CRUZ LANDS IBF ELIMINATOR AGAINST MISHIRO IN NEW YORK

Andy Cruz will face Hironori Mishiro in an eliminator for the IBF World Lightweight title at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday June 14, live worldwide on DAZN, leading the undercard for Richardson Hitchins’ first defense of his IBF World Junior Welterweight title against George Kambosos Jr.

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 Cruz (5-0 2 KOs) is the highest rated contender with the IBF at 135lbs, sitting at #3 in the rankings with #1 and #2 vacant, and the Cuban Olympic gold medal man can take a massive step towards a World title tilt with victory in his first fight in New York City.Mishiro (17-1-1 6 KOs) sits at #5 with the IBF, and the former Japanese Lightweight champion makes his American debut in the biggest fight to date in his eight-year career, looking to upset Philadelphia-based Cruz and land the title shot for himself.

“I’ve put in the hard work and dedication, and I can’t wait to step into the ring again,” said Cruz. “This fight isn’t just about winning; it’s about showing my people the passion I have for the sport. I’m ready to prove that I’m a contender and bring that W home!”

“I want to thank Matchroom for giving me the opportunity to fight in the US,” said Mishiro. “I’m really excited and motivated for such a great opportunity. I have fought as the underdog many times and I look forward to making another big upset on June 14.”

A host of stars join Cruz and Mishiro on the undercard in important fights, led by Canadian Heavyweight Alexis Barriere taking on Roney Hines for the WBC Continental Americas title. Barriere (12-0 10 KOs) penned a co-promotional deal with Matchroom and Groupe Yvon Michel after claiming the 12th win of his career on home soil in Quebec in February, and the 29 year old will be looking to make an impact on the WBC rankings by claiming the title against Cleveland’s Hines (14-0-1 8 KOs) who fights for his first pro belt.

“I’m very grateful to my team for this opportunity, to DAZN, Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith at Matchroom, Yvon Michel at GYM and Brian Peters,” said Barriere. “I’m excited to fight at MSG in New York on such a big stage. I’m working very hard in Florida in camp with my trainer Sugar Hill. It will be a battle of two unbeaten fighters so I’m expecting a tough fight, but I know that is when I will be at my best. The bigger the challenge, the better I will perform.”

Ernesto Mercado is making plenty of noise in the 140lb division, and Tito will face Jonathan Montrel for the IBF North American and WBC Continental Americas titles. Mercado (17-0 16 KOs) dispatched of former World champion Jose Pedraza in spiteful fashion inside four rounds of their clash in Las Vegas in January, and the talented Californian fights for his first belts in his Big Apple debut, and will be looking to make another statement against Montrel (19-3 13 KOs) the New Orleans man stepping into the biggest night of his career, and also fighting for his first belts – with Mercado sending a menacing message to show headliner Hitchins.

“I’m happy to be making my debut in New York at MSG,” said Mercado. “It’s time to give New York some real entertainment and I’ll be delivering by putting someone on their back like I always do. Oh, and New York, I’m coming for your bum champion you guys got.”

Zaquin Moses (3-0 2 KOs) opens the show on DAZN with his fourth fight in the paid ranks again over four rounds at Super-Featherweight against Carl Rogers (3-2), popular New Yorker ‘Pretty Boy’ Pablo Valdez (9-0 8 KOs) moves into double figures over eight rounds at Welterweight against Cesar Diaz (9-1 4 KOs), Indian Olympian star Nishant Dev (1-0 1 KO) showed his huge potential in the paid ranks with a first round KO win on debut in Las Vegas in January and takes on Josue Silva (3-2 1 KO) over six rounds at Super-Welterweight and the Before the Bell action is kicked off by the professional debut of British teenage talent Adam Maca, who makes his bow over four rounds at Bantamweight.

“This is going to be a massive night in New York,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The main event is a cracker, with Richardson getting a big stage for his first defense against a man in George that has very fond memories of this famous arena.

“The supporting cast is brilliant too. Andy is one of the very top Lightweights in the world, and this is going to be a massive chance for him to show the 135lb champions that he’s ready to take their titles away.

“Alexis impressed in Quebec in February and he’s ready to make an impact on the world rankings, as is the always entertaining and outspoken Tito, who wants all the smoke at 140lbs.

“There’s some great young talent on the card with Zaquin Moses and Nishant Dev both back in action while one of our newest signings Adam Maca gets an incredible experience to make his debut in New York, and the ever-popular Pablo looks for another KO.” 


HIGHLY-TOUTED BANTAMWEIGHT ADAM MACA SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM BOXING

Explosive Bantamweight prospect Adam Maca has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and is set to make his eagerly anticipated professional debut on the undercard of the IBF Super-Lightweight World Title clash between Richardson Hitchins and George Kambosos Jr at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 14, live worldwide on DAZN. 
 
The highly-touted talent, 17, earned a fearsome reputation in the amateur ranks by becoming a two-time Junior European Champion and five-time National Champion. At world level, he picked up a silver medal while representing his birth country, Albania.
 
Now based in Brighton, the Sam Jones-managed fighter trains out of the Ropes and Glory Gym in Chatham under the guidance of Dan Woledge. Maca becomes the latest addition to Matchroom’s UK stable following the signing of Heavyweight sensation Leo Atang.
 
“I feel like Eddie Hearn and the Matchroom team are the perfect fit for me,” said Maca. “They’re constantly pushing their fighters for better things – bigger shows, iconic venues and huge fights. They’re always striving for greatness like me.
 
“I was on the Albanian Olympic team. I could have waited for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles but that’s not what I wanted to do. Since I’ve been a little boy, I’ve wanted to be a professional boxer. I’m following my dreams.
 
“I feel my style is suited to the pro game because I don’t just come to score points and win by decision. I come to put on a show and know you out every time. The fans are going to love watching me fight.
 
“There’s been a lot of sacrifices along the way with my parents and family missing time off work to support my dreams. They too me all over the world to National Championships, European Championships and World Championships.
 
“I know I have what it takes to reach the very top of this sport, and I’ll repay the dedication they’ve shown me. I’ll become an undisputed World Champion one day, without a doubt.”
 
 “Adam Maca is another hugely exciting addition to our growing stable of talent,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Adam possesses explosive power for his age and possesses all of the attributes that are guaranteed to make him a fan favourite. He looks to put on a show and deliver eye-catching knockouts every time he steps in the ring. Naturally, there was a lot of interest in securing Adam’s signature, and I’m delighted he has chosen us to guide his career. It all gets underway on the huge Richardson vs. Kambosos Jr card in New York on June 14 – don’t miss it!”
 
 “Adam Maca is a fighter that every manager and promoter on this planet wanted to sign,” said Jones. “This kid has superstar potential and will be a natural fit to the professional code. Even as an amateur Adam was knocking opponents clean out, so with those 8oz gloves he is going to cause absolute chaos! This is a huge signing for Matchroom, and I can’t wait to watch his pro journey get underway at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on June 14 – live worldwide on DAZN. It doesn’t get much bigger than that.”
 
You can follow Maca’s journey on Instagram: adammaca01