Artur Beterbiev retained the IBF/WBC?WBO Light heavyweight tiles with a decisive and destructive seventh round stoppage of former super middleweight champion Callum Smith at The Videotron Center in Quebec City, Canada.

Beterbiev came out with hard flurries, while Smith would occasionally jab and try to work the body. In round three, Smith began to bleed from the nose and swell around the right eye.

In round seven, Beterbiev landed a big right hand that rocked and hurt Smith. The champion followed up with a massive flurry of punches that wilted Smith to the canvas. Smith tried to fight back, but ate six flush shots on the ropes that put him down for a second time. Smith’s trainer Buddy McGirt climbed on the ring apron to signal that he had seen enough of his charge taking abuse and the bout was stopped at 2:00.

Beterbiev, 175 lbs of Montreal is 20-0 with 20 knockouts. Smith, 174.6 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 29-2.

Beterbiev said, “It’s because of luck. It’s my coach. My team works hard with me, too. Maybe that’s why, too. But I think it’s because of luck.

“We had a couple strategies. We always have more than one. We need to be prepared for several strategies. He gave me a good fight. He stayed strong. Thanks to him. Today, luck is on my side.

“Yes, of course {I want the Bivol fight}. I need another belt. It would mean a lot to me.”

Mbilli destroys Murdock in 6

Top-ranked super middleweight Christian Mbilli battered Rohan Murdock to a pulp as he scored a stoppage after six-rounds of their 10-round bout.

Mbilli landed vicious power punches throughout the fight. He was relentless, especially with the right hand and he landed several shots that were right on the sweet spot.

Mbilli had Murdock in serious trouble in just about every round, and the fight could have been stopped at anytime after the fourth round. Murdock’s corner let him eat huge shots for another six minutes before pulling the plug on the fight after round six.

Mbilli, 167.3 lbs of Montreal is 26-0 with 22 knockouts. Murdock, 167 lbs of Burleigh, AUS is 27-3.

Mbilli said, “Tonight I sent a message. I am the future of the division. That’s what the message was today.

“Canelo is the best. Everyone knows that. But now I want to show that I’m the best in the division. My goal is to fight him. I would do anything to fight him.

“Murdock is strong. He took all of my good punches. But for me, I thought I would finish him in one more round. But his team ended the fight. He’s a good fighter, but I’m the best today.”

Moloney Decisions Sanchez; Retains Bantamweight Title

Jason Moloney retained the WBO Bantamweight title with a 12-round majority decision over Saul Sanchez.

In round three, Moloney was cut around the right eye, which was ruled from a headbutt. The fight was fought a close quarters and fought on the inside. Sanchez was very effective with his work on the inside.

Sanchez took the middle rounds by being agressive. Moloney came on late in the final rounds to eek the fight out by scores of 116-112 twice and 114-114.

Moloney, 117.5 lbs of Melbourne, AUS is now 27-2.

Moloney said, “Saul Sanchez is a warrior. I am proud to be the WBO bantamweight champion, and I was going to do whatever it took to keep my title.
 
“The era of Mayhem is only beginning. And the fans here in Quebec City were incredible. I felt like I did enough in the later rounds to retain my title.
 
“I’d love to defend my world title ‘Down Under’ in front of my Australian fans.”

Imam Khataev remained perfect by stopping Michal Ludwiczak in round two in a scheduled 10-round light heavyweight fight.

In round two, Khataev was battering Ludwiczak until a combination that finished up by a right put Ludwiczak. Khtaev continued to batter Ludwiczak until the bout was waved off at 2:17

Khataev, 174.6 lbs of Sydney, AUS is now 6-0 with six knockouts. Ludwiczak, 178.6 lbs of Leszeno, POL is 17-13-1.

In a rematch, Leila Beaudoin won an eight-round unanimous decision over Elizabeth Espinoza in a junior lightweight bout.

Beaudoin, 129.6 lbs of Temiscouata, CAN won by scores of 78-74 twice and 77-75 and is now 11-1. Espinoza, 129.8lbs of Torreon, MEX is 4-6-3.

Wikens Mathieu remained undefeated and won a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Arias Alvarez in a super middleweight fight/

Mathieu, 168.8 lb of Quebec City won by scores of 40-36 and 40-35 twice and is now 6-0. Alvarez, 167.7 lbs of Leon, MEX is 3-2.

Mehmet Unal stopped Dragan Lepei in just 57 seconds of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

Unal dominated and hurt Lepei until the fight was stopped.

Unal, 177.8 lbs of Montreal is 8-0 with seven. Lepei, 177.7 lbs of Tuscany, ITA is 22-7-2.

Christopher Guerrero won an eight-round unanimous decision over Sergio Barrera in a welterweight bout.

Guerrero, 149 lbs of Montreal won by score of 79-73 twice and 78-4 and is now 10-0. Barrera, 149.6 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 7-4.

Moreno Fendero stopped Victor Hugo Flores in the opening round of their four-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Fendero dropped Flores with a left hand. Seconds later, Fendero landed a hard combination that put Flores down again. Fendero got to his feet, but then crouched down and the fight was stopped at 2:16.

Fendero, 162.8 lbs of Chartres, FRA is 3-0 with two knockouts. Flores, 162.3 lbs of Pachuca, MEX is 7-3.

Foll

Follow all the action as Artur Beterbiev defends the IBF/WBC/WBO Heavyweight title against former super middleweight champion Callum Smith.  The Action begins at 9 PM ET with the WBO Bantamweight title between Jason Moloney and Saul Sanchez Plus super middleweight Christian Mbili takes on Rohan Murdock

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED.  THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.

Round 1: Beterbiev lands a big flurry right at the start..Good Jab..Right to body from Smith..Left from Beterbiev..Short right

ROUND 2 Short right from Beterbiev..Right to body…Left hook from Smith..Good jab from Beterbiev..

ROUND 3 3 Punch combo from Smith..Hard jab from Beterbiev…Good body shot..Good body shot from Smith..Right to body from Beterbiev..Double jab..uppercut and chopping right…Blood from the nose of Smith and swelling around the right eye.

ROUND 4…Beterbiev pounding away and battering Smith..Right behind the jab..Smith lands an uppercut..Good combination…

ROUND 5 Combination from Beterbiev…Left to body from Smith..Right from Beteriev…Good jab

ROUND 6 Good lead right from Beterbiev…Good jab from Smith…Jab and right from Beterbiev..Good jab..Short right on inside..Chopping right..Good upjab..Combination from Smith…

ROUND 7  GOOD RIGHT ROCKS SMITH…HUGE FLURRY AND DOWN GOES SMITH…6 MASSIVE PUNCHES DROPS SMITH AGAIN….fight stopped by Corner

Round 1 Right uppercut from Mbilli..Right from Mbilli
Round 2  3hard rights from Mbilli…Big Barrage of punches
Round 3 Short from Mbilli…Uppervy on the inside…Ripping right..Left hook
Round 4 Mbilli lands an uppercut…Body shot from Murdock..Short right to head from Mbilli…Double left hook…Right from Murdock..2 huge rights to the jaw…Mudock;s left eye is swelling…
Round 5 Right from Mbilli…Left to body..Big Right,,,Mbilli is ianding vicious shots…Murdock taking a beating
Round 6 Combination from Murodck…Right from Mbilli…Right uppercut..Rught from Murdock..Left hook from Mbilli…Blood from nose of Mbilli…Short right and big left from Mbilli…Huge right…Murdock taking a beating….FIGHT STOPPED IN CORNER

Round 1: Sanchez Jabbing…Body shot from Moloney..Nice Left hook

ROUND 2 Counter right from Sanchez..Good Right from Moloney

ROUND 3 Body work for Moloney..Left hook from Sanchez..Right to the ribs..MOLONEY CUT AROUND THE RIGHT EYE…Nice uppercut from Sanchez..Jab..Right uppercut…Short left from Moloney

ROUND 4 Cut was ruled a headbutt. Combination from Moloney..Good right..

ROUND 5 Nice right from Moloney..Double Jab..Short uppercuts from Sanchez..Combination…

ROUND 6 Body work from Moloney..Nice combination from Sanchez..

ROUND 7 Body work from Sanchez…Nice uppercut..Body work from Moloney…Right-Left from Sanchez

ROUND 8 Leaping left hook from Sanchez..Right..Good Jab…Good combination. Short right…Good inside shots from Moloney…Short right..Sanchez lands a right..Nice jab and good combination from Moloney

ROUND 9 Nice Right from Sanchez…Uppercut from Moloney

ROUND 10 Great back and forth,,,Moloney pressing the action

Round 11 Left from Sanchez..Hard 1-2 from Moloney…Left hook from Sanchez..Body shot..Moloney lands a flurry to the head..Nice body work from Sanchez…Short right from Moloney…Nice combination

ROUND 12 Moloney landing body shots

114-114; 116-112 MOLONEY

  •  Artur Beterbiev 175 lbs. vs. Callum Smith 174.6 lbs
(Beterbiev’s WBC/IBF/WBO Light Heavyweight World Titles – 12 Rounds)

   •   Christian Mbilli 167.3 lbs vs. Rohan Murdock 167.6 lbs
(Mbilli’s WBC Continental Americas & WBA International Super Middleweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT)

•    Jason Moloney 117.5 lbs  vs. Saul Sanchez 117.8 lbs 
 (Moloney’s WBO Bantamweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

•  Imam Khataev 174.6 lbs vs. Michal Ludwiczak 178.6 lbs
 (Light Heavyweight  — 10 Rounds)

•   Leila Beaudoin 129.9 lbs vs. Elizabeth Espinoza 128.6 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Wilkens Mathieu 168.8 lbs vs. Jose Arias Alvarez 167.7 lbs
 (Super Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Mehmet Ünal 177.8 lbs vs. Dragan Lepei 177.7 lbs
 (Light Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Christopher Guerrero 149.5 lbs vs. Sergio Herrera 149.6 lbs
 (Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Moreno Fendero 162.8 lbs vs. Victor Hugo Flores 162.3 lbs
 (Middleweight — 4 Rounds)

QUEBEC CITY, Canada (Jan 11, 2024) —Boxing’s knockout king hopes to make 20 for 20 against a British former world champion intent on upsetting the long odds.

WBC/WBO/IBF light heavyweight king Artur Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs)will defend his world titles against former super middleweight ruler Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs)this Saturday, Jan. 13 at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada. Beterbiev, a two-time Russian Olympian who now calls Montreal home, is boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio.

In the 10-round super middleweight co-feature, Christian Mbilli (25-0, 21 KOs)will defend his WBC Continental Americas and WBA International titles against Australian contender Rohan Murdock (27-2, 19 KOs).

Beterbiev-Smith and Christian Mbilli-Rohan Murdock will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT) will feature Australian world champion Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (26-2, 19 KOs) defending his WBO bantamweight world title against Mexican-American challenger Saul Sanchez (20-2, 12 KOs).

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the main event fighters and their head trainers had to say.

Artur Beterbiev

“I’m excited, just like I am for every fight. For this fight, we prepared like we usually do, which is at 100 percent.”

“I’m focused on this fight. I’m happy that my supporters are coming to watch us. But I have things to do.”

Callum Smith

“I’m here to do a job. I’m here to become a world champion again. I’m here with my team. And as long as I’m with them, I can be anywhere and feel like home. I’m in a good place mentally and physically, and I’m ready to perform.”

“This will be exciting. He’s a very good fighter. He’s a three-belt champion. So, his achievements speak for themselves. But, I believe in myself. I always have. I believe that the best version of me can beat anyone in the world. I fully stand by that.”

“I’ve improved a lot over the last couple of years with {my trainer} Buddy McGirt. And the time is now. I’m ready to become a two-division world champion. I’m being presented with the opportunity this weekend, and it’s an opportunity I plan on taking.”

“Regardless of whether the crowd is cheering for me or against me, I’m there to do a job. My focus is on my opponent. It’s nice to have people cheering for you. But if they’re not, I’m still there to do the same thing.”

Marc Ramsay (Beterbiev’s head trainer)

“He’s a good fighter. He’s a complete. He’s No. 1 for a reason. But at the end of the day, Artur has been boxing since he was nine. He’s seen everything.”

“It’s always good {for him to start camp in Russia}. It’s a protocol that we’ve had for a long time. We’ve had success with that protocol. He goes to a high altitude to start training camp the right way and make sure he’s not starting the real camp at zero.”

Buddy McGirt (Smith’s head trainer)

“He’s very underrated. I think a lot of people underestimate him. He’s going to really showcase what he can do on Saturday night.”

“You can’t go into the fight thinking about his record. We know what’s in front of us. We’re not stupid. We know that it’s a tough test. We’re prepared for that. If you’re worried about that, you’re in the wrong business.”
 

Saturday, January 13

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith, 12 rounds, Beterbiev’s WBC/IBF/WBO Light Heavyweight World Titles

Christian Mbilli vs. Rohan Murdock, 10 rounds, WBC Continental Americas & WBA International Super Middleweight Titles
 

ESPN+ (5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT)Jason Moloney vs. Saul Sanchez, 12 rounds, Moloney’s WBO Bantamweight World Title

Imam Khataev vs. Michael Ludwiczak, 10 rounds, light heavyweight

Leila Beaudoin vs. Elizabeth Espinoza, 8 rounds, junior lightweight

Wilkens Mathieu vs. Jose Arias Alvarez, 6 rounds, super middleweight

Mehmet Ünal vs. Dragan Lepei, 8 rounds, light heavyweight

Christopher Guerrero vs. Sergio Herrera, 8 rounds, welterweight

Moreno Fendero vs. Victor Hugo Flores, 4 rounds, middleweight

QUEBEC CITY, Canada (Oct. 17, 2023) – Super middleweight destroyer Christian Mbilli will defend his WBC Continental Americas and WBA International super middleweight titles against Australian contender Rohan Murdock on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada. Mbilli-Murdock will serve as the co-feature to Artur Beterbiev’s WBO/WBC/IBF light heavyweight world title defense against former world champion Callum Smith. 

Promoted by Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, Beterbiev-Smith and Mbilli-Murdock will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. PT/7 p.m. PT.

Images of Mbilli’s most recent performances against Nadjib Mohammedi, Carlos Gongora and Demond Nicholson have circulated around the world, positioning him as the #1 contender in the WBC, #2 in the WBA, and #3 in the IBF. Although these performances should open more doors for him in the super middleweight division, Mbilli (25-0, 21 KOs) faces the congestion created by undisputed world champion Canelo Alvarez. 

Mbilli said, “Rohan Murdock is a quality opponent with a completely different style from my recent opponents. It will also be an opportunity to gain new fans before my crowning as a world champion. I look forward to starting training camp and can’t wait to be in Quebec on January 13 to wow the crowd!”

Murdock (27-2, 19 KOs) has won three straight bouts since a TKO defeat to Zach Parker, most recently edging Isaac Hardman by split decision in March to win the IBF Australasian super middleweight belt. 

Murdock said, “I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to the challenge. I have been in enemy territory before and learned my lessons. I know what it takes to win at this level, and on January 13, I will emerge victorious.”Additional undercard bouts will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are on sale now via www.ticketmaster.ca.

QUEBEC CITY, Canada (Aug. 8, 2023) — WBC/WBO/IBF light heavyweight king Artur Beterbiev now has a date to defend his crown. After recent dental surgery forced Beterbiev to postpone his Aug. 19 title defense against former world champion Callum Smith, the two will now meet Saturday, Jan. 13 at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada.

Promoted by Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets are on sale now via www.ticketmaster.ca.

“It’s a few months later than originally planned, but I am thrilled that Artur Beterbiev will have a chance to defend his titles in front of the incredible Quebec City fans,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Artur has a clean bill of health, and I know Callum, a supremely talented former champion, will be at his best on January 13th.”

“I’m very pleased that the camps came to an agreement quickly, so we can go ahead with this light heavyweight championship super fight,” said Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan. “It’s going to heat up this January in Quebec City.”

Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs), boxing’s only current world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio, has made seven title defenses since capturing the IBF strap in November 2017. He is coming off January’s stirring eighth-round TKO over Anthony Yarde in Yarde’s hometown of London. Smith (29-1, 21 KOs), from Liverpool, England, is the former Ring Magazine and WBA super middleweight world champion. He has won two fights since moving up to light heavyweight following a decision defeat to Canelo Alvarez in December 2020.

The ticket holders have the option to either keep the tickets they purchased and retain the previously selected seats, or get a refund. The refund option will be available via the Ticketmaster account of the person who purchased the tickets. In the case of a ticket transfer, the original purchaser will have to proceed with the refund request. Any refund requests made after this deadline will be denied. For any questions, contact the ticket

QUEBEC CITY, Canada (July 30, 2023) — WBC/WBO/IBF light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev’s title defense against former super middleweight world champion Callum Smith—originally scheduled for Saturday, August 19, at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada—has been postponed due to a bone infection to Beterbiev’s jaw. He underwent surgery earlier today in Montreal, Canada.

Promoted by Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, information regarding a rescheduled date will be announced in due course.

Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs), who resides in Montreal, is boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio. Smith (29-1, 21 KOs), the WBC’s mandatory challenger, has won two bouts by stoppage since dropping a decision in a 2020 title unification fight against Canelo Alvarez.

QUEBEC CITY, Canada (May 25, 2023) — King Artur and his three world titles are coming home to Canada.
 
Montreal resident Artur Beterbiev, the unified WBC/WBO/IBF light heavyweight world champion, will defend his belts against WBC No. 1 contender Callum “Mundo” Smith on Saturday, Aug. 19 at Videotron Centre in Québec City, Canada.
 
Promoted by Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, Beterbiev-Smith and a co-feature will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. The card will air live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.
 
The August 19 event will be particularly significant for Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs), boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio. He has not fought in Québec City since he defended his IBF North American belt in 2015 against Gabriel Campillo.
 
“This is a momentous event for us, as we’re continually striving to bring major fights back to the province. We’re thrilled to be able to make this happen with the best boxer in the history of Québec, Artur Beterbiev, who will share the limelight with other EOTTM fighters. We hope that boxing fans will attend in droves, and that the evening will mark the beginning of a new era of boxing in Québec,” said Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan.
 
“The legend of the sport’s most fearsome puncher, Artur Beterbiev, continues August 19 in beautiful Québec City for a fight that can’t help but be a light heavyweight championship classic,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Callum Smith is a deserving mandatory challenger who won’t be intimidated fighting on Artur’s home turf.”
 
“Québec is my second home, so I’m very happy to finally defend my titles on home turf,” Beterbiev said. “When you are world champion, everyone wants the opportunity to take your belt, and that’s especially true in my case, with three titles at stake. I’ve already started my training camp, and I’ll be ready to not only defend my belts, but to also put on an impressive show August 19.”
 
Smith said,“I’m excited to finally get my opportunity to become a two-weight world champion. I’m no stranger to fighting on away soil, having boxed in Saudi Arabia twice, across America, and now heading to Canada on August 19. There was no hesitation from me going to Canada to fight Artur Beterbiev, and I will be returning to Liverpool as a world champion once more.”
 
Beterbiev, a two-time Olympian, has lived in Montreal since turning pro a decade ago. He has made seven world title defenses since toppling Enrico Koelling for the vacant IBF title in November 2017. Beterbiev picked up the WBC strap with a stirring 2019 knockout over Oleksandr Gvozdyk, then added the WBO title to his collection with last year’s second-round drubbing of Joe Smith Jr. He’s only fought once in Canada as world champion, a ninth-round TKO over Marcus Browne in December 2021. Beterbiev followed up the Smith triumph with January’s thrilling eighth-round stoppage over Anthony Yarde in Yarde’s hometown of London.
 
Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) is a former WBA super middleweight world champion who holds victories over George Groves, Hassan N’Dam and John Ryder. His championship run came to an end in December 2019, when he lost a one-sided decision to pound-for-pound great Canelo Alvarez in a title unification tilt. Smith moved up to light heavyweight following the Canelo defeat and notched knockout victories over Gilbert Castillo Rivera and Mathieu Bauderlique.
 
The full card for the Beterbiev-Smith event, which will also feature undefeated super middleweight Christian Mbilli (24-0, 20 KOs) and heavyweight puncher Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs), will be announced shortly. Local talents Wilkens Mathieu (2-0, 1 KOs), Leïla Beaudoin (9-1, 1 KO) and Clovis Drolet (13-1, 9 KOs) will also fight in front of their hometown supporters.
 
Tickets for the August 19 event at the Videotron Centre go on sale tomorrow, May 26 at 12 p.m. ET via www.ticketmaster.ca.

An injury has forced Callum Smith out of his Light-Heavyweight clash with Pawel Stepien at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday March 11.
 
The event will go ahead, shown live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand), with Diego Pacheco’s WBO International Super-Middleweight Title showdown with Jack Cullen and Robbie Davies Jr’s Super-Lightweight fight with Darragh Foley now co-headlining.
 
Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs), one of the hottest prospects in American boxing, looks to impress on his first appearance in the UK, stepping-up against Little Lever’s Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs) in what promises to be an all-action battle.
 
Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) was set to square off with Australia’s Liam Paro but will now face late stand-in opponent Foley (21-4-1, 9 KOs) over ten rounds, and the Australia-based Irishman arrives in Liverpool brimming with confidence following four straight wins.
 
Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (7-0, 6 KOs) takes ‘The Romford Bull’ Army to Liverpool for the first time as he faces Italy’s Alfonso Damiani (6-2, 2 KOs) over eight rounds and decorated amateur star turned Super-Bantamweight prospect Peter McGrail (6-0, 5 KOs) makes his highly anticipated Matchroom debut.
 
Warrington Lightweight talent Rhiannon Dixon (7-0) squares off with Wombourne’s Vicky Wilkinson (5-0-1) for the Commonwealth Title, Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (10-0) takes on Yeovil’s Dean Dodge (9-2-1, 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight, plus there’s for Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (9-0, 3 KOs), Chester Middleweight Paddy Lacey (7-0, 1 KO) and Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (1-0, 1 KO).
 
Refunds for tickets purchased for the March 11 event are available from the original point of purchase.

Callum Smith fights in Liverpool for the first time since 2019 when he faces undefeated world-ranked Pole Pawel Stepien at the top of a stacked card at the M&S Bank Arena on Saturday March 11 that features Liam Paro vs. Robbie Davies Jr and Diego Pacheco vs. Jack Cullen, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand). 

The WBC’s No.1 ranked Light-Heavyweight Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) returns home for a must-win clash with the IBF’s No.7 ranked 175-pounder Stepien (18-0-1, 12KOs) as he looks to secure a mouth-watering showdown with unified WBC, WBO and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev later in the year.

Former WBA and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight World Champion ‘Mundo’ has won both of his fights at Light-Heavyweight in brutal fashion following a move up in weight after his points loss to pound-for-pound superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at the Almodome in San Antonio, USA back in December 2020.

The 32-year-old Liverpudlian destroyed Lenin Castillo with a sickening second round KO to return to winning ways on the undercard of the first meeting between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua at the home of Tottenham Hotspur in September 2021 before taking out France’s Mathieu Bauderlique in four rounds just under a year later in Saudi Arabia. 

Szczecin’s Stepien remains unbeaten since joining the professional ranks in December 2015, with the only blemish on his 19-fight career being a draw with Marek Matyja in 2019, and the 32-year-old is ranked in the world’s top 15 with the WBO, IBF and WBA – picking up the Polish and IBF Intercontinental Light-Heavyweight Titles in 2019 and 2021 respectively. 

A stacked undercard sees Australia’s WBO Global Super-Lightweight Champion Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) put his title on the line against local favourite Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first-round KO win over fellow Aussie Brock Jarvis at the South Bank Piazza in South Brisbane last October.

One of the hottest prospects in American boxing Diego Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs) looks to impress on his first appearance in the UK, stepping-up against Little Lever’s Jack Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs) in what promises to be an all-action battle for the WBO International Super-Middleweight Title. 

Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (7-0, 6 KOs) takes ‘The Romford Bull’ Army to Liverpool for the first time as he faces Italy’s Alfonso Damiani (6-2, 2 KOs) over eight rounds and local Light-Heavyweight Thomas Whittaker-Hart (7-1, 3 KOs) aims to avenge his first loss against Darewn’s Mickey Ellison (14-4, 5 KOs) in a rematch for the Central Area Title. 

Warrington Lightweight talent Rhiannon Dixon (7-0) squares off with Wombourne’s Vicky Wilkinson (5-0-1) for the Commonwealth Title and Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (10-0) takes on Yeovil’s Dean Dodge (9-2-1, 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight, plus there’s action for Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (9-0, 3 KOs), Chester Middleweight Paddy Lacey (7-0, 1 KO) and Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (1-0, 1 KO).

“Pawel Stepien is just what I need going into the Artur Beterbiev fight,” said Smith. “He hasn’t ever tasted defeat and he’s ranked in the top 15 by 3 governing bodies. He is certainly no walkover and I know I can’t afford to make any mistakes. The prize waiting for me should I win means you’ll be seeing the best from me on March 11.”

“We always love returning to Liverpool for one of the best atmospheres in the UK, and we’ve got a stacked card from top to bottom for you all on March 11, said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Callum Smith can’t afford any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien – he’s next in line to face unified World Champion Artur Beterbiev and that’s a fight I really fancy him in if he gets past the unbeaten Pole. 

“We’re spoilt for choice with this cracking undercard, Liam Paro looked sensational last time out and Robbie Davies Jr finally gets the big fight he’s been craving. Diego Pacheco against Jack Cullen can only be fireworks and ‘The Romford Bull’ Army are going to be bringing all the noise for Johnny Fisher! Thomas Whittaker-Hart can’t afford another loss this early in his career and there’s so much more on offer. Watch it all live around the world on DAZN.”

Tickets for Smith vs. Stepien are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP).

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Tuesday February 7. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members ahead of the on-sale time. 

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and the M&S Bank Arena from midday on Wednesday February 8.

Former two-time unified Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs) fights at The O2 in London for the first time since 2016 as he begins life under the tutelage of new head trainer Derrick James. ‘AJ’ returns to the scene of his first World Title win over Charles Martin to face another American contender in Jermain Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs). Saginaw’s ‘989 Assassin’ pushed Dillian Whyte all the way in a close points loss at Wembley’s OVO Arena last November and is relishing his shot against one of the biggest names in the sport. British megastar Joshua is ready to begin his ascent back to the top of the Heavyweight division after suffering back-to-back losses to pound-for-pound great Oleksandr Usyk in London and Saudi Arabia.

This fight will be the first in Joshua’s new five-year partnership with DAZN to be streamed live, exclusive and worldwide on the digital sports entertainment platform, which is fast becoming the undisputed Global Home of Boxing. Joshua vs. Franklin will be included in the £9.99 per month DAZN saver subscription, making it the first fight in over eight years that fans do not need to pay an additional pay-per-view fee to watch Joshua. Beyond the UK, DAZN is available in over 200 territories. Simple to download as an app on Smart TVs, games consoles, tablets and mobiles, and subscribed to with one-click, being on DAZN will make this the most accessible Joshua fight ever.

“I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London.” said Joshua. “Mentally and physically I feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and it will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”

“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”

Alongside Joshua vs. Franklin, Matchroom and DAZN have announced its largest ever schedule of content for the first half of 2023 that will see even more iconic and emerging boxing talent, including five other premium fights, on its platform alongside an ever-greater roster of other sporting entertainment.

The following shows will be shown live and exclusive on DAZN with further fights and full undercard details to be announced shortly:

Saturday, February 18: Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara
Hometown hero Leigh Wood (26-2, 16 KOs) puts his WBA Featherweight World Title on the line against big-punching Mexican Mauricio Lara (25-2-1, 18 KOs) as Matchroom’s 2023 schedule in the UK begins with a bang. ‘Leigh-thal’ memorably stopped Michael Conlan in the 12th and final round of his epic first defence of the WBA 126lbs title back in March 2022, knocking the Irishman out of the ring in brutal fashion to end their Fight of the Year stunner. ‘Bronco’ has been waiting patiently for his shot at Wood after their eagerly anticipated September 24 fight was postponed following a torn bicep suffered by Wood in sparring, but the Featherweight KO artist finally gets his dream World Title opportunity this month in what promises to be an epic battle between two knockout artists.

Saturday, March 11: Callum Smith vs. Pawel Stepien
The WBC’s No.1 ranked Light-Heavyweight contender Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) returns home to face undefeated Pole Pawel Stepien (18-0-1, 12 KOs) at the M&S Bank Arena as he looks to secure a showdown with unified WBC, WBO and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev later in the year. A stacked undercard sees Australia’s WBO Global Super-Lightweight Champion Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) put his title on the line against local favourite Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first-round KO win over fellow Aussie Brock Jarvis last October. One of the hottest prospects in America Diego Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs) fights in the UK for the first time as faces another step up against Little Lever’s all-action Super-Middleweight Jack Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs). Full undercard details to follow.

Saturday, March 18: Cyrus Pattinson vs. Chris Jenkins
Matchroom’s first NXTGEN card of the year at the Utilita Arena Newcastle features some of the very best prospects in the North East looking to take the next steps in their promising careers. Former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson (5-0, 3 KOs) faces his toughest test so far in the professional ranks against Wales’ former British Welterweight Champion Chris Jenkins (23-6-3, 8 KOs) while Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist turned Welterweight prospect Pat McCormack (3-0, 2 KOs) looks to wow his home crowd against Italy’s Dario Socci (15-7-2, 6 KOs) in his first scheduled eight-round contest. Also on the card, Birmingham’s Solomon Dacres (5-0, 1 KO) squares off with Newcastle’s Robert Ismay (11-0, 4 KOs) for the English Heavyweight Title.

Saturday, April 8: Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs. Cristian Gonzalez
Boxing’s youngest World Champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez (17-0, 11 KOs) attempts to become a two-weight ruler when he clashes with Cristian ‘El Chicharito’ Gonzalez (15-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBO 112lbs at the Boeing Center at Tech Port, San Antonio. The 23-year-old sensation from San Antonio, Texas enjoyed a stellar 2022, becoming boxing’s youngest active World Champion in February, stepping in late to meet Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC Super-Flyweight strap in Phoenix and then putting on a stunning display in his first defence, stopping Thai star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on his San Antonio home turf in June inside eight rounds. He was named the Fighter of the Year by ESPN in their midyear awards for 2022 before outpointing Israel Gonzalez on the ‘Canelo’ vs. ‘GGG’ undercard in September.

Saturday, April 22: Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs. Joe Cordina
Unbeaten Welshman Joe Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs) attempts to win his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title back against current belt-holder Shavkatdzhon Rakhmiov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) at the Cardiff International Arena. ‘The Welsh Wizard’ captured the famous red and gold belt with a stunning one-punch knockout of Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa on a memorable night at the arena last June. Cordina was scheduled to make the first defence of his World Title against Rakhimov in Abu Dhabi last November but suffered a hand injury that required surgery and was subsequently stripped of his title by the IBF. Rakhimov won the vacant title by stopping Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett in nine rounds on the undercard of Dmitry Bivol vs. Gilberto Ramirez.

Saturday, May 20: Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2
Irish legend Katie Taylor (22-0, 6 KOs) fights in Ireland for the first time in her professional career, putting her Undisputed Lightweight World Title on the line once more against Puerto Rican star Amanda Serrano (44-2-1, 30 KOs) in an unmissable rematch. Taylor cemented herself as the greatest female fighter on the planet by edging out Serrano in an epic fight for the ages on an iconic night at a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York last April. The global superstar retained her belts after a Fight of the Year contender with multi-division World Champion Serrano – the first women’s boxing bout to headline the famous MSG in its 140-year history, attracting an unprecedented audience of 1.5 million tuning in globally on DAZN.

Alongside this jampacked schedule of boxing, in the last 12 months DAZN has added 75 media properties to its UK offering, giving – in particular – combat sports fans access to the widest range of live and on demand content. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) partnered with DAZN to launch PFL Europe, the inaugural event will be held in Newcastle on 25 March and broadcast globally on DAZN.

In the UK DAZN is available as a Monthly Saver (x12) at £9.99, an Annual Super Saver priced at £99.99 and a Flexible Monthly Pass priced at £19.99.

How to watch DAZN

Watching on DAZN is simple and easy.
Go to the app store on your chosen device, search for and download the DAZN app.
Create an account, choose a plan and start watching anywhere – on your phone, tablet, smart TV and gaming consoles.
You can log in to multiple devices and enjoy top sporting content anywhere.
“What an incredible year Matchroom and DAZN have in store for fight fans around the world – and this is just the beginning,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The UK’s biggest boxing star Anthony Joshua returns to our screens on April 1 as he looks to reclaim his spot as the number one Heavyweight on the plant. ‘AJ’ has reset and refocused and he is on a mission to defy his critics as he kicks off his exciting new partnership with DAZN. Modern legends Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano run it back for all of the marbles at Lightweight in what will be one of the most iconic sporting events that Ireland has ever seen on May 20 in Dublin. Their first meeting at MSG last year was one of the very best night’s I’ve experienced in boxing and the rematch promises to be even bigger and better.

“Callum Smith is within touching distance of a shot at unified Light-Heavyweight ruler Artur Beterbiev and can’t avoid any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien on his Liverpool homecoming on March 11 and boxing’s youngest World Champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez attempts to create even more history on April 8 when he goes for gold at 112lbs against Cristian Gonzalez. ‘The Welsh Wizard’ Joe Cordina attempts to recapture his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff on April 22 and the young guns are out to impress in our first NXTGEN event of the year in Newcastle on March 18 – not forgetting the small matter of Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara in just under two weeks’ time in Nottingham. It is without a doubt the best schedule in boxing and there’s still so much more to come. Watch it all live on DAZN.”

“This is the most eagerly anticipated fight of Anthony Joshua’s career, and, at DAZN, we are delighted to deliver it to fans in the UK and around the world as part of their monthly subscription, making it the most accessible ‘AJ’ fight in a decade”, DAZN CEO Shay Segev said. “Beyond our unrivalled boxing schedule, we are committed to building our library of sports content the UK. Our tie-up with KSI’s Misfits to create X Series and joint venture with Professional Fighters League to launch PFL Europe are just two examples of what we will do to deliver top sports content to DAZN subscribers.”

“We have worked with Anthony Joshua for five years, and we are incredibly excited to be kicking off our new UK relationship with him on April 1,” said Joseph Markowski, CEO North America, DAZN Group. “Being ringside for Taylor vs. Serrano at a sold-out MSG was one of the great sporting moments of my life; what an incredible atmosphere and fight. Alongside this blockbuster, the schedule we have curated so far features some of our best talent, Jesse Rodriguez, Callum Smith and Joe Cordina. All live and exclusive on DAZN.”

“This is the start of a hugely important phase for ‘AJ’ and it is exciting to be kicking it off exclusively on DAZN and at The O2 in London, a place he has had many memorable nights,” said 258 Managing Director Freddie Cunningham.

About Matchroom Boxing
Matchroom Boxing is the world’s leading boxing promotional outfit putting on major stadium and arena shows across the globe. Headed up by boxing supremo Eddie Hearn, Matchroom has been among the world leaders in major boxing promotion and production for over a quarter of a century since its launch in 1987. With an unrivalled stable of world-class fighters, Matchroom’s unique expertise in promotion, staging and television productions cements its position as the No.1 promoter in the sport.

About DAZN Group
DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US and the UK.? Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, JLeague, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world – Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.? DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with UEFA Women’s Champions League and Finetwork Liga F.?DAZN is adding more and more sport to its platform to create a destination for sports fans.??

??DAZN is reimagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialise, and buy tickets, NFTs and merchandise. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.??

DAZN is available on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles. ?DAZN can be accessed on Samsung, LG, Sony and Panasonic Smart TVs and on Games Consoles including Playstation and Xbox. Subscribers also have access to DAZN on their Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and Apple TV and find the app on their iPhone, iPad, android and mobile.

DAZN is a global, privately-owned company with employees in over 25 countries. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?www.dazngroup.com.???

Oleksandr Usyk remained the IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight champion as he won a 12-round split decision over former champion Anthony Joshua in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

It was much like the first fight where, Usyk was swiftly boxing with some solid jabs and left hands. What was different from the first fight, Joshua was more aggressive and landed some hard body shots. Joshua seemed to hurt Usyk a couple times, but every Usyk had an answer for all of Joshua’s offense.

Usyk landed 170 of 712 punches; Joshua was 124 of 492.

Usyk, 221.6 lbs of Ukraine won by scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while Joshua took a card 115-113 and is now 20-0. Joshua, 244.5 lbs of Warford, ENG is 24-3.

Hrgovic Gets Off Deck; Beats Zhang By Decision in Heavyweight Eliminator

Filip Hrgovic survived an early knockdown and a few tense moments to gut out a 12-round unanimous decision over Zhilei Zhang in a IBF Heavyweight elimination bout.

In round one, Zhang landed a cuffing right around the head that put Hrgovic down.  In round four, Zhang was cut on his forehead.  Hrgovic was rocked several times with right hooks, but was able to eek out rounds down the stretch with combination punching.

Hrgovic landed 208 of 705 punches; Zhang was 154 of 395.

Hrgovic, 242.9 lbs of Zagrab, CRO won by scores of 115-112 and 114-113.

“That was for my father who passed away a few months ago. He was a special man. Yes (he has been on my mind), but my beautiful wife, Marinela, was with me in my training camp in Houston and was able to give me energy.”

“Yes, it was a very close fight, I was losing the fight, but in the later rounds I pushed myself and gave everything. I landed some huge shots, and the last six rounds he was just standing there. The knockdown, I wasn’t hurt at all, I slipped on his feet and lost my balance.

“He surprised me, he’s better than I had thought he was.”

Callum Smith Destroys Bauderlique in 4

Former super middleweight champion Callum Smith took out Mathieu Bauderlique in round four of their 12-round light heavyweight bout.

In round four, Smith dropped Baudelique with a hard left hook. It was another vicious left hook that dropped Bauderlique on to the bottom rope and the fight was stopped ‘at

Smith, 174.7 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 29-1 with 21 knockouts. Bauderlique, 174.4 lbs of France is 21-1

Jack Decisions Rivera

Former world champion Badou Jack won a 10-round split decision over previously undefeated Richard Rivera in a cruiserweight fight.

Jack landed 101 of 299 punches; Rivera was 85 of 411.

Jack, 199 lbs of Las Vegas, NV won by scores of 96-94 twice and 96-94 for Rivera and is now 27-3-2. Rivera, 194.9 lbs of Hartford, CT is 21-1.

Almaayouf Stops Alatorre in 1

Saudi-bred Ziyad Almaayouf stopped Jose Alatorre in round one of a four-round super lightweight bout featuring debutants.

In round one, Almaayou dropped Alatorre with a short right hand. Almaayouf ended things with Almaayouf sent Alatorre down with a flurry of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:55.

Almaayouf, 139.3 lbs of Los Angeles, CA via Saudi Arabia is 1-0 with one knockout. Alatorre, 136.9 lbs of La Paz, MEX is 0-1.

Ali Stops Nova in 1st

In the first female bout in Saudi Arabian history, Ramla Ali stopped Crystal Garcia Nova in the opening round of their eight round super bantamweight bout.

Ali landed a hard right hand that put Nova down and she did not get up before the 10-count at 1:05.

Ali, 122.7 lbs of Mogadishu, SOM is 7-0 with two knockouts. Nova, 122.9 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 10-3.

Andrew Tabiti stopped previously undefeated James Wilson after round five of their eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round five, Tabiti beat down Wilson and dropped him in the corner with a right uppercut. After the round, Wilson’s corner pulled the plug on the fight.

Tabiti, 216.7 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 20-1 with 16 knockouts. Wilson, 238.5 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is 7-1-1.

2021 UK Olympian Ben Whittaker remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Petar Nosic in a light heavyweight fight.

Whittaker, 173.7 lbs of West Bromwich, ENG won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 2-0. Nosic, 175.3 lbs of Vrgorac, CRO is 6-1.

Tall light heavyweight and Usyk stablemate, Daniel Lapin remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Josef Jurko in a light heavyweight bout.

Lapin, 173 lbs of Kiev, UKR won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 6-0. Jurko, 176.1 lbs Kosice, SLO is 9-7-1.

Traycho Georgiev took a four-round split decision over debuting Rasheed Belhasa in a super welterweight bout.

Georgiev, 146.6 lbs of Sofia, BUL is 1-3. Belhasa, 148.5 lbs of Dubai, UAE is 0-1.

Bader Al Samreen stopped Faud Tarverdi in the fourth and final round of their super lightweight contest.

In round four Al Samreen dropped Traverdi. A follow up flurry forced a referee stoppage at 1:16.

Al Samreen

Oleksander Usyk outboxed Anthony Joshua to win the IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight titles in front of 68,000 fans at Tottenham Stadium in London, England.

Uyk boxed very well over the first half of the fight as he moved around and used great head movement to land some solid straight left hands. In round three, Usyk buckled with a left hand. In round three, Usyk landed a left that buckled Joshua. In round four, Usyk was cut over his right eye. Joshua worked himself back into the fight by getting through with right hands in the middle rounds.

In round 10, Joshua started to leak blood from his nose.

As the fight reached the championship rounds, Usyk stepped on the gas and landed some thudding shots and hurt Joshua on the ropes as the fight came to a close.

Usyk landed 148 of 529 shots. Joshua was 123 of 641.

Usyk, 221 1/4 lbs of Kiev, Ukraine won by scores of 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113 to raise his record to 19-0. Joshua, 240 lbs is 24-2.

Okolie Stops Prasovic in 3

Lawrence Okolie defended the WBO Criserweight title for first time with a third-round stoppage over Dilan Prasovic.

In round two, Okolie landed a right hand that followe by a right to the body that sent Prasovic to the canvas. In round three, it was a left to the body for the 10-count at 1:57.

Okilie, 199 lbs of London is 17-0 with 15 knockouts. Prasovic, 200 lbs of Montenegro is 15-1.

Campbell Hatton Gets Gift Decision to Stay Undefeated

Campbell Hatton remained undefeated with a dubious six-round decision over Sonni Martinez.

Martinez controlled the action and bounced Hatton around the ring, yet referee Marcus McDonbell scored it 58-57 for Hatton.

Hatton of Manchester, ENG is somehow 4-0. Martinez of Uruguay is 2-5.

Callum Smith scores Explosive 2nd Round KO over Lenin Castillo

Former Super Middleweight champion Callum Smith scored a vicious 2nd round stoppage over former world title challenger Lenin Castillo in a scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Smith landed an explosively perfect right hand that sent Castillo down and out. Castillo laid motionless as he was stretchered out of the ring.

The time of the knockout was 55 seconds.

Smith, 175 lbs of Liverpool, UK is 28-1 with 20 knockouts. Castillo, 175 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 21-4-1.

Marku Decisions Prodan

In a battle of undefeated welterweights, Florian Marku won a 10-round split decision over Maxim Prodan.

In round six, Marku began to bleed from his nose

Marku, 146.9 lbs of London, ENG won by scores of 97-93 and 96-94. Somehow a 3rd scorecard read 99-91 for Prodan.

Marku is 9-0-1. Prodan, 146.9 lbs of Milan, ITA is 19-1-1.

Follow all the action as Anthony Joshua defends 3 Heavyweight belts against former cruiserweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk in Lomdon. The undercard will feature a cruiserweight title defense featuring WBO champion Lawrence Okolie.

The action starts at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT / 6 PM UK Time

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED. THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Good right from Usyk..Rght from Joshua..Good left from Usyk…Right to the body..Straight left

Round 2 Good jab from Usyk…Straight left…Right from Joshua…Straight left from Usyk…

Round 3 Right from Joshua…Straight left from Usyk…Body…Jab…Straight left..Straight left Buckles Joshua…

Round 4 Right from Joshua…Usyk cut over the right eye..Left from Usyk

Round 5 Right to body from Usyk…Left to the body…Right to body for Joshua..Straight left From Usyk…Right  From Joshua…Right..

Round 6 Good combination from Usyk..Right from Joshua…Left to body from Usyk..Right from Joshua..Counter right…Straight right

Round 7  Jab from Usyk..Body shot..Left..Left to the chin….Jab and left from Usyk..Good Jab…Hard left rocks Joshua..Right hook…Jab…

Round 8 Right from Joshua…Good right..Left from Usyk…Right to bidy from Joshua..

Round 9 Good left from Usyk..Body shot by Joshua..Jab from Usyk

Round 10 Right from Joshua…Left from Usyk…Straight left…Blood from Nose of Joshua..Quick right from Joshua..Bigger cut over Usyk’s right eye..Joshua’s right eye closing..

Round 11 Jab from Usyk..Right from Joshua..Counter right..another right..  4 punch combination from Usyk..Good body shot

Round 12 Counter right Joshua…Double left from Usyk..Big left…Good jab…Big shots….Joshua in trouble

117-112; 116-112;  115-113 FOR THE WINNER AND NEW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION –OLEKSANDER USYK

ROUND 1 Left from Prasovic..Okolie lands a body shot…

Round 2 Right from L Prasovic…Jab to body from Okolie..Left hook from Prasovic…Right from Okolie…LEFT TO BODY AND DOWN GOES  PRASOVIC..Big Right from Okolie..

Round 3 LEFT TO THE BODY AND DOWN GOES PRASOVIC..FIGHT OVER

Round 1: Left to body from Hatton..Big uppercut from Martinez//Left hook from Martinez..Counter from Hatton..Big uppercut from Martinez
Round 2 Left hook from Hatton…Good left to the body..Right to body
Round 3 Double left hook from Martinez…Left hook…Right..Hatton lands an uppercut…Left hook..Uppercut from Martinez..Right..Right from Hatton…Right
Round 4 Nice right followed by a left from Hatton…Good right from Martinez….Uppercut..Right to body…good left hook..Good counter…
Round 5 Hatton lands a right..Uppercut from Martinez..Body shot..Uppercut..
Round 6 Left hook from Hatton…Combination from Martinez

58-57 FOR HATTON

Round 1 3 Jabs from Castillo..Left yo body Smith…Right…Left…2 nice rights…Right..Left to body…Hook…2 Counters from Castillo
Round 2  BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES CASTILLO….FIGHT OVER

Round 1 Nice right from Marku…4 jabs and a right…Right from Prodan…
Round 2 Right from Prodan..bod/head combination..
Round 3 Prodan slips..2 jabs from Prodan…Left…Good Jab from Marku..Good right from Prodan..
Round 4 Right from Prodan..Jab from Marku…Good inside right hand…Jab…good left…
Round 5 Right from Marku
Round 6 Jab from Marku…Blood from nose of Marku..Good jab back up Prodan 
Round 7 Jab and right hand from Marku.  Good right from Prodan
Round 8 Good boxing from Marku
Round 9  Jabs from Marku
Round 10 Right from Marku..Overhand right..Good jab from Prodan…Left hook from Marku..Counter jab from Prodan…Right uppercut from Marku..Left from Prodan..

99-91 Prodan; 97-93 Marku, 96-94 Marku

By Bart Barry-

SAN ANTONIO – Into this friendly city whose citizens have been generally vigilant about Covid, vigilant as local officials have required, many multiples more vigilant than state officials have, strode Canelo for his fourth Texas prizefight, second in Alamo City.  If it wasn’t his easiest Texas fight it wasn’t his most difficult either.  Which is a surprise and a half – since Callum Smith, the man Canelo beat up Saturday, was by far the most accomplished prizefighter Canelo has fought in Lone Star State.

What you opined of Saul Alvarez’s Saturday performance depends mostly on what you opined of Smith on Friday, what you opined of an undefeated Ring champion who’d won his title by knockout in the finals of a single-elimination tournament.  I learned this lesson about opinion’s effect, contrasting my feelings about Spence-Garcia a few weeks back and Alvarez-Smith Saturday.

I did not think particularly highly of welterweight Garcia, after opining quite highly of him at 140 pounds, and Spence’s workmanlike decision did next to nothing for me, aesthetically.  I opined quite highly of Callum Smith, and it rendered me thrice as susceptible to commentator hyperbole about Canelo.

It’s probably in the word subtlety.  When man’s most primal impulses manifest themselves subtly, perhaps someone with a microphone’s shining you.  While lots of subtle things happen in any confrontation, there is nothing subtle about a man’s consciousness being removed from him on television; in the absence of that spectacle recourses to subtlety deserve be discounted.

Canelo has come a long way since his last Alamodome match, hasn’t he?  Then, Canelo made his sixth defense of his first WBC title, a 154-pound trophy he won beating Matthew Hatton (the EBU European welterweight titlist at the time).  Canelo won a fair, unanimous decision over Austin Trout.  I was ringside for that.  Till that point I rated Canelo below “Son of the Legend” Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. among anointed Mexican prizefighters.  If Canelo wasn’t fully a promoter-manufactured entity he was having an awfully easy run – that would end in humiliation with Floyd Mayweather, five months after the Trout fight.

Watching Canelo from ringside afforded something watching Chavez Jr. did not, though.  On television Canelo didn’t have much an identity more than redhaired horseman from Jalisco.  With Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez still active, at various levels of decline, Canelo mightn’t have been among his country’s best five prizefighters, while being promoted as if he’d eclipsed all of them.  I went to Alamodome in 2013 half expecting Trout to undress him.

I was disabused of that in round 1.  The first time Canelo let fly a hook, actually, I noticed he had access to an entire other level from Chavez Jr.’s.  I’ve written about it before, but Canelo has a different sort of intensity than television shows.

Back then, too, Canelo was given to one defensive-clinic round every fight, a round when he tried to be Will o’ the Cinnamon, showing aspirational levels of head and shoulder movement.  It was corny – like a voluptuous Instagram model in prop glasses with a caption that reads “Beauty AND BRAINS!”  Saturday showed Canelo’s cornball defensive rounds weren’t wrong but early.  Across from Erislandy Lara, Mayweather and Trout, men with better reflexes, Canelo was too slow to make his feints look even hopeful.

The higher Canelo moves in weight, though, the more a defensive genius he appears.  Against Callum Smith he showed a defensive awareness that set Twitter ablaze with comparisons.  It might be inferred the worst loser Saturday was not Smith, in fact, but “Saint George” Groves and by further inference late-career Carl “The Cobra” Froch.  How bloody sluggish must Groves’ve been to make such a bull and bully of a man limited as Callum Smith?

Smith was wholly unprepared for Canelo’s intensity, for his presence, for his speed even, Saturday.  A giant of a man, Smith went from graceful athlete to gangly reluctant in fewer than three minutes.  Late as round 6, I continued hoping like a loon a limited Brit might surprise a fully actualized Mexican prizefighter with a left hook – makes me chuckle at myself, typing that – then Canelo just about broke Smith’s left arm in half with a righthand or two.  By round 9 Smith’s corner was threatening its charge with the white feather.  The championship rounds were about one more hopeless UK fighter’s grit.

There wasn’t an obvious opportunity to ice Smith so Canelo didn’t try very hard, which earned him some derision from what GGG deadenders Canelo sneered at in his incompetently translated postfight chinwag.  Healthy as he feels and looks at 168 pounds Canelo hasn’t an inkling to weigh one ounce less to retire Gennadiy Golovkin, who didn’t rehydrate to the super middleweight limit Friday.

Without HBO around anymore to sensationalize Soviet Bloc fighters to feed Canelo, and without any obvious rivalries between 168 pounds and whatever Andy Ruiz weighs right now, and with his agency as a selfpromoter freer than ever, Canelo has some planning to do.  If he’s serious about unifying titles at 168 pounds – he needn’t be; he has The Ring title already – he should forego whoever holds the IBF belt and unify WBC titles in a match with David Benavidez, who at age 24 is at least as good as Canelo was when he lost to Mayweather at 23.  Maybe that fight would go the way of Crawford-Benavidez.  Maybe it wouldn’t.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Canelo Alvarez won a emphatic 12-round unanimous decision over Callum Smith to win the WBA/WBC Super Middleweight title at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Alvarez was dominant from the start as he landed some quick hard shots using a diverse offensive attack. At different times in the contest, Alvarez landed hard jabs; rights; left hook and a tremendous uppercuts.

By the middle rounds, it was evident that it would be a dominant victory for Alavrez as despite having a seven-inch height disadvantage, Smith would not and could not hold Alavarez with anything. Alavrez could just walk right in and land thudding combinations and dividing his punches to the head and body.

Alvarez hurt Smith several times with those hard, and the Englishman did well to hear the final bell, but he was bruised and cut over his right eye, and never competitive in the fight which saw Alavrez win on two cards 119-109 and a third was more generous for Smith to the tune of 117-111.

Alvarez landed 214 of 494 punches; Smith was 99 of 539.

Alvarez of Guadalajara, MEX is now 54-1-2. Smith of Liverpool, ENG is 27-1.

Castro Stops Valdes in 3

Marc Castro made a successful pro debut with a 3rd round stoppage over Luis Javier Valdes in a scheduled four-round junior lightweight fight.

In round two, Castro dropped Valdes with a right uppercut. In round three, it was a body shot that followed by a right to the head and Valdes did not beat the count at 1:59

Castro, 130.1 lbs of Fresno, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Valdes, 128.8 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 7-6-1.

Sanchez stops Fernandez in 7

Frank Sanchez remained undefeated with a crushing 7th round stoppage over Julian Fernandez in a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round seven, Sanchez landed a booming right that badly hurt Fernandez. A follow up right dropped Fernandez onto the apron and the fight was stopped at 1:35.

Sanchez, 229 lbs of Miami is 17-0 with 13 knockouts. Fernandez, 209.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 14-3.

Ford Stops Lopez in 7

Raymond Ford stopped Juan Antonio Lopez in round seven of their scheduled eight-round featherweight fight.

In round one, Ford sent Lopez to the deck with a right hook.

In round seven, Ford landed a perfect right hook to the chin that sent Lopez to a knee. Lopez took the 10-count and the fight was stopped at 1:14

Ford, 128.6 lbs of Camden, NJ is 8-0 with four knockouts. Lopez, 129.2 lbs of Dallas, TX is now 15-8.

Williams stops Jones in 1st

Austin Williams remained undefeated by stopping Isiah Jones in round one of their scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

Williams clipped Jones with hard left that hurt him. Williams jumped all over Jones and landed a hard barrage of punches that forced the stoppage at 1:29.

Williams is now 7-0 with six knockouts. Jones of Detroit is 9-4.

Follow all the action as Canelo Alvarez takes on Callum Smith for the WBA/WBC Super Middleweight championship.  The action begins at 8 PM ET /1 AM in England with an undercard featuring some top undefeated Prospects.

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Round 1: Right to body from Alvarez

Round 2 2 Body shots from Alvarez…Jab from Smith..Good Jab..Pawing jab…Hard jab from Canelo

Round 3 Right from Canelo..Good jab and right hand..2 jabs..Jab and right hand

Round 4 hard jabs from Smith..Hard right from Canelo..Body shot from Smith…Hard right from Canelo..Hard body shot..1-2…Good combination on the ropes..Good uppercut..

Round 5 Hard body shot from Canelo…

Round 6 Good right from Canelo..Body shot..Right…

Round 7 Combination from Smith..Hard body shot from Canelo..Long jab…uppercut..Long right

Round 8 Right from Canelo..Lead uppercut and right hand..Combination from Smith..Good right..Thudding right and uppercut from Canelo..snapping jab..Nice right and uppercut from Smith..

Round 9 Right and jab from Canelo..Uppercut..Blood from nose of Smith..Hard right from Smith..Hard body shot and right from Canelo..Big right Hurts Smith…Uppercut from Canelo..Uppercut and right..Canelo starting to bust up Smith..Hard right hurts Smith..Hard right

Round 10 Hard body shot…Hard uppercut..Smith being punished…4 hard body shots..Hard body shot..Hard right and a body shot

Round 11 Body shot from Canelo..Hard left hook..Snapping jab..Hard right hurts Smith..Another right..Jab to the head..

Round 12 Right from Canelo..Snapping jab and right hand…Combination from Smith..Right from Canelo..Combination..Hard thudding right hand

119-109 TWICE; 117-111 FOR CANELO ALVAREZ

Round 1 Right from Sanchez..Hook and right hand…Hard right..Hard right and another..right to body..Uppercut…Body shot
Round 2 Big hook from Sanchez…Ferandez hurt…Sanchez lands a right over the top..Right..
Round 3 Sanchez lands a right behind the head..Hard right from Sanchez
Round 4 Hard body shot that is followed by a jab from Sanchez
Round 5 Hard right from Sanchez
Round 6 Hard right from Sanchez
Round 7 Body shots from Sanchez…HARD RIGHT DOWN GOES FERNANDEZ..FERNANDEZ FALLS OUT OF RING…FIGHT OVER

Round 1: Jab from Ford…hard left drives Lopez fight..Right to the body..hard left hurts Lopez..RIGHT HOOK AND DOWN GOES LOPEZ
Round 2 Hard jab drives Lopez back..Lopez lands a left…combination from Ford..
Round 3 Hard left from Ford
Round 4 Hard uppercut from Ford…Double jab followed by a left ..Lopez lands a left
Round 5 Hard left from Ford..Jab..hard body shot
Round 6 Good jab from Ford..Sharp right hook..Uppercut…Slapping left from Lopez..Left to head from Ford
Round 7 RIGHT HOOK AND DOWN GOES LOPEZ…HE TAKES THE 10-COUNT–FIGHT OVER

Round 1 Jab from Jones..Left from Williams..Jab..HARD LEFT AND JONES IS HURT…WILLIAMS ALL OVER JONES AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Right from Castro..Right to body and head…3 punch combination..Right to body from Valdes///Right from Castro
Round 2 Right snaps back Valdes head..UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES VALDES…Hard Body shot..Hard body shot
Round 3

By Bart Barry-

Saturday at Wembley Arena, in its cafeteria or lobby, British heavyweight titlist Anthony “AJ” Joshua went through in nine rounds a limited old Bulgarian named Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev in four or so rounds longer than Wlad Klitschko did in 2014.  Saturday in San Antonio, Mexican middleweight champion and light heavyweight titlist Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will challenge British super middleweight champion Callum “Mundo” Smith.  DAZN brought and brings us both.

AJ won the first match of his AR (After Ruiz) career by convincing stoppage that made some new fan, someone who discovered boxing Saturday, there must be one, think AJ is an indestructible force other heavyweight champions’d be wise to avoid.  What that means is a fresh round of socialmedia negotiations commences.  They’re all hypothetical at this point, exactly as most contemporary prizefighters and their followers prefer them.

Until a Covid vaccine is widely distributed round the world and its effect widely proven round the world all plans for heavyweight superfights are noise.  Here in the U.S. we know all about cacophony (and handling a pandemic catastrophically badly).  Bob Arum and Tyson Fury will do their part to ensure failed negotiations for AJ-Gypsy King get blamed on someone else – they’ve already begun that campaign.  Fury has been lucid for a couple years now, blessedly so, but Arum and others know tomorrow is promised to no promoter and waiting for things to marinate “until we can have fans in the seats again” mightn’t be perspicacity’s own path.

Joshua knows to wait favors him.  So long as the AR charade holds up with Eastern Bloc guys – a Pulev to Usyk to Povetkin run has to be the preferred course – there’s no need to go the riskier route of a Fury fight or, God save AJ’s chin, a match with Deontay Wilder.  Saturday AJ proved against a smaller, older, lighter-hitting, less-athletic version of himself he is a monster.

Even still the sheen is off.  There’s no longer an inevitability to AJ.  One no longer thinks of the kid who dethroned Wlad Klitschko but the man who went wobbly woebegone against a fat little guy who could punch in combination.  That AJ, though, had something like pride and initiative – he was trying to finish Ruiz, remember, when his career comically unwound.  Better for AJ that we remember that bemused countenance and refusal to step forward till he good and felt like it, not the way he ran from the Snickers spokesman six months later.

Tentative as he got after Corrie Sanders denuded him Wlad never had athleticism enough to run like AJ did in Saudi Arabia; Wlad had the heart for it but not the coordination.  Pulev wasn’t much of a matchmaking risk for AJ’s braintrust.  He was a mandatory of some sort, a proven victim, and at age 39 near to immobile as a credible challenger could be.  He also wasn’t much of a finisher.  If AJ chose to plant and punch and his righthand arrived in second place, it was essential he’d have time to settle things before he had to punch or defend again.  Pulev was not a man to rush forward.  

Actually, who cares?  Until AJ fights Fury or Wilder he’ll not be considered credible by aficionados, so why shoehorn anything more into Saturday’s match?

Especially when we can be treating Canelo’s upcoming fight with Callum Smith.  Saturday at Alamodome in a city whose daily new Covid cases are now about the worst they’ve been and eight times or so worse than they were in October, there is a misery of an undercard followed by a properly compelling mainevent, for those dumb enough to put themselves in an indoor arena.

After his excellent win at World Boxing Super Series, Smith has been in hiding.  He fought well 18 months ago and badly five months after that.  He is the Ring champion at super middleweight and deservedly so.  Canelo is the Ring’s pound-for-pound champion, having fought at too many different weights recently to be considered anything other than one of the world’s best fighters, regardless of weightclass or belt.

If Canelo is not the world’s very best fighter it is not for reluctance.  He has made a fight with everyone aficionados have asked him to, especially those men aficionados suspected would make him look bad.  He hasn’t given Gennadiy Golovkin a rubbermatch because he doesn’t believe Golovkin deserves one – an assertion Golovkin is doing his damndest to prove by fighting a 31-year-old Pole with a 24-percent knockout ratio, this Friday.

Yes, the world’s most-feared man, one willing to fight anyone, even career welterweights, between 154 pounds and 168, though not at 154 pounds or 168, will, to his credit, be matching himself against his third career middleweight in a row when he makes a good boy out of the Ring’s number-six-rated middleweight, Kamil Szeremeta, in yet another worst-opponent-the-broadcaster-would-approve showcase for GGG.

Golovkin and his enablers consider his rivalry with Canelo unfinished.  Canelo doesn’t even recognize Golovkin as a rival.  Canelo’s right.  After icing a former light heavyweight champion in his last fight Canelo is about to fight the undisputed super middleweight champion of the world.  Golovkin, 0-1-1 (0 KOs) in career superfights, meanwhile, has returned to making war on mediocre middleweights – though, noticeably, without foundering HBO to overestimate wildly his achievements as he does.  Better put: Did you even know GGG was fighting this week?

Canelo-Smith should be excellent.  Smith has all the tools, and talent aplenty too, but not a fraction Canelo’s experience.  Neither suffers a want of selfbelief.  Had Smith kept improving or challenging himself after WBSS he’d be a favorite Saturday.  Unfortunately he hasn’t.

I’ll take Canelo, UD-12.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Matchroom and Canelo Promotions are delighted to announce that the WBC World Super-Middleweight title will be on the line when Canelo Alvarez and Callum Smith clash at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday December 19, live on DAZN in 200+ countries and territories worldwide and on TV Azteca in Mexico.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $75 (PLUS FEES) FROM TICKETMASTER – CLICK HERE
Canelo (53-1-2 36 KOs) once again reaches for greatness as he challenges the WBA Super, Ring Magazine and world number one rated Super-Middleweight Smith (27-0 19 KOs) in Texas, and the addition of the WBC title adds more greatness and glamour to an already monstrous fight.

Both men have won WBC straps before, with Canelo winning belts at Super-Welterweight and Middleweight and Smith landing the WBC Diamond belt at 168lbs, and the winner on December 19 will be ordered to face WBC #2 ranked Avni Yildrim within 90 days.

“The WBC is extremely proud to have such tremendous fight for the vacant WBC Super-Middleweight title,” said WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman. “Canelo and Callum will give the world a superb closing of a difficult year and will make fans from around the world celebrate with much entertainment and enjoyment. I would like to personally praise Avni Yildirim for his exemplary collaboration to make this a reality.”

“I am delighted that the winner of this fight will be crowned the WBC World champion at 168lbs,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Canelo Alvarez is the pound-for-pound best fighter on the planet, and Callum Smith is the number one Super-Middleweight on the planet – so it is fitting for the winner to proudly wear the green and gold belt on December 19.”

Marc Castro, Diego Pacheco, Alexis Espino and Austin Williams will perform on the biggest of stages on the undercard of the World title clash between Canelo Alvarez vs. Callum Smith at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday December 19, live on DAZN in 200+ countries and territories worldwide and on TV Azteca in Mexico.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $75 (PLUS FEES) FROM TICKETMASTER – CLICK HERE

It’s third time lucky for Castro as the amateur sensation makes his professional debut after false starts in Tulsa and Florida. The Fresno talent amassed a 177-7 record in the amateur code and won countless titles all over the world, and now the 21 year old will finally step through the ropes having missed out in Oklahoma due to COVID and in Hollywood with an ankle strain.

“It’s been a crazy year but I’m ready to get my pro career started on one of the best cards of the year, God willing,” said Castro. “The positive COVID result and the ankle injury were just little setbacks that I have fully recovered from and I cannot wait to get started in the pros on December 19.”

Pacheco (10-0 8 KOs) moved into double figures in Mexico City in October with his eighth stoppage win – and the powerful and rangy teen takes another big step on his pro journey, with his first eight rounder against Rodolfo Gomez Jr (14-4-1 10 KOs) in Texas.

“I’m really happy and excited that I get to close out the year on the biggest show of the year,” said Pacheco. “I’m moving up to eight rounds which is exciting for me, and I really hope I can push on and on from here into 2021.”

Espino (6-0 4 KOs) completes the trio of Mexican-American Matchroom talents on the card, and the 20 year old will fight for the seventh time in the paid ranks in Texas against Ashton Sykes (5-3 1 KO) and for the first time since fighting in the Lone Star state in February.

“I’m so excited for the opportunity to be on the biggest card of year,” said Espino. “I’ve been working harder than ever and I’m ready to put on a great show.”

‘Ammo’ Williams (6-0 5 KOs) recorded his fifth KO win from six pro-outings in Mexico City alongside Pacheco, and the Houston native faces Isaiah Jones (9-3 3 KOs) in his home state for the second time having fought in Arlington in June 2019.

“2020 was the toughest and most unexpected year of my life,” said Williams. “I was tested mentally, physically and emotionally but I overcame all my trials! Now I get to put a guy to sleep on the biggest card of the year! Hard work, faith, and dedication always pays off!”

Castro, Pacheco, Espino and Williams take their place on a blockbuster night, topped by Canelo (53-2-1 36 KOs) challenging Smith (27-0 19 KOs) for the Briton’s WBA and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight titles, and exciting Mexican pocket powerhouse Julio Cesar Martinez (17-1 13 KOs) defends his WBC World Flyweight title against Francisco Rodriguez Jr (33-4-1 24 KOs) – with more action to be added.