The Boxing Truth®

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

BORN RIVALS: EUBANK JR AND BENN CLASH IN MEGA FIGHT AT THE O2 IN LONDON

Sensational showdown lands on October 8, live on DAZN worldwide and DAZN PPV in the UK and Ireland

Blockbuster all-British battle reignites famous family feud 30 years on

Press Release: By DAZN – LONDON, 9 August 2022: Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will collide in a colossal catchweight clash at The O2 in London on Saturday October 8, shown exclusively live on DAZN around the world and on DAZN PPV in the UK and Ireland, 30 years on from their iconic fathers’ second showdown at Old Trafford.

Credit: DAZN

An unmissable event for fight fans around the world, Eubank Jr vs. Benn promises to be one of the most electrifying British boxing contests in decades as the sons of two of the sport’s most famous names battle it out in an incredible second-generation showdown.

Eubank Snr and Benn Snr captured the nation’s imagination with their bitter rivalry during a boom era for British boxing in the early nineties. The pair laid it all on the line in front of millions on terrestrial TV, sharing two legendary battles in 1990 and 1993. Eubank Snr stopped his foe in the ninth round of their first bruising battle at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

It took three years for the rematch to happen which took place at a sold-out Old Trafford in Manchester. The clash for the WBC and WBO Super-Middleweight Titles ended in a draw and the pair never fought each other again. But their sons will reignite the family feud in one of the biggest fights the UK has ever seen.

Eubank Jr (32-2, 23 KOs) heads into his blockbuster bout with Benn coming off the back of an impressive shutout points win over Liam Williams at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff in which he showed his class by knocking down the Welshman four times.

Having previously campaigned at Super-Middleweight, Eubank Jr is a former two-time IBO Super-Middleweight Champion. He captured the IBO crown with a 10^th round stoppage win over Renold Quinlan in 2017, before defending the belt against German legend Arthur Abraham and Avni Yildirim.

Following a huge clash with George Groves for the WBA 168lbs World Title in February 2018 in which he was defeated on points, Eubank Jr reclaimed the IBO Title in 2019 with a spectacular performance against rival James DeGale at The O2 in London.

Returning to the Middleweight division, Eubank Jr claimed the WBA Interim Middleweight World Title for the second time with a TKO win over former World Title challenger Matvey Korobov in December 2019, while making his US debut at the Barclays Center in New York.

Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) has exploded onto the world Welterweight scene with a series of eye-catching wins that have propelled the big-hitting 25-year-old Essex native into the top five rankings with all of the recognised governing bodies.

He sent out a vicious warning to his 147lbs rivals by wiping out Samuel Vargas inside the opening round at the Copper Box Arena in April 2020, living up to his nickname as he took just 1 minute and 20 seconds to viciously halt the durable Colombian.

‘The Destroyer’ secured a stunning knockout win over former World Champion Chris Algieiri in December 2021, taking out the American with a brutal right hand in the fourth round of their top of the bill clash at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

Another devastating early finish followed at Manchester’s AO Arena in April as Benn demolished South Africa’s Chris van Heerden inside two rounds to send an emphatic message to the top names in the ultra-competitive 147lbs division.

Now one of the hottest properties in world boxing, Benn dares to be great by leaping up in weight to challenge himself against former Super-Middleweight World Title challenger Eubank Jr in a fight that will bring the UK to a standstill.

“I grew up watching their legendary battles and always wanting to emulate that, and find my own arch nemesis… could this now be Conor Benn? We will find out,” said Eubank Jr.

"He has walked the same path as I have. I know his struggle. Living in the shadow of a legend and trying to break out of that shadow and make his own name. If he can beat me, his name will be made, and he will never walk in his father’s shadow again.

“It’s a fight that’s going to spark the imagination of the British public, that’s what I’m happy about. In terms of anticipation, legacy and hype it’s the biggest fight of my career.”

“This fight is for the legacy and was an opportunity I felt I couldn't pass up,” said Benn. “My team and I had other options on the table as I'm currently ranked top 5 with all governing bodies at Welterweight and no doubt I'm looking for a World Championship fight very soon, but this fight is embedded with so much history and I know it's one the public really want to see. To me this fight is personal - it's more than titles and rankings, this is unfinished business between our families!

“Born Rivals is the perfect calling for this fight, because we have always been associated and I've always been asked if we'd ever fight, and now I can't wait for the world to be able to watch us make that happen.

“All I know is that from my side, this will be an all-out war, last man standing kind of fight. Neither will give up until the last bell rings. I won't be looking to take this to the score cards though, this will be explosive from the off. I'm so up for this.”

“I can’t quite believe this is happening but let me tell you, it’s happening!” said Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman. “Weeks of negotiations have led to one of the biggest moments in British boxing - these two Born Rivals will do battle in an epic match up that has absolutely everything. Ever since they both turned professional, people talked about this moment and now is the time to see the historic rivalry continue. I want to thank DAZN for all their support in making this mega fight - roll on October 8!”

Kalle Sauerland:

“Throughout 20 years of promoting boxing on the highest level, from unification fights to Heavyweight World Championship bouts all over the world, this is without doubt the most iconic fight we’ve had the pleasure of promoting, said Kalle Sauerland, Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing. “I fell in love with boxing as a teenager growing up in London, watching the original Eubank vs. Benn saga, and it gives me a huge sense of pride to now be promoting Eubank vs. Benn decades later.

“This fight is guaranteed to be astronomical in its own right. Their surnames create a grudge match, but their skillsets make an elite-level contest between two stars moulding their own legacies. This is boxing’s own ‘Back to the Future’, and there’s not a single sports fan who doesn’t want to see this blockbuster.”

“We are thrilled to be broadcasting this mega fight in October to boxing fans around the world,” said Joseph Markowski, EVP, DAZN. “Benn and Eubank are two of the most storied names in British boxing, and in Conor and Chris you have two of the most exciting fighters around. This fight is not to be missed and we look forward to showcasing this blockbuster evening worldwide on DAZN.”

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, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

Monday, August 8, 2022

Diaz vs. Zepeda Set For November 5 On DAZN

Press Release: August 8, 2022 By DAZN – LOS ANGELES, CA (August 8, 2022) - Out to prove they are worthy of fighting for a world championship fight in the near future, South El Monte’s Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (32-2-1) will face Mexico’s undefeated rising star, William “Camaron” Zepeda (26-0, 23 KOs) of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico in a dangerous 12-round lightweight main event that will be broadcast live worldwide exclusively on DAZN on Saturday, November 5.

Credit: DAZN

In the crossroads matchup, former IBF junior lightweight titleist Diaz, Jr. has his eyes locked on continuing his campaign to take over the lightweight division despite a minor setback after facing Devin Haney in December 2021.

“I am very excited to be back in the ring and do what I love,” said JoJo Diaz, Jr. “I’m going to take on the toughest challenge that will bring out the best in me. I’m going to show the shrimp what it's like to swim with the sharks.”

Undefeated Zepeda will be looking to climb the ranks with a victory over Diaz, Jr. giving him a spot to become a top contender for a world title. With an impressive knockout ratio over 90 percent, Zepeda will be looking to impress fans with his aggressive style.

“I am ready to dance with JoJo and give him trouble,” said William Zepeda.

“This fight proves that Golden Boy Promotions isn’t scared to put its fighters in tough matches to give fight fans the boxing entertainment they’re looking for,” said Oscar De La Hoya. “JoJo Diaz, Jr. and William Zepeda are both hungry fighters ready to put their reputation on the line to prove they are worthy contenders in the lightweight division. Both are aggressive southpaws fighters who come forward and are unafraid to give fans a show.”

“The lightweight division continues to be one of the most compelling in boxing today and this exciting matchup between JoJo Diaz, Jr. and William Zepeda is going to be an exciting showdown between two serious contenders,” said Joseph Markowski, EVP, DAZN. “We look forward to broadcasting this event worldwide on DAZN as part of an ever-growing lineup of fight nights this fall.”

More information on venue and the undercard will be announced in the coming weeks.

Diaz, Jr. vs. Zepeda is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight will take place on Saturday, November 5 and will be broadcast live exclusively on DAZN worldwide.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.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 #DiazJrZepeda

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

The Return Of Teofimo Lopez

There are several chapters one might say that chronicles a fighter’s career. For most fighters that eventually go on to achieve great success as professional boxers, the first chapter usually begins with an amateur career. Upon turning professional a fighter then reaches a stage known as the prospect level. While obviously some fighters will progress further along and eventually become contenders with the aim of challenging and hopefully winning a world championship, not every fighter’s path to that destination is exactly the same.

In the case of Teofimo Lopez, he developed quickly from prospect to world champion in under fifteen professional fights. Lopez did this due to both a crowd pleasing style as well as by building a reputation for scoring quick and often brutal knockouts. It were these attributes that saw Lopez catapulted into a unification bout for the Undisputed Lightweight championship of the world shortly after winning the IBF Lightweight world championship in December 2019 with a second round knockout of Richard Commey.

Despite his reputation as a “Knockout Artist,” to the surprise of many, this observer included, Lopez put forth the most impressive performance of his career by out Boxing and out working master boxer and three-division world champion Vasyl Lomachenko over twelve rounds to become the Undisputed Lightweight champion in October 2020.

As can sometimes happen however, Lopez’ reign atop the Lightweight division was marred by struggles outside the ring, more specifically, the struggle to secure his first title defense against then unbeaten mandatory challenger George Kambosos, which due to a variety of reasons was delayed constantly. When the fight finally did take place in November of last year, the effects of all the delays and perhaps over confidence on part of the young champion resulted in the loss of his crown as Kambosos scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Lopez to win the Lightweight world championship.

All these events now lead to the next chapter of Lopez’ career, his long-awaited return to the ring as he will take on Pedro Campa on August 13th at the Resorts World Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The fight, which will be broadcast here in the United States by digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ not only represents Lopez’ return to the ring, but also his debut in a new weight class as he will he moving up to the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division.

The synopsis of this chapter is obvious, how will Lopez respond to both fighting in a new division in moving up in weight, but also how has he dealt with the defeat to Kambosos. It is important to keep in mind that Lopez is only twenty-five years old and in the days that followed the loss of his undisputed crown, he did not exactly handle the defeat well. Without going into the things that were said during that period of time, it is nevertheless interesting to see whether or not the months that have followed have allowed Lopez to both gain perspective and come to terms with what happened.

There is after all a mental aspect to Boxing and what a defeat can do to a fighter, particularly one that occurred to a fighter in Lopez’ position should not be dismissed. The possibility also exists that Lopez could be looking at this fight to make a statement in his first bout since that loss.

In Pedro Campa, Lopez will face a veteran of thirty-six professional fights that will enter with a respectable record of 34-1-1, with 24 Knockouts. Campa will also come into the fight riding a four fight winning streak in which he has scored knockouts in three of those bouts since fighting to a draw in April 2019 with a fighter by the name of Abner Lopez. Although Campa has been unbeaten since 2017 and has spent his entire career fighting between the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight and 147lb. Welterweight divisions, he is not particularly well-known having never fought outside of his native Mexico and, despite having more experience in terms of total bouts compared to Lopez’ seventeen career bouts, is likely to be viewed as an underdog going into this fight.

Stylistically, Campa does have a style that could be made to order for Lopez in that he likes to come forward, apply pressure, and looks to break down his opponents. The key for Campa will be whether he will be able to get the respect of Lopez early on as the naturally bigger fighter. Campa’s come forward style is perfect for a fighter like Lopez who has a similar style and has a reputation for his punching power. If there is a bit of a difference between Lopez’ previous fights and this one, it will be that for the first time in his career he is going against a naturally bigger fighter, who could theoretically have a strength advantage over him. When one keeps in mind that Campa has scored knockouts of nearly 64% of his opponents, it will be interesting to see if Lopez takes a tentative approach, despite having a career knockout percentage of nearly 71%.

Even though this has the appearance of the proverbial “Comeback Fight” for Lopez and the intention obviously is to have a good performance if you are in his position, it might be best for him to be cautious early as to see A what his opponent will bring into the combat and B how he feels at the new weight limit of 140lbs. Despite not being well-known, Campa should be viewed as dangerous based not only on the appearance of his record, but also the element of the unknown.

As this observer has said frequently over the years, Boxing has always been a sport of opportunity and if Lopez is not at the top of his fight game and/or is potentially looking past Pedro Campa and perhaps towards a potential fight with undefeated unified Jr. Welterweight world champion Josh Taylor, the conditions could be present for what would be considered a significant upset. Based on the two fighters' respective styles, the possibility of an upset is something that should not be dismissed.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Lopez vs. Campa takes place on Saturday, August 13th at Resorts World Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 6:35PM ET/3:35PM PT (Start times subject to change.) For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, how to access ESPN+ through the ESPN app, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com.

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