Matchroom and DAZN have announced the launch of the new Project Series in association with Boxlab Promotions, with the inaugural event taking place at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, on Friday, August 28th, headlined by Corey Marksman against Christian Barreto in a lightweight showdown. Project Series is designed to develop boxing's emerging talent by matching young fighters in competitive bouts while providing a platform for upcoming boxers on DAZN. The co-feature pits Florida rivals Alex Bray against Antraveous "Yamz" Ingram in a ten-round junior middleweight contest. Bray (11-0, 8 KOs) went the distance in his first scheduled ten-round bout in February, improving to 11-0 as a professional. Ingram (13-0-1, 7 KOs) returns to Caribe Royale for the 11th consecutive time, looking to hand Bray the first defeat of his career. Also confirmed for the inaugural Project Series card, Kaipo Gallegos (12-0-1, 9 KOs) meets Desmond Lyons (11-3, 2 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout, while Carlos DeLeon (8-0, 6 KOs) of Puerto Rico faces Maxwel Montes (13-5-1, 7 KOs) of Nicaragua in an eight-round junior lightweight contest.

 

Marksman (13-0-1, 9 KOs) returns to Caribe Royale after defeating Jaycob Gomez in March. The 25-year old enters his tenth appearance at the Orlando venue looking to build on his momentum in his second scheduled ten-round bout. "My time has come," said Marksman. "Everything I've been asking and working for—main event Marksman has arrived!"

 

Barreto (15-0, 9 KOs) makes his first scheduled ten-round appearance. The Puerto Rican, promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions, will be fighting for the third time in the United States and his second at Caribe Royale. "I'm very happy for this opportunity and truly grateful to my team and the WBA and WBO for making it possible," said Barreto. "This is exactly the kind of fight I've been looking for. I'm more than ready to show the world what I'm made of and come out victorious. The fans are going to enjoy every second because, as I always say, whenever you watch El Capitán, you're guaranteed action."

 

"We're very excited about this fight for Christian against Corey Marksman," said Héctor Soto, President of Miguel Cotto Promotions & H2 Entertainment. "It's the opportunity he wanted to show the world his talent. We know his discipline and ability, and on August 28th everyone will see what he's capable of."

 

For the co-feature, "Being undefeated is something I've earned through hard work, discipline and staying focused every single day," said Bray. "On August 28th, I plan to protect that record and show everyone I'm ready for bigger opportunities. I respect Antraveous for stepping into the ring, but once the fight starts my goal is to put on a dominant performance. My plan is to take him out."

 

"It's Yamz season—anything in my way must fall," said Ingram. "I'm representing my city. On August 28th I'll win big and make my name at 154 pounds."

 

"I am delighted to launch the Project Series live on DAZN," said Matchroom's Eddie Hearn. "Giving young fighters and contenders a platform to showcase their skills on the global home of boxing is vital to their development, while matching them in competitive fights creates great events for subscribers. There is no better partner for this series than Amaury Piedra, Caribe Royale and Boxlab Promotions. This continues our successful relationship and further establishes Caribe Royale as one of the premier boxing venues in the United States."

 

"Caribe Royale is proud to partner with Matchroom Boxing to launch the Project Series," said Amaury Piedra, CEO of Boxlab Promotions. "These events align with Caribe Royale's strategy of providing guests and local residents with world-class entertainment. By partnering with Matchroom, we believe this series will become one of boxing's most exciting platforms for developing future champions. The entire Caribe Royale team looks forward to launching another venture that helps keep Orlando at the center of boxing in Florida and throughout the Southeast."