(May 10, 2022) – A women’s 10-round championship fight has been added to the inaugural edition of “The Global Titans Fight Series,” headlined by the ring return of Floyd “Money” Mayweather facing “Dangerous” Don Moore “in the skies of Dubai” on Saturday, May 14, as former unified champion Delfine Persoon of Belgium will take on France’s undefeated Elhem “The Diamond” Mekhaled for the vacant Female WBC Silver Super Featherweight Championship.

The pay-per-view event, which will begin at 9:30 p.m. GST (1:30 p.m. ET) and be broadcast live by LIVENow, is available for purchase HERE.

Persoon (46-3, 19 KOs) and Mekhaled (14-0, 2 KOs) will meet in one of the supporting bouts when Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs) returns to face Moore (18-0-1, 12 KOs) in an eight-round, main-event exhibition matchup, outdoors on the helipad of Dubai’s opulent Burj Al Arab Hotel.

Presented by FrontRow in association with Mayweather Promotions, the event will also feature world-famous combatants such as UFC legend Anderson Silva facing fellow Brazilian fighting star Bruno Machado in an exhibition bout, as well as a sanctioned bout between former two-division world champion Badou Jack (25-3-3, 15 KOs) and Hany “Egyptian Hurricane” Atiyo (16-4, 12 KOs) from Dubai via Egypt.

Perhaps best known for her two-fight series against top pound-for-pound fighter Katie Taylor, Persoon, of Roeselare, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, held the Women’s WBC Lightweight Championship for five years and made nine successful defenses before losing a nationally televised controversial decision to Taylor for the undisputed lightweight championship at Madison Square Garden in 2019. The rematch with Taylor was held in 2020 and Persoon again lost a razor-thin decision.

Persoon, who works as a railway policewoman in her homeland, started professional boxing in 2009 after competing in judo. Ranked among the best female fighters on the planet, Persoon also held the IBF female lightweight title in 2012.

“It’s great to be back in the ring and I’m very excited to compete on an undercard for Floyd Mayweather,” said Persoon. “My opponent has a good record and I respect her taking this challenge, but I’m going to show her I’m at a different level. Just like I did against Katie Taylor, I’m going to bring the action from start to finish and do everything I can to have my hand raised.”

The undefeated Mekhaled hails from Vaulx-en-Velin, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. In her five-year career, she has held the WBC interim female super-featherweight title, which she captured in March 2019 by defeating Spain’s Danila Ramos via 10-round unanimous decision, as well as the French and European Championships.

The fight against Persoon will be Mekhaled’s second outside her native France. The 31-year-old was last seen scoring a first-round knockout over Bosnia And Herzegovina’s Pasa Malagic to successfully defend her EBU (European) belt in September 2021.

“I’m on the path to a world title and this victory is going to catapult me toward my goal,” said Mekhaled. “It’s an honor to be fighting on a big card like this with Floyd Mayweather, and I’m planning to show everyone watching that I’m ready to become world champion.”

Global Titans Fight Series is the first in a series of six special boxing and MMA events which will be staged at iconic locations across four continents. Each main event is broadcast globally, featuring champion fighters and NFT tickets. Fans can collect and trade their prestigious NFT from all future Global Titans Fight Series events. Tickets, NFTs and further Global Titans Event Series info can be found at www.Global-Titans.com. LIVENow, the premium destination for the best live sport, music and lifestyle content, is the official media partner and will livestream the event as well as partner with other broadcasters in selected countries.

In another history-making special feature of the event, all tickets for “The Global Titans Fight Series” will be sold as NFTs (platform to be announced). Those who secure an NFT ticket will be treated to unique and collectible features, including exclusive official fight videos, photography from the iconic event, a special 3D VIP ticket, plus lots more.

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About Mayweather Promotions:
Based in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, Mayweather Promotions was established in 2007 by 15-time World Champion and undefeated boxing icon, Floyd “Money” Mayweather. Mayweather Promotions seamlessly promotes all forms of live entertainment. We are the past, present & future of sports & entertainment.

About Frontrow:
The Frontrow Entertainment team has more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Founder Keane Anis has been organizing all kinds of events, sporting events, concerts, beach parties and activations for celebrity tours, meet and greets and appearances with names such as Floyd Mayweather, N.E.R.D and Pharrell Williams, Usher, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Kelly Rowland, Shaquille, TGT, Rick Ross, T-Pain, Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan, Ty Dolla Sign, Tyga, Redman and Method Man, Ja Rule and Ashanti and P Square are few celebrities that are past and present Frontrow clients. Frontrow is proud to be a presenting sponsor of The Global Titans Event Series.

About LIVENow:
LIVENow, founded by Leeds United Chairman and Founder of Aser Ventures, Andrea Radrizzani, is a premium destination for content seekers who crave the best in music, sports, and entertainment. LIVENow was recently awarded ‘Live Music Innovation of the Year (Platform)’ at the 2021 Music Week Awards. They were also shortlisted in ‘Best Event Platform’ category for the 2021 DigiDay Technology Awards and ‘Live Music Experiences’ category for MIDEMLAB 2021, for the landmark streams of Dua Lipa: Studio 2054, Ellie Goulding’s ‘Brightest Blue’ and Gorillaz’s ‘Song Machine: Live from Kong’.

Previous events on LIVENow include EURO 2020, Celeste: On with The Show, Live From London, theatre production Our Little Lives: Shakespeare and Me starring Russell Brand, and an all-new four-part series, Live From Another World, featuring cutting-edge breakthrough bands.

Other previous events include:

· Top European football

· Australia vs India Men’s International Test Cricket and Big Bash League RIZIN mixed martial arts

· US Open

· IHF Men’s Super-Globe

· Tyson Fury Vs. Deontay Wilder

· The Heineken Cup and Champions Cup

· Pete Tong’s “O Come All Ye Ravers”, Gorillaz’ “Song Machine Live from Kong” and American Express UNSTAGED with Maroon 5 and SZA One World: Together At Home concert in support of the World Health Organization’s Covid-19 relief efforts

Alexander Povetkin survived two knockdowns to comeback and stop Dillian Whyte to win the WBC Interim Heavyweight Title at Matchroom HQ in Essex, England.

In round four, Whyte dropped Povetkin with a left hook to the side of he head. Late in the round, Whyte sent Povetkin to the deck for a 2nd time with a left uppercut.

In round five, Povetkin landed a booming left uppercut on the jaw to sent Whyte crashing to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 30 seconds.

Povetkin, 224 lbs of Russia is 36-2-1 with 25 knockouts. Whyte, 256.6 lbs of Brixton is 27-2.

Alexander Povetkin

On being knocked down twice: “I didn’t feel that I would finish the fight like this. I was pretty confident in the 4th round that, even though I went down twice, it was OK. It wasn’t too much damage.”

On the knockout punch: “I was watching his fights and taking into account that he was missing uppercuts from the left and from the right. During my training, I was training on putting combinations around those shots.” 

On a rematch clause: “First of all, my future plans don’t depend on me, it’s more a question for my promoter and for Eddie Hearn. So we will see what they decide. At the same time, I want to thank Andrei Ryabinski and Eddie Hearn for everything they do for me.” 

On everyone who doubted him: “I don’t have anything to respond to those people. I just want to box more. I want to thank all of the fans who believe in me.”

Whether this was the best punch of his career: “Yes, definitely.”

Dillian Whyte

Speaking to Eddie Hearn: “Can we get the rematch in December? I’m good, I’m good. It’s just one of those things where it just landed didn’t it. I was bossing it. It is what it is. Rematch. It’s cool, it’s all good. That’s what boxing is about. Cheers Eddie.”

Taylor Decisions Persoon Again; Retains Undisputed Lightweight Title

In a rematch of a terrific fight from last June 1st, Katie Taylor made it two in a row over Delfine Persoon to retain the Undisputed Lightweight Title.

In round two, Persoon’s right eye began to swell. It was a grueling fight that saw Taylor win by scores of 98-93 and 96-94 twice.

Interesting enough it was Persoon who landed 107 of 735 punches while Taylor was 95 of 308.

Taylor, 134.3 lbs of Ireland is 16-0. Persoon, 132.7 lbs of Belgium is 44-3.

Katie Taylor 

On if she thought she did enough to win: “I think so. I knew it was going to be a tough battle going into this fight. It’s never going to be an easy fight against Delfine. I knew I had to dig deep at some stage during the fight but I thought I boxed a lot better than last time. I still could’ve boxed a bit more.”

On facing a relentless opponent like Delfine Persoon: It’s always going to be tough. You can’t relax at all in there against someone like that. She’s going to come and come and come. Even though I am hitting her with clean shots, she is just on the attack all the time. That’s why it is such a tough fight against someone like Delfine. But congratulations on two fantastic fights. They were an amazing two fights for women’s boxing.” 

On if she silenced the critics of the first fight’s decision: “yeah, I think it was a lot more convincing tonight even though it was a tough fight. But as I said, it’s always going to be a tough fight against someone like that and you’re going to have to dig deep and show a lot of heart at some stage during the fight. But I think I did that well, I boxed well.”  

On a trilogy: “C’mon, give me a break!”

Delfine Persoon

On accepting the result: “Yes, this time I respect the result. For me this time, the weight was a little too much. I didn’t feel like I had enough power to hurt her this time. I tried to get my weight up but I could not hurt her this time. And if you don’t hurt her, it’s technical and she’s good at moving around. You have to hurt her otherwise she gets away. The power was not enough. I’ve got no problem with this decision and my respect she deserves. 

On a trilogy: “In the second round, I think I broke my nose so it was eight rounds boxing with my nose broken. First I must repair my nose and then I think super featherweight is better for me than lightweight. My trainer pushes me to eat, eat, eat but when you train a lot, it’s too much to gain the weight. My respect to her. She deserved to win today.

Chris Kongo remained undefeated with a 9th round stoppage over Luther Clay in a welterweight bout.

Kongo hurt Clay in round five, and then dropped him with a left hook in the 9th. Clay’s corner stopped the bout at 2:44.

Kongo, 145.5 lbs of Bermondsey is now 12-0 with seven knockouts. Clay, 145.8 lbs of Bracknell is 13-2.

“First of all I want to thank god for this victory,” said Kongo afterwards. “It has been 16 months since I last boxed. I’ve waited for the opportunity and here I am. There was no way I was leaving that ring without this belt around my waist. I was willing to die in there, I’m telling you. There was no way I was leaving that ring without the belt. 

“100%. I knew I had the speed, I had the power, I just had to go in there and pace myself. Like I said, it has been 16 months since I last got in the ring so it felt kind of new to me. In the first rounds I was trying to feel him out but then when it got into the middle rounds I hurt him. I knew before the fight ended I was going to get him out of there and that’s what I did. 

“We’e been working on a lot of things. Power was one of the attributes I have been working closely on. I’ve been working closely with my strength and conditioning coaches Nathan and Tyrone, but also when we’re in the boxing gym it is all boxing based with Jim. I want to defend the belt next. Look what I did there with 16 months out of the ring. Imagine when I’m fighting regularly what I’m going to do to these guys. I have full confidence in myself. I believe that I can be one of the best contenders in the world at Welterweight. I believe that I am the best Welterweight in the division in the UK.”

Alen Babic stopped Shawndell Wintera in round two of a scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Babic dropped Winters with a left hook to the jaw. In round two, Babic kept up the onslaught by dropping Winters with a right that was follwed by a left hook that sent Winters don in the corner, and the fight was stopped at 2:20.

Babic, 205 lbs of Croatia is now 4-0 with all wins coming early. Winters, 194 lbs is 13-3.

“That was ‘The Savage’, be afraid of him,” said Babic afterwards. “That’s my alter-ego, when I go into that mental state I can do damage. I will fight these giants. Give me the biggest one you have. I knew it in the locker room. I know when I land. Every coach told me I have bombs in my hands. It is natural. This is my approach. One or two rounds. My fights won’t go past three rounds. I am different. I have a guy in mind, he’s from my country. Filip Hrgovic! He was calling me out. I don’t like him. I want to fight him.

“I’m a different breed of fighter. Old school, I don’t care about touching. I go in there and I finish people. I finished him in the second round. Parker took five rounds, I don’t need that. They say I’m small. I’m bigger than Jack Dempsey, and Jack Dempsey was a killer! Nobody can box like me. I had almost 60 knockouts in the amateurs, that’s rare. I go all in. I’m bringing something new. I’m going to go in there and I’m going to get it finished as quickly as I can.

“I just want people to love me. I don’t care about money. I was working as a doorman for nothing, for scraps. I’ve broken my hands thousands of times. Fighting on the big stage means everything to me. Hrgovic insulted me, he really insulted me. I’ll never forget that. That’s a fight I definitely want in the future and I will win.”

Zak Chelli and Jack Cullen fought to a 10-round split draw in a super middleweight fight.

In round four, Chelli had swelling under her left eye.

In round seven. Cullen was cut under the left eye.

Chelli won a card 97-93; Cullen took a card 96-95 and a 3rd judge saw the fight even at 95-95.

Cullen, 164.6 lbs of Little Lever is 18-2-1. Chelli, 164.8 lbs of Fulham is 7-1-1.

“I’m disappointed with two of the judges,” said Chelli afterwards. “The first judge said it was 97-93, that was fair, and that’s how the fight should have gone. I’m very disappointed. It was my first fight after 11 months, so I’m happy with my performance. There was a little bit of ring rust at the start but I dominated the last half of the fight and I believe I won it.

“I’m very disappointed with the draw. I definitely deserved the win. I put all of it into it but we move on. I’m 22, as I always say. Hopefully I’ll get a Title fight in my next fight. I’m not going to lie, with 11 months out of the ring I felt the ring rust at the start, but I worked through it and I ripped him to the body, got him to the head, cut him and made him bleed.

“At least the fans enjoyed the fight, I hope they did. He took the punches, he did well. I rate him for his durability but I still believe I beat him. My dad knows the truth, he knows I won that fight. I’m not going to lose hope. I’m going to keep going and train hard. I look forward to the next fight. Hopefully it won’t be another 11 month wait. There’s a lot more to come from me.”

The long awaited Heavyweight showdown between Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 5 Live this Saturday from 9pm.

The biggest fight since restrictions have been eased, Saturday night will see Alexander Povetkin take on Brixton’s Dillian Whyte for the WBC Interim Heavyweight Title and vacant WBC Diamond Title.

The huge clash, which has been rescheduled twice, will take place at Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing Fight Camp. 

Prior to Whyte vs Povetkin, BBC Radio 5 Live will provide live coverage of an exciting undercard, including the rematch between Katie Taylor and DelfinePersoon. Taylor will be hoping to silence her critics following her controversial points win over Persoon in June 2019. 

Broadcasting live from Fight Camp, commentary will come from Mike Costello and Steve Bunce, with more names to be announced. 

5 Live Boxing Commentator and BBC Sport Boxing Correspondent, Mike Costello said: “On the most significant night since the resumption of boxing, Dillian Whyte plays jeopardy with his career and Katie Taylor has a chance to remove what some consider to be a blemish on her record.

“If Whyte loses here, his hard-earned place in the Heavyweight mix disappears and that prospect might just motivate him to produce a career-best performance. Taylor and Persoon featured last year in the best women’s fight I’ve seen from ringside and Taylor wants to prove her superiority in a way that leaves no room for doubt this time.”

https://www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing/videos/1613774995470434/

https://www.facebook.com/skysportsboxing/videos/654598925152260/

Anthony Joshua joins Natasha Jonas and Tony Bellew on the Sky Sports Box Office team for Dillian Whyte versus Alexander Povetkin and Katie Taylor-Delfine Persoon 2.

Britain’s Unified World Champion will be ringside to watch his Heavyweight rival Whyte battle Povetkin this Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and Irish star Taylor also takes on Persoon in a World Title rematch in the finale of Fight Camp.

Joshua is relishing the opportunity to watch Taylor, a fellow gold medallist at the London 2012 Olympics.

“I really respect her,” Joshua told Sky Sports. “She is phenomenal. She is someone I sit back quietly and learn from.

“She is a real-life athlete – I am more reckless. I take inspiration from her. She is a dedicated athlete.”

The Sky Sports Box Office team of experts also includes Jonas, who came within touching distance of a World Title when she battled to a thrilling draw with Terri Harper in the second week of Fight Camp.

“The girls are leading the way in Fight Camp,” said Jonas. “I’m most looking forward to the Taylor fight and I think Taylor has got a point to prove this time, so she’ll be looking to make a statement.

“Anyone around my weight class, is someone I’ve always got my eye on. You’ve got to look at them from a tactical point of view – and I’ll be looking for weaknesses.”

Bellew, who twice toppled David Haye at Heavyweight, will also supply analysis and opinion with Adam Smith, Anna Woolhouse, Johnny Nelson and Matthew Macklin.

“I can’t wait to see Whyte-Povetkin and Taylor-Persoon,” said Bellew. “A fantastic night of fights and it’s going to be exciting from start to finish.

“Povetkin doesn’t know any other way than to meet fire with fire. Whyte, he fights anyone, and gets stuck in from the word go. Whyte is a vicious counter puncher and I just expect an explosive fight from the word go.”

Adam Smith, Sky Sports Head of Boxing Development, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Anthony Joshua is part of our team for this Saturday’s Box Office event as Dillian Whyte risks his World Title ambitions against the dangerous Alexander Povetkin and Katie Taylor takes on Delfine Persoon in an epic rematch.

“AJ knows all about Whyte and Povetkin’s strengths, having already shared the ring with them, while he has followed Taylor’s career with interest since they were both Olympians at London 2012.

“Natasha joins us, just a few weeks after her thrilling draw with Terri Harper, and it could be a scouting mission for the Liverpudlian, who is keen to force her way into Taylor’s future plans.

“Tony Bellew is back on Box Office, this time behind the mic, and he knows all about the excitement surrounding a big Heavyweight clash. It’s a terrific Box Office team that will bring you every opinion and talking point in a thrilling finale to Fight Camp!”

https://www.facebook.com/skysportsboxing/videos/2714000928921558/

Katie Taylor says she will silence her critics by putting on a “dominant performance” when she defends her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles against Delfine Persoon in a huge rematch at Matchroom Fight Camp this Saturday August 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

The undefeated Irish star (15-0, 6 KOs) captured the WBC crown with a majority-decision victory last June in New York, which was greeted with dismay by Belgium’s Persoon after ten thrilling rounds that had the MSG crowd on their feet throughout, and they will renew their rivalry this weekend in the biggest women’s rematch in the history of the sport.

Taylor is looking to get a more definitive win over Persoon before moving on to further legacy fights as she continues to cement herself as one of the best female fighters of all time. A second fight with newly-crowned Undisputed Welterweight ruler Jessica McCaskill could be on the cards after the American caused a huge upset against long-reigning champion Cecilia Braekhus over the weekend.

“I’m in this sport to create history and leave a great legacy,” said Taylor. “These are the kind of fights that are going to leave a great legacy in my career. The first fight was too close for my liking. It has been hanging over my head over the last year, so I was delighted when the rematch was nailed down. I’m looking forward to putting on a more dominant performance on August 22^nd and shutting up everyone that has criticised me over the last year.

“I did watch the fight back and it was obviously a very close fight. That’s why there is a rematch. I definitely couldn’t have given her more than five rounds, so for people to say it was a disgraceful decision or it was a robbery, is a disgrace in itself. I felt like I deserved to win the fight even though it was very close. I wanted this rematch. At the end of the day, I want to be involved in the biggest fights and the fights that people are interested in. This is a huge fight for me and for Persoon. It’s a huge fight for the sport.

“I think I’m going to be a completely different fighter on August 22^nd. I think people are going to see a completely different performance and a completely different fight from my perspective. I got drawn into a bit of a fight in the first one and sometimes that happens. I’m definitely going to be a bit more disciplined in this fight. I’m going to be ready for whatever Persoon throws at me. I’m completely prepared for this fight. I’ve been training for a big fight since January so I’m more than ready to step in and put on a dominant performance.”

Taylor vs. Persoon 2 lands on a huge night of action that sees Dillian Whyte (27-1, 18 KOs) defend his Interim WBC Heavyweight World Title against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs), Luther Clay (13-1, 5 KOs) defends his WBO Global Welterweight Title against Chris Kongo (11-0, 6 KOs), Super-Middleweights Jack Cullen (18-2, 9 KOs) and Zak Chelli (7-1, 3 KOs) meet over eight rounds and Croatian Heavyweight contender Alen Babic (3-0, 3 KOs) steps up to face Shawndell Winters (13-3, 12 KOs) over eight rounds. 

The biggest rematch in the history of women’s boxing has been confirmed for Matchroom Fight Camp as Katie Taylor defends her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles against Delfine Persoon on Saturday August 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office. 

Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) completed her fairy-tale journey from Olympic Gold to Undisputed Lightweight World Champion with a thrilling but controversial points win over Belgium’s Persoon on a historical night at the world-famous Madison Square Garden on the Joshua vs. Ruiz bill last year. 

After a bloody and brutal battle that captivated the New York crowd, the Irish star added Persoon’s WBC belt to her IBF, WBO and WBA Titles to hold all four at 135lbs and cement her place as the number one Lightweight on the planet.

The 34-year-old went on to create more history at Manchester Arena in November when she dethroned WBO Super-Lightweight World Champion Christina Linardatou to become a two-weight World ruler – becoming only the third Irish boxer to win World Titles in two weight classes.

Persoon (44-2, 18 KOs) held the WBC strap for five years, making nine successful defences in that reign, before losing it to Taylor in a Fight of the Year contender. Despite losing on two of the judges’ scorecards, Persoon was convinced she’d won after ten rounds of relentless action and has been lobbying for a rematch ever since. 

“With Amanda Serrano not taking the fight I wanted the biggest fight possible in August and I think a second Persoon fight is one that everyone wants to see,” said Taylor. “I’ve been looking forward to a rematch ever since the first fight and I’m delighted it’s been made. It was definitely very close first time around, but I felt I deserved the win and I intend to leave no doubts in the rematch.”

Persoon said: “I am ready to get the victory following the injustice last June in New York, not by words but in the ring – I am ready!”

“Wow! What a fight – what a night! To be honest I can’t quite believe this fight has been made, I can’t give enough credit to Katie and Delfine for agreeing to do it again,” said Eddie Hearn. “Since their epic Fight of the Year contender at MSG last year, everyone has wanted to see this once again and now we have it. I’m very proud to stage this fight especially at such a critical time for our sport – along with Whyte vs. Povetkin August 22 will be one not to forget.”

Adam Smith, Sky Sports Head of Boxing Development, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to confirm Katie Taylor’s eagerly awaited rematch against Delfine Persoon, with all the World Lightweight Titles on the line. Katie has called for a second fight ever since that thrilling first encounter when she received the verdict, much to the dismay of Persoon.

“They go again on the Whyte-Povetkin bill, which just got even bigger, and Katie will be determined to end any dispute with a resounding win. I’ve been speaking to Katie over the last few days and she’s more fired up than ever to show once again why she is a pound-for-pound star of the sport.

“Of course, we’ve also got Whyte’s high stakes showdown against Povetkin, with Dillian risking his WBC Mandatory Title shot. It’s repeat or revenge for Taylor and then Heavyweight fireworks in a fitting finale to Matchroom’s Fight Camp!”

Taylor vs. Persoon lands on the final week of Matchroom Fight Camp as Dillian Whyte  (27-1, 18 KOs) puts his WBC Interim Heavyweight World Title on the line against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs) in a battle of the left hooks, Martin Bakole (15-1, 12 KOs) returns to the ring against Russia’s Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11 KOs) and Luther Clay (13-1, 5 KOs) defends his WBO Global Welterweight Title against Chris Kongo (11-0, 6 KOs). 

Katie Taylor says her undisputed Lightweight World title clash with Delfine Persoon at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday June 1, shown live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports Box Office in the UK, will be the “toughest fight” of her career.

Taylor added the WBO title to her IBF and WBA crowns in March, halting Brazil’s Rose Volante in the ninth round in Philadelphia, and now the Irish sensation has the opportunity to fulfil her goal of becoming undisputed ruler when she meets long-reigning WBC champion Persoon in a landmark moment for women’s boxing.

Persoon has held the WBC strap since 2014, making nine defences during that time, and will look to cement herself as the number one female 135lbs fighter on the planet when she fights in America for the first time next week. Taylor has prepared for ten hard rounds with her Belgian opponent who holds an impressive career record of 43 wins and just one loss.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to have the chance to become the undisputed champion,” said Taylor. “Every day in camp has been 100% focused on the task at hand so I won’t sit back and think about it until I’ve actually achieved it as that’s what I am like.

“The chance to fight for the four World titles and the Ring Magazine belt at the Mecca of boxing, MSG, I don’t think you could write a better script, it’s an absolute dream. Persoon is recognised as one of the best in the world pound-for-pound and has been the WBC champ now for over five years so it’s the best against the best. This is huge for women’s boxing.

“This fight is going to be the toughest of my career so far, Delfine is a fantastic champion, she’s got 43 wins and just one loss, she’s been a long-reigning champion and she’s a fantastic person. I know that this is going to be tough and that’s why I’ve trained so hard and had a tough camp as I know that this is so big for me, not just for the immediate success but for my future plans.

“I think it’s going to be a really hard fight. I’ve watched clips of her and she’s very tall and awkward, she punches non-stop for the ten rounds and I think it’s going to be a very physical fight. It’s a huge challenge but the one that I’ve wanted. She’ll bring the best out of me as I have the utmost respect for her and we’re going to lay it all on the line and may the best girl win. The famous green belt and the Ring Magazine belts being on the line is just amazing.”
Taylor and Persoon clash on a huge night of action at MSG where Anthony Johua’s World title defence against Andy Ruiz Jr. is supported by Callum Smith defending his WBA World ‘Super’, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles against Hassan N’Dam, Josh Kelly making his US debut as he defends his WBA International Welterweight title against Philadelphia’s Ray Robinson and Chris Algieri defending his WBO International title against Britain’s Tommy Coyle in a crunch Super-Lightweight showdown – with more exciting undercard additions announced this week.

Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.

Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034.

Katie Taylor will face Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Lightweight championship of the World on Saturday June 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

Taylor (13-0 6KOs) added the WBO title to her IBF and WBA crowns in March, stopping Rose Volante in the ninth round in Philadelphia, a sixth win inside the distance for the Irish sensation after the former amateur star won her first World title in just her seventh pro outing.

The 32 year old takes on Persoon on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s IBF, WBA and WBO World Heavyweight title defense against Jarrell Miller in the Big Apple, making it the third time Taylor has boxed on the same bill as her fellow London 2012 Olympic gold medal winner Joshua.

Along with the WBA, IBF, WBO and WBC titles, Taylor and Persoon will battle for the Ring magazine belt – the first time the title has been on the line at Lightweight for women, another landmark moment for both fighters and the sport.

Persoon (43-1 18KOs) has held the WBC strap for five years with nine defenses in that reign and the Belgian star fights outside of Europe for the first time in her career as she joins Taylor in aiming to cement her spot as the number one 135lbs lady on the planet.

“It’s great that she has finally signed for the fight and I’m delighted that Eddie has been able to make it,” said Taylor. “After my fight last month I went back home for a week but then it was straight back to Connecticut to start the hard work in training camp for this fight.

“When I turned professional my first goal was to win a World title but then my next priority was to become undisputed champion so obviously this fight gives me the opportunity to do that so it’s massive for my career.

“Women’s boxing is in such great place right now and these are the kind of super fights that will really take it to new heights. Persoon is recognized as one of the best in the world pound for pound and has been the WBC champ now for over five years so it’s the best against the best. Madison Square Garden seems like the perfect setting for a fight of this magnitude.”

“This is a very unique opportunity for me and I’m thankful we’ve got the fight made,” said Persoon. “I did not have the opportunity to participate in the Olympic Games and now I get the chance to compete with the Olympic champion in Katie Taylor.

“I expect this will be a very tough and honest fight, and that the best boxer may win this title fight – and I expect that to be me.”

“This is it – this is everything, the absolute pinnacle of the sport,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The dream is on, the undisputed championship and I can’t wait to see this fight on June 1.

“This is the toughest test of Katie’s amateur and pro career, two pound-for-pound greats putting it all on the line at the mecca of boxing – the atmosphere is going to be something else.”

Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.

Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034

New York, NY (March 8, 2019) – Brooklyn, New York’s lightweight contender Melissa “Little Miss Tyson” St. Vil (11-3-4, 1 KO) will challenge Belgian Delfine Persoon (42-1, 17 KOs) for the WBC World Female Lightweight Championship, tomorrow at the XPO XXL in Kortrijk, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. Persoon, who hasn’t lost since 2010, will be making her ninth title defense.

The Haitian-American St. Vil debuted in 2007 and quickly showed promise, defeating Jennifer Han, who currently holds the IBF featherweight title, in her third pro bout. She has been a road warrior for her entire career, always willing to travel to her opponent’s backyard, while fighting abroad in New Zealand, China, Haiti and Finland. It was in Auckland, New Zealand, where St. Vil captured the WBC Silver Female Super Featherweight Title in April 2016, defeating Baby Nansen, then traveling to Chengdu, China, to defend that belt against Katy Wilson Castillo three month later.

Facing Finland’s 21-0 Eva Wahlstrom in Helsinki in April 2018, for the WBC World Female Super Featherweight title, St. Vil suffered a controversial defeat in her first world title challenge. Despite outworking the hometown favorite over 10 rounds, St. Vil lost a close, majority decision on scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95. In round seven, a left hook-straight right combination clearly floored the champion, however, the referee ruled the knockdown as a slip.

St. Vil has fought on enemy turf so often that it was only in her last fight that she made her hometown debut, winning a shutout eight-round decision against previously unbeaten Mayra Hernandez, on September 29, 2018, at Brooklyn’s Kings Theater, as part of a DiBella Entertainment Broadway Boxing event.

“Melissa St. Vil is a tremendous fighter who should already be a world champion and deserved the victory in Finland,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “She is never hesitant to travel to an opponent’s hometown and will be doing so again tomorrow in Belgium. Persoon is a long-reigning champion, but I anticipate Mel’s relentless pressure and aggression making it a very difficult fight for Delfine.”

“I’ve been in this position before. The difference now is that I have a solid team behind me,” said St. Vil. “I have Lou DiBella as my promoter, my manager Brian Cohen, and Rafael Vazquez and Jenaro Díaz as my trainers. I would like to thank my teammate Kali Reis for making the trip to Belgium to support me. I’ve always been a very hard worker and, on Saturday night, my hard work is going to pay off. To all of the up-and-coming women boxers out there, follow your dreams no matter how bumpy the road gets. Keep fighting to achieve your dream and eventually you will succeed.”

“I’m very proud of Melissa. She always puts one-thousand percent into everything she does and takes no shortcuts,” said St. Vil’s manager Brian Cohen. “Unlike other boxers that never fight out of their hometown, Mel goes into the lion’s den. She is the true definition of a boxer. Mel has more testicular fortitude than some male boxers. I know we are the underdogs in this fight and that talks have started for Persoon to face Katie Taylor. As long as the judges and referee give Mel a fair shake, I believe she will be victorious on Saturday night.”