Tag: AMANDA SERRANO

Top fighters give predictions on Benavidez-Plant

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Boxing’s top fighters, media members and more weighed in on the upcoming blockbuster fight between undefeated former two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion David “The Mexican Monster’’ Benavídez and former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant ahead of their 12-round showdown headlining live on SHOWTIME PPV this Saturday, March 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Of the 29 people polled for their predictions – 21 of them are forecasting victory for Benavidez in a close and compelling fight, while five favor Plant, two were unable to pick a winner, plus one who said matching these two superstars was a clear victory for boxing.

The oddsmakers at DraftKings have the fight closer than displayed by those polled, with Benavidez placed as the favorite at -330 (a $330 bet placed will win $100) and Plant +240 ($100 bet placed wins $240) while the Bet MGM Sports Book has Benavidez -275 and Plant +225.

Here is what those closest to the fight game had to say about the Benavidez-Plant matchup:

JERMELL CHARLO, Undisputed Super Welterweight World Champion:

“I’m rocking with Plant. Plant has the boxing skills. Benavidez is just one-dimensional. He’s going to come forward and put a lot of pressure on Plant. But styles make fights and so this is going to be a good one. But I’m rocking with Plant.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA, Recent winner on SHOWTIME of Interim WBC Featherweight Title:

“I’m rooting for Benavidez all the way. I see him knocking (Plant) out in the eighth or ninth round.”

SHAWN PORTER, Former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion:

“It’s a 50/50 fight but I think Caleb takes it. Something’s telling me Caleb is in the right place at the right time. I truly think he’s going to break down David, and he’s going to frustrate David. He’s bringing a lot to the ring that David has never been up against. David’s spoiled with his pressure. He breaks everyone down, but I don’t think he’ll be able to do that to Caleb, so I’m picking Caleb in a late-round stoppage.”

AMANDA SERRANO, Undisputed Featherweight World Champion:

“I usually don’t like to make predictions for fights. You just never know in boxing. However, I am going to make one this time for Benavidez vs. Plant. I really do like Plant. I think he is a really nice guy, great fighter. However, for this fight, I have to go with Benavidez.”

REY VARGAS, WBC Featherweight World Champion:

“Plant-Benavidez will be a very even fight, 50-50. Strategy will be the key factor for whoever comes out on top. Plant has his speed and waist movement. Benavidez with his explosiveness and his strength. I truly believe it is 50/50. I have to lean on the Mexican side, because of that strength and explosiveness.”

GEORGE KAMBOSOS, JR., Former Unified Lightweight World Champion:

“This is a 50/50 matchup. From my point of view Caleb Plant has had better experience and looks in great shape. We saw in his last fight he does have that nice snap, that power and he will definitely out-box Benavidez. I don’t think he will knock him out, but he can hurt him. I’m going with Caleb Plant on a close points decision.”

CALEB TRUAX, Former IBF Super Middleweight World Champion:

“This is a great super middleweight fight and a big win for boxing. I see it going similarly to Canelo-Plant. Plant will have success early due to his feet and jab, and then Benavidez’s pressure and power get him the late stoppage. I’m pulling for Plant to win, being that he is a former opponent of mine.”

DAVID MORRELL, Undefeated WBA Super Middleweight Champion:

“It’s a 50/50 fight. Benavidez has power, but he has never fought against someone with moves like Plant, who will make life hard for him with his speed. I would love to pick a winner, but I just can’t, considering how even this fight truly is.”

ANDY RUIZ, JR., Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion:

“I got my money on Benavidez. He is just a bigger fighter, a stronger guy, ‘The Mexican Monster’. Nothing against Caleb, he is a warrior and we all risk our lives in the ring, but I just feel like Benavidez will be too much.”

YORDENIS UGAS, Former WBA Welterweight World Champion:

“I was initially going to say 50/50, but now I’m going to lean in favor of Benavidez, 55-45 in his favor.”

VLADIMIR SHISHKIN, Undefeated Super Middleweight Contender:

“This is a great fight between two elite fighters in the division. I favor Benavidez, but Plant showed improvement after the Canelo fight and that means he is coming to win. I will not be overly surprised if Plant is able to score a points upset over Benavidez.”

BOB SANTOS, Sports Illustrated 2022 Trainer of the Year:

“I think Benavidez vs. Plant is going to be a tremendous fight in the early rounds. Plant will be having some success moving and boxing, but towards the middle rounds Benavidez will take over and win the fight. That said, I think it’s going to be a tremendous fight and both guys’ stock is going to go up.”

KEITH IDEC, Boxing Scene:

“Benavidez by 11th-round TKO. Plant’s intelligence, movement and skill will enable him to make the most of their fight competitive. The relentless Benavidez pressure and volume punching will eventually wear Plant down, though, and lead to a stoppage in one of the championship rounds.”

STEPHEN JACKSON, Former NBA World Champion and “ALL THE SMOKE” Co-Host:

“Plant is coming off one of the biggest wins of his career. A big knockout after losing to Canelo. He’s in a good space right now. Benavidez has been looking for a fight, he’s one of the dangerous fighters around right now so it’s going to be a good fight. Caleb is still on his high and he has to win this fight to get back to Canelo. Benavidez has been calling out Canelo for years and this is a stepping-stone. If I have to lean toward a side because you put a gun to my head, I’m going to go with Benavidez.”

ROBERT LITTAL, Black Sports Online:

“I believe this is truly a 50/50 fight with an amazing clash of styles between someone they call the ‘Mexican Monster’ and the other they call ‘Sweethands.’ In the end I think Caleb Plant survives an early assault from Benavidez and uses the knowledge from the Canelo fight and puts on a boxing clinic down the stretch to win a unanimous decision.”

GREG BEACHAM, Associated Press:

“I like Benavidez by late-round stoppage. His toughest opponent has usually been himself, but I still think he can reach his full potential. Benavidez should be motivated by a talented, confident veteran opponent like Plant, who could easily take this fight if Benavidez shows up unfocused or unprepared. Benavidez’s strength and talent are the determining factors for me in an excellent matchup.”

MORGAN CAMPBELL, New York Times:

“Benavidez by very close decision. Might be split decision, might be majority decision, but I think he’ll win seven rounds.”

LARGE, Barstool Sports:

“Although both fighters possess both attributes, I still see this one as strength versus speed. And Benavidez’s power will get to Plant by the late rounds. Benavidez by KO Round 8-10.”

PAUL PIERCE, Former NBA World Champion and “Ticket & The Truth” Co-Host

“I’m going with Plant. That’s my man. I met Caleb Plant – I’ve sat with him at a fight and I had a moment with him so I’m going with Caleb Plant. I ain’t gonna lie though, Benavidez is a beast.”

KEVIN IOLE, Yahoo! Sports:

“David Benavidez W12 Caleb Plant: I love the fight given the talent level of the two and the significance within the division. Plant has everything he needs to win this fight, but I see Benavidez as something of a sleeping giant. He has enormous untapped potential and I believe this fight is coming at the right time for him. I see it as a nailbiter that Benavidez pulls out down the stretch with crisp combination punching.”

DAN RAFAEL, Fight Freaks Unite:

“It’s an outstanding matchup but I think Benavidez will win. Plant is a good boxer but Benavidez is a brutal puncher with excellent power and an excellent chin. Plant may have some success boxing for stretches in a good fight, but Benavidez will break him down and stop him late.”

DEMARCUS COUSINS – Four-Time NBA All-Star:

“I do like Plant. I question his power, but Plant is a very skilled boxer. I don’t know though, I might have to go the other way with this one [and pick Benavidez]. Benavidez is a monster.”

JOE SANTOLIQUITO, Ring Magazine:

“I like Benavidez. I think he’s simply too big, and too strong for Plant. Benavidez knows the stakes and will come in acutely prepared. Plant will try to out-box Benavidez and get the fight into the later rounds, but with that comes some risk. Benavidez wins by late-round stoppage.”

ADRIANA NORIEGA, Fox Deportes:

“Benavidez vs. Plant is a great, 50/50 fight. Two contrasting fights that make for a very interesting clash. On one side, you have ‘The Mexican Monster’ with the physical advantages, power and aggressive style that defines him. I expect Plant to use his sweet hands, his timing, his speed and his footwork to potentially frustrate Benavidez. If the fight ends early, I expect Benavidez to win. If it goes to the judges, Plant has the better chance in my book.”

MICHAEL ROSENTHAL, Boxing Junkie:

“I have a lot of respect for Plant, who I believe is an elite athlete with an elite skill set. And he showed us against Anthony Dirrell that he’s no slouch in the power department. I just think that Benavidez has too much firepower for him. He’s an offensive juggernaut, a guy who breaks down opponents with ferocious, relentless pressure that has resulted in 23 knockouts in 26 fights. Plant will have some success early, but Benavidez will land more and more punches as the fight progresses and score a late stoppage. Benavidez KO 9.

CLAUDIA TREJOS. DAZN/PROBOXTV/BYB:

“This will be an explosive fight. Benavidez with the advantage of height and advantage of youth will use his skills to make Plant fall into his fighting style. We can never discount Plant’s grit – a boxer who has proven his warrior spirit inside and outside the ring. Benavidez always does his homework and has power to go along with it – a win against Plant puts him on track for the highly anticipated fight against Canelo. I can see Benavidez taking this opportunity to show off his complete tool set. Benavidez by KO in the later rounds.”

ABE GONZALEZ, Big Fight Weekend:

“David Benavidez versus Caleb Plant is a dream fight for the purist. I can see Caleb Plant frustrating Benavidez early with his boxing ability and movement. However, in the later rounds, after those Benavidez punches start to add up, he will slow Plant down and stop him around the ninth or 10th round.”

Photo: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Taylor: ‘I’m looking forward to becoming a two-weight Undisputed Champion’

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Katie Taylor has the chance to become a two-weight undisputed World Champion when she takes on undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion Chantelle Cameron in a historic homecoming fight at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday May 20(DAZN).

Irish legend Taylor (22-0, 6 KOs) fights in Ireland for the first time in her professional career as she bids to create even more history and further cement herself as the greatest female fighter on the planet when she meets England’s Cameron.

Taylor edged out Amanda Serrano in an epic fight for the ages on an iconic night at a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York last April. The global superstar retained her Undisputed Lightweight World Title belts after a Fight of the Year contender with multi-division World Champion Serrano.

It was the first women’s boxing bout to headline the famous MSG in its 140-year history, attracting an unprecedented audience of 1.5 million tuning in globally on DAZN. The rivals were set to rematch in Dublin on May 20 until Serrano withdrew due to injury last month.

Northampton’s Cameron (17-0, 8 KOs) achieved a lifetime dream by outpointing the USA’s Jessica McCaskill to be crowned undisputed at 140lbs at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates last November.

Cameron captured the famous green and gold WBC 140lbs World Title by widely outpointing Brazil’s Adriana dos Santos Arauja behind closed doors at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes back in October 2020.

‘Il Capo’ looked sensational as she stopped Puerto Rico’s Melissa Hernandez in five rounds during the first defence of her crown the following year in her US debut at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

The 31-year-old added the IBF and inaugural Ring Magazine World Titles to her collection by decisioning Indiana’s Mary McGee in an all-action main event at The O2 in London in October 2021 before defending her titles with another unanimous decision points win over Victoria Noelia Bustos in May last year.

“Once Serrano pulled out this was the natural fight to make,” said Taylor. “It’s two undefeated, reigning Undisputed World Champions going up against each other and I believe that’s the first time that’s ever happened in the modern era of the sport.

“People have been talking about this fight for a long time now so I’m delighted it’s happening and I’m looking forward to becoming a two-weight Undisputed Champion in Dublin on May 20.”

“It feels surreal that the fight is actually happening,” said Cameron. “It feels like my whole professional career has been based around this fight and I never imagined it would actually happen for one reason or another.

“I’m no stranger to boxing away from home now and to be going into Katie’s backyard for her homecoming is massive. I’m glad to be a part of history again like I was in Abu Dhabi. I know what I will be up against and that I am the underdog but I relish that. The fight will be electric. We both are experienced, we are both game and we are both are coming to win

“To successfully defend my belts against Taylor will be the icing on the cake for me. To become undisputed and then defend them against the pound-for-pound best in women’s boxing will really mark my place in women’s boxing and create my own legacy.”

“I can’t wait to be a part of the historic moment when Katie Taylor makes her homecoming in Ireland to attempt to make history and become a two-weight undisputed Champion,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “For the first time in her career Katie Taylor called an opponent out because that’s how important this moment is for her. She called out in my opinion the most dangerous test in boxing for her at this time – the undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion Chantelle Cameron. This fight has been talked about for many years and we always said that when the timing was right Katie would have no problem accepting the challenge.

“For Chantelle, she has done everything that has been asked of her – became World Champion, unified the division and became undisputed at the end of last year. She is a formidable fighter who has always believed she can beat Katie Taylor. On May 20 you will see one of the greatest nights in Irish sporting history as the icon of Irish boxing will be part of an event that will have the eyes of the world watching. We’re building an incredible undercard to accompany a wonderful main event which I think will surpass even the heights of Taylor vs. Serrano. Get ready Ireland, we’re coming! We look forward to an incredible night. Watch it live around the world on DAZN.”

Taylor-Serrano II postponed due to Serrano injury

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The much-anticipated rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano has been postponed due to an injury sustained by Amanda Serrano, Matchroom Boxing, and Most Valuable Promotions announced on Tuesday.

Taylor-Serrano II was set to take place on May 20 in Dublin.

According to a press release, both teams are in discussions about finding a revised date for the bout. Further details will follow in due course.

In their first fight on April 30, 2022, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Taylor(22-0, G KOs) beat Serrano(44-2-1, 30 KOs) by a razor-thin split decision in what some called a fight of the year candidate, and many were looking forward to the rematch.

Serrano recently became the undisputed champion at featherweight when she defeated Erika Cruz by unanimous decision in February.

Serrano: ‘Becoming the first undisputed champion at Featherweight would be so cool’

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

Serrano (43-2-1 30 KOs) is the only seven-weight World champion in women’s boxing history and the Puerto Rican legend is no stranger to fighting for the undisputed crown having served up the fight of the year for all the Lightweight titles against Irish legend Katie Taylor in April.

‘The Real Deal’ has been collecting World title belts against the very best for over a decade, but the fan favorite is always reaching for glory as she aims to continues her quest to inspire the young talent in Puerto Rico.

“Undisputed means a lot,” said Serrano. “It means you are the best; you have everyone looking to beat you, you are top dog, unquestionably number one in the division. Becoming the first undisputed champion at Featherweight would be so cool after being a pro for 14 years.

“Puerto Rico is so small but there’s so much talent there, but there’s no undisputed champion – we have every other type of champion, but not undisputed. I want to give that back to them, for some bragging rights for Puerto Rico. Seven-weight is special because I am the only female to do it, that’s amazing, but undisputed is the icing on the cake and it’ll be me giving Puerto Rico everything I can.

“I love Puerto Rico and I want to motivate every Puerto Rico kid, but also every Latina girl, there’s no dream too big, just work hard, and surround yourself with the right people. When a little girl comes up to me and says ‘I started fighting because of you’ I am that little girl looking for my inspiration, so I feel I have done a good job.

“I would do it all again – it’s easy to say in this spot now, but you have to suffer the lows. It teaches patience and I am glad that we had it and I wouldn’t change anything.”

Saturday’s clash holds even more significance as it becomes the latest mega-fight between Puerto Rico and Mexico and will be added to the pantheon of great bouts to star fighters from those boxing hotbeds.

WBA ruler Cruz has defended her crown twice in America and Mexico having ripped it from long reigning champion Jelena Mrdjenovich, and ‘Dynamita’ has been biding her time to land the blockbuster battle she faces in a venue that is close to Serrano’s heart.

“There’s nothing like Mexico vs. Puerto Rico,” said Serrano. “The rivalry has been there forever, and I’m honored to share the ring with her. We have the same goal here, she’s a champion and I’m a champion, we want the same thing and I think she’s going to fight like all great Mexican fighters do, with all her heart.

“Erika has less fights than me, but toughness comes from within, and she wants to rip my head off and take my belts! How I win depends on her – if she comes to win, it’ll be an easy night, if she wants to box and move, you can’t beat me, it doesn’t happen. We will give the fans an amazing fight for sure.

Fighting at the Hulu Theater is so special to me. Madison Square Garden was amazing and the first time I have boxed there. One of my favorites, Miguel Cotto, used to fight there all the time, but I have a special thing at Hulu.

“I won the 2009 Golden Gloves here and in 2019, I became a seven-weight World champion there,” said Serrano. “I went back and beat Heather Hardy to win the WBO Featherweight title, the first piece of the puzzle, and now I go back there to try and complete the set against Cruz. Yes, it’s smaller, but that makes the fans closer to you, it’s a great place to fight and it means so much to me, it’s going to be a great night.”

“I never thought about boxing. I didn’t think I’d be a fighter, let alone a World champion, and let alone a seven-division champion going for undisputed. I just liked fighting. Then I started winning and winning and became World champion, but it didn’t really hit me that I was doing anything special until I was two-division then three-division, and I thought, ‘maybe there is something to this?’

“I don’t like the word pioneer because it makes me feel a bit old! But I was in the sport when it wasn’t fun. Women weren’t respected. My drive and wanting to be the best I can be, that’s all that kept me going. Every day me and the team were ready to call it quits because it was too hard – there was no respect, no recognition, no opportunities, and no money in the sport. We always questioned ourselves because there was no light at the end of the tunnel, but something kept us going and I am so happy that we did because look at us now.”

Serrano’s clash with Cruz is part of an historic night of action at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden as Alycia Baumgardner faces Elhem Mekhaled for the undisputed title at Super-Featherweight.

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

There’s three more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson (5-0) looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali (7-0 2 KOs) faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap, Shadasia Green (11-0 10 KOs) defends her WBC Silver Super-Middleweight title against Elin Cederroos (8-1 4 KOs) in an eliminator for the WBC World title.

Yankiel Rivera (2-0 2 KOs) will be looking to make it three KOs in three in his Matchroom debut against Fernando Diaz, and Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) complete the action against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) and Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs) respectively.

Photo Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom

Baumgardner on Mekhaled: ‘I will put her down’

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Alycia Baumgardner is in the form of her life and knows one more win will cement her spot as one of the best fighters on the planet as she meets Elhem Mekhaled for the undisputed Super-Featherweight crown on Saturday night at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, live worldwide on DAZN.

Baumgardner (13-1 7 KOs) has been on an incredible run of victories since landing one of the knockouts of the year in 2021 when she stunned IBF champion Terri Harper with a sledgehammer left hook to land the WBC and IBO titles in Sheffield, England in November.

The Detroit star defended her title in the UK in April with a shutout win over Melissa Esquivel in Manchester, to line-up her first unification bout against American rival Mikaela Mayer.

London was calling for that showdown and while a bitter build-up sizzled without boiling over, Baumgardner kept her cool on the October fight night, putting in a career-best performance to add Mayer’s WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine belts to her own straps.

Baumgardner’s rise gives her legitimate cause to claim to be a top pound-for-pound star in the sport alongside Katie Taylor, Claressa Shields and Amanda Serrano, and she is proud of the hard work it’s taken to get to this spot.

“Undisputed is one of those things that’s easy to say but hard to achieve,” said Baumgardner. “With hard work and dedication, you can do it, but it’s tough. You are facing the best of the best back-to-back, and that’s the journey that I am on. I am making my mark, leaving my footprint on the sport.

“I don’t care how she got the opportunity, but she’s in with a dog and I hope she knows that. I am ready to knock this girl out. I’m going to really hurt her; I have a lot of pent-up aggression and she’s going to know what it’s like to fight the best. It’s not personal, it’s my mentality and she will feel the power in both hands, and she’ll think, ‘damn, I am in with a beast’.

“If you fight me, you think you can beat me and are better than me. You don’t know me. You might see a smile on a pretty girl, but don’t get it twisted, I got the dog in me and the same hunger I had when I was eight and you cannot take anything away from me. I hustled to get here, and you aren’t taking it away from me.

“Elhem is hungry. She’s wanted the World title fight for a long time, and that’s great. I know my assignment though and I will put her down. Nothing changes that it’s her, it’s a challenge, she wants it, I want it.

“We only have two minutes, don’t give anything away and make a statement every round. I believe Elhem will come forward and I will be the sharper fighter and showing my experience, setting her up. She’s wild, her defense is a bit sloppy, so she’s going to take a punch, but can she take my punch? I don’t know, I have a different type of power, but we’ll see. It’s a KO, for sure, I can feel it. I visualize a lot and I am in the ring, I KO her, and my hand is raised, and I’ve got all the belts.”

The Mayer fight was huge for both fighters, coming on an all-female bill in the English capital, alongside Shields taking on her Brit foe Savannah Marshall.

A spicy build-up whet the appetite for the fight with Mayer, but unlike some fights that have explosive lead-ins that fizzle out, Baumgarder and Mayer served up a fight of the year contender – and that made victory all the more sweeter.

“It was awesome,” said Baumgardner. “A great build-up, I loved the animosity we had, I was fighting someone that I had been watching for a long time in the amateurs, and now as a pro I was in a unification with her. I know I won that fight, you don’t like it? Argue with the judges, they got it right.

“She is delusional and so salty. When you have everything and you are the star, and you lose it all on one night, and lose it to little ol’ AB, it hurts, stings. I just believe she got beat by one of the best fighters in the world.

“I’m the best in the world. No-one stops me but me. I took an early loss, brushed it off, learned from it and grew. I went to England as an underdog against Harper and Mayer and proved everyone wrong. I am here for a reason, I speak truth to power, and I know I will go down as one of the greatest female fighters of all time.

“The belts are cool but why am I really here? It’s because I like to fight. I like the battle. I like it when someone thinks that they can beat me. You can hit harder than me? OK take this. You hit me with a shot? Cool – boom, boom, here’s my shots. I like that. I love to prove to myself that ‘you can do anything AB, no-one can beat you but you’.

“I have a loss too – who cares? I picked myself up, moved forward and now look. I became World champion and beat ‘the best’ in Mayer and made it easy work. If we run it back again, I would really dog her, know that now. Now I know I have you, next time, your career might be finished, because you keep playing with me, and I don’t like that.”

Baumgardner’s clash with Mekhaled is part of an historic night of action at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden as Amanda Serrano returns to Hulu Theater to aim to hold all the marbles for a second time, this time at Featherweight where she faces Mexico’s WBA ruler Erika Cruz.

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

There’s three more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson (5-0) looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali (7-0 2 KOs) faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap, Shadasia Green (11-0 10 KOs) defends her WBC Silver Super-Middleweight title against Elin Cederroos (8-1 4 KOs) in an eliminator for the WBC World title.

Yankiel Rivera (2-0 2 KOs) will be looking to make it three KOs in three in his Matchroom debut against Fernando Diaz, and Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) complete the action against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) and Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs) respectively.

Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom

Shadasia Green signs with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions

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Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced the signing of undefeated WBC Silver Super-Middleweight champion Shadasia ‘The Sweet Terminator’ Green to its growing roster of accomplished fighters.

The announcement comes in conjunction with the official naming of her opponent, Elin Cederroos (8-1, 4 KO’s), for the February 4th Serrano-Cruz, Baumgardner-Mekhale undercard at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

The WBC-sanctioned bout will serve as a world-title eliminator, with the winner moving on to become the mandatory challenger for the WBC world title.

“2023 has started out with an incredible amount of exciting announcements for MVP, ” said MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Shadasia and her camp to our team of widely talented and passionate athletes. Her ability to take over the ring and demolish her opponents is truly something special. We look forward to her first official bout under MVP this February at Madison Square Garden!”

Green, the former Team USA star, who boasts an 11-0 record, 10 KO’s and the record for fastest KO in women’s fight, joins MVP after a trailblazing few years. As a former standout college basketball star, Green spent years as a starter for Old Dominion University (ODU) where she was impressively named Third Team All-CAA and ranked top 20 in the CAA in scoring. The Paterson, NJ native later broke out into the amateur boxing scene when she joined the U.S. National Team as a heavyweight after just five fights, earning a silver medal at the 2016 World Championships in Kazakhstan. In 2019, Green transitioned to professional boxing where she quickly gained notoriety as a top female contender, ranking #1 in the WBC and IBO, and #2 in the WBA, ultimately earning her the Paterson Laila Ali Award.

“My motto is ‘be phenomenal or be forgotten’ – a mantra that fits so perfectly with the team that Jake and Nakisa have created,” said Green. “We’re striving for greatness together and I can’t wait to work side-by-side with them for this next phase of my career. My first fight against Cederroos will further cement my place among these other incredibly talented MVP fighters.”

Green and Cederroos face off at a pivotal time in their careers. With a world title shot up for grabs, Cederroos is hungry for the chance to fight for the belt once more with only Green in her way. The Swedish-born fighter, who made her professional debut in April 2017 with an impressive 4th round technical knockout of Sanja Ostojic, will arrive to the Hulu Theatre with an 8-1, 4 KO’s record, having only lost to the current, undisputed super middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn on the Taylor-Serrano undercard last year. A former IBF and WBA world champion, Cederroos was most recently ranked as the world’s best active female super-middleweight by The Ring.

Paul-Fury, Serrano-Carabajal set for August 6 at MSG

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Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will take on longtime nemesis and undefeated pro boxer Tommy “TNT” Fury, and Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano will defend her Unified Featherweight World Title against power-punching Argentine Brenda “La Pumita” Carabajal in co- main events at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, August 6 live on SHOWTIME PPV.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul, Serrano headline card August 6 at MSG

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo: Amanda Westcott

Katie Taylor: ‘What a fighter Amanda Serrano is – I think we are both great fighters’

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Katie Taylor edged out Amanda Serrano to retain her undisputed Lightweight crown in an epic fight for the ages at a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York City

Taylor controlled the opening rounds, but Serrano came on strong in the fifth and had her fans on her feet as she seemed to hurt the Irish legend and the roof came off the sold out arena as they traded heavy blows, but Serrano seemed to be getting on top.

April 30, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano during their April 30, 2022 bout at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Mandatory Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.

If the fifth round was exciting, the sixth blew it out of the water as Taylor threw everything she had at the Brooklyn ace who fired back in kind. Taylor seemed to regain her composure despite the heavy shots she’d taken as rounds seven and eight came and went with the defending champion picking her shots and trying to resist going toe-to-toe with the heavy-handed Puerto Rican.

Both fighters knew the bout was in the balance and served up a stunning final two minutes, and after the crowd roared their appreciation for being lucky enough to witness an unforgettable and history-making night, it was Taylor whose hand was raised by split decision (97-93, 96-93 and 94-96).

“What a fighter Amanda Serrano is – I think we are both great fighters,” said Taylor. “Look what we have just done, selling out Madison Square Garden, the biggest venue in boxing history.

“Both of us have broken so many barriers in her careers. It feels great to be in this position really! Amazing fight. What a night!

“I knew exactly how deep I had to dig in this fight. I knew going into it that I was going to be in the trenches at some stage. She’s a phenomenal fighter and a great, great person.

“I was listening to my trainer and I’m so grateful for Ross. Thank you for everything. You’re such a humble guy but you’re the best in the world.”

Liam Smith signaled his intentions to rule the Super-Welterweight division once again, becoming the first man to stop Jessie Vargas in a pulsating chief support.

Such was the all-action opening half, Smith was cut in third round over right eye and Vargas cut in the fifth as both men came out firing. The tide began to turn in Smith’s favor as the halfway mark approached and poured on the pressure, landing heavy artillery on the Vegas man who somehow stayed on his feet, surviving an especially sustained attack in the ninth round.

The referee inspected the former two-weight World champion and deemed him ok to carry on, but Smith took up the attack once again and although Vargas gamely tried to stay in the contest, his corner was ready to pull their man out inside a minute of the tenth round before the referee stepped in, crowning Smith the WBO Intercontinental champion and putting the rest of the division on notice.

In the first undisputed fight of the night, all the Super-Middleweight titles will stay in America after Franchon Crews-Dezurn saw off the brave Elin Cederroos. The twice cancelled battle between the pair was well worth the wait, with Cederroos showing immense heart to keep going in the contest despite bleeding heavily from the nose from the third round. Crews-Dezurn outworked the Swede and being roared on by her friend Claressa Shields, the Baltimore star took all the marbles on the scorecards 99-91, 99-91 and 97-93.

It is going to be hard to keep Gamal Yafai away from World title action even this early in his career, as the British Olympic Gold medal man took just two rounds to dismantle Miguel Cartagena and successfully defend his WBC International Super-Flyweight title in his second pro fight and first on American soil.

The early action in the night saw Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams show more of his trademark ferocity, pummeling the unbeaten \The night began with talented trio Reshat Mati, SkyeNicolson and Khalil Coe all recording points wins.

Taylor on fight with Serrano: ‘It’s being billed as the biggest fight in female boxing history’

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Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are set to make history in an epic battle for Taylor’s undisputed Lightweight title at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, April 30 live worldwide on DAZN – and Taylor is thrilled to be part of shining the brightest ever light on women’s boxing.

Taylor and Serrano will become the first female fighters to headline ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena’ in its 140-year history in the process. Irish favorite Taylor (20-0 6 KOs) puts her 135lbs hardware on the line for the sixth time in the Big Apple and does so against seven-weight champion Serrano (42-1-1 30 KOs), the Puerto Rican ace and Brooklyn native.

Both fighters can proudly state that they have played huge roles in the recent rise in popularity for women’s boxing, and when they step through the ropes at the famous arena in ten days’ time, they smash through yet another glass ceiling and showcase women’s boxing on the grandest of stages.

“This is just a special occasion for me, to headline a huge fight like this at Madison Square Garden,” said Taylor. “It’s being billed as the biggest fight in female boxing history. This is just incredible and a real privilege for me.

“I love being involved in these kinds of fights. These are the challenges that I’ve always wanted. I don’t think I’ve ever backed down from any challenge. I’ve wanted to face the very best.

“Amanda Serrano is a fantastic fighter, she’s a great champion and she’s not here for no reason. She deserves this opportunity as well. She’s been pioneering her own way and that’s why this fight is the best in female boxing history.  We have champion versus champion. The best versus the best and this is why this fight is so special.

“This fight is at Madison Square Garden, the most iconic venue in boxing. The Mecca of boxing, really. You think of Madison Square Garden, and you think the likes of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier these kinds of fights.

“It’s definitely a 50-50 fight. I think that a lot of people will have me, and a lot of people will have her before the fight. I love being involved in these kinds of fights.

“This fight is genuinely the biggest fight in boxing as a whole right now!

“It’s years and years later we’re still talking Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier kind of fights. I think years and years later from this fight people are still going to be talking about Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano.

“I feel very privileged to be in this position and to be an inspiration to the next generation and to have those young girls look up to me. It’s a huge responsibility as well and I want to set a great example for these young girls coming up. I want to give them hope and I want them to know thy dreams they have in their hearts can be possible.”

“Growing up I had to pretend I was a boy to get fights. I had the headgear on, and my hair tucked into the headgear. They just had my name down as K. Taylor and obviously when the headgear came off there was an uproar because all the judges and officials saw I was a girl.

“I don’t grave the attention or crave the media attention. I don’t want to be famous; I just want to be the best boxer in the world.

“I’m also very grateful for the women that went before me – the likes of Christy Martin and Deirdre Gogarty, Lucia Rijker, Laila Ali who were pioneers in their sport. I don’t think that I’d be in the position I’m in today if it wasn’t for all those girls who went before me. I’m obviously very grateful for those who went before me.”

Taylor-Serrano will have a star-studded supporting cast when Jessie Vargas and Liam Smith meet in a must-win battle at Super-Welterweight and there is more undisputed action on the card as Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Elin Cederroos decide who is the top dog at 168lbs.

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