Media Workout Notes: Devin Haney & George Kambosos Jr. Ready for Second Undisputed Down Under Showdown

MELBOURNE, Australia (Oct. 13, 2022) — Undisputed lightweight world champion Devin “The Dream” Haney first came to Australia in June with one world title. He returned home with all the belts and is intent on repeating his virtuoso performance against George Kambosos Jr.

Haney will defend the titles in enemy territory against Kambosos on Sunday afternoon (Saturday evening prime time in the U.S.) at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

The two combatants faced off yesterday, but at today’s open workout, they were kept separate. Haney (28-0, 15 KOs) received a warm reception from the local fans, who witnessed him unifying all the titles just four months earlier at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium. Kambosos (20-1, 10 KOs) enters the rematch as the betting underdog and hopes to recapture the magic that propelled him to a stunning title-winning effort over Teofimo Lopez last year.

Haney-Kambosos 2 will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m PT.

Undercard bouts — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT — include twin brothers Jason & Andrew Moloney in separate contests. Jason Moloney will take on Thailand’s Nawaphon Kaikanha in a final eliminator for the WBC bantamweight world title, while Andrew Moloney battles the Dominican contender Norbelto Jimenez for the vacant WBO International junior bantamweight strap.

This is what the main event fighters had to say.

Devin Haney

“We’ve definitely made some adjustments, learned from the first fight. Obviously, we all know he’s going to come with a different game plan. The same things that worked in the first fight may not work as good in the second fight, so we’re preparing for it all.”

“We just have to see how the fight plays out. We’re prepared to win by any means necessary, so that’s our main focus is winning. If a knockout comes, then it comes, but my main focus is winning.”

“He definitely should’ve been humbled, but at the end of the day, his head got big. It got to his head.”

“I enjoy the process, every step of it. I enjoy the whole process, and I’m excited for the press conference tomorrow and the weigh-ins.”

“He’s making up every excuse in the book. He said he wasn’t going to, but now they’re saying I was holding, it was this, it was that. Whatever you want to say, he can keep saying it. The talk doesn’t matter. I’m going to go in there and do what I’m going to do regardless. No matter what referee is in there, no matter where the fight is at, it doesn’t matter.”

George Kambosos Jr.

“I feel a lot of energy, very relaxed, very zoned in. Like I said, I’m a fighter. I’m not trying to do anything else. It’s going great, going fantastic. We’re very focused. We’re very zoned in and hungry for victory. That’s all.”

“When I went back to that dressing room {after the first fight}, my mindset changed right away. I’m a challenger again. I wasn’t upset. I’m in a familiar place, and this is where I’ve been most of my career. Doubt me? No problem. I love when they doubt me. I love when they think I have no chance. That’s OK. We’ll prove them wrong once again.”

“We’ve come with a fantastic game plan, so we’re ready for whatever. If he brings whatever style, if he’s the same style, if he brings somehow an Arturo Gatti kind of style, which I doubt very highly, let’s see. Let’s see on Sunday what he tries. Man to man, let’s fight!”

“I have a smaller team. I don’t have too much of an entourage, but I got a team I’m very comfortable with. I’m taking it old school. I’m going back to what got me there.”

Follow the Top Rank YouTube Channel for daily fight week content ahead of Haney-Kambosos 2. Haney and Kambosos recently sat down for the first time since their June showdown. Click here to see what they had to say.

Saturday, October 15

 ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT)

 
Devin Haney vs. George Kambosos 2, 12 rounds, Haney’s Undisputed Lightweight World Championship

ESPN+ (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)

Jason Moloney vs. Nawaphon Kaikanha, 12 rounds, WBC Bantamweight Final Eliminator

Andrew Moloney vs. Norbelto Jimenez, 10 rounds, Vacant WBO International Junior Bantamweight Title

Cherneka Johnson vs. Susie Ramadan, 10 rounds, Johnson’s IBF Junior Featherweight World Title

Adrian Sosa vs. John Mannu, 6/5 rounds, junior welterweight (SWING BOUT)

OFF TV (6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT)

Hemi Ahio vs. Faiga Opelu, 8 rounds, heavyweight

David Nyika vs. Titi Motusaga, 6 rounds, cruiserweight

Amari Jones vs. Tej Pratap Singh, 6 rounds, middleweight

Lorenzo Simpson vs. Marcus Heywood, 8 rounds, middleweight

# # #

ABOUT TOP RANK
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1973 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Erik Morales, Timothy Bradley, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors, and television networks, Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world, including Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Wembley Arena, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, and AT&T Stadium. Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans and embracing 21st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT 
In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing. Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters, such as Sergio Martinez, Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Micky Ward, Deontay Wilder, and George Kambosos, among others. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in November 2003. Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports. While at HBO, DiBella created and established the highly successful “Boxing After Dark” series, which featured some of the sport’s greatest fights. He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”. He also produced or executive produced numerous documentaries, such as Viva Baseball!, Magic Man, Maravilla, Larry Flynt for President, and Tapia. The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants. In 2017, DiBella also became the CEO and Managing Owner of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. DiBella was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 and was inducted in June 2022, as well as the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

ABOUT VISIT VICTORIA
Visit Victoria is the State of Victoria’s primary tourism, business and major events company, leading the sector in creating, curating and communicating Victoria’s inspiring experiences to maximise visitation. Established in July 2016, Visit Victoria brings the best of Tourism Victoria, Victorian Major Events Company and Melbourne Convention Bureau under one brand that capitalises on commercial opportunities in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global tourism market. The team operates in a collaborative and agile environment that informs, connects and partners with industry and the Victorian State Government to amplify Victoria’s profile.

About TEG Sport
TEG Sport is owned by TEG, a leading global live entertainment, ticketing and technology business which operates worldwide out of seven country offices. TEG also includes TEG Live, TEG Experiences, TEG Dainty, TEG MJR, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, TEG Rockefeller, Qudos Bank Arena, Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Eventopia, Softix, TicketCharge, TicketWorld, Ticketek Singapore and Ovation.

ABOUT DUCO EVENTS
Duco Events is one of Asia Pacific’s leading events management and sports promotion companies, responsible for delivering high profile sporting events such as The Battle of Brisbane – Manny Pacquiao vs Jeff Horn, the NRL Auckland Nines, the Brisbane Rugby Tens and the T20 Black Clash alongside numerous other innovative sports, corporate and entertainment events throughout New Zealand and Australia including Synthony – a breath-taking fusion of electronic dance music, live orchestra, DJ’s, vocalists and immersive visuals.

Life is Better LiveWhether it’s Sport, Concerts, Musicals, Theatre or Exhibitions, nothing beats the live experience! For more information www.teg.com.au.




VIDEO: Devin Haney vs George Kambosos 2 Final Press Conference




Press Conference Notes: Tensions Rise as Haney & Kambosos Ready for Second Undisputed Showdown

MELBOURNE, Australia (Oct. 14, 2022) — Undisputed lightweight world champion Devin “The Dream” Haney and former champion George Kambosos Jr. re-exchanged “pleasantries” at the press conference two days shy of their showdown at Rod Laver Arena.

The combatants talked some trash, but it was Haney’s father/trainer, Bill Haney, who stole the show. He presented Kambosos (20-1, 10 KOs) — or at least attempted to — a copy of Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War,” a reference to Kambosos post-weigh-in mind tricks before their first bout back in June. Kambosos was none too pleased and knocked the book off the dais.

Haney (28-0, 15 KOs) dominated Kambosos to unify all the belts at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, and a little more than four months later, the world’s top lightweights will do it again.

Haney-Kambosos 2 will be broadcast live in prime time SATURDAY (taking place Sunday afternoon local time) on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m PT.

Undercard bouts — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT — include twin brothers Jason & Andrew Moloney in separate contests. Jason Moloney will take on Thailand’s Nawaphon Kaikanha in a final eliminator for the WBC bantamweight world title, while Andrew Moloney battles the Dominican contender Norbelto Jimenez for the vacant WBO International junior bantamweight strap. 

In a special world title attraction, Cherneka Johnson (14-1, 6 KOs) will make the first defense of her IBF junior featherweight world title against Australian two-time world champion Susie “Q” Ramadan (29-3, 12 KOs).

At Friday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Devin Haney

“It’s great to be back here in Melbourne. I made history here. And it won’t be no different on the 16th. The name of the game is to hit and not get hit. I’m a student of the game. So, that’s what I follow. I might be one of the best defensive fighters in boxing. But on the 16th, I’ll look to show more offense.”
 
“They’ve been quiet. But every time they open their mouth, it’s a different excuse. They talk this quiet stuff, but they keep making up excuses. Now it’s the coach. Then it was the referee, because I was holding. Every excuse in the book. But why did you fire your whole team? If you truly felt like I was holding too much, why did you fire your whole team?”
 
“There are a lot of big fights out there to be made. I’ve been calling out Loma for a while. But my main focus is on getting past George Kambosos. Then we can talk about what’s next.”

George Kambosos Jr.

“I’m physically and mentally focused on this fight right now. Nothing else matters. Whatever was said or whatever was done…I’m zoned in on this moment. Nothing will break my focus. I’m not interested in anything else. I’m interested on Sunday and what I do then.”
 
“The changes have been made. You learn from your losses. You come back a better fighter. So, I’ve made my changes. I’ve looked at certain things. I’ve gone back to my roots as well. We’re just focused. I’m not going to give anything away. I’m just zoned in. Sunday is when I’ll do my talking. We’ll see who laughs last.”
 
“He’s got a fantastic jab. But we have put in fantastic work to not only evade his jab, but whatever he tries to bring. It doesn’t matter. Did I let him jab too much? He’s got a great jab. But that’s why boxing is the sweet science.”

Bill Haney (Devin Haney’s Father/Trainer)

Going into the first fight, we knew that George possessed things that are on an elite level. Our preparation was to outbox him. We wanted to do that and we wanted to do that convincingly based on the unknown. We didn’t know what we were going to get in Australia. To our surprise, we’ve met some wonderful people. The Australian government has been totally supportive. We feel this is a second home. Unlike the Kambosos’ over there, who make excuses after excuses. And we’re all tired of hearing them.”
 
“Devin gave me one job today. He told me to go out and get this for George. It’s
‘The Art of War’ [by Sun Tzu]. If you can hand it to him over there. We want him to be well prepared and not misinformed. What excuse is he going to have on the 16th?”

Jason Moloney

“He has a very impressive record. You don’t become ranked as number 2 in the world without being a very good fighter. I’ve prepared for a very tough fight. He’s obviously had his whole career in Thailand. He’s been very successful over there. But I feel that he’s been a big fish in a small pond. I plan to welcome him into the world stage and show him the next level in this sport.”
 
“This is my dream, to fight for a world title and become world champion. And this is the final hurdle. I’ve been working extremely hard. I’m very motivated to go out there and win this fight.  I’ll do whatever takes. You saw a great performance last time, and this time will be even better.”

Nawaphon Kaikanha

“This is my first time fighting as a professional outside of Thailand. I’m very excited. At the same time, I feel honored that I’ve gotten the chance to fight in Australia in this beautiful country. It’s a very hospitable country, and I’m happy to be here.”
 
“All those 46 knockouts were not a product of luck. I worked hard for it. I trained hard for it. It’s the same for this fight. I have been training really hard for this fight.”

Andrew Moloney

“This is the perfect fight for me right now. I’ve had a very busy 14 months. This is my fifth fight in 14 months. I’ve worked my way up the rankings. And, Norbelto is ranked at number two in the world, and I feel like this is the perfect fight for me. I’m going to take his ranking. I’m going to put on the best performance of my career this Sunday and earn myself the opportunity to fight for a world title next.”

Norbelto Jimenez

“I have had two world title opportunities. I’m looking forward to this third opportunity. I have seen Moloney fight. I know him very well. I have a good record, thanks to God and to my manager, Belgica Peña, president of Shuan Boxing, and we’re coming for more.”

Cherneka Johnson

“Susie has a lot of experience. She’s been in the game for a long time. She’s paved the way for women’s boxing here in Australia, so I’m just excited to take on this match.”

Susie Ramadan

“I’ve fought in Melbourne for a very long time. Obviously, I’ve had a couple of fights overseas. But I’ve won the WBC and the IBF title here in Melbourne, so everything comes in threes, I guess. So, I’m really looking forward to it.”

Follow the Top Rank YouTube Channel for daily fight week content ahead of Haney-Kambosos 2.

Saturday, October 15

 ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT)

 
Devin Haney vs. George Kambosos 2, 12 rounds, Haney’s Undisputed Lightweight World Championship

ESPN+ (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)

Jason Moloney vs. Nawaphon Kaikanha, 12 rounds, WBC Bantamweight Final Eliminator

Andrew Moloney vs. Norbelto Jimenez, 10 rounds, Vacant WBO International Junior Bantamweight Title

Cherneka Johnson vs. Susie Ramadan, 10 rounds, Johnson’s IBF Junior Featherweight World Title

Adrian Sosa vs. John Mannu, 6/5 rounds, junior welterweight (SWING BOUT)

OFF TV (6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT)

Hemi Ahio vs. Faiga Opelu, 8 rounds, heavyweight

David Nyika vs. Titi Motusaga, 6 rounds, cruiserweight

Amari Jones vs. Tej Pratap Singh, 6 rounds, middleweight

Lorenzo Simpson vs. Marcus Heywood, 8/6 rounds, middleweight




Rooted in Oakland: Devin Haney  Debuts Monday, Oct. 10, on ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET

Ahead of the October 15 showdown at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, ESPN presents Rooted in Oakland: Devin Haney, a 30-minute profile of the Undisputed Lightweight World Champion, Devin “The Dream” Haney (28-0,15 KOs).
 
Ranked #1 on the recent ESPN.com Top 25 Under 25, the 23-year old Bay Area native travels Down Under once again to fight Australia’s George Kambosos Jr. (20-1, 10 KOs) in a highly anticipated rematch.
 
The program takes fight fans to “The Town” where Haney has quickly become one of Oakland’s greatest sports talents. NBA superstar and fellow Oakland native Damian Lillard narrates. The former NBA “Rookie of the Year” traveled to Australia for the first matchup in June, where he sat ringside as Haney earned a 12-round unanimous decision over Kambosos to become the undisputed lightweight champion.
 
The show will also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App and on ESPN.com. 
 
Rooted in Oakland: Devin Haney
Date
Network
Time (ET)
Mon Oct 10
ESPN2
10 p.m.
Wed Oct 12
ESPNEWS
1 a.m.
10 p.m.
Thurs Oct 13
ESPNEWS
9 a.m.
Fri Oct 14
ESPN2
2 a.m.
ESPNEWS
9 a.m.
Sat Oct 15
ESPN2
6 a.m.
 
October 15: Rematch from Down Under: Haney vs. Kambosos, Jr.
At 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ will be LIVE from Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.

In the main event, undisputed lightweight world champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (28-0, 15 KOs) will defend all the belts against Sydney native “Ferocious” George Kambosos, Jr. (20-1, 10 KOs). Haney and Kambosos first tangled June 5 in Melbourne in front of a Victorian-record boxing crowd of 41,129 fans, as Haney earned a clear points verdict to become the undisputed champion.
 
In the co-feature, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+, Australian two-time world title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (23-2, 18 KOs) takes on Thai veteran Nawaphon Kaikanha (51-1-1, 46 KOs) in a 12-round final eliminator for the WBC bantamweight world title.
 
ESPN+, ESPN App Boxing Content: Live and Upcoming, On Demand, Studio Shows, ArchivesNEW! Top Rank: Real Time Go all-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night
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State of Boxing
Max on Boxing Max Kellerman hosts a 30-minute series weighing in on key boxing news and providing insights on the sport’s top fighters and upcoming event
Who Do U Fight 4? Get to know the next generation of Top Rank stars and learn what drives them 
Follow @ESPNRingside on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok
 
About ESPN 
ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.? ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.?? 
 
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 22.8 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).




AUDIO: Devin Haney Talks George Kambosos Jr. rematch






VIDEO: Devin Haney Talks George Kambosos Jr. rematch




VIDEO: Devin Haney Workout Video




Jason & Andrew Moloney Bring Australian Thunder to Devin Haney-George Kambosos Jr. 2 Melbourne Undercard  

MELBOURNE, Australia (Sept. 14, 2022) — Many of Australia’s top fighting talents will enjoy the Down Under spotlight underneath the highly anticipated rematch between undisputed lightweight world champion Devin “The Dream” Haney and former champion “Ferocious” George Kambosos Jr. on Saturday, Oct. 15 (Sunday afternoon, Oct. 16 local time) at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.

In the co-feature, two-time world title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Moloney takes on Thai veteran Nawaphon Kaikanha in a 12-round final eliminator for the WBC bantamweight world title.

Former world champion Andrew Moloney, Jason’s twin brother, battles Dominican contender Norbelto Jimenez in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO International junior bantamweight title. The Moloney Brothers grew up in Mitcham, a suburb of Melbourne, and will have the home soil advantage.

Haney-Kambosos 2 will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.

Jason Moloney (24-2, 19 KOs) fell short in his two shots at the bantamweight title, dropping a split decision to Emmanuel Rodriguez in 2018 and succumbing via seventh-round stoppage to Naoya Inoue in 2020. Since the Inoue setback, he has won three in a row, including a stunning third-round knockout over Aston Palicte on the Kambosos-Haney 1 undercard in June. Kaikanha (56-1-1, 46 KOs) has won 20 consecutive fights since a 2017 TKO loss to Juan Hernandez Navarrete for the vacant WBC flyweight world title. He has been campaigning at bantamweight for more than three years, winning 12 straight by stoppage. Kaikanha has never fought outside of Thailand and will make the nine-hour flight to fight Moloney in hostile territory.

“This fight is one final steps towards me achieving my dream and becoming world champion,” Jason Moloney said. “Nawaphon Kaikanha is a very experienced and capable opponent who has had 58 professional fights and only one defeat. To have this fight in Melbourne, at Rod Laver Arena, in front of all my family and friends, is amazing and gives me even more motivation. Thank you to my manager, Tony Tolj, Top Rank, and everyone involved for making this fight happen. I will grab this opportunity with both hands and earn my shot at becoming the WBC world champion.”

Andrew Moloney (24-2, 16 KOs) held the WBA 115-pound world title briefly until Joshua Franco dethroned him in June 2020, but three fights against the American standout introduced him to an international audience. Moloney has kept active since a decision defeat to Franco last August, going 3-0 and rising the junior bantamweight rankings. Like his brother, Andrew Moloney made the most of his homecoming on the Kambosos-Haney 1 bill. He busted the right eye of Alexander Espinoza, who retired on his stool following the second round. Jimenez (31-9-6, 16 KOs) is a two-time world title challenger who is unbeaten in four fights, a run that includes a spirited draw last December against four-weight world champion Donnie Nietes. He has authored a remarkable career turnaround, as he began his career 2-8-1. Since that low-water mark, Jimenez is 29-1-5 over the past 11-plus years.

“I’m hoping that an impressive win over Jimenez earns me a shot at one of the world champions next,” Andrew Moloney said. “This is exactly the type of fight I’ve been wanting, to show the improvements I have made and that I am ready to become world champion again. I’m coming to put on the best performance of my career.”

The undercard also features two of New Zealand’s world class boxing prospects, Olympic bronze medalist David Nyika (4-0, 3 KOs) and heavyweight puncher Hemi Ahio (19-0, 14 KOs), who are both returning to Melbourne after appearing on Kambosos-Haney 1 undercard. Nyika, who is campaigning at cruiserweight, is scheduled to fight in a six-rounder. Ahio looks for his sixth consecutive knockout in an eight-rounder.

Devin Haney Promotions-promoted prospect Amari Jones (7-0, 7 KOs) is set to go for knockout number eight in a six-round junior middleweight bout.

Promoted by Top Rank, Devin Haney Promotions, DiBella Entertainment, Ferocious Promotions, Duco Events, and TEG Sport, Haney Kambosos 2 tickets are on sale now via tegsport.com.au. 

ABOUT TOP RANK
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1973 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Erik Morales, Timothy Bradley, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors, and television networks, Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world, including Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Wembley Arena, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, and AT&T Stadium. Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans and embracing 21st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT 
In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing. Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters, such as Sergio Martinez, Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Micky Ward, Deontay Wilder, and George Kambosos, among others. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in November 2003. Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports. While at HBO, DiBella created and established the highly successful “Boxing After Dark” series, which featured some of the sport’s greatest fights. He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”. He also produced or executive produced numerous documentaries, such as Viva Baseball!, Magic Man, Maravilla, Larry Flynt for President, and Tapia. The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants. In 2017, DiBella also became the CEO and Managing Owner of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. DiBella was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 and was inducted in June 2022, as well as the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

ABOUT VISIT VICTORIA
Visit Victoria is the State of Victoria’s primary tourism, business and major events company, leading the sector in creating, curating and communicating Victoria’s inspiring experiences to maximise visitation. Established in July 2016, Visit Victoria brings the best of Tourism Victoria, Victorian Major Events Company and Melbourne Convention Bureau under one brand that capitalises on commercial opportunities in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global tourism market. The team operates in a collaborative and agile environment that informs, connects and partners with industry and the Victorian State Government to amplify Victoria’s profile.

About TEG Sport
TEG Sport is owned by TEG, a leading global live entertainment, ticketing and technology business which operates worldwide out of seven country offices. TEG also includes TEG Live, TEG Experiences, TEG Dainty, TEG MJR, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, TEG Rockefeller, Qudos Bank Arena, Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Eventopia, Softix, TicketCharge, TicketWorld, Ticketek Singapore and Ovation.

ABOUT DUCO EVENTS
Duco Events is one of Asia Pacific’s leading events management and sports promotion companies, responsible for delivering high profile sporting events such as The Battle of Brisbane – Manny Pacquiao vs Jeff Horn, the NRL Auckland Nines, the Brisbane Rugby Tens and the T20 Black Clash alongside numerous other innovative sports, corporate and entertainment events throughout New Zealand and Australia including Synthony – a breath-taking fusion of electronic dance music, live orchestra, DJ’s, vocalists and immersive visuals.

Life is Better LiveWhether it’s Sport, Concerts, Musicals, Theatre or Exhibitions, nothing beats the live experience!
For more information www.teg.com.au.




Undisputed Lightweight Champion Devin “The Dream” Haney to Defend Crown in Rematch Versus Former Champion “Ferocious” George Kambosos Jr. at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia 

MELBOURNE, Australia (Aug. 22, 2022) — America’s dream maker and Australia’s emperor are primed for a second Down Under showdown to establish ultimate supremacy at 135 pounds.
 
Undisputed lightweight world champion Devin “The Dream” Haney will defend all the belts against Sydney native “Ferocious” George Kambosos Jr. on Saturday, Oct. 15 (Sunday afternoon, Oct. 16 local time), at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. Haney-Kambosos 2 will be broadcast in prime time in the United States, live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+. 
 
Haney and Kambosos first tangled June 5 in Melbourne as a Victoria-record boxing crowd of 41,129 fans packed Marvel Stadium to watch the world’s best lightweights unify the division. Haney neutralized Kambosos and earned a clear points verdict to become the undisputed champion.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, Devin Haney Promotions, DiBella Entertainment, Ferocious Promotions, Duco Events, and TEG Sport, Haney-Kambosos 2 will feature a world-class undercard, and a pumped up Kambosos hell-bent on revenge. Tickets to this epic rematch will go on-sale on Thursday, Aug. 25, at 10 am AEST via tegsport.com.au.
 
“George Kambosos is quiet right now like he should have been before our first fight. I wish him a healthy training camp,” Haney said. “I’m expecting a hungry and determined Kambosos on October 16th in Melbourne. I will be prepared for any adjustment he brings. This is a great opportunity to gain more Aussie fans and add to my legacy.”
 
“Devin Haney is a special fighter, but you can never count out George Kambosos Jr., especially when his most ardent supporters will be out in full force,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “These are the two best lightweights in the world, and it will be another memorable event in Melbourne.”
 
Kambosos said, “I am looking forward to October 16th at Rod Laver Arena, and that’s where I will do my talking. Inside the ring.”
 
 “George Kambosos Jr. is again the hungry challenger, chasing Devin Haney’s belts, with a chance to regain it all on home soil,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Kambosos-Haney 1 was the Devin Haney show. George is going to have to fight a completely different fight to get that victory, and he knows it. That alone assures an action-packed rematch. The odds are against George. He needs to defy the odds yet again.”
 
“With almost half of the crowd from the first fight hailing from outside Victoria, we look forward to welcoming boxing fans back to Melbourne to watch what will be an epic rematch, ” said Steve Dimopoulos, Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. “We’re delivering a spectacular calendar of the biggest and best events – drawing more visitors to Victoria, more often and supporting businesses across the state.”
 
Haney (28-0, 15 KOs) returns to Melbourne intent on repeating his fistic masterclass, a victory that propelled him up the mythical pound-for-pound rankings. “The Dream” has been a history-making phenom since turning professional in Mexico less than one month after his 17th birthday. He made his U.S. debut in Las Vegas on the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley III undercard in April 2016, and at 19, he became the youngest licensed promoter in boxing history. He was awarded the WBC world championship in October 2019 and defended that belt four times before taking the 8,000-plus mile journey to battle Kambosos in his homeland. Haney overcame adversity, as his father/trainer, Bill Haney, was granted a temporary visa by the Australian government less than three days before the fight. Bill Haney arrived in Melbourne the evening before the bout, and the dynamic father-son duo made undisputed magic whilst stripping Kambosos of his three world title belts.
 
Kambosos (20-1, 10 KOs) became the toast of the sport with his decision verdict over Teofimo Lopez last November, which was named ESPN’s Upset of the Year. It was the culmination of a hard-fought journey for Kambosos. He fought in Malaysia, Greece, London, New York City, Connecticut, and Las Vegas as he graduated from prospect to contender. For Kambosos, who had 12 of his first 13 pro fights in Australia, the Haney super fight marked one of the most significant international sporting events to take place in Melbourne. He entered the fight as the slight underdog, but Haney was unfazed by the army of raucous Australian-Greek supporters that shook Marvel Stadium. Haney blunted Kambosos’ offensive arsenal with an educated jab to win going away. Kambosos exercised his rematch clause and is preparing to paint a masterpiece in this undisputed sequel.
 

UNDISPUTED LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT

Join Waitlist for tickets: https://www.tegsport.com.au/
 
Corporate Packages available now at:  https://vipnow.com.au
 
GA tickets on-sale Thursday, August 23 at 10 am at tegsport.com.au  

ABOUT TOP RANK
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1973 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Erik Morales, Timothy Bradley, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors, and television networks, Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world, including Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Wembley Arena, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, and AT&T Stadium. Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans and embracing 21st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT 
In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing. Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters, such as Sergio Martinez, Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Micky Ward, Deontay Wilder, and George Kambosos, among others. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in November 2003. Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports. While at HBO, DiBella created and established the highly successful “Boxing After Dark” series, which featured some of the sport’s greatest fights. He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”. He also produced or executive produced numerous documentaries, such as Viva Baseball!, Magic Man, Maravilla, Larry Flynt for President, and Tapia. The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants. In 2017, DiBella also became the CEO and Managing Owner of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. DiBella was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 and will be inducted in June 2022, as well as the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

ABOUT VISIT VICTORIA
Visit Victoria is the State of Victoria’s primary tourism, business and major events company, leading the sector in creating, curating and communicating Victoria’s inspiring experiences to maximise visitation. Established in July 2016, Visit Victoria brings the best of Tourism Victoria, Victorian Major Events Company and Melbourne Convention Bureau under one brand that capitalises on commercial opportunities in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global tourism market. The team operates in a collaborative and agile environment that informs, connects and partners with industry and the Victorian State Government to amplify Victoria’s profile.

About TEG Sport
TEG Sport is owned by TEG, a leading global live entertainment, ticketing and technology business which operates worldwide out of seven country offices. TEG also includes TEG Live, TEG Experiences, TEG Dainty, TEG MJR, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, TEG Rockefeller, Qudos Bank Arena, Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Eventopia, Softix, TicketCharge, TicketWorld, Ticketek Singapore and Ovation.

Life is Better LiveWhether it’s Sport, Concerts, Musicals, Theatre or Exhibitions, nothing beats the live experience!

For more information www.teg.com.au.




Future Four: Benavidez, Ennis, Haney and Stevenson

By Norm frauenheim-

There are a couple of finishers, both forged by a relentless dynamic hard to counter, almost impossible to elude.

Then, there are a couple of craftsmen, both forged in the patient execution of fundamental skill that breaks down, busts up challengers, leaving them confused instead of confident.

They’re fun to watch. They’re also Generation Next, four fighters, 25 and younger, who figure to climb to the top of the boxing marquee, if not the pound-for-pound debate, within the next couple of years.

The finishers: 25-year-old super-middleweight David Benavidez and 24-year-old welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis.

The craftsmen: 24-year-old junior-lightweight Shakur Stevenson and 23-year-old lightweight Devin Haney.

The Future Four have all made powerful statements this spring on who they are and how they might impact the business.

Last Saturday, Haney (28-0, 15 KOs) unified the lightweight title with a jab, a traditional weapon and timely as ever. The defining punch summed up poise and patience that belie his years. George Kambosos Jr. never had a chance in losing a unanimous decision in Melbourne, Australia, his home country, mate.

On May 14, Ennis (29-0, 27 KOs/1 NC) continued to overwhelm anybody in his way. He scored his 19th stoppage in his last 20 fights. He blew away a somebody, somebody named Custio Clayton, in a second-round knockout. There are a lot of somebodies on Ennis’ resume, which also includes a stoppage of Sergey Lipinets, a former world champion who had never been stopped. Still, Ennis’ skill and one-punch power are impossible to ignore, even if your name is Terence Crawford or Errol Spence Jr. According to reports, a deal for a long-awaited Crawford-Spence fight is close. If the fight in fact happens, it’s fair to say that Ennis will be at least mentioned as one who deserves a shot at the winner. That’s how fast he’s emerging.

A week later on May 21, Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) looked a like a force of nature in overwhelming David Lemieux in a three-round beat-down in front of roaring crowd in Glendale AZ, about seven miles from the Phoenix streets where Benavidez grew up. The victory was no surprise. Lemieux, brave and faded, was overmatched before opening bell. The stunner, however, was in the way Benavidez won. It was almost scary. It was violent. He was all momentum, a tsunami that looks as if it is just beginning.

In April, there was Stevenson (18-0, 9 KOs), who throughout 12 rounds, left Oscar Valdez Jr. with no chance. For the last decade, Valdez was the one fighter who always found a way. Not this time. Like Benavidez, Stevenson figured to win. But nobody figured he would suffocate a fighter known for his resilience.

“Valdez is a hard out,’’ promoter Bob Arum said in a perfect summation.

Haney, Ennis, Benavidez, and Stevenson are following lightweight Tank Davis and bantamweight Japanese bantamweight Naoya Inoue into the elite. Both are older. Both, too, are entering their primes. Davis is 27, Inoue 29

Davis (27-0, 25 KOs) continues to flash his dramatic edge, finishing power, with a sixth-round knockout of Rolando Romero on May 28 in Brooklyn. It was a big crowd. A wild one, too, in a further testament to Davis’ growing box-office power.

Ryan Garcia, who spends more time on social media than he does in the ring, has been calling out Davis. Somebody needs to text Garcia (22-0, 18 KOs) an old line: Be careful what you wish for.

Then, there’s Inoue (23-0, 20 KOs). He might be the only fighter who creates a buzz at sunrise. Sunrise, at least, was when anybody in the United States saw him blow away accomplished Nonito Donaire in a second-round stoppage in Japan. It was more than just a rematch for the bantamweight title. It was re-affirmation of Inoue’s pound credentials. There’s a good argument that he should be No. 1, ahead of Crawford.

Inoue was mentioned as possible opponent for Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez in mid 2015 when Gonzalez, a longtime flyweight champion, had moved up to junior-bantamweight. He also moved up to be the lightest pound-for-pound No. 1 ever. But it was a move up the scale, to junior-bantam, that got him knocked off the pound-for-pound perch. He lost successive fights to Thai Wisaksil Wangek in 2017.

Inoue, a champion at junior-flyweight, skipped a weight class (fly) and went straight to junior bantam and then bantam. He’s still unbeaten.

Davis and Inoue are the first to re-energize the pound-for-pound debate in a shakeup set in motion by Dmitry Bivol’s upset of Canelo Alvarez May 7.

The debate will continue. Maybe, Teofimo Lopez resurrects himself and his career in his first fight since his messy loss to Kambosos in November. Lopez has time on his side. He’s 24. He moves up, from lightweight to junior-welterweight, in a reported deal for an August 13 with Mexican Pedro Campa.

Maybe, there will be a Future Five.

For now, however, the future rests in the eight dangerous hands of four – Benavidez, Ennis, Haney and Stevenson.




Haney Decisions Kambosos; Becomes Undisputed Lightweight Title

Devin Haney captured the Undisputed Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over George Kambosos Jr. in front of over 40,000 fans at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

Haney dominated with his jab and occasional uppercuts. Kambosos was not able to mount any serious offense and Haney was able to keep a partisan crowd mostly silent.

Haney of Las Vegas won by scores of 118-110 and 116-112 twice.




George Kambosos vs Devin Haney | OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN




 Weigh-In Results: George Kambosos Jr. vs. Devin Haney

    •  George Kambosos Jr. 134.49 vs. Devin Haney 134.92
(Undisputed Lightweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

•   Jason Moloney 117.6 lbs vs. Aston Palicte 117 lbs 
(Moloney’s WBC Silver and Vacant WBO International Bantamweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

•   Lucas Browne 261.02 lbs vs. Junior Fa 268.3 lbs 
(Browne’s WBA Oceania and Vacant IBF International Heavyweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, Following Main Event)

   •        Andrew Moloney 116.9 lbs vs.  Alexander Espinoza 115.1 lbs
 
(Bantamweight— 8 Rounds)

   •    Amari Jones 159.2 lbs vs.  Ankush Hooda 159.1 lbs
 
(Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT)

   •    Terry Nickolas 155.9 lbs vs. Lachlan Higgins 154.7 lbs
 
(Junior Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Taylah Robertson 111.6 lbs vs.  Sarah Higginson 110.8 lbs
 
(Flyweight — 5 Rounds)

   •    Yoel Angeloni 146.9 lbs vs. Ken Aitken 146.3 lbs
 
(Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

SWING BOUTS

•   Hemi Ahio 255.5 lbs vs.Christian Ndzie Tsoye 256.1 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 8/6 Rounds)

•   David Nyika 199.2 lbs vs.  Karim Maatalla 199.8 lbs 
(Cruiserweight — 6/4 Rounds)

•     Isaias Sette 153 lbs vs. Luke Gersbeck 153.4 lbs 
(Junior Middleweight — 4 Rounds)




‘MILLION DOLLAR JAB’ – INSIDE DEVIN HANEY’S TRAINING CAMP FOR GEORGE KAMBOSOS

LONDON, JUNE 3 – Jason Mallia predicts “one hell of a fight” between Devin Haney and George Kambosos Jnr having sparred the American in the build-up.

Australian welterweight Mallia was called into the Haney camp last month to help the WBC lightweight champion prepare for his undisputed showdown with Kambosos on June 5 in Melbourne.

The 27-year-old, unbeaten in three fights as a professional, says Haney was “sharp”, carried a “super-fast” jab and was exceptionally accurate.

Mallia impressed Haney and his team over two spars – “they liked the fact I made him think” – and though he wants countryman Kambosos to win, he has first-hand experience of the sizeable task that awaits.

“He’s got a super-fast jab,” Mallia said.

“I carry myself on reading punches very well, but he’s got a super-fast jab. His cornerman was calling it the ‘million dollar jab’.

“He’s lightning fast, and he picks his shots very well.”

HANEY’S HEATERS, HYPE TEAM AND HUMILITY – READ MALLIA’S FULL INTERVIEW

“Devin Haney is very sharp; he picks his shots very well. When he throws three shots, two of them land, he’s very accurate, he’s pinpoint,” he added.

“Being an Aussie boy, I’d love to see the Australian win but having this experience of sparring Devin, I just believe it’s going to be one hell of a fight and regardless of who wins, it’s going to be fantastic for boxing.”

Mallia scored a first round KO win in early May and had yet to return to full training when he got the surprise call to spar Haney.

But an “opportunity like this” was too good to turn down and the five-time national amateur champion quickly ditched all other plans.

“These guys were the ultimate professionals, and when I walked into the gym, he was sitting in the ring getting a massage from his masseuse,” said Mallia.

“But he is a very, very humble guy, he welcomed me with open arms. He came out to me straightaway, and we had a good chat and then we warmed up and I got asked to do five rounds.

“I did well and post sparring, he got out of the ring and told me that he wanted me to do some more spars while he was down here.  I was very humbled to get the opportunity to work with Devin, he is world class and for me to get called back it was reassuring to know that I could mix it with some of the top dogs.”

To keep up to date with the latest news on Mallia’s next fight, sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook.??? 
 
You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.??

About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown.

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).???? 




Press Conference Notes: Undisputed Showdown Awaits for George Kambosos Jr. & Devin Haney

MELBOURNE, Australia (June 3, 2022) — Most of the trash talk is over. It is nearly time. WBO/IBF/WBA lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. (20-0, 10 KOs) and WBC champion Devin Haney (27-0, 15 KOs) are two days away from their showdown for the undisputed title at Marvel Stadium. The fight, Sunday local time and airing Saturday evening in the United States, is one of the biggest bouts ever on Australian soil.

More than 40,000 fans are expected, as the 23-year-old Haney attempts to make history more than 8,000 miles from home. Kambosos, from Sydney, Australia, is back home and attempting to score his second straight upset following last November’s title-winning thriller over Teofimo Lopez.

In the 10-round co-feature, Australian two-time bantamweight title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will battle Filipino standout Aston Palicte. The ESPN-televised opener will be a 10-round battle of big men between New Zealand-born heavyweight Junior Fa and Australian Lucas Browne. Kambosos-Haney, Moloney-Palicte and Fa-Browne will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.Undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ (7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT).

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

George Kambosos Jr.

“It has been a long, hard journey. Everyone knows that, but I’m ready for Sunday. All the tough moments have gotten me ready for Sunday, and I will shock the world again. Underdog? Beautiful. We are ready.”

“I’ve been through it all, so whatever comes to the table on Sunday, we’ll be ready. We’ll be fully prepared. We are warriors. Whatever way we have to go, we are prepared.”

On the mental warfare against Haney

“I’m just having fun. I’m enjoying the moment. I’m just talking the truth. If it has or hasn’t affected him, so be it. We’ll step in there on Sunday, and that’s where it matters.”

“I have visualized victory by any means. I have manifested everything, every part of this journey. They said that we would never be here, but only two people really believed it, me and my father. So, I manifested my victory, and I visualize victory by any means on Sunday.”

“I love the underdog status. They’ve been against me my whole career. They’ve been saying that my whole career. I’m still the top dog, and after Sunday, I’ll remain the top dog.”

Devin Haney

This is the biggest stage, but this is something that I have dreamed of. I knew that one day I would be here, but I didn’t think that it would come this early, but I’m thankful. It’s time.”

“I knew that he would try anything that he can to try to throw me off my game or get me unfocused. But he can say what he wants to say, because regardless I’m going to do what I do when we step into the ring. I will come out victorious by any means.”

“A win would be very satisfying because that means I did it against all odds, even when things weren’t working in my favor. They were trying to do anything they can to put me at a disadvantage. But when I come out on top, it’s going to be that much sweeter. I look forward to bringing the belts back and showing my dad what we accomplished together.”

“I feel like I’m the far better fighter. I have far more skills than him. I will show him on Sunday. It’s for me to show in the ring. The betting odds really don’t matter because I will show you no matter what they say. I’m levels above him.”

Bob Arum

“This should be a terrific match. These two young men are at the top of their game. They each have a lot of pride. George Kambosos beat Teofimo Lopez, a fight he was not expected to win based on the so-called experts, but he won that fight and won all of these belts. Devin Haney is one of our bright young fighters in the United States who has attracted a lot of attention and always gives a great performance. Both guys are undefeated. This is what boxing is all about, and it should be a terrific match.”

Lou DiBella

“George Kambosos holds most of the titles. He’s earned this. He beat Teofimo Lopez. He’s taken every challenge put in front of him. At times, he’s fought in front of nobody. He’s traveled the world and has fought on other people’s territory time after time in order to get the opportunity to be the undisputed champion. And now he’ll have the opportunity to gather every belt if he can beat Devin Haney.”

“Devin Haney is a warrior and a guy who wants those belts. He is willing to take a challenge and willing to get on an airplane and go halfway around the world, even without this dad, because he understands the importance of this moment and what this opportunity means.”

Jason Moloney

“This is a massive opportunity for me. A win over him will get me another opportunity to fight for a world title. I’m just so excited, and I’m so grateful to be a part of this show. Being a part of his event has been tremendous, and it just gives me more hunger. It gives me more determination to collect those belts and to one day headline shows myself at Marvel Stadium. This is a must-win fight for me if I want to achieve my dreams and become Australia’s next world champion. I’ve worked extremely hard, and I’m ready to get the job done.”

Aston Palicte

“I’m so happy and excited to be a part of Kambosos vs. Haney. Kambosos was my running mate for Manny Pacquiao’s last fight in Las Vegas. Thank you to Team Moloney for choosing me. I’ve trained hard for this fight. Moloney is a good fighter, and I’m a good fighter, too. This is a good fight.”

Junior Fa

“Your next fight is always your biggest fight. This is basically where I’m at, and it’s such a huge stage. I’m sitting here and there are belts all over the place. And it’s all really, really cool. But I’m pretty sure that our fight is for a belt, too, and I noticed Lucas didn’t bring his belt. Hopefully, he doesn’t forget it on Sunday because I’ve made room for it in my baggage for the way back home.”

Lucas Browne

“I’m 43 years old. I’ve got three or four more fights to go. I want to solidify my career, and I want to take good fights. I don’t want to take a fight where I’m just there to roll someone over. Junior Fa and Joseph Parker have been on the radar for many years. Obviously, it’s a good little rivalry between Australia and New Zealand. So, for me, it makes sense that I fight Junior now.”
Saturday, June 4ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)
George Kambosos Jr. (WBO/WBA/IBF Champion) vs. Devin Haney (WBC Champion), 12 rounds, Undisputed Lightweight World Title

Jason Moloney vs. Aston Palicte, 10 rounds, Moloney’s WBC Silver and Vacant WBO International Bantamweight Titles

Junior Fa vs. Lucas Browne, 10 rounds, Browne’s WBA Oceania Heavyweight Title

SWING BOUT:Hemi Ahio vs. Christian Ndzie Tsoye, 8/6 rounds, heavyweight

SWING BOUT:David Nyika vs. Karim Maatalla, 6/4 rounds, cruiserweight
 ESPN+ (AFTER MAIN EVENT)
Amari Jones vs. Ankush Hooda, 6 rounds, middleweight

Andrew Moloney vs. Alexander Espinoza, 8 rounds, bantamweight ESPN+ (7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT)
Terry Nickolas vs. Lachlan Higgins, 6 rounds, middleweight

Taylah Robertson vs. Sarah Higginson, 5 rounds, flyweight

Yoel Angeloni vs. Ken Aitken, 4 rounds, welterweight

SWING BOUT: Luke Gersbeck vs. Isaias Sette, 4 rounds, junior middleweight




LIVE VIDEO: George Kambosos vs Devin Haney | FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE




HOW DID GEORGE KAMBOSOS, JR.BECOME THE BEST STORY IN BOXING?

MELBOURNE, Australia (June 1, 2022) – Hard to believe that a little more than six months ago, on November 27, 2021, George “Ferocious” Kambosos, Jr., (20-0, 10 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, a former sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao and underdog to everyone but himself, transformed from road warrior to unified world lightweight champion, scoring a shocking first-round knockdown en route to a split decision victory over Teófimo López, at Madison Square Garden, to collect his IBF, WBO, WBA, WBC Franchise and The Ring lightweight world titles.  On Saturday, June 4 (June 5 in Australia), Kambosos will take on his second consecutive undefeated world champion when he goes mano a mano with WBC world champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (27-0, 15 KOs), from Las Vegas, Nevada, for the undisputed lightweight championship at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.  It will be the first time Kambosos has fought on his home soil since 2017. 

Promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Ferocious Promotions, Top Rank, Devin Haney Promotions, Duco Events and TEG Sport, Kambosos vs. Haney will be broadcast to the U.S., at 9 p.m. EDT / 6 p.m. PDT, live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+.

“The reason Kambosos vs. Haney will be one of the biggest fights Australia has ever hosted is not just because George is a native son, but also because he chose to take the hard road — traveling the world to chase his dream of becoming world champion.  The fact that George chose to make his first defense against another undefeated world champion shows the confidence he has in himself and that he embodies the Australian and Greek spirit of being a warrior and a winner,” said Lou DiBella, Kambosos’ promoter.    

Before Kambosos returns to the ring this weekend, let’s look back, in his own words, at the journey he traveled to become one of the best stories in boxing:

·        JRE MMA Show #116 with George Kambosos • The Joe Rogan Experience (spotify.com)

·        Episode 207 – George Kambosos Jr. – Walking The Floor  

·        George Kambosos Jr. interview w/ Teddy Atlas – Teofimo Lopez Upset, Who’s Next & More – YouTube

·        George Kambosos Jr. Is A Gentleman | Barstool Bets

ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT 
In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing.  Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters, such as Sergio Martinez, Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Micky Ward, Deontay Wilder, and George Kambosos, among others. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in November 2003.  Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports.  While at HBO, DiBella created and established the highly successful “Boxing After Dark” series, which featured some of the sport’s greatest fights.  He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”.  He also produced or executive produced numerous documentaries, such as Viva Baseball!, Magic Man, Maravilla, Larry Flynt for President, and Tapia.  The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants.  In 2017, DiBella also became the CEO and Managing Owner of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.  DiBella was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 and will be inducted in June 2022, as well as the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

ABOUT TOP RANK
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1973 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.  The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Erik Morales, Timothy Bradley, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors, and television networks, Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world, including Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Wembley Arena, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, and AT&T Stadium.  Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans and embracing 21st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

ABOUT DUCO EVENTS
Duco Events is one of Asia Pacific’s leading events management and sports promotion companies, responsible for delivering high profile sporting events such as The Battle of Brisbane – Manny Pacquiao vs Jeff Horn, the NRL Auckland Nines, the Brisbane Rugby Tens alongside numerous other innovative sports, corporate and entertainment events throughout New Zealand and Australia including Synthony – a breath-taking fusion of electronic dance music, live orchestra, DJ’s, vocalists and immersive visuals.

ABOUT VISIT VICTORIA
Visit Victoria is the State of Victoria’s primary tourism, business and major events company, leading the sector in creating, curating and communicating Victoria’s inspiring experiences to maximise visitation.  Established in July 2016, Visit Victoria brings the best of Tourism Victoria, Victorian Major Events Company and Melbourne Convention Bureau under one brand that capitalises on commercial opportunities in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global tourism market.  The team operates in a collaborative and agile environment that informs, connects and partners with industry and the Victorian State Government to amplify Victoria’s profile.

About TEG Sport
TEG Sport is owned by TEG, a leading global live entertainment, ticketing and technology business which operates worldwide out of seven country offices.  TEG also includes TEG Live, TEG Experiences, TEG Dainty, TEG MJR, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, TEG Rockefeller, Qudos Bank Arena, Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Eventopia, Softix, TicketCharge, TicketWorld, Ticketek Singapore and Ovation.

Life is Better LiveWhether it’s Sport, Concerts, Musicals, Theatre or Exhibitions, nothing beats the live experience!  For more information www.teg.com.au.




The First Faceoff: George Kambosos Jr. & Devin Haney Meet as MELBOURNE SUPREMACY Undisputed Fight Week Kicks Off

MELBOURNE, Australia (May 30, 2022) — Six days before undefeated lightweight champions George Kambosos Jr. and Devin Haney fight for the undisputed crown at Marvel Stadium, they came face-to-face for the first time. For more than five minutes, the two combatants  talked trash. They did not come to blows, but the mental warfare was in full effect.

Fight week kicked off in style with an opening press conference at Culture Kings in Downtown Melbourne.

Unified champion Kambosos (20-0, 10 KOs) and WBC king Haney (27-0, 15 KOs) are set to do battle in one of the biggest boxing matches in Australian history. The Down Under showdown will be broadcast live in the United States in prime time this Saturday (Sunday local time) on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+.

This is some of what Kambosos and Haney had to say during a manic Monday in Melbourne.George Kambosos Jr.

“This is amazing. This is what the sport is about, and I made this happen. I chose the biggest fights possible. I took out Teofimo Lopez. Obviously, this guy… I was prepared to fight Lomachenko. That was done. He couldn’t make it because of the {Ukraine} war. No problem, Devin, wanna step up? And he did, OK, but he was forced into this. He’s not my mandatory.”

“I could’ve fought anyone. I could’ve fought the garbageman outside if I wanted to, but I chose you. You’re not my mandatory. I picked you. You’re here, and everything is a go for Sunday.”

“I became more obsessed. I became champion and realized I loved this sport more than anything in the world. I’m very blessed to be here. I made this happen. If it wasn’t for me, this wouldn’t be happening today here, and bring it on.”

“It’s great to be back home. Five years of hard work. Everyone knows the story. I had to go through every bit of adversity. I had to earn my belts, earned them the hardest way. Not like this guy. He got given a present. I earned mine. I took the best out. It is great to be back home, great to have the support. I know that stadium will be buzzing with my support, but I just love to fight. Me and him in there, in that ring. It’s a great moment for Australian boxing, and I am very excited.”

Devin Haney

“The government would not have put up the money if it wasn’t against me. Me or Loma. And then Loma couldn’t fight, so then you had to pick me.”

“What was the point of even coming if you didn’t bring the belts? Aren’t we fighting for the belts? Didn’t the government put up the money for all the belts and didn’t the media come out because this is an undisputed fight between two champions? Why wouldn’t you bring the belts? Fu*king clown.”

“This means everything. It’s a dream come true of mine since I was a young kid. This is the biggest achievement of boxing. I can’t wait for June 5 to come.”

“There’s nothing he can do in the ring that’s better than me, and I will show it on fight night. I take nothing away from him. I think that he’s a good fighter, but I just think I’m on a whole different level.”

“This fight feels different for me. It’s something that I can really get up for. I just can’t wait.” 
  # # #

ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT 
In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing. Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters, such as Sergio Martinez, Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Micky Ward, Deontay Wilder, and George Kambosos, among others. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in November 2003. Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports. While at HBO, DiBella created and established the highly successful “Boxing After Dark” series, which featured some of the sport’s greatest fights. He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”. He also produced or executive produced numerous documentaries, such as Viva Baseball!, Magic Man, Maravilla, Larry Flynt for President, and Tapia. The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants. In 2017, DiBella also became the CEO and Managing Owner of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. DiBella was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 and will be inducted in June 2022, as well as the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

ABOUT TOP RANK
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1973 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Erik Morales, Timothy Bradley, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors, and television networks, Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world, including Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Wembley Arena, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, and AT&T Stadium. Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans and embracing 21st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

ABOUT VISIT VICTORIA
Visit Victoria is the State of Victoria’s primary tourism, business and major events company, leading the sector in creating, curating and communicating Victoria’s inspiring experiences to maximise visitation. Established in July 2016, Visit Victoria brings the best of Tourism Victoria, Victorian Major Events Company and Melbourne Convention Bureau under one brand that capitalises on commercial opportunities in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global tourism market. The team operates in a collaborative and agile environment that informs, connects and partners with industry and the Victorian State Government to amplify Victoria’s profile.

About TEG Sport
TEG Sport is owned by TEG, a leading global live entertainment, ticketing and technology business which operates worldwide out of seven country offices. TEG also includes TEG Live, TEG Experiences, TEG Dainty, TEG MJR, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, TEG Rockefeller, Qudos Bank Arena, Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Eventopia, Softix, TicketCharge, TicketWorld, Ticketek Singapore and Ovation.

Life is Better LiveWhether it’s Sport, Concerts, Musicals, Theatre or Exhibitions, nothing beats the live experience! For more information www.teg.com.au.




ITALIAN-CUBAN AMATEUR SENSATION YOEL ANGELONI SIGNS WITH DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT!

MELBOURNE, Australia (May 17, 2022) — Yoel Angeloni, one of the most sought-after amateur boxers in the world, has signed with DiBella Entertainment.  DBE will present Angeloni’s professional debut on the undercard of the George Kambosos – Devin Haney Undisputed Lightweight Championship super fight, scheduled for Saturday, June 4, at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.  Melbourne boasts one of the largest Italian communities outside of Italy.Angeloni will debut in a four-round welterweight bout against Ken Aitken (3-0, 1 KO), from Queensland, Australia, who has yet to see even one scorecard go against him.

Kambosos vs. Haney, along with Jason Moloney vs. Aston Palicte, Junior Fa vs. Lucas Browne, and Hemi Ahio vs. Joe Jones will be televised LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ Saturday, June 4, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.  Angeloni-Aitken and all other undercard contests will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+

Angeloni, 18, is literally an international sensation who boasts an impressive amateur boxing pedigree.  Born in Rome, Italy, to an Italian father (Alessandro Angeloni) and a Cuban mother (Olga Lidia Lara), Angeloni was three years old when he moved to southern Cuba with his mother, living in the city of Cienfuegos, one of the country’s chief ports.  Situated on Cuba’s largest natural bay and open to the sea, the bay was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1494.  So it should come as no surprise that this was where a six-year-old Angeloni first discovered the national sport of boxing.  Over the years, Angeloni developed his craft, earning a place on the prestigious Cuban National Youth Boxing team, where he fashioned a sterling 130-2 record.  When he turned 15, he returned to his native Italy, where he was quickly accepted by the Italian Boxing Federation.  Fighting under the Italian colors, Angeloni won all 10 of his fights, and captured gold medals at the 2019 Junior European Championships and the 2021 Emil Jechev Memorial International Youth Boxing Tournament.

“Yoel is a legitimate blue-chip prospect, which is one of the reasons I chose the Kambosos-Haney undercard to launch his professional career,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.  “Despite campaigning almost exclusively as a junior, Yoel’s talent is extraordinary for his age, and he’s been heavily recruited throughout the industry.  I couldn’t pass on an Italian Cuban prodigy with his natural ability.  In addition to introducing Yoel to Melbourne’s prodigious Italian community, fighting June 4 at Marvel Stadium will allow him to realize his recurring dream of making his pro debut on a huge show, before his nineteenth birthday on June 11.  Who am I to deny destiny?  In my career, I’ve seen very few teenage fighters as gifted as Yoel.  Everyone at DiBella Entertainment is proud that Yoel chose us.” 

“I am very happy to be signed with DiBella Entertainment.  They are giving me an opportunity to showcase my skills on ESPN+ for my pro debut and on one of the biggest boxing events of the year.  I am so excited to be making my professional debut in Melbourne which has a very large Italian population,” said Angeloni.  “I want to thank my advisor and manager, Alonzo Benezra, for believing in me from the moment we met and by turning my dreams into reality.  Winning the gold medal at the 2019 Junior European World Championship was a very proud moment for me, my parents, my family, and many of my supporters who have followed me during my amateur career.  I also want to thank the Italian amateur federation and the Cuban amateur federation.  But now it’s time to realize my dream of becoming a world champion.”

“I want to say, thank you, to Lou DiBella for giving us the opportunity to be part of this historic event in Australia, where the first undisputed lightweight champion of the four-belt era will be crowned,” said Alonzo Benezra, advisor and manager to Angeloni.  “Also, thank you to Top Rank and ESPN for this huge boxing platform that will allow Yoel Angeloni to showcase his skills and great talent.  Ever since I met Yoel, I knew he was a special young man that was very talented and marketable.  At the same time, it’s also been a real challenging experience, working day and night, to get him where he needed to be at such a young age, to start his journey toward becoming a world champion.  I also want to thank Kris Lopez, the new trainer of Angeloni, from Lightning’s Boxing Club in Oakland, California, for setting up this training camp for Yoel’s highly anticipated pro debut.”           

ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT 
In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing.  Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters, such as Sergio Martinez, Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Micky Ward, Deontay Wilder, and George Kambosos, among others. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in November 2003.  Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports.  While at HBO, DiBella created and established the highly successful “Boxing After Dark” series, which featured some of the sport’s greatest fights.  He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”.  He also produced or executive produced numerous documentaries, such as Viva Baseball!, Magic Man, Maravilla, Larry Flynt for President, and Tapia.  The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants.  In 2017, DiBella also became the CEO and Managing Owner of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.  DiBella was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 and will be inducted in June 2022, as well as the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

ABOUT TOP RANK
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1973 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.  The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Erik Morales, Timothy Bradley, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors, and television networks, Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world, including Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Wembley Arena, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, and AT&T Stadium.  Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans and embracing 21st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

ABOUT DUCO EVENTS
Duco Events is one of Asia Pacific’s leading events management and sports promotion companies, responsible for delivering high profile sporting events such as The Battle of Brisbane – Manny Pacquiao vs Jeff Horn, the NRL Auckland Nines, the Brisbane Rugby Tens alongside numerous other innovative sports, corporate and entertainment events throughout New Zealand and Australia including Synthony – a breath-taking fusion of electronic dance music, live orchestra, DJ’s, vocalists and immersive visuals.

ABOUT VISIT VICTORIA
Visit Victoria is the State of Victoria’s primary tourism, business and major events company, leading the sector in creating, curating and communicating Victoria’s inspiring experiences to maximise visitation.  Established in July 2016, Visit Victoria brings the best of Tourism Victoria, Victorian Major Events Company and Melbourne Convention Bureau under one brand that capitalises on commercial opportunities in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global tourism market.  The team operates in a collaborative and agile environment that informs, connects and partners with industry and the Victorian State Government to amplify Victoria’s profile.

About TEG Sport
TEG Sport is owned by TEG, a leading global live entertainment, ticketing and technology business which operates worldwide out of seven country offices.  TEG also includes TEG Live, TEG Experiences, TEG Dainty, TEG MJR, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, TEG Rockefeller, Qudos Bank Arena, Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Eventopia, Softix, TicketCharge, TicketWorld, Ticketek Singapore and Ovation.

Life is Better LiveWhether it’s Sport, Concerts, Musicals, Theatre or Exhibitions, nothing beats the live experience!  For more information www.teg.com.au.




Jason Moloney-Aston Palicte Bantamweight Showdown & Junior Fa-Lucas Browne Heavyweight Tilt Headline Kambosos-Haney Undisputed Undercard 

MELBOURNE, Australia (May 11, 2022) — Australian two-time bantamweight world title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Moloney and New Zealand-born heavyweight contender Junior Fa hope to showcase their talents for the home region fans at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, on the undercard of the George Kambosos Jr.-Devin Haney undisputed lightweight world title showdown. The Kambosos-Haney world championship event is projected to be one of the biggest boxing events ever on Australian soil.

Moloney will battle former world title challenger Aston Palicte in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO International bantamweight title, while Fa will take on Australian fan-favorite Lucas Browne in a 10-rounder for the WBA Oceania and IBF International heavyweight title belts.

Kambosos-Haney, Moloney-Palicte, Fa-Browne, and an eight-round heavyweight fight between Hemi Ahio (18-0, 13 KOs), Auckland, New Zealand, and Joe Jones (13-4, 10 KOs), of Jersey City. N.J, will be televised LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ Saturday, June 4, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

In a swing bout, cruiserweight David Nyika (2-0, 2 KOs) will be showcased in 6/4-rounder against an opponent to be named. Nyika, from Hamilton, New Zealand, captured a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics last summer. A beloved sporting hero in his country, Nyika has earned his stripes as a sparring partner for heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

Following the main event, streaming live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+, world-rated junior bantamweight contender Andrew Moloney (23-2, 15 KOs) will battle Nicaragua’s Alexander Espinoza (21-3-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder, and Devin Haney Promotions-signed junior middleweight prospect Amari Jones (5-0, 5 KOs) will fight Ankush Hooda (3-0-1, 1 KO) in a scheduled six-rounder.

“When it comes to presenting an undercard worthy of its main event — the battle between world champions George Kambosos Jr. and Devin Haney for the undisputed lightweight world championship — it’s Aussie Rules.  Australian fight fans in Marvel Stadium and viewers around the globe will be treated to a feast of exciting all-action bouts, many featuring contenders and prospects from Australia, as well as New Zealand. And those not televised live on ESPN will be streamed to the U.S. on ESPN+,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.  “We are prepared to make history in Melbourne.”

Browne (30-3, 26 KOs) won the WBA Oceania title with a knockout victory over Faiga Opelu in December and is a former WBA world titlist. The 32-year-old Fa (19-1, 10 KOs) is looking to get his career back on track after losing to former world champion Joseph Parker in his last outing in February 2021. Fa has notable wins over American veterans Devin Vargas and Dominick Guinn.

“I would love nothing more than to fight for another world title, and Junior Fa is standing in my way,” Browne said. “If I can put him away early, that will send a message to the boxing world that I am far from finished. He has only lost once in his career, to Joseph Parker. I plan to hand him his second defeat.”

“I am 100 percent back myself, but I’m not taking Lucas lightly, as he is a former world champ and was stopped by Paul Gallen with some illegal blows, so I don’t count that as a loss for him,” Fa said. “He has his power, and we saw him use it to KO his last opponent. I’ll be getting the best Lucas Browne for this fight as I’m in the way of him being a contender again. It’s a huge opportunity for him and it’s going to be a tough fight.”

Moloney (23-2, 18 KOs) has re-ignited his career since an October 2020 knockout loss to pound-for-pound great Naoya Inoue. He defeated top contender Joshua Greer Jr. last August and made his 2022 debut in April with a one-sided decision over Francisco Javier Pedroza. He is currently ranked No. 2 by the WBC and No. 3 by WBO. Palicte (28-4-1, 23 KOs), from Bago City, Philippines, twice challenged for world titles at junior bantamweight and has won three consecutive fights. He is world-rated No. 6 by the IBF.

Moloney said, “I am grateful to Top Rank and Lou DiBella for the opportunity to be part of the biggest event in Australian boxing history. It is a dream come true. I’m expecting a tough fight against a former world title challenger in Aston Palicte, as he has shown that he can perform at the top level. I will be coming with everything I have to deliver the impressive performance of my career. Get ready for Mayhem!”

The undercard, which will be streamed in the U.S. exclusively on ESPN+, features three highly touted Ferocious Promotions prospects: Terry Nickolas, Isaias Sette and Hussein Fayad.  Nickolas (2-1, 2 KOs), from Sydney, takes a step up in opposition experience when he rumbles with Lachlan Higgins (7-4-1, 2 KOs), from Mornington, Australia, in a six-round junior middleweight bout. Junior middleweight Sette and junior lightweight Fayad, both from Sydney, will be making their pro debuts in four-round bouts. Sette will fight Melbourne-born knockout artist Luke Gersbeck (2-0, 2 KOs), while Fayad will take on Pom Thanawut Phetkum (1-1), from Springvale, Australia. Taylah Robertson (4-1, 1 KO), from Brisbane, Australia, and Sarah Higginson (3-0-1, 1 KO), from Perth, Australia, will face off in a five-round junior bantamweight battle. Both fighters enter this bout having won their previous title fights. Robertson scored an eight-round unanimous decision over Kylie Fulmer in their Australia Female bantamweight title fight while Higginson scored her first knockout, stopping Danni Mace in the fourth round to capture the vacant Australian National Boxing Federation Australasian Female bantamweight title.            

ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT
In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing. Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters, such as Sergio Martinez, Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Micky Ward, Deontay Wilder, and George Kambosos, among others. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in November 2003. Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports. While at HBO, DiBella created and established the highly successful “Boxing After Dark” series, which featured some of the sport’s greatest fights. He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”. He also produced or executive produced numerous documentaries, such as Viva Baseball!, Magic Man, Maravilla, Larry Flynt for President, and Tapia. The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants. In 2017, DiBella also became the CEO and Managing Owner of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. DiBella was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 and will be inducted in June 2022, as well as the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

ABOUT TOP RANK
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1973 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Erik Morales, Timothy Bradley, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors, and television networks, Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world, including Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Wembley Arena, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, and AT&T Stadium. Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans and embracing 21st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

ABOUT DUCO EVENTS
Duco Events is one of Asia Pacific’s leading events management and sports promotion companies, responsible for delivering high profile sporting events such as The Battle of Brisbane – Manny Pacquiao vs Jeff Horn, the NRL Auckland Nines, the Brisbane Rugby Tens alongside numerous other innovative sports, corporate and entertainment events throughout New Zealand and Australia including Synthony – a breath-taking fusion of electronic dance music, live orchestra, DJ’s, vocalists and immersive visuals.

ABOUT VISIT VICTORIA
Visit Victoria is the State of Victoria’s primary tourism, business and major events company, leading the sector in creating, curating and communicating Victoria’s inspiring experiences to maximise visitation. Established in July 2016, Visit Victoria brings the best of Tourism Victoria, Victorian Major Events Company and Melbourne Convention Bureau under one brand that capitalises on commercial opportunities in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global tourism market. The team operates in a collaborative and agile environment that informs, connects and partners with industry and the Victorian State Government to amplify Victoria’s profile.

About TEG Sport
TEG Sport is owned by TEG, a leading global live entertainment, ticketing and technology business which operates worldwide out of seven country offices. TEG also includes TEG Live, TEG Experiences, TEG Dainty, TEG MJR, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, TEG Rockefeller, Qudos Bank Arena, Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Eventopia, Softix, TicketCharge, TicketWorld, Ticketek Singapore and Ovation.

Life is Better LiveWhether it’s Sport, Concerts, Musicals, Theatre or Exhibitions, nothing beats the live experience! For more information www.teg.com.au.




Devin Haney Media Workout: The Dream Primed for Down Under Undisputed Showdown Versus George Kambosos Jr.

LAS VEGAS (May 5, 2022) — Devin Haney’s “dream” is less than a month away. The WBC lightweight world champion, Haney (27-0, 15 KOs) is set to battle unified champion George Kambosos Jr. (20-0, 10 KOs) for the undisputed world title Saturday, June 4, at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

Haney and his trainer/father, Bill, conducted a media workout Thursday at the Top Rank Gym. Haney is making the fifth defense of his world title and attempting to become king of the lightweights at only 23 years of age.

Promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Ferocious Promotions, Top Rank, Devin Haney Promotions, Duco Events and TEG Sport, Kambosos-Haney will air live in prime time in the United States on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+.

ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT
In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing. Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters, such as Sergio Martinez, Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Micky Ward, Deontay Wilder, and George Kambosos, among others. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in November 2003. Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports. While at HBO, DiBella created and established the highly successful “Boxing After Dark” series, which featured some of the sport’s greatest fights. He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”. He also produced or executive produced numerous documentaries, such as Viva Baseball!, Magic Man, Maravilla, Larry Flynt for President, and Tapia. The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants. In 2017, DiBella also became the CEO and Managing Owner of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. DiBella was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 and will be inducted in June 2022, as well as the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

ABOUT TOP RANK
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1973 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Erik Morales, Timothy Bradley, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

ABOUT VISIT VICTORIA
Visit Victoria is the State of Victoria’s primary tourism, business and major events company, leading the sector in creating, curating and communicating Victoria’s inspiring experiences to maximise visitation. Established in July 2016, Visit Victoria brings the best of Tourism Victoria, Victorian Major Events Company and Melbourne Convention Bureau under one brand that capitalises on commercial opportunities in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global tourism market. The team operates in a collaborative and agile environment that informs, connects and partners with industry and the Victorian State Government to amplify Victoria’s profile.

About TEG Sport
TEG Sport is owned by TEG, a leading global live entertainment, ticketing and technology business which operates worldwide out of seven country offices. TEG also includes TEG Live, TEG Experiences, TEG Dainty, TEG MJR, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, TEG Rockefeller, Qudos Bank Arena, Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Eventopia, Softix, TicketCharge, TicketWorld, Ticketek Singapore and Ovation.

Life is Better LiveWhether it’s Sport, Concerts, Musicals, Theatre or Exhibitions, nothing beats the live experience!

For more information www.teg.com.au.




SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND FOR DIBELLA QUINTET

New York, NY (April 5, 2022) – On the heels of the major announcement that George Kambosos Jr. and Devin Haney will meet in a unification showdown for the undisputed lightweight world championship later this year, DiBella Entertainment’s roster picked up five wins this past weekend across the globe.

On Friday, April 1, Irish light heavyweight prospect and 2016 Olympian “Mighty” Joe Ward, of Westmeath, Ireland, earned a fifth-round stoppage victory against Oscar Riojas at the Dome in Rosemont, IL. Now 7-1 (4 KOs), the southpaw Ward, who is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Probellum, applied pressure from the outset, closing the gap to unleash powerful flurries, often punctuated by right hooks to the body. In round five, a jab-straight left combination badly hurt Riojas and a follow-up attack from Ward against the ropes forced the stoppage at the 1:38 mark.

Also on Friday, featherweight Misael Lopez, of Denver, CO, earned an eight-round unanimous decision against Elijah Uribes, at Stampede, in Aurora, CO. Using deft footwork, fast hands and a stiff jab, Lopez outboxed Uribes every round then picked up the pace over the final six minutes intent on finishing strong. Scorecards read 79-73, and 78-74 twice, all for Lopez, now 13-1 (5 KOs).

Williams-Luckey Photo Credit: Emily Harney
On Saturday, rising super lightweight contender “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams, of East Hartford, CT, earned an impressive win against Tyrone Luckey in front of his hometown fans at the Connecticut Convention Center, in Hartford, CT. Williams used a consistent body attack to break his opponent down en route to a fifth-round stoppage, as Luckey did not come out of his corner for round six. Managed by Jackie Kallen, the 23-year-old Williams is now 17-0-1 (8 KOs).

Six-foot-five Russian heavyweight prospect Vladimir Ivanov remained undefeated with a second-round knockout victory against Pavel Doroshilov in Moscow. Backing Doroshilov toward the ropes, Ivanov landed a left uppercut to the midsection to drop his foe for the full count. Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Groupe Yvon Michel, Ivanov improved to 7-0 (6 KOs). He began boxing at age 13 and accumulated an amateur record of 219-63. Ivanov was an eight-time gold medalist of the North-West Federal District tournament, the first Russian to win gold at the Bundesliga German Club Cup in 2015, and a gold medalist at the World Team Cup, RFSO Lokomotiv Voluntary Sports Society and Silver Gloves tournaments in 2018.

Following wins against Maricela Cornejo and Kandi Wyatt last year, Mexican welterweight contender Alma Ibarra made her ring return on Saturday against Laura Cubos in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Ibarra came out aggressively to start the bout, applying pressure to cut off the ring and throw jab-straight right combinations. In round two, a fierce overhand left landed on Cubos’ right arm. Due to her damaged right biceps, Cubos elected not to continue at the sound of the bell for round three. Rated #1 by the WBC, WBA and IBF, Ibarra upped her record to 10-1 (5 KOs) with the third-round TKO win.

Looking ahead, a trio of DiBella Entertainment fighters see action this weekend. On Friday, April 8, Dominican super bantamweight knockout artist Jonathan “Salomon King” Guzman (24-2, 23 KOs) fights at home in Santo Domingo for the first time since 2014 against Starling Martinez. On Saturday, April 9, Italy’s IBO super featherweight world champion Michael “Lone Wolf” Magnesi (20-0, 12 KOs), co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing, makes the second defense of his belt, at home in Rome, against Mexican Dennis Contreras, and Ghanaian Emmanuel “The Gameboy” Tagoe (32-1, 15 KOs) battles Ryan Garcia at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX, live on DAZN.




Kambosos-Haney: Trash talk sounds the same on any continent

By Norm Frauenheim-

Melbourne and Los Angeles are separated by 18 time-zones and 7,932 miles. You can get on a plane in Melbourne and arrive in Los Angeles before you left Australia. It sounds upside-down, which is another way of saying Down Under.

But there was no confusion Thursday evening in Los Angeles and Friday morning in Melbourne. Only the clocks said different things.

George Kambosos Jr. and Devin Haney spoke a universal language in a formal news conference introducing their lightweight fight June 5 in Melbourne. The newser for a world-title bout was steamed, appropriately enough, worldwide.

No interpreters were necessary. Trash talk is understood everywhere

“He keeps saying he will leave this fight as a King,’’ Kambosos said from a stage in Melbourne to Haney and his trainer/father, Bill, who were seated in a LA studio. “But what’s a King to an Emperor?’’

Kambosos is one belt short of an empire. Haney has it, a World Boxing Council version, and Kambosos intends to take it at an arena called Marvel Stadium. It’s no place for a comic book hero. Kambosos looks to be the real thing after his wild upset of Teofimo Lopez on Nov. 27 in New York.

Lopez sounded delusional after the defeat. His delusion is still evident. Now, he’s alleging that the scorecard loss was somehow fixed. It makes you wonder if Lopez is somehow finished. That’s another story for another day and another weight class. Lopez is moving up the scale, from 135 pounds to 140. Maybe, he’ll gain the pounds and lose the delusions. We’ll see.

But it’s become evident that Kambosos, a former Manny Pacquiao sparring partner, is a keen practitioner of psychology, one of boxing’s timeless arts. To wit: He knows how to get into somebody’s head long before he ever lands a head-rocking shot.

In what was perhaps an opening salvo of rhetoric, Kambosos mocked Haney. The clever Aussie suggested that the likeable American was already losing his cool. He wasn’t, of course. 

But it was the sound of what’s to come in this bout between a couple of unbeaten lightweights from different hemispheres. Kambosos is at home, and he intends to use every advantage in what is expected to be a huge Aussie crowd at the 53,000-seat stadium.

Haney laughed off the mocking. But he was also annoyed. Kambosos called the 23-year-old Haney a kid.

“He keeps calling me a kid,’’ Haney said. “I am not a kid. I am a man. So, quit calling me a kid.’’

However, it’s beginning to sound as though Kambosos is just getting started. For now, at least, Kambosos is the underdog. That’s a surprise, mostly because Kambosos is coming home after scoring a huge upset in Lopez’ hometown.

Haney, who steps in as Kambosos’ challenger when Vasiliy Lomachenko decided to stay at home in Ukraine to fight the Russians, opened as a minus-280 favorite, meaning he has about a 73-percent chance at winning.

Australia is known for gambling. From Sydney to Melbourne to Perth to Brisbane, you can bet on just about anything. It’s called “the national sickness. The guess here is that Kambosos will be favored at opening bell.

He’ll talk his way into the favorite’s role. Bet on it. But can talk his way into Haney’s head? That’s the real question. If he can, he’ll win. 




Kambosos and Haney Battle for It All, June 4, Live on ESPN

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MELBOURNE, Australia (March 31, 2022) — The Emperor, and his new belts, are coming home.

Australia’s “Ferocious” George Kambosos Jr., the WBO/WBA/IBF/WBC Franchise/Ring Magazine lightweight world champion, will battle WBC world champion Devin “The Dream” Haney for Melbourne Supremacy and the undisputed championship Saturday, June 4, at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. Kambosos-Haney will be broadcast in prime time, live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+.

Kambosos, who was born and raised in Sydney, returns to the friendly Down Under confines for the most significant boxing match in Australian history. Event organizers hope to break the Australian attendance record of 51,026 set by the 2017 Manny Pacquiao vs. Jeff Horn super fight in Brisbane. Kambosos is of Greek descent, and Melbourne has the world’s largest Greek population outside of Greece.

Promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Ferocious Promotions, Top Rank, Devin Haney Promotions, Duco Events and TEG Sport, undercard bouts and ticketing details will be announced shortly. Devin Haney Promotions recently entered into a multi-fight co-promotional pact with DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank.

Kambosos said, “After five years of chasing championship glory abroad and fighting in enemy territory, I return home to defend what I have conquered in the boxing world, my world lightweight titles. Everything I have put my mind to and manifested has come true with my relentless hard work, dedication and discipline to the sport I love. I have always said I would become world champion the hard way, fighting abroad and then bring back a mega stadium fight to make my world title defense. On June 4 at the amazing 60,000+ seat Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, I get to do just that at home in Australia’s biggest boxing event ever, when I defend my IBF, WBO, WBA, WBC Franchise and Ring Magazine lightweight world titles against Devin Haney, who will be putting up his version of his WBC title. I am very excited and hungry to continue building my legacy, and I will be victorious by any means necessary on June 4 when Haney steps up into the lion’s den of Marvel Stadium against this Aussie Greek lion. I will take not only his belt but put a serious dent in his young career.” 

“The Emperor, George Kambosos, is a different breed.  He sought out the challenge of Vasiliy Lomachenko to give the people of Australia the biggest event possible. When duty to country made ‘Loma’ unavailable, George demanded the biggest event possible and greatest challenge in Devin Haney,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “June 4 will be epic. Credit goes to George for his unprecedented drive to greatness and to Devin Haney for being a man of his word and accepting the final lightweight unification for boxing fans worldwide. Great appreciation to the Victorian Government for their patience and unwavering commitment to bringing this mega event to Marvel Stadium in the beautiful city of Melbourne. As George is proud of his Greek ancestry and Australian roots, Melbourne, which has a large and vibrant Greek community, is the perfect city for this Spartan warrior to defend his belts. Melbourne has hosted the Olympics, is home to the Australian Open, among other huge events, and Kambosos-Haney will rock Marvel Stadium.”  

“Since 2017, when George and I began working together, he had expressed his desire to fight overseas in order to accomplish his goal of winning the lightweight world title,” said Peter Kahn, Kambosos’ manager. “He said he would bring the belt, in this case, belts, back to Australia and pack a stadium for his first defense. Five years later, that is exactly what he is doing on June 4 when he faces Devin Haney for the undisputed lightweight championship of the world in Melbourne, Australia.”

Haney said, “First and foremost, I’d like to give all praise to Allah. Without him, none of this is possible. Secondly, I’d like to thank my father and trainer, Bill Haney, who is my rock, and my team and family for their support and countless sacrifices throughout this journey. Thank you to Lou DiBella, Bob Arum and ESPN for giving us this huge platform and the opportunity of a lifetime. I’d also like to give a special thanks to the Victorian Government and officials for hosting this event. I began my career fighting in small bars in Mexico. Now I’m on the cusp of greatness showcasing my skills on the world’s stage fighting for lightweight supremacy. I didn’t come this far to only come this far. Come June 4, I claim my place in history and add to my legacy! Undisputed lightweight king… I’m coming for all the belts!

“Traveling more than 8,000 miles to Melbourne is nothing compared to the journey Team Haney has been on since Devin turned pro nearly seven years ago at a pool hall in Tijuana, Mexico,” Bill Haney said. “I always knew Devin was destined for greatness. On June 4, he will show the Australian people, along with all the boxing fans around the world, that he is the best lightweight in the world. Devin is the most avoided fighter in the division. For Kambosos to step up and face the challenge is commendable. Foolish, but commendable. History will soon be made.”

“We are ecstatic to be bringing the undisputed lightweight championship to the beautiful city of Melbourne,” said Bob Arum, Chairman of Top Rank. “George Kambosos Jr. and Devin Haney demanded this fight, and it will be a historic night of boxing that will capture the attention of fans from around the world.”

“A matchup of this magnitude is destined to become the largest boxing event in Australian history, and Melbourne is undoubtedly the perfect host city with a rich history of delivering world class and globally recognized sporting event,” said David Higgins, Founder and Managing Director of Duco Events. “With the undisputed world championship of the lightweight division on the line, Melbourne will witness an epic battle of two incredible sportsmen at the peak of their powers.”  

“This will be the biggest boxing contest of the year and will bring thousands of fans to Melbourne,” said Jaala Pulford, Victoria’s Minister for Employment. 

Kambosos (20-0, 10 KOs) turned pro in 2013 and fought his first 13 bouts in Australia before embarking on a road warrior existence. He earned his shot at the lightweight title with an October 2020 victory over British former world champion Lee Selby in London. Thirteen months later, he traveled to New York City and stunned 10-to-1 favorite Teofimo Lopez by split decision in a 12-round barnburner to become the unified lightweight champion. Kambosos knocked down Lopez in the opening round, survived a 10th-round knockdown, and then came back with a furious late charge in the championship rounds to cement the victory. Kambosos won ESPN.com Upset of the Year honors for his effort, catapulted up the pound-for-pound rankings, and became an instant superstar in Australia. Rather than take a tune-up title defense, Kambosos insisted on bringing a mega-event to his homeland. He had a dream, and he turned to a 23-year-old prodigy to bring ultimate clarity to the lightweight division.

Haney (27-0, 15 KOs), a Las Vegas resident who won seven national titles as an amateur, was pegged for superstardom upon turning pro less than a month after his 17th birthday in December 2015. He made his U.S. debut in April 2016 on the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley III undercard in Las Vegas. Before he hit the legal U.S. drinking age, Haney ascended the ranks with one-sided victories over veteran contenders Mason Menard, Juan Carlos Burgos, and Antonio Moran. His knockout over Moran was picked as the ESPN.com 2019 Knockout of the Year. Haney won the WBC Interim lightweight title over Zaur Abdullaev in September 2019 and was soon elevated to full champion status. He has defended the green belt four times and has toppled former world champions in his last three outings. In 2021, Haney authored the two signature wins of his career as a Las Vegas headliner. He outboxed three-weight kingpin Jorge Linares over 12 rounds in May and followed that up with a clear points victory over former junior lightweight champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. in December.

CORPORATE HOSPITALITY PACKAGES INCLUDING RINGSIDE SEATS

On Sale Now

www.VIPNOW.com.au

TRAVEL PACKAGES

On Sale Now

Via Keith Prowse Travel www.kpt.com.au

TICKETS WAITLIST

Tickets will go sale on Tuesday 26 April

Join the waitlist at Ticketek

www.ticketek.com.au

ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT 
In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing. Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters, such as Sergio Martinez, Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Micky Ward, Deontay Wilder, and George Kambosos, among others. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in November 2003. Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports. While at HBO, DiBella created and established the highly successful “Boxing After Dark” series, which featured some of the sport’s greatest fights. He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”. He also produced or executive produced numerous documentaries, such as Viva Baseball!, Magic Man, Maravilla, Larry Flynt for President, and Tapia. The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants. In 2017, DiBella also became the CEO and Managing Owner of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. DiBella was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 and will be inducted in June 2022, as well as the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

ABOUT TOP RANK
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1973 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Erik Morales, Timothy Bradley, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors, and television networks, Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world, including Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Wembley Arena, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, and AT&T Stadium. Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans and embracing 21st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

ABOUT VISIT VICTORIA
Visit Victoria is the State of Victoria’s primary tourism, business and major events company, leading the sector in creating, curating and communicating Victoria’s inspiring experiences to maximise visitation. Established in July 2016, Visit Victoria brings the best of Tourism Victoria, Victorian Major Events Company and Melbourne Convention Bureau under one brand that capitalises on commercial opportunities in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global tourism market. The team operates in a collaborative and agile environment that informs, connects and partners with industry and the Victorian State Government to amplify Victoria’s profile.

About TEG Sport
TEG Sport is owned by TEG, a leading global live entertainment, ticketing and technology business which operates worldwide out of seven country offices. TEG also includes TEG Live, TEG Experiences, TEG Dainty, TEG MJR, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, TEG Rockefeller, Qudos Bank Arena, Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Eventopia, Softix, TicketCharge, TicketWorld, Ticketek Singapore and Ovation.

Life is Better LiveWhether it’s Sport, Concerts, Musicals, Theatre or Exhibitions, nothing beats the live experience!

For more information www.teg.com.au.




LIVE VIDEO: KAMBOSOS JR. – HANEY PRESS CONFERENCE




Haney Decisions Diaz Jr.; Retains Lightweight Belt

Devin Haney remained undefeated and retained the WBC Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over former junior lightweight champion Joseph Diaz Jr. at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The fight was very competitive and entertaining as their styles meshed well. Haney trying to box and land hard body shots long right hands from distance. He was able to did that easily over the first three rounds. Diaz started to get going in round four as he started to press forward and land some solid left hands. Haney continued his gameplan and he started to counter Diaz.

The rounds were very close and they took on a pattern of Haney boxing consistently with Diaz flurrying in the middle of the round. Haney was very effective with his right uppercut, with Diaz doing well with the left.

With Haney seemingly up a few rounds going in to the 12th round, Diaz threw caution to the wind, and buckled Haney with an overhand left. Haney did well to recuperate and start to give as good as he received. It was the early rounds that Haney banked plus a few in later part of the fight that got Haney the victory by scores of 117-111 twice and 116-112.

Haney landed 164 of 614 punches; Diaz was 140 of 573.

Haney, 135 lbs of Las Vegas is now 27-0. Diaz, 134.4 lbs of California is 32-2-1.

Love Stops Diaz in 3

Montana Love remained undefeated with a 3rd round stoppage over Carlos Diaz in a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

In round two, Love dropped Diaz with a left uppercut that was followed by a right hook. It was the same combination that put Diaz down again in the round. Love dropped Diaz for a 3rd time in the round when he landed a left right to the head. In round three, Love landed a straight left that drove Diaz to the corner. Two more shots later, and the fight was stopped at 1:22.

Love, 143.8 lbs (3.8 lbs over the Contract weight) of Cleveland, OH is now 17-0-1 with nine knockouts. Diaz, 139.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 29-2-2.

Mccaskill Stops Wyatt in 7; Retains Undisputed Titles

Jessica McCaskill retained the Undisputed Lightweight Welterweight World Title with a 7th round stoppage over late-replacement Kandi Wyatt.

In round three, Wyatt began to bleed from her nose. McCaskill beat down Wyatt. The challenger stood tough and took all of McCaskill’s leather, and even would get in a nice right of her own.

McCaskill had a big round six as she battered Wyatt. At the end of the round, referee Celestino Ruiz told Wyatt that he had her on a short rope. True to form, McCaskill landed 2 flush rights to start round seven, and the fight was stopped at 19 seconds.

McCaskill, 146.4 lbs of Chicago is 11-2 with four knockouts. Wyatt, 146.2 lbs of Calgary, CAN is 10-4.

Hrgovic stops Ahmatovic in 3

Filip Hrgovic remained undefeated by stopping previously undefeated Emir Ahmatovic in round three of a 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Hrgovic dropped Ahmatovic twice. The first came from a chopping right to the head. The 2nd knockdown was similar as it was another chopping shot in the corner. In round three, it was yet another chopping right that put Ahmatovic down again and the fight was stopped at 30 seconds.

Hrgovic, 246.8 lbs of Croatia is 14-0 with 12 knockouts, Ahmatovic, 228.4 lbs of Germany is 10-1.

“From the opening bell, I knew he wasn’t on my level,” said Hrgovi?. “It was a matter of time before he was going down. I took my time. I didn’t rush. He went down twice in the second round and by the third round I knew he was finished. This is why I want big fights. Then you will see my true potential.”

Castro Stops Solis in 2

Marc Castro remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Ronaldo Solis in a scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Castro dropped Solis with a hard 1-2 combination. In round two, Castro landed a booming right in the corner and out Solis down, and the fight was stopped at 43 seconds.

Castro, 136.4 lbs of Fresno, CA is 5-0 with five knockouts. Solis, 130.8 lbs of Cancun, MEX is 4-3-1.

Austin Williams stopped Quatavious Cash in the 2nd round of their scheduled eight round middleweight fight.

Williams landed a crushing left to the face that dropped Cash. The referee stopped the bout at 26 seconds.

Williams, 160 lbs of Houston is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Cash, 160 lbs of Atlanta is 14-3-1.

Alexis Espino and Rodolfo Gomez Jr. battled to an eight-round draw.

Scores were 77-75 for Gomez and 76-76 twice.

Espino, 167.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 9-0-1. Gomez of Laredo, TX is 14-5-2.

Amari Jones kept his perfect stoppage streak with a 6th and final round stoppage over Timothy Lee in a middleweight bout.

It was a good action fight that saw Jones drop Lee in the opening frame. Jones started to land heavy shots in round five. Jones poured it on in round six and the fight was stopped at 2:40.

Jones, 160 lbs of Las Vegas is 5-0 with five knockouts. Lee, 159.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 5-2.

Ricardo Sandoval stopped former world title challenger Carlos Buitrago in round seven of their scheduled 10-round flyweight bout.

Sandoval dominated the fight, and the fight was stopped after a Sandoval flurry at 46 seconds.

Sandoval, 111.8 lbs of Rialta, CA is 20-1 with 15 knockouts. Buitrago, 113 lbs of Nicaragua is 32-7-1.




LIVE BOXING: Before The Bell: Haney vs Diaz Undercard (Williams, Espino, Jones, Sandoval)




WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR HANEY VS. DIAZ, JR. IN LAS VEGAS

10 x 3 mins Flyweight contest
 
Ricardo Sandoval (111.8lbs) vs.     Carlos Buitrago (113lbs)
 
Rialto, California                                 Nicaragua
 
Followed by
 
6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
 
Amari Jones        (160lbs)     vs.     Timothy Lee (159.4lbs)
 
Las Vegas                                         Las Vegas

Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest
 
Alexis Espino (167.4lbs)        vs.     Rodolfo Gomez Jr        (168lbs)
 
Las Vegas                                          Laredo, Texas

Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
 
Austin Williams (160lbs)      vs. Quatavious Cash (160lbs)
 
Houston                                        Atlanta
 
Live on DAZN from 5pm PT
 
6 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
 
Marc Castro (136.4lbs)         vs.     Ronaldo Solis (130.8lbs)
 
Fresno, Cali.                                   Cancun, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins IBF International Heavyweight title
 
Filip Hrgovic (246.8lbs)         vs.     Emir Ahmatovic (228.4lbs)
 
Zagreb, Croatia                                  Draga, Serbia
 
Followed by
 
10 x 2 mins Undisputed World Welterweight title
 
Jessica McCaskill (146.4lbs)  vs.     Kandi Wyatt (146.2lbs)
 
Chicago                                              Calgary, Canada
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
 
Montana Love (143.8lbs)     vs.     Carlos Diaz (139.8lbs)
 
Cleveland                                         Guadalajara, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBC World Lightweight title
 
Devin Haney (135lbs)  vs.     Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz (134.4lbs)
 
Las Vegas                               Downey, California




VIDEO: Devin Haney vs. JoJo Diaz Jr. Weigh-In




QUOTES AND IMAGES FROM TODAY’S FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FOR HANEY VS. DIAZ, JR.

Eddie Hearn
 
“Thank you to all the media that have made the trip here to Las Vegas this week for a huge, huge night for the Lightweight division. Devin Haney vs. Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz, Jr. for the WBC World Lightweight title live on DAZN all around the world this Saturday from the historic MGM Grand.
 
“We’re really lucky people, we’re really lucky to be here, the MGM Grand is a venue steeped in boxing history. Last week of course we were in the iconic Madison Square Garden for a fight that I think everybody was there or everybody that watched on DAZN will never forgot. George Kambosos dethroning Teofimo Lopez for a whole host of belts in the Lightweight division. The moment where Australian boxing just lit up to see a new star in Kambosos. What a night it was for boxing worldwide.  
 
“We’ve got a great card here, some undefeated fighters that we’ll be talking to, undisputed champions as well on the card, heavyweight action. This is part of an incredible schedule on DAZN to finish this year. What a schedule, we’re very lucky people to be living the dream every week on DAZN – particularly this week in Vegas.”
 
Devin Haney
 
“I want to start off by thanking God for this opportunity, this is a huge opportunity for me and my family. This is finally my time on the big stage to show what ‘m capable of, a lot of fighting come in there and say what they’re going to do. He keeps saying he’s going to dog me, beat the shit out of me, we’ll see.
 
“Everybody has got a plan until they get into the ring, when it doesn’t work then we’ll see what it really is. He can say what he wants to say, I can say what I want to say, on December 4 I will go in there and I will show.
 
“I don’t think there’s any pressure, at the end of the say I’m going to go in there and do what I’ve got to do. We had a great training camp, we studied JoJo, I feel like me and my team know JoJo know him better than his own coach. We know what he’s going to do, what he’s going to throw, we studied him so well we know the mistakes he’s going to make and the habits he has. We’re going to go in there and do what we do best. 
 
“This is what I feel with JoJo Diaz, he says he’s going to go in there and come right at me, we saw how that worked with George Kambosos with Teofimo Lopez, he had no respect and got caught. He can go in there and get caught with a big shot early, or I’ll beat the will out of him. You’ll see.
 
“Of course, I’m the best Lightweight, you guys will see December 4. I’ll be one step closer to having all the belts in the lightweight division, it all starts on December 4, and I can’t wait.” 
 
 
Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz, Jr.
 
“I’m excited for it, I’ve done everything and paid all my dues, not even inside this training camp but inside my whole career. Fighting the best opponents possible to make me ready for this moment, I’m ready for it and paid my dues inside of the ring. We had a tremendous training camp, brought in some good sparring partners as well, I’m ready to go out there and execute my game plan December 4.  
 
“I already know this is the moment I’ve prayed for my whole entire life. For God to be blessing me with this opportunity, I’m ready. I haven’t been cutting any corners, I’m just built the way I’m built and I’m going to go out there and execute what I’ve got to do.
 
“It’s going to be a tough fight because we’re both smart fighters, I’m not just going to be a brawler in there I’m going to go in there and do what I have to do to be victorious. I’m going to go out there and hurt him to the body, hurt him in top, but also show my boxing skills as well. I’m a 2012 Olympian, I’ve fought in there with the best fighters in my divisions in the past, Tevin Farmer, Gary Russell Jr, all these guys. I’m planning on doing the same with Devin Haney. 
 
“My main focus in Devin Haney and beating the shit out of him, taking his will and soul come Saturday night. That’s my main focus right now is just going out there and punishing him.”
 
Roberto Diaz
 
“I believe JoJo will win 100 per cent, I know him from the young man that stepped into the office to who he is. Bring out your pens and get them ready, don’t call it an upset because he’s been elite from day one, from the amateurs. You don’t become an Olympian from just being average.
 
“Saturday night in front of JoJo there’s a very talented young man, a very good world champion – but it’s good versus elite. Come Saturday night you will all see, the beauty of boxing is nothing is ever written, last week you saw it, this weekend you’ll see it. JoJo will take that title back to California.” 
 
Bill Haney
 
“This has been quite a journey for Devin and our family to get to this point, thank you Eddie of course and to DAZN and Golden Boy for stepping up to the plate and brining on a very qualified JoJo.
 
“He has a legendary reputation both inside the ring and outside the ring, in the gym. His work ethic is unprecedented in his community, he runs people out the gym, he’s going to come to fight. That’s what’s going to bring out the best in Devin Haney and we look forward to that opportunity.
 
“He [Robert] said the same thing about Jorge Linares, that Jorge was going to come and that he has everything to stop Devin, he didn’t. This is no different than JoJo, we look forward to Devin impressively putting on an ass-whipping on JoJo and then you give us the title of the Golden Boy killer.
 
“We don’t look past JoJo by any stretch of the imagination, you saw what happened last week with the 13-1 underdog George Kambosos, shoutout to him and his family – doing a tremendous job he’s quite a Cinderella story.
 
“We can’t look past JoJo, but we can’t help see George Kambosos in our city parading around as if he’s an undisputed champion. We’re hearing conflicting messages from the Kambosos camp as if we need to do something else better, but when you have Devin Haney you have the youngest promoter in the game, youngest world champion and a guy that has not only communicated with JoJo to make this fight happen, but he also communicated with Jorge Linares and took the initiative before the world even believed it and worked and talked with Kambosos.
 
“We hope after this fight George Kambosos and his team are a man of their word and stick behind it, let’s make this shit happen.”
  
Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz, Snr.
 
“He’s not going to try and become; he is going to become the world champion. Joseph has been ready for this moment for a long time, I know Devin Haney, what he brings to the table and the goods that he was, but I know my son. My son is going to do what he needs to do on Saturday night and get the job done. 
 
“They have him as an underdog because of the bets and stuff but that doesn’t mean anything. JoJo is going to go out there and do what he does, they’re going to see something they’ve never seen before.
 
“I tell him to ignore it, it’s just a bunch of hype and stuff, this is MGM boxing and not a circus – that’s for another casino down the street. They do what they do, he’s getting paid pretty good money to do what he does, if he wants to embarrass himself that’s fine. We’re going to do what we need to do on Saturday night.” 
 
Filip Hrgovic
 
“I need to stay focused, I cannot underestimate anyone, thanks to Emir for accepting the challenge. I’m looking forward to Saturday night.
 
“I don’t know what’s going on, you’re the biggest promotor in the world and I hope you’ll find someone to fight me soon. I’m looking forward to big fights, I said to my promotors and you [Eddie] a long time ago I feel like I’m ready for everyone. 
 
“I’m training really hard; I’m focused on boxing 100 per cent and I’m looking for a big fight. I’m focused on Saturday night, I don’t want to underestimate anyone, I know I have the quality and talent to become the best fighter in the world.”
 
Nisse Sauerland
 
“It’s been a frustrating time for Filip, the whole IBF situation, we went through the top 15 twice and no one wanted to fight Filip. Now, next year, someone’s got to fight him for the mandatory and I believe you’re looking at the next world champion, next year 2022 – it’s going to be Hrgovic’s year.
 
“Respect to Ahmatovic, it’s always hard to get Filip opponents but we’re just happy to be in Vegas. Thanks to Eddie, thanks to his team for helping us, roll on Saturday you’re going to see the future Heavyweight champ.” 
 
Emir Ahmatovic
 
“I’m happy to be here, last week I got a call for the fight against Hrgovic and I said of course, I want to fight him – why not? That’s why I’m here, I’m 100 per cent here to win and I will give it my all to win the fight on Saturday.”
 
Montana Love
 
“I’m very happy to be here, be part of DAZN and the team. Saturday night I’m here to put on a show man. Just be me, too pretty look good while doing it, and having fun.
 
“My last three opponents have been saying the same thing, saying they’re my biggest test but I made it look easy. I’m just here to have fun, I don’t think any of these guys are on my level. I know Carlos is going to come to fight, in my mind I want to get him out of there sooner but I’m going to stick to the game plan and execute.
 
“Following your [Eddie] lead, whoever you put in front of me we’re going to put them down and keep stepping on them.” 
 
Jessica McCaskill
 
“I’m always ready to go, it’s not always me, Rick will be like we’re going to be really chill and as soon as I go in there and get the gloves on, he’s got the mitts on, it’s crazy. We have a high work rate, I work out 2/3 times every single day so when I’m sitting in my hotel room ready to do a workout and you put a ring in front of me, that’s what’s going to happen.
 
“I’m definitely looking forward to what we have planned for 2022. We’re not looking past Kandi at all, especially when somebody takes a fight last invite and she already had a fight she was preparing for. I’m not sleeping on here at all, like she said it’s going to be fireworks, she comes forward she throws punches with almost every step she takes. I like to brawl but I’m trying to put together some more boxer and show everyone some more skill, make my mark in history and in the boxing world.
 
“I only had about 25 amateur fights and when I linked up with Rick Ramos, he said we’re going to move you really fast and that’s exactly what we’ve done.
 
“Vegas, it’s always a dream for a fighter, like having the green belt is always a dream for a fighter. I came to Vegas in 2014 and walked around the whole hotel and told everybody I’m going to fight here one day. To be here and to have spoken that into my future it means everything.”
 
Kandi Wyatt
 
“It’s a dream come true, I fell in love with boxing when I was ten years old, and this has always been a dream to be a world champion and box in Vegas nonetheless.
 
“I couldn’t be more excited to see female boxing taking off, it’s growing in the amateur ranks as well which is nothing but good news. The way female boxing is taking off in the pro ranks, I’m super excited about it and I couldn’t be happier.
 
“Jessica is a gamer; she’s going to come out to fight. I’m here to fight too, I’m not here for the experience, I’m here to win so expect fireworks on Saturday.
 
“It’s hard to put into words, like I said it’s something I’ve been dreaming about when I was ten years old so I’m rendered speechless already.”
 
Austin Williams
 
“First off I want to give thanks to everybody, Eddie Hearn, Matchroom, Churchill Boxing, we could have taken this time and only focused on my personal life, but my management company stepped in and made sure I elevated in my professional game as well. 
 
“I’m blessed and thankful to coach Kevin Cunningham for taking me under his wing. A lot of coaches would know I was going through a hard time, and he could have easily said no I don’t want to deal with him, but he took me in, and we had the greatest camp I’ve ever had in my life. Shoutout to my sparring partners, they gave me the best work I’ve ever had and it’s a blessing to be here.
 
“A boxer’s life has a lot of pressure in it, we fight for our life, we do this to entertain everybody. It’s a lot of pressure and as you can see, people can turn on you from one day to the next, a fighter deals with a lot.
 
“It’s a good time and platform for me to speak out about mental health and let people know it’s a real thing, I also speak for my brothers who share the ring with me. Just be a person that really let’s people know what’s going on.
 
“Ammo is always exciting, always bringing fireworks and sometimes I can get ahead of myself. Now that we’re stepping into the higher levels like you mentioned, 2022 is going to be a bigger year for all of us, now we’re stepping into higher levels with more dangerous fighters I’ve got to be dangerous but safer – that’s where coach comes in. The knockouts are going to cleaner and more spectacular.” 
 
Alexis Espino
 
“It’s crazy, it’s surreal honestly being here sitting in a venue where my whole life I looked up at being in a stage like this at the MGM. I’m more than ready, I’m excited.
 
“I’m excited, I feel like the better the opponent the better I’ll do, the more I get pushed the more I’ll do. I’m very excited to perform this Saturday because I know I’m going to look good.” 
 
Marc Castro
 
“It’s been a great start, but it wasn’t too great because I got COVID a couple of times. I had some setbacks, but I’m blessed to be in this position. It’s all a part of God’s plan and now we’re here, first fight in the MGM and I’m grateful and blessed to be here.
 
“I’m a fighter so I stay in the gym, daily sacrifices everyday so that’s how I get the victories over these great fighters. They’re great too but I’m just better.
 
“It feels great to have the support this early in my career, it’s a testament to my family and the sacrifices I’ve made. I feel like the fanbase is growing every single day and it’s going to be a journey.”
 
Amari Jones
 
“I have a step-up fight and I’m more than ready; I’ve been training with a world champion; I train like a world champion, and I feel great.”