IVAN DYCHKO NEXT FIGHT CONFIRMED

Press Release: By Probellum - LOS ANGELES, JUNE 20 – Ivan Dychko takes his 100% KO record to Argentina this week as the giant Kazak returns to the ring. 

Credit: Probellum

 
The hammer-fisted Dychko will be looking to secure a 12th knockout from as many pro fights in Buenos Aires on Thursday (June 23) when he locks horns with local favorite Kevin Espindola. 
 
The 10 round heavyweight clash takes place on the WBA’s KO Drugs Boxing Festival and will see 6’9” Dychko fight for the first time under the Probellum banner, having signed with the global promoters earlier this year. 
 
MEET DYCHKO AS HE TALKS FURY, WILDER AND JOSHUA VS USYK 
 
Dychko, a former sparring partner of Wladimir Klitschko, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wider, says that once he has dealt with Espindola, he will only be looking for “big fights”. 
 
Dychko, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, said: “I am ready for big fights and very soon, I will be ready to fight the world champions in the heavyweight division. 
 
“I had a great amateur career and now I have picked up a lot of KOs in the pros.  Everybody knows I have good technical ability, but my 11 knockouts show that I punch very hard. 
 
“I know my heavyweight rivals are watching me.” 
 
To keep updated on Dychko’s fight this week, sign up to our newsletter or follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.     
 
You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.   

 

 

 

 

 

About Probellum    
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport. 
 
Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle. 
 
The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown. 
 
Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund. 
 
But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella. 
 
Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), 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).        

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.  

 

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

 

 

Beterbiev-Smith: Boxing’s Latest Unification Clash

Longtime readers of this observer’s work and particularly those who have followed The Boxing Truth® are likely familiar with a column that I have penned over the last several years that typically serves as a beginning of the schedule at the beginning of the year. “A Boxing Wishlist.” While as time has gone on there are more than one item that unfortunately remains on the list year after year, one of the more consistent items is my wish to see all world championships unified to determine one undisputed world champion per division amongst the sport’s seventeen weight classes.

As I have pointed out frequently whenever the subject of a unification bout arises, my wish may seem overly optimistic and impossible for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to the various sanctioning organizations, with their own mandates, the slew of interim/regular championship designations throughout the sport, rival promoters that tend to shy away from working together even though it would benefit the fighters that they represent, and finally rival networks that have their own agendas, which unfortunately more often than not contradicts with what is good for the sport of Boxing and more specifically the public/consumer’s desire to see world champions face each other to determine who is the top fighter in a given weight class.

Although all of the above should be viewed as negative and among many reasons why Boxing continues to be prevented from reaching it’s true potential, recent times have seen progress in unification bouts taking place on a somewhat regular basis and one thing that I personally feel encouraged by, an undisputed champion defending his title against a mandatory challenger who held interim championship status in an organization, who’s world championship the champion held, and did so in a reasonable timeframe. While the decision of former Undisputed Lightweight world champion George Kambosos to defend his title against a deserving WBC number one contender in Devin Haney proved to be a costly one as Haney scored a dominant twelve round unanimous decision to win the championship, one cannot argue that Kambosos’ decision to fight the top contender that was available not only showed a true fighter’s mentality, but more specifically benefited the sport in showing that an undisputed champion was willing to take on arguably the most dangerous opponent possible for his first title defense.

Now a few weeks removed from that fight, which took place in Melbourne, Australia, the Boxing world now prepares to focus on another division that is taking another step toward full unification. This time, the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division as undefeated WBC/IBF world champion Artur Beterbiev will face WBO world champion Joe Smith on Saturday, June 18th at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. The fight, which can be seen here in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ refocuses the spotlight on the division that is still buzzing over undefeated WBA world champion Dmitry Bivol’s dominant victory over Undisputed Super-Middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in May. While Bivol’s victory threw a monkey wrench into Alvarez’ plans to attempt to fully unify a second weight class, there was little doubt as to who won that fight though not many among the casual fan who knew of Dmitry Bivol prior to that fight and thus were not familiar with his Boxing style and skillset that bewildered Alvarez over the course of twelve rounds.

An argument that could be made that is a flaw to a degree is that when a fighter that enjoys the star level that Alvarez does enters into a division to seek more acclaim, it does take away from those fighters who might hold world titles in the division that are not fortunate to be involved in a fight with Alvarez. Though the flaw in choosing an opponent that was not stylistically favorable was exposed by Bivol defeating Alvarez in convincing fashion, the two other world champions in the division Beterbiev and Smith were unfortunately pushed to the background.

If there is a silver lining, it could be that by facing each other it could make the winner’s chances of meeting Bivol down the line for what would be the undisputed championship higher now that Bivol took care of his business against Alvarez and barring a potential rematch between them down the line, it would theoretically leave Bivol free to meet the winner of this fight. While that is a subject to discuss more extensively at a later time, it does underscore the high stakes that are involved here in this fight beyond three versions of the World Light-Heavyweight championship being on the line. 

As for the fight itself, this will be an encounter between two fighters that like to come forward. Both Beterbiev and Smith are aggressive fighters that have shown a willingness to get in and mix it up with their opponents. Although each man has also shown the ability to box and earn decision victories, given the styles of both fighters, it would not shock me if this fight were to come down to who is able to land their power punches first as both have also shown the ability to score quick and sudden knockouts. When it comes to fights like this that feature fighters with similar styles going against each other, it always interest me to see who will take the initiative from the outset. 

With two fighters that like to come forward and apply pressure on their opponents, something as simple on the surface as who initiates the combat can actually prove to be crucial. This is because of the similarities between the two fighters in that the fighter that fails to initiate things and more specifically attempt to control the tempo of the combat, will be forced into a position they might not be comfortable with in being on the receiving end of a pressure attack and it might be how that fighter adjusts that will ultimately determine how this fight will be fought and could even determine the outcome.

Both fighters have shown the aforementioned attributes as well as an ability to adapt when hurt, so this has the potential to be an all-action fight for however long it lasts. Now with the spotlight firmly focused on them, with both world champions not pushed to the background by the circumstances and politics that be in the sport, it is simply a question of who will be able to seize the opportunity.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth. “

Beterbiev  vs. Smith takes place on Saturday, June 18th at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen in the United States on digital subscription sports streaming network ESPN+ beginning at 6:25PM ET/3:25PM PT. For more information about ESPN+ including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, instructions on how to access ESPN+ through the ESPN app, and to subscribe please visit: www.ESPNPlus.com. 

*Check your local listings Internationally.

*Card Subject To Change

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

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

Vitali Klitschko To Be Honored With The Arthur Ashe Award For Courage During The 2022 ESPYS Presented By Capital One July 20 Live on ABC

 Press Release: By ESPN - Former Heavyweight Boxing champion and mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, will be honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at the 2022 ESPYS, airing live on July 20 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. The award is given to a deserving member of the sporting world who makes a difference far beyond the field of play, impacting the world in indelible ways.

Credit: Press Office Of Vitali Klitschko

 

Klitschko, who has been the city’s mayor since 2014, has been a central figure in his country’s defense since it was invaded by Russian forces in late February. As the capital city endured a weeks-long siege and fought to keep Kyiv under control, Klitschko has served as one of the faces of the Ukrainian resilience inspiring people around the world. Together with his brother Wladimir, also a former heavyweight champion, the Klitschkos pledged to take up arms alongside their fellow citizens, and were leaders in Ukrainians’ remarkable response to the invasion. That response included other boxers out of the nation’s rich tradition of fighting like Vasiliy Lomachenko, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, and Oleksandr Usyk, a top heavyweight contender, returning home to join defense battalions themselves.

 

"It is a great honor for me to receive this award,” said Klitschko. “I am convinced that this is a recognition of the courage and inviolability of the Ukrainian people, who have been bravely resisting the Russian aggressor for more than 3 months. This is an award for everyone who defends the independence and freedom of Ukraine.”

 

The Klitschkos are, perhaps improbably, the sons of a Soviet major general, and grew up boxing in the old Soviet amateur system. Vitali finished his professional career with a 45-2 record, winning a WBO heavyweight title and maybe most memorably fighting Lennox Lewis in a tightly-contested, vicious 2003 bout that had to be stopped due to a deep cut over Klitschko’s eye (and his impassioned pleas to let him keep fighting).

 

Vitali Klitschko first entered the Ukrainian political sphere in 2006, on a hiatus from boxing, when he ran for mayor of Kyiv and finished second in the election. He would remain politically active even as he returned to the ring, and initially committed to running for president in 2014 before ultimately entering the mayoral race and winning. He’s since become the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history, remaining a prominent figure in the country. That, of course, has continued in wartime, with Klitschko speaking at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland just a few weeks ago, imploring its influential audience that their biggest mistake would be to think that impact of the war in Ukraine is confined to its borders.

 

“Vitali’s poise and strength as his city and country faces unfathomable tests have far surpassed the incredible resolve he demonstrated as one of boxing’s top heavyweight champions,” said Executive Editor-At-Large ESPN Content, Rob King. “His commitment to the people of Ukraine has been a global inspiration, and his bravery is a prime example of the resilience of the human spirit. It is our privilege to bestow him with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.”

 

The Ashe Award has become one of the most prominent, prestigious, and talked-about honors in sports, and has recognized global icons like Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela, little-known heroes like Zaevion Dobson and Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, sports legends like Pat Summitt and Billie Jean King, and many more.

Material Courtesy of: ESPN/ Photo Courtesy of: The Press Office of Vitali Klitschko Used with permission.

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

 

 

 

OHARA DAVIES REACTS TO WBA DECISION AND MAKES SANDOR MARTIN PREDICTION

Press Release: By Probellum -

Credit: Problem 

LONDON, JUNE 14 – Ohara Davies has been left baffled by the WBA’s decision to overlook him for a shot at the world title.

‘Two Tanks’ was hoping to be picked to fight for the vacant super lightweight belt but learned on Sunday night, that No1 ranked Alberto Puello had been chosen to face Batyr Akhmedov, who sits at No6. 

The WBA also confirmed that Ismael Barroso, the Venezuelan puncher who withdrew from a November clash with Davies, will fight the winner. 

Davies, No3 in the rankings. has been left to face Spain’s Sandor Martin in an eliminator while former world champion, and fellow Probellum fighter, Regis Prograis has been told he would replace any of the contenders if they chose to pull out. 

“When I found out about the WBA’s decision, I was gutted,” said Davies, who fights in Leeds on Saturday night. 

“I felt like I should have been given the shot next because I was meant to fight Ismael Barroso, but he pulled out of our fight, so I don’t understand how he can be made mandatory challenger for the title? 

“I didn’t understand the WBA’s decision, but I have had to fight my whole life, and this is just another fight.” 

Davies, who is also keen to fight Newcastle’s Lewis Ritson down the line, respects Martin’s ability but is confident of stopping the Spanish southpaw. 

“There is also a feeling of relief that I get to fight Sandor Martin in an eliminator, because I now get the chance to wipe the smile off Eddie Hearn’s [Martin’s promoter] face,” Davies added. 

“Martin is a good fighter, he’s hard-working and he came in as the underdog against Mikey Garcia and got the win. He’s fast on his feet and a good boxer but one thing I know is that he isn’t a puncher.   And all it will take is one right hand to the chin, from me, and it’ll be all over. 

“After this fight in Leeds, give me another eight to 10 weeks and I will be ready for Sandor, whether it’s here or in Spain.” 

To keep up to date with the latest news on Davies’ world title journey, sign up to our newsletter or follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.    

You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter. 

About Probellum   

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

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown.

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), 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).     

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission

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

  

ANTHONY JOSHUA JOINS DAZN IN LANDMARK DEAL

 

• The long-term partnership secures Joshua’s fights for broadcast on DAZN; cements DAZN’s UK business; and reinforces its position as the global home of boxing 
• In this ground-breaking deal, the UK’s iconic two-time heavyweight champion will also become a global brand ambassador as well as a special advisor to, and shareholder in, DAZN Group
• DAZN customers already had unrivaled access to the world’s greatest fighters, including Canelo Álvarez, Ryan Garcia, Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin, and Katie Taylor; and so, the deal is the logical next step for DAZN and the natural choice for Joshua.

Press Release: By DAZN – London, June 13, 2022 – DAZN Group, the global sports entertainment company, today confirms a ground-breaking deal with Anthony Joshua that propels it to becoming the world’s leading boxing broadcaster.  

Credit: DAZN

 

The partnership will see Joshua’s future fights broadcast on DAZN’s sport entertainment platform to customers worldwide. DAZN is the global home of boxing. Its customers have unrivalled access to the world’s greatest fighters, including Canelo Álvarez, Ryan Garcia, Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin, and Katie Taylor. And so, this deal is the natural choice for Joshua and the logical next step for DAZN as it brings even more iconic boxing talent onto its platform and expands its UK footprint.

 

DAZN’s tie-up with the UK’s biggest boxing superstar comes amid strong global expansion for the sports entertainment platform, which is already a market leader in Italy, Spain, Germany and Japan where – alongside other world-class live sports content – it holds top tier football rights including Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, J League and non-domestic English Premier League. The deal with Joshua marks a pivotal moment for the UK-headquartered business as it drives to expand in its home market.

 

Expanding on their existing relationship, Joshua has deepened his partnership with DAZN by becoming a shareholder, special advisor, and brand ambassador for the business. As a special advisor, Joshua will join DAZN’s strategic advisory board as the business develops its global boxing offering by providing a richer and more immersive experience for its customers.

 

Anthony Joshua said:

 

“I am entering a new phase in my career with a new training environment, new coaches and now a new broadcaster. Negotiations at this level take time so I am pleased to have it all wrapped up and now I can fully focus on giving the fans and DAZN what they want, knockouts in the glamour division. 

 

I've been working with DAZN and following its progress for a long time. We have enjoyed a really successful partnership in the US for many years and I know the team and understand the passion and drive of the business. 

 

DAZN's vision and passion to innovate is what attracted me to the partnership. They are leading the digital landscape in sport and the future of sports broadcasting. I am really looking forward to a long and successful partnership.”

 

Shay Segev, CEO, DAZN Group, said: 

 

“AJ is a hugely popular and influential sportsman. His alignment with us and his investment in our business speaks volumes. This deal is his seal of approval for our vision and our direction as a business. We welcome his passion, his drive and – most significantly – the vast audiences he attracts.”

 

In addition to being a world-class fighter, Joshua is an entrepreneur and businessman. He founded management business 258 MGT in 2016 and represents boxing’s greatest rising stars, including Josh Buatsi, Derek Chisora and Ben Whittaker. His partnership with DAZN is a testament to his belief in the business strategy.

 

Freddie Cunningham, 258MGT Managing Director, said: 

 

“We are delighted to have concluded this landmark agreement with DAZN. I would like to thank the whole team at DAZN, 258MGT and Matchroom Boxing for helping bring this deal to completion. 

 

We were really impressed with the vision DAZN showed us for the future of Anthony’s career, it was clear from the discussions that we have a shared goal of bringing the fans the biggest fights possible and a partner committed to investing heavily to make them happen.”

 

Eddie Hearn, Chairman, Matchroom Boxing, said: 

 

“We have been successfully working in partnership with DAZN for many years now and this new announcement with Anthony Joshua emphasises why they continue to set the standard for the future of sports broadcasting. We have a shared vision with DAZN to make it the unrivalled home of boxing for fans across the world. Now with Anthony joining the team the stage is set to do even more together and we are looking forward to getting started.”

 

Reimagining the way people enjoy sports, DAZN is available in over 200 countries and territories. It is the leading sports broadcaster in Japan, Germany, Italy, and Spain, where it has top tier football rights as well as a range of other exciting live and non-live sports content. With further expansion planned, DAZN’s ambition is to become an indispensable part of sports fans’ lives – a true destination – shortly offering recreational betting, news, e-commerce, and gaming and introducing richer and more interactive entertainment for customers to enjoy alongside live sports.

 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.