Gennadiy Golovkin and Sergiy Derevyanchenko will clash for the vacant IBF World Middleweight title on Saturday October 5 at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN, in a fight brought to you by GGG Promotions and Matchroom Boxing USA in association with DiBella Entertainment.

Former unified Middleweight king Golovkin (39-1-1 35 KOs) is aiming to regain the IBF crown he held for three years before being stripped of the title following the first of his two epic battles with Mexican rival Canelo Alvarez.

GGG boxes at the Manhattan mecca of boxing for the seventh time in his career as he looks to return to the summit of the 160lbs division, and ominously for Derevyanchenko, the Kazakh star has finished all six of his opponents at MSG inside the distance, with Canadian top-ten contender Steve Rolls succumbing to Golovkin in four rounds on his DAZN debut in June.

Derevyanchenko (13-1 10 KOs) challenges for the IBF belt for the second time in his career having pushed Daniel Jacobs to the limit for the vacant belt at the Hulu Theater at MSG in October, being edged out via split decision in a back and forth scrap where many gave the Brooklyn-based Ukrainian the victory. The 33 year old got back to winning ways and moved into #1 position in the IBF with a points win over Jack Culcay in Minnesota in April, and now faces fellow Olympian Golovkin in a mouth-watering battle in the Big Apple.

“Everyone knows that I consider Madison Square Garden as my home away from home and there is nothing better than fighting there again. It is old school,” said Golovkin. “On October 5, it’s going to be a good fight. Every time I enter the ring I try to give my fans the fight they want to see, the show they deserve. This will be such a fight. We will bring back Big Drama Show to the ring of The Garden and to DAZN. Don’t miss it. You will see everything you love in the sport of boxing. See you in New York.”

“I’m very excited that my team has secured another opportunity for me to fight for the Middleweight championship of the world,” said Derevyanchenko. “I have a great deal of respect for ‘GGG’ and looking forward to proving in the ring that I will be up to challenge and fulfil my lifelong dream of becoming a World champion.

“Those in attendance at Madison Square Garden and watching on DAZN will see an outstanding battle on Saturday October 5 — I can’t wait to enter the ring.”

“They call it the Big Drama Show and that’s exactly what the fans will enjoy at MSG on October 5, live on DAZN,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Gennadiy has a chance to regain his World Middleweight crown and Sergiy will bring the fire – the styles should gel brilliantly for a brutal battle. We look forward to a fantastic event with a stacked card at the iconic Mecca of boxing.”

“I’m very proud to provide Sergiy Derevyanchenko another opportunity to become the Middleweight champion of the world,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Sergiy came very close to fulfilling his dream last year and I truly believe that his time is now against GGG, one of the best Middleweights of this era. Saturday, October 5, will be a very special night for boxing at Madison Square Garden and live on DAZN, when GGG will be tested to his limits by a true threat in the Middleweight division.”

“We’re happy to have Gennadiy back in the ring looking to reclaim a piece of the middleweight championship,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America. “October 5 is just the beginning of fight season on DAZN, which promises to be the best year-end schedule in the sport.”

Tickets go on sale at noon ET on Friday with full details on prices to be released on Thursday.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the IBF Middleweight title bout between Gennady Golovkin and Sergiy Derevyanchenko has been agreed for October 5th at Madison Square Garden

Talks of 3rd fight between Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin have hit a snag over the site of a proposed fight, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

olovkin has made it clear that after an extremely controversial draw in their first fight in September 2017 and a disputed majority-decision loss in their rematch last September that cost him his belts and ended his reign tied for the division record, with 20 consecutive defenses, he has no desire to return to Las Vegas for a third fight, feeling that he did not get a fair shake in boxing’s capital.

Las Vegas, however, is where Alvarez intends to fight, specifically at T-Mobile Arena, which hosted both bouts with Golovkin and where they generated more than $50 million in ticket sales between the two fights.

Alavrez could look for fights at super middleweight and light heavyweight against champion Callum Smith or Sergey Kovalev.

“Canelo absolutely is serious about fighting Kovalev, and I think it would be a great fight,” Golden Boy’s Eric Gomez told ESPN. “All I can say is that Canelo is serious about making history and fighting him. Canelo always wants to fight the best opponents and the biggest fights. I think Canelo is the best fighter in the world, and I think anywhere between 160 and 175 pounds, he will give anyone a run for their money.”

Main Events CEO Kathy Duva, Kovalev’s promoter, said a fight with Alvarez is certainly one their side is interested in.

“I do believe, based upon what I am hearing, that Canelo really wants to fight Sergey,” Duva said. “It’s a legacy thing. But Golden Boy has not made us any kind of offer. So unless and until they do, there is nothing to talk about. Having said that, you have to really admire Canelo. The guy is truly a throwback fighter, always looking for a bigger challenge. I really admire that about him. And, of course, Sergey would love it too.”

NEW YORK (June 10, 2019) –Split-T Management young stars, Charles Conwell and Brian Ceballo gained the biggest wins of their careers with very impressive performances this past Saturday night as part of the Gennady Golovkin – Steve Rolls undercard at Madison Square Garden.
2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell remained perfect with a 10-round unanimous decision over Courtney Pennington to win the USBA Junior Middleweight championship.    

	Photo By Brian Wilson Photography

In round two, the 21 year-old Conwell hurt Pennington with a left hook. In round six, Conwell continued to batter Pennington as he landed a hard combination along the ropes that featured a solid left hook and flush right.  In round eight, Pennington suffered a cut over his right eye from a left-right combination from Conwell.  In round ten, he stunned Pennington again with a right hand.

Conwell, 153.4 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 97-92 twice and 96-93, and is now 10-0. Pennington, 152 lbs of Brooklyn is 12-4-3.

“I’m very happy with my performance. Pennington was a tough fighter, but we got the victory,” said Conwell. “Now it’s back to the gym to continue learning and growing as a fighter. It was an honor to fight at Madison Square Garden for the first time. Thanks to my promoter Lou DiBella for bringing me here and I hope to return in the near future.”  

Conwell is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Promotions.
Five-time New York Golden Gloves winner Brian Ceballo turned in the best performance of his career and took an eight-round unanimous decision of Bakhtiyar Eyubov in welterweight contest.

Ceballo landed hard jabs and string right hands from the opening bell. .  Ceballo was very accurate with his shots.  The 25 year-old Ceballo looked very sharp as he landed crisp power shots in between Eyubov’s wild attempts to inflict on the Brooklyn native.  Ceballo continued to land sweet combinations that befuddled Eyubov.  In round eight, Ceballo hurt Eyubov was a nice body shot.  The two battled toe-to-toe down the stretch with Ceballo landing more, as he busted up Eyubov’s face with flush shots that thrilled Ceballo’s hometown crowd at The Garden.  

Ceballo of Brooklyn NY won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 to raise his perfect mark to 9-0. Eyubov of Kazakhstan is 14-1-1.  

Ceballo will now be looked up as one of the best prospects in the welterweight division with the win over the acclaimed Eyubov.
“We did what we had to do to win tonight. He was a tough opponent. We knew that. We took this step up. We had another opponent lined up and (promoter) Tom Loeffler said “If you want to be on this card, you have to take this bout.” We did not even hesitate. We said if it’s on DAZN, its on the biggest platform, it’s time to showcase our skills, and I think we did that tonight,” said Ceballo.
“We have a big amateur pedigree. I had 219 amateur fights, and I fought all over the world, and we jumped on this opportunity because it was right on all angles. We needed a bigger step up then our last opponent where we got a 3rd round stoppage. We said this is the platform to do it here at the Mecca of Boxing Madison Square Garden and on DAZN. We work so hard in the gym on how to take shots. We are here for the long run. We have to sit back and talk to our team. Weather we take another step up.”
Ceballo is promoted by 360 Promotions.

Gennady Golovkin stopped previously undefeated Steve Rolls in round four of a scheduled 12-round over the limit middleweight fight at Madison Square Garden.

In round two, Rolls gave as good as he received as he landed a hard left that snapped Golovkin’s head back. Golovkin landed some nice body shots. In round three, Rolls landed a nice counter right. Golovkin came back with hard body work.

In round four, Golovkin landed a chopping hook that sent Rolls back to the ropes. Golovkin landed a head and body shot before landing a flush left to the face that sent Rolls face-first on the canvas, and he was counted out by referee Steve Willis at 2:09

Golovkin of Kazakstan is now 39–1-1 with 35 knockouts. Rolls of Toronto is 19-1.

Super Middleweight Ali Akhmedov stopped Marcus McDaniel in round three of a scheduled 10-round super middleweight bout.

Super Middleweight Ali Akhmedov stopped Marcus McDaniel in round three of a scheduled 10-round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Akhmedov landed a hard combination on the ropes that sent McDaniel to a knee. McDaniel got to his feet, but was unsteady and the fight was stopped by referee Benji Esteves at 1:41.

Akhmedov, 167.4 lbs of Kazakhstan is 15-0 with 11 knockouts. McDaniel, 168 lbs of New Orleans is 15-1.

Five-time New York Golden Gloves winner Brian Ceballo turned in the best performance of his career and took an eight-round unanimous decision of Bakhtiyar Eyubov in welterweight contest.

Ceballo landed hard jabs and string right hands from the opening bell. .  Ceballo was very accurate with his shots.  Ceballo looked very sharp as he landed crisp power shots in between Eyubov’s wild attempts to inflict on the Brooklyn native.  Ceballo continued to land sweet combinations that befuddled Eyubov.  In round eight, Ceballo hurt Eyubov was a nice body shot.  The two battled toe-to-toe down the stretch with Ceballo landing more, quicker and much more fluid combinations that marked up the face of Eyubov.

Ceballo of Brooklyn NY won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 to raise his perfect mark to 9-0. Eyubov of Kazakhstan is 14-1-1.

Israil Madrimov remained undefeated by stopping Norberto Gonzalez in rounds six of their scheduled 10-round junior middleweight contest.

Madrimov was dominant by stalking Gonzalez, and in round six, he turned up the activity by landing a heavy combination that hurt Gonzalez and the fight was stopped at 49 seconds.

Mdrimov, 152 lbs of Uzbekistan is 3-0 with three knockouts. Gonzalez, 152.8 lbs of Monterrey, Mexico us 24-13.

2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell remained perfect with a 10-round unanimous decision over Courtney Pennington to win the USBA Junior Middleweight championship.

In round two, Conwell hurt Pennington with a left hook. In round six, Conwell continued to batter Pennington as he landed a hard combination along the ropes that featured a solid left hook and flush right.  In round eight, Pennington suffered a cut over his right eye from a left-right combination from Conwell.  In round ten, he stunned Pennington again with a right hand.

Conwell, 153.4 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 97-92 twice and 96-93, and is now 10-0. Pennington, 152 lbs of Brooklyn is 12-4-3.

Nikita Ababiy made quick work of Juan Francsico Lopez Barajas as he scored a one-punch, 41-second knockout in their scheduled four-round middleweight contest.

Ababiy landed a left hook to the liver that sent Barajas down. Barajas was in pain, and tried to get up but fell right back down and the fight was stopped.

Ababiy, 162.6 lbs of Brooklyn is 5-0 with five knockouts. Lopez, 157.2 lbs of Mexico is 5-1.

By Norm Frauenheim-

The name is little bit different. The corner is a lot different. Whether the differences add up to a reinvented fighter are about to be tested, first Saturday at New York’s Madison Square Garden in what looks to be a rehearsal for a third fight in a trilogy that could define a middleweight legacy still known for the GGG signature.

Let’s start with the name. Call him Gennadiy. That’s no typo. There’s an i between the d and y because there always has been, said Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs), the former Gennady who fights Steve Rolls (19-0, 10 KOs) in his first bout (DAZN 9 p.m. ET) since a majority-decision loss to Canelo Alvarez in a rematch last September.

Go ahead and try to connect the dots on why he added the single vowel now and not before the controversial draw and then loss in his rivalry with Canelo. You still wind up with a speculative puzzle. But the guess here is that Golovkin wants to start anew by righting all the wrongs.

First, the name. Then, a third fight with Canelo that he believes will forever prove he should have been judged the winner in each of the first two. Just a matter of correcting the record. For Golovkin, however, that task is accented with some urgency.

He’s 37, which is somewhere between prime time and retirement on a fighter’s career clock. He hits the reset button by — in effect — re-introducing himself with a first name altered with an appropriate I, as if to say:

“I have changed.’’

Maybe, he has.

If so, a key to those changes will come about because of a new corner, Johnathon Banks instead of Abel Sanchez. There was nothing pretty about the split with Sanchez, the longtime GGG trainer who was angry at what he said was an insulting offer after Golovkin signed with DAZN for a reported $100 million. GGG’s lowball might have been his way of moving on. Sanchez’ pride would get in the way of a renewed deal. And it did.

It was painful. But it was boxing. And it was business. In retrospect, it simply looks like a GGG step toward change. It’s clear he’s back in the ring for one reason: A third fight with Canelo.

“One of the reason Gennadiy chose The Zone (DAZN) was that it was the clearest path to a third fight,’’ GGG promoter Tom Loeffler said at news conference introducing Banks on the afternoon before Canelo, DAZN’s marquee client, scored a unanimous decision over Daniel Jacobs on May 4 at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

Golovkin sat at the T-Mobile ringside that night and witnessed a dominant Canelo victory over Jacobs that was full of lessons about why change was necessary. Go ahead and argue about the judging in each of their first two fights. Against Jacobs, however, it was clear that Canelo is on a roll. From fight-to-fight, he is getting better by increments. At 28, Canelo is entering his prime. At 37, Golovkin is leaving his

There were signs of stagnancy in his two fights against Canelo. He landed big shots, especially in the first fight. In the second fight, however, Canelo’s newfound upper-body moment was a key to eluding much of GGG’s power. There was an ominous sign in the CompuBox stats. GGG landed only eight body shots in the first fight. He landed only six in the rematch. Over 24 rounds, he’ averaging less than one body punch a round.

If Canelo’s momentum continues at its steamrolling rate and GGG stays at a career plateau, the third fight could be all Canelo. Hence, the GGG changes.

“He’s a big puncher, which in my opinion is why he needs to throw more of them,’’ Banks, a former cruiserweight campion and an Emanuel Steward student, said at the May news conference.

More punches, a lot more, would be the punctuation – dotting the i in Gennadiy – for what might be the most significant change of all.

NEW YORK (June 3, 2019) – Undefeated top-10 contender and Toronto native Steve Rolls is inspired by his hometown Raptors run to the NBA Championship Finals. Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin, the pound-for-pound superstar attraction who successfully defended his middleweight titles a record 20 consecutive times — 18 by knockout – has no intention of overlooking Rolls like Anthony Joshua may have before he was knocked out by Andy Ruiiz Jr.on Saturday. Golovkin and Rolls will go mano a mano in a 12-round rumble which will be contested at a maximum weight of 164 lbs. and streamed live on DAZN, this Saturday, June 8, from the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden.

On Sunday, Golovkin and Rolls opened fight week with a Times Square photo shoot that quickly attracted a large crowd of fans. This link will take you to the photos. Please credit: Tom Hogan/GGG Promotions.

“My motivation for training for Steve Rolls is the same as for any fight. To me, every fight I have is my biggest test. I know Rolls can be dangerous because earlier in my career, I used to be Steve Rolls. I was an unknown challenger. It is the unknown fighters who can end up being the most dangerous. Andy Ruiz just showed us that an underdog should not be underestimated,” said Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan. “I trained so hard for this fight. Everything is at stake. I love bringing the Big Drama Show back to the Mecca of Boxing because it has a special feel. To me, it is the boxing capital of the world. Fighting at The Garden is old school. Look at the legends that fought there. The fans know their boxing and appreciate a good fight with a lot of action. They are a great audience. I feed off their energy and the energy of the city.”

“I have never had a training camp like this. It was so intense and productive. I turned my professional boxing soul over to [trainer] Tommy [Howat]. I developed such a hunger to learn and an unending desire to achieve, said Rolls (19-0, 10 KOs). “I have such a strong belief in myself and I believe I’m going to win. I have been preparing my whole life for this opportunity and it’s an opportunity I’m going to take advantage of on Saturday.”

 NEW YORK (May 31, 2019) — Title fights, battles between unbeatens, and crosstown rivalries highlight the undercard battles of Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin vs. Steve Rolls – taking place Next Saturday, June 8, at Madison Square Garden and streamed live on DAZN beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT.

            “Ali Akhmedov and Brian Ceballo have earned their way onto this undercard, but now they have to earn their right to move up and that won’t be easy since they are both in deep.  They are in wars,” said Tom Loeffler of GGG Promotions.  “The fans should see a lot of fireworks on June 8 from Israil Madrimov, Nikita Ababiy and Charles Conwell, as well.  They have a combined record of 15-0 with 13 of their victories coming by way of knockout.”       

            In the co-main event, scheduled for 10 rounds, undefeated super middleweight contenders Ali Akhmedov and Marcus McDaniel will face off for the vacant WBC International Super Middleweight title.  Ahkmedov (14-0, 10 KOs), from Almaty, Kazakhstan, and one of the rising stars on the GGG Promotions roster, enters this fight having claimed six of his last eight victories by knockout.  McDaniel (15-0, 2 KOs), from New Orleans, enters this fight fresh from an impressive unanimous decision victory over Brian Vera in February. 

            In a battle of undefeated Brooklyn brawlers, Brian Ceballo (8-0, 4 KOs) and Bakhtiyar Eyubov (14-0-1, 12 KOs) will be slugging it out in an eight-round welterweight battle for borough supremacy.  Ceballo, who has already fought twice this year, extended his undefeated record on April 10 with a third-round stoppage of Ricardo Garcia.  Eyubov also seems to be gaining strength.  His last victory was a seventh round TKO of once-beaten Nicholas Givan.

            Matchroom Boxing’s highly-touted prospect Israil “The Dream” Madrimov (2-0, 2 KOs), from Khiva, Uzbekistan, who has only fought in 10-rounders since turning professional, will risk his top-10 world-rating when he takes on battle-tested Norberto “Domino” Gonzalez (23-12, 13 KOs), from Monterrey, Mexico, in a 10-round super welterweight bout.

            Former U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell (9-0, 7 KOs) from Cleveland, promoted by DiBella Entertainment, will be taking a big step up when he looks to end the three-year unbeaten streak of Brooklyn’s Courtney Pennington (12-3-3, 5 KOs).  Scheduled for 10 rounds, they will be battling for the vacant USBA junior middleweight title.

            The DAZN live stream will open with Matchroom Boxing’s power-punching middleweight Nikita “White Chocolate” Ababiy (4-0, 4 KOs), from Brooklyn, in a six-round bout.  So far, only one opponent has made it to the second round, but not by much — :26 seconds!  Ababiy’s opponent will be announced soon. 

            The card will open with a non-televised four-round welterweight bout between local favorite Johnathan Arroyo (3-0-1, 1 KO) from Brentwood, NY and Jordan Morales, a veteran of 10 fights, from Sunbury, Pennsylvania. 

            Golovkin vs. Rolls kicks off the exclusive six-fight, three-year global partnership between GGG Promotions and DAZN, the world’s fastest-growing sports streaming platform.

            Promoted by GGG Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment, remaining tickets to The Big Apple battle between Golovkin and Rolls may be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.msg.com

I would like to announce that I have made a major decision for myself and for my career. I want to build on what I have already achieved and continue to better myself. Therefore, I will not be training with Abel Sanchez. This was not an easy decision for me and it is not a reflection on Abel’s professional abilities. He is a great trainer, a loyal trainer, and a Hall of Fame trainer.

I will be announcing my new trainer at a later date. But today, I want to thank Abel for the lessons he taught me in boxing.

NEW YORK (April 16, 2019) — It’s a whole new ballgame for boxing’s pound-for-pound superstar attraction GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN! Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, brings his Big Drama Show back to the “Mecca of Boxing” — Madison Square Garden for the first time in over two years in his eagerly-awaitedDAZN debut on Saturday, June 8. Golovkin, whose resume includes a record 20 consecutive middleweight title defenses (18 by way of knockout), has consistently drawn packed houses to the five previous events he has headlined at The Garden, dating back to 2013. He will rumble with undefeated Top-10 contender and Kronk Gym alumnusSTEVE ROLLS (19-0, 10 KOs), from Toronto, Canada, in a battle, scheduled for 12 rounds, at a maximum weight of 164 lbs. Golovkin vs. Rolls kicks off the exclusive six-fight, three-year global partnership between GGG Promotions and DAZN, the world’s fastest-growing sports streaming platform.

A two-city press tour, featuring both fighters, will take place next week, starting at Madison Square Garden on Monday, April 22, and concluding in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 23. Details on those events will be forthcoming.

Promoted by GGG Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets to The Big Apple battle between Golovkin and Rolls go on sale This Saturday, April 20, at Noon ET. Priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, and $50, not including fees, tickets may be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.msg.com.

Notably, this will be the second of two major boxing events The Garden will host on back-to-back boxing weekends – both of which will be live exclusively on DAZN. England’s Anthony Joshua will make his United States and Madison Square Garden debut in a defense of his unified heavyweight title against Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller on June 1, just one week before Golovkin’s highly anticipated return on June 8.

“I am very excited to be returning to the ring and bringing the Big Drama Show back to Madison Square Garden. The Garden’s fans are fantastic,” said Golovkin. “I love boxing and I promise to bring the best of me to everyone who will be watching me in an all-action fight with Steve Rolls. I am very happy that GGG Promotions has a new home at DAZN.”

“I want to sincerely thank DAZN and GGG himself for giving me the opportunity to challenge one of the best fighters in the world,” said Rolls. “But let me be clear: I’ve won national championships and represented my country, and Golovkin is just a man. I’m coming to win this fight and put my name among the best middleweights in the world.”

“Gennady Golovkin is one of the top middleweights of all-time, and as part of DAZN’s growing roster of premiere fighters and our ongoing promise to deliver the best fights to fans, we are thrilled to kick off this exciting partnership at the iconic Madison Square Garden,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN Executive Vice President, North America. “It will surely be an electric night and just the beginning of this next chapter of Golovkin’s impressive legacy.”

Golovkin, 37, has reigned supreme in the Middleweight Division for nearly a decade. Eighteen of his record 20 title defenses came by way of knockout — a 90% ratio — which is sure to remain the division’s highest knockout percentage for a world champion. Golovkin’s tenure as champion ended when he lost a hotly disputed majority decision in a rematch with Canelo Alvarez last September. A dominant amateur standout and Olympic Silver Medalist before turning professional in 2006, Golovkin’s career has been on a historic trajectory, including a 23-fight victory-by-knockout streak and unifying the WBC, WBA, IBF and IBO World Middleweight Titles. Golovkin has also proven himself to be box office gold. He has sold out the most iconic arenas of the world, including Madison Square Garden, T-Mobile Arena, O2 Arena, The Fabulous Forum, and StubHub Center.

Rolls, 35, making his debut at The Garden, will be looking to ice Golovkin with his version of a Canadian cold front. In his most recent fight, he won the vacant USBA middleweight title last December, via unanimous decision, over KeAndrae Leatherwood. World-rated No. 9 rated by the IBF, Rolls has stopped four of his last seven opponents while keeping his record perfect.

For more information, fans can follow DAZN’s U.S. social channels: @DAZNUSA for Facebook, @DAZN_USA for Twitter, and DAZN_USA for Instagram.

About DAZN:

DAZN is the largest global sports streaming platform in the world. Since launching in 2016, DAZN had expanded across four continents with the service available in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan, and soon to debut in Brazil. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just affordable access to all the service’s sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. In the U.S., DAZN has made its mark as an attractive alternative to pay-per-view within the combat sports industry. The platform features more than 100 fight nights per year from Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, GGG Promotions, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series and Combate Americas. DAZN also features live MLB action each day of the season with its new daily show, ChangeUp.

Gennady Golovkin is eyeing fights with former titlist Hassan N’Dam or undefeated Steve Rolls for his DAZN debut in June, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Former middleweight champion Gennady Goloving has signed a multi-fight deal with DAZN, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The deal is for three-years and six-fights and the first fight of the agreement will take place on either June 8 or 15 against an opponent and at a site to be determined, but it sets up the probability of a third fight with rival Canelo Alvarez in September if Alvarez wins his middleweight unification fight with Daniel Jacobs on May 4.

Golovkin will fight twice per year under the deal, which also includes provisions for GGG Promotions to promote two cards per year that Golovkin does not fight in 2020 and 2021 as he seeks to develop his own stable of fighters.

“DAZN has quickly become the new home of boxing by making the biggest events easily available to the fans,” Golovkin said. “When deciding on where I wanted to continue my career, DAZN’s global vision perfectly matched my goals — not just for my career but the opportunity to showcase talented Eastern European fighters to the world. Thank you to my fans for all of the loyal support and I look forward to you joining me on DAZN.”

“Gennady Golovkin is a generational talent with international appeal,” DAZN Group executive chairman John Skipper said in announcing the deal he spent months negotiating. “We’re confident he will bring his passionate fans to the platform as we produce tentpole events with his team over the next several years.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin met with Eddie Hearn as well as John Skipper who is the head of the DAZN streamlining service.

Golovkin has had offers from DAZN and ESPN/Top Rank. He also met with Premier Boxing Champions officials last weekend in Los Angeles around the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury heavyweight world title fight, for which he was ringside, and Golovkin is expected to receive an offer from PBC chief Al Haymon, who has broadcast deals with Showtime and Fox.

DAZN and Hearn would like to make a third fight between Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez, who edged Golovkin by majority decision in their rematch — the year’s biggest fight — on Sept. 15 to win the unified middleweight title.

MEXICO CITY (Oct. 15, 2018): Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) received his WBC Middleweight World Title today at Museo Soumaya in Mexico City in recognition of his spectacular victory against Gennady “GGG” Golovkin in September. Canelo also received the Cinturon Chiapaneco and the Cinturon Huichol at this momentous event as he prepares to return to the ring. The 28-year-old WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion will take on WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Rocky Fielding (27-1, 15 KOs) in a special 12-round super middleweight attraction on Saturday, Dec. 15 at Madison Square Garden.

Below is what today’s participants had to say at the belt presentation:

CANELO ALVAREZ, WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion:

“I want to thank everyone for their support during the good times and the bad. It was a tough year for me. I would never do anything to blemish my career, but I’m grateful to all those who were there with me. I’m going to represent the WBC from here on. They’ve been my family since the beginning. It’s a great responsibility to be a Mexican world champion. But I take that responsibility because I know I’m a determined and disciplined fighter. I honor every fighter who has fought at Madison Square Garden, but I’m going to make my own story. This is another chapter in my legacy.

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Manager and Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:

“The past 13 years of Canelo Alvarez’s career has not been easy. It has been difficult. But when you have a lot of determination like he does, it makes the hard road that much easier. We completed the promise of making him a world champion because he completed his part of working hard. I thank everyone here and the sport of boxing.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer and Manager of Canelo Alvarez:

“I’m grateful and thankful for all that Canelo Alvarez has achieved. I thank Mauricio Sulaiman and the WBC for their help. They’ve supported us all along the way. We’re proud of what he has accomplished, and we know there is more to come.”

ERIC GOMEZ, President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“We’ve worked with Canelo Alvarez since he was a very young prospect. He was hungry and determined to be great. To see him achieve that greatness is a wonderful thing to see. I congratulate him on this exciting day for him.”

MAURICIO SULAIMAN, President of the WBC:

“Canelo shut a lot of mouths in his last fight. He quieted a lot of critics who said he did not come forward. But in his last fight he showed with his fists and his aggression that he is the better fighter. Canelo is always first to raise the Mexican flag after a victory and yell Viva Mexico! I am so proud he is representing the WBC once again.”

Canelo vs. Fielding is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Middleweight World
Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, December 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Fielding go on sale Wednesday, Oct. 17 at Noon ET/9:00 a.m. PT. Tickets are priced at $1,000, $500, $300, $200, $150, $100, $75 and $50 plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com, www.goldenboytickets.com or www.MSG.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and
http://www.matchroomboxing.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @Rocky87Fielding, and @MatchRoomBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez,
and www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing,
@Canelo, @Rocky_Fielding and @MatchroomBoxing. Follow the conversation using #CaneloFielding.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying
and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloFielding into a browser. Credit must be p rovided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.

According to Dan Rafael, the September 15th rematch featuring Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin did around 1.1 million Pay-Per-View buys.

The fight generated at least $94 million in domestic linear television sales for the HBO PPV telecast, which had a suggested retail price of $84.95 but had a higher price in most markets for those who ordered in high definition.

The live gate figures were released on Monday by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and the fight notched the fourth biggest in boxing and Nevada history. The fight generated $23,473,500 from the sale of 16,732 tickets at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The promoters gave away 1,451 complimentary tickets, according to the commission report.

HOUSTON, TX (September 17, 2018) – Former WBA super welterweight world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (25-3-2, 14 KOs), felt inspired by the state of boxing after watching last Saturday night’s main event between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin fought an amazing fight, it was a true classic.” said Lara. “I want to congratulate both of them for putting together such a tremendous effort to bring the spotlight back on boxing. It would be a great honor to fight either fighter, and I would love to challenge myself against them.”

Erislandy Lara has been training in Houston, Texas for his next fight with trainer Ronnie Shields, as he is working hard in the gym, getting ready for his next fight date.

“I am ready to make a statement and to challenge either fighter at middleweight, whether it is Gennady Golovkin or Canelo Alvarez in a rematch…I am ready!”

LAS VEGAS –Forget all the insults, promises and allegations. The wait wasn’t a whole lot of fun. In the end, however, the fight made all of that waiting oh-so-forgettable.

Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin delivered the drama Saturday night before a rocking crowd of 21,965 at T-Mobile Arena throughout 12 pulsating rounds, each of which was hard to score, yet might eventually add up to a trilogy. For now, there’s bound to be controversy.

Canelo won a majority decision in the middleweight rematch of their controversial draw last September.

“That was a great fight’’ Canelo (50-1-2, 34 KOs) said after taking GGG’s championship belts and ending his claim on a record for title defenses in the HBO pay-per-view bout. “But in the end, it was a victory for Mexico. And again, it was an opportunity, and I want to shout out to my opponent, the best in the sport of boxing. I am a great fighter, and I showed it tonight.

“If the people want another round, I’ll do it again. But for right now, I will enjoy time with my family.’’

In boxing, of course, majority only means that not everybody agrees with the 115-113 scorecards turned in by judges Dave Moretti of Nevada and Steve Weisfeld of New Jersey. The third judge, Glenn Feldman of Connecticut, had a different opinion. He scored it, 114-114, a draw that might have been the very hard to accept after last September’s messy result.

On this card, it was 115-113 for Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs). Go ahead and argue. The fight was that close. The good news was that there was no wacky, bird-brain card like the 118-110 number for Canelo turned in by Adelaide Byrd a year ago.

Canelo’s aggressiveness over the first seven to eight rounds might have been enough to get the nod from Moretti and Weisfeld. He moved forward, ever forward. However, he often moved straight into a GGG jab that was as consistent as it was precise. It left him with a huge gash over his left eye.

That GGG jab and a Canelo pursuit that included some terrific body punches appeared to leave the bout even after eight rounds. The next three rounds were just about as even. The guess was that the twelfth would be decisive. At least, GGG trainer Abel Sanchez thought so.

“We had a great fight, the one we expected the first time around,’’ Sanchez said. “I had it close going into the 12^th round. We had good judges who saw it from different angles. I can’t complain about the decision, but it’s close enough to warrant a third fight. Canelo fought a great fight. Congratulations.’’

GGG got cut over his right eye in the 12^th. The blood fell like tears across the multiple bruises on his face as he left the ring. He didn’t stop to speak to the media in the immediate aftermath of the fight.

After arriving in his dressing room, he spoke to a media-relations representative, who relayed his quotes to press row.

“I’m not going to say who won,’’ GGG said. “The victory belongs to Canelo, according to the judges. I thought it was a very good fight for the fans. It was exciting. I thought I fought better than he did.’’

Then, he was asked about a third fight.

“Under the right circumstances,’’ GGG said.

The second fight has already put some those circumstances in place.

Mungia scores quick stoppage, leaving HBO with 90 minutes to fill before the GGG-Canelo rematch 

Jamie Mungia kept himself in the mix for a middleweight title Saturday night with some of the raw power that has marked his emergence from unknown to dangerous.

Mungia (31-0, 26 KOs, of Tijuana,  battered Canadian Brandon Cook (20-2, 13 KOs) around the ring like a young Antonio Margarito for two rounds and then finished him with a couple of rough-and-tumble knockdown in the third. Referee Tony Weeks finally ended at 1:03 of the third in another quick stoppage that left the HBO pay-per-view telecast with about 90 minutes of air time to fill before the Canelo Alavrez-Gennady Golovkin rematch at T-Mobile Arena.

“This was part of my development,” Mungia said.  “I was not as focused in my last fight. But this time I came more relaxed. I was looking for the knockout too much. But now you’ve seen the results of my work. With each fight you will see me getting better. I just want to show that I can get better and that I want to face the best, so I can show that I am the best.”

Lemieux has one-punch answer for Spike O’Sullivan’s trash talk

The Face-offs were contentious. The fight was a blowout.

He entered the T-Mobile Arena’s ring as former pound-for-pound champion. He left it after delivering powerful reminder as to why he was one.

 

Dallas junior-welterweight Vergil Ortiz (11-0, 11 KOs), one of boxing’s best young prospects, was everything he was supposed to be, delivering speed and power for a second-round demolition of Roberto Ortiz (35-3-2, 26 KOs) of Mexico. In the final bout before the HBO pay-per-view telecast of the Gennady Golovkin-Canelo Alvarez card, Vergil Ortiz dropped Roberto with a right early in the second. Moments later, he landed a blinding succession of punches. Referee Vic Drakulich had seen enough. At 1:03 of the second, he ended it.

Alexis Rocha stays unbeaten with one-sided decision

Alexis Rocha, a super-welterweight from Santa Ana, Calif., did some damage early, then scored some easy points and finished still unbeaten in the third bout on the non- televised portion of the Canelo-GGG card.

First Bell: Canelo-Golovkin card off to an early start and fast finish

It was an early start and a quick finish.

New York welterweight Brian Ceballo (5-0, 3 KOs) wasted little time, finishing an afternoon matinee within two rounds after the first bell Saturday on a card featuring the Gennady Golovkin-Canelo Alvarez rematch at T-Mobile Arena.

Ceballo knocked down David Thomas (6-4-1, 2 KOs) of Orange, Tex., in the first. In the opening seconds of the second, Thomas was defenseless, hands down and a wide-open target for a succession of straight hands from Ceballo. At 34 seconds of the round, referee Jay Nady ended it.

Follow all the action as Gennady Golovkin defends the WBC/WBA Middleweight titles against Canelo Alvarez in a highly-anticipated rematch.  The action begins at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT with an action-packed undercard featuring Jaime Munguia defending the WBO Jr. Middleweight title against Brandon Cook.  David Lemieux takes on Gary O’Sullivan in a middleweight grudge match.  The action kicks off with Roman Gonzalez taking on Moises Fuentes.

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Round 1: Golovkin jabs...Body shot from Canelo..Jab from Golovkin..Canelo lands a jab..Jab..another jab..Jab from Golovkin

Round 2 Redness around Golovkins’ right eye…Hook from Golovkin..Good left from Caenlo..Jab..Body shot..Double jab..Jab from Golovkin..Good body shot from Canelo..2 lefts from Golovkin

Round 3 Body shot from Canelo..Right from Golovkin..Left..Right

Round 4 Left hook from Golovkin..Left Hook..Hard uppercut..good body shot from Canelo..Good body shot..Body shot from Golovkin..Good body from Canelo..

Round 5  Golovkin lands a jab…Canelo cut over left eye..Right from Canelo..Hook from Golovkin..Trading jabs..Golovkins lands a right..Jab from Canelo..Good body..

Round 6 Jab from Golovkin..Good left to body from Canelo..Left from Golovkin..Uppercut from Canelo..Straight from Golovkin..

Round 7 Body from Canelo..Hard jab..Left hook from Golovkin..Left hook and uppercut

Round 8 Good right from Alvarez..Hard right..Good right from Golovkin..Jab..Straight from Canelo..Left hook..

Round 9 Jab and right from Golovkin..Counter and right from Canelo..Jab..Right lead..Good body..Hard rightBig left from Golovkin..Right

Round 10 2 hard rights from Golovkin..Hard body from Canelo..Hard right from Golovkin..right…Jab from Canelo..Right to body..Good hook..Body from Canelo..Hard right from Golovkin

Round 11 Hard right from Golovkin hurts Alvarez….Hard right from Canelo..Hard left from Golovkin..Hard left from Canelo..Right from Canelo

Round 12 Hard left from Golovkin..Jab..uppercut..Alvarez lands a counter..Golovkin cut around the right eye..Trading power shots…trading uppercuts..Uppercut from Golovkin..right

Alvarez lands 202-622    Golovkin 234-879

114-114; 115-113 CANELO ALVAREZ

Round 1 Hard combination rocks Cook..Wicked combination at end of round

Round 2 Cook trying to work the body..Hard uppercut from Munguia..Hard body shot..Hard combination,,,Right to body from Cook

Round 3 Muguia lands a riGHT TO HEAD AND DOWN GOES COOK..Wicked body shot…Cook in trouble AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1: Right to body from Lemieux..Hard jab drives Lemieux back…BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES O’SULLIVAN…AND THE FIGHT IS OVER…2:44

Round 1 Left to body from Gonzalez..

Round 2 Fuentes coming out aggressive…Fuentes bleeding from right eye..Straight right and left hook from Gonzalez..Good boy work..Right to body..Hard 3 punch combination..

Round 3 Right from Gonzalez..left uppercut…Body shot..two 3-punch combination

Round 4 Left hook from Fuentes…Right from Gonzalez..Right hand..Combination..

Round 5 Uppercut from Gonzalez...PERFECT RIGHT AND DOWN GOES FUENTES…FIGHT OVER

By Norm Frauenheim-

LAS VEGAS – It was more fracas than Face-off and perhaps it was a hint at the sort of violence some have promised and many more expect.

After months of avoiding even eye contact, Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin finally stood in front of each, forehead onto forehead, while their respective cornermen pushed, shoved and circled like the outer bands of an incoming storm.

Finally, there were tangible signs that all of the insults really were motivated by mutual contempt. Golovkin and Canelo, GGG trainer Abel Sanchez and Canelo’s father-and-son corner of Eddy and Chepo Reynoso really don’t like each other. A crowd of about 9,000 at T-Mobile Arena Friday for the formal weigh-in before the middleweight rematch Saturday night almost saw a choreographed ritual turn into an off-the-scale brawl.

Sanchez stepped between the fighters. Then, Eddy Reynoso appeared to put a hand on Sanchez’ shoulder. Sanchez was pulled away from Eddy, who then began to scream at a rival trainer who has been mocking Canelo ever since his positive test in February for a steroid Canelo says came from eating tainted Mexican beef. Triple G’s trainer is calling Canelo “Triple C, “Canelo Con Carne.’’

Eddy started waving his arms at Sanchez. Then, Chepo started shouting. Finally, cooler heads prevailed. The scrum ended, even if the shouting didn’t. Perhaps, there was enough wisdom amid all of the hostile emotions to know that only the fighters can settle this with controlled violence scheduled to begin on an HBO pay-per-view telecast at about 8 p.m. PT (11 p.m. ET).

When asked what he saw when he looked into Canelo’s eyes, Golovkin said he saw a clown.

The clown, GGG (38-0-1, 34 KOs) said, will “see real war. Not regular fight. Special war. I want knockout.”

There was no clowning around in the rhetorical counter from Canelo.

“I defeated the weight’’ Canelo (49-1-2, 34 KOs) said. “Now, it’s time to defeat him.’’

The trip to the scales was almost an afterthought. Both fighters were right under the 160-pound limit – GGG at 159.6 and Canelo at 159.4.

GGG, who looked weary at a news conference Wednesday, entered the arena with a familiar smile that always seems to say: What, me worry? On the scale, he looked a fighter who had trained to withstand big combinations and throw many of his own, including some of the body punches that were missing in his controversial draw with Canelo a year ago. In their first fight last September, GGG was credited with landing only eight body shots.

In Canelo’s trip the scale, he looked lean, leaner than he was a year ago. That raises inevitable suspicions about whether clenbuterol had been a factor in what appeared to be a more heavily-muscled upper body. Whatever the reason, a leaner Canelo is a sign that he hopes to augment his speed. Neither fighter is quick. But Canelo’s hand speed appears to be an advantage over GGG.

“Speed is important, especially against a fighter as slow as Golovkin,’’ said Canelo, who has hinted he would not be lured into risky brawl by Sanchez long-running commentary.

Sanchez has repeatedly said that he hopes Canelo fights “Mexican-style.’’ Sanchez suggests that he ran away from GGG last September. Since then, Canelo has undergone surgery on his right knee. A cyst was reportedly removed. The procedure was called cosmetic, which is one thing this rematch won’t be. It started to look very real Friday.

The pay-per-view portion of the card is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET) with former pound-for-pound champ Roman Gonzalez (46-2, 37 KOs) in a comeback at super-flyweight against Mexican Moises Fuentes (25-5-1, 14 KOs)

There are to other PPV bouts – middleweight David Lemieux (39-4, 33 KOs) against Spike O’Sullivan (28-2, 20 KOs) in a heated rivalry and emerging junior-middleweight Jamie Munguia (30-0, 25 KOs) of Mexico against Canadian Brandon Cook (20-1, 13 KOs).

New York, NY (9/14/18) – On Saturday, September 29, Broadway Boxing will make its debut at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, NY, with a stacked card featuring many local prospects. Junior lightweight Melissa St. Vil, junior featherweight Khalid Twaiti, junior lightweight Jude Franklin, super middleweight Edgar Berlanga, junior welterweight Josue Vargas and junior middleweight Justin Biggs, all from Brooklyn, will compete along with junior middleweight Mathew Gonzalez from Queens, NY, and Uzbekistan Olympian heavyweight Bakhodir Jalolov, now residing in Los Angeles, CA.

Tickets for Broadway Boxing, presented by DiBella Entertainment and Uprising Promotions in association with The Real Deal Boxing, priced at $150, $125, $100, $60 and $35, are ON SALE NOW and can be purchased in person at Kings Theatre or online HERE. The Kings Theatre is located at 1027 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:00pm. More information can be found on their website, www.KingsTheatre.com.

The exciting card will be broadcast on LIVE.DBE1.COM, part of the SportsLive OTT service as part of a partnership with CBS Sports Digital. Fans can subscribe to the event for a discounted cost of $4.99 by visiting live.dbe1.com.

Broadway Boxing is sponsored by Nissan of Queens, OPTYX, Azad Watches, Christos Steak House, Gagliardi Insurance, Venum and Medical Arts Radiology.

With the Canelo-Golovkin rematch tomorrow, the Broadway Boxing fighters gave their predictions on the highly anticipated middleweight championship showdown:

MELISSA ST. VIL (10-3-4, 1 KO) – JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT – BROOKLYN, NY

“I think Canelo is going to win because of his speed, movement and athleticism. Golovkin has been slowing down in recent fights. This may be the fight when he gets old.” WINNER: CANELO

KHALID TWAITI (3-0, 2 KOs) – JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT – BROOKLYN, NY

“I believe Golovkin will be victorious by decision. I feel like he has a mental edge knowing that Canelo got caught using illegal substances. I think Golovkin will win most of the later rounds, which will make the difference in the fight.” WINNER: GOLOVKIN

JUDE FRANKLIN (8-0, 7 KOs) – JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT – BROOKLYN, NY

“I think Canelo is going to win. He’s more skilled and a lot smarter than Golovkin. I don’t think it’s a good idea for him to stand and trade punches with Golovkin, but if he boxes and uses his skills, he should win.” WINNER: CANELO

BAKHODIR JALOLOV (1-0, 1 KO) – HEAVYWEIGHT – MIAMI, FL/SARIOSIYO, UZBEKISTAN

“This is a very tough fight for both fighters, but I believe the youth and ring intelligence of Canelo will lead him to victory.” WINNER: CANELO

EDGAR BERLANGA (8-0, 8 KOs) – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT – BROOKLYN, NY

“I think Canelo will box GGG the first half of the fight and look to not get hit. Then as GGG tires a bit, I think he’ll stand toe to toe and fight him the second half. I think it will be a close fight and end in a decision victory for Canelo.” WINNER: CANELO

MATHEW GONZALEZ (6-0, 4 KOs) – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT – RIDGEWOOD, QUEENS, NY

“I think it’s a 50/50 fight and it will come down to who has the better game plan. I believe their skill sets are pretty much the same. If it goes the distance I go with Canelo because he is a little bit better of a boxer but it only takes one punch and if it turns into a brawl GGG will win by knockout. It’s a tough pick but I give the edge to GGG.” WINNER: GOLOVKIN

JOSUE VARGAS (11-1, 7 KOs) – JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT – BROOKLYN, NY

“I believe GGG is more confident now than the first fight because I feel, even though it was a draw, that he won that fight. I think he’s going to bring it to Canelo and perform even better this time. I don’t take anything away from Canelo, he is a great fighter and it is a 50/50 fight but the better man come Saturday night will be GGG.” WINNER: GOLOVKIN

JUSTIN BIGGS (4-0, 4 KOs) – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT – BROOKLYN, NY

“If the fight goes the distance, I got Canelo. If there is a knockout, I got GGG. I can’t pick one or the other, but I’m excited for Saturday and good luck to both fighters!” WINNER: UNDECIDED

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 13, 2018): The undercard of the spectacular Canelo vs. GGG 2 card hosted a press conference featuring Mexican star Jaime Munguia (30-0, 25 KOs), who will make the second defense of his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title against rugged Canadian contender Brandon “Bad Boy” Cook (20-1, 13 KOs) in a 12-round battle. Former IBF Middleweight World Champion David Lemieux (39-4, 33 KOs) of Montreal, Canada and Irish warrior Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan (28-2, 20 KOs) of Cork, Ireland will go head-to-head in a 12-round middleweight battle that has Fight of the Year candidate written all over it. Former pound-for-pound king and former four-division world champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (46-2, 38 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua will make his highly anticipated return against experienced Mexican warrior Moises “Moi” Fuentes (25-5-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round super flyweight battle that will open the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s press conference:

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION
“I am very happy to be here. I would like to thank my promoter, Fernando Beltran and Golden Boy. I am very happy to be here again and be a part of this tremendous card. I would like to tell you that I have an excellent opponent in front of me. He is a very good fighter. This is also my best preparation so far. I have corrected a lot of my mistakes and I am here to bring a great fight. Without anything else to say, I would like to thank you all and the media. I promise you a great fight, and I promise to leave the ring very warm for Canelo and GGG.”

BRANDON COOK, JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“Thanks again. This is the biggest shot of my life. Munguia is the next up and coming star and I’m here to win. I’ve trained really hard. I’ve had 5 weeks to prepare. I want to thank Golden Boy for giving me this shot. I want to thank my whole team. I’m coming to fight. Make sure you buy that pay-per-view. This is the best place for boxing. I’m really going to enjoy this.

DAVID LEMIEUX, FORMER MIDDELWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“Vegas, we’re back. The biggest fight of the year is here. The talk is done. Nlw it’s time to walk the walk. His chin is going to be very warmed up for the fight – he’s gonna need it. He’s not going to stay in front of me, I’m ready for 12 rounds. If he passes 8 rounds, respect to him. He’s just scared, that’s why he talks to much. This Saturday he is going to get knocked out.”

GARY “SPIKE” O’SULLIVAN, MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“Good afternoon. Thank you everyone for coming and putting on this magnificent event. Smell that? I smell fear. That greasy piece of shit. Saturday night, we’re going to fight. The fight will be our careers. I’m coming for GGG or Canelo. I’m going to be coming for him Saturday night that greasy piece of shit.”

ROMAN GONZALEZ, Former Four-Division World Champion:
“I would like to thank everyone that has been supporting me. I thank God for the opportunity. I’m very happy to be fighting a great champion, I’m ready to give a great fight. I feel very happy to be on this great card. I wish everyone a good day.”

MOISES FUENTES, Super Flyweight Contender:
“Thank you all for this opportunity. I’m willing to die in the ring as long as I win. I’m going to walk away world champion on Saturday.”

Canelo vs. GGG 2 is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions. Munguia vs. Cook is a 12-round battle for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Promotions. Lemieux vs. O’Sullivan is a 12-round a WBA World Title Eliminator presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Eye of The Tiger Management in association with Murphy’s Boxing. Gonzalez vs. Fuentes is a 10-round super flyweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, Fred Loya Insurance, Interjet, Venom, and Fathom Events. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 15 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at a special time of 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

“24/7 Canelo/GGG 2” is streaming on HBO GO & HBO NOW. Canelo’s fifth “24/7” appearance and Golovkin’s third, “24/7 CANELO/GGG 2” is the latest installment of the acclaimed franchise that began in 2007.

Tickets are on sale for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. GGG 2 at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage and Luxor are priced at $100, not including applicable fees. Seating is general admission at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage while Luxor will have assigned seats. Tickets may be purchased at any MGM Resorts International Box Office, by phone with a major credit card at (800) 745-3000 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/canelovsggg2.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
www.caneloggg.com and www.hbo.com/boxing. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG2.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying
and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloGGG2 into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.

By Norm Frauenheim-

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The fighters have yet to look each other in the eye, promoter Oscar De La Hoya says he is running for president and the talk continues.

It’s been an unusual week for a middleweight rematch that figures to be anything but ordinary at T-Mobile Arena when Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez finally exchange punches Saturday instead of insults. But the rest is just a guessing game. Who wins and how are questions in an ongoing mystery.

It’s about as close to a pick-em fight as there is. GGG was still a slight favorite at the MGM Grand’s sports book late Thursday. By opening bell, that could shift, especially when the Canelo fans arrive in time for a bout that coincides with Mexico’s Independence Day.

For now, there’s even a question as to whether Canelo and GGG will pose for the cameras in the ritual face-off after Friday’s formal weigh-in. No betting odds on that. But there is precedent to think it might not happen. They avoided the nose-to-nose tradition after the final formal news conference Wednesday at the MGM Grad’s KA Theater.

Canelo, reportedly angry at insults from GGG trainer Abel Sanchez, said no the face-off. Apparently, he wanted to reserve all of his energy and rage for opening bell, expected to be at 8 p.m. PST (11 p.m. ET). If Canelo was mad Thursday, his anger might be even more intense at Friday weigh-in.

In a news release Thursday, Sanchez is quoted as saying “Triple G versus Triple C is finally here.” Triple C means “Canelo Con Carne”, according to the release. That, of course, is mocking reference to Canelo postive drug test in Feburary. He blamed the clenbuterol on tainted Mexican beef. It might be anther reason not to look GGG in the eye until the referee gives them direction in the ring Saturday night.

Meanwhile, middleweights David Lemieux and Spike O’Sullivan filled the face-off void Thursday with one of their own. O’Sullivan took off his sunglasses, appeared to head butt Sullivan, who countered by pushing O’Sullivan. The two were quickly separated.

“I don’t why they won’t do it,” O’Sullivan when asked about Canelo and GGG.

O’Sullivan initiated the contentious face-off by calling Lemieux a greasy piece of bleep during his trip to the podium during the news conference. Maybe, the pushing-and-shoving was a reason Canelo said no to Wednesday’s face-offs. But will he change his mind at Friday’s weigh-in? It’s just one of many questions in fight week full of them.