HOUSTON, Texas – October 30, 2024 – Red Owl Boxing’s flagship series BOXFEST will return this Friday, November 1, streaming live on DAZN globally in more than 200 territories and regions from the state-of-the-art “Owl’s Nest” in Houston at 9pm ET/8pm CT.
BOXFEST XII will feature the conclusion of the Shadow FightGoods 140-pound tournament which has played out exclusively on Red Owl Boxing’s BOXFEST series. The two winners of the opening round, Dion Jones (7-0, 6 KOs) and Elijah Williams (9-1, 3 KOs) face off in an eight-round junior welterweight fight. Both fighters edged out decision wins in September on BOXFEST X.
“It feels good to be back with Red Owl Boxing, fighting on DAZN as the co-main event,” said Williams. “This is a big deal for me and a big deal for my city. I am from Newburgh, New York, the bottom of the bottom. All I know is pain and I’m going to show the world better than I can tell them this Friday.”
The fight will mark the first eight-round bout for the 21-year-old prospect who turned pro in 2021 and Jones will be the second undefeated fighter Williams has faced in his young career. Despite the step up in competition, the New York native is confident he is built for the moment.
“I never ever sleep on any opponent and I won’t start now. I look at everyone like they are ‘him’ so that I am mentally strong and prepared,” said Williams. “With that being said, I am going to keep it real – Dion Jones is not on my level. My blood, sweat and tears have been spilled in the sport of boxing for moments like this. I am going to take him to deep waters, places he has never been before and see how he functions when the tide gets rough.”
Williams began boxing at a young age and was ranked as high as third in USA Boxing’s Junior Division as an amateur. Younger than Jones by five years, “The Bully” enters the Shadow FightGoods 140-pound tournament final with advantages in amateur experience and height.
“Dion Jones has never been in the ring with someone like me,” noted Williams. “I promise you, I don’t see it going past the sixth round and that is being generous. Stay tuned to this one on Friday night. The whole world will see who ‘The Bully’ is!”
BOXFEST XII will be headlined by a battle of undefeated welterweights when Philadelphia’s Tahmir Smalls (11-0, 8 KOs) faces Seantorious Martin (10-0, 6 KOs) who hails from Marietta, Georgia, in an eight-round main event. Below is the slate of action starting on DAZN at 9pm ET/8pm CT on Friday:
BOXFEST XII Main Card on DAZN at 9pm ET/8 CT
Tahmir Smalls (11-0, 8 KOs) vs. Seantorious Martin (10-0, 6 KOs)
8-Round Main Event – 147 lbs.
Dion Jones (7-0, 6 KOs) vs. Elijah Williams (9-1, 3 KOs)
8-Round Co-Main Event – 140 lbs.
Travis Crawford (7-2, 2 KOs) vs. Joshafat Ortiz (12-1, 6 KOs)
6-Round Fight – 130 lbs.
Saundre Simmons (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. Noda Divine Nehikhare (5-2)
6-Round Fight – 185 lbs.
Steve Cunningham (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Rudy Reveles (1-0, 1 KO)
4-Round Fight – 154 lbs.
Red Owl Boxing owns and operates the state-of-the-art sports performance facility which features seating for more than 1,500 with a modern flare that includes VIP experiences and unique ringside seating. The “Owl’s Nest” is a full-service hospitality venue with high-end sound, lighting and screens for a premier in-arena experience. The venue is outfitted with cutting-edge production for seamless streaming and television presentations.
For more information on Red Owl Boxing and to purchase tickets, visit www.redowlboxing.com. Fans can follow Red Owl Boxing on X, Instagram and YouTube.
ABOUT RED OWL BOXING
Red Owl Boxing is a media company that specializes in delivering world-class events from its state-of-the-art sports facilities in the United States and Canada. Red Owl Boxing aims to bring structure to boxing’s middle class by highlighting tomorrow’s future stars and contenders in action-packed fights. Red Owl Boxing launched in 2021 by Canada-based entrepreneur Gabriel Fanous who owns and operates cutting-edge event spaces in Houston, Texas, and Brampton, Ontario, both of which provide premier event experiences and hospitality packages. Click here if you’re interested in learning more about being featured on the BOX FEST series.