Clavel-Plata: Boxing's First Unification Bout Of 2023

Women's Boxing has continued to make strides and receive long overdue recognition and respect in recent years. After all, the fight between undefeated Undisputed Lightweight world champion Katie Taylor and multi-division world champion Amanda Serrano, which sold out New York’s Madison Square Garden in April of last year was not just a landmark night for women in the sport for being the first Women’s bout to headline a card in The Garden, it turned out to be a candidate for Fight of the Year not just for Women’s Boxing, but for the sport overall. With that memorable night still fresh in the minds of many, including this observer, it seems in some ways like poetic justice that one of the first major bouts of 2023 will feature the women of the sport as two world champions put their respective crowns on the line to partially unify their division.

This observer is referring to the Light-Flyweight unification bout between WBC world champion Kim Clavel and WBA world champion Jessica Plata. The fight, which will take place on January 13th at the Place Bell Arena in Laval, Quebec, Canada and can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ brings together two of the best fighters in Boxing's lowest weight divisions. It also brings together two fighters that one might argue are similar both in terms of where they are in their respective careers as well as in their Boxing styles.

Both Clavel and Plata have had relatively short reigns with their respective portions of the World Light-Flyweight championship prior to getting to this unification bout at 108lbs. Kim Clavel is unbeaten in sixteen professional fights and has scored knockouts in three of those bouts. Clavel won the WBC world championship with a ten round unanimous decision over Maria Vargas in August 2021. Since winning the title, Clavel has successfully defended her crown twice and is coming off a ten round unanimous decision over Yesenia Gomez in July of last year. Like many women competing in the sport, Clavel can do a little bit of everything and has shown some power in recent fights in addition to her ability to box her way to convincing decision victories.

As  she now prepares for the third defense of the WBC world championship, Clavel will face a fighter similar to her, but with a slight edge in terms of experience. Jessica Plata will enter this fight with a record of 28-2, with 3 Knockouts. Like Clavel, the reigning WBA champion has the amount of knockouts and is experienced when it comes to going the distance and winning decisions, which when it comes to Women’s Boxing, where rounds are only two minutes in duration, is not necessarily easy to accomplish. Where Plata does have the edge at least statistically is in overall fights fought having been in fourteen more bouts than Clavel. Plata has also never been stopped in her career and has been unbeaten since 2017.

The WBA world champion won the title in March of last year with a ten round split decision over Yesica Bopp. While it may not necessarily be wise to go into a unification bout immediately after winning a world championship, particularly off of a close decision, it is important to keep in mind that Women’s Boxing is still growing and it is not uncommon to see fighters on the women’s side of the sport moving up and down in weight, at times on a per fight basis depending on what opportunities might be available to them. As such this opportunity to try and unify two of five would titles against Kim Clavel might have been the best option on the table for Plata both in terms of prestige as well as financially, in addition to what fights were available to her.

What this fight boils down to is two boxer/punchers in a fight that will likely be determined by moments in rounds rather than simply who is able to establish control. The reason for this comes down to the aforementioned two minute round length and that alone can create what amounts to a nightmare in terms of trying to score a fight where the rounds are shorter as compared to the three minute round length that Men in the sport are able to benefit from. In addition to the shorter round length, when two fighters are each able to have their share of moments during a round, that is what creates the conundrum/migraine for judges and is also why there tends to be more draws rendered in Women’s Boxing as compared to the men competing in the sport.

Although yours truly has long advocated for women to be able to have the benefit of a three minute round both for the benefit in terms of strategy as well as hopefully to help solve the scoring conundrum many judges face when it comes to scoring women’s bouts, something that was proved in the delayed 2020 Olympics where all women’s bouts had three minute rounds, I do not believe Clavel and Plata will be granted the chance to fight three minute rounds, though if they were I would applaud it as it would be another step forward for Women’s Boxing not just in terms of a unification bout like this, but for equality for the fighters competing in the sport overall.

With this in mind and with logic suggesting that this will be a fight fought at a fast pace due to the round length, given the style similarities between Clavel and Plata, who is able to have more moments that might sway the judges scoring of a round just might determine who wins this fight. It would not surprise yours truly however, if this fight were to end in a draw.

This fight nevertheless, does continue to show the Boxing world that the sport for the women competing in it is continuing to move in the right direction. Hopefully, 2023 will be a year of continued progress for the sport and more steps towards equality for female fighters can be made. Progress has largely been assisted by great fights between world champions, which has elevated Women’s Boxing to a level it has never been previously. Whether or not Clavel-Plata turns out to be the latest Fight of the Year candidate remains to be seen. 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Clavel vs. Plata takes place on Friday, January 13th at the Place Bell Arena in Laval, Quebec, Canada.  The fight as well as it’s undercard can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 7PM ET/4PM PT.

*Card and start time subject to change.*

ESPN+ is available through the ESPN app on mobile, tablet, and 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.*

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

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

DAZN & MISFITS BOXING ANNOUNCE HISTORIC FIVE YEAR PARTNERSHIP FOR MF & DAZN: X SERIES

 

Press Release: By DAZN –
CROSSOVER COMBAT SERIES PROMOTED BY MISFITS BOXING WILL SEE THE BIGGEST GLOBAL NAMES IN ENTERTAINMENT, SPORT, AND LIFESTYLE HEADLINING BLOCKBUSTER FIGHT NIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON DAZN FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS 

Credit:DAZN 

 

·         Partnership will see global megastar KSI fight exclusively on DAZN for the next five years.

·         DAZN to exclusively broadcast at least 6 MF & DAZN: X Series events a year including two blockbuster pay-per-view fight nights across its 230+ territories. 

·         This landmark partnership highlights DAZN’s commitment to attract new, younger audiences to the platform as well as bringing its cutting-edge technology, products and services to the market.

·         MF & DAZN: X Series 004- KSI VS. Faze Temper to air live from OVO Wembley Arena London January 14, 2023 on DAZN PPV.

·         MF & DAZN: X Series 005 February 25, 2023 – UK

·         MF & DAZN: X Series 006 April 22, 2023 – US

·         MF & DAZN: X Series 007 May 13, 2023 – UK

·         MF & DAZN: X Series 008 June, 2023 – US

 

London, January 9, 2022 – In another move that cements the global sports entertainment company as the ultimate home of sports, DAZN Group today announces a landmark partnership with social media megastar KSI and his promotional company Misfits Boxing. The deal, in association with the Sauerland brothers, Wasserman Boxing and Proper Loud, will see all KSI fights and MF&DAZN: X Series events broadcast exclusively on DAZN for the next five years.

 

DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, the US and the UK. Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, J.League, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champion’s League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world – Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.  DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with Women’s European Champions League and Liga F. DAZN is adding more sport and more forms of entertainment to its platform to create the ultimate destination for sports fans.

 

This pioneering partnership will bring five more years of crossover drama and non-stop boxing action to DAZN subscribers around the world. The series will feature the biggest global names in entertainment, sport, and lifestyle, and will be delivered to DAZN’s best-in-class live production standards.

 

This announcement follows the huge success of the MF & DAZN: X Series to date, which has seen unprecedented numbers tuning in to watch the drama live and on-demand. The first show alone, headlined by KSI in August, attracted nearly 2 million global viewers on DAZN (with 90% of those tuning in being first time subscribers to DAZN), with the highlights and build-up content generating a further 30 million views across DAZNs social platforms.

 

“DAZN brings the very best in sport and entertainment to millions of customers worldwide. The MF&DAZN: X Series has quickly proved to be hugely popular, driving significant new audiences and engaging a new generation of sports fans.  We are extremely excited to be partnering with KSI, Wasserman Boxing, Mams Taylor and the entire Misfits team to build on this early success over the next five years”, said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America. 

 

KSI, CEO of Misfits Boxing, said: “This is a massive agreement between everyone involved with Misfits Boxing, and I personally couldn't be more excited for what this means for everyone moving forwards. It just shows everyone is here to establish a long-serving crossover boxing promotion that aims to provide ultimate entertainment and somewhere the fans and fighters can call home. There's no better way to celebrate this deal than with me fighting on Jan 14th and setting up a huge 2023. Misfits Boxing has arrived and is here to stay."

 

Co-President of Misfits Boxing and CEO of Proper Loud, Mams Taylor said: “Misfits Boxing was birthed to give the fans crossover boxing of the highest quality, and a promotion that is as much theirs as it is ours. The success, due to the fantastic partnership between KSI, DAZN,  Wasserman Boxing and myself, has meant that we can continue to remain the established home of this sport. We are proud that the future will be filled with countless MF & DAZN: X Series events, and this deal is just the starting point of what Misfits Boxing will go on to achieve for the next five years.”

 

“This agreement is truly an historic event and one which changes the dynamics of the entire ‘crossover’ boxing industry. We are so proud of Misfits Boxing’s achievements in its first six months of smashing records but now, with the long-term vision with our esteemed partner DAZN in place, we can focus on consistency of delivering the best events under the MF & DAZN: X Series Events starting with the blockbuster on January 14”, said Kalle Sauerland, Co-President of Misfits Boxing and Head of Global Boxing at Wasserman Boxing.

 

MF & DAZN X Series 004 sees KSI and  Faze Temper fight it out in an epic grudge match at the OVO Arena Wembley in London on January 14^th. This blockbuster night will be available around the world for DAZN subscribers and as a DAZN PPV in Australia, Canada, France, Netherlands, Mexico, New Zealand, Sweden, the UK, Ireland and the U.S.

 

MF & DAZN: X Series 005 will take place in the UK on Saturday February 25.

 

MF & DAZN: X Series 006 will be staged in the US on Saturday April 22.

 

MF & DAZN: X Series 007 will be staged in the UK on Saturday May 13.

 

MF & DAZN: X Series 008 will be staged in the US in June, 2023

 

About DAZN Group: 

  

DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US and the UK.  Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, JLeague, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world - Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.  DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with UEFA Women’s Champions League and Finetwork Liga F.  DAZN is adding more and more sport to its platform to create a destination for sports fans.  

  

DAZN is reimagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialise, and buy tickets, NFTs and merchandise. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.  

 

DAZN is available on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles.  DAZN can be accessed on Samsung, LG, Sony and Panasonic Smart TVs and on Games Consoles including Playstation and Xbox. Subscribers also have access to DAZN on their Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and Apple TV and find the app on their iPhone, iPad, android and mobile.

   

DAZN is a global, privately-owned company with employees in over 25 countries. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit www.dazngroup.com.   

 

 

ABOUT KSI

 

A pioneering YouTuber (fourth most followed channel for a British artist behind Ed Sheeran, One Direction and Adele) approaching 20 billion cumulative views, his 40.8 million subscribers know him as a creator, an artist, a mate who brings the passion (and the jokes) to whatever he does. He’s a businessman with a portfolio of interests, from owning his own music label, The Online Takeover and his own boxing promotions company, Misfits Boxing to one of the fastest growing beverages, his Prime Hydration drink is set to surpass $140 million in revenue in its first year. As a performer and all-round entertainer, he can light up stages (Reading, TRNSMT, a Wembley headline) and screen: an upcoming documentary for Prime Video, produced by Louis Theroux, promises to lift the lid on the extraordinary life of the 29-year-old from Watford. And as a boxer, the amateur-turned-professional fighter is undefeated. As a musician with over 12 million monthly Spotify listeners, he’s also well-versed in coming out on top. His second album, summer 2021’s All Over the Place entered the charts at #1, an emphatic follow-up to the previous year’s debut, Dissimulation, a #2 hit which was the biggest selling debut album of 2020. In rapid succession there’s been a flurry of hits, on his own merits (making him the British Breakthrough Artist of 2020) and with others (Don’t Play with Anne-Marie, Lighter with Nathan Dawe), making for eight Top Ten singles in total. As prolific as he is innovative, KSI was the only artist to be nominated twice in the Song of the Year category at the 2022 Brit Awards. Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | YouTube | Website

ABOUT MISFITS BOXING

Misfits Boxing is a new radical and revolutionary promotional partnership between megastar KSI, Proper Loud and Wasserman Boxing, coming to take over and make waves within the crossover boxing industry. The collaboration between Misfits Boxing and DAZN for the MF & DAZN: X Series is set to pave the way for the future of crossover boxing to provide the highest calibre of events within the genre, across the whole of the sports and entertainment industry. Stars from all corners of the globe and all formats of the entertainment world will be putting their will to the test, as Misfits Boxing guarantees the greatest crossover boxing spectacle the world has ever seen.

 

ABOUT PROPER LOUD

 

Proper Loud prides itself on having close relationships with its roster and taking the time to understand its artist's individual needs and goals. Proper Loud’s mantra is to be recognized for their integrity, fairness and making great art. www.properloud.com

 

ABOUT WASSERMAN

Wasserman is a partner to the world’s most iconic brands, properties, and talent in their endeavours across sports, entertainment, and culture. Our purpose is to transform the businesses and careers of clients. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Wasserman operates globally in more than 20 cities, including London, New York, Toronto, Raleigh, Carlsbad, The Hague, Portland, and Shanghai. In 2021, Wasserman acquired Team Sauerland, one of the world’s leading boxing promoters, to form Wasserman Boxing, a new global force in the world of boxing. Learn more at TeamWass.com. 

 

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.

 

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

CHRIS EUBANK JR VS LIAM SMITH TO BE BROADCAST ON DAZN IN THE US, CANADA, DACH AND JAPAN ON JANUARY 21

 

Press Release: By DAZN – HUGE ALL BRITISH BOUT FROM BOXXER IN ASSOCIATION WITH WASSERMAN BOXING CONTESTED LIVE FROM MANCHESTER 

Credit:DAZN

 

 London, January 10th , 2022 – DAZN Group, the leading global sports entertainment platform, today announces that it will broadcast the all-British dust up, Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith, Saturday, January 21^st, from BOXXER in association with Wasserman Boxing, Live from AO Arena in Manchester. The event will be available to all DAZN subscribers in the US, Canada, DACH and Japan.

Chris Eubank Jr (32-2-0, 23 KOs) needs no introduction, son of legendary former world champion Chris Eubank, the 33-year-old has successfully carved out his own reputation in the sport and is seen as one of the leading middleweights in the world.

 

His latest fight in February 2022 saw 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.

 

Liam Smith (32-3-1, 19 KOs) heads into this mouth-watering clash in the form of his life following big wins over Jesse Vargas, Anthony Fowler and Roberto Garcia. The Liverpool man is determined to become a world champion for a second time and a statement win vs Eubank JR will kick off 2023 with a bang.

 

‘DAZN are always looking to deliver the best boxing schedule to our subscribers and we are proud to be showing this huge fight between two of Britain’s finest’ said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America. ‘We are no strangers to Liam and Chris and know we have a potential blockbuster on our hands. In 2023, we are determined to work with as many promoters as we can in order to deliver the best fights for fight fans and with actions speaking louder than words we are excited to be working for the first time with BOXXER on this special event. Tune in live January 21^st for a memorable night of British boxing’.

 

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom said: “This is fantastic news. I am delighted that fight fans in the US, Canada, DACH and Japan will be able to watch this blockbuster event live and exclusively on DAZN. The card is stacked with massive fights from top to bottom. And the brewing animosity between bitter rivals, Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith will reach boiling point in what promises to be an unmissable main event in front of a sold-out AO Arena in Manchester.”

 

Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, said: "It’s fantastic that this mega fight will now have a global audience on DAZN, it’s a fight that merits a global audience and the eyeballs of the world will be on Manchester come next Saturday."

 

The show features a stacked undercard with Richard Riakporhe launching his quest for a world title shot in 2023 when he battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof Głowacki and local lad Jack Massey stepping up to face former WBO world heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker.

 

Joining them on this blockbuster night of boxing will be Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo and further bouts involving Frazer Clarke, Matty Harris, Scott Forrest and Amine ‘The Beast’ Boucetta.

 

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.

 

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

Will Ongoing Problems Outside The Ring Prevent Gervonta Davis From Facing Ryan Garcia?

 

A significant part of the story leading into Gervonta Davis’ bout with WBA Jr. Featherweight world champion Hector Garcia on January 7^th at the Capital One Center in Washington, D. C. had little to do with the fight between the two being fought in the 135lb. Lightweight division and had little to do with the clash of styles between the two fighters. What it did have to do with was the question of whether the fight should take place following Davis being arrested on December 27^th due to an alleged domestic violence incident in Broward County, Florida involving Davis and a former girlfriend, who is the mother of one of his children. Although the woman recanted her claims and the undefeated former Jr. Lightweight world champion would be released from custody and pled not guilty to the charge of domestic battery in the days prior to the bout, the ongoing case nevertheless did hang over the fight, which was allowed to go ahead as scheduled.

 

Normally prior to a fight such as this one, this observer likes to provide readers with a preview of the upcoming encounter. In this case, I decided not to do what is the normal routine prior to this fight simply because I had significant doubts as to whether it would be allowed to take place given the circumstances Davis found himself in prior to the bout. With the fight going forward as scheduled, it was logical to at least wonder if what had to be stressful and difficult circumstances would have an impact on Davis as he entered the ring to do battle with Hector Garcia.

 

Prior to the issues Davis found himself dealing with in the days prior to the bout, this was a clash of styles between a world-class boxer in Garcia and a fighter in Davis who can do a little of everything, but is known for having explosive punching power. This fight also had what is in some ways a rarity in that both Davis and Garcia are southpaws.

 

What stood out to me particularly in the early rounds was how Hector Garcia was seemingly able to control the range in which the fight was being fought. In that he was able to maintain a distance where he was able to engage with Davis, but also be elusive where he proved to be difficult to hit. Although this was not the most entertaining fight to watch in terms of action during this period, it did prove that this would be a difficult fight for Davis. While both fighters executed their offense in spurts, it was Garcia who was seemingly able to get the better of it with his jab and landing his left hand from the southpaw stance.

 

As the fight progressed, the two fighters began to open up more with their offense and it was Davis who seemed to take control particularly due to his being able to land short compact combinations that appeared to have more power on them as compared to Garcia’s punches. It nevertheless, remained a competitive fight as the bout moved into the middle rounds.

 

Despite the issues that Davis was dealing with prior to the fight, it appeared as though the fight itself would be void of any controversy. There was however, an incident early in the eighth round where the fight was temporarily halted due to what appeared to be a disturbance in the crowd. Although it is rare to see something like that happen, it has happened before, most notably in the second encounter between Riddick Bowe and Evander Holyfield in November 1993 where a man infamously attempted to fly into the ring in the middle of the fight in the outdoor arena at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas that caused a significant delay in the bout. Fortunately, this disturbance would only last a couple of minutes and the fight continued.

 

It would be in the eighth round where Davis would open up and stagger Garcia with a combination of punches to the head highlighted by his left hand that appeared to have Garcia hurt in the closing seconds of the round. At the end of the eighth round, Garcia informed his corner that he could not see and that resulted in a fight being stopped as Garcia failed to answer the bell for round nine giving Davis a technical knockout victory. Ultimately, Gervonta Davis did what he had to do in order to gain a victory and remain undefeated.

 

With his victory over Hector Garcia now behind him, the stage is seemingly set for Davis to meet undefeated top Lightweight contender Ryan Garcia in the spring of this year. Whether or not that fight will take place remains to be seen however, as Davis continues to go through legal problems outside the ring as in addition to the domestic battery charge that nearly derailed his fight with Hector Garcia, Davis will stand trial in February for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run incident in November 2020 in his hometown of Baltimore, MD.

 

Obviously, whether or not a fight with Ryan Garcia or any fight for that matter inside the Boxing ring taking place will depend on not only the outcome of that trial, but also the still open case in Florida on the domestic battery charge. While it is important to keep in mind that anyone going through these type circumstances are innocent until proven guilty, the circumstances that Davis finds himself in could ultimately derail his Boxing career. If he is able to get through these particular circumstances without an interruption to his Boxing career, it may be wise for him to add members to his team that can provide both guidance as well as wisdom going forward.

 

For a fighter, who is only twenty-eight years old and is not yet at his peak, there is no telling just how far Gervonta Davis could go in his career. If he is unable to straighten things out for himself outside the ring, unfortunately his career might end up being placed under the category of what might have been. For now, the only thing that can realistically be said about Davis and his career inside the ring is “To Be Continued?”

 

“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

 

 

 

 

 

Davis-Garcia Weights

The official weigh-in for Saturday’s Lightweight bout between undefeated former unified Jr. Lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis and current WBA Jr. Lightweight world champion Hector Garcia took place on Friday in Washington, D. C. Weights for the four bout televised card, which can be seen here in the United States on Showtime Pay-Per-View are as follows.

*Main Event: Lightweight – 12Rds.

Gervonta Davis 134lbs. vs. Hector Garcia 134lbs.

(* Bout will determine Interim/Regular champion status in the World Boxing Association’s Lightweight ratings. A designation currently held by Davis.*)

*Welterweight – 12Rds.

Jaron Ennis 145 3/4lbs. vs. Karen Chukhadzhian 146 1/2lbs.

(*Bout will determine Interim/Regular champion status in the International Boxing Federation Welterweight ratings.*)

Welterweight – 12Rds.

Rashidi Ellis 146 1/2lbs. vs. Roiman Villa 145 3/4lbs.

Super-Middleweight – 10Rds.

Demetrius Andrade 167lbs. vs. Demond Nicholson 167 1/2lbs.

Davis vs. Garcia takes place Tonight Saturday, January 7th at the Capital One Center in Washington, D. C. The fight as well as three undercard bouts can be seen in the United States on Showtime Pay-Per-View on cable/satellite as well as the Showtime and PPV.Com streaming apps for $74.95 beginning at 9PM ET/6PM PT. Contact your local cable/satellite providers or visit: www.SHO.com or www.PPV.com for ordering information.

*Check your local listings internationally.

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

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

THE RAIN EVENT: CESAR FRANCIS HEADLINES PROBOX TV FUTURE STARS SERIES ON WEDNESDAY, JAN 25

Press Release: January 6, 2023 By ProBox TV –   Brooklyn's rising star Cesar Francis is ready for his ring return on Wednesday, January 25 in Tampa, Florida, as he headlines the inaugural ProBox TV's Future Stars Series.

Credit: ProBox TV 

Francis is coming off the back of a breakout year in 2022, featuring consistently on ProBox TV, defeating former world champions Mohammed Mimoune, Raymundo Beltran whilst also producing a KO of the Year contender against Francisco Armenta. cesar1.png

Francis discussed his 2022 and his hopes for 2023. The Panamanian-born stylist stated, "I enjoyed 2022, I was active consistently for the first time in my career, so I have to thank my team at ProBox TV and of course my team who have been together for years for all playing their part in making it the best year of my career.

"I'm not young, but I'm in my prime, I've made up for lost time and now it's all systems go. I learned a lot in the Mimoune and Beltran fights and it showed me I can compete at world level and the progression in my performances was visible. I haven't got miles on the clock, and the miles I do have are smart ones. I'm ready for whatever 2023 throws at me starting on ProBox TV on January 25."

Brooklyn's Rainman's first task of 2023 comes in the form of Mexican Jesus Saracho. Francis discussed his adversary on January 25.

The undefeated 140-pounder said, "I don't know too much about Saracho, but I know he's a game Mexican, and we will prepare accordingly in a professional way like we always do. I'm happy the fights are on a Wednesday night because everyone can watch it, it doesn't clash with anything else so I hope that all eyes will be on ProBox TV watching me show why I'm ready for those big names like Arnold Barboza. Liam Paro, Jose Ramirez, and hopefully this year Josh Taylor.

"I have to do a job on January 25, and show everybody that I'm the darkhorse in the 140-pound division. I'm ranked number 8 by the WBO and I'm grateful to the WBO for ranking me that highly, but don't miss this next fight, because I'm going to show everybody that I have the capability to become world champion in 2023."

Material and Photo Courtesy of: ProBox TV Used with permission.

For more information about ProBox TV including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, full event archives, and to subscribe please visit: www.ProBoxTV.com. 

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

SERRANO-CRUZ AND BAUMGARDNER-MEKHALED STAR IN UNDISPUTED DOUBLE-HEADER ON FEB 4 IN NEW YORK LIVE ON DAZN

 Press Release: By DAZN January 3, 2023 – 

All the marbles on the line at Featherweight and Super-Featherweight – Hitchins back home – Seldin and Mati clash

Credit: DAZN

Watch the action live at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, live worldwide on DAZN

New York, NY January 2023: Amanda Serrano will face Erika Cruz in a Puerto Rico vs. Mexican battle for the Undisputed World Featherweight championship and Alycia Baumgardner takes on Elhem Mekhaled for the Undisputed World Super-Featherweight championship at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday February 4, exclusively live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS START AT $30 (PLUS FEES) AND GO ON PRESALE TOMORROW (JAN 4) AT 12NOON ET AND ON GENERAL SALE FROM 12NOON ET ON THURSDAY (JAN 5) AT TICKETMASTER.COM AND MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT MSG.COM

Seven-weight World champion Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano (43-2-1 30 KOs) looks to become the first Puerto Rican born fighter to take home the title of undisputed, as she finally gets the opportunity at Featherweight where she has ruled since 2019, after her history-making Lightweight clash with Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden last April. Serrano faces off against Cruz in her hometown of New York City after a convincing win over Sarah Mahfoud in Manchester, England to add the Dane’s IBF title to her WBO and WBC belts at 126lbs.

The missing piece of the jigsaw is the WBA crown that belongs to Cruz (15-1 3 KOs). The Mexican became WBA champion in April 2021, ending the long reign of Canadian Jelena Mrdjenovich in West Point, New York. Cruz defended the title in Mexico in November 2021 and then met Mrdjenovich in a rematch in September in Mexico and won via shutout on points. The 32 year old, nicknamed ‘Dinamita’ will pose a big threat to Serrano’s hopes of becoming undisputed and put a spanner in the works of the Taylor rematch.

“This is a pivotal moment, not just for me and my own career but for my home island of Puerto Rico,” said Serrano. Earning the opportunity to be an undisputed lineal champion is something most fighters only dream about but becoming the first boxer from Puerto Rico to be an undisputed champion would make it even more special. I look forward to entering the ring on Saturday, February 4th in my hometown of NYC back at Madison Square Garden, taking on a Mexican champion in Erika Cruz and making Puerto Rican history. I encourage all my fans to turn up and tune in!”

“We’ve come to realize nothing is unachievable for Amanda and she is truly setting the tone for a historic 2023 as she goes head-to-head with Mexico’s Erica Cruz in her fight first of the year,” said MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. “Being the first Puerto Rican born fighter to take home the title of undisputed lineal champion is a goal we have discussed since she joined MVP fifteen months ago.” With an unwavering commitment to boxing, Amanda's focus has always been to be one of the best to ever step into the ring. The fact that the Puerto Rican greats, like Felix Trinidad, Wilfredo Gomez, Carlos Ortiz and Miguel Cotto never achieved undisputed status but that Amanda Serrano will with a win, is a testament to her and her team’s greatness.”

“I am grateful that this opportunity was finally given to me after many years of work,” said Cruz. “I have always gone against everything, but God is on my side, and he has given me the strength to achieve my goals. It's time to make history and give Mexico its first unified champion at 126 pounds."

Baumgardner (13-1 7 KOs) had a brilliant 2022, capped by her victorious trip to London where she unified the 130lbs division against bitter American rival and IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine champion Mikaela Mayer in October via split decision. Baumgardner made it three wins on the bounce in the UK having ripped the WBC and IBO World titles from Terri Harper in Sheffield in November 2021 with a stunning KO and defending the belt for the first time in April in Manchester, shutting out Edith Matthysse over ten rounds.

Like Serrano, the Detroit star just needs the WBA belt to complete the full set, and that belt is vacant with #3 ranked Mekhaled (15-1 3 KOs), and the French former interim WBC champion comes into the bout on the back of a slender reversal in a bruising encounter with Belgium’s former World ruler Delfine Persoon in May in Abu Dhabi.

“Naturally, I’m VERY excited to finally be fighting for undisputed to make it official what I’ve known all along – I’m the world’s best fighter in this division!” said Baumgardner.

“To finally return home and debut in MY country as a World champion is something I’ve been so looking forward to and to have all of this come together as a co-main at the legendary Madison Square Garden in NYC is so incredible!

“NYC is an awesome representation of our country’s diversity, the diversity that’s so near and dear to my heritage… so for me, it’s definitely a fitting venue.

“I get to be an ambassador for women’s boxing in America on one of the largest stages for boxing in the world! I plan to use my talent as an athlete to show Americans and the world a level of women’s boxing that many have never seen before.

“Mekhaled is a great fighter. She’s quick, smart, very skilled, and experienced. Her record and her last fight, where she really outboxed Persoon shows that, but neither she nor anyone else in this division are on my level. So, I plan to end this one quick and make an example out of her.

“She’s standing in between me and God’s plan, so I’m going to have to walk straight through her. This won’t be a fight ANYONE can call close. She had a better chance of ending the fight on her feet if she took the offer back in April when it was first offered to her, but now, I feel motivated to silence any remaining doubters and put everyone from 130 to 140 on notice – I’m coming!”

“Since my WBC interim 2019 title, I’ve been waiting for this moment,” said Mekhaled. “Maybe fate has played well: instead of one belt, there are all on the line!

“I am super excited to fight on February 4 at the legendary MSG in New York. God knows how determined I am! It’s my time to shine. Thank you to my advisor Sarah Fina. #ANDTHENEW #UNDISPUTED.”

There’s a stacked card in support of the Undisputed double-header, and it’s led by Brooklyn’s own Richardson Hitchins taking on New Jersey’s John Bauza for the IBF North American and USWBC 140lb titles.

It’s a second fight under the Matchroom banner for Hitchins (15-0 7 KOs) and the unbeaten 25 year old will defend the IBF belt he won on his first fight with Eddie Hearn in Cleveland in November, his first title fight in the paid ranks and look to add a second strap in the process.

Hitchins fights in New York for the first time since March 2019, and fellow unbeaten man Bauza (17-0 7 KOs) will want to spoil his return to action in the Big Apple. The Puerto Rican from NJ faces both his first title bout and first battle over ten rounds in the paid ranks on the night. Bauza was a national champion the same year that Hitchins represented Haiti in the 2016 Olympics and the pair are familiar with each other having sparred in the past.

“I’m excited to come back home and showcase my talent in front of my city and my #1 fans,” said Hitchins. “When I signed with Eddie, he promised he was going to turn me into a star and having the opportunity to come back so quickly after my last fight, and do it at home, man I’m just so grateful for this.

“Bauza is no joke, we know each other, but these are the type of fights I want. I’m fighting a young, hungry, undefeated prospect like myself, but I truly believe I’m the best 140 pounder in the world and come fight night I’m going to show him I am on a whole other level. February 4th is going to be a very special night for me, and I just can’t wait to be back in front of my hometown fans and show the world that I am a problem at 140 lbs.”

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a while now and finally it’s here,” said Bauza. “On February 4, I graduate from prospect to legitimate world contender. This is a huge opportunity for me to showcase myself and I plan on putting on a spectacular performance.

“I know Richardson well, we’ve sparred before. I respect him as a fighter but he’s simply not on my level and at MSG, he’s going to realize that awfully quick.”

Staten Island talent Reshat Mati lands a big step up in his second title fight as he challenges on fellow New Yorker Cletus Seldin for his WBA NABA Super-Lightweight title. Mati (13-0 7 KOs) picked up the WBC Youth title at 140lbs in Mexico City in October in a tough tussle with Eduardo Rodriguez, outpointing the Mexican in his first ten round action.

Experienced banger Seldin (26-1 22 KOs) will provide an even tougher test in Mati’s second bout with a belt on the line, with ‘The Hebrew Hammer’ will want to extend his five fight KO winning streak as he returns to the ring for the first time since October 2021 when he knocked out William Silva in his Brooklyn backyard.

There are two more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap.

Nicolson (5-0) will look to bag belt number two just one month shy of a full year in the paid ranks having bagged the Commonwealth title on home turf in Queensland in October, completing a unique double having won Commonwealth gold for her country in the same state in 2018. It will be a night of firsts for Spaniard Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) as ‘La Violenca’ fights outside of Spain for the first time and in her first ten round bout for a belt.

Ali (7-0 2 KOs) and Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) also fight for their first title in the paid ranks, with Somali Olympian Ali heading into the contest after recording her second KO win and second in the first session of a fight in Saudi Arabia, the first female fight held in the country, while Florida based Aussie Mathie kept her unbeaten record intact with victory in her only fight of 2022 in June in Atlanta.

Two more undefeated fighters taste action on the card as Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) looks to get back to winning ways against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) following his entertaining split draw on the Canelo-GGG card in Las Vegas in September, and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) fights in New York for the first time against Mexico’s Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs).

“What a start to 2023 we have in store in New York,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The women continue to lead the way in undisputed fights, and we have two of the very best in action on February 4.

“Puerto Rico vs. Mexico fights always deliver fireworks, and we can expect nothing less when Amanda and Erika meet. Their clash of styles will make for a brilliant spectacle as Amanda and her army of fans returns to the scene of her history-making fight of the year with Katie, and we can expect a similar atmosphere to one of the greatest nights the sport has ever seen.

“Alycia was one of the standout fighters in 2022 and she has the undisputed battle she wanted the moment she ripped the titles from Terri in the UK - but what a golden opportunity for Ehlem to upset the odds.

“Reshat is in deep with the big hitting ‘Hebrew Hammer’ Seldin and Skye and Ramla both have big title fights that could be crucial on their paths to World title action.

“I cannot wait for February 4, it’s a stacked card from top to bottom and a great way for us to kick off a huge year for Matchroom on DAZN.”

“What a way to kick off our US boxing schedule with two blockbuster undisputed fights at the Garden! We are incredibly excited to be working with Amanda, Jake, Nakisa and the MVP team once again, and to have one of the best around, Alycia Baumgardner, back on DAZN. Both are truly exceptional fighters. Watch this brilliant fight night, live worldwide on DAZN”, said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America.

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.

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

A Boxing Wishlist For 2023

It is the beginning of a new year. What that means for readers here on The Boxing Truth® is it is time for this observer to share his annual “Boxing Wishlist” regarding some of the things that I would like to see in the sport during the upcoming year. While yours truly is writing this year’s edition of his “Boxing Wishlist” in the latter days of 2022 ahead of its scheduled release, I feel it important to state for anyone who may be reading what has become an annual tradition for me at the beginning of a calendar year that this list does not feature a formal list from 1 to 10 for example as one would see in a countdown-like television show, but rather you will see this observer list an item and go into an explanation as to why it is on the list and hopefully a brief explanation or as brief as I can make it within the context of a single column as to my feelings on the subject. As tends to also be the case with each passing year, there will be items that have been featured in previous years lists that will unfortunately remain on the list as circumstances warrant it. Now that I have explained the structure/criteria for new readers and hopefully a bit of clarity for longtime readers who may have wondered what goes into my process, it is time to get on with the task at hand. Unlike previous years however, I will be highlighting each item rather than simply going from one item to the next in an effort to make it easier for the reader.

“A Boxing Wishlist For 2023”

To See A Clear Distinction Between “Influencer Boxing” And Professional Boxing:

In recent years, the sport has seen the introduction of what is referred to as “Influencer Boxing.” Although I have stated in previous columns discussing the subject that it is twist of sorts on a “Celebrity Boxing” concept that we have seen on and off over previous decades, I feel that the genre if you will of what is “ Influencer Boxing” needs to be clearly defined as to not be confused with Professional Boxing and to be more specific, needs to be clarified to the casual sports fan for which the concept is clearly targeted towards in terms of demographics.

While some Boxing purists would probably call the “Influencer” concept more of an intrusion than to the sport’s benefit, I do see it as a benefit in the sense that it does generate interest, particularly amongst those who have either never been exposed to Boxing before or for whom the sport is of only a casual interest. Where I feel there needs to be a distinction between what is “Influencer Boxing” and what is Professional Boxing is in the fact that most of those who are influencers are not professional fighters and, despite the boasts of some of those who have generated interest, you are not likely to see one known as an influencer competing against pro boxers that are either contenders or world champions simply because they are not taking a route into the sport that amateur fighters take upon turning professional and though many influencers have proven to be good promoters, the structure of the sport needs to be respected and if an influencer truly wants to compete against boxers, they should go the same route as every other fighter that enters the sport.

 If however, influencers are only interested in facing others on a similar level it needs to be defined clearly as different from Professional Boxing particularly since we have seen influencers pushed in main event positions on pay-per-view cards without facing professional boxers. If nothing else, it should be defined for consumers as well. Although I have said that any influencer/celebrity that enters the ring will get a fair shake from me as long as the sport is respected, which will continue, the difference between what is “Influencer Boxing” and what is “Professional Boxing” needs to be clearly defined.

To See An “Exhibition Circuit” Established In The Sport:

While some might argue that this and “Influencer Boxing” go hand and hand, there has also been an influx of Exhibition Boxing that has surfaced over the last two years. Some may recall the exhibition that took place on Thanksgiving weekend 2020 at the venue previously known as the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA where Boxing Hall of Famers Mike Tyson and Roy Jones boxed an eight round exhibition in a fanless environment due to the COVID-19 global epidemic. The event, which was broadcast on pay-per-view was a humanitarian effort by Tyson and Jones in a charitable gesture to the first responders of an epidemic that as we enter 2023 continues.

Both Tyson and Jones should be praised for the initiative they took, but in an inadvertent way, that event, which was done for a cause, has given way to an unofficial circuit where retired fighters like Tyson and Jones engage in exhibitions. Sometimes those exhibitions are between former fighters, while other times it may be a former fighter going against a badly overmatched celebrity/influencer. It is important for me to say before I go further that I am not against the idea of fighters staging exhibitions especially when it is for a charitable cause, which was one reason beyond curiosity that I was happy to cover the Tyson-Jones exhibition in 2020. Having said that, one thing that I as someone who truly cares about Boxing that I do have an issue with is when exhibitions are staged not for a charitable cause, but as an attempt by some to secure lucrative offers to participate in clear mismatches that ultimately have no benefit to anyone, least of which the sport of Boxing.

With this in mind, if former fighters are truly interested in partaking in exhibitions rather than actively competing in the sport, I think it would be wise to establish an “Exhibition Circuit” within the sport, but there also should be some guidelines if such a thing were formally established. The first and perhaps most obvious among them should be to ensure that any boxer partaking in an exhibition goes through the same thorough medical screenings and neurological testing that all boxers should be subject to prior to getting licensed to fight. Some may recall the regrettable exhibition, which took place in September 2021 between the fifty-nine year old Hall of Famer Evander Holyfield and former MMA world champion Vitor Belfort. An exhibition that was moved to South Florida due to the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) refusing to clear Holyfield for the event citing his age, many years of inactivity, and the punishment he had sustained over a long career prior to retirement.

While the CSAC should be applauded for trying to prevent what could have been a tragedy, a clearly compromised Holyfield was allowed to get into the ring and was quickly overwhelmed by Belfort before Referee Sam Burgos did what the Florida State Athletic Commission apparently would not do and protected Holyfield against himself and from possibly permanent damage if not worse. If this were not a bad enough black eye for the sport, it should also not be unnoticed that the fight was listed as an official professional fight prior to the event, but was changed to an exhibition afterwards, perhaps in response to the subsequent backlash. Although I made my feelings on that shameful night clear in my coverage of that event, I am still embarrassed for the sport that something like that, despite clear evidence that one of the participants should not have been in a ring, was allowed to go on. Especially, after one state commission refused to license said fighter citing concern for his health.

Therefore, under an “Exhibition Circuit” all participants should be put through as thorough screenings and neurological testing that currently exists. Furthermore, no participant should be cleared unless it is clear by testing/screening that they would be licensed by just about any state or international regulatory board one could name. It may be true that you cannot completely eliminate the potential for accidents inside the ring, but at least if such protocols were in place under an exhibition concept as they should be in active competition, the risks should at minimum be reduced.

While not likely in the present time we live in, it would also be nice if an “Exhibition Circuit” were in place to see a standard set that such exhibitions are to be staged to benefit a cause. Whether that be for things like relief efforts or circumstances like those of COVID-19 will obviously depend on the circumstances at a given time, but I personally would like to see some of these exhibitions used to raise funds to assist retired fighters and others who have been involved in the sport both financially and with healthcare. Exhibitions are a great way to spread good will and for charitable causes, but it would also be nice if it were also used as a way for the sport to help care for it’s own and give back to those who gave so much to Boxing.

To See The Push Towards Undisputed Continue Throughout The Entire Sport:

One of the regular additions on the “Boxing Wishlist” seemingly every year is the desire of yours truly to see one undisputed world champion be crowned per weight class throughout the sport's seventeen weight divisions. A wish that as I have pointed out in the past is truly easier said than done with five recognized world sanctioning organizations with each having their own respective ratings per division and policies in terms of regulation.

Despite this, it is one consistent item on the “Boxing Wishlist” that as years have gone by has actually seen gradual progress being made not just in regard to the men competing in the sport, but for Women’s Boxing as well. With undefeated Heavyweight world champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk appearing to be the next fight in the pipeline that will determine an undisputed world champion in the Heavyweight division for the first time since 1987 when Mike Tyson scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Tony Tucker for what was then an undisputed world championship with the crowns of the WBC, WBA, and IBF being on the line in that bout, the yet to be announced unification bout between Fury and Usyk will be the first in history where all five recognized world championships will be on the line in a single fight with the WBO and IBO, two organizations that were not established in 1987, now being included in the process of determining an undisputed world champion. 

Although unfortunately any process towards determining an undisputed world champion will have its obstacles and complications regardless of weight class, only with rare exceptions, my hope/wish is to see the progress that has been made in recent years continue. With fighters below the Heavyweight division either moving up or down in weight depending on whatever opportunity might be available to them, which includes some fighters who are able to become undisputed champions in a given division, the idea of seeing one undisputed world champion per weight division at any time may seem impossible. The progress that has been made however is something that cannot be ignored and given the amount of progress being made in just a few years time, there should be cautious optimism, but it is certainly not complete and should be viewed as an ongoing process.

To See The International Olympic Committee Institute A Permanent Boxing Taskforce For All Future Olympic Tournaments:

One subject that I have been keeping an eye on over the last year or so is the one regarding the potential that Boxing may not be included in the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics. Anyone who follows Boxing closely including the amateur ranks knows that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been at odds with the Amateur Boxing Association, now known as the IBA, due to numerous issues involving alleged corruption in previous Olympic tournaments. While that subject is one that would frankly probably require yours truly to write a series of columns to cover the whole scope of the long-standing issues between the IOC and the IBA, it were those issues that led to the IOC implementing the use of a “Boxing Taskforce” to oversee the delayed 2020 tournament as part of the 2020 Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan in the summer of 2021, which had no involvement from the IBA.

Although an Olympic tournament is truly a marathon over sixteen days of competition and thus is nearly impossible to insulate from potential controversy, I personally felt as someone who with the exception of the 2012 London games, has covered every Olympic Boxing tournament since the 2000 Olympics in some form, that the delayed 2020 tournament was a significant step in the right direction if the goal is ultimately to ensure the credibility and integrity of the tournament.

As much as I feel it was a step forward, the IOC, does not appear willing to keep the taskforce that they put in place going forward and with the committee’s ongoing issues with the IBA continuing, have threatened to remove Boxing from the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France. Without going into specific incidents that led to accusations of corruption against the organization now known as the IBA, the issues of possible corporation is something that unfortunately goes back decades and while I applaud the IOC for attempting to address the issues that be in an effort to both hold the association accountable and restore integrity in the tournament, I feel threatening to remove Boxing from the Olympics is going too far.

While I make no secret of the fact that I look forward to covering the Olympic Boxing tournament every four years, and keeping in mind that I detest corruption in the sport on any level, removing the tournament while on the surface seems as though it would be punishing the alleged wrong doings of an association that is supposed to oversee and regulate Amateur Boxing, the only ones who will be truly punished are the fighters around the world who aim to conclude their amateur careers by attempting to win Olympic Gold before setting their sights on the professional ranks.

 If there were to be a removal of Boxing from the Olympics, I feel that a situation will emerge where fighters will be forced to turn professional simply because the pinnacle of Amateur Boxing competing in the Olympics will have been taken from them through no fault of their own. Unlike a scenario where an individual country might boycott the Olympics as the United States did in 1980, this would be on a global scale and may ultimately result in Amateur Boxing needing to be completely reformatted, which could take many years before the sport is able to be a part of Olympic competition again.

While some may feel a complete restructuring of Amateur Boxing is needed and I do not necessarily disagree with such a view, there has to be and should be a more sensible way to both hold accountable and ensure the integrity of the tournament is upheld without doing away with the tournament and the sport’s participation in the Olympics altogether. It is my hope that the IOC reconsiders it's stance and tries to build on what they were able to accomplish in 2021 with it’s Boxing Taskforce. Until the IBA can demonstrate over several years that it has addressed the issues of corruption and therefore can be trusted to oversee the tournament again, the IOC should keep it's taskforce in place. The solution is not to punish kids, who simply want to compete in the Olympics, by taking the opportunity away from them.

To See Fights Of Significant Interest Made In A Timely Manner:

This item may truly be easier said or let me rephrase, easier “Wished For” than done. One of the biggest drawbacks that I hear on a more frequent basis then I would like to admit particularly among those who criticize Boxing is that it takes often too long for a fight that has significant interest to be made. This is something that you are likely to hear either from those who are casual fans or from those who are primarily fans of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), who often cite that fights that have significant demand from the public often occur in a much more timely manner in that sport than is the case in Boxing. To be more specific, fights made between stars of the sport, which occur when the fighters are at or near their physical prime.

This is something that frankly is hard to argue against simply because there is plenty of evidence with regard to Boxing that shows that such fights often occur well past the time where both fighters are at their competitive best. Rather then list an endless log of examples, what are the reasons for this? More often than not, the philosophy that I have heard used is by delaying a fight from being made in a timely manner and continuing to let anticipation build as two star fighters continue to meet and presumably defeat other opposition, it allows for promoters, managers, and networks an opportunity to try and maximize potential revenues that could be gained when a fight is finally made. The obvious flaw with that argument/philosophy is such tactics often benefit outside interests like those aforementioned aspects more than it does the fighters involved.

As time has gone on, we see more an emphasis or so it would appear that what is more beneficial for a promoter or network and the vested interests therein often take priority over what is in the best interests of the fighters and more importantly the sport in terms of giving the Boxing fans the fights they want to see on a consistent basis. While the last couple of years has seen improvements overall for the sport, even in the midst of an ongoing epidemic, there is still much more that can be done and progress to be made. A good starting point might be if there is sufficient demand for a fight between two fighters, maybe the best thing a fan can do is take their arguments as to why a fight should happen directly to the promoters and networks involved. In the age we live in where social media is a source of communication for many, there may be no better way for the fan to get their point across, short of choosing not to continue supporting the sport financially and otherwise, than to go straight to the source. Which coincidentally leads this observer to the final addition on this year’s “Boxing Wishlist.”

To See The Pay-Per-View Model Either Significantly Revamped Or Done Away With In The Best Interest Of The Sport And The Fans That Support It:

As a longtime critic of the pay-per-view model, it should surprise no one that the conclusion of this year’s “Boxing Wishlist” features perhaps the one singular item that has been featured year after year with very little variation. To see the pay-per-view model either done away with completely or to see a significant revamp. What do I mean by “Revamp?” It is really simple, a reduction of both the amount of events/cards that are considered to be “Pay-Per-View Level” as well as what the price points are to the consumer. 

Although I do not want to delve into the past too deeply for the purposes of this column and at the risk of showing my age, when I was growing up in the 1980’s and to a certain point in the 1990’s prior to when I began my journey writing about and covering combat sports with Boxing as my primary, the pay-per-view model was one that was used sparingly, and for the most part, was only used for the “Big Fights,” the “SuperFights” to use a term that this observer has used more than once to illustrate a point whenever this topic is discussed.

 Furthermore, even the biggest fights of that era were affordable to the consumer with many not exceeding $40 in most cases. While I can sit all day and often all night talking about the ills of the pay-per-view model and how it does more damage to Boxing than it does to benefit the sport, as 2023 begins, we have regressed slightly in the implementation of reasonably priced subscription-based models, which could ultimately replace what is often hoped for, but rarely achieved in terms of pay-per-view revenue.

How has the sport regressed? I think a major reason why you have seen digital subscription-based streaming networks like DAZN, which marketed themselves heavily as an alternative to the pay-per-view model, reverting to use the model on what they insist is an occasional basis, can be in some ways directly attributed to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic. DAZN much like many sports networks and sports leagues was severely impacted by what was a months-long pause in sports in 2020 and the circumstances of what may be a global economic recession also plays into the need if one wants to call it that, for them to use the pay-per-view model.

As someone who has been very vocal in supporting what digital streaming networks like DAZN and ESPN+ have done in terms of offering a viable alternative to the inflated, overpriced, and undervalued model of pay-per-view via reasonably priced subscription plans, I would not be objective or honest with the reader if I said I were in favor of using the model, even on an occasional basis. When one looks at the competitors to subscription-based streaming networks, using only here in the United States as an example as these are the platforms I personally have access to, you have premium cable network Showtime and Fox Sports. Each have produced pay-per-view cards in recent years promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters that more often than not start at a near $75 price point before taxes and additional fees are added into the equation. Not surprisingly, many of those events have failed to be profitable, which I believe is a case of both an overuse of the model and more specifically the price points.

It should also be pointed out that a reason given for DAZN’s implementation of the pay-per-view model was that it was the “Only way” for some fights to be made and to draw certain fighters to the negotiating table. If one views this objectively, there may be some merit to that claim. After all, fighters are often promised additional money from the pay-per-view model and as such, much to the determent of the sport, some fighters per those promises feel that the model is a requirement for them.

Before I go further, let me state that it is not my intention to criticize fighters with my previous statement. Boxing is after all a combat sport and fighters should be able to make as much money as they can, while they can because a career can end almost as quickly as one begins. Having said that, if pay-per-view cards at inflated price points fail to draw significant numbers in terms of buys where it is profitable for all involved, network, promoter, cable/satellite providers, streaming platforms, and finally the fighters, things need to change.

One such approach that I have suggested is for a network like DAZN, who is still a subscription-based platform that has for lack of a better term been forced to implement what is an outdated model for the time being is to say to fighters and promoters if pay-per-view is a requirement for you, we expect to hit x amount of buys not as a break even point, but for profit. Failure to meet that number, we will not do pay-per-view going forward. As I have also pointed out before, if a network were to impose that kind of standard, it does put the onus on the fighter and the promoters to ensure everything is being done on their end to make an event successful. The reality that a lot of these fighters and promoters need to realize is as 2023 now begins, pay-per-view as a source of revenue may still work on an occasional basis, but the key word is “Occasional.” Furthermore, when the market is predominantly focused on reasonably priced streaming networks and subscription-based options therein, many will not be willing to pay $70 to $80 a pop regardless of who might be on the card. Promoters who have also criticized the pricing model of pay-per-view, but still use the model and also charge the same inflated price points that they criticize also need to be held accountable.

The solution from the standpoint of what is good for the sport is a simple one and was already firmly established prior to the COVID-19 global crisis by networks like DAZN and ESPN+. Subscription-based alternatives that are reasonably priced for the consumer. As for how that might get over with fighters who have been conditioned to think that pay-per-view is the only way to achieve additional revenue, I believe a solution to that might be giving a percentage of subscription revenue, especially if certain milestones are met based on a fighter’s appearance on a network/platform. I would also feel confident that additional revenues can be found in the advertising/sponsorship area. 

It is a matter of getting the fighters and promoters to see that what they think is being generated by pay-per-view in terms of revenue is not matching reality and thus the need to adapt to change is necessary both for promoters to survive and for fighters to make what they can, while they can. The solution to continued declining numbers at inflated prices is not doing more of the same. It is time for Boxing as a whole to embrace change rather than segments of the sport continuing to fight against it.

Conclusion:

As 2023 now begins these are the main things that I as a proud Boxing Lifer, would like to see over the course of the year. Whether or not we will see continued progress in any of these areas remains to be seen, but someone who truly has the best interest of the sport can at least hope.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

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

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

Happy 2023/Schedule Reminder

 

We would like to wish our readers a very happy and safe 2023. Our 2023 schedule will begin on Tuesday, January 3^rd with the 2023 edition of Beau Denison’s “Boxing Wishlist.” We here at The Boxing Truth® look forward to continuing to provide readers with features, weigh-in results, special previews, fight card recaps, and other content also being released as events approach throughout the sport of Boxing. The Boxing Truth® welcomes the opportunity to continue to provide our readers with accurate information, in-depth analysis, and objective opinions regarding the sport of Boxing as well as the participants and issues that surround it.  We thank all our readers for your continued support and we look forward to hearing from you throughout 2023.  Happy New Year.

 

“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