headline a pay-per-view event will be available on digital combat sports streaming network and pay-per-view platform FITE in the United States and several international countries for a price of $29.99.  For Shields, this will be her return to the Boxing ring after losing a three round split decision in her second Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) bout in October of last year to Abigail Montes in a bout promoted by the Professional Fighters League (PFL) MMA promotion. While Shields took some criticism from some fans online following that loss, the reality is the sport of MMA is one that is still fairly new to her in that Boxing is her primary combat sports discipline and she is certainly not the first boxer to step into fighting under an MMA format with mixed results.

 

While Shields’ MMA record stands at 1-1 and it is logical that she will likely continue to pursue her MMA career, in the Boxing ring, she remains undefeated as a professional and between the two combat sports, she has only lost two fights with the one Boxing loss occurring as an amateur prior to her winning two consecutive Olympic Gold medals in the 2012 and2016 games respectively. The one Boxing loss was to fellow Middleweight world champion Savannah Marshall, who like Shields is unbeaten as a professional. Perhaps not coincidentally, Shields and Marshall appear to be on a collision course for a potential unification bout later this year if Shields is able to retain her unified portion of the Women’s World Middleweight championship against Kozin.

 

In Ema Kozin, Shields will face a fighter who is unbeaten in twenty-two professional fights and will have a slight professional experience edge over the more accomplished Shields. Kozin is also recognized as a world champion by the World Boxing Federation (WBF) in the Middleweight division and while some may not recognize the WBF as a world sanctioning organization, that world championship will also be at stake in this bout in addition to the three world titles that Shields currently holds.

 

The key to this fight in this observer's eyes will be whether or not Kozin will be able to get the respect of Shields early. At her best, Shields is a compact offensive-minded fighter that has a good mix of hand speed and punching power in being able to either out work opponents to win rounds or score knockouts should the opportunity arise. It will boil down to whether or not Kozin will be able to establish and control the pace. For her part, Kozin has good hooks with either hand and has shown in her career to have an effective attack to an opponent's body. Kozin has yet to face a fighter that fights at a fast pace as Shields typically does and whether or not Kozin will be able to implement an attack that is based on both counter punching as well as being able to take advantage of openings an opponent might leave her, remains to be seen.

 

There is always the possibility given that Shields has split her time between Boxing and her MMA career that burn out could also be a factor. As of yet, there has not been any indication that this could happen as between her two MMA bouts, Shields has continued to be dominant in the Boxing ring. Nevertheless, the possibility of burn out as well as physical fatigue from significant training exists in addition to the potential of Shields possibly looking ahead towards a bout with Savannah Marshall.

 

Also on the card in Cardiff, Wales, will be an intriguing Middleweight bout between former IBO world champion Chris Eubank Jr. and top contender and former world title challenger Liam Williams. A bout that uniquely is being marketed as being the main event of the card in the United Kingdom whereas the Shields-Kozin bout has received top billing here in the United States. The differences in the marketing of this card notwithstanding, the Eubank-Williams bout one might argue is a crossroads encounter in a 160lb. Middleweight division that could be heading towards a period of transition with several top players in the division including Demetrius Andrade, the two-division world champion and most recently the former WBO Middleweight world champion potentially seeking more lucrative opportunities in the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division where current Undisputed world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez sits atop the division and as the top marquee draw in the sport has the ability to make any fight he is involved in very lucrative for those who will be sharing the ring with him. With several top fighters in the Middleweight division looking at the possibility of moving up to challenge Alvarez, providing that Alvarez stays in the division, there is obviously the potential for contenders like Eubank and Williams to maneuver into possibly fighting for a Middleweight world championship.

 

In terms of what one can look for in this fight, this will be an interesting clash of styles. Liam Williams is coming into this fight off of a failed world championship challenge to then WBO world champion Andrade in his last fight. Despite being knocked down in the second round of that fight, Williams, a former British Middleweight champion was very “Game” in going the distance with Andrade in losing a twelve round unanimous decision. In his twenty-seven career bouts, Williams has a record of 23-3-1, with 18 Knockouts. Those three losses however, came to arguably the two best fighters that Williams has fought thus far in his career. The most recent loss to Andrade as well as two losses to former Jr. Middleweight world champion Liam Smith in 2017.

 

Williams however, has good punching power and has shown that he is capable of scoring quick knockouts should the opportunity arise. This seems at least on paper to create a scenario of what could be an exciting bout as Williams’ opponent Chris Eubank Jr. is also someone who likes to come forward, has twenty-three knockouts in his thirty-one career wins registering a near 70% career knockout percentage compared to Williams’ near 67%. With both fighters having come forward styles that look to bring the fight to their opponent, this might be a scenario that it may come down to who is able to land the first significant power punch.

 

The pay-per-view doubleheader in Cardiff, Wales will not be the only pay-per-view offering on February 5^th as later that evening former WBA Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman will return to the ring for the first time in nearly two years by facing top Jr. Welterweight contender Mario Barrios at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV that will headline a four bout pay-per-view card broadcast by Fox Sports Pay-Per-View here in the United States for $74.99 that will also be available on FITE as well as the Fox Sports app and traditional cable/satellite providers.

 

In the interest of honesty with the reader, I would not be doing my job as a Boxing journalist/historian if I did not at least mention the fact that this fight being sold as a pay-per-view event and more specifically the inflated price point has drawn significant criticism from Boxing fans. This is due in large part to Fox Sports doing a pay-per-view on new year’s day, which was headlined by former Heavyweight world champion Charles Martin and former world title challenger Luis Ortiz, being marketed heavily as being economically priced at $39.99. Despite the more reasonable price point, some estimates that have been reported by a variety of Boxing media outlets have claimed that the event, which was held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL only generated 25,000 buys on pay-per-view between traditional providers and streaming platforms/networks like Fox’s own sports app and FITE.

 

Keeping in mind that this observer has long been critical of those in the sport both promoters and television networks for their continued reliance on the pay-per-view model, despite the success of digital subscription-based streaming networks like DAZN and ESPN+, which have shown that there is a viable alternative not just for the consumer in a subscription-based streaming model, but also a revenue source for promoters and fighters who have yet to embrace the benefits of such a model, I do not have access to the numbers of what the Martin-Ortiz event actually drew on pay-per-view, which is why the term estimates is being used here.

 

With that said, if the event truly underperformed to that degree, it is highly questionable why the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters, who also promoted Martin-Ortiz and Fox Sports would think that a card, that has pretty much the same premise of the main event being a crossroads fight, would do better in terms of buys at an inflated price point, which unfortunately has become the standard for what this observer has called the “Hold Outs” that have yet to embrace the benefits subscription-based options could have for their events and for their networks. The criticism of yours truly, which I stand by, notwithstanding, the Thurman-Barrios bout is intriguing.

 

What makes this fight intriguing? It is the first fight for Keith Thurman since he lost his WBA Welterweight world championship to Manny Pacquiao in July 2019. The question going into this fight is fairly obvious. What kind of condition will Thurman be in after such a lengthy layoff. Although Thurman’s loss to Pacquiao came via split decision, it was a fight where the opinion of many felt Pacquiao out boxed Thurman over the twelve round world championship bout. Rather than trying to quickly re-establish himself following the loss and the global epidemic of COVID-19 that followed and unfortunately continues, Thurman has chosen to stay inactive until now. While a lengthy rest likely helped Thurman to recover from nagging injuries that all fighters deal with, one does have to wonder what Thurman will look like nearly two years removed from his last fight.

 

Although the length of Thurman’s inactivity was likely influenced in part by the uncertainty of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, an old-school perspective from this observer is that more often than not, the best way for a fighter to remain in fighting shape and avoid what is known as “Ring Rust” is to not only be in the gym training, but more importantly by being active in competition. Opinions can obviously differ, but I have always held the belief that the more active a fighter can be, the better that fighter’s odds of being prepared if a lucrative fight and/or an opportunity to fight for a world championship comes along.  This is why many veteran fighters opt to stay as active as possible regardless of the caliber of opposition.

 

Of course, it is difficult to expect every fighter to have that approach, particularly when fighters at the highest level of the sport as Thurman had been for several years prior to his layoff earn millions of dollars each time they step into the ring to compete. As such, some might argue that the incentive to remain active is not as strong at least from a financial standpoint. While all fighters who enter the ring to compete deserve to make as much as they can, while they can because after all each and every fighter is risking their lives each time the enter the ring to compete, there has been evidence that fighters who compete on a limited basis whether it be once or twice a year, or even long stretches of inactivity between fights eventually suffer from eroded skills at some point in their careers.

 

At his best, Keith Thurman is a come forward fighter who has been more than willing to engage with his opponents with a good mix of hand speed and punching power. It will be interesting to see if the inactivity has benefited Thurman not only in terms of physically, but in terms of during a fight if the inactivity will have had an effect on his reaction time, reflexes, and his ability to take a punch. The answer to those questions will likely come early in this fight against Mario Barrios.

 

Barrios, who will be moving up seven pounds in weight from the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division to the 147lb. Welterweight division is, like Thurman a boxer/puncher, who likes to come forward and engage with his opponents. Mario Barrios is coming into this fight off of his only career defeat in being stopped in his last bout by Gervonta Davis in eleven rounds in June of last year. In what was a very competitive bout where he held his own against the betting favorite Davis, Barrios nearly pulled off what some might have called an upset before he was caught and stopped late in the eleventh round. 

 

Coming into this fight, Barrios has what might be seen as an advantage simply because he has been the more active of the two fighters. The question that will surround Barrios going into this bout will be how he will respond to fighting as a Welterweight against the naturally bigger Thurman. It will also be interesting to see if Barrios will look to test Thurman early given the issue of his inactivity or if he will be cautious and respectful of Thurman’s punching power. Barrios must keep in mind however, that he was caught in his last fight against Davis and that led to him being stopped. With this in mind, it is probably wise to assume that Barrios will be tactical in his approach even if he does test Thurman early.

 

While this fight is between two notable fighters, one a former world champion and the other a top contender moving up in weight for this fight, it is difficult at least for the moment to say where the winner of this bout might figure into the equation of the Welterweight division given that both Thurman and Barrios are coming off losses in their last bouts and the depth of the division that is largely in a state of flux due to issues occurring outside of the ring in terms of the top of the division. Nevertheless, the winner will likely find himself with some room to maneuver to at the very least get another bout against a top contender if an opportunity against one of the current world champions in the division is not available in the foreseeable future.

 

On the undercard of Thurman-Barrios former three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz will return to action for the first time since Halloween night 2020 when he faces Keenan Carbajal in a Featherweight bout scheduled for ten rounds. Similar to Mario Barrios, Santa Cruz is coming off of a knockout loss to Gervonta Davis. In what was an exciting fight that was quite competitive, the bout came to a sudden conclusion when an uppercut from Davis ended the night for Santa Cruz. Although Santa Cruz’ loss to Davis was a one punch knockout, the effects from it have kept him out of competition for over a year.  Santa Cruz now looks to get back on track in this fight against Keenan Carbajal. Carbajal, the nephew of former four-time world champion and Hall of Famer Michael Carbajal, will enter this fight with a record of 23-2-1, with 15 Knockouts and has been unbeaten since 2015. This however, will be a step up in caliber of opposition for Carbajal, who will be giving up significant experience to Santa Cruz, who will enter with a record of 37-2-1, with 19 Knockouts.

 

While Carbajal may be unknown to some going into this bout, it is important to remember that Santa Cruz is coming off of a knockout loss that was severe in how it occurred. It is logical to assume that Carbajal will look to test Santa Cruz early. At his best, Santa Cruz is a fighter with an entertaining style that has been more than willing to engage with his opponents over the years. After suffering the first knockout of his career however, an obvious question that will probably be asked among some Boxing fans is whether or not he will be as willing to engage in exchanges of offense as he was before he was caught by Gervonta Davis.

 

Although Keenan Carbajal has an eighteen fight winning streak coming into this bout, he has fought several fighters that are not known and who some would describe by a term that this observer personally dislikes “Journeymen.” As much as the story of this fight will center around what effect did the knockout Leo Santa Cruz suffered had on him, the other plot line here will be what will Carbajal bring to the table in what is clearly the biggest fight of his career and a chance to instantly establish himself amongst the best in the 126lb. Featherweight division should he turn in a good performance win or lose. While there is a clear temptation to label this as simply a “Comeback Fight” for Santa Cruz, the reality is, it may be best to view things with the mindset of one fight at a time at this stage of his career and what path his career takes going forward could be influenced in part by what happens in this fight against Carbajal.

 

The concept of two pay-per-view Boxing cards taking place in the span of one day is something that is indeed not new as Boxing has flirted with it on an occasional basis going back to the early 2000’s prior to the advent of streaming technology and the often more sensible subscription-based streaming model. With four fights, the four headline bouts on these two pay-per-view cards having been previewed in this column, it would be a shame given the stories leading into each bout if the main story in the weeks that follow these two cards concerns strictly the estimates of pay-per-view buys each event generates, which has unfortunately been as much of the story of recent pay-per-view events as the fights themselves.

 

Although it is tempting to take a negative view having seen the decline of the pay-per-view model and the thus far unwillingness to adapt by some promoters and networks to a more economically reasonable model that will not in essence price out many consumers, yours truly will take an optimistic stance and say simply that I am looking forward to what occurs inside the ring between these two separate cards. The other factors that be in regard to the business of Boxing and the paywall structure can be discussed at a later time. For now, let these fighters do what they do best, compete. We’ll see who emerges victorious from these two events on Saturday, February 5^th.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

We will have weigh-in and broadcast information for these two cards available here on The Boxing Truth® on Friday, February 4^th. Stay Tuned.

 

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

 

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

King And Arum Bring Boxing Back To An Unappreciated Era With A Head To Head Night Of Boxing

 

January 29, 2022 in the sport of Boxing was one where two interesting cards took place courtesy of two Hall of Fame promoters and longtime rivals Don King and Bob Arum, who inadvertently took the sport back in time in producing two Boxing cards that would go head to head against each other on competing platforms. Unlike decades ago when King and Arum would rival each other on competing premium cable networks and pay-per-view distributed through cable and satellite providers, this head to head encounter of competing Boxing cards would take place in the streaming realm with Arum staging a card in Tulsa, OK that was broadcast on digital subscription-based sports streaming network ESPN+ and King staging a digital pay-per-view card that was broadcast on FITE from Warren, OH.

 

Beyond the throwback scenario of the two ninety year old promoters competing one more time against each other for the Boxing audience, each card had intrigue for different reasons. As readers may recall, this observer previewed these two cards here on The Boxing Truth® and days prior to the events taking place. While that column began focusing on Don King’s event, this column will begin with Bob Arum’s card, which took place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, OK.

 

The main event of that card was billed as an elimination bout in the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) Jr. Lightweight division between top contenders Robson Conceicao and Xavier Martinez. In previewing this bout, yours truly stated that it was one that arguably pitted two fighters at very similar stages in their careers against each other. An encounter between two boxer/punchers that appeared to be well- matched. In the early rounds, it appeared as though the well matched encounter this bout appeared to be on paper would materialize. There are times when a fight seems to develop a pattern.

 

This fight was one where a pattern emerged rather quickly in the early rounds. Conceicao usually coming forward and throwing punches in varying numbers of combinations and for a time Martinez throwing back offense. It created an impression at least for this observer that the early rounds were closely fought and that there could have been a difference of opinion as to who was getting the upper hand. While Conceicao was clearly the more active of the two fighters, Martinez seemed to land the harder punches of the two, particularly when he was able to get on the inside where he was able to land hooks to the head of Conceicao that momentarily stunned him.

 

As the fight progressed into the middle and late rounds however, Martinez’ ability to immediately answer with offense began to decrease. This was due to Conceicao's lateral movement and ability to keep Martinez at distance and largely unable to get his punches off. Beyond sporadic success in the middle and late rounds during moments where he was able to get on the inside, Martinez was unable to turn the ebb and flow of the combat in his favor as Conceicao would go on to earn a convincing ten round unanimous decision in a fight where I unofficially scored it seven rounds to three in his favor. With the win, Conceicao appears as though he may be headed towards a rematch with current unified world champion Oscar Valdez, who is the only fighter to hold a victory over him as a professional. Obviously, a rematch with Valdez will depend on whether or not Valdez, the current WBC Jr. Lightweight world champion is successful in his unification bout against current WBO world champion Shakur Stevenson, which is scheduled to take place in April.

 

This brings us to the pay-per-view card promoted by Don King, which took place at the Packard Music Hall in Warren, OH. Two bouts in Boxing’s Cruiserweight and Heavyweight divisions co-headlined this event. First, a battle of undefeated Heavyweights saw top WBA contender Trevor Bryan engage in a twelve round slugfest with undefeated, but largely unknown Jonathan Guidry.  The taller and heavier Bryan tried to use his 268lbs. and long jab to keep the shorter Guidry at distance where he could not get his punches off. For a period of time this strategy was proving to be successful for Bryan who holds an interim/regular champion designation in the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) Heavyweight ratings, but Guidry was able to force exchanges of offense throughout the twelve round bout.

 

It was in these exchanges that Guidry had the most success as he was able to connect with hard hooks with both hands to the head of Bryan. Despite being a relative unknown going into this bout, Guidry also showed that he could take Bryan’s punches as there were several instances throughout where the two Heavyweights traded punch for punch with each other with neither fighter really backing down.

 

Although this continued in the later rounds, fatigue on both fighters began to slow the pace, which was reasonably quick for a Heavyweight bout, down and it was Bryan who seemed to have a bit more left in him. A knockdown in the closing seconds of the twelfth round sealed a twelve round split decision for Bryan to remain unbeaten in now twenty-two professional bouts with Guidry suffering his first loss in twenty professional fights. Bryan is in a unique position currently in the Heavyweight division as he holds an interim/regular designation in the WBA’s Heavyweight rankings. While the WBA in it’s wisdom has created confusion amongst Boxing fans with such a structure because they do not acknowledge that it is a designation and promote fighters who hold such designations as “World Champions,” in reality, Bryan is the WBA’s number one contender and should be viewed as it’s mandatory challenger to current undefeated unified IBF/WBA/WBO/IBO Heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk.

 

The problem Bryan and all would be contenders in the division currently face is both fighters who hold the respective portions of the World Heavyweight Championship are currently tied up. Undefeated two-time Heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, who currently holds the WBC world championship in the division will be making the second defense of that world title in April against current WBC number one mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte. Usyk meanwhile is heading towards a contractually-obligated rematch against the man he took the unified portion of the Heavyweight championship from last year, Anthony Joshua.  While certainly things are rarely “Set In Stone” in Boxing for a variety of reasons, the belief at least among some is that the two winners of those bouts, which are both being targeted for April, will lead to an encounter for the Undisputed world championship later this year if circumstances including, but not limited to the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic allow for such a plan to occur. What this means for a fighter in Trevor Bryan’s position is that for the immediate future, he is essentially the odd man out of this equation and will likely have to wait until at least 2023 before he might get an opportunity to fight for potentially the Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship. Another potential issue Bryan might have is the question of whether or not he will want to be active in that time and thus risk his mandatory challenger status. There also is a potential issue in that Bryan’s promoter Don King has promoted Boxing cards sporadically over the last several years and while some of that could be attributed to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis at least in regard to the last two years, a question that should be asked if Bryan wants to remain active during that time is whether or not King will be promoting cards more frequently if circumstances allow him to do so.

 

The main event of this card was a battle for the WBC Cruiserweight world championship between champion Ilunga Makabu defending his title against WBC number one contender Thabiso Mchunu. This was a rematch from a fight in May 2015 in which Makabu scored an eleventh round knockout of Mchunu.

 

In previewing this bout, this observer stated that this rematch had generated significantly more interest in the weeks leading up to it due to what could loom ahead for the winner. I am speaking of course of a possible encounter with current Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, who has expressed interest in moving up two weight classes to test the waters in the Cruiserweight division.

 

For those who might wonder why a potential encounter with Alvarez would spark increased interest in a world championship fight that would not have otherwise been able to benefit from such publicity, it is important to keep in mind that despite the accomplishments of fighters like Evander Holyfield and most recently Oleksandr Usyk, who both started their careers as Cruiserweights and both went on to become undisputed world champions of the division, the Cruiserweight division has never been viewed as a career destination for most fighters and thus has never been viewed as the most lucrative option available as most fighters use the division as a way to test the waters before moving up to Heavyweight as both Holyfield and Usyk did or as a fallback option for fighters who are unable to effectively compete as a Heavyweight. In this case, the interest lies in the fact that Saul Alvarez has won world titles from the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight division to the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division after starting his career as a 140lb. Jr. Welterweight. Much like the late great Henry Armstrong and Manny Pacquiao, Alvarez has made a career out of fighting and defeating fighters that are theoretically bigger and stronger than him. With his sights set on trying to continue to make history, Alvarez is looking to add becoming a world champion in the Cruiserweight division to the list of his accomplishments in what is turning out to be a Hall of Fame career.

 

What this means for a fighter in Ilunga Makabu’s position is, despite not being particularly well-known here in the United States, he has something that is on Alvarez’ radar, a world championship in a division that Alvarez is eyeing. This essentially gives a fighter in Makabu’s position essentially a lottery ticket to fight the current biggest marquee draw the sport has to offer. With this in mind, in the days prior to this rematch, I found myself wondering aloud as to whether or not this fight would be more about the potential business aspect of a possible fight with Alvarez more so than what takes place inside the ring. If the reader is confused, allow me to elaborate.

 

It goes without saying that there is an overabundance of hype that often accompanies Boxing for better or worse. In this case, and in the spirit of truth and honesty with the reader, this was as much about whether or not Alvarez could see something in either Makabu or Mchunu that might discourage him from testing the waters of the Cruiserweight division or seeing conditions and styles that might make a challenge for a Cruiserweight world championship ideal, as much as it was to see who would get the upper hand in a rematch between two of the best fighters in the division. As is often the case whenever there is a fight taking place that has a storyline of what might follow that frankly overshadows what will occur inside the ring, I approached this bout with the mindset of no expectations. My reasoning was simple, the business of the sport of Boxing has many twists and turns that can be akin to a soap opera or more bluntly a primetime television drama. In simple terms, unless it was “Set In Stone” that the winner of the Makabu-Mchunu rematch was signed to fight Alvarez next, I just viewed it as a world championship bout between a champion and a number one contender.

 

What occurred in the fight itself was underwhelming if one prefers toe to toe battles, but was entertaining for those who appreciate Boxing skill, timing and tactical fights. An encounter that largely consisted of the two fighters standing in close and looking to counter each other, both fighters were able to have periods of effectiveness, but from my perspective despite the champion Makabu applying consistent pressure throughout and being the fighter coming forward, it was Mchunu that seemed to land the cleaner, more effective punches particularly when he was able to land his right hook. It was also noticeable the occasional stagger of the champion when he would get hit with those shots. The fight was however, extremely close due to both fighters being able to have success in many of the same rounds as well as the measured pace in which the bout was fought. At the conclusion of the twelve round world championship bout, I felt that it was a draw, but was certainly not surprised to see a split decision rendered. Although Makabu would retain his world championship via twelve round split decision, likely based on the consistent pressure he was able to apply throughout as well as his own counter punches, it was as close a fight as one could call where a winner was declared.

 

As for what this could mean for Makabu moving forward, obviously, he is still a potential opponent for Alvarez until otherwise announced. How successful would the champion be against a fighter of Alvarez’ standing in the sport, it is important to remember that if that fight were to happen, Makabu would be the naturally bigger man fighting at his natural weight between 190lbs. and 200lbs. What may end up making this fight a reality however, is the fact that Mchunu was able to hit the champion cleanly with hard shots and do so more than occasionally. While it is indeed true that styles make fights, if one views a possible Makabu-Alvarez bout objectively, it is not hard to envision Saul Alvarez watching Makabu’s rematch with Mchunu and feeling encouraged as opposed to discouraged in the potential openings that he might have seen, which if he does move up to fight Makabu, he could very well exploit with his skillset.

 

For now, the important thing to keep in mind if you are Ilunga Makabu is he retained his world championship and whether or not some may feel that he lost his rematch with Thabiso Mchunu, he was able to hold onto the one thing that is of interest to Saul Alvarez even though from Alvarez’ position he could likely make more financially by not moving up to Cruiserweight, a world championship in what would be a fifth weight division for him. Whether or not Alvarez still sees Makabu as the best option to try and accomplish that goal after the champion’s second victory over Thabiso Mchunu remains to be seen.

 

As for this the latest chapter in the decades long rivalry between Don King and Bob Arum, who knows whether the two will continue to stage cards coincidentally or not against each other as 2022 progresses. It is however, refreshing, despite what one might think of either King or Arum, who each have their respective share of critics, to see two cornerstones of the sport of Boxing continuing to promote cards at the age of ninety. Regardless of one’s opinion of Don King and Bob Arum, both men have played a major role in the sport over the last fifty years and are both responsible for some of the most historical events and bouts in Boxing history. With the sport heading ever more in the direction of streaming in terms of how Boxing is broadcast, it is only right that two of the major players in Boxing promotion who were pioneers in terms of first staging major Boxing events via closed-circuit distribution, to premium cable/satellite networks, to pay-per-view, be involved in the next innovation of bringing Boxing to the ultimate authority in the sport, the consumer. 

 

Although no one can say if Arum and King will continue to go head to head in the streaming realm, they each provided what turned out to be a memorable night of Boxing to close out January 2022 featuring a combination of a world championship fight on one card, along with a mix of rising prospects and contenders that were featured on both of their events. It goes without saying that those prospects in theory will go on to become the future stars in the sport and if Arum and King can each continue to develop those fighters and it leads to further opportunities throughout the entire sport, Boxing will ultimately benefit from it. Why criticize what would be a good thing for Boxing?

 

“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

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEVEN CAIRNS CONFIRMED AS PROBELLUM’S NEWEST SIGNING

 Press Release: By Probellum –

London – January 31, 2022 – Probellum is delighted to announce the promotional signing of standout super-featherweight Steven Cairns.  Credit: Probellum The Irishman (2-0, 1 knockout) enjoyed a superb career at amateur level, where he became a seven-time national champion while also winning a silver medal at the 2015 European Championships, before turning professional in 2021. An impressive debut win over Nicaraguan Rafael Castillo last June was followed by a knockout victory over Hungarian Szilveszter Ajtai in November and Cairns, who is coached by highly respected trainer David Coldwell, now becomes the latest addition to the Probellum stable. “I’m very excited to be signing with Probellum, working with Sam Jones and getting the opportunity to showcase my skills and develop as a fighter on the biggest possible platform,” said Cairns. “I’m looking forward to being very active over the next few years and representing my country at Probellum events across the world, with everybody in Ireland right behind me.” “Steven is a young man who I really believe can go on to achieve big things in this sport, but at 19 it’s about developing and learning, both in the gym and during fights,” added Coldwell. “This is why it’s important to have a promoter who shares the same vision as both myself and Steven, and Probellum fits the bill perfectly. “They, like myself, see Steven as a very exciting long-term project, a fighter who has the potential to develop into one of the superstars of Irish and world boxing at any given time.” “Steven is a brilliant young fighter with a great future ahead of him,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “Naturally, we are very pleased to announce his signing and after making an impressive start to his professional career, we expect Steven to develop and progress throughout 2022 and beyond. “Probellum has already made a big statement with some of the signings we have made, and Steven is another great addition.” Cairns joins a stable which already includes the likes of Pat and Luke McCormack, Troy Williamson, Regis Prograis, Nonito Donaire, Donnie Nietes, Lee McGregor, Eimantas Stanionis, Arthur Biyarslanov, Noel Mikaelian, Taras Shelestyuk, Ricky Burns, Paul Butler, Lewis Ritson, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Hovhannes Bachkov, Darius Fulghum, Eduardo Hernandez, Mark Dickinson, Brandon Moore, Jack Bowen, Jason Mallia, Hebert Sousa, Dina Thorslund, Ben Rees, Will Cawley and Estelle Mossely. Probellum has also secured co-promotional agreements with Wasserman Boxing, Universum in Germany, Groupe Yvon Michel in Canada, Maravillabox Promotions in Spain, Kynoch Boxing in Scotland, Mitchell Sports Promotions in England, LNK Boxing in Latvia, Titov Boxing in Russia, Glozier Boxing in New Zealand, Cuadrilatero Boxing in Colombia, PR Best Boxing in Puerto Rico, Shuan Boxing Promotions in the Dominican Republic, Bufalo Boxing in Nicaragua, Team Ellis Boxing in Australia, Moron Boxing in Venezuela, Volcano Boxing in El Salvador, Armin Tan Promotions in Indonesia, Pro Boxing Team Finland and Box Office Sports in Ghana. Probellum’s first events of 2022 were recently announced last week, with Dubai hosting a two-night double header, featuring the likes of Sunny Edwards, Muhammad Waseem, Estelle Mossely, Regis Prograis and Tyrone McKenna, on March 18 and 19. Tickets can be purchased here. Those shows will be followed by a brilliant event at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on March 25, where fight fans will be able to watch some of British boxing’s biggest talents in action, including Troy Williamson, Lewis Ritson and Thomas Patrick Ward. Tickets can be purchased here. For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

 

 

About Probellum Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.   Probellum’s elite stable includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Troy Williamson, Dina Thorslund, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Will Cawley, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack.   Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).   Probellum hosted its inaugural event at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena in December 2021.

Material and Photo Courtesy of Probellum Used with permission.

 

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

Saturday 1/29/2022 Weights And Information

 Two Boxing cards pitting Hall of Fame Boxing promoters Don King and Bob Arum against each other on competing streaming networks will take place on Saturday night in Warren, OH and Tulsa, OK respectively. Below are official weights and legal broadcast information for both cards.

 

Don King Productions: Ilunga Makabu vs. Thabiso Mchunu 2: Packard Music Hall Warren, OH FITE Pay-Per-View

 

Main Event: WBC Cruiserweight world championship – 12Rds.

 

Ilunga Makabu (Champion) 197lbs. vs. Thabiso Mchunu (Challenger) 198 1/2lbs.

 

*Heavyweight – 12Rds.

 

Trevor Bryan 268lbs. vs. Jonathan Guidry 246 1/2lbs.

 

(*Fight is for Interim/Regular status in the WBA’s Heavyweight ratings. A designation currently held by Bryan.)

 

Vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) Cruiserweight championship – 10Rds.

 

Johnnie Langston 199 1/2lbs. vs. Nick Kisner 198 1/2lbs.

 

Heavyweight – 10Rds.

 

Ahmed Hefny 216lbs. vs. Dacarree Scott 276 1/2lbs.

 

Vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) Middleweight championship – 10Rds.

 

Michael Moore 164lbs. vs. Anthony Lenk 159lbs.

 

Vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) Welterweight championship – 10Rds.

 

Cody Wilson 145lbs. vs. Tre'Sean Wiggins 145 1/2lbs.

 

Makabu vs. Mchunu takes place on Saturday, January 29^th at Packard Music Hall in Warren, OH. The card can be seen globally on FITE Pay-Per-View beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT for $49.99. The FITE app is available on mobile, tablet, connected streaming devices, and Smart TVs. For more information about FITE please visit: www.FITE.TV. To order Makabu vs. Mchunu download the FITE app or Click Here.

 

 

 

Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc.: Robson Conceicao vs. Xavier Martinez: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Tulsa, OK ESPN+ *Weights for this card unavailable as of this writing. Full list of bouts scheduled to take place on this card are below.

 

Main Event: Jr. Lightweight – 10Rds.

 

Robson Conceicao vs. Xavier Martinez

 

Heavyweight – 8Rds.

 

Stephan Shaw vs. Joey Dawejko

 

Women’s Jr. Lightweight – 8Rds.

 

Kalliopi Kourouni vs. Carla Torres

 

Featherweight – 6Rds.

 

Haven Brady Jr. vs. Diuhl Olguin

 

Middleweight – 4Rds.

 

Nico Ali Walsh vs. Jeremiah Yeager

 

Featherweight – 4Rds.

 

Bruce Carrington vs. Steven Brown

 

Light-Heavyweight – 4Rds.

 

Dante Benjamin vs. Herman Rendon

 

Heavyweight – 4Rds.

 

Jeremiah Milton vs. Dell Long

 

Welterweight – 4Rds.

 

Delante Johnson vs. Xavier Madrid

 

Lightweight – 8Rds.

 

 Juan Tellez vs. Giovanni Cabrera

 

Conceicao vs. Martinez takes place on Saturday, January 29^th at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, OK. The fight as well as it’s full undercard can be seen in the United States on digital subscription-based sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 6:55PM ET/3:55PM PT. ESPN+ is available through the ESPN app on mobile, tablet, connected streaming devices and Smart TVs. For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com. Check your local listings internationally.

 

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