Rumble In Dar series co-promoters The Jackson Group, Global Boxing Stars and Epic Sports and Entertainment, today announced that the Second Edition of the series, that was due to take place at the Next Door Arena on March 26th, has been rescheduled to April 9th following the passing of President John Magufuli on Wednesday.
“Following the passing of President Magufuli, we have decided to to reschedule the March 26th event so that we and the people of Tanzania can show our respect and observe fourteen days of National Mourning.
“Rumble in Dar, the Second Edition will now take place on Friday 9th April 2021.” Said Kelvin Twissa, Director and Founder of the Jackson Group.
The headline fight on second edition of the Rumble in Dar series sees Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo (18-2-0) in action against Zimbabwean Brendon Denes of Zimbabwe (8-0-0) for the the vacant WBC Africa (WBC-ABU) Super Welterweight Championship.
The co-main event pits Nigerian Olanrewaju Durodora (34-0-8) against Tanzania’s Shaban Jongo (8-1-2) for the WBC Africa (WBC-ABU) championship.
Eight further international contests, featuring fighters from around Africa as well as Ukraine and Bulgaria support the two championship contests.
The event will be broadcast live across Sub-Saharan Africa exclusively by Plus TV, which is available exclusively on DSTV channel number 294 in more than 30 African countries as well as syndicated globally to linear and digital channels (check local channel listings) and on-line at FITE TV.
The Jackson Group, Global Boxing Stars and Epic Sports and Entertainment, the co-promoters of the Rumble in Dar series, in association with the Tanzania Tourist Board #VisitTanzania, KCB Bank, Onomo Hotels, Urban Soul Apparel (Botswana) and M Bet, today announced that Plus TV (DSTV channel #294) is to broadcast the second edition of the series exclusively across Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We are very excited to partner up with the Rumble in Dar series co-promoters the Jackson Group, Global Boxing Stars and Epic Sports and Entertainment as well as DSTV Multi-Choice Tanzania and KCB to bring the Rumble In Dar second edition to our esteemed viewers in and across Africa.
“We are proud to take boxing to global stage through this partnership. Plus TV is available exclusively on DSTV channel number 294 to more than 30 African countries.
“We urge our viewers to tune in on the day of the event from exactly 8pm to enjoy this unforgettable event.” Said Ramadhan Bukini, Operations Director at Plus TV
Back in January boxing fans around the world were enthralled by an incredible evening of boxing featuring world stars such as Bulgaria’s Tervel Pulev and American Shawn Miller amongst others, that concluded with Tanzania’s very own Ibrahim Class securing the World Boxing Federation (WBF) intercontinental championship after a 12 round Battle Royale with seriously tough South Africa based Malawian Dennis Mwale.
The second edition of the Rumble in Dar series, as with the first, has a closely matched international card that features two World Boxing Council African Boxing Union (WBC-ABU) Championship contests.
The main event sees Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo (18-2-0) in action against Zimbabwean Brendon Denes of Zimbabwe (8-0-0) for the the vacant WBC Africa (WBC-ABU) Super Welterweight Championship.
The co-main event pits Nigerian Olanrewaju Durodora (34-0-8) against Tanzania’s Shaban Jongo (8-1-2) for the WBC Africa (WBC-ABU) championship.
The stellar undercard features closely matched international fights:
8 Round Heavyweight Contest: Switzerland based Kenyan Collins Omondi (5-0-0) versus Zimbabwe’s Elvis Moyo (9-6-2)
8 Round Lightweight Contest: Tanzania’s Ibrahim Class (25-6-0) versus TBA
8 Round Super Welterweight Contest: Bulgaria’s Yosif Panov (18-3-0) versus Tanzania’s Nicolaus Mdoe (10-5-1)
4 Round Heavyweight Contest: Bulgaria’s Pencho Tsevtkov (4-0-0) versus Zimbabwe’s Simon Madhanire (1-2-1)
8 Round Super Welterweight Contest: Zambia’s Lolita Muzeya (16-0-0) versus TBA
4 Round Lightweight Contest: Bulgaria’s Joana Nwamerue (3-0-0) versus Zimbabwe’s Netsai Vaina Bondayi (2-3-1)
6 Round Heavyweight Contest: South Africa’s Ardi Ndembo (2-0-0) versus Malawi’s Alick Gogodo (4-5-0)
The second edition of the Rumble in Dar series, in association with the Tanzania Tourist Board #VisitTanzania, KCB Bank, Onomo Hotels, Urban Soul Apparel (Botswana) and M Bet, will be broadcast live across Sub-Saharan Africa exclusively by Plus TV, which is available exclusively on DSTV channel number 294 in more than 30 African countries as well as syndicated globally to linear and digital channels (check local channel listings) and on-line at FITE TV.
12 x 3 mins European Welterweight Title DAVID AVANESYAN WTKO6 (2:15) v JOSH KELLY (Tabynskoe, Russia) (Sunderland, England)
David Avanesyan stopped Josh Kelly in six rounds at The SSE Arena, Wembley to retain his EBU European Welterweight Title, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.
Sunderland’s Kelly suffered his first professional defeat at the hands of Avanesyan, the relentless Russian champion, who forced Kelly’s trainer Adam Booth to throw in the towel after two knockdowns in a punishing sixth round.
Avanesyan had been made to wait for Kelly, with the fight twice postponed, but his sustained assault broke down the 26-year-old’s resistance, with British rival Conor Benn watching from ringside as part of the Sky Sports team.
“I feel very very good,” Avanesyan told Sky Sports afterwards. “I waited a long time for this fight. I put a lot of hard work into this fight. I came to join my coach and my manager from another country. I’ve had long spells away from my children. I miss them. I haven’t seen my children, my parents and my friends for a long time.
“Thank you to my team and to the English fans for giving me this opportunity. Thank you to Matchroom, they put on the number one best show. I’ve had many big nights against the likes of Shane Mosley and Lamont Peterson, but this one with Matchroom is number one.
“I am very happy. Thank you to god for my win today. Thank you to my manager and my coach. Carl sacrificed a lot of time with his family for my training. He has been my friend, my driver and my coach. I don’t like to speak too much. This is business. I know Josh is fast. I am fast too. Boxing is difficult. When you lose, many people think you are finished. This is boxing, you go down. This is life. I will wake up tomorrow morning a champion.”
Trainer Carl Greaves said: “I told everybody this would happen and they all thought I was a crazy coach who knows nothing. I knew exactly how it was going to go. I’ve spent over five years with David now. I’ve seen so much. I’ve seen all of these talented kids keeping him off for a certain amount of time, 30 seconds to a minute, but he finds a way every time. I was so confident in this fight. I knew it was going to go like that. I’m a bit gutted because I had £500 on round seven!”
10 x 3 mins International Welterweight contest FLORIAN MARKU WTKO8 (2:18)v RYLAN CHARLTON (Lushnje, Albania) (Norwich, England)
Florian Marku climbed off the canvas to stop Rylan Charlton in eight rounds in the evening’s chief-support bout.
‘The Albanian King’ toppled to the canvas in the sixth round, but then forced the stoppage with a ferocious response and called for a future clash with Benn, who was watching from ringside as part of the Sky Sports team.
Charlton was punished with stinging counters in the third, and the Norwich man appeared in serious trouble when he staggered through the closing seconds of the fourth following a big right hand from Marku.
Uncorking an eye-catching uppercut, Marku appeared in complete control in the fifth, but he suffered a shock knockdown in the next round after a looping left hand from Charlton. Marku ripped in punches in round eight with savage intent on the weary Charlton, prompting the towel to be thrown in.
“I am really happy,” said Marku. “A lot of people thought that he would humiliate me and knock me out, but I showed that I can box. I will learn a lot from this fight. Three weeks before the fight, I dislocated a finger in my left hand. My team and all of the staff know that I was injured but I was never going to pull out of the fight. I came here to fight.
“After the fifth round I started feeling my hand. It was not a problem. I am happy about the performance. Rylan took so many good hits in the head. He took a lot of punishment. I was beating him and I was talking to him. I told him I was going to beat him and talk to him. I was telling him I’m not Joe Laws. I take the win and we go forward.
“His face was swollen and it was a good decision from his corner. He took a lot of punishment. I love to fight, this is my life. Thanks to the UK fans that believe in me. They like to see me fight. I love pressure. I’ll fight whoever my team S-JAM boxing decide next. Sam Jones and Adam Morallee got me into this position. I have the best team around me.”
10 x 3 mins vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Title ROBBIE DAVIES JR v GABRIEL VALENZUELA WMD10 (94–94, 96-95, 96-95) (Liverpool, England) (Guadalajara, Mexico)
Gabriel Valenzuela picked up the biggest win of his career on his first trip to the UK as he claimed a majority points decision over Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jr to earn the vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Title.
Mexico’s Valenzuela dropped Davies Jr with a straight right hand in the third round, and while Davies battled back in the middle rounds, ‘Nini’ closed the show in the final round when he looked close to forcing the stoppage.
Davies Jr, the former British and European Super-Lightweight Champion, struggled to deal with Valenzuela’s heavy hands, and was an easy target for the 26-year-old from Guadalajara, who was inspired by Mauricio Lara’s shock win over Josh Warrington last weekend.
4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest JOHNNY FISHER WTKO1 (2:29) v MATT GORDON (Romford, England) (West Bromwich, England)
Popular Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher got off to the perfect start in the professional ranks with a powerful first-round stoppage of Matt Gordon. ‘The Romford Bull’ marked his pro debut with a destructive display as he floored Gordon on two occasions in the opening round.Fisher made a fast start, throwing crunching combinations from the opening bell, and a string of right hands sent Gordon toppling onto the ropes.
Sensing the finish was near, Fisher quickly clubbed Gordon back to the canvas, and referee Ian John-Lewis soon waved off the fight.“It’s unbelievable,” said Fisher. “I know I’ve had a massive build-up; I’ve had Lennox Lewis sending me messages and Tyson Fury sending me messages. I had a lot of pressure on me, but I’ve shown that I can handle that pressure.
“All credit to Matt Gordon, but I bowled him over in one round. Normally Heavyweights are doing it in two, three or four rounds, so I’ve done a good job. Nobody needs to get unnecessarily hurt. I knew that I had him hurt when I first got him down. It was only a matter of time, so the ref did the right thing.
“I felt right and I felt comfortable, more comfortable than any of my amateur fights. I belong here, and I’ve got to prove that I belong here every time I fight. I’ve got a very long way to go, I know I’m only just beginning. Let’s just see how far we can go. I live and breathe boxing. I love training. I’d do it every single day of the week if I was allowed. I’ve got great people around me. There’s things I need to work on but I’ve showed my power tonight.”
10 x 3 mins vacant WBA International Featherweight Title JORDAN GILL WUD10 (98-92, 98-93, 96-94) v CESAR JUAREZ (Chatteris, England) (Mexico City, Mexico)
Jordan Gill made it two wins from two behind closed doors fights as he widely outpointed Mexico’s former World Title challenger Cesar Juarez to claim the vacant WBA International Featherweight Title and progress his record to 26-1 (7 KOs).
The 26-year-old from Chatteris showcased slick skills against the relentless aggression of Juarez as he earned a unanimous decision with scores of 98-92, 98-93 and 96-94.
“It was a very tough test,” said Gill. “He was so tough. I hit him with some great shots. He hurt my hand on his head. I always seem to hurt my right hand. We move on. There’s bigger and better things to come now. It was a great fight and I was pleased to be involved in it. I stood up to his body shots and pushed forwards. I had to pick my spots with him.
“The thing is with these guys, if you work with them, then you’re going to lose all day long. We saw that last week with Josh Warrington. At certain times it’s impossible to get away clean. I did it smart and I tried to keep safe at all times. I didn’t feel my sharpest to be honest, I felt sluggish. I felt like I was leaning in with the shots. I was falling in with the jabs, I didn’t feel like I was pinging it like I normally do.
“There’s no excuses, I did everything in the gym and I worked very hard. I did the weight very well, especially considering I had two weeks’ notice for this fight. It shows my dedication to the sport and it shows how many sacrifices I made. I stayed in the gym over Christmas. I stayed in the gym over New Year and missed out on lots of baking my wife! I’m going to go home, have a week off and do some baking with my wife. If I get a shot at the European Title next then I’d be over the moon, whoever it’s against.”
It would be Criminally Negligent to authorise events in February, says BIBA VP
Following discussions with the Government as well as local area Safety Advisory Groups and local NHS Trusts the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) have made the decision to NOT authorise the sanctioning of any events in February 2021.
On making the announcement BIBA Vice President Gianluca Di Caro said “We discussed the situation with the promoters of the two planned February events, who both willingly agreed to reschedule the events until later in the year.
“It was a hard decision to make, but one we believe was the only one we could possibly make, without doubt it would be irresponsible to put any extra pressure on NHS services at this time.
“In reality it wouldn’t just be irresponsible but also Criminally Negligent in our view, as we could not possibly guarantee that should a boxer receive a serious head injury, such as a bleed on the brain, that they would receive the required treatment within the ‘Golden Hour’ to prevent permanent brain damage or even death.
“Whilst the Government provided ‘Positive Test’ figures do seem to be on a downward trend, the actual level of serious Infection and Hospital Admittances, as well as Deaths are still rising to record levels on a daily basis.
“Currently, according to Government figures, there is one new hospital admittance every thirty seconds and some Hospital Trusts are reporting full or close to full capacity of ICU beds, as well as overly long waiting times within Accident & Emergency Departments.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and will announce in Mid-February whether events in March will be authorised or not.
“In the meantime we urge everyone to observe Social Distancing rules, wear face coverings over both the mouth and nose when on public transport or in the shops etc.and please wash your hands regularly for twenty seconds or use hand sanitiser.”
Class vs Mwale and Pulev vs Meroro co-headline historic ‘Rumble-in-Dar’ Global TV event on Jan 29th
Over the years African Boxing has been seen as the poor relative when it comes to Global audiences for professional boxing from the Continent. America and Europe have dominated the scene it seems forever, but that had already began to change, as more recently it is the Middle East that has come to the fore hosting the big events that attract the Global interest.
In just over a weeks time Boxing from Africa, will roar back onto the scene determined to make such an impact that the fans of sport’s focus will begin to shift towards that Continent too.
Historically Boxing in Africa has attracted Global audiences, who could forget that one of the biggest fights of all time took place in Africa. Back in October 1974 the world’s eyes were on Zaire as Muhammad Ali challenged George Foreman for his World Crown in Kinshasa.
Whilst Rumble in the Jungle, arguably the greatest sporting event of the 20th century, was the most watched boxing event ever, drawing an estimated one billion viewers Globally, the expected Legacy for Boxing in Africa failed to materialise. Yes, since then there have been a few fights on the Continent that were shown on Major Networks in America and Europe, these were one offs, there have been no regular international events to maintain the momentum, but that is all about to change…
On the 29th January 2021, Botswana based Global Boxing Stars and Tanzania based Jackson Group present the first of six planned Fight Night events in the Tanzania, evocatively named “Rumble-In-Dar“, they hope will redress the balance and attract fans of the pugilistic arts around the World.
The ground breaking event is co-headlined by Tanzania’s Ibrahim Class (24-6-0) versus South Africa based Malawian Dennis Mwale (8-0-0), who will be competing for the World Boxing Federation (WBFed) Intercontinental Lightweight Championship.
Bulgaria’s Tervel Pulev (15-0-0), the brother of Heavyweight Kubrat Pulev, who was KO’d by Anthony Joshua back in December, versus Namibia’s Vikapita Meroro (29-9-0) co-headlines in a non-championship ten rounder.
The packed undercard features a further Championship contest, between Tanzania’s Shaban Hamadi Jongo (7-1-2) and New York, USA’s Shawn Miller (18-5-1) for the WBFed International Heavyweight belt.
Unbeaten Zambian World Prospect Lolita Muzeya (16-0-0) makes her return to the ring on the event and South Africa’s rising Heavyweight sensation Ardi “The Iron Fist” Ndembo (1-0-0) makes his second pro outing.
‘Rumble-in-Dar’ will take place in front of an audience at the Next Door Arena in Dar-Es-Salaam, as Tanzania, unlike much of the World today, has been little affected by the COVID 19 pandemic and will be broadcast Globally, providing free to view access to in excess of three quarter of a Billion Homes and Billions more Devices.
So just who are the people so intent on changing not only the perception of African Boxing but also on showcasing African talent on a Global platform.
Scott Patrick Farrell, the founder of Global Boxing Stars, is the former CEO of Ringstar Boxing and former Managing director of Commvault inc, a corporation that that went ipo for over 500 million dollars whilst Scott was part of the senior Management team.
“In business and in life timing is everything, I believe this is the right time, Tanzania is the right place and between GBS and the Jackson Group we have the right partnership to take this platform to the next level, plans are afoot to deploy world titles, world title eliminators as well as international non-title bouts on the future bills, so as to raise the profile and quality of the bills show by show. We have a strategy to position Dar es Salaam as a new sports tourism hub.”
Scott lives the dream and works regularly with the only Boxing hall of fame eight division World champion Senator Manny Pacquiao as co-promoter and producer/event director for the Manny Pacquiao Championship Boxing Series.
Over the years Scott has built and been a very integral part of numerous contenders becoming World Champions, such as; IBF Bantamweight number one contender Michael Dasmarinas. Scott took the unknown boxer from the Philippines to become the IBO world champion, and then to a victory in the IBF world title eliminator. Making Dasmarinas the mandatory challenger for the much-sorted crown of the IBF world title. Other success comes with four division World Champion and current WBO World Champion John Riel Casimero as part of the Sean Gibbons & Manny Pacquiao Championship Boxing team, and Paulus ‘The Rock” Ambunda former WBO and IBO world champion, Scott secured his third world title victory with Ringstar Asia.
Scott has now taken all his life lessons and experience and partnered with Jeremy Bean, who has Pan African connectivity and experience in staging live broadcast events from all major economic hubs of the continent to create Global Boxing Stars, a professional management company to represent and build a fighter’s career. His focus is developing fighters based in Africa and other parts of the world, to build new World Champion prospects to sign with the top promoters in the USA, UK and other parts of the world. Scott has a great working relationship and proven track record with the giants of the boxing industry such as Top Rank, PBC, Golden Boy, DAZN and Matchroom, and many more…
“We are extremely energised by this collaboration partnership, we have alignment, a common vision and the energy is good. Together Global Boxing Stars and the Jackson Group seek to develop a new commercial model for Pan African boxing and unlock value through pooling of our networks, resources and operational capacity. Myself and Kelvin are marketing guys that the boxing bug has bitten, we see Pan African boxing as a sleeping giant and believe our partnership will pioneer a new approach that will bring corporate partners with a Pan African footprint to the table.” Said fellow Director of Global Boxing Stars Jeremy Bean.
Jeremy comes from an advertising background, along with practical sports marketing and event staging experience along with a proven track record of producing international, live broadcast boxing events across the African continent.
While producing the Pan African boxing content for the Kwesé ESPN partnership, Jeremy staged fights in all the major economic hubs of Southern, East and West Africa.
Joining the dynamic duo on this major project is Kelvin Twissa, CEO of The Jackson Group.
“Jeremy and I first connected when I was doing shows with Sport Pesa in Kenya and he was producing the Pan African boxing content for the ESPN Kwesé partnership, now under different banners and with what appears opportune timing we are teaming up to position Tanzania as a new fight mecca and sport tourism hub. The Jackson Group and Global Boxing Stars have formed a powerful, cross functional team – we can talk marketing and commercials to brands and sponsors, we can talk television and production specs to broadcasters and now we can talk boxing, all as a single powerful partnership unit.”
Kelvin, a high-level marketing strategist with experience managing campaigns and brands across Africa, is the former Global Chief Marketing Officer of SportPesa, brings to the team vast experience via various marketing roles at Exco level with some of the largest corporates and Telcos on the African continent.
Now in the role of CEO under the banner of the Jackson Group, Kelvin is able to unlock value through commercial partnerships and connectivity across the East African hub and the continent at large. Kelvin’s experience in sports ranges from football working with Clubs and Leagues in Africa and Europe including the Everton, Arsenal, Laliga and Cape Town City FC.
During his time at SportPesa Kelvin created the SportPesa Fight Night, as well as brought Tony Bellew to Kenya as part of the Everton SportPesa Boxing Road Show. The Nairobi Figth Night Series commanded over 7.4 million audience in Kenya alone being shown in over 7 channels across Africa.
Without doubt the stage appears set for a new energy and approach to Pan African boxing, with Tanzania providing the backdrop and this exciting partnership between Global Boxing Stars and The Jackson Group pioneering a new commercial and collaborative model.
Rumble in Dar, co-headlined by Ibrahim Class versus Dennis Mwale for the World Boxing Federation (WBFed) Intercontinental Lightweight Championship and Tervel Pulev versus Vikapita Meroro takes place at the Next Door Arena, Masaki, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania on Friday the 29th January 2021.
Joining host broadcaster Azam TV are numerous broadcast platforms worldwide such as NBC Namibia, Astro Arens (Malaysia) plus more (check local Channel/Cable Network schedule) and will also be streamed live and free to view on FITE.TV, Gineko Network, Boxing TV, PPV Live, 360 PR App etc (further Streaming Channels to be announced soon) as well as on the Go Boxing YouTube and Daily Motion Channels, Rumble in Dar will also be available as Video on Demand seven days after the event on Sports channel Network (SCN) and other VOD platforms.
With the distinct lack of televised boxing events for fans of the pugilistic arts to watch in January 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Botswana based Global Boxing Stars and the Jackson Group have entered into an agreement with United Kingdom based Go Sports & Entertainment, for the world-wide broadcast distribution for a series of International Championship Boxing Events in Tanzania throughout 2021.
“It’s an exciting joint venture in a beautiful part of the world. The broadcast partners Azam TV are providing a world class production, and it’s refreshing to be working with great like minded people from Jackson Group Sports who have been instrumental in bringing this deal together” stated Global Boxing Stars CEO Scott Patrick Farrell, before adding “Get ready for the first of the Rumble In Dar boxing series on January 29th, non-stop action is guaranteed “
The first event takes place at the Next Door Arena, Masaki, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania on the 29th January 2021.
Bulgaria’s Terval Pulev (15-0-0), the brother of Heavyweight Kubrat Pulev, who was KO’d by Anthony Joshua back in December, versus Namibia’s Vikapita Meroro (29-9-0) co-headlines the event along with Tanzania’s Ibrahim Class (24-6-0) versus South Africa based Malawian Dennis Mwale (8-0-0), who will be competing for the World Boxing Federation (WBFed) Intercontinental Lightweight Championship
The sensational undercard features a further Championship contest, between Tanzania’s Shaban Hamadi Jongo (7-1-2) and New York, USA’s Shawn Miller (18-5-1) for the WBFed International Heavyweight belt.
Unbeaten Zambian World Prospect Lolita Muzeya (16-0-0) makes her return to the ring on the event and South Africa’s rising Heavyweight sensation Ardi “The Iron Fist” Ndembo (1-0-0) makes his second pro outing.
The full line up for this exciting International show is:
Lightweight: Ibrahim Class versus Dennis Mwale
World Boxing Federation (WBFed) Intercontinental Championship
Heavyweight: Shaban Hamadi Jongo versus Shawn Miller
World Boxing Federation (WBFed) International Championship
Cruiserweight: Vikariat Meroro versus Tervel Pulev
Super Welterweight: Nicolaus Michael Mdoe versus Gomotsang Gaasite
Featherweight: Nasibu Ramadhani versus Nkosinathi Biyana
Super Lightweight: Happy Daudi Mwagike versus Lolita Muzeya
Super Flyweight: Stumai Muki versus Recai Madondo
Lightweight: Hashim Japhari Kiranga versus Said Mlosi Mussa
Cruiserweight: Hafidh David versus Kaminja Ramadhan
Heavyweight: Pascal Lezile Enock versus Ardi Ndembo
In addition to the above event on the 21st January the dates for the full series of Global Boxing Stars and Jackson Group events in 2021 is:
26th March 2021 – Full line up to be announced
28th May 2021 – Full line up to be announced
30th July 2021 – Full line up to be announced
24th September 2021 – Full line up to be announced
26th November 2021 – Full line up to be announced
Various broadcasters world-wide (National Broadcasters, Digital, Cable, Satellite as well as On-Line) have already been secured, however the full list of channels will be announced in the coming week or so once all syndication agreements are finalised.
The GSE developed Broadcast Distribution Network for the 29th January 2021 event is anticipated to provide Free to View access to around Three Quarter of a Billion Homes and Devices Globally.
Further details, as well as press releases, interviews and videos will be distributed over the coming days and weeks.
Sam Eggington smashed Ashley Theophane in the sixth round tonight in Redditch with one final body shot to get back on track towards championship contention in 2021.
From the opening bell, Eggington used his size and strength advantage and set a relentless pace to break down Theophane who had some remote success. Eggington mixed his punches up well throughout the contest from a solid jab to a hard right hand then going downstairs to land some very heavy body shots to slow down the Theophane.
The Birmingham beast kept Theophane trapped in the neutral corner and giving him very little opportunity escape as he unloaded his big shots.
In the sixth Eggington landed a hard right to Theophane’s ribs under the elbow that dropped the Paddington man. He was up at nine but referee John Latham had seen enough and waved it off at 2:58.
Egginton was coming off a questionable loss to Ted Cheeseman in August, but he firmly put that behind him with his commanding performance tonight and showed that he still has plenty to give.
He said, “I’m over the moon with the result. I felt I was hard done by against Cheesman and I needed to get back with a good win and prove that I’ve got plenty left in the tank. I know Theophane would be tricky from the start and hard to it. It was hard to get through at first and I just had to keep the pressure on and breaking down and I knew I’d get to him eventually.”
“I’m not shouting anyone out, I’ll fight anyone put in front of me and I can’t wait for a big 2021. I’d like to thank Mick Hennessy and Channel 5, it was a great set up here tonight.”
On the undercard, Brighton heavyweight Tommy Welch, son of the former British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion, Scott, made an impressive start to the pro ranks with a second round stoppage of Matt Gordon in his debut. Heavy handed Welch pummelled Gordon in the corner with the referee stepping to halt the onslaught at 2:56.
Sevenoaks middleweight Michael Hennessy Jr. returned to winning ways with a complete shut-out of Dale Arrowsmith to win 60-54.
Hennessy produced some great work with variations to head and body and fast combinations, Arrowsmith stuck with Hennessy and pushed him all the way, but the younger man’s classier work stood out.
Undefeated Monaghan super-welterweight hot-shot Aaron ‘Silencer’ McKenna destroyed the more experience Jordan Grannum in the second round with a perfect left hook to the body. Although Jordan had not been stopped in 79 fights, he couldn’t handle the power of the hard-hitting 21-year-old who appeared on the show courtesy of his promoter Golden Boy Promotions.
Signing his new promotional agreement with promoter Mick Hennessy earlier today, middleweight ace Idris Virgo outpointed the vastly experienced Kevin McCauley over four rounds. The bright young star worked well behind the jab and showed some excellent body punching in the impressive showing.
Aaron’s older brother Stephen McKenna also signed a long term promotional deal with Hennessy yesterday and maintained his 100 percent win and KO record. It was the first time McKenna had gone beyond the second round and had to venture into the fifth to get the stoppage against MJ Hall, but the extra rounds will give the 23-year-old talent more ring experience. Although McKenna set a blistering pace from the opening bell, looking to bomb out Hall with huge shots, he pursued Hall throughout until he got him in the corner and laded some hard shots in the sixth and the referee stepped in.
In the only Championship contest of the evening, Kaisee Hall claimed the Midlands Area Welterweight Championship with a points victory over local rival Ben Fields by a score of 97-95. Benjamin boxed well showing fast hands and holding the centre of the ring, but Fields was pushing the action throughout.
COMPLETE FIGHT RESULTS
FIGHT #1 4 x 3 Heavyweight Contest Tommy Welch WTKO2 (Time: 2:56) Matt Gordon
FIGHT #2 6 x 3 Light Middleweight Contest Michael Hennessy WPTS6 (60-54) Dale Arrowsmith
FIGHT #3 6 x 3 Light Middleweight Contest Aaron McKenna WTKO2 Jordan Grannum
FIGHT #4 4 x 3 Middleweight Contest Idris Virgo WPTS4 (40-36) Kevin McCauley
FIGHT #5 6 x 3 Super Lightweight Contest Stephen McKenna WTKO5 (Time: 1:56) MJ Hall
FIGHT #6 The Midlands Area Welterweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds at 10st 7lbs (147lbs) Kaisee Benjamin WPTS10 (97-95) Ben Fields
FIGHT #7 10 x 3 Super Welterweight Contest Sam Eggington WTKO6 (Time: 2:58) Ashley Theophane
Pound-for-pound star faces Brit favourite in Heavyweight WAR
Ukrainian pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk will finally face British favourite Derek Chisora on Saturday October 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US, after their original May 23 date was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) made the move to Heavyweight after dominating at Cruiserweight, ending his extraordinary spell at 200lbs as the Undisputed king with a phenomenal run of victories in his opponents’ backyard against Marco Huck, Mairis Briedis, Murat Gassiev and Tony Bellew.
The 2012 Olympic Gold medallist began his assault on the Heavyweight division by retiring Chazz Witherspoon in seven rounds at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago last October and continues his bid to become a two-weight World Champion when he faces an in-form Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs).
Former World Title challenger Chisora scored a devastating second round knockout over Poland’s Artur Szpilka at The O2 in July 2019, a year on from his incredible eighth round KO win against Carlos Takam at the same venue, before blitzing fellow Brit David Price in four rounds in October 2019.
The Finchley powerhouse, who is guided by former two-weight World Champion David Haye, has lofty ambitions of his own and is planning on giving Usyk nightmares in his first real test in boxing’s glamour division as he looks to pull off what would be one of the best wins by a Brit in recent years.
“I have really missed boxing,” said Usyk. “I am working hard in my training camp to show a spectacular performance on October 31. I expect a real test in Derek – he is strong, tough and resilient. He is a really big guy and he hits hard.
“As a Cruiserweight, I reached the highest heights as Undisputed Champion and now I am following the same path as a Heavyweight. I need to test myself against world class Heavyweights on my new road to Undisputed and Derek stands in front of me.
“Many people say that Derek is a monster, but deep down he is a kind man. I don’t expect to see that good side of him. I know that he wants to break me, but I am water, wind and fire all together. Derek Chisora, I am coming for you!”
“Helllllo, Usyk, I’m ready for you, helllllo Usyk!,” said Chisora. “Usyk, I’ve been ready for you all year. It’s my home turf and after such a tough year for everyone, I’m going to give the British public the Halloween party they deserve and finally get revenge for my boy Tony Bellew!”
“Yesterday’s news from the Government was a kick in the nuts, so to bounce back with this fight at this time is so important for boxing,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “You’ve either got to sit back and say ‘it’s not possible’ or find a way to make it happen, and I’ve got to say a big thanks to Team Usyk, ‘Del Boy’ and David Haye for staying patient and helping get this over the line.
“It’s an absolute firecracker and a fight that’s so important to the Heavyweight division over the next few months. We saw a stunning victory from Povetkin recently to shake up the mandatory situation, can WAR Chisora spring the upset and KO the undefeated Undisputed World Champ? I know he will do everything he can to try and get the victory and this will be another night of Heavyweight drama!”
“Oleksandr Usyk versus Derek Chisora is one of the most anticipated fights in the Heavyweight division,” said Alexander Krassyuk, General Director of K2 Promotions. “The fight was originally scheduled to take place in May, but I can assure boxing fans around the world that it will be worth the wait.
“Usyk is under huge pressure. He has to prove himself as a true Heavyweight, while Chisora has nothing to lose and is always dangerous. It will be a violent and bloody battle. I cannot wait to see them finally collide in the ring on October 31.”
“I see this fight with Usyk as the perfect opportunity for Derek to gate crash the world top 5,” said David Haye of Hayemaker Promotions. “He’s a massive underdog, with very few experts picking him to cause the upset. But I know something they don’t, I know Derek has the size, the chin and more importantly the heart to walk through hell to get this win.
“Derek cancelled his last family Christmas holiday in preparation for this very fight, and as a result has spent the best part of a year improving his boxing IQ, and building a relentless engine, he is ready to step in the ring with Usyk and wage WAR. The world will be shocked at what Halloween havoc Chisora brings to the party.”
Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said: “We’re very excited to announce the rescheduled date for Oleksandr Usyk versus Derek Chisora, an intriguing Heavyweight showdown with plenty at stake!
“Ukrainian star Usyk has already showcased his sublime skills on these shores in that dramatic battle with Tony Bellew, while Derek Chisora has rejuvenated his career since teaming up with his former foe David Haye.
“A potential fight with Unified Champion Anthony Joshua is already within Usyk’s grasp, but Chisora has big ambitions of his own, and with Haye by his side, could we see the battle-hardened Brit pull off a stunning upset? Usyk against Chisora has all the ingredients for a Heavyweight classic!”
Tickets purchased for the postponed event at The O2 in London on Saturday May 23 will be refunded. Please contact your point of purchase if you have any queries.
Liverpool’s unbeaten Professional Boxing Council (PBC) in Emeritus Champion Dayle Gallagher returns to the fray to face Spain based Nicaraguan Danny Mendoza as headliner for the next instalment of the LET BATTLE COMMENCE series, In association with PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA and NEON ENERGY DRINK, that takes place behind closed doors at the Northern Hotel in Aberdeen on Saturday 3rd October 2020 and will be broadcast exclusively live on FITE TV.
The LET BATTLE COMMENCE series is proving to be a huge hit with fans of the pugilistic arts world-wide, due mainly it seems to it’s format of pitting elite fighters against exciting young prospects in short duration (six rounds maximum) all action battles, which is unique for televised professional boxing events these days, at least since the demise of the hugely popular Sky Sports broadcast Matchroom Sports PRIZEFIGHTER tournament.
The LET BATTLE COMMENCE series is also attracting a substantial female following, due to the inclusion of at least one female contest per event, so much so that an all female special event LET BATTLE COMMENCE VI – THE LIONESSES is set to take place on the 21st November.
LET BATTLE COMMENCE III retains the aforementioned exciting format, as besides Gallagher vs Mendoza, former WBC Fedecentro Champion David Bency and former PBC title challenger Sophie Varley make their series debuts, whilst former Elite Amateur Estelle Scott makes her professional boxing debut.
Essex’s unbeaten prospect Lewis Mulberry returns following his success on the inaugural event back in July, as does Heavyweight Liam Allan and Super Welterweight Adam Stewart, who faces Liverpool’s unbeaten Steve Sunners.
The full line-up for LET BATTLE COMMENCE III is:
Super Welterweight
Dayle Gallagher Vs Danny Mendoza
Liverpool’s unbeaten Dayle Gallagher makes his first appearance on the LET BATTLE COMMENCE series, on the 3rd October Gallagher takes on Spain based Nicaraguan Danny Mendoza.
Super Featherweight
Lewis Mulberry Vs Rafael Castillo
Essex’s exciting unbeaten prospect Lewis Mulberry returns to Aberdeen for his second appearance on the LET BATTLE COMMENCE series, where he will go toe-2-toe against Nicaragua’s Rafael Castillo.
Super Featherweight
Estelle Scott Vs Carly Mackenzie
Former Amateur star Estelle Scott from South Shields is set to make her professional debut against York’s Carly Mackenzie.
Super Flyweight
Sophie Varley Vs Tasha Boyes
Former PBC Title challenger Sophie Varley makes her first appearance on the LET BATTLE COMMENCE series and faces Tasha Boyes from York in a six round contest.
Middleweight
Craig Kelly vs David Bency
Paisley’s Craig Kelly takes part in his first fight under the BIBA banner and on the 3rd October will be going toe-2-toe with former World Boxing Council (WBC) Fedecentro Champion David Bency from Nicaragua.
Super Welterweight
Adam Stewart vs Steve Sunners
Someone’s ‘0’ has has to go, when Perth’s Adam Stewart, who stopped Alexander Zeledon on the first of the LET BATTLE COMMENCE series, takes on Liverpool’s unbeaten Steve Sunners.
Heavyweight
Liam Allan vs Darren Burns
Exciting Aberdeen Heavyweight Liam Allan makes his welcome return to the LET BATTLE COMMENCE series and on the 3rd October will lock horns with Newry, Northern Ireland’s Darren Burns
LET BATTLE COMMENCE III, in association with PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA and NEON ENERGY DRINK, takes place ‘behind closed doors’ at the Northern Hotel in Aberdeen and broadcast exclusively live on FITE TV on Saturday 3rd October 2020.
PPV ($4.99) is available to purchase now at www.fite.tv
