Allen-Hammer added to Usyk-Chisora undercard
Heavyweight Dave Allen (18-5-2, 15 KOs) returns to action against Christian Hammer (25-6, 15 KOs) live on Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN on October 31.
Dave Allen: “I’m really happy to fight Christian Hammer. He’s highly ranked and is a tough, strong man. A win here puts me back to fringe World level. He’s got a win over David Price so that would half put my defeat to bed.”
Christian Hammer: “I am very much looking forward to this fight, I love to box in the UK. I fondly remember the victory over David Price. That is exactly where I will continue against Allen. Once I beat Allen the big fights will come my way. I appreciate this opportunity and I will not be defeated.”
Joshua Vs. Pulev Confirmed For December 12 At The O2
October 16, 2020
Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua OBE will defend his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO World Titles against Mandatory Challenger Kubrat Pulev at The O2 in London on Saturday, December 12, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all of its nine markets including the U.S., on a show promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Top Rank and Epic Sports and Entertainment.
Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) recaptured his belts and position as the Unified Heavyweight World Champion with a masterful unanimous decision victory over Andy Ruiz Jr at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia on an historical night in December that saw the Heavyweight World Titles contested for the very first time in the Middle East.
December 12 will be ‘AJ’s’ first fight on UK soil in over two years, since he defended his crowns with a devastating seventh round knockout of Russia’s Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium, and the former Finchley ABC man will be aiming to deal with Pulev in style to set up an Undisputed showdown against WBC Champion and fellow Brit Tyson Fury in 2021.
Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs), the IBF’s No.1-ranked Heavyweight Mandatory Challenger, gets his second shot at World honours after his defeat to modern legend Wladimir Klitschko in 2014 – the only loss of his 29-fight professional career. He has won six fights in a row since then, including victories over Derek Chisora and an IBF Eliminator win over Hughie Fury in 2018.
The Bulgarian superstar was set to challenge Joshua at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in October 2017 but was forced to withdraw through an injury and will now get his opportunity to ruin the champion’s plans to face Fury in an all-British blockbuster showdown in the future.
“December 12 is the date and once again the Heavyweight belts go up in the air and it is my sole focus to make sure that come December 13 they are in their rightful place in the UK,” said Joshua.
“The O2 is the original lion’s den, I have a lot of history with the arena, but without the fans something huge is missing. I am really hoping that, safety permitting, we might be able to bring some boxing fans in, but we will have to see. I respect every opponent and I respect Pulev. I wish him well during his preparation.”
“For a small country of Bulgaria to stand up for the Heavyweight Titles is a great accomplishment,” said Pulev. “This fight is for my late father and all Bulgarians around the world! I’m coming to London to seize the Heavyweight Championship of the World.”
“After a challenging year for everyone, to end with the unified World Heavyweight Championship is very special,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Over a year after regaining his crown, Anthony Joshua takes on yet another dangerous challenger in Mandatory Challenger Kubrat Pulev. AJ’s resume is unrivalled, and this is the final hurdle until we challenge for the undisputed crown next year.
“Whilst it’s unusual to think of an AJ fight without tens of thousands of fans in attendance, we will be doing everything we can to lobby for the safe return of fans to this event, we have to move forward together. I know Team Pulev and Bob Arum will be doing all they can to become World Champion on Dec 12 but AJ constantly evolves and improves and I expect a dominant performance and a spectacular KO to close out 2020.”
Bob Arum, Top Rank Chairman, said: “Eddie Hearn better watch out. Kubrat Pulev is going to destroy his plan for a Joshua-Tyson Fury unification fight.”
258 Managing Director Freddie Cunningham said: “Anthony again shows his willingness and desire to chase the Undisputed Title with another tough mandatory fight and despite the challenges of making a fight of this scale during these times it is important for AJ to keep momentum. It will be an exciting way to end the year and unique in every way. We will be working with Matchroom to build a card full of 258 fighters to give the fans entertainment throughout the undercard.”
John Wirt, President of Epic Sports and Entertainment, said: “Crowd or no crowd, we are coming to AJ’s backyard to claim the titles. Come December 12, there will be no more excuses or delays. I guarantee that it will be an epic battle and that Kubrat will stop AJ inside the distance.”
“Anthony Joshua returns to the ring, a year after recapturing his World Titles from Andy Ruiz Jr, and Britain’s Unified World Champion will be determined to reign supreme in a hotly-contested Heavyweight division,” said Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing Development.
“Kubrat Pulev has proven pedigree, with just that sole defeat to Wladimir Klitschko, and he’ll be hoping to send more shockwaves through the sport with an upset victory, but I know that AJ has been training tirelessly, priming his explosive power for another night of fireworks.
“Tyson Fury will of course be watching – as an Undisputed World Title fight is within touching distance – and AJ cannot afford a slip-up in a blockbuster ending to the boxing year.”
“We’re thrilled to bring the Heavyweight Championship of the World to all DAZN subscribers,” said DAZN EVP Joseph Markowski. “AJ-Pulev will have major consequences for the entire boxing landscape as both men aim to end the year in emphatic fashion.”
DAZN is currently available in the U.S., as well as Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and Switzerland.
Martz manhandles Marrone
Former NABF Heavyweight champ 6’7 Daniel “The Mountain” Martz (20-9, 17 KOs) annihilated former WBA title challenger Mike Marrone (21-12, 15 KOs) in round one of the scheduled 10 round main event on Saturday night at the Southpaw Boxing & Fitness Club in Windham, New Hampshire.
From the opening bell, Martz used his superior size and reach to to land combinations at will from the outside before dropping Marrone with a straight right hand. Although Marrone beat the count and wanted to continue, referee Leo Gerstal put a halt to the onslaught midway through the opening stanza.
In the co feature, lightweight Rudy Ochoa (10-0) won an 8 round unanimous decision over Matt Doherty (8-8) by scores of 77-75 on all three cards.
In other action, local fan favorite Brandon Berry (18-5) stopped a very game Bryan Timmons (6-13) in the 4th of the scheduled 8 round super lightweight contest. The 12 bout card was promoted by Boston Boxing Promotions with no spectators in attendance.
Other results- Harry Gigliotti (6-1) 6rd split decision over Devin Christie (0-2), Brandon Highins TKO2 over Bruno Dias (0-9), David Tubbs (3-1) TKO1 over Stephen Stengel (0-2), Matthew Tinker (4-0) TKO2 over Jesus Javier Cintron (1-15), Daniel Robles (3-0) KO1 over Antonio Lucaine (0-5), Greg Bono (1-1) TKO3 over Robert Bricks (0-4), Joshua Raineri (2-0) UD4 over Kyle Cusick (0-1), Tyrone Lucky (11-12) UD4 over Jader Alves de Oliviera (0-2), Laquan Lewis (4-12-1) and Shaquan Moore (0-0-1) battled to a 4 round draw.
Chisora: I am coming for war!
Derek Chisora says Oleksandr Usyk is in store for the “fright of his life” when they collide in a heavyweight Halloween blockbuster at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday October 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all of its nine markets including the U.S.
‘WAR’ Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs) intends on giving Usyk nightmares in his second fight up at heavyweight, and the Finchley powerhouse heads into next weekend’s clash in terrifying form having scored big knockout wins over Artur Szpika and David Price at The O2 in 2019.
“On October 31st, Oleksandr Usyk is going to get the fright of his life,” said Chisora. “He wants to claim he is at the top of the food chain, but if he wants to do that he needs to box a true heavyweight. It’s a fight, the guy is going to chuck the kitchen sink at me. I’m just going to bite down on the gum shield and let God take over. I am coming for war!
“The fight sells itself, he is a good fighter and is loved by the English fans. Even people who don’t like boxing love watching him and he’s fighting myself. There is nothing bad about this fight, there’s not hatred, it’s all about the love for the sport.
“He’s not scary, it’s a fight. He’s a man and I’m a man. The worst thing that can happen is you get knocked out. I will make sure that when Usyk gets out that ring he knows he has been in a fight. Seek and destroy, no mercy! That’s what we’re aiming for.”
New opponent for Dave Allen
Dave Allen will fight Christopher Lovejoy on the undercard of the blockbuster Heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Derek Chisora at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday October 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all of its nine markets including the U.S.
Fan favorite Allen was due to make his ring return against Christian Hammer before the German was forced out after testing positive for COVID-19 now meets undefeated Christopher Lovejoy whose 100% KO record from his 19 professional bouts see him ranked in the top 15 with the WBA.
2019 held mixed fortunes for Allen, who has now linked up with trainer Jamie Moore, with ‘The White Rhino’ looking to end Lovejoy’s unbeaten run in style.
“I’m looking forward to this fight with Chris,” said Allen. “He’s positioned 15th with the WBA and I’d love to take that World ranking. He’s a big, strong man and just look at his record – He’s done what’s been asked of him in those 19 fights. There’s not much footage of him, so I don’t know really know what I’m preparing for which adds to the intrigue but I’m going in there to do a number on him.”
“I finally made it here to the U.K!” said Lovejoy. “I’m here to shock the world and show what Chris Lovejoy is really about. Dave will end up number 20 on my record. I’ve travelled a long way so I just hope he shows up!”
“This is fascinating,” added promoter Eddie Hearn. “Here we have this giant in Christopher Lovejoy that has amassed 19 wins with 19 KOs against limited opposition and has somehow found himself in the world top 15. The truth is, he might be an absolute beast or he may get found out but for Dave Allen it’s a huge opportunity. There will be plenty of eyeballs on this fight and if Dave can get the win he will force himself into the World rankings and land a major fight in 2021. I have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen but I’m excited to find out!”
Flores: Beating Ortiz a life-changing opportunity
California heavyweight Alexander “The Great” Alexander (18-2-1, 16 KOs), whose only pro losses have been to world champions, will have the opportunity of his boxing career on November 7th, when he takes on 2-time world title challenger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (26 KOs). King Kong vs. Alexander The Great will air live on FOX television from Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.
“Ortiz is a 2-time world title challenger who has a lot of experience,” Flores said. “I’m young, hungry, driven and determined to win. Beating Ortiz is a life-changing opportunity that I won’t be taking for granted.”
“Ortiz is a great fighter,” Flores’ promoter Keith Veltre (RJJ Boxing CEO/co-founder) added, “but I think he may regret fighting a hungry lion like Flores. Fighting the elite of the heavyweight division has never been a problem for Alexander, whose only two losses have been to world champions. He gained invaluable experience in those fights that he’ll take into the ring against Oritz. We’d like to thank Team Ortiz, PBC and FOX for this tremendous opportunity.”
The 30-year-old Flores, fighting out of Roland Heights (CA), lost in 2014 to world champions Charles Martin and Joseph Parker four years later Flores captured the World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World heavyweight title in 2012 with a fifth-round stoppage of Joey Montoya.
Cuba-born Ortiz, who lives in Miami, has lost only twice, both times to world champion Deontay Wilder. Ortiz, a 41-year-old southpaw, has defeated a litany of world-class heavyweights during his 10 ½ year pro career, including Christian Hammer, Travis Kaufman, Malik Scott, Tony Thompson, Bryan Jennings, Monte Barrett, Lateef Kayode and Epifanio Mendoza. As an amateur, Ortiz had a reported 349-19 record, and he captured a gold medal at the 2006 Cuban National Championships.