Frank Smith
 
“Our Mexican series of boxing always brings amazing nights and fights, and Friday will be the same. Thank you to the government here in Oaxaca and everyone involved for making this event possible. 
 
“It’s going to be an amazing night of fights and there’s a massive opportunity for some young fighters on the big stage live on DAZN ahead of the return of Mauricio Lara, who is always in exciting fights and we’re looking forward to the next phase of his career, and then we have the rematch. 
 
“The first time in Monaco, Adrian surprised a lot of people, I don’t think people thought he had the power to do what he did, so Sive is here to change that story. I was in Mexico when Sive won the title and it’s probably the best fight I’ve ever seen in my life, a back and forth 12 rounds. If Sive can recreate that night, and Adrian can do what he did in Monaco, we’re in for something special.”
 
Adrian Curiel – defends his IBF World Light-Flyweight title in rematch against Sivenathi Nontshinga
 
“It’s great to be here and a huge opportunity to defend my title. We have trained as champions, but we will go into the fight with a challenger mentality. It’s great to defend my belt on home soil. It was not a lucky shot or KO. 
 
“I’ve been watching interviews that he’s been giving, and he says that I’m not a big puncher and I’m an easy fighter, but he’ll see on Friday that as we say here, people need to back up what they say. So, we’ll see on Friday if that’s true.”
 
Sivenathi Nontshinga – challenges Adrian Curiel in rematch for the IBF World Light-Flyweight title 
 
“My title looks good on him! It feels great to be here, it’s been a long time coming, I’ve been working so hard, and I will grab this opportunity with both hands. There will be a great atmosphere, I’ve met so many kind people here and I am looking forward to Friday night. 
 
“I’ve trained so hard, it’s not the first time I’ve prepared for a World title fight, I’ve been a champion before, and I promise everybody that once again I will prevail. I believe falling down is part of life, but getting back up is living, so once again, I will become a champion.
 
Mauricio Lara – faces Daniel Lugo over ten rounds at Super-Featherweight
 
“I just took some time out to analyze what was going on in terms of my boxing, and now I am back. I take it all calmly. I have traveled all over the world to fight, but it’s similar in terms of mental focus for this fight and it’s lovely to be Oaxaca, a lovely part of Mexico, and I’m motivated and full of emotion to make sure people go away happy from this fight.”
 
Daniel Lugo – faces Mauricio Lara over ten rounds at Super-Featherweight
 
“We know he is a former champion, we see this as a big opportunity. We came to Oaxaca three weeks ago so that we could adapt and be ready at the optimal conditions on Friday. I’m have the hunger to win and to become known in boxing, we’ve had a really good camp and I feel really, really strong.”
 
Sergio Chirino Sanchez – faces Dennis Contreras over ten rounds at Super-Bantamweight title
 
“I am delighted to be fighting at home, and welcome everybody to Oaxaca. It’s great to be in such a big fight and also on such a great card. It’s an opportunity for all the boxers to shine, for the eyes of the world to be on Oaxaca on Friday night. We’ve been training with the opponent in mind, but we have a lot of experience, so it’s a great opportunity and we’re going to show that we are ready.”
 
Arturo Cardenas – faces Ernesto Garcia over ten rounds for the WBC Continental Americas Super-Bantamweight title
 
“It’s a great opportunity for me to be here and I’m happy to be fighting for my first title and on such a big card. We’ve had a great camp, we always do with Robert Garcia and RGBA, we’re always 100 per cent ready for whatever comes our way, and this is a great chance and fight for me, and we feel ready.”
 
Criztec Bazaldua – faces Alejandro Castillo over six rounds at Lightweight
 
“It’s a blessing to come back to my home roots in Mexico and put on a show. Me, Fed and Diego we grew up together and it’s great to see us succeeding, we Just need to keep going and keep putting South Central LA on the map.”
 
Federico Pacheco – faces Joe Mario Tamez over four rounds at Heavyweight
 
“Thank you to Matchroom for giving me another fight on the big stage. Last time it was in Monterrey and I love coming down to Mexico top put on a show. I am ready and very thankful to be here. I am the first fight and Criztec is the second fight, so we are putting LA in the house, and we’ll set the tone for sure.”

The stunning city of Oaxaca in Mexico hosts Matchroom for the first time as a thrilling night of elite boxing awaits on Friday, February 16 – live worldwide on DAZN.
 
Nestled within the breathtaking, hillside views, the spectacular open-air Auditorium Guelaguetza will see home favorite Adrien Curiel defend his IBF World Light-Flyweight title in what promises to be a scintillating rematch with Sivenathi ’The Special One’ Nontshinga.
 
And Featherweight star Mauricio Lara will kickstart his 2024 campaign in the co-main event as he faces fellow Mexican Daniel Lugo.
 
Lara (26-3-1, 19 KOs) stopped former World champion Josh Warrington in 2021 before eventually becoming world champion when last year he sensationally stopped Leigh Wood in seven rounds.
 
But after drama on the scales, Lara lost his belt before entering the ring for the rematch with Wood last May in Manchester in which the Nottingham fighter would duly win in a resounding, unanimous points victory.
 
Some nine months later, Lara is back to rise the rankings again as he faces a hungry Lugo (27-2, 18 KOs) over 10 rounds looking to underline his ultimate ambition of ruling the world once again. 
  
The full fight card will be revealed in due course, headlined by Curiel’s eagerly awaited first IBF title defense.
 
In what was arguably one of the knockouts of 2023, Curiel dramatically dethroned his South African rival in spectacular style.
 
The Mexican (24-4-1, 5 KOs) ripped up the script by scoring a shocking one-punch knockout of the defending champion Nontshinga (12-1, 9 KOs) in the second round of their highly anticipated showdown in Monaco. 
 
Now Curiel will be hoping to repeat his heroics as the 24-year-old makes the first defense of his World title on home soil, determined to prove that his stunning knockout of the year contender wasn’t just a one off. 
 
Having tasted defeat for the first time in his career, Nontshinga is aiming to recapture his old belt – which he won by beating Hector Flores in the Mexican city of Hermosillo back in 2022 – to keep his dreams of unifying the division alive. It all takes place in Oaxaca, Mexico’s vibrant historical centre of arts, culture and gastronomy.
 
Located 500km from Mexico City, separated to the north by rugged mountains, Oaxaca is city rich in indigenous history and one that has forged its own distinctive identity to deservedly earn a UNESCO World Heritage badge.
 
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “Mexico is the birthplace of a long list of legendary fighters, and we are delighted to continue our travels to this great nation and will undoubtedly be a special fight night in Oaxaca.” 
 
For more details on Matchroom’s 2024 events, visit: matchroomboxing.com 

Three February fight nights across the globe kick off what promises to be Matchroom Boxing’s busiest year yet. Crucial domestic clashes, World Title rematches and undefeated vs. undefeated showdowns whet the appetite for fight fans around the world – with all of the action shown exclusively live on DAZN.  

Matchroom’s UK schedule gets underway with a huge rematch at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle on Saturday February 10 as Welterweight rivals Conah Walker and Cyrus Pattinson do battle again following their thrilling clash at the Utilita Arena Birmingham back in August. 

Wolverhampton’s Walker (12-2-1, 4 KOs) sensationally handed former Team GB standout Pattinson (6-1, 4 KOs) the first loss of his professional career, flooring the Alnwich man three times on route to securing the biggest win of his career via an eighth-round stoppage.

All-action Pattinson gets an immediate shot at redemption, this time in front of his home crowd, as he looks to get his promising career back on track by putting his first loss behind him and continuing his climb towards title action in the 147lbs division.

Also featuring on the card is a fourth pro outing for exciting 21 year old Cameron Vuong (3-0 2 KOs) who takes on the experienced Ishmael Ellis (14-7) over eight rounds at Lightweight. 

The following Friday (February 16) Mexico plays host to another must-watch rematch as Adrien Curiel and Sivenathi Nontshinga run it back for the IBF Light-Flyweight World Title following their dramatic first meeting at the Casino de Monte-Carlo last month. 

Mexico’s Curiel (24-4-1, 5 KOs) ripped up the script by scoring a shocking one-punch knockout of South Africa’s defending champion Nontshiunga (12-1, 9 KOs) in the second round of their highly anticipated showdown in Monaco.

The 24-year-old makes the first defence of his World Title on home soil, determined to prove that his stunning knockout of the year contender wasn’t just a one off. Having tasted defeat for the first time in his career, Nontshinga is aiming to recapture his old belt to keep his dreams of unifying the division alive. 

Rising Super-Middleweight star Edgar Berlanga closes out an action-packed February on DAZN as he faces the toughest test of his career in the shape of Belfast’s Padraig McCrory at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

‘The Chosen One’ (21-0, 16 KOs) takes on his second Irish opponent in a row after widely outpointing Jason Quigley to retain his WBO NABO Title at New York’s Madison Square Garden Theatre in June. 

Unbeaten McCrory (18-0, 9 KOs) fights in the U.S. for the first time in his career, tasked with the challenge of derailing Berlanga’s rapid rise to the top of the Super-Middleweight division.

Elsewhere, Islington’s John Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) looks to build on his brilliant showing against pound-for-pound star Canelo Alvarez when he takes on his undefeated compatriot Jaime Munguia (42-0, 33 KOs) at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday January 27 – live worldwide on DAZN. 

“2023 has been an incredible year for Matchroom Boxing and our partners DAZN – and we’re not done just yet!” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “We close out the year in incredible fashion next weekend in Saudi Arabia as Anthony Joshua, Dmitry Bivol and Jai Opetaia all star in one of the biggest cards ever put together. However, 2024 promises to be even bigger and better and I’m excited to announce our first three events of the year.

“It’s time for Cyrus Pattinson to show us what he’s made of when he faces Conah Walker in a must-win rematch with his career on the line. Adrien Curiel caused one of the biggest upsets in boxing this year when he sensationally dethroned Sivenathi Nontshinga in Monte-Carlo. He gets the hero’s return to Mexico where he will be looking to end Nontshinga’s dreams of unifying the Light-Flyweight division. ‘The Chose One’ Edgar Berlanga is out to remind everyone why he is rated as one of the very best Super-Middleweights on the planet when he takes on Belfast’s unbeaten Padraig McCrory. Watch all of our action live worldwide on DAZN.”

“After a stacked 2023 seeing the biggest names fighting in the biggest fights, we are delighted to be adding three shows to an already busy 2024”, said Alfie Sharman, VP DAZN. “This year will see new matchups constantly added as we continue to deliver nonstop boxing action to subscribers and fight fans all around the world.” 

Further undercard announcements and ticket details will follow in due course.

Joe Cordina won a razor-thin majority decision over Edward Vazquez to retain the IBF Junior Lightweight title at Casino De Monaco in Monte Carlo.

It was a close fight with Vazquez pushing the fight on the inside. Cordina was able to land some good combinations in the nip-and-tuck battle.

Cordina, 129.9 lbs of Cardiff, WAL won by scores of 116-112 twice and 114-114 and is now 17-9. Vazquez, 128.8 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is 15-2.

Adrian Curiel shocked Sivenathi Nontshinga with a stunning second round stoppage to win the IBF Light Flyweight title.

Curiel landed a booming overhand right that sent Nontshinga down and out at 1:09.

Curiel, 107.9 lbs of Mexico City is 24-4-1 with five knockouts. Nontshinga, 107.7 lbs of Reeston, SA is 12-1.

Soueymane Cissokho won a 12-round unanimous decision over Isaias Lucero in a welterweight bout.

In round 11, Lucero was cut around his right eye.

Cissokho, 146.5 lbs of Paris won by scores of 118-109 twice and 117-110 and is 17-0. Lucero, 147 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 16-2.

In round two, Cissokho dropped Lucero with a right Hamd.

Ramla Ali avenged her only professional defeat by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Julissa Alejandra Guzman in a super bantamweight bout.

Ali, who was stopped by Guzman in February, won by scores of 96-94 on all cards and is now 9-1. Guzman, 121.5 lbs of Ciudad, MEX is 13-3-2.

Juan Francisco Estrada tuned up for a his trilogy fight by winning a tougher then expected 12-round unanimous decision over Argi Cortes to retain the WBC Super Flyweight title in Hermosillo, Mexico.

In the first few rounds, the two provided some action packed exchanges with both guys giving as good as they received. After four-rounds, the open scoring had the fight even as each fighter was ahead on a scorecard and third was even at 38-38. In round five Estrada began to bleed from his nose after Cortes landed a big right hand.

In round seven, Estrada dropped Cortes with a left to the body. The two battled down the stretch with Cortes showing a ton of grit and heart as he battled the champion punch for punch. Estrada was able to eek out the victory by scores of 115-112 twice and 114-113.

Estrada is now 43-3. Cortes of Mexico City is 23-3-2.

After the fight it was announced that Estrada will take on Roman Gonzalez in their trilogy fight on December 3rd on DAZN.

Cruz Decisions Mrdjenovich in Rematch; Retains Featherweight Title in Rematch

Erika Cruz retained the WBA Featherweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over former campion Jelena Mrdjenovich in a rematch.

Cruz, 125 3/4 lbs of Mexico won by shutout scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 15-1. Mrdjenovich, 125 lbs of Edmonton, ALB, CAN is 41-12-2.

Nontshinga Decisions Flores to Win IBF Light Flyweight Title in Classic War

Sivenathi Nontshinga captures the IBF Junior Flyweight title with a 12-round split decision over Hector Flores in a bloody war.

In round two, Nonthshinga dropped Flores with a left hook. In round five, Flores started to bleed from his forehead from an accidental headbutt.

The two stood toe-to-toe in the pocket and just wailed away on each other for basically 36 minutes.

In the end the knockdown was the difference as Nonthshinga won by scores of 116-111 and 114-113. Flores took a card a 115-112.

Nonthshinga, 107.6 lbs of South Africa is 11-0. Flores of Mexico is 20-1-4.

Eduardo Hernandez stops Mata in 5

Eduardo Hernandez stopped Jorge Mata in round five of a scheduled 10-round battle of junior lightweights.

In round four, Mata began to swell on the left side of his head.  In round five, Hernandez dropped Mata and the fight was stopped shortly after at 1:15.

Hernandez, 129.6 lbs of Mexico City is 33-1 with 30 knockouts.  Mata, 129.4 lbs of Tonora, MEX is 14-1-2,

August 18, 2022 – Juan Francisco Estrada makes his highly anticipated return to the ring defending his WBC Franchise and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles against Argi Cortes on Saturday September 3 from Centro de Usos Multiples in Hermosillo, Mexico and broadcast live to all subscribers worldwide on DAZN – topping a World title triple-header as Erika Cruz and Jelena Mrdjenovich meet in a rematch for the WBA World Featherweight title rematch and Hector Flores and Sivenathi Nontshinga clash for the vacant IBF World Flyweight title
 
Fans will be thrilled to see Estrada (42-3 28 KOs) make a welcome return to the ring, with the Mexican back through the ropes for the first time since edging out Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in their epic rematch in Dallas in March 2021. ‘El Gallo’ welcomes Cortes to his hometown and the same arena he stopped Dewayne Beamon in August 2019, and the Hermosillo hero will want to put on another show for his fans. Cortes (23-2-2 10 KOs) lands the biggest fight of his career in his 28^th pro outing, with the Mexico City man aiming upset his fellow countryman and become a household name overnight.
 
There are two more World title bouts on the bill, starting with the long-awaited rematch between Cruz and Mrdjenovich for the WBA World Featherweight title. Cruz (14-1 3 KOs) ripped the title from long-time champion Mrdjenovich (41-11-2 19 KOs) in April 2021, with the Mexican ending the five-year rule of the Canadian on the cards after an accidental headclash halted the contest after seven rounds. Cruz successfully defended the belt in Puerto Vallarta in November via split decision over Melissa Esquivel, while the former champion returns for the first time since the first battle.
 
The vacant IBF World Flyweight title is on the line between unbeaten pair Flores and Nontshinga. Both men taste their first World title action as Tijuana’s Flores (20-0-4 10 KOs) builds on his victory over Welsh World title challenger Jay Harris in Wales in November, while hard-punching Nontshinga (10-0 9 KOs) fights outside his native South Africa for the first time and comes into the bout on the back of his first points win in his tenth bout having beaten his previous nine foes inside the distance.
 
Also featuring on the card is Super-Featherweight dangerman Eduardo Hernandez, defending his WBC Silver International title against Jorge Mata. Hernandez (32-1 29 KOs) pulled off a stunning victory last time out, blitzing Jorge Castaneda inside a round in Guadalajara in June to land the title he defends against Mata (14-0-2 10 KOs), the unbeaten 21 year old Tijuana native who fights for his first pro title.
 
“It’s great to be back and I’m very excited that I’ll get to fight in front of all the Sonoran fans and in front of my growing family,” said Estrada. “Thanks to all those who helped make this happen. Whenever two Mexicans go at it you can always expect a war and this fight against Cortes will be another great Mexican battle in Hermosillo. We’re ready to put on another great show and get back in action to show the fans that El Gallo is one of the best in boxing.”
 
“I’m very excited for this great opportunity to fight Estrada,” said Cortes. “I will give everything I have for the victory; I will surprise the world. I have Mr. Nacho Beristain on my corner and we have a great game plan to defeat a legend like Estrada.”
 
“I am so excited to get back in the ring,” said Cruz. “I want to retire Jelena once it for all and go after the unification fight!”
 
“I’m really excited to get back into the ring again,” said Mrdjenovich. “We have been working hard to put this fight together for some time and I want to thank Eric Gomez for closing the deal finally.  
 
“Training has been fun and exciting again. I am looking forward to coming to Mexico to get my belt back in a big way.”
 
“This is the opportunity that I have always dreamed of, and I will make the most of it,” said Flores. “It gives me more motivation for to bring it to Mexico and with the aim of giving Mexico and Tijuana a new World champion.”
 
“Am looking forward to this contest,” said Nontshinga. “I have been training very hard for this and look forward to becoming World Champion in Mexico.”
 
“I’m in a very good place mentally, emotionally and physically,” said Hernandez. “My team has been keeping me active and that’s all I wanted, God willing after this win I want to take on the biggest names in my division.”
 
“I’m currently at my best and this is a long-waited opportunity for me,” said Mata. “I have a lot of respect for Rocky Hernandez, but this is my time to show the world what I’m made of. I am ready to be at this level, I will win no matter how.”
 
“This is a brilliant line-up for what promises to be another explosive night of action in Mexico,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s great to see Juan Francisco back in the ring at a time when the Super-Flyweight division is just stacked with great fights, and I expect him to lay down a marker as the top dog in Mexico.
 
“Erika and Jelena have been itching to get the rematch on and they will leave it all in the ring, there’s a golden opportunity for either Hector or Sivenathi to take a seat at the top table at 108lbs and ‘Rocky’ Hernandez always brings fireworks when he steps through the ropes. Our shows in Mexico have delivered must-see action from first bell to last, and I expect more of the same on September 3.”
 
“We are thrilled to have Estrada back fighting again on DAZN,” said Joseph Markowski EVP DAZN Group. “He will join some of the biggest names in the sport fighting on DAZN in 2022 with Usyk vs. AJ this Saturday, Canelo vs. GGG trilogy fight on Sept 17, and perhaps the biggest UK fight this decade in Eubank Jr vs. Benn in October. All these and more will be shown live this fall on DAZN.”