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Jon Fernandez has no problem getting into Dalton Smith’s yard

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JON Fernandez has no problem travelling to fight for a European title, and what’s more, he’s taking inspiration from the exploits of the heavy-handed Spanish legend who has enjoyed plenty of success on British and Irish shores over the years.

After Matchroom Boxing won the bid for the vacant European title fight between Jon and Dalton Smith, a September date is likely to be announced soon. Fernandez will come in as a unsafe puncher, much like Kiko Martinez from “La Sensacion”.

“I have no problem going to Sheffield or abroad for a fight. We had experience with Kiko Martinez, who is on the same team as all of us. They had a great win over [Kid] Galahad, so no problem,” Fernandez said .

Continuing to step up his game, he looked impressive in Dalton Smith’s last fight, breaking down and outlasting Jose Zepeda. While the former world-class fighter still poses a threat, Zepeda may not carry the same threat he did years ago.

“Dalton is a very good fighter, a very good operator, and he had a very good performance against Zepeda. I thought Zepeda overdid it a little bit,” Fernandez said.

“He’s had very good wins in the past, but it’ll be a good test for me to fight Dalton and go to his turf. It’ll also be a very good and engaging test for Dalton to fight me to see what level he’s at.”

Dalton Smith lands a right punch on Jose Zepeda during their super lightweight fight at Utilita Area Sheffield on March 23, 2024 in Sheffield, England (George Wood/Getty Images)

Fernandez was last seen knocking out former WBA world champion Jezreel Corrales in 10 rounds. Describing the Panamanian as a slippery client and a seasoned, intricate operator, Dalton Smith won’t be all that challenging to locate in the ring.

Jon’s 22-knockout record opens up the potential for a fan-friendly fight. Smith has already briefly mentioned that Jon is a well-known boxer.

In fact, it’s the first thing most observers notice. While Fernandez is pleased that this statistic worries opponents, he has other attributes he can count on.

“Of course, my punching power is proven. Knockout power is not the only thing he will have to worry about, because I am also a very good technician and I will still be very well prepared tactically for the fight with Dalton tonight.

“I am 100 percent confident in my team and I do what my team says, according to the instructions and the tactics of the fight. But I think it is also very good for a boxer to observe the fighter he will fight, to look tactically, because I will be the person in the ring and I will see how I will endure this test,” he added.

Coming in as an undefeated prospect, many will see Smith as the favorite in the fight, but Fernandez sees this as an opportunity to get a scalp that will allow him to get back on the world stage and reignite his career.

“Yes, Dalton is an undefeated contender. He is very, very highly ranked in all organizations, especially the WBC. For me, winning this fight for the European title will put me in a very good position in the WBC and give me a chance to win world honors.”

Global honours and a chance to follow in the footsteps of Kiko Martinez, the diminutive, powerful boxer from Valencia who defeated Bernard Dunne to win the EBU title in front of an astonished crowd in 2007.

Dubliner Dunne was undefeated and highly regarded by the Irish national media. On that hot August evening 17 years ago, Kiko tore up the script and waved every bit of it with great pleasure at a shocked Point Depot arena.

Years later, Dalton’s true Sheffield fans were warned that it was a good idea to repeat the same trick against Kid Galahad – to enter enemy territory and deliver a knockout by taking down his opponent.

Kiko Martinez – comeback of the year

“Kiko is an inspiration not only to Spanish boxers but to boxing all over the world. With the sheer determination he has, he has always come out on top against all odds, like Galahad,” praised Jon Fernandez.

“He went in as an underdog to get his ass kicked and turned the tide. He’s just an inspiration to all boxers and sportsmen in general.”

Even though Kiko was the biggest troublemaker, Fernandez is fully aware that the responsibility for preparing, showing up and performing rests solely on his shoulders.

“It’s a very essential fight in our careers. I’m very excited, as is Dalton. I always dreamed of fighting in the UK when I turned pro and on such a massive stage as this, for the European title. It’s going to be a tough fight, but I hope the best man wins.”

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The fight between Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel will take place on December 14 at the Toyota Arena

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Rocha vs Curiel

In 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.

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George Kambosos moves up to 140, adds Eddie Hearn to team

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George Kambosos beats Teofimo

Former 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.

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Mike Tyson had absolutely no chance of knocking out Jake Paul

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Mike Tyson comeback black

One 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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