Boxing
DAZN’s fall schedule confirmed with three stars
Published
4 months agoon
By
J. HumzaDiego Pacheco, Rocky Hernandez and Dalton Smith performed live on DAZN’s top live shows this fall.
Pacheco will face Maciej Sulecki at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles on Saturday, August 31, Hernandez will face Thomas Mattice in Hermosillo on Friday, September 13, and Smith will face Jon Fernandez for the vacant European super lightweight title at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Saturday, September 28.
The tripleheader preview will kick off with Pacheco, a super middleweight star making his second appearance in Los Angeles, taking on former Polish world title challenger Sulecki in the first-ever Matchroom show at the famed War Grounds venue in Carson City.
Pacheco (21-0 17 KOs) returns to his hometown after a 10-round decision win over Shawn McCalman in Las Vegas in April, where he successfully defended his USWBC and WBO International titles, which he puts on the line against Sulecki. The 23-year-old made his hometown debut against Marcelo Coceres in November at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, and his trademark power shined in a ninth-round knockout.
Sulecki (32-2 12 KOs) is unbeaten in four fights since challenging Demetrius Andrade for the WBO middleweight title and will be looking to spoil Pacheco’s party and put himself in line for gigantic fights at 168 pounds. The entertaining Pole is fighting on his fourth Matchroom card, having defeated Daniel Jacobs, Gabriel Rosado and Andrade in previous outings, and comes into the fight off a 10-round points victory in Queens, Recent York in May.
“I’m content to be a star at home again,” said Pacheco. “I’m looking forward to an incredible evening. Sulecki always fights well, he’s shared the ring with some great fighters and caused them problems, but I feel great about where my career is headed and I can’t wait to take another gigantic step towards fighting for a world title.”
“After a few surgeries, I’m back where I need to be,” Sulecki said. “I’ll be taking youthful Pacheco to the deep end on August 31st. This is a fight we’ve been eyeing for a while now, and with my up-to-date trainers, the Sosa Crew, we’ll leave Los Angeles victorious. I can’t wait to be back on DAZN in a Pole vs. Mexican fight!”
Eddie Hearn and Matchroom announced a up-to-date multi-fight contract for Hernandez yesterday, with the first fight of the up-to-date deal set to take place when ‘Rocky’ challenges Mattice for the WBA Continental Americas super featherweight title in Hermosillo on September 13.
Hernandez (35-2 32 KOs) was 22 seconds away from winning a world title from O’Shaquie Foster before the champ stopped him in an epic fight in Cancun in October, with their incredible 11th round earning Ring Magazine’s Round of the Year award. The 27-year-old bounced back with a seventh-round knockout victory in another war with Daniel Lugo in Aguascalientes in May, and will look to get closer to a second world title fight with a win over “Gunna Man.”
Mattice (22-3-1 17 KOs) is certain to add a second defeat to Rocky’s resume, coming into the fight on the back of a stellar winning streak, most notably setting two unbeaten records in a row live on DAZN. First, he won the WBC Continental Americas title in ten rounds in his hometown of Cleveland over Christian Tapia in November 2022, then dramatically defeated Ramiro Cesena in the final round of a ten-fight series in San Antonio in April 2023, defending that belt after losing all three of his bouts.
“Mattice is a great fighter and he was overlooked,” Hernandez said. “He’s very talented and has a similar style to Foster, so I want to prove to the world that I’m more than ready for him and anyone else I have to fight to become world champion.”
“I’m excited and ready to fight on September 13,” Mattice said. “This fight gives me a chance to become a bigger player in the Junior Lightweight division and make my mark in the division. It’s going to be as stimulating as all my fights. I’m ready to challenge myself with the best guys, and that starts with this fight in Hermosillo.”
The third fight announced today is ace Sheffield Smith taking on Fernandez for the European 140-pound title.
Smith (16-0 12 KO) could add another belt to his collection in the fourth fight of the evening in his home turf at the Steel City. The 27-year-old recently underlined his world title credentials by landing a sickening body blow in the opening round to knock out former world title challenger Jose Zepeda. “Thunder” continues his customary path of collecting all the belts and could add the European belt to his English, British and Commonwealth crowns by defeating Fernandez (26-2 22 KO), the Spaniard who is unbeaten in his last three fights since working with star trainer Ismael Salas.
“England, British and Commonwealth are on my mantelpiece so this fight is about adding to my domestic collection before moving on to the World titles,” Smith said. “Azim would rather give up his European title than face me but Jon Fernandez is ready to fight anyone. He hits really strenuous and he really comes into his own against Rivera, who is a class operator.
“I’m not taking him lightly, but the best Dalton Smith beats him in spectacular fashion and that’s what I’m looking to do, make it three showreel stoppages in a row. Then it’s all about securing that world title opportunity when I feel ready.”
“I’m very content that the fight has finally been announced,” Fernandez said. “It’s definitely a great opportunity for my career that I’m going to take advantage of. I’m going to prepare for this fight in Las Vegas, just like I did for my last three fights with Ismael Salas. We know it’s going to be a tough fight, a war, so we’re going to prepare for it. I hope I can make all the fans enjoy the fight.”
“These will be three gigantic fights for three of our future world champions,” Hearn said.
“Diego is knocking on the door to try his hand at fighting the gigantic guns and winning the 168lb world titles, but Maciej always brings the action and it’s a gigantic night for Diego to show the world he’s the real deal. It’s an honour for Matchroom and me to promote our first fight at the War Grounds of the Dignity Health Sports Park, a venue that’s close to our hearts as a company, as Kell Brook became world champion there in August 2014.”
“We were thrilled to sign Rocky to a multi-fight deal, and that’s going to be an incredible fight. You know what you can expect from Rocky – pure action. And Thomas has proven he’s got the power to match the skill and he’s definitely got the heart to come to Mexico and get a win, so that’s going to be another must-see Rocky Hernandez fight.”
“Last but definitely not least, Dalton will be a star once again in Sheffield and will be looking to swallow the last ‘domestic’ belt by taking the European title against Jon. Dalton, like Diego and Rocky, is in my eyes the world champion in waiting and wants all the smoke – he is sizzling on the heels of the gigantic names in the division and I think we will see another victory for ‘Thunder’ on September 28th.”
Ticket and advance notice information for all three events will be announced soon.
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Boxing
The fight between Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel will take place on December 14 at the Toyota Arena
Published
23 hours agoon
November 23, 2024In a clash of forces between two world title contenders, NABO welterweight titleholder Alexis “Lex” Rocha (25-2-0, 16 KO) will put his skills to the test against undefeated knockout and NABF welterweight titleholder Raul “El Cugar “. Curiel (15-0, 13 KO).
The 10-round main event will take place on Saturday, December 14, live from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.
“‘The best versus the best’ is Golden Boy’s mantra and that’s what fans will see as Rocha and Curiel take on everything that’s on the table,” said President and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Rocha is a veteran whose goal is to win the world title, Curiel is an undefeated blue-chip prospect with huge potential. It’s really a 50/50 fight and I’m looking forward to it.”
Tickets for the Rocha vs. match Curiel will go on sale on Friday, October 11 at 10 a.m. PT and will be priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25, excluding applicable service fees. A confined number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available, including exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades. Standard and VIP tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, Toyota-arena.com, Goldenboy.com or at the Toyota Arena box office from Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 16:00
“I’ve seen Raul Curiel all these years and he never once mentioned my name,” Alexis Rocha said. “After my last defeat, he suddenly became interested in fighting me. If he thinks I’ve lost a step or somehow had an simple fight, he’s in for a rude awakening. I can’t wait to make a statement and show the world what I’m capable of.”
Santa Ana, California Rep. Alexis “Lex” Rocha comes from a struggling family. The younger brother of Ronny Rios, he was the youngest fighter to win a gold medal at the Junior Olympics at the age of 14 in 2012 and caught the attention of the boxing world by becoming a six-time national champion during his amateur career. Rocha signed with Golden Boy in January 2016 and made his professional debut in March 2016, defeating Jordan Rosario at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. Since then, he has amassed an enviable record of powerful knockouts over top contenders and plans to return to world title contention, with his last fight being a victory over undefeated Santiago Dominguez on July 19 last year.
“The fans can expect a war,” said Raul Curiel. “I’m going to prepare well to put on a great show. This will be the most essential fight of my career so far. I know Alexis is a great fighter, a good opponent and will also show up prepared. My focus is on Alexis and if I can beat him, I know it will give me a chance to fight for the world championship.
Boxing
George Kambosos moves up to 140, adds Eddie Hearn to team
Published
2 days agoon
November 23, 2024Former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos approached promoter Eddie Hearn asking for more massive fights.
Kambosos has signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn, under which the Greek-Australian slugger will continue his association with DiBella Entertainment Inc. and his own company, Ferocious Promotions.
The 21-3 star will move up to the super lightweight division of Matchroom Boxing’s lively division. He aims to become a two-weight world champion in early 2025, and as part of the deal, a title fight is promised as long as he continues to win.
Since his stunning victory over Teofimo Lopez, Kambosos has never shied away from competing against the best. Those three losses on his resume came to Devin Haney [twice] and Vasily Lomachenko, all at home and all for world titles.
The 31-year-old is now set to face compatriot Liam Paro after defending his IBF title against Richardson Hitchins in December in Puerto Rico.
“I am thrilled to be working with Matchroom Boxing. I am excited to have signed a three-way promotional cooperation agreement with my long-time promoter DiBella Entertainment Inc. and Ferocious Promotions,” Kambosos said.
“I made great success and history when I moved up the Matchroom shows by winning my UK elimination fight against Lee Selby. The most noteworthy and unforgettable is my victory against Teofimo at Madison Square Garden in Up-to-date York to become the 135-pound world champion.
“I am officially announcing that I will be moving up to 140 pounds and signing with Matchroom will ensure my continued success and the legacy I want to leave in the sport of boxing.”
Hearn, who adds an experienced campaigner to his stable, added: “I am delighted to welcome George to the team. George’s victory over Teofimo tore up the script and showed that George was the man for the massive time. He has proven to be a huge attraction in Australia and one of the real driving forces behind the rapid growth of boxing Down Under.
“The 140-pound division is full of massive names and massive potential fights. Adding George to the mix only elevates the level, and a possible fight with Liam Paro is a truly appetizing prospect. If Liam manages to win in a great fight against Richardson on December 7th [the fight could be on].
Lou DiBella, who has worked with Kambosos for years, said: “I’m glad I was able to make a deal with my antique buddy Eddie to work with George Kambosos Jr. and Ferocious Promotions.
“Throughout his career, George has been a fighter who has never shied away from a challenge, and now he wants to test himself against top junior welterweights.
Matchroom works with top 140-pounders, including George’s compatriot Liam Paro, and, like DiBella Entertainment, is heavily invested in Australia.
“It’s a natural partnership,” added the Up-to-date Yorker.
Boxing
Mike Tyson had absolutely no chance of knocking out Jake Paul
Published
3 days agoon
November 21, 2024One of the hottest topics surrounding Mike Tyson’s return at the age of 58 was the possibility of the boxing legend scoring a knockout of Jake Paul.
WBN has weighed in on this topic several times, questioning the validity of five-second training clips that revealed nothing about Tyson’s abilities at this overdue age. One of the most intriguing observations during the preparations was the opinion of UFC commentator Daniel Cormier.
Speaking on his show “Funky and the Champ,” Cormier reflected on Tyson’s social media videos and offered an informed opinion on the meaning of the clips.
“I understand that [he is in amazing shape at 58]and I understand what he is saying [he feels as though he can compete]– Cormier said. “And I agree that when he hits the pads with Rafael Cordeiro, it looks like there’s still something left in him.
“But then I watch Jake Paul fight Mike Perry. I saw Jake Paul get overwhelmed to the point where he started to feel uncomfortable. It looked like Mike Perry had a chance. But Jake has a reserve tank he can go to and benefit from because he’s 28 years ancient. Then he comes back and finally finishes Mike Perry.
“At the beginning of the fight, Mike Perry gets beaten up and dropped. He looks trained and unmatched. This worries me because what if it looks like a 58-year-old man fighting a 28-year-old man while Mike can’t employ the backup tank to stay and compete with this newborn kid? I think it’s a failure for Jake Paul because if you beat Mike Tyson, everyone will love him.
He added: “What if Mike knocks him out? It’s over. Everything is ready. This would be the backfire of all time. If he gets knocked out, nothing like that has ever happened in the history of the sport.”
Unfortunately for Tyson, this revenge backfired spectacularly, as the former heavyweight champion’s return was the only event that bombed. Tyson had nothing left twenty years after he had nothing left in his tank and no desire to box in his mind.
Paul parlayed this into a money-making scheme that would forever be a success for him and his company, but would be poorly received by the die-hard boxing fraternity.
Cormier’s words resonate, especially after what happened in the ring when Mike Tyson struggled to shift into first gear, warning former fighters thinking about returning after 50.
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