Weigh-in report from San Bernardino, CA |
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Here are the boxers' weights from the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, California for Saturday's ProBoxTV broadcast:
WBC interim super middleweight title
Lester Martinez 167.8 pounds vs. Immanuwel Aleem 167.4;
Joshua Kevin Anton 153 vs. Kudratillo Abdukakhorov 153.2;
Albert Gonzalez 127.2 vs. Brandon Chambers 126.6;
Charles Harris Jr 143.2 vs. Cesar Villarraga 142.8;
Samuel Contreras 134 vs. Cesar Cantu 132.8;
Luis Coria 114.8 vs. Lito Dante 114;
Kevin Ceja Ventura 153 vs. Aaron Watson 154; and
Jocelyn Camarillo 107.4 vs. Isis Sio 107.4.
Tickets are available from Thundertix.com.
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Weigh-in report from San Bernardino, CA
Here are the boxers' weights from the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, California for Saturday's ProBoxTV broadcast:
WBC interim super middleweight title
Lester Martinez 167.8 pounds vs. Immanuwel Aleem 167.4;
Joshua Kevin Anton 153 vs. Kudratillo Abdukakhorov 153.2;
Albert Gonzalez 127.2 vs. Brandon Chambers 126.6;
Charles Harris Jr 143.2 vs. Cesar Villarraga 142.8;
Samuel Contreras 134 vs. Cesar Cantu 132.8;
Luis Coria 114.8 vs. Lito Dante 114;
Kevin Ceja Ventura 153 vs. Aaron Watson 154; and
Jocelyn Camarillo 107.4 vs. Isis Sio 107.4.
Tickets are available from Thundertix.com.
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PBC announces three-bout freestream for March 28th |
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Rising super middleweight Elijah Garcia will face veteran Kevin Newman II in s ten rounder on a three-fight First on Prime free stream taking place Saturday, March 28th on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The streaming presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT and also boasts teenager Kaipo Gallegos dueling once-beaten Julian Gonzalez in a ten-round lightweight attraction, and also undefeated featherweight Brayan Gonzalez taking on Mexico’s Brandon Guerrero over six rounds. These three matchups serve as the appetizer for the previously announced PBC pay-per-view event beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT headlined by WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defending his world title against former unified 147-pound champion Keith “One Time” Thurman.
Headlining on Prime Video, Garcia, age 22, will make his debut at the full super middleweight limit as he takes on streaking Kevin Newman II, who enters this ten-round fight on a seven-bout winning streak.Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, García (17-1, 13 KOs) most recently rose from the canvas to take home a split-decision win over Terrell Gausha last March, getting back in the win column after coming up short on the cards against Kyrone Davis in June 2024. Garcia had previously burst onto the scene as a teenager with three victories in 2023. He kicked off that campaign in March with a knockout of the previously unbeaten Amilcar Vidal and followed that up with a pair of performances on the undercards of two of the biggest events of the year. He first defeated Kevin Salgado on the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia pay-per-view in April before knocking out current super middleweight champion Armando Resendiz on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo pay-per-view in September.
“I’m excited to headline on Prime Video on March 28th,” said Garcia. “I’m working hard and can’t wait to show everything we’ve been working on in camp. This is a big opportunity to make a statement at super middleweight and I’m gonna make the most of it.”
Originally from Los Angeles and now fighting out of Las Vegas, Newman (18-3-1, 11 KOs) has put together seven consecutive victories dating back to 2021. This run includes two 2025 triumphs that saw him beat Alan Campa by unanimous decision last March before most recently defeating Malcolm Jones by seventh-round stoppage last July. The 34-year-old put together this run after a pair of close decision defeats to Genc Plllana and Manuel Gallegos. Newman’s first blemish came via a decision loss to Marcos Hernandez, which he later avenged in near shutout fashion. Newman turned pro in 2014, reeling off seven-straight wins after a split-draw in his pro debut.
“I want to thank everyone who made this opportunity possible,” said Newman. “I’m looking forward to getting into the ring on March 28th and showcasing my skills. I’m coming to put on a dominant performance from start to finish.”
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
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PBC announces three-bout freestream for March 28th
Rising super middleweight Elijah Garcia will face veteran Kevin Newman II in s ten rounder on a three-fight First on Prime free stream taking place Saturday, March 28th on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The streaming presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT and also boasts teenager Kaipo Gallegos dueling once-beaten Julian Gonzalez in a ten-round lightweight attraction, and also undefeated featherweight Brayan Gonzalez taking on Mexico’s Brandon Guerrero over six rounds. These three matchups serve as the appetizer for the previously announced PBC pay-per-view event beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT headlined by WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defending his world title against former unified 147-pound champion Keith “One Time” Thurman.
Headlining on Prime Video, Garcia, age 22, will make his debut at the full super middleweight limit as he takes on streaking Kevin Newman II, who enters this ten-round fight on a seven-bout winning streak.Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, García (17-1, 13 KOs) most recently rose from the canvas to take home a split-decision win over Terrell Gausha last March, getting back in the win column after coming up short on the cards against Kyrone Davis in June 2024. Garcia had previously burst onto the scene as a teenager with three victories in 2023. He kicked off that campaign in March with a knockout of the previously unbeaten Amilcar Vidal and followed that up with a pair of performances on the undercards of two of the biggest events of the year. He first defeated Kevin Salgado on the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia pay-per-view in April before knocking out current super middleweight champion Armando Resendiz on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo pay-per-view in September.
“I’m excited to headline on Prime Video on March 28th,” said Garcia. “I’m working hard and can’t wait to show everything we’ve been working on in camp. This is a big opportunity to make a statement at super middleweight and I’m gonna make the most of it.”
Originally from Los Angeles and now fighting out of Las Vegas, Newman (18-3-1, 11 KOs) has put together seven consecutive victories dating back to 2021. This run includes two 2025 triumphs that saw him beat Alan Campa by unanimous decision last March before most recently defeating Malcolm Jones by seventh-round stoppage last July. The 34-year-old put together this run after a pair of close decision defeats to Genc Plllana and Manuel Gallegos. Newman’s first blemish came via a decision loss to Marcos Hernandez, which he later avenged in near shutout fashion. Newman turned pro in 2014, reeling off seven-straight wins after a split-draw in his pro debut.
“I want to thank everyone who made this opportunity possible,” said Newman. “I’m looking forward to getting into the ring on March 28th and showcasing my skills. I’m coming to put on a dominant performance from start to finish.”
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
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Weigh-in report from Belfast |
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Tension was high in Belfast on the eve of local idol Michael Conlan's fight against unbeaten Kevin Walsh of Massachusetts. Both men cleared the official weigh-in, setting the stage for a ten-round featherweight battle at the iconic SSE Arena, a venue that has witnessed both the most glorious and the most bitter moments in Conlan’s career. Michael Conlan came in at the division limit of 126 pounds, while Walsh was a bit lighter at 125.4. Conlan arrived with a serene and focused attitude and promised his fans a performance to remember. Walsh (19-0, 10 KOs) arrived backed by a loud group of supporters from Brockton, Massachusetts. The American did not hide his ambition to retire the veteran and catapult his own career.
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Weigh-in report from Belfast
Tension was high in Belfast on the eve of local idol Michael Conlan's fight against unbeaten Kevin Walsh of Massachusetts. Both men cleared the official weigh-in, setting the stage for a ten-round featherweight battle at the iconic SSE Arena, a venue that has witnessed both the most glorious and the most bitter moments in Conlan’s career. Michael Conlan came in at the division limit of 126 pounds, while Walsh was a bit lighter at 125.4. Conlan arrived with a serene and focused attitude and promised his fans a performance to remember. Walsh (19-0, 10 KOs) arrived backed by a loud group of supporters from Brockton, Massachusetts. The American did not hide his ambition to retire the veteran and catapult his own career.
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Ammo Williams ready for his title shot |
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Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams has promised to leave everything in the ring as he challengesCarlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title on Saturday night at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, live worldwide on DAZN. Williams (20-1 13 KOs) was due to meet the champion in New York in January at Madison Square Garden in New York on the undercard of Shakur Stevenson’s battle with Teofimo Lopez, but Adames pulled out of the fight ahead of the weigh-in through illness, while Williams still boxed on the bill, and claimed a ten round win over Wendy Toussaint.
Ammo now gets the world title fight he was robbed of due to the unfortunate illness for the champion and will look to build upon his momentum to gain victory in the biggest fight of his career to date. The 29-year old has won four on the bounce over a 14-month stretch, elevating him to #3 in the WBC rankings ahead of his big night, and believes the clash will be action-packed in the Sunshine State.
“The technical side will be something that people can appreciate down the line,” said Williams. “How explosive and action-packed this fight will be the main focus for a long time. Everything you can imagine that cuts with action; if that’s blood, cuts, guts, KOs, explosive energy, whatever comes to your mind when you think about an action-packed fight, that’s what it’s going to be.
“I knew something was wrong in New York. They had a bunch of fighters coming to do tests and I didn’t see Adames in the room, as soon as I got off the scales, Eddie was right there waiting. Things like that don’t happen unless there’s some news.
“At the end of the day it was still a move from his team to get that extra time and preparation. They got to watch me fight, but there’s advantages and disadvantages from both sides. This is my show now at the end of the day and the fight is bigger now, it’s all worked out and I can only be grateful.
“We were at the press conference and did a face-off, I looked at him and I thought he was a certain type of person, he turned away and shouted ‘that work, easy work’. And I thought, ‘oh, you don’t really understand what I am here for then’.”
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Ammo Williams ready for his title shot
Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams has promised to leave everything in the ring as he challengesCarlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title on Saturday night at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, live worldwide on DAZN. Williams (20-1 13 KOs) was due to meet the champion in New York in January at Madison Square Garden in New York on the undercard of Shakur Stevenson’s battle with Teofimo Lopez, but Adames pulled out of the fight ahead of the weigh-in through illness, while Williams still boxed on the bill, and claimed a ten round win over Wendy Toussaint.
Ammo now gets the world title fight he was robbed of due to the unfortunate illness for the champion and will look to build upon his momentum to gain victory in the biggest fight of his career to date. The 29-year old has won four on the bounce over a 14-month stretch, elevating him to #3 in the WBC rankings ahead of his big night, and believes the clash will be action-packed in the Sunshine State.
“The technical side will be something that people can appreciate down the line,” said Williams. “How explosive and action-packed this fight will be the main focus for a long time. Everything you can imagine that cuts with action; if that’s blood, cuts, guts, KOs, explosive energy, whatever comes to your mind when you think about an action-packed fight, that’s what it’s going to be.
“I knew something was wrong in New York. They had a bunch of fighters coming to do tests and I didn’t see Adames in the room, as soon as I got off the scales, Eddie was right there waiting. Things like that don’t happen unless there’s some news.
“At the end of the day it was still a move from his team to get that extra time and preparation. They got to watch me fight, but there’s advantages and disadvantages from both sides. This is my show now at the end of the day and the fight is bigger now, it’s all worked out and I can only be grateful.
“We were at the press conference and did a face-off, I looked at him and I thought he was a certain type of person, he turned away and shouted ‘that work, easy work’. And I thought, ‘oh, you don’t really understand what I am here for then’.”
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Yoenis Tellez training camp report |
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Cuban junior middleweight Yoenis Tellez is determined to prove himself when he takes on Brian Mendoza in the co-feature a PBC pay-per-view on Prime Video taking place next Saturday, March 28th from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The 25 year-old Tellez (11-1, 8 KOs) captured the WBA interim title with a March 2025 decision over former champion Julian Williams. After dropping a tough decision to eventual WBA champion Abass Baraou last August, Tellez got back in the win column with a December stoppage of Kendo Castaneda. Previously Tellez made his first big splash in the sport with another fight that saw him step in on short notice, as he scored a July 2023 stoppage of Sergio Garcia on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford undercard.
The pay-per-view card begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is topped by WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defending his world title against former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
Here is what Tellez had to say about training camp, Mendoza and more:
On stepping in to face Mendoza on short notice:
“I was already preparing to fight on March 21st, so I took this fight with no hesitation. In boxing, fights fall out, opportunities open up and you have to be ready to step in and take advantage. I stay disciplined year round, so being in shape is never an issue for me. This is exactly the moment I’ve been working for, and now it’s my time to shine.”
On his recent training camp:
“This has been one of the most focused camps of my life. Every day, I wake up with something to prove. I’ve pushed my body and my mind to another level, because I know what’s at stake. We didn’t leave anything to chance, conditioning, sparring, everything, it’s all been sharpened. I’m coming into this fight stronger, smarter, and hungrier than ever.”
On what Brian Mendoza brings to the ring:
“Mendoza is dangerous, no doubt. What he did to Fundora, getting that highlight knockout, was incredible. He’s got power, he’s experienced, and he’s been in with the best. But I believe I’m on another level right now. This is the kind of fight that brings out the best in me. This fight will be explosive, as we both need to come out victorious, and that’s what I plan to do. I’m coming to win.”
On getting back into the world title conversation:
“A win here changes everything. This puts me right back in line for a world title shot. That’s the goal…I’m fighting to take my place at the top. I’ve learned from every experience in my career, especially the setbacks, and now it’s time to turn that into something big. I want the champions to know my name again. I’m here to remind everyone I belong in the world title picture.”
On fighting on a major stage in Las Vega:
“Las Vegas is where legends are made. To fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the second time, on a big stage like this motivates me. And being part of an event like this means the whole world is watching. I’m ready to give fans a performance they won’t forget. This is my moment to shine.”
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Yoenis Tellez training camp report
Cuban junior middleweight Yoenis Tellez is determined to prove himself when he takes on Brian Mendoza in the co-feature a PBC pay-per-view on Prime Video taking place next Saturday, March 28th from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The 25 year-old Tellez (11-1, 8 KOs) captured the WBA interim title with a March 2025 decision over former champion Julian Williams. After dropping a tough decision to eventual WBA champion Abass Baraou last August, Tellez got back in the win column with a December stoppage of Kendo Castaneda. Previously Tellez made his first big splash in the sport with another fight that saw him step in on short notice, as he scored a July 2023 stoppage of Sergio Garcia on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford undercard.
The pay-per-view card begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is topped by WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defending his world title against former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
Here is what Tellez had to say about training camp, Mendoza and more:
On stepping in to face Mendoza on short notice:
“I was already preparing to fight on March 21st, so I took this fight with no hesitation. In boxing, fights fall out, opportunities open up and you have to be ready to step in and take advantage. I stay disciplined year round, so being in shape is never an issue for me. This is exactly the moment I’ve been working for, and now it’s my time to shine.”
On his recent training camp:
“This has been one of the most focused camps of my life. Every day, I wake up with something to prove. I’ve pushed my body and my mind to another level, because I know what’s at stake. We didn’t leave anything to chance, conditioning, sparring, everything, it’s all been sharpened. I’m coming into this fight stronger, smarter, and hungrier than ever.”
On what Brian Mendoza brings to the ring:
“Mendoza is dangerous, no doubt. What he did to Fundora, getting that highlight knockout, was incredible. He’s got power, he’s experienced, and he’s been in with the best. But I believe I’m on another level right now. This is the kind of fight that brings out the best in me. This fight will be explosive, as we both need to come out victorious, and that’s what I plan to do. I’m coming to win.”
On getting back into the world title conversation:
“A win here changes everything. This puts me right back in line for a world title shot. That’s the goal…I’m fighting to take my place at the top. I’ve learned from every experience in my career, especially the setbacks, and now it’s time to turn that into something big. I want the champions to know my name again. I’m here to remind everyone I belong in the world title picture.”
On fighting on a major stage in Las Vega:
“Las Vegas is where legends are made. To fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the second time, on a big stage like this motivates me. And being part of an event like this means the whole world is watching. I’m ready to give fans a performance they won’t forget. This is my moment to shine.”
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Top Rank boxers pleased with DAZN deal |
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DAZN, the boxing and sports streaming platform, and Top Rank, the Nevada-based promoter, announced a multi-year partnership that will brings Top Rank’s roster of boxerrs plus its unrivaled fight library to DAZN, worldwide. The two companies cemented their partnership with a press conference earlier this week at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Hosted by DAZN announcer, Chris Mannix, the press conference featured leadership from both DAZN and Top Rank, headlined by DAZN CEO of Growth Markets, Pete Oliver, and the president of Top Rank, Todd duBoef. Additionally, a collection of boxers, including WBC featherweight champion Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, former champion & Olympic silver medalist, Keyshawn Davis, WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason, and undefeated junior welterweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas also spoke on the news and the platform DAZN provides. This is what the boxers and executives in attendance had to say:
Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington
On what it means to get a platform like this and stay active: “I got a little taste of fighting on DAZN in my last fight, as you mentioned, and the amount of recognition that just boosted ever since that fight has been incredible. Obviously, I was fighting for a world title, but the fact that it was on DAZN, I think that played a major part, and it’s something that I’m really looking forward to in the next steps of my career. I really do believe that we are going to bring nothing but excitement, and I feel like it’s the perfect puzzle piece in order to continue making boxing great.”
Keyshawn Davis
On his reaction to the announcement…“I was definitely surprised hearing this announcement. DAZN’s been carrying the torch for a while now. They’ve been putting on major events, and now I feel that the whole world is starting to realize that.”
Abdullah Mason
On what fight he’s looking for… “The strides we've been making since I turned pro, being the brightest young star in boxing, I feel like we can do the same thing with DAZN. Teamwork makes the dream work. I'm bringing the smoke to DAZN and we’re going to have a lot of fun.”
On fighting in Cleveland… “Cleveland has been supporting me since day one…me and my brothers. They just announced ‘Mason Brothers Boxing Day’ in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 28, so we'll be doing big things. I just can't wait to go there and have my first main event. With DAZN, I feel like it's going to be an amazing show.”
Emiliano Fernando Vargas
On what this deal means for him… “This deal is going to give me a platform to shine on. I’m grateful to Top Rank and DAZN for this huge opportunity. There are no limits now; we can hop on any cards so I’m excited.”
Pete Oliver
On why Top Rank is the right fit for DAZN… “We are building the global home of sports. Our app is available in over 200 countries worldwide, and we have some really important global partnerships with people like the NFL, the NHL, college sports, and a lot of local leads in Europe, Japan and Australia. But within that, the sport that is really growing exponentially for us has been boxing, and we've been the home of boxing now for a number of years. We really wanted to bring Top Rank’s stable expertise into the mix of DAZN boxing so we can make the best fights. We also really wanted to strengthen our position here in the USA as we had a great year last year. We had the FIFA Club World Cup, but we also saw our boxing business grow rapidly. We know Top Rank has an amazing history here, so we really wanted them to join the party.”
On how this partnership enhances DAZN’s value for fans… “For us, it's about making the best fights. We know that fans have been frustrated over the years because different promoters have been with different broadcasters. There's often been politics that have stopped the best fights from being made, and by having Top Rank join DAZN, we know we can make the best fights going forward. We want to bring our fans amazing fights, the best matchups, and the best of boxing over the next few years.”
On how many shows DAZN wants to do in the US… “We’d like to get to the point where we’re having a fight here in the US every Saturday night so fight fans know they can turn on the DAZN app and see a fight right here in a US time zone. We have so many great promoters already, and with Top Rank joining, it enables us to make even more events.”
Todd duBoef
On why this deal was the right deal for Top Rank… “At first I didn’t know if DAZN was a friend or foe. So often we were across the table from each other, but what we really saw was DAZN’s commitment to the sport on a global basis. When we got into the room, we realized we were like-minded. We’re like-minded on how we want to present and grow the sport, and everything just came together.”
On commitment between Top Rank and DAZN… “It's a multi-year, multi-event commitment, and I really believe this is just step one. We are really in a position where we can think of endless opportunities for all these fighters up on stage and endless opportunities for the fans around the world getting a top-quality event every Saturday night.”
On what makes Top Rank good at what it does… “I always say this about us, but we're not one person, and that is the beauty of it. We are really a wonderful team. I really believe there's a matchmaking piece to our equation. We are giving these kids, giving Shu Shu and Keyshawn and Emiliano, the opportunity to show their abilities and then elevate their marketability. I think there's that perfect combination.”
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Top Rank boxers pleased with DAZN deal
DAZN, the boxing and sports streaming platform, and Top Rank, the Nevada-based promoter, announced a multi-year partnership that will brings Top Rank’s roster of boxerrs plus its unrivaled fight library to DAZN, worldwide. The two companies cemented their partnership with a press conference earlier this week at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Hosted by DAZN announcer, Chris Mannix, the press conference featured leadership from both DAZN and Top Rank, headlined by DAZN CEO of Growth Markets, Pete Oliver, and the president of Top Rank, Todd duBoef. Additionally, a collection of boxers, including WBC featherweight champion Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, former champion & Olympic silver medalist, Keyshawn Davis, WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason, and undefeated junior welterweight Emiliano Fernando Vargas also spoke on the news and the platform DAZN provides. This is what the boxers and executives in attendance had to say:
Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington
On what it means to get a platform like this and stay active: “I got a little taste of fighting on DAZN in my last fight, as you mentioned, and the amount of recognition that just boosted ever since that fight has been incredible. Obviously, I was fighting for a world title, but the fact that it was on DAZN, I think that played a major part, and it’s something that I’m really looking forward to in the next steps of my career. I really do believe that we are going to bring nothing but excitement, and I feel like it’s the perfect puzzle piece in order to continue making boxing great.”
Keyshawn Davis
On his reaction to the announcement…“I was definitely surprised hearing this announcement. DAZN’s been carrying the torch for a while now. They’ve been putting on major events, and now I feel that the whole world is starting to realize that.”
Abdullah Mason
On what fight he’s looking for… “The strides we've been making since I turned pro, being the brightest young star in boxing, I feel like we can do the same thing with DAZN. Teamwork makes the dream work. I'm bringing the smoke to DAZN and we’re going to have a lot of fun.”
On fighting in Cleveland… “Cleveland has been supporting me since day one…me and my brothers. They just announced ‘Mason Brothers Boxing Day’ in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 28, so we'll be doing big things. I just can't wait to go there and have my first main event. With DAZN, I feel like it's going to be an amazing show.”
Emiliano Fernando Vargas
On what this deal means for him… “This deal is going to give me a platform to shine on. I’m grateful to Top Rank and DAZN for this huge opportunity. There are no limits now; we can hop on any cards so I’m excited.”
Pete Oliver
On why Top Rank is the right fit for DAZN… “We are building the global home of sports. Our app is available in over 200 countries worldwide, and we have some really important global partnerships with people like the NFL, the NHL, college sports, and a lot of local leads in Europe, Japan and Australia. But within that, the sport that is really growing exponentially for us has been boxing, and we've been the home of boxing now for a number of years. We really wanted to bring Top Rank’s stable expertise into the mix of DAZN boxing so we can make the best fights. We also really wanted to strengthen our position here in the USA as we had a great year last year. We had the FIFA Club World Cup, but we also saw our boxing business grow rapidly. We know Top Rank has an amazing history here, so we really wanted them to join the party.”
On how this partnership enhances DAZN’s value for fans… “For us, it's about making the best fights. We know that fans have been frustrated over the years because different promoters have been with different broadcasters. There's often been politics that have stopped the best fights from being made, and by having Top Rank join DAZN, we know we can make the best fights going forward. We want to bring our fans amazing fights, the best matchups, and the best of boxing over the next few years.”
On how many shows DAZN wants to do in the US… “We’d like to get to the point where we’re having a fight here in the US every Saturday night so fight fans know they can turn on the DAZN app and see a fight right here in a US time zone. We have so many great promoters already, and with Top Rank joining, it enables us to make even more events.”
Todd duBoef
On why this deal was the right deal for Top Rank… “At first I didn’t know if DAZN was a friend or foe. So often we were across the table from each other, but what we really saw was DAZN’s commitment to the sport on a global basis. When we got into the room, we realized we were like-minded. We’re like-minded on how we want to present and grow the sport, and everything just came together.”
On commitment between Top Rank and DAZN… “It's a multi-year, multi-event commitment, and I really believe this is just step one. We are really in a position where we can think of endless opportunities for all these fighters up on stage and endless opportunities for the fans around the world getting a top-quality event every Saturday night.”
On what makes Top Rank good at what it does… “I always say this about us, but we're not one person, and that is the beauty of it. We are really a wonderful team. I really believe there's a matchmaking piece to our equation. We are giving these kids, giving Shu Shu and Keyshawn and Emiliano, the opportunity to show their abilities and then elevate their marketability. I think there's that perfect combination.”
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James Toney coming to Box Fan Expo |
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Multi-division champion and Hall of Famer James Toney will appear at the Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 2nd. BoxFan Expo will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the weekend of the cruiserweight title fight between Gilbero "Zurdo" Ramirez and David Beanvidez, which is scheduled to take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena. Hearns will hold a meet-and-greet for fans at his booth. Hearns will be making his sixth appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia with merchandise for sale.
Toney, who will be making his seventh appearance at this years’ Expo, was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of fame in Canastota on June 12th, 2022. From the state of Michigan, Toney is a former IBF middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight champion. He is regarded as one of the greatest defensive fighters of his era and was unbeaten in his first 46 contests bouts. Toney has fought at the elite level for more than three decades and is a sure first ballot Hall of Famer. Toney holds notable wins over Michael Nunn, Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum, Iran Barkley, Vassily Jirov and Evander Holyfield. With over 90 pro fights in his career, not once has he ever been knocked out and no referee has ever had to save him or stop a fight while competing. Toney was also awarded Ring Magazine and Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year 1991 and comeback fighter of the year 2003.
Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online. Jones will be making his sixth appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. He will also have merchandise to sell. Hearns joins Roy Jones, José Luis Castillo, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera as stars who have commited to appear at this year’s Box Fan Expo.
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James Toney coming to Box Fan Expo
Multi-division champion and Hall of Famer James Toney will appear at the Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 2nd. BoxFan Expo will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the weekend of the cruiserweight title fight between Gilbero "Zurdo" Ramirez and David Beanvidez, which is scheduled to take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena. Hearns will hold a meet-and-greet for fans at his booth. Hearns will be making his sixth appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia with merchandise for sale.
Toney, who will be making his seventh appearance at this years’ Expo, was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of fame in Canastota on June 12th, 2022. From the state of Michigan, Toney is a former IBF middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight champion. He is regarded as one of the greatest defensive fighters of his era and was unbeaten in his first 46 contests bouts. Toney has fought at the elite level for more than three decades and is a sure first ballot Hall of Famer. Toney holds notable wins over Michael Nunn, Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum, Iran Barkley, Vassily Jirov and Evander Holyfield. With over 90 pro fights in his career, not once has he ever been knocked out and no referee has ever had to save him or stop a fight while competing. Toney was also awarded Ring Magazine and Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year 1991 and comeback fighter of the year 2003.
Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online. Jones will be making his sixth appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. He will also have merchandise to sell. Hearns joins Roy Jones, José Luis Castillo, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera as stars who have commited to appear at this year’s Box Fan Expo.
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Part eight of eight: Strategic Implications for the Ecosystem |
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Professional boxing is not facing a temporary promotional rivalry. It is navigating a structural transition. Capital concentration, media consolidation and legislative recalibration are reshaping how authority, leverage, and opportunity are distributed across the sport. The implications vary by stakeholder. Let's take a look:
Implications for Centralized Actors (Zuffa Boxing / TKO Group Holdings / Sela-aligned structure)
At this moment in time, the centralized model offers scale, coordination, and operational velocity. But its long-term durability will depend on converting capital deployment into sustainable revenue architecture, maintaining media alignment through renewal cycles, operating within clearly defined statutory compliance under the UBO framework, preserving competitive credibility within its self-contained ranking system and managing concentrated exposure to capital and distribution shifts
If integration proves economically self-sustaining and legally durable, centralized governance may establish long-term structural influence. If capital intensity or media alignment recalibrates before revenue architecture stabilizes, competitive balance may shift accordingly. It remains to be seen whether the centralized model translates into sustainability.
Implications for Decentralized Actors (Matchroom / Queensberry / Golden Boy / WBC / WBA / IBF / WBO / DAZN)
The decentralized ecosystem is facing pressure to modernize itself. Its long-term resilience will depend on strengthening media partnerships, preserving transparent and credible ranking governance, reducing cross-promotional friction, enhancing scheduling coordination and leveraging sanctioning body championship legitimacy. Distributed authority provides resilience. Fragmentation, however, can weaken negotiating leverage if coordination does not improve. Plurality must translate into competitive cohesion.
Implications for Fighters
For fighters, structure defines leverage. Centralized integration may offer predictable scheduling, brand amplification within a unified system, defined minimum compensation safeguards and streamlined championship pathways.
Decentralized competition may offer competitive bidding, independent ranking oversight, multiple promotional options and greater leverage at contract expiration.
The strategic evaluation for fighters is contractual, not philosophical. But where does leverage reside during the life of an agreement? Understanding governance architecture before entering long-term commitments becomes increasingly important in an integrated marketplace.
Implications for Media Platforms
Broadcast and streaming platforms increasingly shape structural viability. For platforms such as DAZN and other global distributors like ESPN, broadcast rights allocation strategies influence competitive balance. Renewal decisions materially affect promoters’ power and relevance. The economics of a broadcast deal influence purse sustainability and distribution alignment shapes long-term consolidation patterns
Media is more than passive distribution. It is structural infrastructure.
Implications for Policymakers
For Congress and regulators, clarity matters. If the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R. 4624) advances, promoters’ disclosure obligations must align with integrated revenue models. Conflict-of-interest safeguards must be clearly articulated. Boxers’ private enforcement rights (the right to sue) must remain unambiguous. Ambiguity increases litigation exposure and leverage distortion.
The Structural Moment
Professional boxing now operates at the intersection of capital intensity (from Saudi Arabia), media dependency, legislative redesign in the proposed amendments to the Ali Act and governance integration. The outcome is not predetermined. Both centralized and decentralized models contain advantages and vulnerabilities. The determining factor in the race to see which model prevails will be structural durability under economic, legal, and competitive stress.
Final Strategic Perspective
Capital accelerates change. Statutes (the Ali Act) defines boundaries. Distribution determines viability. Structure determines leverage. The decisions made during this transition period — by promoters, sanctioning bodies, fighters, media platforms, and lawmakers — will shape competitive balance for a generation. Institutional architecture, once consolidated, is difficult to reverse. This series maps that architecture while it is still forming.
Editor's note: This is the final installment of an eight part series
Part one is published here: Boxing is at an inflection point
Part two is published here: The Structural Divide
Part three is published here: Boxer leverage
Part four is published here: Where does the Ali Act fit in?
Part five is published here: Unanswered Questions for Congress
Part six is published here: Distribution and Media Power
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Part eight of eight: Strategic Implications for the Ecosystem
Professional boxing is not facing a temporary promotional rivalry. It is navigating a structural transition. Capital concentration, media consolidation and legislative recalibration are reshaping how authority, leverage, and opportunity are distributed across the sport. The implications vary by stakeholder. Let's take a look:
Implications for Centralized Actors (Zuffa Boxing / TKO Group Holdings / Sela-aligned structure)
At this moment in time, the centralized model offers scale, coordination, and operational velocity. But its long-term durability will depend on converting capital deployment into sustainable revenue architecture, maintaining media alignment through renewal cycles, operating within clearly defined statutory compliance under the UBO framework, preserving competitive credibility within its self-contained ranking system and managing concentrated exposure to capital and distribution shifts
If integration proves economically self-sustaining and legally durable, centralized governance may establish long-term structural influence. If capital intensity or media alignment recalibrates before revenue architecture stabilizes, competitive balance may shift accordingly. It remains to be seen whether the centralized model translates into sustainability.
Implications for Decentralized Actors (Matchroom / Queensberry / Golden Boy / WBC / WBA / IBF / WBO / DAZN)
The decentralized ecosystem is facing pressure to modernize itself. Its long-term resilience will depend on strengthening media partnerships, preserving transparent and credible ranking governance, reducing cross-promotional friction, enhancing scheduling coordination and leveraging sanctioning body championship legitimacy. Distributed authority provides resilience. Fragmentation, however, can weaken negotiating leverage if coordination does not improve. Plurality must translate into competitive cohesion.
Implications for Fighters
For fighters, structure defines leverage. Centralized integration may offer predictable scheduling, brand amplification within a unified system, defined minimum compensation safeguards and streamlined championship pathways.
Decentralized competition may offer competitive bidding, independent ranking oversight, multiple promotional options and greater leverage at contract expiration.
The strategic evaluation for fighters is contractual, not philosophical. But where does leverage reside during the life of an agreement? Understanding governance architecture before entering long-term commitments becomes increasingly important in an integrated marketplace.
Implications for Media Platforms
Broadcast and streaming platforms increasingly shape structural viability. For platforms such as DAZN and other global distributors like ESPN, broadcast rights allocation strategies influence competitive balance. Renewal decisions materially affect promoters’ power and relevance. The economics of a broadcast deal influence purse sustainability and distribution alignment shapes long-term consolidation patterns
Media is more than passive distribution. It is structural infrastructure.
Implications for Policymakers
For Congress and regulators, clarity matters. If the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R. 4624) advances, promoters’ disclosure obligations must align with integrated revenue models. Conflict-of-interest safeguards must be clearly articulated. Boxers’ private enforcement rights (the right to sue) must remain unambiguous. Ambiguity increases litigation exposure and leverage distortion.
The Structural Moment
Professional boxing now operates at the intersection of capital intensity (from Saudi Arabia), media dependency, legislative redesign in the proposed amendments to the Ali Act and governance integration. The outcome is not predetermined. Both centralized and decentralized models contain advantages and vulnerabilities. The determining factor in the race to see which model prevails will be structural durability under economic, legal, and competitive stress.
Final Strategic Perspective
Capital accelerates change. Statutes (the Ali Act) defines boundaries. Distribution determines viability. Structure determines leverage. The decisions made during this transition period — by promoters, sanctioning bodies, fighters, media platforms, and lawmakers — will shape competitive balance for a generation. Institutional architecture, once consolidated, is difficult to reverse. This series maps that architecture while it is still forming.
Editor's note: This is the final installment of an eight part series
Part one is published here: Boxing is at an inflection point
Part two is published here: The Structural Divide
Part three is published here: Boxer leverage
Part four is published here: Where does the Ali Act fit in?
Part five is published here: Unanswered Questions for Congress
Part six is published here: Distribution and Media Power
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Chinese boxing update |
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Sairike Tuoliaowutayi W10 Hye Sung Park... Chinese welterweight Sairike Tuoliaowutayi (5-0-1) delivered a commanding performance in the main event in Xi’an, China. Facing South Korea’s Hye Sung Park (5-1), the Chinese boxer secured a unanimous decision victory after an action-packed contest between two former national amateur champions. From the opening bell, both fighters showcased their technical skills and determination, engaging in a high-paced battle that saw hundreds of punches thrown throughout the bout. The contest featured relentless exchanges and heavy shots from both competitors, thrilling the fans in attendance and highlighting the elite pedigree of the two athletes. Tuoliaowutayi maintained strong ring control and consistent pressure, landing the more effective combinations over the course of the fight. His disciplined approach and sharp boxing ultimately convinced the judges, who awarded him the bout by unanimous decision.
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Chinese boxing update
Sairike Tuoliaowutayi W10 Hye Sung Park... Chinese welterweight Sairike Tuoliaowutayi (5-0-1) delivered a commanding performance in the main event in Xi’an, China. Facing South Korea’s Hye Sung Park (5-1), the Chinese boxer secured a unanimous decision victory after an action-packed contest between two former national amateur champions. From the opening bell, both fighters showcased their technical skills and determination, engaging in a high-paced battle that saw hundreds of punches thrown throughout the bout. The contest featured relentless exchanges and heavy shots from both competitors, thrilling the fans in attendance and highlighting the elite pedigree of the two athletes. Tuoliaowutayi maintained strong ring control and consistent pressure, landing the more effective combinations over the course of the fight. His disciplined approach and sharp boxing ultimately convinced the judges, who awarded him the bout by unanimous decision.
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Zuffa lands Sky Sports deal for UK and Ireland |
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Sky Sports and Zuffa Boxing have announced a new ground-breaking multi-year UK broadcast deal. The agreement confirms Sky Sports as the UK and Irish broadcaster for Zuffa Boxing, the new promotional powerhouse. The deal adds to the broadcaster's already world-class offering in sporting entertainment and means customers can look forward to seeing action-packed fight nights, including at least five shows per year on UK soil. Zuffa Boxing was launched in 2025 as a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings and leading entertainment conglomerate Sela. Sky Sports and Zuffa Boxing will reveal a more detailed fight schedule for the remainder of 2026 over the coming weeks.
The promotion - anchored by UFC president and CEO Dana White and WWE President and TKO board member Nick Khan - aims to reimagine the sport of boxing by evolving the current model to restore the sport's rightful place in the forefront of the global sports ecosystem. Sky Sports' Chief Officer UK & Ireland, Jonathan Licht, said: "Sky Sports has been a long-standing partner to boxing for more than 30 years. Zuffa Boxing has exciting plans for the sport, and we share that same ambition when it comes to putting on the best fights for our customers. We look forward to a new era where we'll use our platform to both build stars and showcase elite boxing talent here in the UK and internationally."
White said: "The UK has played such a pivotal role throughout the history of boxing. The fans there are some of the most loyal and passionate in the world. When you talk about boxing in that region, Sky Sports has always been the home for legendary boxing fights. There's no bigger or better platform to showcase the best boxing in the UK. This is a massive milestone for Zuffa Boxing."
The first event to be broadcast on Sky Sports will be Zuffa Boxing 05 on Sunday April 5th in Las Vegas, live from the Meta Apex. The main event will feature Andres Cortes, 24-0 (13), looking to keep his perfect record as he takes on Eridson Garcia, 23-1 (14), who is coming off a six-fight winning streak. The chief support will see former featherweight champion Mark Magsayo (28-2, 18 KOs) take on Ireland's own Feargal McCrory (17-1, 9 KOs) with both looking to stamp their mark on Zuffa Boxing's lightweight division.
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Zuffa lands Sky Sports deal for UK and Ireland
Sky Sports and Zuffa Boxing have announced a new ground-breaking multi-year UK broadcast deal. The agreement confirms Sky Sports as the UK and Irish broadcaster for Zuffa Boxing, the new promotional powerhouse. The deal adds to the broadcaster's already world-class offering in sporting entertainment and means customers can look forward to seeing action-packed fight nights, including at least five shows per year on UK soil. Zuffa Boxing was launched in 2025 as a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings and leading entertainment conglomerate Sela. Sky Sports and Zuffa Boxing will reveal a more detailed fight schedule for the remainder of 2026 over the coming weeks.
The promotion - anchored by UFC president and CEO Dana White and WWE President and TKO board member Nick Khan - aims to reimagine the sport of boxing by evolving the current model to restore the sport's rightful place in the forefront of the global sports ecosystem. Sky Sports' Chief Officer UK & Ireland, Jonathan Licht, said: "Sky Sports has been a long-standing partner to boxing for more than 30 years. Zuffa Boxing has exciting plans for the sport, and we share that same ambition when it comes to putting on the best fights for our customers. We look forward to a new era where we'll use our platform to both build stars and showcase elite boxing talent here in the UK and internationally."
White said: "The UK has played such a pivotal role throughout the history of boxing. The fans there are some of the most loyal and passionate in the world. When you talk about boxing in that region, Sky Sports has always been the home for legendary boxing fights. There's no bigger or better platform to showcase the best boxing in the UK. This is a massive milestone for Zuffa Boxing."
The first event to be broadcast on Sky Sports will be Zuffa Boxing 05 on Sunday April 5th in Las Vegas, live from the Meta Apex. The main event will feature Andres Cortes, 24-0 (13), looking to keep his perfect record as he takes on Eridson Garcia, 23-1 (14), who is coming off a six-fight winning streak. The chief support will see former featherweight champion Mark Magsayo (28-2, 18 KOs) take on Ireland's own Feargal McCrory (17-1, 9 KOs) with both looking to stamp their mark on Zuffa Boxing's lightweight division.
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More details of the Top Rank - DAZN deal |
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DAZN, the sports entertainment streaming platform, and Top Rank, a legacy brand in boxing, announced a landmark multi-year partnership that will usher in a new era for one of sport’s most iconic entities. The agreement brings Top Rank’s unrivaled fight nights and historic fight library to the global home of boxing, DAZN, worldwide. The partnership marks the next chapter in Top Rank’s 60-year legacy and provides DAZN users worldwide with access to an unparalleled slate of elite boxing talent. DAZN will also provide boxing fans with classic fights from Top Rank’s historic six-decade archive, featuring some of the most recognizable names in boxing history. These include Muhammad Ali and the legendary “Thrilla in Manila,” the Four Kings era of Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, plus later icons such as George Foreman, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao.
Top Rank joins DAZN’s industry-leading boxing portfolio, further bolstering an entertainment platform already synonymous with the sport’s biggest nights, deepest schedules and most compelling matchups.
Top Rank’s world-class roster of over three dozen fighters will be showcased prominently on DAZN, featuring former champion and Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis, WBO and WBA junior middleweight unified champion Xander Zayas, undefeated WBO lightweight champion and boxing’s youngest champion Abdullah Mason, three-division world champion Emanuel Navarrete, IBF lightweight world champion Raymond Muratalla, two-time junior lightweight champion O’Shaquie Foster, and WBC featherweight champion Bruce Carrington, among many more of the sport’s leading contenders and rising stars. From emerging prospects to established global stars, Top Rank fighters will now compete as part of DAZN’s world-leading boxing stable, expanding its reach and depth across more than 200 markets.
DAZN’s commitment to boxing fans is unmatched. Its Ultimate tier is the must-have subscription for boxing fans; it includes more than 185 fight nights per year,12+ pay-per-view events annually, an unmatched archive of classic fights, and behind-the-scenes content and partnerships with many other leading promoters and rights holders.
The Top Rank deal cements DAZN’s position at the center of boxing. It brings together one of the world’s most important boxing brands with the world’s leading global sports entertainment platform.
Bob Arum, Top Rank Chairman, said: “Since the day I started Top Rank 60 years ago, our focus has been simple: sign the best fighters, develop them into champions and make the best fights possible. DAZN’s position as the global home of boxing makes this a natural partnership, and I’m confident it will be tremendously beneficial for fighters, fans and the future of the sport.”
Shay Segev, DAZN Group CEO, said: “Boxing belongs on the global stage, and this landmark partnership with Top Rank brings one of the sport’s most iconic promoters and legacies to DAZN - the global home of boxing. DAZN already delivers more premium fight nights than any entertainment platform in the world and the addition of Top Rank’s elite events and historic archive further strengthens our position. For fans, fighters and the sport, this partnership is about scale and setting a new standard for how world-class boxing is experienced.”
DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, streams more than 150,000 live events annually and is available in over 200 markets worldwide. DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, as well as the NFL Game Pass and NHL.TV internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, LALIGA, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more
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More details of the Top Rank - DAZN deal
DAZN, the sports entertainment streaming platform, and Top Rank, a legacy brand in boxing, announced a landmark multi-year partnership that will usher in a new era for one of sport’s most iconic entities. The agreement brings Top Rank’s unrivaled fight nights and historic fight library to the global home of boxing, DAZN, worldwide. The partnership marks the next chapter in Top Rank’s 60-year legacy and provides DAZN users worldwide with access to an unparalleled slate of elite boxing talent. DAZN will also provide boxing fans with classic fights from Top Rank’s historic six-decade archive, featuring some of the most recognizable names in boxing history. These include Muhammad Ali and the legendary “Thrilla in Manila,” the Four Kings era of Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, plus later icons such as George Foreman, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao.
Top Rank joins DAZN’s industry-leading boxing portfolio, further bolstering an entertainment platform already synonymous with the sport’s biggest nights, deepest schedules and most compelling matchups.
Top Rank’s world-class roster of over three dozen fighters will be showcased prominently on DAZN, featuring former champion and Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis, WBO and WBA junior middleweight unified champion Xander Zayas, undefeated WBO lightweight champion and boxing’s youngest champion Abdullah Mason, three-division world champion Emanuel Navarrete, IBF lightweight world champion Raymond Muratalla, two-time junior lightweight champion O’Shaquie Foster, and WBC featherweight champion Bruce Carrington, among many more of the sport’s leading contenders and rising stars. From emerging prospects to established global stars, Top Rank fighters will now compete as part of DAZN’s world-leading boxing stable, expanding its reach and depth across more than 200 markets.
DAZN’s commitment to boxing fans is unmatched. Its Ultimate tier is the must-have subscription for boxing fans; it includes more than 185 fight nights per year,12+ pay-per-view events annually, an unmatched archive of classic fights, and behind-the-scenes content and partnerships with many other leading promoters and rights holders.
The Top Rank deal cements DAZN’s position at the center of boxing. It brings together one of the world’s most important boxing brands with the world’s leading global sports entertainment platform.
Bob Arum, Top Rank Chairman, said: “Since the day I started Top Rank 60 years ago, our focus has been simple: sign the best fighters, develop them into champions and make the best fights possible. DAZN’s position as the global home of boxing makes this a natural partnership, and I’m confident it will be tremendously beneficial for fighters, fans and the future of the sport.”
Shay Segev, DAZN Group CEO, said: “Boxing belongs on the global stage, and this landmark partnership with Top Rank brings one of the sport’s most iconic promoters and legacies to DAZN - the global home of boxing. DAZN already delivers more premium fight nights than any entertainment platform in the world and the addition of Top Rank’s elite events and historic archive further strengthens our position. For fans, fighters and the sport, this partnership is about scale and setting a new standard for how world-class boxing is experienced.”
DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, streams more than 150,000 live events annually and is available in over 200 markets worldwide. DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, as well as the NFL Game Pass and NHL.TV internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, LALIGA, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more
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Martinez vs. Aleem final presser quotes |
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A media day was held in Los Angeles on Wednesday for the ProBoxTV broadcast event on Saturday, March 21st, headlined by Guatemala's Lester Martinez’s bid to become WBC interim super middleweight championship battle against Immanuwel “The Chosen One” Aleem live (7:00 pm EST/4:00 pm PST)from the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino. While Martinez (19-0-1 16 KOs) is hoping to win the vacant strap for his native Guatemala, Virginia’s Aleem (22-3-3, 14 KOs) will not be a pushover in the twelve-round main event. California's Joshua Kevin Anton (12-0, 11 KOs) will take his toughest test to date against “The Punisher,” Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (22-5, 14 KOs) of Uzbekistan in the ten-round junior middleweight co-feature.
Here is what the fighters and trainers had to say Wednesday at the press conference from the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Los Angeles:
Omar Aleem (Aleem's Trainer)
They’re predicting him to beat us, for him to knock us out. Go on YouTube. All of them say we’ll lose. We don’t need to talk. We’ve got the energy. We’ve got the divine punch for him. It’s going to be a divine, mystic punch. If he can handle it, we’re going to see. We’re not saying, ‘We’re going to do this, we’re going to do that.’ When we’re in the ring, we’re going to see who’s going to knock out who.”
“Mr Martinez, Respect. Bomac, respect. But we are going to show our skills. We don’t underestimate you, but we are going to be defensive and offensive.”
“If you want to underestimate him that’s up to you. We are going to show skill, ability, (and) determination.
“Why can’t we create this upset like Crawford did?”
“My son’s had success, too. How many fights does my son have? More than Lester Martinez, do the research. Go do it. You’ll find out. I trained him like Archie Moore and Jersey Joe Walcott.”
Immanuel Aleem
“Champions are made in people’s backyards. You have to go and get the title.”
“We know who we’re going up against. I don’t understand what an underdog is. I can fight. I can see. And I’ve got hands. I’ve trained to the best of my ability, and I’m going to go out there and execute.”
“I grew up watching Joe Frazier and Ali and a lot of these guys put their talents on the line against other good fighters. There was racism at those times. There were real hardships.
“Just follow the game plan, execute and gain the world title. Perform. Martinez is my main focus. Whatever he brings to the table, I need to be better at Saturday night. Whatever I need to do, do it. Do what we’ve been training for.”
“I got used to this in the amateur system. There’s always ‘this is the number one guy you’re gonna have to beat to win the national championship.’”
Brian "Bomac" McIntyre (Martinez's Trainer)
They’re supposed to say that. But they’re what, 18-to-1 underdogs?
Anytime you step in there, you want to be concerned. Aleem is not in there by mistake. He’s in there by what he’s done in the past.
But one thing I know about him is he’s got losses, right? So, he knows how to lose.”
Lester Martinez
“You’re not Crawford, and I’m Lester Martinez. And that title is going home, back to Guatemala.”
I’m very happy everyone supporting me here. I even see other nationalities such as Mexico that will be supporting us this Saturday. I feel the love and this Saturday, you guys will see a great fight.
“I have a lot to win. I have a lot to lose.”
“I’m not feeling too much pressure, just motivation.”
“After the last fight, my fans expect a lot from me. Regardless of how I win, I want to do well. I know after this fight I will be the official challenger to Canelo-Mbilli, so I promise to do my best.”
“We know what’s at stake. I’m well prepared. I’m fighting a guy with a lot of experience. I have a lot of experience myself and I’m ready to win.”
“Being fight of the year implies a lot. We did a good job, despite the outcome. All the positives I got from that, I’m ready for Saturday night. Whether Aleem brings it or not, I’m ready to bring my all.”
UNDERCARD
The undercard’s chief supporting bout will feature a ten-round junior welterweight battle between LA’s Anthony “2 Quick” Cuba (12-1-2, 5 KOs) and Jair “Kaiser” Valtierra (18-3, 9 KOs) of Leon, Mexico. In Future Stars Series action to start the broadcast, Charles “LOLO” Harris Jr (11-1, 7 KOs) of Rialto, California, will take on Jason “El Gallo” Limon (11-2-1, 2 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas, over eight junior welterweight rounds; while local fan favorite Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez (16-0, 9 KOs) of Riverside, California, will face Brandon “The Hitter” Chambers (12-4-1, 5 KOs) of Owings Mill, Maryland in a featherweight eight-rounder. Also scheduled is a female super flyweight four-rounder between former USA National Amateur Champion Jocelyn Camarillo (5-0) of nearby Indio, California and Isis Sio (1-2) of Dickinson, North Dakota. And getting the ball rolling will be LA’s undefeated Sam Contreras (5-0, 2 KOs) going for six straight pro wins against Texas veteran Cesar “El Matrix” Cantu (3-5-2, 1 KO) of Weslaco, Texas. The event is promoted by Pro Box Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
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Martinez vs. Aleem final presser quotes
A media day was held in Los Angeles on Wednesday for the ProBoxTV broadcast event on Saturday, March 21st, headlined by Guatemala's Lester Martinez’s bid to become WBC interim super middleweight championship battle against Immanuwel “The Chosen One” Aleem live (7:00 pm EST/4:00 pm PST)from the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino. While Martinez (19-0-1 16 KOs) is hoping to win the vacant strap for his native Guatemala, Virginia’s Aleem (22-3-3, 14 KOs) will not be a pushover in the twelve-round main event. California's Joshua Kevin Anton (12-0, 11 KOs) will take his toughest test to date against “The Punisher,” Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (22-5, 14 KOs) of Uzbekistan in the ten-round junior middleweight co-feature.
Here is what the fighters and trainers had to say Wednesday at the press conference from the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Los Angeles:
Omar Aleem (Aleem's Trainer)
They’re predicting him to beat us, for him to knock us out. Go on YouTube. All of them say we’ll lose. We don’t need to talk. We’ve got the energy. We’ve got the divine punch for him. It’s going to be a divine, mystic punch. If he can handle it, we’re going to see. We’re not saying, ‘We’re going to do this, we’re going to do that.’ When we’re in the ring, we’re going to see who’s going to knock out who.”
“Mr Martinez, Respect. Bomac, respect. But we are going to show our skills. We don’t underestimate you, but we are going to be defensive and offensive.”
“If you want to underestimate him that’s up to you. We are going to show skill, ability, (and) determination.
“Why can’t we create this upset like Crawford did?”
“My son’s had success, too. How many fights does my son have? More than Lester Martinez, do the research. Go do it. You’ll find out. I trained him like Archie Moore and Jersey Joe Walcott.”
Immanuel Aleem
“Champions are made in people’s backyards. You have to go and get the title.”
“We know who we’re going up against. I don’t understand what an underdog is. I can fight. I can see. And I’ve got hands. I’ve trained to the best of my ability, and I’m going to go out there and execute.”
“I grew up watching Joe Frazier and Ali and a lot of these guys put their talents on the line against other good fighters. There was racism at those times. There were real hardships.
“Just follow the game plan, execute and gain the world title. Perform. Martinez is my main focus. Whatever he brings to the table, I need to be better at Saturday night. Whatever I need to do, do it. Do what we’ve been training for.”
“I got used to this in the amateur system. There’s always ‘this is the number one guy you’re gonna have to beat to win the national championship.’”
Brian "Bomac" McIntyre (Martinez's Trainer)
They’re supposed to say that. But they’re what, 18-to-1 underdogs?
Anytime you step in there, you want to be concerned. Aleem is not in there by mistake. He’s in there by what he’s done in the past.
But one thing I know about him is he’s got losses, right? So, he knows how to lose.”
Lester Martinez
“You’re not Crawford, and I’m Lester Martinez. And that title is going home, back to Guatemala.”
I’m very happy everyone supporting me here. I even see other nationalities such as Mexico that will be supporting us this Saturday. I feel the love and this Saturday, you guys will see a great fight.
“I have a lot to win. I have a lot to lose.”
“I’m not feeling too much pressure, just motivation.”
“After the last fight, my fans expect a lot from me. Regardless of how I win, I want to do well. I know after this fight I will be the official challenger to Canelo-Mbilli, so I promise to do my best.”
“We know what’s at stake. I’m well prepared. I’m fighting a guy with a lot of experience. I have a lot of experience myself and I’m ready to win.”
“Being fight of the year implies a lot. We did a good job, despite the outcome. All the positives I got from that, I’m ready for Saturday night. Whether Aleem brings it or not, I’m ready to bring my all.”
UNDERCARD
The undercard’s chief supporting bout will feature a ten-round junior welterweight battle between LA’s Anthony “2 Quick” Cuba (12-1-2, 5 KOs) and Jair “Kaiser” Valtierra (18-3, 9 KOs) of Leon, Mexico. In Future Stars Series action to start the broadcast, Charles “LOLO” Harris Jr (11-1, 7 KOs) of Rialto, California, will take on Jason “El Gallo” Limon (11-2-1, 2 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas, over eight junior welterweight rounds; while local fan favorite Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez (16-0, 9 KOs) of Riverside, California, will face Brandon “The Hitter” Chambers (12-4-1, 5 KOs) of Owings Mill, Maryland in a featherweight eight-rounder. Also scheduled is a female super flyweight four-rounder between former USA National Amateur Champion Jocelyn Camarillo (5-0) of nearby Indio, California and Isis Sio (1-2) of Dickinson, North Dakota. And getting the ball rolling will be LA’s undefeated Sam Contreras (5-0, 2 KOs) going for six straight pro wins against Texas veteran Cesar “El Matrix” Cantu (3-5-2, 1 KO) of Weslaco, Texas. The event is promoted by Pro Box Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
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MF Pro rises from the ashes of disgraced Wasserman Group |
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Long-time sports promoters Kalle and Nisse Sauerland, together with a strategic European investor, have taken over the former roster of Wasserman Boxing which is to be rebranded with immediate effect as MF Sports. [Editor's note: Casey Wasserman's name recently surfaced in connection with the infamous Jeffrey Epstein files. As for the company that MF Sports has left behind, Casey Wasserman is no longer associated with it, his name was removed and the company rebranded as "The Team"]. The traditional boxing side of the business will called MF Pro. Fighters represented include heavyweight Derek Chisora, junior middleweight champion Josh Kelly, Harlem Eubank, Mick Conlan and British champion Viddal Riley.
The London-based entity will initially focus on growing the MF Pro side of the business which announced its first event will be a Belfast homecoming for Conlan on March 20th, followed by the heavyweight blockbuster between Derek Chisora and ex-champ Deontay Wilder, set to take place in London's O2 on Easter weekend.
As well as traditional boxing the business will own a large stake in crossover boxing market leaders Misfits Boxing. MF Pro and Misfits Boxing each have long term broadcasting agreements with the global sports streaming giant DAZN.
The new structure is designed to accelerate international expansion together with existing partners KSI and Mams Taylor in premium content development and global media partnerships within across a variety of sports and entertainment formats. The expectation is that MF Sport will expand into two other sports to be announced later in the year.
Kalle Sauerland said: “We are extremely excited to be rebranding the business and assuming control. The launch of MF PRO has been a huge success already and we will aggressively grow in the UK and other markets as well as expanding into further sports and areas under the MF umbrella. Misfits is already a household name in the sports and entertainment sector and with our new partners in place we have a structural and financial backing in place for the MF business to emerge as a super power in the industry.”
Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets at DAZN, said: "Our partnership with the team at Misfits Boxing has been a brilliant one, and we are delighted to extend that collaboration with MF Sports and the recent launch of MF Pro. We begin this Friday night, in Belfast with the return of Michael Conlan before MF Pro heads to London on April 4 for Chisora vs. Wilder. As the undisputed global home of boxing, we are looking forward to continuing working with Kalle and Nisse Sauerland, two of the most respected and forward-thinking promoters in the world."
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MF Pro rises from the ashes of disgraced Wasserman Group
Long-time sports promoters Kalle and Nisse Sauerland, together with a strategic European investor, have taken over the former roster of Wasserman Boxing which is to be rebranded with immediate effect as MF Sports. [Editor's note: Casey Wasserman's name recently surfaced in connection with the infamous Jeffrey Epstein files. As for the company that MF Sports has left behind, Casey Wasserman is no longer associated with it, his name was removed and the company rebranded as "The Team"]. The traditional boxing side of the business will called MF Pro. Fighters represented include heavyweight Derek Chisora, junior middleweight champion Josh Kelly, Harlem Eubank, Mick Conlan and British champion Viddal Riley.
The London-based entity will initially focus on growing the MF Pro side of the business which announced its first event will be a Belfast homecoming for Conlan on March 20th, followed by the heavyweight blockbuster between Derek Chisora and ex-champ Deontay Wilder, set to take place in London's O2 on Easter weekend.
As well as traditional boxing the business will own a large stake in crossover boxing market leaders Misfits Boxing. MF Pro and Misfits Boxing each have long term broadcasting agreements with the global sports streaming giant DAZN.
The new structure is designed to accelerate international expansion together with existing partners KSI and Mams Taylor in premium content development and global media partnerships within across a variety of sports and entertainment formats. The expectation is that MF Sport will expand into two other sports to be announced later in the year.
Kalle Sauerland said: “We are extremely excited to be rebranding the business and assuming control. The launch of MF PRO has been a huge success already and we will aggressively grow in the UK and other markets as well as expanding into further sports and areas under the MF umbrella. Misfits is already a household name in the sports and entertainment sector and with our new partners in place we have a structural and financial backing in place for the MF business to emerge as a super power in the industry.”
Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets at DAZN, said: "Our partnership with the team at Misfits Boxing has been a brilliant one, and we are delighted to extend that collaboration with MF Sports and the recent launch of MF Pro. We begin this Friday night, in Belfast with the return of Michael Conlan before MF Pro heads to London on April 4 for Chisora vs. Wilder. As the undisputed global home of boxing, we are looking forward to continuing working with Kalle and Nisse Sauerland, two of the most respected and forward-thinking promoters in the world."
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Top Rank reaches broadcast deal with DAZN |
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DAZN announced that a multi-year broadcast deal has been signed with American promotional outfit Top Rank, further cementing DAZN as the global home of boxing. Set up by Bob Arum, Top Rank has been a staple in the sport for 60 years, and along with the live shows, it will also provide boxing fans with classic fights from Top Rank’s archive which will feature some of the sports legendary names. Details about Top Rank’s first show with DAZN will be announced soon.
Speaking about the partnership, Bob Arum believes this deal with DAZN is one which will benefit the fighters, fans and future of boxing. “Since the day I started Top Rank 60 years ago, our focus has been simple: sign the best fighters, develop them into champions and make the best fights possible. DAZN’s position as the global home of boxing makes this a natural partnership, and I’m confident it will be tremendously beneficial for fighters, fans and the future of the sport.”
Fight fans can expect to watch bouts including Muhammad Ali and the “Thrilla in Manilla”, the Four Kings era of Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, along with the more recent names such as George Foreman, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. Fast forward to the present day, and Top Rank's stable is one full of rising stars and world champions with the likes Teofimo Lopez, Emanuel Navarrete, Bruce Carrington and Abdullah Mason all fighting under Arum's promotional banner.
Now these names, along with the rest of Top Rank’s stable will be available to watch in over 200 markets on DAZN.
DAZN CEO Shay Segev is also excited about the Top Rank partnership and called it “a new standard for how world class boxing is delivered. Boxing belongs on the global stage, and this landmark partnership with Top Rank brings one of the sport’s most iconic promoters and legacies to DAZN - the global home of boxing. DAZN already delivers more premium fight nights than any entertainment platform in the world and the addition of Top Rank’s elite events and historic archive further strengthens our position. For fans, fighters and the sport, this partnership is about scale and setting a new standard for how world-class boxing is experienced.”
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Top Rank reaches broadcast deal with DAZN
DAZN announced that a multi-year broadcast deal has been signed with American promotional outfit Top Rank, further cementing DAZN as the global home of boxing. Set up by Bob Arum, Top Rank has been a staple in the sport for 60 years, and along with the live shows, it will also provide boxing fans with classic fights from Top Rank’s archive which will feature some of the sports legendary names. Details about Top Rank’s first show with DAZN will be announced soon.
Speaking about the partnership, Bob Arum believes this deal with DAZN is one which will benefit the fighters, fans and future of boxing. “Since the day I started Top Rank 60 years ago, our focus has been simple: sign the best fighters, develop them into champions and make the best fights possible. DAZN’s position as the global home of boxing makes this a natural partnership, and I’m confident it will be tremendously beneficial for fighters, fans and the future of the sport.”
Fight fans can expect to watch bouts including Muhammad Ali and the “Thrilla in Manilla”, the Four Kings era of Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, along with the more recent names such as George Foreman, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. Fast forward to the present day, and Top Rank's stable is one full of rising stars and world champions with the likes Teofimo Lopez, Emanuel Navarrete, Bruce Carrington and Abdullah Mason all fighting under Arum's promotional banner.
Now these names, along with the rest of Top Rank’s stable will be available to watch in over 200 markets on DAZN.
DAZN CEO Shay Segev is also excited about the Top Rank partnership and called it “a new standard for how world class boxing is delivered. Boxing belongs on the global stage, and this landmark partnership with Top Rank brings one of the sport’s most iconic promoters and legacies to DAZN - the global home of boxing. DAZN already delivers more premium fight nights than any entertainment platform in the world and the addition of Top Rank’s elite events and historic archive further strengthens our position. For fans, fighters and the sport, this partnership is about scale and setting a new standard for how world-class boxing is experienced.”
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Let's Get It On returns with Reno show this Friday |
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For the first time in six and a half years, Let’s Get It On Promotions and the Silver Legacy Resort & Casino will present an evening of world-class professional boxing, this Friday, March 20th in downtown Reno, Nevada. The fight card will feature Northern Nevada’s top talent, with world-renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso and ‘No Boxing No Life’ Management bringing two of their own boxers to the show. Reno’s Ken “The Biggest Lil Bomber” Davis (15-2-1) will headline in lightweight action against Orlando Zepeda (13-4) of Mexico. Tickets are available, but in short supply. Rigside seats are currently sold out. Remaining tickets can be purchased at the Silver Legacy box office or by visiting ticketmaster.com.
“It feels great to bring boxing back to Reno,” says Let’s Get It On Promotions’ Terry Lane. “There has been an incredible response from the community. Reno is a small-ish but strong boxing market, rich with history. There will be more events to come.”
Standout Cuban heavyweight Yoandy Toirac (3-0) will face Zedric Stephenson (5-5) in a six-round bout. Also on the card will be light heavyweight Yahir Trejo (7-0) vs. Frankie Solomon (5-4-1) in a six-round bout.
As far as local attractions, Carson City’s Christian Avalos (4-4-2) will attempt to avenge his loss to Ebert Diaz (3-4-1) of Richmond, CA in a six-round junior welterweight scrap... Avalos’ cousin and decorated amateur boxer, Miguel ‘Tito’ Elizondo, also from the state capital, will be making his professional debut... and Reno’s Joshua Nelson will also be lacing up the gloves for the first time as pro in a four-round lightweight bout.
First bell is at 7pm at the Grande Exposition Hall inside of the Silver Legacy Resort & Casino 407 N. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89501. All bouts and fight card are subject to change.
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Let's Get It On returns with Reno show this Friday
For the first time in six and a half years, Let’s Get It On Promotions and the Silver Legacy Resort & Casino will present an evening of world-class professional boxing, this Friday, March 20th in downtown Reno, Nevada. The fight card will feature Northern Nevada’s top talent, with world-renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso and ‘No Boxing No Life’ Management bringing two of their own boxers to the show. Reno’s Ken “The Biggest Lil Bomber” Davis (15-2-1) will headline in lightweight action against Orlando Zepeda (13-4) of Mexico. Tickets are available, but in short supply. Rigside seats are currently sold out. Remaining tickets can be purchased at the Silver Legacy box office or by visiting ticketmaster.com.
“It feels great to bring boxing back to Reno,” says Let’s Get It On Promotions’ Terry Lane. “There has been an incredible response from the community. Reno is a small-ish but strong boxing market, rich with history. There will be more events to come.”
Standout Cuban heavyweight Yoandy Toirac (3-0) will face Zedric Stephenson (5-5) in a six-round bout. Also on the card will be light heavyweight Yahir Trejo (7-0) vs. Frankie Solomon (5-4-1) in a six-round bout.
As far as local attractions, Carson City’s Christian Avalos (4-4-2) will attempt to avenge his loss to Ebert Diaz (3-4-1) of Richmond, CA in a six-round junior welterweight scrap... Avalos’ cousin and decorated amateur boxer, Miguel ‘Tito’ Elizondo, also from the state capital, will be making his professional debut... and Reno’s Joshua Nelson will also be lacing up the gloves for the first time as pro in a four-round lightweight bout.
First bell is at 7pm at the Grande Exposition Hall inside of the Silver Legacy Resort & Casino 407 N. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89501. All bouts and fight card are subject to change.
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Part Seven of Eight: Capital Sustainability and Concentration Risk |
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Scale in professional boxing has historically been cyclical. What distinguishes the current environment is the magnitude and concentration of capital entering the sport. The emergence of the Zuffa Boxing venture, supported by Saudi governmental capital operating through Sela, represents a level of financial alignment that materially alters event scale, purse guarantees, and promotional velocity. Capital can accelerate structural change whereas sustainability determines durability.
Ownership Structure and Capital Alignment
Elements of the Zuffa Boxing venture’s ownership structure have begun to emerge through executive commentary. During a TKO Group Holdings earnings call, President and COO Mark Shapiro stated that the Zuffa Boxing venture is structured as a joint enterprise owned approximately 40% by TKO Group Holdings (which also owns UFC and WWE) and 60% by Sela, the Saudi-linked events and entertainment company funded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
While full audited disclosures detailing capital contributions and operating agreements have not been publicly released, this ownership structure illustrates the institutional alignment underlying the venture: sovereign-linked capital providing majority financial participation alongside American corporate sports infrastructure and media production capability.
The model therefore reflects a hybrid structure — sovereign capital scale combined with the governance, broadcast relationships, and operational infrastructure of a publicly traded sports and entertainment company. Understanding this alignment is essential to evaluating long-term sustainability.
Concentrated Investment as Competitive Force
When promotion, governance, and media are in alignment and reinforced by concentrated capital, several immediate effects follow: boxers experience elevated purses; the capacity to stage marquee events grows, there is reduced short-term financial friction, accelerated talent acquisition and the market signals strength. Capital concentration can shift competitive balance rapidly. However, concentration also centralizes exposure. If scale depends heavily on continued capital deployment, long-term resilience becomes a defining variable.
Sovereign-Linked Investment and Strategic Alignment
Saudi-backed entertainment initiatives — operating through structures such as the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and Sela — reflect broader economic diversification objectives. This supports brand positioning, tourism expansion (in thus case, Saudi Arabia) and development of a long-term entertainment ecosystem. However, this capital investment does not always operate on short-term profitability metrics.
The durability of this structure depends on sustained strategic priority but the alignment cannot be assumed permanent.
Investment Subsidy vs. Self-Sustaining Economics
A central analytical question is whether current event scale reflects market equilibrium driven by organic revenue growth or capital-supported expansion designed to accelerate structural consolidation. Subsidized acceleration can rapidly reshape industry dynamics. Long-term dominance, however, requires sustainable media monetization, predictable ticket demand, sponsorship integration and revenue capture beyond direct capital infusion. If capital investment moderates before revenue architecture stabilizes, leverage may recalibrate. Again, investment acceleration does not automatically equal permanence.
Distributed Capital in the Decentralized Ecosystem
In the decentralized model — involving Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, and platforms such as DAZN — capital exposure is distributed. Promoters operate independently. Media partners negotiate separately. Risk is diffused. However, decentralization may also limit rapid scaling capacity relative to centralized capital alignment. Resilience and velocity do not always align.
What Happens If Capital Contracts?
If investment capital moderates or reallocates, expect purse structures to normalize, event frequency may adjust and fighter signing patterns to shift. This will case the balance of power in the industry to shift.
If distributed actors fail to modernize and coordinate, then talent may consolidate within integrated systems, media leverage may concentrate further and structural plurality may erode Both models carry capital risk. The exposure differs in concentration and timing.
Concentration vs. Resilience
In the centralized model, there is rapid scale potential, coordinated investment, concentrated exposure and dependence on durable capital alignment.
The decentralized model is characterized by slower scaling velocity, diffused financial exposure, greater institutional fragmentation and dependence on media. The strategic question is not which model expands faster. It is which model proves durable under shifting economic conditions.
Structural Observation
Professional boxing now operates within a capital-intensive environment. Dominance depends not only on integration efficiency, but on funding durability, media renewal resilience, regulatory clarity and revenue self-sufficiency. Sustained competitive position requires more than acceleration of investment infusion. It requires structural endurance.
Transition to Part VIII: The final section synthesizes governance, leverage, statute, distribution, and capital sustainability to assess the long-term strategic implications for promoters, sanctioning bodies, fighters, media platforms, and policymakers.
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Part Seven of Eight: Capital Sustainability and Concentration Risk
Scale in professional boxing has historically been cyclical. What distinguishes the current environment is the magnitude and concentration of capital entering the sport. The emergence of the Zuffa Boxing venture, supported by Saudi governmental capital operating through Sela, represents a level of financial alignment that materially alters event scale, purse guarantees, and promotional velocity. Capital can accelerate structural change whereas sustainability determines durability.
Ownership Structure and Capital Alignment
Elements of the Zuffa Boxing venture’s ownership structure have begun to emerge through executive commentary. During a TKO Group Holdings earnings call, President and COO Mark Shapiro stated that the Zuffa Boxing venture is structured as a joint enterprise owned approximately 40% by TKO Group Holdings (which also owns UFC and WWE) and 60% by Sela, the Saudi-linked events and entertainment company funded by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
While full audited disclosures detailing capital contributions and operating agreements have not been publicly released, this ownership structure illustrates the institutional alignment underlying the venture: sovereign-linked capital providing majority financial participation alongside American corporate sports infrastructure and media production capability.
The model therefore reflects a hybrid structure — sovereign capital scale combined with the governance, broadcast relationships, and operational infrastructure of a publicly traded sports and entertainment company. Understanding this alignment is essential to evaluating long-term sustainability.
Concentrated Investment as Competitive Force
When promotion, governance, and media are in alignment and reinforced by concentrated capital, several immediate effects follow: boxers experience elevated purses; the capacity to stage marquee events grows, there is reduced short-term financial friction, accelerated talent acquisition and the market signals strength. Capital concentration can shift competitive balance rapidly. However, concentration also centralizes exposure. If scale depends heavily on continued capital deployment, long-term resilience becomes a defining variable.
Sovereign-Linked Investment and Strategic Alignment
Saudi-backed entertainment initiatives — operating through structures such as the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and Sela — reflect broader economic diversification objectives. This supports brand positioning, tourism expansion (in thus case, Saudi Arabia) and development of a long-term entertainment ecosystem. However, this capital investment does not always operate on short-term profitability metrics.
The durability of this structure depends on sustained strategic priority but the alignment cannot be assumed permanent.
Investment Subsidy vs. Self-Sustaining Economics
A central analytical question is whether current event scale reflects market equilibrium driven by organic revenue growth or capital-supported expansion designed to accelerate structural consolidation. Subsidized acceleration can rapidly reshape industry dynamics. Long-term dominance, however, requires sustainable media monetization, predictable ticket demand, sponsorship integration and revenue capture beyond direct capital infusion. If capital investment moderates before revenue architecture stabilizes, leverage may recalibrate. Again, investment acceleration does not automatically equal permanence.
Distributed Capital in the Decentralized Ecosystem
In the decentralized model — involving Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, and platforms such as DAZN — capital exposure is distributed. Promoters operate independently. Media partners negotiate separately. Risk is diffused. However, decentralization may also limit rapid scaling capacity relative to centralized capital alignment. Resilience and velocity do not always align.
What Happens If Capital Contracts?
If investment capital moderates or reallocates, expect purse structures to normalize, event frequency may adjust and fighter signing patterns to shift. This will case the balance of power in the industry to shift.
If distributed actors fail to modernize and coordinate, then talent may consolidate within integrated systems, media leverage may concentrate further and structural plurality may erode Both models carry capital risk. The exposure differs in concentration and timing.
Concentration vs. Resilience
In the centralized model, there is rapid scale potential, coordinated investment, concentrated exposure and dependence on durable capital alignment.
The decentralized model is characterized by slower scaling velocity, diffused financial exposure, greater institutional fragmentation and dependence on media. The strategic question is not which model expands faster. It is which model proves durable under shifting economic conditions.
Structural Observation
Professional boxing now operates within a capital-intensive environment. Dominance depends not only on integration efficiency, but on funding durability, media renewal resilience, regulatory clarity and revenue self-sufficiency. Sustained competitive position requires more than acceleration of investment infusion. It requires structural endurance.
Transition to Part VIII: The final section synthesizes governance, leverage, statute, distribution, and capital sustainability to assess the long-term strategic implications for promoters, sanctioning bodies, fighters, media platforms, and policymakers.
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Jarrell Miller to face Lenier Pero |
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Jarrell Miller (pictured) and Lenier Pero will clash in a WBA heavyweight eliminator at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas on Saturday April 25th, live worldwide on DAZN. Miller (27-1-2 22 KOs) returned to the ring in New York in January at Madison Square Garden, beating Kingsley Ibeh over ten rounds via split decision in a bout remembered for a never-before-seen moment at the end of the second round when he ripped off his hairpiece after a flurry of punches from Ibeh dislodged ‘Big Baby’s’ mane. The charismatic Brooklynite was able to poke fun at himself and his viral fame following the incident, but focus now returns to action in the ring, with the 37-year old eager to put his name in the mix for the biggest fights in the division, and a shot at the world title.
Victory over Pero would certainly put Miller into the conversation to fight the champions and leading contenders, but the Cuban will have other ideas. Pero (13-0 8 KOs) is also chasing down a shot at the biggest prize in boxing, and the 2016 Olympian is back in the ring following a November win that saw him outpoint Jordan Thompson.
Miller and Pero went face-to-face in the ring after Pero’s win over Thompsont, and they have both already stated the importance of this showdown as a huge step towards their title dreams. “The most exciting, the most entertaining Heavyweight in the world is back in action bringing the fireworks,” said Miller. “And remember, when you step in the ring with me, there’s always a price to toupee!”
“I respect Jarrell Miller and what he brings to the ring, but this is a big opportunity for me to keep moving forward,” said Pero. “I’ve worked my entire life for moments like this, and every fight is another step toward my goal of becoming a world champion.
“One thing I want to let the world know is that I’m coming with everything I got. I’m staying humble, focused, and I’m ready to show the fans in Las Vegas and around the world on DAZN the best version of myself on April 25th”
“This is a big fight in the heavyweight division,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Jarrell broke the internet in New York and went viral for his hairy moment against Ibeh, but he also picked up a good win and crucial rounds too. Jarrell now must take this opportunity by the scruff of the neck and put himself into the conversation for the big names in the division."
Information on the undercard and ticket on-sale dates will be released in due course.
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Jarrell Miller to face Lenier Pero
Jarrell Miller (pictured) and Lenier Pero will clash in a WBA heavyweight eliminator at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas on Saturday April 25th, live worldwide on DAZN. Miller (27-1-2 22 KOs) returned to the ring in New York in January at Madison Square Garden, beating Kingsley Ibeh over ten rounds via split decision in a bout remembered for a never-before-seen moment at the end of the second round when he ripped off his hairpiece after a flurry of punches from Ibeh dislodged ‘Big Baby’s’ mane. The charismatic Brooklynite was able to poke fun at himself and his viral fame following the incident, but focus now returns to action in the ring, with the 37-year old eager to put his name in the mix for the biggest fights in the division, and a shot at the world title.
Victory over Pero would certainly put Miller into the conversation to fight the champions and leading contenders, but the Cuban will have other ideas. Pero (13-0 8 KOs) is also chasing down a shot at the biggest prize in boxing, and the 2016 Olympian is back in the ring following a November win that saw him outpoint Jordan Thompson.
Miller and Pero went face-to-face in the ring after Pero’s win over Thompsont, and they have both already stated the importance of this showdown as a huge step towards their title dreams. “The most exciting, the most entertaining Heavyweight in the world is back in action bringing the fireworks,” said Miller. “And remember, when you step in the ring with me, there’s always a price to toupee!”
“I respect Jarrell Miller and what he brings to the ring, but this is a big opportunity for me to keep moving forward,” said Pero. “I’ve worked my entire life for moments like this, and every fight is another step toward my goal of becoming a world champion.
“One thing I want to let the world know is that I’m coming with everything I got. I’m staying humble, focused, and I’m ready to show the fans in Las Vegas and around the world on DAZN the best version of myself on April 25th”
“This is a big fight in the heavyweight division,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Jarrell broke the internet in New York and went viral for his hairy moment against Ibeh, but he also picked up a good win and crucial rounds too. Jarrell now must take this opportunity by the scruff of the neck and put himself into the conversation for the big names in the division."
Information on the undercard and ticket on-sale dates will be released in due course.
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Introducing Mexican junior welterweight José Ángel Guerrero |
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Sampson Boxing and Eric Ibarra's TM Boxing announced the signing of junior welterweight José Ángel Guerrero to a co-promotional agreement. The deal paves the way for the heavy-handed Guerrero (11-0, 9 KOs), from Tijuana, to make more appearances on global boxing platform ProBoxTV in the coming months. Guerrero, age 21, has never fought outside his native country but made his ProBoxTV debut earlier this month with a thudding second-round demolition of then undefeated Jose Andres Baca Guzman. The victory caught the attention of Lewkowicz and ProBoxTV CEO Garry Jonas, prompting this promotional development.
“First and foremost, I am grateful to Mr. Sampson Lewkowicz and Mr. Garry Jonas for this tremendous opportunity to showcase my talents on one of the most prominent platforms in the boxing world: ProBoxTV,” said a happy Guerrero. “My thanks also go to Eric Ibarra and my trainer, who have stood by my side since the beginning of my career.”
Ibarra, who has promotionally partnered with Lewkowicz on several fighters, says the deal further strengthens the positive relationship between the three parties in bringing new Mexican prospects to the forefront. “I am very pleased to continue fostering this friendship and collaboration with Sampson Lewkowicz,” said Ibarra. “Just as we have done with Erik Badillo and Isaac “Puro México” Lucero, we will now be guiding the career of José Ángel Guerrero together, aiming to elevate his profile internationally. It is important to mention that Garry Jonas of PROBOX TV recently joined this great team. He played a pivotal role in finalizing this agreement and the same will hold true for our future Mexican prospects.”
“I was very impressed by José Ángel Guerrero’s performance on ProBoxTV and look forward to helping him develop his promising career, along with my two great partners, Eric Ibarra and Garry Jonas,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “Jose represents another hard-punching young fighter who will become a force in the super lightweight division before long.”
“Sampson and TM Boxing are doing a great job recruiting and cultivating talent for ProBoxTV,” said Garry Jonas. “We look forward to having Guerrero perform on our platform.”
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Introducing Mexican junior welterweight José Ángel Guerrero
Sampson Boxing and Eric Ibarra's TM Boxing announced the signing of junior welterweight José Ángel Guerrero to a co-promotional agreement. The deal paves the way for the heavy-handed Guerrero (11-0, 9 KOs), from Tijuana, to make more appearances on global boxing platform ProBoxTV in the coming months. Guerrero, age 21, has never fought outside his native country but made his ProBoxTV debut earlier this month with a thudding second-round demolition of then undefeated Jose Andres Baca Guzman. The victory caught the attention of Lewkowicz and ProBoxTV CEO Garry Jonas, prompting this promotional development.
“First and foremost, I am grateful to Mr. Sampson Lewkowicz and Mr. Garry Jonas for this tremendous opportunity to showcase my talents on one of the most prominent platforms in the boxing world: ProBoxTV,” said a happy Guerrero. “My thanks also go to Eric Ibarra and my trainer, who have stood by my side since the beginning of my career.”
Ibarra, who has promotionally partnered with Lewkowicz on several fighters, says the deal further strengthens the positive relationship between the three parties in bringing new Mexican prospects to the forefront. “I am very pleased to continue fostering this friendship and collaboration with Sampson Lewkowicz,” said Ibarra. “Just as we have done with Erik Badillo and Isaac “Puro México” Lucero, we will now be guiding the career of José Ángel Guerrero together, aiming to elevate his profile internationally. It is important to mention that Garry Jonas of PROBOX TV recently joined this great team. He played a pivotal role in finalizing this agreement and the same will hold true for our future Mexican prospects.”
“I was very impressed by José Ángel Guerrero’s performance on ProBoxTV and look forward to helping him develop his promising career, along with my two great partners, Eric Ibarra and Garry Jonas,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “Jose represents another hard-punching young fighter who will become a force in the super lightweight division before long.”
“Sampson and TM Boxing are doing a great job recruiting and cultivating talent for ProBoxTV,” said Garry Jonas. “We look forward to having Guerrero perform on our platform.”
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Part six of eight: Distribution and Media Power |
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In contemporary combat sports, distribution is not merely a commercial partnership. It is considedered infrastructure because television and streaming platforms influence revenue scale, fighter visibility, sponsorship potential, promotional viability and global reach.
Without durable media alignment, even well-capitalized promotional structures face long-term sustainability constraints. Within the decentralized ecosystem — involving promoters such as Matchroom, Queensberry and Golden Boy Promotions — broadcast partnerships are essential. Platforms such as DAZN and other global distributors function as primary revenue multipliers.
When media agreements are strong, promoters can offer higher purses, fighters can expand international profiles and sponsorship integration increases.
Championship bouts increase visibility even more. By contrast, when media agreements weaken or lapse, event scale contracts, talent retention becomes more difficult
and competitive bidding is reduced.
In this environment, distribution materially affects leverage.
Under a centralized structure — such as the Zuffa Boxing venture operating within TKO Group Holdings and supported by Sela — media strategy may be coordinated within a broader corporate framework. Integrated governance enables unified negotiation of broadcast rights, coordinated scheduling of events, consistent branding across events
and cross-platform content integration.
Alignment between promotion and distribution can reduce friction and accelerate scale. However, integration also concentrates exposure. If a centralized structure becomes closely aligned with specific distribution partners, renewal cycles carry amplified strategic significance.
The Renewal Cycle Risk
Media agreements operate on defined contractual terms. Renewal negotiations introduce periodic recalibration. For decentralized actors, renewal risk may be distributed as different promoters align with different platforms. Market fragmentation can create competitive bidding
and platform diversification reduces exposure. For centralized actors, renewal risk may be more concentrated because media alignment may be embedded in integrated strategy. Capital deployment assumptions may rely on sustained broadcast visibility
and durability depends not merely on current agreements but on renewal resilience.
Platform Economics and Rights Fee Sustainability
Streaming platforms operate within subscription-based economic models. Therefore, sustained rights fee escalation requires subscriber growth, cost discipline, market expansion and
cross-market monetization.
If platform economics tighten, rights valuations may adjust.
This dynamic affects promoter negotiating leverage, fighter compensation structures, event frequency
and distribution stability. Distribution dependency is universal across models — but exposure concentration differs.
The Survival Threshold for Independent Promoters
A structural reality confronts independent promoters. Without robust media partnerships, long-term viability becomes increasingly difficult. Economics require broadcast integration to sustain competitive purses and global visibility.
Promoters without durable distribution deals risk losing talent to competitors, reduced sponsorship value, diminished ranking influence and marginalization.
Modernization pressure within the decentralized ecosystem is therefore accelerating. Media durability is foundational.
Strategic Observation
Distribution deals influence negotiating leverage across both centralized and decentralized models. Integrated media alignment may accelerate scale whereas diversified media relationships can diffuse risk. Long-term competitive balance depends not solely on capital deployment or statutory design, but on whether distribution relationships remain economically durable under renewal cycles and market pressure.
Transition to Part VII: The next section evaluates capital sustainability and concentration risk — and examines whether accelerated expansion models are economically durable over time.
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Part six of eight: Distribution and Media Power
In contemporary combat sports, distribution is not merely a commercial partnership. It is considedered infrastructure because television and streaming platforms influence revenue scale, fighter visibility, sponsorship potential, promotional viability and global reach.
Without durable media alignment, even well-capitalized promotional structures face long-term sustainability constraints. Within the decentralized ecosystem — involving promoters such as Matchroom, Queensberry and Golden Boy Promotions — broadcast partnerships are essential. Platforms such as DAZN and other global distributors function as primary revenue multipliers.
When media agreements are strong, promoters can offer higher purses, fighters can expand international profiles and sponsorship integration increases.
Championship bouts increase visibility even more. By contrast, when media agreements weaken or lapse, event scale contracts, talent retention becomes more difficult
and competitive bidding is reduced.
In this environment, distribution materially affects leverage.
Under a centralized structure — such as the Zuffa Boxing venture operating within TKO Group Holdings and supported by Sela — media strategy may be coordinated within a broader corporate framework. Integrated governance enables unified negotiation of broadcast rights, coordinated scheduling of events, consistent branding across events
and cross-platform content integration.
Alignment between promotion and distribution can reduce friction and accelerate scale. However, integration also concentrates exposure. If a centralized structure becomes closely aligned with specific distribution partners, renewal cycles carry amplified strategic significance.
The Renewal Cycle Risk
Media agreements operate on defined contractual terms. Renewal negotiations introduce periodic recalibration. For decentralized actors, renewal risk may be distributed as different promoters align with different platforms. Market fragmentation can create competitive bidding
and platform diversification reduces exposure. For centralized actors, renewal risk may be more concentrated because media alignment may be embedded in integrated strategy. Capital deployment assumptions may rely on sustained broadcast visibility
and durability depends not merely on current agreements but on renewal resilience.
Platform Economics and Rights Fee Sustainability
Streaming platforms operate within subscription-based economic models. Therefore, sustained rights fee escalation requires subscriber growth, cost discipline, market expansion and
cross-market monetization.
If platform economics tighten, rights valuations may adjust.
This dynamic affects promoter negotiating leverage, fighter compensation structures, event frequency
and distribution stability. Distribution dependency is universal across models — but exposure concentration differs.
The Survival Threshold for Independent Promoters
A structural reality confronts independent promoters. Without robust media partnerships, long-term viability becomes increasingly difficult. Economics require broadcast integration to sustain competitive purses and global visibility.
Promoters without durable distribution deals risk losing talent to competitors, reduced sponsorship value, diminished ranking influence and marginalization.
Modernization pressure within the decentralized ecosystem is therefore accelerating. Media durability is foundational.
Strategic Observation
Distribution deals influence negotiating leverage across both centralized and decentralized models. Integrated media alignment may accelerate scale whereas diversified media relationships can diffuse risk. Long-term competitive balance depends not solely on capital deployment or statutory design, but on whether distribution relationships remain economically durable under renewal cycles and market pressure.
Transition to Part VII: The next section evaluates capital sustainability and concentration risk — and examines whether accelerated expansion models are economically durable over time.
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Iwata regains 108-pound title vs. Knockout CP Freshmart |
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Shokichi Iwata W8 Knockout CP Freshmart... Japan's Shokichi Iwata secured a landmark clear cut victory by dethroning two-division champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong a/k/a Knockout CP Freshmart via eighth-round technical decision, to win the WBC light flyweight title. Iwata (16-2) is now a two-time champ at 108 pounds, having briefly held the WBO belt in 2024 and 2025. From the opening bell, Iwata set a relentless pace. Utilizing an aggressive style built around constant pressure and straight armed combinations, he successfully controlled the distance against the shorter Thai. Freshmart (29-2), one of the division’s most respected figures, attempted to use his lateral movement to neutralize the onslaught but the fight’s intensity began to take its toll. Round after round, Iwata’s precision inflicted increasing and worsening accumulated damage on Freshmart’s face, specifically targeting the area around the left eye. The turning point came when Freshmart suffered a deep laceration above that eye. Blood flow became a decisive factor; although the Thai fighter battled on valiantly, the clarity of his vision was severely compromised as the bout progressed. At the end of the eighth round, the ringside physician examined the injury and determined it was unsafe for Freshmart to continue. Per WBC regulations, since more than four rounds had been completed, the result went to the scorecards. The judges were in total agreement, awarding Iwata a unanimous technical decision, that reflected his dominance throughout the contest.
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Iwata regains 108-pound title vs. Knockout CP Freshmart
Shokichi Iwata W8 Knockout CP Freshmart... Japan's Shokichi Iwata secured a landmark clear cut victory by dethroning two-division champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong a/k/a Knockout CP Freshmart via eighth-round technical decision, to win the WBC light flyweight title. Iwata (16-2) is now a two-time champ at 108 pounds, having briefly held the WBO belt in 2024 and 2025. From the opening bell, Iwata set a relentless pace. Utilizing an aggressive style built around constant pressure and straight armed combinations, he successfully controlled the distance against the shorter Thai. Freshmart (29-2), one of the division’s most respected figures, attempted to use his lateral movement to neutralize the onslaught but the fight’s intensity began to take its toll. Round after round, Iwata’s precision inflicted increasing and worsening accumulated damage on Freshmart’s face, specifically targeting the area around the left eye. The turning point came when Freshmart suffered a deep laceration above that eye. Blood flow became a decisive factor; although the Thai fighter battled on valiantly, the clarity of his vision was severely compromised as the bout progressed. At the end of the eighth round, the ringside physician examined the injury and determined it was unsafe for Freshmart to continue. Per WBC regulations, since more than four rounds had been completed, the result went to the scorecards. The judges were in total agreement, awarding Iwata a unanimous technical decision, that reflected his dominance throughout the contest.
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USA Boxing takes four golds in Bangkok |
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USA Boxing’s Youth High Performance Team earned four gold medals and one silver medal on Sunday at the 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok. Team USA's 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup journey comes to an end after securing nine medals overall. Guadalupe Ruiz (women’s 54 kg, Anaheim, Calif.) was the first American boxer to step into the ring on Sunday and concluded her dominant run at her first international tournament with a gold medal. Ruiz will bring the 54-kilogram gold medal back to the United States after defeating India’s Joyshree Devi Chirom by a 4-1 split decision. This marks her fifth win overall in Thailand, after the California native won all judges' scorecards in the first round and won the final round 4-1. Ruiz’s path to gold was nothing short of incredible, and included two RSC victories, two unanimous decisions and the 4-1 decision in the gold medal round.
Following Ruiz was Christian Paez (men’s 55 kg, San Antonio, Texas), who won via a 3-2 split decision over Japan’s Ryusei Kitamura in the 55-kilogram bracket. Paez got out to another hot start, winning the first round 5-0, and he held on to win by a 3-2 split decision, securing his first international gold medal. Paez's gold medal run came after an impressive six wins, including two RSCs, two unanimous decisions, two 4-1 split decisions and Sunday's 3-2 split decision victory.
Brijhana Epperson (women’s 57 kg, Kansas City) controlled her gold-medal bout from start to finish, winning via unanimous decision over Ukraine’s Yevanhelina Petruk. Epperson secured her fourth win of the tournament after she earned every judge's vote, winning all three rounds 5-0. This week’s performance also marks Epperson’s first international gold medal.
Rounding out the USA’s gold medal winners was team captain Lauryn Elmore (women’s 65 kg, Sacramento, Calif.), who went on to win by a 4-1 split decision over Uzbekistan’s Sevara Mamatova. Elmore took the first round 3-2, and after losing the second round 3-2, it was all tied up heading into the final frame. The California native landed multiple combinations with her jabs and body shots on Mamatova and won the final round 4-1, earning her second international medal and the first international gold medal of her young career.
Also, earning a medal on Sunday was Angel Blancarte (men’s 85 kg | Hutchinson, Kan.), who won the second international medal of his amateur career. Blancarte earned a silver medal at the 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup after he won his first bout 3-2 over Kazakhstan’s Nursultan Kystaubay, but was defeated on Sunday, 5-0, by Uzbekistan’s Sardorbek Bakhromkhujaev.
Team USA won nine total medals at the 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup, including bronze medals from Marley McNealy (women’s 70 kg, San Francisco), Ariana Chavez (women’s 75 kg, New Mexico), Asaan Jenkins (men’s 65 kg, Washington, D.C.), and Caleb Reid (men’s 90+ kg, Palm Bay, Fla.).
The USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team is led by National Development Coach Edward Fonteneaux (Fayetteville, N.C.). Fonteneaux will be assisted throughout the tournament by High Performance Pool coaches, including Holly Gregson (Idaho Falls, Idaho), Jason Hamilton (Spanaway, Wash.), Yessenia Montalvo (Bloomfield, N.J.), and Ronald Wright (Columbus, Ga.).
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USA Boxing takes four golds in Bangkok
USA Boxing’s Youth High Performance Team earned four gold medals and one silver medal on Sunday at the 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok. Team USA's 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup journey comes to an end after securing nine medals overall. Guadalupe Ruiz (women’s 54 kg, Anaheim, Calif.) was the first American boxer to step into the ring on Sunday and concluded her dominant run at her first international tournament with a gold medal. Ruiz will bring the 54-kilogram gold medal back to the United States after defeating India’s Joyshree Devi Chirom by a 4-1 split decision. This marks her fifth win overall in Thailand, after the California native won all judges' scorecards in the first round and won the final round 4-1. Ruiz’s path to gold was nothing short of incredible, and included two RSC victories, two unanimous decisions and the 4-1 decision in the gold medal round.
Following Ruiz was Christian Paez (men’s 55 kg, San Antonio, Texas), who won via a 3-2 split decision over Japan’s Ryusei Kitamura in the 55-kilogram bracket. Paez got out to another hot start, winning the first round 5-0, and he held on to win by a 3-2 split decision, securing his first international gold medal. Paez's gold medal run came after an impressive six wins, including two RSCs, two unanimous decisions, two 4-1 split decisions and Sunday's 3-2 split decision victory.
Brijhana Epperson (women’s 57 kg, Kansas City) controlled her gold-medal bout from start to finish, winning via unanimous decision over Ukraine’s Yevanhelina Petruk. Epperson secured her fourth win of the tournament after she earned every judge's vote, winning all three rounds 5-0. This week’s performance also marks Epperson’s first international gold medal.
Rounding out the USA’s gold medal winners was team captain Lauryn Elmore (women’s 65 kg, Sacramento, Calif.), who went on to win by a 4-1 split decision over Uzbekistan’s Sevara Mamatova. Elmore took the first round 3-2, and after losing the second round 3-2, it was all tied up heading into the final frame. The California native landed multiple combinations with her jabs and body shots on Mamatova and won the final round 4-1, earning her second international medal and the first international gold medal of her young career.
Also, earning a medal on Sunday was Angel Blancarte (men’s 85 kg | Hutchinson, Kan.), who won the second international medal of his amateur career. Blancarte earned a silver medal at the 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup after he won his first bout 3-2 over Kazakhstan’s Nursultan Kystaubay, but was defeated on Sunday, 5-0, by Uzbekistan’s Sardorbek Bakhromkhujaev.
Team USA won nine total medals at the 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup, including bronze medals from Marley McNealy (women’s 70 kg, San Francisco), Ariana Chavez (women’s 75 kg, New Mexico), Asaan Jenkins (men’s 65 kg, Washington, D.C.), and Caleb Reid (men’s 90+ kg, Palm Bay, Fla.).
The USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team is led by National Development Coach Edward Fonteneaux (Fayetteville, N.C.). Fonteneaux will be assisted throughout the tournament by High Performance Pool coaches, including Holly Gregson (Idaho Falls, Idaho), Jason Hamilton (Spanaway, Wash.), Yessenia Montalvo (Bloomfield, N.J.), and Ronald Wright (Columbus, Ga.).
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Welcome to Martinez vs. Aleem fight week |
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ProBoxTV’s show on Saturday, March 21st will be headlined by a WBC super middleweight interim title fight between Lester Martinez and Immanuwel “The Chosen One” Aleem from the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, California. It will be broadcast live on ProBoxTV (7:00 pm EST/4:00 pm PST). While Martinez (19-0-1 16 KOs) will be hoping to be crowned Guatemala’s first-ever interim or world champion against Virginia’s Aleem (22-3-3, 14 KOs), there will be a ten-round junior welterweight co-feature between Joshua Kevin Anton (12-0, 11 KOs) of Palmdale, California and Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (22-5, 14 KOs) of Uzbekistan.
The undercard will feature a ten-round junior welterweight battle between LA’s Anthony “2 Quick” Cuba (12-1-2, 5 KOs) and Jair “Kaiser” Valtierra (18-3, 9 KOs) of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico... In Future Stars Series action to start the broadcast, Charles Harris Jr. (11-1, 7 KOs) of Rialto, California, will take on Jason “El Gallo” Limon (11-2-1, 2 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas over eight junior welterweight rounds... local favorite Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez (16-0, 9 KOs) of Riverside, California, will face Brandon “The Hitter” Chambers (12-4-1, 5 KOs) of Owings Mill, Maryland in a featherweight eight-rounder... Also scheduled is a female super flyweight four-rounder between former USA National Amateur Champion Jocelyn Camarillo (5-0) of nearby Indio, California and Isis Sio (1-2) of Dickinson, North Dakota... And getting the ball rolling will be LA’s undefeated Sam Contreras (5-0, 2 KOs) going for six straight pro wins against Texas veteran Cesar “El Matrix” Cantu (3-5-2, 1 KO) of Weslaco, Texas.
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Welcome to Martinez vs. Aleem fight week
ProBoxTV’s show on Saturday, March 21st will be headlined by a WBC super middleweight interim title fight between Lester Martinez and Immanuwel “The Chosen One” Aleem from the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, California. It will be broadcast live on ProBoxTV (7:00 pm EST/4:00 pm PST). While Martinez (19-0-1 16 KOs) will be hoping to be crowned Guatemala’s first-ever interim or world champion against Virginia’s Aleem (22-3-3, 14 KOs), there will be a ten-round junior welterweight co-feature between Joshua Kevin Anton (12-0, 11 KOs) of Palmdale, California and Kudratillo Abdukakhorov (22-5, 14 KOs) of Uzbekistan.
The undercard will feature a ten-round junior welterweight battle between LA’s Anthony “2 Quick” Cuba (12-1-2, 5 KOs) and Jair “Kaiser” Valtierra (18-3, 9 KOs) of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico... In Future Stars Series action to start the broadcast, Charles Harris Jr. (11-1, 7 KOs) of Rialto, California, will take on Jason “El Gallo” Limon (11-2-1, 2 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas over eight junior welterweight rounds... local favorite Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez (16-0, 9 KOs) of Riverside, California, will face Brandon “The Hitter” Chambers (12-4-1, 5 KOs) of Owings Mill, Maryland in a featherweight eight-rounder... Also scheduled is a female super flyweight four-rounder between former USA National Amateur Champion Jocelyn Camarillo (5-0) of nearby Indio, California and Isis Sio (1-2) of Dickinson, North Dakota... And getting the ball rolling will be LA’s undefeated Sam Contreras (5-0, 2 KOs) going for six straight pro wins against Texas veteran Cesar “El Matrix” Cantu (3-5-2, 1 KO) of Weslaco, Texas.
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Sosulin and Mironchikov prevail in Russia |
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Pavel Sosulin TKO8 Victor Nagbe... The IBA 15 show in St. Peterburg, Russia last weekend concluded with junior middleweight Pavel Sosulin defeating Victor Nagbe (12-3). Sosulin (now 17-0 including IBA PRo and World Series of Boxing bouts) entered hoping to keep the pressure on for a shot at the WBA / WBO champion Xander Zayas. Nagbe stepped in as a late replacement, accepting the fight just two weeks before the event and traveling halfway across the world to face the home favorite in Saint Petersburg. Sosulin lived up to his nickname “Mex,” applying relentless pressure and targeting the body. Nagbe initially relied on movement and counterattacks while working off the back foot. In the fifth round Nagbe suddenly changed tactics and began exchanging punches at close range, even forcing Sosulin to take several steps back — something rarely seen in the Russian fighter’s bouts. However, Sosulin quickly reasserted control. Increasing the tempo, he relentlessly pressured Nagbe around the ring with powerful hooks and punishing body shots. Over the following rounds Sosulin’s advantage became overwhelming. The accumulated damage proved too much, and Nagbe ultimately decided not to come out for the ninth round. The result was a technical knockout victory for Sosulin.
Vladimir Mironchikov W10 Ulugbek Sobirov...In the co-feature, Serbian super middleweight Vladimir Mironchikov triumphed over Uzbekistan’s Ulugbek Sobirov. From the opening moments Mironchikov (8-0) immediately established his distance, controlling the fight behind a disciplined jab while effectively bringing his right hand into play. Sobirov (17-6) struggled to close the gap as Mironchikov displayed excellent footwork and ring control. Throughout the fight Mironchikov confidently maintained his range, working sharply with the jab and consistently provoking his opponent into mistakes. He repeatedly launched follow-up attacks and intercepted Sobirov’s attempts to enter the pocket, leaving the Uzbek fighter with very few opportunities to mount an effective offense. On several occasions during the bout Mironchikov sharply increased the tempo, unleashing aggressive combinations and forcing Sobirov onto the defensive. However, Sobirov showed impressive resilience and determination, enduring the pressure and managing to go the full ten-round distance. After ten rounds the judges awarded Mironchikov a unanimous decision victory.
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Sosulin and Mironchikov prevail in Russia
Pavel Sosulin TKO8 Victor Nagbe... The IBA 15 show in St. Peterburg, Russia last weekend concluded with junior middleweight Pavel Sosulin defeating Victor Nagbe (12-3). Sosulin (now 17-0 including IBA PRo and World Series of Boxing bouts) entered hoping to keep the pressure on for a shot at the WBA / WBO champion Xander Zayas. Nagbe stepped in as a late replacement, accepting the fight just two weeks before the event and traveling halfway across the world to face the home favorite in Saint Petersburg. Sosulin lived up to his nickname “Mex,” applying relentless pressure and targeting the body. Nagbe initially relied on movement and counterattacks while working off the back foot. In the fifth round Nagbe suddenly changed tactics and began exchanging punches at close range, even forcing Sosulin to take several steps back — something rarely seen in the Russian fighter’s bouts. However, Sosulin quickly reasserted control. Increasing the tempo, he relentlessly pressured Nagbe around the ring with powerful hooks and punishing body shots. Over the following rounds Sosulin’s advantage became overwhelming. The accumulated damage proved too much, and Nagbe ultimately decided not to come out for the ninth round. The result was a technical knockout victory for Sosulin.
Vladimir Mironchikov W10 Ulugbek Sobirov...In the co-feature, Serbian super middleweight Vladimir Mironchikov triumphed over Uzbekistan’s Ulugbek Sobirov. From the opening moments Mironchikov (8-0) immediately established his distance, controlling the fight behind a disciplined jab while effectively bringing his right hand into play. Sobirov (17-6) struggled to close the gap as Mironchikov displayed excellent footwork and ring control. Throughout the fight Mironchikov confidently maintained his range, working sharply with the jab and consistently provoking his opponent into mistakes. He repeatedly launched follow-up attacks and intercepted Sobirov’s attempts to enter the pocket, leaving the Uzbek fighter with very few opportunities to mount an effective offense. On several occasions during the bout Mironchikov sharply increased the tempo, unleashing aggressive combinations and forcing Sobirov onto the defensive. However, Sobirov showed impressive resilience and determination, enduring the pressure and managing to go the full ten-round distance. After ten rounds the judges awarded Mironchikov a unanimous decision victory.
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The return of Dirty Boxing |
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Miami, Florida is set to host the high-stakes Dirty Boxing Championship (DBX6) on Friday, April 10th, at the James L. Knight Center. The event will feature a clash for the interim heavyweight title between Michael Garcia and Rob "The Wolf" Perez. This unique combat sports spectacle blends boxing with MMA-style clinch work designed for high-impact, nonstop action. For ticket information and event details, visit https://dirtyboxingchampionship.com/. The full fight card will stream live and for free on the Dirty Boxing Championship YouTube Channel. The entire lineup will be announced shortly, but will also feature the return of standout Montavious Ware taking on veteran Luis Saldana in a battle of fighters sporting 1-0 DBX records.
The main event of DBX 6 pits Garcia against Perez. Both fighters enter the ring with unblemished records in Dirty Boxing, setting the stage for an explosive and aggressive showdown. This fight is expected to deliver the intense exchanges and a decisive finishes that fans have come to expect from the Dirty Boxing Championship.
"Get ready for an electrifying night as Dirty Boxing Championship brings DBX6 to Miami on April 10, 2026, where two undefeated powerhouses, Michael Garcia and Rob "The Wolf" Perez, will clash for the Interim Heavyweight Title, promising a truly unforgettable, high-stakes showdown that will leave fans on the edge of their seats!" said DBX CEO Malki Kawa.
A major highlight of the evening will be the exclusive meet and greet opportunity with MMA superstar Jon Jones, giving select ticket holders early access entry, a personal photo opportunity, and the rare chance to connect with the greatest combat sports athletes of all time.
Launched in 2024, DBX gained immediate attention for its dynamic format and hybrid rule set allowing Superman punches, spinning backfists, elbows, and standing ground-and-pound in addition to traditional striking. With 4oz gloves and a smaller ring, every DBX fight is designed for maximum action. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, DBX is ushering in a new era of combat sports rooted in grit, power, and authenticity.
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The return of Dirty Boxing
Miami, Florida is set to host the high-stakes Dirty Boxing Championship (DBX6) on Friday, April 10th, at the James L. Knight Center. The event will feature a clash for the interim heavyweight title between Michael Garcia and Rob "The Wolf" Perez. This unique combat sports spectacle blends boxing with MMA-style clinch work designed for high-impact, nonstop action. For ticket information and event details, visit https://dirtyboxingchampionship.com/. The full fight card will stream live and for free on the Dirty Boxing Championship YouTube Channel. The entire lineup will be announced shortly, but will also feature the return of standout Montavious Ware taking on veteran Luis Saldana in a battle of fighters sporting 1-0 DBX records.
The main event of DBX 6 pits Garcia against Perez. Both fighters enter the ring with unblemished records in Dirty Boxing, setting the stage for an explosive and aggressive showdown. This fight is expected to deliver the intense exchanges and a decisive finishes that fans have come to expect from the Dirty Boxing Championship.
"Get ready for an electrifying night as Dirty Boxing Championship brings DBX6 to Miami on April 10, 2026, where two undefeated powerhouses, Michael Garcia and Rob "The Wolf" Perez, will clash for the Interim Heavyweight Title, promising a truly unforgettable, high-stakes showdown that will leave fans on the edge of their seats!" said DBX CEO Malki Kawa.
A major highlight of the evening will be the exclusive meet and greet opportunity with MMA superstar Jon Jones, giving select ticket holders early access entry, a personal photo opportunity, and the rare chance to connect with the greatest combat sports athletes of all time.
Launched in 2024, DBX gained immediate attention for its dynamic format and hybrid rule set allowing Superman punches, spinning backfists, elbows, and standing ground-and-pound in addition to traditional striking. With 4oz gloves and a smaller ring, every DBX fight is designed for maximum action. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, DBX is ushering in a new era of combat sports rooted in grit, power, and authenticity.
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MVP adds Diaz vs. Perry to its debut MMA show |
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Combat sports star Nate Diaz will face “Platinum” Mike Perry in a professional mixedmartial arts bout on Saturday, May 16th at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Diaz-Perry is added to the inaugural Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) MMA card that will stream live globally only on Netflix at no additional cost to the platform’s 325+ million members. The bout adds another explosive match-up to what is now a triple-headliner that already includes a heavyweight clash between Francis Ngannou and Philippe Lins and a historic women’s main event between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
Diaz vs. Perry will be contested under the Unified Rules of MMA over five five-minute rounds in the welterweight division (170 lbs). The matchup pits two of the sport’s toughest competitors against each other: Diaz, long known for his relentless pressure and durability, and Perry, a knockout artist whose aggressive style has earned him the nickname “King of Violence.”
Few fighters have captured the imagination of combat sports fans like Stockton, California’s Nate Diaz. Known for his toughness and uncompromising fighting style, Diaz built one of the most recognizable legacies in MMA.His rivalry with Conor McGregor remains the biggest in MMA history, breaking box-office and pay-per-view records, while his fight against Jorge Masvidal drew historic attention to the sport. Since leaving the UFC, Diaz has continued competing across combat sports while launching his own promotion, Real Fight, Inc., and headlining sold-out events against Jake Paul in Dallas and Masvidal in Anaheim.
“Glad to be back n action. It’s time,” said Diaz. “Don’t forget where this all came from. I got plans on doing a lot more in the next 10 years, no matter where it is. Time to set the bar again, so get ready for a new takeover again and again until the end of time.”
Perry returns to MMA after building a reputation as one of combat sports’ most dangerous and unpredictable fighters. Following a 14-win UFC career with 11 knockouts, Perry expanded his resume across Triad Combat, boxing, and bare-knuckle fighting. He defeated Michael Seals in his Triad debut and quickly established himself in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, scoring major wins over fighters including Michael “Venom” Page, Luke Rockhold, and Eddie Alvarez. Perry was named BKFC Male Fighter of the Year in 2023 and continued his dominant run with a first-round knockout of Thiago Alves in 2024 before defeating Jeremy Stephens by TKO in October 2025.
“The King of Violence returns to MMA to elbow his opponent in the [expletive deleted] face,” Perry tells Netflix. “Saturday, May 16th, on Netflix, Nate Diaz is going lights out.”
The addition of Diaz vs. Perry alongside Ngannou vs. Lins and Rousey vs. Carano creates what MVP describes as one of the most star-powered MMA fight cards ever assembled.
“MVP delivered the most-viewed boxing event since the advent of cable, and now we're set to break records again with the biggest viewership in MMA history,” said Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions. “Nate Diaz is the Real BMF, and Mike Perry is the King of Violence — this will be a war from the first press conference all the way to the end when one of them has their hand raised. It’s an absolutely massive night of fights in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 16th, as we continue building some of the biggest global events in combat sports. Thank you to Netflix for believing in our vision. The future of MMA is bright.”
Additional fights and details about the full lineup will be announced as the event approaches.
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MVP adds Diaz vs. Perry to its debut MMA show
Combat sports star Nate Diaz will face “Platinum” Mike Perry in a professional mixedmartial arts bout on Saturday, May 16th at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Diaz-Perry is added to the inaugural Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) MMA card that will stream live globally only on Netflix at no additional cost to the platform’s 325+ million members. The bout adds another explosive match-up to what is now a triple-headliner that already includes a heavyweight clash between Francis Ngannou and Philippe Lins and a historic women’s main event between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
Diaz vs. Perry will be contested under the Unified Rules of MMA over five five-minute rounds in the welterweight division (170 lbs). The matchup pits two of the sport’s toughest competitors against each other: Diaz, long known for his relentless pressure and durability, and Perry, a knockout artist whose aggressive style has earned him the nickname “King of Violence.”
Few fighters have captured the imagination of combat sports fans like Stockton, California’s Nate Diaz. Known for his toughness and uncompromising fighting style, Diaz built one of the most recognizable legacies in MMA.His rivalry with Conor McGregor remains the biggest in MMA history, breaking box-office and pay-per-view records, while his fight against Jorge Masvidal drew historic attention to the sport. Since leaving the UFC, Diaz has continued competing across combat sports while launching his own promotion, Real Fight, Inc., and headlining sold-out events against Jake Paul in Dallas and Masvidal in Anaheim.
“Glad to be back n action. It’s time,” said Diaz. “Don’t forget where this all came from. I got plans on doing a lot more in the next 10 years, no matter where it is. Time to set the bar again, so get ready for a new takeover again and again until the end of time.”
Perry returns to MMA after building a reputation as one of combat sports’ most dangerous and unpredictable fighters. Following a 14-win UFC career with 11 knockouts, Perry expanded his resume across Triad Combat, boxing, and bare-knuckle fighting. He defeated Michael Seals in his Triad debut and quickly established himself in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, scoring major wins over fighters including Michael “Venom” Page, Luke Rockhold, and Eddie Alvarez. Perry was named BKFC Male Fighter of the Year in 2023 and continued his dominant run with a first-round knockout of Thiago Alves in 2024 before defeating Jeremy Stephens by TKO in October 2025.
“The King of Violence returns to MMA to elbow his opponent in the [expletive deleted] face,” Perry tells Netflix. “Saturday, May 16th, on Netflix, Nate Diaz is going lights out.”
The addition of Diaz vs. Perry alongside Ngannou vs. Lins and Rousey vs. Carano creates what MVP describes as one of the most star-powered MMA fight cards ever assembled.
“MVP delivered the most-viewed boxing event since the advent of cable, and now we're set to break records again with the biggest viewership in MMA history,” said Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions. “Nate Diaz is the Real BMF, and Mike Perry is the King of Violence — this will be a war from the first press conference all the way to the end when one of them has their hand raised. It’s an absolutely massive night of fights in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 16th, as we continue building some of the biggest global events in combat sports. Thank you to Netflix for believing in our vision. The future of MMA is bright.”
Additional fights and details about the full lineup will be announced as the event approaches.
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Part five of eight: Unanswered Questions Congress Must Clarify |
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Zuffa's proposed Unified Boxing Organization (UBO) framework under the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R. 4624) represents a significant evolution in how professional boxing could be governed at the federal level. It combines recognition of vertically integrated governance structures with baseline compensation and safety safeguards. Whether this strengthens or narrows the Ali Act's legal protections will depend on how Congress defines compliance, transparency, and enforcement. The following issues warrant explicit statutory clarity:
Financial Disclosure Standards Under a UBO Model
The original Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act relies heavily on event-level financial disclosure. In the decentralized ecosystem we have been discussing, which involves promoters such as Matchroom, Queensberry and Golden Boy, and sanctioning bodies such as the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO, this structure aligns with event-by-event negotiation. In Zuffa's centralized model — as supported by Sela — revenue may derive from multi-year media agreements and integrated distribution frameworks.
Congress should clarify the following: whether the Ali Act's event-level revenue disclosure remains mandatory under UBO certification; how multi-year media rights revenue should be attributed to individual bouts; whether fighters retain meaningful access to compensation-relevant financial data;
and how aggregate reporting interacts with individual negotiation leverage
Promoter–Manager Separation Within Integrated Governance
The Ali Act emphasized separation between promoter and manager functions to mitigate conflicts of interest. In a decentralized model, these separations operate structurally across independent entities. In a centralized UBO model, promotion, rankings, and championship governance may operate within a unified framework.
Here, Congress should clarify: how conflict-of-interest safeguards function within vertically integrated entities; whether independent representation requirements remain mandatory;
what enforcement mechanisms ensure fiduciary independence;
and how compliance should be monitored and verified. The UBO will still require defined guardrails.
Ranking Governance and Championship Authority
In the decentralized ecosystem, sanctioning bodies such as the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO maintain their own rankings and mandatory challenger systems. In a centralized UBO model, ranking governance may be internalized by the promoter.
In this area, Congress should clarify: whether independent ranking oversight is required; what appeal mechanisms exist for ranking disputes; how championship eligibility is regulated and whether internal ranking authority is subject to external review. Under the UBO, championship governance directly influences boxer leverage and career progression.
Private Right of Action and Enforcement Scope
The Ali Act provides a limited private right of action (right to sue) allowing fighters to pursue remedies for statutory violations. If UBO certification introduces defined compliance standards, Congress should clarify: whether a boxer's right to sue remain fully intact; whether certification status alters evidentiary thresholds; how disputes are adjudicated; and what remedies remain available
Congress should be clear becasue courts generally apply statutory language as written. Clarity determines enforceability.
Minimum Compensation Floors and Market Interaction
The proposed legislation establishes national minimum per-round pay standards, inactivity safeguards, contract duration limits, and expanded medical protections. These provisions represent meaningful baseline protections.
Still, Congress should examine: whether compensation floors operate alongside robust transparency requirements; whether baseline guarantees risk functioning as ceilings within certain tiers; how defined free-agency windows interact with long-term media structures; and whether inactivity protections adequately preserve bargaining power. Baseline protection and negotiation leverage operate differently. Both must be evaluated.
Compliance Oversight and Audit Mechanisms
If UBOs are recognized as a distinct structural category, oversight architecture becomes critical. Congress should clarify: who certifies compliance; will independent audits be required?; what reporting obligations exist to regulators; and what penalties apply for systemic violations.
Integration without oversight increases concentration risk. Oversight without definitional clarity increases litigation exposure.
Structural Observation
The Ali Revival Act does not simply add protections or remove protections. It proposes a recalibration of regulatory architecture. The original Ali Act emphasized structural separation within a decentralized marketplace.
The UBO framework recognizes structural integration paired with baseline safeguards. Whether that recalibration preserves substantive leverage protections will depend on statutory definition and enforcement design. Ambiguity benefits no stakeholder, whereas efined standards benefit the ecosystem.
Editor's note: This is the fifth part of an eight part series.
Part one is published here: Boxing is at an inflection point.
Part two is published here: The Structural Divide.
Part three is published here: Boxer leverage
Part four is published here:
Transition to Part VI: The next section examines the role of media distribution and platform alignment — and why durable broadcast partnerships increasingly determine promoter viability across both centralized and decentralized models.
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Part five of eight: Unanswered Questions Congress Must Clarify
Zuffa's proposed Unified Boxing Organization (UBO) framework under the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act (H.R. 4624) represents a significant evolution in how professional boxing could be governed at the federal level. It combines recognition of vertically integrated governance structures with baseline compensation and safety safeguards. Whether this strengthens or narrows the Ali Act's legal protections will depend on how Congress defines compliance, transparency, and enforcement. The following issues warrant explicit statutory clarity:
Financial Disclosure Standards Under a UBO Model
The original Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act relies heavily on event-level financial disclosure. In the decentralized ecosystem we have been discussing, which involves promoters such as Matchroom, Queensberry and Golden Boy, and sanctioning bodies such as the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO, this structure aligns with event-by-event negotiation. In Zuffa's centralized model — as supported by Sela — revenue may derive from multi-year media agreements and integrated distribution frameworks.
Congress should clarify the following: whether the Ali Act's event-level revenue disclosure remains mandatory under UBO certification; how multi-year media rights revenue should be attributed to individual bouts; whether fighters retain meaningful access to compensation-relevant financial data;
and how aggregate reporting interacts with individual negotiation leverage
Promoter–Manager Separation Within Integrated Governance
The Ali Act emphasized separation between promoter and manager functions to mitigate conflicts of interest. In a decentralized model, these separations operate structurally across independent entities. In a centralized UBO model, promotion, rankings, and championship governance may operate within a unified framework.
Here, Congress should clarify: how conflict-of-interest safeguards function within vertically integrated entities; whether independent representation requirements remain mandatory;
what enforcement mechanisms ensure fiduciary independence;
and how compliance should be monitored and verified. The UBO will still require defined guardrails.
Ranking Governance and Championship Authority
In the decentralized ecosystem, sanctioning bodies such as the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO maintain their own rankings and mandatory challenger systems. In a centralized UBO model, ranking governance may be internalized by the promoter.
In this area, Congress should clarify: whether independent ranking oversight is required; what appeal mechanisms exist for ranking disputes; how championship eligibility is regulated and whether internal ranking authority is subject to external review. Under the UBO, championship governance directly influences boxer leverage and career progression.
Private Right of Action and Enforcement Scope
The Ali Act provides a limited private right of action (right to sue) allowing fighters to pursue remedies for statutory violations. If UBO certification introduces defined compliance standards, Congress should clarify: whether a boxer's right to sue remain fully intact; whether certification status alters evidentiary thresholds; how disputes are adjudicated; and what remedies remain available
Congress should be clear becasue courts generally apply statutory language as written. Clarity determines enforceability.
Minimum Compensation Floors and Market Interaction
The proposed legislation establishes national minimum per-round pay standards, inactivity safeguards, contract duration limits, and expanded medical protections. These provisions represent meaningful baseline protections.
Still, Congress should examine: whether compensation floors operate alongside robust transparency requirements; whether baseline guarantees risk functioning as ceilings within certain tiers; how defined free-agency windows interact with long-term media structures; and whether inactivity protections adequately preserve bargaining power. Baseline protection and negotiation leverage operate differently. Both must be evaluated.
Compliance Oversight and Audit Mechanisms
If UBOs are recognized as a distinct structural category, oversight architecture becomes critical. Congress should clarify: who certifies compliance; will independent audits be required?; what reporting obligations exist to regulators; and what penalties apply for systemic violations.
Integration without oversight increases concentration risk. Oversight without definitional clarity increases litigation exposure.
Structural Observation
The Ali Revival Act does not simply add protections or remove protections. It proposes a recalibration of regulatory architecture. The original Ali Act emphasized structural separation within a decentralized marketplace.
The UBO framework recognizes structural integration paired with baseline safeguards. Whether that recalibration preserves substantive leverage protections will depend on statutory definition and enforcement design. Ambiguity benefits no stakeholder, whereas efined standards benefit the ecosystem.
Editor's note: This is the fifth part of an eight part series.
Part one is published here: Boxing is at an inflection point.
Part two is published here: The Structural Divide.
Part three is published here: Boxer leverage
Part four is published here:
Transition to Part VI: The next section examines the role of media distribution and platform alignment — and why durable broadcast partnerships increasingly determine promoter viability across both centralized and decentralized models.
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Matchroom wins purse bid for Sandoval vs. Yafai |
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In a purse bid held on Friday, the WBC conducted a purse bid for a mandatory fight between the WBC flyweight champion Ricardo Sandoval and interim champion Galal Yafai. The session was presided over by WBC Vice President Alberto León, with the participation of Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions. On behalf of Yafai, Matchroom Boxing secured the promotional rights to the fight with a bid of $625,000. Matchroom topped Golden Boy Promotions who presented a proposal of $411,000.
The WBC will apply its innovative rule for mandatory fights in this contest. Under this regulation, 90% of the total purse ($562,500) will be divided between both boxers according to the corresponding percentages. The remaining 10% ($62,500) will be reserved as a special bonus for the winner of the fight. The official date and venue for this showdown will be announced by Matchroom in the coming weeks.
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Matchroom wins purse bid for Sandoval vs. Yafai
In a purse bid held on Friday, the WBC conducted a purse bid for a mandatory fight between the WBC flyweight champion Ricardo Sandoval and interim champion Galal Yafai. The session was presided over by WBC Vice President Alberto León, with the participation of Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions. On behalf of Yafai, Matchroom Boxing secured the promotional rights to the fight with a bid of $625,000. Matchroom topped Golden Boy Promotions who presented a proposal of $411,000.
The WBC will apply its innovative rule for mandatory fights in this contest. Under this regulation, 90% of the total purse ($562,500) will be divided between both boxers according to the corresponding percentages. The remaining 10% ($62,500) will be reserved as a special bonus for the winner of the fight. The official date and venue for this showdown will be announced by Matchroom in the coming weeks.
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Gabriela Fundora continues to dominate at flyweight |
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Gabriela Fundora TKO6 Viviana Ruiz Corredor... American star Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora successfully defended her undisputed world flyweight championship by stopping Colombia’s Viviana Ruiz Corredor (10-3) in the sixth round. The bout took place on Saturday at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, and goes down as a technical knockout that further cemented the 23 year-old southpaw as the sport's defining force in the female 112-pound division. From the opening bell, Fundora (18-0) made full use of her height and reach advantages to dictate the tempo. Behind a sharp jab and left-hand combinations, the champion kept Ruiz Corredor at long range, repeatedly frustrating her attempts to close the distance and work on the inside. While Ruiz Corredor displayed admirable courage and managed to land a few solid shots in the early exchanges, the champion’s steady, punishing offense began to take a visible toll.
The turning point came in the fourth round, when Fundora dropped the challenger with a right hook followed by an uppercut. Though the Colombian rose bravely and continued, the disparity in power and accuracy proved insurmountable. In the sixth round, a sustained barrage left Ruiz Corredor defenseless against the ropes, and the referee stepped in to halt the contest at the 2:52 mark.
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Gabriela Fundora continues to dominate at flyweight
Gabriela Fundora TKO6 Viviana Ruiz Corredor... American star Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora successfully defended her undisputed world flyweight championship by stopping Colombia’s Viviana Ruiz Corredor (10-3) in the sixth round. The bout took place on Saturday at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, and goes down as a technical knockout that further cemented the 23 year-old southpaw as the sport's defining force in the female 112-pound division. From the opening bell, Fundora (18-0) made full use of her height and reach advantages to dictate the tempo. Behind a sharp jab and left-hand combinations, the champion kept Ruiz Corredor at long range, repeatedly frustrating her attempts to close the distance and work on the inside. While Ruiz Corredor displayed admirable courage and managed to land a few solid shots in the early exchanges, the champion’s steady, punishing offense began to take a visible toll.
The turning point came in the fourth round, when Fundora dropped the challenger with a right hook followed by an uppercut. Though the Colombian rose bravely and continued, the disparity in power and accuracy proved insurmountable. In the sixth round, a sustained barrage left Ruiz Corredor defenseless against the ropes, and the referee stepped in to halt the contest at the 2:52 mark.
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BKFC results from England |
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Former BKFC heavyweight champion Mick Terrill won the inaugural BKFC United Kingdom heavyweight title on Saturday at the sold-out Utilita Arena in Newcastle, England. The North Shields, England product Terrill needed just 53 to stop the previously unbeaten Jay McFarlane, who couldn’t continue due to vision issues. Terrill is now 5-2 under the BKFC banner, while the Glasgow, Scotland fighter McFarlane is now 1-1. Terrill called out newly crowned BKFC world heavyweight champion Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski in his post-fight interview: “Give me Arlovski.”
Experienced gloved boxer Dec Spelman climbed to 3-0 with his second straight stoppage victory against Jonny Redmond in the cruiserweight division. Redmond’s corner stopped the fight at the conclusion of the opening round. The Dublin, Ireland fighter Redmond was making his BKFC debut.
Wishaw, Scotland's Sean Weir needed only 102 seconds to stop Matthew Hodgson in their light-heavyweight matchup in Saturday’s Co-Main Event. Weir is now 2-0 with back-to-back stoppage victories under the BKFC banner. Hodgson, who represents Wakefield, England, is now 3-2.
Former World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Gzim Selmani turned heads in his BKFC premiere. The Albanian picked himself up off the canvas and rallied for the four-knockdown win over Dan Curtin 22 seconds into the second round of their heavyweight showdown. Curtin represents Wood Farm, England.
Sunderland, England bantamweight Lewis Garside climbed to 3-0 in his hard-fought, five-round matchup with Kieron Sewell. All three judges scored the fight in favor of Garside (50-45, 49-47, 48-47). The Carlisle, England product Sewell is now 1-1.
Doncaster, England’s Joe Lister improved to 2-1 with a first-round KO victory at the expense of Danny Wall in middleweight action. Lister sent Wall to the canvas twice. The bout was stopped at 1:28 in the opening round. Wall, a product of Pegswood, England, was making his BKFC debut.
Bolton, England’s Jack Cullen smashed his way to 2-0 by defeating Marley Churcher via KO with just one second left in the second round of their cruiserweight battle. Cullen is 22-6-1 in his professional gloved boxing career, and his body of work in that sport includes British and Commonwealth championships. Churcher, who hails from Thatham, England, is now 0-2 in the Squared Circle.
Newcastle, England lightweight Lewis Keen upped his record to 4-1 with a dominant, five-round victory over the previously unbeaten Jon Telfer. Two judges scored the fight 50-43 and one had it 50-44, all in favor of Keen. Telfer, a product of Glasgow, Scotland, is now 2-1.
James Lilley of Swansea, Wales needed just 38 seconds to roll through Yannick Van Dinther in welterweight action. The former BKFC World Lightweight Championship challenger is now 10-3-1 on the strength of back-to-back stoppage victories. Van Dinther, who hails from Den Bosch, The Netherlands, was making his BKFC debut.
Liverpool, England’s Mikey Henderson improved to 3-0 by defeating Liam Dooley via TKO at the conclusion of the opening round. The ringside physician called a stop to the bout due to a cut around the eye of Dooley. Dooley, a product of Manchester, England, is now 1-1.
Washington, England heavyweight James Walker smashed his way to 2-0 with a fourth-round TKO at the expense of Mohammed Saleem. Walker dropped Saleem three times before Saleem’s corner stopped the fight at the conclusion of the fourth round. The Dumfries, Scotland product Saleem was making his BKFC debut.
Sedgefield, England featherweight Jeff Saunders shined in his BKFC debut, sending Bartek Kanabey to the canvas three times en route to the third-round finish. Saunders also sports a professional gloved boxing record of 17-1. Kanabey, who represents Workington, England, is now 2-3.
Bolton, England’s Stew Martin was victorious in his BKFC debut, defeating Jordan Burnett in lightweight action. Martin scored a pair of knockdowns before Burnett’s corner called a stop to the fight at the conclusion of the opening round. Burnett, who hails from Dublin, Ireland, was also making his BKFC debut.
BKFC Fight Night Newcastle Results
Mick Terrill def. Jay McFarlane via TKO in Round 1 (0:53) (wins inaugural BKFC U.K. Heavyweight Title);
Sean Weir def. Matthew Hodgson via TKO in Round 1 (1:42);
Gzim Selmani def. Dan Curtin via KO in Round 2 (0:22);
Lewis Garside def. Kieron Sewell via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-47, 48-47);
Joe Lister def. Danny Wall via KO in Round 1 (1:28);
Jack Cullen def. Marley Churcher via KO in Round 2 (1:59);
Dec Spelman def. Jonny Redmond via TKO in Round 1 (2:00);
Lewis Keen def. Jon Telfer via Unanimous Decision (50-43 (twice), 50-44);
James Lilley def. Yannick Van Dinther via KO in Round 1 (0:38);
Mikey Henderson def. Liam Dooley via TKO in Round 1 (2:00);
James Walker def. Mohammed Saleem via TKO in Round 4 (2:00);
Jeff Saunders def. Bartek Kanabey via TKO in Round 3 (0:28); and
Stew Martin def. Jordan Burnett via TKO in Round 1 (2:00).
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BKFC results from England
Former BKFC heavyweight champion Mick Terrill won the inaugural BKFC United Kingdom heavyweight title on Saturday at the sold-out Utilita Arena in Newcastle, England. The North Shields, England product Terrill needed just 53 to stop the previously unbeaten Jay McFarlane, who couldn’t continue due to vision issues. Terrill is now 5-2 under the BKFC banner, while the Glasgow, Scotland fighter McFarlane is now 1-1. Terrill called out newly crowned BKFC world heavyweight champion Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski in his post-fight interview: “Give me Arlovski.”
Experienced gloved boxer Dec Spelman climbed to 3-0 with his second straight stoppage victory against Jonny Redmond in the cruiserweight division. Redmond’s corner stopped the fight at the conclusion of the opening round. The Dublin, Ireland fighter Redmond was making his BKFC debut.
Wishaw, Scotland's Sean Weir needed only 102 seconds to stop Matthew Hodgson in their light-heavyweight matchup in Saturday’s Co-Main Event. Weir is now 2-0 with back-to-back stoppage victories under the BKFC banner. Hodgson, who represents Wakefield, England, is now 3-2.
Former World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Gzim Selmani turned heads in his BKFC premiere. The Albanian picked himself up off the canvas and rallied for the four-knockdown win over Dan Curtin 22 seconds into the second round of their heavyweight showdown. Curtin represents Wood Farm, England.
Sunderland, England bantamweight Lewis Garside climbed to 3-0 in his hard-fought, five-round matchup with Kieron Sewell. All three judges scored the fight in favor of Garside (50-45, 49-47, 48-47). The Carlisle, England product Sewell is now 1-1.
Doncaster, England’s Joe Lister improved to 2-1 with a first-round KO victory at the expense of Danny Wall in middleweight action. Lister sent Wall to the canvas twice. The bout was stopped at 1:28 in the opening round. Wall, a product of Pegswood, England, was making his BKFC debut.
Bolton, England’s Jack Cullen smashed his way to 2-0 by defeating Marley Churcher via KO with just one second left in the second round of their cruiserweight battle. Cullen is 22-6-1 in his professional gloved boxing career, and his body of work in that sport includes British and Commonwealth championships. Churcher, who hails from Thatham, England, is now 0-2 in the Squared Circle.
Newcastle, England lightweight Lewis Keen upped his record to 4-1 with a dominant, five-round victory over the previously unbeaten Jon Telfer. Two judges scored the fight 50-43 and one had it 50-44, all in favor of Keen. Telfer, a product of Glasgow, Scotland, is now 2-1.
James Lilley of Swansea, Wales needed just 38 seconds to roll through Yannick Van Dinther in welterweight action. The former BKFC World Lightweight Championship challenger is now 10-3-1 on the strength of back-to-back stoppage victories. Van Dinther, who hails from Den Bosch, The Netherlands, was making his BKFC debut.
Liverpool, England’s Mikey Henderson improved to 3-0 by defeating Liam Dooley via TKO at the conclusion of the opening round. The ringside physician called a stop to the bout due to a cut around the eye of Dooley. Dooley, a product of Manchester, England, is now 1-1.
Washington, England heavyweight James Walker smashed his way to 2-0 with a fourth-round TKO at the expense of Mohammed Saleem. Walker dropped Saleem three times before Saleem’s corner stopped the fight at the conclusion of the fourth round. The Dumfries, Scotland product Saleem was making his BKFC debut.
Sedgefield, England featherweight Jeff Saunders shined in his BKFC debut, sending Bartek Kanabey to the canvas three times en route to the third-round finish. Saunders also sports a professional gloved boxing record of 17-1. Kanabey, who represents Workington, England, is now 2-3.
Bolton, England’s Stew Martin was victorious in his BKFC debut, defeating Jordan Burnett in lightweight action. Martin scored a pair of knockdowns before Burnett’s corner called a stop to the fight at the conclusion of the opening round. Burnett, who hails from Dublin, Ireland, was also making his BKFC debut.
BKFC Fight Night Newcastle Results
Mick Terrill def. Jay McFarlane via TKO in Round 1 (0:53) (wins inaugural BKFC U.K. Heavyweight Title);
Sean Weir def. Matthew Hodgson via TKO in Round 1 (1:42);
Gzim Selmani def. Dan Curtin via KO in Round 2 (0:22);
Lewis Garside def. Kieron Sewell via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-47, 48-47);
Joe Lister def. Danny Wall via KO in Round 1 (1:28);
Jack Cullen def. Marley Churcher via KO in Round 2 (1:59);
Dec Spelman def. Jonny Redmond via TKO in Round 1 (2:00);
Lewis Keen def. Jon Telfer via Unanimous Decision (50-43 (twice), 50-44);
James Lilley def. Yannick Van Dinther via KO in Round 1 (0:38);
Mikey Henderson def. Liam Dooley via TKO in Round 1 (2:00);
James Walker def. Mohammed Saleem via TKO in Round 4 (2:00);
Jeff Saunders def. Bartek Kanabey via TKO in Round 3 (0:28); and
Stew Martin def. Jordan Burnett via TKO in Round 1 (2:00).
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Collazo defends minimumweight titles |
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Oscar Collazo TKO6 Jesus Haro... Oscar Collazo stopped unqualified challenger Jesus Haro to retain his WBA and WBO world 105-pound titles. After sx one-sided rounds, Haro's corner advised the referee their man was not coming out for the seventh. The Puerto Rican champion is now 14-0 and deserves further unification opportunities. The American Haro, more a of a gatekeeper-level boxer, is now 13-4.
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Collazo defends minimumweight titles
Oscar Collazo TKO6 Jesus Haro... Oscar Collazo stopped unqualified challenger Jesus Haro to retain his WBA and WBO world 105-pound titles. After sx one-sided rounds, Haro's corner advised the referee their man was not coming out for the seventh. The Puerto Rican champion is now 14-0 and deserves further unification opportunities. The American Haro, more a of a gatekeeper-level boxer, is now 13-4.
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Barboza launches welterweight campaign with quality win |
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Arnold Barboza Jr. W12 Kenneth Sims Jr.... Former junior welterweight contender Arnold Barboza Jr. kicked off a new chapter in his career on Saturday. Starting his campaign as a welterweight, Barboza defeated Kenneth Sims Jr. in Anaheim, California. Barboza dominated the contest and was declared the winner on all three judges' scorecards after twelve rounds. The fight served as the main event of a Golden Boy Promotions card in Anaheim, California. Now 33-1, Barboza rebounded nicely from his last fight, a decision loss to then-world junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez. Sims is now 22-4-1.
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Barboza launches welterweight campaign with quality win
Arnold Barboza Jr. W12 Kenneth Sims Jr.... Former junior welterweight contender Arnold Barboza Jr. kicked off a new chapter in his career on Saturday. Starting his campaign as a welterweight, Barboza defeated Kenneth Sims Jr. in Anaheim, California. Barboza dominated the contest and was declared the winner on all three judges' scorecards after twelve rounds. The fight served as the main event of a Golden Boy Promotions card in Anaheim, California. Now 33-1, Barboza rebounded nicely from his last fight, a decision loss to then-world junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez. Sims is now 22-4-1.
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Anthony Cacace earns WBA 130-pound championship |
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Anthony Cacace W12 James Dickens... Anthony Cacace became a two-time junior lightweight champion at the 3Arena in Dublin. Cacace used his power and range to lift the WBA title from James Dickens by unanimous decision. Official scores were 116-112, 116-113 and 115-113. It is the second time that Cacace has won a title at 130 pounds as 'The Apache' also captured the IBF title back in May 2018 when the Irishman knocked out Joe Cordina. He's also recognized as the IBO champion.
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Anthony Cacace earns WBA 130-pound championship
Anthony Cacace W12 James Dickens... Anthony Cacace became a two-time junior lightweight champion at the 3Arena in Dublin. Cacace used his power and range to lift the WBA title from James Dickens by unanimous decision. Official scores were 116-112, 116-113 and 115-113. It is the second time that Cacace has won a title at 130 pounds as 'The Apache' also captured the IBF title back in May 2018 when the Irishman knocked out Joe Cordina. He's also recognized as the IBO champion.
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Mayer says goodbye to Top Rank |
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Mikaela Mayer, who recently signed with Jake Paul's MVP Promotions, said goodbye to her longtime promoter Top Rank: "I want to thank my Top Rank family for an amazing nine years together. I absolutely would NOT be in this position today if it wasn’t for their guidance. They helped develop me into a three-division champion and I will forever be grateful. To [Top Rank execuitve] Todd Duboef, thank you for taking that meeting with me all those years ago. For believing in me and for believing in women's boxing." PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE MARCH 15, 2026: Most Valuable Promotions has announced the signing of Mikaela Mayer to a promotional contract. Mayer is a three-division champion, currently reigning as the unified WBA / WBC champion at 154 pounds and WBO champion at 147 pounds. She is also a 2016 U.S. Olympian who has spent most of her career promoted by Top Rank. MVP recently signed a broadcast deal with ESPN to showcase its roster of many of the best women boxers in the world.
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Mayer says goodbye to Top Rank
Mikaela Mayer, who recently signed with Jake Paul's MVP Promotions, said goodbye to her longtime promoter Top Rank: "I want to thank my Top Rank family for an amazing nine years together. I absolutely would NOT be in this position today if it wasn’t for their guidance. They helped develop me into a three-division champion and I will forever be grateful. To [Top Rank execuitve] Todd Duboef, thank you for taking that meeting with me all those years ago. For believing in me and for believing in women's boxing." PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE MARCH 15, 2026: Most Valuable Promotions has announced the signing of Mikaela Mayer to a promotional contract. Mayer is a three-division champion, currently reigning as the unified WBA / WBC champion at 154 pounds and WBO champion at 147 pounds. She is also a 2016 U.S. Olympian who has spent most of her career promoted by Top Rank. MVP recently signed a broadcast deal with ESPN to showcase its roster of many of the best women boxers in the world.
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Part four of eight: where does the Ali Act fit in? |
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Professional boxing in the United States has operated under a federal law named the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act since 2000. The Ali Act was enacted to address historical abuses in a fragmented marketplace. Its core principles emphasized: financial transparency, required promoter revenue disclosure; limitations on manager-promoter conflicts of interest, including separations between promoters and managers, independent ranking governance, and a limited private right of action (right to sue) for fighters. The statute was drafted within the decentralized ecosystem prevalent up until now. Understanding how that architecture interacts with evolving centralized models is essential.
The Current Legal Baseline
As presently written, the Ali Act applies to professional boxing promoters, managers, and sanctioning bodies. It does NOT apply to mixed martial arts (MMA). If a fighter competes in a professional boxing bout in the United States, the Ali Act governs the promotional and sanctioning framework under which that bout is conducted. That is the statutory baseline.
The emergence of centralized promotional structures — including the Zuffa Boxing venture operating within TKO Group Holdings and supported by Sela — does not, under current law, remove the requirement to comply with the Ali Act.
Therefore, the relevant question is not whether the statute applies. It is how its provisions operate within integrated governance structures.
The Proposed Unified Boxing Organization (UBO) Framework
Backed by UFC lobbyists, there have been political proposals to amend the Ali Act to bend to Zuffa’s format. The proposed bill, H.R. 4624, would introduce a new entity category known as a Unified Boxing Organization (UBO).
The UBO framework would permit: vertically integrated promotion and championship governance, centralized, promoter-sponsored ranking systems, league-style operational structures, minimum per-round compensation standards, expanded medical and safety requirements and contract term limits and defined free-agency windows
This proposal does not repeal the Ali Act. Instead, it creates an alternative regulatory pathway through which promoters may elect to operate under UBO certification.
This introduces a dual-framework structure where the traditional decentralized architecture envisioned by the original Ali Act would compete with a certified integrated governance structure recognized through UBO designation. The policy debate centers not on elimination, but on calibration.
Separation vs. Integration
The original Ali Act emphasized separation between promoter and manager functions and relied on independent sanctioning bodies for championship governance. In that decentralized ecosystem — involving promoters such as Matchroom, Queensberry, and Golden Boy, and sanctioning bodies such as the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO — these separations operate structurally.
In a centralized model — such as the Zuffa/TKO/Sela-aligned structure — governance, promotion, and championship authority operate within a unified framework. If Congress formally recognizes such integration through UBO certification, the issue would then become how transparency, conflict safeguards, and enforcement mechanisms function within that integration.
Disclosure Architecture
Under the current Ali Act, promoters must disclose certain financial information tied to specific events. This structure aligns naturally with event-by-event negotiation in a decentralized market In a centralized model operating under multi-year media agreements and pooled revenue structures, disclosure architecture may function differently. Key considerations include: whether event-level revenue disclosure remains required, how pooled media rights revenue is attributed to individual bouts; whether fighters retain meaningful access to compensation-relevant financial information and how compliance is defined under UBO certification.
How Congress defines these elements in final statutory language will determine how disclosure operates within integrated systems.
Private Right of Action and Enforcement
The Ali Act includes a limited private right of action allowing fighters to sue for statutory violations. If the UBO framework introduces certification standards or modifies compliance definitions, enforcement scope will depend on how those standards are drafted. Courts apply statutes as written but judges (judicial) review will reflect that framework.
Structural Recalibration
The proposed legal reforms combine two elements: allowing the integrated governance structure (UBO framework) and adding baseline compensation and safety safeguards such as minimum per-round pay, expanded medical coverage, inactivity protections and contract term limits. This latter category represent tangible improvements for boxers.
At the same time, formal recognition of centralized governance alters how separation and disclosure principles function in practice. The central legislative question is how protection is structured within evolving market architecture.
Core Policy Tension
The decentralized model, whose leading players are Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, DAZN and the four major sanctioning bodies, currently emphasizes separation. It encourages competitive bidding tension ad facilitates, in theory, event-level financial disclosure.
The centralized model, represented by the alliance between Zuffa, TKO, Sela and Turki Alalsheikh emphasizes integration, consolidates ranking authority into the hands of the promoter and helps in terms of coordinating championship governance
The difference is whether modernization strengthens or narrows substantive leverage. But that depends disclosure definition, enforcement clarity, ranking oversight mechanisms and conflict-of-interest safeguards. The durability of the centralized model will depend on how these elements are defined in final statutory text.
The Ali Act and Structural Design
To review, the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act was enacted to preserve transparency and protect fighters within a pluralistic promotional marketplace. Its core requirements — including financial disclosure, separation between managerial and promotional functions, and ranking integrity safeguards — were structured around a decentralized competitive environment.
As promotional architectures evolve, adherence to statutory safeguards becomes increasingly consequential. Centralized models must operate within anti-coercion and disclosure standards designed to prevent undue leverage concentration. Decentralized actors benefit from statutory reinforcement of transparency and governance independence. In this sense, compliance with the Ali Act is structural — not procedural.
Strategic Observation
Regulatory architecture does not operate independently of market structure. If centralized integration expands while statutory definitions remain ambiguous, litigation risk increases. If statutory definitions are clarified with precision, leverage recalibration becomes predictable. The interaction between structure and statute will influence whether competitive balance remains pluralistic or becomes increasingly concentrated.
Editor's note: This is the fourth part of an eight part series.
Part one is published here: Boxing is at an inflection point.
Part two is published here: The Structural Divide.
Part three is published here: Boxer leverage
The next section identifies the specific statutory definition points Congress must clarify to ensure modernization preserves substantive safeguards within evolving governance structures.
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Part four of eight: where does the Ali Act fit in?
Professional boxing in the United States has operated under a federal law named the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act since 2000. The Ali Act was enacted to address historical abuses in a fragmented marketplace. Its core principles emphasized: financial transparency, required promoter revenue disclosure; limitations on manager-promoter conflicts of interest, including separations between promoters and managers, independent ranking governance, and a limited private right of action (right to sue) for fighters. The statute was drafted within the decentralized ecosystem prevalent up until now. Understanding how that architecture interacts with evolving centralized models is essential.
The Current Legal Baseline
As presently written, the Ali Act applies to professional boxing promoters, managers, and sanctioning bodies. It does NOT apply to mixed martial arts (MMA). If a fighter competes in a professional boxing bout in the United States, the Ali Act governs the promotional and sanctioning framework under which that bout is conducted. That is the statutory baseline.
The emergence of centralized promotional structures — including the Zuffa Boxing venture operating within TKO Group Holdings and supported by Sela — does not, under current law, remove the requirement to comply with the Ali Act.
Therefore, the relevant question is not whether the statute applies. It is how its provisions operate within integrated governance structures.
The Proposed Unified Boxing Organization (UBO) Framework
Backed by UFC lobbyists, there have been political proposals to amend the Ali Act to bend to Zuffa’s format. The proposed bill, H.R. 4624, would introduce a new entity category known as a Unified Boxing Organization (UBO).
The UBO framework would permit: vertically integrated promotion and championship governance, centralized, promoter-sponsored ranking systems, league-style operational structures, minimum per-round compensation standards, expanded medical and safety requirements and contract term limits and defined free-agency windows
This proposal does not repeal the Ali Act. Instead, it creates an alternative regulatory pathway through which promoters may elect to operate under UBO certification.
This introduces a dual-framework structure where the traditional decentralized architecture envisioned by the original Ali Act would compete with a certified integrated governance structure recognized through UBO designation. The policy debate centers not on elimination, but on calibration.
Separation vs. Integration
The original Ali Act emphasized separation between promoter and manager functions and relied on independent sanctioning bodies for championship governance. In that decentralized ecosystem — involving promoters such as Matchroom, Queensberry, and Golden Boy, and sanctioning bodies such as the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO — these separations operate structurally.
In a centralized model — such as the Zuffa/TKO/Sela-aligned structure — governance, promotion, and championship authority operate within a unified framework. If Congress formally recognizes such integration through UBO certification, the issue would then become how transparency, conflict safeguards, and enforcement mechanisms function within that integration.
Disclosure Architecture
Under the current Ali Act, promoters must disclose certain financial information tied to specific events. This structure aligns naturally with event-by-event negotiation in a decentralized market In a centralized model operating under multi-year media agreements and pooled revenue structures, disclosure architecture may function differently. Key considerations include: whether event-level revenue disclosure remains required, how pooled media rights revenue is attributed to individual bouts; whether fighters retain meaningful access to compensation-relevant financial information and how compliance is defined under UBO certification.
How Congress defines these elements in final statutory language will determine how disclosure operates within integrated systems.
Private Right of Action and Enforcement
The Ali Act includes a limited private right of action allowing fighters to sue for statutory violations. If the UBO framework introduces certification standards or modifies compliance definitions, enforcement scope will depend on how those standards are drafted. Courts apply statutes as written but judges (judicial) review will reflect that framework.
Structural Recalibration
The proposed legal reforms combine two elements: allowing the integrated governance structure (UBO framework) and adding baseline compensation and safety safeguards such as minimum per-round pay, expanded medical coverage, inactivity protections and contract term limits. This latter category represent tangible improvements for boxers.
At the same time, formal recognition of centralized governance alters how separation and disclosure principles function in practice. The central legislative question is how protection is structured within evolving market architecture.
Core Policy Tension
The decentralized model, whose leading players are Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, DAZN and the four major sanctioning bodies, currently emphasizes separation. It encourages competitive bidding tension ad facilitates, in theory, event-level financial disclosure.
The centralized model, represented by the alliance between Zuffa, TKO, Sela and Turki Alalsheikh emphasizes integration, consolidates ranking authority into the hands of the promoter and helps in terms of coordinating championship governance
The difference is whether modernization strengthens or narrows substantive leverage. But that depends disclosure definition, enforcement clarity, ranking oversight mechanisms and conflict-of-interest safeguards. The durability of the centralized model will depend on how these elements are defined in final statutory text.
The Ali Act and Structural Design
To review, the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act was enacted to preserve transparency and protect fighters within a pluralistic promotional marketplace. Its core requirements — including financial disclosure, separation between managerial and promotional functions, and ranking integrity safeguards — were structured around a decentralized competitive environment.
As promotional architectures evolve, adherence to statutory safeguards becomes increasingly consequential. Centralized models must operate within anti-coercion and disclosure standards designed to prevent undue leverage concentration. Decentralized actors benefit from statutory reinforcement of transparency and governance independence. In this sense, compliance with the Ali Act is structural — not procedural.
Strategic Observation
Regulatory architecture does not operate independently of market structure. If centralized integration expands while statutory definitions remain ambiguous, litigation risk increases. If statutory definitions are clarified with precision, leverage recalibration becomes predictable. The interaction between structure and statute will influence whether competitive balance remains pluralistic or becomes increasingly concentrated.
Editor's note: This is the fourth part of an eight part series.
Part one is published here: Boxing is at an inflection point.
Part two is published here: The Structural Divide.
Part three is published here: Boxer leverage
The next section identifies the specific statutory definition points Congress must clarify to ensure modernization preserves substantive safeguards within evolving governance structures.
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Lopez and Gallegos engage in light heavyweight war |
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Najee Lopez KO8 Manuel Gallegos... In a light heavyweight war, rising Najee Lopez stopped the relentless Manuel Gallegos (22-3-1, 19 KOs) in eight unforgettable rounds to win a blood-soaked battle at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. Fighting live on ProBoxTV, Lopez (16-0, 13 KOs) of Ellenwood, Georgia, and Gallegos (22-4-1, 19 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico, went all-out The level of combat these two fighters reached is hard to describe because it has seldom been attained by any other matchup in memorable history. Skipping several unforgettable moments and despite being dropped in an insane round seven, Lopez recovered quickly and used his superior conditioning to load up and finally put an end to the spirited effort of the fearless Gallegos at 2:41 round eight.
“That just shows you I’m a true champion and I’m here to stay,” said an overjoyed Lopez, post-fight. I’m willing to prove it every time I step in the ring. He (Gallegos) was the best version of himself possible. I fought a true champion tonight. I’m not going to lie. That ring was small and he’s a big guy. I felt not only his shots; I let his presence. He came to win, but I showed I was there to win, too. It came down to nutrition and willpower. We both had a game plan, But I had more will.
“That’s a tough mf right there, continued Lopez. “Soon as I had him on the hook, I wasn’t going to let him off. That was 100% of a test and I feel like I passed it.”
Dominic Valle W10 Eduardo Ramirez... Undefeated Dominic Valle (13-0, 7 KOs) of Lutz, Florida, won a controversial but unanimous ten-round decision over Sinaloa, Mexico’s Eduardo “Zurdito” Ramirez (29-6-3, 14 KOs) in the night’s 10-round super featherweight co-featured bout. Over the first four rounds, the battle-hardened Ramirez outworked and overwhelmed the younger Valle, taking away his room to punch and clubbing the youngster with both hands all around the ring. Ramirez staggered Valle in round five with a hook, but Valle came back with his own firepower to stave off any thoughts of a potential stoppage. Later in the same round, the brave youngster Valle staggered Ramirez with an uppercut and proceeded to batter him as payback throughout round six. Ringside officials took a long look at Valle’s rapidly closing right eye to start round seven but allowed the fight to continue. Valle took advantage of the break by battering Ramirez to the body, nipping round seven and, especially, round eight. After a tossup round nine, Ramirez came out for round ten on fire, throwing two-handed combinations to Valle’s head and body. In the end, the Florida judges ruled it 96-94, and two debatably wide scores of 98-92 unanimously for Valle.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
In the night’s first Contender Series matchup, Cleveland light heavyweight Dante Benjamin (14-0-1, 9 KOs) continued to show his world-class mettle by winning an eight-round unanimous decision over formerly undefeated Angel Lozano (8-1, 6 KOs) of Pomona, California. With three back-and-forth rounds in the bank, the sharpshooting Benajamin took control in round four, as his long-range sniper shots exploded with improved frequency to the head and body of the seemingly fading Lozano. The surging Benjamin punished Lozano with sharp jabs in round five, but to his credit, Lozano came back in round six with several combinations behind an industrious jab and a series of well-placed combinations. Benjamin had the upper hand in the final two rounds and pulled away by scores of 80-72, 77-75, and 78-74.
In a “bombs away” s six rounder between two 100% knockout punchers, New Orleans' Delvin Mckinley (14-5-1, 13 KOs) took a thrilling, upset majority decision over Christian “Il Bambino” Chessa (6-1, 6 KOs) of Italy. After an even first round, McKinley hurt Chessa with an uppercut in round two, creating a big swelling under his left eye and drawing blood from the nose. Chessa revealed an ability to box in round three, thwarting the KO efforts of the heavy-handed McKinley by moving around the ring. Chessa continued to fight smartly in round four, landing several strong body shots and winning the round with his pinpoint counters. McKinley, however, and his aggressive power shots, enjoyed a resurgence in rounds five and six, landing several eye-catching combinations with Chessa’s left eye closing rapidly. In a typical ProBoxTV war, McKinley won the upset nod by scores of 57-57, and two scores of 58-56.
To open the televised action, Lutz, Florida’s Kenyan Valle (3-0, 1 KO) took a hard-fought six-round unanimous decision over Anel Dudo (4-7-1, 1 KO) of Aurora, Colorado. After a measured first round, seemingly controlled by the more experienced Dudo, Valle found his footing in round two with multi-punch combinations upstairs and down. A stalking Dudo began to pressure Valle to improved effect in round three. Dudo seemingly stunned Valle with an uppercut that snapped his head back and lumped up the eye in a strong round four. Dudo’s activity picked up in round five, however, Valle’s more accurate shots did an effective job thwarting his aggression. Dudo went for broke early in round six but ran into several strong body shots to the liver from a still-fresh Valle, who won the round to conclude the fight. The scores were 59-55 (twice) and 60-54 for Valle to stay undefeated in his young career, earning a good learning experience.
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Lopez and Gallegos engage in light heavyweight war
Najee Lopez KO8 Manuel Gallegos... In a light heavyweight war, rising Najee Lopez stopped the relentless Manuel Gallegos (22-3-1, 19 KOs) in eight unforgettable rounds to win a blood-soaked battle at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. Fighting live on ProBoxTV, Lopez (16-0, 13 KOs) of Ellenwood, Georgia, and Gallegos (22-4-1, 19 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico, went all-out The level of combat these two fighters reached is hard to describe because it has seldom been attained by any other matchup in memorable history. Skipping several unforgettable moments and despite being dropped in an insane round seven, Lopez recovered quickly and used his superior conditioning to load up and finally put an end to the spirited effort of the fearless Gallegos at 2:41 round eight.
“That just shows you I’m a true champion and I’m here to stay,” said an overjoyed Lopez, post-fight. I’m willing to prove it every time I step in the ring. He (Gallegos) was the best version of himself possible. I fought a true champion tonight. I’m not going to lie. That ring was small and he’s a big guy. I felt not only his shots; I let his presence. He came to win, but I showed I was there to win, too. It came down to nutrition and willpower. We both had a game plan, But I had more will.
“That’s a tough mf right there, continued Lopez. “Soon as I had him on the hook, I wasn’t going to let him off. That was 100% of a test and I feel like I passed it.”
Dominic Valle W10 Eduardo Ramirez... Undefeated Dominic Valle (13-0, 7 KOs) of Lutz, Florida, won a controversial but unanimous ten-round decision over Sinaloa, Mexico’s Eduardo “Zurdito” Ramirez (29-6-3, 14 KOs) in the night’s 10-round super featherweight co-featured bout. Over the first four rounds, the battle-hardened Ramirez outworked and overwhelmed the younger Valle, taking away his room to punch and clubbing the youngster with both hands all around the ring. Ramirez staggered Valle in round five with a hook, but Valle came back with his own firepower to stave off any thoughts of a potential stoppage. Later in the same round, the brave youngster Valle staggered Ramirez with an uppercut and proceeded to batter him as payback throughout round six. Ringside officials took a long look at Valle’s rapidly closing right eye to start round seven but allowed the fight to continue. Valle took advantage of the break by battering Ramirez to the body, nipping round seven and, especially, round eight. After a tossup round nine, Ramirez came out for round ten on fire, throwing two-handed combinations to Valle’s head and body. In the end, the Florida judges ruled it 96-94, and two debatably wide scores of 98-92 unanimously for Valle.
ADDITIONAL RESULTS
In the night’s first Contender Series matchup, Cleveland light heavyweight Dante Benjamin (14-0-1, 9 KOs) continued to show his world-class mettle by winning an eight-round unanimous decision over formerly undefeated Angel Lozano (8-1, 6 KOs) of Pomona, California. With three back-and-forth rounds in the bank, the sharpshooting Benajamin took control in round four, as his long-range sniper shots exploded with improved frequency to the head and body of the seemingly fading Lozano. The surging Benjamin punished Lozano with sharp jabs in round five, but to his credit, Lozano came back in round six with several combinations behind an industrious jab and a series of well-placed combinations. Benjamin had the upper hand in the final two rounds and pulled away by scores of 80-72, 77-75, and 78-74.
In a “bombs away” s six rounder between two 100% knockout punchers, New Orleans' Delvin Mckinley (14-5-1, 13 KOs) took a thrilling, upset majority decision over Christian “Il Bambino” Chessa (6-1, 6 KOs) of Italy. After an even first round, McKinley hurt Chessa with an uppercut in round two, creating a big swelling under his left eye and drawing blood from the nose. Chessa revealed an ability to box in round three, thwarting the KO efforts of the heavy-handed McKinley by moving around the ring. Chessa continued to fight smartly in round four, landing several strong body shots and winning the round with his pinpoint counters. McKinley, however, and his aggressive power shots, enjoyed a resurgence in rounds five and six, landing several eye-catching combinations with Chessa’s left eye closing rapidly. In a typical ProBoxTV war, McKinley won the upset nod by scores of 57-57, and two scores of 58-56.
To open the televised action, Lutz, Florida’s Kenyan Valle (3-0, 1 KO) took a hard-fought six-round unanimous decision over Anel Dudo (4-7-1, 1 KO) of Aurora, Colorado. After a measured first round, seemingly controlled by the more experienced Dudo, Valle found his footing in round two with multi-punch combinations upstairs and down. A stalking Dudo began to pressure Valle to improved effect in round three. Dudo seemingly stunned Valle with an uppercut that snapped his head back and lumped up the eye in a strong round four. Dudo’s activity picked up in round five, however, Valle’s more accurate shots did an effective job thwarting his aggression. Dudo went for broke early in round six but ran into several strong body shots to the liver from a still-fresh Valle, who won the round to conclude the fight. The scores were 59-55 (twice) and 60-54 for Valle to stay undefeated in his young career, earning a good learning experience.
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Tonight: title defense for Oscar Collazo |
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The Honda Center in Anaheim, California, will play host today (March 14th) to an anticipated title fight in the l105-pound weight class. Puerto Rico’s Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (13-0) is set to step into the ring to defend his WBA and WBO minimumweight championships against American challenger Jesús Haro (13-3). Collazo, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the professional ranks, enters the bout determined to reaffirm his status as the premier force at 105 pounds. Known for his high punch output and polished technical skills, the Puerto Rican star is aiming not only to retain his crown but also to send a strong message to the division’s other titleholders as he eyes total unification.
Meanwhile, Haro faces the biggest test of his professional career. The Nevada native, recognized for his speed and ring mobility, arrives with the reputation of a dangerous challenger ready to spring the upset on California soil. Haro has stressed throughout camp the importance of neutralizing Collazo’s relentless pressure in order to dictate the tempo and attempt to strip the unbeaten champion from Villalba of his unified champion status.
This clash of styles promises a high-level tactical battle fought at a fast pace. While Collazo will look to close the distance and punish with sustained combinations, Haro is expected to rely on counterpunching and precise timing in an effort to frustrate the champion.
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Tonight: title defense for Oscar Collazo
The Honda Center in Anaheim, California, will play host today (March 14th) to an anticipated title fight in the l105-pound weight class. Puerto Rico’s Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (13-0) is set to step into the ring to defend his WBA and WBO minimumweight championships against American challenger Jesús Haro (13-3). Collazo, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the professional ranks, enters the bout determined to reaffirm his status as the premier force at 105 pounds. Known for his high punch output and polished technical skills, the Puerto Rican star is aiming not only to retain his crown but also to send a strong message to the division’s other titleholders as he eyes total unification.
Meanwhile, Haro faces the biggest test of his professional career. The Nevada native, recognized for his speed and ring mobility, arrives with the reputation of a dangerous challenger ready to spring the upset on California soil. Haro has stressed throughout camp the importance of neutralizing Collazo’s relentless pressure in order to dictate the tempo and attempt to strip the unbeaten champion from Villalba of his unified champion status.
This clash of styles promises a high-level tactical battle fought at a fast pace. While Collazo will look to close the distance and punish with sustained combinations, Haro is expected to rely on counterpunching and precise timing in an effort to frustrate the champion.
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Spotlight on Hovhannisyan vs. Navarro |
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Yesterday, PBC announced that its March 28th pay-per-view event had a new opening bout, with Armenian heavyweight hopeful Gurgen Hovhannisyan set to fight Cesar Navarro in a ten-round showdown. An Armenian-native now living and training in Los Angeles, Hovhannisyan (9-0, 8 KOs) has made his rise under top trainer Joe Goossen. Hovhannisyan returns to action after scoring two victories in 2025. He kicked off the year with a fifth-round KO of Dajuan Calloway in April before most recently stopping Chris Thomas in round three in July. The 28-year-old also owns a stoppage victory over veteran Michael Polite-Coffie.
“I’m ready to show everybody how much I continue to improve,” said Hovhannisyan. “I’m definitely coming for another knockout victory. We’ve been grinding and grinding and it’s time to show the world all that we’ve been working on.”
The 26-year-old Navarro (15-3, 13 KOs) steps back into the ring fresh off back-to-back TKO victories, with his most recent triumph coming last September against Derek Saul Cardenas Perez. The 26-year-old showed he’s danger for any opponent last May as he dropped the undefeated contender Dainier Pero twice before losing a close decision. A pro since 2017, Navarro was unbeaten in his first eight fights and has gone the distance in each of his defeats.
“Opportunities like this don’t come around often and I don’t take it lightly,” said Navarro. “On March 28 in Las Vegas I get to step into the ring against a tough opponent in Gurgen Hovhannisyan. It’s a big stage and that’s exactly where I want to be. I’m proud to represent Phoenix and my Mexican roots event time I step into the ring. Fighters from where I’m from know how to grind and fight with heart. On March 28th I’m coming to represent my city, my culture and everyone who believes in me. Phoenix and Mexico – this is for you.”
the March 28th a PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This fight replaces the previously announced IBF heavyweight eliminator between Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr. That bout has been postponed. The pay-per-view will now open up with heavyweight slugger Gurgen Hovhannisyan stepping in to face Cesar Navarro in a ten-round showdown.
Super middleweights Elijah Garcia and Kevin Newman II will now meet in the main event of PBC on Prime Video actio
undefeated heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan will make his 2026 debut as he continues his ascent up the rankings against Cesar Navarro, who will look to make it three straight victories in their 10-round affair.
An Armenian-native now living and training in Los Angeles, Hovhannisyan (9-0, 8 KOs) has made his rise under the watchful eye of top trainer Joe Goossen. Now the WBA’s number 10 ranked heavyweight, Hovhannisyan returns to action after scoring two victories in 2025. He kicked off the year with a fifth-round KO of Dajuan Calloway in April before most recently stopping Chris Thomas in round three in July. The 28-year-old also owns a stoppage victory over veteran contender Michael Polite-Coffie.
“I’m ready to show everybody how much I continue to improve,” said Hovhannisyan. “I’m definitely coming for another knockout victory. We’ve been grinding and grinding and it’s time to show the world all that we’ve been working on.”
The 26-year-old Navarro (15-3, 13 KOs) steps back into the ring fresh off back-to-back TKO victories, with his most recent triumph coming last September against Derek Saul Cardenas Perez. The 26-year-old showed he’s danger for any opponent last May as he dropped the undefeated contender Dainier Pero twice before losing a close decision. A pro since 2017, Navarro was unbeaten in his first eight fights and has gone the distance in each of his defeats.
“Opportunities like this don’t come around often and I don’t take it lightly,” said Navarro. “On March 28 in Las Vegas I get to step into the ring against a tough opponent in Gurgen Hovhannisyan. It’s a big stage and that’s exactly where I want to be. I’m proud to represent Phoenix and my Mexican roots event time I step into the ring. Fighters from where I’m from know how to grind and fight with heart. On March 28th I’m coming to represent my city, my culture and everyone who believes in me. Phoenix and Mexico – this is for you.”
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Spotlight on Hovhannisyan vs. Navarro
Yesterday, PBC announced that its March 28th pay-per-view event had a new opening bout, with Armenian heavyweight hopeful Gurgen Hovhannisyan set to fight Cesar Navarro in a ten-round showdown. An Armenian-native now living and training in Los Angeles, Hovhannisyan (9-0, 8 KOs) has made his rise under top trainer Joe Goossen. Hovhannisyan returns to action after scoring two victories in 2025. He kicked off the year with a fifth-round KO of Dajuan Calloway in April before most recently stopping Chris Thomas in round three in July. The 28-year-old also owns a stoppage victory over veteran Michael Polite-Coffie.
“I’m ready to show everybody how much I continue to improve,” said Hovhannisyan. “I’m definitely coming for another knockout victory. We’ve been grinding and grinding and it’s time to show the world all that we’ve been working on.”
The 26-year-old Navarro (15-3, 13 KOs) steps back into the ring fresh off back-to-back TKO victories, with his most recent triumph coming last September against Derek Saul Cardenas Perez. The 26-year-old showed he’s danger for any opponent last May as he dropped the undefeated contender Dainier Pero twice before losing a close decision. A pro since 2017, Navarro was unbeaten in his first eight fights and has gone the distance in each of his defeats.
“Opportunities like this don’t come around often and I don’t take it lightly,” said Navarro. “On March 28 in Las Vegas I get to step into the ring against a tough opponent in Gurgen Hovhannisyan. It’s a big stage and that’s exactly where I want to be. I’m proud to represent Phoenix and my Mexican roots event time I step into the ring. Fighters from where I’m from know how to grind and fight with heart. On March 28th I’m coming to represent my city, my culture and everyone who believes in me. Phoenix and Mexico – this is for you.”
the March 28th a PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This fight replaces the previously announced IBF heavyweight eliminator between Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr. That bout has been postponed. The pay-per-view will now open up with heavyweight slugger Gurgen Hovhannisyan stepping in to face Cesar Navarro in a ten-round showdown.
Super middleweights Elijah Garcia and Kevin Newman II will now meet in the main event of PBC on Prime Video actio
undefeated heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan will make his 2026 debut as he continues his ascent up the rankings against Cesar Navarro, who will look to make it three straight victories in their 10-round affair.
An Armenian-native now living and training in Los Angeles, Hovhannisyan (9-0, 8 KOs) has made his rise under the watchful eye of top trainer Joe Goossen. Now the WBA’s number 10 ranked heavyweight, Hovhannisyan returns to action after scoring two victories in 2025. He kicked off the year with a fifth-round KO of Dajuan Calloway in April before most recently stopping Chris Thomas in round three in July. The 28-year-old also owns a stoppage victory over veteran contender Michael Polite-Coffie.
“I’m ready to show everybody how much I continue to improve,” said Hovhannisyan. “I’m definitely coming for another knockout victory. We’ve been grinding and grinding and it’s time to show the world all that we’ve been working on.”
The 26-year-old Navarro (15-3, 13 KOs) steps back into the ring fresh off back-to-back TKO victories, with his most recent triumph coming last September against Derek Saul Cardenas Perez. The 26-year-old showed he’s danger for any opponent last May as he dropped the undefeated contender Dainier Pero twice before losing a close decision. A pro since 2017, Navarro was unbeaten in his first eight fights and has gone the distance in each of his defeats.
“Opportunities like this don’t come around often and I don’t take it lightly,” said Navarro. “On March 28 in Las Vegas I get to step into the ring against a tough opponent in Gurgen Hovhannisyan. It’s a big stage and that’s exactly where I want to be. I’m proud to represent Phoenix and my Mexican roots event time I step into the ring. Fighters from where I’m from know how to grind and fight with heart. On March 28th I’m coming to represent my city, my culture and everyone who believes in me. Phoenix and Mexico – this is for you.”
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Fighters First Management optimistic despite loss of Mizzone |
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Fighters First Management officially announced today that its former president Jolene Mizzone has left the company to return to the promotional side of the business. CEO Adrian Clark will continue to lead the company after a banner 2025 that saw their fighters compete on the sport’s biggest stages. "You can't replace a Jolene Mizzone,” said Clark. “She is a Hall of Famer for a reason, and she will be sorely missed here at Fighters First. When it's all said and done, Jolene Mizzone will be known as the most powerful female promoter in boxing. But we've built a great company that helps protect athletes contractually and financially. The goal is to continue building Fighters First as the leading managerial company in boxing. When you represent world-ranked fighters like Brian Norman Jr., Edwin De Los Santos, and Justin Pauldo, it makes attaining that goal easier.”
The new year for Fighters First Management will feature the ring return of ex-champion Brian Norman Jr., guided by Clark and promoter Top Rank. The former WBO welterweight champion delivered a spectacular knockout of Jin Sasaki in June. In November, he went toe-to-toe Devin Haney on the year’s biggest card, losing his title but cementing his place on the world level.
The Fighters First stable also boasts one of their newest signees, top lightweight contender Edwin De Los Santos, who recently inked co-promotional deals with Zuffa Boxing and Throwback Boxing Promotions as he intends to show why he’s the most feared fighter at 135-pounds once again in 2026.
The company also counts to its management roster Justin Pauldo, a lightweight contender who’s risen up the division on ProBox TV shows, plus 25-year-old unbeaten Dominique Francis, a recent-signee to Zuffa Boxing, and promising Dallas-area prospect Joseph Almadji.
Clark also added that in addition to building on his success putting his fighters in the best position to succeed, he will continue to preach his Fighters First mentality to the next generation of boxing managers. "I am excited for what the future holds with Fighters First. I see an avenue where I am not only representing the best fighters in the world, I am also developing the future boxing managers of tomorrow."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MARCH 5, 2026: Former WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. has formed a new promotional company, Throwback Boxing Promotions, along with veteran boxing promoter Jolene Mizzone. They have also announced the new outfit’s first signing, Edwin De Los Santos. With the combined experience of Norman, who fought his way up the rankings from unknown to WBO champion, and Mizzone, who worked her way up in the sport while contributing to every facet of the business, Throwback Boxing Promotions will seek to put the interests of fighters ahead of all else, both inside of and outside the ring. This perspective on the often-chaotic nature of boxing promotion has the company saying that it will take a smaller percentage of fighter earnings.
“This is Throwback Boxing Promotions and that word throwback means so much to me,” said the company CEO Norman. “There are a lot of old school fighters that lost to the business of boxing and couldn’t get an opportunity to show their talents. We will be the ones that give those hidden gems their opportunity to shine. We are doing this for you.”
“When Brian asked me to come on board, we spoke a lot about the name and how we need to be different than others,” said Mizzone, who will serve as the President of Throwback Boxing Promotions. “We both decided that the way to be different is to always have the fighters’ best interest. We don’t win unless our fighters win. We take less so they can earn more – because real leadership isn’t about percentages, it’s about principles. We stand on loyalty, transparency and truly protecting fighters who trust us with their careers. We both started from the bottom and worked our way up. Why can’t others do the same?”
Norman and Mizzone have wasted no time making a splash, getting right into the thick of the business by signing De Los Santos to a co-promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing. De Los Santos has scored upsets over numerous previously unbeaten fighters, including ex-champ “Rayo” Valenzuela. De Los Santos also performed well in a loss to challenge yet to undefeated four-division champion Shakur Stevenson.
With this new team at his back, De Los Santos looks forward to dominating the ring and ascending to the top of the sport in 2026. “I’m excited to work with Brian Norman Jr.,” said De Los Santos. “He has shown to be a brother in this transition. I consider myself a throwback fighter. I’ll fight the best, anywhere, anytime. The name fits who we are. Respect to Zuffa & Throwback Boxing Promotions.”
“Edwin De La Santos being the first signee of Throwback Promotions speaks volumes,” said Norman. “He is the epitome of what we represent. Rugged hard work and a strong mind. The sky's the limit for him!”
“I want to thank Edwin for having faith in us and trusting us,” said Mizzone. “He is the type of fighter that makes my job fun. He will fight anyone, anytime, anywhere! I am looking forward to this journey with him.”
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Fighters First Management optimistic despite loss of Mizzone
Fighters First Management officially announced today that its former president Jolene Mizzone has left the company to return to the promotional side of the business. CEO Adrian Clark will continue to lead the company after a banner 2025 that saw their fighters compete on the sport’s biggest stages. "You can't replace a Jolene Mizzone,” said Clark. “She is a Hall of Famer for a reason, and she will be sorely missed here at Fighters First. When it's all said and done, Jolene Mizzone will be known as the most powerful female promoter in boxing. But we've built a great company that helps protect athletes contractually and financially. The goal is to continue building Fighters First as the leading managerial company in boxing. When you represent world-ranked fighters like Brian Norman Jr., Edwin De Los Santos, and Justin Pauldo, it makes attaining that goal easier.”
The new year for Fighters First Management will feature the ring return of ex-champion Brian Norman Jr., guided by Clark and promoter Top Rank. The former WBO welterweight champion delivered a spectacular knockout of Jin Sasaki in June. In November, he went toe-to-toe Devin Haney on the year’s biggest card, losing his title but cementing his place on the world level.
The Fighters First stable also boasts one of their newest signees, top lightweight contender Edwin De Los Santos, who recently inked co-promotional deals with Zuffa Boxing and Throwback Boxing Promotions as he intends to show why he’s the most feared fighter at 135-pounds once again in 2026.
The company also counts to its management roster Justin Pauldo, a lightweight contender who’s risen up the division on ProBox TV shows, plus 25-year-old unbeaten Dominique Francis, a recent-signee to Zuffa Boxing, and promising Dallas-area prospect Joseph Almadji.
Clark also added that in addition to building on his success putting his fighters in the best position to succeed, he will continue to preach his Fighters First mentality to the next generation of boxing managers. "I am excited for what the future holds with Fighters First. I see an avenue where I am not only representing the best fighters in the world, I am also developing the future boxing managers of tomorrow."
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
MARCH 5, 2026: Former WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. has formed a new promotional company, Throwback Boxing Promotions, along with veteran boxing promoter Jolene Mizzone. They have also announced the new outfit’s first signing, Edwin De Los Santos. With the combined experience of Norman, who fought his way up the rankings from unknown to WBO champion, and Mizzone, who worked her way up in the sport while contributing to every facet of the business, Throwback Boxing Promotions will seek to put the interests of fighters ahead of all else, both inside of and outside the ring. This perspective on the often-chaotic nature of boxing promotion has the company saying that it will take a smaller percentage of fighter earnings.
“This is Throwback Boxing Promotions and that word throwback means so much to me,” said the company CEO Norman. “There are a lot of old school fighters that lost to the business of boxing and couldn’t get an opportunity to show their talents. We will be the ones that give those hidden gems their opportunity to shine. We are doing this for you.”
“When Brian asked me to come on board, we spoke a lot about the name and how we need to be different than others,” said Mizzone, who will serve as the President of Throwback Boxing Promotions. “We both decided that the way to be different is to always have the fighters’ best interest. We don’t win unless our fighters win. We take less so they can earn more – because real leadership isn’t about percentages, it’s about principles. We stand on loyalty, transparency and truly protecting fighters who trust us with their careers. We both started from the bottom and worked our way up. Why can’t others do the same?”
Norman and Mizzone have wasted no time making a splash, getting right into the thick of the business by signing De Los Santos to a co-promotional contract with Zuffa Boxing. De Los Santos has scored upsets over numerous previously unbeaten fighters, including ex-champ “Rayo” Valenzuela. De Los Santos also performed well in a loss to challenge yet to undefeated four-division champion Shakur Stevenson.
With this new team at his back, De Los Santos looks forward to dominating the ring and ascending to the top of the sport in 2026. “I’m excited to work with Brian Norman Jr.,” said De Los Santos. “He has shown to be a brother in this transition. I consider myself a throwback fighter. I’ll fight the best, anywhere, anytime. The name fits who we are. Respect to Zuffa & Throwback Boxing Promotions.”
“Edwin De La Santos being the first signee of Throwback Promotions speaks volumes,” said Norman. “He is the epitome of what we represent. Rugged hard work and a strong mind. The sky's the limit for him!”
“I want to thank Edwin for having faith in us and trusting us,” said Mizzone. “He is the type of fighter that makes my job fun. He will fight anyone, anytime, anywhere! I am looking forward to this journey with him.”
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Mikaela Mayer signs with MVP |
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Most Valuable Promotions has announced the signing of Mikaela Mayer to a promotional contract. Mayer is a three-division champion, currently reigning as the unified WBA / WBC champion at 154 pounds and WBO champion at 147 pounds. She is also a 2016 U.S. Olympian who has spent most of her career promoted by Top Rank. MVP recently signed a broadcast deal with ESPN to showcase its roster of many of the best women boxers in the world.
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Mikaela Mayer signs with MVP
Most Valuable Promotions has announced the signing of Mikaela Mayer to a promotional contract. Mayer is a three-division champion, currently reigning as the unified WBA / WBC champion at 154 pounds and WBO champion at 147 pounds. She is also a 2016 U.S. Olympian who has spent most of her career promoted by Top Rank. MVP recently signed a broadcast deal with ESPN to showcase its roster of many of the best women boxers in the world.
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Sanchez vs. Torrez heavyweight eliminator postponed |
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Rising Cuban junior middleweight Yoenis Tellez will square off against Brian Mendoza in a showdown between former interim champions on the March 28th a PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This fight replaces the previously announced IBF heavyweight eliminator between Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr. That bout has been postponed. The pay-per-view will now open up with heavyweight slugger Gurgen Hovhannisyan stepping in to face Cesar Navarro in a ten-round showdown. Remaining on the show is a middleweight bout between Yoenli Hernandez and battle-tested U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha.
Super middleweights Elijah Garcia and Kevin Newman II will now meet in the main event of PBC on Prime Video action streaming live and for free on Prime Video prior to the pay-per-view. The complete lineup of fights that lead into the pay-per-view will be announced shortly.
The card is topped by WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defending his title against former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
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Sanchez vs. Torrez heavyweight eliminator postponed
Rising Cuban junior middleweight Yoenis Tellez will square off against Brian Mendoza in a showdown between former interim champions on the March 28th a PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This fight replaces the previously announced IBF heavyweight eliminator between Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr. That bout has been postponed. The pay-per-view will now open up with heavyweight slugger Gurgen Hovhannisyan stepping in to face Cesar Navarro in a ten-round showdown. Remaining on the show is a middleweight bout between Yoenli Hernandez and battle-tested U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha.
Super middleweights Elijah Garcia and Kevin Newman II will now meet in the main event of PBC on Prime Video action streaming live and for free on Prime Video prior to the pay-per-view. The complete lineup of fights that lead into the pay-per-view will be announced shortly.
The card is topped by WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defending his title against former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
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