Amanda Serrano and greatness go hand-in-hand – but the Brooklyn star admits that beating Erika Cruz to become the undisputed World Featherweight champion would be one of her biggest achievements, as they clash at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.
 

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Serrano (43-2-1 30 KOs) is the only seven-weight World champion in women’s boxing history and the Puerto Rican legend is no stranger to fighting for the undisputed crown having served up the fight of the year for all the Lightweight titles against Irish legend Katie Taylor in April.
 
‘The Real Deal’ has been collecting World title belts against the very best for over a decade, but the fan favorite is always reaching for glory as she aims to continues her quest to inspire the young talent in Puerto Rico.
 
“Undisputed means a lot,” said Serrano. “It means you are the best; you have everyone looking to beat you, you are top dog, unquestionably number one in the division. Becoming the first undisputed champion at Featherweight would be so cool after being a pro for 14 years.
 
“Puerto Rico is so small but there’s so much talent there, but there’s no undisputed champion – we have every other type of champion, but not undisputed. I want to give that back to them, for some bragging rights for Puerto Rico. Seven-weight is special because I am the only female to do it, that’s amazing, but undisputed is the icing on the cake and it’ll be me giving Puerto Rico everything I can. 
 
“I love Puerto Rico and I want to motivate every Puerto Rico kid, but also every Latina girl, there’s no dream too big, just work hard, and surround yourself with the right people. When a little girl comes up to me and says ‘I started fighting because of you’ I am that little girl looking for my inspiration, so I feel I have done a good job. 
 
“I would do it all again – it’s easy to say in this spot now, but you have to suffer the lows. It teaches patience and I am glad that we had it and I wouldn’t change anything.”
 
Saturday’s clash holds even more significance as it becomes the latest mega-fight between Puerto Rico and Mexico and will be added to the pantheon of great bouts to star fighters from those boxing hotbeds.
 
WBA ruler Cruz has defended her crown twice in America and Mexico having ripped it from long reigning champion Jelena Mrdjenovich, and ‘Dynamita’ has been biding her time to land the blockbuster battle she faces in a venue that is close to Serrano’s heart.

“There’s nothing like Mexico vs. Puerto Rico,” said Serrano. “The rivalry has been there forever, and I’m honored to share the ring with her. We have the same goal here, she’s a champion and I’m a champion, we want the same thing and I think she’s going to fight like all great Mexican fighters do, with all her heart. 
 
“Erika has less fights than me, but toughness comes from within, and she wants to rip my head off and take my belts! How I win depends on her – if she comes to win, it’ll be an easy night, if she wants to box and move, you can’t beat me, it doesn’t happen. We will give the fans an amazing fight for sure. 
 
Fighting at the Hulu Theater is so special to me. Madison Square Garden was amazing and the first time I have boxed there. One of my favorites, Miguel Cotto, used to fight there all the time, but I have a special thing at Hulu. 
 
“I won the 2009 Golden Gloves here and in 2019, I became a seven-weight World champion there,” said Serrano. “I went back and beat Heather Hardy to win the WBO Featherweight title, the first piece of the puzzle, and now I go back there to try and complete the set against Cruz. Yes, it’s smaller, but that makes the fans closer to you, it’s a great place to fight and it means so much to me, it’s going to be a great night.”
 
“I never thought about boxing. I didn’t think I’d be a fighter, let alone a World champion, and let alone a seven-division champion going for undisputed. I just liked fighting. Then I started winning and winning and became World champion, but it didn’t really hit me that I was doing anything special until I was two-division then three-division, and I thought, ‘maybe there is something to this?’ 
 
“I don’t like the word pioneer because it makes me feel a bit old! But I was in the sport when it wasn’t fun. Women weren’t respected. My drive and wanting to be the best I can be, that’s all that kept me going. Every day me and the team were ready to call it quits because it was too hard – there was no respect, no recognition, no opportunities, and no money in the sport. We always questioned ourselves because there was no light at the end of the tunnel, but something kept us going and I am so happy that we did because look at us now.”
 
Serrano’s clash with Cruz is part of an historic night of action at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden as Alycia Baumgardner faces Elhem Mekhaled for the undisputed title at Super-Featherweight.

Brooklyn ace Richardson Hitchins makes a long-awaited return to action in New York as he defends his IBF North American Super-Lightweight title against New Jersey’s John Bauza.

There’s three more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson (5-0) looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali (7-0 2 KOs) faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap, Shadasia Green (11-0 10 KOs) defends her WBC Silver Super-Middleweight title against Elin Cederroos (8-1 4 KOs) in an eliminator for the WBC World title.
 
Yankiel Rivera (2-0 2 KOs) will be looking to make it three KOs in three in his Matchroom debut against Fernando Diaz, and Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) complete the action against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) and Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs) respectively.

Puerto Rican amateur star Yankiel Rivera has signed a multi-fight deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom – and will fight for the third time in the paid ranks on the undercard of the undisputed double-header with Amanda Serrano vs. Erika Cruz and Alycia Baumgardner vs. Elhem Mekhaled on Saturday February 4 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, live worldwide on DAZN.A

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Rivera (2-0 2 KOs) turned pro in Barranquilla, Colombia in September with a first round KO win and quickly made it two wins inside the distance with a third round KO in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico in November.
 
The 25 year old, campaigning at Flyweight, was Puerto Rico’s sole representative at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, just one stand out moment from an amateur career that boasted a record of 133-14, winning a host of medals and twice fighting at the World Championships.
 
‘El Doctorcito’ will be looking to make it three KOs in three on February 4 when he takes on Fernando Diaz(11-2-1 3 KOs) over eight rounds, and he’s looking to impress and show that his plans to move at pace are real.
 
“Today is a date I will never forget,” said Rivera. “Although this is not my ultimate goal in the sport, signing with Matchroom constitutes a landmark in my career and a dream come true. I am humbled and excited to now be part of this great team, and I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Matchroom. 
 
“This is the best motivation to keep working hard and keep learning. I am ready to deliver. To my people in New York, I will see you on February 4 and I promise you a great performance.”
 
“I am delighted to welcome Yankiel to the team,” said Hearn. “The amateur pedigree speaks for itself, and he’s made a great start to life in the pro game. The brilliant Puerto Rico fight fans in New York will already be out in force to see Amanda Serrano, and Yankiel will become an instant hit with them.
 
“We have been tracking him for some time and he was set to fight in Puerto Rico on February 11, but the chance arose to land him on this blockbuster card in the Big Apple and I am thrilled to be able to give this huge talent such a great platform in his first fight with Matchroom.”
 
“Yankiel’s signing with Matchroom constitutes the culmination of a process that started months ago,” said Miguel Ortega, Rivera’s Legal Advisor. “It also marks the beginning of something special. We are confident that Yankiel’s talent and work ethic will take him all the way to the World championship. We are equally confident that Matchroom is the perfect promoter to take Yankiel to such heights. 
 
“Matchroom has the big names in Yankiel’s current and potential divisions, and we are ready for all of them. We thank Mr. Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, as well as Mr. Peter Kahn from FGA, for this great opportunity. We look forward to February 4th at the MSG for a great show!”
 
“It is very exciting to see Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing getting behind Yankiel Rivera,” said Peter Kahn, Rivera’s manager and 2022 BWAA Manager of the Year. “Matchroom understands the rich boxing history of Puerto Rico and the importance of having an Olympian like Yankiel on the roster including fighting in one of the most exciting and competitive weight divisions in boxing right now. 
 
“There is no better place for Yankiel to be making his Matchroom debut than Madison Square Garden where the fans will proudly be waiving the Puerto Rican flag.”
 
Rivera is the final star on display on February 4 and joins Shadasia Green in completing the card. Green (11-0 10 KOs) will defend her WBC Silver Super-Middleweight title against Elin Cederroos in an eliminator for the WBC World title held by undisputed champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn, who landed the titles at Madison Square Garden in April against former WBA and IBF champion Cederroos (8-1 4 KOs).
 
It’s another historic night of action from Matchroom in New York, as we follow the epic fight of the year clash between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano in April with another double-header of undisputed action.
 
Serrano moves to Hulu Theater to aim to hold all the marbles for a second time, this time at Featherweight where she faces Mexico’s WBA ruler Cruz. Baumgardner recorded the best win of her career to date when she added the IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine belts held by bitter rival Mikaela Mayer in October in London via split decision to her WBC and IBO straps. The vacant WBA belt is the last piece of the puzzle, and French former interim WBC champion Mekhaled will look to spoil the Detroit star’s plans in her first fight in the States.
 
Richardson Hitchins (15-0 7 KOs) takes on New Jersey’s John Bauza (17-0 7 KOs) for the IBF North American and USWBC 140lb titles, there’s two more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson (5-0) looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali (7-0 2 KOs) faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap, and Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) complete the action against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) and Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs) respectively.

Amanda Serrano will face Erika Cruz in a Puerto Rico vs. Mexican battle for the Undisputed World Featherweight championship and Alycia Baumgardner takes on Elhem Mekhaled for the Undisputed World Super-Featherweight championship at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday February 4, exclusively live worldwide on DAZN.

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Seven-weight World champion Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano (43-2-1 30 KOs) looks to become the first Puerto Rican born fighter to take home the title of undisputed, as she finally gets the opportunity at Featherweight where she has ruled since 2019, after her history-making Lightweight clash with Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden last April. Serrano faces off against Cruz in her hometown of New York City after a convincing win over Sarah Mahfoud in Manchester, England to add the Dane’s IBF title to her WBO and WBC belts at 126lbs.

The missing piece of the jigsaw is the WBA crown that belongs to Cruz (15-1 3 KOs). The Mexican became WBA champion in April 2021, ending the long reign of Canadian Jelena Mrdjenovich in West Point, New York. Cruz defended the title in Mexico in November 2021 and then met Mrdjenovich in a rematch in September in Mexico and won via shutout on points. The 32 year old, nicknamed ‘Dinamita’ will pose a big threat to Serrano’s hopes of becoming undisputed and put a spanner in the works of the Taylor rematch.

“This is a pivotal moment, not just for me and my own career but for my home island of Puerto Rico,” said Serrano. Earning the opportunity to be an undisputed lineal champion is something most fighters only dream about but becoming the first boxer from Puerto Rico to be an undisputed champion would make it even more special. I look forward to entering the ring on Saturday, February 4th in my hometown of NYC back at Madison Square Garden, taking on a Mexican champion in Erika Cruz and making Puerto Rican history. I encourage all my fans to turn up and tune in!”

“We’ve come to realize nothing is unachievable for Amanda and she is truly setting the tone for a historic 2023 as she goes head-to-head with Mexico’s Erica Cruz in her fight first of the year,” said MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. “Being the first Puerto Rican born fighter to take home the title of undisputed lineal champion is a goal we have discussed since she joined MVP fifteen months ago.” With an unwavering commitment to boxing, Amanda’s focus has always been to be one of the best to ever step into the ring. The fact that the Puerto Rican greats, like Felix Trinidad, Wilfredo Gomez, Carlos Ortiz and Miguel Cotto never achieved undisputed status but that Amanda Serrano will with a win, is a testament to her and her team’s greatness.”

“I am grateful that this opportunity was finally given to me after many years of work,” said Cruz. “I have always gone against everything, but God is on my side, and he has given me the strength to achieve my goals. It’s time to make history and give Mexico its first unified champion at 126 pounds.”

Baumgardner (13-1 7 KOs) had a brilliant 2022, capped by her victorious trip to London where she unified the 130lbs division against bitter American rival and IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine champion Mikaela Mayer in October via split decision. Baumgardner made it three wins on the bounce in the UK having ripped the WBC and IBO World titles from Terri Harper in Sheffield in November 2021 with a stunning KO and defending the belt for the first time in April in Manchester, shutting out Edith Matthysse over ten rounds.

Like Serrano, the Detroit star just needs the WBA belt to complete the full set, and that belt is vacant with #3 ranked Mekhaled (15-1 3 KOs), and the French former interim WBC champion comes into the bout on the back of a slender reversal in a bruising encounter with Belgium’s former World ruler Delfine Persoon in May in Abu Dhabi.

“Naturally, I’m VERY excited to finally be fighting for undisputed to make it official what I’ve known all along – I’m the world’s best fighter in this division!” said Baumgardner.

“To finally return home and debut in MY country as a World champion is something I’ve been so looking forward to and to have all of this come together as a co-main at the legendary Madison Square Garden in NYC is so incredible!

“NYC is an awesome representation of our country’s diversity, the diversity that’s so near and dear to my heritage… so for me, it’s definitely a fitting venue.

“I get to be an ambassador for women’s boxing in America on one of the largest stages for boxing in the world! I plan to use my talent as an athlete to show Americans and the world a level of women’s boxing that many have never seen before.

“Mekhaled is a great fighter. She’s quick, smart, very skilled, and experienced. Her record and her last fight, where she really outboxed Persoon shows that, but neither she nor anyone else in this division are on my level. So, I plan to end this one quick and make an example out of her.

“She’s standing in between me and God’s plan, so I’m going to have to walk straight through her. This won’t be a fight ANYONE can call close. She had a better chance of ending the fight on her feet if she took the offer back in April when it was first offered to her, but now, I feel motivated to silence any remaining doubters and put everyone from 130 to 140 on notice – I’m coming!”

“Since my WBC interim 2019 title, I’ve been waiting for this moment,” said Mekhaled. “Maybe fate has played well: instead of one belt, there are all on the line! 

“I am super excited to fight on February 4 at the legendary MSG in New York. God knows how determined I am! It’s my time to shine. Thank you to my advisor Sarah Fina. #ANDTHENEW #UNDISPUTED.”

There’s a stacked card in support of the Undisputed double-header, and it’s led by Brooklyn’s own Richardson Hitchins taking on New Jersey’s John Bauza for the IBF North American and USWBC 140lb titles.

It’s a second fight under the Matchroom banner for Hitchins (15-0 7 KOs) and the unbeaten 25 year old will defend the IBF belt he won on his first fight with Eddie Hearn in Cleveland in November, his first title fight in the paid ranks and look to add a second strap in the process. 

Hitchins fights in New York for the first time since March 2019, and fellow unbeaten man Bauza (17-0 7 KOs) will want to spoil his return to action in the Big Apple. The Puerto Rican from NJ faces both his first title bout and first battle over ten rounds in the paid ranks on the night. Bauza was a national champion the same year that Hitchins represented Haiti in the 2016 Olympics and the pair are familiar with each other having sparred in the past.

“I’m excited to come back home and showcase my talent in front of my city and my #1 fans,” said Hitchins. “When I signed with Eddie, he promised he was going to turn me into a star and having the opportunity to come back so quickly after my last fight, and do it at home, man I’m just so grateful for this. 

“Bauza is no joke, we know each other, but these are the type of fights I want. I’m fighting a young, hungry, undefeated prospect like myself, but I truly believe I’m the best 140 pounder in the world and come fight night I’m going to show him I am on a whole other level. February 4th is going to be a very special night for me, and I just can’t wait to be back in front of my hometown fans and show the world that I am a problem at 140 lbs.”

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a while now and finally it’s here,” said Bauza. “On February 4, I graduate from prospect to legitimate world contender. This is a huge opportunity for me to showcase myself and I plan on putting on a spectacular performance.

“I know Richardson well, we’ve sparred before. I respect him as a fighter but he’s simply not on my level and at MSG, he’s going to realize that awfully quick.”

Staten Island talent Reshat Mati lands a big step up in his second title fight as he challenges on fellow New Yorker Cletus Seldin for his WBA NABA Super-Lightweight title. Mati (13-0 7 KOs) picked up the WBC Youth title at 140lbs in Mexico City in October in a tough tussle with Eduardo Rodriguez, outpointing the Mexican in his first ten round action.

Experienced banger Seldin (26-1 22 KOs) will provide an even tougher test in Mati’s second bout with a belt on the line, with ‘The Hebrew Hammer’ will want to extend his five fight KO winning streak as he returns to the ring for the first time since October 2021 when he knocked out William Silva in his Brooklyn backyard.

There are two more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap. 

Nicolson (5-0) will look to bag belt number two just one month shy of a full year in the paid ranks having bagged the Commonwealth title on home turf in Queensland in October, completing a unique double having won Commonwealth gold for her country in the same state in 2018. It will be a night of firsts for Spaniard Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) as ‘La Violenca’ fights outside of Spain for the first time and in her first ten round bout for a belt.

Ali (7-0 2 KOs) and Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) also fight for their first title in the paid ranks, with Somali Olympian Ali heading into the contest after recording her second KO win and second in the first session of a fight in Saudi Arabia, the first female fight held in the country, while Florida based Aussie Mathie kept her unbeaten record intact with victory in her only fight of 2022 in June in Atlanta.

Two more undefeated fighters taste action on the card as Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) looks to get back to winning ways against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) following his entertaining split draw on the Canelo-GGG card in Las Vegas in September, and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) fights in New York for the first time against Mexico’s Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs).

“What a start to 2023 we have in store in New York,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The women continue to lead the way in undisputed fights, and we have two of the very best in action on February 4. 

“Puerto Rico vs. Mexico fights always deliver fireworks, and we can expect nothing less when Amanda and Erika meet. Their clash of styles will make for a brilliant spectacle as Amanda and her army of fans returns to the scene of her history-making fight of the year with Katie, and we can expect a similar atmosphere to one of the greatest nights the sport has ever seen.

“Alycia was one of the standout fighters in 2022 and she has the undisputed battle she wanted the moment she ripped the titles from Terri in the UK – but what a golden opportunity for Ehlem to upset the odds. 

“Reshat is in deep with the big hitting ‘Hebrew Hammer’ Seldin and Skye and Ramla both have big title fights that could be crucial on their paths to World title action.

“I cannot wait for February 4, it’s a stacked card from top to bottom and a great way for us to kick off a huge year for Matchroom on DAZN.”

“What a way to kick off our US boxing schedule with two blockbuster undisputed fights at the Garden! We are incredibly excited to be working with Amanda, Jake, Nakisa and the MVP team once again, and to have one of the best around, Alycia Baumgardner, back on DAZN. Both are truly exceptional fighters. Watch this brilliant fight night, live worldwide on DAZN”, said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America.

London, UK – 24 November 2023 – With female boxing at an all-time high in the U.K, world-ranked British based Swedish sensation Lucy Wildheart aims to become a firm household favourite.

The 29 year old Brentwood domiciled featherweight ace, managed by Richard Maynard at Strike Sports Management, boasts the same key values as Swedish super-brands: the reliability of IKEA, the durability of Volvo and the A-lister star potential of ABBA.

The fair-faced ‘Dragon Queen’ has attracted full page spreads in both The Times and Daily Star this weekahead of her showdown with France’s experienced Marina Sakharov tomorrow night at the York Hall, Bethnal Green.

And early indicators suggest that the 5ft 5 ½in fiery redhead has the hardware to match the hype.

‘Female boxers are finally getting opportunities, securing sponsors, able to make a future for ourselves. I expect our side of the sport to grew even more over the next few years and I look forward to being a big part of that,’ states lightening Lucy who has triumphed in all but one of her 11 fights since storming the profession in May 2017.

The laser-focused Swede has her sights firmly focussed on a mega-money 2023 showdown against 126lb division leader and leading female pound-for-pound contender Amanda Serrano, a New York-docked Puerto Rican who has conceded just twice in 46 public airings.

Well-hard Wildheart has herself succumbed just once, on points over 10 rounds in a June 2019 IBO lightweight challenge to French sensation Estelle Mossely in Cherbourg. It was just the Swedish stylist’s sixth pro start, nine pounds above her optimal weight and against the 2016 Olympic champion. Yet the Scandinavian hotly contests the unanimous decision that went against her.

‘I believe those scores were wrong and I won the fight,’ she insists.

‘I pushed Mossely onto the back foot and threw more punches. Despite the verdict, I left feeling a winner. Looking back, travelling to France was not the best option. 

‘Watching the fight back now, it’s as if we were both in slow motion. I’ve improved so much since. Today I’m much faster and read a fight far better.’

After traversing Europe and Africa to compile hard earned, lightly rewarded wins in the formative years of her career, the Växjö native is happily nestled in Essex with her partner and two dogs.  

‘Today, I feel British. I wear both flags,’ claims the one-time IBO Inter-Continental lightweight boss.

‘Britain has done a lot for me and I’m here to stay. The houses here are very small. In Sweden we’re used to very big gardens but Brits are far more sociable and I’ve become a much better person since coming here.’

Coached by Samm Mullins at the upwardly mobile Churchill’s boxing facility in Waterloo, south London, with Richard Merchant overseeing strength and conditioning duties in Chelmsford and respected fight face Richard Maynard  pulling the managerial strings, the support system is fully in place for the Wild One to launch her bid for global supremacy, now down at her optimal fighting weight.

‘It takes me three hours a day travelling to get to the boxing gym and another hour to get to my S & C training,’ states Wildheart.

’There’s a really positive atmosphere at Samm’s gym, plenty of high-level female sparring where we can really ‘have it’. Sam explains things in a way I can understand. We focus mainly on technical skills and the basics. He also manages me very well, feels my feelings. He’s really made me believe in myself.  

‘I hope Richard (Maynard) and me work together for the rest of my career. Together, we’ll win world titles, secure sponsorships, and really get our names out there.’

One name that Team Wildheart is desperate to be associated with is Serrano, the current WBC, WBO and IBO queen and a gateway to serious riches.

‘Amanda is a top, top fighter and a great person and I’d love to share a ring with her. I don’t shout or bully. I’m very professional but if calling Amanda out helps, that’s what I’ll do,’ concedes Lucy.

‘Yes, she has experience but I’ve been in the game a long time too. I’ve already proved competitive with plenty of good people, most notably Mossely who won the Olympic lightweight gold ahead of Katie Taylor. 

‘If the opportunity arises, I will definitely take it and be confident I beat Amanda. I’ve more skill and I’m faster. To force the Serrano fight, firstly, I must win all the fights that are coming my way.’ 

First step comes at The York Hall tomorrow night (Friday 25th November) on the Wasserman Boxing promoted card when the Swede looks to mash industrial tough French veteran Marina Sakharov in a scheduled eight-rounder. 

At the official weigh-in today held at Repton ABC, Wildheart scaled in at 125.06lb, while Sakharov came in at 125.03lb.

Debuting at the iconic East End boxing institution, and with the show covered by Channel Five cameras, it presents a gilt-edged opportunity for the ‘Dragon Queen’ to crowbar her name into Serrano’s conscious.

‘Can’t wait,’ enthuses Wildheart.

‘The British people love to go out to boxing, back their fighters and make serious sound. I love fighting here. I intend to show my focus, how much I really want this.’ 

‘In my last fight, the opponent didn’t come with much. It was more a chess game so I really hope that Marina brings her best game, comes with pressure. The better she is, the better I’ll need to answer.  That way, we can give the fans a fight that leaves them cheering and screaming. I then hope I can do everything just a little bit better than her and win a great fight! 

‘I hope to showcase that I’ve a great skill base, good technique. I’ve also got great power and can seriously hurt opponents when I get my body shots in. A stoppage will get me ranked higher, faster. She’s only been stopped once but if I hurt her, I’ll go mental. Just watch me.’

Joe Joyce won the WBO Interim Heavyweight title with an 11th round stoppage over former WBO champion Joseph Parker at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.

In round two, Parker began to bleed from his nose. In round six, he began to bleed from around his right eye.

In round 11, Joyce landed a booming heft hook that put Parker on the canvas. Parker was badly hurt, and the fight was stopped at 1:03.

Joyce, 271 lbs of England is 15-0 with 14 knockouts. Parker, 255 lbs of South Auckland, NZ is 30-3.

Serrano becomes Undisputed Featherweight Champion

Amanda Serrano became the undisputed Featherweight champion with a 10-round unanimous decision over Sarah Mahfoud.

In round two, Mahfoud was cut on her hairline from a clash of heads.

Serrano, 124 lbs of Brooklyn, NY was the WBA/WBO/WBC champion, added Mahfoud’s IBF belt by scores of 99-92 and 97-93 twice and is now 43-2-1. Mahfoud, 124 lbs of Copenhagen, DEN is 11-1.

Nathan Heaney won a technical unanimous decision over Jack Flatley when a headbutt caused a bad gash over the right eye of Heaney in round five.

Heaney won by scores of 50-45 and 49-46 twice and is now 16-0. Flatley is 19-3-1.

Anthony Cacace won a 12-round split-decision over Mark Magnesi in a super featherweight bout.

In round five, Cacace was cut over the left eye.

Cacace, 129 lbs of Belfast, NI won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and Magnesi took a card 116-112.

Cacace is 20-1. Magnesi, 129 lbs of Italy is 21-1.

Ekow Essuman won a 12-round unanimous decision over Samuel Antwi.

Essuman won by scores of 117-112, 116-113 and 115-113 and is now 18-0. Antwi is 14-2.

Mark Heffron destroyed Martin Balucio in the opening round of their super middleweight bout,

In the opening round, Heffron landed a hard right that was followed by a crunching left hook and then a right to the chin the froze Balucio and the bout was stopped at

Heffron is now 30-2-1 with 23 knockouts. Balucio of Argentina is 10-7.

Raven Chapman won a eight-round unanimous decision over Jorgelina Guanini

BOXING SUPERSTAR AND seven-weight world champion Amanda Serrano admits she was taken by surprise when she received the news that IBF champion Sarah Mahfoud was prepared to accept a unification fight that will take place in Manchester on September 24.

The Puerto Rican southpaw – based in Brooklyn – who holds the WBC, WBO and IBO world featherweight titles was set to oblige a WBO mandatory against Yamileth Mercado in August at Madison Square Garden.

The proposed show was ultimately cancelled, leaving the 33-year-old without a date, resulting in her management team hooking up with Queensberry to place ‘The Real Deal’ on the blockbuster Joe Joyce-Joseph Parker heavyweight card at the AO Arena.

Much to her delight, the undefeated Dane and IBF world champion Mahfoud chose to share the Manchester stage with her for a unification match.

“It is thanks to my team, the fight on August 6 fell off and I said ‘I need a fight, I need a fight’,” said Serrano, recounting events. “They got me on this card and I am super-honoured to be on this card and honoured to have the opportunity to unify in my division.

“They are both tough fights, Mercado and Mahfoud, one was my mandatory with the WBO and one is a champion. Of course, you always want to fight the champions and I have been looking for this fight for a couple of years now, for her and the WBA, the two belts I am missing to become undisputed.

“I couldn’t believe that she took the fight, I was like ‘yes!’. Everything happens for a reason, the timing was great and she decided she wants to fight now, so let’s do it. It is in Manchester, my first time fighting over there and the UK fans are amazing and I just hope they come out and support the fight.”

Serrano admits that she has not intently re-watched her last fight, the epic clash with Katie Taylor that took place in New York back in April and delivered the best possible statement on behalf of women’s boxing.

“I kind of have, I have dibble-dabbled, but I always just see my mistakes, which is a good thing so you can fix it in the next fight.

“It was just a great night, a great event and I didn’t want to ruin it because we put on a hell of a show, both of us. There was blood, sweat, tears in the ring that night and the fans came out and supported us.

“So I just wanted to leave it like that. I just wanted to remember it the way I remember it,” she added, before pointing out that she does not consider the split decision reverse as a blot on her record.

“You know what, I feel like you never lose, you learn and I feel like I never lost that fight. I am coming back to my weight class and I am back to where I feel comfortable at, at 126lbs, where I am strong and where I am champion.

“I am unifying and I feel like I am back in my division right now.”

Tickets for ‘Nowhere to Run’ – the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joe Parker on 24 September at the AO Arena, Manchester being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office – are priced from £40 and are on sale now exclusively from Ticketmaster.co.uk.

‘Nowhere to Run’ – Joe Joyce (14-0, 13 KOs) v Joseph Parker (30-2, 21) in a heavyweight collision between No.1 and No.2 with the WBO takes place on September 24 at the AO Arena, Manchester. The WBO International and Intercontinental championship belts, along with the WBC Silver title, will be on the line.

Also featuring is the IBO world super featherweight championship fight between the champion, Michael Magnesi (21-0, 13) from Italy and Belfast’s British champion Anthony Cacace (19-1, 7).

Seven-weight world champion and Puerto Rican superstar Amanda Serrano (42-2-1, 30) will unify her WBO, WBC, and IBO featherweight titles with the IBF championship held by the unbeaten Sarah Mahfoud (11-0, 3) from Denmark.

British welterweight champion Ekow Essuman (17-0, 7) will make a third defence of his title and bid for ownership of his Lonsdale belt when he takes on mandatory challenger Samuel Antwi (14-1, 6) and the IBO International middleweight championship will be at stake when Nathan Heaney (15-0, 6) goes in with Jack Flatley (19-2-1, 4).

Raven Chapman (3-0, 2) takes a big step up in class against former IBF world champion Jorgelina Guanini (10-4-2, 1) for the vacant WBC International featherweight championship.

British super middleweight champion Mark Heffron (28-2-1, 22) will fight over eight rounds, with Kirkby super lightweight Callum Thompson (4-0, 1), Liverpool middleweight James Heneghan (7-0), Batley super lightweight Amaar Akbar (3-0) and Thetford cruiserweight Tommy Fletcher (1-0, 1) completing the card.

UNIFIED FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD champion and women’s boxing superstar Amanda Serrano will bid to add another world championship belt to her collection when she takes on the IBF champion Sarah Mahfoud at the AO Arena, Manchester on 24 September. The fight will be promoted by Frank Warren for Queensberry Promotions in association with Most Valuable Promotions.

The unification bout is part of a blockbuster night of boxing topped by the huge heavyweight collision between Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office. Joyce vs Parker is promoted by Frank Warren for Queensberry Promotions in association with BOXXER.

Seven-weight world champion Serrano (42-2-1, 30 KOs) is the reigning WBO, WBC and IBO world champion at 126lbs and has her sights set on becoming undisputed champion at the weight. Having won titles in every division between 115 and 140 pounds, Serrano, a Puerto Rican southpaw from Brooklyn, holds the Guinness World Record for most women’s boxing world championships (7) won in different weight classes.

Her narrow split-decision loss to Taylor in a lightweight championship bout at Madison Square Garden was the first women’s fight in history to headline at MSG. Drawing a raucous, sold-out crowd of 19,187, Serrano nearly finished Taylor off with a barrage of punches in the fifth round, before ultimately dropping a split decision.

Mahfoud (11-0, 3 KOs) 32, from Denmark defended her IBF title back in April by defeating Nina Meinkeover 10 rounds in Copenhagen, having previously won the Interim title with victory over Brenda Karen Carabajal in February 2020 and was elevated to full world champion status in July of the same year.

Recognition of Serrano’s talents and accomplishments has been turbo-charged in recent times by her friendship and promotional association with Jake Paul and the pair fought on the same show in August 2021 in Cleveland where she defeated Yamileth Mercado in a fight broadcast on Showtime PPV. The Cleveland card also featured Queensberry fighters Daniel Dubois and Paul’s rival Tommy Fury.

“I am so excited over the prospect of fighting in the UK,” said Amanda Serrano. “It has been on my to-do list for a long time, with the amazing fans who really get behind the sport, as well as the huge growth in women’s boxing.

“To be fighting in the biggest arena on a big heavyweight night will make it an amazing occasion to win a fourth world championship belt at featherweight.”

“I would like to thank Frank Warren and Queensberry, along with Jake Paul and MVP, for making this possible for me and I promise the UK fans will not be disappointed.”

“This is an amazing opportunity for me to fight for four world title belts against one of the biggest stars in the sport of boxing,” added Sarah Mahfoud. “It will be an experience like no other to win three more belts in England and then take them all home to Denmark.

“It will be my first fight outside of Denmark and I cannot think of a better place to fully introduce myself and my talent to the wider world than beating Amanda Serrano in Manchester.

“I would like to send my appreciation to everybody involved for making this happen.”

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren said on Serrano-Mahfoud landing in Manchester: “I am delighted to welcome a modern boxing icon in Amanda Serrano onto our huge September 24card with four world title belts on the line. The stakes are obviously very high, which fits in nicely with the main event between Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker fighting for the right to take on the winner out of Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua.

“I am looking forward to seeing Amanda fight in person once again after being present for her fight in Cleveland and what she has achieved in boxing is quite remarkable. She is bidding to become a four-belt world champion at featherweight against an unbeaten champion in Sarah Mahfoud, which makes it a superb attraction to add to our BT Sport Box Office event at the AO Arena in Manchester.

“We look forward to working with Jake Paul and Most Valuable Promotions again as Jake has cultivated an incredible following and is drawing them into the sport of boxing. When I was over in Cleveland with Daniel and Tommy you couldn’t fail to be impressed by the enthusiasm and fervour of the audience, who were in their seats and gripped from the start of the show right through to the main event.”

Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, from Most Valuable Promotions, added: “We cannot wait to have Amanda Serrano fight in front of the UK boxing fans on September 24 in Manchester live on BT Sport Box Office. It will be an incredible experience for both Amanda and the fans at the AO Arena.”

“To see her win a fourth world championship belt at featherweight against an unbeaten opponent in Sarah Mahfoud will be very special and to do it on the same card as a huge heavyweight showdown will only add to the occasion and it will be a magnificent showcase for Amanda. Thank you to Frank and George Warren for placing Amanda on the BT Sport Box Office platform in the UK.”

Southpaw Serrano, 33, won her first world title back in 2011 at super featherweight with a second-round stoppage of Kimberly Connor. The Puerto Rican, based in New York, has since competed in 15 further world championship fights sanctioned by the major governing bodies, winning 13.

Her last title challenge, up at lightweight, came at Madison Square Garden in April when she took on Katie Taylor in a fight which, in some quarters, was described as ‘Fight of the Century’. A classic encounter was declared in Taylor’s favour via a split decision on the judge’s scorecards.

Tickets for ‘Nowhere to Run’ – the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joe Parker on 24 September at the AO Arena, Manchester being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office – are priced from £40 and are on sale now exclusively from Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Katie Taylor has blasted Jake Paul’s suggestion that the rematch of the mega Madison Square Garden showdown with Amanda Serrano should be at 126lbs or a 130lbs catchweight.

Taylor (21-0, 6 KO’s), who edged out Serrano back in April to retain her Lightweight crown in an epic fight for the ages, spoke on Matchroom Boxing’s new podcast Flash Knockdown and stood firm that the rematch will only happen at Lightweight.

“What is that about?”, said Taylor. I’ve never heard such nonsense in all my life. I’ve never heard someone say something as stupid as that to be quite honest. I think they’re just trying to play a few games. I’m pretty sure Jake knows I’m not going to get down to 126, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a situation in boxing where the champion wins but has the rematch in a lower weight division. It is real nonsense! I don’t know if he’s playing games or it is naivety but the rematch is going to be at 135lbs.

“I don’t think Amanda’s recent fight falling through will delay or effect the rematch. I was hoping for the rematch to happen straight after the last fight but it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen until next year now. 

“I just want to be involved in the biggest fights possible but I’m not sure who I’m going to be fighting next right now but I’m planning on returning to the ring this year in November / December. The team have been talking to the likes of Cris Cyborg. I only had two or three days off after the Serrano fight so I’m just itching to get back in the ring!”

As well as speaking about the Serrano rematch, Taylor also reflected on the first fight with her Puerto Rican dance parter and her memories of the London Games, admitting the whole experience in New York surpassed the emotions she felt when she captured Olympic Gold ten years ago this week.

“I never thought anything would surpass the London Olympics but I think that night at Madison Square Garden did surpass it! It was definitely the most special experience of my career to date. The atmosphere between the Irish and the Puerto Rican fans was incredible, you couldn’t even hear the bell ringing! It was history making and a huge moment for the sport.

“In big fights there is always the possibility that you’re going to get hurt at some stage but that’s where all the training and preparation comes into play. I put myself in the trenches everyday and that’s what allows you to show your heart and your courage in the ring. I’m just glad I was able to get through those tough moments in the fifth round and then come on stronger as the fight went on.

“Thinking about the Olympics, it does and it doesn’t feel ten years ago. I can definitely remember the day as if it was yesterday but a lot has happened in those ten years. It was my childhood dream coming to pass, I was going into the competition with so much pressure on me and the weight of the nation on my shoulders. When I won gold it was just a feeling of relief more than anything!

“I remember putting on my Olympic kit and thinking how I’d dreamt of this moment. Looking at the Olympic Rings on my shorts and knowing I was about to walk out to represent my country at the Games, it was so special.

“Everyone in Ireland assumed I was going to win gold, I don’t think I slept for a second the night before the final! I don’t think anything will ever compare to the pressure I felt at the Olympic Games. If I got through those games, I can get through anything in life! When I started boxing at ten years old there was no real such thing as women’s boxing but now at home in Ireland when you see all the young girls in the gyms, that means everything to me.

Listen to Flash Knockdown ep2, out now via Apple Podcasts & Spotify. 

NEW YORK – July 28, 2022 – SHOWTIME SPORTS has announced the global distribution partners, pay-per-view price and telecast team for the upcoming SHOWTIME PPV co-headlined by global superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul vs. Hasim Rahman Jr. and Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano vs. Brenda Carabajal on Saturday, August 6 live from Madison Square Garden in New York City. Tickets are on sale and available at www.msg.com. Click HERE to watch and share the promo video.

The pay-per-view event kicks off at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is widely available for purchase and live streaming in the United States at SHOWTIME.com/ppv and via the SHOWTIME app for a suggested retail price of $59.99 (SRP). All U.S. consumers who purchase the event through the SHOWTIME app or SHOWTIME.com can watch it live through the SHOWTIME streaming service app on any supported devices including Apple iOS and tvOS devices, Android Mobile, AndroidTV, Roku, Amazon FireTV, Samsung Smart TV, Xbox One, LG Smart TV, as well as online at SHOWTIME.com. The event is also available for purchase in the U.S. via satellite and telco systems through DIRECTV^®, DISH, Sling TV, Vubiquity and on the Sony PlayStation™ store.

In Canada, viewers can purchase and access the event via traditional cable and satellite distributors (Bell, Rogers, Shaw and SaskTel/TELUS) as well as on FITE, who has distributed all of Paul’s previous fights and will offer the event in most regions around the world outside of the U.S. Liberty and Claro TV will offer the event in Puerto Rico. Joe Hand Promotions is the commercial distributor within the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada.

DAZN will broadcast the event in the United Kingdom and Ireland, as part of the monthly subscription and ESPN LatAm will be the exclusive cable, satellite, internet/digital carrier in Latin America. Paul vs. Rahman Jr. is also available down under via FOX Sports Australia.

Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) and Rahman Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs) will meet after the two erupted during the kick-off press conference over who was the better man during sparring sessions they had in 2020. Paul, a YouTube star and influencer-turned-pro boxer trains under the tutelage of Danny Smith and B.J. Flores in Puerto Rico and was named the Sports Illustrated 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year. Rahman Jr. is the son of the former two-time heavyweight champion and has trained under boxing sages like Emanuel Steward, Calvin Ford and now Yoel Judah, father and trainer of the former two-division world champion Zab Judah.

The other half of the dual main event features seven-division women’s champion Serrano, (42-2-1, 30 KOs) of Brooklyn, who will defend her featherweight titles against Argentina’sCarabajal (18-5-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout. Serrano made history in April when she and Katie Taylor were the first women to headline a main event at MSG. In the co-feature, teenage sensation,18-year-old Ashton Sylve (7-0, 7 KOs) of Long Beach, Calif., will face Braulio Rodriguez of the Dominican Republic in an eight-round lightweight bout. Knockout artist Brandun Lee (25-0, 22 KOs), of La Quinta, Calif., will face Will Madera in a 10-round super lightweight to open the pay-per-view telecast.

Veteran sportscaster and SHOWTIME boxing host Brian Custer will host the four-fight pay-per-view telecast alongside the most versatile voice in combat sports Mauro Ranallo, with International Boxing Hall of Famer Al Bernstein and former junior middleweight champion and SHOBOX^® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez serving as expert analysts. Leading combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani will serve as ringside reporter. Two more Hall of Famers will round out the SHOWTIME PPV telecast team – boxing historian Steve Farhood will serve as unofficial scorer and world-renowned Jimmy Lennon Jr. will serve as ring announcer. Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins and SHOBOX announcer and combat sports expert Brian Campbell will provide analysis for the international feed.

The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. Four-time Emmy^® award winner David Dinkins Jr. will serve as executive producer and Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy, as director. The pair has produced the three highest-grossing pay-per-view events of all time (Mayweather-Pacquiao, Mayweather-McGregor, Mayweather-Canelo).

In the leadup to the dual headliner, SHOWTIME SPORTS will offer an installment of its Emmy^® Award-winning series ALL ACCESS, bringing fans behind the scenes as Paul prepares to face the first full-fledged boxer of his career and Rahman Jr. prepares for his first big moment in the spotlight.  The series also features Serrano as she trains in her hometown and shakes off the remnants from her last fight in advance of her title defense. ALL ACCESS: PAUL VS. RAHMAN premieres on Saturday, July 30 at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT with ALL ACCESS: PAUL VS. RAHMAN EPILOGUE premiering on Saturday, August 13. 

The event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian and promoted by Holden Boxing.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.  

NEW YORK – July 21, 2022 – Two of boxing’s most exciting prospects, Ashton “H20” Sylve and Brandun Lee, will highlight the SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, August 6 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) co-headlined by Jake “The Problem Child” Paul vs. Hasim Rahman Jr. and Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano vs. Brenda Carabajal live from Madison Square Garden. Tickets are on sale and available at www.msg.com.

Teenage sensation,18-year-old Sylve (7-0, 7 KOs), and knockout artist Lee (25-0, 22 KOs) will make their SHOWTIME PPV and Madison Square Garden debuts against stern competition. Sylve, of Long Beach, Calif., will face the durable Braulio Rodriguez of the Dominican Republic in an eight-round lightweight bout, while the 23-year-old Lee, of La Quinta, Calif., will face Will Madera in a 10-round super lightweight bout opening the pay-per-view telecast.

Sylve, the first prospect signed by MVP, is facing an experienced opponent in Rodriguez, who is 20-4 and has scored knockouts in all but three of his victories thanks to his aggressive and big-swinging style. When he’s lost, it has come against top-flight opposition. Rodriguez has shared the ring with lightweight contender Ryan Garcia and title challenger Christopher Diaz. He dropped a split decision to then undefeated prospect Alberto Mercado and surrendered a unanimous decision to then unbeaten Carlos Diaz –the first blemish of his career after scoring 15-straight knockouts to start his pro campaign.

In Sylve, Rodriguez is facing an elite talent. The undefeated teenage sensation has stopped all of his opponents in four rounds or less, demonstrating hair-trigger reflexes, high boxing IQ and heavy hands. He recently knocked out Giovanni Gutierrez in the first round in May in his MVP debut at lightweight. He fought three times in 2021 and twice thus far in 2022. A gifted amateur who turned pro at 16 with over 100 wins and 10 national titles, Sylve first entered the public consciousness as an eight-year-old when a training video made by his father, Ivan, went viral and led to an invite to Floyd Mayweather’s famed gym in Las Vegas. 

Lee is also no stranger to turning heads with his athletic achievements. The winner of 15 of his last 16 fights by knockout, Lee has shown both one-punch power and the ability to outbox his opponents. He recently dominated tough veteran Zachary Ochoa in April and has quickly established himself as a force at 140 pounds. The child of a Mexican mother and Korean father, Lee has emerged as a vocal spokesperson for the Asian-American community.

Trained by his father Bobby, Lee has kept up a busy schedule, fighting four times in 2020, three times in 2021 and now twice in 2022. He was also an accomplished amateur, going an estimated 195 amateur fights with only five losses and capturing gold at the prestigious 2015 U.S. Junior National Championships at 145 pounds.

Co-headlining the night of action on August 6 are Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) and Rahman Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs), who will meet after erupting during the July 12 kick-off press conference over who was the better man during sparring sessions they had in 2020. The son of the former two-time heavyweight champion, Rahman Jr. had approximately 100 amateur fights and has trained under boxing sages like Emanuel Steward, Calvin Ford and now Yoel Judah, father and trainer of the former two-division world champion Zab Judah. Rahman Jr. is undisputedly the first full-fledged boxer that Paul has faced. 

The Sports Illustrated 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year, Paul is coming off one of the best knockouts of last year when he demolished Tyron Woodley in the sixth round with a perfectly placed right hand that went viral and was the No. 1 trending video worldwide on YouTube following their December 18 bout. A YouTube star and influencer-turned-pro boxer, the Cleveland native, who is just 25 and started his pro boxing journey in January 2020, is fighting out of Puerto Rico under the tutelage of Danny Smith and B.J. Flores.

The other half of the dual main event features seven-division women’s champion Serrano, (42-2-1, 30 KOs) of Brooklyn, who will defend her featherweight titles against Argentina’sCarabajal (18-5-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round dual main event. Serrano made history in April when she and Katie Taylor were the first women to headline a main event at MSG in a lightweight bout. Now she returns to her natural weight in front of her hometown fans.

The Paul vs. Rahman Jr. and Serrano vs. Carabajal event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian.  Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter of the event and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. 

SHOWTIME SPORTS^® will bring fans behind the scenes and inside the ropes with its Emmy^® Award-winning series ALL ACCESS. ALL ACCESS: PAUL VS. RAHMAN will premiere on Saturday, July 30 at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT with ALL ACCESS EPILOGUE premiering on Saturday, August 13. 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.  

New York – July 13, 2022 – Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and Hasim Rahman Jr. didn’t waste any time expressing their dislike for each other during a heated and at times frenzied press conference on Tuesday, vowing to knock the other out ahead of their cruiserweight clash scheduled for eight rounds on Saturday, August 6 live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Madison Square Garden in New York City. Tickets went on sale at 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday and can be purchased at www.msg.com. The press conference was streamed live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and Jake Paul’s YouTube channel.

For the first time in his colorful and storied career, Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) will take on a full-fledged boxer in Rahman Jr., who is 12-1 with six knockouts, had around 100 amateur fights and has been trained by such greats as Emanuel Steward, Calvin Ford and now Yoel Judah.

Just four months after her epic match with Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden, Brooklyn’s seven-divisionworld champion Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano will return to the same venue and to her natural weight to defend her Featherweight World Titles against the hard-hitting Argentine Brenda “La Pumita” Carabajal co-headlining the event on August 6. 

Serrano was on hand on Tuesday and said she was looking forward to fighting at 126 pounds after she fought Taylor in April at 135. Rounding out the SHOWTIME PPV undercard are separate bouts involving two of the sport’s most exciting prospects — unbeaten knockout artist Brandun Lee (25-0, 22 KOs) and quick-fisted Ashton Sylve (7-0, 7 KOs).

The press conference was hosted by the combat sports expert Ariel Helwani, who guided the heated back-and-forth discussion between Paul and Rahman Jr. Their animosity stems from sparring sessions they held before Paul’s first two fights in 2020 and who got the upper hand in that action. Rahman claims he only used one hand in the sparring in an effort to work with him. Paul referenced leaked footage of their sparring in which Paul appears to land a number of heavy blows to demonstrate the action was heated and not at all controlled. Rahman Jr. claims the footage was edited to make Paul look good. 

The subject of Paul’s boxing resume also came up with Rahman stating that Paul built his career off of pummeling former MMA and NBA athletes. “That’s why your next on the list,” Paul responded. “That’s why I’m fighting you.” Hasim Jr. was flanked on the dais by his famous father, the former two-time heavyweight champion, Hasim Sr., who rose to prominence knocking out Lennox Lewis in 2001 in South Africa to become the unified titleholder. Paul referenced Rahman Sr., saying he wouldn’t be able to fight his son’s battle on August 6.

“You’re not in the ring sir,” Paul said. “And that’s what your son doesn’t understand. He thinks he’s you and that’s his biggest mistake and on August 6 I’m ending the legacy that your whole family has.”

Here’s a sampling of what the participants had to say at Tuesday’s press conference:

Jake Paul

“He’s going to get beat up by a singer, a musician, a seashell collector, an amateur, a Disney boy, a YouTuber, I’m all of these things.”

“I beat him in sparring and he knows that too. We have the footage.”

“You’re probably a little nervous about what happened (when we sparred). But under the lights with 10-ounce gloves is going to be different. That’s why I do this sport. I don’t do this sport to spar, I do this sport to fight and when he gets under the lights at Madison Square Garden in front of 20,000 fans, you’ll see what the result is.”

“It’s bring-your-kid-to-work day.”

“We know he’s going to come out southpaw so it’s me fighting a southpaw for the first time. But other than that, nothing really changes in my preparation. I spar professional fighters in the gym all the time, two to three times a week for the past three years, guys way better than him, so nothing really changes. We’re prepared for this.”

“You got beat (in sparring) and you know it.”

“This is 100 percent a tougher fight (than facing Tommy Fury). This is what I do. I take hard challenges and challenge myself more and more and increase the level of opposition and give the fans what they want. People say fight a real boxer – here we go. This guy is bigger than me, he has more experience. There’s no reason that I should win this but I’m proving to the world and proving to the kids out there that if you truly put your mind to something and you’re dedicated, then you will win.”

Hasim Rahman Jr.

“This is such a huge opportunity for me. I never once second-guessed or even doubted the outcome of this fight.”

“I’m the one giving you credibility. None of your other opponents gave you any credibility.”

“I’m here to end this façade that he’s calling a career so we’re going to see on August 6^th Jake Paul fall. You’re definitely going to see that.”

“They put the footage that they want to put out. Did you put out footage where you turn around and ran away from me in the ring? You turned your back and ran. You’re going to see on August 6^th.”

“Who have you fought? You haven’t fought anybody. You fought champions in the NBA and MMA but no boxers.”

“I will be using both hands on August 6. I only used one hand when I sparred him. He can’t even spar anyone with one hand. He’s not even on my level. I boxed this man with one hand behind my back and I promise you he turned his back and ran from me. I was trying to help you. He’s definitely barking up the wrong tree. I’m going to mess you up.”

“I think that I haven’t reached my full potential yet and that I can definitely have performed better in all of my fights, so on August 6 we’re going to come fully prepared.”

“I’m not worried about the weight. I was just in camp for a fight and then I got right back into the gym. The weight is not a factor. I’ve fought at 200 pounds for years in the amateurs, so losing the weight is exciting for me. It will open some doors for me in the boxing ring.”

Amanda Serrano

“I’m truly honored to have such a fast turnaround. The fight with Katie Taylor was a huge event, not just for females but for boxing in general. I’m super happy to be back at MSG with my manager Jake Paul and we get to show the world that we’re fighters and he gets to take off his promoter turtleneck and put on his boxing boots to show that he’s a fighter as well.”

“These (featherweight belts) are my babies. I work super hard for these belts. I went up to 135 my last two fights to get this fight with Katie Taylor. I’m not a legitimate 135-pounder. I’m a featherweight and that’s why I need to defend these titles and after this one it’s onto the next one against the other champions.”

“Jake Paul is fighting Hasim Rahman Jr. for a reason. We’re so much alike in the game of boxing, and I know he has all the heart and courage to go out there and do it. He’s training as if he’s fighting for a world title, so I have all the faith in his work ethic and he has that hammer and that hammer can neutralize any opponent.”

Hasim Rahman Sr.

“I’m excited like everyone else. I just don’t know how I’m going to feel when Jake’s 100 million fans hate my son (when he beats him). They’re going to hate him.”

“I think he’s been disrespectful (looking past my son) because – Jake is a real fighter and we respect that. I just think that he’s moving too quick. I think he picked the wrong guy at the wrong time.”

Stephen Espinoza, President of SHOWTIME SPORTS

“Jake could have taken an easier touch. But that’s not him. After Tommy Fury pulled out of the fight, Jake went looking for an even bigger challenge and they found a tougher challenge than they probably should have taken, someone who’s bigger than Jake, more experienced as an amateur, more experienced as a pro. Why take a fight that almost everyone around you is telling you not to take? Well, there’s one reason, Jake Paul is on a mission to prove himself as a credible professional boxer. And what he’s doing is unprecedented.”

“Strip away his celebrity status and his success as a content creator and what he’s striving for is no different than any other professional boxer. It’s no different from what Hasim Rahman is striving for – for credibility and respect, working to improve his skills and to put it all on the line on one night in front of a massive crowd here at The Garden.”

“Vasiliy Lomachenko did something similar, he headlined the Garden in his sixth professional fight at 5-1. But Jake’s doing it one fight sooner, headlining a Pay-Per-View event, and doing it without the benefit of 400 amateur fights and two gold medals. What Jake is doing is remarkable. But more importantly, you can’t call what he’s doing a hobby or a fad or a stunt. This is a full-time profession for Jake, a full commitment, boxing is now his calling card and No. 1 pursuit.”

“Jake clearly moves the needle like no one else and we at SHOWTIME are proud to be in business with him and he’s clearly bringing the sport to a new audience. The same can be said of Amanda Serrano, who inspires multitudes of young girls every time she fights. We’re proud to have Amanda back on SHOWTIME. We’re proud of our history with women’s boxing and proud to have Amanda back for a fifth time.”

Joel Fisher, Executive Vice President at MSG

“We here at The Garden are incredibly honored to host this fight between Jake Paul and Hasim Rahman Jr. Jake is an incredibly great partner. He’s really into the business of boxing and he’s a real supporter of women’s boxing, but we also know that Jake is into boxing himself and he’s really passionate about it, and I’m sure he’s in tremendous shape.”

“I want to welcome Hasim here and I want to personally thank you for stepping up quicky and stepping down in weight and we appreciate everything that you’re doing.”

“You’re following in your father’s footsteps who fought here and won in 2004.”

“The promotion we had with Amanda and Katie a few months ago was tremendous. It was historic. It was one of the greatest nights of boxing that we’ve ever had here at The Garden. Amanda is one of the best people, boxers, that I’ve ever worked with. She’s just been tremendous and we know that she’ll be ready.”

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The Paul vs. Rahman and Serrano vs. Carabajal event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian.  Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter of the event, and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. 

SHOWTIME will bring fans inside the ropes and behind the scenes with its Emmy- award-winning series ALL-ACCESS: PAUL vs. RAHMAN, which will premiere on July 30. An ALL-ACCESS Epilogue will follow on August 13. 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.  

EW YORK – July 8, 2022 – SHOWTIME SPORTS^® and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced that international superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will dramatically step up his level of competition when he faces heavy-handed Hasim Rahman Jr., son of the legendary former two-time heavyweight world champion Hasim Rahman, on Saturday, August 6 live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Madison Square Garden in New York City in a cruiserweight bout scheduled for eight rounds. Tickets will go on sale July 12 at 1 p.m. ET and can be purchased at www.msg.com. 

Paul and Rahman Jr. will go face-to-face for the first time since the announcement of the fight at a press conference on Tuesday, July 12 at 1 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden to preview their highly anticipated showdown. Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano will be in attendance as well to address her upcoming Unified Featherweight World Title defense against power-punching Argentine Brenda “La Pumita” Carabajal co-headlining the event on August 6. The press conference will stream live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and Jake Paul’s YouTube channel.

Rounding out the SHOWTIME PPV undercard are separate bouts involving two of the sport’s most exciting and rapidly rising prospects. Unbeaten knockout artist Brandun Lee (25-0, 22 KOs) and quick-fisted Ashton Sylve (7-0, 7 KOs) will look to take the next steps in their accelerated developments before Paul and Rahman Jr. settle their differences, and Serrano defends her Featherweight belts.

“Fury fumbled the bag for the second time in a row and went into hiding, so I’m going to step up, again, and take on a new opponent on short notice,” said Paul. “Nothing but respect for Hasim Rahman Jr., a professional heavyweight boxer with a 12-1 record who comes from a legendary boxing family. He’s bigger, he’s stronger and he’s more experienced. But guess what? I’m crazier. I’m raising the stakes and on August 6, I will get my respect under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.”

The 6-foot-3 Rahman Jr., who has fought as heavy as 278 pounds and has campaigned exclusively at heavyweight in his pro career, steps in for Tommy Fury, who withdrew from a bout with the famous influencer for the second time in eight months.

“Jake Paul and I sparred two years ago and let’s just say I took it easy on the kid,” said Rahman Jr. “August 6 is not a sparring session. I am going to separate him from God’s conscience. My name is Hasim Rahman Jr., and I am going to knock out Jake Paul. Period.”

Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) and Rahman Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs) are familiar with one another from their days as sparring partners. Rahman Jr. helped Paul prepare for his pro debut against AnEsonGib, which Paul won in spectacular fashion via first-round knockout in January 2020. When Rahman Jr. sparred Paul again to help him get ready for his second fight against the NBA slam dunk champion Nate Robinson later that year, Rahman Jr. praised his opponent for improving both his technique and punching power. Paul detonated a right hand that knocked Robinson out in the second round of their bout.

Rahman Jr. is inarguably the most experienced boxer on Paul’s professional resume. Rahman Jr. studied his craft under the tutelage of famed trainers like Emanuel Steward and Calvin Ford, learning how to fight ambidextrously, something his famous father never did. After growing up in the sport, Rahman Jr. amassed around 100 amateur fights, winning the prestigious Junior National Golden Gloves and Junior National Police Athletic League championships. Rahman Jr. turned pro in 2017 and jumped out to a 12-0 record with six knockouts, showcasing deft footwork and heavy hands.

In his most recent bout in April, however, Rahman Jr. was stopped controversially in the fifth round by James McKenzie Morrison, son of former heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison. When the referee waived off the fight with Rahman Jr. on his feet, Rahman Jr. complained bitterly in the ring that he should have been allowed to continue against Morrison, who improved to 20-0-2 with 18 KOs.

Now, Rahman Jr. steps into this high-profile SHOWTIME PPV main event bout at Madison Square Garden with hopes of notching a turnaround win in the same fashion as his famous father and namesake. After suffering knockout losses in 1998 and 1999, Rahman stormed to prominence in 2001 when he decked Lennox Lewis with an overhand right in the fifth round to win the Unified Heavyweight World Championship in South Africa. In 2005, Rahman became a two-time heavyweight champion when he won a vacant title against Monte Barrett.

Lee, 23, has won 15 of his last 16 fights by knockout and has shown both one-punch power and the ability to out-box his opponents. He most recently dominated tough veteran Zachary Ochoa in April and has quickly established himself as one of the most talented 140-pounders in the division. 

Sylve, 18, is the first prospect signed by MVP and already finds himself boxing on the biggest stage in the world at Madison Square Garden on SHOWTIME PPV. The undefeated teenage sensation has stopped all of his opponents inside of four rounds with his quick-trigger reflexes, high boxing IQ, and heavy hands. He recently knocked out Giovanni Gutierrez in the first round in May during his MVP debut at lightweight.

The Paul vs. Rahman and Serrano vs. Carabajal event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian.  Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter of the event, and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.  

NEW YORK, N.Y. – June 23, 2022 – SHOWTIME SPORTS^® and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced that Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will take on longtime nemesis and undefeated pro boxer Tommy “TNT” Fury, and Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano will defend her Unified Featherweight World Title against power-punching Argentine Brenda “La Pumita” Carabajal in co- main events at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, August 6 live on SHOWTIME PPV. Tickets for the twin bill will go on sale Wednesday, June 29 at 11 a.m. ET and can be purchased at www.msg.com. 

Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) and Fury (8-0, 4 KOs) will go face-to-face for the first time at a press conference on Wednesday, June 29 at Madison Square Garden to preview their highly anticipated showdown. Serrano (42-2-1, 30 KOs) will also be in attendance while the challenger Carabajal (18-5-1, 9 KOs) will remain in Argentina to focus on her training. The press conference will stream live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and Jake Paul’s YouTube channel.

Paul and Fury were originally slated to settle their differences in December, but Fury withdrew from the bout because of a medical issue. Paul went on to record a scintillating one-punch knockout of Tyron Woodley who stepped in as a late replacement for a rematch of the pair’s August 2021 clash. While Paul expressed little interest in granting Fury another opportunity, he has since changed his mindset. The Sports Illustrated 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year wants to punish Fury for withdrawing from their December fight and to silence the naysayers who have questioned the quality of his opposition so far in his young career. The 25-year-old Cleveland native started his pro boxing journey in January 2020 and is facing an opponent in Fury who is a more experienced boxer than he has faced and comes from a renowned boxing family.

“I wasn’t sure I was going to say yes to another potential matchup against Tommy after he pulled out of our matchup last year,” said Paul, who will face Fury in a scheduled eight-round cruiserweight bout. “But ultimately, knocking out a Fury was too appealing to pass up. I’ve proven I am dedicated to boxing in and out of the ring, from promoting fights, championing fighters and fighter pay, to knocking out my opponents. The Furys cannot say the same, they are selfish tossers. On August 6, at the mecca, Madison Square Garden, the world will see why I am on my way to being a world champion. I’m honored to fight under the same lights as some of the greatest professional boxers in history.”

The half-brother of WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury, Tommy won four of his first five bouts by stoppage after turning pro in 2018 and most recently dominated a 10-1 opponent in April to capture his eighth win in front of 94,000 fans. Fighting out of Manchester, England, Fury started boxing at 12 years old and won two regional titles, reaching the U.K. national final in 2016.

“The Paul brothers’ boxing charade is about to come to an end once and for all,” Fury said. “I am a boxer. My opponent plays boxing. Jake Paul has been dressed up to look like a boxer against retirees from other sports. On August 6, I will show the world that he does not belong in the ring. Thank you to my promoter Frank Warren, Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME^® for letting me permanently shut up Jake Paul. I look forward to headlining Madison Square Garden and knocking out this clown.”

After knocking out British YouTube star AnEsonGib in his boxing debut and defeating former NBA star Nate Robinson with a highlight-reel knockout, Paul made quick work of former MMA champion Ben Askren in April 2021 with a first-round knockout. Paul has since defeated Woodley twice on SHOWTIME PPV – the second time with one of the most devastating knockouts in recent memory in front of a sold-out crowd. Paul is fighting out of Puerto Rico under the tutelage of Danny Smith and B.J. Flores.

After becoming the first female boxer to headline Madison Square Garden in her unforgettable battle against Katie Taylor in April, Serrano is back as the only female boxer to headline MSG twice. She takes on interim WBO Featherweight Champion Carabajal, a battle-tested opponent who has never been knocked out.

Having won titles in every division between 115 and 140 pounds, Serrano, a Puerto Rican southpaw from Brooklyn, holds the Guinness World Record for most women’s boxing world championships (7) won in different weight classes. Her narrow split-decision loss to Taylor in a lightweight championship bout at Madison Square Garden drew a raucous, sold-out crowd of 19,187 who observed Serrano nearly finish Taylor off with a barrage of punches in the fifth round.

“I’m still in shock that I’ll be headlining The World’s Most Famous Arena twice in less than six months,” Serrano said. “Brenda is a very tough opponent and has never been knocked out, so I know I will need to be on my A game to change that. But I promise you, I am not leaving the outcome for the judges to decide. I am looking forward to fighting in front of my hometown crowd again on the biggest stage in the world and giving them the show they deserve.”

Carabajal captured the interim WBO Featherweight World Title beating fellow Argentine Debora Dionicius by majority decision in May. In 2019, Carabajal became the first Argentine female boxer to ever win a world title on American soil when she scored a unanimous decision over Elena Gradinar in Atlantic City, N.J., for the vacant interim WBO Featherweight belt. Born in the small town of Palma Sola in the northern province of Jujuy, Argentina, Carabajal was Argentina’s super featherweight champion from 2015-17 and was a silver medalist in the South American Games. She has faced six world champions and has stepped into the ring against notable names like Gradina, Maria Moderna, Paola Ibarra, Maria Capriolo and Tamara Nunez.

“This is the most important bout of my career,” said the 31-year-old Carabajal. “I know that my opponent is one of the best female boxers in the world but I want to face the best fighters. This chance finds me in my best physical and mental shape, so I’m going to take advantage of it. Nothing is impossible. I dare to dream of becoming world champion again, but this time in the majestic Madison Square Garden.”

The Paul vs. Fury and Serrano vs. Carabajal event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian on the premise that content is king, and fighters are the content creators in combat sports. Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter of the event, and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV and it will feature other exciting high-stakes, professional boxing matches which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

NEW YORK – June 15, 2022 – Renowned content creator and highlight maker Jake “The Problem Child” Paul, fresh off of his viral one-punch knockout victory in December, and Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano, the Unified Featherweight World Champion who is coming off one of the most significant matches in women’s boxing history, will headline in dual main events at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, August 6 live on SHOWTIME PPV in an event presented by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). Opponents for the main event bouts are to be announced.

The Sports Illustrated 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year, Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) will look to remain undefeated as a professional boxer and solidify his role as one of the sport’s most intriguing and talked-about fighters. A YouTube star and influencer-turned-pro boxer, Paul’s perfectly placed right hand in the sixth round against Tyron Woodley last December was the No. 1 trending video worldwide on YouTube the day following their December 18 bout. It retained its staying power with a No. 2 ranking two days later. The dramatic knockout also recorded 7.5 million views in less than 24 hours on YouTube, making it the most watched video in a 24-hour period in the history of SHOWTIME SPORTS^®. The Cleveland native, who is just 25 and started his pro boxing journey in January 2020, is fighting out of Puerto Rico under the tutelage of Danny Smith and B.J. Flores. 

“It has been one hell of a year already,” said Paul, a cruiserweight who will be fighting for the first time in New York City’s famed MSG arena. “I couldn’t have been prouder of Amanda when she went toe-to-toe against Katie Taylor in April and made history at MSG. Now, to be able to make my own history at the Garden and share the night with Amanda is just the epitome of the American dream. This is a special moment for the entire creator community and I promise I will once again show the world anything is possible.”

Having won titles in every division between 115 and 140 pounds, Serrano, a Puerto Rican southpaw from Brooklyn, holds the Guinness World Record for most women’s boxing world championships (7) won in different weight classes. Her narrow split-decision loss to Katie Taylor in a lightweight championship bout at Madison Square Garden was the first women’s fight in history to headline at MSG, and it delivered. Drawing a raucous, sold-out crowd of 19,187, Serrano (42-2-1, 30 KOs) nearly finished Taylor off with a barrage of punches in the fifth round. Now, Serrano will lace up the gloves for the second time this year and defend her WBO, WBC and IBO featherweight titles, which she last did in August 2021. 

“I’m so blessed. To be headlining twice in less than six months at Madison Square Garden is something I could have never dreamed of,” Serrano said. “I’m so thankful to MVP, SHOWTIME and MSG for their continued support and believing in me every step of the way. I can’t wait for another opportunity to fight in front of my community surrounded by my fans and to continue to prove that women can do anything.” 

“Amanda and Jake have become the most dynamic duo in professional boxing. As MVP athletes, they’ve both strived for greatness in their own respect and yet, continually work to build one another up not just as athletes but mentors and friends,” said MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. “Watching these two grow immensely over the last year has been a privilege and to have them both headline as main events at the greatest arena in the world, is a special feat. We are grateful to Madison Square Garden and SHOWTIME for partnering with us on what will be a can’t miss night of boxing and a monumental accomplishment for the creator community.”

Paul will fight on SHOWTIME PPV for a third time after winning a split decision over Woodley in August 2021 and delivering a sensational Knockout Of The Year candidate in their rematch in December. Serrano returns to the network for the fifth time, and now her third pay-per-view, after winning unanimous decisions over Yamileth Mercado in August and Miriam Gutierrez in December.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jake and Amanda back in dual co-headlining bouts on SHOWTIME PPV,’” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “Amanda and Jake represent two very different kinds of fighters—one is a sure-fire Hall of Famer with a litany of world titles on her resume, the other is a relative newcomer to the sport with a flair for the dramatic who has proven that he belongs. Despite their contrasting styles, they both make the sport more accessible and attractive to a younger and more diverse audience. When Jake Paul fights, he captures attention like few others, and we as a network have historically been the biggest proponent of women’s combat sports. We are proud to add this marquee event to a year filled with thrilling, world-class events from SHOWTIME—the global leader in live combat sports.”

The event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Bidarian on the premise that content is king, and fighters are the content creators in combat sports. Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter for the event, and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

#   #   #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Tampa, FL (May 2, 2022) – Like most who love the sweet science, undefeated middleweight Connor “The Kid” Coyle was fully engaged in the Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano fight.

Recognized as the biggest in women’s boxing history, Taylor-Serrano took place in front more than 19,000 fans at a sold out Madison Square Garden. It was the first time a female fight headlined at The Mecca of Boxing.

Following four fast-paced and competitive rounds, Serrano rocked Taylor in the fifth with a left hook followed by a left cross. Taylor was in bad shape and nearly tasted the canvas for the first time in her career but managed to finish the round on her feet.

Serrano kept the momentum over the next few rounds as she appeared to be headed towards the biggest win of her great career. Taylor impressively turned the tides in the final three rounds of the contest, finding her second wind and outfighting Serrano en route to a split decision victory.

“What an incredible fight that was – major credit to both women” said Coyle, who trained with Taylor in Dublin when both were amateurs. “Katie really had to overcome a lot of adversity against Serrano especially in the fifth round. Katie showed incredible heart and came through like a champion. She’s a true warrior and great inspiration for me heading into the most important fight of my career.”

Coyle, 15-0 (7 KO’s), meets Antonio Todd in a ten round contest for the NABA middleweight title Saturday, May 21 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL. Coyle-Todd airs live on Bally Sports Network as part of the Entrobox Championship Boxing Series at 9 pm et.

Tickets are on sale at https://www.ticketmaster.com/bally-sportsentrobox-championship-boxing-orlando-florida-05-21-2022/event/22005C889425AF5F.

Coyle is promoted by Fire Fist Boxing Promotions.

Follow all the action as Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano square off in what is the biggest female fight of all-time, and will be contested for the undisputed Lightweight World Title. The action begins at 7:30 with Galal Yafai taking on Miguel Cartegena; Franchon Crews-Dezurn will take on Elin Cederroos for the Undisputed Super Middleweight title and Jessie Vargas battles Liam Smith.

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY…NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1: Left from Taylor..Left from Serrano..Another,Left to body

Round 2 Right from Taylor..1-2…Left from Serrano…Right from Taylor..

Round 3 Left from Serrano…Right from Taylor..Left from Taylor…Left from Serrano

Round 4 Left from Serrano..starlight left…  Combo from Taylor..Right…

Round 5 Left from Serrano..Furious exchange in the corner…Huge shots by Serrano..Taylor looks hurt…Great Round 

Round 6 Taylor holding..Shes trying to fihht back…Big left from Serrano…Big left

Round 7 1-2 from Taylor..Right from Serrano..

Round 8 Right from Taylor…Jab,

Round 9 Left from Serrano..Right from Taylor..Body shot…Right,,,

Round 10 Good left from Serrano..Right from Taylor…Toe to toe exchanges…cut over right eye of Taylor…AWESEOME FIGHT

96-94 Serrano……97-93 Taylor..96-93 Taylor

Round 1 Body shot from Smith…Right from Vargas..Uppercut from Smith,,,Right ..1-2
Round 2 Right from Vargas ..Left…Vargas working body…Right…Good right from Smith..Right and left
Round 3 Left from Smith…Uppercut from Vargas..
Round 4 Jabs from Vargas,,Body shot,,Great back and forth with Vargas getting better
Round 5 Right from Smith…Right drives Vargas back
Round 6 Uppercut from Smith….Uppercut..
Round 7 2 lefts to the body from Smith..Good right…Right over top..
Round 8 Big right from Smith,,,Right in the chin…Smith landing combinations
Round 9 Hard jab from Smith…Right backs up Vargas,,Big flurry on ropes..Body shot hurts Vargas,,Vargas looks done
Round 10  Doctor Checks Vargas before round…HUGE FLURRY BY SMITH STARTED BY LEFT HOOK AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1: Right from Crews…Huge right…Right from Cederroos 

ROUND 2 Big Right hurts Cederros..

Round 3 Right from Cederoos..

Round 4 Cederroos bleeding from the nose…Hard right from Dezurn..Overhand right 

Round 5 Dezurn boxing 

Round 6 Right from Cederroos …Left from Dezurn..Right…

Round 7 Left from Cederoos…

Round 8 Left from Cederroos…

Round 9 Right from Dezurn…

Round 10 Right from Dezurn….Right…

99-91, 97-93 for FRANCHON CREWS DEZURN

Round 1 Uppercut from Yafai…Straight left…Right from Cartagena…Hard combination from Yafai… .Body shot from Yafai..
Round 2 4 punch combaination from Yafai..Relenteless pressure..FIGHT STOPPED IN CORNER

In a fight that exceeded huge expectations Katie Taylor won a 10-round split decision in front of a raucous and sold-out 19, 187 at Madison Square Garden.

The bout was billed as the best female fight of all-time, it delivered and then some. The two came out on even terms, with Taylor boxing just a hair better to take a slight early lead.

Serrano hurt Taylor badly in both rounds five and six with hard combinations. Taylor wanted to stand toe-to-toe with Serrano and paid dearly for it. Taylor seemed wobbly and unsettled as she stood in her corner between rounds five and six. Taylor was able stem the tide and start scoring from distance with quick combinations. Several times down the stretch, the two best female fighters on the world electrified The Garden Crowd by exchanging in the midst of furious flurries. The two did that until the very bell in this sure-fire Fight of the Year contender.

Taylor landed 147 of 575 punches; Serrano was 175 of 624.

Taylor of Bray, IRE took two cards by scores of 97-93 and 96-93. Serrano of Brooklyn, NY won a card by 96-94.

Taylor is now 21-0. Serrano is 42-2-1.

“What a fighter Amanda Serrano is – I think we are both great fighters,” said Taylor. “Look what we have just done, selling out Madison Square Garden, the biggest venue in boxing history. 
 
“Both of us have broken so many barriers in her careers. It feels great to be in this position really! Amazing fight. What a night!
 
“I knew exactly how deep I had to dig in this fight. I knew going into it that I was going to be in the trenches at some stage. She’s a phenomenal fighter and a great, great person. 
 
“I was listening to my trainer and I’m so grateful for Ross. Thank you for everything. You’re such a humble guy but you’re the best in the world.”

Smith Batters, Stops Vargas in 10

In a battle of former world champions, Liam Smith stopped Jessie Vargas in round 10 of their 12-round junior middleweight clash.

The fight was close through four rounds, with several even exchanges occurring between the two fighters. The naturally bigger Smith began to take over and started beating up Vargas. With each successive round, Vargas looked more tired, which opened for more powerful shots to land by Smith. Finally in round 10, Smith landed a big left hook that set off an unanswered flurry that forced referee Steve Willis to stop the bout at 41 seconds.

Smith of Liverpool, UK is 31-3-1 with 18 knockouts. Vargas of Las Vegas falls to 29-4-2.

Crews-Dezurn Decisions Cederroos to win Undisputed Super Middleweight Crown

Franchon Crews-Dezurn won the Undisputed Super Middleweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Elin Cederroos.

It was an action packed fight that saw Crews-Dezurn land a lot of overhand shots that forced the nose of Cederroos to bleed as early as round four.

Crews-Dezurn landed 171 of 439 punches; Cederroos was 108 of 511.

Crews-Dezurn of Baltimore, MD won by scores of 99-91 and 97-93 and is now 8-1. Cederroos of Sweden is 8-1.

Yafai Stops Cartagena After 2

2021 Olympic Gold Medal winner, Galal Yafai stopped Miguel Cartagena after round two of their scheduled 10-round flyweight bout.

Yafai dominated Cartagena all over the ring for both rounds until the fight was stopped.

Yafai of Birmingham, ENG is 2-0 with two knockouts. Cartagena of Philadelphia i 17-7-1.

NEW YORK–Austin Williams destroyed Chordale Booker in the opening round of the 10-round middleweight bout.

Williams hurt Booker and the pounded away on him with Booker sitting on the ropes for a scored knockdown. Booker was deemed unable to continue at 2:25.

Williams of Houston, TX is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Booker of Stamford, CT is 17-1.

Reshat Mati remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Joe Eli Hernandez in a super lightweight bout.

Mati, 143.8 lbs of Staten Island, NY won by scores of 80-72 on all cards, and is now 12-0. Hernandez, Matarnoros, MEX is 12-2.

Australian Olympian Skye Nicolson remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Shanecqua Paisley Davis in a featherweight bout.

In round six, Nicolson capped off the victory by dropping Davis with a straight left.

Nicolson, 125.6 lbs of Yatala, AUS won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 3-0. Davis, 125.2 lbs of Houston is 3-2.

Khalil Coe remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over William Langston in a light heavyweight bout.

Coe, 174. lbs of Jersey City, NJ won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56 and is now 3-0-1. Langston, 173 lbs of Kenosha, WI is 6-3.

LONDON, APRIL 29 – World champion Estelle Mossely is laser focused on securing a fight with the winner of this weekend’s lightweight clash between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.

And while the IBO title holder believes facing Serrano would be a significant fight for women’s boxing, Mossely says meeting her old amateur rival Taylor would be even bigger.

Mossely defended her belt in Dubai last month, with a points win over Yanina del Carmen Lescano, in an absorbing contest at Probellum Evolution.

The 2016 Olympic champion, who defeated Taylor in their final contest as amateurs, is resting up as she plans her next move but will make sure to watch the action from Madison Square Garden on Saturday night as Irish hero and Serrano meet for the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF titles.

“I will be watching the Taylor versus Serrano fight very closely this weekend, because I want to fight the winner,” said Mossely, who is 10-0 as a professional.

“A fight between Serrano and I would be big, but a fight between Taylor and I would be massive.?

“She was my toughest opponent as an amateur but in our last meeting, as everyone knows, I defeated her at the World Amateur Championships, in the same year I won gold at the Olympics.”

Mossely is also targeting a return to the amateur code in time to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in a bid to win a second gold medal.

But first, the 29-year-old wants to reach the very top of the pro ranks, which includes beating either Taylor or Serrano.

“I have been resting after defending my IBO world title in Dubai last month, but I will soon be ready to fight again,” she added.?

NEW WORLD CHAMPION SHUNNED CELEBRATIONS TO COACH AMATEURS

SHAKUR STEVENSON IS ‘WARY’ OF FIGHTNG ME

“And I believe that after one or two more fights, I will be ready to take on Taylor or Serrano in another huge unification fight for women’s boxing.”

To keep up to date with the latest news on Mossely, as well as the other fighters in Probellum’s roster, sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook?

About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, 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 earlier this month where Paul Butler won the WBO interim 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 and Shabaz Masoud 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).????

Katie Taylor   The amount of media we have had to do all week was huge. I’m sick of talking about myself but it’s been an amazing week so far. This is definitely very different than how I started boxing when I was eight or nine years old. Like Eddie said, I had to pretend I was a boy to get fights. Women’s boxing wasn’t even a sanctioned sport in Ireland. Now here we are many years later headlining MSG, the most iconic venue in boxing. Making history as the biggest women’s boxing match in history is just incredible. This is all of the sacrifice that I have been working for, for sure.    The fact that this is going to be a sell out on Saturday night, there is a great appetitive for female fights and this is very special. It’s the best versus the best and it’s just a great boxing match. This isn’t just the best female fight you can see right now – it’s the best fight you can watch right now, male or female.    I don’t train to lose any fights. I train to win. I’m going to step in there confident that I will come out victorious. The best part about this fight is being able to inspire the next generation. This fight on Saturday night is going to inspire a lot of young girls and that to me is the best part about this.   Amanda Serrano    It’s been a long time and it’s finally happening. Now I’ll shine thanks to all of you guys at Madison Square Garden. I couldn’t ask for a better place to make history once again. Sitting here I made history. I won my golden gloves here at the Hulu Theater. And I made history on DAZN with you becoming a seven-division world champion and I plan to do the same thing at the big garden. It’s my first time there. I shine under pressure.    One of my goals is to become undisputed champion and she has that and I’m going up, once again, two divisions to fight one of the best fighters in the world.    It’s been an amazing long journey getting here to fight Katie Taylor. Timing is no better than right now. I am so looking forward to Saturday.    We are probably the two nicest fighters. There is no bad talk between me and Katie Taylor because the fights are won inside the ring, not outside. We don’t need to talk bad about each other.    Our accomplishments got us where we at right now and we are making history together. No matter what happens on Saturday night, this is for the fans, women in general, and women in boxing and women’s boxing is only going to grow more.    Jessie Vargas   I want the bell to go so I can punch this guy down. I’m looking forward to that moment. I’m here to talk about boxing. This is my main career. This is my livelihood. I’ve been boxing since I was 8 years old. How can anyone question it?    I love what I do and I’m great at it. That’s why I continue to stay on the top, top 10 in the world. This Saturday night I will knockout Liam Smith as I said before.    I’m not here to shy away. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I’m here to fight. I’m gonna knock him out and I’m ready for it.    Liam Smith   When Jessie pulled out last time, they said wrap yourself in cotton balls because you’re not dropping this fight. I’m happy Jessie’s fans need to needle it back a little bit, but I’m very excited for this.    I say what I feel, and I do feel that I can be the first one to stop Jessie, especially at 154. 154 is my division.   Once the fight starts and it gels, it will gel into a very good fight. I fully believe I will take over.    I feel like Jessie is going into politics now, he’s got one foot out the door. I will give him his other foot. I will give him his exit.    Franchón Crews-Dezurn    When I win this fight, it’s already written, thanks to all the people around me. Elin is a great fighter. Leading up to this fight, Katie and Amanda, it’s the best of the best.    The difference between me and Elin – she’s a soccer player turned boxer. I’ve been boxing for over half of my life. I ain’t gonna lose to no half town boxer. And it’s all gonna go down on April 30.    Elin Cederroos   It’s an honor to be here at MSG and I’m the first Swedish boxer to come here… Ive been ready for such a long time now.      Galal Yafai Fighting at MSG in my second fight is a dream come true. I learned how small the gloves were and how it was walking into a small gym to fight. I’m here just to win and to look good.    Miguel Cartagena   It’s a great approach for where I’m at in my career right now. I’m super excited and I had a really good camp. I’m ready to show.    Austin Williams   I’m very thankful for Chordale Booker because you don’t always find fighters who want to put their undefeated on the line.    Nothing comes close to the things that I have sacrificed for this sport and y’all are going to see that.    Chordale Booker   We’ve been waiting for a fight so that’s what we are moving to. I’m ready to fight anybody and make my dreams come true. And that’s what is going to happen on Saturday. It’s my time. I have put in my work.    Skye Nicolson   I heard yesterday that this is my third fight in 57 or 59 days, so I am very active and want to show what I’ve got.    Katie and Amanda have been trailblazers for women’s boxing. They have paved the way for my generation, and I hope I can pave the way for the next generation.    I’ve got a lot of respect for my opponent. I think she’s a great fighter and she’s going to come to fight and come to win. I’m excited. I want to be in a real fight. That’s when you’re going to see the best me.

Fight week for the historic clash between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano began in style as the pound-for-pound greats visited the Empire State Building – which will be lit in their honor on Saturday night as they clash at Madison Square Garden in New York, live worldwide on DAZN.  TICKETS FOR TAYLOR VS. SERRANO ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER.COM  Taylor and Serrano, the pound-for-pound #1 and #2 fighters of the world is one that will not only make boxing history, but women’s sports history. MSG has hosted thousands of fights through its illustrious years, beginning more than a century ago on July 17, 1882; now, 140 years later, this matchup finally marks the very first time two female fighters are headlining a combat sports event at ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena’.   The pair went face-to-face for the first time in fight week at the Empire State Building on Tuesday afternoon, but first flipped the switch on the replica of the building to show how the iconic skyscraper will be decked out in colors to honor the pair, with a mix of Irish and Puerto Rican colors.   “The atmosphere is always electric at MSG,” said Taylor. “You can almost feel those iconic moments from the past when you are there. There’s going to be a lot of Irish fans in the building, I think it could easily be a 50-50 crowd with a lot of Amanda’s fans too, so it’s going to make for an amazing atmosphere.   “You think of Madison Square Garden, and you think the likes of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier these kinds of fights. It’s years and years later we’re still talking Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier kind of fights. I think years and years later from this fight people are still going to be talking about Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano.”   “Being a Latina from Brooklyn, I’m excited to say, ‘I’ve made it’,” said Serrano. “I’m fighting the main event at Madison Square Garden! I’m making seven figures, a young Latina from Brooklyn. I never thought it could happen.   “I’ve never fought at MSG; I did a tour there recently and then we did the press conference there; I was in awe of it, and I am so honored to be fighting here. I made history at the Hulu Theater by becoming seven-weight World champion and I won the Golden Gloves there too – it’s full circle now being able to be headlining in the big room and following some of the greats.”   There’s a star-studded undercard to whet the appetite before the main event as Jessie Vargas and Liam Smith meet in a must-win battle at Super-Welterweight and there’s more undisputed action on the card as Crews-Dezurn and Cederroos decide who is the top dog at 168lbs.   Olympic Gold medal star Galal Yafai makes his American debut and defends his WBC International Flyweight Title against Miguel Cartagena in his second pro fight, Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams is in a tough test with fellow unbeaten Middleweight Chordale Booker, Reshat Mati is always popular in his home city and the ‘Albanian Bear’ meets Joe Eli Hernandez over eight rounds, Australia’s Skye Nicolson fights for the second time as a pro against Shanecqua Paisley Davis over six rounds and Light-Heavyweight talent Khalil Coe makes the short trip from Jersey City to face William Langston over six.

Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are set to make history in an epic battle for Taylor’s undisputed Lightweight title at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, April 30 live worldwide on DAZN – and Taylor is thrilled to be part of shining the brightest ever light on women’s boxing.  TICKETS FOR TAYLOR VS. SERRANO ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER.COM  Taylor and Serrano will become the first female fighters to headline ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena’ in its 140-year history in the process. Irish favorite Taylor (20-0 6 KOs) puts her 135lbs hardware on the line for the sixth time in the Big Apple and does so against seven-weight champion Serrano (42-1-1 30 KOs), the Puerto Rican ace and Brooklyn native. Both fighters can proudly state that they have played huge roles in the recent rise in popularity for women’s boxing, and when they step through the ropes at the famous arena in ten days’ time, they smash through yet another glass ceiling and showcase women’s boxing on the grandest of stages.   “This is just a special occasion for me, to headline a huge fight like this at Madison Square Garden,” said Taylor. “It’s being billed as the biggest fight in female boxing history. This is just incredible and a real privilege for me.   “I love being involved in these kinds of fights. These are the challenges that I’ve always wanted. I don’t think I’ve ever backed down from any challenge. I’ve wanted to face the very best.   “Amanda Serrano is a fantastic fighter, she’s a great champion and she’s not here for no reason. She deserves this opportunity as well. She’s been pioneering her own way and that’s why this fight is the best in female boxing history.  We have champion versus champion. The best versus the best and this is why this fight is so special.   “This fight is at Madison Square Garden, the most iconic venue in boxing. The Mecca of boxing, really. You think of Madison Square Garden, and you think the likes of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier these kinds of fights.   “It’s definitely a 50-50 fight. I think that a lot of people will have me, and a lot of people will have her before the fight. I love being involved in these kinds of fights.   “This fight is genuinely the biggest fight in boxing as a whole right now!   “It’s years and years later we’re still talking Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier kind of fights. I think years and years later from this fight people are still going to be talking about Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano.   “I feel very privileged to be in this position and to be an inspiration to the next generation and to have those young girls look up to me. It’s a huge responsibility as well and I want to set a great example for these young girls coming up. I want to give them hope and I want them to know thy dreams they have in their hearts can be possible.”   “Growing up I had to pretend I was a boy to get fights. I had the headgear on, and my hair tucked into the headgear. They just had my name down as K. Taylor and obviously when the headgear came off there was an uproar because all the judges and officials saw I was a girl.   “I don’t grave the attention or crave the media attention. I don’t want to be famous; I just want to be the best boxer in the world.   “I’m also very grateful for the women that went before me – the likes of Christy Martin and Deirdre Gogarty, Lucia Rijker, Laila Ali who were pioneers in their sport. I don’t think that I’d be in the position I’m in today if it wasn’t for all those girls who went before me. I’m obviously very grateful for those who went before me.”   Taylor v. Serrano will have a star-studded supporting cast when Jessie Vargas and Liam Smith meet in a must-win battle at Super-Welterweight and there is more undisputed action on the card as Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Elin Cederroos decide who is the top dog at 168lbs. Olympic Gold medal star Galal Yafai makes his American debut and defends his WBC International Flyweight Title against Miguel Cartagena in his second pro fight, Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams is in a tough test with fellow unbeaten Middleweight Chordale Booker, Reshat Mati is always popular in his home city and the ‘Albanian Bear’ meets Joe Eli Hernandez over eight rounds, Australia’s Skye Nicolson fights for the second time as a pro against Shanecqua Paisley Davis over six rounds and Light-Heavyweight talent Khalil Coe makes the short trip from Jersey City to face William Langston over six.

Skye Nicolson will become the first Australian female to step through the ropes at Madison Square Garden when she fights on the undercard of the historic clash between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano on Saturday April 30 in New York, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS FOR TAYLOR VS. SERRANO ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER.COM
Nicolson (2-0) returns to the States for her third pro-outing after making her debut in San Diego at the start of March and then making it two wins from two in Leeds at the end of the month.

The Australian, who won Commonwealth Gold in 2018 and represented her country at the 2020 Olympics, joins an all-star cast on April 30 in the Big Apple, and makes her own piece of history on a night where Taylor and Serrano, the pound-for-pound #1 and #2 fighters of the world is one that will not only make boxing history, but women’s sports history. MSG has hosted thousands of fights through its illustrious years, beginning more than a century ago on July 17, 1882; now, 140 years later, this matchup finally marks the very first time two female fighters are headlining a combat sports event at ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena’.

The 26 year old southpaw will face Shanecqua Paisley Davis (3-1) over six rounds, and with the main event shining the brightest of lights on the rise of women’s boxing, Nicolson is thrilled to be sharing the stage with the main event and another undisputed battle between Super-Middleweight champions Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Elin Cederoos.

“It’s an honor for me to not only fight on this historic card but also to become one of the few Australians to fight at the Mecca of boxing Madison Square Garden and the first female,” said Nicolson. “This is a game changing moment for Women’s boxing and I’m so grateful for this opportunity to feature on this show.

“For me personally it will be three fights in eight weeks on both sides of the Atlantic, I feel like I’m improving every day and the opportunities that Matchroom and DAZN are giving me are helping me grow on my journey to become World champion. See you in NYC!”

“This is a massive night for boxing, and I am delighted to complete a great undercard with Skye,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “She’s been faultless in her first two fights so far, and on this most momentous of nights for female fighters, she will be able to show the world what she is capable of on the biggest of stages.”

Nicolson completes a star-studded undercard with Jessie Vargas and Liam Smith meeting in a must-win battle at Super-Welterweight and there’s more undisputed action on the card as Crews-Dezurn and Cederroos decide who is the top dog at 168lbs.

Olympic Gold medal star Galal Yafai makes his American debut and defends his WBC International Flyweight Title against Miguel Cartagena in his second pro fight, Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams is in a tough test with fellow unbeaten Middleweight Chordale Booker, Reshat Mati is always popular in his home city and the ‘Albanian Bear’ meets Joe Eli Hernandez over eight rounds, and Light-Heavyweight talent Khalil Coe makes the short trip from Jersey City to face William Langston over six.

Rosie Perez believes Amanda Serrano is going to ‘rock The Garden’ when she faces the undisputed Lightweight champion Katie Taylor on Saturday April 30 at Madison Square Garden in New York, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS FOR TAYLOR VS. SERRANO ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER.COM
Popular actor Perez has been a long-time supporter of Serrano, her fellow Brooklynite and proud Puerto Rican, and the ‘Do The Right Thing’ star is thrilled that the seven-weight World champion will be one half of the first ever all-female headline fight at the vaunted Manhattan boxing Mecca.

Ahead of the bout, Serrano opened her training camp and welcomed young people from the Garden of Dreams Foundation and SCO Family Services. Amanda, along with Perez, welcomed the group before Serrano displayed her training routine and welcomed 12-year-old Jamiyah Lee from Bed-Stuy into the ring for one-on-one instruction. Radio City Rockette, Taylor Shimko was also in attendance to learn boxing techniques from the 33 year old – and Perez is proud to see Serrano getting the big night her hard work has been leading towards. 

“When I see Amanda Serrano step into the ring April 30 at Madison Square Garden, I think I’m going to be in tears,” said Perez. “I’m going to be screaming “Boricua” and I think half of The Garden will be screaming the same.

“When someone says Amanda Serrano, I think of a champion. I think of a young woman who is dedicated to her sport.  Who’s been knocked around outside the ring in regard to lesser pay, who’s going to have her moment of her career come April 30 at Madison Square Garden.

“It’s just so exciting. I’m so happy for her. She’s going to rock The Garden.”

“Rosie has been in my corner from the very beginning,” said Serrano. “She’s a proud Boricua, Latina and she is just a great supporter for any female athlete. She is a huge boxing fan, and she has always encouraged me to be the best person I can be and the best athlete. When I found out where we were fighting and how much we were making I knew she was smiling and rooting for us and supporting us.”

Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are set to make history in an epic battle for Taylor’s undisputed Lightweight title at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, April 30 live on DAZN.

Years in the making, the biggest fight ever in women’s boxing between the pound-for-pound #1 and #2 fighters of the world is one that will not only make boxing history, but women’s sports history. MSG has hosted thousands of fights through its illustrious years, beginning more than a century ago on July 17, 1882; now, 140 years later, this matchup finally marks the very first time two female fighters are headlining a boxing event at the iconic venue.

Taylor and Serrano’s historic fight tops a huge night of action, with former World champions Jessie Vargas and Liam Smith meeting in a crossroads Super-Welterweight battle and there will be an undisputed champion crowned at Super-Middleweight when Franchón Crews-Dezurn and Elin Cederroos clash.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“An incredible building here for an incredible fight, an incredible moment for the sport of boxing. April 30 the undisputed Lightweight Championship between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano – live on DAZN from Madison Square Garden.

“We all felt and hoped that this event would be a game changer, this event would iconic, historic and break the records. Last week for the pre-sale we recorded the second biggest pre-sale in the history of boxing in 140 years at Madison Square Garden.

“Of course, this is the biggest female fight of all time but it’s also one of the biggest fights in boxing, April 30 the world will stop to watch these two great fighters change the sport and take women’s boxing to a new level.”

Joseph Markowski, EVP, DAZN:

“I think this is a fight that transcends not only women’s boxing but potentially if we get this right to transcend the sport of boxing. The energy in New York last week, the tickets sales, the turnout from the media today, the reaction on social media, Jake’s involvement. There are so many ingredients to this that give it the potential to really cut through.

“When you have the opportunity with a boxing event to really cut through to mainstream sport, you want to give it your best shot, and we’re determined to do that. We’ve got a couple of months to do that with a fantastic group of people pushing it, we’re really excited about the opportunity we’ve got to celebrate women’s sport and go beyond the four walls of boxing.

“Eddie and I have been in the States last week and he’s been stopped in the streets to talk about this fight far more than you would do for a women’s boxing event. I think that we’re seeing that it’s cutting through, we’re confident when we look at your numbers, the numbers on social media, the numbers on the content we’ve already got.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to grow our subscription audience and drive a massive audience on DAZN in many countries around the world – notably here in the UK, Ireland and over the States. A huge opportunity and one we’re really excited about.” 

Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions:

“This all started because of you [Eddie] and Joe when Jake made his debut on DAZN just two years ago. To think we’re here now with the biggest fight in women’s history, the biggest fight in boxing this year, is of course a credit to Eddie Hearn, Matchroom, DAZN, to Katie and Amanda, but also to my partner Jake Paul.

“Jake in little over two years have shaken combat sports upside down and is now sitting next to Eddie Hearn as co-promoter at age 25. There’s a guy on Boxxer that claims to be the youngest promoter in the UK, the youngest promoter in the UK is sitting on this stage right now and his name is promoter Paul.

“Jake and I have been very fortunate in our careers today, mine longer than his given I’m a lot older, we don’t need to be doing this, but we want to be doing this. This is a privilege, an honour, this is something that’s disrupting sports as a whole led by Jake, Katie and Amanda.”

Jake Paul, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, professional boxer and content creator:

“This is very serious, I’m just excited for April 30^th first and foremost. People better get their tickets at MSG.com because otherwise they’ll be sitting in the nosebleed section the way these tickets are selling.

“I want to give these ladies a round of applause for what they’re doing, what most people in boxing aren’t doing, the pound-for-pound two best going at it. This is what boxing needs more of whether it’s male or female, they’re putting it all on the line for this fight which is what makes it big.

“This is unprecedented and more boxers across the sport should take notes from these two ladies, make the big fights happen if you’re one of the pound-for-pound best and tell your promoters you want these fights. That’s what these ladies did and that’s why we’re here.

“To me it doesn’t matter because I’m passionate about it, if people want to show me respect then cool, if not then cool. I’m still going to be doing my thing but like the hat says, all I want to do is bring more to this sport than I took from it – that’s what I want to do.

“I believe Amanda will win, stylistically. All credit to Katie Taylor she has an amazing career and is an amazing person, but stylistically the way Amanda comes forward and her body shots. We saw Katie Taylor have a little bit of trouble with that against Persoon and she was head hunting and not necessarily going towards the body. That’s what Amanda brings, a power puncher that comes forward, unlimited cardio, that’s why I’m excited about this. Obviously, it’s going to be a great fight, but I believe in Amanda.” 

Amanda Serrano, seven-weight World champion:

“I want to thank London for having me, it’s a beautiful city. The struggle has been real but I’m super happy and excited that I’ve finally get to see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel with this fight with Katie Taylor. We’re making history and that’s what I want to do, I want to continue to open the doors for the new generation coming into the sport.

“I’m a woman for equality and we all talk about equality, on this table multiple times, we’re making history at the Garden being the first women to headline. We’re making the biggest payday for both of us, and I think we should just continue to make this iconic, make changes to this game and if Katie Taylor is willing and ready and able to make this an equal fight of 12 rounds of 3 minutes. If we want to make change, I think we should pave it right now on DAZN. This is all about equality and we should make the change right now.

“I understand that this fight is iconic but if we want to make a change for the future and get people to notice it, get these promoters to not talk badly about women, I think we need to take a stand.

“My plan is to fight smart, to be smart on April 30. I know I have all the tools to beat Katie Taylor, I just have to go out there and be smart – victory will be mine.

“I have everything, there’s no questioning my heart, my skills, my power and my chin. There’s nothing I think Katie Taylor has that will answer the questions that need to be answered. I have Latin blood and all the heart in the world.” 

Katie Taylor, undisputed World Lightweight champion:

“I don’t think changing to 12 3 minute rounds will make a difference, this event is already iconic the way it is. The fact the pre-sales are the second best in MSG history says it all really, this fight is more important than we realise, and this proves that the perceptions have changed already. Boxing is boxing regardless, and the fight is already iconic the way it is.

“I think we’re making a stand the way we’re actually fighting each other in the first place, the best fighting the best. This fight is going to determine the best pound-for-pound female fighter in the world so we’re already making a stand by taking this fight.

“This is the fight I’ve wanted from the get-go, ever since I turned pro, I had me sights set on Serrano. I’m just so excited the fight is happening now; I do genuinely believe this is the best fight and most exciting fight in boxing right now. The fact it’s headlining Madison Square Garden and the pre-sales were the second best in boxing history, means this fight is more important than we realise and proves that there is a strong appetite with the public for these big female fights.

“Not only are we breaking the ceiling for female purses, but we have actually changed perceptions of the sport and if our careers have only achieved that then all the hard days in the gym have been absolutely worth it.

“I’m obviously expecting the toughest fight of my career and I’m expecting that, I know that I won’t be found short on grit and heart, I know my mind can take me to places I have no right to go because I’ve been there before both in the gym and on big nights. The whole world has seen me do it, I don’t think anybody has ever asked the question has Katie got what it takes to go to that place and win the fight in the trenches, that question has been answered. I’m not sure that Amanda has answered that question yet and her legacy will depend on the answer to that question, and I guess we’ll find out April 30.”