Tag Archives: jacobs

Posted on 05/01/2019

By: Hans Themistode

When facing Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2, 35 KOs) there are a number of things to be wary of. Canelo has a ton of power and speed. He also knows how to use those attributes. The boxing IQ of Canelo is as good as it gets as well. Lastly and most importantly, the judges absolutely love him. For the few of you that are laughing, that actually was not a joke.

In the career of Canelo Alvarez, he has had his fair share of questionable decisions. In his first fight against GGG he was given a draw. Many fans and media alike felt that was the wrong decision. The subsequent rematch went in the favor of Canelo and although it was a much closer fight, many felt as though that fight as well should have went in GGG’s favor.

How about his 2014 fight against Erislandy Lara? The outrage was at an all-time high when the judges ruled in Canelo’s favor. Lara continuously landed shots while making Canelo miss. That wasn’t enough to get him the decision.

The lone blemish on the record of Canelo came during a 2013 matchup with Floyd Mayweather. The aforementioned Mayweather absolutely schooled Canelo. It wasn’t particularly close in any way shape or form, yet some how one judge managed to score the contest a draw. Although that judge was ultimately over ruled by the remaining judges it still left a bad taste in the mouth of those that were involved.

Should Daniel Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs) be worried about an unfavorable scorecard? He should be.

The old expression in boxing goes, “take the decision out of the judges hands.” That essentially means to knock your opponent out. The only problem with this is that Canelo has quite possibly the best chin in all of boxing. Jacobs carries a ton of power but it seems unlikely that he will turn this into a short night.

Discussing officiating is never a good sign. Jacobs shouldn’t head into his May 4th contest worried about not receiving a fair shake in the judges eyes. If he truly is the better fighter as he has proclaimed time and time again, then simply prove it.

If Jacobs does get screwed by the judges then at the very least he will be viewed favorably in the eyes of the fans.

For the sake of boxing, we all hope that this contest does not come down to shady scoring. Unfortunately, in the career of Canelo, the judges have always had his back.

Jacobs may need to fight the perfect fight in order to get the biggest win of his career, and even that might not be good enough.

Posted on 04/30/2019

By: Hans Themistode

We live in a world today where betting has been legalized in several states. It’s become the norm for your average Joe to drop a few bucks on who he thinks will win an upcoming sporting event.

Current IBF Middleweight titlist, Daniel Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs) is your classic underdog story, as he’s beaten the odds before. His story of defeating cancer has been regurgitated over and over again. It’s a remarkable tale. He has gone from, being told he will never box again nor walk to a world champion and one of the very best in the entire sport of boxing.

Even with his penchant of doing the improbable, Jacobs still finds himself as the underdog for his contest on May 4th, against unified champion Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2, 35 KOs)

What exactly is an underdog? Simply put, it is a person or team that the general public believes won’t win their upcoming contest.

On paper it’s understandable. Canelo is the bigger name and has fought a murderous row of competition. He has always looked to fight the biggest and best names out there. With the exception of Floyd Mayweather, Canelo has defeated all comers. Sure, there have been a few controversies but that’s besides the point right now. On paper his record is as good as it gets in the world of boxing.

Going into his contest against Daniel Jacobs, Canelo is once again considered the favorite, but something seems wrong this time around. Jacobs has the advantage seemingly everywhere. Height, reach, knockout percentage etc. You name it and Jacobs more than likely holds the edge.

So why is Canelo not only the favorite but a sizable one at that? Jacobs has his own belief as to why this is the case.

“ I think it’s more about his name than anything,” said Jacobs. “ He’s a great fighter don’t get me wrong but I don’t believe he should be favored over me. He’s a star in the sport so I understand it but, true boxing heads know I should be the favorite.”

The odds may seem to indicate that Canelo will have his hands raised Saturday night but those odds will have no input on how the actual fight will play out.

“As for the odds, I don’t really care about that type of stuff. They wont help him win the fight.”

For as great of a fighter as Jacobs is, he is very much an afterthought. After Canelo defeats him on May 4th, he will move on to bigger and better things. Or at least, that is the hope.

Canelo may hold the advantage in the view of public but on paper and in the ring Daniel Jacobs is the favorite, a big one in fact.

Being an underdog has fueled Jacobs for much of his career but soon he will have to find a new source of motivation. After Cinco De Mayo, Jacobs will no longer be labeled an underdog ever again.

Posted on 04/23/2019

By: Sean Crose

“I know that real recognize real,” IBF middleweight champ Daniel Jacobs said to me on a Monday conference call. I had just brought up the fact that Jacobs seemed very self-assured that he would get another big fight after he had just lost a controversial decision to Gennady Golovkin back in 2017. “I knew that it would be by popular demand that I would be back at this stage.” Sure enough, Jacobs was right to trust his gut, for he’s set to battle WBA and WBC champ Canelo Alvarez in a title unifier May 4th – Cinco de Mayo weekend – in Las Vegas.

Even though he was unhappy with the decision loss to Golovkin, the cancer survivor was quick to let the world know some very big things emerged from the experience. “So many opportunities arose from just that one fight with Golovkin,” the 35-2 fighter continued. “I knew this opportunity would present itself.” Jacobs pointed out that, while some fighters allow themselves to get destroyed by close, controversial losses, he didn’t let the experience of losing to Golovkin get the better of him. “I knew it wasn’t the end of me,” he added. “I knew that it was a matter of time before we got to this level (again).”

Jacobs is the rare fighter who is able to be interesting without being overtly showy. Aside from his victorious battle against cancer, the 32 year old carries with him a confidence that assures people he can let his ability speak for itself. In this sense, he is similar to Canelo, another fighter who doesn’t feel much of a need for smack talk. “It’s never been in my nature,” Jacobs said of trash talking. “I know that boxing is just a sport.” Jacobs also made it clear that he was grateful Canelo takes the same mature approach to matters as he does. “This has been a breath of fresh air for me,” Jacobs stated of the overall promotion.

Matchroom honcho Eddie Hearn, who represents Jacobs, said he’s happy with the relationship Matchroom and Canelo’s team, Golden Boy Promotions, have as well. “We’ve always worked well on fights together,” he said when I brought up the two companies’ working relationship. Hearn also admitted that having both fighters appearing on the DAZN streaming service proved to be helpful, too. “It was a game changer,” he said of Jacobs agreeing to fight on DAZN. Continuing on in the spirit of good sportsmanship that has permeated the leadup to the May 4th battle, Hearn went on to give credit to Canelo for taking the match.

“I actually feel Canelo deserves respect, as well,” he said. “This is the roughest fight out there for him.”

Posted on 04/16/2019

By: Hans Themistode

Daniel Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs) is less than three weeks away from the biggest fight of his career. Come May 4th, Jacobs will be standing across the ring from Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2, 35 KOs) in Las Vegas Nevada. At stake will be Alvarez’s WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine titles, while Jacobs will have his IBF belt on the line as well.

Jacobs has always had a supremely high self confidence in not just his matchup with Alvarez, but also about his abilities against anyone.

Photo Credit: Golden Boy Boxing Twitter Account

“I am the best Middleweight in the world,” said Jacobs during a media workout in New York. “This fight against Canelo will show the world what I already know.”

When looking at the resume of Jacobs it is hard to argue against him. He has defeated the likes of Sergio Mora (twice), Peter Quillin, Caleb Truax and Sergiy Derevychenko to name a few. He didn’t just defeat those fighters but he flat out dominated, scoring a knockout in every one of those fights with the exception of the Derevychenko contest. For the record he did score a knockdown and had him in serious trouble.

Jacobs has also been in the ring with former Middleweight king Gennady Golovkin (GGG) as well. All of these fights have given Jacobs the confidence that he is indeed the best in the world. In his matchup against the aforementioned GGG, it was a back and forth affair, one that saw Jacobs get off the deck to give GGG arguably his toughest fight to date. It ultimately ended in Jacobs losing a close unanimous decision. Jacobs understands what he has in front of him in Alvarez and won’t overlook him at all. With that being said however, he does have an eye on GGG going forward.

“That is a fight that I still want because I know that I am better than he is. After I beat Canelo I can give GGG the rematch and prove that I am better than him.”

The first fight between GGG and Jacobs was a close call. A rematch would be welcomed by the fans, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. His matchup with Canelo isn’t just a difficult task, but it is one that most boxing fans are expecting him to lose, but are they right in their assumptions?

On paper Jacobs has the advantage everywhere. He is three and a half inches taller, possesses a 3 inch reach advantage while also sporting a higher knockout percentage than Canelo as well. So why are so many doubting his chances?

“I think people doubt me because Canelo is such a popular guy. He’s a great fighter don’t get me wrong but real boxing people know what I bring to the table.”

Much of the talk surrounding this fight is the judging. For as great as Canelo has been, many would argue that he has had more than his fair share of friendly scoring. Jacobs however, is tired of talking about it.

“It is a little annoying that we keep talking about judges and favoritism, but it’s also facts. That’s why it’s talked about so much. I just want to be able to go in there with a free frame of mind. I don’t want to have to go in there with any extra stress because Canelo is already a force in there.”

The last thing the sport of boxing needs is yet another questionable decision. Jacobs, is not letting those perceived issues worry him. There is only thing that he envisions come Cinco De Mayo.

“All I see is my hand being raised.”

Posted on 04/10/2019

By: Hans Themistode

With current WBA, WBC and Lineal Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2, 35 KOs) showdown with fellow champion, IBF belt holder Daniel Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs) less then a month away, Canelo took sometime to address several topics including how difficult this matchup will be and how much he is looking forward to it.

In 54 professional fights Canelo has faced just about everything in the ring. From gifted boxers in Floyd Mayweather and Erislandy Lara to power punchers in GGG and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, Canelo has faced them all. His matchup with Jacobs however, could pose him an entirely new threat. Canelo has never faced someone that not only has the supreme boxing skills that Jacobs possesses but also the ability to end the fight at any point with his power. Canelo, admitted as such.

“I believe Jacobs has a unique style. He is an opponent that is very complete. He can box, punch, tall, he’s agile but I’ve fought all the styles out there. I believe at my level with my experience, you put it in front of me and I can adapt and adjust.”.

It’s true, Canelo has seemingly been able to adjust to just about any style. He has after all graced the ring with numerous hall of famers. With that being said, Jacobs could present him with his most difficult challenge to date. For Canelo, these challenges fuel him to no end. He does not simply want to be one of the best boxers today but one of the very best in history.

“I want to be remembered as one of the greats. That’s why I continue to take these fights, so I can make history.”

Fans are always looking ahead. Assuming Canelo gets past Jacobs which by all means is no guarantee, they want to know what is in his immediate future. A third fight with GGG is rumored to be next on his agenda. Canelo made it clear what would have to happen in order for a third fight to happen against GGG this year.

“The objective this year is to win all the titles. If GGG has a belt, we’ll fight him. If not, we’ll fight someone else.”

Unifying the titles seems to be the number one agenda for Canelo Alvarez in 2019. Before he can achieve that goal he will need to get pass Daniel Jacobs come Cinco De Mayo in what could be his toughest opponent.

Posted on 03/05/2019

Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs), WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion, and Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs), IBF Middleweight World Champion, completed the final stop of their three-city press tour with a spectacular press event at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live.The 12-round unification fight will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Saturday May 4 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

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

Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/DAZN USA

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

“I know Jacobs is a tough opponent and it’s going to be work, but I’ve always believed to be the best you must beat the best. I love challenges. I want people to experience a good fight when they come watch my fights. I may lose, but my heart is a winning heart and I want to give the fans a spectacular finish and I’m going to put up a good fight.”

DANIEL JACOBS, IBF Middleweight World Champion:

“I have the will and desire to go inside to go in that ring and be victorious and I see myself with my hand raised by the end of night. I know the odds are stacked against me and Canelo’s resume speaks for itself, but he’s never faced a tall, fast and big guy all at once and that’s what I’m going to give him. We’re going to give you what you’re looking for and the fans going to get a great fight come May 4.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer and Manager of Canelo Alvarez:

“Our objective this year is win all the belts and become the first Mexican to win the all the world championships.”

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

“The moment he set foot in the gym we knew he was something special, the day he debuted he was great, but the day he retires the world will know how great of a fighter he is.”

ANDRE ROZIER, Trainer of Danny Jacobs:

“Jacobs is the best middleweight walking on this planet, his capabilities, skillset and gentleman ship will be what wins the fight on May 4.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“I guarantee this is going to be the fight of the year. You have two fighters who don’t have a quit in their game, this is a fight for the ages. The fact that Jacobs and Canelo both want to be great, there’s no other way than to make this one great for the fans, they will get their money’s worth come May 4.”

FRANK SMITH, CEO of Matchroom Boxing:

“We believe Jacobs will unify all of those belts and he’ll take on Canelo and win that fight.”

JOSEPH MARKOWSKI, Executive Vice President, DAZN North America:

“We’re deeply honored and proud to be exclusively showing this champion versus champion fight in the U.S.”

RICHARD STURM, President of Las Vegas Sports & Entertainment

“We are tremendously excited to bring the Canelo versus Jacobs fight to Las Vegas; it’s going to be a great event.”

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles 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, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Jacobs are one sale now and are priced at $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305, $205 and $105, not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of 10 per person at the $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, and $305 price levels with a limit of two (2) per person at the $205 and $105 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

Posted on 02/28/2019

Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs), WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion, and Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs), IBF Middleweight World Champion, hosted a press conference today at Hard Rock Cafe in New York City ahead of their 12-round unification fight during the celebratory weekend of Cinco de Mayo. The champion-vs.-champion event will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Saturday, May 4 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

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

Photo Credit: Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions

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

“I’ve always liked challenges, and this is not an exception. We know what Daniel Jacobs brings: his ability, his qualities, his talent. He knows how to move well in the ring. We’ll do what we always do to prepare ourselves to the fullest and to give the fans a great fight. This is not going to be an exception and we’re going to come out with our hands raised.”

“We know his style is going to be very difficult, very complicated, but at this level, that’s what you have to face. We’re prepared, we’re going to train, and we’re going to work for whatever he’s going to bring.”

“Anything can happen. We’ll go in there looking for the knockout but prepare for the 12 rounds, expecting the unexpected. We’re ready for it.”

DANIEL JACOBS, IBF Middleweight World Champion:

“Much respect to Golden Boy and Canelo for accepting this fight. You’re a true champion and stepping in with another champion says a lot. I tip my hat off to you but I’m looking for a tremendous fight for the fans. Obviously my legacy is on the line. His legacy is already well-established so, for me, it’s about capturing all the titles and solidifying my legacy for my own right.”

“I never ever had it easy. I always had the long road, had to jump over hurdle after hurdle after hurdle, and when I step into the ring May 4th, that will be the last hurdle I ever have to step over because I will be declared the unified middleweight champion of the world. We have worked so hard for this moment.”

If you understand, boxing styles make fights. You can’t automatically think that because he defeated Golovkin, he’ll beat me. Physically I’m the bigger man. Golovkin was bigger than him and I’m bigger than Golovkin. Rocky was the biggest fighter that Canelo has faced, but he didn’t possess the skill set that I have. So, that’s the difference.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer and Manager of Canelo Alvarez:

“After Canelo, the next best middleweight is Daniel Jacobs, and we know it’s going to be a strong fight. This year, we want to sweep the middleweight division and Daniel is in the way, so he’s going to have to lose. We’re going to do what we always do, prepare strong and properly. We won’t take any shortcuts because in 2019, we’re sweeping the division.”

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

“We’re happy to be here after Canelo conquered a new division and won the super middleweight title in December. What a better way to announce his next fight being here in New York. We promise that when we have two great fighters, you’re going to get a great fight. Canelo was born for these challenges and to win these challenges.”

ANDRE ROZIER, Trainer of Danny Jacobs:

“Canelo and Jacobs are two of my favorite fighters but my son [Jacobs] is my favorite fighter. We’re going to work very hard so that the last hand to be raised will be from the miracle man. He’s hungry to show the world how special he is. He’s done what no other man has done. He fears no man and has no need to. He’s been anointed as elite and come May 4th, Daniel “the miracle man” Jacobs will be the undisputed middleweight champion of the world.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“This fight is important because it will feature two world champions who will unify their titles to demonstrate who is the best at 160 pounds. This battle is also significant because it features two of the most resilient fighters in the history of the sport.”

“The best part about this event is it will be streamed live on DAZN. With DAZN, you can watch anytime, anywhere. Together with DAZN, we’re committed to making boxing more accessible and affordable for all fans, without the price of pay-per-view.”

“May 4 will be a historic night for Golden Boy and we expect a great performance by our champion Canelo as he delivers a great victory.”

EDDIE HEARN, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport:

“This is an amazing moment for DAZN and fight fans. For a long time, you’ve been paying a lot of money for the super fights and that’s really about to change.”

“We have to give a huge amount of credit to Canelo and Oscar and the team. They know how tough this fight is. You see just a little bit of worry…isn’t it great that we have a super fight? Isn’t it great that we have a moment in this sport when two great champions could come together?”

“For a long, long time since we signed Daniel Jacobs, he has told me three special words: ‘Bring me Canelo.’ And on May 4, he finally has the chance.”

“I have never been so confident in a 50-50 fight. I believe this young man walks with faith and I believe on May 4th, he will become the unified middleweight champion in the world. Faith is a wonderful thing and when you combine it with talent, you can’t beat it.”

JOSEPH MARKOWSKI, Executive Vice President, DAZN North America:

“Boxing is having a bit of a moment right now. This fight stands out as the most significant of the calendar year that DAZN will stream exclusively. It’s champion vs. champion, we have a global superstar in Canelo and an inspiring New York story with Jacobs. Having a world class location is just the icing on the cake. With any other network, a fight like this would cost up to $100, and with DAZN we’re having a transformational moment for the business of boxing by offering an affordable viewing option.”

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles 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, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Jacobs are one sale now and are priced at $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305, $205 and $105, not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of 10 per person at the $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, and $305 price levels with a limit of two (2) per person at the $205 and $105 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

Posted on 02/06/2019

T-Mobile Arena will host the biggest boxing event of the year as Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) defends his WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Titles in a 12-round unification fight against IBF Middleweight World Champion Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs) during the celebratory weekend of Cinco de Mayo. The champion-vs.-champion event will take place Saturday, May 4 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Ticket information for the event will be announced shortly along with an exciting, action-packed undercard.

“I’m excited to return to T-Mobile Arena for a fifth time,” said Canelo Alvarez. “I inaugurated this arena to boxing at an international level, and it’s a place where I have had some of my biggest fights. This fight against Daniel Jacobs will not be the exception. I am ready to capture another world title in front of a packed house, listening to the unconditional support of the fans in attendance, and also for those who will watch this fight through the screens of a huge platform in DAZN. I want it so when people talk about T-Mobile Arena, they say that is where Canelo Alvarez fights.”

Daniel Jacobs said, “I’m thrilled that this huge night has landed in Las Vegas. I made my debut there in 2007, but I haven’t boxed there for nearly nine years. Scheduling the biggest fight of my career at T-Mobile Arena is the perfect occasion to return to the bright lights and shine on a massive stage. Canelo is a champion and he’s fought the best so it’s an honor for me to face him, and of course it’s a brilliant fight for the fans. But my legacy is on the line and I have a lot to gain – I want to be a hall of famer one day, and this is the sort of fight that will get me there.”

Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions, said, “Fights of this magnitude have a home, and that home is Las Vegas. Ever since Canelo Alvarez introduced T-Mobile Arena to boxing fans, he has hosted his biggest fights there. On May 4, we expect a full house of fans from all over the world to watch Canelo capture another world title with a great victory over Daniel Jacobs in a mega-fight that will be streamed exclusively live via the global sports streaming giant, DAZN.”

Eddie Hearn,Managing Director of Matchroom Sport, said, “I’m delighted that this brilliant fight is heading to Las Vegas. We know that Canelo’s fights there on Cinco De Mayo weekend are always special, and with the size of this fight, this could be the biggest yet. Daniel has been on an impressive run since signing with Matchroom Boxing USA, and has risen to the occasion, taken three unbeaten records in his last three fights and regained his world champion status. May 4 is such a huge night for Daniel, Matchroom Boxing USA, DAZN and Sky Sports – and I believe that Daniel will unify the titles under the bright lights of Vegas and his remarkable story will have yet another incredible chapter.”

Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America, said, “It’s about time DAZN landed in Las Vegas. The vibrant atmosphere and high-profile crowds surrounding Canelo fights at T-Mobile Arena are truly unique. We look forward to spotlighting that environment for all those watching at home live on DAZN.”

Richard Sturm, President of Las Vegas Sports & Entertainment, said, “We are proud to celebrate Cinco de Mayo weekend with our partners at Golden Boy Promotions, Matchroom Sport and DAZN. Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs, two of the sport’s top fighters, are certain to deliver boxing fans worldwide a sensational event on the biggest stage live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.”

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles 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, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Posted on 01/18/2019

By: Sean Crose

“It is such an honor and privilege to be a part of DAZN and Matchroom Boxing,” IBF middleweight titlist Daniel Jacobs recently said, “thank you guys for believing in me.” Jacobs, who is set to face Canelo Alvarez in a May 4th, Cinco de Mayo weekend superbout, was clearly happy with how is career is now panning out. “Displaying my skills on such a platform,” he said, “would do wonders for my career I have an opportunity to make history! Plus I have the best team to ensure the best possible opportunities for my career.” Jacobs, who threw in his lot with Matchroom honcho Eddie Hearn not that long ago, is being rewarded by getting a chance to take down Canelo, the biggest name in all of boxing.

“This is the moment that I’ve been waiting for my whole entire career,” Jacobs said. “I’ve been through so much in life just to get to this point, I look forward to taking advantage of such an amazing opportunity. Canelo is a great champion and a worthy opponent to ensure an epic fight the fans will remember for ages!! In order to be the best, you have to beat the best – this with this fight represents to me.”

Hearn himself had high praise for his fighter. “Danny is where it all started for us in America,” he said, “and I want to thank him for believing in us…it has been a pleasure working with him and his manager Keith Connolly who has fought every inch to get Danny the best opportunities and position within the sport.” Hearn also had favorable words for DAZN, who Matchroom has a deal with. ““For DAZN,” said Hearn, “this is another major signing as we continue to build an emphatic team of fighters – Jacobs vs. Canelo is a wonderful addition for subscribers and fans, it truly is one of the great fights in boxing today.”

Connolly also weighed in on the matter, expressing his happiness with how things have been working out for Team Jacobs. “We are super excited to have re-signed with Matchroom Boxing,” Jacob’s manager claimed. “Eddie has done a fabulous job guiding Danny to a World title and now a mega fight. He has delivered on everything he said he would when we first met him…we are grateful that DAZN has such belief in Daniel Jacobs as they look to push him into superstardom over the next chapter of his career.”

Posted on 01/17/2019

By: Sean Crose

Canelo Alvarez, the biggest fighter in the world today, will be facing a top opponent in Daniel Jacobs on a major card to be aired live on the DAZN streaming service this May 4th, Cinco De Mayo weekend. Canelo-Jacobs, which perfectly fits the bill of a Pay Per View fight, will be seen for free by DAZN subscribers. It’s all a part of a three fight deal Brooklyn’s Jacobs has inked with DAZN and promoter Eddie Hearn.

“This is the opportunity I have been waiting for,” Jacobs says. “The opportunity to achieve greatness inside the ring, I have always believed I can beat Canelo, and on May 4 live on DAZN, I will get my chance to play it out. It’s been nearly four years since Canelo has faced an American challenger. It’s going to be a huge event where I believe I will cement myself as the best middleweight in the division.”

Jacobs, who fought an impressive battle against Gennady Golovkin in March of 2017, will be stepping into the biggest fight of his career. Although many felt Jacobs won the Golovkin fight, Golovkin walked away with a controversial decision win. Golovkin then went on to fight Canelo twice, drawing once and losing once, both in controversial fashion. With a third Canelo-GGG fight apparently not happening (at least for the time being) a very interesting throwdown between Canelo and Jacobs now awaits.

For the Canelo-Jacobs match will essentially decide who the top fighter is in the middleweight division. Three out of the four major belts are at stake, along with the Ring Magazine lineal championship. Although the location of the match has yet to be announced, Las Vegas might look to be a sure thing, with New York and Dallas also being in the running. “What a fight!,” says Jacob’s promoter, Hearn. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that Danny Jacobs gets this opportunity to fight Canelo on Cinco de Mayo in a massive unification fight.”

Although Canelo-Jacobs is a top level bout by anyone’s standards, the fact that it is the first truly major match to be aired on DAZN makes the pairing particularly intriguing. “On any other network or platform, Canelo vs. Jacobs would be an expensive pay-per-view,” Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP of North America, says. “At DAZN, we believe the best fights should be available to our subscribers at no extra charge.”

Jacobs has stayed busy since the Golovkin fight, earning the IBF middleweight title by besting Sergiy Derevyanchenko last fall. Canelo, on the other hand, won the WBC and WBA titles via his win over Golovkin in September. The WBO middleweight strap is held by Demetrius Andrade, who will be fighting Artur Akavov this Friday in New York in a match to be aired live on DAZN. One of the reasons the signing of Jacobs to DAZN is so significant is that now every major titlist in the middleweight division fights on the streaming service. That means a battle for all the major belts and titles could very well arrive in the near future.

The missing piece to all this is, of course, Golovkin, who has not declared what his next move will be now that HBO, which regularly hosted his fights, is out of the boxing business.

Posted on 01/17/2019

Boxing’s biggest star will take a step closer to becoming undisputed champion as Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) defends his WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Titles in a 12-round unification fight against IBF Middleweight World Champion Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs) during the celebratory weekend of Cinco de Mayo. The champion-vs.-champion event will take place Saturday, May 4, 2019 and will be streamed exclusively live on DAZN.

Additional details for the event, including venue and ticket information, will be announced shortly.

Canelo is a 28-year-old native of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico who became the top man in the sport by facing the best competition and making the best fights for the fans. At 154 pounds, Canelo captured several world titles and defeated the likes of Austin “No Doubt” Trout, Sugar Shane Mosley, Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara and Liam “Beefy” Smith. However, Canelo scored his most significant victory yet at 160 pounds, where he defeated Gennady “GGG” Golovkin in their highly anticipated rematch in September 2018 and established himself as the WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion. Canelo then made history by signing the most lucrative sports contract for an athlete in history to begin a groundbreaking, exclusive partnership with global sports streaming platform DAZN that saw the last king of pay-per-view boxing step into a new era as the new king of sports streaming.

In his debut performance, Canelo became a three-division world champion by knocking out Rocky Fielding in three rounds to capture the WBA Super Middleweight World Title in December 2018. Canelo will return to middleweight for this fight as he continues to clean out the 160-pound division.

“I’m happy to announce my next fight during the festive weekend of Cinco de Mayo,” said Canelo Alvarez. “I will unify my middleweight titles against Daniel Jacobs on one of the two most important dates that belong to me. I have no doubt that I will be victorious and that I’ll be one step away from becoming the undisputed middleweight world champion. And what better way to watch it than on as tremendous a platform as DAZN.”

Jacobs is a 31-year-old native of Brooklyn, New York who is widely considered as one of the best middleweights of this era. Despite being away from the sport for 19 months, due to a form of bone cancer that he courageously overcame, Jacobs rose up the middleweight rankings to win the WBA Middleweight World Title against Jarrod Fletcher in 2014. Jacobs made several successful defenses, including a thunderous first-round knockout of Peter Quillin the following year. Despite losing to Gennady Golovkin in a very close fight in 2017, Jacobs has remained undefeated since his return, defeating former amateur champion and middleweight contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko to capture the IBF Middleweight World Championship. Jacobs will look to capture more middleweight hardware in the biggest fight of his career.

“This is the opportunity I have been waiting for. The opportunity to achieve greatness inside the ring,” said Daniel Jacobs. “I have always believed I can beat Canelo, and on May 4 live on DAZN, I will get my chance to play it out. It’s been nearly four years since Canelo has faced an American challenger. It’s going to be a huge event where I believe I will cement myself as the best middleweight in the division.”

Canelo Alvarez wants the best fights and the biggest challenges,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “That’s what he did as the 154-pound champion, and that’s what he’s doing now as the king of the middleweight division. We are also proud to demonstrate to boxing fans that this new partnership with DAZN means that fans will get pay-per-view level fights without the cost of pay-per-view. Golden Boy Promotions is continuing its promise to make the sport as accessible as possible by putting this champion-vs.-champion fight on the platform.”

“What a fight! I can’t tell you how happy I am that Danny Jacobs gets this opportunity to fight Canelo on Cinco de Mayo in a massive unification fight,” said Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport. “Victory would cap one of the most incredible, inspirational boxing stories of our generation, and Danny and the team will be putting everything in place to lead him to victory. Respect to Canelo and Golden Boy for accepting this challenge, and congratulations to DAZN and their subscribers for getting this incredible fight with no extra cost. Let’s go May 4! Let’s go Daniel Jacobs!”

“On any other network or platform, Canelo vs. Jacobs would be an expensive pay-per-view,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP of North America. “At DAZN, we believe the best fights should be available to our subscribers at no extra charge.”

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles 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, May 4, 2019 and will be streamed live on DAZN.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, http://www.matchroomboxing.com, and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchRoomBoxing, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchroomBoxing

Posted on 01/09/2019

By: Ken Hissner

In 1981 this writer wasn’t writing but was a big fan of boxing. I knew legendary trainer Cus D’Amato was working with Jim Jacobs. Jacobs was a former AAU Handball Champion who had the largest boxing film collection along with the largest comic book collection. He was also partners at the time with Billy Cayton. Jacobs at the time was managing world champion Wilfred “El Radar” Benitez.

When I arrived at Jacobs Park Avenue office I suggested West Philly’s Tyrell Biggs for D’Amato to train. Jacobs said “we have a heavyweight named Mike Tyson!” I replied “I never heard of him.” Tyson was 15 at the time. As it turned out Biggs was the first Olympic Games Super Heavyweight Gold Medalist in 1984 and Tyson lost back to back bouts to Henry Tillman in the heavyweight division at the Olympic trials. Of course Tyson crushed Biggs in the professionals.

Jacobs told me how the Puerto Rican people loved and respected him for not putting Benitez in with Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns in a money fight but instead had him fight and win the super welterweight title defeating Maurice Hope, an obviously, much lesser opponent. That was in May of 1981.

Jacobs would ask me why I kept looking at his bank vault saying “what did you think you were going to do come up here and watch old fight films?” I answered “I hoped to.” He laughed and said he had them moved to a real bank vault. He then took me to lunch and just before we got into the restaurant his wife Lorraine came along. He introduced me to her and she went on her way as we went to lunch. A class act of a person. D’Amato would later tell me “he could have been a good boxer.”

A year later I met D’Amato and then active boxer Kevin Rooney. I was instrumental in getting Rooney a rematch with Terry Crawley who he lost to in his last fight by suffering a bad cut. Cus said “I want to see how far back Kevin has gone.” They fought to a draw the second time around at the CYC in Scranton, PA, in a Bob Connelly Promotion.

Getting back to Benitez; he was the youngest boxer to ever win a world title at the age of 17, 5 months and 23 days. He defeated Antonio “Kid Pambele” Cervantes, 74-9-3, of VZ, a fighter I still believe Duran passed over going from lightweight to welterweight. It was a split decision for the WBA World Junior Welterweight title at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico. Benitez was 25-0 at the time and followed in the footsteps of two older brothers who boxed. Their father Gregorio trained all three sons.

After a pair of successful title defenses Benitez went to New York’s Madison Square Garden in a non-title bout that ended in a majority draw with Harold Weston. Benitez was stripped of his title due to not fulfilling a rematch with Cervantes due to a car accident.

Benitez won his second world title in January of 1979 defeating Carlos Palomino for his WBC Welterweight title. In his first defense he defeated Weston in a rematch. Then in November he lost to “Sugar” Ray Leonard by a technical stoppage. He had a bad cut on his forehead.

Benitez would win his next three fights and then knockout Hope in the twelfth round to become the first boxer in forty-three years to win three world titles in three different divisions. In his two successful defenses he defeated Carlos Santos, 23-0, and Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran, 74-2, both in Las Vegas, NV.

In 1984 Benitez finally met up with Hearns in December of 1982 losing a majority decision at the Superdome in New Orleans, LA. In 1983 his father would take over as his manager. Benitez was never the same after the Hearns fight. He won two of his next three fights and in getting knocked down by former champion Davey Moore he broke his ankle. In his next eleven fights he won seven of them before retiring in September of 1990 at the age of thirty-two, suffering brain damage. His condition was called post-dramatic encephalitis. His elderly mother took care of him until her death and his sister Yvonne. Their brother Gregorio, Jr. also suffered from brain damage from boxing.

Benitez made over seven million dollars in his career but that was all gone. He was inducted into the IBHOF with a final record of 53-8-1 with 31 stoppages.

Posted on 12/12/2018

By: Sean Crose

IBF Middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs will be watching Canelo Alvarez fight live and in person on Saturday as the Mexican star aims for super middleweight glory against WBA titlist Rocky Fielding. “Daniel Jacobs is gunning for a Middleweight World title unification battle with Canelo Alvarez in 2019,” promotional outlet Matchroom Boxing claims, “and the IBF World ruler says their showdown is one of the biggest fights in boxing.” Jacobs has been aligned with Matchroom kingpin Eddie Hearn for some time now, and is looking for major opposition. “Jacobs,” Matchroom claims, “wants Canelo to return to Middleweight and put his titles on the line in a huge Cinco de Mayo showdown.”

Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA

Canelo-Jacobs would certainly be an interesting, high stakes affair. Both men are extremely skilled, both men hit hard, and both men have had tight battles with powerhouse Gennady Golovkin, battles which have all ended in controversial decisions. While many argue that Canelo didn’t deserve his decision win over Golovkin last autumn, many also feel that Golovkin didn’t deserve his decision win over Jacobs in 2017. Although Canelo is certainly the top star at middleweight, there is no consensus as to who the best middleweight in the word is right now. Jacobs’ name is certainly in the running.

“I’ll be there front and center on Saturday night,” says Jacobs. “It’s no secret that my focus is on Canelo. There is no other fight in boxing I want right now more than him.” The Brooklyn native rightly sees himself as a top level opponent for Canelo, who is widely regarded as boxing’s biggest star. “This is not only the absolute biggest fight to be made in the division,” Jacobs says, “but one of the biggest in all of boxing. As long as he takes care of business on Saturday night I’m ready to go. Let’s give the fans and the sport of boxing what they want and let’s get this done for May 4.”

Naturally, Hearn would love to see Jacobs and Canelo throw down in the spring. Indeed, it’s a fight that might be easy to make since Canelo is now associated with DAZN streaming service, which also broadcasts Hearn’s stable of fighters. “I’m rooting for a Rocky Fielding win this Saturday,” Hearn says, “and when Canelo returns to Middleweight, THE fight for May is the Canelo vs. Jacobs unification.”

Hearn is eager to have his man’s presence be felt at Madison Square Garden this weekend, which is where the Canelo-Fielding match will go down.

According to Hearn, Canelo-Jacobs is “a fight he (Jacobs) wants and one he believes he wins. He will be there on Saturday with among the star-studded crowd watching very closely.”

Posted on 10/28/2018

By: William Holmes

HBO’s run as one of boxing’s premier destinations is coming to an end, and tonight may have been their last telecast from New York City.

HBO’s World Championship Boxing put on a triple header live from the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

The opening bout of the night was rematch between Heather Hardy (21-0) and Shelly Vincent (23-1) for the vacant WBO Women’s Featherweight Title. Their first fight was considered by many to be a fight of the year candidate in 2016.

Hardy walked into the ring with a four inch height advantage.

Both boxers started the fight right where the left off, by throwing a large number of punches and landing several good shots. Hardy appeared the be winning the early rounds with more accurate punches and good body shots, but Vincent kept up the pressure.

Photo Credit: HBO Boxing Twitter Account

Hardy appeared to have slowed down a little bit in the fourth round and may have given that round to Vincent, but she picked up her pace again in the fifth and sixth rounds and used a good consistent jab and strong hook to the body to win these rounds.

Hardy had a bad cut open up over her left eye in addition to an earlier cut over her right eye by the seventh round but she continued to fight on. Vincent had some blood coming from her nose at the end of the round and the volume of punches that both women were landing were showing it’s effect on their faces.

Vincent continued to press the action in the eight round and was able to land a few good shots to the body of Hardy, but Hardy landed harder counters and appeared to be landing with more power.

Vincent probably needed a knockout in the final two rounds to win this bout, but neither boxer were known for their power and neither came close to a knockdown, but still threw an incredible number of punches.

Heather Hardy remains undefeated with a decision victory by scores of 97-93, 97-93, and 99-91.

The next bout of the night was between Alberto Machado (20-0) and Yuandale Evans (20-1) for the WBA “Regular” Junior Lightweight Title.

Machado is a rising star in boxing and looked to be the taller fighter in the ring.

Photo Credit: HBO Boxing Twitter Account

Machado was able to land a good straight left hand early on to the chin of Evans that sent Evans to his butt on the floor. Evans was able to get back to his feet, but was staggered by a right hook and was met with a flurry of punches that forced Evans to touch the mat with his gloves for a second knockdown.

Evans returned to his feet and was checked quickly by the referee and indicated he could go on, but was met with another Machado combination that ended with a clean left hook that knocked Evans out and sent him crashing backwards to the canvas.

Alberto Machado wins by knockout at 2:25 of the first round.

The main event of the evening was between Sergiy Derevyanchenko (12-0) and Daniel Jacobs (34-2) for the IBF Middleweight Title.

Both boxers showed they knew each other well in the opening round and respected each other’s power. Derevyanchenko let Jacobs know he was in a fight by landing a short right immediately after a break. Jacobs jab kept a good distance and he was able to score a knockdown with an over the top right hand. Derevyanchenko got to his feet and survived a Jacobs onslaught as the round came to an end.

Derevyanchenko was the aggressor in the second round and recovered well from his earlier knockdown. Derevyanchenko was pressing forward on Jacobs which forced Jacobs to switch to a southpaw stance to better keep a distance from Derevyanchenko’s right hand.

Photo Credit: HBO Boxing Twitter Account

Jacobs did good work to the body in the third and fourth rounds but both boxers were loading up on their punches and landing hard shots.

Derevyanchenko attacked the body of Jacobs in the fifth round and had Jacobs walking backwards into a corner or rope several times throughout the round. Jacobs was able to land a few good shots this round, but Derevyanchenko was the aggressor.

The sixth round featured a lot of fireworks as both boxers threw with reckless abandon and landed hard shots to the body and head. Jacobs though appeared to be a little more accurately, but was still being uncharacteristically wild.

Derevyanchenko was breathing heavily by the seventh round but still coming forward. The body work of Jacobs was showing signs of paying off in this round as Jacobs still had snap in his punches while Derevyanchenko appeared to be losing steam.

Jacobs defense was much more effective in the eighth and ninth rounds and he was finding a home for his uppercuts. Jacobs had pulled ahead to a comfortable lead by the tenth round, but Derevyanchenko may have stolen that round with some successful flurries.

Jacobs looked like he would have been ok with boxing safely in the final two rounds, but Derevyanchenko made Jacobs work for his victory as Derevyanchenko continued to press forward and aggressively go for a knockout and had Jacobs looking exhausted as the fight came to an end, but Derevyanchenko took some hard shots in the process.

Daniel Jacobs wins the decision with scores of 114-113 Derevyanchenko, 115-112 Jacobs, 115-112 Jacobs.

Posted on 10/26/2018

By: William Holmes

On Saturday night the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden in New York City will host an IBF World Middleweight Title fight between Daniel Jacobs and Sergi Derevyanchenko.

The undercard will feature two other world title bouts. The co-main event of the evening will be a WBA Regular Junior Lightweight Title fight between Alberto Machado and Yuandale Evans. The first fight of the telecast will be a rematch between Heather Hardy and Shelly Vincent for the vacant WBO Women’s Featherweight Title.

The fight between Hardy and Vincent was just recently added to the telecast and was originally scheduled to be on the untelevised undercard. Their first fight was a 2016 Ring Magazine Female Fight of the Year, and saw Hardy win by a majority decision.

Even though this writer does not remember their first fight being as close at the judges scored it, it was an action packed fight that should be entertaining for fight fans.

The following is a preview of the co-main event and main event of the evening.

Alberto Machado (20-0) vs. Yuandale Evans (20-1); WBA “Regular” Junior Lightweight Title

Alberto Machado is currently co-promoted by both Golden Boy Promotions as well as Miguel Cotto Promotions. He holds the WBA Regular Junior Lightweight Title and is considered one of Golden Boy’s top prospects.

Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing Twitter Account

He’s in the midst of his athletic prime at 28 years old and is one year younger than Evans. He has 16 stoppage victories on his resume, two more than Evans, and has been more active. Machado has stopped three of his past five opponents. Saturday will be his second fight of 2018, after fighting three times in 2017 and four times in 2016. Evans will be fighting for the first time 2018, fought twice in 2017, and didn’t fight at all in 2016.

Both boxers have been fairly successful as amateurs. Machado was a national champ at the Junior, Junior Olympics, and Cadet Categories. Evans won a bronze medal in the National Golden Gloves Tournament.

Machado has never tasted defeated and has beaten the likes of Rafael Mesnah, Jezreel Corrales, Carlos Morales, and Juan Jose Martinez. Every opponent that Machado has defeated since 2014 had a winning record.

Evans’ lone loss was to Javier Fortuna by TKO way back in 2012. He has notable wins against Luis Rosa and Billel Dib. Two of the past four fighters that Evans has faced had losing records.

Machado should win by a comfortable margin on Saturday, as Evans doesn’t have the experience of Machado and has been fairly inactive in the past few years.

Sergiy Derevyanchenko (12-0) vs. Daniel Jacobs (34-2); IBF Middleweight Title

Daniel Jacobs is one of Eddie Hearn’s top middleweights and he’s looking at potential bouts with either Canelo Alvarez, Demetrius Andrade, or Billy Joe Saunders in the future on the DAZN network.

Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing Twitter Account

But first he has to get past an under the radar Sergiy Derevyanchenko, who is better than most people realize.

Jacobs has 29 stoppage wins on his resume and nearly triple the number of professional fights than Derevyanchenko. Derevyanchenko only has 10 stoppage wins, but Derevyanchenko spent most of his early career fighting under the World Series of Boxing Banner, which don’t technically count as professional fights.

When Derevyanchenko fought for the World Series of Boxing he had over 23 fights and only lost once.

Both boxers had successful amateur careers. Jacobs was a Junior Olympics, Golden Gloves, and US National Champion. Derevyanchenko competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics, the most prestigious amateur event for boxing.

Jacobs two losses were a monumental upset to Dmitry Pirog back in 2010, and a close decision loss to Gennady Golovkin. He has defeated the likes of Maciej Sulecki, Luis Arias, Sergio Mora, Peter Quillin, Caleb Truax, Jarrod Fletcher, and Ishe Smith.

Derevyanchenko has never tasted defeat as a pro, but he did lose a World Series of Boxing match. He has beaten the likes of Dashon Johnson, Tureano Johnson, Sam Soliman, Kemahl Russell, Elvin Ayala, and Vladine Biosse.

The biggest notable difference on Saturday will be size. Daniel Jacobs will have at least a two and a half inch height advantage as well as a five and a half inch reach advantage. He looked even bigger when they faced off with each other. Both guys are still in their athletic prime, with Jacobs being 31 and Derevyanchenko being 32.

Jacobs shouldn’t overlook Derevyanchenko, for his amateur pedigree indicates he will be a tougher opponent than most expect. But Jacobs will be fighting in front of a friendly crowd with big fights on the horizon, this writer has a hard time imagining a scenario where he doesn’t walk out the victor.