World rulers Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Richardson Hitchins face crunch clashes in the summer live worldwide on DAZN – as WBC and Ring Magazine king Bam faces WBO champion Phumelele Cafu in a blockbuster unification battle at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on July 19 and Hitchins makes the first defense of his IBF World Junior-Welterweight crown against former World ruler George Kambosos Jr at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 14.
 
Rodriguez (21-0 14 KOs) is back in action following a stellar 2024, where he followed his epic KO win over modern great Juan Francisco Estrada in a fight of the year contender in Phoenix in June to become a two-weight unified champion, and defended the titles for the first time in Philadelphia in November with a dominant three-round destruction of Pedro Guevara, and fights in his home state for the first time since he became a two-weight champion by beating Cristian Hernandez in his San Antonio hometown in April 2023.
 
Cafu (11-0-3 8 KOs) puts his belt on the line for the first time after taking the crown from Kosei Tanaka in Tokyo in October via split decision. ‘Truth’ now steps into one of the biggest fights in the game in just his second World championship bout, with the South African landing his belt in just his 14th pro-outing.
 
“I’m excited to finally step back into the ring,” said Rodriguez. “I cannot wait to fight in front of my home state fans. I’m looking forward to unifying in another weight division.
 
“I know Cafu is a tough opponent, but these kinds of fights bring out the best in me and I’ll be ready for whatever he brings. July 19th tune in and witness greatness.”
 
“This is awesome, man, because once again I get to step in with an elite fighter and prove the world wrong, showing people that I’m also an elite fighter,” said Cafu. “I’ve always wanted to fight him because people think he is the bogeyman of the division and say he is unbeatable, but I’ll prove to the people that no one is unbeatable. Beating him will put me on the pound-for-pound list, and I will be King of the division.”
 
“We’re proud to once again welcome the world of boxing to The Star in Frisco for what promises to be another unforgettable night,” said Stephen Jones, Chief Operating Officer, and Co-Owner of the Dallas Cowboys. “Hosting a fight of this magnitude between Bam Rodriguez and Phumelele Cafu reflects our continued commitment to bringing premier sporting events to our fans and community. We greatly value our ongoing partnership with Matchroom Boxing and are excited to help deliver another iconic event at The Star.”
 
The first undercard bout to be announced on the Bam-Cafu show is a big one, with the co-feature of the night pitting LA Super-Middleweight sensation Diego Pacheco faces Trevor McCumby.
 
Pacheco (23-0 18 KOs) is closing in on his first World title shot, and the #1 contender with the WBO will be aiming to add another scalp to his resume following an impressive showing in Las Vegas where he saw off Steven Nelson.
 
McCumby (28-1 21 KOs) will have other ideas though as the Arizonan looks to get back on track for a World title tilt of his own. The 32 year old floored former World ruler Caleb Plant in the fourth round of their clash in Las Vegas in September, but Plant would stop McCumby in the ninth round to claim the interim WBA strap.
 
“I’ve been working my entire life to get to this point in my career where im facing the best fighters in the world,” said Pacheco. “Ahora si ya empezó lo bueno y venimos con todo y por todo.”
 
“I’m very excited to be back,” said McCumby. “There’s a lot of hype behind my opponent, that I will put to rest. The world hasn’t seen the best Trevor McCumby and I plan show them come fight night #Tenacious.”
 
Hitchins (19-0 7 KOs) returns home to New York for the first defense of the title that he won with a clinical performance against Australian Liam Paro in Puerto Rico in December. The unbeaten 27 year old is back in the Big Apple for the first time since February 2023 where he dominated John Bauza, with his last two wins seeing his shut-out Jose Zepeda in Orlando in September 2023 before he set up his World title shot against Paro with victory in a final eliminator over Gustavo Lemos in Las Vegas last April.
 
Kambosos Jr (22-3 10 KOs) has very fond memories of the venue too, with the Australian returning to the scene of his greatest night, where he became the king at 140lbs by stunning Teofimo Lopez in November 2021. ‘Ferocious’ returned Down Under where he twice met Devin Haney in Melbourne before welcoming Vasiliy Lomachenko to Perth, with a victory over Maxi Hughes in Oklahoma. The 31 year old claimed the 22nd win of his pro career in March against Jake Wyllie in Sydney and will look to become a two-time World ruler against Hitchins.
 
“June 14, NY we are here baby!” said Hitchins. “The 140lb king returns home, headlining my first show at MSG, as a World champion. Just saying it aloud gives me chills. I dreamed of moments like this as a kid and now we are here.
 
“George Kambosos is not on my level. Never has been, never will be. He’s talked himself into this fight, and now he’s going to pay the price for running his mouth. He had the biggest win of his career and crowning moment in this building, and on June 14 I end his career in that same building.
 
“This is my time, my division, and I plan on putting on a spectacular performance and showing the world that I am one of the best fighters on the planet.”
 
“The stars align again, history always repeats, I head back to a place I created legacy at, a home where I may be regarded as an underdog again but a familiar place that i thrive in,” said Kambosos Jr.
 
“I stand 2-0 at Madison Square Garden, the world’s most famous arena, and on June 14, I will make it 3-0 when I rip Hitchins’ belt off him and break his will, take his heart and ruin his undefeated career.
 
“He has never been in a fight with a fighter like me, I have stepped to the absolute best, a resume unlike any. This is my 6th World title fight. I’ve built countless experience and at my new weight of 140 pounds I feel tremendous and very motivated to become a two-weight World champion.
 
“He likes to talk for a man that deep down hasn’t achieved much, so I look forward to taking him to a place he has never been and seeing how much of the talk is real and how much of it is fake like others in the past. See you June 14, Shitchins”
 
Before two blockbuster nights in America, two shows hit DAZN at the end of May. There’s a mouthwatering World title fight in Yokohama, Japan as Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez and Masanori Rikiihsi clash for the vacant IBF World Super-Featherweight title at Yokohama Buntai, Yokohama on Wednesday May 28, live on DAZN in the UK, USA, Canada and throughout Europe.
 
Nunez (27-1 27 KOs) travels to the land of the Rising Sun for his first World title fight, as the Mexican knockout merchant and IBF #1 locks horns with Rikiishi (16-1 11 KOs) who himself is on a five-straight KO win tear.
 
Three days later, Matchroom return to Mexico on Friday May 30 as Manuel Gallegos and Khalil Coe clash in a rematch for the WBC USA Light-Heavyweight title at Arena Alcalde in Guadalajara, live worldwide on DAZN.
 
Gallegos (21-2-1 18 KOs) and Coe (9-1-1 7 KOs) first met in November in Philadelphia where the Mexican ripped the title from the New Jersey talent with a ninth-round stoppage, and they will tussle for the strap again next month, this time on the champions home turf.
 
Two hometown favorites are in action with Gabriel Valenzuela (30-4-1 17 KOs) fighting over ten rounds at Super-Lightweight and WBO Latino Bantamweight champion Christian Medina (24-4 17 KOs) kicking off the night on DAZN.
 
“This is another brilliant slate of fights on the home of boxing, DAZN,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Bam is a pound-for-pound superstar of the sport at such a young age, and he is primed to unify once again against a tough foe in Cafu, while it’s another big showcase for Diego to underline his readiness to face the World rulers.
 
“Richardson was fantastic against Liam in Puerto Rico but now the hunter becomes the hunted, and George is returning to the scene of his greatest triumph to rip up the script against New York’s only World champion.
 
“I cannot wait to be in Japan to see the vicious ‘Sugar’ Nunez claim the World title against Rikiihsi and then head to Mexico for a pivotal night in the career of Khalil Coe, as he rematches Gallegos.”
 

IBF JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR

Resurging Puerto Rican knockout specialist?Subriel?Matías?(21-2, 21 KOs) will face Mexico’s hard-hitting?Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela?(30-3, 17 KOs) in an IBF Junior Welterweight World Title Eliminator on Saturday, March 1, live on?DAZN. The winner of the bout, featuring the IBF’s two top ranked 140-pound contenders, will be the mandatory challenger to reigning IBF Champ,?Richardson Hitchins. The 32-year-old former IBF Junior Welterweight titleholder Matías has amassed 21 victories, all coming by way of finish. Boasting an impressive highlight reel career, Matías is widely regarded as one of the most prolific finishers in boxing.

Facing Matías will be a skilled, confident 30-year-old Gollaz Valenzuela. On the strength of five straight victories, Valenzuela boasts 17 knockouts in 30 wins and should make an electrifying match opposite Matías. Originally scheduled to face each other in November 2024, Valenzuela will compete for the first time in Matías’ home country of Puerto Rico. Currently ranked No. 4 in the IBF Junior Welterweight division (Matias is No. 3) with the top two spots vacant, Valenzuela is confident that he can win on foreign soil and earn his first world title shot against Hitchins.

Returning to Puerto Rico for the second time in five months, Salita Promotions has continued to showcase the rich boxing talent that resides on the island, much like it has done the past two years in the state of Michigan. With a proven track record of discovering talent throughout the greater Detroit and Flint, Mich., region, Salita Promotions President Dmitriy Salita continues to give up-and-coming talent a global platform to perform. 

140-POUND DIVISION ON DISPLAY

The co-main event will see the WBO NABO Super Lightweight Title on the line as Dominican Republic’s Alfredo Santiago (16-2, 7 KOs) meets fellow countryman Javier Fortuna (39-5, 28 KOs). Santiago, 30, returns to the ring on the heels of a statement first-round TKO victory over Mexico’s Pedro Campa in November 2024. Currently on the strength of three straight victories, Santiago captured the WBO NABO Junior Super Lightweight Title last June when he defeated Angel Fierro via unanimous decision, and this Saturday night, Santiago will attempt to defend his title for the third time. Starting his impressive career off with an undefeated record of 12-0, Santiago earned a shot against former Undisputed Lightweight World Champion Devin Haney for the WBC Lightweight World Championship in November 2019. While coming up short, Santiago has proven that he belongs in the upper echelon of the Super Lightweight Division. 

Entering his second bout in just over two months, the 35-year-old Fortuna will compete in Puerto Rico for the first time. Like his opponent, Fortuna is coming off an impressive TKO victory defeating Jonatan Mariano in December 2024. Boasting a staggering 28 knockouts to his name, Fortuna made his professional debut in 2009 against Ricardo Johnson. Fortuna held the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Title in 2019 and challenged former IBF Super Featherweight World Champion Joseph Diaz in 2021 for the WBC Interim Lightweight World Title.  

In addition, undefeated Nestor Bravo (23-0, 16 KOs) and South Africa’s Xolisani Ndongeni (32-6, 19 KOs) will collide for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Jr. Welterweight Title. Hailing from Arecibo, P.R., Bravo will return to action after nearly a year away from the ring. Previously holding the WBC Latino Lightweight Title and the WBO NABO Super Lightweight Title, Bravo pursues another belt when he faces his toughest test to date in Ndongeni. 

Recently challenging for the vacant WBO Latino Lightweight Title, Ndongeni looks to insert himself back into the win column against Bravo. A tenured competitor, Ndongeni has held the WBF International Featherweight Title, IBO International Lightweight Title, and WBF Lightweight Title. With ample experience against undefeated prospects, Ndongeni aims to give the rising Bravo his first defeat.

HEAVYWEIGHT STANDOUT RETURNS TO THE RING

Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Pryce Taylor (6-0, 4 KOs) returns to action against Arizona’s Trevor Kotara (4-3-1, 1 KO) following his second-round knockout victory over Jerell Nettles on February 2. A promising heavyweight prospect, Taylor signed with Salita Promotions in November 2024, and has since gone 2-0 under the banner, both victories coming by way of knockout. Standing at 6-foot-4, Taylor is a former collegiate basketball player and has won two New York Golden Gloves title. 

CATCH ALL THE ACTION ON DAZN

The night of fights will air live globally on DAZN at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Corey Erdman will handle the blow-by-blow call, with International Boxing Hall of Famer announcer Al Bernstein joined by former IBF Junior Middleweight world champion Raul Marquez?handling the commentary. Veteran sports reporter Claudia Trejos joins the team as the ringside reporter.

SALITA PROMOTIONS’ ALI IZMAILOV SET FOR HOMECOMING BOUTLight heavyweight prospect and Salita Promotions’ rising star Ali Izmailov (12-0, 8 KOs) will fight in his homeland of Russia for the first time as a professional this Thursday night when he faces veteran Habib Ahmed (30-2-1, 21 KOs) of Ghana in the main event in Moscow. 

Izmailov is trained in Detroit by noted trainer John David Jackson. “I’ve had an incredible training camp and can’t wait for February 27th,” Izmailov said. “The light heavyweight division is on fire right now, and I’m ready to make my mark. My goal is to become a world champion, and this is the year I make that dream a reality!”

It’s been a little more than a year since Izmailov last stepped into the ring as he stopped Britton Norwood by fourth-round TKO at Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit last February.

“The light heavyweight division is all about the best fighting the best, as we saw in the incredible Beterbiev vs. Bivol showdown just last weekend,” said Dmitriy Salita. “Ali Izmailov is a true blue-chip contender – he’s proven he can compete at the highest level and has what it takes to be the best. It’s only a matter of time before he gets his shot at the world championship.”

Liam Paro says Richardson Hitchins is known as a ‘quitter’ and he’ll take him to dark places tomorrow night in the first defense of his IBF World Junior Welterweight title at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW

Paro (25-0 15 KOs) returns to his happy hunting ground of Puerto Rico, where in June he ripped the IBF strap from 140lb bogeyman Subriel Matias on the best night of his life in the paid ranks to date.

The Australian has been bullish in the build-up that there is no way mandatory challenger Hitchins (18-0 7 KOs) will emulate his feat of dethroning the champion, and with the memories of his triumph still fresh in his mind, Paro is eager to create more tomorrow night.

“It’s a beautiful place with beautiful people, and I hope to win more fans again second time around,” said Paro. “It still leaves me speechless and gives me tingles in my body every time I think about it, I just want to keep living those moments and leave a good legacy in the game. 

“Talk doesn’t burn me up because I know what I can do in the ring and I know what I am about, so I don’t need to tell people what I am about. We’ve heard numerous times from people that he’s a quitter, and once a quitter, always a quitter. I’m definitely going to test that and we’ll see if he’s about it.

“I’ve been through hell and back outside the ring, I’ve lost close people, I’ve been through things in my life that’s harder than a fight mentally, so it shapes me into the fighter that I am and everyone knows my mind is the strongest thing and you can’t beat me when it comes to the mental game. It gives me the true grit in the ring and the hunger, it’s going to be hard to defeat a man like that and I am blessed to have that and those hard times in life have shaped me into the man I am today and that’s who I am, a true warrior and a modern-day gladiator. 

“He likes to talk, I think that’s just covering up his own insecurities, but we’re going to see tomorrow night. Everyone knows what I bring to the table, let’s see if he’s about what he says.

“The day I retire is the day I live as a champion because I will always have that contender mindset, and there’s more and more to achieve, I have that drive and hunger, and it’s going to be Paro time for a long time. I have self-belief, I don’t have to try to promote that to the world or let everyone know, I just show it.

“It’s going to be the first time I’m going to face a track star but we’ve done the right things in the gym to cut the ring off and make it a really hard and long night for him in there. I want no excuses, I’m going to take him to some very, very dark places tomorrow night.

“He’s unstable, he’s emotional on Twitter, he has to sell to the people, but not just that, to himself too, telling himself he’s got that X factor. But all we see is talk. No disrespect, he’s a good boxer, but he stinks out arenas, none of his fights yet have proved that he is what he says he is, tomorrow night, meet me in the middle of the ring, don’t run, and prove not just to me but to the world that you’ve got it. Keep that energy and give the Puerto Rican people what they deserve, a fight. Don’t run. Don’t stink it out, they don’t deserve it.”

Paro’s clash with Hitchin is part of a stacked night of action in San Juan, with the co-feature an all-Puerto Rican clash between Henry Lebron (19-0 10 KOs) and Christopher Diaz (29-5 19 KOs) as Lebron returns to his homeland for the first time in five years and does so in the biggest night of his career, as the #4 in the IBF looks to press his claims for World title action in 2025 with a big win over a domestic rival and pick up the vacant IBF Latino and WBO NABO titles in the process. Diaz sits pretty at #7 in the WBA, has already tasted World title action and is hungry to do so again, and ‘Pitufo’ puts his WBA Continental Latin America title on the line in a pivotal clash for the immediate futures of both.

Puerto Rican Olympian Yankiel Rivera will take on Angel Gonzalez for the vacant WBC Silver, WBA Continental Americas and WBO Intercontinental Flyweight titles

Rivera (6-0 2 KOs) is handily placed in the rankings at #3 with the WBA, #9 with the WBC and #11 with the WBO, and fights at home for the second time in 2024 having seen off the experienced Victor Sandoval over ten rounds in June in Manati, defending the WBA strap and adding the WBO belt.

The 27 year old will be looking to rubber stamp his World title credentials for a shot in 2025, but Gonzalez (14-0 7 KOs) will be out to spoil those plans in the biggest fight of his career. The 31 year old with Puerto Rican roots landed the NABF title at 112lbs in June in Connecticut, and can catapult himself into the World title mix with victory in December.

Jalil Hackett will aim so show once again that he has no fear in the infancy of his career as he travels to Puerto Rico for a title defense. Hackett (9-0 7 KOs) was impressive in a big step up to win the WBA Continental Americas Welterweight title on his Matchroom debut against Peter Dobson in July, and ‘Major’ will defend that title in another real test against Puerto Rico’s former amateur standout Jose Roman (13-1 6 KOs).

Marc Castro and Stephanie Pineiro have confirmed opponents for the night, with Castro (13-0 8 KOs) tackling Agustin Quintana (20-1-2 13 KOs) over ten rounds at Lightweight, and Pineiro (7-0 2 KOs) meeting Ogleidis Suarez (30-5-1 14 KOs) over eight rounds Welterweight.

Puerto Rico’s Juan Zayas (10-0-1 8 KOs) takes on Dominican Geraldo Valdez (16-2 11 KOs) over eight rounds at Bantamweight and Matchroom’s Puerto Rican talent William Ortiz (6-0 4 KOs) faces fellow unbeaten Puerto Rican Lionell Colon (6-0 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Lightweight.

EDDIE HEARN

“It’s a pleasure to be back in Puerto Rico and we have an incredible fight card on Saturday. The undercard is full of Puerto Rican talent and fighters looking to get shots at a world championship. It’s a great fight card as we look to come to the end of an incredible year of boxing.”

“The main event will be a tremendous fight between two undefeated fighters. Both fighters have the opportunity to walk into some of the biggest fights in the sport.”

“I know the people of Puerto Rico know boxing and this is a stunning fight card, and I hope everyone can give support to the main card and all the other fights. We are going to have a great time on Saturday, and we are going to have a party going on. I can’t wait to share it with you live on DAZN and in Puerto Rico.” 

LIAM PARO

“I’m very excited to be back in beautiful Puerto Rico, the country that gave me the opportunity to become champion. To come back here and win more fans this time around is really special. I’m excited, we’ve put in the hard yards in this camp and we’re ready. Look, we know the task ahead of us, you never overlook any opponent and we’re coming in guns blazing ready to put on a show for everyone here Saturday night.

“I’ve said this my whole career, fighters fight. I want to be a busy champion, and when we didn’t get any other bites, we called on our mandatory. We knew that we would have to take care of [Hitchins] sooner or later and felt that sooner is better than later. So, here we are now, two days away from squaring off and I can’t wait to show the world what we already know.”

“I’ll give credit where credit is due, Hitchins is mandatory for a reason. He’s worked his way up there, and we know that this isn’t an easy task. We’re at the world level now where every fighter is elite, so we’ve done the right things in the gym. Alfie is the best coach in the world, and now it’s just up to me to execute the plan perfectly on Saturday night.”

RICHARDSON HITCHINS

“It’s definitely a surreal moment, but it’s not as surprising as when I first signed with Matchroom. When I first signed, I always wondered when my first title fight would be, but now that I’m more seasoned to the sport I’ve been showing that I’ve been fighting at a world title level since signing with Matchroom. I’ve always shown up to fights in shape and have shown that I’m a purist in the sport of boxing and that I am an all-around fighter. Now, it’s time for me to show the world that this is the only place that I belong. I don’t feel that my type of boxing will be accepted anywhere else except on the world stage. I belong at this stage right here, sitting next to Eddie Hearn, and fighting the best fighters because that is the talent that I bring to the sport. Come Saturday night, I’ll display it again.”

“I respect Liam Paro because he takes the sport as a professional. He comes ready and does everything that he needs to do as a professional, but when it comes to the things as a boxer to be and stay at the world stage, well I don’t think that he possesses the tools that I possess. We’re ready, we’re prepared, and like I said I haven’t underestimated Liam at all. He’s a world champion for a reason.”

“Liam knows how to box but come Saturday I’ll be prepared for a boxing match too. At the end of the day, when it comes to the sweet science, I know how to do it all. I’m at the world stage for a reason. I’ve been showing that I’m at a world stage since the amateurs. I’ve had to fight 20 different styles in seven days in Russia as an Olympian, so I’m used to all kinds of different styles. Whatever he brings to the table, I’ll be able to adjust.”

“I win this fight by showing that I’m a world class fighter, just like I’ve done in every other fight. In my last fight I got a lot of criticism for how close it was, but I think that my last fight was definitely an experience that showed me that you do everything right as a professional. Especially with nutrition, listening to the right people, and making weight the right way. That’s why I respect Liam, because he’s not one of those guys that will mess around. This fight I’m coming in more seasoned and with more experience, I’m doing everything right. For me to win this fight it won’t be through any means necessary, it will be by showing that I am at a world class level. Liam has never been in the ring with an opponent like me. I’m saying it now, and he will be saying it after the fight.”

“I know this business, and you can fool these people but not me.”

ALFIE DI CARLO, LIAM PARO’S TRAINER

“We haven’t underestimated Richardson Hitchins and he’s the mandatory contender for a reason. We have put in a fantastic camp and spent the last five weeks in Florida, and we are familiar with the warm weather. There has been no stone unturned in this preparation and I know Liam is ready to make a statement on Saturday night.”

“I think you get better with every fight, and you learn things about yourself. Liam has always been a confident guy and of course you get better with every fight and this one is exactly the same.”

LENNY WILSON, RICHARDSON HITCHINS’ TRAINER

“I would like to dispel some notions before we even begin. A lot of people were saying Richardson Hitchins had ducked Subriel Matias, and he didn’t want to come to Puerto Rico. I want everybody to understand, anybody they brought in front of Richardson Hitchins or the team, we answered the call. Subriel Matias was never offered to us, and just because somebody expressed their opinion about IBF rules, doesn’t mean that they don’t want to fight an opponent.”

“I heard you [Eddie Hearn] refer to Paro as a rising star, so I just want to say on Saturday night, Paro will be a falling star. And when it’s all said and done, they will be raising Richarson Hitchins’ hands as the new IBF world champion.”

“Richardson Hitchins is a world-class fighter. He has everything it takes to be a world champion on Saturday night. I think that Liam Paro, I’m not going to say that he’s a bad fighter, but there are some things that we observed during his fight with Matias that we’re ready for. Richardson has been with some of the best people money can buy. I remember when I was training him when he was a kid, I was afraid to put him in the ring with certain people, but he always would convince me that he could do it. I see him spar with guys like Carlos Adames, Sadam Ali, Danny Jacobs, all those great fighters and I’ve never seen him come out unmarked. I think Paro is going to be in the ring with someone different than all the domestic opponents that he’s been fighting and he’s going to realize that Richardson Hitchins has everything it takes to be a world champion and that he’s definitely, definitely on another level.”

YANKIEL RIVERA

“My goal is to be world champion, so the idea is to come out victorious on Saturday. I want to be a world champion, so if I get the victory I want to go on and fight for a world title after that.”

“As I said, it’s another big fight which is great news for the fans. It’s one that fans will enjoy, I’m facing an undefeated great fighter, and he’ll want to remain undefeated after this. But I have to beat him to continue with my days of becoming world champion. Unfortunately, someone will be defeated on Saturday, but it won’t be me.”

ANGEL GONZALEZ 

“I’m ready for Saturday, I have been training 2-3 times a day and I’m ready for the opportunity. I’m definitely ready for war on Saturday and we are both going to give it all to the fans, so let the best man win. It’s going to be me because I put in the work everyday and never doubt myself.”

JALIL HACKETT

“The whole hostile takeover thing [fighting in his opponent’s homeland], is nothing new to me. I’ve been doing this my whole life, if I want something, I go and get it. You [Eddie Hearn] say there’s an opportunity in Puerto Rico and you’re fighting a Puerto Rican dude, that ain’t do nothing but hype me up. I’m just overly anxious for Saturday and I’m ready to put on an even better performance than I did in July.”

“I’ll be 22 next year, and I don’t really believe in beating around the bush in anything in life. This is my job, and if I’m trying to be one of the best, I’m trying to find out early. So, 2025, we’re looking at a world title, we’ve got world champions calling me out and I only have nine fights. Brian Norman said he wanted the smoke, so he got the WBO belt. After we get through this, we are definitely looking at a world title in 2025, the WBO to be specific.”

JOSE ROMAN

“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and going into this fight as I feel really confident and very well-prepared that I can get back to winning ways on Saturday night and get back to where I need to be.”

HENRY LEBRON

“This fight was supposed to take place in June, but unfortunately it couldn’t happen at that time due to an injury I sustained. But now we’re here and we’ve prepared really well and are more than ready for this fight.”

CHRISTOPHER DIAZ

“Saturday night is going to be a war, just like Javier Bustillo said. We’ve been working hard in this camp. We’ve been preparing ourselves for the past six to seven months for Henry Lebron. He’s a great person, this isn’t personal. He’s a great, humble guy, but this is work. We both fight to feed our families, and it will come down to who wants it more. The way that I’ve been training my body in mind, on Saturday night you will all see a different kind of beast.”

MARC CASTRO

“This is my first time in Puerto Rico, and I’m happy to be able to showcase my talents.”

“We’re just here to fight. We want all of the big fights and to showcase our talents. I feel like the better the opponent the better I will look.”

Richardson Hitchins is ready to prove he’s on a ‘different level’ to Liam Paro, as he closes in on his showdown for the Australian’s IBF World Junior Welterweight title at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW

Hitchins (18-0 7 KOs) is fighting for his first World title against the Australian, who defends the crown he won in Puerto Rico against 140lb bogeyman Subriel Matias in June. Paro (25-0 15 KOs) ripped the crown from the local favorite in his first World title fight, and now the hunter becomes the hunted, as Hitchins looks to emulate the champion’s summer feat.

The Brooklyn ace penned a promotional deal with promoter Eddie Hearn in September 2022, and just over two years later with four fights under his belt, the 27 year old is the mandatory challenger for Paro, and is determined to convert his hard work into landing the biggest prize at the first attempt.

“I’m on a different level,” said Hitchins. “I can say that but on Saturday I get the opportunity to get in the ring and prove it.

“I feel I am a better fighter, a better boxer. I have the better tools and am more experienced. If you look at my boxing journey from the amateurs, the Olympics, to facing ex-world champions and many young undefeated fighters, you will understand.

“Paro gained lots of experience from the Matías fight, but I feel that experience against that style will not be enough because it is a completely different style to mine.

“He is a dirty fighter and he has a good left hand. He’s clever but I don’t think he’s anything I haven’t seen before.

“To be honest, I can really see me getting the KO. I know that he’s been dropped a few times, he’s been hurt a number of times but I don’t think he’s faced anyone as accurate as me. I don’t think it will be my power so much that will surprise him but my accuracy. That will be the difference in the fight.

“With the young fighters on the card and Eddie Hearn’s promotion, it will be a great night of boxing.”

Hitchin’s clash with Paro is part of a stacked night of action in San Juan, with the co-feature an all-Puerto Rican clash between Henry Lebron (19-0 10 KOs) and Christopher Diaz (29-5 19 KOs) as Lebron returns to his homeland for the first time in five years and does so in the biggest night of his career, as the #4 in the IBF looks to press his claims for World title action in 2025 with a big win over a domestic rival and pick up the vacant IBF Latino and WBO NABO titles in the process. Diaz sits pretty at #7 in the WBA, has already tasted World title action and is hungry to do so again, and ‘Pitufo’ puts his WBA Continental Latin America title on the line in a pivotal clash for the immediate futures of both.

Puerto Rican Olympian Yankiel Rivera will take on Angel Gonzalez for the vacant WBC Silver, WBA Continental Americas and WBO Intercontinental Flyweight titles.

Rivera (6-0 2 KOs) is handily placed in the rankings at #3 with the WBA, #9 with the WBC and #11 with the WBO, and fights at home for the second time in 2024 having seen off the experienced Victor Sandoval over ten rounds in June in Manati, defending the WBA strap and adding the WBO belt.

The 27 year old will be looking to rubber stamp his World title credentials for a shot in 2025, but Gonzalez (14-0 7 KOs) will be out to spoil those plans in the biggest fight of his career. The 31 year old with Puerto Rican roots landed the NABF title at 112lbs in June in Connecticut, and can catapult himself into the World title mix with victory in December.

Jalil Hackett will aim so show once again that he has no fear in the infancy of his career as he travels to Puerto Rico for a title defense. Hackett (9-0 7 KOs) was impressive in a big step up to win the WBA Continental Americas Welterweight title on his Matchroom debut against Peter Dobson in July, and ‘Major’ will defend that title in another real test against Puerto Rico’s former amateur standout Jose Roman (13-1 6 KOs).

Marc Castro and Stephanie Pineiro have confirmed opponents for the night, with Castro (13-0 8 KOs) tackling Agustin Quintana (20-1-2 13 KOs) over ten rounds at Lightweight, and Pineiro (7-0 2 KOs) meeting Ogleidis Suarez (30-5-1 14 KOs) over eight rounds Welterweight.

Puerto Rico’s Juan Zayas (10-0-1 8 KOs) takes on Dominican Geraldo Valdez (16-2 11 KOs) over eight rounds at Bantamweight and Matchroom’s Puerto Rican talent William Ortiz (6-0 4 KOs) faces fellow unbeaten Puerto Rican Lionell Colon (6-0 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Lightweight.

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – November 26, 2024 – IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Liam “The Prodigy” Paro and unbeaten mandatory challenger Richardson Hitchins are ready to collide in a high-stakes world title bout on Saturday, December 7, live worldwide on DAZN (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT) from the Roberto Clemente Coliseo in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Both fighters shared insights into their training camps and mental preparation ahead of this pivotal clash.

Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) claimed his IBF title with a thrilling unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matías earlier this year, a win that established him as a true “road warrior” in the division. “Taking out the so-called boogeyman in his backyard made it extra special,” said Paro. “It wasn’t just about winning—it was about showing the world what we already knew. I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, the same way I did against the most avoided guy in the division [Matias].”

Fresh off his career-defining win in Puerto Rico, 140-pound champion Paro shared his excitement about defending his title in front of the passionate local fans. “Puerto Rico is a beautiful place with beautiful people, and I’m honored to defend my title there,” said Paro. “It’s special to return to the island that gave me the opportunity to become a champion. I’m ready to win over even more fans with this performance.”

Despite achieving a lifelong dream, Paro insists his mindset hasn’t changed. “I’ve always said I wanted the target on my back. Knowing that someone wants to take what I’ve worked my entire life for is even more motivating,” he explained. “I’ve stayed disciplined and focused, and my mindset remains the same—I’m always a contender. I know how hard this fight will be, but I’m ready to show the world what we already know. I’m one of the top guys in my division”

Hitchins (18-0, 7 KOs), who became the mandatory challenger earlier this year, is eager to prove he belongs at the top of the division. “This is my division. I am the man at 140, and once I get this belt, I’m bringing it back to New York,” said Hitchins. “This is my chance to show everyone what I’ve been saying all along—I’m the best 140-pound fighter in the world. Hats off to Liam Paro for taking the fight, but he’s never faced anyone like me.”

Hitchins is trained by Lenny Wilson, who has been pivotal in his development and success. Currently training in Brooklyn, Hitchins plans to move his camp to Puerto Rico this week for the final stretch of preparation. “I don’t take days off; I stay in shape year-round because this is my job,” said Hitchins. “The discipline I’ve learned from greats like Floyd Mayweather and Gervonta Davis has helped me prepare for this moment. I feel like I’m in my physical prime, and I’ve made sure my mental game is just as strong.”

Paro is training in Florida under the guidance of his longtime coach, Alfie Di Carlo, who has been instrumental in shaping his career. “We know the task ahead of us is not going to be easy, and we have the perfect gameplan,” said Paro. “I’ve said for a long time that I have the best team in the world, and we’ve continued to show that in every fight. This one will be no different.”

When reflecting on their opponent, both fighters made their intentions clear. “Paro beat the so-called boogeyman of the division, but I’m not Matías,” said Hitchins. “He’s never been in with a fighter like me before. I have the skills, the mindset, and the ability to take him apart and show why I’m at the top of the division. Whether it’s through boxing or fighting, I’ll find a way to win.”

Paro remains equally confident: “I don’t look past anyone,” he said. “I’m focused on getting the win and moving forward as champion. My goal is clear: to retain my title and prove why I’m the best in the division.”

Both fighters understand the stakes and welcome the opportunity to test themselves in a division stacked with talent. “I wouldn’t consider this a shocking moment,” said Hitchins. “Ever since I was a kid, I believed I was an upper-echelon fighter. This fight is the moment I’ve been working toward my entire life.”

“God willing, December 7 will be another defining night in my career,” added Paro. “I’m ready to put on a dominating performance and show again why I’m the top guy at 140.”

Tickets for the event promoted Matchroom Boxing and Universal Productions, are currently on sale and can be found HERE.

# # #

ABOUT PARO VS. HITCHINS:

Liam Paro defends his IBF World Super-Lightweight title against Richardson Hitchins on December 7 at the Roberto Clemente Coliseo in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The night will feature a stacked undercard showcasing Puerto Rican talent, including Henry Lebron vs. Christopher Diaz and Yankiel Rivera in action. Live worldwide on DAZN.

Media Accreditation: Media can apply for accreditation via this link – accreditation closes at 5pm ET on Wednesday November 27.

Liam Paro will make the first defense of his IBF World Super-Lightweight title against Richardson Hitchins on Saturday December 7 at the Roberto Clemente Coliseo in San Juan, Puerto Rico, live worldwide on DAZN, on a huge night of action brought to you by Matchroom Boxing and Universal Promotions.

TICKETS FOR PARO VS. HITCHINS WILL GO ON SALE ON OCTOBER 7

Paro (25-0 15 KOs) ripped the World title from hometown star Subriel Matias in Manati, Puerto Rico, dethroning the champion with a career-best performance in June to land the strap via unanimous decision. The Australian extended his unbeaten run in the paid ranks to 25 nights on that standout night in his eight-year career, and will fight in the States for the third time in a row and fourth in total, having knocked out Montana Love in San Francisco in December and seen off Yomar Alamo in his first stateside fight in December 2021 in Tampa.

Hitchins (18-0 7 KOs) became the mandatory challenger for the IBF crown in April when he saw off the spirited challenge of Argentinian Gustavo Lemos in Las Vegas, and the undefeated Brooklyn slickster takes on his first World title challenge in Puerto Rico against the 28 year old champion. The 27 year old lands his big night in his fifth fight under the Matchroom banner, and has been impressive under Eddie Hearn’s guidance, with wins of Jose Zepeda, John Bauza and mutual opponent, Yomar Alamo.

“All the so-called big guys at 140lbs lost their tongues so I decided to bring on my mandatory defense early against Hitchins and clear the path for 2025,” said Paro. “I can’t wait to fight and show again why I’m the top guy at 140! I’m coming to shine again in beautiful Puerto Rico!”

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve been telling anyone who would listen that I’m the best 140 lbs fighter on the planet,” said Hitchins. “On December 7, I finally get the chance to solidify that.

“Hats off to Liam Paro, he beat the so-called boogeyman of the division, but I ain’t Subriel Matias. He’s never been in with a fighter like me before. He didn’t want this fight, and it’s for good reason.

“This is my division. I am the man at 140 and once I get this belt, I’m bringing it back to New York and everything runs through me. And the new!”

A stacked undercard in support of the World championship main event will feature the very best in Puerto Rican talent, led by a mouth-watering Super-Featherweight clash between Henry Lebron and Christopher Diaz.

Lebron (19-0 10 KOs) returns to his homeland for the first time in five years and does so in the biggest night of his career, as the #4 in the IBF looks to press his claims for World title action in 2025 with a big win over a domestic rival and pick up the vacant IBF Latino title in the process. Diaz (29-5 19 KOs) sits pretty at #7 in the WBA, has already tasted World title action and is hungry to do so again, and ‘Pitufo’ puts his WBA Continental Latin America title on the line in a pivotal clash for the immediate futures of both.

“I am very happy with this opportunity to fight again in Puerto Rico in front of my people,”: said Lebron. “This is going to be a great card. We are ready to give a great show. I am counting on all my Puerto Rican Fans!”

“As a proud Puerto Rican, fighting in front of my countrymen on December7  means everything to me,” said Diaz. “There’s no greater feeling than representing my people and putting on a show for them. I’m coming into this fight fully prepared, and I’m ready to leave it all in the ring against Henry Lebron. This is for Puerto Rico, and I won’t let them down.”

Puerto Rican Olympian star Yankiel Rivera returns to action as he makes it back to back fights in his homeland. Rivera (6-0 2 KOs) continued his impressive start to life in the paid ranks with victory over Victor Sandoval on the undercard of Paro’s win over Matias, a sixth success as a pro for ‘El Doctorcito’ and now the 27 year old will be looking to end 2024 with a bang and set up a big 2025, with World title ambitions at the forefront of his mind.

“Just over two years ago, I made my professional debut,” said Rivera, whose opponent will be announced soon. “It has been a tough road full of worthy opponents. I feel that my time has come. We are very close to that World title shot I’ve been dreaming of since I was a little kid. Last June, we packed Manatí. On December 7, we are packing the legendary Roberto Clemente.

“It will be a great honor for me to fight in the same venue where so many great ones have fought, including Trinidad and Gómez. We are going to be in top shape come fight date, and I am giving my people the show they deserve. I want all those great, loyal and knowledgeable Puerto Rican fans to be there for a great night of boxing. It will be a boxing night to remember. I see you there, Puerto Rico!”

There is so much exciting action in store on December 7, and Jalil Hackett will aim so show once again that he has no fear in the infancy of his career as he travels to Puerto Rico for a title defense. Hackett (9-0 7 KOs) was impressive in a big step up to win the WBA Continental Americas Welterweight title on his Matchroom debut against Peter Dobson in July, and ‘Major’ will defend that title in another real test against Puerto Rico’s former amateur standout Jose Roman (13-1 6 KOs) on December 7.

Marc Castro (13-0 8 KOs) is back in the ring after headlining the unique Riyadh Season fight week event at Santa Monica pier in July, and the Fresno talent will be matched over ten rounds at Lightweight as the amateur standout continues to make waves in the pro game.

Stephanie Pineiro (7-0 2 KOs) was impressive in Manati in June where she landed the WBA Continental America and WBO International Welterweight titles against Diana Castro, and the Puerto Rican will end 2024 over eight rounds against an opponent to be announced soon.

There is another fight where undefeated records are on the line as Puerto Rico’s Juan Zayas (10-0-1 8 KOs) takes on Dominican Marcelino Nieves (19-0 13 KOs) over eight rounds at Bantamweight and Matchroom’s Puerto Rican talent William Ortiz (6-0 4 KOs) faces fellow unbeaten Puerto Rican Lionell Colon (6-0 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Lightweight.

“We are thrilled to be back in Puerto Rico with a brilliant main event and stacked undercard,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Liam was sensational when he ripped the strap from Subriel in June in a career-best performance against one of the most avoided fighters in the sport. Liam was happy to take on that challenge, and he’s happy to take on another difficult but very different challenge in Richardson. I’m fascinated to see how this fight plays out, and while it’s never easy to pit two of our fighters against each other, this is exactly what should be happening in the game – the best versus the best – and for both men it’s the chance to back up what they both say – that they are the man at 140lbs.

“The atmosphere in June in Manati was electric from the opening bell to the end, and we’ve got an undercard line-up that will have the fans on the edge of their seats like that once again. Lebron-Diaz will be a war, Yankiel is ready for a World title and he’ll show that in December, while Jalil has to be commended for taking on another challenge at such a young age.

“It’s action-packed from the opening bell to the last, and we can’t wait to close our 2024 in style in Puerto Rico.”

“It’s a great honor for me to have the opportunity to partner with Eddie Hearn and our friends at Matchroom to bring World championship boxing to Puerto Rico, where we’re combining the best boxing from Puerto Rico with the best boxing in the world,” said Javier Bustillo, Universal Promotions CEO. “I’m grateful with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and the Municipality of San Juan, who did not hesitate to join us and support this event. It will be a great night of boxing from Puerto Rico to the whole world.”

6 x 3 mins Welterweight contest
Harley Mederos (134.6lbs) vs Pedro Vicente (134.8lbs)
Brooklyn, New York            Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Followed by
6 x 3 mins Super-Flyweight contest
Steven Navarro (115.6lbs) vs Jose Lopez (114.8lbs)
Los Angeles, California       Puebla, Mexico/Ridgewood, New York

LIVE ON DAZN FROM 5PM PT

10 x 3 mins WBC Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title
Marc Castro (130lbs) vs Abraham Montoya (129lbs)
Fresno, California                Baja California, Mexico

Followed by
10 x 2 mins WBC World Featherweight title
Skye Nicolson (125.6lbs) vs Sarah Mahfoud (125lbs)
Queensland, Australia           Hilleroed, Denmark

Followed by 
10 x 3 mins WBC International Flyweight title
Galal Yafai (111.6lbs) vs Agustin Gauto (111.2lbs)
Birmingham, England         Buenos Aires, Argentina

Followed by
10 x 3 mins WBO International & USWBC Super-Middleweight titles
Diego Pacheco (167.4lbs) vs Shawn McCalman (167.6lbs)
South Central LA, California              Aurora, Colorado

Followed by
12 x 3 mins IBF Jr. Welterweight World title eliminator
Richardson Hitchins (139.8lbs) vs Gustavo Lemos (138.4lbs)
Brooklyn, New York                          Buenos Aires, Argentina

Richardson Hitchins says he would jump at the chance to meet IBF king Subriel Matias as he prepares to hit the scales ahead of his final eliminator with Gustavo Lemos for the IBF World Jr. Welterweight title at Bleaulive at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Saturday April 6, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW VIA TICKETMASTER

Hitchins (17-0 7 KOs) can take a giant step towards landing a World title shot with victory over Lemos (29-0 19 KOs) in Sin City, and the Brooklyn ace is determined to show fans and rivals alike that he is here to stay as an elite-level headliner.

The 26 year old meets the unbeaten Argentine for the honor of being next in line to meet IBF king Subriel Matias, with the Puerto Rican monster defending his title against Australian Liam Paro in a homecoming defense on June 15, live worldwide on DAZN.

Hitchins has designs on sitting ringside at the Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati knowing that he’ll be next for the winner, and although the IBF 10 pounds check-weigh is always a consideration with the IBF and a showdown with WBC king Devin Haney also whets his appetite, the Brooklyn star would gladly tackle Matias for the belt to prove he’s ready to dominate a division that is rapidly becoming the most exciting in the sport.

“I am not going to lie, I do prefer the WBC route – but if the opportunity presents itself for the World title, and on Saturday I feel good, why not the IBF?’ said Hitchins. “It’s a big fight with me and Subriel Matias, everyone would be interested in that, so let’s see what comes to the table.

“I have a fight to focus on, Devin has a fight to focus on, I’ve got a tough Argentinian in front of me and things that I have to go out and do. I want to show on Saturday what I’ve always been showing; that I am a great fighter, a dominant fighter. I’ve shown that time and again, it’s the same old story. People say that it’s going to be a tough fight for me, they’ll be surprised if I can make it look easy, but then I go out there and do that again and again. 

“If I am in a tough fight with someone that’s never been in with anyone of the calibre of me, imagine what type of fight it’s going to be for the guy fighting me. Boxing is all about distance and timing, knowing what shots to pick, where to be, it’s a sweet science and I think I am one of the young masters of it.

“Everybody had a lot of shit to talk about my last fight against Jose Zepeda so no-one should miss this one because the fans have made me put on not a dominant performance, because I’ve already done that, but a punishing dominant performance. I can’t let Lemos get away with any mistakes, any mistakes he makes, he’s got to pay. I feel like this is going to be another performance like John Bauza, it’s going to show that you put a guy in front of me that isn’t at the top of the sport, period, I’ll show his levels.

“I don’t know much about him so I can’t say if this is the toughest test of my life. I’ve been at the high level for a long, long time, since the amateurs and moved in the pro ranks where I’ve had to prove myself early. Zepeda talked about experience before our fight, but I told him, I have experience. People were building up the fight because he’d fought for the World title three times, but I had already beaten a World champion, a guy that had done what Zepeda was trying to do. 

“So when people were saying that it was going to be a tough test, when I got in there on September 23, he was one of the easiest fights of my career that I can remember, from pro debut to now. That’s a testimony to how much I’ve grown as a professional and a fighter, I made that fight clearly  easy, so we’ll see what happens with Lemos, he’s a guy that hasn’t fought anyone with any craft or skills, so when he gets in there with me, it’s going to be a whole different ballgame because he’s not just that he’s going up in levels, he’s fighting one of the best young boxers in the sport – period. 

“When you get in the ring with me it’s way different from standing in front of anyone else, and he’ll see that. He’s tough, he’s Argentinian, he’s going to try have his way but it’s my job to neutralize that. I can be anything I need to be to be victorious on the night.”

Hitchins’ clash with Lemos is part of a big night of action in Las Vegas as fellow rising contender Diego Pacheco defends his USWBC and WBO International Super-Middleweight titles against Shawn McCalman.

World title action on the card comes in the form of unbeaten Australian Skye Nicolson looking to claim a World crown at the first attempt as she meets Sarah Mahfoud for the vacant WBC Featherweight strap, while British Olympic gold medal man Galal Yafai defends his WBC International Flyweight title against Agustin Mauro Gauto.

Marc Castro gets a first title bout in his 12^th pro outing, taking on Abraham Montoya for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title, Harley Mederos is in action for the sixth time in the paid ranks over six rounds against Pedro Vicente and there’s a pro debut for former Team USA talent Steven Navarro over six rounds at Super-Flyweight against Jose Lopez.

Richardson Hitchins
 
This is my fourth fight with Matchroom and second headlining, my life has changed tremendously since that guy that was sat at the table going back and forth with Montana Love at that first time. I was saying that I was the best fighter on that card and that I should be headlining, and I have worked hard and spoken that into fruition. 
 
At this point I can say that I have been here already, even before I was signed with Matchroom, I’ve said it numerous times before – I’ve beat former World champions, guys that were big punchers, guys that were undefeated; he has never been here. This is a whole different level. He’s never been punched in his face; I’ve been punched in my shit hard coming up. Everybody he’s fought had terrible records, it’s different when you get in with me, it’s a different type of game. Power isn’t going to win him this fight, being aggressive and trying to go to the body, that’s not going to win you this fight. It’s going to take him having that mind, experience and skill set to try to compete with me. 
 
I expect Saturday night to be a whitewash, and for me to show that I’m on a whole different level. The only thing that can save him in this fight is his heart and if he can take a punch, and I’ve seen him hurt with bums. I’ve never been down in my career and never been hurt, thank god, but we’ll see what happens on Saturday but I just feel that I’m on a whole different level, up there with the Devin Haney’s, Subriel Matias’, Shakur Stevenson’s, the top level guys; I’m the cream of the crop type of talent and you have to start talking that like because I go out there over and over and prove it, I dominate. 
 
If this guy comes out the way he’s been coming out in his last fights, like the way he fought Lee Selby, it’s not going to go good for him. Lee hurt him in the third round, and I ain’t Lee Selby – he was 35 years old and coming up from 126lbs. This guy has never fought anyone, I’m going to step on him on Saturday and I won’t lie Eddie, I’m robbing you, this is free money, it’s easy, you are just making my bank account look bigger. 
 
I don’t just come up here and talk shit to amuse the fans, I’ve proved myself already. It’s time to get to that world stage. I’ve proved myself with the Jose Zepeda’s, Argenis Mendis’, John Bauza’s – I’ve proved myself and I’m going to keep proving myself every time I go out there.
 
I will beat whoever you put in front of me. Subriel Matias, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, Pitbull; whoever you put in front of me, I will get the job done. When you get in there with me, fighters don’t look the same. I’m not one of the guys Lemos has fought, Devin has fought; I’m not going to just receive punches or just be there; there’s going to be some shit coming back at you, there’s going to be a lot of thinking that you are going to have to do in there. My focus is on Gustavo Lemos, not Devin Haney, we’ve got to get past Saturday night just like I’ve had to get past all the other fights I’ve had.
 
Gustavo Lemos
 
We’ve had some great support from Argentina, and we’re fully prepared for this big fight and great opportunity. 
 
Hitchins is in front of me and in the way of my path at the moment, so we hope we can get through this, and we hope that the public and fans enjoy the show on Saturday.
 
We have come to win, and I do my talking inside the ring. It feels like my opponent likes to do a lot of talking outside the ring but let’s see if he’s still speaking inside the ring, that would be beautiful if he’s still speaking inside the ring.
 
Diego Pacheco
 
I want to thank God, my team, Matchroom, DAZN, and everyone for this amazing opportunity to be here once again in front of all you guys, it’s a blessing. I’m super confident in the work that I’ve put in for this camp, I’m getting better, I feel the sharpest I’ve ever been right now, I’m just ready to go on Saturday night. I’m 20-0 and ranked in the top ten in every sanctioning body, so I am just ready and excited for everything that is to come. I’ve got a tough opponent in front of me on Saturday night, I’ve prepared for that and I’m ready for it.
 
I’m locked in on the guy in front of me. I have to get past him before I can think about the future fights and that’s what I’m focused on and what I’ve been working for. I’m extremely motivated and excited for this fight and to be able to showcase my talent again in Las Vegas, it’s an amazing opportunity and to have a lot of talent on the undercard too, I’m so happy to be here and ready to put on a great show for everyone.
 
Shawn McCalman
 
I can say me and my team we walk into this very confidently, we accepted the fight with no doubts and we’re just continuing to present ourselves that way; confident and calm and we’ll go into the fight the same way.
 
It’s a big fight and opportunity, one that I believe I’m ready for and will capitalize on come Saturday night. 
 
Galal Yafai 
 
It’s good to be here in Las Vegas, you’ve put me on some great shows like New York and now Las Vegas, this is another box ticked, but it’s all about winning, looking good and that’s all I care about.
 
I’m sick of my opponents because they are all tough! But I just have to do what I do. He’s tough, he’s good, he’s got a big fan base, but I don’t care about any of that. I’ve got to go out and do what I do.
 
I always look at the other fights. Sunny Edwards is a good fighter. I dont want to try and mention his name this week to try and get some clout because I know what he’s like. Let me get through this fight and then I can think about them fights after.
 
Agustin Mauro Gauto 
 
I have to thank my promotional team and Matchroom as well for the opportunity. It’s true that I’m a very experienced fighter but I also know that he’s very experienced in terms of the amateur field, so we’re very prepared for this fight.
 
On Saturday you are going to see a surprise result, but what I will say is it will be a great fight without doubt.
 
I want to thank all the Argentinian fans, I’m really delighted and grateful for the support, but now it’s about becoming known in America and making a name for myself here.
 
Skye Nicolson
 
As soon as Serrano wasn’t going to be the person I was going to be fighting for this belt, Mahfoud was obviously the next option, the next best, and we want to fight the best, and beat the best to show that I am the best. So I am very excited for this fight.
 
It’s a great privilege to be fighting for this belt, my amateur career was my amateur career, but I want my pro career to be its own and I’m really ready for this.
 
I’m turning around Australian boxing this weekend 100 per cent.
 
Sarah Mahfoud
 
I’m going all the way on Saturday and I’m really looking forward to this fight with Skye. 
 
I don’t know if it was success against Armando Serrano, I lost the fight, but I am here to become World champion again. I learned a lot from the Serrano fight, and I am coming back stronger, and I’ve worked hard to be here.
 
I’m so happy to be here in Las Vegas, it’s the biggest experience of all, everything is so big, and the fight is going to be big too. 
 
Marc Castro
 
I feel good and I’m thankful to be here. We’re looking to get the win over Abraham on Saturday.
 
We’re moving as a unit, Eddie Hearn, Keith Connolly, my dad, and we’re ready to go capture my first belt. 
 
I expect him to be ready, he always comes ready, so I’m prepared for it.
 
Abraham Montoya
 
You can expect the best version of me – I’m come for another victory in my career. 
 
The win over Lopez was an opportunity that I got to fight in my home city and one we took on with full gusto, as I will for this fight. We’ve prepared really well and we’re ready for whatever comes in the ring.

Richardson Hitchins remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over Jose Zepeda in a junior welterweight bout at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Hitchins, 139.8 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 120-109 twice and 119-109 and is now 17-0. Zepeda, 140 lbs of La Puenta, CA is 37-4.

In round seven, Zepeda was cut on his forehead from a headbutt.

Conor Benn came back after an 17-month layoff to win a 10-round unanimous decision over Rodolfo Orozco in a junior middleweight bout.

Benn was suspended for failing an anti-doping test before his bout with Chris Eubank Jr. looked aggresiver throughout the contest.

In round two, Orozxo was bleeding under his right eye.

Benn, 153.6 lbs of Ilford, ENG won by scores of 99-91 twice and 96-94 and is now 22-0. Orozco, 154.4 lbs of Sinaloa, MEX is 32-4-3.

“We didn’t want a walk in the park,” said Benn. “I needed the rounds after 18 months out, he’s a true Mexican, my first Mexican I’ve fought, and we knew he was durable. Credit to him, he’s never been stopped before and he’s one tough man and I hope he progresses.
 
“They are stronger and take shots more, I don’t think there was ring rust, I was going through the gears after going through hell.
 
“Britain is my home and it’s only right I fight back there, sooner rather than later.”

WBA/WBC Welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill and WBO champion fought to a split draw in their unification bout.

Scores were 97-93 for McCaskill, 96-94 for Ryan and 95-95.

McCaskill, 136.4 bs of Chicago is 12-3-1. Ryan, 146.4 lbs of Darby, ENG is 6-1-1.

Austin Williams won a 10-round unanimous decision over veteran Steve Rolls in a middleweight. bout.

Williams, 160 lbs Houston won by scores of 97-93 on all cards and is now 15-0. Rolls, 159.2 lbs of Tornoto is 22-3.

Orestes Velazquez stopped Mohamed Soumaoro in round seven of their scheduled 10-round super lightweight fight.

In round eight, Velazquez landed a big and relentless flurry of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 2:19.

Velazquez, 140 lbs of Miami, FL is now 8-0 with seven knockouts. Soumaoro, 1396 lbs of Montreal is 13-2.

Khalil Coe remained undefeated as he stopped Kenmon Evans in round two of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

At the beginning of round two, Coe dropped Evans with a right hook. Coe ended things when he landed a right to the side of the head and the bout was stopped as he fell to the ground at 1:21.

Coe, 19.6 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 7-0-1 with five knockouts. Evans, 179.8 lbs of New Smyrna Beach, FL is 10-2-1.

Jeovanny Estela stopped Gerardo Carabello in the opening round of their eight-rround super welterweight clash.

Estela dropped Carabello with a vicious uppercut and the fight was stopped at 2:10,

Estela, 153.5 lbs of Orlando, FL is 13-0 with four knockouts. Carabello, 153,4 lbs of Trujillo Alto, PR is 6-2-1.

Jasmine Artiga remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Josefina Vega in a featherweight bout.

At the end of round three, Artiga dropped Vega with a long left.

Artiga, 116 lbs of Tampa, FL won by scores of 80-71 on all cards and is now 11-0-1. Vega, 114 lbs of Quito, ECU is 9-7.

8 x 2 mins Featherweight contest
 
Jasmine Artiga (116lbs) vs. Josefina Vega (114lbs)
Tampa, Florida             Quito, Ecuador
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
 
Jeovanny Estela (153.5lbs) vs.        Gerardo Carabello (153.4lbs)
Orlando, Florida           Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest
 
Khalil Coe (179.6lbs) vs. Kenmon Evans (179.8lbs)
Jersey City, New Jersey         New Smyrna Beach, Florida
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins WBA International Super-Lightweight title 
 
Orestes Velazquez (140lbs)   vs.     Mohamed Soumaoro (139.6lbs)
Miami, Florida              Montreal, Quebec
 
Live on DAZN from 8pm
 
10 x 3 mins WBA International and IBF North American Middleweight titles
 
Austin Williams (160lbs)       vs. Steve Rolls (159.2lbs)
Houston, Texas            Toronto, Canada
 
Followed by
 
10 x 2 mins WBA, WBC, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine titles
 
Jessica McCaskill (146.4lbs)  vs.     Sandy Ryan (146.4lbs)
Chicago, Illinois            Derby, England
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
 
Conor Benn (153.6lbs) vs.     Rodolfo Orozco (154.4lbs)
Ilford, England              Sinaloa, Mexico
 
Followed by 
 
12 x 3 mins WBC Silver, WBO NABO and IBF North American Super-Lightweight titles
 
Richardson Hitchins (139.8lbs) vs. Jose Zepeda (140lbs)
Brooklyn, New York               La Puenta, California
 

RICHARDSON HITCHINS faces Jose Zepeda over 10 rounds for the WBC Silver, WBO NABO and IBF North American titles

“I’ve got to say that I am excited. I want to say ‘Thank you, God’ for this opportunity and thank you to you, Eddie, and Matchroom. Jose Zepeda says that I have never fought at this level. But he is forgetting that I was a kid at 22 years old with only ten professional fights and beating guys like Argenis Mendez, a guy who had already won a world title, and for every fight after that, I told anybody and everybody who they put me in the ring with that isn’t on a World championship level that it is a step down. 

“Jose Zepeda has fought a lot of professional fights but also, he doesn’t have that on his record. Also, he’s fought a lot of guys who don’t have the athleticism or the same skillset than what I bring to the table. They’re all one-dimensional guys. You know, guys like Ivan Baranchyk, who was one of his best wins, but that guy was nothing. He had no fundamental skills at all in the ring. When he gets in the ring with me this Saturday, it doesn’t matter how many fights he’s had or whether he’s been in with Jose Ramirez. 

“There’s a reason why I’m here after 16 fights. I’m a very smart fighter. He’ll figure that out when I open up on him. You will see that on Saturday night. Everything he says when he talks about levels, he’s fought people like Josue Vargas who he talked his way into the fight. I fought my way into this fight, and I have dominated everybody who has been put in front of me. He will be in a tough fight. I’m going to be around here for a long time.

“I can’t say that I’m looking at this as a tough test, but it is a test because Jose Zepeda got here by being a great boxer. But guys like Baranchyk made mistakes against him, so he won. But he can’t do that with me because I don’t make mistakes.”

JOSE ZEPEDA faces Richardson Hitchins over 10 rounds for the WBC Silver, WBO NABO and IBF North American titles

“I’m always ready. I want to say thank you to you Eddie Hearn and to everyone at Matchroom. We added a new trainer in Manny Robles, my brother and Stitch. I want to thank all of them because it’s thanks to them that it has been one hell of a training camp. We always come ready. I’ve been there, done that and I’ve come through everything. I’ve had a little bit of bad luck for my challenger fights, but I believe that I’m in my prime. I know I’m 34 years old, but this is where I’m working the hardest at 34 and where I feel that I’m the best. 

“That’s the main reason why I am taking this fight [the prospect of future World title challenges]. But I know in Richardson Hitchins, that he’s a fast fighter and the best prospect out there at 140. I know for a fact that if I beat him, I’m going straight back to the top for a world title shot. So, that’s what I’m looking for and to fight once again for a world title. 

“In the fights I have seen of him, he is a talented fighter and a good prospect – but he hasn’t been at this level yet. That’s why in this fight we are going to see if he can work under pressure. There are levels. Trust me when I fought for a world title for the first time against [Jose Carlos] Ramirez, the first time I got hit to the body I knew that it was a different level. It’s different stuff. So, let’s see what it’s all about and see how he handles things on Saturday night.

CONOR BENN returns the ring against Rodolfo Orozco over ten rounds at Super-Welterweight

“There’s no pressure. I’m just going to go in there and do what I do, do what I love to do and what I was born to do. Saturday night has been a long time coming. I’ve had to jump through so many hurdles and this last year has been the hardest fight of my life. So, what can he do to me? I’m just going to go out there and do what I do. If I see an opening, I will take it. He’s got to know that if I see an opening, I will take it. I say that twice because when I say, I mean it.

“He’s my World title fight. That’s how I treat every fighter. Irrespective of people saying this should be a warm-up or this should be a stepping-stone, I treat every fight like it’s for a world title.

“I’ll be happy to get the rounds in, of course. I know it’s worth its weight in gold. But as I said before, if I see and opening, I will take it. I’m a sharp-shooter, I don’t miss. I’m accurate with my shots. I carry the power; I carry the speed. Whatever he wants to do, I can assure you, there will be a response. I can assure you now, there will be a counter. He best think three steps in advance. 

“There’s a lot of everything that’s going to come out on Saturday night: frustration, aggression, speed, power. It’s all going to come out. There’s no pressure. If anything, I’m just excited. It’s just pure excitement to get in there and do what I know to do. I am born to fight. This is what I do. It’s in my DNA. My DNA is strong, it’s proven. I was put on this planet to fight. On Saturday night he will soon find out because he said he doesn’t know my name – but after Saturday night he will know my name.” 

RODOLFO OROZCO faces Conor Benn over ten rounds at Super-Welterweight

First and foremost, thank you very much to Matchroom. We’ve been waiting for this opportunity to fight here for a long, long time so, of course, we are going to put on a good show on Saturday night.

I’ve been waiting and preparing for a fight like this for a long time. In previous months we’ve been waiting for a big fight like this, and they have fallen through. So, I am completely ready for this fight as I’ve been preparing all the time. We’re coming to win. 

Of course, it’s a huge opportunity for me. I am making my debut in this country, and we are coming to win. 

JESSICA McCASKILL and Sandy Ryan clash in a unification blockbuster at Welterweight

“I’m ready and I am very excited that my team are here. You look at the tale of the tape and you’ve got a 30-year-old coming for an almost 40-year-old – but not yet! You can think about the age and the numbers, or you can think about your camp and what you’ve been working on or, as she mentioned, studying tapes and things like that. But when it all comes down to it, it’s about getting in the ring and what happens when you get inside that ring. 

“I am very excited about this fight. This is a legit, top-notch fight. She fought [Erica] Farias twice. In Farias and some of the people she has fought, I feel like they are the gatekeepers for belts and for certain divisions. That was a legit fight. So, that’s kind of where my mindset is as far as what I am headed to on Saturday night.

“I think it’s very awkward to watch my fights. I don’t have a traditional style or anything. I don’t even watch a lot of my fights. I might watch each fight maybe once or twice to see it from different perspectives but that is it. I just have like root angles and things like that. I don’t know if people maybe they think of my footwork or more punches or to change the pressure or add the pressure. But we work on a bit of everything, so we’ll see what happens on Saturday. 

“Saturday will open more doors for other things. So, it is very important that it is a very clean win – not a split decision or anything like that – it needs to be decisive. Switching weight classes there are a lot of females who there but maybe in a different weight class. But in terms of opportunities and belts, I’m trying to get a couple of sets of all the belts. That’s the kind of things we talk about. But let’s get through Saturday first. That’s the focus.”

SANDY RYAN locks horns with Jessica McCaskill in a five-belt unification battle at 147lbs

“It’s a massive moment for me, making my American debut and I am excited for that. As I’ve said in all my interviews, I respect Jessica as a fighter. The way I’m bringing myself into this fight, both physically and mentally, you’re going to see how much respect I do have for her. But I’m just so confident now that I’m bringing all of these belts home.

“Yes, it has been a fast track for me, and I wouldn’t have changed it. It’s made me who I am right now. I’m professional on the job and I have learned the hard way. This is not the amateur game it’s the pro game and I know that. That’s why I live like a pro now. That’s why I believe that I’m bringing those belts back home because I love boxing and this camp has been great. 

“I’ve covered everything. I know Jess will come in at her best. People have been asking me about what fights of hers have I watched and if I’ve studied her last fight. I’ve not really watched her last fight. She obviously had a bad day, and I can’t go off that. I believe my ability is much better than hers. I’m not taking anything away from her and I believe I’m much better than her and that this is a new era.”

Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (14-0 10 KOs) press his claims for World title action at Middleweight as he tackles Steve Rolls (22-2 12 KOs). 

Orestes Velazquez (7-0 6 KOs) will defend his WBA International Super-Lightweight title to headline the Before the Bell action against Mohamed Soumaoro (13-1 6 KOs). Khalil Coe (6-0-1 4 KOs) continues to rise through the ranks at Light-Heavyweight, and ‘Big Steppa’ will be looking for his third KO win of 2023 against Kenmon Evans (10-1-1 3 KOs). Super-Welterweight Jeovanny Estella (12-0 3 KOs) and Super-Flyweight Jasmine Artega (10-0-1 5 KOs) tasting action over eight rounds while Bantamweight Roberto Rivera Gomez (3-0 2 KOs) kicks the whole night off over four rounds, with all three fighters to be matched imminently.

Richardson Hitchins says he’s too good to feel pressure in headlining for the first time in his career on Saturday night – and will put on a dazzling performance against Jose Zepeda to prove it, as they clash at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS FOR ORLANDO ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM

Hitchins (16-0 7 KOs) is bearing down on the champions at 140lbs, and victory over former World title challenger Zepeda (37-3 28 KOs) would see the Brooklyn ace knocking on the door for a crack at the belts.

The 25 year old joined promoter Eddie Hearn in visiting the School of Hard Knocks gym in Orlando to impart their wisdom on aspiring young fighters, and seeing the work done in the community by the gym reminded Hitchins of how far he’s come from humble beginnings to the edge of glory.

“I don’t really feel the pressure of headlining,” said Hitchins. “I was born to do this; I’m made for it. I think that there’s always been pressure for me for day one, but I handle it because I am confident in my ability and in who I am. I am a special fighter; at the end of the day, it’s boxing and I truly believe I’m one of the best out there.”

“Every opportunity is important, so I am looking at this fight like I have all my previous fights, it’s must-win. If you can master boxing and you can conquer the world, and that’s what I am in the sport for, to be at the very top.

“From starting out to headlining on Saturday it’s been a crazy journey. I think back to being a kid that walked into a boxing gym after seeing Marcus Browne in the 2012 Olympics, I was probably 14, and following that was my first short-term goal to go to the Olympics. 

“From there, to signing with Mayweather Promotions, fighting on Showtime, beating a former World Champion in Argenis Mendis, and now headlining my first show; it’s just destiny when you look at it.

“When you are chasing a dream and you are on that journey, it’s easy for people to doubt you or think you aren’t that guy. There are always things on the outside that you may have to overcome, but when you have my focus, your eyes set on that goal, all you must do is focus on that because the storm always ends, and you will get to the sunshine.

“My family was homeless, I have come from a tough beginning, but I always knew boxing would be a way out. I am making sure that me and my family never have to go back to days that I couldn’t help. Period. I think I have a gift and I am using that to make like better for them. I’m able to help and the more I master my craft, I will use it to achieve more and more inside and outside the ring.”

Hitchins’ clash with Zepeda is part of a stacked card in Orlando, with co-main action in the form of the return of British star Conor Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) who faces Mexican Super-Welterweight Rodolfo ‘Sinaloita’ Orozco (32-3-3, 24 KOs)

Jessica McCaskill (12-3 5 KOs) and Sandy Ryan (6-1 2 KOs) clashing in a unification battle for the WBA, WBC, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine Welterweight titles and Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (14-0 10 KOs) press his claims for World title action at Middleweight as he tackles Steve Rolls (22-2 12 KOs). 

Orestes Velazquez (7-0 6 KOs) will defend his WBA International Super-Lightweight title to headline the Before the Bell action against Mohamed Soumaoro (13-1 6 KOs). Khalil Coe (6-0-1 4 KOs) continues to rise through the ranks at Light-Heavyweight, and ‘Big Steppa’ will be looking for his third KO win of 2023 against Kenmon Evans (10-1-1 3 KOs). Super-Welterweight Jeovanny Estella (12-0 3 KOs) and Super-Flyweight Jasmine Artega (10-0-1 5 KOs) tasting action over eight rounds while Bantamweight Roberto Rivera Gomez (3-0 2 KOs) kicks the whole night off over four rounds, with all three fighters to be matched imminently.

Richardson Hitchins is planning to dominate Jose Zepeda and send a message to the big guns at 140lbs that he’s coming for them when they clash on Saturday night at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS FOR ORLANDO ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM

Hitchins (16-0 7 KOs) is sitting pretty at #5 in the WBO and #7 in the IBF, and victory on Saturday night would see him rise to the cusp of World title fights, with the WBC Silver, WBO NABO and IBF North American Super-Lightweight titles on the line.

The Brooklyn ace shone in his last outing, flooring New Jersey’s John Bauza en-route to a shut out over ten at Madison Square Garden. The 25 year old knows continuing to win is vital to landing the World title shot he craves, but not content with that, Hitchins believes that his rivals will stand up when he delivers dominant displays, and that starts with the biggest test of his career in former World title challenger Zepeda (37-3 28 KOs).

“Winning is number one of course, but to get the big fights I have to win and dominate,” said Hitchins.

“I’m ready for the champions because when you look at the guys Prograis or Haney fight, those are guys that I am a nightmare for any of them. I have size, reach, superb defense – I can damn near feel when a guy is about to punch. So, when you have a guy like that against a guy that doesn’t know how to defend themselves, it kind of makes it tricky for them, because I’ve been in there with guys that just stand in front of you and don’t have the ability. You get in front of a guy like Shakur Stevenson, that turns boxing into a math problem, it’s different and that’s what you face with me. I can bring that puzzle that people can’t solve, it’s algebra in the ring. 

“Every fight at 140lbs is a good fight, this is a great fight. Jose is confident, he’s put people to sleep, out, first round KOs, had the fight of the year in 2020 with Baranchyk. And then there’s people now saying, ‘OK let’s see how Richardson handles Zepeda’. Then you have Teofimo, he says he’s from Brooklyn – I know he ain’t, but I am. He beat the man at 140 and I feel I’m the uncrowned king at 140 and that would be a great fight. 

“Jose is supposed to say he wants to fight me. He’s 34 years old, he’s been campaigning for a long time, he has confidence, he was power, and he’s got the tools to make it a nightmare for me, so he should be taking an opportunity like this, why would he say no?

“It’s just my job to show him that I am on a different level to him. He’s going to try to use his experience to try land his power, pressure me. Boxing is a sport where you must be smart, he’s a tough fighter but he’s not a durable one because he’s been down numerous times and I feel the mistake that they cannot make its me is overlooking my power, I’m a very sharp powerful fighter. My record may not show it, but if you pay attention, it shows I am punching. 

“I’m a way smarter boxer than Jose, he’s one-dimensional and I just feel I’ll show levels. I must be smart and show him, yeah, this kid knows what he is on. I think when I am in there, he will see that. Boxing is all about timing, everything I do is about doing it at the right time. 

“There’s a lot of things that can happen next. I want to fight again in 2023, I think that could be a guy that’s going to bring the best out of me, just like Zepeda will, and then we should be ready for the World champions, Devin, Regis and Teofimo. If I win this, I’ll climb the rankings again in the WBO, so I’ll be knocking at the door for Teo.”

Htichins’ clash with Zepeda is part of a stacked card in Orlando, with Jessica McCaskill (12-3 5 KOs) and Sandy Ryan (6-1 2 KOs) clashing in a unification battle for the WBA, WBC, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine Welterweight titles.

Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (14-0 10 KOs) press his claims for World title action at Middleweight as he tackles Steve Rolls (22-2 12 KOs) and will Orestes Velazquez (7-0 6 KOs) will defend his WBA International Super-Lightweight title to kick off the main card against Mohamed Soumaoro (13-1 6 KOs).

Khalil Coe (6-0-1 4 KOs) continues to rise through the ranks at Light-Heavyweight, and ‘Big Steppa’ headlines the Before The Bell action and will be looking for his third KO win of 2023 against Kenmon Evans (10-1-1 3 KOs). Super-Welterweight Jeovanny Estella (12-0 3 KOs) and Super-Flyweight Jasmine Artega (10-0-1 5 KOs) tasting action over eight rounds while Bantamweight Roberto Rivera Gomez (3-0 2 KOs) kicks the whole night off over four rounds, with all three fighters to be matched imminently.

Richardson Hitchins has told Matchroom’s Flash Knockdown podcast he’s on the path to becoming a legend in the sport – and the next step on that journey sees him mix with former World title challenger Jose Zepeda at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida on Saturday September 23, live worldwide on DAZN.

Flash Knockdown – Season 3 Episode 3 is out now via all streaming platforms including Apple and Spotify by searching ’The Matchroom Boxing Podcast’ or by listening on the following link: https://pod.fo/e/1e96a7

TICKETS FOR ORLANDO ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM

Hitchins (16-0 7 KOs) is full of confidence ahead of his first headline act and is fresh off the back of shining at home in his last outing, putting New Jersey’s John Bauza on the canvas during a shut-out win at Madison Square Garden, and the Brooklyn ace now lurks with intent at #6 with the WBO and #7 with the IBF in the 140lb rankings. 

Zepeda (36-3 27 KOs) represents a significant barrier to Hitchins’ plans to move into World title contention though, but Hitchins believes that the Californian, who has challenged for World titles at both 135 and 140lbs, is the perfect opponent to prove that he’s ready to 

“Now my foot is in the door headlining my first show against someone who has a great name in the division,” said Hitchins. “It shows my pedigree and skills that I display to get to this part of the journey.

“Zepeda has competed on the World stage. It’s a level up from my previous opponents but if I am who I believe I am, I should win this fight and possibly get him out of there.

“There’s a lot on the line right now but I’m not focused on the belts. My job is to go out there and dominate Zepeda and show who I am, then we can look at the landscape of the division.

“I see myself being a legend of the sport, who has mastered the craft of boxing. I want to inspire the next generation, if you see the progression in my career from my amateur status to now, I can relate to the young talent coming through.”

Hitchins also reveals how a visit from Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis boosted his preparations and gives his pick for the potential showdown between Regis Prograis and Devin Haney. The episode also features World title challenger John Ryder talking targeting Gennadiy Golovkin and Jaime Munguia, IBF and Ring Magazine champion Jai Opetaia talks his upcoming defense against Jordan Thompson, leading trainer Jamie Moorepicks his perfect dinner party line up in Food Fight and commentator royalty Mike Costello takes another trip down memory lane with a certain Smokin’ Joe Fraizer, plus there’s a cameo from Eddie Hearn and more!

Hitchins’ clash with Zepeda is part of a stacked night of action in Orlando, with the Welterweight division will move one step closer to crowning an undisputed champion on the night as WBA and WBC champion Jessica McCaskill (12-3 5 KOs) and WBO belt holder Sandy Ryan (6-1 2 KOs) meet for three of the belts. 

Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (14-0 10 KOs) press his claims for World title action at Middleweight as he tackles Steve Rolls (22-2 12 KOs) and will Orestes Velazquez (7-0 6 KOs) will defend his WBA International Super-Lightweight title to kick off the main card against Mohamed Soumaoro (13-1 6 KOs).

Khalil Coe (6-0-1 4 KOs) continues to rise through the ranks at Light-Heavyweight, and ‘Big Steppa’ headlines the Before The Bell action and will be looking for his third KO win of 2023 against Kenmon Evans (10-1-1 3 KOs). Super-Welterweight Jeovanny Estella (12-0 3 KOs) and Super-Flyweight Jasmine Artega (10-0-1 5 KOs) tasting action over eight rounds while Bantamweight Roberto Rivera Gomez (3-0 2 KOs) kicks the whole night off over four rounds, with all three fighters to be matched imminently.

Matchroom tonight announce four events in the USA and Mexico as part of a stacked second half of 2023 live worldwide on DAZN.

Headline amongst those is the confirmation of the date and venue for the hotly-anticipated Flyweight unification clash between Jesse Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards, which lands at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday December 16.

The unbeaten pair meet in a mouth-watering battle to determine the top dog in the division, with WBO ruler Rodriguez and IBF king Edwards defending their titles for the first and fourth times respectively and both appearing in their first unification bouts. 

Rodriguez (18-0 11 KOs) will return to the state that he landed his first World title back in February 2022 when he defeated Carlos Cuadras to land the WBC Super-Flyweight strap. The San Antonio star defended that title twice with wins over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Israel Gonzalez before becoming a two-weight champion on hometurf in April by seeing off Christian Hernandez, and the 23 year old is excited to be meeting Edwards in the winter.

“I want to thank Matchroom, Teiken and my whole team for making this fight happen,” said Rodriguez. “This fight will allow me to showcase my skills and prove to everyone that I am not only the best Flyweight in the world but one of the best fighters in the world period. 

“I am excited to be back in Arizona where I first became a World champion, and I will be 100 per cent ready to put on a show on December 16 and become unified World champion.”

Edwards (20-0 4 KOs) finally gets the blockbuster showdown that he’s been craving after becoming the IBF champion in April 2021 with a trademark classy win over Moruti Mthalane in London. A pair of successful defenses in Dubai followed in December against Jayson Mama and in March over Muhammad Waseem before victory in defense number three followed in his adaopted Sheffield hometown over Felix Alvarado. 

The 27 year old had a successful debut under the Matchroom banner in June when he saw off spirited Chilean challenger Andres Campos in London, and Edwards is looking forward to proving he is the best in the division on his first fight in America.

“I’m looking forward to being involved in one of the biggest Flyweight World title fights in boxing history,” said Edwards. “It’s the real #1 versus the real #2. I would like to thank Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith, Matchroom Boxing and my team for getting me in this position, and I’d also like to thank Bam and his team for accepting the fight, and I am really looking forward to becoming one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world on December 16 in Arizona.”

One month before that, one of the hottest young fighters in the sport will headline at home for the first time in his blossoming career as Diego Pacheco takes on Marcelo Coceres for the WBO International and USWBC Super-Middleweight titles at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on November 18.

Pacheco (19-0 16 KOs) was at his scintillating best in his last outing in July where he blitzed the dangerous Manuel Gallegos inside four rounds in Monterrey, Mexico – ending matters with a vicious attack after flooring Gallegos in the fourth with a trademark bodyshot and became the first man to stop the Mexican later in the round.

That was a second headline turn for the rangy South LA man having previously pummeled Jack Cullen into submission again in four rounds in Liverpool, England in April, and now the 23 year old earns a shorter trip to top the bill, doing so in the shadow of the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood where he grew up.

“I cannot wait to be headlining at home November 18 at the YouTube Theater,” said Pacheco. “I am looking forward to making a statement and delivering another great performance for all my hometown fans.”

Standing in Pacheco’s way of another impressive showing at Super-Middleweight is former World title challenger Coceres (32-5-1 18 KOs). The Argentine returns to the city of his biggest night, where he met WBO ruler Billy Joe Saunders for the World title in November 2019, and the 32 year old is set to provide Pacheco with the biggest test of his career to date.

“November 18, in his backyard, this is what warriors do,” said Coceres. “I have a lot of respect for Pacheco, he’s a good fighter, but he’s still young and he has time. This is my time now.
I’ve been here before. I’ve been to war. Let’s see how the young boy does when his back is against the wall. 

“I’m bringing everything into this fight. I can’t afford another loss at this point in my career. This is make or break and I’m leaving everything I have in the ring come November 18.”

Back-to-back weekends in September provide plenty of excitement in Tijuana and Orlando.

Angel Fierro continues to hammer on the door for a World title shot, and he’ll look to add more weight to those claims when he defends his WBO NABO Lightweight title against Brayan Zammaripa on Friday September 15 at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez Moreno in Tijuana, Mexico. 

Fierro (21-1-2 17 KOs) is sitting pretty at #4 with the WBO, and the 25 year old gets a hometown outing as he looks to build on his growing reputation for exciting performances.

‘Tashiro’ was at his explosive best in his last outing with multiple knockdowns leading to a seventh round stoppage win over Eduardo Estela in Culiacan – a fifth KO in his last six fights – and a run he’ll be looking to improve upon against Zammaripa (13-1 4 KOs), the Baja California man who has recorded ten wins on the bounce since his sole defeat in 2016.

“I am very happy to return to my home Tijuana,” said Fierro. “But I am even more excited because I am very close to a World Title fight. I’m very focused on giving a great show to my people.”

“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for, for a long time,” said Zammaripa. “I respect Tashiro, but this is my moment. I’m coming to his neighborhood, but this is my territory. Civil War is coming September 15 and I’m leaving with Tashiro’s belt. Viva Mexico.

Erika Cruz (15-2 3 KOs) will return to action on the card following her thrilling battle with Amanda Serrano for the undisputed Featherweight crown in New York in February, and ‘Dinamita’ will look to get back on the path to regaining her World champion status over ten rounds against Melissa Oddessa Parker (6-1 2 KOs)

“I am 100 per cent prepared,” said Cruz. “That night the national guard and I will be celebrating our Independence Day with one more victory for the Dinamita!”

The following weekend, a stacked bill takes Matchroom back to Florida and sees World-rated Super-Lightweight Richardson Hitchins takes on Jose Zepeda for the WBC Silver and IBF North American Super-Lightweight titles at the Caribe Royale in Orlando on Saturday September 23.

Hitchins (16-0 7 KOs) shone in his last outing in his home city, putting New Jersey’s John Bauza on the canvas during a shut-out win at Madison Square Garden, and the Brooklyn ace now lurks with intent at #6 with the WBO and #7 with the IBF in the 140lb rankings. 

Zepeda (36-3 27 KOs) represents a significant barrier to Hitchins’ plans to move into World title contention though, and the Californian, who has challenged for World titles at both 135 and 140lbs, will be eyeing Hitchins’ lofty standings to reignite his own World championship plans.

“I’m excited to finally be back in action and prove I’m the top dog of the 140lb division,” said Hitchins. “I promise to put on a master class performance on Zepada. This was the guy they were calling one of the top guys in the division, so after this performance this will show I’m ready for anyone.

“We tried waiting for Montana Love, but he found his way out of the fight like I expected his bitch ass would, so it’s on to bigger and better!”

“This is it for me, my last opportunity and a big one,” said Zepeda. “I need to win to stay on track and soon fight for another World title, it’s now or never. I want to thank Matchroom very much for this opportunity, my brother Renee and my manager Rick Mirigian for getting this multi-fight deal worked out. I’ll be ready come fight night.”

The Welterweight division will move one step closer to crowning an undisputed champion on the night as Jessica McCaskill and Sandy Ryan meet for three of the belts. 

WBA and WBC champion McCaskill (12-3 5 KOs) is no stranger to undisputed status, having ripped all the hardware at 147 from long-reigning ruler Cecilia Braekhus in August 2020 and then holding onto the belts in a rematch the following March. The Chicagoan defended the belts twice more against Kandi Wyatt and Alma Ibarra before the lure of becoming undisputed champion at a second weight saw her drop down to 140lbs to take on Chantelle Cameron in Abu Dhabi in November, with the Briton coming out on top on that occasion.

WBO belt holder Ryan (6-1 2 KOs) will look to make it back-to-back losses to Brits for McCaskill, as the Derby talent puts the title she won in her last outing against Marie Pier Houle in Cardiff, Wales in April. Ryan, who holds wins over former World champions Anahi Sanchez and Erica Farias, steps straight into the biggest fight in the division in her first defense and can add two belts to take her collection up to three in just her eighth pro fight.

“Glad to finally get back in the ring, it’s been too long,” said McCaskill. “I’m not going to lie it’s been a bit frustrating but now we are finally here. You know what they say, be careful what you wish for. See you soon Sandy.”

“This fight is everything to me the level of it the best vs. the best in the Welterweight division,” said Ryan. “I respect Jessica massively as a fighter and what she has done in the sport but it’s definitely time for a new era and I believe I am that. 

“It’s my biggest fight and it’s going to be in America, a place I’ve wanted to fight in since I turned pro. It’s been a dream of mine so I can’t wait to make my America debut and fight Jessica. AND THE NEW!”

A third fight for the bill in Orlando sees Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams press his claims for World title action at Middleweight as he tackles Steve Rolls.

Williams (14-0 10 KOs) is back in the States having taken out River Wilson-Bent in eight rounds in London in April – his third fight in England – and the Middleweight contender is right on the cusp of landing a World title shot sitting at #2 with the WBA, #10 with the IBF and #11 with the WBC.

Rolls (22-2 12 KOs) will test those ambitions to the fullest though, having shared the ring with Gennadiy Golovkin and Edgar Berlanga in his 24-fight career, and the Canadian will look to get back into contention himself with the WBA International and IBF North American titles on the line. 

“I’ve learned the significance of rest and patience since my April victory,” said Williams. “This period of down time has allowed my mind and body the proper space to process all of the many lessons I’ve received in my previous 6 bouts. Tremendous advancement has occurred in all areas of my life. September 23 will be a display of brilliance, dedication, and laser focus. Don’t miss it!

“I’m looking forward to fighting on September 23,” said Rolls. “I know that Ammo is coming to fight, but I’m going to do whatever is necessary to get my hand raised at the end of the night. He has never fought anyone as a pro with my experience, and I think that experience will play a big role in me winning this fight.”

Information on ticket on-sale dates and further undercard news for these events will be released soon.

These events are added to a stacked offering from Matchroom on DAZN, with more to come including:

Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington, Saturday October 7, Sheffield

Jack Catterall vs. Jorge Linares, Saturday October 21, Manchester

Chantelle Cameron vs. Katie Taylor II, Saturday November 25, Dublin

Alycia Baumgardner will defend her undisputed World Super-Featherweight title against Christina Linardatou at The Masonic Temple Detroit in Detroit, Michigan on Saturday July 15, live worldwide on DAZN – as bitter rivals Richardson Hitchins and Montana Love clash, and Cuban amateur sensation Andy Cruz makes his pro debut.
 
Baumgardner (14-1 7 KOs) puts all the belts at 130lbs on the line for the second time after a dominant performance over Elhem Mekhaled in New York in February, a first defense in the Big Apple coming after a massive win to claim all the belts in London against fierce rival Mikaela Mayer in October. The big nights just keep coming for ‘The Bomb’ and now it’s home time as she fights in Detroit for the first time in the paid ranks – and has a score to settle against Linardatou, who handed Baumgardner her sole defeat in July 2018.
 
Linardatou (14-2 6 KOs) is aiming to become a three-time World ruler and break Baumgardner’s heart once again, five years after a split decision win over eight rounds in Louisville. That win for the Greek preceded her claiming her first World title at Super-Lightweight against Kandi Wyatt in March 2019, having previously challenged Delfine Persoon for the World Lightweight title in June 2016. The 35 year old defended the crown against Deanha Hobbs in June 2019 in Athens, before Katie Taylor took the title in Manchester, England in November 2019. Linardatou reclaimed the vacant title three months later against Prisca Vicot in Indiana and returned to action in July with a six round win in Greece. 
 
“It was a blessing to be able to fight overseas in front of an international audience to unify titles; and then to finally become undisputed   in my home country at MSG, was so amazing!” said Baumgardner. “But to come back home to the Midwest, where I grew up, where I learned how to work, where my life was shaped, where my faith was forged, and then to headline in my adopted home of Detroit for my first undisputed title defense; I am truly realizing a dream come true.  
 
“In one of the world’s most storied cities for boxing, I get to put on show and show out in front of the people who’ve supported me and know me best. I get to thank the region that helped make me who I am. I get to show the world that a little girl from Fremont, came back home as the Undisputed Champion of the World, and let all those other midwestern little girls like me know that they can reach any dream they can imagine.”
 
“I think it’s going to be a great fight with me and Alycia,” said Linardatou. “It’s going to be much better than the first one. She has shown signs of improvement, but I have a new purpose to fight for – my son. 
 
“And as much as she improved with her skills, her ego and head has grown with it. She does a lot of things for social media and to get attention. I’m doing this for the legacy of my son. See you July 15, chump – I mean champ.”
 
A stacked undercard in support of Baumgardner’s homecoming sees fireworks guaranteed as bitter rivals Richardson Hitchins and Montana Love clash for Hitchin’s IBF North American and USWBC Super-Lightweight titles.
 
Hitchins (16-0 7 KOs) is rising up the rankings at 140lbs and boxes for the third time in eight months since joining forces with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom. The Brooklyn man was punch-perfect in his last outing, dominating John Bauza over ten rounds in New York in February, following a eighth round stoppage win over Yomar Alamo in Cleveland in November. 
 
Love (18-1-1 9 KOs) headlined on that night in his Cleveland hometown against Steve Spark in a fight that ended in controversial circumstances, as a tangle on the rope appeared to end in Love lifting Spark over the ropes, leading to a disqualification. Love now seeks to get back into contention to meet the contenders and champions at 140lbs, and while no greater incentive is needed, Hitchins and Love clashed at the press conference in Cleveland and there’s no love lost between the pair leading up to this high-stakes battle.
 
“It’s done – finally,” said Hitchins. “This is the fight I have been wanting since I signed with Matchroom and finally we’ve got him. 
 
“To say there is bad blood between us is an understatement. This is personal for me. I genuinely cannot stand the guy and come July 15; he’s going to feel all that anger come out. This is my time. This is going to be a showcase performance for me and put me in line for a World title. 
 
“He isn’t on my level. He doesn’t belong in the ring with me. I’m giving him this opportunity for no other reason than that I want to smash him to pieces.”
 
“I’m gonna give you this ass whoopin’ you been asking for,” said Love. “This is just the fight I need to get back into the mix, and when I deal with him, I’ll be back on track for World titles.”
 
Fresh from signing a promotional deal with Hearn and Matchroom, Cuban amateur sensation Andy Cruz will make his pro debut on the bill over ten rounds at Lightweight against Juan Carlos Burgos.
 
Cruz struck gold at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo in the Lightweight division against Keyshawn Davis in the delayed games in August 2021 and added an incredible third straight AIBA World Championship gold at Light-Welterweight in Serbia three months later, putting that medal next to those he landed at the World Championships in Germany and Russia in 2017 and 2019.
 
The 27 year old is wasting no time in getting into the groove in the paid ranks, and does so against the experienced Burgos (35-7-3 21 KOs) who took Davis the eight round distance in his last outing in December and drew over ten rounds with highly ranked Lightweight Angel Fierro last March. 
 
“I’m pumped and ready,” said Cruz. “Everything I wanted is about to become a reality. Now, it is time for me to show the world what I am made of. I want to give my fans the best of me, and I’m ready to do in pro boxing the same I did in the amateurs, be the best in the World!”
 
“What a night this is going to be – and I am so thrilled for Alycia,” said Hearn. “It’s poetic that we have announced this card just before Katie Taylor finally gets her homecoming in Dublin tonight, as great champions deserve to fight in front of their hometown fans and that’s exactly what Alycia gets on July 15 – with the added spice of being able to right the only loss on her record, I’ve no doubt ‘The Bomb’ is going to produce something special in Detroit.
 
“To say Richardson and Montana do not like each other is an understatement, and they finally get the chance to get their hands on each other in the ring. The build-up will be ferocious, and will come to the boil on fight night, but cool heads will be needed when they step through the ropes as this is a vital clash in the 140lbs division.
 
“And last but by no means least, welcome to the paid ranks, Andy Cruz. Fans who get their hands on a ticket for this brilliant night of action will witness the first steps of a fighter I believe will win World titles at multiple weights and walk into the hall of fame – but every journey starts with a single step, and Juan Carlos is a tough Mexican that’s never been stopped and has mixed in great company, it’s a great test on what will be the first of many epic nights for Andy in the pro game.”
 
An announcement on ticket on-sale dates will be made soon.
 

NEW YORK–In a war, Amanda Serrano became the undisputed featherweight champion with a 10-round unanimous decision in front of a capacity crowd at The Hulu Theater inside Madison Square Garden

The two fighters stood toe to toe with Cruz having early success as she dug her feet in and came forward throwing and landing punches in bunches from all angles. That seemed to befuddle Serrano, who was getting hit cleanly by oncoming shots from Cruz. In round three, Cruz was cut on her forehead from an accidental headbutt. That coincided with Serrano’s foray back inro the fight as she seemed to have a better grasp on how to handle the unorthodox style of Cruz.

In round six, Serrano her Cruz badly with an left and right hook on the inside. There were instances that looked like Cruz was done, but she kept coming forward throwing punches in bunches. Serrano was able to stem the tide and fough through a cut around her right eye in a furious 10th and final round.

The two fighters threw a staggering amount of punches for the 20 minute war as Serrano was 257 of 949. Cruz 202 of 968.

Serrano, 125.4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and is now 44-2-1. Cruz, 125.4 lbs of Mexico City fought valiantly in defeat and is now 15-2.

With the win, it paves the way for a much anticipated rematch between Serrano and Katie Taylor that was announced for May 20th.

Amanda Serrano

• I’m just so emotional underneath. I finally did it for my island. 
• She’s a Mexican champion and we knew that from the start. I knew it was going to be a bout and this what what I’ve trained for. We didn’t expect anything less than that. 
• I’m glad it went past the fourth!
• Jordan kept screaming 1-2-1-2’s from the corner – go back to the basics. My left hand was catching her pretty clear with the jabs. So I just listen to my corner. 
• I have successfully completed all of my dreams, becoming the undisputed champion. So now I am one of THE undisputed champions but I am still the ONLY 7 weigh class world champions in the world. 
• It’s going to be a bigger and better fight over there (Ireland)

Katie Taylor

• I was cheering her on. I wanted this fight. Undisputed vs. undisputed champion. The last fight was an epic fight and I think the next one is going to be exactly the same. 
• It’s going to be great in Ireland fighting the real deal, Amanda Serrano. This is incredible and the last fight was epic so I expect nothing less from the next one. 
• This is the biggest fight in women’s boxing and I only want to do the biggest fights. This is exactly what I want.

Baumgardner Decisions Mekhaled to Win Undisputed Junior Lightweight Champion

Alycia Baumgardner became to Undisputed Junior Lightweight champion with an emphatic 10-round unanimous decision over Elhem Mekhaled.

In round three, Baumgardner landed a big chopping right that put Mekhaled on the canvas. With Mekhaled hurt, Baumgardner jumped on Mekhaled and sent her to the canvas for a second time in the round from a huge flurry of punches.

Mekhaled was hurt several times down the stretch, but she showed tremendous resolve as she was able to land some flush punches. In the 10th round, both boxers had moments and also there were several furious exchanges.

Baumgardner landed 141 of 542 punches; Mekhaled was 96 of 404.

Baumgardner, 129 lbs of Detroit won by scores of 99-89 twice and 98-90 and is now 14-1. Mekhaled, 129 lbs of Paris, FRA is 15-2.

Hitchins Decisions Bauza

Richardson Hitchins settled his grudge with John Bauza y winning a lopsided 10-round unanimous decision on their junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Hitchins landed a inside left that had Bauza hit the canvas, which was ruled a knockdown. In round four, Hitchins landed a hard straight right that put Bauza down for a clean knockdown. In round five, the right eye of Bauza began to swell up.

With his face a mess and getting beat up, Bauza landed a hard left that briefly stopped Hitchins in his tracks, but Hitchins rebounded to landed three flush shots to face of Bauza.

Hitchins, 139.6 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 100-88 on all cards and is now 16-0. Bauza, 139 lbs of North Bergen, NJ is 17-1.

Yankiel Rivera Decisions Fernando Diaz

Yankiel Rivera remained undefeated by pounding out an eight-round unanimous decision over Fernando Diaz in a flyweight fight.

Rivera, 112.4 lbs of Bayamon, PR won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 3-0. Diaz, 111.8 lbs of Riverside, CA is 11-3-1.

Skye Nicolson remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Tania Alvarez in a featherweight fight.

Nicolson, 126.6 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 6-0. Alvarez, 124.8 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is 7-1.

In a battle of previously undefeated super bantamweights, Ramla Ali took a 10-round unanimous decision from Avril Mathie.

Ali, 121.4 lbs of London won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 8-0. Mathie, 121.4 lbs of Sydney, AUS is 8-1-1.

Shadasia Green was impressive in stopping former world champion Elin Cederroos in round six of their scheduled 10[round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Green dropped Cederroos with a perfect overhand right to the jaw.

In round six, Green landed three more booming right hands to the head that had Cederroos wobbling across the ring. Green landed three more flush shots in the corner and the bout was stopped at 1:08.

Green, 167.2 lbs of Paterson, NJ is now 12-0 with 11 knockoouts. Cederroos,167.4 lbs of Sweden is 8-2.

In a bloody battle, Harley Maderos stopped Julio Madera in the sixth and final round of their lightweight bout.

Maderos battered Madera until his face got more swollen with each round. Maderos showed a bloody mouth in round five. In round six, Maderos landed a hard combination that forced referee Eric Dali to the contest at 25 seconds.

Maderos, 134.2 lbs of Brooklyn is now 5-0 with four knockouts. Madera,133.5 lbs of Mexico City is 4-3.

Aaron Aponte remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Joshua David Rivera in a junior welterweight clash.

Aponte, 136.8 lbs of Hialeah Gardens, FL won by scores on all cards and is now 7-0-1. Rivera, 138.8 lbs of La Mesa, CA is 8-2.

NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 4, 2023)–TONIGHT at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, undefeated super lightweight John Bauza takes on fellow undefeated Richardson Hitchins in a 10-round bout for the IBF North American Super Lightweight Title.

Bauza is managed by Split-T Management.

The bout can be seen Live on DAZN at 8 PM ET.

To say that the lead-up to the fight has been contentious is an understatement.

The former sparring partners engaged in a 20-minute heated debate at Thursday’s press conference that was filled with confident bold predictions and profane smack talk.

“First of all, I want to say thank you for this opportunity to be here. All I have to say is that I work hard. There was a lot of back and forth, but we got the fight, and we’re ready,” said Bauza. “We’re ready for everybody. We already proved that in the amateurs. He [Hitchins] knows who I am; I sparred him before. I come from the same group as them, all of them. They know who I am too, so we’re ready for everybody. I’m ready for it.”

Bauza of North Bergen, New Jersey via Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico is 17-0 with seven knockouts. The 24 year-old Bauza is a seven year-pro who has defeated the likes of Larry Fryers (11-2), Christian Edwards (12-2), Michael Williams Jr. (19-0) and his last bout when he took an eight-round unanimous decision over Tony Luis (29-4) on March 19, 2022 at Madison Square Garden.

Hitchins of New York is 15-0 with seven knockouts. The 25 year-old Hitchins is a six-year pro and has defeated Mario Alberto Perez Navarro (1-0, Alejandro Munera (4-1-3), Kevin Johnson (7-1), Nicholas DeLomba (16-2), former world champion Argenis Mendez (25-5-3), Malik Hawkins (18-1) and his last bout when he stopped Yomar Alamo (20-1-1) on November 12, 2022 in Cleveland.

Bauza was 139 lbs. at Friday’s weigh in. Hitchins was 139.6 lbs.

Richardson Hitchins has thanked promoter Eddie Hearn for bringing him back to New York as he prepares to defend his IBF North American Super-Lightweight title against John Bauza at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM AND MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT MSG.COM

Hitchins (15-0 7 KOs) last stepped through the ropes in the Big Apple in May 2019 at the Barclays Center, with just six fights in almost 45 months across America since that night in on his home patch.
 
The 25 year old is thrilled to finally be back in front of the passionate fight fans in his own city and with a renewed momentum in his career, he’s vowed to show his full arsenal and get what promises to be a big year underway in style.
 
Hitchins’ belief that he’s in a better place comes after teaming up with Hearn’s Matchroom at the end of 2022. Hearn snapped up the unbeaten Super-Lightweight and immediately handed him a first title fight in Cleveland in November against Yomar Alamo. 
 
Hitchins forced Alamo to retire after dominating the Puerto Rican for eight rounds, to get his first belt strapped around his waist. His defense against Bauza on Saturday is the quickest turnaround in fights that Hitchins has had in four years, and he believes that his name will be on everyone’s lips to be in the big fights in one of boxing’s best divisions right now.
 
“It’s been a while since I’ve boxed in my city,” said Hitchins. “It’s a homecoming I’ve craved for some time. That is enough to get you up for it. It’s going to be a special night and it’s the perfect venue and platform to showcase my skills and make a wider statement to the division. 
 
“I just need to go out there and deliver. I’ve got the talent to do major things in the sport, but I must keep improving. Day by day, week by week, month by month, fight by fight.
 
“We’re making up for lost time and put myself into a position where I need to be. I should be in a better place by now but it’s God’s plan.
 
“It’s all changed now, I feel relevant, there’s a purpose and there’s activity. It was hard to stay dedicated before. If I had no fight in the diary, from time to time may have switched off a little in the training more so from wandering. Now I’ve got to stay on weight and on track because there’s another fight day fast approaching. Mentally, it’s refreshing. I’m dedicated to the sport, and I just want to stay busy and stay sharp.
 
“It’s one of the most competitive divisions in boxing. There’s a lot of punchers in the 140 division, Regis Prograis gets people out of there and I think that’s a realistic matchup for later this year or next. I believe I belong with the top-level guys in the division and I’m ready to show that this year.”
 
Hitchins’ clash with Bauza is part of an historic night of action at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden as Amanda Serrano returns 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 Erika Cruz.

Alycia 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 Elhem Mekhaled will look to spoil the Detroit star’s plans in her first fight in the States.
 
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.

Steve Spark got a victory via sixth round disqualification over Montana Love in 12-round super lightweight bout at The Rocket Mortgage Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

In round two, Spark landed a hard right that put Love on the canvas. In round six, the two fighters clashed heads which opened up a cut around the left eye of Love. That seemed to have perturbed Love as he pushed Spark over the top rope that caused a disqualification.

Spark, 140 lbs of Toowoomba, AUS is 16-2. Love, 140 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 18-1-1.

Richardson Hitchins remained undefeated by stopping Yomar Alamo after round eight of their 10-round super lightweight bout.

Hitchins beat down Alamo until the fight was stopped in the corner following the eighth frame.

Hitchins, 140 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 15-0 with seven knockouts. Alamo, 138.5 lbs of Caguas, PR is 20-2-1.

Raymond Ford scored an eighth round stoppage over Sakaria Lukas in a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

Ford was credited with a knockdown in the opening minute of the fight when he landed a left and Lukas stumbled to the canvas.

In round seven, Lukas was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. In round eight, Ford landed a booming right hook to the chin that put Lukas down and out on his back and the fight was stopped at 2:20.

Ford, 126 lbs of Camden NJ is 13-0-1 with seven knockouts. Lukas, 128 lbs of Windhoek, NAM is 25-2-1,

Thomas Mattice won a 10-round unanimous decision over Christian Tapia in a super featherweight fight.

In round two, Mattice dropped Tapia with a straight right.

Mattice, 129.5 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 97-92 and 96-93 twice and is now 19-3-1. Tapia, 129.5 lbs of Coamo, PR is 15-1.

Beatriz Ferreira made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Taynna Cardoso in a super featherweight bout.

In round one, Ferreira scored a knockdown when she put Cardoso on the canvas with a right hand. In round three, it was another hard right hand that forced Cardoso to take a knee.

Ferreira, 130.5 lbs of Salvador, BRA won by scores of 40-34 on all cards and is now 1-0. Cardoso, 131 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 5-1.

Nikoloz Sekhniashvili stopped previously undefeated David Rodriguez after round three of their scheduled six-round super welterweight bout.

Early in round one, Sekhniashvili dropped Rodriguez with a straight left. The left eye of Rodriguez swelled badly throughout the fight and the bout was stopped after round three.

Sekhniashvili, 153.5 lbs of Gori, GEO is 8-1 with six knockouts. Rodriguez, 155 lbs of Akron, OH is 6-1.

Raynell Williams won a six-round unanimous decision over Ryizeemmion Ford in a super featherweight bout.

In round one, Williams sent Ford down with a left hand.

Williams, 130 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 14-1. Ford, 131 lbs of Alliance, OH is 8-3.

Khalil Coe won a six-round unanimous decision over Bradey Olmeida in a light heavyweight bout featuring undefeated fighters.

In round five, Coe dropped Olmedia with a right hand

Coe, 174 lbs of Jersey City, NJ won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 4-0-1. Olmeida, 175 lbs of Mayaguez, PR is 5-1.

Richardson Hitchins will fight for his first pro title when he takes on Yomar Alamo for the IBF North American Super-Lightweight title and is the co-main event as Montana Love headlines in his hometown for the first time as he takes on Steve Spark for the WBA Intercontinental Super-Lightweight title on Saturday November 12 at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, live worldwide on DAZN.
 

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Hitchins (14-0 6 KOs) inked a promotional pact with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom yesterday and wastes no time in his quest to crash into the top ten in the Super-Lightweight rankings and put the big names on notice as he fights for his first title in his 15^th pro fight, entering the bout on the back of three impressive wins; dismissing Angel Rodriguez in May inside four rounds to add to convincing ten round victories over Malik Hawkins and former World champion Argenis Mendez
 
Opposing the 2016 Olympian is Puerto Rico’s Alamo (20-1-1 12 KOs), the 27 year old is no stranger to title action having recently held the WBO Latino crown to go with his time holding the WBO NABO, WBC Youth and WBC FECARBOX belts, and ‘The Magic’ will be out to spoil Hitchins’ bow under Hearn and bounce back from a slender split decision loss to another new Matchroom signing, Liam Paro, in his last fight in December.
 
“November 12, my time to shine,” said Hitchins. “Eddie promised me big fights, big opportunities, and most importantly, activity. This is the beginning of all that, the beginning of this new journey in my career and I couldn’t be more excited. 
 
“Alamo is a very tough opponent, and I know he’s coming to win, but he’s simply a roadblock towards achieving my championship goals. As I’ve said before, I believe I’m the best 140 pounder in the world, and he’s going to find that out as soon as the bell rings. I plan on stealing the show November 12. I promise you; you don’t want to miss it.”
 
“It’s a good fight,” said Alamo. “I’m looking to jump back in the rankings and get a better shot. It will be my first time fighting in Cleveland and I am happy to be fighting in a city where I have a lot of love and support. I’m training at my best to give 100 per cent and to win in style.”
 
Raymond Ford (12-0-1 6 KOs) continues to catch the eye in his rise in the Featherweight division and defends his WBA Continental Americas title in Cleveland against Sakaria Lukas. The New Jersey talent landed that title against the unbeaten Edward Vazquez in February via split decision and defended it with a shutout win over Richard Medina in June, taking another ‘0’ in the process. 
 
Lukas (25-1-1 17 KOs) is the latest man to try to claim the strap from Ford, and the Namibian has familiarized himself with fighting outside his homeland in his last four fights. The 38 year old had only boxed once outside Namibia in his first 23 fights – with that bout taking him to Zimbabwe – but his last four outings has seen fights in Texas and Atlantic City either side of a pair of bouts in Cancun, Mexico, and now he’ll look to hand a first defeat to the 23 year old ‘Savage’.
 
“I’m stepping up again, I don’t duck any challenge,” said Ford. “Lukas has only lost once in 27 fights. I’m fighting to impress my fans and I see myself hurting him and being the first person to stop him. 
 
“Then, I’m coming after any of the Champions out there because there’s no fun and games anymore, I want those belts.”
 
“This is my third fight in the USA and I’m not here to be robbed!” said Lukas. “This boy Ford won’t see the final bell; he will just see me standing over him” 
 
 
There’s more Puerto Rican action on the card and this time against a local favorite, as Christian Tapia takes on Cleveland’s Thomas Mattice for the WBA Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title.
 
Unbeaten Tapia (15-0 12 KOs) picked up the title in March with a wide points win over Luis Lebron in Philadelphia, and kept busy in the same city with an eight round win over Mario Lozano, and now faces local man Mattice (19-3-1 15 KOs), who enters the bout on the back of two wins inside the distance, with a first round KO in May in Cleveland Heights and an sixth round stoppage in Toledo. 
 
“The Super-Featherweight division just got a little more interesting now,” said Tapia. “Matchroom has given me a global platform and I intend to take full advantage of it. On November 12 in Cleveland, I’m going showcase my skills, showing the 130lb division, showing the people watching and most of all show my opponent why I am the best kept secret in boxing. El Hijo Del Pueblo (The Son of the People) will not only be victorious but all ‘contenders’ in MY division will be put on notice.”
 
“This is one of the opportunities I’ve been looking for,” said Mattice. Being in my hometown makes it even better. I will be ready and victorious on November 12.”

Richardson Hitchins has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom.
 
Hitchins (14-0 6 KOs) has cruised to 14-0 in the paid ranks since turning professional in March 2017 after representing Haiti in the 2016 Olympics and secured his sixth stoppage win in his last outing, dismissing Angel Rodriguez inside four rounds to add to impressive ten round victories over Malik Hawkins and former World champion Argenis Mendez.
 
The Brooklyn talent, who turned 25 on Monday, is ready to crash into the top ten rankings at Super-Lightweight, and Matchroom will announce his first title fight tomorrow as Hitchins prepares to step up his pursuit of major belts and blockbuster nights.
 
“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity to join the Matchroom stable,” said Hitchins. “I believe that I am the best 140 pounder in the world, and Eddie is going to give me the opportunity to prove that. 
 
“There are big fights and big nights ahead for me in my career, and this is my time to shine. I plan on putting the 140lbs division on notice immediately. I want all the smoke. I’m coming for the belts.”
 
“I’m delighted to welcome Richardson to the team,” said Hearn. “There is no doubt in my mind that Richardson can become a World champion at 140lbs and beyond that, but the journey starts soon with a first fight under the Matchroom banner to be announced tomorrow.
 
“I want to keep Richardson busy, get him climbing the rankings and he’ll soon be knocking on the door for those belts – and he can crash through the door and become a star.”