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Efe Ajagba opponent named
Heavyweight knockout artist Efe Ajagba (13-0, 11 KOs) will make his Top Rank on ESPN debut Saturday, Sept. 19 against veteran Jonnie Rice (13-5-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-rounder as the co-feature to the Jose Pedraza-Javier Molina junior welterweight main event from the MGM Grand Las Vegas.
On the undercard, two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez (4-1, 3 KOs), who avenged his lone pro defeat via shutout decision over Adan Gonzales on July 2, will fight Felix Caraballo (13-2-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder at featherweight.
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Povetkin-Whyte rematch on Nov 21
Dillian Whyte has an immediate opportunity to exact revenge over Alexander Povetkin on Saturday November 21 as the heavyweight rivals collide in a blockbuster rematch, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK. Whyte (27-2, 18 KOs) was sensationally knocked out by Povetkin (36-2-1, 25 KOs) in the finale of Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex, last month.
Alexander Povetkin: “I’ve rested well, spent time with my family, and now that the date of the rematch is known, I will soon return to my training camp and prepare as thoroughly as I did for the first fight.”
Dillian Whyte: “I will be a lot more focused and sharper in the rematch. I’m coming to win and knock him out. I’m coming to even the score and the only way to do that is by knocking him out.”
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Very quick turnaround hopefully Whyte is fully repaired
Last thing he will need is David Price - Tony Thompson scenario, or worse a brain injury.
I assume scans have and will be done to make sure he is kosha.
Part of me wants AP to KO him again but I don't think AP will make much impact v the big 2
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I think Whyte can cause some trouble to AJ/Fury/Wilder. So I want him to win.
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Hearn: Usyk-Chisora is close
Promoter Eddie Hearn says a heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Derek Chisora can still happen. “We’re close,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “I mean both guys understand that without a gate at The O2, there’s significantly less revenue driven to that show, but both guys fancy that fight. We’re trying to get the math right. We’re trying to get the numbers right to get these guys over the line. I have to say, fair play to both of them, they are trying to find a way.” Usyk-Chisora was originally set for May 23.
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Matchroom inks heavyweight Zhang Zhilei
Unbeaten heavyweight Zhang Zhilei has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom. Matchroom’s deal with Zhang sees Eddie Hearn’s promotional outfit appointed as the sole promoter of the Chinese star. Zhilei (21-0 16 KOs) now sits at #11 with the WBO and #12 with the IBF as he aims to convert his prolific amateur career in the pro game.
‘Big Bang’ is in New Jersey training for his return to the ring Stateside in November, and the 37-year-old giant wants to put his career into overdrive and prove that he is ready to challenge for world titles in the paid ranks.
“I’m very happy to enter into an agreement with Matchroom,” said Zhang. “They are one of the best promoters in the world. I’m the best Heavyweight coming out of China. I just need an opportunity to become the best in the world which I strongly believe that Matchroom is able to provide. With each of us focused on our part, I wish a happy and successful future together.”
“The Heavyweight scene couldn’t be any hotter right now, so this is the perfect time for Zhilei to get back into action and throw his name into the mix,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Zhilei is ready to take on all-comers and as he aims for his 22nd win in November, the next step for ‘Big Bang’ then will be to face his fellow top-class contenders and get in position for a World title shot.”
“We are extremely excited about the partnership with Matchroom,” said Zhang’s advisor Terry Lane, from Lane Brothers Boxing. “Zhilei is a world-class Heavyweight and Matchroom is one of the world’s premier boxing promoters. It’s a natural fit, and this puts Zhilei in the mix amongst boxing’s top big-men.”
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New opponent for Hrgovic
IBF #6, WBC #9, WBO #15 heavyweight Filip Hrgović (10-0, 8 KOs) will have a new opponent on Saturday night as he will now face off against Greece’s Alexandre Kartozia (8-1-1, 7 KOs) at the Struer Energi Park in Denmark, who has replaced Ondrej Pala. Following a short notice withdrawal from Pala and with no time to spare, Team Sauerland confirmed that Kartozia has accepted the fight and will arrive in Denmark shortly.
Kartozia will be fighting for the second time this year having secured a third round knockout victory over Mexico’s Manuel Duran at the Big Punch Arena in Tijuana on January 25th.
“People think he is scary because he has a good amateur career and his nickname is The Animal,” said Kartozia. “Well, I fear no man. He has never felt power like I have and I hope he overlooks me, because this Saturday night I will create history and change the future.”
“Obviously a short notice change of opponent is never ideal for the fighter,” said Promoter Nisse Sauerland. “It is difficult enough to find opponents for Filip at the best of times, but especially during the current situation.
“Kartozia says he is going to fight fire with fire and that he is a true gladiator, so we are sure both men will put on a great show and the fans at the Struer Energi Park Arena will not be disappointed.”
Hrgović vs Kartozia is as a co-feature to local hero Dina Thorslund (14-0, 6 KOs) in Struer as she defends her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight Championship against Serbian challenger Nina Radovanovic (14-3, 3 KOs).
The return of live boxing will also see Team Sauerland’s latest signing Oliver Zaren (2-0, 2 KOs) will make his promotional debut against Volodymyr Romanenko (9-9, 8 KOs) and exciting Danish prospects Oliver Mollenberg (5-0-1, 3 KOs), Payman Akbari (1-0, 1 KO) & Jacob Bank (Pro-debut) also feature on the undercard.
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Usyk-Chisora confirmed for October 31
Heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) will finally face British favorite Derek Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs) on October 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US, after their original May 23 date was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Derek Chisora: “Helllllo, Usyk, I’m ready for you, helllllo Usyk! Usyk, I’ve been ready for you all year. It’s my home turf and after such a tough year for everyone, I’m going to give the British public the Halloween party they deserve and finally get revenge for my boy Tony Bellew!”
Oleksandr Usyk: “I have really missed boxing. I am working hard in my training camp to show a spectacular performance on October 31. I expect a real test in Derek – he is strong, tough and resilient. He is a really big guy and he hits hard.
“As a cruiserweight, I reached the highest heights as undisputed champion and now I am following the same path as a heavyweight. I need to test myself against world class heavyweights on my new road to undisputed and Derek stands in front of me.
“Many people say that Derek is a monster, but deep down he is a kind man. I don’t expect to see that good side of him. I know that he wants to break me, but I am water, wind and fire all together. Derek Chisora, I am coming for you!”
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Posts: 12,644
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Joined: Jan 1970
Dubois-Joyce to lands on Nov 28th
Hall-of-Fame promoter Frank Warren has today revealed the highly anticipated heavyweight battle between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce will land on Nov 28th, live on BT Sport. In an incredible reversal, the fight – the most significant domestic bout staged in the UK post-lockdown and the biggest domestic heavyweight clash in years – will now NOT be on pay-per-view.
The blockbuster November event, branded with the apt tagline ‘At Last’, will represent the final chapter in a saga that has seen April, July and October dates canceled because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Warren was keen to point out that the COVID outbreak and its negative effect on UK jobs and livelihoods was on his mind as he decided to scrap plans to make the fight PPV.
He said: “This is about keeping boxing alive and relevant at a tough time and doing something for the fans and we have moved heaven and earth to put this on as a BT Sport subscription Fight Night instead.”
“With boxing still being behind closed doors and struggling back to its feet post-Lockdown, I wanted to give something of a gift to British boxing fans. Dubois versus Joyce is the best fight on the British boxing calendar and I want this to be something as many people as possible can enjoy. It’s a bonus that the added exposure gained from the fight will really help the boxers as they move forward with their careers.
“Above all, this is about making sure that the fans are looked after and this fight will be available to BT Sport subscribers. Queensberry and BT Sport are looking forward to delivering a huge night of boxing, so let’s make sure the eyes of the country, and the world, are on British boxing come November 28th.
“I owe a huge debt of gratitude to BT Sport for being willing to make this happen.
“I sound like a broken record I’m sure, but sometimes you have to put the sport and the fans first. Queensberry gets that and BT Sport gets that. ‘For the fans’, it’s what it’s all about.”
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