WBA Orders Teofimo López vs. Jack Catterall

The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championship Committee has ordered a mandatory bout between WBA Welterweight Super Champion Teófimo López and Jack Catterall, the organization’s welterweight champion.

The decision stems from the conditions established by the Championship Committee when Rolando “Rolly” Romero was elevated to WBA Super Champion. At that time, it was determined that the winner of the WBA World Title bout between Shakhram Giyasov and Jack Catterall would subsequently face Romero, who would be permitted to make one optional defense during that period.

On August 22, 2026, Teófimo López defeated Romero by majority decision to become the WBA Super Champion. López therefore succeeded Romero as champion and assumed the obligations previously established by the Championship Committee.

As a result, the WBA has ordered the bout between López and Catterall.

The WBA has established a 30-day negotiation period, beginning on September 22, 2026, and concluding at the close of business, Eastern Time, on October 22, 2026.

If the parties fail to reach an agreement within the established period, or if either party notifies the WBA of its decision to discontinue negotiations, the Championship Committee may, with the approval of the WBA President, order a purse bid in accordance with the organization’s rules and regulations.




Lopez Decisions Romero; Wins WBA Welterweight Title

LAS VEGAS — The pressure was on Teofimo Lopez. It came from all sides. It was there, on both sides of the ropes. It was there, in his past and his future, a double-edged presence dangerous to  reputation and livelihood. There was no escape.

So,, Lopez did what he could only do.

He embraced the danger poised by skeptics created by his one-sided loss to Shakur Stevenson.

He embraced the risk that came with a new DAZN  deal worth a reported $20-million.

And, above all, he embraced the decision to move forward against a friend and fighter with power enough to destroy his ambition and crush his credibility. There were moments when it looked as if Rolly Romero would do exactly that. He rocked Lopez early and late. He cut midway, leaving him with a stream of blood pouring down one side of his face. But this time the wound was just a price to be paid for all that was at stake.

Lopez prevailed, scarred face and all, winning a majority decisions on score card debatable only because they failed to reflect how big his victory really was.It was 114 – 114 on one card. On the other two, both for Lopez, it was 115-113 and 116-112.

“I could care less about the scorecards,” Lopez said after taking Romero’s welterweight belt in his first fight at 147 pounds..

Only winning mattered  for Lopez, who entered the ring faced by an either-or scenario.

“There’s still a lot of work to do,” he said. “When you lose and come back, you;’never lost. You’re a winner.  I’m a winner.”

He was Saturday because of his willingness to walk straight into a tactic that Romero set up as a trap. Once, Lopez stepped in, Romero’s plan was to unleash his power. It worked in the fifth round, opening a cut near Lopez’ right eye. But the blood, a nasty reminder of what happened to his face against Stevenson, was a bad sign.

But Lopez continued to move forward, certain he would eliminate that possibility. Slowly yet surely, he turned Romero’s measured defense into a liability. In the final few rounds, Romero appeared to back way as just an escape.

After it was all over, Romero questioned the scorecards. He also suggested they were close enough for a rematch.

No, Lopez said.

He has already moved on, to a future he fought to protect.

Yoenli Hernandez wins majority decision

Yoenli Hernandez’ reputation — fearless and powerful — preceded him.He was advertised as the next great middleweight.

But reputation and advertising are suddenly on hold, because of skilled Argentinian Francisco Daniel Veron, who didn’t beat him yet might have shown a way how to Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.

Veron (17-2-1, 10 KOs) withstood the power, stood up under the Cuban’s strength and took him to the scorecards, losing a 10-round majority decision at T-Mobile Arena. One judge scored it a draw, 95-95. The other two judges saw a different fight, one favoring Hernandez, 98-92, and the other, 99-91. 

Hernandez’ raw strength was impossible to ignore. Harder to see was an effective jab from Verson, who used it repeatedly to keep him at distance. In the fifth round, a Veron hook knocked Hernandez off balance. He often made the Cuban look awkward, never often enough to prevail, 

Dull to dynamic, Russell scores 12th round knockdown

For eleven rounds, it was deadly dull.

For one — the final one,there was sudden drama.

Gary Antonio Russell put some life into a fight and probably woke up a lot fans with a right hook that punctuated a junior-featherweight  bout like an exclamation point Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.

The shot from the resilient Russell (21-1,13 KOs) dropped Victor Santillan ((16-3, 7 KOs), who fell to the canvas slowly. The crowd and perhaps Russsell would have been happy if it had ended then, Somehow, however, Sabtijjangot up just as some in the crowd woke up, A few moments later it was over, and Russell left the ring with a unanimous decision and an interim 122-pound champion in a division dominated by pound-for pound No. 1 Naoya Inoue., 

Carlos Utria gets win and boos

Carlos Utria got the victory.

Got the boos, too.

Utria (15-0, 12 KOs) overcame some late fatigue and sporadic rallies from Israel Mercado often enough to escape with a split decision, an unpopular one , too — Saturday in the pay-per-view opener to a card featuring Teofimo Lopez-Rolly Romero at T-Mobile Arena. 

The junior-welterweight fight figured to be close, And it was,, one fighter gaining momentum and the other regaining it ,from round to-round. After the 10th and final round, it looked as if it might be a draw. But two judges said no, both favoring the Colombian, 96-94 and 97-93. The third scored it 96-94 foot Mercado (13-2-2, 7 KOs).

A gathering crowd disagreed loudly, booing Utria as he left the ring.

Marco Romero overwhelms in Vegas debut

Marco Romero introduced himself to Las Vegas.

You might of missed it.

Within three minutes, Romero said goodbye to Khalil Mitchell (7-1, 4 LOs) and hello to Vegas Saturday on the Teofimo Lopez-Rolly Romero card at T-Mobile Arena, Romero (15-0, 13 KOs), a middleweight prospect from Kansas, overwhelmed Mitchell , of Chattanooga,in a fight stopped at 2:33 of the first round.

Joseph Brown’s dances to victor, gets booed

Joseph Brown, a prospect who has sparred with Boots Ennis, is unbeaten and — by the sound of it — unlikable,

Brown (8-0, 6 KOs) got booed after turning in a dominant performance for a one-sided decision over Alton Wiggins Saturday on the card featuring Teofimo Lopez-Rolly Romero at T-Mobile Arena.

Wiggins (3-3-1), of Modesto CA, never had a chance against Brown’s powerful rightt-hand.It was a rout, no reason for a celebration. Brown did anyway, dancing in the center of the ring. Scattered boos were hisreward.

Aldo Blancas, a Milwaukee prospect and a David Benavidez stablemate, flashed some Benavidez-like hand speed, scoring s second-round knockdown with a body shot and went onto win a  one-sided decision over Ricky Mamone

First Bell: Benjamin Johnson opens show with dominant decision

It started with more people in the ring than the seats.

That didn’t bother Maryland welterweight Benjamin Johnson (8-0, 8 KOs). 

He dominated, landing solid shots that echoed throughout an empty T-Mobile Arena for a unanimous decision over Gabriel Rodriguez (4-4-1, 3 KOs), of Ecuador, in a Saturday matinee, the opening bout on a card featuring Teofimo Lopez-Rolly Romero




Romero lets silence do all the talking in title defense against Teofimo

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS — If silence speaks volumes, Rolly Romero said a lot Friday.

He said nothing.

 In what proved to be the deafening final punctuation point to a ceremonial weigh-in, Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) had only silence as an answer to questions from DAZN’s Chris Mannix the day before opening bell to a defense of his welterweight title against Teofimo Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs) in pay-per-view bout at T-Mobile Center.

It was an awkward moment — a rare one too–  in a business that is nothing if not noisy. It also was newsworthy on a day when both fighters made weight in the morning at the official weigh-in at the Park MGM, just across the street from T-Mobile.. Lopez was at 147 pounds, the welterweight limit. Romero was at 146.6, slightly lighter perhaps because he shed all the verbiage.

There was no explanation, of course, because Romero would have had to speak. Instead, he waved his title belt  above his head and in Lopez’ face as he stepped away from an extended stare-down in the ritual face-off after the weights were announced.

There were lots of questions, most of them raised during a contentious news conference Thursday. That’s when Lopez dismissed Romero as if he was nothing more than a mere sparring partner. Romero has been that, too.

 Yet in this fight, Lopez suggested he was only a steppingstone in Lopez’ move up to welterweight in his first fight in a rich new deal with DAZN. He reminded Lopez that he was elevated from mandatory challenger to the World Boxing Association’s real champion in a procedural move after his stunning upset of Ryan Garcia. Interim was just another insult

Nobody, Lopez suggested, was going to get in the way of his second chance at fulfilling the promise that defines his nickname, The Takeover.

Romero’s silence seemed to say:

 Prove it




VIDEO: Rolly vs. Teofimo WEIGH-IN




Teofimo-Romero: A boxing news conference breaks out

By Norm Frauenheim

A boxing news conference without theatrics is a little bit like a dead battery in a high-end sports car. It’s not going anywhere.

Teofimo Lopez and Rolly Romero made sure that didn’t happen Thursday, kicking a newser out of some early yawns and transforming it into a variety show full of all the insults, threats, taunts, laughs and groans expected in the plotline before any opening bell.

Predictable?

Probably. 

Tickets, after all, were still for sale a couple of days before Lopez makes his welterweight debut in a bid to take Romero’s 147-pound belt Saturday at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena in a DAZN-streamed bout. 

That said, the newser included Teofimo and his volatile dad and trainer, who is always poised to deliver expletives and pound tables. Sure enough, Teofimo Jr. obliged, doing both midway through the newser in a ballroom at the nearby Park MGM.

Still, there was no clue that a genuine boxing newser would break out  when all of the key actors took their assigned seats like suits at an executive lunch. 

The talk was about Teofimo’s long term friendship with Romero and his new deal with DAZN, believed to be worth $20-million.

“Thank you,” Teofimo said in a polite, business-like tone.

A unanimous yawn was the audience’s reaction. But quickly, the tone changed, thanks to Romero, who has mastered an imitation of Teofimo Sr.’s voice. It’s just raspy enough to make Teofimo Sr. sound ridiculous. Apparently, both Tefimos, Jr. and Sr,. had heard it once too often. They reacted angrily, first Jr. and then Sr.

“You’re fans,” Teofimo Jr said, suddenly  in a tone more edgy than polite. “All of you are fans. I’m fighting my fans right now.

“Tell me, who is the best fighter Shakur Stevenson has on his resume? Me. They put him at No. 3 (pound-for-pound). Get out of here with all of that stuff, man. I think everybody needs a reality check on this thing. I’m coming back with a vengeance. And I mean that. I mean that.”

Then, Teofimo Jr., who is coming off a one-sided scorecard loss to Stevenson, took a breath, long enough to cast a menacing look at Romero, his former sparring partner.

“And I’m coming for you first,” Teofimo Jr. said, adding a First Testament reference. “You’ll be my Judah. My Judah.”

It wasn’t long before Teofimo Sr. joined in, raspy and predictably outraged.

“We beat Vasiliy Lomachenko and we’ll beat you,” Sr. said as he pounded the table with both fists. 

Sr. went on to rip Romero’s Cuban trainer, Ismael Salas, quiet and dignified. Through an interpreter, Salas said he didn’t want to indulge in the escalating trash talk.

“I am a trainer and not a clown,” Salas said.

Of course, Sr. took offense.

“You called me an effing clown,” he said. “You started this. Nobody knows who the hell you are. Go back to effing Cuba.”

The show was effing on. Initially, it looked as if Romero had tried to gain a psychological edge in the pre-fight maneuvering. Within minutes, however, he was on his feet, pointing accusatory gestures at Teofimo Jr.

“Have you ever had reconstruction surgery done to your face?” Romero shouted at Junior.

Finally, Junior smiled. He even sang and danced. In the ritual face-to-face pose for the cameras, Romero laughed instead of glared.

Show over. 

Maybe some of those tickets got sold, too.

Teofimo Lopez is coming off a one-sided loss with a rich new deal that coincides with a move upscale and a primetime birthday.

Call it a bet.

DAZN signed Lopez to a $20-million, multi-fight contract before his bid for a third divisional title at welterweight against Rolly Romero August 22 and after he turned 29 years old on July 30.

The timing, double-edged, is intriguing for his potential on one side and risky for his past on the other.

The risk: Lopez’ loss to Shakur Stevenson, who delivered a masterpiece –119-109 on all three scorecards – the last time we saw Lopez on January 31 at Madison Square Garden. Lopez never had a chance, yet DAZN invested in him anyway.

The potential: Lopez displayed newfound maturity in a realistic acceptance of the loss to Stevenson. At 29, fighters mature, physically and personally. After a couple of troubling meltdowns earlier in his career, a grown-up Lopez might be poised to fulfill his evident potential as he enters his prime at 147 pounds.

Perhaps wiser, Lopez still has the edgy confidence of the younger man. He’s the first to sign a unique deal with DAZN. More are expected to follow.

“The Zone has started with The Takeover,’’ Lopez said, jumping at the chance to mention his nickname – also the name of his promotional company, during a media workout in Los Angeles about 10 days before opening bell at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

Lopez is favored to take the World Boxing Association welterweight belt from Romero, a friend who took the title from Ryan Garcia in a notable upset.

If the odds are accurate, it’s the beginning of a lucrative second chapter for Lopez, known for victories over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, yet also remembered for a loss he would not accept against George Kambosos Jr..

When asked why he signed with DAZN, Lopez was quick to answer:

“It was a no-brainer.’’

Garcia looms as possibility for the winner, either against Lopez in a fight of two known names or against Romero in a rematch. Garcia — almost a 4-to-1 favorite, according to some books — is expected to beat Conor Benn on Se




VIDEO: Rolly vs. Teofimo FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE 




 ROLLY ROMERO VS. TEOFIMO LOPEZ FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LAS VEGAS – August 20, 2026 – WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero and two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez went face-to-face during a tense final press conference on Thursday to preview their world title clash that headlines a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video this Saturday, August 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

During Thursday’s press conference the two longtime friends promised to leave that friendship aside when the fight begins, and had a heated exchange about the details of their shared history. The tensions nearly boiled over between the fighter’s respective teams as well, with insults being thrown across the stage between Romero’s trainer Ismael Salas and Lopez’s father and trainer Teofimo Sr.

The press conference also featured fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard, including unbeaten rising middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez and Argentine slugger Francisco Daniel Veron, who meet in the 10-round co-main event, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan and top contender Gary Antonio Russell, who duel in a 12-round attraction, and sensational prospect Carlos Utria and super lightweight contender Israel Mercado, who opens the PPV card with a 10-round matchup at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday:

ROLLY ROMERO

“I know he didn’t want to take this fight, but I’m thankful he took it. It’s gonna be a great show on Saturday night. Don’t miss it.

“I tried to fight everybody else, all the top guys. I wanted a big fight and this is the only guy who stepped up.

“You ever punch someone you loved in the face? If they give me a hundred million dollars I’ll punch my dad in the face right now. The friendship doesn’t matter to me at all when the bell rings.

“They talk about the four kings? They’re four queens and I’m a black knight. I’m gonna show everyone on Saturday night.

“I won the whole fight against Ryan Garcia and I was winning the whole fight against ‘Tank’ Davis too and he hit me with one shot. I wasn’t even supposed to be at that weight anymore. Now I’m at my natural weight and everyone sees what I can do.”

TEOFIMO LOPEZ

“This guy is not in my league. He never was in my league and he never will be.

“Rolly and I go way back. We’ve known each other since the amateurs. We’ve shared a lot of rounds in the ring, and now we’re here 10 years later. He’s the best fighter at 147 and the hardest puncher. I’m the type of guy who goes after those challenges.

“I’m determined, I’m ready and I’m focused on this fight. I know what it takes. He’s a heavy-handed fighter and he’s smart. He’s gotten better throughout the years. Any punch could end this fight, literally.

“Saturday night friendship goes out the window. This is about the dream of being the best in the sport. We’re here to put on a show.

“All the times we sparred, I took it light on you. We’re not gonna do that anymore. I’m gonna put you down. It’s time.

“Right now I’m just focused on climbing the ladder. I’m laser focused. I’m just staying on course and ready to do what I need to do. We’re gonna let our hands do most of the talking.”

YOENLI HERNANDEZ

“I’m not here to prove anything. I don’t need to. I came here to win on August 22.

“I showed in my last fight that no matter who you put in front of me, I’m gonna stream roll them. It doesn’t matter to me.

“I don’t need to showcase anything. I need to get this win and keep moving toward those world title fights.

“I’m not aiming for any specific fighter. All I want are the belts. Whoever has the belts is who I want to face.”

FRANCISCO DANIEL VERON

“I want everyone to know that I’m here to represent Argentina. We have a great legacy to uphold and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.

“I’m coming into this fight better than I’ve ever been. My preparation has been incredible and I’m gonna show everyone on Saturday.

“His power remains to be seen. We’re gonna see inside the ring. We’re going to try to out box him and see what the fight brings. We’ll be ready to adjust on the fly.”

VICTOR SANTILLAN

“I’m here to prove that Dominican boxing is at its best right now. We’re not gonna stop until we get to the top.

He’s a predictable fighter. If I rely on my preparation and stick to my game plan, I’m gonna come out with my hand raised.

“He really shows his cards whenever you’re on top of him. He doesn’t really know what to do. That’s what I see.”

GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL

“Come Saturday I’m looking to come out victorious and in spectacular fashion. I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m ready to give everyone a great show.

“I’m real anxious to get this belt. I’m ready to get back in the ring and stay active. It’s all been leading up to this.

“Victor is a good tough opponent. He stays disciplined behind his jab. I see very easily how he can be exposed. We’re just gonna capitalize on our game plan.”

CARLOS UTRIA

“I’m here and ready to represent Colombia. My country has been going through a rough time, but I’m here to show that Colombians are resilient. I’m going to show that resiliency on Saturday night.

“I prepared extremely well. This is the perfect opponent to face on such a big card. We’re gonna see what he brings to the ring. I’ll be ready for everything.”

ISRAEL MERCADO

“This is gonna be a great fight on Saturday. I’m very thankful for this opportunity. This is an undefeated opponent, but I’m here to make a statement. I’m gonna expose him on Saturday.

“Every time I face an undefeated fighter, I prevail and come through. This time around, I’m gonna make sure it doesn’t go to the judges hands.

“He’s an explosive fighter, but he’s inexperienced. I believe I’m gonna capitalize on that.”

ISMAEL SALAS, Rolly’s Trainer

“It’s such a pleasure to be here. I’ve always admired Teofimo and his family, but the time has come and it’s time to fight.

“I actually think this fight is going to be like a chess match. Let’s see who can place the pieces in the right position and come out with the win. May the best man win.”

TEOFIMO LOPEZ SR., Lopez’s Father and Trainer

“This fight sells itself. We have two great fighters at 147 pounds. I’m just here to guide my son like always. He’s gonna be a three-time world champion come Saturday. I have no doubt about that.

“You have to tune into this one if you can’t see it live. Rolly comes to fight, but my son is too technical, too smart and too strong for Rolly.”

TOM BROWN, President TGB Promotions

“It’s been a real fun promotion, but now it’s time to put up or shut up. We’ve got two great personalities in Rolly and Teofimo and two guys who are always willing to put it on the line. These guys are both built for this stage.

“You’re gonna want to be in your seats early on Saturday night. There are a number of rising stars who are looking to break out on this undercard.”

BRITTON HARDIN, Head of Boxing, North America, DAZN

“I have a feeling about this one. We have two very dynamic fighters up here on this stage. Teofimo Lopez is powerful, twitchy, strong, fast, and Rolly is a brutal knockout puncher. I don’t think either one of these guys are gonna let friendship get in the way of legacy.

“When you think about friends who fight in this sport, you either get a classic or a sparring match. But these guys’ sparring matches are classics. I’m really excited to see how this unfolds on Saturday night.

“These guys are both talking about legacy. They’re talking about being in the Hall of Fame. They’re talking about undisputed at 147 pounds. They want to join that legacy of great welterweight champions.”

#         #         #

ABOUT ROLLY VS. TEOFIMO

Rolly vs. Teofimo will see WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generations’ most compelling champions on Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Gary Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.




ROLLY ROMERO VS. TEOFIMO LOPEZ MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

LAS VEGAS – August 19, 2026 – WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero and two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez officially kicked off fight week events Wednesday with the media workout ahead of their world title clash that headlines a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video this Saturday, August 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Romero and Lopez meet Saturday night in a battle between two of this generation’s most compelling stars. Each enters the ring in the prime of their career, with Romero looking to add a second signature victory to his ledger after beating Ryan Garcia in 2025, while Lopez can become a three-division champion by wresting the title away.

Wednesday’s workout also featured fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard, including unbeaten rising middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez and Argentine slugger Francisco Daniel Veron, who meet in the 10-round co-main event, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan and top contender Gary Antonio Russell, who duel in a 12-round attraction, and super lightweight contender Israel Mercado, who opens the PPV card at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. facing sensational prospect Carlos Utria.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:

ROLLY ROMERO

“I’ve been out of the ring for a minute, but I’m happy to be back on Saturday night. You don’t want to miss the Rolly show. This is the moment for me to make my legacy.

“We’re two completely different fighters than when we sparred together. You’re gonna see what we’re capable of now when that bell rings.

“I’m the one who tries to make all the big fights. Nobody wanted to fight me, for whatever reason. I think everyone knows the real reason. I’m finally at my natural weight.

“I’ve grown up. I’m 30-years-old now. I got some clout and made some money when I was young. Now I’ve changed. I became a better man.

“I was doing Teofimo a favor when we sparred, I was getting him ready for his pro debut. I didn’t even have a fight. But none of that matters now. We’re gonna see on August 22.”

TEOFIMO LOPEZ

“We’re here to make great fights. We want to fight the best of the best and give everyone a great show.

“I just want to put on a good show and entertain all the fans. That’s what they deserve. I want to inspire the next generation.

“This is Teofimo Lopez coming back. I’m ready for this fight. It’s put up or shut up at this point.

They wanna see if I still have it. I’m ready to do whatever it takes.

“This is my road to undisputed at welterweight. It starts August 22. I see myself with my hand raised. Nothing but victory.”

YOENLI HERNANDEZ

“This is the time to put up or shut up. If he doesn’t wanna stand on what he’s said about my style, he’ll have to pay in the ring.

“I’m super motivated for this fight. It’s one thing to call the devil, but it’s another thing when he arrives.

“I fear nothing and I’m ready to go after everything. I respect everyone, but I know what I’m capable of.

“You’re not only gonna see what I’m made of, but I’m gonna humble Veron. He’s been talking trash and now he’s gonna see what happens.”

FRANCISCO DANIEL VERON

“I’m glad to have this opportunity. I’m going to give the best of myself and represent Argentina with pride. You can expect to see me at my best

“His reach and height will not affect me. He’s a little bulkier than me, but it can work against him. I feel that I might be able to use speed to my advantage.

“Everyone is gonna see what I bring. I have a lot of courage. Argentinian boxers are among the best in the world and I’m coming to prove it.”

VICTOR SANTILLAN

“This is so exciting for me. This is a huge motivation to see everyone here with all the love they’re giving me. I’m ready to show my best for everyone.

“I’m so ready for this opportunity. I love to face the best and that’s what I’m doing on Saturday. I’m coming to steal the show.”

GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL

“The game plan is to execute our game plan and come out victorious with my hand raised. Whatever it takes.

“I treat every fight as a championship match. I’m coming to put my best foot forward and show everyone what I’m capable of doing.

“My family knows to stay mentally tough and keep grinding and stay resilient through it all. I’m ready to come out victorious. I expect nothing short of a spectacular performance.”

ISRAEL MERCADO

“I have this opportunity and I’m gonna take advantage of it. I’m the most slept on fighter in the game and I’m gonna show everyone why on Saturday.

“This is gonna be a very entertaining fight. I’m here to put on a show. I’m here for a reason and I’m gonna go home with a W.”

#         #         #

ABOUT ROLLY VS. TEOFIMO

Rolly vs. Teofimo will see WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generations’ most compelling champions on Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.




RISING MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER MARCO ROMERO HIGHLIGHTS THREE-FIGHT PBC PRELIMS PRESENTATION THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 STREAMED LIVE ON DAZN & PRIME VIDEO

LAS VEGAS – August 17, 2026 – Undefeated rising middleweight Marco Romero will enter the ring in an eight-round showdown against the once-beaten Kahlil Mitchell headlining a three-fight PBC Prelims presentation streaming live on DAZN and Prime Video on Saturday, August 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The streaming presentation begins at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and will also feature undefeated super welterweight prospect Joseph Brown kicking off prelims action in a four or six-round bout against Alton Wiggins, plus super lightweight prospect Aldo Blancas battles Ricky Mamone in a four-round matchup.

Prelims will lead into a four-fight PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and headlined by WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generation’s most compelling champions

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

**MARCO ROMERO VS. KAHLIL MITCHELL**

A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) had a stellar amateur career that included 23-national titles, most notably winning the 2024 National Golden Gloves title where he was named Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament. The 20-year-old turned pro in 2024 and has shown a propensity for ending fights early, with 11 of his 12 KO’s coming within three rounds. Trained by top trainer John Brown, Romero added three victories against increasingly stiff competition in 2026.

“I’m super excited to be fighting in Las Vegas, especially on this great PBC card at T-Mobile Arena,” said Romero. “It’s all a little surreal; I pinch myself every morning when I get up. For any fighter, we dream of fighting in Las Vegas. I fought in Las Vegas once as amateur, but this will be my first pro fight here and I can’t wait to get in the ring.”

The 30-year-old Mitchell (6-1, 4 KOs) enters the ring having bounced back from defeat to score knockout victories in back-to-back contests. A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mitchell rode a four-fight winning streak into his only career defeat, which came via a narrow majority decision against Jamar Pemberton in December 2024.

“This is a great opportunity for me on August 22,” said Mitchell. “I’m ready to go in there, be at my best, and show Romero something he hasn’t seen before.”

**JOSEPH BROWN VS. ALTON WIGGINS**

The 19-year-old Brown (7-0, 5 KOs) has shown off his prodigious talent since turning pro in 2023, dominating against his early competition. Born in Vero Beach, Florida, Brown’s family moved to Canada shortly after, where his father Martin trained him in multiple combat sports before embarking on an accolade-filled amateur boxing career. His most recent action came in February as he stopped Claudio Adan Gamboa in round one. He will be opposed by the 30-year-old Wiggins (3-2-1), a native of Oakland, California who went 2-1 in 2025 before losing a decision to unbeaten Javier Guerrero Cruz in June.

**ALDO BLANCAS VS. RICKY MAMONE**

The younger brother of super middleweight prospect Daniel, Blancas (2-0, 2 KOs) has made a successful transition to his pro career in 2026, scoring a pair of quick knockouts in March and May. The 19-year-old Milwaukee-native trains alongside his brother as part of David Benavidez’s camp and will return to fight in Las Vegas for the second time after making his pro debut on the Fundora vs. Thurman card in March. He will be opposed by Hawaii’s Mamone (0-0-1), who made his pro debut in March, fighting the unbeaten Dillan Nguyen to a split-draw. The 22-year-old will bring both professional and extensive amateur MMA experience to the ring against Blancas.

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ABOUT ROLLY VS. TEOFIMO

Rolly vs. Teofimo will see WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generation’s most compelling champions on Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.




ROLLY ROMERO TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

LAS VEGAS – August 14, 2026 – WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero previewed his showdown against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez and gave his insights on the significance of their world title showdown taking place Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

While Romero acknowledges his friendship with Lopez, which includes multiple sparring sessions between the two champions, he made it clear that it won’t have any bearings on the outcome when they go toe-to-toe under the bright lights.

“Yeah we’re friends and we know each other’s families, but none of that matters on August 22,” said Romero. “I’m looking to be a Hall of Famer, just like Teofimo is. The only way to do that is to go through each other!

“That’s what’s wrong with boxing nowadays. Everybody wants to be friends, but they’re scared to fight each other and instead forget why we all got into this sport to begin with. That’s to become a legend and one of the best of our generation.”

The Las Vegas-native has had success and won titles at 135, 140 and 147 pounds, reaching the pinnacle of the sport in just 15 pro fights as he challenged lightweight superstar Gervonta Davis in a 2022 super fight. Despite coming up on the short end against Davis, the 30-year-old continued to add accolades, becoming a super lightweight world champion with a ninth-round TKO over Ismael Barroso in 2023.

After losing the title to Mexican superstar Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in 2024, he got back into the win column later that year against Manuel Jaimes, before making his move to 147 pounds. Once again facing a fellow star of this generation, Romero pulled off the upset over Ryan Garcia by dropping him in round two on his way to a unanimous decision victory that earned him the WBA title.

As he heads into another career-defining bout, Romero gives much of the credit to his trainer, the famed Ismael Salas, who invoked a game plan that completely shut out Garcia’s usually prolific power-punching.

“To me, Salas is the greatest trainer of all time,” said Romero, who’s had Salas in his corner for his last three bouts. “Who has won world titles with more fighters than Salas? He doesn’t ever get the flowers he deserves when they bring up Trainer of the Year.

“We’ve always had good chemistry together, like peanut butter and jelly. Salas knows exactly how to train me and what we need to work on to get the win. On August 22, we’re going to prove to everybody why nobody should ever bet against us again.”

In Lopez, Romero is faced with an opponent who has equal his experience in big fights, having stepped in for marquee matchups against Shakur Stevenson, Vasily Lomachenko and Josh Taylor throughout his own world title runs at 135 and 140 pounds. With each fighter bringing top-level pedigree and fan-friendly styles, Romero believes August 22 shapes up to be a memorable night for this era of boxing.

This is going to be an action packed, Fight of the Year kind of fight,” said Romero. “Teo and I are always in entertaining fights. We’re the most entertaining fighters in the world. Definitely the best self-promoters in the world. Nobody can ever say we’re runners or we’re in boring fights like some of these other fighters y’all love to praise. We don’t run, we like to punch. And that’s what y’all can expect on August 22, the biggest fight of the year from the sport’s most entertaining fighters.”

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ABOUT ROLLY VS. TEOFIMO

Rolly vs. Teofimo will see WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generations’ most compelling champions on Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.




Lopez-Romero: Teofimo says DAZN deal starts with “The Takeover”

By Norm Frauenheim

Teofimo Lopez is coming off a one-sided loss with a rich new deal that coincides with a move upscale and a primetime birthday.

Call it a bet.

DAZN signed Lopez to a $20-million, multi-fight contract before his bid for a third divisional title at welterweight against Rolly Romero August 22 and after he turned 29 years old on July 30.

The timing, double-edged, is intriguing for his potential on one side and risky for his past on the other.

The risk: Lopez’ loss to Shakur Stevenson, who delivered a masterpiece –119-109 on all three scorecards – the last time we saw Lopez on January 31 at Madison Square Garden. Lopez never had a chance, yet DAZN invested in him anyway.

The potential: Lopez displayed newfound maturity in a realistic acceptance of the loss to Stevenson. At 29, fighters mature, physically and personally. After a couple of troubling meltdowns earlier in his career, a grown-up Lopez might be poised to fulfill his evident potential as he enters his prime at 147 pounds.

Perhaps wiser, Lopez still has the edgy confidence of the younger man. He’s the first to sign a unique deal with DAZN. More are expected to follow.

“The Zone has started with The Takeover,’’ Lopez said, jumping at the chance to mention his nickname – also the name of his promotional company, during a media workout in Los Angeles about 10 days before opening bell at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

Lopez is favored to take the World Boxing Association welterweight belt from Romero, a friend who took the title from Ryan Garcia in a notable upset.

If the odds are accurate, it’s the beginning of a lucrative second chapter for Lopez, known for victories over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, yet also remembered for a loss he would not accept against George Kambosos Jr..

When asked why he signed with DAZN, Lopez was quick to answer:

“It was a no-brainer.’’

Garcia looms as possibility for the winner, either against Lopez in a fight of two known names or against Romero in a rematch. Garcia — almost a 4-to-1 favorite, according to some books — is expected to beat Conor Benn on Sept. 12, also at T- Mobile. 




TEOFIMO LOPEZ LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

LAS VEGAS – August 11, 2026 – Two-division world champion Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez held a media workout in Los Angeles on Tuesday as he prepares for his high-stakes championship showdown against WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero taking place Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

After winning world titles at 135 and 140 pounds, Lopez will look to become a three-division world champion with a victory over Romero in a summer matchup that pits two of this generation’s most compelling stars against each other.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

Here is what Lopez had to say Tuesday from Fortune Gym:

TEOFIMO LOPEZ

“I’m fighting a big puncher at 147 and going up to that weight for the first time. We’re taking a risk, because it’s no risk, no reward. I’m just focusing on my objectives so I can come out victorious.

“Every fight at 147 will be my biggest fight. I won’t say they’ll all be the most challenging. The best man will end up on top. Right now I’m only focused on Rolly Romero.

“I’m trying to make the best fights we can make. Signing with DAZN was a no-brainer. They started with ‘The Takeover’.

“I’m just going to keep going forward in my career. I’m so locked in on continuing to achieve bigger and better things one fight at a time. The fans can decide my legacy when it’s all over.

“I think Rolly’s skills are underappreciated. He controls the pace and makes it his fight, everyone overlooks that. But he’s not underrated on the stature side. He’s a world champion for a reason.”

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ABOUT ROLLY VS. TEOFIMO

Rolly vs. Teofimo will see WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generations’ most compelling champions on Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.




YOENLI HERNANDEZ: “I’M THE BEST MIDDLEWEIGHT IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW!”

ORLANDO, FL. – August 6, 2026 – Undefeated top-rated middleweight star Yoenli “El Diablo” Hernandez had strong words for the rest of the 160-pound division ahead of his showdown against veteran Argentine contender Francisco Daniel Verón that serves as the co-main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video taking place Saturday, August 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“I’m the best middleweight in the world right now,” said Cuba’s Hernandez. “My hunger for glory, my desire to be champion and win every title—that’s something I don’t see in the rest of the division. Everyone seems to arrive, get the title, and settle. Not me. I’m coming to get the title, keep it, and fight the best. Lately, nobody in my weight class wants to face the best.”

Number one-ranked by the WBA and WBO, in addition to being ranked number two by the WBC, Hernandez is the latest amateur prodigy to emerge from Cuba and show world championship potential. After a career-best victory over veteran contender Terrell Gausha in his last bout, Hernandez has spent time training in Orlando ahead of August 22, using the new location to spar with top contenders Yoenis Tellez and David Morrell Jr. Despite his early success, he continues to seek ways to improve across training camps.

“I’ve focused on polishing the few mistakes I made against Terrell Gausha and Kyrone Davis,” said Hernandez. “We’re improving, and that’s what we’re focusing on in this camp. I’m just working twice as hard as I did before my last fight to reach my goal.”

The normally reserved Hernandez also shared a direct message for his August 22 opponent Verón, who’s gotten the attention of Hernandez through his comments leading up to fight night.

“Verón says that I am still a ‘very amateur’ boxer,’” said Hernandez. “He thinks that fighting me is like fighting an amateur. He’s talking too much. It’s one thing to call the devil, another to see him arrive. I see him saying he’ll put me in situations no one has put me in before, and I hope he’s not one of those talkers who doesn’t back up their words inside the ring.

“I’m going all out, I’m coming to win. And if he says he’s going to come forward in the ring, he’ll have to have more drive than me. And for him to have more drive than me, we’ll have to see it to believe it.”

On August 22, Hernandez will enter the ring on the biggest stage of his young career, competing in the co-main event of a pay-per-view headlined by two of this generation’s most compelling stars in Rolly Romero and Teofimo Lopez. Despite the big names in the main event, Hernandez knows what he has to do to make sure fans remember his performance after fight night.

“I’m very grateful to be part of such a prestigious card as Rolly vs. Teofimo on August 22,” said Hernandez. “I’m going to steal the show by giving the Argentine the beating of the year, and show the fans that I am the most complete fighter at 160 pounds.”

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ABOUT ROLLY VS. TEOFIMO

Rolly vs. Teofimo will see WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generations’ most compelling champions on Saturday, August 22 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.




RISING STARS & TOP CONTENDERS ENTER THE RING FOR EXPLOSIVE ROLLY VS. TEOFIMO PPV UNDERCARD MATCHUPS SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

LAS VEGAS – July 30, 2026 – Three exciting pay-per-view undercard bouts featuring rising stars and top contenders across the middleweight, super bantamweight and super lightweight divisions will lead up to the Rolly Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez main event on Saturday, August 22 in a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The four-fight pay-per-view card is topped by WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generations’ most compelling champions.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

**YOENLI HERNANDEZ VS. FRANCISCO DANIEL VERON**

The number one-ranked WBA and WBO, plus number two-ranked WBC contender, Yoenli Hernandez will look to continue to show his star ability in a 10-round showdown against the veteran slugger Francisco Daniel Veron that serves as the co-main event on August 22.

Hernandez (10-0, 9 KOs) is yet another in a long line of sensational amateur fighters to come from the Cuban program, with his long resume before turning pro featuring a 2021 gold medal at AIBA World Boxing Championships. Originally from Camaguey, Cuba and now fighting out of Providence, Rhode Island, Hernandez turned pro in May 2022 with a pair of stoppage victories and continued to dominate his competition as he rose up the rankings. The 29-year-old scored three victories in 2025, including a shutout unanimous decision over top contender Kyrone Davis in May of that year. Most recently, Hernandez turned away his most experienced opponent to date, earning a fourth-round TKO of U.S. Olympian and title challenger Terrell Gausha in March.

“I’m preparing very hard for this fight, because I know that I have an extremely tough opponent in front of me,” said Hernandez. “I have to continue to train that hard fight after fight and prove to everyone what I’m capable of. You can expect to see more of the same from me on August 22 in Las Vegas.”

The 27-year-old Veron (17-1-1, 10 KOs) enters this fight on an impressive three-fight winning streak, including most recently besting Raul Garcia via unanimous decision in April of this year. Prior to that Veron had turned away tough veteran contenders Roiman Villa and Vladimir Hernandez in 2025, beating both by unanimous decision. A native of Villa Libertador, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Veron also owns a draw against middleweight contender Jahi Tucker. He will be making his Las Vegas debut on August 22, with the only other blemish on his record coming via a close decision loss to longtime top contender Brandon Adams in 2024.

“This is one of the toughest fights of my career, but we’re well prepared for anything he bring,” said Veron. “I’m here to face the best and I’m not ducking anyone. We’re going to give people a lot to talk about when this fight is over. I’m coming to represent my Argentine people on August 22.”

**VICTOR SANTILLAN VS. ANTONIO RUSSELL**

In a matchup of two top contenders at 122 pounds, Victor Santillan and Antonio Russell will look to show their championship mettle in a 12-round matchup as Santillan defends his Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Title for the first time.

A native of La Romana, Dominican Republic, Santillan (16-2, 7 KOs) picked up his interim title in February by stopped Noel Reyes Cepeda in the third round. The triumph made it back-to-back wins for Santillan, who’s only two defeats have come via decision on the road against top Japanese contenders. A pro since 2018, Santillan won the bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games, amongst his amateur accolades. The 30-year-old began his career with 13-straight wins and will return to fight stateside for the third time as a pro.

“It is an honor for me to be defending my title against Antonio Russell,” said Santillan. “He is a good boxer who comes from a family of good fighters. I love this fight because the real winners are going to be the fans. We’re gonna put on a show.”

Part of one of the sport’s most renowned fighting families, Russell (21-1, 13 KOs) will look to pick up his first belt at 122 pounds and join his brothers as champions alongside Gary Antuanne (WBA Super Lightweight World Champion) and his lead trainer Gary Jr. (former WBC Featherweight World Champion). The 33-year-old previously fought to the top of the 118-pound division, but came up short in his most notable fight, an October 2022 matchup against former champion Emmanuel Rodriguez. The Capitol Heights, Maryland-native does own a technical decision victory over former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in December 2020 and has won back-to-back fights at 122-pounds, including most recently besting Dervin Rodriguez by unanimous decision last August.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring and grateful for the opportunity to showcase my talent,” said Russell. “Me and my brothers have been putting in the work every day in the gym, staying focused. It’s almost that time to compete. I’m ready to bring another title home.”

**CARLOS UTRIA VS. ISRAEL MERCADO**

One of boxing’s most acclaimed prospects the undefeated Carlos Utria will look to make his U.S. debut in style, as he takes on tough contender Israel Mercado in the 10-round super lightweight opening attraction.

The 22-year-old Utria (14-0, 11 KOs) most recently emerged victorious in the WBC Boxing Grand Prix and earning a top 10 ranking at 140-pounds, and more. The five-victory run culminated in a unanimous decision over Mujimillo Tursunov in December, with his championship-winning run leading to him being named Boxing Scene’s 2025 Prospect of the Year. A native of Soplaviento, Colombia, Utria has fought professionally since 2023 and will look to continue his momentum stateside.

“I’m facing a strong opponent who’s coming to win,” said Utria. “That’s the perfect opponent for my U.S. debut. We’re prepared for whatever comes and ready to put on a dominating performance for everyone watching.”

A native of Pomona, California, Mercado (13-1-2, 7 KOs) is unbeaten in last six outings, with four wins a two draws in that span. Mercado has faced four unbeaten fighters in his career, with two wins, a draw and a decision to defeat to Arthur Biyarslanov in 2024 amongst that run. Mercado was won each of his last two outings, with decision victories over Jonathan Jose Eniz in April 2025 and Branden Pizarro in June 2025.

“I’ve been patient, I’ve put in the work, and now I’m ready to show the fight fans what these hands can do,” said Mercado. “I’m built for this stage. I can’t wait to give everyone a great show and deliver a fight they won’t forget.”

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.




VIDEO: Rolly Romero vs Teofimo Lopez Launch Press Conferencee




ROLLY ROMERO VS. TEOFIMO LOPEZ LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LOS ANGELES – July 9, 2026 – WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero and two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez went face to face on Thursday at a press conference in Los Angeles to officially announce their world title showdown Saturday, August 22 in a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The press conference began with a special announcement of a landmark deal between DAZN and PBC, that brings PBC’s marquee fight nights to fans around the world on DAZN. That portion of the press conference featured PBC fighters who will be competing on DAZN in the coming months including WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora, WBA Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa, Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr., and IBF Bantamweight World Champion Jose Salas Reyes. 

The August 22 event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

Pre-sale tickets for the live event are available now until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com with code: PBC.

Public on-sale begins tomorrow, Friday, July 10 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Avalon Hollywood:

ROLLY ROMERO

“It’s been a hard time trying to make a fight, but we know that Teofimo is gonna fight anyone. So I’m thankful that he stepped up to the plate.

“I needed the time off to focus on me. I’m just happy to be back with another big event and to be here at the announce of the PBC and DAZN deal. This is just one of so many great fights that are gonna come from it.

“I feel pretty good right now. We’re gonna have to see if I’m even better than I was against Ryan Garcia. I’ve missed boxing. I really don’t do this for anything other than the love of the sport.

“A fight’s a fight, a sparring session is sparring. Everyone’s sparring each other. People get cracked. Now we’re doing it under the big lights for a belt. I feel like this fight gives me the opportunity to become a Hall of Famer.

“Me and Teo aren’t friends, he’s my little brother. I’d rather go in there against him than anyone else.”

TEOFIMO LOPEZ

“I feel great. It’s put up or shut up. We’re at a point in time in my career where everything is at stake. People want to know if this is the start of something new for me. I look forward to it.

“I want to thank the champ for stepping up to the plate. I’m looking forward to becoming a three-division world champion at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on August 22.

“We know each other enough to know what triggers us. We know secrets possibly that people don’t know. This is gonna be a big fight for the next era of boxing.

“I believe that I haven’t even touched the surface of what I’ve got to give to this sport. When I face the champion I’ll be 29. I’ve got a lot of good prominent years left. I’m gonna answer all the questions on August 22.”

ISMAEL SALAS, Romero’s Trainer

“Everything we do comes from the work in the gym. Every fight has a different approach. Styles make fights. With all respect to Teofimo, this is a perfect fight for Rolly. This is a guy who comes forward. I don’t want to say too much, but everyone will see on August 22.”

TEOFIMO LOPEZ SR., Lopez’s Father & Trainer

“After our last fight one of the first people who came up to me was Rolly, and he was telling me that my son had to move up to 147. Now it’s crazy that we’re up here getting ready for this fight. I can’t wait. August 22 is gonna be a great night. These guys are gonna come to fight and give a show.”

PBC-DAZN DEAL PRESS CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS:

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA, WBC Super Welterweight World Champion

“PBC was the last missing piece on DAZN. Now that all the 154-pound champions are on DAZN, let’s get an undisputed champion.

“Now all of these big fights are the most realistic. We’re all on the same platform, so now’s the time. Jaron Ennis is the one calling me out, so he’d be the guy I want to face soon.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA, WBA Featherweight World Champion

“With this partnership, anything is possible. I’m very confident in my team and I’m ready to set up the big fights. I went to the U.K. and won the belt and now I’m ready to unify.

“I showed my grit to win this title. I’m a different caliber of fighter. I come to fight. I leave no stone unturned. I go out there to do my best and give exciting fights to the fans. I just love fighting.

“I know the Bruce Carrington unification fight will eventually come, but I’m focused on what’s in front of me. When the time comes, I’ll be ready for it.”

JESUS RAMOS JR. Interim WBC Middleweight Champion

“This partnership is gonna open a lot more doors in the middleweight division. Even the guys at 154-pounds, they have to move up to middleweight eventually and I’ll be here waiting.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring as a champion. It brings a new wave of confidence. We’ve been working on a lot of new things that I can’t wait to show everyone.”

JOSE SALAS REYES, IBF Bantamweight World Champion

“I’m very excited to be in this position, especially with Bam Rodriguez moving up to this division. We have the mandatory fight first, but eventually the Bam Rodriguez fight will be coming and I will be ready.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“I want to thank everyone who was involved in making this deal happen. DAZN demand the absolute best product on their platform, and that’s what we’re here for. It’s an exciting day for boxing.

“DAZN have a great schedule for the rest of the year already, and we’ll be adding these four great champions to the schedule shortly. With this deal, DAZN is really kicking it up a notch. This relationship with PBC will be something special.

“We have the deepest roster of champions and we’ll have a pathway to making the biggest and best fights. I can’t wait to get to work with everyone.

BRITTON HARDIN, Head of Boxing, North America, DAZN

“We want to serve outsized value to the boxing audience. We’ve been working very diligently to do that at DAZN. I’m personally very excited about today. PBC is one of the stellar companies in modern day boxing.

“This really shows what we’re trying to do at DAZN and that’s bringing the best fighters and biggest fights under one platform. This outstanding talent up here is just a small glimpse of the roster that’s over at PBC.”

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.




EXCITING STARS ROLLY ROMERO & TEOFIMO LOPEZ SET FOR WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP CLASH IN SUMMER SHOWDOWN FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN  LAS VEGAS!

LAS VEGAS – July 9, 2026 – Two of this generation’s most compelling stars, WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero and two-division champion Teofimo Lopez, will go toe-to-toe in a high-octane summer showdown Saturday, August 22 in a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Romero and Lopez, two world class fighters meeting in their prime, each enter with extensive experience at the sport’s highest level, along with a fondness for engaging pre-fight build-up that should make this one of summer’s most-discussed matchups.

The unorthodox power-puncher known as “Rolly” will make the first defense of his 147-pound world title after earning the belt by dropping current WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia on his way to a unanimous decision. He’ll be looking to add another elite fighter to his resume in the former unified 135-pound king and WBO 140-pound champion Lopez, who will debut at welterweight with a chance to become a three-division world champion and return to his perch on boxing’s pound-for-pound lists.

Pre-sale tickets for the live event are available now until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com with code: PBC.

Public on-sale begins tomorrow, Friday, July 10 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

**ROLLY ROMERO VS. TEOFIMO LOPEZ**

WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero will welcome the hard-hitting two-division champion Teofimo Lopez to the 147-pound division in a high-stakes 12-round world championship attraction.

Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) is known as one of the sport’s most unique and enigmatic personalities, which he backs up with power in both hands as well as an exciting, unique style that makes him a must-see whenever he steps between the ropes. The 30-year-old most recently earned a career-best victory in May 2025, as he captured the Interim WBA Welterweight Title with a unanimous decision over now WBC Welterweight World Champion Ryan Garcia, before being recently elevated. Romero not only completely neutralized Garcia’s vaunted left hook, but was also able to put Garcia on the canvas with a pair of vicious left hooks of his own in round two.

The Las Vegas native first rose to the rank of world champion in May 2023 stopping Ismael Barroso in round nine to win the WBA Super Lightweight World Championship, before relinquishing it in March against Mexican superstar Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz. The Barroso fight was Romero’s first return to the ring since a May 2022 defeat against three-division champion Gervonta Davis. Prior to the Davis fight, the Las Vegas resident Romero won an interim lightweight title in August 2020 by earning a close but unanimous decision over then unbeaten Jackson Marinez.

“Four kings? I’m a black knight that delivers a smothered mate,” said Romero.

The 28-year-old Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs) has worked his way to the top spot at 135 and 140 pounds throughout an already storied career, and can begin to conquer another weight class on August 22. Representing Brooklyn, New York and now training in Las Vegas with his father, Teofimo Lopez Sr., the two-division champion reached elite status with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Vasyl Lomachenko in 2020. The triumph saw Lopez unify 135-pound titles and establish himself as one of the next generation of boxing stars, fulfilling the promise he showed representing Honduras at the 2016 Olympics and throughout his undefeated run up the lightweight rankings.

Following a split-decision defeat to George Kambosos that saw both men hit the canvas, Lopez reinvented himself at 140 pounds, showing he was still amongst the sport’s best with an impressive run that saw him capture the WBO 140-pound crown over former undisputed champion Josh Taylor in 2023. At super lightweight, Lopez bested impressive names including Arnold Barboza Jr., Sandor Martin and Jamaine Ortiz, with his only blemish coming in his last outing in January, a decision loss to four-division champion Shakur Stevenson.

“We don’t follow the game, we take over!” said Lopez. “That what I intend to show against a person I’ve known since 2015. Rolando is aware of his choice of accepting this fight, so without a doubt, this is a fight you do not want to miss. What greater way to take over than to fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where legends are born and history is made!”

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

 




PRE-SALE BEGINS TOMORROW AT 10 AM PT, TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY FOR WORLD TITLE SHOWDOWN BETWEEN ROLLY ROMERO & TEOFIMO LOPEZ

LAS VEGAS – July 8, 2026 – Pre-sale tickets will be available beginning tomorrow at 10 a.m. PT for the Summer showdown between WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero and two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez as they square off Saturday, August 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video.

Pre-sale tickets for the live event are available beginning tomorrow, Thursday, July 9 from 10 a.m. PT until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com with code: PBC.

Public on-sale begins Friday, July 10 at 10 a.m. PT through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #RollyTeofimo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.




Two-Time, Two-Division Ring Magazine World Champion & Youngest Undisputed Champion in The Modern Four-Belt Era, “The Takeover” Teofimo Lopez Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas

Las Vegas (March 24, 2026) – Two-time, two-division Ring Magazine world champion and the youngest undisputed champion in the modern four-belt era,?“The Takeover” Teofimo Lopez confirmed that he will appear at the Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between David Benavidez vs Zurdo Ramirez, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

?
?Lopez will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan experience event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, Canelo vs. Jacobs, Canelo vs. GGG III, Canelo vs Munguia and Canelo vs Crawford.

The Box Fan Expo is thrilled to open its doors to boxing fans from all over the world, as well to all major boxing companies, promoters and industry people during this Mexican holiday weekend.

Centered in boxing’s long-time home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. A full day of boxing fan experience awaits you! https://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo 

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2026

Lopez will make his fifth appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Lopez will also have merchandise to sell for fans to enjoy at his booth. Boxing fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing star also known as the “The Takeover”.

Lopez joins James Toney, Shane Mosley, Thomas Hearns, Roy Jones Jr., José Luis Castillo, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Teofimo Lopez

Lopez is an American professional boxer and a two-division world champion. He represented as an amateur, his parent’s native country of Honduras at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Lopez is the former Undisputed Lightweight world champion. He held the IBF title from December 2019 to November 2021. Lopez defeated pound for pound great Vasyl Lomachenko on October 17, 2020 to become the WBA (Super), WBO, WBC Franchise and Ring magazine belt champion. This monumental victory over Lomachenko, alongside winning two lineal titles by the age of 25, propelled Lopez into a true boxing star, as well as being the youngest four-belt champion in boxing history.

Lopez recently moved up in weight at the Super Lightweight division and defeated Pedro Campa on August 13th, 2022 in Las Vergas. On April 8, 2023, it was officially announced that Lopez would attempt to become a two-division world champion by challenging pound for pound great, undefeated WBO and The Ring Magazine Super Lightweight champion Josh Taylor. The anticipated showdown took place on June 10 at the Hulu Theater in New York City. Lopez dominated the fight and won by spectacular fashion, to become a two-division world champion. This incredible achievement, was followed by Lopez retaining his world championship title, versus top contender Jamaine Ortiz on February 8, 2024 in Las Vegas. He then followed with another win four months later, defeating Steve Claggett in Miami Beach, Florida. Immediately after the fight, while still inside the ring, Lopez was honored with the Key to the City of Miami—a remarkable recognition that underscored the significance of his victory and his impact on the community. Most recently, on May 2, 2025, Lopez showcased his incredible skills once again with an electrifying win in Times Square, New York, defeating the previously undefeated top contender, Arnold Barboza Jr. On January 31, 2026, Lopez headlined a mega fight against the highly talented Shakur Stevenson. The event shattered historical attendance records at Madison Square Garden, surpassing the legendary Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier I to set a new benchmark for the highest attendance ever recorded in boxing history.

About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport. 

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Lennox Lewis, Julio Cesar Chavez, Roy Jones Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, David Benavidez, Teofimo Lopez, Sugar Shane Mosley, Andre Ward, Ryan Garcia, Claressa Shields, Fernando Vargas, Edgar Berlanga, Oscar Valdez, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr, Rolando Romero, Sergio Martinez, Tim Bradley, Jose Ramirez, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Floyd Mayweather sr., Vinny Paz, Juan Francisco Estrada Mia St. John, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Seniesa Estrada, Jorge Linares, Leo Santa Cruz, Chiquita Gonzalez, Badou Jack, Nico Ali Walsh, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Brandon Rios, Anthony Dirrell, Danny Jacobs and many more…

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the several weeks, leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite:

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2026

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

Contact us:

Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on X and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo




STATUS OF THE WBC LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION -FEBRUARY 2026

MEXICO CITY-  February 4, 2026 – WBC World Lightweight Champion Shakur Stevenson gave a brilliant performance, defeating WBO World Super Lightweight Champion Teofimo López. 

Stevenson is now a four-time World Champion; a feat achieved by just a few boxers in history. Among those, we find Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Álvarez, and Terrence Crawford.

Throughout his career, Stevenson has maintained a historic and extraordinarily successful relationship with the WBC. His ascent to the top began in January 2019, when he captured the WBC Continental Americas title, signaling the start of a career destined for greatness.

In 2022, Stevenson solidified his elite status by defeating Oscar Valdez to become the WBC Super Featherweight Champion. Subsequently, in 2023, he moved up to the lightweight division to claim the Green and Gold belt, a title he defended with pride and technical mastery on three consecutive occasions.

Considering that Stevenson is now the reigning WBO Super Lightweight World Champion, and consistent with the WBC Rules & Regulations, the WBC has declared its Lightweight World title vacant. 

The WBC wishes Stevenson continued success in all his future endeavors, both inside and outside the ring.




Shakur Stevenson Decision Teofimo Lopez to Become Four-Division Champion

NEW YORK, NY–Shakur Stevenson won the WBO Junior Welterweight title with a master class 12-round unanimous decision over Teofimo Lopez before a record crowd of over 21,000 at Madison Square Garden.

Stevemson boxed beautifully by keeping quality distance that never allowed Lopez to find any offensive rhythm. Stevenson was also able to keep Lopez away with a long jab throughout the contest. Stevenson reaffirmed his status as maybe the best defensive fighter in the sport.

Stevenson won by scores of 119-10 on all cards.

Keyshawn Davis Stops Jamaine Ortiz in 12

Keyshawn Davis made a successful super lightweight debut with a 12th and final round stoppage over Jamaine Ortiz.

At the beginning of round 11, the left eye of Ortiz was swollen shut. In the round, Davis dropped Ortiz with a perfect left to the body. In round 12, it was another left to the body sent Ortiz to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:47.

Davis of Norfolk, VA is now 14-0 with 10 stoppages. Ortiz of Worcester, MA is 20-3-1.

Carrington Knocks Out Castro in 9 to Win Featherweight Belt

Bruce Carrington knocked out Carlos Castro in round nine to win the WBC Featherweight title.

In round nine, Carrington landed a right hand that hurt and froze Castro. Carrington then landed a crushing right, left and another right on the jaw of a prone Castro then sent him on the deck and the count was reached at 1:29.

Carringon of Brooklyn is now 17-0 with 10 knockouts. Castro of Phoenix is 30-4.

Jarrell Miller Wins; Loses Hairpiece

Jarrell Miller won a 10-round split decision over Kingsley Ibeh in a heavyweight bout.

It was a closely contested bout and in round two, Ibeh landed a little left hand that sent the follicles of Miller out of the ring.

Miller of Brooklyn won by scores of 97-93 twice and is now 27-1-2. Ibeh of Phoenix is 16-3-1.

Austin Williams took a 10-round unanimous decision over last-second replacement Wendy Toussaint in a super middleweight contest.

In round four, Williams dropped Toussaint with a hard uppercut.

Williams who was supposed to challenge WBC Middleweight champion Carlos Adames before the champion fell ill on Friday, won by scores of 98-91 and 99-90 twice and is now 20-1. Toussaint of Huntington, NY is 17-4.

Keven Castillo overcame a knockdown to win an eight-round unanimous decision over Ziyad Almaayouf in a super lightweight battle.

In round one, Almaayouf dropped Castillo with a counter right hand,

Castillo of Miami won by scores of 78-73 and 77-74 twice to raise his record to 6-2-1. Almaayouf of Saudi Arabia is 7-1-1.




VIDEO: RING 6: TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON WEIGH IN




Statement from MSG Family of companies

  • Earlier today, in The Theater at Madison Square Garden several altercations occurred in the audience during the live weigh-ins for tomorrow’s The Ring 6: Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson boxing event.

  • Back on November 15, 2025, an incident occurred cage side during UFC 322

Statement from MSG Family of companies:

“Violence will not be condoned at MSG across any type of event including, hockey, basketball, boxing, concerts, or special events.  If any individual is found to participate in violent activity, whether you are part of the event, or a patron, you will be banned for life and unable to attend or participate in any event across all our venues.”




THE RING 6: WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON

ZIYAD ALMAAYOUF (141.2lbs)    vs.    KEVIN CASTILLO (140.8lbs)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia                               Quito, Ecuador

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest*

AUSTIN WILLIAMS (167.2lbs)     vs.    WENDY TOUSSAINT (167.2lbs)
Houston, Texas                                       Huntington, New York

*Carlos Adames forced to pull out of the proposed World Middleweight title fight with Williams due to illness, Toussaint steps in for a ten round non-title bout.

LIVE ON DAZN PPV FROM 8PM

10 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest

JARRELL MILLER (317.6lbs)    vs.    KINGSLEY IBEH (288lbs)
Brooklyn, New York                              Phoenix, Arizona

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBC World Featherweight title

BRUCE CARRINGTON (125.6lbs)    vs.    CARLOS CASTRO (125.2lbs)
Brooklyn, New York                                      Phoenix, Arizona

Followed by

12 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest

KEYSHAWN DAVIS (139.2lbs)    vs.    JAMAINE ORTIZ (139.2lbs)
Norfolk, Virginia                                      Worcester, Massachusetts

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBO World and The Ring Junior Welterweight titles

TEOFIMO LOPEZ (139.6lbs)    vs.    SHAKUR STEVENSON (138.6lbs)
Brooklyn, New York                             Newark, New Jersey




Trash talk sets the stage for Lopez-Stevenson showdown

By Norm Frauenheim

Teofimo Lopez arrived looking more like a preacher than a prizefighter. He wore a half-coat and reading glasses, carefully balanced at the end of his flat nose.

Instead of a belt, he carried a book.

No telling what it said. But, safe to say, there was no sermon from the bully pulpit. This was the Church of Chaos, another boxing ritual, a news conference Thursday intended to offend and sell, sell, sell.

The Lopez-Shakur Stevenson fight is doing that and perhaps a lot more. The junior-welterweight bout Saturday at New York’s Madison Square Garden is already sold out. A big audience for the DAZN live-stream is expected. Chaos, staged or otherwise, really isn’t necessary.

This fight, the first significant one in a New Year, sells itself. From the pound-for-pound debate to the race to be the game’s new face, it’s all there. Nevertheless, neither Lopez nor Stevenson nor anybody in the audience could resist another chance at some drama in the live-streamed newser.

First, there was Lopez’ look, or perhaps costume. He’s unpredictable, so much so that many wonder about his chances against Stevenson’s classic skillset. Hence, the inevitable question: Which Lopez will show up? The fighter who beat Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor? Or the one who lost to George Kambosos?

His fashion statement Thursday offered no clues. On paper, at least, Lopez has some documented advantages. At opening bell, he’ll be the defending champion. He holds the World Boxing Organization and The Ring versions of the 140-pound belt. He’s held them for more than two years, including three defenses.

He knows the weight. Stevenson doesn’t. The former champion at 135, 130 and 126 pounds is at the heavier weight for the first time.  A jump too fast, a bridge too far? The oddsmakers don’t think so. Stevenson is about a 3-to-1 favorite.

Stevenson mentor Terence Crawford, a retired face of the game since his September triumph over Canelo Alvarez, doesn’t think so, either.

“Shakur is on a whole ‘nother level,’’ Crawford said in an interview after the newser in New York. “Come Saturday, he’s going to prove it.’’

Stevenson’s cool confidence has been evident since the fight was formally announced. Still, the ever-enigmatic Lopez tried to rattle him Thursday. In a spontaneous flash of anger, it looks as if he might have succeeded.

In the middle of a trash-talking exchange full of profanity – both racial and sexual, Lopez insulted Stevenson’s mom. Stevenson, who ran to defend his mom after his 2022 victory over Oscar Valdez in Las Vegas, got up from his seat on the stage and walked toward Lopez.

“I will smack the (bleep) out of you,’’ Stevenson said with evident menace.

It was a moment when it looked as if the newser was going off the rails. It was also a moment when pundits decided it was enough to score an early victory for Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs). But Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) quickly regained his evident poise. After all, he had an unexpected counter waiting for Lopez.

Lopez’ father and trainer, Teofimo Sr., missed the newser. “Under-the weather” was the formal explanation. “Hungover” was the Stevenson explanation. Stevenson and his corner said they saw Lopez’ dad in the hotel lobby Wednesday.

That’s when they decided to buy a bottle that they wrapped in a brown-paper bag, which could have been used to wrap much of what transpired Thursday. Stevenson reached under his chair and handed it to Teofimo Jr., who apparently had no answer. Maybe, he should have consulted that book.

Guess here: After some early success, Lopez will run out of answers in the late rounds against Stevenson’s technical, southpaw skillset. Stevenson by unanimous decision.

Notes on an undercard

Carlos Castro (30-3, 14 KOs), of Phoenix, faces a tough challenge on the undercard against emerging Bruce Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs), of New York, on the Lopez-Stevenson card.

Castro knocked down Stephen Fulton in his last bout, yet still lost a split decision.

“I’m good, I’m confident,’’ said Castro, who grew up in a Phoenix trailer park. “I’m here to take on the best, here to prove myself.’’

Kingsley Ibeh, a Nigerian and a former defensive tackle at Washburn University in Topeka, has been training in Phoenix for a heavyweight bout against Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, also on the Stevenson-Lopez card.

Ibeh (16-2-1, 14 KOS), who also played soccer in Romania, wound up in the ring only after a chance encounter in a Phoenix gym. He scored a knockout in an impromptu sparring session during a workout. Ibeh, who started playing football at Glendale Junior College in suburban Phoenix, had been working as an insurance salesman and personal trainer.




VIDEO: RING 6: TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON PRESS CONFERENCE




‘THE RING 6’ TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

NEW YORK, NY, January 29, 2026 – While the temperatures continue to drop in Manhattan, the heat was certainly felt inside Madison Square Garden during ‘The Ring 6’ final press conference ahead of a marquee main event that will see Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) defend his Ring Magazine and WBO Junior Welterweight Titles against Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs), who aims to secure his fourth world title in a fourth different weight class. It all gets underway Saturday night, January 31, live worldwide, exclusively on DAZN PPV. 

Ahead of the main event fireworks, the undercard features numerous must-see matchups headlined by WBO No.1 ranked Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KOs) in his anticipated return to the ring against Jamaine Ortiz (20-2, 10 KOs) as the co-main event. Additionally, WBC World Middleweight Champion Carlos Adames (24-1, 18 KOs) will take on Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (19-1, 13 KOs), while Brooklyn native, Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs) will look to defend his home turf and secure the Vacant WBC Featherweight Championship against veteran, Carlos Castro (30-3, 14 KOs). Heavyweight ‘Big Baby’ Jarrell Miller (26-1, 22 KOs) will also join in on the action against ‘Black Lion’ Kingsley Ibeh (16-2, 14 KOs), and Saudi Arabian prodigy Ziyad ‘Zizo’ Almaayouf (7-0, 1 KO) looks to upend Kevin Castillo (5-2) in a Super Lightweight bout. 

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster bout:

Teofimo Lopez

On how his preparation has been going and how big of a challenge it may be for him on Saturday night…

“It’s been very good. Stacy McKinley, our assistant trainer, has been helping out and training me at his gym, alongside my father. The amount of knowledge that’s been bestowed in my skills, and the amount of progress I’ve been creating has really made an impact. I feel very good, excited, determined, and I can’t wait to display that on Saturday.”

On if this is the best he’s felt going into a fight…

“Yes, but more importantly my soul feels great, like a beacon.”

Keith Connolly, Connolly Boxing 

On what he’s seen from Teofimo Lopez in this camp…

“I’m super excited, big fight week in New York and nothing like a fight at Madison Square Garden. We’re in the same exact position five, six years ago when he fought [Vasiliy] Lomachenko. He went in and kicked his a**. He’s going to do it again. Shakur Stevenson is a great fighter, but he’s never faced anyone like Teofimo Lopez.”

Shakur Stevenson

On why it matters bringing the kids from New Jersey to Saturday’s fight…

“It means everything to me. I usually do this before a lot of my fights, but it means everything for the kids to get motivation by seeing me fight. They get to see somebody from the same circumstances, but my main thing is to give them motivation.”

On if this fight has become personal…

“It’s all business. I’m not treating it that way, but I’m one hundred percent focused and we’ll see on Saturday night.”

On how big of a challenge Teofimo Lopez will be…

“We’ll see. He’s a good fighter.”

James Prince, J Prince Boxing Gym 

On what makes Shakur Stevenson unique…

“He’s one of a kind. He’s his own person and a student of the game. He has taken aspects from the great Andre Ward, the great Roy Jones, yet he’s borrowed from all of them and blended it into his own mix. Now, he’s Shakur Stevenson. One of a kind.”

Keyshawn Davis 

On how Saturday night’s fight plays out…

“I’m excited, but I don’t want to leave this in the judge’s hands. I like fighting, so let’s do it.” 

On what will be different on Saturday night… 

“You all will have to see. The amazing Keyshawn Davis, he’s back.” 

On how New York and Madison Square Garden brings out his best…

“My first fight after I returned from the Olympics was at The Mecca of Boxing…Madison Square Garden. I had another chance to fight here, but I’ve never fought in front of a sold out crowd. It’s amazing.” 

Jamaine Ortiz 

On how he’s feeling going into Saturday night…

“I’m feeling great. I’m excited to be here. I’m going to show everybody what I’m made of, and I’m going to get over this hump and take somebody’s old way that night.”

On how much he’s learned from losses and what he’s taking from them into this fight…

“I learned a lot, especially to not leave it [decisions] to the judges. I don’t expect it to go to the scorecards”.

On what he has to do to win this fight…

“I’m going to take out all the tools that I have and show everyone that there’s levels to this. I can do anything I want to do.”

Carlos Adames 

On how he’s feeling going into Saturday night…

“In terms of Saturday, I look forward to doing what I always do: going in the ring and doing my job.”

On the kind of fight he is expecting from Austin Williams on Saturday…

“He’s been on a good run because he hasn’t faced me. I hope he’s there to put on a good show for the fans on Saturday night.” 

Austin Williams 

On how confident he is coming into Saturday night… 

“I’m beyond confident…I‘m a showman. I came into this sport to be the best performing artist to ever exist. Eddie [Hearn] knows that and it’s why he gives me these amazing opportunities. Me and my coach, Kevin Cunningham, we’ve achieved the vision in my mind of the fighter I want to be. I’m ready to give the fans the greatest performance they’ve ever seen, something that is special.”

On if the fight will be all action right from the opening bell…

“Absolutely. I came into this sport with an idea to be the most cerebral fighter to exist. I’m fighting for my first world championship at 29. Like I said, I’m here to change the world and show what it means to be a true fighter. I’m excited to put that on display on Saturday night.”

Bruce Carrington 

On Brownsville fighters never winning a title at Madison Square Garden and his chances to break the trend… 

“This is a dream come true. To all the fans that have been watching me for the start of my pro career, they’ve been waiting for this. To all my fans in Brownsville, this is a long time coming. For me to be a part of that list of Brownsville fighters, it means the world to me. This is my moment and I feel like I have to do it. I’ve been doing so much to make sure I’m overly prepared. I cannot wait until Saturday and you don’t want to miss the Shu Shu show.”

On what kind of fight he is expecting on Saturday…

“I expect the best of them [Castro]. I was offered different guys with different names and lesser opposition, but I want to be great. In order to be great, you have to fight a guy as dangerous as him. This is the kind of opportunity that brings out the best in me. Watch it live on DAZN.”

Carlos Castro 

On how confident he is going into Saturday night…

“I’m good. I’m confident. I want to prove that I’m here to take down the best. I’m one of the best fighters out there, and I’m here to take any challenge. I’m not scared, I’m not ashamed, and I’m not going away from any challenge. Bruce Carrington is in my way and he’ll realize that there’s levels to this. This is a dream come true and something that not a lot of people in my hometown will see me doing. I’m here.”

On if fighting in New York means he has to bring a little extra…

“No, because I’m fighting him [Bruce Carrington], I’m not fighting New York. We both have the courage to go in there and fight the best. I’m here to give him my all.”

Jarrell Miller 

On how he feels being at Madison Square Garden….

“The last time I fought in this room was 19 years ago. I don’t really party, I don’t smoke or drink, and I keep my mind sharp. Coming home to fight in front of my fans and family means so much to me. I beat myself up every day since 2019, but it’s an opportunity to not only fight and show the fans, but show myself and Eddie [Hearn] as well that I’m still with them [Matchroom]. Dealing with Matchroom and Eddie over the years, they’ve shown me respect and they fought really hard to get me on this card. It’s been a lot of hard work, but come Saturday night I’m going to make Kingsley’s [Ibeh] head roll. This will be the first time my kids see me fight live…I’m fired up and I’m coming to whoop some a**.”

On if he thinks Kingsley Ibeh has anything in store for him…

“I’ve travelled all over for fighting…fighting [Daniel] DuBois, so am I afraid of him? Hell no. I do understand the risks, though in the heavyweight division. If you know who I am, every fight I show up. Imagine being a professional as long as I have? I’m from Brooklyn…I’m coming to fight.” 

Kingsley Ibeh 

On how confident he is that he can beat Jarrell Miller… 

“Confident is an understatement. I know what’s going to happen. It’s only a matter of time. I’m not a big talker and I’m not a boxer…didn’t grow up boxing. I don’t have much to say, but if people want to make the fight tonight we can do that. Come Saturday night, we will make it interesting.”

On the key to beating Jarrell Miller…

“You’ll see on Saturday night.” 

Ziyad Almaayouf

On him traveling the world and his boxing experiences… 

“Legacy, memories, and dreams. I’m thankful to fight at The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. How about Saudi Arabia’s first professional boxer who had no ring, no bags, for years and years – how about dreaming about Madison Square Garden then and actually getting there? I need to take this opportunity.” 

On what he’s trying to show on Saturday night… 

“I’m going to show a lot…the faith put in me. Saturday night I’ll become the first professional boxer from Saudi Arabia to fight at Madison Square Garden. You know how many kids, Arabs and Saudis who see me and dream that they can fight at Madison Square Garden? I’ve been through three training camps. I feel like a super hero. Gotham has Batman…Saudi Arabia has Zizo. Saturday night I’ll make history.”

Kevin Castillo

On how he feels about Saturday night after back-to-back losses… 

“I’ve worked many years to be on a great stage like this and to be here at Madison Square Garden, I’m full of energy. I also want to say it’s amazing to be up here with great fighters, but I don’t want this to just be an opportunity, I want to come back and show that I can test myself at this level because I was born for this.” 

On what a win this Saturday night would mean for him… 

“It would be fantastic. It would mean all the work I have put in through the years was worth it and it would also change the destiny of my life and my loved ones. I want to give everything I have and let my fists do the talking.”

Rick Reeno, CEO, Ring Magazine

On the main event…

“We’re only two days away…two of the biggest stars colliding, and that’s why The Mecca of Boxing is sold out, live and exclusively on DAZN. Shakur – if you talk to any of the oddsmakers he’s a favorite. Teofimo upsets the odds, though. He upset the odds against [Vasiliy] Lomachenko, Josh Taylor, and if he does it again, it will be the biggest of his career. I think Shakur is the better fighter.”

“On the other end, Shakur is one the most talented boxers in the game today, and he’s looking to make history on Saturday night by going for his fourth divisional title. I believe it’ll be the biggest victory of his career because I hold Teofimo higher in regard than the fighters Shakur has fought. It’s an intriguing fight with two of the very best colliding along with The Ring title at stake.”

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Promoter 

On which fight he is most excited about… 

“Firstly, you talk about good and bad memories. That’s what you want and that’s what you get when you come to The Mecca of Boxing. I want to say well done to Matchroom and The Ring team for a completely sold-out event. This is something very special and this place is special. A lot of people say to me, ‘Dream venue for boxing?’ and it’s always Madison Square Garden, so we’re very lucky. I can go down the table – Jarrell Miller. A lot has been said, but this is an emotional return for him. I look at Carlos Adames – a great world champion, and to my left, Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams, who turned professional with Matchroom Boxing. I could not sit here any prouder than Ammo. Everything he went through, the ups and downs, has led to the moment he can win that incredible green and gold belt at Madison Square Garden. Carlos Castro, Shu Shu [Carrington] –  You’re all from the same school. Shu Shu – I don’t even represent you and I’m excited for you because I know when you walked through those gym doors as a kid coming up from USA boxing. Keyshawn, you’re a great fighter and you’ve been through your ups and downs as well. To our partners at DAZN, I couldn’t be prouder. We came to this market six years ago and we were ridiculed for fighting on an app. Now, we sit as the global home of boxing. The unrivaled global home of boxing and this card on Saturday night should not be missed. Two of the sport’s greatest talents in the main event…this is what makes the sport great. Tune in live on DAZN for a night you won’t forget.”

On the Shakur Stevenson vs Teofimo Lopez fight…

“This is everything. Everyone talks about making boxing great again, and you’ve got to tip your hat off to Shakur and Teo, because Shakur is dominating the 135 pound division. Both fighters know that there’s money out there, deals out there, to just keep on doing the standard thing, but these aren’t standard guys. These are guys that are chasing greatness in a sold out arena that has hosted Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson and Rocky Marciano. That’s what these guys are after. You know the guy to my left [Shakur Stevenson] at 28 years of age, I say it all the time – he’s a three division World Champion looking to become a four division World Champion at the age of 28 and that’s a phenomenal achievement. Any young fighter getting in the game, I would recommend they look at the way that Shakur Stevenson lives his life and his dedication to the sport, and the same with Teofimo [Lopez] as well. This is a joy as I said to the fighters earlier on the undercard…understand what you’re fighting for on Saturday night. Memories. Top to bottom, the whole boxing world will be in New York on Saturday night. You’ve got the Ring Magazine Awards tomorrow night, live on DAZN around the world. Thank you to both men. This is exactly what boxing needs, and I cannot wait. “

ABOUT THE RING

Since its inception in 1922, The Ring Magazine has been the cornerstone of boxing journalism, earning it the title as ‘The Bible of Boxing.’ Today, The Ring is more than just a magazine – it’s a growing multimedia empire poised to redefine how the world experiences boxing and combat sports. The Ring is not just chronicling the history of boxing; it’s actively shaping its future. Whether through its digital platforms, community events, or innovative partnerships. The Ring is committed to making the sport more accessible, exciting and engaging for a global audience.

ABOUT DAZN

DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, streams over 110,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide.? DAZN is the global home of European football, women’s football, boxing, and MMA, as well as the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more, including FIFA Club World Cup 2025. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.? DAZN is a global, privately owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 4,000 employees. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit? www.dazngroup.com.




TEOFIMO LOPEZ AND SHAKUR STEVENSON FACE-OFF AT KNICKS GAME AS COUNTDOWN TO ‘THE RING 6’ ON SATURDAY BEGINS

NEW YORK CITY – 27 JANUARY, 2026: Things are finally heating up in New York as Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson tonight faced-off for the first time this week ahead of Saturday’s ‘The Ring 6’ spectacle in New York City – live worldwide on DAZN.
 
With temperatures plummeting below zero in the Big Apple this week, Brooklyn’s Lopez and Newark’s Stevenson get set to headline at Madison Square Garden with the WBO and The Ring Junior Welterweight Titles on the line.
 
And as the countdown to this weekend’s eagerly awaited main event continues, the bitter rivals shared a frosty exchange on court at the World’s Most Famous Arena on Tuesday during the New York Knicks’ NBA clash with the Sacramento Kings.
 
Lopez and Stevenson then headed to the official launch party downtown at The Ned, where a host of influencers and media were on hand to usher in a historic fight week, delivered to fight fans by SELA and Matchroom Boxing.
 
On the stacked card, former Lightweight ruler Keyshawn Davis, ranked No.1 by the WBO, makes his eagerly awaited return to the ring when he faces Jamaine Ortiz in the Co-Main Event.
 
The WBC World Middleweight Champion Carlos Adames puts his belt on the line when the destructive Dominican fighter faces a spirited US challenger in Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams.
 
Brooklyn’s brilliant Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington meanwhile, faces a tough test on home turf when defends his WBC World Featherweight Championship against the seasoned Carlos Castro, who last time out in 2024 succumbed to a split decision defeat by Stephen Fulton in Las Vegas.
 
Plus, Brooklyn’s ‘Big Baby’ Jarrell Miller brings the Heavyweight action to the card when the 37-year-old (26-1-2, 22 KOs) comes up against the ‘Black Lion’ Kingsley Ibeh (16-2-1, 14 KOs), who has previously fought the likes of Jared Anderson and Gerald Washington.
 
And Saudi Arabia’s heralded and undefeated Junior Welterweight sensation Ziyad ‘Zizo’ Almaayouf returns to the USA – the scene of his overturned DQ victory in August 2024 against Michal Bulik in Los Angeles – when he meets Miami-based Kevin Castillo.

Keep up to date the latest events ahead of Fight Night by following @ringmagazine on social media.




DAZN News and Notes – Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson From Madison Square Garden

This Saturday, January 31, The Ring 6 arrives at The Mecca of Boxing as Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs)  and Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) go to war for the former’s WBO and Ring Junior Welterweight Title, live on DAZN PPV Madison Square Garden in New York City. In what has already been dubbed a fight of the year candidate, the action begins with the main card bouts beginning at 6:05 pm ET / 3:05 pm PT / 11:05 pm GMT, followed by main event ringwalks at approximately 10:50pm ET / 7:50pm PT / 3:50 GMT.

While fireworks are expected in the main event, The Ring 6 undercard features a collection of rising stars and heavy hitters, including two WBC title bouts in both featherweight and middleweight classes. While Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KOs) is set to take on Jamaine Ortiz (20-2, 10 KOs) in the co-main event, Carlos Adames (24-1, 18 KOs) and Austin Williams (19-1, 13 KOs) will clash for the WBC World Middleweight Title, in addition to a fight for the vacant WBC featherweight Championship between Bruce Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs) and Carlos Castro (30-3, 14 KOs). Additionally, Brooklyn’s Jarrell Miller (26-1, 22 KOs) and Kingsley Ibeh (16-2, 14 KOs) will duel in a heavyweight bout, while Ziyad ‘Zizo’ Almaayouf (7-0, 1 KO) – Saudi Arabia’s undefeated Junior Welterweight – makes his return to the U.S. where he’ll meet Kevin Castillo (5-2) out of Miami. 

Also on Saturday night (January 31), IBF Super Welterweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) will make his second title defense in Newcastle upon Tyne against Josh Kelly (17-9, 1 KO), beginning at 2 pm ET / 11 am PT / 7 pm GMT on DAZN PPV. The fight card also touts Josh Padley (17-5, 1 KO) facing Jaouad Belemehdi (23-2, 11 KOs)  for the vacant European Super Featherweight title, a matchup between Elif Nur Turhan (12-8) and Taylah Gentzen (8-3, 3 KOs) for Turhan’s IBF Women’s Lightweight title, and Leo Atang (3-0, 3 KOs) versus Amine Boucetta in a Heavyweight bout. 

Shortly after The Ring 6’s blockbuster fight, boxing fans can enjoy another world-class match-up on February 21 when Mario Barrios (29-2, 18 KOs) and Ryan Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) face off in “The Ring: High Stakes,”  live exclusively on DAZN from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Barrios’ WBC welterweight title on the line, a title which he has held since 2024. 

Fans can watch the fight either on DAZN Ultimate or DAZN Standard. DAZN Ultimate Tier Subscription, which includes access to The Ring events, an extensive archive of classic bouts, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. 

Please click HERE to sign up for DAZN Media Center — your one-stop hub for assets across DAZN Boxing including upcoming pay-per-view events, subscription fights and our archive library.

UPCOMING THE RING EVENTS ON DAZN

Saturday, January 31, 2026

RING VI – Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez

Madison Square Garden | New York, NY

Saturday, February 21, 2026

THE RING: High Stakes – Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia

T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, NV

News and Social




THIS SATURDAY NIGHT: THE RING 6: TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON LIVE FROM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

NEW YORK, January 27, 2026 – Today, after much anticipation, ‘The Ring 6’ fight week officially commences ahead of Brooklyn superstar Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) vs. Newark-born Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs), live under the bright lights at The World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden, in New York City. The latest installment of The Ring pits New York against New Jersey with the Ring and WBO Junior Welterweight Titles on the line. The event will air live worldwide exclusively on DAZN PPV.

A 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist, reigning WBC Lightweight Champion, and No. 8 on The Ring pound-for-pound list, Stevenson enters as the challenger as he attempts to secure a world title in his fourth different weight class. His opponent, Lopez, is no stranger to the spotlight and has reigned at 140 pounds since his statement victory over former undisputed champion Josh Taylor just over two years ago. Hailing from opposite sides of the Hudson River, legacies and another championship are on the line Saturday night at The Mecca of Boxing.

??On the undercard, ‘The Businessman’ Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KOs), ranked No.1 by the WBO, makes his return against Jamaine Ortiz (20-2, 10 KOs) in the co-main Event of the evening. Elsewhere, the WBC World Middleweight Champion Carlos Adames (24-1, 18 KOs) puts his belt on the line against feisty U.S. challenger, Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (19-1, 13 KOs). Then, Brooklyn’s Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs), faces a tall task as he looks to defend his WBC World Featherweight Championship against veteran Carlos Castro (30-3, 14 KOs). Another Brooklyn native, ‘Big Baby’ Jarrell Miller (26-1, 22 KOs), headlines Heavyweight action versus ‘Black Lion’ Kingsley Ibeh (16-2, 14 KOs), and rounding out the action is Saudi Arabia’s undefeated Junior Welterweight sensation Ziyad ‘Zizo’ Almaayouf (7-0, 1 KO) against Miami-based Kevin Castillo (5-2) in the former’s return to the U.S.

Fans have access to all fight week events, including the final press conference and weigh-in, by visiting the DAZN Boxing YouTube channel and tuning in to the respective livestreams: 

On Friday, January 30, in New York City, The 2025 Ring Awards kick off 24 hours before ‘The Ring 6’ gets underway at Madison Square Garden. The event, which will highlight the year’s top boxers, fights, and more, will present awards across eight categories including: Male Fighter of the Year, Fight of the Year, Female Fighter of the Year, Knockout of the Year, Round of the Year, Upset of the Year, Trainer of the Year, and Prospect of the Year. While the second annual awards gala is closed to the public, fans are encouraged to view the presentation on both Ring Magazine and DAZN YouTube channels.

This winter, boxing fans can save 21% on a two-fight PPV bundle from DAZN including premier fights in The Ring 6: Teofimo vs. Stevenson and The Ring: High Stakes: Barrios vs. Garcia, both at the discounted price of $109.99. Additionally, for $44.99, both fights are included with DAZN Ultimate, which includes a minimum of 12 PPV events a year at no extra cost. 

Fans who sign up for DAZN’s Ultimate Tier subscription gain access to The Ring events, as well as an extensive archive of classic bouts and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, giving them unmatched access to the sport’s biggest moments. 

Please click HERE to sign up for DAZN Media Center.

UPCOMING THE RING EVENTS ON DAZN

Saturday, February 21, 2026

THE RING: High Stakes – Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia

T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, NV

ABOUT RING MAGAZINE

Since its acquisition by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh in November 2024, The Ring has entered a new era, reinforcing its status as boxing’s most legendary and authoritative voice. The magazine has showcased many of the sport’s biggest fights and most iconic moments, including British boxing’s most talked-about match-up between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn, as well as the legacy-defining showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford in Las Vegas, often described as “the fight of the century.” The Ring delivers world-class global coverage with unrivaled access to boxing’s top stars. Building on its rich heritage, the magazine continues to document the sport at the highest level whilst shaping the present and preserving the legacy of boxing.

ABOUT DAZN

DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, streams over 110,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide.? DAZN is the global home of European football, women’s football, boxing, and MMA, as well as the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more, including FIFA Club World Cup 2025. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.? DAZN is a global, privately owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 4,000 employees. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit? www.dazngroup.com.




Jamaine Ortiz Aims to Derail Keyshawn Davis’ Undefeated Streak at Madison Square Garden

WORCESTER, MA (January 12, 2026) — Super lightweight contender Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (20-2-1, 10 KOs) is ready to prove he belongs among boxing’s elite as he prepares to take on the undefeated Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KOs) in one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. The 12-round bout is set for January 31, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, on the undercard of “The Ring 6” — headlined by the Ring Magazine 12-round world title clash between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson. The event will be televised live on DAZN.

Ortiz, who hails from Worcester, Massachusetts, and is co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and CES Boxing, enters the fight ranked in the top 15 across all four major sanctioning bodies. Known for his slick movement, high boxing IQ, and relentless conditioning, Ortiz sees this fight as more than just another test—it’s a pivotal moment in his campaign toward another world title shot.

When the matchup with Davis was first proposed, Ortiz didn’t hesitate. “The moment this fight was offered, I said yes,” Ortiz stated. “I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and I’m not about to start now. I respect what Keyshawn has accomplished, but this is the kind of fight I’ve been waiting for, an opportunity to showcase everything I bring to the table against a top undefeated contender.”

Davis, a 2020 Olympic silver medalist, will be making his 140-pound debut against the more seasoned Ortiz, who has consistently fought world-class opposition. While many are intrigued to see how Davis handles the jump in weight, Ortiz is focused on delivering a statement performance.

“Fans can expect a sharp, confident, and aggressive Jamaine Ortiz on fight night,” he said. “I’ve learned from every fight and made the necessary adjustments. I’m coming into this with experience, hunger, and a game plan that’s built to win. Davis is stepping into my weight class, and he’ll find out quickly that it’s a different world at 140.”

Boxlab Promotions President Amaury Piedra expressed full confidence in Ortiz’s preparation, mindset, and skillset, stating that he believes Ortiz has everything it takes to hand Davis his first professional loss.

“Jamaine has all the tools, speed, footwork, conditioning, and the intelligence to adapt in the ring,” said Piedra. “He’s fought at the world class level on multiple occasions, and he’s battle-tested. Keyshawn is a talented fighter, no doubt, but we believe Jamaine’s experience and hunger will be the difference. This is his moment, and he’s ready to take it.”

Ortiz has made it clear that this fight is part of a bigger mission…to become a world champion in the super lightweight division. “This is what I’ve worked for, to fight the best and earn my shot at a world title,” Ortiz concluded. “A win on January 31 puts me in position to challenge for a belt, and I’m not leaving Madison Square Garden without making that statement. I’m here to prove I belong at the top.”

As anticipation builds for “The Ring 6”, Ortiz vs. Davis stands out as a can’t-miss battle between two of the most compelling fighters in the division, one a polished Olympian looking to advance his career, the other a determined contender ready to seize his moment.




VIDEO: RING 6: TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON LAUNCH PRESS CONFERENCE




THE RING 6: TEOFIMO LOPEZ AND SHAKUR STEVENSON MET AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN PRESS CONFERENCE AHEAD OF JANUARY 31 TITLE BOUT LIVE ON DAZN PPV

NEW YORK, December 11, 2025 – Following last week’s announcement from HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and owner of Ring Magazine, Brooklyn-born Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) and Newark, New Jersey native Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) took the stage at Madison Square Garden to discuss their upcoming January 31 clash at the World’s Most Famous Arena as the former will look to defend his Ring and WBO Junior Welterweight Titles. Brought to fans by Matchroom Boxing, the fight will headline an undercard to be announced at a later date, with the Pay-Per-View broadcasting live, exclusively on DAZN worldwide. 

Stevenson, a 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist and WBC Lightweight Champion, seeks to become a titleholder in a fourth different weight class. The Newark, NJ native is currently ranked eighth on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list and is no. one among The Ring’s lightweight contenders vying for a vacant championship. Lopez has held the junior welterweight title since defeating former Undisputed 140-Pound Champion Josh Taylor via points just over two years ago. 

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on today/Thursday, December 11 at 12pm ET, available at ticketmaster.com. 

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say:

Teofimo Lopez 

On what he has been writing in his notebook during the press conference…

“I’m just doing some self-work. That’s all it is. These are two of the guys that they say are the best of the best, about to lace it up here in beautiful Madison Square Garden, the mecca of boxing. January 31st. I’m happy, I’m grateful, thankful, blessed.” 

On why this is the right fight for him…

“I’ll tell you why. He’s saying this, he’s saying that, and the third, but in reality, man, this guy is the best, and we’re here to face the best. That’s just what it is. Forget the rest. That’s all it is. That’s what it takes. We define the odds. We’re against all odds.”

On Shakur being his former stablemate…

“There are no friends in boxing. This is what I am trying to attest to. When they presented the fight with Devin [Haney], a lot of things came in my way, but it all happened in perfect alignment. Devin doesn’t have motion, but Shakur has motion. He did his thing. He looked outstanding against William Zepeda at the Louis Armstrong Stadium. And this is what you guys need. This is what boxing needs. This is why we’re here. We’re here to take over. Now we have this lightweight coming up to super lightweight, to come over here and dethrone the champ. And this is why this is the fight. And this is why this fight is happening in early 2026.”

On what he will present on fight night…

“All of the things that I learned at junior welterweight/super lightweight. Everything that I learned has brought me to this moment here and now. Every fighter that I faced, in this beautiful weight class, all the things that I learned from every fighter that I faced, to now, will be on display against Shakur Stevenson. And that is what I’m looking forward to more than anything else. We’ve got to get through him first. That’s all it is. Put him in front of me, and we will beat him. And when it’s all said and done, my hand will be raised once again, and they will say the takeover.” 

Shakur Stevenson 

On if he plans to fight with the same style as the William Zepeda fight…

“I will be a hundred times better come fight night against Teofimo Lopez than I was against Zepeda. A thousand times better, faster, sharper, stronger, mentally more on point, and I can’t wait.”

On the weaknesses in Teofimo’s game…

“A lot of the weaknesses are mental. I think it’s more mental than anything again. I’m going to expose it.”

On what he wants to prove in this fight…

“That I’m the best. I want to show the world that I’m the best. After this fight, I want to be considered a top five, pound-for-pound fighter in a sport – and I can’t wait to show it.”

On what Teofimo Lopez is in for on January 31st…

“I just don’t think he realizes how good I am. I think come fight night, he’s going to realize that I’m gonna take it to another level that he has never seen before. So, if he’s expecting the [Vasyl] Lomachenko, or the Josh Taylor fight to happen, it won’t be that type of fight.”

On whether the weight matters in this fight, going up the extra 5lbs…

“Honestly, no. I feel like Teo’s not that much bigger than me. I think he’s kind of a little muscular, but that doesn’t mean anything. Muscle doesn’t win fights. I just can’t wait to beat him and shut him up. Teo is not on this level. Teo is a high-level fighter, but he’s not on my level. I’m an elite-level fighter, and come January 31st, I’m going to show it.”

On why he is on a different level than Teofimo…

“Because I’ve seen him at his best. against Taylor, against Lomachenko, he was at his very best. That was the best he could do. I don’t think he can do anything better than that. What I’ve seen from that fight, I feel like I am way better than those guys.”

Mike Borao, Co-Manager, Teofimo Lopez.

On what he liked about this fight with Shakur Stevenson…

“There’s only one best fighter in the world, and I think that the winner of this fight very likely will be the best fighter in the world. Both these fighters are in their twenties – this is a historic fight, in a historic arena…Teofimo always talks about legacy and becoming part of history, and this is a big part of that.”   

Teofimo Lopez Sr. 

On what he liked about this fight with Shakur Stevenson…

“This is going to be a technical fight. Let’s see what Shakur shows up with – I hope it’s the Shakur that fought William Zepeda. We’re ready for anything. Teofimo Lopez brings excitement to the sport every time he comes to fight. He’s [Teofimo] the best when he’s the underdog. He also never lost to a southpaw in his career…the amateurs, over 200 fights, and we’ve never lost to a southpaw. This guy [Shakur] won’t be that one.”

On what Shakur will bring out of his son…

“I hope he brings the best because that’s what we want. We do this for the fans, so we want a great and competitive fight. Ever since my son started boxing, I told him, ‘This is entertainment and an entertainment business. We’re here to entertain.’ I think Shakur will bring it, so I’m hoping it’s a great fight and I want everyone to see it.” 

On how difficult Shakur is to prepare for… 

“I see the weakness, that’s what I do. We broke the code with [Vasyl] Lomachenko, something nobody has ever done. We didn’t let him get comfortable in there…eight rounds and he didn’t know what to do. We did the same thing with Josh Taylor, and we’re going to do the same thing with Shakur.”

Josh Dubin, Co-Manager, Shakur Stevenson

On why this fight was the right fight against Teofimo Lopez… 

“Because he’ll beat anyone that’s put in front of him…period. I just don’t think there is anyone that has anything near what he has in terms of talent, grit, and drive. So, if he tells us he can do it, it’s on. We can count on one hand all the fighters we’ve managed over the years, and there are only very few that are cut from the same cloth as Shakur. He’ll say he wants whoever is the best, and you believe him when he says it. So, if he believes it, we believe it, and we’re just thrilled and excited.”

On what Shakur showed in his fight against William Zepeda… 

“He didn’t show me anything that I didn’t already know. He showed me that he’s the same guy he was at 17 years old, and he can do this any way he wants to. He just maybe confirmed to himself that if he has to lay on the inside and do it, he’s going to do it that way, but whatever style gets put in front of him, he can pick and choose how he wants to deal with it. So to me, he just proved that he’s a once-in-a-generation fighter. You’re looking at one of the best to ever lace it up, and if you see the way he works outside of this, it all makes a lot of sense.”

His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh

On the upcoming fight and what’s to come in 2026…

“Do you need to know the result of this fight? In May, there is a big fight – if it is Shakur, then there will be a big fight for Shakur, if it is Teofimo, then there is a big fight for Teo. This is an important fight. This fight is the first step of a crazy map of boxing next year and at the beginning of ‘27. It will not be an easy fight.”

Rick Reeno, Chief Operating Officer of Ring Magazine

On The Ring’s recent boxing schedule and expectations for The Ring 6…

“We took the show on the road for the last couple of events: London, Riyadh, and as you mentioned, we have The Ring V coming up in a couple of weeks in Riyadh. Now, we’re returning to New York City for our third time and our first event at the mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden. For such an iconic venue, we wanted an iconic fight, and we got it. Teofimo Lopez will be defending his Ring and WBO World Titles against undefeated three division champion – who is the challenger – Shakur Stevenson. We’ve had fireworks over our last couple of events, and I expect nothing less than fireworks in this fight. These two guys, Teofimo and Shakur, are the future of this sport. They’re two young guys, well accomplished in their own respective rights, and they’re laying it all on the line in this fight, and only one of them is going to walk away with the Ring Title that night. Tickets go on sale Thursday [December 11], and I would advise you to get those as soon as you can because they’re going to go quickly. If you can’t be there live, watch it live and exclusively on DAZN.”

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Promoter

On boxing history at MSG and what to expect on January 31…

“This place is special. When this fight is talked about, both Shakur Stevenson and Teofimo Lopez need a huge amount of credit for making this happen. Both of the guys are the respective kings of the division: Teofimo Lopez, the number one guy at 140 and Shakur, the number one guy at 135. When I heard about this fight, I didn’t expect it to happen, and you know the work that His Excellency’s done along with Ring Magazine to make this fight quite sensational, but the icing on the cake is to see the fight at Madison Square Garden. This is the absolute mecca of boxing, and speaking to the incredible team at the garden, the pre-sale numbers are through the roof – this place will be full to the rafters on January 31st. You’ve got Newark against Brooklyn, but more importantly, you have two generational great fighters. Teofimo Lopez, a guy that beat the man at 135 up at 140 but this guy to my right [Shakur Stevenson] when you talk about chasing greatness, 28 years of age and trying to become a four division world champion on January 31st. Look at the names in history that have done it..Roy Jones Jr., Pernell Whitaker, Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, one [Juan] Manuel Márquez. Greatness only gets appreciated over time – let’s acknowledge what we’re about to see on January 31st. This is two guys in their absolute prime and we should be very, very lucky. In a sport that’s dominated by money, these fighters deserve every penny they get, they’re chasing legacy, and that’s so motivating to be involved in an event like this. The undercard will be announced in due course. Just take it in and enjoy what we’re about to see – two great fighters in their prime, putting it all on the line for their legacy in this sport. I can’t wait for January 31st, and of course, as always, live and exclusive on the global home of boxing, DAZN.”

About The Ring Magazine 

Since its inception in 1922, The Ring Magazine has been the cornerstone of boxing journalism, earning it the title as ‘The Bible of Boxing.’ Today, The Ring is more than just a magazine – it’s a growing multimedia empire poised to redefine how the world experiences boxing and combat sports. The Ring is not just chronicling the history of boxing; it’s actively shaping its future. Whether through its digital platforms, community events, or innovative partnerships. The Ring is committed to making the sport more accessible, exciting and engaging for a global audience. 

About DAZN
DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, streams over 110,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide.? DAZN is the global home of European football, women’s football, boxing, and MMA, as well as the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more, including FIFA Club World Cup 2025. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.? DAZN is a global, privately owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 4,000 employees. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit? www.dazngroup.com.? 




TEOFIMO VS SHAKUR CONFIRMED FOR MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

NEW YORK CITY – 8 DECEMBER, 2025:HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority has today confirmed that the iconic Madison Square Garden will play host to ‘The Ring 6’ world title showdown between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson on Saturday, January 31.

And the main event fighters will meet at the legendary venue this Wednesday, December 10, at a launch Press Conference in New York City, starting at 1pm – media can apply here to attend HERE.

The January 31, 2026, extravaganza is brought to fight fans by SELA and Matchroom Boxing, and will be broadcast live, exclusively worldwide on DAZN.

Tickets will officially go on sale via ticketmaster.com with pre-sale launching this Wednesday, December 10 at Noon EST, with the exclusive window closing at 11am EST the following day. Then, on Thursday, December 11, public on-sale is live from Noon EST.

“Madison Square Garden boasts a storied boxing legacy, having hosted countless world title bouts,”said Joel Fisher, Executive Vice President, Marquee Events and Operations, MSG Entertainment.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Teofimo and Shakur, in collaboration with our partners SELA and Matchroom Boxing, for what promises to be another unforgettable championship night at The World’s Most Famous Arena.”

Brooklyn’s Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) will be putting his WBO and The Ring Junior-Welterweight titles on the line when he takes on current WBC Lightweight World Champion Stevenson, stepping up to 140 for the first time.

The thrilling matchup at the start of 2026 will serve as a fourth title defense for ‘The Takeover’ Teofimo as he looks to extend his six-fight winning streak following his most recent victory, a unanimous decision win over the previously undefeated Arnold Barboza Jr during The Ring’s historic Fatal Fury Times Square card last May.

For Shakur, who will also be fighting just a few miles from his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, this represents an opportunity to become a four-weight world champion. 

The southpaw’s most recent fight came just two months after Teofimo’s triumph, when he claimed a unanimous decision win against mandatory challenger William Zepeda to retain his WBC lightweight belt during July’s stacked Ring III event at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York.

The pair will meet this Wednesday at the legendary Madison Square Garden – the fabled boxing venue which has hosted some of the most iconic fight nights in the history of the sport, including the 1971 ‘Fight of the Century’ between late Heavyweight greats Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.




THE RING 6: TEOFIMO-SHAKUR SET FOR JANUARY SHOWDOWN IN NEW YORK 

NEW YORK CITY, DECEMBER 1, 2025 – HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and owner of Ring Magazine, has confirmed the highly anticipated fight between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson is on for Saturday January 31 in New York as the headline event for ‘The Ring 6.’

The event is brought to fans by Matchroom Boxing and will be broadcast live, exclusively on DAZN worldwide. 

Brooklyn’s Teofimo (21-1, 13 KOs) will be putting his WBO and The Ring juniorwelterweight titles on the line when he takes on current WBC lightweight world champion Shakur, stepping up to 140 for the first time. 

Following an action-packed final two months to close out 2025, headlined by Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn 2, ‘The Ring IV: Night of the Champions,’ and ‘The Ring V: Night of the Samurai: Naoya Inoue vs. David Picasso,’ DAZN’s world-class boxing slate continues with a thrilling matchup to kick off 2026. The bout will serve as a fourth title defense for ‘The Takeover’ as he looks to extend his six-fight winning streak following his most recent victory, a unanimous decision win over the previously undefeated Arnold Barboza Jr. during The Ring’s historic Fatal Fury Times Square card in May. 

For Shakur, who will also be fighting just a few miles from his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, this represents an opportunity to become a four-weight world champion. The southpaw’s most recent fight came just two months after Teofimo’s triumph, when he claimed a unanimous decision win against mandatory challenger William Zepeda to retain his WBC lightweight belt during July’s stacked Ring III event at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York. 

HE Turki Alalshikh said: “This fight between two huge talents will provide an exciting start to our plans for 2026 and as we look to create another great year of boxing events around the world. We are looking forward to returning to New York in January and producing another big world title fight that fans have been waiting for.” 

Teofimo Lopez said: “Duck, Duck, Goose! Are you ready for New York City? Brick city in the concrete jungle, so let’s get ready to rumble! The Takeover is here to stay, not play. Make Boxing Great Again is my forte. Shakur will fall in nine.” 

Shakur Stevenson said: “I have never shied away from a challenge and always chased the biggest fights in the sport because I know I am one of the best boxers in the world. Teofimo Lopez will learn that firsthand on January 31 when I take his belt and show him that there are levels to this game. New York, get ready for a spectacular performance as I take over a fourth straight weight division.” 

Further details including ticketing, venue and additional fights on the card will be announced in due course. 

DAZN has cemented itself as the global home of boxing with more than 185 fight nights in 2025. To fully experience all of DAZN’s latest boxing action, fans can now take advantage of DAZN Ultimate, an all-new comprehensive plan that delivers major boxing events through one simple subscription. The plan provides boxing and sports fans alike access to countless fight nights and a minimum of 12 pay-per-views (PPV) per year. With more choice in how they buy and watch world-class events, fans have the option to opt for a per-month or up-front annual subscription. DAZN Ultimate gives fans access to an extensive lineup of live boxing, including pay-per-view fights, year-round fight nights, an unrivaled archive of classic bouts, and behind-the-scenes content — in a single plan at an affordable price. 

About The Ring Magazine 

Since its inception in 1922, The Ring Magazine has been the cornerstone of boxing journalism, earning it the title as ‘The Bible of Boxing.’ Today, The Ring is more than just a magazine – it’s a growing multimedia empire poised to redefine how the world experiences boxing and combat sports. The Ring is not just chronicling the history of boxing; it’s actively shaping its future. Whether through its digital platforms, community events, or innovative partnerships. The Ring is committed to making the sport more accessible, exciting and engaging for a global audience. 

About DAZN
DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, streams over 110,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide.? DAZN is the global home of European football, women’s football, boxing, and MMA, as well as the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more, including FIFA Club World Cup 2025. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.? DAZN is a global, privately owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 4,000 employees. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit? www.dazngroup.com.?