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TURKI ALALSHIKH ANNOUNCES RIYADH SEASON TO HOST EVENT IN LOS ANGELES AS TERENCE CRAWFORD TAKES ON ISRAIL MADRIMOV FOR WORLD SUPER-WELTERWEIGHT TITLES

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Published: April 24, 2024

April 24, 2024: His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced a blockbuster World title clash as pound-for-pound superstar Terence Crawford challenges Israil Madrimov for the WBA and WBO interim World Super-Welterweight title on August 3rd sponsored by Visit Saudi, MDL Beast, and Red Sea Global at BMO Stadium, Los Angeles. The event will be promoted by Riyadh Season Card, Sela, League 1, and Matchroom Boxing in association with World Of Boxing, TGB Promotions, Golden Boy, Goldstar, Queensberry, Salita Promotions, and Warriors Boxing Promotions. HE Turki Alalshikh said: "We are delighted for Riyadh Season to host its first overseas event in Los Angeles, and this fight in the United States is a special one to mark this moment. We want to give people around the world the opportunity to enjoy their own Riyadh Season experience, and this is exactly what we hope to achieve by staging this and future events around the world ." Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman, said: “This is a fantastic fight between a pound-for-pound great and one of the best World champions in the sport. Terence is a pound-for-pound great and continues to strive to be the very best, but in Israil, he meets a hungry champion that has no intention of relinquishing his title in his first defense - this promises to be one of the fights of the year. The undercard has to be one of, if not the best we have ever seen for a US card - get ready for a huge night on August 3 in Los Angeles”. Crawford (40-0 31 KOs) is gunning to become a Four-Weight World champion as he moves up to 154 lbs after conquering the Welterweight division with a stunning KO win over Errol Spence to be crowned the undisputed champion at 147 lbs in Las Vegas in July. The Omaha star has already ruled the roost at Super-Lightweight and Lightweight, and now the pound-for-pound great is arrowing in on cementing greatness by claiming honors at a fourth weight. Madrimov (10-0-1 7 KOs) is the man who stands in Crawford’s way, and the Uzbek champion makes his first defense of his title against the toughest opposition possible after winning the belt in spectacular fashion in his last outing in Saudi Arabia. The 29-year-old took on Magomed Kurbanov for the vacant title in Riyadh in March and stopped the Russian in five rounds with a dominant performance to continue his impressive unbeaten run in the paid ranks following a glittering amateur career. "I’m proud to partner with Riyadh Season and HE Turki Alalshikh on their first boxing event in the United States. I cannot wait to get back in the ring in my fourth weight class and remind the world why I’m the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world,” said Terence Crawford. Israil Madrimov is a tremendous and entertaining fighter, but on August 3, he will be my next victim. This is the Terence Crawford era.” “ Terence Crawford is one of my favorite boxers and one of the best boxers in the world,” said Israil Madrimov. I am very excited to have this opportunity to make a statement, and I will, Inshallah.” The main event is complemented by an undercard that is set to captivate fight fans. Recently crowned WBA Super-Lightweight champion Isaac Cruz defends his title for the first time against United States southpaw Jose Valenzuela. Two of the United States’ most fearsome boxing Heavyweights will do battle. Former unified Heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz will return to the ring for the first time since a unanimous decision win against Luis Ortiz in September 2022 to face Jarrell Miller. Miller will be going all out to produce a winning outcome after losing his undefeated record in Riyadh in December last year. Former Super-Welterweight World champion Tim Tszyu awaits Vergil Ortiz Jr., subject to the outcome of his fight against Thomas Dulorme this weekend. Meanwhile, David Morrell of Cuba will seek to preserve his unbeaten record in a Light-Heavyweight contest against US fighter Radivoje Kalajdzic. Andy Cruz, the Olympic Lightweight gold medalist, continues his Lightweight campaign when he takes on Mexico’s Antonio Moran. Sean Gibbons from MP Promotions said, “It's been nearly two years since Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz, the face of Mexico boxing, has had a fight in Los Angeles, but thanks to Turki Alalshikh, Isaac's first world title defense will be a homecoming in front of the biggest Mexican fan base in the U.S.," said Manny Pacquiao and Sean Gibbons of MP promotions, Cruz's promoter. "Isaac is going to light it up on August 3, just like he did on March 30, in Las Vegas, when he knocked out Rolly Romero to become World champion. We are very proud that Isaac's first title defense will be a feature bout on the first boxing event ever presented outside of Saudi Arabia by its general entertainment authority, chaired by Mr. Alalshikh. We would also like to thank our co promoter Tom Brown of TGB promotions for making this historic moment in Los Angeles.” Tom Brown from TGB Promotions said, “TGB Promotions is honored to be working with His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made a major commitment to boxing and we are thrilled to be a part of this world class event in Los Angeles at BMO Stadium on August 3. LA has a historic reputation for being a great fight town with the greatest fans and some of the best, most memorable, all-action fights…Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs Jose “El Rayo” Valenzuela has the makings to be one of the greatest of them all.” George Rose, CEO of No Limit Boxing, stated, “No Limit Boxing is delighted to be working with His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, on this historic Riyadh Season USA event on August 3. Tim Tszyu is a modern-day warrior, only taking the best and biggest fights in the Super-Welterweight division. He fears no man, walks towards the fire, and will again show the world why he is on the path to greatness.” Warriors Boxing, represented by Leon Margules, added that “Warriors Boxing and David Morrell are very excited to be part of the upcoming Riyadh Season USA Event. We would like to thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for making this spectacular Event happen. David Morrell is Boxing’s next superstar and has proven to be the most avoided boxer in the sport. On August 3rd, David Morrell will begin his quest to conquer the Light-Heavyweight division”. Gold Star CEO Spencer Brown said, “Another amazing Heavyweight clash put on by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and the GEA. A Clash of 2 of the most exciting Heavyweights in the world. I’m really looking forward to this fight with Andy Ruiz, making his anticipated comeback after nearly 2 years out of the ring. This former World champion is now looking to get back on top of the Heavyweight division again! Against a tough game, Jarrell, big baby Miller, coming off the back of a close defeat against Daniel Dubois! This is a top drawer exciting Heavyweight clash with plenty of jeopardy! This is a must-win fight for both fighters. We anticipate another fantastic Heavyweight clash.” Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Boxing Promotions and 10x World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, said, “We are thrilled to be participating in what will be a stacked Los Angeles card in support of Riyadh season. His Excellency’s desire to work with all promoters in order to put on the best fights perfectly aligns with what Golden Boy has been delivering for years — and I believe this will be the beginning of a wonderful partnership going forward. If Vergil emerges victorious this Saturday, he is going to be ready to roll and steal the show against Tim Tszyu in a can’t-miss fight-of-the-year contender.”

About Riyadh Season: Saudi Arabia's capital embraces one of the world's biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events. For more information, please visit https://riyadhseason.com/en-US

(Featured Photo: Matchroom Boxing)

#HF #Terence Crawford #Israil Madrimov #Isaac Cruz #Andy Ruiz #Radivoje Kalajdzic

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frontproofmedia · 8 days

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Press Conference Notes: Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol Meet Face-to-Face ahead of Undisputed Light Heavyweight Showdown

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Published: April 17, 2024

Beterbiev-Bivol will be a special one-fight broadcast from Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, LIVE on ESPN+

LONDON — WBO/WBC/IBF unified champion Artur Beterbiev and WBA ruler Dmitry Bivol met face-to-face at today's kickoff presser in London ahead of their undisputed light heavyweight showdown on Saturday, June 1, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This battle of 175-pound Titans will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. as a special one-fight broadcast. Beterbiev-Bivol will be promoted by Top Rank, Queensberry Promotions, Matchroom Boxing, World of Boxing Promotions, and Sela. Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs), boxing's only current world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio, stopped Enrico Koelling in his 12th pro fight to win the IBF world title. He added the WBC championship to his collection in 2019 with a 10th-round TKO over Oleksandr Gvozdyk and captured the WBO strap in 2022 by stopping Joe Smith Jr. in two rounds. He returns after vanquishing former world champion Callum Smith in seven rounds in January. Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) is a 10-year pro who captured the WBA interim title with a decision victory over Felix Valera in 2016. The following year, he was elevated to full champion and has since made 11 defenses with victories over the likes of Jean Pascal, Smith Jr., Sullivan Barrera, and Canelo Alvarez. Last December, Bivol fought on the historic “Day of Reckoning” card in Riyadh, shutting out British challenger Lyndon Arthur. At Monday's press conference, this is what the fighters had to say. Artur Beterbiev “I just see another belt. I’m collecting belts, and I need one more.” “I don’t know why {it’s taken so long to make this fight}. He knows better. Ask him." “We’ll see {if this is the biggest challenge}. I’m not thinking about it. I’m preparing for it. I will prepare and try to be at 100 percent.” Dmitry Bivol “When I signed a contract to be a pro boxer, I had a goal to become undisputed. Everything that I have gone through has been for that. I did it to achieve my goal. Even the fight against Canelo. It was my ticket for big fights. And now I’m happy that I will have this fight on June 1 for all the belts." “For every training camp, I think my opponent is the most dangerous opponent in the world. This helps me to be focused and serious in my training. Of course, he’s one of my most dangerous opponents. You see his record and his fights. He is powerful. It makes me more excited to fight against him because I love challenges. I love to be tested. This fight is a huge test for me." “Every person is different. Not only me. I have good skills. I just believe in my skills. I have been in boxing for 28 years. I’ve been in boxing ever since I can remember. I love this sport, and I think my experience will help me. And my mentality, skills, and camp. I believe I can be undisputed.” Todd duBoef (Top Rank President)

"I’ve always been a fan of destruction. And this guy is destruction. Every time you turn on the television, my phone would ring and friends from all over the world would call me and say, ‘Who is this monster?’ And, I think he gets better with each fight."

(Featured Photo: Queensberry Promotions)

#HF #Artur Beterbiev #Dmitry Bivol #Top Rank Boxing #Undisputed #ESPN

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frontproofmedia · 8 days

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Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol Undisputed Light Heavyweight World Title Showdown to Stream LIVE & Exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S.

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Published: April 17, 2024

Beterbiev-Bivol will be a special one-fight broadcast from Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — An undisputed light heavyweight king will soon be crowned in The Kingdom. WBO/WBC/IBF unified champion Artur Beterbiev will battle WBA ruler Dmitry Bivol on Saturday, June 1 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The victor will become the division’s first undisputed champion since Roy Jones Jr. defeated Reggie Johnson in 1999. This battle of 175-pound titans will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. as a special one-fight broadcast. Beterbiev-Bivol will be promoted by Top Rank, Queensberry Promotions, Matchroom Boxing, World of Boxing Promotions, and Sela. “This a dream matchup between two of the best light heavyweights we’ve ever seen,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “The beautiful city of Riyadh will play host to this legacy-defining fight. Thank you to His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for his vision and determination in bringing boxing fans the fights they want to see.” Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) is boxing’s only current world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio, a human wrecking ball who entered the pro ranks in 2013 following Olympic berths in 2008 and 2012. Beterbiev wasted little time establishing his pro credentials, knocking out former world champion Tavoris Cloud in his sixth fight and stopping Enrico Koelling in his 12th outing to capture the IBF world title. Beterbiev picked up the WBC strap with a 10th-round TKO over Oleksandr Gvozdyk in 2019 and added the WBO title in June 2022 with a second-round TKO of Joe Smith Jr. He made his eighth title defense on January 13 in Quebec City, Canada, knocking out former super middleweight world champion Callum Smith in seven rounds. Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) is a 10-year pro with 11 consecutive world title defenses, tied for third-most in light heavyweight history. A decorated amateur who tallied more than 250 victories, he picked up his first regional title in his fourth pro fight. Following two defenses of the WBA interim title, Bivol was elevated to full champion in 2017 and began his reign of dominance. He notched wins over Jean Pascal, Joe Smith Jr., and Sullivan Barrera, among others, before a career-defining triumph that vaulted him up the pound-for-pound rankings. In May 2022, Bivol neutralized living legend Canelo Alvarez en route to a unanimous decision win. Six months later, he bested former super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Last December, Bivol fought on the historic “Day of Reckoning” card in Riyadh, shutting out British challenger Lyndon Arthur.

(Featured Photo: Queensberry Promotions)

#HF #Artur Beterbiev #Dmitry Bivol

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frontproofmedia · 8 days

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KATIE TAYLOR VS AMANDA SERRANO 2 WILL STREAM LIVE EXCLUSIVELY ON NETFLIX ON JULY 20

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Published: April 17, 2024

Taylor vs. Serrano 2 will be the co-main event of Paul vs. Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with their rematch to be contested for the undisputed super lightweight championship as Taylor puts all her super lightweight belts on the line

Pound-for-pound stars Taylor and Serrano previously made history as the first-ever female fighters to headline Madison Square Garden, a bout that garnered both fighters global acclaim and earned the pair the distinction of Sports Illustrated’s Fight of the Year and The Ring’s Event of the Year in 2022

Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced that after two years, Matchroom’s undisputed super lightweight world champion Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs), will step back in the ring for the most anticipated rematch in women’s boxing history against boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs). Taylor vs. Serrano 2 will stream live globally, exclusively on Netflix on Saturday, July 20, 2024 from the 80,000-seat capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.

Taylor vs. Serrano 2 will be the co-main event to the recently announced heavyweight match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson as part of Netflix and MVP’s first-ever partnership. This will mark Taylor and Serrano’s long-awaited rematch following their historic bout at Madison Square Garden in 2022, where they made history as the first ever women fighters to headline an event in the iconic venue’s history. The bout ended in a narrow split decision in favor of Taylor and garnered global acclaim for both fighters earning Sports Illustrated’s Fight of the Year and The Ring’s Event of the Year for 2022. Taylor vs. Serrano was also nominated for Sports Business Journal’s Event of the Year, a testament to the global reach and power of the event. The rematch between the ESPN-ranked pound-for-pound powerhouses, #2 Taylor and #3 Serrano, will be contested for the undisputed super lightweight championship marking a jump of three weight classes from Serrano’s normal featherweight division as Taylor puts all her super lightweight belts on the line. The women’s undisputed megafight will be contested across 10, two-minute rounds, Serrano’s only break from fighting 12x3, the men’s championship standard, for the remainder of her career. Paul vs. Tyson and Taylor vs. Serrano 2 is anticipated to be the biggest boxing event in modern history, and fans can sign up for presale ticket access at mostvaluablepromotions.com.

Irish sensation Katie Taylor once again reaches for greatness as she meets Amanda Serrano in a rematch – with Taylor looking to add another remarkable chapter to her incredible boxing career as she defends her undisputed Super-Lightweight title. Taylor defeated Serrano at a sold-out Madison Square Garden in April 2022 in a stunning fight of the year contest that saw Taylor successfully defend the undisputed Lightweight title that she won in the same arena in June 2019 against Belgian Delfina Persoon. Taylor became a two-weight undisputed champion in her last outing in November, overcoming Chantelle Cameron in a rematch of their closely fought battle in April, with both fights taking place at a sold-out 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. She first got her hands on world honors in her seventh pro fight, claiming the vacant WBA Lightweight title in Cardiff against Anahi Sanchez in October 2017, and has been in 17 straight world title contests since that night en-route to becoming a two-weight undisputed ruler.

"This is the rematch the world has wanted to see and I’m delighted that it’s finally happening,” said Katie Taylor. “The first fight in New York was obviously an epic occasion and it more than lived up to the billing, and I’m sure the rematch will be no different. I want to thank Matchroom and DAZN for their help in making the fight possible and I’m looking forward to defending my titles as Undisputed World Champion in Dallas on Saturday, July 20.”

Amanda Serrano, the first-ever Puerto Rican undisputed world champion and seven-division world champion, started her current featherweight title reign by defeating Heather Hardy in a brutal 10-round fight in 2019 to win the WBO belt, and has since defended her WBO belt six times. Serrano offered Hardy a chance at redemption in August 2023, but successfully defended her undisputed featherweight world champion title for the first time in a decisive 10 round unanimous decision victory. Serrano also won a blood-soaked war against WBA featherweight champion Erika Cruz in February 2023, which made her the undisputed featherweight champion. Serrano’s decisive win against Cruz followed her previous win over Sarah Mahfoud in Manchester, England that added the Dane’s IBF title to her WBO, WBC, and IBO featherweight belts. Most recently, Serrano took home a unanimous decision victory against her mandatory WBO challenger Danila Ramos, making history in the first-ever women’s unified world championship to be fought over 12, three-minute rounds, equal to any men’s championship fight, and marking the first time a women’s fight has gone the full 12x3. Serrano threw a career high 1,103 punches in the bout. In a true commitment to change for women’s boxing, Serrano recently vacated her WBC title, as the sanctioning body does not support women’s choice for 12x3. Serrano, whose natural weight is 126 pounds, now steps up to super lightweight to face Taylor for the second time, aiming to add the Irish fighter’s belts to her current featherweight hardware in what would be a championship in her eighth weight class.

“I promised my fans they would see this rematch after we made history at MSG and it feels like a dream come true to know that Katie and I are finally making it happen on the biggest stage possible to show the world what elite women’s boxing is all about,” said Amanda Serrano. “While my focus continues to be on giving women the choice to fight with the same rules as men, I’ve always said that this is the one fight I’d go back to 10x2 for if that’s what Katie wanted. I’m coming for her belts, she wants 10x2, so that’s what we will do. I believe I won our first fight, but I didn’t get the decision, so this time I’m not leaving it to the judges. I am honored to share this iconic MVP card in the biggest stadium, on the biggest streaming platform in the world. Thank you Nakisa, Jake, Mike and Netflix for making this happen. And to all the young girls and women watching, I want you to know that anything is possible. Keep dreaming, keep working hard, and never let anyone tell you otherwise. It took me 15 years of blood, sweat and tears to get here, but it’s all worth it because I’m living my dreams.”

Taylor vs. Serrano 2 marks the latest in MVP’s series of significant women’s championship fights as the company works to establish equity across the sport. The event follows Amanda Serrano’s first-ever 12x3 unified championship fight vs. challenger Danila Ramos in October and the Paul vs. August special championship feature of MVP’s Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green vs. Franchón Crews-Dezurn for the WBC and WBA super middleweight world titles.

“When we announced Paul vs. Tyson, we stated that this would be the most-watched boxing event in modern boxing history and we’re here to deliver on a card worthy of that greatness,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor have proven they are two of the biggest names in the sport, male or female and their rematch is one of the biggest fights in boxing, so it’s only fitting for them to be a part of this massive global event. Anyone who witnessed their first battle knows the unforgettable atmosphere and performance Amanda and Katie bring when they step into the ring together,and this is sure to be a fight of the year contender again. Bringing attention to women’s boxing has always been a priority for MVP and we are thrilled to give the world’s most-anticipated women’s boxing fight ever a crowning moment on Netflix. Thank you to Matchroom and DAZN for working with MVP and Netflix to make this historic fight come to fruition.”

“Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are two of the best boxers in the world,” said Mike Tyson. “I know they can both put on an incredible show, and I’m thrilled to have them join this card. These remarkable athletes will undoubtedly elevate the event with their global appeal and fan bases. Adding one of the greatest fights in women's boxing history to this unforgettable event is a true gift to fans. Saturday, July 20 can’t get here soon enough.”

Netflix is the premier home for great sports entertainment with hits like Emmy-nominated Untold that featured Jake Paul the Problem Child episode last year, along with Formula 1: Drive To Survive, Full Swing, Beckham, NASCAR: Full Speed, Quarterback, Tour de France: Unchained, Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team and Six Nations: Full Contact. And beginning in 2025, Netflix will become the new home of WWE Raw. Paul vs. Tyson and Serrano vs. Taylor II will be Netflix’s third live sports event, following The Netflix Cup and The Netflix Slam.

"Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano captivated the sports world during their first fight two years ago, and fans have been clamoring to see them in the ring together again ever since," said Gabe Spitzer, Vice President, Nonfiction Sports, Netflix. "We are thrilled to partner with MVP to bring this epic rematch to Netflix subscribers all over the world on Saturday, July 20th, in what will be an unforgettable night alongside Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson."

Additional information, including the additional undercard bouts, will be announced at a later date. For the opportunity to sign up for presale tickets, click here.

#HF #Katie Taylor

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frontproofmedia · 12 days

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JARON ‘BOOTS’ ENNIS SIGNS MULTI-FIGHT PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM

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Published: April 13, 2024

IBF World Welterweight champion set to return to action this summer

Eddie Hearn and Matchroom have won the race to sign one of boxing’s hottest properties, as Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis has signed a multi-fight promotional deal in partnership with Boots Promotions. Ennis (31-0 28 KOs) is slated to make his much-anticipated return to the ring in the summer, where he will make the first defense of his IBF World Welterweight title. Last time out in July, Ennis successfully defended the interim title belt when he knocked out Roiman Villa in stunning fashion in the 10th round of their clash in in Atlantic City. Ennis landed the interim strap in January 2023 when the American defeated Karen Chukhadzhian in Washington D.C, before his win over Colombian Villa extended his unbeaten record in the paid ranks to 31 fights, with that KO a scary 28th from the slick and powerful champion. The 26-year-old was later promoted to champion in November after former undisputed welterweight ruler Terence Crawford was forced to relinquish the title, and Ennis is now a man on a mission to prove he belongs at the very top of the sport and is looking forward to returning to the biggest nights on the grandest stage, teaming up with the biggest promoter in the world on the undisputed global platform for boxing. “I’m excited for this partnership with Eddie Hearn, Matchroom and DAZN,” said Ennis. “I can’t wait to continue making my mark and becoming undisputed World champion. I’ve been out of the ring for a year, and I cannot wait to get back in and do what I do best; entertain the fans and put on clinics. There are blockbuster fights on the horizon for me, and I am ready to deliver them.” Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn revealed his delight at securing the highly sought-after signature of Ennis, backing the undefeated superstar to rule the world for many years to come. “Wow - What a signing!” said Hearn. “I’ve watched this young man for many years, and I always believed he would become a pound-for-pound great, and I have no doubt he is already the greatest fighter in the division. To win the race to sign Jaron is a massive coup for Matchroom Boxing and DAZN. “Holding the IBF title in one of boxing’s glamour divisions places Jaron front and center for some of the biggest fights out there in the sport, and we plan to deliver them for him. “Jaron has everything needed to become a household name both in the sport and in the sporting hotbed of his Philadelphia hometown, where we are committed to building him. Fight fans can get excited for his return in the summer as he looks to hunt down the biggest fights that will elevate him to the pound-for-pound list.” A further announcement on Ennis' first defense of his World championship will be made soon.

#HF #Jaron Ennis #Matchroom Boxing #DAZN #IBF

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frontproofmedia · 12 days

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SKYE NICOLSON EYES HOMECOMING DEFENSE NEXT

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Published: April 13, 2024

New WBC World Featherweight Champion plots path to undisputed titles after Las Vegas victory

A sensational Skye Nicolson rolled the dice in Las Vegas and made it a perfect ten to become the new WBC World Featherweight Champion by beating Sarah Mahfoud on Saturday. Now promoter Eddie Hearn wants Australia’s new boxing queen to reap the rewards of her crowning glory and embark on a huge homecoming defense Down Under. It was total domination for Nicolson (10-0, 1 KO) at the five-star Fontainebleau Las Vegas Resort as she captured the coveted green and gold belt with a unanimous points victory, with scores of 100-90, 100-90 and 99-91 – over former IBF holder Mahfoud. And by doing so the 28-year-old star restored Aussie pride and broke the Sin City hoodoo after compatriots Tim Tszyu and Michael Zerafa lost recently. Matchroom Sport chairman Hearn revealed he is planning talks with Australian authorities as early as this week in a bid to deliver Nicolson’s return – before targeting huge fights with the likes of mandatory WBC challenger Raven Chapman and division ruler Amanda Serrano later this year. “I now need to speak to people in Australia because she needs that homecoming defence quite quickly,” said Hearn, speaking to Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel. "Skye barely broke sweat in there. She was very impressive, and loads more to come from her. I didn’t give Mahfoud a round, but one judge did. "I think you’re only seeing 20% of Skye Nicolson. I’ve seen her train and I’ve watched her spar where she’s hurting girls repeatedly. But how can you criticize her when she’s beating the No.2 ranked featherweight in the world in a mismatch? "We all want excitement, and I want to see her letting her hands go a bit more and stopping people. I know it’s there, and I know she can do it. "But she’s winning so easily, and her style is a nightmare for people. That’s why people like [Amanda] Serrano don’t really want to take the fight until the money is out of control because it is high risk. Her feet, her movement is really good and if she can start letting her hands go – because she can punch – then she’s going to be even more tough to beat." With an immediate world title defence Down Under being Hearn’s preference for Matchroom’s latest World Champion, he admitted a massive Matchroom vs. Queensberry fight could be in the works too against Chapman. "Raven Chapman is the mandatory and that’s the fight I’ll speak to George Warren about because there will be another 5-v-5 later on in the year – and it’s exactly the sort of fight we should be looking to put on,” he added. “To beat Sarah Mahfoud far more convincingly than Amanda Serrano did is a major statement. "Skye’s doing what any champion should do and that is to chase the very best in their division – and for her right now it is Amanda Serrano. "I want to see her make a homecoming defence, then fight Raven Chapman and then hopefully the fight with Amanda Serrano becomes big enough for her to accept." Nicolson is now Australia’s second current reigning World Champion alongside Matchroom’s king of the Cruiserweights, Jai Opetaia. “It sounds pretty good, I really do like the sound of it,” she said. “When I heard my name being read out as the winner, it was exactly how I imagined it and how I’ve played it out in my mind leading up to the fight. It was very special. “But it’s not the pinnacle for me. I know this is the first of many – and there will be many more and I’m very excited for where I’m headed. “With [Amanda] Serrano, it’s nothing personal. If you don’t want to fight me, then that’s fine. But let us know what you’re doing with all the belts because I want them. But if you do want to fight, I’m ready when you are. “It would be a dream come true to fight in Australia, especially in Brisbane or the Gold Coast. I’m a Queensland girl through and through. "To bring the World Title to my home country and fight in front of all my family and friends would be amazing – and the start of a really special journey. I’m a true blue Aussie and it would mean absolutely everything to me."

(Featured Photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom)

#HF #Skye Nicolson #Matchroom Boxing #DAZN #Australia #Amanda Serrano

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frontproofmedia · 19 days

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SKYE NICOLSON: 12 x 3 ROUNDS FOR SERRANO? SIGN ME UP!

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Published: April 06, 2024

Australian star would take on Puerto Rican over longer distance – but first faces Mahfoud for WBC strap in Las Vegas

Skye Nicolson says she is open to facing Amanda Serrano over 12 three-minute rounds if that gets the fight on. The Australian is targeting a comprehensive win on Saturday night over Serrano’s old Sarah Mahfoud for the vacant WBC Featherweight belt at Bleaulive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, live worldwide on DAZN, to stake her claim for the mega showdown.

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Nicolson (9-0 1 KO) is fighting Mahfoud (14-1 3 KOs) for the WBC strap that Serrano vacated in December, a move Nicolson has previously stated was due to the seven-weight champion not wanting to face her, and not down to wanting to fight over the 12 three-minute round distance.

The Australian star has landed the World title fight she’s been craving, albeit against tough Dane Mahfoud instead of the Puerto Rican. The duo previously met for undisputed in September 2022, with Serrano prevailing on points. Although Nicolson has put the Serrano fight to one side to focus on the task at hand, the 28-year-old can’t help that it’s a fight that she’s asked about all the time – and aims to deal with Mahfoud in better fashion than Serrano to prove she’s ready to take on the living legend. “I can only fight who they put in front of me,” said Nicolson. “Serrano is the dream fight, and to have been boxing for undisputed in my tenth fight would have been legendary, but it didn’t happen. It is what it is; I’m not looking past Sarah. I’ve got a good opponent in front of me, and it’s for the best belt in boxing, in my opinion, so I am fully focused on the job in front of me, and we’ll see what’s next after that. I hope the Serrano fight happens; I am ready and waiting. I want the best; I feel like I am constantly saying it, but it’s true. I wanted the Serrano fight in my eighth and ninth fights. I have Sarah for my tenth fight, so maybe it’s Serrano in my 11th fight; who knows? I want the belts, so I am going to keep pushing for that. “12 x 3s suits my style. I’m a patient fighter; I love the longer rounds, so for me, it makes sense. For women’s boxing, I personally don’t agree with 12 x 3s; I think the depth of women’s boxing, 10 x 2s, has been really good for growth. It’s kept it exciting, and you’ve seen the women’s fights steal the show time and again, and I think that’s down to the two-minute rounds. So, for me, I love three-minute rounds, but for women’s boxing, not so much - but if the only way to fight Serrano is over three minutes, sign me up. “The Serrano fight for Sarah was 97-93, 97-93 and 99-92. That’s not happening, that’s all I will say. The way I am boxing right now, I don’t see the fight going the distance. If it does happen to go the distance, it’s 100-90.”

Nicolson’s clash with Mahfoud is part of a big night of action in Las Vegas, led by a double-header with two of America’s brightest stars: Richardson Hitchins takes on Gustavo Lemos in a final eliminator for the IBF World Jr. Welterweight title, and Diego Pacheco defends his USWBC and WBO International Super-Middleweight titles against Shawn McCalman. British Olympic gold medal man Galal Yafai defends his WBC International Flyweight title against Agustin Mauro Gauto. Marc Castro gets a first title bout in his 12th pro outing, taking on Abraham Montoya for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title, Harley Mederos is in action for the sixth time in the paid ranks over six rounds against Pedro Vicente, and there’s a pro debut for former Team USA talent Steven Navarro over six rounds at Super-Flyweight against Jose Lopez.

(Featured Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom)

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frontproofmedia · 19 days

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RICHARDSON HITCHINS: I WOULD FACE MATIAS NEXT

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Published: April 06, 2024

Unbeaten Brooklyn has no issues with challenging IBF champion – but has to see off Lemos in Las Vegas eliminator

Richardson Hitchins says he would jump at the chance to meet IBF king Subriel Matias as he prepares to hit the scales ahead of his final eliminator with Gustavo Lemos for the IBF World Jr. Welterweight title at Bleaulive at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Saturday, April 6, live worldwide on DAZN.

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Hitchins (17-0 7 KOs) can take a giant step towards landing a World title shot with victory over Lemos (29-0 19 KOs) in Sin City. The Brooklyn ace is determined to show fans and rivals alike that he is here to stay as an elite-level headliner. The 26-year-old meets the unbeaten Argentine for the honor of being next in line to meet IBF king Subriel Matias, with the Puerto Rican monster defending his title against Australian Liam Paro in a homecoming defense on June 15, live worldwide on DAZN. Hitchins has designs on sitting ringside at the Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati knowing that he’ll be next for the winner, and although the IBF 10 pounds check-weigh is always a consideration with the IBF and a showdown with WBC king Devin Haney also whets his appetite, the Brooklyn star would gladly tackle Matias for the belt to prove he’s ready to dominate a division that is rapidly becoming the most exciting in the sport. “I am not going to lie, I do prefer the WBC route - but if the opportunity presents itself for the World title, and on Saturday I feel good, why not the IBF?’ said Hitchins. “It’s a big fight with me and Subriel Matias, everyone would be interested in that, so let’s see what comes to the table. “I have a fight to focus on, Devin has a fight to focus on, I’ve got a tough Argentinian in front of me and things that I have to go out and do. I want to show on Saturday what I’ve always been showing; that I am a great fighter, a dominant fighter. I’ve shown that time and again, it’s the same old story. People say that it’s going to be a tough fight for me, they’ll be surprised if I can make it look easy, but then I go out there and do that again and again. “If I am in a tough fight with someone that’s never been in with anyone of the calibre of me, imagine what type of fight it’s going to be for the guy fighting me. Boxing is all about distance and timing, knowing what shots to pick, where to be, it’s a sweet science and I think I am one of the young masters of it. “Everybody had a lot of shit to talk about my last fight against Jose Zepeda, so no one should miss this one because the fans have made me put on not a dominant performance because I’ve already done that, but a punishing dominant performance. I can’t let Lemos get away with any mistakes, any mistakes he makes, he’s got to pay. I feel like this is going to be another performance like John Bauza, it’s going to show that you put a guy in front of me that isn’t at the top of the sport, period, I’ll show his levels. “I don’t know much about him, so I can’t say if this is the toughest test of my life. I’ve been at the high level for a long, long time, since the amateurs and moved to the pro ranks, where I’ve had to prove myself early. Zepeda talked about experience before our fight, but I told him, I have experience. People were building up the fight because he’d fought for the World title three times, but I had already beaten a World champion, a guy who had done what Zepeda was trying to do. “So when people were saying that it was going to be a tough test, when I got in there on September 23, he was one of the easiest fights of my career that I can remember, from pro debut to now. That’s a testimony to how much I’ve grown as a professional and a fighter; I made that fight clearly easy, so we’ll see what happens with Lemos. He’s a guy that hasn’t fought anyone with any craft or skills, so when he gets in there with me, it’s going to be a whole different ballgame because he’s not just that he’s going up in levels, he’s fighting one of the best young boxers in the sport - period. “When you get in the ring with me it’s way different from standing in front of anyone else, and he’ll see that. He’s tough, he’s Argentinian, he’s going to try have his way but it’s my job to neutralize that. I can be anything I need to be to be victorious on the night.” Hitchins’ clash with Lemos is part of a big night of action in Las Vegas as fellow rising contender Diego Pacheco defends his USWBC and WBO International Super-Middleweight titles against Shawn McCalman. World title action on the card comes in the form of unbeaten Australian Skye Nicolson, who is looking to claim a World crown at the first attempt as she meets Sarah Mahfoud for the vacant WBC Featherweight strap, while British Olympic gold medalist Galal Yafai defends his WBC International Flyweight title against Agustin Mauro Gauto. Marc Castro gets a first title bout in his 12th pro outing, taking on Abraham Montoya for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title, Harley Mederos is in action for the sixth time in the paid ranks over six rounds against Pedro Vicente, and there’s a pro debut for former Team USA talent Steven Navarro over six rounds at Super-Flyweight against Jose Lopez.

(Featured Photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom)

#HF #Richardson Hitchins #Matchroom Boxing #DAZN #Subriel Matias

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frontproofmedia · 21 days

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Defining Moments: 5 of WrestleMania's Finest Matches of All Time

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By Hector Franco

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Published: April 05, 2024

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. They do not necessarily represent those of Frontproof Media, the Frontproofmedia.com staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Defining Moments: 5 of WrestleMania's Finest Matches of All Time

We are a few days away from the 40th annual WrestleMania, the biggest event in professional wrestling. This year, the WWE is garnering an amount of mainstream attention that it hasn't seen since the late 1990s during the Attitude Era.

WrestleMania is known for being a spectacle. If it were a movie, it would be Star Wars, Jurassic Park, or The Avengers; it's a show that brings together casual and hardcore fans alike. In comparison to professional sports, the event is equal to the Super Bowl or the World Cup Finals in soccer.

At the first WrestleMania in 1985, celebrity involvement was featured in the matches and storylines. This tradition has been sustained over time. Almost every WrestleMania features some participation from actors, professional athletes, or political figures.

Since its inception, most WrestleMania shows have been a culmination or blow-off for most WWE (WWF) storylines. It's where a feud would come to its conclusion, or a new star was made. Over time, possibly starting with the classic Intercontinental match between Macho Man Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat, Wrestlemania became a stage for performers to put out their best effort. The goal was to steal the show and have the best match of the night.

To paraphrase a future Hall-of-Famer and current all-time great, Chris Jericho, it may last for a day when you have a great match on a house show. When you have a great match on a show like Monday Night Raw or Smackdown, it lasts about a week or more. A great match on a PPV could last a few months, a year, or a couple of years. But a great match on WrestleMania can have a lasting impact that stays forever. It's a stage where its effect can be felt by those in attendance and generations to come.

Needless to say, while the entertainment and grandeur of WrestleMania make it special, the wrestling inside the squared circle has kept people coming back for more. WrestleMania is the ultimate extravaganza in sports entertainment, but the wrestling at WrestleMania is just as vital as the spectacle.

In the same vein as music and film, what makes a great wrestling match is subjective. Some may like a fast pace with plenty of high spots, and others prefer a story that has as much drama as it does action.

Frontproof Media will unveil some of the finest WrestleMania matches in the event's nearly 40-year history. These matches are personal favorites that hold the veil of nostalgia, propelling them upward in some cases. This should not be taken as a definitive list. These are the matches that resonated with us the most in 2024. There will be lots of Macho Man Randy Savage, Bret Hart, and Shawn Michaels, and no Iron Man match.

Honorable Mentions:

Macho Man Randy Savage vs Ricky Steamboat - WM 3

Daniel Bryan vs Triple H - WM 30

Rey Mysterio vs. Kurt Angle vs Randy Orton WM 22

Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle - WM 20

Money in the Bank Ladder Match - WM 21

Mick Foley vs. Edge - WM 22

Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart - WM 12

Bret Hart vs Steve Austin - WM 13

Hulk Hogan vs Ultimate Warrior - WM 6

Triple H vs. The Undertaker - WM 28

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock - WM 17

THE TOP 5

5. ‘Rowdy Roddy’ Piper vs. Bret “The Hitman” Hart

WrestleMania VIII

April 05, 1992

WWF Intercontinental Championship

As you’ll see through most of this list, the in-ring work will hold the largest chunk regarding its placement. However, the aesthetics of the match will be significant. The little details, from the crowd to the entrances, will all be taken into account.

The Intercontinental championship is a favorite for fans who started watching wrestling in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It’s undoubtedly one of the best-looking titles, but it’s the matches associated with the championship by those who held it that truly endeared it to fans.

Rowdy Roddy Piper was one of the most famous professional wrestlers ever. He was the foil to Hulk Hogan during the height of the first WrestleMania and is remembered as one of the greatest talkers in the history of the wrestling business. He excelled outside the ring and exceeded Hogan in Hollywood by appearing in cult classics such as John Carpenter’s They Live.

Heading into WrestleMania VIII, Piper and Bret Hart were at two different stages in their careers. Piper was the veteran who held a title but never needed one, while Hart was the former champion who was still trying to prove himself as one of the company’s next top stars.

Everything about Piper vs. Hart works on all levels. From the interview segment right before the match to the stellar commentary of the late Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan. It’s the rare all-babyface match that kept the crowd cheering for both competitors.

Looking back at Hart’s work, one of the aspects that stands out is the little unique nuances he would add to the story of his matches. This was especially true during his first run in the early 1990s.

The match starts slow, but after Hart gets the better of Piper during some exchanges, a slap to the face changes the mood in the ring. In several instances, Hart plays possum, pretending to be more hurt than he is to get a pinfall on Piper. This only infuriates Piper and leads him to brawl.

So much was packed into a match that was less than 15 minutes. Piper almost turned to the dark to wallop Hart with the bell to the blood, which added to the drama. Hart would defeat Piper by reversing a sleeper hold for his second Intercontinental Championship. For this writer, his run from SummerSlam 1991-1992 is the best run of any champion to hold the title.

For years, Hart was embroiled in controversy and personal feuds with Hogan. But getting put over by Piper may have been even better. Piper-Hart remains one of the most underrated championship matches in the history of WrestleMania.

4. Macho King Randy Savage vs. The Ultimate Warrior

WrestleMania VII

March 24, 1991

Retirement Match

Although recognized as one of the greatest performers in the history of professional wrestling, Randy Savage still feels underrated. Bret Hart and Shawn Michales get most of the credit for ushering in relatively smaller performers at the world championship level. But Savage, who may have been smaller in stature than both, was the first to hold the WWF (WWE) world title multiple times before either was on the world title scene.

The Ultimate Warrior would never be considered a great worker who can have an excellent match with anyone. But, in the right circumstances and story, he managed to pull his weight to deliver.

A unique entrant on this list, Savage-Warrior is all about the story and drama. Savage met the Warrior in a retirement match after costing him the world title against Sgt. Slaughter at that year’s Royal Rumble event. Savage, at the time, was aligned with Queen Sherri, and during the match, the camera constantly cut toward Miss Elizabeth, who was in attendance.

The action inside the ring was kept simple, with Savage doing the majority of the work and pulling out all the stops to make the Warrior look as strong as possible. Savage would land five of his famous diving elbow drops to no avail, as the Warrior defeated him after three shoulder blocks. However, the victory almost didn’t matter, as the drama was all on Savage.

After the match and now forced into retirement, Savage was attacked by Sherri, who drew Miss Elizabeth from the crowd. In a scene out a movie, Elizabeth and Savage embraced to the roar of the audience. It is still one of the most memorable WrestleMania moments in history.

For delivering the best match of the Ultimate Warrior’s career and doing so in one of the most emotional matches in WrestleMania history, Savage deserves tons of praise. It’s a match with infinite replay value and highlights the magic behind what makes professional wrestling so enticing for fans.

Certainly, Savage’s classic match with Ricky Steamboat could have easily been on this list. The match with Warrior is here because it was a more difficult endeavor and an example of why Randy Savage should be mentioned more frequently in any discussion of the best of all time.

3. Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels

WrestleMania 21

April 03, 2005

Dream Match

I am fully willing to admit that I am in the minority and on an island by myself regarding my opinion on some of Shawn Michaels' WrestleMania matches. You'll find Michaels' match with The Undertaker from WrestleMania 25 on most lists. It's considered one of the best matches in the event's history and has been given rare status with few peers. However, as far as I'm concerned, that level of adoration belongs to Michael's match with Kurt Angle at WrestleMania 21.

Seldom do dream matches live up to the expectations in the minds of fans. And yet Angle-Michaels was a perfect style clash that told a story that could only be weaved through professional wrestling.

Whenever Kurt Angle stepped into the ring, everything he did was with purpose. There was a matter of logic and intent to his work combined with small details that made him a veteran in less than a decade. The level of intensity in his work made you forget you were watching professional wrestling. He crossed back and forth between the lines of reality and entertainment.

Michaels and Angle took their time, starting with the former Olympic gold medalist mat wrestling his opponent. The match slowly built into a crescendo, gradually increasing the intensity, leading to one of the most momentous endings to any WrestleMania match.

The second half of Michael's career, when he returned in 2002, allowed him to be part of one of the greatest rosters of any wrestling company in history. He took advantage of his surroundings and arguably surpassed his accomplishments of the 1990s in his prime.

With numerous stellar matches on his resume, this match firmly anointed Michaels with the crown of Mr. WrestleMania. No matter the expectation or circumstance, Michaels always delivered on the biggest stages. Angle-Michaels was special and is the benchmark that fans will hold as the gold standard whenever dream matches are brought up.

2. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H vs. Chris Benoit

WrestleMania XX

March 14, 2004

World Heavyweight Championship

This is the most controversial pick on this list. It isn't easy at times to separate fandom from reality. And because of that, this main event has been largely forgotten and buried due to Chris Benoit's involvement. This focuses simply on the match itself.

For years, the triple-threat match between Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and Chris Benoit was arguably the best main event in WrestleMania history. The match was near perfect. It took its time to tell a story and was action-packed and bloody. It also gave the then-underdog a moment of glory that felt cathartic to most hardcore wrestling fans. Unfortunately, that moment has been ruined for most.

But on its own, in a vacuum where nothing exists after, this match has countless memorable spots. Madison Square Garden was fully invested in the match and behind Benoit, cheering almost every move. From Michaels and Triple H deciding to work together to get rid of Benoit, Michaels's crimson bloody mask of a face, and the dramatic ending with Benoit putting Triple H in the cross-face submission. The match works on all levels as the perfect main event.

WrestleMania hasn't been in an arena setting since 2006, with WrestleMania 22 in Chicago. The event in 2020 took place in an empty arena due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Going back to watch WrestleMania 20 and 22, one yearns for that crowd setting, especially in the case of 22, as every match felt like a smaller version of Hulk Hogan's match with The Rock from WrestleMania 18.

The ending with Benoit celebrating, then seeing Eddie Guerrero in the ring applauding him and then embracing was genuinely remarkable. Guerrero had a stellar match with Kurt Angle earlier that same night, which could have also made this list.

It's contentious and concealed in hiding, meant to be forgotten due to the winner's actions a few years later. However, the triple threat match from WrestleMania 20 encompasses everything that makes the event historic. It provides moments you'll never forget, even if you want to.

1A. Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart

WrestleMania X

March 20, 1994

Brother vs. Brother

1B. Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon

WrestleMania X

March 20, 1994

Ladder Match for the Undisputed Intercontinental Championship

WrestleMania X isn't usually considered one of the top-tier WrestleMania events. Primarily, it's in the middle of the pack. But when I think of the event, words like flawless and revolutionary come to mind. It's a show that has two perfect matches.

The Brother vs. Brother match between real-life brothers Bret Hart and Owen Hart is often relegated to being labeled as the best opening match in WrestleMania history. However, it deserves to be mentioned as one of the best in the company's history and professional wrestling in general.

The story of the bratty younger brother trying to prove himself at the expense of his older brother is relatable to anyone with a sibling.

This opening match at WrestleMania 10 is a showcase for Owen Hart. He does some of the high-flying moves that made him famous but is purposely restrained, instead choosing to wrestle on even terms with his brother. The pace of the match had a high intensity with every move done with purpose to further the story being told.

Amazingly, the way the match was constructed wasn't the original plan. Changes were made at the last minute to ensure that the story of Owen as the heel brother was kept intact. This proved to be the correct strategy.

"There's a funny story about that match," Bret Hart told Sports Illustrated in 2020. "Owen and I had a match worked out that we worked on for three or four weeks. We were all set to do the match; we had it all locked in. Then, I called him the night before we left to fly to New York. I said, 'Meet me up at Dad's house; we need to change the whole match.' So we met in 'The Dungeon' and changed everything.

"Owen was too babyface," Hart continued. "He had too many nice moves. I remember I said to Owen, 'You're a heel now. You've got to stay that way.' If Owen did a bunch of dropkicks off the top, they're going to go, 'Why are we booing this guy?' We needed him more mean, more nasty, more cheap shots, doing anything to win—the ball shot, biting and bending my finger. If you watch that match, he really got heat."

The match has the advantage of having two endings. The ending with the obnoxious Owen coming out on top by using one of Bret's proven moves, the victory roll against him, was brilliant.

But what puts the match over the top is at the end of the show. Later that night, after triumphantly winning back the WWF (WWE) World Championship, Bret Hart is held on the shoulder of the company's babyfaces. Then there's Owen standing in the aisle, staring at his brother while seething. He proved he was on his brother's level with a victory earlier that night, and now Bret stands as the world champion. It was the perfect ending that continued a feud that defined 1994.

The ladder match between Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon might be tame compared to some of its successors. However, much like the match between the Hart brothers, Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels executed a story while managing to be innovative. This wasn't a match just filled with high spots; it was a battle for who could claim to be the true Intercontinental champion. That bit of reality was felt throughout the match, and the details of both performers brought the match to another level.

The entrances with Michaels moving around the ladder and Ramon going under the ladder are the little moments that can add so much to a match. The impact this match would have on future generations is comprehensive and has yet to be done better. There have been bigger spots and falls from greater heights, but none were better matches.

It didn't quite steal the show from Bret and Owen. However, I won't debate anyone who has the Ladder match as the best of the show.

Photo credit: WWE

#HF #WrestleMania #WWE #WWF #Bret Hart #Shawn Michaels #Razor Ramon #Macho Man Randy Savage

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frontproofmedia · 28 days

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JUAN FRANCISCO ESTRADA AND JESSE RODRIGUEZ CLASH IN EPIC SHOWDOWN IN PHOENIX ON JUNE 29

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Published: March 28, 2024

‘Gallo’ defends WBC and Ring Magazine Super-Flyweight titles against ‘Bam’ at Footprint Center

One of the best fights in boxing is official – Juan Francisco Estrada will defend his WBC and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles against Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, June 29, live worldwide on DAZN. Estrada (44-3 28 KOs) steps back through the ropes to defend the title for the first time after beating old foe Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in the third installment of their epic trilogy in December 2022, a thrilling encounter he edged via majority decision in front of a packed crowd in Glendale, Arizona. The 33-year-old’s win over the Nicaraguan star made it 2-1 in his favor across their famous trilogy, and now the Mexican meets the hottest young champion in the game, who has already claimed the scalps of two of the four modern-day Super-Flyweight kings. Rodriguez (19-0 12 KOs) had his own epic night in the arena 30 minutes from downtown Phoenix, where he’ll face ‘Gallo’, when he unified at Flyweight by stopping Sunny Edwards in the ninth round of a stunning performance in December. The 24-year-old will look to build upon that elite showing to try to wrestle back the title he won against Carlos Cuadras in February 2022 at the Footprint Center. ‘Bam’ successfully defended the title twice, first stopping Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in June in his San Antonio backyard and then seeing off Israel Gonzalez in Las Vegas in September. It’s a huge weekend for Mexican sports fans in Phoenix, with the national soccer team taking on Ecuador on Sunday in the Copa America at State Farm Stadium, and the clash between Estrada and Rodriguez promises to be one of the fights of the year as two pound-for-pound stars lock horns in a stunning battle. “I’m very happy to announce my return against Bam Rodriguez,” said Estrada. “After my last victory against Chocolatito, we took a good break, and I was able to spend quality time with my family and my kids and heal an injury I was dealing with. “I will be more than ready since I know Rodriguez is a dangerous fighter, but in June it will be clear that there’s is plenty of ‘Gallo’ excitement to come.” “Fighting for my fourth world title against a legend like ‘Gallo’ is huge,” said Rodriguez. “This is a fight I’ve been wanting for a while, and I’m ready to prove myself once again. “On June 29, you guys will see another special performance. AND THE NEW!” “What a fight this is,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “When the best fight the best, excitement is guaranteed - and there’s no doubt that these are two of the best fighters on the planet. “There are so many plot lines for us all to get our teeth into in the build-up to this incredible clash – but when the bell goes, the talking will stop, and we will be treated to something very special. Both fighters are to be commended for taking on the challenge – will ‘Gallo’ prove too much too soon for Jesse, or can ‘Bam’ add Juan’s name to his already incredible CV?” “Another blockbuster fight to add to our already unrivaled schedule,” said Alfie Sharman, VP of DAZN. “Bam is not messing around; first he takes on and beats Sunny Edwards - one of the most avoided fighters in the sport – in December and now he faces a legend of the sport in June in Estrada. Do not miss this fight! Tune in live, June 29, only on DAZN”. An announcement on ticket on-sale dates will be made soon.

#HF #Juan Francisco Estrada #Jesse Rodriguez #Matchroom Boxing #DAZN

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frontproofmedia · 28 days

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SUBRIEL MATÍAS MAKES HOMECOMING DEFENSE AGAINST LIAM PARO ON JUNE 15

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Published: March 28, 2024

Puerto Rican star hosts Australian challenger in Manatí

Subriel Matías makes a homecoming return to Puerto Rico when he defends his IBF World Jr. Welterweight title against Liam Paro at the Coliseo Juan Aubín Cruz Abreu in Manatí on Saturday, June 15, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS GO ON SALE ON APRIL 5 AT TICKETERA.COM

Matías (20-1 20 KOs) landed the vacant IBF Jr. Welterweight title last February, forcing Jeremias Ponce to retire after five rounds of their clash in Minnesota, and successfully defended his title against mandatory challenger Shohjahon Ergashev in November, forcing another retirement, this time after six rounds in Las Vegas, continuing his incredible record of finishing all of his victories inside the distance. The 31-year-old puts the title on the line for the second time in a hotly anticipated clash that marks his return to fighting in his homeland for the first time since November 2019, the 12th fight at home and the most important so far for the fearsome puncher who is eager to put on a show and move towards unification battles. “I am super excited to be able to be in front of my people defending the title that we had such a hard time getting,” said Matías. “The mentality will always be the same and in front of my people I don't even have to say it, they know me. The Pride of Maternillo.” Paro (24-0 15 KOs) is looking to spoil the party, and the Australian challenger has no fear of entering enemy territory to do so in his first World title fight. The 27-year-old was at his spiteful best in his last outing, flooring Montana Love twice in a six-round bludgeoning in San Francisco in December. The unbeaten southpaw was previously ruled out of a first World title fight with Regis Prograis through injury but now lands the chance to rip the title from one of the most feared champions in the sport, and Paro is champing at the bit for his opportunity. “I’ve waited my whole life for this opportunity,” said Paro. “Fighter’s fight and I can’t wait to fight the boogeyman in his backyard.” June 15 represents Matchroom’s first event in Puerto Rico, and it’s the first fight with Matías after he signed a co-promotional deal with Matchroom and Fresh Productions. “Puerto Rico is preparing for a world-class event with the expected second defense of champion Subriel Matias,” said Juan Orengo, Fresh Productions. “We expect a night full of action and excitement for boxing fans. I thank the Mayor of Manatí, Honorable José Sanchez for his commitment and collaboration to make this event at the home of the Osos de Manatí.” “The celebration of this important event headed by Subriel Matias in our city's coliseum not only highlights local talent, but also has a significant impact on our economy and tourism,” said Mayor of Manatí, Honorable José Sanchez. “Sporting events of this magnitude attract visitors from all over, which boosts the economic activity of our city through spending on lodging, gastronomy, transportation, and other related activities. In addition, by highlighting Manatí as a destination for high-caliber sporting events, we are strengthening our position in the tourism sector and promoting long-term economic growth. “We are excited to see the benefits this event will bring to our city, both in terms of sporting prestige and economic development, and we look forward to welcoming the fans who will come to enjoy this exciting event in our coliseum. “I am so excited to be bringing Subriel back home for his second World title defense,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s an honor for Matchroom to be heading to Puerto Rico for the first time, and there’s no doubt that Subriel and Liam will produce an epic battle to mark the occasion. “We want to thank the Mayor of Manatí, Honorable José Sanchez and his office for working with us to make this happen, and we promise to deliver a night to remember on June 15.” Tickets for Matías vs. Paro will go on sale on April 5 via Ticketera.com.

#HF #Subriel Matias #Liam Paro #Puerto Rico #Matchroom Boxing #DAZN

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Dolo Flicks: Immaculate Review: Sydney Sweeney Takes Center Stage

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By Hector Franco

Published: March 28, 2024

Sydney Sweeney’s performance elevates Immaculate

Religious-based horror films are often cannon fodder for movie studios. They are usually released in January at the beginning of the year, in the doldrums of the movie release schedule. With a few exceptions, most don't do well at the box office and are critically panned, either forgotten or on the worst-of-the-year lists.

However, for a part of the world that has become increasingly less religious over the last few decades, the dogma and rituals of a religion can be viewed as disturbing if unfamiliar. Keeping a simple structure and utilizing catholicism's ritualistic nature to its advantage, Immaculate never overstays its welcome with its 90-minute runtime.

Immaculate is directed by Michael Mohan and written by Andrew Lobel. The film follows Cecilia (Sydney Sweeney), a young nun invited to stay at an Italian convent and care for nuns during their final days. As time passes, Cecilia finds that the sanctuary isn't what it seems, with evil lurking beneath. Unexplainable occurrences happen around her, including finding out she is pregnant despite never having sexual relations.

Sweeney is best known for her roles on hit television shows such as Euphoria and 'Everything Sucks!' and is one of the most popular working actresses today. As one of Immaculate's producers, the film is a vehicle for her to showcase her talents and range as the film's primary focus. While horror isn't a genre that usually garners high praise from critics or award nominations, it does have the potential to provide an actor with a dedicated fanbase. Sweeney's performance in Immaculate is the film's greatest attribute and is reason enough to warrant a viewing.

Immaculate does use an occasional jump scare but never ventures into obnoxious territory that can take viewers out of the film. The film's opening does give away the convent's nefarious nature, with a nun being buried alive. However, Immaculate does take its time unraveling piece by piece the secrets of the convent and those behind it. The movie's structure uses a chapter format based on Cecilia's pregnancy trimesters.

One of Immaculate's influences is 1968s Rosemary's Baby, as it uses a sense of dread that something more sinister is coming as each chapter passes. Adding to the dread and isolation is the relatively small cast of characters that prove to be fanatical and woefully ignorant about what is truly happening. Small and important events occur, such as Cecilia witnessing a friend have her tongue cut out by a hooded figure, a fellow nun named Isabela attempting to drown her in a fit of jealousy over the pregnancy, and a failed escape to a hospital by faking a miscarriage by killing a chicken.

Immaculate's first two acts work in building a finale that may divide audiences. After barely escaping the clutches of the convent and Father Sal Tedeschi (Alvaro Morte) through the convent's underground catacombs, Cecilia gives birth to her baby. The film doesn't give away how the baby looks or answer whether it's a demon or human. Here is where Sweeney is at her most visceral, showing the grit needed to give birth and having to make a decision that no mother wants to make.

Overall, Immaculate is a horror film that highlights Sweeney's talents. It won't be considered a classic in the genre, but by keeping the story simple and focusing on its star's performance, it will be remembered as an unexpected entrant as one of 2024's best horror films.

3.5/5****

(Featured Image: Neon)

#HF #Immaculate #Neon #Sydney Sweeney #Horror #Religion

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Dolo Flicks: Late Night with the Devil executes a unique idea almost to perfection

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By Hector Franco

Published: March 28, 2024

Late Night with the Devil executes a unique idea almost to perfection

The horror genre thrives on original ideas. The execution behind an idea, even if we've seen it countless times, is significant. But anytime something different can be utilized, it raises the level of attention and notoriety a film receives.

Shudder, a streaming app that focuses on a variety of horror films, has had its share on the platform with concepts that have either never been used or haven't been used in quite some time. In one of their latest releases, Shudder and IFC Films have put forth a pseudo-found footage documentary-style possession film with Late Night with the Devil. The movie is directed and written by Colin and Cameron Cairnes.

Late Night with the Devil shows the final episode and behind the scenes of a late-night talk show called Night Owls with Jack Delroy. In a move of desperation to gain ratings and surpass rival talk show The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, on the Halloween episode, Delroy (David Dastmalchian) invites a possessed satanic cult survivor and an assortment of guests specializing in the occult.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its presentation. The opening uses a Narrator (Michael Ironside) to provide the film's exposition and some background behind the show's episode. The set used for the talk show and even the aspect ratio give viewers the feel of watching an authentic show from the 1970s.

For the vast majority of his filmography, David Dastmalchian has played supporting roles playing a wide array of characters. Late Night with the Devil provides him with the platform as the lead role, and he shines as Delroy. He puts forth a performance that ranges from being the perfect night show host to a desperate man who will do almost anything to get bigger television ratings.

As the night of the show progresses, stranger and unexplainable acts begin to take place. It starts with a relatively harmless psychic reading from a beyond-the-dead psychic named Christou (Fayssal Bazzi) that turns into a violent connection, resulting in projectile vomiting.

One of the more engaging characters in the film is that of professional skeptic and psychic debunker Carmichael the Conjurer (Ian Bliss), a former magician. The interactions between Carmichael and the guests move the film along through its first two acts before its climactic ending.

The scenes during the commercial breaks of the show are engaging, providing more background and foreshadowing into the events happening on the show with exchanges between Delroy and his staff, including his producer Leo Fiske (Josh Quong Tart) and the show's co-host Gus (Rhys Auteri).

The film's third act is where the film ventures into the more over-the-top possession territory. Following an interview with Dr. June Ross-Mitchell (Laura Gordon) and Lilly (Ingrid Torelli), the survivor of the satanic cult's mass suicide, Delroy convinces Ross to perform a seance to bring out the demon inside the teenager that is called Mr. Wriggles.

Following the seance, Carmichael performs mass hypnosis, convincing the audience, those on set, and Gus that worms are eating his body. Afterward, Mr. Wriggles is unleashed and causes chaos throughout the studio, killing almost everyone on stage and putting Delroy through a nightmare version of the show that he can't escape.

The ending is ambiguous, leaving the audience with more questions than answers. It's somewhat divisive but provides the intended goal of questioning what happened that night on Night Owls with Jack Delroy. What was real and what wasn't?

Late Night with the Devil executes its proposal of a late-night 1970s talk show that goes horribly wrong. The performances from all involved are outstanding, and its uniqueness will keep it a fan favorite as one of the premier horror outings of 2024 and one that will have replay value for future viewers.

(Featured Image: IFC Films/Shudder)

#HF #Late Night with the Devil #Horror #Shudder #IFC Films

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NFL Approves Revolutionary Hybrid Kickoff Rule for 2024 Season

By Joseph Correa

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In a landmark decision aimed at reviving one of football's most exciting plays, NFL owners have overwhelmingly approved a new "hybrid kickoff" rule that will dramatically alter the kickoff for the 2024 season. The proposal passed a 29-3 vote during the league's annual meeting.

The hybrid kickoff features a complete overhaul of the positioning and movement of both the kicking and receiving teams:

The kickoff will remain at the 35-yard line, but the other ten players on the kicking team must line up at the receiving team's 40-yard line until the kick is caught or hits the ground.

The receiving team must have at least seven players lined up in a new "setup zone" between their own 35 and 30-yard lines, with a maximum of 2 returners allowed in a designated "landing zone" between the goal line and 20-yard line.

Once the ball lands in the "landing zone," the receiving team is required to attempt a return. Kicks into the end zone can either be returned or downed at the 20.

The key objective is to create more opportunities for kickoff returns by forcing kicks into the "landing zone" while preventing high-speed collisions that can lead to injuries.

"It will bring the play back into a relevant play, an important play, and an exciting play," said Commissioner Roger Goodell. "We can do it where the injury rate hopefully will drop."

Other key aspects of the new rule:

Touchbacks result in the ball being placed at the 30-yard line instead of the 25.

Onside kicks can only be attempted in the 4th quarter or overtime when trailing. Teams must declare their intention.

Penalties on scoring plays no longer carry over to the kickoff.

The hybrid kickoff overhaul is considered a one-year trial for 2024, allowing the league to evaluate its effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments for future seasons.

While it may take some getting used to, the dramatic new kickoff rule aims to boost excitement and returns while improving player safety on one of the game's most dangerous plays.

Featured Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

#NFL #NFL Rules #Kickoff

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LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS FEATURING TIM TSZYU, SEBASTIAN FUNDORA & MORE

LAS VEGAS – March 22, 2024 – Unbeaten rising star Tim Tszyu and all-action super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora went face-to-face for the first time on Thursday at a media workout before they meet for Tszyu’s WBO and the vacant WBC 154-pound world titles headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video Saturday, March 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The media workout also featured WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero, who takes on Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in the co-main event, plus WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara and No. 1 rated mandatory challenger Michael Zerafa, who meet in a 12-round pay-per-view attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are available now through AXS.com. The main event is promoted in association with No Limit Boxing.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Split T Boxing Club in Las Vegas:

TIM TSZYU

“I had sparring for the new opponent come in on Monday and I was grateful for the great work they gave me. This fight is all about awkwardness when you have someone that tall. But nothing phases me. It is what it is, and the show goes on.

“This is a unification now, so I’m very grateful for that. It’s a legacy-defining type of fight. I just have to keep doing what I’m doing, and one day, they’ll say that the Tszyu family is the best to ever step into this boxing world.

“I’ve met Fundora before, and I respect him and how he fights. I just have to find the right shots. Every great boxer finds the way to win, and we’ll find those keys on March 30.

“I talked to Brian Mendoza, and he talked about how Fundora is awkward with his style and that he uses his height to his advantage in different ways.

“My message to the fans is definitely don’t blink during this one.”

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“I’m just going to keep focusing on what I need to do. My original opponent, Serhii Bohachuk has a lot of similarities to Tim Tszyu, so it’s no difference for me. If I stick to my plan, I’ll be successful.

“I was in control of the Mendoza fight, so I don’t want to change too much because of the result, and it doesn’t really matter to me what he did against Tszyu. I’m just going to keep focusing on my game.

“I’ve been training hard all camp. We only had a little bit to fix after our last fight, but my dad and my sister kept my mind straight. My sister Gabriela just became a world champion, and now it’s my turn to do the same.

“A win puts me back at number one in the division. That’s where I want to be. I have my eyes on all of the big names. This is the first stone in the Fundora legacy.

“Having the right preparation is very important, of course. But I don’t think it’s really an advantage that I was preparing for someone similar to Tszyu already. It’s about what happens when you step into the ring. Of course, I believe I’m going to win this fight, but not because of an advantage like that.

“I want to win this fight, become unified champion and keep going from there. We want to keep moving up.”

ROLANDO ROMERO

“I think I’m a different Rolly in every fight, I learn a lot every camp I’m in. Ismael Salas is a tremendous trainer who trained me before I went pro, so I feel like I’m back at home.

“Cruz takes punches because he has to, it’s because he has no other option in his game. This fight is gonna be an explosion and a Mexican slugfest. I’m gonna beat him at his own game.

“My strength and conditioning coach has had me do a lot of explosive work, and honestly, I hate every single second of working with him, but it’s what I need. I already hit hard, and now it’s gonna be more of an explosion on fight night.

“Everyone is excited to see this fight. It doesn’t require too much talking because you’re gonna see it all in the ring on March 30.

ERISLANDY LARA

“I’ve had a great training camp for this fight. There are always new things you can learn when you put the time in at the gym. We’ve been really focused on our opponent and doing anything we can to win this fight. I feel spectacular and you’ll see it on March 30.

“I don’t pay attention to the rest of the middleweight division, I focus solely on me. It’s all about March 30 on pay-per-view. Tune in, and let’s make history.

“I’ve stayed focused on everything that’s in my control, and I’ve used my training camp to make sure there won’t be any rust when that bell rings.

“I don’t need to send a message to Michael Zerafa, he knows he has to be ready on March 30. We’ll be ready for him.”

MICHAEL ZERAFA

“I’m super excited to be here. I was a boy when I fought in the U.S. the first time, and now I’m a man. You’re gonna see a different Michael Zerafa. I’m a lot better fighter, and I’m ready to shock the world and make a statement.

“I’m better mentally, physically, and really in every way. I’m more experienced and just a better fighter. I was 21 when I fought Peter Quillin, I fell short, but I do believe that now it’s my time.

“I have a lot of respect for Lara, but I truly believe this fight is not going the distance. Everyone I’ve fought has said I have ridiculous power and I will show it on March 30.

“Lara has been in there with the best. It’s just another day for him. But this is my life and I truly believe this is my time. I’m ready to make a statement. This is more than a fight for me. My sister Michelle is battling cancer right now and her dream is to watch me win a world title. I’m thankful to have this opportunity to prove that whether you’re fighting for your life or fighting for a title, you can make it happen.”

Photo credits: Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions

#PBC #Premier Boxing Champions #MIchael Zerafa #Erislandy lara #Tim Tszyu #Sebastian Fundora #Rolando Romero

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CANELO ÁLVAREZ VS. JAIME MUNGUÍA LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Published: March 21, 2024

Canelo Promotions Presents Clash Of Mexican Superstars As Pound-for-Pound Great Canelo Álvarez Duels All-Action Star Jaime Munguía Headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View Event Available on Prime Video Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Blockbuster Pay-Per-View Card Also Available Live on DAZN.com

LOS ANGELES - Undisputed Super Middleweight World Champion and pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez and unbeaten all-action star and former world champion Jaime Munguía went face-to-face for the first time Tuesday at a press conference in Los Angeles before Canelo Promotions presents their clash of Mexican superstars taking place Saturday, May 4 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Canelo vs. Munguía is the first four-belt undisputed title fight between Mexican combatants and harkens back to the great Mexico vs. Mexico matchups of the past. Both Canelo and Munguía expressed respect for their fellow countryman during Tuesday’s press conference and promised to honor their shared heritage with an action-packed main event on Cinco de Mayo weekend.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets, and PPV.com.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions, TGB Promotions, in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday:

CANELO ALVAREZ

“This fight is a great source of pride for me, because it’s all about Mexico. I’m proud to have my country featured this way in front of the whole world. The fans are going to be the biggest winners on May 4 and we invite everyone to what’s gonna be a big party for Mexico.

“Defending my undisputed title is very important for me. This is all about making history. I want my legacy to be that I made history again and again. That’s what motivates me to keep defending my belts and giving great fights to the fans.

“Jaime Munguia is a respectful person and a great fighter who’s earned this fight again and again. Everyone will see how great this fight is for Mexico on May 4.

“Munguia is a disciplined fighter who hits hard. He’s a power puncher and I like a challenge. I want to face fighters who are hungry like I am. He’s a fighter who can give the fans the show they deserve.

“I’m really proud of how amazing fight week is going to be. The fans will be showing their pride everywhere. I can’t wait to show the world what kind of party Mexicans can throw inside and outside of the ring.”

JAIME MUNGUIA

“I’m very thankful to Canelo and everyone who made this fight happen and brought us to this special day. We’ve been working really, really hard for this fight because it’s going to be such a big fight for Mexico.

“Canelo has always been a source of pride and motivation for me. I used to say when I was coming up in the sport that I want to be like him, and now we get a chance to face him and hopefully be where he is soon.

“Not only is Freddie Roach a great trainer, but he’s a great person and he’s a motivator. He’s always motivating us to keep going forward and keep training hard.

“We’re ready for this stage. We’re ready for everything and we’re going to have a great fight that night. We’re very confident.

“This is just the beginning of the best part of my career. I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but I believe I’m just reaching my peak now.

“The respect between us is mutual. We want to be a source of pride not just for Mexicans in Mexico, but those all around the world who are expecting a great fight. It’s going to be a great Mexican party and I promise a great fight that fans are going to love.

“Both our fights with John Ryder are two completely different fights. We just took advantage of the opportunity we saw. We know every fight is different so we won’t take too much from Canelo’s fight against Ryder.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Manager & Trainer

“I’m very appreciative of everything that’s been done to make this fight happen and bring us here. Any time that two Mexican fighters face each other, you know it’s going to be an all-out war. Even more so in this fight, because it’s the first time two Mexican fighters will go at it for all four belts.

“We’re going to prove to the world that Mexican boxing is the best in the world. We’re going to work really hard to be sharp on May 4 and we invite everyone to witness a great fight. The fans are going to be the real winners.”

FREDDIE ROACH, Munguia’s Trainer

“It doesn’t get any bigger than this. This is two of the best fighters in the world and I’m in charge of getting one of them ready. Jaime has a tremendous work ethic and we’re going to be prepared to do anything we can to take the titles.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This really is a very special event taking place Cinco de Mayo weekend. This all-Mexican showdown will be one of the most anticipated Cinco de Mayo fights in years.

“PBC had a fantastic 2023. It was a legendary year with massive pay-per-view events. We at TGB Promotions and PBC look forward to putting on more industry-leading events and continuing with another historic year showcasing the biggest stars and the best world class boxing shows.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“With two Mexican fighters at this elite level, we’re in for a special treat…What makes me most proud is that the world will truly be watching. We can’t wait to see everyone there on May 4.”

(Featured Photo: Esther Lin & Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions)

#HF #Canelo Alvarez #Jaime Munguia

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Thurman's Injury Paves Way for Fundora's Redemption

By: Joseph Correa

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Boxing is a fickle mistress, one that demands unwavering devotion and an iron will to withstand her whims. For Keith Thurman, a man who has scaled the heights of welterweight supremacy, the harsh reality of this brutal sport has once again reared its head.

The news that Thurman has been forced to withdraw from his eagerly awaited showdown with Tim Tszyu on March 30th is a devastating blow, not just for the former champion but for the legions of fans anticipating this clash of titans. In the unforgiving world of professional prizefighting, dreams are forged in the crucible of blood, sweat, and sacrifice, and such setbacks are a stark reminder of the sport's uncompromising nature.

For Thurman, the road to redemption has been long and arduous, marked by periods of inactivity and the ever-present specter of ring rust. His last taste of victory came in February 2022, when he emerged triumphant against Mario Barrios. This was a much-needed salve for a career marred by a stinging loss to the legendary Manny Pacquiao three years prior.

Yet, as the old adage goes, the best-laid plans often go awry, and in this case, a cruel twist of fate has robbed Thurman of his opportunity to reclaim the spotlight. The whispers of a training camp injury have cast a pall over his preparations, a painful reminder that even the most dedicated warriors are not immune to the vagaries of the fight game.

As the boxing world comes to terms with this unexpected turn of events, the Premier Boxing Champions organization has moved swiftly, tapping Sebastian Fundora, the towering figure known as the "Towering Inferno," to step into the breach and face Tszyu on that fateful night in Las Vegas.

Fundora's presence in the ring is as imposing as his moniker suggests. With whispers of a potential unification bout against the unbeaten Australian, the implications for the 154-pound division could be profound. In the ever-shifting sands of the boxing landscape, opportunities arise from the ashes of dashed dreams, and Fundora finds himself thrust into the spotlight, a chance to etch his name into the annals of the sport.

Yet, amidst the swirling speculation and the frenzied scramble to salvage this marquee event, one truth remains inviolable: the indomitable spirit of the fighters who willingly subject themselves to the crucible of the squared circle.

For Thurman, this setback is a temporary detour on a journey paved with adversity and triumph in equal measure. The fire that burns within him, the insatiable hunger for glory that has fueled his ascent to the pinnacles of the sport, remains undiminished.

And as the boxing world holds its collective breath, awaiting the resolution of this latest twist in the ever-unfolding drama, one thing is sure: the allure of the sweet science endures. Its siren call echoes through the ages, beckoning the bravest souls to test their mettle in the most primal of arenas.

Whether Fundora, Tszyu, or another worthy contender emerges victorious on that fateful night in Las Vegas, the spectacle will be one of courage, resilience, and the inextinguishable human spirit that lies at the very heart of this most noble of pursuits.

In boxing, fortunes can shift in the blink of an eye. The only certainty is the unwavering allure of a sport that has captivated generations with its raw, unadulterated passion.

Featured Photo: Esther Lin

#Keith 'One Time' Thurman #Keith Thurman vs Tim Tszyu #Sebastian Fundora #Amazon Prime #Boxing

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