Category: Boxing News

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ARTHUR AND EUBANK RETURN – WORLD TITLE ACTION

Post author By f/s
Post date February 24, 2023

WASSERMAN BOXING 2023 SCHEDULE GETS UNDERWAY WITH WORLD TITLE ACTION FOR ARTHUR AND EUBANK RETURN, LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 5

Wasserman Boxing free-to-air fight nights begin with World Title action for Lyndon Arthur as he faces Braian Nahuel Suarez for IBO Light Heavyweight Championship on March 24 in Bolton
Harlem Eubank returns to London’s iconic York Hall on March 31 as he continues his climb up the Super Lightweight rankings against Mexico’s Christian Uruzquieta

Wasserman Boxing’s 2023 schedule gets underway with two unmissable free-to-air events, broadcast live and exclusive on Channel 5 in association with Infinitum Entertainment.

Manchester boxer Lyndon Arthur (21-1, 15 KOs) lands a dream World Title fight against Argentina’s Braian Nahuel Suarez (18-1, 17 KOs) on Friday March 24 at the University of Bolton Stadium, live and free on Channel 5.

The former WBO Intercontinental and Commonwealth Champion can become the first Englishman to claim the IBO World Light Heavyweight Title, and join a prestigious list of champions to have held the belt including Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr.

‘King’ Arthur gets his shot at world title glory following back-to-back stoppage wins. The 31-year-old scored a sixth-round TKO victory over Walter Gabriel Sequeira in September before defeating domestic rival Joel McIntyre in spectacular fashion inside the second round of their December bout.

Harlem Eubank (16-0, 6 KOs) continues his climb up the Super Lightweight rankings as he takes on Christian Uruzquieta (21-5-2, 8 KOs) on Friday March 31.

Eubank, the nephew of former two-weight World Champion Chris Eubank, will be looking to establish himself as the latest star from his famous fighting family when he returns to London’s legendary York Hall for another headline bout.

The 28-year-old is ready to begin his pursuit of title opportunities but knows he must first overcome tough opposition in the form of Mexico’s Uruzquieta, who will be looking to derail the Brighton man’s promising career and add a huge scalp to his record.

The show announcements come following an unbelievable twelve months for Wasserman Boxing and Channel 5 that begun with a memorable British Middleweight Title scrap between Linus Udofia and Denzel Bentley in London and culminated with a dazzling display by Super Welterweight star Josh Kelly, that saw him wrestle the Lonsdale strap from local rival Troy Williamson in Newcastle.

With incredible viewing figures achieved across the year, including a 822,00 peak and 1.8million reach for Kelly’s British Title masterclass, and a 940,000 peak and 1.8million reach for Harlem Eubank’s points win over Tom Farrell, the future for free-to-air boxing looks bright.

In 2023, Wasserman Boxing’s stable of UK boxers including Josh Kelly, Lyndon Arthur, Harlem Eubank, Matty Harris and Chloe Watson will continue to get the opportunity to shine in front of huge terrestrial television audiences on Channel 5.

“We’re excited to start the year with two spectacular free-to-air events,” said Head of Global Boxing at Wasserman, Kalle Sauerland. “Lyndon has his world title opportunity, and the chance to become a star man in the Light Heavyweight division. Harlem Eubank is back as he looks to keep his undefeated record and continue his development into one of the leading Super Lightweight fighters on the scene. Two massive fights, two electric nights – both live and free on Channel 5 – don’t miss a moment!”

“Channel 5 is the only place where boxing fans can watch this fantastic sport for free. 2023 promises to be a huge year, kicking off with a world title fight in Manchester,” said Head of Sport at Channel 5, Caj Sohal. “Exciting fighters like Lyndon Arthur and Harlem Eubank will attract millions of viewers, and we are proud to work with Wasserman Boxing to continue to provide open access to great fights to all boxing fans.”

Damon Letzer, Director at Infinitum Entertainment, said: “Infinitum are delighted to be working with Wasserman Boxing and Channel 5 to deliver more free-to-air boxing. The stable of boxers is incredibly exciting and we’re looking forward to delivering some great nights of live boxing.”

Tickets for Lyndon Arthur vs. Braian Nahuel Suarez and Harlem Eubank vs. Christian Uruzquieta are on sale now and available

WassermanBoxing.com

Boxing News

NO-ONE MADE ME FIGHT GARCIA I WANTED SOMEONE DANGEROUS!

Post author By f/s
Post date December 3, 2020

Errol Spence Jr. from the heart of Texas, has built an 8-year unblemished professional career, and during all this time, alongside his great coach Derrick James, he has achieved 26 victories, 21 of them via KO.

This coming weekend, Errol will encounter an exacting test, facing Danny “Swift” García, the former world champion in two divisions.

As a Green and Gold Champion, Errol is willing, eager and committed to stake his title Laurels against the best. He comes from facing and defeating former champions Shawn Porter and Mikey García. In 2017, he even traveled to the United Kingdom to face Kell Brook and win the welterweight title.

Only days after facing Shawn Porter, Errol crashed. He had a severe car accident that could have easily cost him his life. Humbled by this brush with fate, Errol recognised sweeping attitude changes were needed. This had been a clear wake-up call.

“I think it was a call from God telling me to focus on what was happening. I feel like I wasn’t concentrating like now. So I’m just as focused today as when I was going to fight Kell Brook. I feel like I’m doing my best because I want to prove that people are wrong.”

Hungrier than ever, with no test or warm up fight after his recovery, Errol is more than ready to prove that he’s indeed the rival to beat in a division that gleams with a glossary of big names.

Errol, who returns to the ring after the accident he suffered last year, is pleased to put his gloves back on, and to be on such an important stage again, in front of his fans in a fight as significant as this one against Danny, a fighter who he knows will be a worthy and demanding challenger.

“No one made me fight Danny Garcia. I wanted someone dangerous. Fighting someone with a great name takes me to another level.”

Fully recovered from that incident, Errol acknowledged that he had difficult months, but thanks to the support of his family, his team, his coach, this enthused him with the strength to move forward and persevere. For Errol, returning to the ring and being able to defend his WBC belt in such a way, is the moment he dreamed of since his rehabilitation began, so he always remained focused and with a clear mindset.

“I think it renewed my focus on the things that got me to the top of the mountain.”

Committed to all those who trust him, Errol stressed that this return will be more than spectacular, because it is something, he owes to himself, to his family, to his work team and to his fans. Supreme motivation to meet the coming challenge.

For Danny, who has waited patiently for this opportunity, the fight represents the opportunity to finally prove who is the best in the division in a match where he is deterred to show that he is a champion. Without minimizing his rival, Danny was serene and confident that he will come out with victory, because he has trained and worked flat out for this, day in, day out during the recent months.

“There is no feeling in the world like winning, and winning a world title is the best feeling in the world.”

With these statements, which will be reinforced by exploits, we are confident that this fight will be one of guaranteed quality, as both come with the desire to provide peak performance, because with the whole issue of the pandemic, it is important for them to give the public a show of the highest level.

The winner of the match will take home the special WBC belt including the beautiful image of “Health Care Hero” designed by Denver maestro artist Austin Zucchini-Fowler that honors the work and dedication of frontline medical heroes and heroines fighting Covid 19

Boxing fans are milling, thrilling to close out this year’s activities with a fight of this exceptional caliber, starring two outstanding talents.

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Danny Garcia will definitely and definitively be a superb fight to remember

SELBY – I’LL WRITE MY NAME INTO THE HISTORY BOOKS

Post author By f/s
Post date October 23, 2020

SELBY – I’LL WRITE MY NAME INTO THE HISTORY BOOKS
Welshman closing in on second World Title

Lee Selby can take a step closer to becoming Wales’ first ever two-weight World Champion when he takes on George Kambosos Jr in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora on Saturday October 31, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Former IBF Featherweight World Champion Selby (28-2, 9 KOs) made the move up to Lightweight after losing his title to Josh Warrington at Elland Road back in May 2018, and the 33-year-old from Barry has won two in a row at 135lbs, most recently beating Ricky Burns over 12 rounds last October.

Next up for ‘Lightning’ is a scheduled 12-rounder against Australia’s unbeaten contender ‘Ferocious’ Kambosos Jr, who had previously promised to retire Selby in front of his home crowd when they were due to meet at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff back in May.

“On social media he comes across quite outspoken and arrogant,” said Selby. “He’s saying he’s going to do this and do that. To look at him, he looks like a very good fighter. He’s got fast hands; he looks like he can punch. He can box a bit as well; he brings a lot of pressure. He’s young, hungry and ambitious.

“When we did an E-Press Conference earlier in the year he told me that every time he hit me in sparring, he rocked me to my boots. That in itself just gave me extra confidence, knowing that he’s making up tales about sparring.

“You don’t speak to anybody like that. It is disrespectful. To me it’s water off a duck’s back. It doesn’t bother me. I don’t know whether he’s trying to get me to fall into a trap, but that’s just not who I am. I’ve got very thick skin.”

A number of Welshman have had the opportunity to become two-weight World Champions, including Caerphilly’s Robbie Regan and Newport’s Gavin Rees, but Selby is promising to go one better than his countrymen by dethroning Teofimo Lopez when he gets the chance.

“If I come through this fight then I’ll be in another massive World Title fight,” added Selby. “Teofimo Lopez is within touching distance and a dream is close to becoming a reality for me. It will be life-changing for me if I can get through this fight.

“I’ll become the first Welshman to become a two-weight World Champion. All I have to do is win two fights. Two fights and I’ve written my name into the history books. It would not only be massive for Welsh boxing, but British boxing too. You can’t put a price tag on that.

“On October 31 you’re going to see a Lee Selby win, by any means possible, whether the stoppage comes or it’s a 12-round decision – you’ll see a Lee Selby win. I’ve had time to grow into the weight. During lockdown I was doing a lot of strength and conditioning work and I feel like a fully-fledged Lightweight now.”

Selby vs. Kambosos Jr is part of a huge night of boxing as pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) faces his first real Heavyweight test in Derek Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs), Heavyweight fan favourite Dave Allen (18-5-2, 15 KOs) returns, Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (8-0, 6 KOs) meets Glasgow’s Hannah Rankin (9-4, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBO Middleweight World Title, Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy (16-2, 8 KOs) meets Belgium’s Bilal Laggoune (25-1-2, 14 KOs) for the vacant European Cruiserweight Title and Amy Timlin (4-0) faces off with Carly Skelly (3-0) for the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title.

SELBY-KAMBOSOS JR WINNER WILL BECOME FIRST LOPEZ MANDATORY

Post author By f/s
Post date October 19, 2020

SELBY-KAMBOSOS JR WINNER WILL BECOME FIRST LOPEZ MANDATORY
IBF Mandatory position up for grabs on October 31

George Kambosos Jr says he has been training ‘like a man possessed’ ahead of his crucial IBF Lightweight World Title Final Eliminator showdown with Lee Selby on the Usyk-Chisora undercard on Saturday October 31, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

A win for the undefeated Australian (18-0, 10 KOs) would see him become Mandatory Challenger for newly-crowned Unified Lightweight King Teofimo Lopez, who brilliantly overcame Vasiliy Lomachenko by a unanimous points decision in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Hailing from Sydney, 27-year-old Kambosos Jr announced himself as a rising contender in the 135lbs division by defeating former World Champion Mickey Bey on away territory at Madison Square Garden in New York last time out.

‘Ferocious’ will be aiming to make it two wins in two against former champs when he meets Wales’ former long-reigning IBF Featherweight ruler Selby next weekend on an unmissable evening of Halloween fight action.

“Beating Lee Selby means everything to me,” said Kambosos Jr. “I’m hungry, focused and have trained like a man possessed to handle business on October 31st. This is a young man’s sport and Lopez proved that against Lomachenko when he became the Unified Lightweight World Champion and I will prove it once again against Lee Selby.

“This hungry young lion will become Mandatory, that is my complete focus, this is why I have sacrificed so much and then you best believe that ‘Ferocious Kambosos’ will be primed and ready to take all the belts off another hungry, young lion in Teofimo Lopez. Let’s see who the real king of the jungle is.”

Selby (28-2, 9 KOs) edged out Scottish legend Ricky Burns via a majority decision at The O2 in London last October to stay in line for another World Title shot and now finds himself within touching distance of becoming a two-weight World Champion.

“He’s very confident in himself,” said Selby. “If you listened to him talk you’d think he’s the next Muhammad Ali – which he’s not. Looking at his record, it’s difficult to gauge how good he really is. His best win came against Mickey Bey when he was past his best at 36 and inactive. The rest of his record is padded.

“This fight has been a long time coming and I’m glad we’re just over a week away now. I’m one step away from a shot at the IBF Lightweight World Title and my dream of becoming Wales’ first ever two-weight World Champion.”

Selby vs. Kambosos Jr is part of a huge night of boxing as pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) faces his first real Heavyweight test in Derek Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs), Heavyweight fan favourite Dave Allen (18-5-2, 15 KOs) collides with Christian Hammer (25-6 15 KOs), Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy (16-2, 8 KOs) meets Belgium’s Bilal Laggoune (25-1-2, 14 KOs) for the vacant European Cruiserweight Title and Amy Timlin (4-0) faces off with Carly Skelly (3-0) for the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title.

JOSHUA VS. PULEV CONFIRMED FOR DECEMBER 12

Post author By f/s
Post date October 17, 2020

JOSHUA -PARKER PROMOTION PRINCIPALITY STADIUM,, CARDIFF,WALES PIC LAWRENCE LUSTIG WBA,IBF,IBO,WBO WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE ANTONY JOSHUA V JOSEPH PARKER

JOSHUA VS. PULEV CONFIRMED FOR DECEMBER 12
‘AJ’ faces IBF Mandatory Challenger at The O2

Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua OBE will defend his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO World Titles against Mandatory Challenger Kubrat Pulev at The O2 in London on Saturday December 12, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all of its nine markets including the U.S., on a show promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Top Rank and Epic Sports and Entertainment.

Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) recaptured his belts and position as the Unified Heavyweight World Champion with a masterful unanimous decision victory over Andy Ruiz Jr at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia on an historical night in December that saw the Heavyweight World Titles contested for the very first time in the Middle East.

December 12 will be ‘AJ’s’ first fight on UK soil in over two years, since he defended his crowns with a devastating seventh round knockout of Russia’s Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium, and the former Finchley ABC man will be aiming to deal with Pulev in style to set up an Undisputed showdown against WBC Champion and fellow Brit Tyson Fury in 2021.

Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs), the IBF’s No.1-ranked Heavyweight Mandatory Challenger, gets his second shot at World honours after his defeat to modern legend Wladimir Klitschko in 2014 – the only loss of his 29-fight professional career. He has won six fights in a row since then, including victories over Derek Chisora and an IBF Eliminator win over Hughie Fury in 2018.

The Bulgarian superstar was set to challenge Joshua at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in October 2017 but was forced to withdraw through an injury and will now get his opportunity to ruin the champion’s plans to face Fury in an all-British blockbuster showdown in the future.

“December 12 is the date and once again the Heavyweight belts go up in the air and it is my sole focus to make sure that come December 13 they are in their rightful place in the UK,” said Joshua.

“The O2 is the original lion’s den, I have a lot of history with the arena, but without the fans something huge is missing. I am really hoping that, safety permitting, we might be able to bring some boxing fans in, but we will have to see. I respect every opponent and I respect Pulev. I wish him well during his preparation.”

“For a small country of Bulgaria to stand up for the Heavyweight Titles is a great accomplishment,” said Pulev. “This fight is for my late father and all Bulgarians around the world! I’m coming to London to seize the Heavyweight Championship of the World.”

“After a challenging year for everyone, to end with the unified World Heavyweight Championship is very special,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Over a year after regaining his crown, Anthony Joshua takes on yet another dangerous opponent in Mandatory Challenger Kubrat Pulev. AJ’s resume is unrivalled, and this is the final hurdle until we challenge for the undisputed crown next year.

“Whilst it’s unusual to think of an AJ fight without tens of thousands of fans in attendance, we will be doing everything we can to lobby for the safe return of fans to this event, we have to move forward together. I know Team Pulev and Bob Arum will be doing all they can to become World Champion on Dec 12 but AJ constantly evolves and improves and I expect a dominant performance and a spectacular KO to close out 2020.”

Bob Arum, Top Rank Chairman, said: “Eddie Hearn better watch out. Kubrat Pulev is going to destroy his plan for a Joshua-Tyson Fury unification fight.”

258 Managing Director Freddie Cunningham said: “Anthony again shows his willingness and desire to chase the Undisputed Title with another tough mandatory fight and despite the challenges of making a fight of this scale during these times it is important for AJ to keep momentum. It will be an exciting way to end the year and unique in every way. We will be working with Matchroom to build a card full of 258 fighters to give the fans entertainment throughout the undercard.”

John Wirt, President of Epic Sports and Entertainment, said: “Crowd or no crowd, we are coming to AJ’s backyard to claim the titles. Come December 12, there will be no more excuses or delays. I guarantee that it will be an epic battle and that Kubrat will stop AJ inside the distance.”

“Anthony Joshua returns to the ring, a year after recapturing his World Titles from Andy Ruiz Jr, and Britain’s Unified World Champion will be determined to reign supreme in a hotly-contested Heavyweight division,” said Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing Development.

“Kubrat Pulev has proven pedigree, with just that sole defeat to Wladimir Klitschko, and he’ll be hoping to send more shockwaves through the sport with an upset victory, but I know that AJ has been training tirelessly, priming his explosive power for another night of fireworks.

“Tyson Fury will of course be watching – as an Undisputed World Title fight is within touching distance – and AJ cannot afford a slip-up in a blockbuster ending to the boxing year.”

“We’re thrilled to bring the Heavyweight Championship of the World to all DAZN subscribers,” said DAZN EVP Joseph Markowski. “AJ-Pulev will have major consequences for the entire boxing landscape as both men aim to end the year in emphatic fashion.”

DAZN is currently available in the U.S., as well as Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and Switzerland.

TAYLOR, HARPER AND BALL STAR IN HISTORIC WORLD TITLE TRIPLE-HEADER

Post author By f/s
Post date October 9, 2020

Matchroom will promote the first ever women’s World Title triple-header on Saturday November 14, with Katie Taylor, Terri Harper and Rachel Ball all starring in an historic evening of boxing shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Taylor (16-0, 6 KOs) retained her Undisputed Lightweight World Title with a unanimous decision win over Delfine Persoon as their highly anticipated rematch produced another brutal battle on the final weekend of Fight Camp in August.

The Irish star puts her World Titles on the line once more against Mandatory Challenger Miriam Gutierrez (13-0, 5 KOs), the undefeated Spaniard who has held the WBA’s Interim World Title since November 2019 following her win over Keren Batiz.

“I’m delighted to be headlining another fight night on Sky Sports,” said Taylor. “When I turned professional it was a bit of step into the unknown in terms of how it all would go so to have these opportunities to headline cards is something I never take for granted.

“It’s been a pretty quick turnaround from my last fight but I’m always looking towards the next challenge and I really wanted to fight again before the end of the year. The pandemic has obviously made it a very uncertain time in terms of scheduling fights so I’m really excited to have a date to focus on.

“I’m expecting a very tough fight against an undefeated challenger, but I’ve been back in training camp in the US for the past couple of weeks and I’m looking forward to successfully defending my titles on November 14.”

“I am very happy, eager and excited,” said Gutierrez. “I am preparing myself 100% for this fight with Katie. This is the great challenge that I have pursued in my sports career, to be able to fight for the undisputed crown.“

Denaby’s Harper (10-0-1, 5 KOs) retained her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles with a thrilling split decision draw against Liverpool’s Natasha Jonas in an historic Fight of the Year contender at the top of the bill on Fight Camp Week 2.

‘Belter’ faces her first WBC Mandatory challenger in Spanish-Norwegian Katharina Thanderz (13-0, 2 KOs), the undefeated Interim WBC Super-Featherweight World Champion who claimed the title against Brazilian Danila Ramos after a brutal ten round battle last November.

“This is the most excited I’ve been for a fight, I feel like I’ve got a lot to prove,” said Harper. “We’ve had the opportunity in this camp to work on lots of new things, having a strength and conditioning coach join the team. I want to go out and put the wrongs right.”

“It’s an amazing feeling to know that I’m finally fighting for the World Title,” said Thanderz. “I’ve been waiting such a long time for this moment, and I just know I’ll give my everything to win the title. Harper is a young and talented fighter. I think she’s a very hard-working girl. She’s fast, she has a good technique, she has stamina, and she’s a very good fighter. It will a pleasure to share the ring with her.

“I am confident I can beat her. I have a very good feeling, and I’m working very hard in my camp to be the best version of myself. I know it will be very difficult, especially because of the circumstances of the fight, but I’m prepared to surprise and shock everyone when I get the win. I feel very good about fighting in the UK. I’ve never fought in England, so I can’t wait to have the experience of fighting in a completely new country with so many boxing fans.”

Walsall’s Ball (6-1) lands a dream World Title shot on the back of her breakout win over Shannon Courtenay on the third week of Fight Camp. The 29-year-old takes on popular undefeated Australian Ebanie Bridges (4-0, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBA Bantamweight crown.

“I’ve been craving a big fight, now I’ve got it,” said Bridges. “I’m not coming to Britain to mess around; I’m going to take this opportunity with both hands and take that belt back to Australia with me in exciting style.”

“After my last fight I’m hungrier than ever, training harder than ever and asking myself everyday how I can improve,” said Ball. “I couldn’t be more excited for this fight. We’re friends but this fight isn’t going to be pretty, it’s business.”

“This a historic moment,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “A huge night of boxing that will be headlined by not one but three women’s World Title fights. Katie Taylor has spun the game on its head since she turned pro and has paved the way for so many great female fighters. Katie faces the second Mandatory Challenger during her undisputed reign in tough undefeated Spaniard Miriam Gutierrez.

“While fresh off a Fight of the Year contender at Fight Camp, Terri Harper faces her first Mandatory Challenger in undefeated Spanish-Norwegian Katharina Thanderz and in a fairy tale story Rachel Ball has a chance to become World Champion against popular Aussie Ebanie Bridges. This is a major statement from us and our broadcast partners, don’t miss an incredible night on November 14.”

“Katie Taylor continues her epic journey as one of the world’s elite boxers on a terrific triple-header of women’s World Title action,” said Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports. “The Irish star displayed grit and determination in a punishing rematch win over Delfine Persoon in Fight Camp, and her renowned skills should also be on show against Miriam Gutierrez.

“Terri Harper battled to a thrilling draw with Natasha Jonas in one of the year’s most enthralling fights and she is back in action, defending her WBC belt versus Katharina Thanderz. Rachel Ball also receives a World Title fight after she dropped and shocked Shannon Courtenay, but she must now overcome Ebanie Bridges. Three fantastic World Title fights – all live on Sky Sports!”