FIRST GOLDEN BOY FIGHT NIGHT ON DAZN: MEXICO EDITION OF 2023 TO FEATURE JOSE “CHON’ ZEPEDA VERSUS NEERAJ “GANGSTER” GOYAT

UADALAJARA, MEXICO (March 15, 2023) – Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN will return with its first Mexico Edition of 2023 on Saturday, March 25 live from the Domo Alcalde in Guadalajara, Mexico. The action is presented as a co-promotion with Zanfer Boxing and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET. 

The main event will feature a 10-round super lightweight match between La Puente, California’s Jose “Chon” Zepeda (35-3, 27 KOs) against Neeraj”Gangster” Goyat (17-3-2, 7 KOs) of Chandigarh, India. Zepeda is returning to fight after a courageous attempt for the vacant WBC Junior Welterweight title against Regis Prograis last November 2022. 

In the co-main event, Carlos “Chema” Ocampo (34-2, 22 KOs) of Ensenada, Mexico will participate in a 10-round super welterweight fight. Ocampo returns to the ring after a tough battle against Sebastian Fundora in October 2022 for the WBC Super Welterweight Interim Title. Also on the card, Guadalajara’s Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (19-0, 16 KOs) is scheduled to fight in a 10-round featherweight clash. Opponents for both will soon be announced. 

Also on the card, in an eight-round super middleweight fight, recently signed prospect Aaron Silva (11-0, 8 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico will return to the ring against Jaime Lopez (10-8, 4 KOs) of Aguascalientes, Mexico. Silva is coming into the ring after a fifth-round knockout in December 2022 against Alan Campa. 

Opening up the DAZN broadcast, Miguel “Mickey” Torres (11-1, 6 KOs) of Guadalajara is set to face Kevin “El Conan” Montiel (6-2-2, 3 KOs) of Mexico City in an eight-round super featherweight bout. 

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Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GBFightNight




AMIR KHAN FACES TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION BILLY DIB AFTER CAR ACCIDENT FORCES NEERAJ GOYAT OUT OF JEDDAH SHOWDOWN

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (26 June 2019) Amir Khan will now fight Two-Time World Champion Billy Dib on Friday 12th July in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the WBC Pearl Welterweight Championship on the line after his original opponent Neeraj Goyat was involved in a car accident.

Two-Time World Champion Khan was due to face Goyat at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in the first ever Pakistan-India showdown in a boxing ring.

Khan will still headline the groundbreaking boxing extravaganza in the Middle East that also features Hughie Fury, Prince Patel and Dave Penasola all in championship title action, exclusively live in the UK on Channel 5 and 5Spike.

It’s clear that Goyat’s will not recover in time and be fully fit to fight Khan on the scheduled date and promoter Bill Dosanjh of The Super Boxing League has moved quickly to secure Khan a new opponent in the World class former two-time World champion Dibb.

Khan said, “First of all my heart goes out to Neeraj and I pray for him to make a full recovery and is fit and healthy again to resume his boxing career,”

“We’ve had to make the decision to find a replacement and we’ve done extremely well in securing Dib to now be in the opposite corner,”

“This fight is a landmark moment for boxing in Saudi Arabia and myself, Bill, the Saudi GSA and the government have worked tirelessly to put this event together. We wanted to keep the event on during the important Saudi Season and ensure the fans in Saudi get to watch this great event,”

“I’ve been a professional for nearly 14 years now and I’ve seen and dealt with near enough everything in that time so adjusting to a new opponent and challenge is part and parcel of the boxing business so I’ve just got to sit down with my team and work on the new plan,”

“I’m really excited the fight is still on, I would have been absolutely distraught if my dream of fighting in Saudi had to be put on hold. Dib is a respected and experienced two-time World Champion so I’m looking forward to pitting my skill against him.”

Khan v Dib is exclusively live on Channel 5 and the undercard on 5Spike on Friday 12th July.




AMIR KHAN V NEERAJ GOYAT LANDMARK SHOWDOWN IN JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA, WILL BE BROADCAST EXCLUSIVELY LIVE IN THE UK ON CHANNEL 5

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (24 June 2019) Two-Time World Champion and boxing star Amir Khan’s history making fight against Neeraj Goyat at the King Abdullah Sports Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday 12th July will be broadcast exclusively live in the UK on free-to-air Channel 5.

Khan versus Goyat headlines a fantastic all-action championship fight card that includes heavyweight star Hughie Fury in a sensational showdown with Former World Champion Samuel Peter plus Prince Patel and Dave Penasola both in title fights.

British-Pakistani hero Khan and India’s star Goyat make history when the two nations meet in the boxing ring for the first time ever with the specially commissioned World Boxing Council (WBC) Pearl Welterweight Championship on the line.

The Bolton star promises a feast from the Middle East when he break down frontiers in the event titled ‘Nations Connect’ as he makes his debut in the MENA region and in the The Kingdom for the first time in his illustrious 14 year, 38 fight pro career.

This will also be Khan’s first terrestrial TV appearance since 2010, as Channel 5 televise his ground-breaking fight to millions with the undercard also featuring on free-to-air 5 Spike in nearly 5 hours of live boxing action.

‘It’s an honour to be fighting in The Kingdom during the Saudi Seasons and a big thank you to GSA for making this happen.  I can’t wait to deliver a world class performance here and really put Saudi Arabia on the map as a boxing destination to rival any of the big fights cities in the World.  It’s been a dream of mine to fight here for many years and I finally get to share my talent and spread boxing to new territories across the world just as Muhammad Ali did.  Importantly, this fight against Neeraj is sending a message that our two nations, Pakistan and India, can connect in the boxing ring and through the power of sport we can send out a positive message.” Said Khan.   

Khan is hungry to get back in the ring following his controversial sixth round stoppage loss to WBO welterweight boss and pound-for-pound contender Terence Crawford in April and knows that a victory in Jeddah could lead to a blockbuster showdown with the legendary eight-division World Champion Manny Pacquiao.

In the opposing corner stands Indian trailblazer Neeraj Goyat who will be eager to replicate his compatriots’ recent conquest over sporting rivals Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup.  

The 27 year old former Commonwealth Youth medallist and World Youth and Military Games rep topped the bill in India’s first professional promotion in May 2015, when he also became the first from his nation to contest and win a pro title by scalping Nelson Gulpe for the WBC Asian crown. A brace of successful defences led to Goyat being honoured as the WBC’s Asian Honorary Fighter of the Year in 2017 plus the first Indian to crack the WBC world ratings. 

Though winless in his opening four paid starts (two draws, all overseas), the 5ft 7 ½ in terror has triumphed in 11 of his last 12 – the sole stain a points loss to a Mexican in Mexico. He is also undefeated in MMA combat and yet to be stopped.

Nevertheless, ‘King Khan’ is promising to leave the man from the state of Haryana in a proper state before advancing to what could be an All-Asian career finale against ex-gym mate and eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao from the Phillipines.  

‘End of this year, early next year, I want to make a big name world title challenge and there’s a strong possibility it could be here in Saudi Arabia against Pacquiao,’ claims Khan who will be coached for the first time by ex-WBA super-bantam boss Clarence ‘Bones’ Adams and Alex Ariza.

‘Hopefully, Manny beats up Keith Thurman the week after my fight and we’ll see what happens.

‘A fight between us would set-up boxing in the Middle East forever and lead to multiple championship fights taking place in the region. I intend being at the forefront.’ 

Chief support pitches world grade heavyweights from past and present when undefeated former British champion Hughie Fury, 24, who features courtesy of Hennessy Sports and Channel 5, steps up against one-time WBC World Champion Samuel Peter in a mouthwatering championship title contest to be announced.

England’s first ever World Youth super-heavyweight champion, the 6ft 6in ‘Fists of Fury’ has already showcased his considerable skills in eight countries since debuting as a pro, aged 18, in March 2013. However, this will be his first exposure in the MENA region and he is promising to expand his fan base by delivering a sparkling performance. 

‘I’ve a job to do and it’ll get done. Samuel Peter is a seriously solid, dangerous veteran who can clearly punch but I relish the challenge,’ said Fury who is trained by his father Peter.

He added, ’It’s always great to visit different places and get my name around the World. I’m expecting a great atmosphere. There’s only one thing on my mind, getting to the very top, winning the world title.

Peter, the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’, is a 2000 Sydney Olympian, now in his 19thyear as a pro.  The powerhouse has clattered 31 victims inside schedule whilst compiling a stellar 38-7 CV. The solid 6ft 2in, 19stone plus African reigned on the WBC throne for seven months in 2008 and has swapped leather with four fellow world champions, including both Klitschko brothers. He famously flattened Wladimir three times before dropping a close, contentious 12 round decision in 2005.

Following a break, Samuel returned in Mexico in February and has already bombed out two foes inside the opening frame. Fury will need to bring his A-game if he hopes to advance above his ranking of 14 with the IBF. 

To add further garnish to the bill, Acton pantomime villain Prince Patel attempts to become the first fighter of Indian heritage to claim a boxing world title when he collides with violent Venezuelan Michell Banquez for the Vacant IBO Bantamweight belt.

It’s a genuine toss-up between boxers who both boast 18 wins from 19 outings – Patel’s blemish a draw, Banquez’s an 11 round points loss in Chile – and both claim 13 stoppage wins.

The punching Prince, a three-time national junior champion and 2013 Senior ABA finalist, is as awkward inside the ropes as he is beyond. Love him or loathe him, he’s hard to ignore.

Nevertheless, 28 year old banger Banquez, known as ‘El Arsenal’ has never been stopped and promises to pose stern resistance.




KHAN MEDIA WORK-OUT WITH ARIZA AND ADAMS AHEAD OF HISTORY MAKING FIGHT AGAINST GOYAT

Bolton, UK (19 June 2019) Two Time World Champion Amir Khan put on a power packed training session at his gym HQ in Bolton today ahead of his departure for Saudi Arabia for his fight with rival Neeraj Goyat.

Khan makes boxing history when he takes on Goyat in the first ever Pakistani-India showdown in the boxing ring on Friday 12th July at the King Abdullah Sport City in Jeddah.

In front of a gym packed with national media, Khan was put through his paces by new trainers Alex Ariza and Clarence “Bones” Adams as he went through a session that included shadow boxing, pads and skipping.

Afterwards, Khan spoke to the media and talked of a potential blockbuster with the legendary Manny Pacquiao in the Middle East providing he beats Goyat and Pacman beats Keith Thurman next month. He also added he doesn’t care if domestic rival Kell Brook retired.

Khan said, “I’d love to do that fight. It’s one of the reasons I’ve take the fight as I know there’s a bigger picture,”

“There’s always talk about Manny and there has been more talk about it lately.  Lets hope he wins against Thurman, I win against Goyat and we can move forward front there.”

“I have this fight and then it could Manny, that would be a great way to finish.”

“I’m not taking my eye off Goyat though, I know that I can’t be complacent and I need to beat him.




PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER IMRAN KHAN RINGSIDE FOR HISTORY-MAKING AMIR KHAN V NEERAJ GOYAT SHOWDOWN IN JEDDAH

London, UK (6 June 2019) The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, will be at ringside to watch Two-Time World Champion Amir “King” Khan’s epic fight against Neeraj Goyat on Friday 12th July at the King Abdullah Sports Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Khan will be in attendance with Federal Ministers Fawad Chaudry and Zulfi Bukhari to watch the history making fight between British-Pakistani hero Khan and India star Goyat with the specially commissioned World Boxing Council (WBC) Pearl Welterweight Championship on the line.

Khan and Goyat made the third stop of their media tour in London today ahead of their history-making fight. With press conferences in Delhi and Karachi completed, the two fighters came head-to-head in central London at the prestigious Landmark Hotel for their ‘Nations Connect’ showdown.

The fight is officially endorsed by the Saudi General Sports Authority and fits into the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 Strategy, which was launched in April 2016 to rapidly modernise the country that has seen The Kingdom quickly become a major hub for international sporting events.

Khan versus Goyat also takes place during Saudi Seasons that will run from 8 June-19 July that aims to transform the Kingdom into one of the most important tourist destinations in the world.

Before the press conference, Khan and Goyat stopped off for a head-to-head photo in front of one of London’s defining landmarks and one of the most recognisable structures in the entire world, Tower Bridge.

In the press conference, Khan revealed his new training team to help him prepare for the fight that sees him reunite with renown US trainer Alex Ariza and his partner, Former WBA World Super-Bantamweight Champion, Clarence “Bones” Adams.

Khan said, “We are boxers and professional sportsmen and it’s great that India and Pakistan should fight each other in sports like cricket, boxing and other sports. The rivalry is intense between Pakistan and India and it should stay in the sports field, they will be trying to beat each other in sports and more of that needs to happen.”

Goyat, who is fired up by underdog Andy Ruiz’s victory over Anthony Joshua, said, “Indian and Pakistan need to do this more often, especially in boxing, do all the fighting in the ring. I can’t wait to fight Khan. He’s been dropped in the first by Terence Crawford and in the second against Samuel Vargas. It’s my turn to drop him and it won’t be third time lucky for him. I’m going to knock him out cold in the third. It’s a time for upsets just like you saw with Anthony Joshua last Saturday night.”

Unbeaten Prince Patel from Acton, London, was confirmed as one of the British attractions on the undercard of Khan-Goyat and face fearsome Venezuelan puncher Michell Banquez for the IBO World Bantamweight Championship.

Patel said, “I’ve been fighting all over the world and I’m looking forward to my next stop in Saudi Arabia. This is a fabulous opportunity to showcase my skills on such a high profile event and I will rise to the occasion.”

Khan and Goyat will head to the final stop of their press tour in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Monday 24th June.

For regular updates on Khan v Goyat, please go to: www.superboxingleague.com




BOXING SUPERSTAR AMIR KHAN TO FIGHT IN SAUDI ARABIA IN BLOCKBUSTER BATTLE AGAINST NEERAJ GOYAT

London, UK (31 May 2019) Boxing icon and global sporting phenomenon Amir Khan will make history when he fights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Friday 12th July, 2019.

As the biggest Muslim personality in sport since Muhammad Ali, Khan will become the first high profile Muslim boxer to showcase his skills at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah – nicknamed the “The Shining Jewel” in a fight that promises to elevate the Kingdom as a major sporting attraction.

Two-Time World Champion & Olympic Silver Medallist “King” Khan from Bolton, England, of Pakistani heritage, will face India’s national boxing hero Neeraj Goyat, the WBC Asian Champion, in a massive showdown with a championship title on the line. 

The fight is an important event taking place during Saudi Seasons that will run from 8 June-19 July that aims to transform the Kingdom into one of the most important tourist destinations in the world.

As a devout practitioner of the Muslim faith and sporting role model, Khan’s presence in Saudi Arabia, home of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Medina, promises to transcend cultural boundaries, capture the imaginations of the millions of citizens living in the MENA region and reach a truly global audience.

British Muslim Khan has thrilled the boxing world with his exhilarating all-action style since he burst onto the world stage at just 17 when he heroically battled his way to a Silver medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. 

In a stunning 38-fight professional career, Khan has become a Two-Time World Champion and has faced some of the very finest boxers and pound-for-pound best of his generation, including Marcos Maidana, Zab Judah, Danny Garcia, Saul Alvarez and in his last fight Terence Crawford.

Khan’s rival Goyat is a phenomenon in his home country.  Hailing from Chandigarh, Goyat is a pioneer in helping to establish professional boxing in India.  He left behind a highly successful amateur career to pursue his dream of becoming a professional boxer and show the world that India can be a new super-power in world boxing.  To that end he has fought in numerous countries, including China, Thailand, South Korea, Mexico and Canada and currently holds the WBC Asian crown.

Amir Khan said, “This is an exciting challenge that I have ahead of me. It will be the first time a British Pakistani will fight an Indian boxer, which eventually will bring the two nations together. I would like to thank the Saudi government and General Sports Authority for giving me this opportunity and I’m a firm believer in sport being a great healer.”

Neeraj Goyat said, “This opportunity is as big as it gets for me. Everything that I have achieved to date wouldn’t matter when I enter the ring on July 12 taking on a seasoned, established superstar in Amir Khan. I will be carrying the hopes of 1.2bn on my shoulders who will expect me to bring the title by causing an upset.”

The fight, officially endorsed by the Saudi General Sports Authority, fits into the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 Strategy, which was launched in April 2016 to rapidly modernise the country. 

Saudi’s energetic young HRH Mohammed bin Salman Crown Prince, who is spearheading the Strategy, is determined to see his country move away from oil dependency towards a future that focuses on economic diversification, innovation and the creative self-fulfilment of its citizens.

He has made revolutionary changes in The Kingdom such as the empowerment of women to more effectively participate in the growth of economic reforms.  The Crown Prince recognises the importance of utilising the power of sport to encourage social change and his vision to enhance international arts to enhance his nation’s reputation on the global stage. 

The Kingdom is quickly becoming a major hub for international sporting events.

In early 2018, Saudi Arabia held its first international motorsport event, the two-day Race of Champions. It then staged its first international boxing event, when the World Boxing Super Series Super-Middleweight final took place in Jeddah in September. Following on from this, The Kingdom hosted Neymar and his footballing superstar compatriots when Brazil faced Argentina in the “Superclasico de las Americas” in October. In December, the Formula E season kicked off with a memorable race around Ad Dirriyah. 

Since the turn of the year, The Kingdom has hosted the Italian Super Cup clash between Serie A Champions Juventus and AC Milan, and the inaugural Saudi International golf tournament, which saw the world’s top players, including Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose, compete at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City.

This momentum will be taken to a bold new height when Amir Khan steps between the ropes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

For regular updates on Khan v Goyat, please go to: https://www.superboxingleague.com