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MATCHROOM AND DAZN ANNOUNCE 2023 SHOWS INCLUDING TAYLOR VS. SERRANO II ON MAY 20

by adminNews
  • Former two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua returns to our screens to face Jermaine Franklin live from the The O2 in London on Saturday April 1
  • ALL fights to be included in £9.99 monthly DAZN subscription, marking the first time in over eight years that Joshua has not been on pay-per-view in the UK
  • Taylor vs. Serrano II, Callum Smith, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Joe Cordina all return to the ring
Former two-time unified Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua(24-3, 22 KOs) fights at The O2 in London for the first time since 2016 as he begins life under the tutelage of new head trainer Derrick James. ‘AJ’ returns to the scene of his first World Title win over Charles Martin to face another American contender in Jermain Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs). Saginaw’s ‘989 Assassin’ pushed Dillian Whyte all the way in a close points loss at Wembley’s OVO Arena last November and is relishing his shot against one of the biggest names in the sport. British megastar Joshua is ready to begin his ascent back to the top of the Heavyweight division after suffering back-to-back losses to pound-for-pound great Oleksandr Usyk in London and Saudi Arabia.
 
This fight will be the first in Joshua’s new five-year partnership with DAZN to be streamed live, exclusive and worldwide on the digital sports entertainment platform, which is fast becoming the undisputed Global Home of Boxing. Joshua vs. Franklin will be included in the £9.99 per month DAZN saver subscription, making it the first fight in over eight years that fans do not need to pay an additional pay-per-view fee to watch Joshua. Beyond the UK, DAZN is available in over 200 territories. Simple to download as an app on Smart TVs, games consoles, tablets and mobiles, and subscribed to with one-click, being on DAZN will make this the most accessible Joshua fight ever. 
 
“I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London.” said Joshua. “Mentally and physically I feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and it will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”

 “I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time.  It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”
 
Alongside Joshua vs. Franklin, Matchroom and DAZN have announced its largest ever schedule of content for the first half of 2023 that will see even more iconic and emerging boxing talent, including five other premium fights, on its platform alongside an ever-greater roster of other sporting entertainment.  
 
The following shows will be shown live and exclusive on DAZN with further fights and full undercard details to be announced shortly:

Saturday, February 18: Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio LaraHometown hero Leigh Wood (26-2, 16 KOs) puts his WBA Featherweight World Title on the line against big-punching Mexican Mauricio Lara (25-2-1, 18 KOs) as Matchroom’s 2023 schedule in the UK begins with a bang. ‘Leigh-thal’ memorably stopped Michael Conlan in the 12th and final round of his epic first defence of the WBA 126lbs title back in March 2022, knocking the Irishman out of the ring in brutal fashion to end their Fight of the Year stunner. ‘Bronco’ has been waiting patiently for his shot at Wood after their eagerly anticipated September 24 fight was postponed following a torn bicep suffered by Wood in sparring, but the Featherweight KO artist finally gets his dream World Title opportunity this month in what promises to be an epic battle between two knockout artists.
 
Saturday, March 11: Callum Smith vs. Pawel StepienThe WBC’s No.1 ranked Light-Heavyweight contender Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) returns home to face undefeated Pole Pawel Stepien (18-0-1, 12 KOs) at the M&S Bank Arena as he looks to secure a showdown with unified WBC, WBO and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev later in the year. A stacked undercard sees Australia’s WBO Global Super-Lightweight Champion Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) put his title on the line against local favourite Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first-round KO win over fellow Aussie Brock Jarvis last October. One of the hottest prospects in America Diego Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs) fights in the UK for the first time as faces another step up against Little Lever’s all-action Super-Middleweight Jack Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs). Full undercard details to follow.
 
Saturday, March 18: Cyrus Pattinson vs. Chris JenkinsMatchroom’s first NXTGEN card of the year at the Utilita Arena Newcastle features some of the very best prospects in the North East looking to take the next steps in their promising careers. Former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson (5-0, 3 KOs) faces his toughest test so far in the professional ranks against Wales’ former British Welterweight Champion Chris Jenkins (23-6-3, 8 KOs) while Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist turned Welterweight prospect Pat McCormack (3-0, 2 KOs) looks to wow his home crowd against Italy’s Dario Socci (15-7-2, 6 KOs) in his first scheduled eight-round contest. Also on the card, Birmingham’s Solomon Dacres (5-0, 1 KO) squares off with Newcastle’s Robert Ismay (11-0, 4 KOs) for the English Heavyweight Title.
 
Saturday, April 8: Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs. Cristian GonzalezBoxing’s youngest World Champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez (17-0, 11 KOs) attempts to become a two-weight ruler when he clashes with Cristian ‘El Chicharito’ Gonzalez (15-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBO 112lbs at the Boeing Center at Tech Port, San Antonio. The 23-year-old sensation from San Antonio, Texas enjoyed a stellar 2022, becoming boxing’s youngest active World Champion in February, stepping in late to meet Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC Super-Flyweight strap in Phoenix and then putting on a stunning display in his first defence, stopping Thai star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on his San Antonio home turf in June inside eight rounds. He was named the Fighter of the Year by ESPN in their midyear awards for 2022 before outpointing Israel Gonzalez on the ‘Canelo’ vs. ‘GGG’ undercard in September.
 
Saturday, April 22: Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs. Joe CordinaUnbeaten Welshman Joe Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs) attempts to win his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title back against current belt-holder Shavkatdzhon Rakhmiov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) at the Cardiff International Arena. ‘The Welsh Wizard’ captured the famous red and gold belt with a stunning one-punch knockout of Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa on a memorable night at the arena last June. Cordina was scheduled to make the first defence of his World Title against Rakhimov in Abu Dhabi last November but suffered a hand injury that required surgery and was subsequently stripped of his title by the IBF. Rakhimov won the vacant title by stopping Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett in nine rounds on the undercard of Dmitry Bivol vs. Gilberto Ramirez.
 
Saturday, May 20: Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2Irish legend Katie Taylor (22-0, 6 KOs) fights in Ireland for the first time in her professional career, putting her Undisputed Lightweight World Title on the line once more against Puerto Rican star Amanda Serrano (44-2-1, 30 KOs) in an unmissable rematch. Taylor cemented herself as the greatest female fighter on the planet by edging out Serrano in an epic fight for the ages on an iconic night at a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York last April. The global superstar retained her belts after a Fight of the Year contender with multi-division World Champion Serrano – the first women’s boxing bout to headline the famous MSG in its 140-year history, attracting an unprecedented audience of 1.5 million tuning in globally on DAZN.

Alongside this jampacked schedule of boxing, in the last 12 months DAZN has added 75 media properties to its UK offering, giving – in particular – combat sports fans access to the widest range of live and on demand content. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) partnered with DAZN to launch PFL Europe, the inaugural event will be held in Newcastle on 25 March and broadcast globally on DAZN.  
 
In the UK DAZN is available as a Monthly Saver (x12) at £9.99, an Annual Super Saver priced at £99.99 and a Flexible Monthly Pass priced at £19.99.
 
How to watch DAZN Watching on DAZN is simple and easy. Go to the app store on your chosen device, search for and download the DAZN app.   Create an account, choose a plan and start watching anywhere – on your phone, tablet, smart TV and gaming consoles. You can log in to multiple devices and enjoy top sporting content anywhere.  
“What an incredible year Matchroom and DAZN have in store for fight fans around the world – and this is just the beginning,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The UK’s biggest boxing star Anthony Joshua returns to our screens on April 1 as he looks to reclaim his spot as the number one Heavyweight on the plant. ‘AJ’ has reset and refocused and he is on a mission to defy his critics as he kicks off his exciting new partnership with DAZN. Modern legends Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano run it back for all of the marbles at Lightweight in what will be one of the most iconic sporting events that Ireland has ever seen on May 20 in Dublin. Their first meeting at MSG last year was one of the very best night’s I’ve experienced in boxing and the rematch promises to be even bigger and better.

“Callum Smith is within touching distance of a shot at unified Light-Heavyweight ruler Artur Beterbiev and can’t avoid any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien on his Liverpool homecoming on March 11 and boxing’s youngest World Champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez attempts to create even more history on April 8 when he goes for gold at 112lbs against Cristian Gonzalez. ‘The Welsh Wizard’ Joe Cordina attempts to recapture his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff on April 22 and the young guns are out to impress in our first NXTGEN event of the year in Newcastle on March 18 – not forgetting the small matter of Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara in just under two weeks’ time in Nottingham. It is without a doubt the best schedule in boxing and there’s still so much more to come. Watch it all live on DAZN.”

“This is the most eagerly anticipated fight of Anthony Joshua’s career, and, at DAZN, we are delighted to deliver it to fans in the UK and around the world as part of their monthly subscription, making it the most accessible ‘AJ’ fight in a decade”, DAZN CEO Shay Segev said. “Beyond our unrivalled boxing schedule, we are committed to building our library of sports content the UK. Our tie-up with KSI’s Misfits to create X Series and joint venture with Professional Fighters League to launch PFL Europe are just two examples of what we will do to deliver top sports content to DAZN subscribers.” 

“We have worked with Anthony Joshua for five years, and we are incredibly excited to be kicking off our new UK relationship with him on April 1,” said Joseph Markowski, CEO North America, DAZN Group. “Being ringside for Taylor vs. Serrano at a sold-out MSG was one of the great sporting moments of my life; what an incredible atmosphere and fight. Alongside this blockbuster, the schedule we have curated so far features some of our best talent, Jesse Rodriguez, Callum Smith and Joe Cordina. All live and exclusive on DAZN.”

“This is the start of a hugely important phase for ‘AJ’ and it is exciting to be kicking it off exclusively on DAZN and at The O2 in London, a place he has had many memorable nights,” said 258 Managing Director Freddie Cunningham.
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CALLUM SMITH FACES UNBEATEN POLE PAWEL STEPIEN ON MARCH 11 IN LIVERPOOL

by adminNews
Paro vs. Davies Jr and Pacheco vs. Cullen land on action-packed undercard
Callum Smith fights in Liverpool for the first time since 2019 when he faces undefeated world-ranked Pole Pawel Stepien at the top of a stacked card at the M&S Bank Arena on Saturday March 11 that features Liam Paro vs. Robbie Davies Jr and Diego Pacheco vs. Jack Cullen, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand). 
 
The WBC’s No.1 ranked Light-Heavyweight Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) returns home for a must-win clash with the IBF’s No.7 ranked 175-pounder Stepien (18-0-1, 12KOs) as he looks to secure a mouth-watering showdown with unified WBC, WBO and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev later in the year.
 
Former WBA and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight World Champion ‘Mundo’ has won both of his fights at Light-Heavyweight in brutal fashion following a move up in weight after his points loss to pound-for-pound superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at the Almodome in San Antonio, USA back in December 2020.
 
The 32-year-old Liverpudlian destroyed Lenin Castillo with a sickening second round KO to return to winning ways on the undercard of the first meeting between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua at the home of Tottenham Hotspur in September 2021 before taking out France’s Mathieu Bauderlique in four rounds just under a year later in Saudi Arabia. 
 
Szczecin’s Stepien remains unbeaten since joining the professional ranks in December 2015, with the only blemish on his 19-fight career being a draw with Marek Matyja in 2019, and the 32-year-old is ranked in the world’s top 15 with the WBO, IBF and WBA – picking up the Polish and IBF Intercontinental Light-Heavyweight Titles in 2019 and 2021 respectively. 
 
A stacked undercard sees Australia’s WBO Global Super-Lightweight Champion Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) put his title on the line against local favourite Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first-round KO win over fellow Aussie Brock Jarvis at the South Bank Piazza in South Brisbane last October.
 
One of the hottest prospects in American boxing Diego Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs) looks to impress on his first appearance in the UK, stepping-up against Little Lever’s Jack Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs) in what promises to be an all-action battle for the WBO International Super-Middleweight Title. 
 
Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (7-0, 6 KOs) takes ‘The Romford Bull’ Army to Liverpool for the first time as he faces Italy’s Alfonso Damiani (6-2, 2 KOs) over eight rounds and local Light-Heavyweight Thomas Whittaker-Hart (7-1, 3 KOs) aims to avenge his first loss against Darewn’s Mickey Ellison (14-4, 5 KOs) in a rematch for the Central Area Title. 
 
Warrington Lightweight talent Rhiannon Dixon (7-0) squares off with Wombourne’s Vicky Wilkinson (5-0-1) for the Commonwealth Title and Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (10-0) takes on Yeovil’s Dean Dodge (9-2-1, 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight, plus there’s action for Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (9-0, 3 KOs), Chester Middleweight Paddy Lacey (7-0, 1 KO) and Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (1-0, 1 KO).
 
“Pawel Stepien is just what I need going into the Artur Beterbiev fight,” said Smith. “He hasn’t ever tasted defeat and he’s ranked in the top 15 by 3 governing bodies. He is certainly no walkover and I know I can’t afford to make any mistakes. The prize waiting for me should I win means you’ll be seeing the best from me on March 11.”
 
“We always love returning to Liverpool for one of the best atmospheres in the UK, and we’ve got a stacked card from top to bottom for you all on March 11, said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Callum Smith can’t afford any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien – he’s next in line to face unified World Champion Artur Beterbiev and that’s a fight I really fancy him in if he gets past the unbeaten Pole. 
 
“We’re spoilt for choice with this cracking undercard, Liam Paro looked sensational last time out and Robbie Davies Jr finally gets the big fight he’s been craving. Diego Pacheco against Jack Cullen can only be fireworks and ‘The Romford Bull’ Army are going to be bringing all the noise for Johnny Fisher! Thomas Whittaker-Hart can’t afford another loss this early in his career and there’s so much more on offer. Watch it all live around the world on DAZN.”
 
Tickets for Smith vs. Stepien are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP).
 
Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Tuesday February 7. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members ahead of the on-sale time. 

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and the M&S Bank Arena from midday on Wednesday February 8.
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Joyce vs Zhang Set For April 15

by adminChampionship News

JOE JOYCE WILL defend his WBO Interim World Heavyweight title against the Chinese giant Zhilei Zhang at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, 15 April, live on BT Sport.

It will be a first defence of the belt for the ‘Big Juggernaut’ Joyce, 15-0 (14 KOs), who put himself first in line for a shot at the full WBO title with a thrilling victory over Joseph Parker in September of last year in Manchester.

Tickets for the showdown between Joyce and Zhang on Saturday, 15 April at the Copper Box Arena go on sale at 11am on Wednesday, 15 February from ticketmaster.co.uk. Fans are encouraged to sign-up for Ticket Alerts to receive the ticket link directly to their inbox ahead of tickets going on sale.

With the current unified champion Oleksandr Usyk expected to fight for the status of undisputed against WBC ruler Tyson Fury this year, the 37-year-old Joyce will bolster his own heavyweight credentials by taking on the 6ft 6″ southpaw who resides in Bloomfield, New Jersey.

‘Big Bang’ Zhang, 24-1-1 (19 KOs) last saw action over in Jeddah in August when he fought in an IBF final eliminator against the Croatian Filip Hrgovic. The 39-year-old was declared the loser via the judges’ scorecards, but many commentators believed him to have won after dominating the early stages of the fight.

The Chinese fighter now gets the opportunity to put himself in the world title frame once again on what will be a first professional visit to the capital for the southpaw.

“It is a great fight,” reacted Joyce to his first defence being set. “He had a tough fight against Hrgovic but I thought he won the fight. Zhang is a big, strong southpaw who is massive, and he has been to the Olympics and all that. So, he has the experience and I think it will be a great fight.

“He bangs so I will have to watch out for it. As Hrgovic and I have a similar style, they had a great fight, so when we fight it should be entertaining.

“It will be carnage in the centre of the ring! I have lost my temper a few times in sparring and once was against a come-forward southpaw who was trying to knock me out. It was an exciting spar.

“I think with me and Zhang there will be real heavy punches exchanged and I am sure it will be a good fight. It will be a good preparation for Usyk or Fury, plus I haven’t fought a southpaw since I won the Commonwealth title against Lenroy Thomas.”

“It’s a new chapter in my career,” Zhilei Zhang added on the crunch heavyweight clash at the Copper Box. “I am always up for the challenge and when the opportunity rings the bell. Joe Joyce and I share a lot in common – we both are Olympic silver medalists, both are big punchers, and are nearly the same size. This is going to be an explosive, epic and tremendous fight.

“I want to thank my team and Joyce’s team for putting this together. I want all my fans in UK to show up and enjoy the event. Can’t wait to get in the ring on April 15th.”

“This is another cracker of a card that should be in keeping with the special night we all just enjoyed at Wembley,” said promoter Frank Warren. “We want to keep Big Joe busy while the heavyweight title scene unfolds but there can be no easy touches in a defence of his WBO Interim title. Zhilei Zhang is anything but an easy touch, he is a formidable powerhouse who can consider himself unlucky not to be still an unbeaten contender following his fight with Filip Hrgovic last year.

“Zhang being a southpaw ticks a significant box for Joe, with Usyk being a left-hander and Tyson carrying the ability to adopt either stance. That is what we want next for Joe and hopefully it will be a huge all-British collision against Tyson.”

“This is a great fight for boxing and a great opportunity for Zhilei,” said Terry Lane, Zhang’s manager. “Once again, he takes on a challenge that many are running from. There will be fireworks in London on 15 April.”

The undercard will be announced in due course with a host of Queensberry’s established and rising stars to be added to the bill.

Tickets for the showdown between Joyce and Zhang on 15 April at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, 15 April go on sale at 11am on Wednesday, 15 February from ticketmaster.co.uk. Fans are encouraged to sign-up for Ticket Alerts to receive the ticket link directly to their inbox ahead of tickets going on sale.

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BETERBIEV VS YARDE WEIGH-IN RESULTS

by adminChampionship News
IBF, WBC & WBO Light-Heavyweight Championship
12 x 3 Minute Rounds @175lbs
Artur Beterbiev 12 stone 6 pounds 8 ounces
Anthony Yarde 12 stone 6 pounds  4 ounces
 
WBA Flyweight Championship
12 x 3 Minute Rounds @112lbs
Artem Dalakian 7 stone 13 pounds 10 oz
David Jimenez 7 stone 13 pounds 2 oz
 
Vacant WBC International Light-Heavyweight contest
10 x 3 Minute Rounds @ 175lbs
Karol Itauma 12 stone 6 pounds 2oz
Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna 12 stone 6 pounds 11 oz
 
4 x 3-minute rounds International Heavyweight contest
Moses Itauma 17 stone 12 pounds
Marcel Bode 15 stone 10 pounds
 
6 x 3-minute rounds International Featherweight contest
Umar Khan 9 stone 1 pound
Sandeep Singh Bhatti 8 stone 13 pounds 4 ounces
 
6 x 3-minute rounds International Super-Featherweight contest
Charles Frankham 9 stone 6 pounds 6 ounces 
Joshua Ocampo 9 stone 2 pounds 2 ounces
 
6 x 3-minute rounds welterweight contest
Joshua Frankham 11 stone 8 ounces
Joe Hardy 11 stone 1 pound 5 ounces
 
6 x 3-minute rounds International welterweight contest
Sean Noakes 10 stone 6 pounds 4 ounces
Santiago Garces 10 stone 4 pounds 2 ounces
 
6 x 3-minute rounds International Super-welterweight contest
Khalid Ali 10 stone 13 pounds
Ivica Gogosevic 10 stone 10 pounds 10 ounces
 
6 x 3-minute rounds International Featherweight contest
Masood Abdullah 9 stone 6 pounds
Lesther Lara 9 stone 6 pounds 10 ounces
 
6 x 3-minute rounds Cruiserweight contest
Tommy Fletcher 14 stone 3 pounds 6 ounces
Darryl Sharp 13 stone 6 pounds 8 ounces
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BETERBIEV VS YARDE WEIGH-IN RESULTS

by adminChampionship News
IBF, WBC & WBO Light-Heavyweight Championship
12 x 3 Minute Rounds @175lbs
Artur Beterbiev 12 stone 6 pounds 8 ounces
Anthony Yarde 12 stone 6 pounds  4 ounces
 
WBA Flyweight Championship
12 x 3 Minute Rounds @112lbs
Artem Dalakian 7 stone 13 pounds 10 oz
David Jimenez 7 stone 13 pounds 2 oz
 
Vacant WBC International Light-Heavyweight contest
10 x 3 Minute Rounds @ 175lbs
Karol Itauma 12 stone 6 pounds 2oz
Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna 12 stone 6 pounds 11 oz
 
4 x 3-minute rounds International Heavyweight contest
Moses Itauma 17 stone 12 pounds
Marcel Bode 15 stone 10 pounds
 
6 x 3-minute rounds International Featherweight contest
Umar Khan 9 stone 1 pound
Sandeep Singh Bhatti 8 stone 13 pounds 4 ounces
 
6 x 3-minute rounds International Super-Featherweight contest
Charles Frankham 9 stone 6 pounds 6 ounces 
Joshua Ocampo 9 stone 2 pounds 2 ounces
 
6 x 3-minute rounds welterweight contest
Joshua Frankham 11 stone 8 ounces
Joe Hardy 11 stone 1 pound 5 ounces
 
6 x 3-minute rounds International welterweight contest
Sean Noakes 10 stone 6 pounds 4 ounces
Santiago Garces 10 stone 4 pounds 2 ounces
 
6 x 3-minute rounds International Super-welterweight contest
Khalid Ali 10 stone 13 pounds
Ivica Gogosevic 10 stone 10 pounds 10 ounces
 
6 x 3-minute rounds International Featherweight contest
Masood Abdullah 9 stone 6 pounds
Lesther Lara 9 stone 6 pounds 10 ounces
 
6 x 3-minute rounds Cruiserweight contest
Tommy Fletcher 14 stone 3 pounds 6 ounces
Darryl Sharp 13 stone 6 pounds 8 ounces
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BETERBIEV VS YARDE PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

by adminChampionship News
UNIFIED WORLD LIGHT heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev and his challenger Anthony Yarde met the media for the final time today ahead of their highly-anticipated showdown at the OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday.

Yarde and Beterbiev were joined by their Hall of Fame promoters – Frank Warren and Bob Arum – and a selection of key quotes from the event are below.

Frank Warren
“38 years ago this month we (Bob Arum) did Don Curry v Colin Jones in Birmingham and that was the first world title fight we did together. Look at this, 38 years later, we are delivering between us a fight between two big punching fighters who can box as well and this is going to be something really special. We welcome Artur and his team coming over to defend his titles and I just feel we are in for something extremely special on the night. As a boxing fan, I can’t wait to see it. It is going to be a real bust-up.

“Anthony was brought to my attention by Tunde, a friend of long years, as an amateur and he was setting the scene alight. I liked what I saw and, when I met him, I thought he was an extremely nice young man. He’s worked very hard to get where he has considering the experience he had. He doesn’t shy away from anything, any fights we’ve wanted to make, he doesn’t care who it is. He didn’t shy away when we made the first world title fight for him against Kovalev in Russia and it was a fight he should have truly won. It tells you a lot about him that he was prepared to go there to the other guy’s backyard. He went out there and it was brilliant how he performed, he was so close to winning that title.

“I think he learned a lot from that, I think the whole team learned a lot from that fight and I genuinely believe he has the tools to create what the bookmakers will say will be an upset. He’s got the composure, he can box, he’s got fast movement and, more importantly, he can punch. I think he can match Artur in the punching department. Artur has the best record of any champion in the world at the moment.

“So I think it will be an outstanding fight and I really thank Bob, along with Top Rank and team, for helping to make this happen and get this fight in this country.”

Bob Arum
“I am feeling pretty good. There are fighters today who are known for their power. The two heavyweights particularly, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, the lighter weight guys like Inoue and Terence Crawford, but I think pound-for-pound the biggest puncher in boxing today is the guy on my right. He has knocked out every opponent who has been put in front of him, not because he is not a good boxer, because he is, but he also has that magic that you can’t really train a fighter for. It is instinctive, the ability to punch and knock out an opponent.

“So I am very happy to be here. I know Anthony Yarde, I’ve followed him and he is a terrific fighter, also with a big punch. This should be a very, very exciting kind of fight. How the fight plays out a lot depends on Anthony, if he is going to go out and fight Artur like Joe Smith did, the fight will end early. If he boxes a bit with Artur the fight will end in the middle to late rounds.

“With all due respect to Yarde, Artur I believe will emerge the winner. It is no problem coming here, I have been around this game a long time and the big test for me was when Artur fought Smith because we did that fight in New York where Smith has a tremendous following. They cheered and they yelled and they screamed and what did that do? It incentivised Smith to take the fight to Artur. That was a big mistake because he knocked out Smith in two rounds.

“Hopefully Yarde will be excited by his fans, will go after Beterbiev and the fight will be over in a few rounds rather than more.”

Anthony Yarde
“I am excited. It is a good feeling, it is part of my journey and I am happy to be here. Everyone knows what kind of character I am, I am very calm and I jump at opportunities. Sometimes you go through things on your journey to strengthen you and you go through certain things on your journey to prepare you as well. That is what I keep saying, I am so excited.

“For my first world title fight I was very green, I was 18 fights in and a big novice in the sport. I just had something and it was heart. I went out to Russia, it was a very different experience and a lot of things happened leading up to the fight, but I’ve got the mentality of once you get in the ring, you will see.

“It doesn’t matter now, my preparation is different now and I have learned since then as well. I am a different type of fighter with different life experiences. I am ready for Saturday.

“I feel like I am always smiling. I am happy to be alive, happy to be at this stage of my life as well. Being an underdog, overdog or middle dog don’t matter to me. I am a dog. When I get in that ring and start throwing my hands about, everyone knows what I can be like. If being an underdog does anything to me it is to give me that little push, that little urge.

“He has done a lot in the sport and that is why he should be respected. When we get in the ring there is no respect and you try and take the respect away from your opponent.”

Artur Beterbiev
“I feel good. I hope on January 28 I will change a little bit (to turn into a monster). I said he looks like a bodybuilder because of his muscles. I don’t have this muscle and I didn’t say it to mean anything bad. I said it because he looks strong!

“In our camp we always try to be ready for different scenarios. If it is a tough fight we are going to be ready,  we will be ready for whatever. I just try to do my best.”
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YARDE RULES OUT GOING GUNG-HO

by adminChampionship News
WHILE ANTHONY YARDE is promising to bring fire and brimstone to his unified world title challenge against Artur Beterbiev on January 28, live on BT Sport, he insists he has no intention of neglecting the basics when it comes to doing so.

The big-hitting Londoner has previously stated that planned long-distance travel in fights is not really his thing and that the unbeaten Beterbiev can expect an onslaught at the OVO Arena, Wembley.

However, the 31-year-old light heavyweight contender has never been simply a crash, bang, wallop merchant. There is much more to his game than that. He works off a hurtful jab and picks his spots before detonating any bombs.

So don’t just expect him to just charge across the canvas on his night of destiny in North West London.

“How often do you see someone just go in there swinging?” asked the man with 22 KOs to his name from 23 wins as pro. “All the biggest knockout punchers, like GGG, he didn’t go in just hitting and trying to knock people out, he had a tactical approach.

“He’s got an excellent jab and used to wear down his opponents.

“Mike Tyson. People call him a brawler. Disrespectfully, for years. Only now people are starting to see the more technical side of his boxing and are saying this guy was a masterful counter-puncher.

“Even early in your career when you are fighting people you are ‘meant to beat’, you find prospects struggling with these guys because you don’t just go in and knock someone out. It doesn’t work like that. It is boxing, it is an art.

“You’ve got to pick someone apart and then land the shots. I said this early on, my thing is I am a powerful, accurate puncher. I find the shot and, when I find it and land it, people are going to feel it.”

Yarde has done his best to resist sweeping change to his style as he climbed the levels in the pro ranks. Fighters, quite naturally, adapt their game plans as the danger increases, but the key, according to the Ilford man, is not changing in response to credentials being doubted from the outside.

“It is a mixture because, in my mind, I said I don’t want to run into the unknown. But, at the same time, I don’t want to have somebody else’s career. That is what happens in boxing and people are telling you, you should be doing this, you should be doing that.

“If I listened to everyone that was saying things I would not be where I am today. When I started boxing people said all sorts of things until I would do it.

“It is a compromise, you can’t please everybody, in boxing or any sport, really.

“When Mike Tyson was knocking out everybody, I remember watching one of his fights with the commentary on and they said that people were starting to say he was fighting nobodies. People are always going to have something to say.

“Then when he went 10 rounds they said he was not the real deal, after all. So you can’t win. If you go 10, win every round and don’t get hit, they say the guy you fought was nothing, but he didn’t knock him out like we wanted to see. When you do get the stoppage, some people say you knocked him out too early, ‘what is he learning from that?’.

“He is learning how to knock someone out! That is what he’s doing.

“That is my thing as well, the more I knock people out, the more I have learned how to do it in different ways. That is the way I see it.”

Tickets for Beterbiev vs Yarde are priced from £50 and are available from AXS.comand Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Artur Beterbiev v Anthony Yarde for the WBC, WBO and IBF world light heavyweight titles takes place at the OVO Arena, Wembley on January 28, live on BT Sport. The bumper card also features the WBA world flyweight title fight between unbeaten fighters Artem Dalakian v David Jiminez.

Willy Hutchinson and Karol Itauma fight for the WBO Intercontinental and WBC International light heavyweight titles respectively, with the show also featuring top prospects Charles Frankham, Umar Khan, Sean Noakes, Joshua Frankham, Khalid Ali and Tommy Fletcher.

The show also features the highly-anticipated professional debut of World Youth Champion Moses Itama.
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HEANEY AND FLATLEY SET FOR TELFORD REMATCH – CAIN TAKES ON BALUTA

by adminChampionship News
NATHAN HEANEY WILL rematch Jack Flatley with the vacant WBA Continental middleweight title at stake and Andrew Cain will defend his WBC International Silver super bantamweight title against Ionut Baluta when Queensberry make a return to the Telford International Centre on Saturday March 25, live on BT Sport.

Stoke hero Heaney (16-0, 6 KOs) and Bolton man Flatley (20-3-1, 4) shared five rounds of action at the AO Arena in Manchester back in September of last year on the undercard of the Joe Joyce-Joseph Parker heavyweight collision.

What appeared to be a close run affair was aborted in the fifth round on the advice of the doctor following a head clash that left Heaney with a severe cut above his right eye. The fight went to the scorecards and Heaney was judged to have been ahead by all three judges.

Liverpool KO-artist Cain (10-0, 9) won his belt via a first-round stoppage of Pablo Ariel Gomez in Telford last April before defending at York Hall against Luis Moreno with the same outcome. A shoulder injury ruled the 26-year-old out of November action but he is set to go again against his toughest opponent to date in Baluta (15-4, 4), the Romanian based in Bushey.

A winner over Irish world champion and Olympian, TJ Doheny and David Oliver Joyce respectively, Baluta went on to fight a close run thing with Michael Conlan before winning the WBC International title by defeating Brad Foster in May of last year.

He then challenged for the vacant European title against Liam Davies in November, with the Telford man prevailing over 12 rounds.

The night that will also see the return of former European super bantamweight champion Jason Cunningham (31-7, 7) to the ring.

“I am really looking forward to it and I suppose it will be dubbed ‘unfinished business’,” said the 33-year-old Hitman Heaney. “There are questions that need answers, with them thinking they were going to beat me in the last fight and me believing the complete opposite.

“I am training hard and looking forward to being back in Telford with a great crowd,” added Heaney, who explained that his apparent unwillingness over the prospect of a rematch on social media in the days after the original fight was due to a feeling of being railroaded by Flatley’s team.

“No, that is not the case. Once people try to force my hand into doing something I immediately think I want nothing to do with them. It was his second and others popping up saying things and, for me, once that happens, I have zero interest in people.

“But, after speaking to George (Warren) it is an interesting fight and when it is on our terms rather than theirs, that is when I become interested. When people try to force it, it doesn’t interest me at all, but now I am right up for it.”

Former English super welterweight champion and European title challenger Flatley, added: “I’m made up and this fight is what I wanted after how it ended last time. I felt like I was getting into the fight, and it ended like it did, so I am buzzing it has been made again.

“Being honest, it was close, and I thought it was 50-50 when it got stopped. I’m not saying I was in front, but they had him winning every round.

“I didn’t think this fight was going to happen again and I don’t think, deep down, Nathan really wants it. He pretty much said on social media that he wasn’t going to fight me, so I am quite surprised, but made up it is happening.

“I don’t know why he has changed his mind and I feel like he might have been pushed into it, or he might have felt pressured by what’s gone on social media and stuff. I don’t know the reason, but I don’t really believe he fully wants to have the fight.

“I think there could probably be an easier option than me, although I’m not saying I’m a world-beater. I want to beat Nathan and then possibly be looking for a shot at the British title after that.”

The 33-year-old Cunningham’s winning run at the weight was ended by Zolani Tete at Wembley in July of last year and Cunningham now gets back on the title trail with a fight for the vacant WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight championship.

Cunningham was originally set to attempt to reclaim his European title from Liam Davies, but injury to the Telford man means the fight is now subject to delay.

Also on the card, Raven Chapman (5-0, 2) will make a first defence of the WBC International featherweight title she won by defeating Jorgelina Guanini in Manchester back in September. The Omen will take on the Czech Lucie Sedlackova (15-1-1, 6) in Telford.

Heavyweight star of the future Moses Itauma will have his second professional fight over four rounds, while Liverpool super bantam Brad Strand (9-0, 3) will hit double figures as a pro with an eight-round assignment.

“Settling the score with Jack Flatley is the right fight for Nathan Heaney and I think we can expect fireworks on the night,” said promoter Frank Warren. “When you have an unsatisfactory ending for both parties in an entertaining fight it is always best to do a rematch in the hope of a conclusive finish.

“Jack’s and his team will fancy the job, while Nathan needs to maintain his winning streak in order to realise his dream of fighting for a major title at Stoke City FC. This fight will deliver the goods and I am looking forward to the atmosphere created by the best crowd in boxing.

“I think we have got a humdinger of a fight in prospect when Andrew Cain takes on Ionut Baluta. Andrew comes in off two spectacular first round stoppages and if he can stop Baluta it will send shockwaves across the division. I am also excited to see Andrew’s teammate Brad Strand move towards title contention in what will be his 10th fight as a pro.

“Unfortunately, Jason Cunningham’s attempt to regain the European title is delayed due to injury to Liam Davies, but Jason gets the opportunity to put himself firmly back in the mix with a fight for the WBA Continental super bantamweight title.

“Barring any mishaps or injuries on January 28, the fans in Telford will also be treated to seeing the second professional fight of future heavyweight champion Moses Itauma.”

Midlands Area welterweight champion Owen Cooper (7-0, 2) from Worcester will be in eight-round action, Telford super lightweight Macaulay Owen (5-0, 1) will fight over six.

While Natty Ngwenya (1-0) makes his Queensberry bow in a four-rounder, Ilkeston super welterweight Jimmy Smith will make his professional debut over four rounds.
 
Tickets for Heaney vs Flatley and Cain vs Baluta at the Telford International Centre on Saturday March 25 go on sale at 11am on Tuesday January 31 available from Ticketmaster.co.uk.
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APBC Cut/Cornerman Course Set for 18th February 2023 in Worksop, Notts.

by adminNews

APBC Cut/Cornerman Course Set for 18th February 2023 in Worksop, Notts.

The British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) have arranged an Association of Professional Boxing Commissions (APBC) Certified Corner/Cutman Course, at the Stanley Street Sports and Social Club in Worksop, Nottinghamshire on Saturday 18th February 2023, that is essential for all Coaches and Cornermen. 

ALL Coaches are welcome, as these courses are essential for all coaches in our sport whether Pro, Amateur or Unlicensed. 

The Cut/Cornerman course covers all aspects from weigh-in to post fight.

Subjects covered:

  1. Duty of Care
  2. Head Trauma Signs & Symptoms
  3. Coaches/Cornermen/Cutman Responsibilities
  4. Cutman’s Tools of the Trade
  5. Professional Hand Bandaging
  6. Weight Cutting and Weigh-in
  7. Working the Corner – Contest and Sparring
  8. Types of Injuries and Rules Pertaining to Injuries.
  9. Corner Treatment of Bruising, Swellings and Cuts
  10. Post Fight

The Course will take place at Stanley Street Sports and Social Club in Worksop, Nottinghamshire on Saturday 18th February 2023

Times and fees for the course are:

1pm to 5pm – Cornerman/Cutman Course – £105 per person

Photo ID as well as a Passport-Size Head & Shoulders Photo for Certification are required, so please bring with you on the day. 

To register: Call/Text/WhatsApp: +44 (0)7789 364702 – e.mail: admin@boxbiba.com or office@apbcboxing.com

Download Registration form here:

https://boxbiba.com/CutmanCourseRegistration18thFebruary2023Worksop.pdf

The course takes place on Saturday 18th February 2023 between 1pm – 5pm at:

Stanley Street Sports & Social Club

2 Stanley Street

Worksop

Nottinghamshire S81 7HX

United Kingdom

#BIBAChangingBoxingForGood

www.boxbiba.com

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Distinguished Professor Brad Donohue Joins BIBA Medical Advisory Board

by adminNews

Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the United States, Brad Donohue, BA, Ph.D., has been appointed to the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) Medical Advisory Board.

Having experience as a national amateur boxing champion in the U.S., Dr. Donohue is known internationally for his work developing the first sport-specific psychological assessment screens and interventions for athletes’ mental health and performance (clinical trials funded by NIH/NIDA in the U.S.)

Upon his appointment Dr. Donohue said, “I’m extremely honoured to be appointed to this very prestigious Board.

“Professor Michael Graham, Mr. Gianluca Di Caro and Mr. Chris Wardrope have assembled an impeccable Board of luminaries who have established hallmark strategies safeguarding boxers.

“I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work optimising the mental and physical health of BIBA boxers.”

BIBA Vice President Gianluca Di Caro added, “it is a true honour to have Dr Donohue join our team, .he is exceptionally qualified, as are all BIBA Medical Advisory Board members, and of course being a former boxer really gives him an unequalled insight of the boxer’s psyche, as is clear when you read his published papers.

“Dr Donohue joins fellow highly qualified specialists on our esteemed Medical Advisory Board headed by Chief Medical Officer: Professor M.R. Graham and includes Chief Consultant Surgeon: Mr Ken Park, Regional Chief Physiotherapy Officer : Mark Heffernan, Regional CMO (England): Professor Bruce Davies, Regional  CMO (Scotland): Professor Julian S Baker, Deputy Regional CMO (Scotland): Dr. Rajeev McCrea-Routray, Regional CMO (Wales) Dr. John Pates,
Regional CMO (Southern Region) Dr. Yousef Rashid and Chief Medical Officer (Malta) Dr. Mark Xuereb.

“Dr Donohue’s experience and knowledge can only help BIBA raise the bar even higher, Health & Safety and Boxer Mental Wellness wise.

“BIBA are already the indisputable industry leader, with regard to boxer Health & Safety.

“Following three major life changing injuries and one fatality on BBBofC sanctioned, not BIBA sanctioned, professional boxing events in the UK in 2016, the BIBA board decided it was time for additional procedures in an attempt to try and reduce further bleed to the brain injuries.

“The following year we recruited leading head injury specialist and forensic scientist Professor Graham to the BIBA Medical Committee, as well as became the first boxing commission world-wide to introduce the potentially life saving Infra-scanners ringside at our events.

“In addition to introducing Infra-Scanners, we also introduced further Health & Safety Initiatives, including Rehydration Drinks authorised for contest of eight rounds and more, as well as making it mandatory that all BIBA officials are fully trained on Head Trauma Signs & Symptoms Awareness.

“The Head Trauma Signs & Symptoms Awareness initiative has now been extended and all APBC Accredited courses run by our team, whether Referee/Judge, Supervisor/Inspector or Cut/Cornerman, include not only Head Trauma Signs & Symptoms but also Duty of Care

“It is our belief that it is essential that in order to be able to deliver the highest levels of duty of care to competing boxers on events sanctioned by ourselves that the officials in the ring and ringside, as well as those in the corner of boxers when competing, are aware of the signs of possible head trauma.

“When combined with other BIBA initiatives, such as Infra-Scanners ringside, Rehydration Drinks, Weight-Cutting monitoring etc. we believe that these initiatives will ensure that those that compete on BIBA sanctioned events are receiving the highest possible levels of care, within the sport.

“Dr Donohue’s timing couldn’t be better, as later this month we will be announcing the introduction a new bit of kit, an advanced medical process for the treatment of head trauma injuries within sport, this will be a game changer, not just for Boxing, but all sports where head injuries occur.

“I look forward to working closely with Dr Donohue, and of course all our established Medical Advisory team, on this exciting life changing project as well in relation to the development of further Health & Safety and Boxer Mental Wellness initiatives for the boxers and our beloved sport.”

#BIBAChangingBoxingForGood

www.boxbiba.com

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